Freakonomics

How has my life changed after reading Freakonomics (I am through with the book; reading the bonus material now)? Let me count the number of ways:

1. I have gotten to spend a pleasant three hours or so -- the time I took to finish the book


2. My wallet is lighter by Rs 273


3. I have added the Freakonomics blog to Bloglines


4. I am wondering what's the reason for the shortage of Aavin ghee in Chennai

Bleh.

On a more serious note, some of my opinions with regard to gun control, money winning elections and so on have changed. But without the data and the tools and techniques available to a trained economist, I see no way for a layman to find answers to whatever novel questions he can come up with.