i.justrealized

Did you know it is, in average, $8,000 cheaper to adopt a black baby than a white one? And that boys are cheaper by $2,000?

Discount babies

THE market is not politically correct. It often assigns lower values to humans (their wages) based on their race or sex, even after controlling for education and experience. It’s just as cruel to children. A few years ago I was disturbed to learn that it’s cheaper to adopt black American children than white. I recently had lunch with NYU Stern School economist Allan Collard-Wexler, who has estimated adoption price sensitivity. He found just how much adoption fees are sensitive to the race and gender of a baby. It’s about $8,000 cheaper to adopt a black baby than a white or Hispanic child and girls tend to cost about $2,000 more than boys.

What can explain the preference for non-black girls? The preference for girls is interesting because people tend to favour male biological children. The authors speculate this may be because girls are considered “safer” in terms of dysfunctional behaviour. The data also includes same-sex couples, which tend to favour girls (both male and female partners), even more than heterosexual couples. (Source: The Economist)

Ah, sensitive issues. Still interesting though.

Fruits are really cheap. I always thought they’re expensive and when I visit the local stores to get some juices, I can’t help noticing the price. I thought apples are two dollars actually. I think I have a totally incorrect view of the local fruits market.

Delicious and healthy. Maybe I can consider them replacing my lunch. I usually have pastas, sandwiches or some chicken thingy for lunch. They’re a little boring and Ridz and I decided to have McDonalds’ last week. We just thought, “hey let’s have something different instead.” I guess we got bored of the cafeteria.

According to Health.com, you can whiten your teeth without the use of all those Pearlie White Whitening Toothpaste, Colgate Whitening Toothpaste, Pearl Drops Extra Whitening Freshmint Toothpaste and whatever. (By the way, I personally tried all of them that I find, as in every single brand I am pretty sure I tried them, and none actually worked for me.)

Whiten Your Teeth the Natural Way

White teeth and strawberries may not sound like they go hand in hand, but it turns out the berries can actually lighten your smile.

The secret to this inexpensive home whitening method is malic acid, which acts as an astringent to remove surface discoloration. Combined with baking soda, strawberries become a natural tooth-cleanser, buffing away stains from coffee, red wine, and dark sodas. While it’s no replacement for a bleaching treatment at your dentist’s office, “this is a fast, cheap way to brighten your smile,” says Adina Carrel, DMD, a dentist in private practice at Manhattan Dental Arts in New York. “Be careful not to use this too often, though, as the acid could damage the enamel on your teeth.” (more…)