Best Business Commentary
Higher grain prices are pushing up the cost of food worldwide, says Robert Samuelson in The Washington Post, and the “run-up doesn’t seem to be temporary.” “Like everything else during the holidays, deciding whom to tip and how much to give can be a stres
Eating biofuel subsidies
Higher grain prices are pushing up the cost of food worldwide, says Robert Samuelson in The Washington Post, and the “run-up doesn’t seem to be temporary.” In rich countries, more expensive food might actually encourage “better eating habits,” but poor countries face “truly grave consequences” like increased hunger and malnutrition. Increased Asian demand for better food has fed the price inflation, but it’s the “reckless,” U.S.-subsidized “extra demand for grains to make biofuels” that have caused prices to spike. And for what? Farmers and ethanol refiners gain, but with biofuel more “politically fashionable” than beneficial, “who else wins is unclear.”
Holiday tipping tips
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“Like everything else during the holidays, deciding whom to tip and how much to give can be a stressful experience,” says AnnaMaria Andriotis in SmartMoney. There’s no set formula, but there are “some general rules.” First, make a list: the service providers who work in your home or care for your family come first, then those who “help you look and feel good,” like hairstylists. Next, make a spreadsheet to help you “distribute your tips without going broke.” The Emily Post Institute has a range of common tip amounts. In some cases, a holiday gratuity may not be necessary. But remember, “you’re not only showing your appreciation,” you’re also “guaranteeing good service for the coming year.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Ballad of Wallis Island: bittersweet British comedy is a 'delight'
The Week Recommends A reclusive millionaire lures his favourite folk duo to an island for an 'awkward reunion'
-
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster: 'a rare treat indeed'
The Week Recommends The Roadster version of Aston Martin's new Vantage coupé makes even 'the most mundane journey feel special'
-
Bad Friend: Tiffany Watt Smith explores why women abandon friendships
The Week Recommends A 'deeply researched' account of female friendship through history