Grant Thornton did a photo-shoot and audio interview with me a few months ago about “My Big Decision”. I told them I don’t believe in big decisions, but for all three die-hard Tim Harford fans out there, here’s the interview.

Marketplace worked with me to produce this video about the economics of signalling in the workplace. They did a fantastic job, and you even get to hear my David Attenborough impression. The video is loosely based on one of the Dear Economist letters. Enjoy!

Cass Talks, courtesy of Cass Business School, London:

Here’s the hedgehog. Here’s the book. Thanks to NPR and Planet Money for inviting me on!

I am looking for a research assistant, or assistants. This could be a fun position for someone studying for a degree and the work would be flexible enough to accommodate that. The work would be freelance and would likely be a few hours a week on a flexible schedule. I’m based in London but the successful candidates need not be.

The job description is likely to evolve over time – the main aim is simply to take some workload off me, whether working on columns, speeches or my next book – but is likely to entail:

- Tracking down and summarising relevant research and statistics;

- Fact-checking, proofing or editing my articles and new book;

- Occasional work on slides.

The ideal candidate would have a strong grounding in economics, good writing skills and an attention to detail. Interest in the economics of innovation, climate change, development, conflict or banking would be an advantage, as would a knowledge of PowerPoint.

Please apply with CV and covering letter – contact details at the bottom of this webpage -  by 31 October 2009.

For those who haven’t been able to get tickets to my talks at LSE last week or Cass Business School tomorrow, here’s yet another chance! I’m speaking about the ideas in Dear Undercover Economist at One Alfred Place on Thursday, 6.30pm for 7pm.

One Alfred Place is normally members only, but they have agreed to open the talk to non-members.

To my astonishment, my talk at LSE next Tuesday is already a sell out.  But never fear. I am also giving a talk on “The Consolations of Economics” at Cass Business School in the City – please register before you go along – on Wednesday 14th October. The day after, I am speaking at One Alfred Place but it is not yet clear whether the speech is open to the public (an excellent reason to become a member, shurely). Finally, I’m giving a sermon on Frugality just before Christmas: 13 December at Conway Hall, under the auspices of the School of Life. Do please come along.

In all cases, the inspiration for the talks will be “Dear Undercover Economist“, my new book.

I have a guest post up on the Freakonomics blog, taking readers’ questions. Here’s a sample:

Q. If a reasonably intelligent young person today is looking to make as big a contribution to society as possible, is he or she better off making a small impact on something very large (like federal policy) or picking one particular problem and spending a lifetime attacking it (like curing a disease or improving public education in a country or even city)? — Matt

The answer, with several others, is here.

It occurs to me that despite various hints and publicity elsewhere, I have not actually announced the fact on ths blog that my new book, “Dear Undercover Economist”, is now out in English and Spanish. Other languages to follow! Details about the book on the Dear Undercover Economist page…

Next Wednesday, 10 June, at 7pm, I’ll be on home turf in Hackney, talking about “The Logic of Life” and perhaps a little about my forthcoming book too. Pages of Hackney is an intimate venue, which would be a big attraction if I were Mick Jagger. But it should be fun: I understand that if you buy a book, the wine and the talk are free. Otherwise, the wine and the talk are £3. Can’t be bad.