Checking odometers in reporters' cars against expense reports, running front-page ads and compelling publishers to promptly send weekly financial reports so Jelenic can scan for the odd indulgence are traditions at Journal Register (nyse: JRC - news - people).

FORBES: Cheapskate Journalism

Esther Rantzen, a celebrity candidate running in a seat whose previous incumbent had been among the most egregious expense-fiddlers, won a humiliatingly small number of votes.

ECONOMIST: Election results

And in making these calculations, Mr Malkiel plays fair: he deducts the typical running expense (one-fifth of 1%) charged by an index fund.

ECONOMIST: Can you beat the blindfolded monkey?