Is the Steve Levitt meme spreading?

Here is today’s story from The New York Times.  They say "yes."

By the way, I am at a Liberty Fund conference, enjoying the company of Daniel Drezner, Megan McArdle, Virginia Postrel, Nick Schulz, and Grant McCracken, among others.  The topic is the eighteenth century critique of luxury, and the responses from Adam Smith, David Hume, and Bernard Mandeville.  Tomorrow we consider Bob Frank’s critique of status-seeking.  Hermosillo and brain tacos come Sunday.

Addendum: Here is Hollywood does Freakonomics, starring Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, and Steve Martin.