Econ 573 Econ of Crime Blog #5

Of all the student papers, which 3 did you find most interesting and/or compelling? Why? And, yes, you can include your own in your top 3.

Econ 573 blog # 4 Is profiling efficient or prejudicial or both?

Thanks to Ervin, Alex, and Nate for speaking up inclass today. What do you think?

Econ 573 Blog #3 Victimless Crimes

With respect to legalizing and regulating prostitution, which is more problematic: the increased demand for certain types of sexual services or the increased supply? Why?

Econ 573 Econ of Crime Blog #2

Consider all the evidence for the deterrent effect of capital punishment and the evidence against any deterrent effects. Should the death penalty be scrapped as a punishment? Is it efficient?

Should We Imprison Those Most Likely to Commit Future Crimes?

The prospect poses some interesting dilemmas...
http://youtu.be/q2bmImPNKbM

Econ 573 Blog #1 Michael Clayton "Trade-offs"

Reflect on the characters in the film "Michael Clayton". As completely as you can, list the trade-offs each of the primary characters faces during the course of the film. For example, Arthur can: 1) keep quiet about UNorth's deception and retire a wealthy man or 2) pursue UNorth by leaking documents and making the case against them. In your opinion, what is the most significant trade-off in the film? Why?

Counting Crimes in Michael Clayton

One of the core economic principles students learn about in microeconomics is the notion of opportunity costs--the inherent trade-offs in every decision. We will watch the film "Michael Clayton" over the next two weeks. Your first mission: to count the crimes (hidden and revealed) in the movie. Your second mission: to track as many trade-offs as you can from start to finish. We'll post the results here in the comments.

RCRCD Map

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RCRCD Project

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Summer Reading?

The idea of a book club always appeals to me. What's not to like about being in a comfortable space cozied up to a hot cup of something discussing themes, character traits, and deeper meanings? Plus, the whole process suggests the luxury of spare time--or, at least unscheduled time. Time like that is seductive for many reasons...

This summer (and last summer) I joined a book club of sorts via twitter. While it does not provide the pure club experience above, it does satisfy on some level my desire to explore books in community. This community is facilitated by Jeff Howe of Atlantic Monthly.

So far we've read Margaret Atwood (The Blind Assassin), Haruki Murakami (Kafka On The Shore), and this month's selection is Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips. I am immersed in non-fiction professionally. So, it is good for me to consume novels like these. A different part of my brain engages and I lose myself a bit in story and feelings and tension--some belongs to others and some belongs to me. And, though we are not physically in one place, my fellow readers are very much a community of sorts. I imagine many of us would choose to get together if the opportunity arose.

We read and tweet. Tweet and read. It's the perfect summer indulgence for my otherwise disciplined and crowded schedule.

Sample Map Riverside County Data

This is a link to a sample map created using ArcGIS Explorer.

Spring Micro Blog CSUSB #10

Of the three general types of market failure presented in class, which one is most significant in your opinion? Why?

Spring Micro Blog CSUSB #9

How does a market-oriented system (like the US mixed-capitalist system) determine "who gets how much" of the goods and services produced? Is this system the best way? Why or why not?

Spring Micro Blog CSUSB #8

Would you rather live in a country where goods and services were all cheaper but you had 50% fewer choices (in quality, taste, etc) or a country where goods and services were more expensive but you had unlimited choice? Why?

Spring Micro CSUSB Blog #7

Can you think of an example of each type of market structure presented in class today? No fair cheating on your fellow-students' lists. Try to be original...

Spring Micro CSUSB Blog #6

What other reasons might motivate firms to produce goods and services besides profit maximization? Can you provide one example of a firm operating successfully without positive economic profit?

Spring Micro CSUSB Blog #5

Do you take advantage of all the student "discounts" available to you from CSUSB? Why or why not?

Spring Micro CSUSB Blog #4

Consider your own consumption habits: which good in your budget is most price elastic? Which good in your budget is most price inelastic? I'll let you go on this one for a bit, then I will chime in with my own responses.

Spring Micro CSUSB Blog #3

The next time you think: "I wonder if __________ is an example of demand and supply"....make a note and jot down your thoughts here in the blog. For example, as I drove into the Post Office parking lot, there was a line of cars. Does this have anything to do with demand and supply? Sure! The demand for parking spaces was greater than the supply of available spaces....see?

Spring Micro CSUSB Blog #2

If you have a choice (as a student) between a math problem or a "word" problem, which do you prefer? Why?