The High Price of Gas Changing Our Driving Habits?

Read this article, and comment on whether or not the high price of gas is changing the way you drive or even how much you drive.

The American Worker

In honor of Labor Day, read this article about the American worker and leave your comments.
"American workers stay longer in the office, at the factory or on the farm than their counterparts in Europe and most other rich nations, and they produce more per person over the year."

Assignment #1

Follow link to Reffonomics.com, click on Macroeconomics Textbook. Read all parts of first section "What is Economics?" Take online "Hot Potato" Quiz. Print off score sheet after quiz and turn in at the beginning of class Thursday August 28.

Welcome Class of '09

Welcome to AP Economics. This blog will contain readings and assignments that will need to be completed weekly. You must comment on all posted articles, and comments must be a minimum of 50 words. All posts for the week must be completed by Friday at midnight. Any posts made after that time will not be counted.

Monkey Business

As you all know, I am no big fan of monkeys. However, this is a pretty interesting article on the research being done by a Yale economist testing the economic behavior of a group of Capuchin monkeys.

Is the Housing Market Really That Bad?

Check out this story about a new incentive that home sellers can offer potential buyers, the "death incentive."

The Argument Over Free Trade Continues

Read Mankiw's latest regarding the ongoing debate over free trade. Economists and the public are at polar opposites on this issue. Now it is bleeding over into the presidential race.

Candy Sales Going Underground

"Sugar Pushers" roaming our halls. Teachers confiscating candy from students. What is happening in our schools. In Connecticut, an eigth grader and vice president of his class was forced to step down when he was apprehended with an illict bag of skittles. Any thoughts?

Financial Mess

Want a good explanation of the current financial mess the economy is facing, check out Paul Krugman's NY Times editorial. I usually don't agree with Krugman, but this is a very clear and concise explanation of today's banking crisis.

High Price of a Gallon of Gas

The national average is $3.20 per gallon. It will only go higher. At what point do we start making changes in our lifestyles? Will you continue to drive as much as ever, and just cut back elsewhere? Is the demand for gas totally inelastic? Surely, at some point we will start driving less. What are your thoughts?

How Government Makes Things Worse

I know we just had an article on the law of unintended consequences, but I couldn't pass this one up. Ethanol and Sub-prime have more in common than what we would think.

Price of gold soars

The price of gold has reached historic highs. As young economists, can you predict some of the consequences of this? Go beyond the obvious of just more expensive jewelery.

The Scarlet Letter for Drunk Drivers

What do you think of this plan being proposed in the state of Washington? Get convicted of drunk driving and your car is affixed with a bright yellow license plate for a year. Will this serve as a deterrent? The bill's author seems to think it will prevent repeat offenses, and warn the rest of us to give these cars a wide berth. What do you think?

Free Cell Phones for Achievement in School

Obviously, doing well in school should be its own reward. However, in todays society that doesn't seem to be the case. What do you think of this program being tried out in a few Brooklyn middle schools? Free cell phones and minutes for good grades.

Thoughts from a respected Economist

Check out this article from renowned economist, Greg Mankiw. It is a very insightful commentary about the economic problems this country will face in the near future. Dr. Mankiw is an economics professor at Harvard, and he served as head of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Bush. He has also written numerous textbooks on Economics.

The Baby Name Wizard

This is a fun little site. It tracks the popularity of thousands of different baby names. Check out the historical trends. Check out your name and see where it falls on the timeline.

The Death of the CD

This is a short article about downloaded music sales surpassing CD sales by the year 2012. Will CDs go the same route as LPs, 8-tracks, and cassetes?

The Secret to Raising Smart Kids

This article raises the point, it's all about effort and not about talent and ability. What are your thoughts?

The Law of Unintended Consequences Strikes Again

"What do a deaf woman in Los Angeles, a first-century Jewish sandal maker and a red-cockaded woodpecker have in common?"
Politicians would do well to remember a basic principle of Economics, "the law of unintended consequences."

Is it time to say goodbye to the Penny?

Has the venerable $.01 piece outlived its usefulness? Check out the website for some of the arguments in favor of eliminating the penny. What do you think?