Going Oranic- What's It Really Cost?

Is going organic a good thing? Here is a lesson for students to explore the issue.


http://www.izzit.org/events/index.php

Price Floors Really Do Exist- Just Ask Congress

Here is the link to an editorial from yesterday's Wall Street Journal (Wed., May 14) on the new farm bill. It can serve as an excellent discussion piece on the role of price floors and their use by government.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121072321976990127.html?mod=todays_us_opinion

Dolphin Teeth for Money? Why not!

Here is a fun lesson illustrating money can be anything acceptable by society.

Shrinking Dollar Meets its Match in Dolphin Teeth

http://www.izzit.org/events/article.php?ID=657

What Do the Economists Think?

Interesting article in May 9 Wall Street Journal. Most economists surveyed believe food and fuel price rises are primarily caused by good ol supply and demand (I have heard of those somewhere!). According to the economists, the main culprit; increased global demand led by China and India, both relatively new (and growing) components of the global economy.

The survey could make for an interesting classroom discussion on market forces and and the power they carry, even in a global economy.

You can view the full survey at WSJ.com/Economist

Should We Pay Students for Grades?

Here is a lesson truly focused on the notion that people respond to incentives in predictable ways. This time its the students. Should we pay students for good grades? It's one thing for mom and dad, but what about the school system?


http://www.izzit.org/events/article.php?ID=653

Congress and the Dollar?

The following article was in this past weekend's Wall Street Journal. This might make for an interesting classroom discussion:


"We cannot stand idly by. . ." when stated by an elected official usually infers a future action. What role should Congress play in the value of the dollar?


"Republicans Seek Hearings on Dollar's Fall
By HENRY J. PULIZZI
May 3, 2008; Page A4

Top Republican lawmakers are calling for congressional hearings on the dollar's decline, including how the Federal Reserve's interest-rate cuts have pushed the greenback lower and commodity prices higher.

"We cannot stand idly by while the dollar's value continues to plummet, pushing up food and energy prices and lowering the American people's standard of living," the lawmakers said in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.).

The letter, dated May 1, was signed by House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri and Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona. (Read the full test of the letter.)

The climb of oil and food prices has sparked a debate on Capitol Hill, with both Democrats and Republicans looking to address the strain on consumers. The hearings would focus on the dollar's role in fueling higher prices. This year, the dollar is down 5.3% against the euro and 5.4% versus the yen.

The U.S. currency contributes to rising energy prices because oil is priced in dollars. It also leads some investors to buy commodities to protect against the threat of inflation.

The GOP lawmakers said the hearings should focus on the impact of the Fed's rate cuts, the threat of potential tax increases on investment, the effect of trade policy on exports, and the potential for federal policies to discourage bringing new oil supplies online."

Corn Ethanol Loses More Support (WSJ, May 3-4)

Article for discussion in the classroom.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120977546363664225.html?mod=todays_us_page_one

Another example that all choices have consequences (this time unintended ones) that lie in the future even when the motives are well intentioned.

First car buying lesson

Want an article on buying one's first car? Check out this lesson from izzit.


http://www.izzit.org/events/index.php

Soup Kitchens Beware!

Economic principle #6- All choices have consequences that lie in the future.

In the March 29th Economist, in an article on parenthood ("The joys of parenthood") another classic case of unintended consequences of the actions by politicians. This time it was a county in Virginia.

"... a county in Virginia recently banned giving food to the homeless unless it was prepared in a county-approved kitchen, to prevent food poisoning. Churches stopped ladling soup, and more homeless people were forced to scavenge in skips. This hurt not only the hungry, but also the volunteers who might have found satisfaction in helping them. The surest way to buy happiness. . . is to give some of your time and money away."

So, as I say on my website---- Give your life away.