Green Vocational Training in Future California High Schools?
I don't own a TV so when I stay in a hotel I try to watch it. This morning I was watching the 12/17 confirmation hearings of the California PUC's Michael Peevey . He is a very important guy on all energy issues for the state.
Predictions for 2010
In his last NY Times column of each calendar year, William Safire always made gutsy predictions for the new year. Now that he has passed away, somebody needs to take his place. Below, I will fail at this but I hope that my failure raises your hopes that you can do better.
Proof that There are Free $20 Bills on the Ground
This breaks my Chicago heart but take a look at this unclaimed checks website at Sacramento's SMUD. Now some of you smart economists will say that this must be low stakes stuff. You like data my fellow "Super Crunchers"? Here are the micro data. Go write a JPE paper with it.
My Interview Published in the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland's New "Forefront" Magazine
In October 2009, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Francisca Richter. The interview is presented below. Doug Campbell was kind enough to arrange this. I had a great time and I hope this new magazine is as well read as the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis' publication.
Climate Change Research Cash (but Not for Clunkers)
Are you an economist who has been thinking about climate change research topics? Are you eager to raise some research funds? Well, then please take a look at this . Prof.
"Proof" that California has a Bright Future
Here is photo of my backyard taken on 12/15/2009.
Note the blue skies, the palm trees and the blooming plants. Last week I gave a talk attended by some local business people. Several of them were quite concerned that the state is not "business friendly".
What Happens Next If Copenhagen Flunks?
Never forget backwards induction. Whether you are playing chess or arguing with somebody, don't forget about the sub-game you are trying to get to. In the case of carbon mitigation, we are trying to initialize a domino effect.
The Transition to Smart Meters as a Test of our Love for the Status Quo
Economists and engineers have celebrated the coming installation of $200 real time electricity meters in our homes. This real time inflow of information will allow households to be sophisticated consumers of electricity.
Environmentalism Embraced at an Early Age
Has your child ever lectured you on the importance of recycling? This LA Times article highlights a new set of children's books with a green edge to them.
Vin Diesel Just Jogged by My House
Maybe I need to start "tweeting"? Most economists neither have anything to say in real time nor discrete time! But, hear me out. The movie star Vin Diesel just jogged past my Little Holmby house.
Can Economic Analysis Inform the Carbon Mitigation Policy Debate?
In this piece , Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee has been quoted saying "that mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions would result in dramatically higher energy costs as industry was forced to shift away from fossil fuels or pay for carbon-capture technologies".
Unexpected Costs of Geothermal Power and the Art of Seduction
A setback for geothermal power generation is reported in the news today. The NY Times is saying that venture capitalists were sold on a promising idea where the geothermal boosters "over sold" the ease of drilling down to the energy source and under-estimated the annoyance to nearby property owners.
Not Cool! Facebook Doesn't Lie About One's Past
Fred Raudat, an old friend from Hamilton College's class of 1988, has been posting photos of the "good old days" to his Facebook page. In the pictures, everyone looks cool; playing rock & roll and drinking brew.
Six Members of the British Parliament Visit the UCLA Institute of the Environment
These are exciting days at my Institute. We just met for 1.5 hours with six MPs from the British Parliament. We had a good talk about energy policy issues. Here is photo of me with my new friends.
I had a good talk with MP John Robertson (MP for Glasgow North-West) .
Tiger Woods Offers Economists a Test of Our Theory of Labor Supply
Professor Mankiw should consider incorporating the following income effects case study into his next edition of his textbook. Based on the simple labor supply theory of substitution and income effects, I predict that Tiger Woods will play in more tournaments in 2010.
Copenhagen and International Carbon Politics
I have been trying to follow the Copenhagen news stories such as this LA Times piece but I must admit that I do not have a good grasp on how nations actually negotiate with each other on such carbon mitigation issues.
The End of the Era of Academic Free Agency?
Recent experience has shown that loyalty to one's home university is admirable but costly in terms of wages. Is this about to change? In academic economics, we have seen a rise in pay inequality.
Coda Automotive Visits UCLA's Institute of the Environment
Coda Automotive CEO Kevin Czinger gave a presentation today at the UCLA Institute of the Environment. Several of my undergraduates and PHD students attended. "Green" companies in the Greater Los Angeles area are welcome to visit our Institute.
The Return of a Minor League Blogger
I'm back after 5 days at UC Berkeley. We love Los Angeles but it appears that our fridge is broken. I'm hoping that President Obama will use stimulus $ to buy me an energy efficient fridge for -$500. Whenever I go to Berkeley, I learn.
Is Time Passing Too Quickly?
This academic quarter has flown by. Neither the upset UC students nor office hours have been able to slow down time. Everyone knows that time is passing too quick but nobody is taking action to fight this. The New York Times is shocked that James Spader will turn 50 this year .
