Honors Econ Research Proposal

Unemployment & the Labor Force; Definitions Thereof

We currently define the unemployment rate as the percentage of workers without jobs in our labor force. We currently define our labor force as workers who are actively looking for jobs. However, those definitions are both simplistic and problematic, excluding complicated factors and variables that keep us from arriving at a more precise unemployment rate.

"Vell, Mitt's just zis guy, you know?"*

Dressage. Really. Although I have friends whom are avid riders, I had to search to see for the definition of 'dressage'. Apparently, it's horse ballet**, and is also known as the highest expression of horse training. Regular folks - folks who work and pay taxes and worry about a mortgage - don't own dressage horses. We also don't declare a tax loss of $77,000 for the care and feeding of a dressage horse that qualifies for the next Olympics. An interesting parallel is that in 2010, the same year in which they declared that loss, the mean yearly per capita income was less than $28,000.

But, hey, he totally represents me as a citizen!***

*Zaphod is equally well-suited to be our President, and for exactly the same reasons.

**I'm not being sarcastic. That's really what it's called!

***I am totally being sarcastic.

Checks and Balances

The Lovings

It always irks me when people speak as though voting were the e-all, end-all of our government. Today, I spied this gem on Facebook and had to respond:

"where as i personally have no problem with same sex marriage..unless i am mistaken wasn't this shot down in north carolina by a public vote? if so then the only people to blame is the supporters of same sex marriage for not getting enough votes...giving someone shit for voting their beliefs is WRONG no matter what side of the issue you are on in my opinion."

My Letter to the Editor

Mike hides his face, but not his
fish. Angel does the opposite.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to bring attention to a community program in which our family was able to part. In case you’re not immediately familiar with the biyearly Children’s Art Studio, it consists of a series of art classes about art vocabulary and techniques and usually covers a variety of art media, followed by an art showcase and reception. This program is organized by Ms. Sharon Cheatwood, the Arts Coordinator for the City of Lawton's Arts and Humanities Division, and is taught by local certified teachers.

My older two children, Angel and Micheal, participated in the 2012 Spring Children’s Art Studio, and had a wonderful and memorable experience. These types of classes are very important to my children, especially my son, who has special needs. They were able to participate because of grants that help fund the program as a whole, and that help fund a limited number of scholarships for lower-income families. This program was funded by the City of Lawton, the Lawton Arts & Humanities Council, the McMahon Auditorium Authority, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Angel stands by her gold-and-silver fish.

As you may know, art education is closely linked to academic achievement, social development, and civic engagement. Involvement in the arts is also associated with gains in education, critical thinking, confidence, and teamwork. Their contributions to this program helped to extend these benefits to a large number of children in our community, and are to be commended.

A timely reminder...

A timely reminder about the importance of separating your religion from your government:

"I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute, where no Catholic prelate would tell the president (should he be Catholic) how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote; where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference; and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the president who might appoint him or the people who might elect him.