Hello

I hereby commence my blog. I took the title from one of my absolute favorite books, This Side of Paradise, by F. Scott Fitzgerald in which the main character Amory Blaine ponders the notion of being a "cynical idealist." As all students of economics, both of academic study and personal of research can attest, maintaining anything but cynicism toward human nature is nearly impossible. Thanks to my economics professors and the myriad of economics books and magazines that I have ingested, I cannot help but look at the world and the actions of all of its inhabitants in terms of incentives. However, I do attempt to look at the world somewhat optimistically, perhaps due to my youth or naiveté - hopefully the former as opposed to the latter. Though I do not have such lofty ambitions of completely changing the world to a near-Utopian society (of course, world peace would be nice), I do think that the right economic improvements can greatly enhance the well-being of society as a whole. No economic program, despite overwhelming promise and a "guarantee" of success, can hope to make drastic improvements overnight. Perhaps that is one of the most poignant points of misunderstanding among the American public regarding economic policies such as stimulus packages and changes in interest rates - nothing in economics is ever certain. Not only is there a question of when the effects will take place, but IF the effects will take place. No magic wand exisits to end recession and unemployment and inflation becuase if there were, now would be the time to use it.

Through this blog, I hope to comment on the economics that I observe in my daily life, whether it be a new healthcare plan, action of the FOMC, or even just an observation, such as the price of coffee, that I observe in my daily life. So, read and enjoy!