Pallets in fields

[dave1949]

Throughout this thread, I have attempted to maintain a laissez-faire posture regarding the various pallet factions. However, I felt compelled at times to point out the lack of scientific merit of some pallet theories.

My hope was that eventually someone would have an epiphany and realize that the only scientific explanation must come from economic theory. It turns out that Wagtail and Dave have stumbled upon the idea that economics are at work. Had I made that claim at the outset, the wisdom of my claim may have been ignored.

As is well known, economic theory can be used to explain all of human behavior.* In addition, the theory also explains some animal behaviors (Economic Choice Theory Experimental Analysis Animal Behavior :: Microeconomics :: Cambridge University Press).

Steve

Your reticence to rush into tooting your own horn is well-founded. Surely Steve, this cannot be representative of the current state of economic science studies?

In the hopes of a breakthrough, I eagerly read the description of your referenced text. What I found was somewhat disturbing to say the least.

I noted some of the more egregious examples below:

The authors begin by comparing animals to humans!
"This book details the results of the authors' research using laboratory animals to investigate individual choice theory in economics: consumer-demand and labor-supply behavior and choice under uncertainty."

The use of "precise" and "demanding" in the same sentence with "economic theory", while freely admitting to animal cruelty, is beyond the pale.
"The use of laboratory animals provides the opportunity to conduct controlled experiments involving precise and demanding tests of economic theory with rewards and punishments of real consequence."

The reviewer, who apparently has not yet mastered the use of spell checker, wants us to believe their opinion that this is a "fscinating" book?
"This is a fscinating book."

The authors, economists who have spent a lifetime sequestered among their lab rats and pigeons, are by now so delusional that they actually proposition the rats!
... the authors report the results of years of research testing the basic propositions of economic theory on animals, primarily rats and pigeons...

The authors will surely profit more than the reader.
Who should read this book? As indicated previously it can be read profitably by students in introductory courses.

A reference is made to an entity whose existence is tentative.
"Any economist willing to consider truly original and creative applications of economic theory and experimental methodology should be intrigued by this book..."

Reviewer speak for "I cannot believe this book was published."
"... one cannot help but marvel at the ability of a theory which was developed by introspective consideration of how we make choices to explain complicated behavior of other species."

There is a money angle to the pallets, of that we may be sure. Whether it is explained by economic theory cannot be answered by this text. Have you located any treatises that deal with galactic economic theory? How may we assume that aliens, should they be involved in the pallet mystery, are driven by the same passions as humans, rats and pigeons?

 

[smstonypoint]

Your reticence to rush into tooting your own horn is well-founded. Surely Steve, this cannot be representative of the current state of economic science studies?

In the hopes of a breakthrough, I eagerly read the description of your referenced text. What I found was somewhat disturbing to say the least.

<snip>

There is a money angle to the pallets, of that we may be sure. Whether it is explained by economic theory cannot be answered by this text. Have you located any treatises that deal with galactic economic theory? How may we assume that aliens, should they be involved in the pallet mystery, are driven by the same passions as humans, rats and pigeons?

First, my apologies for not offering a disclaimer regarding the review of the aforementioned text. I provided the link so that interested parties could order a copy of the text for their science libraries. I will try to find an ungated review by a professional scientist as soon as my schedule permits.

To show how economic theory can explain the pallet formations, I searched through my archives and found a copy of an old exam that I gave in my introductory course back in the day.

This brings back memories. The exam copies were produced by mimeograph,and I remember the many attentive and attractive coeds that enrolled in my course. Some of them requested and received individual tutoring............................

Oh, where was I. Yes, economic theory. Here is the exam question.

McDonald (the Elder) produces widgets using pallet formations (in an inverted V-pattern) and widget seed as variable inputs. His production function is of the Cobb-Douglas form with constant returns to scale. The widget, pallet-formation, and widget-seed markets are competitive.* Derive the first-order conditions for profit-maximization by McDonald (the Elder). Define your notation and show your work.


*Assume that the pallet formations are purchased and utilized as an assembled unit.

Unfortunately, the question managed to flummox some students. Recall that constant returns to scale in a Cobb-Douglas production function requires that the sum of the variable inputs' exponents sum to unity. Some students chose V[SUP]-1[/SUP] to represent the number of pallet formations and consequently assigned 2 as the exponent for widget seed. :rotfl:

At any rate, this simple example illustrates how economic theory can be used to explain the pallet formations.

Economic theory applies to aliens, whether legal or illegal, as well as pigeons and rats. Squirrels we are not so sure about.

Steve

 

[dave1949]

To show how economic theory can explain the pallet formations, I searched through my archives and found a copy of an old exam that I gave in my introductory course back in the day.

This brings back memories. The exam copies were produced by mimeograph,and I remember the many attentive and attractive coeds that enrolled in my course. Some of them requested and received individual tutoring............................

Oh, where was I. Yes, economic theory. Here is the exam question.

McDonald (the Elder) produces widgets using pallet formations (in an inverted V-pattern) and widget seed as variable inputs. His production function is of the Cobb-Douglas form with constant returns to scale. The widget, pallet-formation, and widget-seed markets are competitive.* Derive the first-order conditions for profit-maximization by McDonald (the Elder). Define your notation and show your work.

*Assume that the pallet formations are purchased and utilized as an assembled unit

Unfortunately, the question managed to flummox some students. Recall that constant returns to scale in a Cobb-Douglas production requires that the sum of the variable inputs' exponents sum to unity. Some students chose V[SUP]-1[/SUP] to represent the number of pallet formations and consequently assigned 2 as the exponent for widget seed. :rotfl:

At any rate, this simple example illustrates how economic theory can be used to explain the pallet formations.

Economic theory applies to aliens, whether legal or illegal.

Steve

The Cobb-Douglas production function, those poor kids. I am neither attentive nor attractive. Nobody in their right mind would consider tutoring me, that is why I did not enroll in such courses.

In any case, I apologize for having underestimated your potential contribution to our quest. The labor component of Cobb-Douglas production function aptly describes why, as more and more members appear to work on the pallet problem, less and less seems to get accomplished. We are also under-capitalized; blueriver's desire to substitute paper sacks for certified blind-test head bags is a case in point.

 

[Wagtail]

I always thought that the pseudo-"science" of an economist was on an equal credibility scale as that of a meteorologist.

 

[dave1949]

Little did I know, before following Wagtail's dowsing ideas, that Ley Lines can be traced with standard dowsing techniques!
Dowsing Ley Lines | Techniques and Methods


Is Washington DC Built On a High Energy Ley Line?
What are ley lines? Amateur archaeologist Alfred Watkins believed in the existence of energy lines, which he called “ley lines” and he believed that many temples, cathedrals, monuments and megaliths worldwide were built on them. He first came out with this theory with the publishing of his findings in 1921 in his book The Old Straight Track.
Indeed many people believe that ley lines and their points of intersection resonate a special psychic or mystical energy, which can be detected using dowsing rods. Still others believe them to be “currents of power,” with magical properties that act as portals for spirits, and all such occult sites are linked together via ley lines.

 

[smstonypoint]

The pallets are the modern equivalent of "Ley Lines."

The mystery of Ley Lines and their true purpose have always been shrouded in the mists of time. I have answered the question of what the pallets are, and I will now focus on the why. Given the transitory nature of wooden objects, compared to the lasting durability of stone, it is imperative that all existing pallet formations are documented and loaded into Google Maps for future analysis.

Actually I think you may be onto something there. I look forward to seeing the map of these ley lines and, of course, the determination of what historical significance there is to each set of pallets.

I am really with you on this "Ley Line" thing. To show my support, I am offering you a 25% discount on your next call to my psychic hotline.

Just give the operator the promo code "ley line."


Madam Zelda
Psychic to the Stars

 

[TomSeller]

Rudolph!

Maybe Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer's feed was stacked on these pallets Christmas night during his yearly delivery run. Santa had these stations placed on the ley lines between cities to minimize his layover time during feedings. He could not fit the pallets in his sleigh since squirrel girl and Popette needed a ride home.

 

[smstonypoint]

There is, however, the phenomena of Dowsing.

Unless you have a "bucket of money" to throw at it, no sane person would sink a bore (or 'well') in the hope of striking water. You employ the local Dowser to first locate the best source of water and, "Wha-La", there it uncannily is! I know this to be true as I have 'the gift' to be able to divine for water, as has my father & his father before him. The local Dowser has checked my ability and independently confirmed this.

I am really with you on this "Dowsing" thing. To show my support, I am offering you a 25% discount on your next call to my psychic hotline.

Just give the operator the promo code "Dowsing."


Madam Zelda
Psychic to the Stars

 

[blueriver]

Boys ... It's getting deep now !!!

 

[smstonypoint]

In any case, I apologize for having underestimated your potential contribution to our quest. The labor component of Cobb-Douglas production function aptly describes why, as more and more members appear to work on the pallet problem, less and less seems to get accomplished. We are also under-capitalized; blueriver's desire to substitute paper sacks for certified blind-test head bags is a case in point.

As you point out, the marginal physical product of labor is declining and is below the average physical product of labor. However, the marginal physical product of labor remains positive and we remain in Stage II of the production function of knowledge. Knowledge is still increasing, but at a decreasing rate. We do face a capital constraint. Our best hope for lifting this constraint is for us to obtain a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Steve