Wow–economists are under a lot of pressure. Not only do they have to keep publishing after they get tenure; they have to be funny, too! It’s a lot easier in statistics and political science. Nobody expects us to be funny, so an little witticism always gets a big laugh.
P.S. I think no one will deny that Levitt has a sense of humor. For example, he ran this item with a straight face, relaying to NYT readers in October 2008 that “the current unemployment rate of 6.1 percent is not alarming.”
P.P.S. I think this will keep me safe for awhile