An economics professor at Charleston Southern University ran afoul of federal laws when he tried to go from macro to micro. “A former economist pleaded guilty Friday for his role in swindling investors out of an estimated $90 million, which authorities said he used to purchase a half-dozen homes, swanky cars and jewel-encrusted pens,” AP writer Bruce Smith reported in USA Today last October. “Al Parish, 50, admitted to two counts of fraud and lying to investigators.”

“He faces up to 45 years in prison.” His web site featured him in a superhero costume with an “E” emblazoned on his chest, for “Economan,” of course.

Malcolm A. Kline is the executive director of Accuracy in Academia.