The Journal of Popular Culture and Regional Economics
Copyleft 2024 by The Society for Cinematic Analysis and Theatrical Studies (SCATS)
Spuriously published by Tyler Vigen

Vol. 331, No. 28, 2024
ISSN 1078-3649/10/$59.00
PII S2689-8974(5837)2513-9

Nicolas Cage on Stage: The Movie Craze and North Dakota's
Screeners' Raise
Cameron Hernandez, Anthony Thomas, George P Truman
Madison, Wisconsin
In this research paper, we delve into the unexplored territory of the relationship between
the number of movies Nicolas Cage appeared in and the number of transportation security
screeners in North Dakota. With a twinkle in our eyes and a penchant for puzzling
correlations, we set out to uncover whether the silver screen prowess of Mr. Cage has any
influence on the labor force in the plains of North Dakota. Our research team used datafrom The Movie DB and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to assess this nagging question. We
found a correlation coefficient of 0.9022997 and p < 0.01 for the years 2012 to 2022,
suggesting a strong positive correlation between the two variables. It seems that wheneverNicolas Cage graces the screen, there's a surge in the need for diligent individuals to guard
the gateways of North Dakota. Perhaps he really is the "Cage" behind this phenomenon,
shaping the labor market with his versatile performances. Let's just say, the data provided
us with "Cage"-y insights, and we couldn't help but ponder if the transportation security
screeners are part of the "National Treasure" guarding the state's skies.

Lights, camera, correlation! The mesmerizing allureof Hollywood's glitz and glamour has always
captivated both movie buffs and researchers alike.
In this paper, we embark on a curious odyssey tounravel the mysterious link between the number ofmovies featuring the enigmatic Nicolas Cage andthe bustling world of transportation security
screeners in the heart of North Dakota. As we delve
into this uncharted territory, we aim to shed light onwhether the silver screen charisma of Mr. Cage
wields an unexpected influence on the labor
dynamics in the tranquil plains of North Dakota.
Speaking of "Cage" and "unusual influences," didyou hear about the statistician who visited the zoo?
He was particularly interested in the wild variabilityof the data!
Our quest for understanding this peculiar correlation
between Mr. Cage and the vigilant guardians ofNorth Dakota's transportation hubs was fueled by a
Sherlock Holmes-like curiosity and a Sherlock
Statistician's love for unraveling mysteries. The
enthralling aroma of freshly woven statisticalmodels and the cerebral melody of data analysis led
us to The Movie Database, where we harvested dataon the rambunctious reel escapades of none otherthan Nicolas Cage. Compiling a filmography
packed with a kaleidoscope of characters, fromtreasure hunters to sorcerers, we felt an irresistible
urge to "Cage" our enthusiasm… pardon the pun!
On the other side of the lens, we turned our gaze
toward the diligent souls tasked with protecting theskies and sifting through the hustle and bustle ofNorth Dakota's transportation infrastructure. The
Bureau of Labor Statistics proved to be our treasure
trove, providing us with the necessary data to gauge
the ebb and flow of transportation security screener
employment. Spoiler alert: it's a "Cage" match!

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchOh, and what did the scientist say when he found
two isotopes of helium? HeHe! In the world of
scientific humor, that joke is totally "elemental."
Armed with statistical tools sharper than a surgeon's
scalpel, we meticulously combed through a decadeof data from 2012 to 2022, gleefully sifting throughthe digits and decimal points in search of patterns.
Our analysis unveiled a correlation coefficient of
0.9022997, sending ripples of disbelief through ourlab. At p < 0.01, the evidence of a strong positive
correlation between the two variables seemed asclear as day. It appears that Mr. Cage's cinematic
endeavors are more than just box office hits; they
seem to be stirring ripples in the labor market. Is he
the "Cage" behind this curious enigma?
As we unravel these findings, we couldn't help but
wonder if these transportation security screeners
are, in fact, part of the "National Treasure"safeguarding North Dakota's skies. With every twist
and turn in the data, we found ourselves drawn intothe "Cage" of unexpected correlations, proving once
again that there's always a "niche" for statisticalsurprises.

LITERATURE REVIEWAs we delve into the peculiar correlation between
the number of movies featuring Nicolas Cage andthe employment trends of transportation security
screeners in North Dakota, it is essential to discuss
the existing literature on celebrity influence onlabor markets and the movie industry. In "Celebrity
Power and Contestation in the Global Audio-Visualand Music Industries," Smith et al. explore themultifaceted impact of A-list celebrities on various
sectors, shedding light on the potential ripple effectsof their presence in the entertainment industry.
Similarly, Doe's "The Economics of Movie
Stardom" delves into the economics of film
stardom, offering insights into the economic
significance of prominent actors such as Nicolas
Cage in shaping industry dynamics. These studies
underscore the profound influence of celebrities on
the labor market and the economic landscape,laying the groundwork for our exploration of theCage-screeners phenomenon.
Speaking of prominent actors, I once told a Nicolas
Cage joke to my friend, but he didn't laugh. I guess
you could say it was "Face/Off."In the realm of non-fiction literature, books such as"Hollywood Economics: How Extreme Uncertainty
Shapes the Film Industry" by De Vany provide
valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of thefilm industry, offering a glimpse into the factors thatdrive industry fluctuations. Furthermore, "TheEconomics of Screening and Risk Reduction in theTransportation Industry" by Friedman presents a
relevant perspective on the role of risk reduction
strategies in the transportation sector, laying the
groundwork for our investigation into theemployment trends of transportation security
screeners.
Turning to the realm of fiction, novels such as "TheDa Vinci Code" by Dan Brown and "National
Treasure" by Unknown Author offer gripping talesof mystery, treasure hunting, and unexpected
correlations, albeit in a fictional context. Whilethese stories may not provide empirical evidence ofreal-life correlations, they capture the imaginationand highlight the allure of uncovering enigmatic
links, mirroring our own intellectual pursuit inunraveling the Cage-screeners mystery.
In the name of thorough research, our teamindulged in the curious adventures of "The Amazing
Race" and "Ghost Adventures" as part of our efforts
to grasp the nuances of transportation security andthe intricacies of venturing into unknown terrains.
These shows offered a peek into the challenges
faced by individuals entrusted with ensuring thesafety of transportation routes, adding a layer ofcontext to our exploration of the labor dynamics inNorth Dakota.
On a lighter note, have you heard about the airport
security guard who accidentally put on two different
shoes? He quipped, "I guess you could say I'm asole survivor of fashion disasters!"

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchIn our journey to demystify the relationshipbetween Nicolas Cage's cinematic ventures and theemployment patterns of transportation security
screeners in North Dakota, we draw from a diverse
tapestry of literature and pop culture to inform ouranalysis and infuse our exploration with a touch oflevity. As we navigate the labyrinth of academic
discourse and entertainment, our findings aim toshed light on a correlation that might just be the"Cage" of unexpected labor market dynamics.

METHODOLOGY

Well, dear readers, strap yourselves in as we takeyou on a journey through the methodological mazethat allowed us to unravel the tantalizing
relationship between Mr. Cage's cinematic exploits
and the guardians of North Dakota's transportation
security.
First off, we must emphasize the painstaking efforts
that went into wrangling and preparing the data forour statistical escapade. Our research team scoured
the virtual landscapes of The Movie Database(TMDb) to curate a definitive list of every movie
featuring the indefatigable Nicolas Cage from theyears 2012 to 2022. Oh, the sheer thrill of combing
through the celluloid legacy of this enigmatic artist– it was like mining for rare cinematic gems!
Once we pieced together the minutiae of Mr. Cage's
on-screen appearances, it was time to wade into theempirical waters of transportation security
screening. We delved into the depths of the Bureauof Labor Statistics, extracting labor force data
specific to transportation security screeners in the
picturesque plains of North Dakota. Pardon the pun,but this wasn't just a numbers game; it was a hunt
for statistical gold amidst the statistical haystack.
With our data treasure chest brimming with movie
counts and security screener figures, we summoned
the spirits of statistical machinery to tame theunruly digits and reveal the underlying patterns.
Utilizing the illustrious statistical software package,
the magnificent SPSS, we concocted a cauldron ofcorrelation analyses and regression models to teaseout the association between Mr. Cage's cinematicpresence and the employment trends oftransportation security screeners in North Dakota.
How's that for a statistical séance?
Intriguingly, our methodology also involved a fairamount of 'cage-rful' consideration for potential
confounding variables and alternative explanations.
We engaged in a rigorous process of variableselection and model refinement, ensuring that ourfindings weren't merely the byproduct of statisticalhappenstance. Oh, the joys of scientific scrutiny andthe cautious dance with covariates!
Furthermore, to bolster the robustness of ourfindings, we opted for a longitudinal analysis,
conducting our investigative endeavors across theentire decade, from 2012 to 2022. This allowed us
to capture the undulating waves of cinematic output
and labor dynamics, offering a panoramic view ofthe entwined fates of Mr. Cage's films and North
Dakota's security screening cadre. It's safe to say;we were in it for the long 'Cage.'
Lastly, in the spirit of methodological transparency,
we resorted to cross-validation techniques, assuring
ourselves and our esteemed readers that ourfindings weren't a mathematical mirage. The"Cage"-y correlation we unraveled was subject tothe rigorous tests and re-tests of statistical fortitude,
emerging as a bona fide connection rather than astatistical 'cage' of echoes.
In sum, our methodological odyssey traversed therealms of data collection, statistical wizardry, andmethodologicaldue
diligence,
ultimately
culminating in the unveiling of a compellingassociation between the elements of Mr. Cage's
cinematic artistry and the labor force dynamics ofNorth Dakota's transportation security screeners. It
was a methodological 'Cage'-match made instatistical heaven!

RESULTSThe results of our analysis revealed a striking
correlation coefficient of 0.9022997 between theThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research

number of movies Nicolas Cage appeared in and thenumber of transportation security screeners
employed in North Dakota. This strong positive
correlation was supported by an r-squared value of
0.8141447, leaving little doubt about the robustnessof the relationship. With p < 0.01, the evidence wasas convincing as one of Mr. Cage's gripping
performances. It seems the "Cage" effect is notconfined to the silver screen; it extends its reach to
the labor market of North Dakota.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) vividly illustrates thecompelling association between the two variables,
depicting a pattern that seems almost scripted. If wemay be so bold, one could say the correlation is asclear as the vision of hindsight – a "Nicolas" clear
vision, that is.
One might even venture to posit that the statisticalsynergy between Nicolas Cage's cinematic
escapades and the employment of transportation
security screeners in North Dakota is akin to a wellorchestrated plot twist – unexpected yet undeniably
present. It's almost as if the data were teasing us,
saying, "You don't have to be a 'Cage'y statistician
to see the connections here!"

Figure 1. Scatterplot of the variables by year

In essence, the sheer magnitude of this correlation
beckons us to consider the possibility of Nicolas
Cage not only captivating audiences but also
influencing the ebb and flow of the job market inNorth Dakota. The "Face/Off" between the numberof films featuring Mr. Cage and the employment oftransportation security screeners unfolds like athriller, leaving us to mull over whether thiscorrelation is merely a curious coincidence or anoteworthy revelation worthy of further exploration.
Our results offer a tantalizing glimpse into theenigmatic influence of the silver screen on the
fabric of employment dynamics, raising questions
that appeal to the researcher and movie enthusiast
alike. This correlation is indeed a "Cage"y mystery
worth pondering, as it intertwines the worlds ofcinema and labor in a manner that seems to elicit anencore – begging the question, "Can we really'Cage' this curious correlation or will it continue toelude our statistical grasp?"

DISCUSSION

Given the compelling findings of our analysis, thecorrelation between the number of movies featuring
Nicolas Cage and the employment trends oftransportation security screeners in North Dakota
appears to be more than just a figment of statisticalimagination. Our results align with prior research on
celebrity influence on labor markets and the movie
industry, reinforcing the notion that prominent
actors like Mr. Cage can indeed exert a palpable
impact on employment dynamics. It seems thatwhen it comes to labor markets, Nicolas Cage's
cinematic presence isn't just "Gone in 60 Seconds"– it leaves a lasting impression that reverberates in
the plains of North Dakota.
We must acknowledge the influence of Mr. Cage's
performances, which seem to orchestrate acompelling narrative that extends beyond the silver
screen. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9022997,
our findings point to a significant association
between his cinematic ventures and the employmentof transportation security screeners. The strength of
this correlation is as clear as day – or should we say,as clear as a "Nicolas" day? It's almost as if the data
were scripted to deliver this captivating storyline,
leaving us to wonder if Nicolas Cage's movies aren't
just entertainment; they're a statistical thriller of
their own.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchOur results prompt further consideration of theunderlying mechanisms that drive this correlation.
Is it simply a matter of heightened awareness anddemand for security measures coinciding with therelease of Mr. Cage's films, or does his on-screen
magnetism truly shape the labor market dynamics inNorth Dakota? This "Cage"-y mystery may indeed
be the focal point of subsequent investigations,inviting researchers to unravel the intricacies ofcelebrity influence on regional employment
patterns.
In the grand scheme of statistical discoveries, thiscorrelation presents an unexpected twist that
captivates the imagination. It's a tale that leaves us
pondering whether we've stumbled upon a statisticalgem worthy of further exploration or if we're
merely witnessing the "National Treasure" ofcoincidental patterns. Nevertheless, the correlation
persists, beckoning us to step into the world ofstatistical hypothesis testing and seek answers to thequestion, "Can we really 'Cage' this curious
correlation, or will it continue to elude ourstatistical grasp?"
As we traverse the terrain of empirical inquiry, one
can't help but appreciate the whimsy woven into thefabric of statistical exploration. Whether it's testing
hypotheses or unraveling enigmatic associations,the journey brings a touch of levity to the oftenserious domain of academic research. And as itturns out, our findings suggest that the labor market
of North Dakota may indeed have a soft spot forcinematic charisma that goes beyond entertainment– a revelation that may prompt a few wry smiles in
the halls of statistical discourse. After all, who knewthat statistical analysis could have a shot of "Cage"yhumor in its midst?

between the number of films featuring Mr. Cageand the employment of transportation security
screeners illuminates a connection that's as
undeniable as a dad's love for his "Con-Air"conditioning jokes. One could even say that thiscorrelation is the "Raising Arizona" of unexpected
statistical discoveries!
The robustness of this relationship, supported by anr-squared value of 0.8141447, underscores the needto "Cage" these findings within the realm of curious
statistical phenomena. It seems that Mr. Cage's onscreen escapades have the power to "Face/Off" withthe labor market dynamics, triggering a surge in theemployment of transportation security screeners. In
fact, one might say that these findings are"Cage"ing our imaginations and beckoning us tocontemplatethebroader
implicationsof
Hollywood's influence on regional job markets.
But, let's not get "Gone in 60 Seconds" with further
speculation. As integral as these findings are, it'ssafe to say that no further research is needed in the"Nicolas Cage and North Dakota" domain. We've
unraveled the mystery, and it seems that when it
comes to Mr. Cage's impact on the labor market, thedata has shown us the "Leaving Las Vegas" sign –there's no doubt about the correlation. We've
certainly tapped into a "National Treasure" of odd
correlations, and with that, it's time to "Cage" thesestatistical musings and bid farewell to thispeculiarly fascinating chapter in research.
Now, if only we could find a correlation between
the number of dad jokes in academic papers andtheir impact on readers' amusement levels. Alas,that might just be the "Ghost Rider" of statisticalinquiries!

CONCLUSION

As we bid adieu to this intriguing exploration, it's
evident that Nicolas Cage's cinematic ventures holdan unexpected sway not only over moviegoers but
also over the employment dynamics in North
Dakota. The correlation coefficient of 0.9022997
This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research