Lauren: I really liked your first post “Two sides of the spectrum.” I thought you gave really great support for both sides of the issue and then stated how you felt about the topic. You also made great use of the text book and the particular people within it to make your piece stand out. I wish you would have left your personal thoughts out of the introduction though. If you restructure it so that it is all about the rules but not necessarily relating to your personal experiences I think it would make the start of the essay so much stronger and more professional. Other than that I saw only a few grammatical errors, but it was nothing a little more proofreading would not fix. Great job on this post, it has a great deal of potential to make an outstanding complete research essay! =)
Your second post was also very well written. I had a hard time really getting into that particular topic myself, but your essay really broke down the history of finance well. The facts and ideas used from the text only solidified your argument and overall it was nicely done. Great job this week!
Jess: I really liked the title from your first post, “Two Views, One Country.” This immediately sparked my interest and made me curios about the information you were about to present. You really did this post from your heart I believe. You included facts from other classes and discussed how maybe you cannot trust the government with everything. You really found the balance between having government and living without them although you seemed to tip more towards the less government, more privacy, less power for them side. I thought you did a really nice job!
Your second post was also very well done. I really liked how you eased the audience into the topic instead of jumping directly into the history and current information on finance. This essay grabbed my interest on the subject and then gradually led me to what your actual goal of the article review was. I really think that was a great way to go. It made a topic I struggled with seem more approachable and understandable. Great Job! =)
Deirdre: I thought your first post regarding governmental control was a good read. You were very concise in your writing and made direct arguments for both sides. I thought the piece was a little bit too short for me, just because it lacked a little bit more depth on each topic but you did make a strong case. I would also give more background on an opinion before placing it in your work (i.e. Sameer). Others might not know who this individual is or why his opinion matters.
Your second post was also very concise. You did a great job introducing and explaining the opinions and facts you used from the text this time around though. The history and explanation of finances development was also a really great addition to the piece. You did not really mention the current financial state or how the subject has progressed in the last century though which would have really made a positive impact on your overall essay. Great job this week! =)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Money makes the World go round.
Money and the world of investing seems like a relatively new way of living and working with your hard earned pay check, in reality the world of finance has been around for much longer than we think. Even though it has only recently been created within an academic setting and discipline, it has been around for years. The hype nowadays is the amount of support the subject is getting from other realms of academia such as physics and economics. In Don Chance and Pamela Peterson’s article “The New Science of Finance” they discuss the changes and additions that have really taken the topic to the global obsession it has now become.
Finance used to be an art of formulas and other techniques only mathematical specialists or scientists could decipher. In the modern world, anyone could invest in the stock market or pick up a “How To” guide on finance. This type of accessibility has really made cracking the financial code so much easier for the typical person who is looking to make smarter moves with their money. None of this would have been possible without research and further exploration done into the subject by people like Merton or Scholes (Chance, Peterson 447). Their Nobel Prize winning research has really opened doors for finance in the modern world.
Due to the fact that our current economic situation is in turmoil, economists and other financial experts have really played a crucial role in the lives of consumers. Even though the world seems to be run by corporate greed and everyone’s desire to make as much money as possible, economic experts are so valuable to the economy by determining prices and value of items we buy everyday. Experts use the Gordon Model or other formulas in order to determine the price of items and their overall value to the consumer (Chance, Peterson 448). These formulas and models are another way technology and advancements within the topic have created an easier and more effective way to be successful in the world of finance. Other outlets like the stock market have become more popular and successful over time due to the social changes, such as wanting as much money as possible, our society has grown into. Without people constantly wanting to rise to the top, and without experts being on top of valuation the world of finance would cease to be as successful and powerful like it is today.
Finance used to be an art of formulas and other techniques only mathematical specialists or scientists could decipher. In the modern world, anyone could invest in the stock market or pick up a “How To” guide on finance. This type of accessibility has really made cracking the financial code so much easier for the typical person who is looking to make smarter moves with their money. None of this would have been possible without research and further exploration done into the subject by people like Merton or Scholes (Chance, Peterson 447). Their Nobel Prize winning research has really opened doors for finance in the modern world.
Due to the fact that our current economic situation is in turmoil, economists and other financial experts have really played a crucial role in the lives of consumers. Even though the world seems to be run by corporate greed and everyone’s desire to make as much money as possible, economic experts are so valuable to the economy by determining prices and value of items we buy everyday. Experts use the Gordon Model or other formulas in order to determine the price of items and their overall value to the consumer (Chance, Peterson 448). These formulas and models are another way technology and advancements within the topic have created an easier and more effective way to be successful in the world of finance. Other outlets like the stock market have become more popular and successful over time due to the social changes, such as wanting as much money as possible, our society has grown into. Without people constantly wanting to rise to the top, and without experts being on top of valuation the world of finance would cease to be as successful and powerful like it is today.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Week 11 Blog Reviews
Week 11 Blog Reviews:
Deirdre: I really liked your first blog. My parents often said similar things about toys, or constantly commented on how life is not measured by how many items of clothing I have or the character on my lunchbox. When I was a kid I frequently disagreed but now I see where they were going with the idea. I also really liked your section about Christmas. People do not care about family time or holiday dinners, but rather the best deal they can get on more things for the people around them. I really liked your blog overall!
Your second blog really hit home for me because I wrote about my Polish heritage and relatives. While I liked learning more about this particular ethnic group, I really wish it would have connected more to their lives in America, although you did mention contributions made during the war. Great writing this week! It is always fun to read!
Jess: I really like how you changed your background again! It is always a surprise to see what it will be next! I really liked the title of your first blog, it hit home for me because of my Catholic roots especially. I liked how you incorporated both sides of the issue and stated how you did not know exactly what side of the issue you were on. Overall I thought the support you used on how much Americans purchase as well as personal ideas on the subject made the post really interesting to read.
I also liked your second post about the Armenian race coming to America. I liked all the background you gave on the subject but wish you would have focused on the contributions to the economy more. Great job this week and I cannot wait for the next background!
Lauren: I really liked the title of your first blog. I thought the support you used on the topic was really well put together as well. Materialism in moderation can lead to happiness. It is really important to have a great deal of backup in order to support your points. In your second blog about the contributions the Korean race has given to the American economy was well written too. The statistics and amount of facts regarding their presence in America really supported your topic and overall points you were making. Great job this week! Keep up the great work.
Deirdre: I really liked your first blog. My parents often said similar things about toys, or constantly commented on how life is not measured by how many items of clothing I have or the character on my lunchbox. When I was a kid I frequently disagreed but now I see where they were going with the idea. I also really liked your section about Christmas. People do not care about family time or holiday dinners, but rather the best deal they can get on more things for the people around them. I really liked your blog overall!
Your second blog really hit home for me because I wrote about my Polish heritage and relatives. While I liked learning more about this particular ethnic group, I really wish it would have connected more to their lives in America, although you did mention contributions made during the war. Great writing this week! It is always fun to read!
Jess: I really like how you changed your background again! It is always a surprise to see what it will be next! I really liked the title of your first blog, it hit home for me because of my Catholic roots especially. I liked how you incorporated both sides of the issue and stated how you did not know exactly what side of the issue you were on. Overall I thought the support you used on how much Americans purchase as well as personal ideas on the subject made the post really interesting to read.
I also liked your second post about the Armenian race coming to America. I liked all the background you gave on the subject but wish you would have focused on the contributions to the economy more. Great job this week and I cannot wait for the next background!
Lauren: I really liked the title of your first blog. I thought the support you used on the topic was really well put together as well. Materialism in moderation can lead to happiness. It is really important to have a great deal of backup in order to support your points. In your second blog about the contributions the Korean race has given to the American economy was well written too. The statistics and amount of facts regarding their presence in America really supported your topic and overall points you were making. Great job this week! Keep up the great work.
Is Governmental Intervention the way to go?
The debate over government control has been a highly discussed topic for decades and even centuries. In some cases rising against the government and creating change for the betterment of you and loved ones around you can be revolutionary. After all, our great American country was founded and created by individuals who were upset with the state of their homeland’s government. They wanted a better life and did whatever they could to achieve it. On the other hand some believe the government is a greedy, corrupt system that really does not have the people in which they govern best interests at heart. Hopefully one day the world will be able to find the balance of the self-propelled dreams of the people while utilizing the assistance and presence of the government.
There are some individuals out there who will never believe government is the right choice for their particular goals or beliefs. In today’s society, especially in America, it is becoming more and more difficult for citizens to trust those in charge of the leadership in the country. Elections now are filed with petty games, cheap shots at the other nominees, and amazing promises the candidates make have no chance of ever being fulfilled. Americans feel like they have been cheated or lead on by these people who are supposed to be working for us and making our lives and American dreams more attainable. Another reason people are having a difficult time trusting their leaders are because of the conspiracies and events that are questionable throughout history. Events like 9/11 and the JFK assassination are constantly brought up as cover-ups and inside jobs. It is hard for working class citizens who love their country so much to believe their government is capable of such horrible things just for the sake of collecting money. This is the reason why individuals choose to ask questions, get petitions signed, and attempt to make our leaders accountable for their actions. People like Sameer Parekh in “Politics for the really cool” by Josh McHugh have taken matters into their own hands by creating a business that will work against traditional governmental agencies. These people are tired of listening to what the high and mighty officials have to say. They want the leaders to really hear their ideas and needs.
On this particular issue I stand in the middle. I do not like idea of always relying on the government to control my income, the direction of my schooling, or even how I get healthcare. On the flipside of that, however, I understand that without some kind of government or controlling party, people would not be held accountable for their actions which in turn affect everybody. Citizens should be able to be in control of their personal lives and the dreams the want to achieve with the help, not hindrance, of their government. While I do not by any means enjoy the constant bombardment of people asking me to sign petitions for various reasons, I applaud these people because they are taking a stand for what they believe in, no matter how much they are ignored or shot down. Even though this debate will continue to be fought, government needs to find balance between working for its people and keeping its country safe. This is the only way it will ever succeed and fulfill the role for which it was created.
There are some individuals out there who will never believe government is the right choice for their particular goals or beliefs. In today’s society, especially in America, it is becoming more and more difficult for citizens to trust those in charge of the leadership in the country. Elections now are filed with petty games, cheap shots at the other nominees, and amazing promises the candidates make have no chance of ever being fulfilled. Americans feel like they have been cheated or lead on by these people who are supposed to be working for us and making our lives and American dreams more attainable. Another reason people are having a difficult time trusting their leaders are because of the conspiracies and events that are questionable throughout history. Events like 9/11 and the JFK assassination are constantly brought up as cover-ups and inside jobs. It is hard for working class citizens who love their country so much to believe their government is capable of such horrible things just for the sake of collecting money. This is the reason why individuals choose to ask questions, get petitions signed, and attempt to make our leaders accountable for their actions. People like Sameer Parekh in “Politics for the really cool” by Josh McHugh have taken matters into their own hands by creating a business that will work against traditional governmental agencies. These people are tired of listening to what the high and mighty officials have to say. They want the leaders to really hear their ideas and needs.
On this particular issue I stand in the middle. I do not like idea of always relying on the government to control my income, the direction of my schooling, or even how I get healthcare. On the flipside of that, however, I understand that without some kind of government or controlling party, people would not be held accountable for their actions which in turn affect everybody. Citizens should be able to be in control of their personal lives and the dreams the want to achieve with the help, not hindrance, of their government. While I do not by any means enjoy the constant bombardment of people asking me to sign petitions for various reasons, I applaud these people because they are taking a stand for what they believe in, no matter how much they are ignored or shot down. Even though this debate will continue to be fought, government needs to find balance between working for its people and keeping its country safe. This is the only way it will ever succeed and fulfill the role for which it was created.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Polish Prosperity
When most immigrants decided to come to America they really did not have a great deal of information about what would lie ahead. “America is full of opportunities!” “Everyone will have the life they have always dreamed of in America!” This idea of achieving the American Dream as well as a leap of faith was all people had to go off of before deciding to make new lives. People from all around the world took this chance and found better lives and greater opportunities to start fresh on the opposite side of the globe. My family, for example, came from Poland searching for their own piece of the great American pie; hoping to increase their chances of living better lives. These great promises of America lead millions of immigrants to this great land in order to create the legacy we are all apart of today.
When my great grandparents came over from Poland to Ellis Island in New York they were actually on the same ship but had never met. They immediately went to find work and grow accustom to their new home. Eventually through fate they met, fell in love and married soon after. I interviewed a relative in order to find out more about their story and how they made their mark in this new home. I was told that my great grandparents, along with other Polish people were really the backbone of middle class America at the time. Most learned English very quickly in order to adapt to their new surroundings and got jobs that would be considered “blue collar.” Men typically worked on assembly lines, in meat packing, or on the railroads being built nearby. They followed their traditions like religion (typically Catholic), received a neighborhood paper in Polish, and continued use of their native language usually outside the workplace. Their hard work and dedication paved the way for future generations to go a step beyond and continue to leave a positive legacy behind.
My great grandparents worked so hard in their new country in order to give their children a better life than they had growing up as well as back in their native land. Even with eleven children to look after they managed to provide great moral lessons and traditions that are still being passed down to me and my younger relatives today. By doing the jobs others typically would not prefer, and by working hard everyday the people of Poland were able to leave a positive impression on the economy and the country itself. This momentum created by their excellent work ethic allowed their children to attend college so they could provide more for their families, which in turn allowed their children’s children to become more educated and fulfill greater jobs and places in the world today. I know that without the dedication and determination of my ancestors and relatives I would not be able to attend a major university on scholarship or dream of one day attending graduate school. The Polish legacy left behind by my relatives is proof that hard work and willingness to adapt to new surroundings without losing who you are can really make a difference.
When my great grandparents came over from Poland to Ellis Island in New York they were actually on the same ship but had never met. They immediately went to find work and grow accustom to their new home. Eventually through fate they met, fell in love and married soon after. I interviewed a relative in order to find out more about their story and how they made their mark in this new home. I was told that my great grandparents, along with other Polish people were really the backbone of middle class America at the time. Most learned English very quickly in order to adapt to their new surroundings and got jobs that would be considered “blue collar.” Men typically worked on assembly lines, in meat packing, or on the railroads being built nearby. They followed their traditions like religion (typically Catholic), received a neighborhood paper in Polish, and continued use of their native language usually outside the workplace. Their hard work and dedication paved the way for future generations to go a step beyond and continue to leave a positive legacy behind.
My great grandparents worked so hard in their new country in order to give their children a better life than they had growing up as well as back in their native land. Even with eleven children to look after they managed to provide great moral lessons and traditions that are still being passed down to me and my younger relatives today. By doing the jobs others typically would not prefer, and by working hard everyday the people of Poland were able to leave a positive impression on the economy and the country itself. This momentum created by their excellent work ethic allowed their children to attend college so they could provide more for their families, which in turn allowed their children’s children to become more educated and fulfill greater jobs and places in the world today. I know that without the dedication and determination of my ancestors and relatives I would not be able to attend a major university on scholarship or dream of one day attending graduate school. The Polish legacy left behind by my relatives is proof that hard work and willingness to adapt to new surroundings without losing who you are can really make a difference.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Week 10 Blog Reviews
Deirdre Cienki: I really enjoyed your first post regarding all the different point of views of those traveling on a bridge in New York. I liked how you kept the reader hanging while you went on to explain another aspect and point of view of the story. That “cliffhanger” idea really works and is a great deal of fun to read. My only suggestion would have been to take out one particular story in order to develop the other pieces of the post more. While it was exciting and kept me hooked, it also left me hanging because I felt like there were more details about the people as well as the product that could have been explained.
I think the title to your second post is so clever! It really captures the essence of part of the music industry today. I agree with your statement which mentions the fact that although most people believe it is unacceptable for others to call women such demeaning names, but as long as the music sells it won’t matter. You made strong points within your post but I thought it ended quite abruptly. I wanted to read more about the topic and other issues our society is facing if we continue to support music and other facets of life even though they do not follow the morals and ideals we live by. Good Work this week!
Jess: I’m excited to see if you’ll change your background to something for thanksgiving! I really liked your story regarding the on sale tennis racket! I know that has happened to all of us: we believe we have gotten the deal of the century, but in reality there is always a catch! The whole story kept me really hooked throughout and I also liked how you tied the idea having a new racket to being a better player, which turned out to be untrue. I wish you could have incorporated more products into your story, but it sounded like this tennis racket was the only thing that could have made the day! Great Job! P.S. Don’t forget to do both posts! =)
Lauren: I really liked your title “Parental Advisory.” I’m really going to have to start getting clever with my titles in order to keep up with everyone! I liked how you tied in the fact that hip hop has really taken over the globe because it is such an influence and driving force in the modern world. Overall, you made really great comments regarding this topic but I felt like the post itself was too short. I wanted to hear more opinions and thought on the subject, but it seemed just to fall short. My suggestion would be to really sum up all your ideas or create an ending that really drives your point across. Your second post was so graphic! I was not anticipating such a vivid description, but you made me feel like I was in the room which is impressive. I also liked the ending and how the uncle finished what he started regardless of injury. My only advice would be to incorporate more products or elements to the story in order to really create irony like the author did. Great job this week!
I think the title to your second post is so clever! It really captures the essence of part of the music industry today. I agree with your statement which mentions the fact that although most people believe it is unacceptable for others to call women such demeaning names, but as long as the music sells it won’t matter. You made strong points within your post but I thought it ended quite abruptly. I wanted to read more about the topic and other issues our society is facing if we continue to support music and other facets of life even though they do not follow the morals and ideals we live by. Good Work this week!
Jess: I’m excited to see if you’ll change your background to something for thanksgiving! I really liked your story regarding the on sale tennis racket! I know that has happened to all of us: we believe we have gotten the deal of the century, but in reality there is always a catch! The whole story kept me really hooked throughout and I also liked how you tied the idea having a new racket to being a better player, which turned out to be untrue. I wish you could have incorporated more products into your story, but it sounded like this tennis racket was the only thing that could have made the day! Great Job! P.S. Don’t forget to do both posts! =)
Lauren: I really liked your title “Parental Advisory.” I’m really going to have to start getting clever with my titles in order to keep up with everyone! I liked how you tied in the fact that hip hop has really taken over the globe because it is such an influence and driving force in the modern world. Overall, you made really great comments regarding this topic but I felt like the post itself was too short. I wanted to hear more opinions and thought on the subject, but it seemed just to fall short. My suggestion would be to really sum up all your ideas or create an ending that really drives your point across. Your second post was so graphic! I was not anticipating such a vivid description, but you made me feel like I was in the room which is impressive. I also liked the ending and how the uncle finished what he started regardless of injury. My only advice would be to incorporate more products or elements to the story in order to really create irony like the author did. Great job this week!
Buy Now!
Our modern world is driven by the desire to own or operate the most up-to-date technologies and possessions. We live for trends and other products that give us the guidance we need in order to own the latest and greatest. Most believe this concept known as materialism is everything that is wrong with our world; spreading nothing but greed and other negative thoughts through citizens, but is it really so bad? Expansion and constant ability to update what we already have is what advances our society and what allows us to grow and increase our intelligence as a whole. As author James Twitchell mentions in his article, “Two Cheers for Materialism” consuming and owning the newest products on the market is what makes us happy (389).
Materialism is a way to express who we are through what we buy and what we choose to wear and drive. It does not always have to lead to clouded minds or corporate greed, but can bring us to our own place of happiness and satisfaction with ourselves. We work hard for our money and struggle everyday with the common man’s problems so shopping and spending can be a great stress relief just like any other hobby or after work activity with friends. Having a bad day at the office or at school can easily be solved with a great sale at the nearest shopping mall or department store. As long as people keep earning their money and working hard to get it, they will continue to spend it on the items and possessions that make them happy, and who would not want happiness?
The downside to materialism and what people focus most on is the idea that this concept leads to nothing but greed and other environmental defects we all have to suffer from. The truth is that in order to make all the cars, clothes, and other items we hold so dear it takes a toll on our environment and ideas about an ideal life. Decades ago, our world did not revolve around spending and constant turn-over of new products. It relied on hard work and dedication in order to make enough for your family and the small group of those around you. Now a new car or computer is purchased every few years in order to keep up with the trends and those around us so we can save face in our community. Whether we admit it or not, the car you drive, the furniture in your house and even the cell phone you carry allows others to get great insight into your world and whether or not you can “keep up with the Joneses.” Materialism and the need to consume will always be a part of our culture and the lives we lead everyday because that is how we choose to live and use the money we work so hard to get.
Materialism is a way to express who we are through what we buy and what we choose to wear and drive. It does not always have to lead to clouded minds or corporate greed, but can bring us to our own place of happiness and satisfaction with ourselves. We work hard for our money and struggle everyday with the common man’s problems so shopping and spending can be a great stress relief just like any other hobby or after work activity with friends. Having a bad day at the office or at school can easily be solved with a great sale at the nearest shopping mall or department store. As long as people keep earning their money and working hard to get it, they will continue to spend it on the items and possessions that make them happy, and who would not want happiness?
The downside to materialism and what people focus most on is the idea that this concept leads to nothing but greed and other environmental defects we all have to suffer from. The truth is that in order to make all the cars, clothes, and other items we hold so dear it takes a toll on our environment and ideas about an ideal life. Decades ago, our world did not revolve around spending and constant turn-over of new products. It relied on hard work and dedication in order to make enough for your family and the small group of those around you. Now a new car or computer is purchased every few years in order to keep up with the trends and those around us so we can save face in our community. Whether we admit it or not, the car you drive, the furniture in your house and even the cell phone you carry allows others to get great insight into your world and whether or not you can “keep up with the Joneses.” Materialism and the need to consume will always be a part of our culture and the lives we lead everyday because that is how we choose to live and use the money we work so hard to get.
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