Aubrie:
Your post on the government and how it should control its people was very well written. You included both sides of the argument then stated your own opinion, which strengthened your claim because you agree with both sides. You had some great examples and pointed out valid arguments which support both sides of the issue, and I think you did a great job. Your second post about finance as a discipline was also very well written. You stated the facts that were included in the article and summarized the whole thing very well. I liked at the end how you mentioned that science is no longer hit-or-miss; it really concluded your writing very well and made me think about how it truly no longer is hit-or-miss.
Mary:
In your post about the government and how important it is, I like how you asked questions to get the reader thinking about what life would be like with no government. There would probably be no order which would change the way that we live every day. You had great evidence to back up your claim about a government is necessary to live, even though people may break the law, which is their own free choice. Great job! Your second post was also very well written. You gave an immediate definition and history of finance, which gave the rest of the blog a foundation. Good job referring back to the text; I enjoyed how you kept this post short and sweet while still including all of the necessary information.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Financial Discipline and Everyday Life
Although the discipline of finance is a newer discipline in the academic and professional worlds, it had been a long time coming and has gone through a variety of changes to become what it is. In more recent years since WWII, economists have begun to study human behavior and actions and translate this into mathematical equations to show how people deal with financial issues. This has turned into the discipline of finance. People look to financial advisors to get advice on how to deal with their money to get the most interest out of it and earn as much as possible.
Due to technology's advancements over the years, the financial discipline has greatly improved. Computer models are now possible to see increases or decreases in income or spending. Scientific calculators can also do more equations quicker than the human brain ever could, so they help compute complex financial equations in a faster and more efficient matter. The American economy has evolved into a very different thing than it was hundreds of years ago, and these changes have also influenced how money is spent. The discipline of finance observes these changes and therefore can give people advice on how to spend and save their money most effectively due to the economic status. The economy influences social change, and social aspects definitely influence how people choose to spend their money. The discipline of finance can help show a population how to spend their money on extras, like clothes and homegoods, while not spending too much. This is important because looks matter to many people, and showing how much is available to spend on extras can aid people in not spending too much, but still be able to enjoy the extras.
The discipline of finance is an interesting thing to research because there are so many aspects of it. The history has made it what it is today and allows it to continue to evolve and strengthen as time goes on. Finance is incredibly important for everyday life, and allowing it to be in academic and professional worlds gives everyone a chance to integrate finance into their lives to most effectively use thier hard-earned money.
Due to technology's advancements over the years, the financial discipline has greatly improved. Computer models are now possible to see increases or decreases in income or spending. Scientific calculators can also do more equations quicker than the human brain ever could, so they help compute complex financial equations in a faster and more efficient matter. The American economy has evolved into a very different thing than it was hundreds of years ago, and these changes have also influenced how money is spent. The discipline of finance observes these changes and therefore can give people advice on how to spend and save their money most effectively due to the economic status. The economy influences social change, and social aspects definitely influence how people choose to spend their money. The discipline of finance can help show a population how to spend their money on extras, like clothes and homegoods, while not spending too much. This is important because looks matter to many people, and showing how much is available to spend on extras can aid people in not spending too much, but still be able to enjoy the extras.
The discipline of finance is an interesting thing to research because there are so many aspects of it. The history has made it what it is today and allows it to continue to evolve and strengthen as time goes on. Finance is incredibly important for everyday life, and allowing it to be in academic and professional worlds gives everyone a chance to integrate finance into their lives to most effectively use thier hard-earned money.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Happy Medium
It seems as though choosing one side of the libertarian/governmental spectrum would be a little bit drastic. I don't even want to think about what America would be without the government and laws. Millions of people live in this country, and if all of our ideas were used because there were no rules to stop them, mayhem would quickly occur. Because of this, there must be a happy medium between allowing people to have independent thinking and ideas and having set rules which govern a group of people.
In Josh McHugh's essay, he describes encryption technology and the effect it can have if it is not stopped. If something like this was allowed to run freely without the FBI having a say in how it is run, imagine what the world would be like. First, digital money could start to replace paper money, which would take away all forms of controlling finances and would therefore give people infinite amoutns fo money (McHugh 441). He also mentions that the internet takes away a sense of authority, which in many ways is plausible (McHugh 440). If there were no laws which determined what can be shown on the internet, search engines like Google could be used to find the secret information that only the government knows and should not be public information.
Since it is obvious that allowing free will and no laws would result in disaster, what about total control from the government? Would taking away people's free will and the chance for positive change to occur be better? New ideas result in new ways of doing things which can lead to improvements, and taking this away would not allow for any change. A government completely controlling the people would force everyone to think the same thing and act the same way, and would take away individuality which makes everyone unique. Due to this, it is apparent that allowing some government control along with free thinking is what is necessary to have a successfully running society.
In Josh McHugh's essay, he describes encryption technology and the effect it can have if it is not stopped. If something like this was allowed to run freely without the FBI having a say in how it is run, imagine what the world would be like. First, digital money could start to replace paper money, which would take away all forms of controlling finances and would therefore give people infinite amoutns fo money (McHugh 441). He also mentions that the internet takes away a sense of authority, which in many ways is plausible (McHugh 440). If there were no laws which determined what can be shown on the internet, search engines like Google could be used to find the secret information that only the government knows and should not be public information.
Since it is obvious that allowing free will and no laws would result in disaster, what about total control from the government? Would taking away people's free will and the chance for positive change to occur be better? New ideas result in new ways of doing things which can lead to improvements, and taking this away would not allow for any change. A government completely controlling the people would force everyone to think the same thing and act the same way, and would take away individuality which makes everyone unique. Due to this, it is apparent that allowing some government control along with free thinking is what is necessary to have a successfully running society.
Week 11 Blog Reviews
Aubrey:
You made some great points while talking about materialism which both supported it and showed how it is something that can be very harmful. I liked how you showed both pros and cons then made your own decision about materialism and how it is overall harmful to not only people but also the environment because of waste. I enjoyed reading about your German heritage and the impact that Germans have had on America. I didn't realize that they had such an influence on the Industrial Revolution, and using sources like the US Embassy really helps solidify your evidence and give you more credibility. Great job!
Mary:
Your post about materialism was very interesting to read. I think that it may have been more effective if you did not list the negative effects then describe why you think materialism is a good thing because it took away from the positive aspects of materialism and why you think it is a good thing for our country. You did list some good sources and have good points as to why materialism is both good and bad. I very much enjoyed learning about Native Americans and they impact they have had. Although they did not come here from a different country, they still greatly shaped the way that America was formed and still continues to run today. You pointed out a lot of ways that Native Americans have shaped America, and you did a great job making this blog!
You made some great points while talking about materialism which both supported it and showed how it is something that can be very harmful. I liked how you showed both pros and cons then made your own decision about materialism and how it is overall harmful to not only people but also the environment because of waste. I enjoyed reading about your German heritage and the impact that Germans have had on America. I didn't realize that they had such an influence on the Industrial Revolution, and using sources like the US Embassy really helps solidify your evidence and give you more credibility. Great job!
Mary:
Your post about materialism was very interesting to read. I think that it may have been more effective if you did not list the negative effects then describe why you think materialism is a good thing because it took away from the positive aspects of materialism and why you think it is a good thing for our country. You did list some good sources and have good points as to why materialism is both good and bad. I very much enjoyed learning about Native Americans and they impact they have had. Although they did not come here from a different country, they still greatly shaped the way that America was formed and still continues to run today. You pointed out a lot of ways that Native Americans have shaped America, and you did a great job making this blog!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Italian Influence on America
The Italians have had more of an impact on the American culture and economy than one would assume. First of all, the word "America" is based off of Italian explorer's name, Amerigo Vespucci, who helped prove Columbus' idea that the new islands he found were actually a new continent. Italians were also the first to cross through New York Harbor when immigrants began to travel to the New World. Italian culture immediately began to have an impact on America from the moment that Italians set foot in the new country. They brought their love for food and music along with them, and this still continues today with Italian Americans. Italian neighborhoods were formed where many immigrants lived in homes near each other, and this began to preserve the Italian culture because all of the people living near each other would only buy from each other and share traditions together. The Italian culture has also impacted the American economy in a few ways which have positively changed the pathway that the economy has taken and will continue to take.
During times of early immigration, unskilled Italian worked would immigrate to America to get a job and then send money home to their loved ones. This greatly helped the American economy because factories and other businesses needed the unskilled workers to continue their business and not have to pay someone a lot of money for work. In more recent years, Italian Americans have stepped up to larger positions which keep the American economy running in the past and hopefully will hopefully help strengthen it in the future. There are a few Italian businessmen who have founded or run major American companies, which have left a lasting positive impact on the American economy. Bank of America was founded by Amadeo Giannini and the Chrysler Corporation is managed by Lee Iocacca. Although many Italians who live in America today are 4th or 5th generations, they still have the customs that their ancestors had who were immigrants to America. This allows them to still influence American culture and economy in similar ways that their ancestors did, and therefore continue to leave an influence from their homeland on America.
During times of early immigration, unskilled Italian worked would immigrate to America to get a job and then send money home to their loved ones. This greatly helped the American economy because factories and other businesses needed the unskilled workers to continue their business and not have to pay someone a lot of money for work. In more recent years, Italian Americans have stepped up to larger positions which keep the American economy running in the past and hopefully will hopefully help strengthen it in the future. There are a few Italian businessmen who have founded or run major American companies, which have left a lasting positive impact on the American economy. Bank of America was founded by Amadeo Giannini and the Chrysler Corporation is managed by Lee Iocacca. Although many Italians who live in America today are 4th or 5th generations, they still have the customs that their ancestors had who were immigrants to America. This allows them to still influence American culture and economy in similar ways that their ancestors did, and therefore continue to leave an influence from their homeland on America.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"Fired" Up for Improvements
I am a little biased being from Chicago because I think that Chicago is quite possibly the greatest city ever. I love the skyline and shopping on Michigan Avenue, and I can't even begin to explain how much I love riding the train into the city to spend some time in "sweet home Chicago." However, Chicago would not be what it is today if it wasn't for the Great Chicago Fire that occurred on October 8, 1871.
It was a regular Sunday evening in Chicago, IL, when, as the story goes, Mrs. O'Leary's cow knocked over a lantern, starting a small fire in the shed around 9 pm. The fire quickly started spreading, but the fire department was not alerted of the blaze until 9:40, when a pharmacy pulled the fire alarm. Since Chicago was going through a drought, all of the dry wood easily caught fire, and this fire started to become out of control. The fire eventually overtook the waterworks building, cutting off water supply to the city, so firefighters had to give up. Finally, on Tuesday morning, the fire extinguished itself because it became too small to continue, and it took down almost 4 miles of the city with it. The fire killed 300 people and left thousands homeless, being forced to rebuild from scratch.
Rebuilding began almost immediately, and many people rebuilt in almost the same place where their homes burned down because they loved Chicago so much. This allowed for the latest and greatest techniques to be used, and because of this, many people were attracted to the city from other places around the country and even around the world. Chicago was eventually built up to what it is today, being one of the most populous and economically important cities in the country. The economy became stronger than it ever was before, and new fire fighting techniques and safety tips also came out because of the fire that were shared throughout the country.
Although the Great Chicago Fire was a complete disaster when it was happening and immediately after, it is now seen as something that helped improve Chicago an immense amount and quite possibly helped other fires be stopped sooner because of the lessons learned from it. I think that part of the reason that I love Chicago so much is the history that it has, and the Great Chicago Fire is something that will never be forgotten.
It was a regular Sunday evening in Chicago, IL, when, as the story goes, Mrs. O'Leary's cow knocked over a lantern, starting a small fire in the shed around 9 pm. The fire quickly started spreading, but the fire department was not alerted of the blaze until 9:40, when a pharmacy pulled the fire alarm. Since Chicago was going through a drought, all of the dry wood easily caught fire, and this fire started to become out of control. The fire eventually overtook the waterworks building, cutting off water supply to the city, so firefighters had to give up. Finally, on Tuesday morning, the fire extinguished itself because it became too small to continue, and it took down almost 4 miles of the city with it. The fire killed 300 people and left thousands homeless, being forced to rebuild from scratch.
Rebuilding began almost immediately, and many people rebuilt in almost the same place where their homes burned down because they loved Chicago so much. This allowed for the latest and greatest techniques to be used, and because of this, many people were attracted to the city from other places around the country and even around the world. Chicago was eventually built up to what it is today, being one of the most populous and economically important cities in the country. The economy became stronger than it ever was before, and new fire fighting techniques and safety tips also came out because of the fire that were shared throughout the country.
Although the Great Chicago Fire was a complete disaster when it was happening and immediately after, it is now seen as something that helped improve Chicago an immense amount and quite possibly helped other fires be stopped sooner because of the lessons learned from it. I think that part of the reason that I love Chicago so much is the history that it has, and the Great Chicago Fire is something that will never be forgotten.
Week 10 Blog Reviews
Aubrie:
I'm glad we can be in a group together! It was nice meeting you in person. I really enjoyed your story about the golf course and you driving into the pole. It was so funny to read and I almost started laughing at the MU when I read it. You did a great job of presenting the story in an interesting and humorous way, and this is something that can be challenging while also including all of the important events. Great job!
When you pointed out that women should be looked at as individuals and not judged on boob size, I really started thinking about this issue. Lyrics are incredibly condemning toward women, and it is safe to assume that some men are beginning to think this way since they are emerged in this music every day. You did a great job of making points neither defending or supporting the claim, then putting in your own opinion, which gave it credibility because you had already had facts before expressing your opinion. I think this was a very well constructed blog post!
Mary:
Your short story about Abby and her shoes was hilarious! I have a friend who recently went through something similar (she didn't break her ankle or spend $1,200, but embarrassed herself in front of her ex), and reading this made me think of her immediately. It can be difficult sometimes to share a short story because it can be hard to condense it to just a few paragraphs, but you did a great job at this and I loved reading it!
When you mentioned that it is the professionals who promote scandalous behavior and fashion, it got me thinking about this issue more than I ever have. This was a great point to bring up because I think that we as a society do not see the professionals as the ones who come up with these ideas, but instead the popular culture and maybe those in Hollywood. When you ended your post saying that they could show some respect, I think this was a great way to tie it up and get the reader thinking about how this could possibly change. People deserve respect, and flauting our bodies is not a way to earn it, so how can this change?
I'm glad we can be in a group together! It was nice meeting you in person. I really enjoyed your story about the golf course and you driving into the pole. It was so funny to read and I almost started laughing at the MU when I read it. You did a great job of presenting the story in an interesting and humorous way, and this is something that can be challenging while also including all of the important events. Great job!
When you pointed out that women should be looked at as individuals and not judged on boob size, I really started thinking about this issue. Lyrics are incredibly condemning toward women, and it is safe to assume that some men are beginning to think this way since they are emerged in this music every day. You did a great job of making points neither defending or supporting the claim, then putting in your own opinion, which gave it credibility because you had already had facts before expressing your opinion. I think this was a very well constructed blog post!
Mary:
Your short story about Abby and her shoes was hilarious! I have a friend who recently went through something similar (she didn't break her ankle or spend $1,200, but embarrassed herself in front of her ex), and reading this made me think of her immediately. It can be difficult sometimes to share a short story because it can be hard to condense it to just a few paragraphs, but you did a great job at this and I loved reading it!
When you mentioned that it is the professionals who promote scandalous behavior and fashion, it got me thinking about this issue more than I ever have. This was a great point to bring up because I think that we as a society do not see the professionals as the ones who come up with these ideas, but instead the popular culture and maybe those in Hollywood. When you ended your post saying that they could show some respect, I think this was a great way to tie it up and get the reader thinking about how this could possibly change. People deserve respect, and flauting our bodies is not a way to earn it, so how can this change?
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