Academy Graduation BBQ

• Step 1:  Please complete the following form in preparation for our Graduation BBQ next week!

Step 2:  Please thoughtfully respond to the following question. It is also the last question on the form you just completed!

• Please describe your fondest memory from your time at M-A.  Discuss one challenge you have overcome and how you were able to be successful.  Who are you thankful for (friend(s), family, mentor, other adults, teacher, etc).  Finally, where are you headed next?

I'm thankful for my family for always trying to support me and lead to the right way and wanting what's best for me I have never gave up I have always tried my best. My motivation is strong and something I always keep with me 

Transitioning into BUYING A CAR!

Woooooohooooooo!!!  Cruising down the freeway, top down, wind blowing through your hair!  You and your friends are off to Santa Cruz for a day on the beach!  Well ... if you have a car anyways!  Buying a car is a big decision at your age.  There are definitely things that it will make easier in your life but other things it might make more challenging.  For your blog post today, discuss all of the benefits of having a car and all of the problems that having a car can create for you.  In addition, discuss your knowledge of the pros and cons of owning a new car vs. a used car!

Thanks a bunch for your thoughtful, thorough response!  We will get started shortly!!

Pros
You have a car to drive to where ever you want
You don't have to depend on any one
You can get around


Cons
Gas is a lot of money
You can get in a car accident
Car insurance

Earth Day!

Question 1: What does it mean to you to shop locally?

Question 2:  Looking at the image above, what are some of the primary reasons it benefits your local communities economy to shop at locally owned and run businesses?  Give specific examples from the chart that highlight how much of your money stays nearby, where your money goes, etc.

Question 3:  Although it is not specified in the image (and, of course, because today is earth day) what do you see as the environmental benefits of shopping at locally owned and operated businesses? You can take a second to do a quick online Google search for an answer ... you'll find plenty of sites with ideas! 

Remember, your response to each question should be 3-4 sentences ... yes, a little bit longer of a blog post but a good opportunity to do some critical thinking about economics and the environment on earth day!

1 Shopping locally means shopping near where I live or where I am like a supermarket or when I go shopping for clothes also means whenever I can go walking there like a couple blocks from my house. That is what I think is what is locally to you.

It better because people stay there and they shop a lot it's close and it isn't too far where if we don't shop local that's a lot of work driving or walking you waste to much gas. Also when you needed to shop for food people aren't going to want to drive far all the time. That is what I think that picture stays and means.

Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less 

transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character

The Final Chapter!

As we ease into today, how was your spring break?  Did you work a lot?  Play a lot?  A little of both? How did you spend your spring break?  What was your favorite activity over the break?  In addition, what are you looking forward to as we approach the end of the school year?  Are you simply excited for graduation or are there other things you are looking forward to during these last few weeks?  Finally, what is one thing you need to do/accomplish this week that has been troubling you/making you anxious that if you take care of, you will feel better!

My spring break was good I got to rest a Lot I didn't really do much Ernesto worked everyday so we didn't do anything exciting I got to sleep in which is good. This weekend we went to a party I had a good time. On Easter we went to a park with my family we took the dogs and it was fun we were there for like 4 hours. I'm looking forward to bring done with high school. I don't have anything I am stressed about. 

Your Life Situation Card and A Budget

1. What did you notice about your Gross Annual Income and the Net Monthly Income.  Were you surprised and/or disappointed at the amount of taxes taken from your paycheck each month?  What was your Net Monthly Income and do you think it would be realistic to live on that type of budget with your current lifestyle?  Explain!

I'm not that surprised because my family talks about how much taxes they take away  from people it may add with time I had a family so It does make it more difficult when they take money away. No because I'm not married or have two human babies

1. What was your impression of the Budget Guidelines worksheet.  Which of the categories listed seem most important to you to budget for and which categories seem least important?  Do you think the breakdown of how much you can spend in each category works well for your envisioned lifestyle?

In my situation I don't have kids therefore I don't have that many expenses. Second my bill will probably be more high just because houses are more expensive.i have Pets that are like my children so money goes to them in there needs like food and yearly check ups. 

1. Lastly, in looking for housing, what did you find your adjusted monthly mortgage payment to be if you bought a home vs. the amount it would cost you each month to rent?  Does this make you reconsider the possibility of purchasing a home vs. renting one?  What are the pros and cons of renting?  What are the pros and cons of owning a home?  In filling out the home buying sheet, what would appear to be the biggest barrier in your purchasing of a home

I go for buy a home it's better it goes a long away it might be expensive but it's probably the best chose because you own it and it seems more reasonable. It's better apartments are strict and hard to stay in  

Reasons You Need a Budget

After reading the article summarize why it is of critical importance for you to begin budgeting your money now.  Be sure to include examples from the article itself.  In addition, please discuss the likelihood of you beginning to budget your money now.  Have you already?  Do you know anyone who is either very good at budgeting their money or someone who could use some help in that department?  Which of the 5 reasons listed is most convincing to you in terms of the need to begin establishing a budget?

It's important so that you get used to it and that in the future it's much easier for you to be sable. I like to spend money on Starbucks if you don't realize you spend $80 per month on lattes, it will be much harder to break that habit and apply that money toward a priority, such as saving for retirement. I could us the money to save up for something else that more important. At the moment no I don't have a budget but at the same time when I do get a job will budget because I have a lot of plans for my future. Ernesto budgets his money and he does a good job with it. He has a saving, car payment , gas and etc. saving money is important since I want a nice house and nice car and also want babies and pets. 

Wrapping Up Yesterday's Discussion

• Analyze the importance of an education
• Discuss what you believe the state's role in that process should be
• Use very specific statistics to further your argument
• Ensure your paragraph would be motivating to yourself, your neighbor or anyone else moving forward in their academic career
• Within this paragraph I would also encourage you to use first hand examples including:
• your personal experiences and/or those of people you know and how their education (or lack thereof) has affected their daily lives.
• Your thoughts on how a free education may change one's outlook on furthering their education as we move forward.  
• This final paragraph should be thorough, thoughtful and should also include some statistics from the articles you read that strengthen your argument.

I feel as if people should in fact continue their education because it is very important To be successful in life now because prices are going up so you actually now need to go to college and get a degree To get a Job my parents have alright jobs but still struggle to pay bills and they also have worked there for a long time that's why there pay isn't to bad. Colleges shouldn't be going up in prices they should actually give more help to those who can't afford it and are actually trying to better the world. For example I signed up for fancial  ad and they want to give me a loan and I cant afford college but my plan is to be a vet that takes 8 to 9 years imagine the cost of college it's too much how am I going to afford all those loans and the first two years is community college and it's suppose to be cheap but it's not 

The Importance of Professionalism, Responsibility and the College Education!

• What does the article discuss
• What are the benefits of a plan such as this one
• What negatives can you envision about putting a plan like this into place

The first article was about how education is important and how we actually need it to be able to have a stable living 

The economic analysis finds that Millennial college graduates ages 25 to 32

The survey also finds that among employed Millennials, college graduates are significantly more likely than those without any college experience to say that their education has been “very useful” in preparing them for work and a career (46% vs. 31%). And these better educated young adults are more likely to say they have the necessary education and training to advance in their careers (63% vs. 41%).

To examine the value of education in today’s job market, the Pew Research Center drew from two complementary data sources. The first is a nationally representative survey conducted Oct. 7-27, 2013, of 2,002 adults, including 630 Millennials ages 25-32, the age at which most of these young adults will have completed their formal education and started their working lives. 

Taken together, these two facts—the growing economic return to a college degree and the larger share of college graduates in the Millennial generation—might suggest that the Millennial generation should be earning more than earlier generations of young adults.

I am very motivated to go to college it's something I want to succeed in and something I want my goal is to become a vet.

Grades

My grades are good I have As and Bs in all my classes I just want them to stay like that I don't want Any Cs I am happy with my grades I have As on English and Econ. I'm nervous about the next quarter i just want them to stay up and finish strong

4th Quarter

Incredible!  It's already here!!  We have made it through 3/4's of the year (maybe even a bit more) and the light is finally visible at the end of the tunnel!  With that said, as exciting as 4th quarter arriving can be, it does have the potential to be not only exciting but frightening as well!  Now that the 4th quarter has arrived for you, what are some things you are incredibly excited about with the end of the school year on the horizon and what are some things that you are nervous, concerned about as June arrives?  Is there anything you want to make sure you do/accomplish before you leave M-A for the year?


I'm excited that I'm leaving high school and starting my Grown up life and it's scary but at the same time it is a good thing that I am looking forward too I can't believe time flew right now it is getting stressful and I am trying to see that my best option is available. I am stressed about the test I will have to take but I feel like I can study a lot with all the things that is happening. I just want to finish with college at least commutiy  college done in two years.

“Sure, I’d Make That Bet”

1. Why did these banks pay such large bonuses in 2008
2. What grade would you give the decision to award these bonuses?
3. Finally, how might the prospect of such large bonuses affect the behavior of employees? In theory, people have an incentive to perform well if they make more money when their contribution to their bank’s profits is greater. But what happens to the employees when the bank loses money or collapses? If the banks still pay bonuses, and employees know losses will be borne by investors and taxpayers, will they take on too much risk?

Banks pay large bonuses in 2008  because they would loan rich people money and they would go to bankruptcy. I would give these bonuses a low grade because it is taking money from our tax and the money payed of tax are people like my parents. This is wrong because thing that should be invested in education is invest instead in  in paying so rich people can have humongous loans. Large bonuses can destroy our life in several ways like getting a house later in the future but being charge a lot and then I might not be able to pay it and being charged the triple A fine after when I should not be charged this high. Like the video showed college being the problem to make up the career of our dreams.

It’s Utterly Mad

1. Why might they have done this? 

They did because they people giving out the the loan were the ones receiving high pay and didn't care and it didn't seem as a problem to them because they had money it became a huge mess and it didn't work out everything they did was a bad idea. Everyone lost mooney expect for the bankers or loan givers.

1. Was it an innocent mistake, which surprised the banks and rating agencies as much as it surprised most investors? Or was it an intentional ruse, which generated phantom profits and bonuses, even as it sowed the seeds of financial destruction?

I feel as if they did because they didn't really care because all of  employes would get huge amount of money they had houses everywhere. They had a lot of money they had to be blind I feel like they knew but since they got a lot of money they didn't care since it wasn't there problem we lost a lot of money I don't think it was fair. 

1. How, exactly, was it “mad”?

It was mad because everyone was buying houses and everyone was getting zero interests which made a big impact everyone wanted a house but they if the prices went down they got mad since they were paying a lot more so people would leave the house but the banks would charge then and both ended up losing everything was going crazy.

Luck of the Irish

Good Morning and Happy St. Patrick's Day! While in middle and high school here in America St. Patrick's Day tends to be a day to wear all green and pinch your friends who don't, the holiday is very real and a celebration native to Ireland. To kick off the morning today, it only seemed appropriate to spend a moment looking into the true meaning of the holiday. For your post, share what or whom the celebration of St. Patrick's Day actually commemorates and 3 interesting/fun facts you can find about the holiday! Thanks and we will continue with the Inside Job shortly.

Saint Patrick's Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick") is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on 17 March, the death date of the most commonly-recognised patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick 
religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.

St. Patrick wasn't Irish, and he wasn't born in Ireland. Patrick's parents were Roman citizens living in modern-day England, or more precisely in Scotland or Wales

At the age of 16, Patrick had the misfortune of being kidnapped by Irish raiders who took him away and sold him as a slave. He spent several years in Ireland herding sheep and learning about the people there. 

According to legend, St. Patrick drove all the snakes, or in some translations, "toads," out of Ireland. In reality, this probably did not occur, as there is no evidence that snakes have ever existed in Ireland, the climate being too cool for them to thrive. 

The Inside Job Pt. 1

What is a loan?  Do you know anyone who has borrowed money to buy a house?  Who lent them the money?  Did the borrower have to make a down-payment?  Why?

In addition, it is important to know that if a borrower has a bade credit history, as about 1 in 4 peoples do, then their loan is known as a "sub-prime" mortgage.  Why would a bank even consider making a sub-prime loan? 

A loan is money that is provided to you now that you must repay later. Typically, lenders will give you a single immediate payment. In return you will be expected to send them smaller payments each month.  But there will always be interest which most of the time is high. Yes Ernesto aunt recently got a loan but there was for a brand new house everything had to me new to be able to get the loan and they check everything they did have to have some money and they also needed to know info about the job the manger had to write a letter on how much money they made and to make sure they were responsible and can in fact pay everything.

Banks want money coming in a sometimes it's rare they do given out loans to people that have jobs but can have a chance paying of paying but they have a really high interest loan. They get money coming in. 

Creditworthiness

discuss in your opinion what creditworthiness is. Feel free to discuss it on two levels. What would creditworthiness be in your life as of today and what does creditworthiness describe in regards to people borrowing money from a financial institution? Thanks and we will get started shortly

An assessment of the likelihood that a borrower will default on their debt obligations. It is based upon factors, such as their history of repayment and their credit score. Lending institutions also consider the availability of assets and extent of liabilities to determine the probability of default. It means that basic on your passed creidt history it talks about the diffecne of the changes that may affect it. it starts about if you want a loan or etc they check everything. They try to ask question and see if you are actually responiable and can affect the differnt types of things that can help you or not give you any borrowed  money.Borrowing money from bank makes everything safe and it makes things happen and helps with support and you wont lose money like having it on your wallet or house.

Finance Park!

Last week you spent two days learning more about taxes, where they go and how they are determined.  What did you find most interesting about this unit?  What are the 3 types of taxes that are collected and how is that money reinvested into our society and/or our government.

Income tax sale tax and property tax are the three types of taxes. All the moneys goes to the government and that helps with health care and other things. In the end of the year most people get there money back. It goes to your social security and builds up with time.

1.  In San Mateo County, how is the amount of property tax due each year determined?
Its depends how much you make and how many people you have in your house hold and how many kids you have and how much your partner makes it's all about your situation.
2.  If you were going on an all out shopping spree, which state(s) would you most want to be shopping in?
Oregon because they don't have any taxes there and it's much cheaper

3.  What, in your opinion, is the best use for income tax money that is collected?

It's goes to government and it is also helps other things everyone needs like health care and food stamps and most things like jails and etc 

The Simple Post!

http://lifehacker.com/three-self-exams-everyone-should-perform-regularly-1539837210

Today's blog post is simple - find an online blog on a subject you are interested in and share the blog on yours. After including the link, tell us what the title and subject of the blog is and what you find interesting about it. Finish off your blog by highlighting how your weekend was, did you do anything particularly fun and/or exciting? Thanks! I know it's a little off topic in relation to Economics but a little variety never killed anyone

The blog talked about how you should examine your self at least once a month because you can get cancer at any given moment. You need to get your skin checked because you might get skin cancer and other things that can affect your health. That can harm your body and it can also affect your family . You need to put your health first because you never know what can happen it's better to be safe instead of hurting it. My weekend was good I went to the mall to buy my birthday present but I only got one thing and I went to two malls. Sunday I went to a store didn't find anything and just stayed home and relax.

Let's Get Rich!

Part 1:  What do you think would be your investing style if you were to invest in the stock market?  Would you invest and how would you choose your stocks?  Would you choose stocks that are safe and might increase gradually over time or would you be a bit riskier and look for stocks thathave a lot of potential to be successful (but the same chance of failing).

Part 2:  What are some ways you can invest in yourself to ensure you have as many opportunities as possible?  What do you think the keys are to your personal and financial success moving forward?

I would choose something that is very popular and something that people buy a lot and could go up very quickly I wouldn't go for something that is barely coming out because I wouldn't know how it will go I want to make money but lose any. Honestly in real life I wouldn't go for stocks.

To make sure I don't always over spend and also always save some money when it is coming in and not touch until later on or in emergency. My goal is to get a house that I can be happy in houses are very expensive. 

THE STOCK MARKET!!!

 if you can find the most expensive stock on the stock market today!! What is a stock and what are some of the pros and cons of investing your money in the stock market!?!?

They’re the Rolls-Royce of stocks. When you put your money down for shares of Seaboard Corp. or Priceline.com Inc., they don’t come cheap. One share of Seaboard, a global food, energy and transportation company based in Shawnee Mission, Kan., will cost you $2,710. And Priceline? Try $989.03 a share. That’s well beyond the reach of most investors. But as heady as those prices are, they dwell deep in the shadows of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Because one share of Warren Buffett’s multinational conglomerate is currently going for $168,205. That’s enough to buy a median-priced two-bedroom home in Las Vegas with $74,205 left over — or nine brand new Honda Civics.

A stock is a investment that you can choose that makes a huge difference you buy a stock and if that company is doing good you can get a lot of money.

 A stock is an ownership share in a corporation. Each of these shares denotes a part ownership for a shareowner, stockholder, or shareholder, of that company. Stocks are traded on exchanges all over the world, the largest is the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE. Stocks are identified by their ticker symbol. For example, General Electric is identified as GE. Investors can buy a share in companies, or a share of a diversified global portfolio of stocks. Individual Investors can purchase shares for themselves, at a brokerage of their choice, or direct from the company, wherever they have an account set up.

Following Up on Your Academy Check - In and an Explanation of the Gradebook!

1.  Find an assignment in Infinite Campus with a "0".  If the assignment is marked with an "M" for missing you may not make it up!
2.  Complete the assignment.  You can complete it using the link provided, type your responses into an email or even hand write your responses and turn it in - whatever is easiest for you!
3.  Any assignments submitted electronically, you must also complete a post it note with your name and each assignment completed.  You will hand that post it note to me (or the substitute) at the end of the class period so that I can then check what assignments you have successfully completed.
4.  Once you have completed all of your assignments for my class, this time can/should be used to:

Complete you FAFSA (DUE MARCH 2nd)
Research and Apply for Scholarships
Contact the school you plan to attend and register for placement exams/get answers to questions you might have about enrollment
Complete any/all work for your other classes
This time is dedicated to you and should be taken full advantage of!  Today is a study hall - you should be sitting in your assigned seats and should be working quietly and on your own.  I will not accept assignments from the first few weeks of school after today so assignments not completed in class that are marked with a "0" should be completed by midnight tonight.  You can find the corresponding assignments in Schoology.  The assignments in Infinite Campus have the same title as those in Schoology so your missing assignments should be easy to find!

If you have any questions, concerns, etc. please be sure to email me during class so that you can move forward with your assignments and be successful!

Thank you in advance for an outstanding work period.  I will have your new, updated grades by Tuesday of next week!!  I will also collect your JA Finance Park Workbook next Tuesday.  As of today, every single page up through page 25 should be complete!  No exceptions!  With that said ... lets get to work!!

How much work do you and your 2nd period classmates have to make up?  As of this morning:

9 students have F's
11 students have D's
3 students have C's
3 students have B's
1 student has an A

Again, no late work will be accepted after todays block period ... so submit the work, complete a post it note and return it to the sub before the end of class!!  No exceptions!

Preparing for the Future

1.  Please discuss all of the things that you love about the Academy.  What makes it unique, special, comfortable for you and how has it helped you be successful as a student?
2.  We will call this the constructive criticism piece which is important for anyone or anything to ever improve.  What would you like to see change about the program, how could it support you better and/or if you could make a single change in the courses, activities, structure, etc what would that be.
3.  Respond to the following set of questions, honestly, located at http://goo.gl/hVMWkc


1.I like the fact that we get to know our classmate very well we have a closer bond also with some teachers we are close to from over the  years which can be good and bad. i like that we have field trips even though i feel as if we should have more that regarding colleges because we only went to one or two. they should really stayed focused on students and colleges and help them reach their goal.

2. I dont like the computer animation program we are stuck with it and it is very hard i feel as if they should give us more options like video or other ones that i am not familiar too. Also they should have more class to help with college like math. my goal for high school was to go to a four year and sadly this year i found out i couldn't and honestly it sucked and i dislike highschool because now i feel as if i have to start over and my dream and goal  is ruined now.

3. Completed.

The Future Awaits!

• How satisfied are you with your performance this Semester?
• Are you doing your very best in school and/or where do you have room for improvement?
• What surprised you most about your grades, progress, etc as you went through Infinite Campus?
• Explain the importance of education in your opinion?  Is it very important, not important at all or somewhere in the middle?  Explain your response.
• Feel free to address anything else related to your academic progress

I am pretty satisfied the only class I'm not happy about is computer Amin it's too hard he goes to fast and he wants everything perfect and it's a really hard I just don't understand it 

I feel as if I am trying very hard in school I have a A in English and I had a C - before and my other class are As and Bs expect comp 

The computer Amin one it's just one missing assessment and I have a low C-

I find that education is very important to be successful in  life yes some people get lucky but now you have to have something more then a high school degrees and be something that makes good money 

Happy Friday and the Start of I.O.U.S.A!

• The Federal Budget Deficit. As we wrestle with the economic problems facing the country, it is important to understand the reality of budget surpluses and deficits, their relationship to national debt, and how the level of national debt affects average Americans and the economy in general.

• The Savings Deficit.     1.insufficiency in an account or number, whether as the result of defaults and misappropriations or of mistakes or shrinkage in value.

      excess of the U.S. government’s spendings over its revenues. Many economists believe that federal deficits can lead to inflation.
      The Trade Deficit
trade deficit occurs when the value of a country'simports is greater than the value of its exports. This means that the country's balance of trade is negativ

• The Leadership Deficit

Our leaders in the public and private sectors of the U.S. economy have allowed the other three deficits to emerge because they are viewed as the easy and personally profitable courses to take. In the public sector, politicians are encouraged to propose fiscally irresponsible policies-proposing what only sounds like free tax cuts or free public spending-in order to "profit" in their elections.

The USA spending more then what they have and they are in debt. It is a huge problem and it won't help us in the future. It is extremely bad for everyone.

Final Factors of Production Presentation & the Risks and Rewards of Investing

Overall, what was your impression of this project?  What did you enjoy the most about it? Was there anything particularly challenging about the project for you?  What would you say are some of the most interesting things that you learned from completing the project and listening to some of your classmates presentations?  Finally, what would you change, if anything, about the project for future years?

My impression of this project is that I learned where many products were made out. The product I use  it nice to know where it came from. I liked looking for I formation I like how we got to chose the product I learned that a lot of product that they didn't tell most of the things where everything that's changed I would have more information and websites maybe that will help a lot it changed a lot it helped a lot of movements it changed in the past. It moved it in a time it was a lot.

Middle of February!

1. Give a detailed 5-7 sentence summary of the article you have just chosen and read.
2. Explain in 5-7 sentences what economic affect this issue has on the world or the area it is directly affecting
3. Explain in 5-7 sentences how this issue either currently affect (or could affect) you, your family or community and express the importance of people knowing about this topic.

The article that I chooses is about Obama care it is about how a lot of people have signed up and that they are doing good so far. Obama care is actually working a lot of people are signing up. A lot of people are 1.1 million picking plans the state makes. The only thing is that not everyone has payed the money but some have. About a quarter of people signing up are age 18 to 34, lower than the roughly 40% share that the White House and independent experts had originally forecast. So not a lot of older people have singed up so that maybe that they don't know how or they don't want to or don't have any idea what that is.

This is affecting the whole untied states because everyone is going to need health insurance one way or the other they are going to need it. Maybe people already are signing up which is good but they haven't payed which is bad because if they don't pay it will be bad for everyone. Or else it will not work. The number of younger enrollees is a crucial metric since insurers want to attract healthier individuals to balance out older, sicker enrollees. There has been a lot of discussion about the importance of young adults in the marketplaces but no consensus on how many young adults are needed to achieve the right balance and what happens if those numbers aren't reached. I feel like it is going to affect everyone in one point.

This could affect my family that doesn't have health insurance that will need to sign up because it is very important you never know that could happen. I feel like the propures is very long. My family should pay when they sign up just in case something. Bad happens. Most of my family tart doesn't. Have insurance are young around 25 so I feel like they need it the most. Some 64% of young adults picked silver plans. Catastrophic plans, which are reserved for those under age 30 or who qualify for hardship exemptions, attracted only 1% of those signing up.

Credit Cards Continued!

Good Morning!  Today we are going to spend our day discussing Credit Cards, Investments, and, well, just focusing on planning your future!!  We have discussed some of the pros and cons of credit and debit.  To start off today, try to list all of the benefits you can think of for having (and using) a credit card.

Simple as that :)  I have  a list of 9 ideas ... see how many you can come up with!

If you have good credit when you want to buy a house or a car they will give you better deals and make much easier to pay it off 

Credit cards are very useful for emergencies

Credit cards are often required to hold a reservation

• 
  Credit cards offer protection against fraud above and beyond other payment tools (like debit cards, especially when shopping on the Internet)
  
  
  Many credit cards offer great bonuses, such as cash rebates and frequent flyer miles (you automatically get these bonuses for just using the card!)
  
  
  And perhaps most importantly… if credit cards are used responsibly they can help you 
  establish a positive credit history
  
  Buy now pay later
  
  Easy way to handle payments or make payments
  
  Buy online
  
  Rewards cash back
  
  Travel more
  
  
  
  

Happy Tuesday!

1. What is the theory of the article in regards to the success of different countries at the Olympic games?
2. Do you agree or disagree with this theory and WHY?
3. Do you think that this can be applied to other aspects of society, even in ours?

The elements of this model are as follows: To explain how many medals a nation will win at the Winter Olympics, the authors considered a nation’s population and per-capita income.  In addition, they authors included four dummy variables that incorporated the impact of hosting the games, the political regimes of each nation, the amount of snow each nation gets, and the number of ski resorts and winter sports facilities in each country.

Again, one should note that this study does not consider the abilities – or even the identities – of the athletes involved in these games. 

They stay focused on there goal and they practice and practice and make sure that everything turns out good

  I agree because so far it has worked maybe more then others but it still does work 

No I don't feel like it because honestly I find it point less 

Cogswell College

Good Morning and Happy Monday!!! I hope you had a great weekend and are excited for 2 back to back 4 day weeks!!  Yup, that's right, you have a 4 day weekend ahead of you!!  With that said, hopefully you just had a good weekend and are ready for a strong finish to the first progress period of the second semester!  Grades will be coming out next week!  As seniors, in addition to focusing on your grades, it is also important to ensure you know all your options for next year and make a good decision for you of what's next!!  With that said, and knowing that some of you have already made choices about what or where you're headed next year, what do you know about Cogswell College?  Feel free to take a quick look at their website - at first glance, what are a few things that look interesting to you about a school like Cogswell? What would make you hesitate about going to a school like Cogswell? Try to think about 3 things for each of the above questions. In addition, feel free to highlight what your "tentative plan" is for next year and why you are feeling good about that choice at this point!


I have never heard of this college but I have heard about colleges like it. For example I was looking at caring ton college it is a vet tech field I liked it but the only thing is that I want to go for a veterinarian because they are more successful I feel and a vet tech you get paid the same as a high school student which sucks. I feel as if it's a good idea if that's really what you want to do. And you won't be able to fall on something else if you change your mind.

Finishing up "Life and Debt"

what is your evaluation of the IMF's mission statement?  What is the purpose of the IMF loans to developing nations and do the free trade conditions have a positive or negative consequence for countries like Jamaica?

I feel as if IMF isn't doing such a good job they aren't being fair they don't give people the right to sell whatever they wish to sell they are very strict they don't give them money they should make the people that actually live there aren't happy they are being controlled. Money isn't a lot there even with America  money. I don't find it far at all. Nothing is positive unless you are just going to vacation. 

State of the Union 2014

1. What do you know about the State of the Union Address?

I don't know anything about state of union address I don't really know anything that is going on I don't follow. 

What is the purpose of the State of the Union Address and why does the president give this speech each year??

Obama declared independence from Congress on Tuesday as he vowed to tackle economic disparity with a series of limited initiatives on jobs, wages and retirement that he will enact without legislative approval.

When was the first State of the Union Address given?

year of action” as he tries to rejuvenate a presidency mired in low approval ratings and stymied by partisan stalemates,

What topics do you think will be addressed within the speech?

emotional point of the evening came with the introduction of Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg, an Army Ranger the president had met both before and after he was ravaged by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. 

Factors of Production and Coca Cola's Super Bowl Advertisement

Now, having watched the video, believe it or not the inclusion of different languages sparked comments on Coca-Cola's Facebook page calling the ad a disgrace and unpatriotic.  People commented:

"Speak Engligh or go home," "screwed up a beautiful song. No Coke for my family," "Hey, This is America, English Please."  Of course, not all feedback was negative.  One person posted "Thanks CocaCola for reminding us that we are beautiful because of and not in spite of our linguistic diversity.

After reading this, what are your final thoughts on Coca Cola's recent decision to air this ad and what were the costs/benefits of the decision?
I liked the America song and it was good because it had different people and it basically some up American I like it a lot it was good it gets your attention and it speaks about all the different things. I think the coca cola had the color of the flag. It was cheesy but I like it it gets people attention I didn't like I don't really have option about that.

I still find a good commercial it is America and we are a free county and it is all for everyone. They changed different raises and enjoying the drink they want everyone to drink that drink as people anyone can drink it . It was good for the company it was good example it had lot of viewers.

Finance Park!

Good Morning and Welcome Back! I hope you had a great weekend ... maybe a little fun, a little work and a little time to relax ... to kick off today, we are going to review a little about what we covered last week before playing a game called "Gotta Have It" which will focus on the pros and cons of using credit cards vs. debit cards. Before that, however, I need you to complete pages 1-6 in the workbook you just picked up :) Thanks and we will get started as a group shortly!

TUESDAY & The Factors of Production

As we know the four factors of production are Land, Labor, Capital and Entrepreneurship. Of those 4 factors, which do you believe is the MOST important in regard to finding success in the business world? In addition to listing the one you believe it most important, please also explain why and give an example if possible! Thanks and we will get started with presentations shortly!


I feel as if Entrepreneurship is the most important because most people come up with different ideas everyday but what makes a product famous and successful is how people make it become famous and make everything matter and have different changes they need to make the product become famous and make people want it.

Life and Debt

For today's blog, and in preparation for watching today's video, please do a quick internet search and define what "Globalization" is.  Based on the definition you find, describe whether you think Globalization is a good thing or bad thing.

Please also take a moment to look up the IMF.  What is the IMF?  What is their overall goal as an organization?

These concepts WILL help you better understand "Life and Debt"

1. Globalization 
   growth to a global or worldwide scale; "the globalization of the communication industry"
   
   
   It can be either good or bad at a time it means new things happen and change it makes the world bigger if we are talking about resources it makes a big difference but also changes how people live there life.
2. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 188 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. It goal is to make a changed and help our people become a better person as a whole.

Supply and Demand

Today we will be mainly focusing on the Law of Supply and Demand.  To being, please research and write about a product or service that you believe the price will rise or fall significantly over the next several years.  You can look online for a product or service to get ideas if you need and can also look online for a reason why you think this price change will occur.

Again ... the essential question for today is: What is one product or service for which you believe the price will rise or fall AND why do you think this price change will occur?

I believe that the demand will go up if it is like fixing your car or even anything around the house like a heater or the water pump it will always go up just because it might not always happen to everyone clothes in the other hand I feel as if  it might go down more people are getting expensive clothes cheaper north face for example you can get them in north storm rack for cheaper. Now almost anyone can afford them.    

Switching it Up!

What do you think?  Is Wal-Mart Good for America?  Have you ever shopped at a Wal-Mart?  What are some things that are good or even great about Wal-Mart?  What are some things that are bad about Wal-Mart?  Try to develop a thoughtful response and we will get started shortly.


Yes Walmart is good for America it gives people low prices and saves people a lot of money and a lot of Americas shop there which is good they save money I don't really ever go there because I feel as if it has some cheap things that aren't worth getting but school supplies are cheap and good. Walmart has almost all the products they have pet stuff house clothes baby shoes iPads phones which is good the only bad thing is when you work there they don't give full time benefits which isn't right but if you choices to work there that is your problem over all it is a good store I guess

Returning from A Long Weekend

"About 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and technology is almost as pervasive," said OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas. "We take our smartphones with us everywhere, and OtterBox is dedicated to making these activities as worry-free as possible. The Preserver Series is dependable, seriously waterproof protection that you can trust."

The two-piece case snaps together for easy installation. It boasts a solid plastic frame lined with device-cradling foam and overmolded bumpers to absorb and deflect shock away from the device inside. The built-in screen protector guards the vibrant display from scratches without inhibiting touch sensitivity.

Otterbox cases are running different company and they are trying to make new cases like the waterproof case that they are trying to copy they are both very expensive. Otterbox is cheaper then the waterproof case but the otter case looks cheaper well at least that's what I have noticed. 

Is Wal Mart Good For America ... Continued

Today we will be finishing up the documentary about WalMart and whether or not it is good for America.  Last Friday, with little or no background you discussed some of the things you liked and disliked about Wal-Mart and whether you thought they were good or bad for America.  Having watched the first half of the documentary, what would you say are Wal-Mart's best and worst practices?  In other words, what are some things that they do that are good and what are some decisions they make that are bad?  Feel free to address the following:

• their control over the market/manufacturing
• prices matter most to WalMart
• WalMart driving down the price of goods
• WalMart rejecting Rubbermaids price increase
• High Road vs. Low Road of Competitiveness
• High Margin Items
• Opening Price Point Practices
• Etc.

The best things that Walmart does is have good deals on some certain things. It's sometimes way cheaper then Costco. They know how to run there products and marking problem 

The bad things are that the products look cheap and look as if they aren't going to last. They don't give there customers rights don't give them benefits which I feel isn't fair  for someone if they have worked there for a long time. It focus other companies to lower there product other business get out of business and etc

Productive Resources & Entrepreneurship

1. You have learned about the factors of production or the resources needed to produce goods and services. List all the major resources that the Strauss brothers needed to make jeans.

Land:  refers to natural resources that exist without human interventions

Labor:  work people do it's also called human resources

Capital: another factor is capital the manufactured good used to make other goods and produce other services

Entrepreneurship: refers to the ability of individuals to start new businesses introduce new products and processes and improve management techniques.  

2. All resources fall under 1 of 4 categories. Land: Natural Resources to make a product. Labor: Workers. Capital: includes tools, buildings, and equipment. Entrepreneurship: the ability to combine the other 3 resources to make or improve a product or service. List each resource as Land, Labor or Capital. 

  

You would need to find places where it wouldn't be more expensive to get what you want you will need to have to go somewhere local a place it wouldn't sell that much so that you can make a prof eft in Whatever product

.   3.Did the Strauss brothers possess entrepreneurship? Explain.

Yes because the main brother had other ideas and he wanted to sell but in the end he done something more useful that still sell a lot now in days he is an entrepreneurship he found a good idea that he can follow 

Factors of Production

Good Morning - Today you have one 50 minute class period to prepare for your upcoming Factors of Production presentation. To ensure we make the most of this period, please highlight what product/company you have chosen to investigate. In addition, through todays research please also highlight 3 interesting facts you learned and how they are applicable to the land, labor, capital or entrepreneurship aspect of the product/company! Thanks and lets make today as productive as possible!


My product is otter box cases

Starting with something as simple as a box, OtterBox was created in 1998 and built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity and perseverance. Our cases are dedicated to all the klutzy, spontaneous, chaotic, graceless individuals who have broken a device or valuable due to their active lifestyle and like our customers, we've been there too!

Richardson soon found himself in Fort Collins, Colo. on scholarship at the Earl C. Martin Academy of Industrial Science, but it wasn’t quite what he was looking for so at age 18, he started an apprenticeship at a local molding company. By 21, he had bought Genie Plastic Tooling and in 1981 he started Richardson Tool and Mold. Other ventures sprung up including Richardson Finch Manufacturing and Richardson International, where he imported molds from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Poland for Mattel®, Display Technology and other US companies. When the international excursion ended, Richardson went back to the basics…his garage. Associated Tooling Concepts was created and soon Richardson was approached by the Wilkerson Corporation to form Associated Molding. Compiling all this industry experience, Richardson created the first prototype of a waterproof case in his garage in the early 90’s and in 1998, OtterBox was born.

Personal Finance Unit 1 - Financial Institutions

1. I track how I spend my money regularly. 1
2. I use a personal budget to plan how I spend money. 1
3. I talk to my parents or guardians about my financial goals. 1
4. Before making a purchase, I ask myself if this is a need or want. 3
5. I save money for my future needs and wants. 1
6. I set personal financial goals for myself. 4

When I have a job Ernesto and I are going to have a budget well he already saves his money and tracks everything with all the money he gets which I will do the same once I get my job we will both then have a saving account for our future a house. Other things we spend money on is maxx and kodis food and vet vists  also gas are the most important other then that we try not to spend money on things that are not nessary.  

Factors of Production!!

Land:  refers to natural resources that exist without human interventions

Labor:  work people do it's also called human resources

Capital: another factor is capital the manufactured good used to make other goods and produce other services

Entrepreneurship: refers to the ability of individuals to start new businesses introduce new products and processes and improve management techniques.  


Shoes clothes balls

Needs vs. Wants

1.  To kick off the day, brainstorm a list of common needs and wants such as food items, clothing, or entertainment expenses.  Next to each item on your list, note which ones you would classify as needs and which ones you would classify as wants! 

Need:
House
Food
House appliance 
Clothes 
Shoes 
Car
Dog supplies (food vet bill money etc)


Want:
Puppies
Starbucks
Candy
Chips
Phone
Money
Kittens
Purse
Wallet
2.  Why are people affected by scarcity regardless of their income?  Would you agree with the statement that there is no such thing as a free lunch?

Everyone is affected by scarcity because people are always going to want things things we don't really need but want like for example I have a phone and a laptop but I want a new iPad I don't need it but I want it. Food is never free we always have to pay or do something to earn it. 

3.  Take a moment to identify the factors of production for a t-shirt business.  In a  small group, discuss the land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship that would be required to establish a business that designs and sells t-shirts. Be as thorough as possible as you develop this list.  Each individual will need to write a brief summary highlighting the factors of production needed to start this business.

We need Cotten to make the shirt oversea picking up the Cotten it has to be shipped. Capital sowing machine trucks cars transportation person to marketing it and selling it. Land is using natural resources not created by people. Labor includes people working manual labor or performing services capital manufactured goods such as buildings tools and computers used to make others goods. 

4.  Why might businesses in one country seek natural resources or other materials needed for production in other parts of the world?

Business do that to sell the product and get a better product and they want the best product and people want everyone to get it. More affordable to get transported to protect environment and etc.

Welcome Back

 

My break was good I got to spend a lot of time with my family it was resting and chill I was stress free. My highlights were spending time with my boyfriend and maxx and kodi. I spent a lot of time with Ernesto's family and mines last year Ernesto spent most of the holidays with my family so this year was different we spent most of the time with his which was nice and fun. The only reason why I am excited to be back is because I am almost done with HighSchool this should go by fast and I hope so.


No I didn't make a new years resolution I find no point at least for myself. Everyone wants changes in there life I had a good year it made me grow as a person no I'm not perfect but I am growing and learning new things I feel that I have learned some lesson and now realize how I should handle situations in a less childish ways. My one goal is to finish HighSchool strong and go into college ready and motivated I have a lot on my way and I have to be ready and not kill myself just take it one step at a time. I want As and Bs this semester.