New Blog Instructions

You have been given a classroom assignment with clear rules. No anonymous comments are permitted, per discussion in class and on this post. I gave my last warning today. I explained that anonymous posts would result in my having to change the posting format. I am altering the blog and each of you will have to make the appropriate adjustments. I will give further directions next week on how to do that. I am sorry for those of you that followed the rules. I know many of you have truly enjoyed reading and posting.

I would have loved to have had a one on one discussion with anyone that had a concern about the blog posting rules. The anonymous comment posted tonight was one that I would love to have discussed one on one with the author and would still encourage you to come see me so we may discuss this further. I want to stress the blog it not the place for that conversation. This is not Sound-Off; this is a school economics blog site. The assignment was to post comments on economic articles and issues. I have made that clear.

Meanwhile, next Monday's comments to articles will be turned in on paper in class. This will be the new format until further notice.

I would be more than happy to speak to the author of the comment from my last post. I would like to think that none of us would want to see derogatory comments or inappropriate comments; that is the only request that I have made. There is no room for such comments on this economic blog site and no room for anonymous posts.

Respectfully,
Mrs Rowland

Please Be Thoughtful: Rules of Blog Again

Please be thoughtful when making comments. Always read the article and keep your comments related to the article without it being perceived as an attack on a person or issue. Deragatory comments are not allowed. Blogging at school is somewhat different than blogging at home; each of you are still under the guidelines of school appropriate comments. Keep comments appropriate! Remember these are posted on the internet. Comments without no names are automatically deleted. Reminder this is like any typical homework assignment and you will be held accountable for your comments.
I want to stress.......We are doing an excellent job on our comments; most of you are clearly reading the articles and making very well thought out comments. I have only had to delete a few. I would prefer to delete none.
Please add no comments to this particular post. If you want to speak to me directly then I would love to speak to any of you if there are questions and or concerns.

Thanks
Mrs Rowland

Hispanic Entrepreneurship

If you don't think Hispanics are a major force in the American marketplace, think again.
Hispanic business ownership is growing three times as fast as the national average and Hispanic purchasing power is expected to reach more than $1 trillion by 2011, according to the Census Bureau and other studies.

"No Child Left Behind"

This article talks about the current status of, "No Child Left Behind". What are your feelings about this education law? Do you feel changes need to be made to the program? Which way would you answer? No, you are satisfied with the system. or If you do believe changes need to be made then what are they? What does this program have to do with economics?

What Is Too Violent When It Comes To Games?

As a consumer, how far, is to far, when it comes to violence in computer games? Do you agree with this decision in the U.K. or is it up to the consumer to decide what enters their home?

And You Thought High Gas Prices Were Bad

Gas prices that are up and down like the weather. Winter heating bills that are leaving some of your parents already concerned. This article talks about yet another issue of higher prices.... one that will hit you right in the stomach and pocket book.

Problems Backing Up?

First we looked at hover cars, but while we are waiting on the price of those to go down, how about this? Futuristic car makes reversing obsolete. For all those drivers that hate parallel parking and anything else that requires the reverse gear, Nissan could one day have the car for you.

Opinion: Charge It To My Kids

This is an opinion article. If you read it, it should stir thoughts one way or the either. Do you agree with this person? or disagree? Explain who you think should be responsible. Who should pay?

Halloween Costumes Are Still Yet To Be Bought, But Some Are Already Predicting a "Blue Christmas"

We are being told that this might be on one of the worst holiday seasons in years. How might the news of the economy and the contents of this article influence your holiday season? or of those around you?

Pay What You Want?

This one is for the music fans. Read this one and explain what would you do and how would economics impact your decision? For the sake of this exercise, lets assume you like Radiohead.

What Is The Role of Government and Cost of Security In Today's Society....Big Brother, Maintaining Security, and Economics

In the current edition of, "The Economist", we find this article about the role of government and the costs of security in a society that demands protection.

This is article 2 of week 3. Click on article and read before answering with your opinion.

Many Of You Supported Pay for Grade. Let's Take It One Step Further

There was a mix of opinions about pay for a grade, but clearly some of you liked the idea of incentives. Now let's take a real problem that many are talking about and apply the same question. How do you feel about incentives now? Look at the political cartoons and Click on the article, read it and let's talk

This is the first article for week 3.

Pay For Grades

Incentives matter they say. Do you support this?

How would you like to be paid cash to read a book, to come to school, or get good grades on tests or in classes? Read this article to see what some are suggesting.

Mr Bill Get's Vetoed, Do You Agree?

President Bush on Wednesday vetoed legislation expanding a children's health insurance program by $35 billion over five years. Do you agree with this decision? Read the article and state your opinion.

Flying First Class

For some this was disturbing news in this morning's headlines. Are you opposed to tax payer dollars being used in fashion, or do you support job perks?

Verizon unveils iPhone

I wonder how many of us carry cell phones? If you do, are you shopping for a new phone? Verizon Wireless unveiled three new cell phones on Wednesday for the holiday season, including a high-end handset named Voyager that will compete with Apple Inc's iPhone. Will you join the craze and purchase this one or is the old one good enough?

Click on title of article and read for more details.

Twice As Many Americans Are Obese Than Europeans

"Meet George Jetson, his son Elroy, daughter Judy, Jane his wife"...... When we think of the future many of us think of one of the most famous cartoons of all time, "The Jetson's". Now think about the issue of obesity in the United States and picture them again in the future. What's up with American's and their health and what does this mean for the cost of health care for the consumer and the government.

Click on the title of the article to read more and comment.

The World Goes To Town

Every wonder what the future will look like? Sometime this year, the majority of the earth's population will be urban dwellers. What kind of impact do you think this will have on the future?

Craving Starbucks? McDonald's Might Be The Answer

Do you start the day off craving a cup of coffee? When we think of speciality drinks for many, the first to come to mind is Starbucks. To keep up with the competition and to try and get a share of the market, McDonald's just recently came out with a Premium Coffee, now they have announced a new plan for '08. McDonald's has a new announcement that you will want to read. Click on the title to read the annoucement.

Not A Typical Election Year

Do you know this man? No, he is not a wrestler; just a guy who likes a good strong image. A what? Yes, a politician. You have to read this one. We studied this country when we talked about types of economic systems. Look and see what changes might be coming.

Click on Title of story to follow link.