Directions for Stock Game

-Go to www.smartstocks.com

-Click on "Sign Up", fill out the info, and click submit
-Click on "Group Features", then "Join a Group"
-Use the pulldown menu to "AP Econ BHS 2012", and enter the password "Bulldogs", then click "Join Group"
-Click on portfolio to begin investing your initial $1 million!!!
-Click on the "Groups" link at any time to see how you rank in class

ECONOMICS BLOG: Monetary Policy

In a paragraph, respond to the following prompt:
"With slow economic growth, should our Federal Reserve engage in Easy Money Policy by increasing the Money Supply and lowering interest rates?"

-Be sure to include an explanation as to why you agree or disagree with the prompt, as well as why either the positives or negatives of such an action are more important to you.

-In a 2nd paragraph, post a comment on a fellow classmate's entry in which you explain the reason for your not agreeing with his/her proposal.

Both parts are due by 8:15 a.m. on Monday, December 12.

IFA Disputes Iowa Franchise Tax Ruling - Alex Beals

The IFA has warned the U.S. Supreme Court of the ramifications of the Iowa Supreme Court that allows the state to tax franchises that are only in Iowa. The IFA feels that this tax as well as the tax placed on goods bought from foreign countries is "strangling" them. They say that imposing these taxes is not only unfair to the franchise, but all of the owners, and workers in these businesses. The tax was put in place to increase revenue for the state and ultimately the economy.

I am personally for this tax for many different reasons. First off, if the tax is good for the economy to help regain strength and not fall deeper and deeper into depression. Second, using this tax will limit the power in corporations and keep from monopolies ruling the market. Yes, i agree it could be devastating to some people in terms of money, but its better than the inflation rate increasing as well as the market crashing.

Tennis bubble owner disputes property tax

http://www.benningtonbanner.com/ci_19343790

In Bennington the owner of a tennis bubble that is on town property is appealing a tax bill. Richard Ader created the bubble over four tennis courts that is in a park, the bubble is valued at $168,000. He signed a lease with the town to build the bubble. Ader made improvements on the property that include perimeter fencing, exterior lighting, and outbuilding with an office, a utility closet, two bathrooms, electrical rooms, and a single shower room. The property tax was over $4,000. Ader appealed the tax because he says that the improvements were made to town property so they should be exempt from taxes. Ader's appeal was denied.

I disagree with this tax because is is not simple and the benefits received are not fair. First, it is not simple, when he first got the bubble he payed a certain amount in property tax. Now he has to pay a different amount. As he adds more things to the bubble the tax increases with means it is not simple. Second, it is not fair in regards to benefits received. The whole town gets to receive the benefits so there is not reason for him to have to pay the property tax. The benefits don't go to Ader, they go to anyone who uses the tennis bubble. The lease says that the improvements will become town property at the conclusion of the lease agreement so if its town property he shouldn't have to pay for it.

ECONOMICS BLOG ASSIGNMENT: Tax Article

Find an article, written in the last year, about a tax dispute at either the federal, state, or local level. In one paragraph, summarize the article (who, what, where, when, and why). In a 2nd paragraph, either praise or criticize the tax in terms of any 2 of the 4 tax fairness criteria-- be sure to explain your reasons.

Also, post a paragraph-long comment on another student's entry where you explain your reason for disagreeing with one of his/her praises or criticisms.

You may not review the same article as another student. Post the article website somewhere in your review.

This assignment is due by 8:15 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21.

ECONOMICS BLOG ASSN: UNIONS

In at least one paragraph, recap a recent internet news article about a union vs. management dispute. This must have occured within the last six months, and cannot be from the union's website. (Include the article's website address somewhere within your blog entry.) You cannot review the same article that another student has already used.

In a second paragraph, argue in favor of either management or labor regarding the issue. Last, post a paragraph-long comment on another economics student's entry, explaining whether you agree or disagree with that student's viewpoint.

This assignment is due by 8:15 a.m. on Monday, November 14.

Economics- Externality Blog

Find an original news article about the positive or negative externalities of a product. In a blog entry, post a paragraph-long summary of the article. Also, post a paragraph-long critique as to whether or not you believe something should be done about that product's externality? Be sure to include the website address of the article somewhere in your entry, and you cannot use the same article as someone else-- first posted has claims!

Last, post a paragraph-long comment towards another student's entry which you disagree with, explaining your position.

This entry is due by 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8.

ECON BLOG ASSIGNMENT #1: US Health Care

In a paragraph, justify whether you think our current, Capitalism-style Health Care system is the best option for America, or if you think we should have more of a Communism-style, government-operated Health Care system. Explain at least 2 reasons for your position.

Also, post a paragraph-long comment on another student's entry in which you clarify your differences with his or her opinion about Health Care.

This assignment is due by 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26.

Econ Blog Assignment #1: McDonalds

Should the construction of a new McDonalds on the corner of 18th and 53rd be allowed? In at least a paragraph, argue for or against this development from a private property and capitalism standpoint. Also, post a paragraph-long comment on another student's entry which has an argument you disagree with, explaining why you do not concur.

This assignment is due by 8:00 am on Friday, August 26.

ECONOMICS- BLOG ASSIGNMENT #2

Find a recent internet article (within 6 months) about free trade or international trade. In one paragraph (at least 4 sentences), review the facts of the article. In a second paragraph, argue for or against free trade in your particular article's situation. Be sure to include the web address of your article somewhere in your blog entry-- you may not review the same article that another student has already used on this blog.

Last, post a paragraph-long comment on another economics student's article review-- more than one student may post a comment on one student's article review. The comment should evaluate your fellow student's argument, not your fellow student.


This assignment is due by 8:15 am on Tuesday, April 5.

PHILOSOPHY BLOG ASSIGNMENT: Worldwide Protests

Choose either Buddhism, Confucianism, or Daoism. Assume that you are the leader of a group that follows your choice for these philosophies, and your Middle East country is currently on the verge of civil war as the military and government crack down on the democracy protesters. In at least one paragraph, explain what you would tell your group to do, based on its philosophy.

This blog entry is due by 8:15 a.m. on Friday, March 4.

PHILOSOPHY BLOG ASSIGNMENT: MULTICULTURAL RESPONSIBILITY

With the election of President Obama, have we achieved MLK’s dream of equality and "responsible democracy"? On the Hornadayblog, post a paragraph-long entry in which you make your argument. Be sure to include a specific example that supports your argument.

This blog entry is due by 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 25.

PHILOSOPHY BLOG ASSIGNMENT: The U.S. Government

What type of government do you think the United States actually follows, and what type should we follow? In your first paragraph, make an argument for the type of government you feel we actually follow. Use a specific example in making your case. (The forms of government are explained on the "Borka" scenario sheet.)

In a second paragraph, make an argument for the type of government we should follow. Explain how a specific problem would be best solved with your suggestion.

Third, post a paragraph-long comment that either argues against another student's first paragraph or his/her second paragraph.

All three paragraphs are due by 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22.

PHILOSOPHY BLOG ASSIGNMENT: Morality Comment

Using one of the five ethical approaches (Utilitarian, Rights, Fairness, Common Good, or Virtues), post a paragraph-long comment that disagrees with one of your fellow students' Hornadayblog entries about the morality of prisoner interrogations. This is due by 8:15 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 14.

PHILOSOPHY BLOG ASSIGNMENT: Government Interrogation and Morality

In at least three paragraphs, explain whether or not you feel our military and government acted immorally with regards to its interrogation techniques and terrorist suspects. Include at least one expert source in your argument. Post your entry on the Hornadayblog. This is due by 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

PHILOSOPHY BLOG ASSIGNMENT: Human Nature is Good

Find an article that supports the contention that "humans are good by nature". In one paragraph, review the major facts of the article. In a second paragraph, explain how the article's facts provide support for the contention about humans being good. (Be sure to include the article's web address somewhere in your post.)
-You cannot use an article that another student has already used (first posted, first served).

-This blog entry is due by 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25.

PHILOSOPHY ESSAY: The Meaning of Life

What is the Meaning of Life? Based on all of the theories we have analyzed in this unit, choose your favorite and defend it, using a formal essay format (intro paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, conclusive paragraph). In your argument, include examples, stories, and personal experiences.

-Create your essay as a word document-- this should be uploaded to www.turnitin.com for review. A hard copy must also be given to the teacher.

-Also, copy your word document and paste it onto the Hornadayblog (using "Edit Html")-- you must also write a two-paragraph critique of another student's philosophy that you disagree with (this can be done by placing a comment on that student's entry, or by writing a word document)

All parts of this assignment are due by the beginning of class on Friday, Jan. 14

ECONOMICS BLOG ASSIGNMENT- MARKETS

Find a recent internet news article (within 12 months) about market competition or market failures-- examples include the Federal Trade Commission, privatization of public goods, public financing of public or private goods, the economic costs of externalities, etc.. In one paragraph (at least 4 sentences), review the facts of the article. In a second paragraph, explain two benefits from the situation. In a third paragraph, explain two negatives from the situation. Be sure to include the web address of your article somewhere in your blog entry-- you may not review the same article or event that another student has already used for this assignment.

This assignment is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 7.

ECONOMICS BLOG ASSIGNMENT #1

Find an internet article about the use of cheap labor as a business resource. In one paragraph (at least 4 sentences), review the facts of the article. In a second paragraph, argue for or against the use of cheap labor in your particular article's situation. Be sure to include the web address of your article somewhere in your blog entry-- you may not review the same article that another student has already used on this blog.

Last, post a paragraph-long comment on another economics student's article review-- more than one student may post a comment on one student's article review. The comment should evaluate your fellow student's argument, not your fellow student.

This assignment is due by 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 21.

GEOGRAPHY BLOG ASSN. #3: European Land Disputes

You need to find an internet news article about a land dispute in your assigned European Union country. (Examples might include old or new buildings, road construction, boundary disputes, bridges, property rights, etc.) In at least one paragraph, review the major facts of the article-- what is the dispute about, who is disputing the land, what are the major arguments, etc.. In a second paragraph, explain which side of the dispute you agree with, and why.

This assignment is due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 3.