Welcome to Mr. Nassivera's blog page.  This page will be used for online discussions for two of my classes.  Mostly for the Economics online class but also for Tiger Softball.

Type in the password given to you by Mr. Nassivera and select the appropriate blog.

1. Scarcity: Is it the Key to Econonimcs Anymore?
   Students are to read the article "The Scarcity Shortage" and using the questions to guide your discussion write about the ideas put forth by Seth Godin on scarcity. Remember you are trying to show your ability to comprehend aspects of our economy.
2. Why are there no jobs?
   Students are to join this discussion in order to find reasons why there are fewer jobs and further discuss ideas for increasing jobs in the United States.
3. Will the American Jobs Act Stimulate the Economy?
   After watching the speech by President Obama introducing the American Jobs Act and reading the key points about the act below continue to the online discussion and post your thoughts/reactions and your reactions to at least 2 other classmates' posts. Do you Think it will Stimulate our Economy in a beneficial way? Here are a few important points about how the American Jobs Act works, and why Congress should act quickly: • First, it provides a tax cut for small businesses, not big corporations, to help them hire and expand now and provides an additional tax cut to any business that increases wages. • Second, it puts people back to work, including teachers, first responders and veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and construction workers repairing crumbling bridges, roads and more than 35,000 public schools, with projects chosen by need and impact, not earmarks and politics. • Third, it helps out-of-work Americans by extending unemployment benefits to help them support their families while looking for work and reforming the system with training programs that build real skills, connect to real jobs and help the long-term unemployed. • Fourth, it puts more money in the pockets of working and middle class Americans by cutting in half the payroll tax that comes out of every worker's paycheck, saving families an average of $1,500 a year. And it removes the barriers that exist in the current federal refinancing program (HARP) to help more Americans refinance their mortgages at historically low rates, save money and stay in their homes. The American Jobs Act is based on ideas supported by both Democrats and Republicans, and is fully paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes and by asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. It would have an immediate impact on job and economic growth, but Congress has to act now. You can learn more about the American Jobs Act on Whitehouse.gov.
4. Is Plastic a Pollution and What Sshould We Do About It?
   Disposable plastics are the greatest source of plastic pollution. Designed to be discarded, straws, plastic bottles, plastic utensils, lids, plastic bottles and so many others offer a small convenience but remain forever. REFUSE disposable plastics! Follow the “4 Rs” of sustainable living: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. ou may want to visit this website to find out more: http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/. What was the most significant thing you learned abuot this topic? What will you personally pledge to do to deal with this problem?
5. Babe Ruth: Pitcher or Outfielder?
   The Yankees had to make a decision; use the Babe as a pitcher or as an everyday outfielder? The law of Comparative Advantage allows the organization to make an economically sound decision.
6. What is in Obama's Stimulus Plan?
   Students are to read the speech given by President Obama in Virginia titled "With the Stroke of a Pen" from February 11th at the following link (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/remarks_president_springfield_va/) (If this url does not work simply go to www.whitehouse.gov and search using the title of the speech. You may then have to click on "full presidential remarks."; and listen to his first press conference from Monday February 9th (http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/first_presser/) and respond to the blog topic. Topic: Discuss the different parts of the stimulus plan proposed by President Obama adn your thoughts on its merits.
7. Making Credit Cards Simpler
   After wathing the speech from Alan Siegel defend whether you believed this type of simplicity could make things easier and more understandable to the common person. You may check out a sample of the credit card statement shown in the video here as well. Also, do you think this type of simplicity would help in other ways with other things, like what?
8. Cutthroat Capitalism: Why Pirates Steal
   After you read the article attempting to explain why the Somalian pirates are able to be successful, participate in the online discussion (blog).
9. Energy Crisis: Nuclear v. Renewables
   This blog is a scheduled CLASS-TIME blog. That is, all students are to be blogging at the same time scheduled for 1:00-2:00 on Wednesday, December 3rd. You may logon from any location but must enter comments in the specific allotted time period. Students are to use the link on the Economics webpage to prepare for the online debate. Be sure to reference these materials to support your ideas. Is nuclear power the best way to meet the ever-increasing energy needs of the planet, or do alternative energy sources provide a viable alternative?
10. Adjusting Your Spending Plan?
    Due: 11/18/08: All levels of government are currently readjusting their spending plans, in fact Governor Patterson is holding a special meeting with the legislature next week to make more cuts so that our government does not have a deficit. How are You and Your Family adjusting your spending plan in reaction to the current economic situation?
11. To Take a Risk or Not to Take a Risk, that is the Question.
    (DUE 11/29/08) The Financial Risk Pyramid displays an understanding of the amount of risk that goes into the different types of investment. Are you a safe investor or a risky investor? What is the impact of these types of investments upon our country?
12. Knowing Thy Credit?
    (Due 1/6/08): Students are to discuss the issues of establishing and using credit.
13. Which Financial Institution fits your needs?
    (Due 12/5/080: In this blog, students will share their knowledge of the advantages adn disadvantages of the different types of financial institutions that exist as well as matching the one that best fits your situation.
14. Consumer Spending Down
    Due: 11/03/08. Students will read two articles by opposing editorialists of the NY Times adn post comments concerning the effect of the Economic crisis upon everyday citizens. Read the attached editorials from the NY Times and discuss the pending issue of declined consumer spending. (The editorials are located on the Economics Homepage.)
15. What to do with the American Car Industry?
    Due 11/7/08: Car manufacturers of America's big three companies (Ford, GM , Chrysler) have met to discuss what the next step in saving the car industry should be. Read the article titled "Surviving the Crash" (http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12582588&source=features_box_main) and respond by commenting on this blog.
16. Tiger Softball
    This blog was set up to discuss softball, but has become a place to keep track of the many fundamentals and game play that has been experienced throughout the year. Players may feel free to post comments for discussion or ask questions about what to do or a better way to do it. i hope that this blog will allow those interested in softball to continue their love for the sport.