Corporate Financial Profile: American International Group, Inc.

In September of 2008, AIG's shares fell up to 30% while its stock was deflated by 70% after warning investors that it would be hit severely due to credit default swaps written to guarantee security to subprime mortgages. This was all during the time AIG was providing $400 billion in credit protection to banks and other clients around the world. On September 16, 2008, FRBNY (Federal Reserve Bank of New York) graciously gave AIG a two-year security loan to prevent any reverberations in the world economy, as well as to stabilize AIG itself. The loan was for $85 billion. Due to the large amounts of money AIG owed to the U.S. government and FRBNY, I say that this corporation as largely contributed to the recession we are in today. In recent quarters, AIG CEO Robert H. Benmosche has stated that it is AIG's top priority to eventually repay the United States the money it owes although they do realize it will not happen immediately due to how much money they owe.

-USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/insurance/2008-09-12-aig-shares-drop_N.htm

-http://www.aigcorporate.com/aboutaig/index.html

Sweatshops

I have recently learned a lot about free trade, sweatshops, and how globalization affects the world we live in. Whether you like it or not, sweatshops are huge components to free trade which plays a significant role in globalization. Based on the information I have collected, I cannot and will not change my consumer habits. There is really nothing in my power that I can do to "fix" the labor practice of sweatshops. Answer this question for me bloggers: what would I be able to do? Let your opinions loose!

My first blog EVER

Hey Everyone,

My name is Lauren and this is my first blog ever. I've never done this before, but I think it's a good idea for posting information on discussions I am having in class so I can get other people's opinions! I am majoring in psychology and hope to eventually become a psychiatrist for the Air Force, but that's just an up in the air idea. This quarter in English I hope to learn how to write about many different topics on a broad spectrum. This blog can help because I could get responses and input from people all around the world.

I guess I'll tell you a little bit about myself :) I currently work at a dress boutique in which I sell special event dresses and it's actually prom season so it's a little crazy and stressful >.< It's funny because out of my friends I feel like I am one of the only ones to say I actually love my boss! She's amazing! My favorite place I have vacationed is Hawai'i. I am a huge beach bum, so you can see why it would be my favorite place :D Speaking of beaches and being outside, I love nature! Besides my Air Force idea mentioned above, I hope to one day work with animals or own a huge ranch with hella different kinds of farm animals. Maybe even a baby tiger! But that's probably illegal :p

I am honestly a very happy person right now. For about 3 years I suffered from depression. Most of my high school career was spent in pathetic misery. Why was i so depressed? I don't feel like getting into it becasue even I don't know. The point is, I am full of life now. In literally the same week, I got myself an awesome job and an amazing boyfriend :D Hopefully after I graduate from Foothill, I will attend Sonoma State or get my own place with my boyfriend and attend San Francisco State. GO GIANTS!!!! In case you didn't just notice my sudden sports team outburst, I am a sports fan. Mainly I watch football and baseball and volleyball.  I also play volleyball! I've been exposed to it my whole life and playing since I was in fourth grade. I currently play for Foothill and we are undefeated in our league. Although balancing my job, boyfriend, volleyball, and school is a little tough I like it. Everything keeps me busy and out of trouble, which is a new thing for me ;) I'm busy, happy and living a great life! Right now I am just focusing on getting my classes done with good grades!

 

Recently in class I completed a worksheet about the process of free trade and where most of the world's goods and materials come from. It was made relevant to me that the people who make most of the clothes I wear, harvest the food I eat, and assemble the technology I use are very young, poor, and struggling people. They are unfortunately paid a few cents a day and work in the most horrific conditions. The companies that run and own the free trade zones are only out to make more money because it is believed that struggle is an inevitable part of the process of a developing country becoming a developed one. The only worry of these huge companies is providing for the masses in the most efficient way possible. Repost and let me know you thoughts!