Wall Street Movie Review - Greed Is GoodWritten by John Q. Miller
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as you do not alter it, and you must include resource box (About The Author) at bottom.Wall Street Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen, Daryl Hannah "Greed is Good!" Wall Street takes place in 1985. If you can look past monochrome computer monitors, 5-pound “brick” cell phones, and 80s style of “big hair” – there are many themes that are still timely and very applicable today. Wall Street is story of rise and fall of Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a bored and ambitious young account executive (a.k.a. stockbroker). The themes of greed, ambition, integrity, and temptation run through this film about cutthroat business. Michael Douglas, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Gordon Gecko, villain who quotes Sun Tzu’s Art of War, talks of ripping people’s throats out, and turns Bud to Dark Side. Gordon shows Bud tremendous rewards and power that are available through application of insider information and stock price manipulation. Bud overcomes his initial ethical objections when money starts rolling in and he acquires a plush new condo, a trophy girlfriend (Daryl Hannah), and awe of his fellow stockbrokers. Mentored by Gordon and his quips like “if you are not inside – you are outside, sheep get slaughtered, and greed is good”, Bud increasingly takes greater risks in crossing ethical and legal guidelines.
| | "Will that be Cash or Credit?"Written by A. Raymond Randall, Jr.
From Bangkok to Edmonton, credit card statements stuff mail and email boxes with payment deadlines. Every bill reminds giver that gifts given freely do not come free. Giving and buying often exceed generosity and need as a brittle piece of plastic becomes an avaricious spoiler of hopes and dreams. During this week, two families emailed me about credit card debt. One family lugs $12,000, and $50,000 shackles other. Each family wants relief; however, debt accumulation comes easily while debt relief sucker punches emotions and wallets. Consumer debt burdens workers of all economies. Highways jam with doldrums, "I owe...I owe...It's off to work I go". . Truly, as an ancient proverb reminds us, "The debtor is servant to lender". Nearly every government graphs consumer debt. The U.S. Federal Reserve's January report set U.S. consumer debt at 2 trillion dollars; highest level in U.S. history. Canadians report an all time low savings rate (when debt goes up, savings goes down). Thailand consumers pushed debt levels up 25% last year. United Kingdom families might be forced to reduce their spending or sell their homes if interest rates ratchet up just 1%. Debt management resources can guide consumers to high ground of debt relief as many credit management companies discover need for debtor assistance and education. However, consider these steps before doling out more money to a credit assistance agency. 1. Manage your feelings. Take some time journaling your emotions about money by asking yourself where you learned personal definitions for fear and greed. Have some fun taking innovative surveys found at Emode.com. 2. Push-off weights of procrastination. Take action; do it now. This work requires sweat and concentration, but rewards assure you of freedom and achievement.
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