3.+4.+Does+money+ever+sleep?

** 3. 4. DOES MONEY EVER SLEEP? ** ** This page will be open till Monday, 23rd January. Please, edit the page and start participating. Be creative and innovative, OK? A. 1. How would you answer this question "DOES MONEY EVER SLEEP" ** Money, among other things, made the world too selfish, to divided and not fair at all. I really wish I could have lived for a moment in our ancient times to see the true spirit of society. Money is universal, either you have or not. In the past, people paid in food, leather, tools, work... So, everybody could get a chance to pay back, to earn something. Nowadays, what we have, what we can afford, or what we're allowed to do is ruled by money, and money is ruled by an ulimited power, a corrupt both political and economical system, "friends" and greed. Therefore, money can never sleep because right now there's an unbreakable relationship between men and money, itself. We build each other. If one of us falls asleep, the rest falls apart. Vitória Melo Nowadays, with the economic crisis, not only in Portugal but also in other countries, people are becoming even more selfish and concerned with money. Families who live in difficult conditions and have a small amout of money to spend are constantly suffering as they loose lots of opportunities because of it. Not mentioning ocasions when they don't even have money to put some food on the table.I believe money doesn't sleep as it's always moving from one place to another. Unfortunately, poor people don't have the luck to see that money knocking at the door with a green beautiful pijama at night saying: "Now, you can sleep better. I arrived". Sometimes, we don't realize how lucky some of us are... Teresa Silva. Obviously, money is present in our everyday lives. Whether we depend on it to feed ourselves and in a daily basis to go to school, work or we are "forced" to spend it, purchase something extra.. So, as people often say, it looks like it flies from our hands. I suppose that the true meaning of this quote is that something like money, markets or even wealth are instable and unpredictable. Business people's luck might change in a second and the movie allowed us to understand that money is fragile and if you make a wrong decision it might cost you everything. On one day you can be on top but in the next you might take a great fall. Emilia Mota For having been created with the purpose of regulating trades between people/entities in a more and more global society, money must keep up with our pace. No matter how long you think about it or how much you value it, money has the quite special ability of being present or implied in almost everything you do in your daily routine. The way I see it, it's not just a way of differentiating people (often implied as a form of gradually widen the gap between the rich and the poor); no, it is not that quite at all. It is, in fact, one of the very basic needs of Mankind of creating something that would correspond to one's work, achievements and skills (at least, that was the goal), in order to go side by side with our lives, mirroring our labour, materializing it, in a way; in way that it would stay alive as long as our need to stand out does; in a way that it would never sleep. Guilherme Cerveira

Every action we take in our world involves money. We need money to eat, to pay for our studies and materials we need to study, to move to one place to another and so on. Money is always circulating. At every time, there's always someone who's buying or selling something. Even when we have our money kept in a bank, it is circulating. That's why we say money never sleeps. ** Gonçalo Henriques ** **Money was made so the world could be more organised so if we stop the big "actions" were money is invlved we would be in a less organised world. The global village is the music that keeps money awake so money is always being use. look to multinationals they never stop so if they are money machines the money never sleeps.**

**Renato** ** 2. Compare the following videos and make your conclusions, please :)) ** media type="youtube" key="NWg8iaLuBDg" width="414" height="340" [] Money never sleeps because it is always moving on and back, even while we are sleeping. 'money never sleeps' is using as metaphor for saying that the money never 'stands still'. ** Mariana Ferreira 12hF **Money never sleeps and doesn't let sleep. The money is always moving and a stop would have catastrophic consequences in world. All the money in the world involves lot of stress and pressure for all who make their life around it**. Rita Pinto 12thF ** You're both so right. I liked the idea that "money never sleeps nor lets the others sleep". By the way, what do you think of the European economic and financial crisis? ANA In the beggining it all started with the crash of the Wall Street's stock market as we saw on the Movie. The Effect was like a "Domino" and so we were all affected. In contrast Portugal has the 4th best football league of the world :D Great Diogo Marques 12thF Well, it does support what I just said. Money is just like the chocolat produced in a factory. It needs a motor and we, human race, fit the bill and it feeds people. But not just random people, more of giant beasts already overfed that can't help feeling starved. Plus, it's so sweet and addictive that it creates a claustrophobic bubble in which we can always make room for some more... money. Off course this seems tremendously negative but money is needed, it will always be and more than trying to run from its harsh consequences on men's attitudes to get it or spend it, we need to struggle to have enough to provide for our families and take care of ourselves. Nonetheless, it was that hunger for power and wealth that led to this financial calamity we face. We can't point fingers because, in general terms, we all threw ourselves into this black whole. It's up to us to find a way out, accepting the damages this is having. Vitória Melo

Comparing the two videos, I have to admit that my favourite one is the second video. Just because of the rythim of the music and the dancing part associated to it. I think one good advice also is to use (if you can do it) this routine in a oral speaking activity, it would be a blast ! The song itself is a success, probably, because of the catchy phrase  Money makes the world go round repeat so many times through the song. And indeed money makes the world go round. We now by experience that it is impossible not to contact with money, every single day. The system requieres constant exchange in terms of money to get what you or what you need. You always know that if you're someone money, you loose and the other person wins. Well, that other person has to spend it too, so it's pretty much a circule x) That's why you know your money is always moving and as far as you can tell, my fifty cents that I've used last week to buy cookies may be on Sydney by now. I guess you never know. Mariana Marques

**B. 1. If you had any money, would you like any investment counselling? Why (not)?**  ** When we want to buy something that is very expensive like a house or a car we should ask for an investment counseling because if he/she is a good professional, we will be more safe and more informed about the investment we want to do. Perhaps, we will find a totally different opinion, however, the decision is up to us and we should consider the advantages and disadvantages we can have. ** ** Teresa Silva. **  Money, when properly invested, generates even more money, (supposing it is a business), so I think that an investiment counseling can always help the investor in order to make profit in what he/she chose to invest. But, of course it depends on what you want to invest, if it is a car or a house I think the concern should be whether we are investing money into something worthwhile. Ana Margarida Aguiar

Yes, I would like very much to have counselling on this matters. Actually, I would like to learn how to invest money, on the Internet. I know, but not with many details, that you can create in the Internet virtual money by playing games that you can, actually, turn into real money! For instance, I know people who invested very little money on online poker and they've made their own little fortune out of it, profiting much more than, for instance, four hundred per cent. Mariana Marques Investing is actually more reliable than saving money. If I had a reasonable ammount of money, I would like to invest it one way or another and for that I would definitly need a counsellour because I´m not that good with economics. **But:** I would never invest in the stock market, that is just showing the Big Shots we would do the same as them (wreck families by gambling with their money) if we were in their position. Alexandre Paya

Yes, I'd definitely ask for some counselling since, despite being familiar with numbers, I don't intend to follow a career founded on maths or economy and dealing with money is getting more and more hard. Therefore, smart investments with real financial advantages are vanishing, especially when they're done with no reasonable standards. If I had a significant ammount of money to invest I'd buy a vine in Douro and get myself in the Vinho do Porto exportation business. It has always been something that fascinates me widely. Vitória Melo

** 2. Now comment on the following video. ** =media type="youtube" key="pYjTPLuNiok" width="385" height="310"= It's a funny video which shows how materialistic people can be. not only does the man do something wrong, which is answering to the person on the phone, but it also shows how people can be when they (or their partner) have enough money to buy such things. ** Mariana Ferreira 12thF **I've seen a cartoon with the same message. The video shows how futile the woman on the phone is. It seems that her life was all about money and her "husband" managed to be so bad as her, letting her spending huge amounts of money. If I had lots of money, probably I will look for investment counselling so I can apply my money in a good way without waste it. ** Rita Pinto 12thF ** Very good comments:)) But, are we, in general, spending too much money without controlling our consumerist desires? Is it our fault that the economic crisis is haunting us? Or is there sb or sth else to blame too for this catastrophic situation? ANA I think the problem is that we always throw the blame to somebody else... In general, we are reckless people, we sometimes disregard the consequences of our actions. Some "folks maybe at risk of bankruptcy and still buy a brand new car that day. That really happens and it just shows our irresponsable this society is. Rita Rebelo  ** I liked very much this video especially the end, it was very funny. It is a good commercial as it shows us lots of perspectives of our modern society. We can see how money is becoming so important for people and how consumerism is affecting us. It can also be related with the acceptance that people, in general, but also families demonstrate in what concerns money. **** Teresa Silva. **  **  Ahahah, I totally agree with Mariana Ferreira. With the problems we're facing nowadays involving crisis and stuff like that, it's good to see this matters approached in a funny way. Also, they used the stereotipe that women are always asking new items, and being so materialist. Well, as we know, that's partially true but men can also want to be spoiled with their expensive cigars, new cars and all the stuff that a person desires. I would also lpike to point out that it is quite good the possibility to call on companies like postbank where people who don't have a clue how to manage their money, get a chance to learn how to do it. Mariana Marques **

**3. a. What’s more important for you, your friends or money?** ** Definitely friends. Unfortunately, we lose some while we grew up and sometimes because money and businesses become more important than them. However, I don't see money giving us hugs and supporting us at one level that can replace good and true friends. **** Teresa Silva. **

====Friends, undoubtedly. They are the family we can choose, and there is any money that may be more important than them. Moreover, as Teresa said, there is no money that can comfort us when we need as a friend does. All the money in the world could never pay thevalue of a friend. Ana Margarida Aguiar ====

=
Friends, of course. I think that the main goal in everyone's life is to be happy. Money can contribute to happiness, but like we saw in "Into the Wild", happiness is only real when shared. We can have a lot of money, and still not be happy. When we have true friends, happiness is a certainty... I wouldn't trade my friends for all the money in the world. ** Gonçalo Henriques **=====

I think friends is the obvious answer. Our happiness comes from the most simple thigs that the world has and that is friendship, true friendship is the key for a happy life. Money can provide you a little momment of happiness but won't buy it. Rita Pinto

Oh c'mon ANA, you also ask such interesting questions... This one is for begginers and newbies. We now have almost two year experience from wiki debates. It can not has another answer but frinds of course. Though, you know..., money make things a lot easier. Mariana Marques We can count the real friends we have by our fingers. Money is everywhere. At the end of the day we end up appreciating what we find rare to feel and what we struggle to own. Owning a true and lasting friendship is keeping so many memories, overcoming tiring adversities, laughing until you can't move your mouth muscles. I can't deny that money can arise an enormous generosity and provide a happier path to people in need. Being able to help improving these situations can give us a strong emocional balance. However, we can show our solidarity through different means. And when it comes to friends, there's no backup plan, no replacement. Money is useful, is a tool to attain our purpose. Friends are the purpose itself. Vitória Melo I also think that friends should come first. However, I do believe that sometimes we have to look out for ourselves, even if that means leaving our friends behind. For example, when in business, people have to be professional and understand that tough decisions have to be made. Accepting and respecting that is also part of being a friend. **Núria Paulo **

**b. Watch the following episode of “Friends” and comment on it.** media type="youtube" key="wCyKcfraV1c" width="385" height="310" I really love this serie, I've watched all seasons and I've already seen this episode. In my point of view we must always put friendship above money, because we go down, when we colapse, when we aren't we the ones who are there for us are our friends. and that can't be bought by the huge amount of money. Mariana Ferreira12thF You are so right, Mariana:)) Support, companionship can't be bought no matter how hard we may try to influence other people's opinions by flashing huge?? amounts of money, can they? ANA Like everything in life, there's got to be a balance. We can't question how valuable our friends and loved ones are, a human life has no price. However, in this world we won't get anywhere without money, we can't live without it. If we take this example, even though it's fictional, they stick together throughout all those years, making us laugh. I believe that there are many groups of friends like that all over the world, that are there for each other all the time, no matter what. In the end, I can prove that "friendship" beats "money": If the former fails, you can't get with money (at least truthful and honest), if the later fails, your friends, being loyal to you, will do everything to help you. So, is it better to have one or none? Emilia Mota ** Friends is really a great serie in which we can take lots of lessons and learn in a funny a way. This scene just confirms that real friends are for life and money isn't. **** Teresa Silva. **

**C. Now, let’s concentrate on the film “Wall Street, Money Never Sleeps”** **1. Watch the trailer of “Wall Street”, the 1987 film by Oliver Stone. State your impressions on it.** media type="youtube" key="hEagxf1XNVQ" width="375" height="300" This first movie, "Wall Street", as the one we watched in class, shows the "backstage" of some huge business and investments, combined with the arrogance and greed of Gordon Gekko, a milionaire that does everything in order to reach his goal: gain more and more money. As it is a sequel and second movie starts with his liberation (I think this is the correct word), maybe this movie shows how he went to jail. **__Henrique Duarte 12F__** I never watched this movie so I can't say it is better than the one we saw in class but from what I've seen in the trailer we also get the importance of Gekko in the movie. The intrigue is basically the same, all that matters is money. Teresa Silva. As I can see by the trailer, even without having seen the film, is that Geeko is the same as ever, with his characteristic expression "Greed is good", and his aim as always: make money. Teacher told us in class that this movie is considered a sequel, and it shows how Geeko went to jail, we can understand how everything happened watching it. Ana Margarida Aguiar

**2. You’ve just viewed the film “Wall Street, Money Never Sleeps”, the sequel of "Wall Street". Watch its trailer and then write your own interpretation of the movie.** media type="youtube" key="1Hu9UDzidK8" width="395" height="320" In comparison with the other trailer I find this one more suggestive, probably because I already saw the movie or it reflects better our current days as it's more recent. I liked it because made me realize how money ruin lives and also how it goes from one place to another without we even know exactly in what we are investing. When we finally understand, we were tricked by someone. Great choice, I only think they should explain better some vocabulary and concepts during the movie. On other hand the subplot was also quite interesting and the symbolism of the bubbles kept my attention. ** Teresa Silva. ** I enjoyed the movie and its plot, despite all the "economic language" spoken in it, (which was difficult to understand sometimes), but also makes us realize a little more how the world of money and business works and everything that happens into it. I found intriguing but at the same time interesting how from $ 100 million Geeko could obtain billions, and how people manage to earn more money. Ana Margarida Aguiar I enjoyed the movie more than I was expecting and not just because of Shia LaBeaouf’s capacity of breaking young hearts. It englobes real important social contents namely the economic ups and downs, business techniques and the unconscious influence money has on people’s live and relationships. For someone like me, who doens’t know a lot about economic issues, it allowed me to understand better the situation on which we’re sinking, and hopefully it’ll teach me not only how to organize my future life and make 1 billion profit from a 100 dollar (I'm not as wealthy as Mr. Gekko) bill but also not to mingle money with personal issues, that nowadays it’s becoming real hard stupidly. Ana Carolina Albuquerque This type of movie can really capture your attention as it deals with corruption and the power of success. Furthermore, Gekko brings up an important issue: can greed be good? Some people say that it can when in the right amount. Who defines that line, then? Besides, in spite of being very easy to judge these people who get swallowed up by the desire of becoming influential, sometimes I wonder how difficult it is not to be influenced by the lies that surround us. The fact is we never really know what we’re capable of doing to protect our family and provide for them.
 * Núria Paulo **

 "Money never Sleeps" is a wake up call for the human race specially when aproaches themes such as greed, excessive ambition, lust and a insatiable hunger for more and more. This movies invites us to a world that we never dreamed off where the almighty dollar plays the most relevant role and where the investors and the stock ex changers are the heartless jugglers that manage to create fortunes with our money and sometimes we don´t even now about it. This movie is just another example of mankind recurrent mistakes and and is a portrayal of our society specially when unfortunately see that some humans are mere puppets in the hands of others and that compassion, good will and share are feelings unknown to this mechanical monsters that sold their souls for Benjamins, Wilsons and Clevelands.

= = =Pedro 12ºE = = = = = ===The catchy expression "moral hazard" drawn my attention since it can be applied nowadays. Politicians, Ranked Companies use society's money in order to to invest and do away with no guilt at all. People need to be punished for their own mistakes cause it´s how our society was raised, besides, there always protestors complaining about human rights, but there are some that don't even fullfill their duties.===