General Electric Company issued $1,500,000 of 10-year bonds at 96. The bonds pay semi-annual interest at a stated rate of 8%. Calculate: a) The amount of cash received from the bond issuance. b) The semi-annual interest payment. c) The total interest expense over the life of the bond. d) The book value of the bond after 9 years. e) Discuss the implications of issuing bonds on the company's financial leverage.