How to Teach Topic Sentences Using Models

Topic sentences can be likened to miniature thesis statements for individual paragraphs. The topic sentence states the main idea or topic of the paragraph. The sentences that follow the topic sentence must relate and support the claim or position made in the topic sentence.   As with all writing, teachers should first model proper topic sentences to have students identify the topic and the claim in the sentence, regardless of the academic discipline. For example, these models of topic sentences inform the reader about a topic and the claim that will be supported in the paragraph: Topic Sentence: Pets are important to many people because they can improve the overall health of the pet owner.  Topic: PetsClaim: Improve the overall health of the pet owner.Topic Sentence: Coding requires a number of different skills.Topic: CodingClaim: Requires a number of different skills.Topic Sentence: There are many reasons why housing in Singapore is the best in the world.  Topic: â€Å"Housing in Singapore†Claim: Housing in Singapore is the best in the world.Topic Sentence: Drama class requires students to be collaborative and willing to take risks.Topic: Drama classClaim: Drama class requires students to be collaborative and willing to take risks.   Writing the Topic Sentence The topic sentence should not be too general or too specific. The topic sentence should still provide the reader with the basic answer to the question being posed. A good topic sentence should not include details. Placing the topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph ensures that the reader knows precisely what information is going to be presented.   Topic sentences should also alert the reader as to how the paragraph or the essay has been organized so that the information can be better understood. These paragraph text structures can be identified as compare/contrast, cause/effect, sequence, or problem/solution. As with all writing, students should be given multiple opportunities to identify topics and claims in models. Students should practice writing topic sentences for many different topics in all disciplines using different test structures. Compare and Contrast Topic Sentences The topic sentence in a comparison paragraph would identify the  similarities or similarities and differences in the topic of the paragraph. A topic sentence in a contrast paragraph would identify only differences in topics. The topic sentences in compare/contrast essays may organize the information subject by subject (block method) or point by point. They may list comparisons in several paragraphs and then follow those with contrast points. The topic sentences of comparison paragraphs may use transition words or phrases such as Æ’ as well as, correspondingly, Æ’ compared to, just like, likewise, similarly, and the same as. Topic sentences of contrast paragraphs may use transition words or phrases such as:  although, conversely, even though, however, in contrast, on the other hand,  to the contrary, and unlike. Æ’ Some examples of compare and contrast topic sentences are: Animals in the same family share common characteristics. These characteristics include†¦A purchase of a small car has both advantages and disadvantages.   Cause and Effect Topic Sentences When a topic sentence introduces the effect of a topic, the body paragraphs will contain evidence of causes. Conversely, when a topic sentence introduces a cause, the body paragraph will contain evidence of effects. Transition words used in topic sentences for a cause and effect paragraph may include: AccordinglyBecauseAs a resultConsequentlyFor this reasonThereforeThus   Some examples of topic sentences for cause and effect paragraphs are: I am great at a grilling a steak, but I can never seem to make a good cake. This is because†¦The United States Civil War was started for a number of reasons. The causes of the Civil War include:The Great Depression was a period of great distress and economic problems for many Americans and individuals across the globe. The effects of the Great Depression include: Some essays require students to analyze the cause of an event or action. In analyzing this cause, students will need to discuss the effect or consequences of an event or action. A topic sentence using this text structure can focus the reader on the cause(s), the effect(s), or both. Students should remember not to confuse the verb affect with the noun effect. The use of effect means â€Å"to influence or change† while the use of effect means â€Å"the result.† Sequence Topic Sentences While all essays follow a specific order, a text structure of sequence explicitly alerts the reader to a 1st, 2nd or 3rd point. A sequence is one of the most common strategies in organizing an essay when the topic sentence identifies a need to order the supporting information.  Either the paragraphs must be read in order, much like a recipe, or the writer has prioritized the information using terms such as then, next or finally. In a sequence text structure, the body paragraph follows a progression of ideas that are supported by details or evidence. The transition words that could be used in topic sentences for sequence paragraphs may include: AfterwardBeforeEarlierInitiallyMeanwhileLaterPreviouslySubsequently Some examples of topic sentences for sequence paragraphs are: The first reason why a real Christmas tree is preferred by many to an artificial one is:Successful leaders of large companies often share similar traits. The most important trait  includes:Changing the oil in a car is easy only if you follow the  steps. Problem-Solution Topic Sentences The topic sentence in a paragraph that uses the problem/solution text structure identifies a problem for the reader. The remainder of the paragraph is dedicated to offering a solution. Students should be able to provide a reasonable solution or refute objections in each paragraph. Transition words that can be used in topic sentences using the problem-solution paragraph structure are: AnswerProposeSuggestIndicateSolveResolvePlan Some examples of topic sentences for problem-solution paragraphs are: Students can avoid getting sick when they go away to college by taking certain precautions. Proposed precautions include...Various health agencies suggest that many kinds of pollution can affect your health. The different kinds of pollution include†¦Texting while driving has increased the number of auto fatalities. One answer to this problem could be†¦ All of the example sentences above can be used with students to illustrate the different types of topic sentences. If the writing assignment requires a particular text structure, there are specific transition words that can help students organize their paragraphs.   Crafting Topic Sentences   Crafting an effective topic sentence is a necessary skill, especially in meeting college and career readiness standards. The topic sentence requires that student plan what they are trying to prove in the paragraph before the draft. A strong topic sentence with its claim will focus the information or message for the reader. In contrast, a weak topic sentence will result in an unorganized paragraph, and the reader will be confused because the support or details will not be focused. Teachers should be ready to use models of proper topic sentences to help  students determine the best structure for delivering information to the reader. There must also be time for students to practice writing topic sentences. With practice, students will learn to appreciate the rule that a proper topic sentence almost lets the paragraph to write itself!

T.s. Eliot Essay - 1241 Words

As one of Americas first modernist poets, T. S. Eliots unique style and subject matter would have a dramatic influence on writers for the century to come. Born in 1888 in St. Louis Mo. at the tail end of the quot;Cowboy eraquot; he grew up in the more civilized industrial era of the early 20th century, a time of the Wright Brothers and Henry Ford. The Eliot family was endowed with some of the best intellectual and political connections in America of that time, and as a result went to only the best schools. By 1906 he was a freshman in Harvard, finishing his bachelors in only 3 years and studying philosophy in France from 1910 to 1914, the outbreak of war. In 1915 the verse magazine Poetry published Eliots first notable piece, The†¦show more content†¦This marked contrast in opinions seems to be expected from one who wrote such controversial poems. In The WasteLand he was quot;highly concerned with the regeneration of the fragmented modern worldquot; and used a more mythical touch, somewhat akin to Homers Ulysses. Eliots viewed his giving the literary work structure the mythical method itself, something he learned from Joyce Leavell. Leavell even said quot;The assumption of the mythical method is that our culture and language once had a pervasive meaningfulness which has been lost in our increasingly rational and discontinuous society, but that by recovering the lost myth from within our culture, poets can restore mythic unity to literature.quot; amp;#9;So why was did was this poet often considered to be so controversial at times? quot;I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature, and a royalist in politics.quot; T.S. Eliot so defined, and even exaggerated, his own conservatism. The ideas of this stimulating writer were perhaps traditional, but the way in which he expressed them was extremely modern. Eliot was one of the first to reject conventional verse forms and language. His experiments with free expression contributed to his reputation as one of the most influential writers ofShow MoreRelatedThe Wasteland by T.S. Eliot1017 Words   |  4 PagesT.S. Eliot’s most famous poem â€Å"The Wasteland,† a grim picture of post-war London is analyzed as being the most important poetic work of the twentieth century. The first glance at this poem leads one to the conclusion that the content of this piece is bleak and depressing. The assumption can be made that Eliot has diagnosed his society with a te rminal disease, which he chooses to describe through his poem. After further analyzing â€Å"The Wasteland† it can be seen that out of the dust of this barren placeRead MoreT.S Eliot2104 Words   |  9 PagesEliots attitude was reflected in his work. A quote from T. S. Eliot: The Man and His Work states, Eliot was a man with the highest standards in his poetry, his critisism, and his behavior to others. ( Spender 34). Perhaps much of this can be attributed to his birth toward the end of the Victorian Era. Eliots background also had a major effect on his writing style. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 26, 1888. Though Eliot was born in America, he spent much of his life in England. AlthoughRead MoreThe Wasteland, by T.S. Eliot857 Words   |  4 Pagestwentieth century, T.S. Eliot transformed the traditional poetry form into a more modern style. Eliot was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 26, 1888. At the age of 25, Eliot moved to England where he bega n his career as a poet. Eliot greatly attracted the modernist movement, which was poetry written in the reaction of Victorian poetry. His first poem, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, was known as one of the most famous pieces of the Modernist movement. In his poetry, Eliot combines themesRead MoreEssay on T.S. Eliot704 Words   |  3 PagesT.S. Eliot T.S. Eliot is said to be one of the most influential modernist poets of our time. His poetry, although very complex is the subject of literary classes and discussions around the world. His poems â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† and â€Å"The Waste Land† are not only alike in his literary style, but also share the same theme of unsuccessful male and female relationships. Eliot experienced a very unsuccessful relationship with the opposite sex when he was married to a drug-addictedRead MoreEssay T.S. Eliot and Modernism931 Words   |  4 Pagestwentieth century produced works of poetry and prose which were unique to the form. The writing style of modernism was unprecedented and reflective of the socio-political events of the period. T.S Eliot was a pre-eminent figure in modernism publishing many important works of prose and poetry in his lifetime. â€Å"Eliot forged a style of aggressively fragmentary, urban poetry, full of indelicate, ‘unpoeticâ₠¬â„¢ images and diction† (OXFORD BRITLIT) Eliot’s â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† is a poem that fullyRead MoreThe Wasteland by T.S. Eliot Essay558 Words   |  3 PagesThe Wasteland by T.S. Eliot In the poem, The Waste Land, T. S. Eliot gives a primarily positive connotation by using the theme of speech, language, and failure of speech. In each of the sections, Eliot shows how speech and communication are important in life. He also shows that speech cannot always accomplish what actions can. The way the characters in the poem use speech show that speech and communication are important. A Game of Chess This section may be the best example of communicationRead More Gerontion by T.S. Eliot Essay1629 Words   |  7 PagesNature: Effects of Revision in Gerontion After such knowledge, what forgiveness? Think now History has many cunning passages, contrived corridors And issues, deceives with whispering ambitions, Guides us by vanities. These lines from T.S. Eliots Gerontion (1429, 34-37) appear in the final version of the poem, published in 1920. The speaker of this dramatic monologue is an old man sitting inside a â€Å"decayed house.† The reference to knowledge invokes the original sin of Adam and EveRead MoreEssay on T.s. Eliot And Society1454 Words   |  6 Pagesdaily lives to find greater reasoning. T.S. Eliot is considered to be one of the most prominent poets and playwrights of his time and his works are said to have promoted to â€Å"reshape modern literature† (World Book). He was born in 1888 in St. Louis, Missouri and studied at Harvard and Oxford. It was at Harvard where he met his guide and mentor Ezra Pound, a well-known modernist poet. Pound encouraged Eliot to expand his writing abilities and publish his work. Eliot became an England citizen in 1925 andRead MoreT.S. Eliot the Wasteland Essay1371 Words   |  6 Pages Oh keep the Dog far hence, that’s friend to men, Or with his nails hell dig it up again! You! Hypocrite lecteur! – mon semblable, - mon frà ¨re! T.S. Eliot, â€Å"The Burial of the Dead†, The Waste Land, lines 60-76. T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land is a Modernist piece of literature. Combining â€Å"traditional content† and radical style, Eliot has captured the tension between past and present. For him, the past is at once nostalgic, yet responsible for the present shared post-war â€Å"sense of desolationRead MoreWilliam Wordsworth and T.S. Eliot814 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Wordsworth and T.S. Eliot are both excellent and admirable poets from different time periods that have very distinct views on what it means to be a true poet. On one hand Wordsworth strived to be unique, romantic and sentimental in a time where people needed a poet as such. On the other hand, Eliot lived in a time where romanticism and sentimentalism did not satisfy readers that needed something less elevated and more realistic. Although they had opposing views neither is right or wrong and

The Impact of Perception of Performance Appraisal

Questions: 1. Explain why using valid selection procedures is important.2. Describe four (4) criteria commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of training efforts. For each criterion, give an example of how effectiveness could be measured.3. Who else besides an employees immediate supervisor could serve as a rater for performance appraisal purposes? Give three (3) examples and explain why their input could be useful.4. Why should managers be concerned about employees perceptions of the fairness of a firms compensation system? What tools or mechanisms do organizations use to help ensure internal and external equity?5. What are the pros and cons of high executive pay? Answer: 1. It is highly essential to use a valid selection procedure in the field of human resource because selection process is a crucial requisite for every production or performance value firms that aim at operating successfully. A valid selection process is crucially important because it enhances transparency and confidence of corporate firms to grow firmly from the very root. By means of valid selection process along with effective hires, companies gain immense values. On the other hand, invalid or faulty selection process leads to bad hires and consequently overall corporate loss (McLean and DeMars). 2. The most practiced approach of evaluating effectiveness of training has been the Four Level Evaluation Model of Kirkpatrick. The key steps of this model are: reaction, learning, behaviour and results. Reaction This first level is said to solicit views of learning experience that follows training. The scope concerns the extent to which experience proved valuable or relevance of training. Learning This level measures the extent to which participants receive the required skills, knowledge and values as training outcomes (Manoharan, Muralidharan and Deshmukh). Behaviour This level measures the extent to which behaviours of participants alter due to training. For instance, improper behavioural change may have caused for other circumstances like individual reluctance. Results This level determines tangible outcomes of training like improved quality and efficiency, reduced, enhanced productivity, increased sales and employee morale, and employee retention. 3. In the process of performance appraisal, various approaches may be used. One of the most effective approaches is 360 degree performance appraisal. This process signifies that an individuals performance may be rated by not only his immediate supervisor but also other individuals like his subordinates, peers, separate departmental managers, and the employee himself (Goksoy and Alayoglu). For any employee, his subordinates and peers are some of the best individuals who may rate his performance effectively. It is because these individuals are ones who closely observe his performance, attitude, behaviours, etc. 4. Managers should be concerned about employees perceptions of the fairness of a firms compensation system because pay as well as benefits are highly significant to both existing as well as new employees. The compensation that they receive from the work happens to be the major cause behind seeking employment. Compensation not only acts as a source of their sustenance by allowing people to satisfy their materialistic or recreational needs, but also serves their needs for self-esteem (Manoharan, Muralidharan and Deshmukh). When the compensation system of any organization is perceived as inadequate, effective and deserving applicants may reject its employment offers, and also current effective employees may leave the organization at once. Organizations may ensure internal and external equity by performing job analysis and then recruiting most suitable individuals with required job specifications to justify the post. 5. High executive pay possesses both merits and demerits. The merits is that high pay means higher quality of life and social recognition (Schultz). It attaches lot of prestige and ensures professional success. On the other hand, the demerit states that these individuals with fat salaries involve intense public scrutiny. They always remain in the limelight and so they need to be highly aware all the time. References Goksoy, Asli, and Nihat Alayoglu. 'The Impact Of Perception Of Performance Appraisal And Distributive Justice Fairness On Employees' Ethical Decision Making In Paternalist Organizational Culture'.Perf. Improvement Qrtly26.1 (2013): 57-79. Web. Manoharan, T. R., C. Muralidharan, and S. G. Deshmukh. 'Analyzing The Interaction Of Performance Appraisal Factors Using Interpretive Structural Modeling'.Perf. Improv.49.6 (2010): 25-35. Web. McLean, Gary N., and Shane K. DeMars. 'Organization Development: Principles, Process, Performance'.Perf. Improv.45.8 (2006): 41-43. Web. Schultz, John R. 'Performance Improvement: The Means To Process Improvement'.Perf. Improv.46.7 (2007): 27-32. Web.

There are many causes of divorce Essay Example

There are many causes of divorce Essay There are many causes of divorce. A director of the Family studies centre, named Malcolm Wickes stated that ‘The causes of divorce spring from fundamental social, economic and psychological developments that are occurring world wide.’ Sometimes divorce cannot be prevented and the irreconcilable differences cannot be overlooked. This is a problem for many religions and ethnic communities as several believe that divorce is always iniquitous.The law has a serious view on divorce and so if the couple wish to have a divorce they must prove that their marriage is completely beyond any repair. With these grounds for divorce they will then be given a decree nisi and the separation will take up to 6 months. The law is indifferent to where they may marry again, divorce is still viewed by the state as a serious affair and they recognise the broken relationship.In the Bible, there are numerous views on divorce. These are extremely varied and the teachings of the church are equally d ivided. In the Old Testament a man was allowed to divorce his wife simply if he found ‘no favour’ in her. In the New Testament both proclamations contradict themselves: one is that ‘man must not separate †¦what God had joined together’ in Mark 10:9. For this particular reason, many traditional Christian churches refuse to remarry divorced people in a church, although they can marry in a registry office with the ‘blessing’ of the church. This is because divorce is seen as a misdemeanour in the eyes of God. However, in Matthew another statement declares that ‘If anyone divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Some believe that there are these conflicting opinions about divorce perhaps because Mark saw marital unfaithfulness as such an obvious reason for divorce that he did not deem it worthy to mention.The church of England does not completely agree with divorce , but recognises that the differences in a relat ion can sometimes not be reconciled, even if they have attended couceling. Therefore, divorce is the only option. The Roman Catholic Church however is stricter in its approach. Divorce is not even considered as marriage between two baptised people is a sacrament that should not be broken. However, a marriage where only one partner is baptised can be dissolved but only under special circumstances in other words there is a just reason such as impotence.The Catholic Church believes that divorce cannot merely be a legal contract. The marriage was conjoined in the eyes of god and so if the couple wishes to remarry in a Catholic Church the church much acknowledge that their marriage had been annulled, this is a statement that the marriage bond never existed due to an inability to carry out the duties of marriage, so that the couple may remarry in a Catholic Church. Otherwise, if they decide to remarry in any other way they would have committed adultery in the eyes of the Catholic Church a nd God. In addition there is also the condemnation of adultery in the Bible expressed by the quote:A man can hire a prostitute for the price of a loaf of bread, but adultery will cost his all he has. Jesus agreed with this as he stated in matthew 5:28 that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Therefore the breaking of a marriage bond is never right when adultery is concerned.Subsequently, there are more conflicts of opinion for example in Genesis 2:24 the Bible states â€Å"[a husband] cleaved to his wife and become one flesh.† This is demonstrating the belief that the marriage relationship should be eternal and the love should be immutable (as embodied by the ring in the marriage service.) Pope John Paul once said that marriage is an ‘unbreakable alliance’ and not just a ‘passing emotion’ but a ‘free decision to bind oneself completely in the good times and the bad to one’s partne r. It is a gift to oneself and to the other.’ The duty of Paul was to reflect the Churches view and he is explicidly saying that marriage is a sacrament a declaration that cannot be undone.Reiterating this opinion is Harold Loukes who said that marriage is not just a ‘pleasant arrangement†¦but a vocation into which we have been drawn by nature and god.’ Therefore, divorce would be seen as spiritually and religiously immoral. On the other hand, divorced Quakers are free to remarry and the Quaker faith and practice declared in 1994 that the ‘value [of marriage] is increasingly recognised’ but ‘whilst believeing that marriage is different and spcial, we recognise the value of other relationships and the single state.’ I believe that this is a more contemporary view on marriage divorce and relationships allowing autonomy where relationships are concernedIn the Christian faith, marriage is not only between man and women; it is also betwe en Jesus and his followers. Therefore, divorce should not occur between the followers and Christ, let alone the couple. This is expressed by the quote in Revelation 19:7, ‘For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. This decries the intertwined relationship between them.This quote conveys that the church is not merely made up of a material building but the faith of its believers. Toady nuns discribed as the brides of Christ and are given wedding rings after their final vows. These rings have the same significance as they do amoung the couple, both the nun and the couple should honour their promise both to God and eachother. The relationship between the couple should embody the relationship of christ and his followers. Divorce may be seen as a declaration that the amalgamtion of two people via marriage does not have any significance as is can be easily dismissed by the means of divorce.In conclusion, I believe that divorce can be right in partic ular circumstances. However, different faiths and ethnic groups all have their own outlook on divorce. Divorce is regarded as a highly controversial subject within christianity. However, the Quaker faith and The Church of England is perhaps more lenient in their allowance of divorce as they perhaps recognise the necessity of the joining and separation of a relationship. However a Catholic Church regards divorce as a sacrament that is forbidden to be broken, unless annulled and therefore the couple is declaring full ignorance to whether the marriage ever existed.Personally, it is my belief that love and marriage should be eternal (till death do us part.) By breaking this sacred bond you are initially implying that you did not fully commit and that the symbolic acts performed in the marriage service had no physical and emotional effect on you. However, if there is a just reason for the marriage to be annulled and the irreconcilable difference cannot be overlooked than there is a just cause for divorce.

Discuss the importance of Budget transparency in foreign direct investment in developing countries The WritePass Journal

Discuss the importance of Budget transparency in foreign direct investment in developing countries Introduction Discuss the importance of Budget transparency in foreign direct investment in developing countries Introduction What is Foreign Direct Investment and what are the determinants of FDI? Fitting the pieces together, FDI and Budget Transparency. Budget Transparency and FDI, Case Study evidence from Uganda: Conclusions and Implications: ReferencesRelated Introduction In recent literature, capital flows from rich to poor nations has become a subject for intense debate among development theorists. (Kolstad, 2008) Many development theorists have come to understand that foreign direct investment (FDI) can provide a positive incentive for growth and development in poor nations. The gains from FDI are numerous, and include technological and productivity spillovers, as well as reduced prices for downstream suppliers for domestic firms, increase demand in local labor markets, increased wages, and an increase in revenue streams for the domestic government. (Javorcik, 2004) Thus, understanding why foreign direct investment flows into some developing countries and not others can have a major impact on development policy in many organizations; including multinational organizations, intra-government development ministries, and private sector aid agencies. In traditional macroeconomic theory, capital flows from countries with a low marginal product of capital to those with a higher marginal product of capital. (Biswas, 2002) In reality however this does not uniformly occur. Furthermore, according to the IMF, â€Å"there is no unique and widely accepted theory of foreign direct investment.† (Lizondo, 1990) Classical macroeconomic theory therefore does not sufficiently explain foreign direct investment rates and supplement theories are required. There is a combination of theories that include numerous explanations of foreign direct investment in developing countries. These include, risk reduction (risk diversification) and market size, market imperfections, oligopolistic rivalry and product cycle hypothesis, liquidity of subsidiaries, currency exchange rates, and lastly political stability and domestic tax rates. (Lizondo, 1990) For the purposes of this essay, I will be focusing specifically on risk diversification, currency excha nge rates, political variables and domestic fiscal norms –as these have the most applicability to budget transparency. Clearly, the outlined above determinants of foreign direct investments are all affected by budget transparency. The OECD Best Practices for Budget Transparency (2002) outlines the determinants of budget transparency, and the relevant institutional reforms necessary to maintain fiscal and monetary transparency, while ensuring accurate economic outlooks and protecting against off-budget expenditures. (OECD, 2002) Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 Within this essay, I will make the argument that adopting fiscal and monetary transparency, while producing sound economic outlooks and protecting against off-budget expenditures -and complying with these rules in a coherent manner- should reduce the risk of investment in the eyes of foreign entities; which would in turn view increased foreign direct investment more favorably. In order to validate my argument, I will first look at the existing theory behind foreign direct investment, as well as the theory behind budget transparency, and then elaborate on the theoretical and logical link between the two. Lastly, in order to attach these theoretical frameworks to the true state of the world, I will examine a series of case studies. I will examine several states and look at budget transparency within these individual states, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of budget transparency within their government and its subsequent effects on their domestic economies, and then compare the flo w of foreign direct investment (net inflows) as a percentage of GDP. What is Foreign Direct Investment and what are the determinants of FDI? In order to fully understand why foreign direct investment is both affected by budget transparency, and beneficial to developing countries we need a clear working definition of what foreign direct investment actually is. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), foreign direct investment as: â€Å"†¦investment made to acquire a lasting interest in or effective control over an enterprise outside the domestic economy of the investor†¦ FDI net inflows are the value of inward direct investment made by non-resident investors in the reporting economy, including reinvested earnings and intra-company loans, net of repatriation of capital and repayment of loans.† Given this definition, in order to understand what determines the flow of foreign direct investment into a developing economy, and how it corresponds with budgeting transparency, we must understand the decision making process of entities wishing to invest in any particular economy. As mentioned in the introduction of this essay, this is more difficult then it appears as the topic is subject to ongoing academic debate. However, some common trends can be picked out of the academic thicket. Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 In Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment (2002), Romita Biswas cites, Keefer and Knack (1995), Lee and Mansfield (1996), and Clague (1999) as explaining property rights and –key for our purposes- quality of governance as crucial to explaining net rates of foreign direct investment in emerging and developing economies. There are numerous indicators for this â€Å"quality of governance† variable; however for our purposes, the most important is government corruption and off budget expenditures, risk of expropriation by government officials and tax rates- all of which are either mitigated by or influenced directly by budget transparency. In support of these variables, Biswas finds that the introduction and interaction of the â€Å"quality of government† variables (again, composed of the above variables) with traditional determinants of foreign direct investment, produces a highly statistically significant effect (5% level) on determining net inflows of foreign di rect investment. (Biswas, 2002) Taking the above into account, we might then explain in more detail the classical determinants of foreign direct investment in developing counties. First and foremost, firms undertake foreign direct investment as a means to mitigate risk. According to an International Monetary Fund working paper produced in 1990: â€Å"†¦a firm would presumably be guided by both expected returns and the possibility of reducing risk. Since the returns on activities in different countries are likely to have less than perfect correlation, a firm could reduce its overall risk by undertaking projects in more than one country. Foreign direct investment can, therefore, be viewed as international portfolio diversification at the corporate level.† (Lizondo, 1990) This tells us that entities diversify risk by spreading foreign direct investments -principally in capital- across many countries. Further expanding on this, we can make a small logical step. We can then assume that entities, wishing to diversify risk would assess the risk inherent in individual economies. Rather than just spreading capital over a high number of developing economies, the entity would pick and choose which developing and emerging economies to locate capital in, and prioritize those locations according to domestic risk –as assessed from the factors mentioned in the introduction. This is a crucial assumption because it says a great deal about the nature of economic entities. In principle, it tells us that these actors do not simply look at the marginal product of capital and prioritize foreign Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 direct investment accordingly. Indeed, we assume for the purposes of this essay that economic entities wishing to engage in foreign direct investment balance risk along with their marginal product of capital for individual developing economies. Moving on from assumptions to other classical determinant of foreign direct investment, we can look at the strength of the entities domestic currency, weighted against the strength of the currency of the recipient economy- destination of the foreign direct investment. This theory is based on â€Å"capital market theory† and the strength of exchange rates. In essence, the theory proposed by Aliber (1970, 1971) hypothesis that the stronger the domestic currency of the actor wishing to partake in foreign direct investment, against the currency of the recipient economy, the more likely it is that this actor is to undertake foreign direct investment. Further, this theory explains this relationship primarily through the preference of an investor to hold a select currency. (Blonigen, 1997) Numerous studies to test this theory have shown that there is indeed a statistically significant negative correlation between strength of currency and net inflows of foreign direct investment. (Bis was, 2002 Blonigen, 1997) Lastly, another determinant of foreign direct investment -which has been studied with mixed results-, is domestic fiscal norms. While the literature on this particular determinant has yielded mixed results, we must still give attention to both the status quo and risk inherent in the fiscal norms of the recipient economy. Given the assumption above -that entities wishing to engage in foreign direct investment assess and quantify the risk of their investments of capital in all individual economies they wish to invest in- we can ascertain that fiscal frameworks play some role in that assessment. Included in fiscal norms are both the tax rates, and the stability of those norms. We can make the assumption that both unfavorable tax rates and instability of fiscal norms will have a negative impact on foreign direct investment. This subject has been partially studied with some encouraging results. In a 2007 International Monetary Fund piece, published in the Journal of Comparative Economics the authors find that the policy environment (including fiscal policy) does have a significant effect on levels of FDI. (Demekas, 2007) Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 Before moving to connect the above determinants of FDI with budget transparency theory, I would briefly like to touch on the interconnected nature of the above determinants of FDI as well as to summarize for the sake of clarity. Above, I cite numerous studies that explain risk, fiscal policy, currency strength, and quality of governance as the crucial determinants of foreign direct investment. Furthermore, hidden in the quality of governance index are several factors that some perceptive academics have looked into; namely government corruption, risk of expropriation by government officials and tax rates. Now, as we’ve discussed fiscal policy, corruption, and risk of expropriation have been mentioned and studied as both an independent contributor to foreign direct investment, as well as part of a â€Å"quality of government index.† In essence, all of these variables have been studied and in one way or another, and have been found to contribute to net inflows of foreign d irect investment. Furthermore, these variables all are directly affected or are altered by the application of budget transparency theory. We will now examine the definition of budget transparency, its application to developing nations, and how the above determinants of foreign direct investment fit into budget transparency theory specifically. Fitting the pieces together, FDI and Budget Transparency. In order to accurately and neatly fit the determinants of net inflows of foreign direct investment together with budget transparency, we need to clearly define what budget transparency is, and its applicability to developing economies. Keeping in mind both the aggregate â€Å"quality of governance† determinant of foreign direct investment as mentioned in the previous section -and its subsidiary parts- the OECD explains that, â€Å"The budget is the single most important policy document for governments.† Furthermore, the OECD explains that budget transparency can be defined, â€Å"†¦as the full disclosure of all relevant fiscal information in a timely and systematic manner.† (OECD, 2002) By maintaining the assumption that, in order to mitigate risk, entities wishing to engage in foreign direct investment prioritize possible recipient economies in terms of their risk and reward, we can see that the level of budget transparency greatly influences many of the ke y determinants of net Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 inflows of FDI at both the aggregate level in the recipient economy, as well as the individual entities decision of whether or not to engage directly a recipient economy. We will now move to accessing individual determinants of net inflows of FDI in terms of budget transparency norms, attempt to tie them to OECD best practices on budget transparency, before finally concluding this section spending some time on the applicability of budget transparency to developing economies. First, we will talk about the currency determinant of foreign direct investment as it relates to budget transparency. Fundamentally, currency exchange rates are affected by interest rates and the amount currency in circulation –both of which are directly affected by government debt. The budget transparency outline is first and foremost a budget document that is designed to –among other things- impose fiscal disciple on a government. (OECD, 2002) This fiscal disciple influences currency strength by (theoretically) lowering the debt incurred by governments, as well as providing for more accurate revenue forecasts. The OECD outlines the conditions for these outcomes in several key areas. First in section 1 by outlining that the government should provide a comprehensive list of all government activities, a forecast of future and previous fiscal year’s government expenditure and revenue, and a complete list of all government liabilities. (OECD, 2002) These measures in the OECD guide have been linked to improved fiscal stability and lower debt ratios of governments in developing countries. For instance, Kopits and Craig (1998) assert that, â€Å"better-performing countries (those with better debt ratios and higher levels of FDI)†¦ generally follow more transparent fiscal norms.† Similarly, Alesina, Hausmann, Hommes, and Stein (1996) find that budget institutions do affect fiscal outcomes. They explain that more hierarchical (as defined by their index) budget institutions produce lower debt to GNP ratios. From this we can extrapolate that a key condition for entities willingness to engage in foreign direct investment is met by increasing budget transparency, through increasing currency stability as well as balancing government accounts. Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 A closely related determinant of foreign direct investment is domestic fiscal norms in the recipient economy. Conceivably, entities wishing to engage in foreign direct investment would evaluate not only the current fiscal conditions of a recipient economy, but also the fluctuations in this fiscal regime. Viewing highly unstable fiscal conditions as a far higher risk, these entities would then prioritize their investments accordingly. Working under this assumption, we can see how the OECD budget transparency guidelines both improve fiscal outcomes, as well as stabilize the budget process, providing for long run fiscal stability. In Fiscal Discipline and the Budget Process (1996) Alesina and Perotti hypothesize that the implementation of budget transparency and a normative budget process should improve long-run fiscal performance. Using these findings as a working assumption, we can draw a clear parallel from specific elements of the OECD Best Practices of Budget Transparency and impro ved long-run fiscal performance. More specifically, we can see that stipulations corresponding to medium-term expenditure frameworks, and the long-term report of government fiscal challenges –including demographics among other things- should in theory stabilize the budgetary process, and thus the fiscal situation in the long-run. Lastly, we will turn out attention to a fuzzy term, namely the â€Å"quality of governance† indicator used in so many studies, as well as its subsidiary parts. As mentioned in prior sections, the â€Å"quality of governance† indicators, as well as its sub components were shown to have a highly statistically significant effect on net inflows of foreign direct investment. This broad index covers many areas of interest; these include variables such as political stability, level of democratization, and the â€Å"policy environment.† For the purposes of this essay however, we will be looking at specifically government corruption, the risk of expropriation, and how budget transparency affects these variables, as well as quality of governance in a broad perspective. Looking at budget transparency and government corruption first, we see that the literature on government transparency and corruption is extensive. In Is Transparency the Key to Reducing Corruption in Resource-Rich Countries? (2008), Ivar Kolstad and Arne Wiig explore transparency as a means to push Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 developing countries out of the resource paradox. They conclude that, â€Å"Transparency can reduce bureaucratic corruption by making corrupt acts more risky, by making it easier to provide good incentives to public officials, and by easing selection of honest and efficient people for public service.† (Kolstad, 2008) This is especially important within the context of developing economies because these economies have a higher probability of being highly resource dependent. Within the context of the OECD standards for budget transparency, expenditure is classified by administrative unit, financial liabilities are more acutely planned for and the development of more thorough employee compensation obligations provides that government administrators are thus less likely to experience gaps or disruptions in compensation. Furthermore, adhering to budget transparency norms reduces the risk of embezzlement of government funds by creating a clear and routine audit framework. The additional oversight mentioned above can also help to mitigate the risk of expropriation of foreign actors wishing to engage in foreign direct investment. In Democracy, Autocracy, and Expropriation of Foreign Direct Investment (2009), Quan Li explains that â€Å"†¦governments are most likely to expropriate foreign investment when leaders face little political constraint.† While Quan Li works directly with variables found very often in expropriation literature, -namely rule of law, property rights, investment behaviors, and privatization reforms- I would make the argument that budget transparency helps to mitigate the likelihood of expropriation through better revenue stream planning, as well as the imposition of government fiscal norms. Foreign entities are most at risk of expropriation when operating in countries with unstable fiscal balance sheets, which implies both poor budget transparency and inadequate fiscal norms. In recent history, a prime example of this phe nomenon was Hugo Chavez of Venezuela ordered the nationalization of oil production operations owned by two foreign firms. According to the International Budget Partnership Venezuela, â€Å"lacks information on fiscal activities†¦ including extra-budgetary funds, and quasi-fiscal activities.† (IBP, 2011) This lack of transparency would imply very few constraints on political Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 leader’s ability to affect fiscal and economic conditions in Venezuela, which likely contributed to the expropriation of private firms for political purposes. In summarizing budget transparencies effect on determinants of foreign direct investment, we should briefly note that all of the above factors affect the risk inherent when a foreign entity is deciding whether or not to invest in a recipient economy. Currency considerations, the stability of domestic fiscal norms, quality of governance –more specifically corruption and risk of expropriation- are all mitigated by properly enacted budget transparency measures. Using the OECD’s guide to budget transparency I have outlined which elements of the guide apply to each of the above determinants. Going further, we can talk briefly about the applicability of these reforms within the context of developing economies. In Budgeting in Poor Countries: Ten Common Assumptions Re-examined (1980), Naomi Caiden challenges many common budgeting assumptions relevant to the context of developing economies. Most importantly for our purposes, are the assumptions dealing with national economic planning and inadequate resources. Caiden explains that national economic planning with regard to budgeting norms should be used to coordinate development objectives. This argument holds merit in that extremely detailed development plans require vast resources, expertise and foresight by governments that are typically short of all three in one way or another. This same argument holds true for countries with a sever lack of resources- both expertise and financial. However, I would argue against this line of thought on the basis that increased foreign direct investment offsets the costs of implementing budget transparency. Increases in revenue, technological and management spillovers (Aitken, 1999), increased productivity of domestic firms, combined with the other benefits of budget transparency, especially with regard to improved fiscal performance and an increase in quality of governance; the benefits should outweigh the costs in the minds of most policy makers. Budget Transparency and FDI, Case Study evidence from Uganda: We now move to an in-depth case study of Uganda to show how the effects of budget transparency can directly increase levels of foreign direct investment. Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 Uganda is a sub-Saharan African nation that has seen considerable political and economic turmoil over the last fifty years. Throughout much of the 1960s Uganda had a robust economy; however political instability, poor macroeconomic policies by its government, and economic shocks with roots in the global market quickly deteriorated this advantageous economic situation. Due to these factors, chief among them poor macroeconomic policy, the 1970s and 1980s experienced high levels of inflation due to dramatic mismanagement of public debts. (Kuteesa, 2006) The greatest factor in this period of economic destabilization was the government was printing money to finance public sector deficits, which lead to very high rates of inflation. (Mwenda, 2005) As a result of these economic problems Uganda’s net flow of foreign direct investment flat lined at zero percent of GDP. (World Bank) Furthermore, industrial production fell by 3.9% annually from 1983-86. This decline in industry made Ugan da more heavily dependent on agriculture which was also experiencing poor performance due to the economic conditions. (Mwenda, 2005) However, in 1987 Uganda –with the help of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other donors- initiated an Economic Recovery Programme whose aim was to, reduce inflation, balance the budget, and implement sound fiscal and monetary policy. (Kuteesa, 2006) These policies had a dramatic effect on the Ugandan economy, producing healthy GDP growth since the late 1980s. With the stabilization of the currency, improved public debt management, and a clear adherence to thoughtful fiscal norms, foreign direct investment began to grow in the few years following the reforms. However, it is very important to note that the Economic Recovery Programme overseen by the IMF and World Bank did not produce immediate rises in foreign direct investment. Indeed this economic reform package was implemented in 1987 and Uganda did not see any significant increase in net inflows of foreign direct investment until 1993. (World Bank) Hence there is a six year gap where serious economic recovery wasn’t enough to entice foreign entities to invest in Uganda, despite the improvement in public debt management and the curbing of inflation. Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 Although, in the end of 1992 beginning of 1993 Uganda embarked on a reform scheme aimed at increasing budgetary discipline. These changes to the budget system included, enhancing fiscal discipline, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of public expenditures, improved financial management and accountability, and finally, improving transparency and openness of the national budget processes. (Mwenda, 2005) As consistent with the OECD guide to budget transparency, the Ugandan government adopted a clearly defined system of cash accounting, overseen a realignment of policy objectives to an outcome/output orientation, undertaking clear public expenditure reviews (performance auditing), and lastly increased the scrutiny of parliament through the newly formed Parliamentary Committee on the Budget. In adopting these reforms, many of which explicitly outlined in the OECD guide to budget transparency, we can see a noticeable effect on all of our aforementioned determinants of foreign direct in vestment. The Ugandan currency (shilling) has experienced stable rates of inflation, around 4.6%. (World Bank) The level of corruption in Uganda while still quite widespread is on par with that of its neighboring countries. Further, the perception of corruption in Uganda has become less and less accepted over the past decade. (Transparency International) Crucially on the topic of corruption, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have stated that as African governments adopt reforms aimed at budget transparency and various administrative reforms would, â€Å"lead to the emergence of a smaller and more competent state, one in which there would be fewer opportunities for corrupt behavior.† (Mwenda, 2005) The dramatic budgetary reforms, along with the macroeconomic corrections, have produced stable and predictable fiscal norms, as well as fiscal decentralization within Uganda. In 1993 -just after these budgetary reforms-, Uganda began to see levels of foreign direct investment for the first time in almost twenty years. Recently, the International Budget Partnership (UBP) has shown an increase in the level of budget transparency in Uganda. From a score of 31% on the budget transparency scale (0-100%), the Ugandan government has steadily increased its level of budget transparency to 55% as of the latest survey in 2010. According to Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 the IBP, Uganda publishes a comprehensive citizens budget document, publishes decent (grade of C) In-Year Reports, produces a very substantive (grade of A) Pre-Budget Statement and enacts the national budget in a clear and concise manner which has the rule of law once enacted. Since improving its budget transparency index, and putting fiscal practice in line with international best practice –as outlined by the OECD- Uganda has predictably seen a sizeable increase in net in-flows of foreign direct investment, growing from just 2% of GDP to over 7% of GDP over the last decade. (World Bank) Conclusions and Implications: In this essay I attempted to summarize the theoretical determinants of foreign direct investment, connect them to OECD best practices of budget transparency, and then link the two together in a clear and concise real world case study –Uganda. In summarizing the determinants of FDI, we can see that currency strength, domestic fiscal norms, level of corruption, risk of expropriation all contribute to, and are interconnected to the risk inherent in undertaking foreign direct investment. We should care about this topic because in the current fiscal climate, governments around the world are cutting expenditure making foreign aid to developing countries less and less sustainable while such economic uncertainties exist. Thus, it is important for developing economies and the governments wishing for better outcomes for their people to find alternative modes of development revenue, foreign direct investment provides such revenue. Along with increased revenue, FDI in developing economies also provides numerous positive spillovers which include, technological and managerial gains by domestic firms, increased domestic production, and increased downstream profits for domestic enterprise. However, there is some serious resource problems associated with undertaking budgeting reforms. As mentioned above, I believe that the benefits vastly outweigh the costs of undertaking such reforms. Adopting budget transparency has led to more favorable fiscal and monetary outcomes, a check on corruption, better governance, increased citizen involvement, and the subject of this essay, increased FDI. Budget transparency should be seen as a priority for developing countries. It is Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 not however a panacea, or a fix all for developing countries. Budget transparency can be seen however as a substantial first step towards integration into the world economy through increases in FDIs and a first step towards getting out of the resource/aid paradox for developing nations. Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 References * Aitken, Brian J. and Harrison, Ann E. 1999. Do Domestic Firms Benefit from Direct Foreign Investment? Evidence from Venezuela American Economic Review, Vol. 89, No. 3 pp. 605-618 * Alesina, Alberto and Perotti, Roberto 1996. Fiscal Discipline and the Budget Process, American Economic Review, Vol. 86, No. 2 * Alesina, Alberto, Hausmann, Ricardo, Rudolf, Hommes, and Stein, Ernesto. 1996. Budget Institutions and Fiscal Performance in Latin America. Working Paper 5586, National Bureau of Economic Research.. 447-465 * Allen, Richard. 1996. The Challenge of Reforming Budgetary Institutions in Developing Countries IMF Working Paper, Fiscal Affairs Department *Asiedu, Elizabeth. 2001. On the Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment to Developing Countries: Is Africa Different? World Development Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 107-119. * Biswas, Romita. 2002. Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment. Review of Development Economics, 6(3), 492–504 * Blalock, Garrick and Gertler, Paul J. 2008. Welfare gains from Foreign Direct Investment through technological transfer to local suppliers. Journal of International Economics Vol. 74 pp. 402-421. * Blondal, Jon R. 2003 Budget Reform in OECD Member Countries: Common Trends. OECD Journal on Budgeting Vol.2, No. 4 * Blonigen, Bruce A. 1997. Firm-Specific Assets and the Link between Exchange Rates and Foreign Direct Investment. The American Economic Review, Vol. 87, No. 3 pp * Borensztein, Gregorio, and Lee. 1998. How does foreign direct investment affect economic growth? Journal of International Economics Vol. 45 pp. 115–135 Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 * Busse, Matthias and Hefeker, Carsten. 2007. Political risk, institutions and foreign direct investment. European Journal of Political Economy Vol. 23 pp. 397-415. * Caiden, Naomi. 1980. Budgeting in Poor Countries: Ten Common Assumptions Re-Examined, Public Administration Review, Vol. 40, No. 1 pp. 40-46 * Demekas, Dimitri G., Horvth, Balzs., Ribakova, Elina., Wu, Yi. 2007. Foreign Direct Investment in European transition economies- The role of policies. Journal of Comparative Economics 35 (200 * Duce, Maitena and Espaà ±a, Banco de. 2003. Definitions of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):a methodological note Banco de Espaà ±a, International Economics and International Relations Department. * Foreign Direct Investment in Emerging Market Countries. (2003) Report of the Working Group of the Capital Markets Consultative Group. * Hameed, Farhan. 2005. Fiscal Transparency and Economic Outcomes. International Monetary Fund Working Paper. WP/05/225 7) 369–386 * International Budget Partnership. Uganda Info. internationalbudget.org/what-we-do/open-budget-survey/?fa=countryDetailsid=2311countryID=UG * Jarmuzek, M. 2006. Does Fiscal Transparency Matter? The Evidence from Transition Economies. Warsaw, Poland: Center for Social and Economic Research. * Javorcik, Beata Smarzynska. 2004 Does Foreign Direct Investment Increase the Productivity of Domestic Firms? In Search of Spillovers Through Backward Linkages. The American Economic Review Vol. 94 No. 3, pp. 605-627. * Kopits and Craig (1998) Transparency in Government Operations. International Monetary Fund. Occational Paper 158. * Kolstad, Ivar and Wiig, Arne. 2008. Is Transparency the Key to Reducing Corruption in Resource-Rich Countries? World Development Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 521-532. * Kraan, Dirk-Jan. 2004. Off-budget and Tax Expenditures. OECD Journal on Budgeting Vol.4, No. 1 Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 * Kuteesa, Florence, Magona, Ishmael, Wanyera, Maris and Wokadala, James. 2006. Uganda: A Decade of Budget Reform and Poverty Reduction. OECD Journal on Budgeting Vol 6 No. 2. * Li, Quan 2009. Democracy, Autocracy, and Expropriation of Foreign Direct Investment. Comparative Political Studies 2009 42: 1098 * Lizondo, Saul J. 1990. Foreign Direct Investment. International Monetary Fund Working Paper. WP/90/63. * Markusen, James R., Venables, Anthony J. 1999. Foreign direct investment as a catalyst for industrial development. European Economic Review Vol. 43, pp. 335-356 * Mello, Luiz R. de Jr. 1999. Foreign direct investment-led growth: evidence from time series and panel data. Oxford Economic Papers 51, pp. 133-151. * Mwenda, Andrew M. and Tangri, Roger. 2005. Patronage Politics, Donor Reforms, and Regime Consolidation in Uganda. African Affairs, 104/416, pp. 449-467. * OECD Best Practices for Budget Transparency. 2002. OECD Journal on Budgeting. 1(3): 7-14. * Ram, Rati and Zhang, Kevin Honglin. 2002. Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: Evidence from Cross†Country Data for the 1990s. Economic Development and Cultural Change, Vol. 51, No. 1 pp. 205-215 * Renzio, Paolo de, Gomez, Pamela and Sheppard, James.2009. Budget transparency and development in resource-dependent countries UNESCO 2009. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. * Schneider, Friedrich and Frey, Bruno S. 1985. Economic and Political determinants of Foreign Direct Investment. World Development, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 161-175, * Transparency International Global Corruption Report(s). transparency.org/publications/gcr * Walsh, James P. and Yu, Jiangyan. 2010 Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment: A Sectoral and Institutional Approach. IMF Working Paper, Asia Pacific Department. WP/10/187. Budget Transparency Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries 2011 * World Bank Data Indicators. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator

About Architect Steven Holl, Time, Space, and Light

About Architect Steven Holl, Time, Space, and Light I was in the Washington, DC convention center when Steven Holl accepted the 2012 AIA Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architects. I listened to Holls watercolor-like speech over the loudspeakers, as I rushed through the hallways, running late.   Architecture is an art bridging the humanities and the sciences, Holl said. We work bone-deep in Art- drawing lines between sculpture, poetry, music and science that coalesce in Architecture. That, I thought, is architecture. Steven Myron Holl is known for his strong viewpoints and his beautiful watercolors. He is constantly painting, both in words and with brushes. He also is known as the thinking mans architect, an intellectual philosopher who connects disciplines. Background: Born: December 9, 1947, Bremerton, Washington Education: 1971, BA, University of WashingtonPostgraduate study in Rome, Italy and the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London, UK Professional Experience: 1976-present: Steven Holl Architects, stevenholl.com/; Twitter at stevenhollarch1981-present: Tenured Professor of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, Columbia University, NYCChris McVoy, Senior Partner at Steven Holl Architects, co-designs with Holl in addition to his pracitce with Beth ONeill, ONeill McVoy Architects Design Philosophy: Rather than imposing a style upon different sites and climates, or pursued irrespective of program, the unique character of a program and a site becomes the starting point for an architectural idea. While anchoring each work in its specific site and circumstance, Steven Holl Architects endeavors to obtain a deeper beginning in the experience of time, space, light and materials. The phenomena of the space of a room, the sunlight entering through a window, and the color and reflection of materials on a wall and floor all have integral relationships. The materials of architecture communicate through resonance and dissonance, just as instruments in musical composition, producing thought and sense-provoking qualities in the experience of a place. - About Steven Holl Architects, website at www.stevenholl.com/studio.php?typeabout, accessed September 22, 2014 Selected Architecture Projects 1991: Void Space/Hinged Space Housing, Fukuoka, Japan1996: Makuhari Bay New Town, Chiba, Japan1997: Chapel of St. Ignatius, Seattle University, Washington1998: Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, Finland2002: Memorial Square by Meier, Eisenman, Gwathmey/Siegel, Holl , unrealized proposed design to redevelop Ground Zero, Lower Manhattan2002: Simmons Hall, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts2007: Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton University, New Jersey2007: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building Addition, Kansas City, Missouri2009: Linked Hybrid, Beijing, China2009: Vanke Center Horizontal Skyscraper, Shenzhen, China2009: Knut Hamsun Center, Hamarà ¸y, Norway2012: Expansion Project, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC2012: Danish Natural History Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark2013: Campbell Sports Center, Columbia University, New York2014: Reid Building, The Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland2014: Beirut Mar ina at Zaitunay Bay, Beirut, Lebanon 2016: Visual Arts Building, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa2016: Institute for Contemporary Art, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia2017: Expansion of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC Furniture: A2-Chair, 2013A-Chair, 1980, 2005Riddled Table, lasercut, 2006, 2007 Awards: 2014: Praemium Imperiale International Arts Award, Japan Art Association2012: Gold Medal, American Institute of Architects (AIA)2010: Jencks Award, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)2009: BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award1998: Alvar Aalto Medal, Finland1998: La Grande Medaille dOr, Academy of Architecture, France1990: Arnold W. Brunner Memorial Prize, American Academy of Arts and Letters In the Words of Steve Holl: From the Five Minute Manifesto, 2012 The essential power of Architecture is PARALLAX: the horizontal and vertical movement through forms and light over time, as we- our bodies- pass by, walk up, go inside, walk through inspired space. The joy and ambiguity of SCALELESSNESS excites the imagination through Mysteries of Proportion like Fibonaccis - 0, 1, 1, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 †¦ - which wakes us to Geometrical Feeling. Forget mono-functional buildings! Make Hybrid Buildings: Living Working Recreation Culture Make a New Fusion of landscape, architecture, and URBANISM, a fusion of luminosity and porosity into Cities of Matter with spirit. Make New Cities- our greatest artwork- with the same urgency as we restore the natural landscape and biodiversity. Selected Writings and Paintings by Steven Holl: Anchoring, Princeton Architectural Press, 1989Edge of a City, Pamphlet Architecture 13, Princeton Architectural Press, 1991Parallax, Princeton Architectural Press, 2000Written in Water, Lars Muller Publishers, 2002House: Black Swan Theory, Princeton Architectural Press, 2007Steven Holl: Architecture Spoken, Rizzoli, 2007Urbanisms: Working with Doubt, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009New Haiti Villages, Pamphlet Architecture 31, Princeton Architectural Press, 2010Scale, Lars Muller Publisher, 2012Horizontal Skyscraper, William Stout Publishers, 2011 Who is Steve Holl? Holl is viewed as assertive by people who are trying to be complimentary, and as a bull in a china shop by people who aren’t, comments architecture critic Paul Goldberger in The New Yorker magazine. Arguably, Holls Vanke Center in China is the architecture that fulfills his philosophical vision. Imagine the Empire State Building on its side, with giant piers cradling the structure several stories above a ground prone to natural disasters. The multi-use horizontal skyscraper incorporates sustainable design and urban planning. Mr. Holl has designed a building that pushes its users to stop and think about the world around them, says Nicolai Ouroussoff in The New York Times. It is an architecture that opens doors to new possibilities. The answers he supplies in all of his designs draw from architecture, of course, but also from engineering, science, art, philosophy, and literature, writes Zach Mortice, Managing Editor of AIArchitect. Holl is the rare architect who can combine these gentlemanly pursuits (he often develops designs by painting them in water colors, for example) and use them as source material and method for buildings that aggressively push the edge of what’s possible. Sources: Lenses on the Lawn by Paul Goldberger, The New Yorker, April 30, 2007; Five Minute Manifesto, Steven Holl, Washington, D.C., AIA Gold Medal Ceremony, May 18, 2012 [accessed October 31, 2014]; Steven Holl, 2014 Laureate in Architecture, The Japan Art Association at www.praemiumimperiale.org/en/component/k2/item/310-holl [accessed September 22, 2014]; Turning Design on Its Side by Nicolai Ouroussoff, The New York Times, June 27, 2011 [accessed November 1, 2014]

Personalized Medicine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personalized Medicine - Research Paper Example With the simple blood test, disorders related to genes are detected. This was revealed in the study by Holtzman and Shapiro (1998) where there was a significant reduction in the birth of thalassaemia among high risk in Cyprus, Sardinia and in the Mediterranean regions. Through prenatal diagnosis, couples are given the option for selective termination of pregnancy believed to carry genetic abnormalities. The study also found out that screening tests are helpful in determining other health problems such as sickle cell anemia, phenylketonuria, thyroid carcinoma, and multiple endocrine neoplasias that may arise as a result of defective gene combinations. Not only that physical abnormality could be limited but also the psychological sequels as a result of discrimination are also prevented. With these breakthroughs in genetic science, personalized medicine emerged in an effort to dissect the many combinations of genes to optimize preventative measures of patients to reduce the number of in cidences. The technology employed in modern genetics also laid the foundation to experts behind the personalized medicine to include a more complex study such as cytogenetics, cancer genetics, and cell biology in providing patients with individualized treatment. The individualized therapeutic care is based on the concept that patients do not respond to the same selected medication. The study of the patient’s protein including the genetic and metabolic profiling helps in stratifying the disease. which is helpful in proper medication and dosage. In addition, modern genetic technology provided personalized medicine with the basics of going in depth studies of complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. This way, personalized medicine serves as the extension of traditional approach in understanding and treating disease. Benefits of personalized medicine Personalized medicine has varied benefits not only to individuals at risk of possible genetic health problems but also to medical practitioners and to the pharmaceutical companies as well. Individuals at risks can request diagnostic test directly from pharmaceutical companies for certain diseases without seeking the authorization of the physician. Companies such as 23ndMe Incorporated, decodeMe, and Navigenics provide services on genome profiling to consumers. The service offered by these companies provides the public convenience and accessibility to the test for diagnosis. Furthermore, it promotes diagnostic awareness to the public in general (Haga, 2009). However, the same study warns that the non interference of a physician might lead to miscommunication leading to psychosocial harm and impacts life decision such as unnecessary family

Analysis a relationship about economic Statistics Project

Analysis a relationship about economic - Statistics Project Example The money in supply and inflation rate is always interconnected because a high amount of money in supply usually devalues demand for money. For instance, in a small town if all residents were to get $50 raise in their salary each month, if they were paying about $14 on their gas, then with the rise they will likely not mind paying $15 given the fact that it is relatively less than what they normally spent on gasoline per week. In most cases, this is normally how the relationship between inflation and money often starts, when the market is able to bear high prices due to increase in the money supply (Mishkin, 40). Therefore, most customers will most likely opt out of buying a product at the same price it was before the inflation occurred simply because the buying power of the currency has been worn out. The graph above shows the estimated value of the relationship between inflation and money growth. The rate of inflation depends on the amount of money in supply. When one takes into consideration the classical theory, money does not affect real variables but has an effect on nominal variables such as inflation. This, therefore, means that when plotting the graph, the rate of inflation will be plotted on the y-axis while the supply of money will be plotted on the x-axis. The blue dots are the actual values while the red line shows the fitted values. In the long run, the correlation between money and inflation is rather high and can be estimated to almost one. However, when the short term period is taken into consideration, the relationship between money and inflation is rather weak which could be an attributing factor as to why the curve showing the relationship between money and inflation is not straight. Several economic theories can be applied in order to try to explain the relationship between money supply and inflation. If one were to use the quantity supply theory, also refers to as monetarism, the relation between money in supply and

Andrew Jackson Essay Example for Free

Andrew Jackson Essay Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, deserves to have his picture engraved on the twenty-dollar bill. Jacksons perilous military achievement and leadership as well as democratic principles demonstrated during his presidency have made a significant contribution to American history and political life. Andrew Jackson led his troops to decisive victories against the Creeks in Alabama and against the British in New Orleans. In the war of 1812 the Creek Indians, British allies, had threatened the southwestern borders of the United States. A major general in the Tennessee militia, Jackson with the help of his troops successfully defeated the Creek Indians in 1814 at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. He was able to overcome shortages of supplies and food. In addition, he was able to curb two potential mutinies and lead a successful campaign against the Creeks. A second major battle that brought recognition to Jackson was the Battle of New Orleans. An impressive aspect of this battle was that in spite of Jackson being greatly outnumbered with his army of 5,000 men against the British army of 8,000, Jackson was able to win with minimal casualties to his troops compared to the British who suffered greater losses. These two military triumphs earned Jackson acclaimed national military fame. After the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Jacksons men acknowledged his toughness by calling him Old Hickory because he was as tough as Hickory Wood. His stunning victory at New Orleans gave Jackson status as a national hero because he gave Americans confidence in their ability to defend their new liberty. As a strong president, Andrew Jackson led reforms for the common man and created a more balanced central government. Jackson believed that the common man should have a place in society. He governed with the principle to let the people rule. Under his leadership, he and his followers issued reforms to reduce the long workdays and allow the average man to earn a greater share of the nations wealth. Wanting economic opportunity for all men, Jackson acted on his leadership skills to protect the rights of farmers, artisans, and small shopkeepers from the selfish interests of large  businesses and monopolies. Jackson wanted to help common Americans by letting them have a say in politics. He allowed many people to vote than ever before, therefore making the government more directly responsible to the people. He believed that the president should use full power as granted by the constitution. In that capacity, he made the most presidential vetoes than all the presidents before him. Jacksons use of the presidential veto was an effective measure to create a more balanced central government by decentralizing power in both the executive and legislative branch making them equal to each other. This set an effective standard for presidential procedure. Never hesitant, Jackson argued with the Supreme Court or Congress when their positions conflicted with the best interests of all the people. Jacksons efforts to make reforms for the common man and his ability to balance the power of the federal government made a lasting impression on American democracy. Jacksons achievements, as a military general as well as his leadership as the seventh president of the United States, give him the rightful recognition to have his image on the twenty dollar bill. As a general, Jackson was able to make quick and wise decisions to lead his troops to prevail through challenging military operations. As president, he left a lasting legacy to improve the conditions of the common man and to strengthen the office of the presidency. He shall always be remembered for granting people a greater voice in government by giving voting rights to non-land owners and replacing an aristocratic cabinet with people of more humble means. Jackson is regarded with respect for strengthening the office of the president through the use of veto, and rendering equality in power to both the executive and legislative branches. These aspects of his presidential administration have become a standard for todays modern presidency.

The Civil Rights Movement Essay -- Black struggle for civil rights in

In a Democracy the majority does not need any protection, because it is the majority which has control. However, as seen through history, even majorities can be tyrannical, and the minority needs protection from them. â€Å"Civil rights† is the term used when speaking of the privileges, immunities, and practices of freedom which are protected from violation by other citizens. That is the definition of civil rights, although when most people think of civil rights they instantly think it means black civil rights. This is understandable since blacks, more than any other minority group in America, have had the toughest and therefore the best known struggle for equal rights. This is due to the fact that most of the majority believed that when the people in the minority group are of another color, they are also different in other ways, and therefore, not entitled to quite the same rights and privileges. This belief was not limited to just the South. Discrimination has always been pervasive throughout all of Western civilization. This racist ideology has held the African Americans down in America for many years. It was not more than 150 years ago that Blacks were considered so inferior that they were held as slaves. African Americans have fought hard against the overwhelming racist powers to earn the rights that they have now. To say it has been a battle for civil rights is an understatement. It has been a hard fought war. A battle implies one fight, one clash. But it has taken fight after fight for African Americans to earn their freedom and equal rights. After earning freedom from slavery, Blacks fought for more than one hundred years to be considered equals in society. That struggle reached its climax during the1960s, when the biggest gains in the area of civil rights were made. Up to that time blacks and whites remained separate and blacks were still treated as inferiors. Everything from water fountains to city parks was segregated. Signs that read, â€Å"whites only, no coloreds† were all too commonplace on the doors of stores and restaurants throughout the southern states. Blacks and whites went to different schools where black children would have classes in shabby classrooms with poor, secondhand supplies. These are just a few examples of some of the many racial discriminations which blacks once had to face in America prior to the 1960s. ... ...is , 1990 This was also a pretty decent book. It was also not very substantive and is young adult/moron reading level. Although it is a simple, easy read, it did have some very interesting anecdotes which provide very good insight into King’s life which is not available anywhere else I looked Lewis, David L.- King:Critical Biography: Praeger Publishers: New York/Washington 1970- This was a very useful book. It provided some very good information on King. Although it is an extremely hard read it was very, very helpful. Current, Williams, Freidel, Brinkley. American History A Survey New York: Alfred A. Knopf inc, 1983-Used the textbook for info on the civil rights and King Haskins, James The Life and Death of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York:, Beach Tree Books 1977- This was a fair book. Has a nice biography but lacks anything real original. It was really just another bland King Biography that is just the facts and no real opinions or insight. Paris,Peter,. Black Religious Leaders New York: Westminster John Knox inc, 1991 –good book for my comparative analysis of King and X. Really provided insight into Malcolm’s beliefs and how they contrasted with King’s. The Civil Rights Movement Essay -- Black struggle for civil rights in In a Democracy the majority does not need any protection, because it is the majority which has control. However, as seen through history, even majorities can be tyrannical, and the minority needs protection from them. â€Å"Civil rights† is the term used when speaking of the privileges, immunities, and practices of freedom which are protected from violation by other citizens. That is the definition of civil rights, although when most people think of civil rights they instantly think it means black civil rights. This is understandable since blacks, more than any other minority group in America, have had the toughest and therefore the best known struggle for equal rights. This is due to the fact that most of the majority believed that when the people in the minority group are of another color, they are also different in other ways, and therefore, not entitled to quite the same rights and privileges. This belief was not limited to just the South. Discrimination has always been pervasive throughout all of Western civilization. This racist ideology has held the African Americans down in America for many years. It was not more than 150 years ago that Blacks were considered so inferior that they were held as slaves. African Americans have fought hard against the overwhelming racist powers to earn the rights that they have now. To say it has been a battle for civil rights is an understatement. It has been a hard fought war. A battle implies one fight, one clash. But it has taken fight after fight for African Americans to earn their freedom and equal rights. After earning freedom from slavery, Blacks fought for more than one hundred years to be considered equals in society. That struggle reached its climax during the1960s, when the biggest gains in the area of civil rights were made. Up to that time blacks and whites remained separate and blacks were still treated as inferiors. Everything from water fountains to city parks was segregated. Signs that read, â€Å"whites only, no coloreds† were all too commonplace on the doors of stores and restaurants throughout the southern states. Blacks and whites went to different schools where black children would have classes in shabby classrooms with poor, secondhand supplies. These are just a few examples of some of the many racial discriminations which blacks once had to face in America prior to the 1960s. ... ...is , 1990 This was also a pretty decent book. It was also not very substantive and is young adult/moron reading level. Although it is a simple, easy read, it did have some very interesting anecdotes which provide very good insight into King’s life which is not available anywhere else I looked Lewis, David L.- King:Critical Biography: Praeger Publishers: New York/Washington 1970- This was a very useful book. It provided some very good information on King. Although it is an extremely hard read it was very, very helpful. Current, Williams, Freidel, Brinkley. American History A Survey New York: Alfred A. Knopf inc, 1983-Used the textbook for info on the civil rights and King Haskins, James The Life and Death of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York:, Beach Tree Books 1977- This was a fair book. Has a nice biography but lacks anything real original. It was really just another bland King Biography that is just the facts and no real opinions or insight. Paris,Peter,. Black Religious Leaders New York: Westminster John Knox inc, 1991 –good book for my comparative analysis of King and X. Really provided insight into Malcolm’s beliefs and how they contrasted with King’s.

Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness Essay

Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness has foreshadowing that adds a lot of suspense throughout the book. Conrad used foreshadowing through minor details that are not clearly stated and are to be interpreted as the book continues. The setting of the book–on a small sailing craft on a river as night falls–and Marlow’s comparison, by implication, of the dark heart of Africa (the Belgian Congo) and the barbarian darkness on the northern fringes of the Roman Empire, both are examples of irony and foreshadowing. In the beginning Marlow is remembering what it may have been like to be a young Roman conqueror exploring through the jungle. He would have had to deal with â€Å"†¦cold, fog, tempests, disease, exile, and death†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Marlow mentions how the soldier would have had a â€Å"fascination of the abomination† . Later in the book this same fascination overcame Kurtz after his long time in the Congo, â€Å"he hates sometimes the idea of being taken away† . Even when Marlow finds Kurtz, he can’t â€Å"break the spell – the heavy mute spell of the wilderness – that seemed to draw him to its pitiless breast by the awakening of forgotten and brutal instincts† When Marlow begins to share his story about an earlier sea voyage, he shares with his fellow mates a story about how one of their captains was killed because of a fight that arose over two black hens. Fresleven, one of the men in the fight, began to beat a native because of his desire for the hen. The native’s son broke up the fight and â€Å"made a tentative jab with a spear at the white man – and of course it went quite easy between the shoulder blades† . Marlow then takes Fresleven’s job as captain of the ship, stepping into his shoes. Later on in the book when Marlow’s ship is under a light attack, his helmsman was speared through the ribs, causing him to die. Blood filled Marlow’s shoes, and he threw them overboard. This is an example of foreshadowing, because Marlow fills Fresleven’s shoes without realizing the full extent of the job. It also an example of irony, because when Fresleven, a nice white man is killed, nobody was shaken, yet when the savage was speared Marlow was full of regret. Another example of irony is that Africa is constantly being described as a dark and gloomy place in the novel, but the Europeans are the ones that actually have the dark hearts. The Africans only get violent because they want to keep their culture alive, and the Europeans are willing to throw that away as long as they earn a profit. The only reason the Europeans wanted to invade Africa was for commercial benefits, and that is dark Another example of foreshadowing is the two women knitting black wool outside the office Marlow visited before he went on his journey. The color black often appears to Marlow when he is headed for trouble.. The women were sitting outside, drawing in unsuspecting youth ready for adventure, yet unaware of the danger ahead. Later in the book when Marlow is following Kurtz into the dark, dangerous forest, he reflects that â€Å"the knitting old women with the cat obtruded herself upon my memory as a most improper person to be sitting at the other end of such an affair† . Conrad used irony and foreshadowing by describing the different scenes in a very dark tone that when looking back at them after certain events happen in the book show the way that specific narration such ,as the lady’s knitting black wool, links to the events following it.

Interpret Marketing Trends and Developments Essay

The aim of this report is to determine if potential alternative hub airports to service the growing of Australasian and Pacific markets by researching and identifying considerable inroads into this large market for expanding and growing opportunities for Virgin Australia’s potential abilities Methods Used A questionnaire (Appendix 1) was distributed to students attending Metropolitan South Institute of Tafe (MSIT) as well other data conducted to research preliminary and secondary data from the Tourism Australia market profile. As well as conducting Risk Analysis from other countries in the Pacific and Australasian countries, which includes airlines and traveller statistics and performances. When undertaking the questionnaires, the data was distributed and collated by answering question on what students preferred as their haul destinations. As a result the analysis was conducted that most of the students preferred Fiji in category 1 while category 2 the students preferred Malaysia that has the highest percentage of students followed by Vietnam and Philippines as their hub destination. Students preferred its natural beauties of its countries rather that its infrastructure, and rich heritage. As well as its scenic views and luckily 23 students have travelled internationally while 4 students said they never travelled at all. From the students conducted in this questionnaire students were around 21 to 30 years old more than the rest of the respondents in this demographic. Sources Other than the questionnaire, this report did not use any other sources but analysing a risk matrix of countries whether the profile status was able to be a hub destination or not. Scope This report looks at the opinions of students attending MSIT Mt Gravatt, and investigations of countries in the Pacific and Australasian regions for strategies to conduct major airlines services. Background From this report it will be investigated by the following elements of regional analysis in Australasia and the Pacific. It will also look at the trends from the landscape of aviation analysis and the main key airlines that each countries support on using as its carrier. Demographics will also be analysed by the market performance of the country in each category and its destination ports and statistics. Establishing a performance on its international routes will be the key priority in building successful and stronger platforms for the future.

Student Athletes Essays - Student Athlete, Free Essays, Term Papers

Student Athletes Essays - Student Athlete, Free Essays, Term Papers Student Athletes Athletes Should Get Paid As you sit at the stadium or in your home and watch college football, basketball, or even baseball, do you ever wonder where the money goes from all the ticket sales? Colleges make a lot of money from their athletics. I feel that the profit that is made should partly go back to the student athlete. College athletes should be paid for their participation in sports, since sports make a lot of money for the college. A student athlete's schedule is very hectic. There are many activities that have to be attended daily. A student athlete is expected to go to class every day, and later in, the day they are expected to meet at practice, no matter what the sport. After practice, the student athlete must eat dinner. Then, the person has to go home to their dorm to do homework, which can last for hours. There is very little time during the day, to allow the student athlete to get a job. Most of the time coaches will not allow the students to work, due to schedule conflict, and it is also hard on the student's studies. If the coach doesn't allow a job and there is no time for one, where does the student get money? Student finances are very limited. Most of the money that students have is from parents or student loans. Students need money for food, gas and laundry. If a student eats three meals a day, it would usually cost then about fifteen dollars. For a five-day week it would be around seventy-five dollars. Usually, the student athletes do not travel much, so gas expenses would be minimal. However there are those occasional trips home to see family. The student also needs money for laundry. Laundry runs around five or six dollars per week. Years ago, student athletes at colleges and universities were given laundry money, which was twenty-five to thirty dollars a week. The money could be spent freely. It was like an allowance that your parents would give you every week. I feel that this little support would at least help the student when money is hard to come by at home. With the financial help of the college, a student athlete would only have to supply around fifty dollars per week instead o f seventy- or eighty-five A student would have less financial troubles if they were compensated for athletics. If athletes were paid, they could have a better start out of college. For instance, if the student athlete has to get a loan during college because he or she has no money for necessities, that student athlete has started to dig a financial hole. That hole will be a burden to the student athlete when her or she graduates from college. Also, the student athlete's parents will not be financially troubled when the student graduates from college. It would make it easier on student athletes and their parents mentally and physically if student athletes were paid. Mentally, the parents would not have to worry about paying the bills when tuition is due. Physically, the parents and students would not have to break their back to work overtime, or to have a job while in school, and play athletics as well. I feel that student athletes have a lot to worry about. One is their grades; two is their performance in games. I feel the last thing a student athlete should worry about is how they are going to make money to pay for necessities, since the student plays a sport that makes money for the college. Student athletes should be compensated for their participation in athletics while attending college.

Racist Commenters on Mark Zuckerbergs Marriage

Racist Commenters on Mark Zuckerberg's Marriage No one has a problem with interracial marriage anymore, right? Poll after poll shows that public support of these unions is at record highs. The 2010 census revealed not only that interracial marriages are up but also that mixed-race children are the fastest growing group of young people. These days television shows feature interracial couples in storylines where race never causes tension. Altogether that means that interracial marriage is simply a non-issue in post-racial America, doesnt it? Not quite. The online reaction to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerbergs wedding on Saturday to Priscilla Chan is a clear reminder that the country has a long way to go before interracial marriage becomes widely and genuinely accepted. The day after Zuckerbergs nuptials the comments sections of websites reporting the news included several hateful remarks criticizing the couples looks and taking aim at their wealth. Thats par for the course online, though. What really stood out is the series of comments with a decidedly racial bent. On the Los Angeles Times website, a commenter named Waskoman exclaimed, Man, those mail order compaines have some hot chicks!  Just kidding!!! Another, using the moniker Jihadlives, remarked, He married a chank?   Whats up with that? What we have here is the assumption that because Chan has Chinese ancestry she cant be an American. Of course not. She must be a woman Zuckerberg shipped from overseas to be his submissive bride. In reality Chan is far from a mail order mate. Shes an Ivy League-educated doctor who could hold her own without Zuckerberg, but the facts of the situation dont easily lend themselves to racist and sexist stereotypes. The second commenter relied on a misspelled racial slur rather than on a racial stereotype to object to Zuckerbergs decision to marry Chan. On a different note, a third L.A. Times commenter accused Zuckerberg of killing his own kind by intermarrying. Ome-Coatl wrote: Why didnt he marry a nice Jewish girl?I once read a conservative Jewish commentator say that Americas intermarriage culture is destroying Jews more effectively than did the Nazi gas chambers. Perhaps it was hyperbole... or was it? The L.A. Times website was hardly the only one where racist commenters took aim at Zuckerberg and Chan. A commenter named Morney on the gossip web site Gawker applauded Zuckerbergs decision to marry interracially but for completely inappropriate reasons. He wrote, Good for Mark to marry a submissive Asian woman, instead of a spoiled American. Shes not a looker, but this way shell take care of him and raise his kids, while he can still hit much hotter #$!* on the side. Once again, theres the assumption that Chan is not from the United States, as if Asian Americans dont exist. This commenter also assumes because Chan has Chinese heritage shell be content to serve as Zuckerbergs caretaker (instead of the doctor she studied to be) and will be so passive shell be cool if Zuckerberg cheats on her. On Gawker, a couple of commenters tried to show Morney that not all Asian women are passive, but they did so by invoking the Dragon Lady stereotype. Youve never dated an Asian woman have you? commenter Tsol asked Morney. Especially a driven achiever like Priscillathere is nothing submissive about them. In fact I guarantee that shes the one wearing the pants in that relationship. Theres a reason the Dragon Lady stereotype stills exists. A word to the wise: you dont fight a stereotype by mentioning another stereotype. Just as all Asian women arent submissive, all Asian women certainly arent domineering, so no one can guarantee that Priscilla Chan wears the pants in her relationship with Zuckerberg. As for why racial stereotypes still existits because racism still does. On TMZ.com commenters plainly suggested that Chans Asianness makes her a whore. Bet she love him long, long time, a commenter named Really? quipped. Others followed suit, and the scary thing is that a number of these comments received more favorable ratings from other viewers than unfavorable ones. So, who cares if racist commenters dont like the fact that Mark Zuckerberg married a Chinese-American doctor? He could buy and sell everyone of those haters. That may be true, but if people exhibit this level of racial animus concerning a powerful couple they dont even know, imagine how people regard the interracial couples they pass on the street, live next to or are related to? Its also important to note that interracial couples consisting of a white man and an Asian woman are largely regarded as the least threatening of all. Given this, if Zuckerberg and Chans marriage can stir up this much hate, what must interracial couples with a different ethnic makeup endure?