Who Is in the Futures Markets and How It Has Changed Essay Sample free essay sample

Leading up to 2008. oil monetary values experienced a steady. upward tendency. Then. in 2008 oil monetary values climbed to unprecedented highs of $ 147 per barrel in July. merely to fall dramatically in a really short period of clip to a depression of $ 30 per barrel in December 2008. This comparatively dramatic motion in oil monetary value has caused everyone from U. S. congresswomans to curates from the Organization of OPEC to name into inquiry the function of bad bargainers in oil hereafters market. As such the trade good hereafters merchandising committee ( CFTC ) . the chief regulator of U. S. oil hereafters markets. late announced that a new reappraisal of the function of speculators in oil hereafters markets merchandising would be forthcoming. The Obama disposal has already indicated that it will prosecute greater ordinance of market and is negociating with the United Kingdom about possible coordination. The brief paper investigates and addresses the nucleus inquiry of whethe r bad trading in oil has increased and whether the nexus between dollar and oil-related fiscal contracts has strengthened in the last several old ages. We will write a custom essay sample on Who Is in the Futures Markets and How It Has Changed? Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Finally. the paper discuses the interaction between these ascertained market tendency sing policies to utilize strategic government-held oil stocks. Crude oil Monetary value: the paper discuss that it has been postulated that oil linked index financess became an plus category for investors desiring to get away the falling dollar and weakening stock market. adding to the bad ardor in oil and doing even more harm to the U. S. economic system. In 2008. U. S. oil imports totaled $ 331 billion. This represents an addition of 300 per centum from 2002. Furthermore. the U. S. oil import measure accounted for every bit much as 47 per centum of the overall U. S. trade shortage in 2008. compared to merely 19 per centum in 2002. This lifting fiscal load contributed to the on-going challenges for the U. S. economic system from 2008 through 2009. and set force per unit area on the U. S. dollar. In the reappraisal of the informations by the CFTC they find that non-commercials ( bargainers ) participants now constitute about 50 per centum of those keeping outstanding places in the U. S. oil hereafters market. compared to an norm of about 20 per centum prior to 2002. at the same clip. it was seen as the principal factor behind the addition in unfastened involvement and it is besides extremely correlated with the tally up in oil monetary values. The paper besides highlights that there was a significant alteration following the transition of the Commodity Future Modernization Act in December 2000. The paper besides finds the correlativity between motions in oil monetary values and the value of the dollar against the trade-weighted index of the currencies of foreign states has increased to 0. 82 ( a important step ) for the period between 2001 and the present twenty-four hours. compared to a antecedently undistinguished correlativity of merely 0. 08 between 1986 and 2000. Recent displacements in the composing of oil market participants and dollar-oil correlativities besides correspond to alterations in the mode of ordinance of trade good markets such as those implemented with the CFMA where the new ordinances made it easier for fiscal participants to rid of bad bounds and made it more hard for the CFTC to modulate oil hereafters markets. moreover. alterations at London’s Inter Continental Exchange ( ICE ) sing U. S. del ivery-based contracts besides created jobs with monitoring and restricting bad activity since these contracts were outside the legal power of the CFTC. II. Oil hereafters markets: Who Trades and Why?A broad array of fiscal tools was employed to let industry participants to pull off and diversify monetary value hazard and to assist raise capital in advanced ways. Growth in the usage of fiscal instruments explicitly linked to oil and these tools in bend. helped set up more transparence in the planetary petroleum oil market. readily available information about current and expected hereafter market conditions into the market monetary value. which allowed market participants to fudge. or shed hazard. against unexpected monetary value motions. which can be really of import map for houses engaged in geographic expedition and production or refinement and selling of oil merchandises. But. for the map of hazard casting to be facilitated. there must be participants willing to accept hazard. These participants are so called â€Å"speculators† whom serve an of import function in the proper operation of these fiscal markets. Although merel y a little volume of oil contracts traded in these exchanges result in physical bringing. Rather. most bargainers who open places will typically shut them prior to expiry with the end of gaining in the dealing. Trading participants on the NYMEX are categorized into two basic classs: 1 ) Commercial bargainers. including both manufacturers and consumers. who trade in hereafters to countervail the hazard in monetary value. 2 ) Non-commercial bargainers. including speculators and fiscal establishments. who seek net income on paper place from short-run alterations in monetary value. Hence both types are needed for the exchange to map good. For illustration. an oil manufacturer can fudge against diminutions in oil monetary value by selling oil hereafters contracts ( taking a short place ) on the exchange in visible radiation of its physical oil place. which is of course short. If oil monetary values autumn over clip. the manufacturer can countervail losingss in its physical concern by taking net incomes on his short fiscal place in the hereafters market. If the oil monetary value rises alternatively. the net incomes from the physical sale of oil are offset by losingss from keeping the hereafters contract. In order for such minutess to take topographic point at that place must be a willing party whereas the â€Å"speculators† service as the counterparty but besides market participants who trade often. therefore increasing liquidness. But late there has been a inquiry about how big the market presence of speculators should be to ease the smooth operation of markets. Worth observing that regulations for bad place bounds were historically much stricter than they are today. Furthermore. despite rhetoric that enforcing stricter bounds would harm market liquidness. there is no grounds to back up such claims. particularly in visible radiation of the fact that the market was working really good prior to 2000. when bad bounds were tighter. Furthermore. the paper high spots that the Commodity Futures Modernization Act ( CFMA ) OF 2000 ef ficaciously cleared the manner for more slack ordinance of new oil hazard direction merchandises. including index financess and monetary value barters. puting the phase for a rapid addition in fiscal player’s engagement in nonprescription ( OTC ) markets. Signed into jurisprudence by President Clinton. after congressional blessing in December 15. 2000. this ordinance is peculiarly of import because it designated certain OTC derived functions minutess ( including those affecting oil ) to be outside of the legal power of the CFTC. Thus. the CFMA made it easier for fiscal participants to rid of place bounds by making a â€Å"loophole† that exempted certain participants from bad place bounds and other ordinances due to their engagement in OTC markets or electronic trading platforms such as ICE or the now nonextant Enron Online. Additional jobs with monitoring and restricting bad activity later emerged with the formation of foreign exchanges that allowed contracts that could be settled by physical bringing within the United States but are outside the legal power of the CFTC because they are offered on foreign exchanges ( the so called â€Å"London Loophole† ) . The paper besides highlights that the CFMA besides removed swap m inutess from the range of the CEA. therefore doing them relieve from bad place bounds established by the CFTC. The paper besides takes note of the composing of market participants in NYMEX following the regulative alterations. observing that the part of unfastened contracts held by Non-commercial participants increased aggressively in the last few old ages increasing their market presence over 15 crease. mostly due to increased usage of spread trading. On the other manus. commercials merely doubled. Their absolute size moreover. the paper observed that the portion of Non-commercial unfastened contracts reached a extremum of more than 55 per centum of entire unfastened involvement at its upper limit in 2008. which coincided with the extremum in rough oil monetary value. In add-on this is seen as the root cause for the â€Å"herd affect† if for illustration Non-commercial participants are more disposed to anticipate monetary values to travel up. so. as they become a more greater portion of the market. the leaden mean market outlook will predominantly go more optimistic about a monetary v alue rise since a larger per centum of participants believe that monetary values will lift in the hereafter. at least for a short period of clip. Merely when high monetary values cause demand to decline and supplies to turn. taking to stock list buildup. will physical market worlds reassert themselves. The paper besides states that by and large talking. speculators have been net long since the center of 2003. merely as monetary values began to lift systematically twelvemonth after twelvemonth. So. as the market presence of Non-commercial bargainers increased between 2003 to early 2008. the stance of these Non-commercial bargainers has reasonably systematically been to keep bullish. long places that supported lifting monetary values. And when their market portion was highest. so was their cyberspace long place. which once more approximately coincided ( moving as a little index ) with the extremum in oil monetary values at $ 147 a barrel in the center of 2008. The Dollar and Oil: The down side to Correlations:A high oil monetary value can lend to a weakening of the dollar. through mounting trade shortages and U. S. debt. In 2007 and 2008. dramatically lifting oil monetary values fed the U. S. trade shortage taking to increased U. S. liability. This. in bend. contributed to an even weaker dollar. whichfarther drove monetary values higher in a self-perpetuating form. Oil linked index financess became an plus category for investors desiring to get away the falling dollar and weakening stock market. adding to the bad ardor in oil. The paper high spots that the Analysis of dollar-oil monetary value informations shows that the day-to-day oil monetary value and the day-to-day value of the dollar against the currencies of major U. S. trading spouses for the period from January 2001 through August 2009. shows a really high correlativity of -0. 82 measuring compared to an undistinguished -0. 08 correlativity measuring during the period of January 19 86 through December 2000. This means that the depreciation in the dollar will really likely coincide with a rise in the monetary value of oil or frailty versa. In add-on the paper notes that there were short Windowss of clip prior to 2001 where the oil monetary value and the value of the dollar are more strongly correlated. a dramatic sustained period of high correlativity emerged during the 2000s. Furthermore. given the fact that the correlativity has increased so dramatically in absolute value in the period post-2000. the relationship between the monetary value of oil and the value of the dollar seems to hold tightened since the beginning of this decennary. Again. it is deserving observing that this occurs after the passage of the CFMA. The paper concludes that the menace to the U. S. economic wellness and national security is that the dollar hazards acquiring caught in a barbarous rhythm where continually lifting oil monetary values feed the U. S. trade shortage. taking to increased U. S. liability and thereby an even weaker dollar. which farther thrusts oil monetary values higher. This form is accentuated by petrodollar recycling where a sudden inflow of oil gross flows from the Middle East fuel fiscal bubbles and investor guess in trade good markets because local Arab Gulf economic systems can non easy absorb the sudden inflow of dollars. Alternatively. Middle East authoritiess and private business communities seek the same investing mercantile establishments for their petrodollars as other planetary investors. fueling hyperbolic monetary values in trade good hereafters markets and index financess. Tools for Preventing Another 2008 in the Oil Market:The paper notes that mechanism exist for authorities intercession in oil markets but the trigger and policy model for their usage is nonchiseled and ailing and periodically implemented. For illustration authorities controlled strategic carrying systems and oil manufacturer trim capacity can both function an of import function in restricting the power of speculators in the planetary oil market during times of crisis or important oil supply-demand instabilities. but usage of these tools has been spotty at best. The paper high spots that the experience during 1990-1991 demonstrated the clear benefit of coordinated usage of strategic stocks and manufacturer trim capacity in contrast to competitory responses in the 1970s and in 2007-2008. Furthermore. the Clinton disposal besides used the â€Å"test sale† tool to crest oil monetary values at $ 40 a barrel. by signaling to oil markets and OPEC that it would utilize such gross revenues from the U. S. strategic crude oil modesty to quiet oil markets and deter bad activity during a sudden break or terrible instability of markets. This scheme proved to be successful discouraging hereafter markets participants from keeping long places above $ 39 a barrel for fright that the U. S. authorities intercession in the oil market could do them loss. However. in 2007-2008 authoritiess around the universe. including the U. S. . engaged in constructing strategic reserves. as oil monetary values rose from $ 65 per barrel to $ 125. This policy opened the door for speculators to confidently spread out their exposure in oil markets hereafters exchanges without the fright of reverberation and gross loss from a surprise release of U. S. or IEA strategic oil stocks. The CFTC needs to rethink the ordinance and market design of organized exchanges and the function of index financess in monetary value motions. A re-evaluation of the function for authorities physical intercession in oil markets in utmost fortunes is besides warranted. A careful survey of the unintended effects of the CFMA. and of the consequence of the ballooning portion of Non-commercial participants in exchange-based and OTC oil hereafters and barters trading. Better apprehension of the function of fiscal participants in oil hereafters markets. in order to teach proper usage of authorities strategic reserves and effectual ordinance of markets.

Free Essays on AMD

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION: COMPANY PROFILE1 THE COMPETITIVE PC CHIP MARKET2 DIVERSIFICATION AND GLOBAL POSITION3 COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS4 GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY5 LEGAL ENVIRONMENT6 THE EHS PROGRAM7 AMD’S WORK FORCE8 SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY7 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY8 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY10 CONCLUSION11 WORKS CITED12 INTRODUCTION: COMPANY PROFILE Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. is ranked as the as the world’s second largest PC chipmaker with a market share of just 17%, far behind Intel Corp. with 81% of the market (Buckman and Williams 2001, 1). However, in 2000 AMD’s sales jumped 63% to $4.6 billion, producing $983 million in net income and its first profitable year since 1995 (Streetwalker 2001, 1). AMD owns engineering, manufacturing, warehousing and administrative facilities where it produces not only PC chips but also microprocessors, memory circuits, logic circuits, flash memory devices, telecommunication products and embedded processors (Moody’s 2000, 2520). The company’s headquarters and research and development site are located in Sunnyvale, CA, while the wafer manufacturing plants are located in Austin, TX and Dresden, Germany. The test and assembly facilities are located in Bangkok, Thailand and Penang, Malaysia. The company has also established production at the Singapore’s test and assembly facility as well as an analysis and design plant in Suzhou, China. In addition, a new plant in Japan, a joint venture of AMD and Fujitsu, called AMD Fujitsu Semiconductor Ltd. or FASB, will begin operations in the first half of 2001 (Dum 2000, 2). AMD, like many technological multinational enterprises (MNE), prefers to locate its factories and assembly plants in technology clusters in stable and democratic countries. However, AMD knows that East Asia is one of the best places for setting up factories because of cheap wages, stable countries, proximity to suppliers and potentially large mark... Free Essays on AMD Free Essays on AMD CONTENTS INTRODUCTION: COMPANY PROFILE 1 THE COMPETITIVE PC CHIP MARKET 2 DIVERSIFICATION AND GLOBAL POSITION 3 COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS 4 GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY 5 LEGAL ENVIRONMENT 6 THE EHS PROGRAM 7 AMD’S WORK FORCE 8 SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY 7 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 8 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 10 CONCLUSION 11 WORKS CITED 12 INTRODUCTION: COMPANY PROFILE Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. is ranked as the as the world’s second largest PC chipmaker with a market share of just 17%, far behind Intel Corp. with 81% of the market (Buckman and Williams 2001, 1). However, in 2000 AMD’s sales jumped 63% to $4.6 billion, producing $983 million in net income and its first profitable year since 1995 (Streetwalker 2001, 1). AMD owns engineering, manufacturing, warehousing and administrative facilities where it produces not only PC chips but also microprocessors, memory circuits, logic circuits, flash memory devices, telecommunication products and embedded processors (Moody’s 2000, 2520). The company’s headquarters and research and development site are located in Sunnyvale, CA, while the wafer manufacturing plants are located in Austin, TX and Dresden, Germany. The test and assembly facilities are located in Bangkok, Thailand and Penang, Malaysia. The company has also established production at the Singapore’s test and assembly facility as well as an analysis and design plant in Suzhou, China. In addition, a new plant in Japan, a joint venture of AMD and Fujitsu, called AMD Fujitsu Semiconductor Ltd. or FASB, will begin operations in the first half of 2001 (Dum 2000, 2). AMD, like many technological multinational enterprises (MNE), prefers to locate its factories and assembly plants in technology clusters in stable and democratic countries. However, AMD knows that East Asia is one of the best places for setting up factories because of cheap wages, stable countries, proximity to suppliers and potentially large mark...

Corporate Finance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Corporate Finance - Assignment Example According to the analysis made, the LCC project proves more viable considering its profitability index, which improves on the meaning of the net present value and the payback period. Under this project, the company waits for less than two years for the machine to start gathering revenue while the HCC machine takes up to three years. Considering possibilities of risk, the HCC machine takes even longer yet the LCC machine still maintains the payback period frame. It is recommendable for the company to invest in the LCC project machine. Based on the Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Profitability Index and the Pay Back Period of the two projects considered separately, the project that utilizes the LCC machine is more appropriate. The criterion above aim at evaluating the aspects that relate to time value for money (Steve, Jenkins and Sawyers, 2008). Considering the fact that it has a more positive NPV and it has a shorter Pay Back Period makes it a more worth project compared to the one that uses the HCC. The difference in life spans of the project makes machine HCC look more appropriate but the fact that the machine is so expensive and yet the impact it has on the revenue is meager makes it an expensive machine for the company to aim for. Considering that, inflation is part of the value for money makes the machine attractive since the more the company uses it the more it earns back. Recommendation best for the company in relation to the table is for them to buy the LCC machine. The LCC machine has the company recover its money back in less than two years while the HCC gives the company 3 years for it to recover their money back. Once the life span of the LCC machine is used up, the salvage value is still attractive enough to help the company purchase another machine and proceed with the project. Considering aspects of interest and the loan used

Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 5

Business - Essay Example Scholars also mention that Emotional Intelligence (EI) has strong influence on the performance of employees (EP). The basis for such a statement is the assumption that emotional intelligence can enhance individual, team and organizational effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to critically examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and employee performance. In particular, this paper aims at defining why emotional intelligence is important for employee performance and how the two concepts are related. First of all this essay will attempt to provide a reader with a basic understanding of what emotional intelligence and employee performance are. Secondly, the paper will utilize existing scholarship research in order to identify the relationship between emotional intelligence and employee performance. Thirdly, analysis and evaluation of the relation between emotional intelligence and employee performance will be conducted in order to determine whether emotional intelligenc e is important for employee performance or not. Finally, the presented work will provide conclusions outlining the relationship between emotional intelligence and employee performance, as well as limitations of the given research. ... It is an ability to recognize and understand own emotional responses of self and other people accurately (Cherniss and Adler 2000, 13). The statement of Allameh et al. (2011, 349) also supports this definition saying that emotional intelligence is not a simple quality of a personality; instead, it is a combination of capabilities, which includes comprehension, judgment and perceiving of emotions – own emotions and emotions of other people. Mcshane, Olekalns and Travaglione (2010, 130) have identified four dimensions of emotional intelligence. They are self awareness, self management, social awareness and relationship management. This classification goes in line with the findings of Boyatzis, Goleman and Rhee (1999, 3). These researches have determined that â€Å"emotional intelligence includes two dimensions, internal and external. The self awareness, self image, independence feeling, self realization capacity and decisiveness regard as internal elements. The external element s are inter-individual relationship, compassion and feeling of responsibility.† Finally, many scholars and researchers argue that emotional intelligence have positive influence on employee’s job satisfaction, ability to deal with stress, and work attitudes (Mustafa and Amjad 2011, 241; Allameh et al. 2011, 348). 2.2 Employee Performance (EP) Wu (2011, 22) described employee performance as the amount of effort that employees input into their jobs. The definition of Schermerhorn, Hunt and Osborn (2005, 122) is quite similar – it states that employee performance includes two elements: quantity and quality of final results brought by employee’s or team’s effort achievement. Moreover, Befort and Hattrup (2003, 17) present another perspective at the

Medicare and Medicaid Cuts Essay Example for Free

Medicare and Medicaid Cuts Essay The debate on health care spending has been highly contested and remains the top most agenda on the Obama administration. The U. S government has been pursuing effective health care reforms for quite a long period of time. Focus has been on developing a plan that reduces government spending on heath and home care reimbursements while increasing the regard for insurance cover. An important aspect of these reforms is the reduction in budgetary spending on Medicare and Medicaid programs (Meena, et al. 006). President Obama in 2009 announced the $ 313 reduction in Medicaid and Medicare efficiencies as a move to accomplish the proposed savings essential for facilitating the administration’s heath-care plan. Currently, the cut on Medicare reimbursements paid for health care access costs by psychiatric patients, the elderly and the disabled stands at about 21%. In justifying these cuts, the U. S government points out that the funds would be less essential in the light of a new health care reform. However, at the current economic status and the increasingly declining rates of hospital revenues, this move has resulted into the rationing of medical and home care services, high payroll taxes, and closure of departments and hospitals. According to a study conducted by the American Hospital Association (AHA) regarding these cuts, about one in every five hospitals have already reduced a number of health care services such as outpatient services, post-acute care and behavioural health; as they have had to reduce overhead costs resulting from the cuts (Shen, 2003). These cuts will affect millions of people especially seniors, military families and the disabled who depend greatly on Medicare. This is because accessibility to physician help will be minimized. In support of medical practitioners, The American Medical Association (AMA) argues against these cuts on the basis that they are derived through an unreliable method of determining the physicians’ reimbursements and which according to them ought to be reviewed. It is imperative to also note that the effects of these cuts are being transferred to the public through increased insurance costs. Effects on Access, Cost and Quality of Psychiatric Care There is evidence that patient’s access to health and home care has been increasingly diminishing in the past few years and even got worse following the recent 21% Medicare cuts. Physicians argue that this has been prompted by the increased costs in the provision of medical care services due to the reimbursement cuts. For instance, by the year 2005, medical care provision costs had been projected to be about 40% more than the in 1991 (White, Dranove 1998). In 2008, about $ 879 million was spent by hospitals in Michigan in subsiding services for the patients affected by the cuts. There have also been care rationing, reduction in provision of vital medical services and closure of hospital departments has been prevalent. This means that access to heath care services by concerned individuals has reduced significantly. A number of medical practitioners have been forced to stop providing psychiatric services to patients due to high overhead costs (Meena, et al. 2006). The reduced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements have made it impossible for psychiatrists to effectively provide care to long-term-care clients as well. There are reports of psychiatrists declining to provide consultation services in nursing homes as result of the lower rates of Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements received. According to the chair of the Geriatric Psychiatry committee for the Maryland Psychiatric Society, Allan Anderson, the cuts are a drawback to the willingness of the psychiatrists to provide care for the Medicare-based patients (Mulligan, 2002). Geriatric patients currently are underserved. Psychiatrists argue that due to a reduced access to psychiatric care such in cases demanding early interventions, most psychiatric patients are ending up complications. Doctors note that the cuts make it difficult for them to meet the requirements of their practice such as administrative issues and thus end up restricting their caseloads on Medicare. Currently, Medicaid does not take responsibility of the complete co pay for patients on both the Medicaid and Medicare and this has made a number of clinics to close to avoid the extra burden of absorbing the costs of treating these patients. For instance, Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic incurred a loss of about $ 34. 2 million in years 2002 and 2003 due to these cuts and it is such losses that are pushing clinics to close down minimizing access to health acre even more. Access to healthcare for the Medicare patients is increasingly becoming expensive and complicated given that the ability to pay currently determines this access (White, Dranove 1998). Most heath facilities have had to cut down on their provisions of vital services that the seniors, the metal disabled and the military personnel within the community rely on to protect their bottom lines. Affected patients are being forced to skip visits to hospitals and this has prompted the providers to restrict access through costs. Impact on Psychiatrists and Other Medical and Home Care Providers A study of about 14,000 anaesthologists and surgeons indicate that most medical care providers will change their practice thus jeopardizing health care provision. A third of those studied said they will cease to practice as Medicare psychiatrists. This will adversely affect their quality of life. Practical challenges are forcing the providers to halt providing some Medicare related services, cutback on staff, minimize time allocated for Medicare patients and/or halt further purchase of equipments essential for serving such patients (Konetzka, et al. 2005). This will limit the doctor’s practice adversely. Some medical and home care providers have been forced to quit their practice following the high overhead resulting from the high costs incurred in attending to Medicare patients. Hospitals are being forced to resize on Medicare patients’ staff since hospitals have had to absorb care costs. Individual practitioners are more affected. Reimbursements cuts are prompting hospitals to focus on other non-reimbursement-dependent care services while closing down departments as well as cutting back on services to enable hospitals protect their bottom lines. This trend is prevalent even in community hospitals. In this regards, hospitals and home care provision establishments have had to reduce the number of practitioners providing these services and hence most are on the verge of losing their jobs should the cuts continue as anticipated (Mulligan, 2002). This implies that the government will only be solving on problem while creating multitude of others such unemployment. Many hospitals have also resulted in freezing of workers’ salaries and hence compromising their motivation. Impact on Taxpayers According to Randall (2009), the 2005’s 3 % reimbursement cut resulted into a $ 49 billion in terms of cost on permanent reforms. Currently, the Medicare reimbursement cut stands at 21% at a reform cost of about $ 210 billion. Medicare and Medicaid programs are funded by pay roll taxes. According to the health care reform bill, there will be an expansion of the pay roll tax associated with the Medicare to cover unearned income. It is projected that beginning year 2018; insurance firms will be required to pay an excise tax of about 40% for plans where family premiums range from $ 27, 500 and above (Sam, 2006). Experts note that these payroll tax effects will be transferred to employees in terms of lowers wages and benefits or in terms of higher premiums. This comes at a time when the government is focused on laying strict measure to ensure that people have health insurance. Further, it is also projected that from year 2013, adjustable spending accounts which currently enable users to skip various expenses on health care, will reduced or limited. In regards to the high income earning population, families earning in excess of $ 250, 000 will be required to spend way above what they spend currently on medical payroll taxes. Moreover, the now exempt unearned income will also be subjected to 3. 8 percent in payroll taxes. Individuals and families are definitely feeling the weight of these Medicaid and Medicare cuts through increased payroll taxes. This is because the federal government is focusing on insurances an alterative to help patients meet their health care costs. A 2005study by the Kaiser Family Foundation on employer health benefits indicates that family coverage premiums had increased by an average of about 9. 2 percent (Sam, 2006). Health insurance expenses have made it costly to employees as they are subjected to deductions for the same. At the same time, the mean per month contribution by employees on family plans increased to $ 226 in year 2005 form 2000’s $135. These are some of the costs that the citizens are bearing at the expense of the reduction in Medicare and Medicaid cuts.

Racism In America Essay -- Race Racism

Racism In America Racism (n): the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other race (Wordnet search, 1), a controversial topic in today’s society, a subject that many people try to sweep under the rug, but yet a detrimental problem that has been present in America since the colonial era. Will this dilemma come to a halt? Can all Americans see each other as equals despite their skin color and nationality; and what role has it played in past generations versus today’s generations and how will it affect our future? Has this on going way of thinking gotten better or worse? These are questions raised when many think about the subject; especially members of American ethnic groups and backgrounds, because most have dealt with racial discrimination in their life time. Since the beginning of colonization, America has been controlled by religiously and ethically diverse whites. The most profound cases of racism in the â€Å"United† States of America have been felt by Native Americans, Asians, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Muslims. Major racially structured institutions include; slavery, settlement, Indian reservations, segregation, residential schools, and internment camps (Racism in the U.S., 1). Racism has been felt and seen by many in housing, the educational system, places of employment, and the government. Discrimination was largely criminalized in the mid 20th century, and at the same time became socially unacceptable and morally repugnant (Racism in the U.S., 1). Although racism was beginning to be looked down upon, and considered immoral ways of thinking, the ine... ...ericans. 06 Apr. 2008 . Finkleman, Paul. "Segregation in the United States." MSN Encarta. 06 Apr. 2008 . Kolchin, Peter. "Slavery in the United States." MSN Encarta. 2007. Henry Clay Reed Professor of History, University of Delaware. Author of American Slavery: 1619-1877 and Unfree Labor: American Slavery and Russian Serfdom. 03 Apr. 2008 . "Racism in the United States." Wikipedia. 19 Apr. 2008. 06 Apr. 2008 . "The Civil Rights Movenent." CNN. 1997. 06 Apr. 2008 . "Wordnet Search." Wordnet. 03 Apr. 2008 .

Beauty Practices Around the World

Real beauty lies within but first impressions always last. Usually, we are more interested and fascinated on things that appeal to our sense of sight. That’s why being beautiful in the outside matters. Tall, petite, brunette, blonde, fair, tanned, slim or curvy, we vary in beauty as we differ in culture and race. There is really no exact definition of what beautiful is for beauty indeed lies in the eye of the beholder. According to Meera Jain (www. skincare-news. com), â€Å"beauty is not one’s own but a reflection of one’s culture.The cultural implications of beauty are prominent in every culture and have a strong influence on the way women are perceived. Across the world, different cultural perceptions uphold an ideal of beauty that is linked to sexual appeal and social status. Making one’s self beautiful is an inborn trait. In general, the appeal of beauty is to attract a sexual partner or attain a higher social status. The process of beautification va ries in each culture but mostly it is done to be considered attractive. Beauty is a means of self- expression and a reflection of our inner spirit.The quest for beauty has changed over the years but the purpose remains to show off material wealth, social position, authority, and flaunt sexual appeal. The desire to be admired by others drives most women to perform tasks to beautify themselves and change their form. In all cultures, clothing and jewelry styles are used to be more attractive. The Western culture applauds women who are tan, tall, and slender, have large breasts, small waists, and delicate features. On the other hand, the Eastern ideal is voluptuous, curvaceous, big eyes and strong noses.Meanwhile, Asians refer to long limbs and vital statistics as minor contributors to the beautiful body, what is more important is the state of mind. For the Asian religions, the treatment of beauty as a respectful and dignified attribute is emphasized in religious texts especially in Hin duism, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism. For instance, religious idols and texts displayed in Western religions have not been nude and the idols are fully clothed while in Eastern religion idols are considered beautiful especially when depicted in the nude.Both cultures can admire the beauty of what is found in their houses of worship and use this to define their cultural ideal of beauty. Our views may vary on the essence of being beautiful but we all agree that for one to be beautiful in the outside, she should start by feeling beautiful in the inside. Women spend more time on pampering themselves and spend hours in front of the mirror to get the results they wanted. They also spend much on beauty products like makeup, lotion or moisturizers, spa and body treatments compared to men. Nonetheless, nothing can compare with the joy beauty brings to a person.Being branded as beautiful can boost one’s personality and self- confidence. The world has a lot to offer with the advent of te chnology and intensive researches in the field of beauty, being beautiful in the today’s generation is more affordable and practical. II. Caring for the Skin The skin is a very sensitive organ, which is the most exposed part of our body. Everyday, it is exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, dust particles, and air pollutants. We are constantly battling with the risk of getting pimples, blackheads, acne, and clogged pores to name a few. Great skin begins from within.Scandinavian women drink at least 1. 5 liters of spring water everyday but they also begin and end their day with 15-20 splashes of spring water on their face to help encourage the skin’s own natural functions. Different skincare products were launched to suit the type of skin we have. For example, in America, limejuice is used for bleaching. Other alternatives are bananas and milk, and egg white and honey combinations. On the other hand, most Asians resort to using whitening creams and soaps with papaya extract to achieve their desired skin color. In Europe, 75% of women regularly use skin care product every week.As a matter of fact their facial skin care markets up to $6 billion for 2000. It only proves that women give importance especially to their facial skin. Meanwhile, the use of sunscreen is also vital in maintaining flawless facial skin. Hispanics, African-Americans, and Asians in general apply sunscreen to help fight against dark spots and skin cancer. Italian models care for their hands as carefully as their face by mixing hydroquinone cream and olive oil to soften skin and erase hand freckles. On the other hand, Parisian models keep their skin glowing with salt rubs.They do this by taking approximately one cup of sea salt and mix it with a half- cup of peppermint tea to form a paste. Then they use this mixture by rubbing it in the shower of before bathing. Many women fear looking old thus anti-aging products were also created to keep us looking young and vibrant with lif e. In the United States Jolene Edgar of Redbook said that in order to restore radiance, an acid peel at the spa is recommended. It only takes twenty minutes for the mild mix of glycolic and salicylic acids to dissolve skin cells and impart a fresh- faced glow.Antioxidants also help skin aging by fighting skin aging radicals. In Japan, green tea is the beverage of choice to speed calorie- burning metabolism and to keep the face line free. Skin gets thin as one gets older due to a low collagen and elastic tissue which are responsible in keeping the skin firm and supple. This is the inevitable thinning of our skin and accounts for only 10% of the aging process. The sun’s penetrating rays have a direct effect on skin, thus injuring the cells and their contents.The skin shrivels and wrinkles as it lose moisture. If one likes to tan, expect a 20% reduction in collagen levels in a lifetime. Too much sun accounts for 90% of aging. Because of this, the use of sunscreen is highly recom mended to act as a shield for the sensitive skin of the facial area and preventing the growth of dry dead skin. For example, Mediterranean women use olive oil to soothe and soften dry, irritated skin and also in treating sunburn. III. Makeup and Cosmetics Every woman wants to look for a best and it all starts with makeup.According to celebrity makeup artist Shalini Vadhera, choices in makeup for women of color are better today than they were a few years ago since companies have expanded their hands to include women of different cultures and formulated products to work on different skin tones. Women with Asian skin tone are advised to apply yellow- based products like the foundation to reveal a natural, flawless look. For paler Asian skin, mixing one’s regular base color with yellow-based foundation can do the trick. Asian women also look really nice in smoky color eye shadows like purple, lavender, pink, gray, and charcoal.For Asian eyes to stand out, highlighter is applied u nder the brow. The most important factor in deciding what color and how to apply eye shadow is to take into consideration the amount of fold you have above the eyelid. If you posses a fair amount of fold, then you can boldly apply dramatic colors such as black, deep turquoise and navy blue for night time wear and utilize the technique of multi-layering colors. Colors that are especially flattering for daytime wears are bronze and light colors applied close to the lashes while more intense colors are blended on top.However, www. ultimate-cosmetics. com mentioned that women with dark skin should stick to warm, earthy colors like gold, bronze and maroon while mauve, pink and silver on fairer skins. Lipsticks with medium dull shades and matte finish are also advised for lack-skinned women. Peachest blushers work best too while reddish tints should be avoided. In American and European countries, when the focus is on the eyes, lips look best nude. They do this by choosing a shade similar to their lip color and smooth a little gold lipstick or shimmer on top.The golden shade adds shimmer and makes lips appear fuller. Whether they wear foundation or not, they can play up their eyes with eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara top create a futuristic look. Whatever makeup one wears, correct application and choice of color must be put into consideration to attain best results. IV. Hair Care The hair is a reflection of one’s health and personality. They are important contribution to your total look and given the right care they can make you look beautiful. However, if neglected it can be distractive to your appearance.Hair is an integral part of the structure of your skin and like your skin, it changes with passage of time (www. womenfitness. net/beauty/hair/hairstruc. htm ). The hair and scalp needs proper care now and always. Negligence over a period of time may result to the formation of dry brittle hair, split-ends, hair fall, dandruff and many more. There are three types of hair namely oily hair, dry hair and combination hair, which commonly include hair with oily roots and dry ends. In addition, there are many ways to take care of hair according to type. Oil hair have separate strands and stick to your head.To keep it healthy, use mild shampoo, as often as necessary even if that means everyday. Use only very little shampoo and put a conditioner on the ends unless the hair is very oily. Then don’t use too hot a hairdryer and don’t also brush or comb more than necessary. On the other hand, dry hair tangles and brittle easily. To protect hair from being dry, shampoo your hair every 4-6 days using a mild shampoo. After which, use a cream conditioner combing it thoroughly through the hair and leaving it on for a few minutes before using. Meanwhile, the same guidelines apply to combination hair type.Hair, like beautiful wood, can be shaped, mounded, colored and, if properly taken care of, can be made to shine with health. (www. pg. co m/science/haircare/hair__twh__2. htm ). Indian women are known for their thick, long, lush hair. They do a hot oil scalp massage once a week using coconut oil. Meanwhile, Spanish women use cranberry juice as their final rinse on their hair to give them fabulous natural highlights. For blonde, they use lemon juice instead of cranberry. Shampooing is a matter of cleanliness and hygiene, but also a matter of feeling style, and convenience (www. ourstorygueson.com/lhc/shampooing. htm). The more hair is washed, the more friction is applied and thus wear and tear. Be gentle to your hair if you want to cultivate it and be with you for many years. Brushes are more appropriate and convenient to use for short hair. They put a lot of control into short hair. It is difficult to use brushes with thicker and longer hair because it is difficult to get the brush through the hair and it also tends to catch the hair, possibly twisting, pulling, stretching, and even breaker than hair. However, combs a re greatly preferred to brushes for longer hair.Usually, combs with wide teeth are preferred to those with narrower teeth. Combs are used to detangle hair, to aid in drying, to spread with oils along the shaft, and to arrange the hair after it is dry. Also, the larger the teeth and the wider apart the teeth are, the more gentle the comb is in the hair. Furthermore hair can become stronger and shinier if coupled with a balanced diet. A well- balanced diet, rich in silica, calcium, and iron, will help reduce or prevent hair loss while green leafy vegetables are good mineral sources.The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein (www. womenfitness. net/hair-care-tips. htm) Choosing the right hairstyle can be the most important factor in one’s appearance. It balances your body, frames your face, and complements your clothes and lifestyle. When choosing a new hairstyle you should look carefully at the shape of your fac e. For example, if you have a round face you should aim to add length by avoiding a neat bob with a fringe. On the other hand, a heart shaped face should avoid a heavy slab of fringe that will make it look like a triangle.Meanwhile a short perky bob will go very nicely for oblong faces. Spa and Body Treatment Most people experience less leisure and more daily stress as they juggle work and career, family and friends. Nowadays, people no longer have to go on a cruise or hit the best beach to get the relaxation they deserve. Now, the key to a relaxing experience is just a phone call or a ride away, all because of the birth of spas. Asian spa focuses on harmony between the mind, body, and spirit through traditional massage, meditation, and herbal medicine.Ancient herbal remedies, steam compresses, natural ingredients, and simple principles based on a combination of Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese dominate Asian Spa. Many of the herbal treatments used in the spas are coupled with European remedies to soften the skin and nourish the soul. In Switzerland, spas are classified according to their degrees of stimulation. For example spas located in areas with an altitude of 1550- 3410 feet have soothing effects on the nervous system while those situated in 3720- 5890 feet simulates the nervous system and production of blood.Meanwhile in Monte Carlo, Monaco, spa centers provide manual therapy such as fascia therapy, shiatsu or reflexology, physiotherapy, kinesitherapy and sophrology. Furthermore, Ireland provides both luxury and serenity in their spas like the Elysium Spa, which includes an ozone deck level pool, Jacuzzi and steam room, needle shower, and a fitness room for Pilates, exercise and dance classes. On the other hand, most spas are open- air in Tahiti. These are located in garden areas facing the lagoons. Soothing lagoon waters, vanilla and flower scented breezes and the scenic beauty of Tahiti add to the appeal of the spas.In Mexico, spa services include hydroth erapy, body scrubs, all types of facials and massages, aromatherapy and herbal baths, lymphatic and ocean front massages are some of the services offered. They also offer reflexology, Zen shiatsu, Anma Shiatsu, Reiki, stretching therapy, chiropractic and Iris diagnosis and full hair care. Massage is considered as an essential element in maintaining good health and restores the well being of both mind and body. All forms of massage follow the principle of restoring natural balance by ensuring the easy flow of â€Å"Chi† the energy of life force of the body.Massage from Bali or India use aromatic oils to stimulate the sensory system. Moreover, the pressure applied along the body’s meridians and yoga postures can also enhance one’s well – being. Besides massage, spas also offer body baths. In Indonesia, the Mandi Susu or milk bath makes skin soft and pure to the touch. Modern formulations of this ritual, which is from goat, sheep or cow’s milk, have e liminated the taste and smell of milk while maintaining its nutrients with protein that softens skin.An alternative for this ritual that can be done at home is by pouring fresh or powdered milk in with the buttermilk are also good alternatives. Another body treatment is the Ocean bath, which focuses on the healing properties of unrefined sea salt, which is effective in removing toxins from the body. Sea salt nutrients are also easier to absorb by the body. Aromatherapy oils are also effective in relieving stress. A drop or combination of essential oils into warm water are absorbed into skin while the rest evaporate and inhaled which soothe muscles and mind.Oils like chamomile, lavender and rose can calm the body while ginger, sage, rosemary detoxifies it. Furthermore, ylang-ylang, geranium, and sandalwood can ignite passion while grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, peppermint, and pine have brain boosting ingredients. The body is not the only one that needs to be pampered but the face also deserves some special treatments from time to time. According to Anitra Brown the most popular treatment is a salt glow or sea salt facial scrub done with coffee grounds, finely ground pecan shells or the Napa Valley grape seeds. V. Cosmetic SurgeryDon’t we all want to look like the models that we see on television or magazines? Many people want to look better that some resort to surgery to make them look prettier and sexier. Some people want to get rid of fats immediately and without the rigor of strict dieting and regular exercise. Liposuction is a special surgery that sucks fats from the body. Liposuction is one of the most wanted surgeries in the world wherein people get a leaner body shape by losing inches rather than pounds. It is done by a doctor who makes small cuts in your skin and then puts tubes into the cuts.These tubes connect to a machine that sucks out fat from under your skin. Liposuction is an artistic expression that practices practical application of scien tific knowledge in pursuit in beauty and making people feel happier and contented with what they see in the mirror. In Thailand, doctors utilize the revolutionary Tumescent Liposuction since it does not require general anesthesia and has a faster recovery time with the same results. In Tumescent Liposuction; areas with excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is performed.This liquid enlarges the compartments of fat, which makes the liposuction canella to travel smoothly beneath the skin while the fat is being removed. It also provides pain relief after the procedure. The common areas covered by liposuction include the neck, stomach, back, face, lore handles, hips breasts, calves, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and knees. However, liposuction does not promise a well- sculpted body shape forever. The fats removed will still come back if one eats more exercise less than necessary. Moreover, it is not suitable for people who are too heavy or tr ying to lose weight.Liposuction is also prohibited to those who have a disease that would affect healing or those under medication that would affect the healing process. Furthermore, liposuction costs much and most health plans do not cover this kind of surgery. Another pitfall of liposuction is asymmetry and rippling or bagginess of skin. Also, skin injury occurs and pigmentation changes. Many women also undergo breast augmentation which enhances the size of breasts using inflatable implants filled with saline. Surgery takes one hour to two hours only. Patients may experience temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, and bruising.Moreover, the breast becomes sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks. Breast augmentation may also result to the formation of scar tissues in the breast and it may also decrease or increase the sensitivity of the breast area permanently. The breast lift is another procedure which can improve the shape of women’s breasts. The surgery helps raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples. Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin and permanent scars are just some of the side effects of this form of surgery.Another high risk is the loss of feeling of nipples and breast including having uneven location of nipples. Another method of making skin look younger is the chemical peel which restores wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away skin's top layers. It works best on fair, thin skin with superficial wrinkles. Presence of temporary tiny whiteheads ; infection; scarring; flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores, abnormal color changes and a rare chance of heart irregularities are just some of the risks one has to take in undergoing this treatment.Dermabrasion is another method involving the skin. It is the mechanical scraping of the top layers of skin usi ng a high-speed rotary wheel. This surgery softens sharp edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth. One may experience temporary tingling, burning, itching, swelling, and redness in this form of surgery. The facelift is another favorite of old women since it improves sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and redraping skin. This is most often done on men and women over 40.Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; a tight feeling and occurrence of dry skin are some side effects of this surgery. While for men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is repositioned. Facial implants can also renew the structure of one’s face by changing the basic shape and balance of the face using carefully shaped implants to build up a receding chin, add prominence to cheekbones, or reshape the jawline. After surgery, shifting or imprecise positioning of implant, or infection around it, may require a second operation or removal.Excess tightening and hardening of scar tissue around an artificial implant (â€Å"capsular contracture†), can cause unnatural shape. The face is not the only issue addressed by plastic surgery but other body parts as well like the ears. Ear surgery or otoplasty sets prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. This is most often done on children between the ages of four and fourteen years. Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, and numbness accompany otoplasty. Furthermore, excessive scarring may occur and cartilage may be infected during the process.It can also result to mismatched or artificial looking ears. In these cases, repeat of surgery is required. Another twist is the browlift or forehead lift wherein forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over eyes, furrowed forehead and frown lines are minimized by removing excess tissue, altering muscles and tightening the forehead skin. It may be done using the traditional technique, with an incision across the top of the head just behind the hairline; or with the use of an endoscope, which requires three to five short incisions, which is most often done on people over forty.This can cause itching and hair loss. Furthermore, the method can injure the facial nerve which will cause loss of motion and muscle weakness. Nowadays the hair can already undergo surgery through the hair replacement surgery. The surgery fills in balding areas with a patient's own hair using a variety of techniques including scalp reduction, tissue expansion, strip grafts, scalp flaps, or clusters of punch grafts. This works best on men with male pattern baldness after hair loss has stopped.A patient may experience a temporary ache and a tight scalp after surgery including an unnatural look of the hair. We also have the nose surgery which reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing size, remov ing hump, changing shape of tip or bridge, narrowing span of nostrils, or changing angle between nose and upper lip. It is also done to relieve some breathing problems. Infection and small burst blood vessels resulting in tiny, permanent red spots are some of its side effects. Incomplete improvement however, may require additional surgery.People have a lot of alternatives when it comes to plastic surgery. Due to the advent of science and technology, being and looking beautiful is made easy so long as you have the money and the confidence to face its consequences. VI. Conclusion Being beautiful takes a lot of time, effort, and money. The different beauty practices around the world cater to our needs to become the best of what we can be and to make us contented and happy of our physical attributes. We need to be aware and updated of the latest techniques and practices in keeping or maintaining our beauty.The world has a lot to offer especially with the help of science and technology i n providing us with our needs. However, we should not only focus on materials or practices that can make us beautiful in the outside but also in the inside. To be considered beautiful, we have to balance both so our real beauty may shine. BIBLIOGRAPHY Wild, Russel (June 1998) 8 Easy Ways to Beat Fatigue, Reader’s Digest, pp. 31-33. Parachin, Victor (May- June 2002) The Daily Grind: Ways to Ease Up on Life’s Pressures, Health and Home Magazine, pp. 30- 31. Evangelista, Ianne (November 2006) Style Checklist, Cosmopolitan, p.80. White, Kate (August 2002) The Best Beauty Buys for Summer Travel, Cosmopolitan, p. 98. White, Kate (August 2002) Max Out Your Summer Sexiness, Cosmopolitan pp. 216- 219. Adolphe, Nicole (July 1999) BeautySpot, Dolly, p. 46. Kramer, Cheryl (September 2003) Keep Your Skin Sun- Kissed, Redbook, pp. 69-70. Edgar, Jolene (September 2003) Makeup Made Easy, Redbook, pp. 77-85. www. thaimakeover. com/ccosmetic-plastic-surgery-bangkok-thailand www. nlm. ni h. gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_45553. html www. 99bali. com/spa/thestory/asian_health/index. html www.beautybathbodyspa. com www. mamashealth. com/skincare/exfoliate. asp www. jurgita. com/articles-id31. html www. natureproducts. net/Cosmetics/acne_3html www. real-articles. com www. laser-hair-removal-tips. com www. phuket-spas. cpm/treatments/index. htm www. highbeam. com/doc www. massagemag. com/spa/treatment www. glamourhunt. com www. ultimate-cosmetics. com www. womenfitness. net/beauty/hair/hairstruc. htm www. pg. com/science/haircare/hair__twh__2. htm www. ourstorygueson. com/lhc/shampooing/shampooing. htm www. ourstorygueson. com/lhc/shampooing/shampooing. htm