Brandy Linares- Soc 448 News Journal by Brandy Linares https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90 en-us 2016-09-06 01:52:38 UTC 2026-02-22 14:10:41 UTC hello@padlet.com Post #1 (9/6/2016)- China's Ties to America  brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/121658109 http://www.economist.com/news/china/21706433-lows-and-highs-worlds-most-important-bilateral-relationship-g20-leaders-meet-china
This article is about China's ties to America in many different ways such as economically, politically, and socially. The article illustrates ways China and America are united as well as ways the two countries clash. For example, China and America engaged in a cumulative effort to help reduce green house gas emissions. However, they were not on the same page when stepping onto China's soil when the press bombarded President Obama coming into "their" territory. President Obama mentioned a statement that aimed at comparing the United States to China. It read "“We’ve got a lot of planes, a lot of helicopters, a lot of cars and a lot of guys,” he said. “If you are a host country, sometimes it may feel a bit much.”
This article reminded me of the article written by Andre Gunder Frank "The Development of Underdevelopment." This article describes how some nations develop at the cost of others. Each country develops at different times, rates, and paces. The United States, which is a host county to China meaning they engage in an international agreement for trade and other international aspects of the economy. Although, China is catching up, the United States is one of the most developed countries in the world, as a result as Obama stated other countries may view our development as "too much."

]]> 2016-09-06 01:55:33 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/121658109 brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/125850993 Post #2 (9/22/2016)- India and Foreign Direct Investment
http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21701133-government-takes-long-winding-path-towards-reform-two-stumbles-forward-one
Liberalising reforms that took place in 1991 were left unfinished when India's economy was in worse shape than it is now. As a result the economy is still slowly recovering. India’s government opened new industries to FDI. With the help of strict budget policies and lower oil prices the economy grew by almost 8 percent. India may also consider a revival of privatization to boost the economy. Currently, the government owns banking, insurance, airlines, hotels, etc. Those in power run industries, not regulate them. Indian officials feel if they have more say in the economy the productivity and stimulation could increase. 
Foriegn Direct investment is when one firm owns productive assets in another country. This can lead to economic growth through saving and investment, but it may also further widen the gap between the rich and the poor, as mentioned in the article by Bruce Blonigen. The article also makes mention of the effects of FDI on host countries pertaining to technology spillovers and economic growth. 











]]> 2016-09-22 19:07:09 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/125850993 Post #3 (10/2/2016)- China's Relation to the IPhone 7 brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/127759346 http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-37523712
This article is about the rise of one very influential technological advancement. A Chinese hospital banned its employees from purchasing the latest I Phone 7 because he believe the piece of technology makes people go beyond their means. He stated in the article "Some people borrow money from banks or family and friends, others even sell their organs to buy I Phone's. He also sees the I Phone as an international ruling. There has been a video release of people smashing the new I Phone's in order to boycott US goods.On the other hand Apple is still interested in developing a relationship with China, as a result they opened up a research and development center that cost 45 million dollars! 
This article relates to the article we read on 9/14 called 'Theories of Development: The section Classical Economists". This article examines how technological advancements can lead to industrial growth within profitable markets. It explains how we start off with spinning machines powered by water, then advance towards factories that do the work in place of humans. As a result of this rapid technological growth, countries are communicating with each other working interdependently to make profit and be successful in the market. ]]> 2016-10-02 23:12:38 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/127759346 Post #4 (10/2/2016)- Development is Happening brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/127760570 http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20161010-a-booming-city-with-a-brutal-history
This article describes the progress and development in a Cambodian city called Phnom Penh. In 1975 there was a period of famine and mass executions that resulted in 2.2 million deaths sweeping across the area devastating those who live within the boundaries that collapsed . Currently, this city is flourishing with archaeological temples and international franchises that are dominating the economic sector of consumerism. Phnom Penh is becoming an area that draws in tourists from all over the world. Manufacturing and agricultural view Cambodia as a low cost opportunity to expand their businesses. 
This article reminds me of the class lecture about comparative advantage. Our class lecture mentioned countries using their unique attributes in order to find a place in the global economy. In this case Cambodia would expand their businesses by engaging with the economy by agricultural and manufacturing methods. In the case of underdevelopment historical particularities are seen as advantages rather than disadvantages. The countries that are developing have sources of strength on the global market. ]]> 2016-10-02 23:39:41 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/127760570 Post #5 (10/14/16)- Gangs that Cost brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/130884135 http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21699175-countrys-gangs-specialise-extortion-they-may-be-branching-out-gangs-cost
This article made really good points relating to gangs costing countries and areas a large amount of GDP. A study completed in Central America estimated households spent money on increased security and unemployment accounts for about 16% of GDP. An economist also found that money gained from drug trafficking and extortion is being used to build up capital. Building an association between gangs, political, and economic sectors will create a challenge when attempting to destroy the extortion networks. Countries with youth from age 15-29 with no work or school are more prone to engaging in gangs. Government spent little money in programs to prevent and assist already gang members transition back into society. 
Reading this article made me think of the article "Beyond GDP." I never thought of drug trade and gang activity as stimulating the economy. Now that I have read this article I am realizing drugs and gang activity are goods and services that are produced in an economy. Drugs are included in productions, income, and expenditures. The article also explains how GDP measure increases of produced goods and services over time may also effect growth in the future.





]]> 2016-10-14 21:49:22 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/130884135 Post #6 (10/28/16)- Unfair Working Practices/ Conditions in China brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/133922457 http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38013723
This article discusses Chase bank  in a settlement for 264 million dollars against Chinese officials who hired children to gain business. In 2013, the Department of Justice began to investigate the claims of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act. The department of Justice claimed that officials of foreign countries were involved in the scheme which resulted in threatened national security and the international market.
While reading this article I immediately thought of the documentary China Blues. In the film, Jasmine who is fifteen years old works in a clothing factory to help support her family. She among many others are over worked and underpaid for their services. Jasmine works eighteen hour shifts, seven days a week to make around six cents an hour. The factory workers work hard and are exploited in order to send money back home to their families in the form of remittances. The jeans are then shipped to other countries including the U.S and we wear them with pride, without a second thought of what went into the process. ]]> 2016-10-28 15:22:54 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/133922457 Post #7-(11/6/2016) Volkswagen's Environmental Impact  brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/135629686 http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37888328
This article describes the car company Volkswagen's emission scandal. Emissions are the production of harmful gases into the environment that can cause harm to wildlife, animals, and people. This event was considered a scandal because the company did not comply with regulations, instead they used technology by installing software to cheat on the emissions tests. They wanted to sell the cars to make profit without thinking about the legal consequences . Data has indicated that some of the cars could have been emitting pollutants over forty times the legal limit. This decreased Volkswagen's business and tarnished their brand. 
This article relates to the class discussion on  financialization. Financialization is related to this article because it involves the growing rate of finances. Volkswagen's ultimate goal is to earn profit and compete among competitors. The profits earned are occurring through financial channels rather than trade and commodities. The shift in focus results in capital gains.   

]]> 2016-11-06 19:59:53 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/135629686 Post #8 (11/17/2016)- Trump and Trade brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/138551464 http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37923448
"Make America Great Again" is the slogan Donald Trump used throughout his campaign journey as a presidential candidate. Since his presidential win, there has been many questions. What now? What  do his policy reforms and enactments look like? This article discusses some of his plans for international trade, the transfer of goods and services. 
While reading this article, my mind directly reverted to the article "Why Voters Don't Buy It When Economists Say Global Trade Is Good". This article discusses anxiety of immigrants and Trump's plans to increase taxes on imports and exports from China. In contrast to Trump's feelings about trade with China economist have concluded that past trade with China has benefited most Americans and trade with China makes America better off. He also mentioned "NAFTA was the worst trade deal in the history of this country. Overall, many organizations (WTO, NAFTA) get put into play while considering the expansions, modifications, and limitations of trade. ]]> 2016-11-17 20:06:40 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/138551464 Post #9 (11/28/16)- Migrating Towards a Better Future brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/140400151 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38139706
This article is about the record number of migrants arriving in Italy from North Africa. Migrants from Northern Africa are coming in large groups with as many as 36,000 from Nigeria, 20,000 from Eritea, and 12,000 from Guinea, all totaling to around 68,000. These migrants are fleeing Africa in order to create a better life for themselves. Africa is a third world country with limited opportunity and resources. By migrating people feel they can gain access to more than they currently have access to in their home country.
This article relates to the article "Inducing Development: Social Remittances and the Expansion of Oil Palm." The article mentions migrants as a success to international development in poor countries economic progress.  When individuals migrate they transfer skills, knowledge, and know how with them, also known as social remittances. This can increase an economies productivity and stimulate the economy by providing new skill sets and specialties. Migrants in their new location now have a different perspective to offer the people of Italy. ]]> 2016-11-29 04:16:36 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/140400151 Post #10 (11/28/16)- Splitting Samsung brandy_linares273 https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/140401844 http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38140007
This article discusses the company Samsung wanting to split the company into two separate firms in order to increase dividends and buy back more shares. With an attempt to increase profits, Samsung plans to elect at least "one new, international, independent board member." Officials are hoping this diverse elect may help solidify and increase revenues for the company. Splitting the company may also give control to the founders of the company and improve governance. 
This article reminds me of the reading "Hoping Jobs for India Follow, Modi Clears Investors' Path". This article describes big dominating companies capitalizing the countries growth and increasing profits through investments. Foreign investors seek to buy shares in order to regulate companies and minimize competition. Overall, industries are mainly interested in profits, therefore they will do whatever it takes to increase gains. ]]> 2016-11-29 04:47:21 UTC https://padlet.com/brandy_linares273/g1xpw5wbdt90/wish/140401844