Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Everything You Need to Know About Writing Great Reviews

Everything You Need to Know About Writing Great Reviews Does a career spent reviewing movies, music, books, TV shows, or restaurants seem like nirvana to you? Then you’re a born critic. But writing great reviews is an art, one that few have mastered. Here are some tips: Know Your Subject Too many beginning critics are eager to write but know little about their topic. If you want to write reviews that carry some authority, then you need to learn everything you can. Want to be the next Roger Ebert? Take college courses on the history of film, read as many books as you can and, of course, watch lots of movies. The same goes for any topic. Some believe that in order to be a truly good film critic you must have worked as a director, or that in order to review music you must have been a professional musician. That kind of experience wouldn’t hurt, but it’s more important to be a well-informed layman. Read Other Critics Just as an aspiring novelist reads the great writers, a good critic should read accomplished reviewers, whether it’s the aforementioned Ebert or Pauline Kael on film, Ruth Reichl on food, or Michiko Kakutani on books. Read their reviews, analyze what they do, and learn from them. Don’t Be Afraid to Have Strong Opinions Great critics all have strong opinions. But newbies who aren’t confident in their views often write wishy-washy reviews with sentences like â€Å"I sort of enjoyed this† or â€Å"that was okay, though not great.† They’re afraid to take a strong stand for fear of being challenged. But there’s nothing more boring than a hemming-and-hawing review. So decide what you think and state it in no uncertain terms. Avoid â€Å"I† and â€Å"In My Opinion† Too many critics pepper reviews with phrases like â€Å"I think† or â€Å"In my opinion.† Again, this is often done by novice critics afraid of writing declarative sentences. Such phrases are unnecessary; your reader understands that it’s your opinion you’re conveying. Give Background The critic’s analysis is the centerpiece of any review, but that’s not much use to readers if she doesn’t provide enough background information. So if you’re reviewing a movie, outline the plot but also discuss the director and his previous films, the actors, and perhaps even the screenwriter. Critiquing a restaurant? When did it open, who owns it and who’s the head chef? An art exhibit? Tell us a little about the artist, her influences, and previous works. Don’t Spoil the Ending There’s nothing readers hate more than a film critic who gives away the ending to the latest blockbuster. So yes, give plenty of background information, but dont give away the ending. Know Your Audience Whether you’re writing for a magazine aimed at intellectuals or a mass-market publication for average folks, keep your target audience in mind. So if you’re reviewing a film for a publication aimed at cineastes, you can wax rhapsodic about the Italian neo-realists or the French New Wave. If you’re writing for a wider audience, such references might not mean much. That’s not to say you can’t educate your readers in the course of a review. But remember – even the most knowledgeable critic won’t succeed if he bores his readers to tears.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

US and Mexico Border Fence Pros and Cons

US and Mexico Border Fence Pros and Cons The southern border of the United States shared with Mexico spans almost 2,000 miles. Walls, fences, and virtual walls of sensors and cameras monitored by the U.S. Border Patrol are already built along one-third of the border (approximately 670 miles) to secure the border and cut down on illegal immigration. Americans are split on the border barrier issue. While most people are in favor of increasing the security of the borders, others are concerned that the negative impacts do not outweigh the benefits. The U.S. government views the Mexican border as an important part of its overall homeland security initiative. Cost of the Border Barrier The price tag currently sits at $7 billion for border fencing and related infrastructure like pedestrian and vehicle fencing with lifetime maintenance costs expected to exceed $50 billion. The Trump Administration and Mexican Border Enhancement As a major part of his platform during the 2016 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump called for the construction of a much larger, fortified wall along the entire 2,000-mile-long Mexico–United States border, claiming Mexico would pay for its construction, which he estimated at $8 to $12 billion. Other estimates brought the cost of the wall closer to $15 to $25 billion. On January 25, 2017, the Trump administration signed a Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements Executive Order to commence the building of the border wall. In response, Mexican President Enrique Peà ±a Nieto said his country would not pay for the wall under any circumstances and canceled a scheduled meeting with Trump at the White House, seemingly straining relations between the two presidents. With the possibility of Mexico paying for any part of the wall  apparently off the table, the Trump administration used existing funds to begin construction of a small section of the new wall, along with improvements to existing sections of the wall in early March 2018. On March 23, 2018, President Trump signed an omnibus government spending bill dedicating $1.6 billion to the construction of the remainder of the wall. As he signed the bill, Trump referred to the $1.6 billion as â€Å"an initial down payment† on the estimated nearly $10 billion needed to fence the entire border. The funds  will pay for construction of about 25 miles (40 kilometers) of a new wall along levees in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as repair and upgrades to existing walls and anti-vehicle devices.   The Great 2019 Border Wall Government Shutdown The issue of the border barrier, and especially the politics behind it, escalated dramatically in January 2019, when Congress refused to include $5.7 billion requested by President Trump for the construction of steel border fencing in a bill funding the operations of nine of the 15 federal executive branch agencies. On December 22, 2019, the resulting stalemate between the White House and the now Democrat-controlled House resulted in what, by January 12, had become the longest lasting government shutdown in U.S. history. On January 8, President Trump, calling the situation on the Mexican border a â€Å"humanitarian crisis,† threatened to declare a national emergency, allowing him to go around Congress by ordering the use of already allocated funds for construction of the border barrier. In a letter to Congress, the White House Office of Management and Budget estimate that the funds requested by President Trump would allow for the construction of about 234 miles of steel fencing to be added to what was by then the 580 miles of barrier already in place at a cost of around $24.4 million per mile, exclusive of ongoing maintenance. While the resulting 814 miles of barrier  fencing would leave approximately 1,140 miles of the 1,954-mile long border still free of barriers, the Department of Homeland Security had earlier stated that not all of the remaining border needed to be fenced. Border Patrol officials suggested that the inherent dangers of trying to cross rugged, desolate desert areas on foot made fencing unnecessary. On January 19, Democrats rejected another immigration reform and border security package offered by President Trump, refusing to negotiate until and unless he ended the government shutdown. On February 15, 2019, President Trump signed a compromise Homeland Security spending bill providing $1.375 billion for 55 miles of new border fencing. The same day, he made good on his threat to declare a national emergency to build the wall. Under the terms of the emergency proclamation, $3.5 billion was redirected from the Defense Department’s military construction budget to the construction of new border wall. In addition, he used executive orders to redirect another $3.1 billion from the Departments of Defense and Treasury’s drug interdiction programs to wall building. White House officials said the combined money would pay for at least 234 miles â€Å"of new physical barrier† along the border. While no further details were provided, President Trump stated in a Twitter post on March 8, 2019, that, â€Å"The Wall is being built and is well under construction.† History of the Border Barrier In 1924, Congress created the U.S. Border Patrol. Illegal immigration increased in the late 1970s, but it was in the 1990s when drug trafficking and illegal immigration had a major uptick and concerns about the nations security became an important issue. Border Control agents and the military succeeded in reducing the number of smugglers and illegal crossings for a period of time, but once the military left, activity again increased. After the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., homeland security was again a priority. Many ideas were tossed around during the next few years on what could be done to permanently secure the border. And, in 2006, the Secure Fence Act was passed to build 700 miles of double-reinforced security fencing in areas along the border prone to drug trafficking and illegal immigration. President Bush also deployed 6,000 National Guardsmen to the Mexico border to assist with border control. Reasons for the Border Barrier Historically, policing borders has been integral to the preservation of nations around the globe for centuries. The construction of a barrier to safeguard American citizens from illegal activities is considered by some to be in the  best interest of the nation.  The pros of a border barrier include overall homeland security, the cost of lost tax revenue and strain on government resources and the past successes of border enforcement. Rising Cost of Illegal Immigration Illegal immigration  is estimated to cost the United States millions of dollars, and according to Trump, $113 billion a year in lost income tax revenue. Illegal immigration is considered a strain on government spending by overburdening social welfare, health, and education programs. Border Enforcement Past Success The use of physical barriers and high-tech surveillance equipment increases the probability of apprehension and have shown some success. Arizona has been the epicenter of crossings by illegal immigrants for several years. In one year, authorities apprehended 8,600 people trying to enter the U.S. illegally in the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range used for air-to-ground bombing practice by Air Force pilots. The number of people caught crossing San Diegos border illegally has also dropped dramatically. In the early 1990s, about 600,000 people attempted to cross the border illegally. After the construction of a fence and increased  border patrols,  that number dropped to 39,000 in 2015. Reasons Against the Border Barrier The question of the effectiveness of a physical barrier that has workarounds is a significant concern to those opposed to a border barrier. The barrier has been criticized for being easy to get around. Some methods include digging under it, sometimes using complex tunnel systems, climbing the fence and using wire cutters to remove barbed-wire or locating and digging holes in vulnerable sections of the border. Many people have also traveled by boat through the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Coast or fly in and overstay their visas. There are other concerns such as the message it sends to our neighbors and the rest of the world and the human toll of crossing the border. In addition, a border wall affects wildlife on both sides, fragmenting the habitat and disrupting essential animal migration patterns.   Message to the World A segment of the American population feels that the United States should send a message of freedom and hope to those seeking a better way of life instead of sending a keep out message at our border. It is suggested that the answer does not lie in barriers; it entails  comprehensive immigration reform, which means these immigration issues need fixing, instead of building fences, which are as effective as putting a bandage on a gaping wound. In addition, a border barrier divides the land of three indigenous nations. Human Toll on Crossing the Border Barriers wont stop people from wanting a better life. And in some cases, theyre willing to pay the highest price for the opportunity. People smugglers, called coyotes, charge astronomical fees for passage. When smuggling costs rise, it becomes less cost-effective for individuals to travel back and forth for seasonal work, so they remain in the U.S. Now the whole family must make the trip to keep everyone together. Children, infants and the elderly attempt to cross. The conditions are extreme and some people will go for days without food or water. According to the Human Rights National Commission of Mexico and the American Civil Liberties Union, almost 5,000 people have died attempting to crossing the border between 1994 and 2007. Environmental Impact Most environmentalists oppose the border barrier. Physical barriers hinder migrating wildlife, and plans show the fence will fragment wildlife refuges and private sanctuaries. Conservation groups are appalled that the Department of Homeland Security is bypassing dozens of environmental and land-management laws in order to build the border fence. More than 30 laws are being waived, including the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Updated by Robert Longley

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Decision Making using Critical Thinking Techniques Part 2 Essay

Decision Making using Critical Thinking Techniques Part 2 - Essay Example Department of Energy, 2001). The decision-making technique that will be used in this proposal will be the plus, minus and interesting technique (PMI). In using the PMI technique, it would be useful to make a three column table with the headings plus, minus and interesting (Mind Tools Ltd., n.d.). Under the plus column, one has to write all the positive aspects of the alternative. On the minus column, all the negative effects will be listed down. In the interesting column, the implications and possible outcomes, areas of uncertainty and areas which one thinks as either good or bad will be included. There are several alternatives that one can choose from with regards to increasing the presence of the company. To address the expectation of government on the company with regards to giving support to the social needs of the people of Kava, one alternative is to design a health program for the coffee farmers and their families. To illustrate the PMI technique, a PMI Table is presented below. Another alternative that one would like to propose and which will be evaluated using the PMI technique is to put up a store where there are plenty of foreigners residing or working because they are known to be coffee drinkers, such as the French and Americans. The PMI Table for this alternative is shown below. After using the PMI technique and applying it in all the alternatives open to the company, one can decide on the best decision to be made, which will result in the achievement of their goal of increasing their presence in Kava. In this case, one does not have to choose only one alternative; it could be a combination of alternatives whose benefits more than outweigh the negative effects of the options available. One can see that the steps utilized in making the PMI tables are very useful indeed in coming up with the strategies that the company can implement to increase their presence in Kava. Identifying the pros,

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Addiction Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Addiction - Assignment Example Relapse can be handled in case the client has established that there is a clear plan to deal with the situation; hence, making it easier to manage after it has happened. In the case of a slip, there is a recurrence of behavior where the individual attempts to change but keep on engaging in problem behavior (Lowinson, 2005). Therefore, it is clear that a slip is less serious than a The prevalence of men relapse is more than that of women this is because staying sober requires that a person has outside support where in the case of women they are likely to seek group counseling. Additionally, people who are isolated by the addiction process need contact from other in order to give them moral support. By so doing, they help them with drug or alcohol relapse prevention plans, as well as, reducing stress and depression as they associate with other people. It has been established when individuals who have addiction issues develop a friendship with people who do not encourage their behavior they avoid relapsing (Marlatt & Donovan, 2008). Additionally, having an anonymous source of communication and support plays a vital role in ensuring that the individual has a person to encourage him or her in changing their behavior. Various warning signs that help in knowing that a person has relapsed. They include sudden relapse where there are emotional triggers, physical change and social situations where an individual withdraws from their friends and family. A person may also relapse is they have lost a loved one in a tragic death or illness.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Learning Team Deliverable Essay Example for Free

Learning Team Deliverable Essay Measuring Domestic Output and National Income – Ch. 24 Topics comfortable Kris is comfortable with the concept of gross domestic product (GDP) as it is the dollar value of goods and services in a country during a set period. Walter is comfortable with the GDP concept and understands that is the economic thermometer of the country’s current financial status. Topics Struggle Kris still has to wrap his head around nominal GDP and real GDP when it comes to the GDP Price Index. So calculating real GDP is dividing nominal GDP by the price index. What is the difference between real GDP and nominal GDP? Walter also struggles with the concept of nominal GDP, and how it interacts with inflation. If GDP goes up and inflation goes down†¦it seems to be my understanding of the formula for calculating the nominal GDP that is holding me back. Application of topic GDP is fluctuates with whatever final good or service is bought by a customer. Living through life affects the GDP. If the GDP declines for too long, economists normally label the economy as being in a recession. Business Cycles, Unemployment and Inflation – Ch. 26 Topics comfortable Kris is comfortable with the different business cycles and measurement of unemployment. These items also affect the GDP. Walter is comfortable with the different symptoms of a recession, a period of decline lasting more than six months in total output. Of which high unemployment rates is another tell of a recession. Topics struggle Kris struggles with the concept of inflation and how it affects money today compared to money values in the past. Walter is struggling with defining a recession’s severity. Two examples given were the Great Depression and the recent recession in the last few years, Is the intensity or length of time that the recession lasts that makes one more severe than the other? Application of topic The business cycle is very familiar in Kris’ organization as the company goes through yearly contractions and expansions based on the demand from consumers in the market. The business cycle is also something Walter is familiar with in the hotel industry. The hotel industry goes up and done depending the current state of the economy. The Aggregate Expenditure Model – Ch. 28 Topics comfortable Kris is comfortable with the concepts of equilibrium GDP and disequilibrium GDP. Equilibrium is the point where goods produced equals goods purchased. Disequilibrium is any situation where goods produced are greater than goods purchased and vice versa. Walter is comfortable with the concept of GDP equilibrium, The basic premise of this equilibrium being that supply meets demand. Topics struggle Kris did not struggle with any concepts in the chapter, as they were all straightforward and easy to understand. Walter struggled with the concept of disequilibrium and how often, or what circumstances causes this to happen. I assume it is the opposite of the equilibrium and that demand supply exceeds demand but do not feel comfortable enough with the concept to say for sure. Application of topic As such, Kris cannot think of a time where there was equilibrium GDP. In reality, consumer tastes vary and it would be difficult to reach equilibrium Walter thinks that when the economy is doing well the equilibrium can be met because consumers are finically settled to continue purchasing products and business continue to produce according to demand. Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply – Ch. 29 Topics comfortable Kris is comfortable with aggregate demand in which it shows the real GDP that consumers desire to purchase at different price levels. Aggregate supply shows the relationship between the price level and the output of producers. Walter is comfortable with the concept of aggregate demand, and how consumer spending and government investments play into that calculation. As prices increases, consumer demand decreases and vice versa. Topics struggle Kris did not struggle with any concepts in this chapter. Walter struggled with understanding why aggregate supply is not affected by price levels. Application of topic Supply and demand is central to the market and economics in general. Consumer tastes always affect supply and demand. When the economy is bad and underemployment is high the demand for hig priced products decreases. Fiscal Policy, Deficits, and Debt – Ch. 30 Topics comfortable Kris is comfortable with fiscal policy, deficits, and debt as it affects his organization. Market rates are affected by the fiscal policy of the government. More or less spending affects the company’s contraction or expansion. Walter is comfortable with the concept that the fiscal debt and deficit show the governments current financial state. Topics struggle Kris struggles with the concept of automatic or built-in stabilizers. As the text states that a built-in stabilizer is something that increases the government’s budget, what kind of items constitute as a built-in stabilizer? Walter did not struggle with any of the general concepts in chapter 30. Application of topic The budget deficit affects all citizens as the government does not wisely use the tax payer’s funds properly. There is a lot of waste that keep the  government in debt. Walter notes that when the fiscal debt is higher so are taxes and fines. The misspending of the government is then the burden of the people.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Values Of Russian Education Essay -- Philosophy Philosophical Essays

Values Of Russian Education ABSTRACT: The paper discloses changes in Russian education from a prospective which focuses on the culturology of education (Krylova 1994, 1995, 1996), a new trend in theories of education that is being constructed upon the established turf of philosophy of education. The culturology of education includes inquiry concerning both cultural values and pedagogical methodologies. It attempts to explain the whole complex of cultural, sociocultural, and multicultural problems in education with reference to principles drawn from both educational theory, and cultural anthropology and philosophy. I argue that the solution to many educational problems will become possible when the educator or researcher utilizes the culturological approach in effective ways. The modification of practical and theoretical values in a given system of education is the best gauge of positive change and innovation in education. But as known, there are different kinds of values. For example there are value-myths and value-ideals, enduring and time honored values and and newly articularted values, invariable and variable values, and finally values based in super-personal, personal and interpersonal spheres of endeavor. The real values of education (and philosophy of education, too) have changed in the last years to a considerable extent. The Law of RF (On Education, at July, 10, 1992) directs educators to repect the following principles: education needs to be "humanist" in nature, entailing respect for human individuals; education needs to uplift values common to all humankind; there needs to be a unity of federal cultural and educational space; there needs to be protection for national cultures and regional traditions, so tha... ...not emphasize. The time has now come for culturology to develop their ideas and the practical norms that will change education. References Asmolov A. (1996). Cultural-historical psychology and constructing of the worlds. (Russ). Moscow. Haberman, M. (1991). Can cultural awareness be taught in teacher education programs? In: Teaching Education, N.4, 25-32. Krylova, N. (1996). The Introduction into culturological problems of education. In: New Educational Values: Cultural and Multicultural Environment of Schools (Moscow). N.4, 132-152. Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). Toward a Theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy. In: American Educational Journal. V32, N.3, 465-491. Pai, Y. (1990).Cultural foundations of education. Columbus, OH: Merrill Publishing Company. Rozin V. (1994). Psychology and cultural development of the Man. (Russ). Moscow, Russ.Open Univ.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Genetically Modified Food and Crops Essay

Abstract Since the 1980’s scientists have been altering crops, including some of the food we eat (Fairly & Gaskins, 2000). Genetically modified food has always been a concern for many people. I find the concerns to be unwarranted because there has never been a negative health report due to the fact of consuming GM foods. Biotechnology gives us the best means for solving the world’s food shortage now and in the future. Genetically modified crop plants are now grown on nearly 150 million acres in the United States alone, helping farmers to increase yields, reduce pesticide spraying, and save topsoil (Conko & Miller, 2011). What are we actually eating? Looking at ingredients on the back of a product was almost considered out of the ordinary ten to fifteen years ago. But now it is one of the most important factors in the decision on whether or not a consumer will buy the product. In all the research I conducted there was never a proven harmful effect from genetic engineering. However, the benefits are scientifically proven which gives genetically modified crops the advantage over traditional farming. The proposed ideas and research by scientist show that a lot more can be done with GM food other than eating it. Globalization of GM crops is becoming apparent as well as GM crop commercialization. _Keywords: GM Food, GM Crops, Genetically engineered crops, Biotechnology, GM organisms. _ â€Å"Genetically modified organisms can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called â€Å"biotechnology† and it allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another† (World Health Organization, 2002). For more than twenty years of scientific, humanitarian, and financial success genetic engineering has been applied to agriculture. This has been accomplished without injury to a single person or damage to the ecosystem. However, activists are still fighting the use of genetically modified crops (Conko & Miller 2011). Millions of people around the world suffer from malnutrition and with the steep projected increase of our world’s population in the next fifty years a change needs to be made. Genetically modified crops increase yield, nutrition and uses fewer pesticides all without proven negative effects. GM crops and all its benefits make it the gateway for the world’s agriculture success. Genetically modified crops are becoming the building blocks for agriculture advancements. Scientists are continually working to create more benefits for consumers as well as farmers. The main concern of GM foods is negative health risks however, they are actually more beneficial. GM foods have longer shelf life, contain higher nutritional value and are safer to eat. For example, â€Å"GM corn has lower fungal toxin content then non-GM corn, and farmers typically produce GM crops using fewer pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers† (Tyson, 2001). By drastically reducing the use of chemicals on the plants it provides a major improvement for the consumer’s safety and nourishment. Because scientists slightly tweak the DNA of the plants with other genes it is possible that food allergens may end up in GM products. Steve Taylor, a scientists at the University of Nebraska states that, â€Å"the food-allergy threat is small because food engineers now avoid using genes from nuts and other common food allergens. The benefits of genetic engineering justify the risk† (Fairley & Gaskins 2000). Products from biotechnology are no less safe than traditionally bred crops. According to Dr. Prakash, â€Å"genetically improved products are subjected to intensive testing, while conventional varieties have never been subjected to any such regulation for food safety or environmental impact† (Prakash, 2000). Every GM food that is currently available on the international market has already passed risk assessments and is not likely to pose a risk for the consumers. No effects have been shown and GM foods will continue to be regulated in more and more countries (World Health Organization, 2002). GM crops are never expected to present a health risk and therefore should reassure government officials worldwide in the use of this technology. Another concern of GM technology is the effect it has on the environment. The environmental risks of biotechnology are also unidentified just like the health trepidations. No scientific evidence proves that GM crops are harmful to the environment. â€Å"U. S. officials pointed out that scientists in Europe had been unable to find any evidence of added risk to human health or the environment from any GM crop variety developed to date. † In fact, none of the studies by Europe found any scientific evidence of added harm to humans or the environment (Paarlberg, 2003). GM engineering will actually help the environment rather than harm it. In the U. S. alone farmers annually administer more than nine hundred seventy million tons of insect and plant killers. Now GM crops have the ability of containing their own insect and plant killing gene which means the farmers can use fewer chemicals (Tyson, 2001). To ensure that the environment is remaining safe, risk assessments are conducted for the GM product as well as the area in which the crop will grow (World Health Organization, 2002). Furthermore, the United Nations Environment Program has used funding for developing countries to implement biosafety regulations for GM crops. The UNEP wants these regulations implemented before any crop is planted no matter the cost or delay (Paarlberg, 2003). Since 2011, The U. S. Department of Agriculture has approved seventy four different GM crops. In each case the crops data was reviewed for several years and each â€Å"concluded that they will have no significant environmental impact† (Conko & Miller 2011). These precautionary measures toward genetically modified crops allow the government to regulate farming actions and safeguard the environment. The initial reason GM organisms were created was to improve crop production. â€Å"The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides† (Tyson, 2001). Producers are getting a lot more for a lot less which translates to products with lower prices. The improved production of crops and technology accounts for the lowered costs and have â€Å"forced tremendous competition in the herbicide and insecticide markets† (Prakash, 2000). This also helps traditional farmers because it now allows them to buy these products at a cheaper cost. In fifty years the world population could exceed eleven billion people unfortunately, the current food supply is not expanding at the same rate. Because of this, GM crops need to expand and gain popularity over traditional farming. Global GM crop farming in 1999 covered about one hundred million acres (Tyson, 2001). Now, genetically modified crop plants are grown on nearly one hundred fifty million acres in the United States alone (Conko & Miller 2011). These statistics show that GM crop farming is rapidly expanding and the benefits are obvious. Biotechnology and its productivity give us the best chance to safely solve the food needs of today and the future. Poor farmers in tropical countries face problems such as crop pests, drought and low soil fertility (Paarlberg, 2003). These are the people who annually struggle to produce enough food for their families. Bugs, drought and disease destroy many acres of farmland every year. Fortunately scientists are creating GM crops with built in resistance to insects and diseases. GM Crops are also being developed that can grow in deserts or near salt water which allows more area for farming (Fairley & Gaskins, 2011). Because GM crops are now being built in with these resistances farmers won’t experience huge financial setbacks caused by pests killing their plants. Since the majority of malnutrition people in the world live in developing countries this opens up the opportunity for them to increase crop yield and provide enough food for everyone. Also, in developing countries people often have to survive off a single staple that own its own doesn’t supply sufficient amounts of nutrients. Food scientist hope to solve this problem by creating crops equipped with vitamins and minerals. According to Tyson, â€Å"one of the most promising is â€Å"golden rice,† which can stimulate our bodies to generate vitamin A. In the developing world, vitamin-A deficiency kills two million children each year† (Tyson, 2001). A development through GM foods may be able to save two million people which would be a life changing breakthrough. Scientists are also trying to perfect â€Å"eatable vaccines. † They are genetically adding vaccines to tomatoes and bananas, since traditional vaccines are expensive to manufacture and require specialized storage. â€Å"Eatable vaccines,† will be easier to transport, store, and administer in third world countries (Tyson, 2001). Biotechnology holds unlimited potential for areas of the world where poverty and poor agricultural conditions make farming challenging. The U. S. needs to ensure the people of these countries that GM food is safe and will be nothing but beneficial to their people. Genetic engineering is a crucial factor in agricultural productivity and if it continues to safely expand it could help meet the problematic food challenges that have already started. Genetic engineering holds great possibilities that could change the world. Simply peeling back a banana infused with antibiotics could be the next breakthrough science has to offer. Biotechnology continues to show safety is not an issue. GM farmers are now administering fewer chemicals on their crops. This reduces the amount of air pollution and water contamination in the environment. Genetic modifications were being made since farming started. Farmers always crossed bred the most successful plants year to year and without any concerns from the public. Today, scientist have a better understanding of how genetic modifications work making it safer for the consumers. However, government regulations are still implemented just for precautionary purposes. The United States is fortunate enough to grow numerous varieties of crops and also have the ability to choose the method of how they are grown. Unfortunately, not every country has these advantages. Genetically modified products allow these developing nations to grow crops at a more productive rate. Commercialization of genetically modified agriculture needs to be strictly monitored to make sure regulations are followed. Over industrialization of farming today is negatively viewed therefore making it essential that a golden mean is set for genetically modified products. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Fairley, P. , & Gaskins, P. (2000). Food Fight!. _Scholastic Choices_, _15_(8), 16. CONKO, G. , & MILLER, H. I. (2011). The Rush to Condemn Genetically Modified Crops. _Policy Review_, (165), 69-82. World Health Orginization.(2002). Retrieved from website: http://www. who. int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/index. html Tyson, P. T. (2001, April 12). _Harvest of fear_. Retrieved from http://www. pbs. org/wgbh/harvest/exist/ Prakash, C. (2000). Genetically engineered crops can feed the world!. Retrieved from http://www. 21stcenturysciencetech. com/articles/biotech. html Paarlberg, R. L. (2003). Reinvigorating genetically modified crops. _Issues in Science and Technology, 19_(3), 86-92. Retrieved from http://ezproxy. sju. edu/login? url=http://search. proquest. com/docview/195920735? accountid=14071.