Trading With China During The Trump Era

We can’t deny that China is a force to reckon with. Their economy has grown roughly tenfold of what it once was, so President Trump should be careful with how the U.S. conducts trade relations with Asia’s giant and also the country’s largest trading partner.

Many U.S. manufacturers and companies rely greatly on the Chinese economy for parts and labor of goods and services. When you go to the mall or do your grocery shopping, look at food labels and check where it was made. You’d likely see that it is made from China. Let us also not forget that they have the second largest economy in the world and that we willingly allowed them to dominate the U.S. markets for years now.

Trade theorist Paul Krugman once wrote: "The economist’s case for free trade is essentially a unilateral case — that is, it says that a country serves its own interests by pursuing free trade regardless of what other countries may do."

If empirical studies can lead top mainstream economists to question this once-universal belief, then the profession really is shifting from theory to evidence. With this in mind, I contacted Autor to ask him how his research on China has altered his own thinking about the costs and benefits of trade.

He told me he had been astonished by his own findings. Autor, like most top economists, was once an orthodox thinker on the trade issue. He had expected US workers would adjust well to the shock of Chinese imports, finding other jobs for similar wages after a short period of dislocation.

That was largely what happened in the 1980s and 1990s in response to Japanese and European competition.

Instead, he and his co-authors found that trade with China in the 2000s left huge swathes of the US workforce permanently without good jobs — or, in many cases, jobs at all.

This sort of concentrated economic devastation sounds as though it would hurt not just people’s wallets, but the country’s social fabric.

(Via: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2017-03-20-real-life-economics-reveals-how-china-trade-damaged-us-society/)

Fast-forward to the last quarter of 2016 and President Trump won the U.S. presidency against Hillary Clinton. His unorthodox ways now challenge how the U.S. does trade with other countries, most especially with that of China and almost everyone is clueless as to what will happen next.

Prior to the 2016 U.S. Election, commentators generally thought that a Trump presidency would be a double-edged sword for the Chinese leadership: on one hand, his brand of crass populism might do severe damage to American soft power, harming traditional American alliances both across the globe and specifically in the Asia-Pacific, and thereby strengthening China’s geopolitical position.  On the other, he might challenge China over trade and international investment, potentially creating serious problems for an already unsteady Chinese economy.  Moreover, his unpredictable and volatile personality might lead to unwanted escalation in the South China Sea, or, even worse, over Taiwan.  Official Chinese media outlets were careful not to take sides prior to the election, but in private, officials seemed wary of the instability that Trump could bring.  Incendiary rhetoric issued by Trump and his senior advisors during the post-election transition heightened tensions and frayed nerves, leading to an enormous amount of hand-wringing in Chinese policy circles.

(Via: https://www.lawfareblog.com/what-trump-presidency-means-china)

Even the Chinese government are gearing up for what the next four years of a Trump presidency would mean for them and the trade relations between both countries.

China's government has been seeking advice from its think-tanks and policy advisers on how to counter potential trade penalties from U.S. President Donald Trump, getting ready for the worst, even as they hope for business-like negotiations.

The policy advisers believe the Trump administration is most likely to impose higher tariffs on targeted sectors where China has a big surplus with the United States, such as steel and furniture, or on state-owned firms.

China could respond with actions such as finding alternative suppliers of agriculture products or machinery and manufactured goods, while cutting its exports of consumer staples such as mobile phones or laptops, they said.

Other options include imposing tax or other restrictions on big U.S. firms operating in China, or limiting their access to China's fast-growing services sector, they added.

(Via: https://www.streetinsider.com/Economic+Data/China+prepares+to+counter+any+U.S.+trade+penalties%3A+sources/12684273.html)

With only a few months into his presidency, it is too early to tell how the U.S. and Chinese trade relations will fare over the years. For now, we’ll just wait and see what President Trump’s economic policies will be. He already signed several of them that are being reviewed in Congress and have also set off alarms to some U.S. trade partners but nothing is carved in stone just yet.

The following blog post Trading With China During The Trump Era was initially published on www.soulvisual.com

source https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/trading-with-china-during-the-trump-era/

Gender Gap In Computing: Is It Still There?

Silicon Valley is the country’s hub for technology. Most computer and other tech-related start-ups had their humble beginnings in this place before they conquered the world. The brilliant minds behind their success are mostly men who have become famous icons that humanity will always look up to and be thankful for. Up to now, the majority of big tech companies are still founded and owned by men.

But as technology is becoming more mainstream, not only does it capture the interest of men but of women too. Even though it is a man’s world just like politics, more and more women are making a name in a niche they have no place for in the past. And we can look forward to countless women throughout the globe who will rise up to the challenge of carving their place in the tech world (not just in computers, mind you, but in other aspects of the technological race) in the years to come.

It’s all about embracing an industry that hasn’t traditionally favoured females.

Secondary school girls from across Scotland learned how to code and instruct robots after taking part in a computer science open day hosted by female students and academics at Heriot-Watt University.

The event was created specifically to help generate an interest in computing, artificial intelligence and robotics in girls from a young age.

It comes against a backdrop of a chronic shortage of women currently employed in or studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (Stem subjects) in the UK.

(Via: http://positivelyscottish.scot/2017/03/03/fighting-the-it-gender-gap-schoolgirls-are-shown-how-to-crack-the-code/)

The numbers do not lie.

Globally, women account for less than a third (28.4 per cent) of those employed in scientific research and development, according to a report published in November 2015 by the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Institute of Statistics. They are also more likely to leave their roles in STEM fields, with a majority of women citing isolation, hostile male-dominated work environments and a lack of effective sponsors as the reasons behind their decision, says a Harvard Business Review research report.

(Via: http://www.computerdealernews.com/news/women-are-still-hidden-figures-in-many-stem-careers/53286)

Gender role is a big factor when it comes to choosing a career. Men are more likely to pursue a career in computing, engineering, or political science for they are deemed fit for a man. On the other hand, women end up as teachers, nurses, or plain old housewives. But women have had enough of this treatment and we’re bound to see major changes in the tech industry dynamics over time.

Four years ago, Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, sent her son and niece to a Silicon Valley coding camp where she was dismayed to see a stark gender disparity. "Out of the 35 kids, only five were girls and two of those girls were my niece and her friend," she told me. "It's terrible - it has to change!"

Sandberg, as COO of a company where women hold only 27 percent of top management jobs, should know. It is widely acknowledged that an ever-growing proportion of the better-paid jobs in the American workforce will be linked to digital technologies, and that women are strikingly underrepresented in computing science.

It seems that President Trump already got a plan in place for this particular concern.

Aside from limiting women's careers, this trend could have wider consequences. The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology estimated in 2012 that U.S. businesses will need to find about 1 million more STEM professionals than America currently has. Tech companies have hitherto plugged this gap by using the H-1B visa program to import engineers from places such as India. But President Donald Trump has pledged to curb the use of those visas. Getting more American girls into computer science could create a deeper bench of qualified workers.

It’s one of the rare good news we hear from the new administration considering how much backlash it is now receiving from their current economic policies. And it looks like they do have a clear plan in place.

The U.S. government could also help. Barack Obama's efforts to address the gender balance didn't generate much buzz. But the current White House certainly knows how to make waves - and Ivanka Trump says she wants to support #WomenWhoWork, to cite her hashtag. Instead of just championing women in politics, business, or fashion, perhaps Ivanka should start shouting about women in computer science, and team up with Sandberg and others like her. That might help shrink the shocking gender ratio for computer science and get America ready to embrace a tech future in an equitable way.

And changes are indeed taking place…

Now the good news is that insofar as culture - not neurology - established this pattern, efforts being made to reverse it are promising. Companies such as Facebook are targeting women in their recruitment. The nonprofit CSNYC has taken on the herculean task of teaching every student in New York City public schools certain computer science skills. In February 1999, Smith became the first American women's college to announce its own engineering program. And some colleges, such as Harvey Mudd, have restructured computer science classes to be more attuned to female students' relative inexperience with computing. This has had spectacular results. At Harvey Mudd, the proportion of female students in computer science classes has risen from 10 percent to 40 percent.

(Via: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-wp-tech-comment-8b1716f0-0d7e-11e7-9d5a-a83e627dc120-20170320-story.html)

While attracting girls to pursue a career in computing science and excel in it at an early age may be the first of the many hurdles women will face in this industry, the other factor is that men itself. Men will trample all those weak and vulnerable women to get the position they want. It is a good thing that the industry itself is opening its doors for women and giving them a chance to succeed in a man’s world.

The following blog post Gender Gap In Computing: Is It Still There? is courtesy of https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/

source https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/gender-gap-in-computing-is-it-still-there/

Overcoming Racial Diversity In The U.S.

Like any progressive first-world country, millions of foreign workers and immigrants flock to the United States for a greener pasture. Known for years now as the land of opportunity, people have the chance to transform their lives for the better in a country that has welcomed millions of other races for centuries now.

Although much has changed when black slavery was still a thing, the many technological advancements we are now enjoying has not put a stop to the issue of racial diversity and discrimination. Others still pass judgment to the other person just because of their race and appearance. Amidst the recovering economy of America lies a deep-rooted problem on racism that seems to be far from over because of the controversial victory of President Donald Trump (who is also known to say racist and sexist remarks on live television).

Not only in the United States but all over the world, racial discrimination persists to be a nagging problem of every society. Anyone who doesn’t belong is sure to be discriminated.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, created in 1966 by the United Nations to address social injustices based upon race. While many might see racism as an issue of skin color or ethnicity, Gary Edmonds of Food for the Hungry says marginalization often takes place within people groups based upon heritage and gender — and he believes faith and dignity are core to restoring hope.

(Via: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/becoming-true-change-agents-against-discrimination/)

Even law enforcers who are supposed to be unbiased and should uphold what is morally fair and just have also been guilty of discrimination in the line of duty.

The head of a major international law enforcement organization on Monday apologized for "the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in society's historical mistreatment of communities of color."

International Association of Chiefs of Police President, Terrence M. Cunningham, struck a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the deep-seated, generational mistrust between minorities and the police.

Cunningham, speaking at a meeting of the group in San Diego, said law enforcement's history is "replete with examples of bravery, self-sacrifice and service to the community."

But Cunningham said at the same, "the history of policing has had darker periods."

"There have been times when law enforcement officers because of the laws enacted by federal, state and local governments have been the face of oppression to far too many of our fellow citizens.

In the past, the laws adopted by our society have required police officers to perform many unpalatable tasks, such as ensuring legalized discrimination or even denying the basic rights of citizenship to many of our fellow Americans," Cunningham said.

(Via: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/17/us/police-chiefs-group-minorities-apology/)

Although efforts are being taken especially by socio-civic leaders and organizations to reduce cases of discrimination and eventually put a stop to it for good, it is a long and difficult fight where the end is still not in sight.

In the past year, there has been a lot of talk about racism in the region and Sabry hopes this event – now in its 16th year – will help kickstart more dialogue about the issue.

"There is racism," Sabry said.

"Sometimes it's more obvious and to the surface," she added. "We're hoping that people, through understanding each other, that there will be less of the unknown and treat each other as human beings instead of labelling and stereotyping and being leery of other people because they just don't understand them."

(Via: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/kitchener-event-day-elimination-racial-discrimination-1.4033088)

For a major change in the public perception to take place, it must all begin within ourselves. Opening up our minds and hearts to what makes everyone on this planet unique and diverse is the first step to ending discrimination. We must all understand that there is no ideal conformity that everyone should follow and that we should all celebrate our individuality. We may look alike but we all deserve to enjoy the same respect and rights as the person next to us.

The blog article Overcoming Racial Diversity In The U.S. was first published to https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/

source https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/overcoming-racial-diversity-in-the-u-s/

Electronics Ban On U.S.-bound Flights

Air travel imposes a lot of restrictions on travelers. From check in until arrival, passengers must observe air travel etiquette that is widely practiced in the industry throughout the globe, most of which are precautionary measures for the safety of everyone on the flight.

While most restrictions include limitations on baggage weight and content (checked-in or hand carry), the use of electronics in-flight is also a big no-no. Although using electrical gadgets has actually been allowed on longer flights, the U.S. now imposes a strict rule to ban the use of electronics on some U.S.-bound flights.

The US government will soon begin enforcing a ban on travelers bringing electronics in carry-on luggage on some flights traveling to the US.

News of the ban landed Monday when Royal Jordanian Airlines said in a since-deleted tweet that it received a directive from "concerned US departments" that passengers would not be permitted to bring any electronic items into the plane's cabin, except cellphones and medical devices.

Cameras, tablets and ebooks, laptops, and other electronics will have to be packed into checked luggage, said an emailed confidential Homeland Security edict to airlines.

The ban is expected to go into effect on Tuesday, and affect flights from several countries in the Middle East and Africa.

A spokesperson for Homeland Security would not comment on the potential security precautions, but said the department would "provide an update when appropriate."

(Via: http://www.zdnet.com/article/us-bans-most-electronics-from-some-us-bound-middle-eastern-flights/)

As expected, a major policy like this that impact a great number of people is sure to hit the headlines here and abroad.

The US government is expected to bar passengers from bringing any electronic device larger than a cellphone on some flights to and from the Middle East and Africa.

Royal Jordanian Airlines on Monday tweeted a description of an electronics ban implemented by the US. But the airline deleted the tweet a few hours later.

According to Royal Jordanian's deleted tweet, all electronic devices apart from cellphones and necessary medical equipment must be checked in to the cargo hold with luggage. That includes laptops, cameras, tablets, and DVD players.

The airline indicated that the policy would go into effect on March 21.

These changes are a result of a security concern related to passengers on nonstop flights from some Middle Eastern countries, an unnamed US official told CNN's Jon Ostrower.

(Via: http://www.businessinsider.com/us-government-laptop-ban-middle-east-africa-flights-dhs-2017-3)

What could have prompted such a bold move from the U.S. government? Is there a national security threat that we should all be aware of?

The prohibitions on electronics from select countries on flights to the U.S. is based on information developed overseas about a threat, an official told CBS News. The official said the electronics ban isn’t related to a specific threat, but is in response to intelligence gathered overseas.

The officials said the Department of Homeland Security is in the process of notifying the countries and airlines affected by the ban on large electronics. They will have 96 hours to implement the ban.

(Via: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/electronics-ban-on-some-us-bound-flights/)

The standard protocol during air travel is that electronic gadgets should be hand carried by the passenger lest it gets lost during travel, for which the passenger could not sue the aircraft for its loss. But because of security reasons that could pose a threat to the U.S. national security, these measures are now put into place because of possible terroristic activities in the countries included in the list.

Such a move is not at all that surprising considering the President’s stance against terrorists and how he takes the safety of all Americans seriously. Since the ban is just temporary, it probably won’t hurt if the people concerned abide with it until the ban is lifted and the risk is no longer there.

Electronics Ban On U.S.-bound Flights is available on https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/

source https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/electronics-ban-on-u-s-bound-flights/

Why Is Cosmetic Medicine So Popular Today?

While most Americans are fighting for better health care services and affordable health insurance coverage, there are some who are fighting a different battle. It all comes down to perspectives. What is important for you may not be important to the other person. And while all of us value the importance of a healthy mind and body, there are those who put equal importance to their aesthetics.

The field of cosmetic medicine has been flourishing for years now because the demand for it is growing. The aging of the baby boomers resulted to the rise of cosmetic medicine clinics to help this generation combat or delay the signs of aging.

Not only has the number of consumers who want to have cosmetic surgery doubled since 2013, but the top four treatments they want to have are all technology based, including energy for skin tightening, laser and light for skin imperfections, body sculpting and laser hair removal. That’s according to survey results released this week by The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).  

The ASDS reports that they conducted a blind online survey April, 20, 2016 to May 1, 2016 using Survanta, a web-based service. They received a total of 7,322 responses. This is what they found:

Popularity Contest

Ranking highest are treatments to tighten skin or smooth wrinkles using ultrasound, laser, light or radiofrequency at 60%. Laser and light treatments come in second (51%), with body sculpting (50%) and laser hair removal (48%) in the third and fourth spot.

(Via: http://cosmeticsurgerytimes.modernmedicine.com/cosmetic-surgery-times/news/cosmetic-surgery-insights-what-consumers-want)

Why do people want to get anything done in their bodies in the first place? Well, the answer probably lies in their satisfaction to their body image. As we age, our body changes too – not always for the better, though. And as such, people who can afford to undergo cosmetic surgery do so to improve their appearance. But just like with any other procedure, especially the invasive ones, there are risks involved.

The popularity of social media also gave rise to insecure men and women who compare themselves and their lives to the stars that they follow. Thus, many also want to have pouting lips like Kylie Jenner or the hourglass figure of Kim K. among others. These are unrealistic expectations that are impossible to do on your own (even with the help of makeup) but may be achieved with the help of say, plastic surgery. But it is an addiction that is unlike any other.

The cosmetic surgery boom is being fuelled by our insatiable appetite for looking good and staying youthful, as well as the proliferation of technological advancements and less invasive alternatives to full cosmetic surgery. Just check out the images of Kim Kardashian’s vampire facial, Kylie Jenner’s lip fillers, Brazilian butt lifts or breast enhancements on Instagram and Snapchat if you want to know what’s trending.

According to the latest figures from IMCAS, the International Master Course on Ageing Skin, Europe’s cosmetic market is growing at a rate of 6 per cent a year across all segments. By comparison, the United States shows 7 per cent annual growth, Latin America is almost 9 per cent and the Asia-Pacific region has the highest growth of more than 13 per cent.

The public's perception towards it has significantly changed as well.

“The cosmetic sector has seen a 300 per cent rise in popularity over the last decade with one in ten procedures being non-surgical. This is a result of improvements in safety, efficacy and reduction in downtimes, and is further fuelled by heightened media exposure and celebrity endorsements which have removed some of the stigma attached to ‘having work done’. But this rapid growth has undoubtedly exceeded the improvements in regulation of the industry which should go hand in hand,” warns Rajiv Grover, London plastic surgeon and former president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

The number of unqualified cosmetic doctors has also increased as the demand for their services grows as well as the use of untested technologies and materials continues to be a health threat others just shrug off in their quest to achieve perfection.

According to Dr. Constantino G. Mendieta, chairman of the Media Committee of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons: “It’s about time we started demanding more of claims made by industry. The marketing machine behind new treatments and products is driving consumers to ask surgeons to offer many procedures that have not been proven or may not have enough research behind them to substantiate claims.

“Surgeons are often driven by this demand fearing they may miss the next greatest thing since sliced bread, forcing them to jump into technology that may not be proven only to realise the results don’t accomplish what was claimed. We welcome setting standards and having more research prior to mass marketing.”

(Via: https://www.raconteur.net/lifestyle/staying-safe-amidst-the-hype-for-cosmetic-procedures)

In the end, it is still up to you if you opt to get something done in your body – invasive or not. As long as you are aware of the risks involved, what the process will entail, and how much it will cost, you are a consenting adult who agrees to subject your body to these elective medical procedures at your own risk.

Do not let society tell you what a positive body image should look like. As long as you are healthy and feel comfortable in your own skin, that is all that matters.

The blog article Why Is Cosmetic Medicine So Popular Today? See more on: www.soulvisual.com

source https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/why-is-cosmetic-medicine-so-popular-today/

Home Improvement Trends In The U.S.

Is appearance still important in times of crisis? Probably not for those practical and level-headed consumers. But because social acceptance is important for many, it is not enough that you put food on the table and send your kids to school, keeping a beautiful home you can show off to others also matters.

Spring has come and the weather is improving. It means hibernation is almost over and we can enjoy the outdoors. Lots of work is involved in making your home attractive once more after sustaining a nasty blow from Mother Nature last winter, most of which involves home improvement projects and repairs.

In 2015, U.S. homeowners spent $221 billion on home improvement, maintenance, and repairs, according to a report released Wednesday by the Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS). The center estimates 2020 spending to reach $243 billion.

And despite this additional expense on sprucing up your home, it actually means good news for the country’s economy.

There are several drivers for the booming home improvement market, according to the JCHS. Rising home prices and household incomes, aging housing stock and a pickup in household growth are the primary contributors.

Discretionary projects like kitchen and bathroom remodel and room additions, and outside attachments like decks, accounted for 40% of spending in 2007 (before the housing market collapse). By 2015 that percentage had dropped to 33%. Spending on repairs has risen from 40% to more than 50% in the same period.

Spending on home improvement has been concentrated in metropolitan areas, where home values and household incomes are high. In the 25 metro areas tracked by the JCHS, homeowners spent nearly $100 billion in 2015, about 45% of the national total on homeowner improvements. That’s an average of $3,400, about 15% more than the national average in 2015 of $2,970.

(Via: http://247wallst.com/housing/2017/03/02/us-homeowners-spent-221-billion-on-home-improvements-in-2015/)

And the home renovation industry is hopeful that business will be more booming this year than it did the previous year since consumers enjoy higher spending power, thanks to a more progressive economy that has somewhat recovered from the crisis of the previous decade.

Monday marks the first day of Spring and with winter in the rear view mirror, local home improvement businesses are ready to get back to work.

Johnathen Brewbaker with Peerless Block and Brick says contractors and homeowners are already catching “spring fever.”

"It's quite a bit slower in the winter time but it gives us time to get caught up and prepared for the spring time whenever it hits,” Brewbaker said.

Add to that what Brewbaker has seen with rising consumer confidence in the economy, 2017 looks to be a better year for the home improvement business.

“I think it'll be a little busier than last year with the economy boosting up,” Brewbaker said. “We definitely saw a downfall last year with the coal mines and we've already seen a pick-up since the coal mines have."

(Via: http://www.wvva.com/story/34949567/2017/03/Sunday/spring-means-new-opportunities-for-area-home-improvement-businesses)

While all families have priorities, they won’t hesitate to improve their home or to add a new feature if there is extra money in the budget. More and more households are expected to renovate their homes with the economy doing much better than it did in previous years. Materials cost have also gone lower, which is a major factor why more people can now afford to make their homes more livable and beautiful than before.

Although labor remains to be a constraint, a lot of homeowners have now decided to roll up their sleeves and do the actual work themselves. Just do a quick browse on Youtube and you will find countless home renovation DIY videos even beginners can safely and effectively do on other own. It is also a fun and exciting bonding opportunity for families that they can be proud of.

Home Improvement Trends In The U.S. was first published on www.soulvisual.com

source https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/home-improvement-trends-in-the-u-s/