1. In these two blog posts, the writers address the theory that the media played a role in the economic downturn that began in 2008. Hypothesizing that financial journalists offered an optimistic outlook and ignored signs that the economy was in trouble, the writers hold these journalists partly responsible for leading individual and corporate investors to take greater risks than they could handle.

Blog 1
(https://web.archive.org/web/20150110015435/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/08/abrams-research-survey-fi_n_156369.html)

Blog 2
(http://www.slideshare.net/jonmichail/the-medias-role-in-the-financial-crisis)

Do you agree with the writers' conclusions? How could the media contribute to an economic downturn? How can media consumers be sure that they are getting accurate information before making investment decisions?
200 words

2. Felicia & Fred have now considered furthering their plans for expansion of manufacturing facilities by customizing and refurbishing the large former mill building. The building was previously owned by a company that manufactured lead-based paint. Since litigation had affected the market for lead-based paint, the previous owner had closed this operation, the only remaining lead paint manufacturing facility in the United States.

Felicia & Fred's Chief Engineer, Harry Brown, who has been with the company since inception, has identified remediation, which would be required to be incurred if the company purchases the facility given the prior analysis:

$50,000 for an assessment to determine whether contamination was present; the study also was conducted for asbestos and other contaminants typically found in buildings of the same age

$400,000 to eliminate and refurbish existing lead paint, which was used within the facility

If the Felicia & Fred decide to purchase the building, which of the above cash flows would be included in the capital budgeting analysis? If the company decided not to purchase the building, how would your answer change? 200 words