HARD 2004 Evaluation Topic List
Description
Which brand of bass cabinet produces the best sound, and what is the speaker set up?
Topic Narrative
What speaker set up (8x10, 2x15, etc) produces the best tones in a bass
amplifier? What is the best brand of amp for bass guitar? Why is this
so? What are pros and cons of different set ups? Which amplifiers are
best for rock music? I would like the returns to explain what set ups
people have chosen, why they have chosen them, and what are the
benefits of their choices.
Description
How safe is your information on the Internet?
Topic Narrative
I am looking for an examination of the
rising awareness and occurrence of identity theft. I would like to see
information about how people can protect themselves, various ways
people may have their identities stolen, and measures one can take to
prevent identity theft. Is information safe on the Internet? I am
looking specifically for Internet identity theft.
Description
What were the beliefs of the Heaven's Gate cult?
Topic Narrative
What did Marshall Applewhite tell his
followers? What were their beliefs? Why did they commit suicide? How
did the cult gather? The returns should explain how people were
attracted to the cult, whether or not they were aware they were
committing suicide, and if they were aware, why they went through with
it. This information should explain the hold Heaven's Gate had on its
followers.
Description
How should a beginning runner train in preparation for running a marathon?
Topic Narrative
What are the general guidelines for training for a marathon? How can
you avoid injury? What are potential training schedules? How long
before the race do you need to begin training if you're involved in
other sports, but new to running? What is the best nutrition while
training? Information or advertising for particular race events is off
topic. Personal accounts of running experience, without general
training tips and facts, are off topic. News reporting on race day
events is off topic. Training schedules and guidelines as well as
description of specific training exercises are all on topic.
Description
What venues are open for women fighters, what are the opinions on women
fighting, and what is the history of women's competitive fighting?
Topic Narrative
Women often express the feeling that they encounter some additional
obstacles when trying to break into competitive fighting which men
don't experience, since fighting is generally considered a male sport
and is certainly male-dominated. How many women, compared to men are
involved in competitive fighting, where do they fight, and how do they
(and men) feel about their fighting? Descriptions of the history of the
sport (of competitive female fights: mma, nhb, thai boxing, grappling)
are on topic. Opinions on women in competitive fighting, both of men
and women, are on topic. Fight-cards (lists of names of female
fighters) are off topic. Fight schedules are off topic. But lists of
venues which host women's fights (e.g. "UFC") are on topic.
Description
What levels of corruption exist in the Diamond Industry and
how does the development of a synthetic flawless diamond
impact the industry?
Topic Narrative
The diamond industry has long been associated with corruption on many
levels. With the emergence of a new synthetic stone, the industry finds
itself at a crossroads. Virtually anything dealing with corruption in
the diamond industry and the effects generating from the development of
the synthetic gem is on topic. Articles relating to the technical
aspects of cutting and setting diamonds are off topic. Scientific
articles are also off topic.
Description
Can chimpanzees use language?
Topic Narrative
Within linguistics, the prevailing conclusion is that chimpanzees are
not capable of using language. In fact, following Chomsky's theory that
language is both innate and unique to humans, many linguists believe
that no other species have this ability. Nonetheless, many researchers,
in various fields, are still training chimpanzees, especially bonobos,
with the hopes of finding that they have linguistic capacity.
Currently, what is the consensus amongst linguists on the definition of
what constitutes language? What requirements are or are not met by
chimpanzees in comparison to human children? In what ways have
experiments testing whether chimpanzees have language abilities (and
their finds) helped refine our definitions of what constitutes
language? And what do these results imply for the question of whether
human language is primarily biologically innate, or primarily learned?
Discussions of the the definition of language are on topic. Analysis of
whether or not certain experiments demonstrate that chimps fulfill the
requirements of what constitutes language are on topic. Discussion of
theoretical implications of chimp language ability on human nature,
"humanness," and human connection to other primates, as well as
insights into human evolution are all on topic.
Description
In what form is racism currently experienced on college campuses?
Topic Narrative
Many Americans, particularly white Americans, feel that racism is a
thing of the past, no longer a problem given the legal changes which
have made segregation illegal and generally improved conditions since
the 1950s and 60s. However researchers, not to mention many
"minorities" themselves, say that racism is simply different now than
it once was, but still just as extant. What forms does racism take on
today, particularly on college campuses? Incidents of overt racism are
on topic. Discussion (academic and popular) of what constitutes racism
and of how racism is different today are on topic.
Description
What is the state of AIDS in Africa?
Topic Narrative
Little attention has been given to the AIDS epidemic in Africa that has
decimated an entire generation of Africans. What is being done to help
prevent the spread of AIDS and to treat those already infected? What
sorts of public educationhealth measures have African governments
taken? What are the barriers?
Description
How has the low-carb dieting fad affected consumer spending habits?
Topic Narrative
The low-carb diet which espouses a diet
high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrate has swept the nation
with a huge variety of low-carb products. Are Americans buying? How has
this fad affected sales of starchy and sugary foods?
Description
What extreme weather related natural disasters occurred in 2003 that are blamed on human-caused climate change?
Topic Narrative
I'm looking for articles that cover extreme weather phenomenon like the
breaking off of huge glaciers in the polar regions or extreme floods,
droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc... in which pollution,
specifically global warming, is implicated as the cause.
Description
How is outsourcing to places such as India and China affecting the American job market?
Topic Narrative
I'm looking for articles that specifically deal with jobs that are
being outsourced abroad post-1990's and how we should deal with it.
Should we be passing legislation to keep the jobs we haven't lost
already or should we be embracing the trend?
Description
What new uses will we find for corn in the future?
Topic Narrative
The production of corn has been heavily subsidized in the US for many
years contributing to the enormous amount of fattening food additives
such as high fructose corn syrup used in our food. What new uses have
people found for all this corn? Examples include corn-plastic, corn
fiber for cloth, and bio-ethanol for fuel.
Description
What recent archaeological discoveries have changed the way theorists conceptualize human evolution?
Topic Narrative
As archaeologists locate new fossils and human remains, theories must
be updated regarding evolution. What recent discoveries have helped
shape the current theories regarding human evolution? How are these
finds used to prove or disprove theories?
Description
Is there, or has there ever been, life on Mars?
Topic Narrative
Of course, Mars is a lifeless hunk of rock...right? What evidence keeps
a vocal minority alive, insisting that life existed or still exists on
Mars? Articles that detail the evidence or try to make a case for or
against the thesis of life on Mars are on topic. Articles about the
potential implications of life on Mars, financialpolitical aspects of
going to Mars, or any discoveries on Mars not explicitly related to the
potentiality of life there are off topic.
Description
How has the use of Internet weblogging affected the culture of communication?
Topic Narrative
Articles should address the influence of weblogging and Internet
posting on communication among users. How have these practices affected
the interactions among people?
Description
How close are we to a cure for diabetes?
Topic Narrative
Poor diet and lack of exercise on the part of more and more people is
leading to a rise in the rate of diabetes. While working on these
changeable risk factors is important, equally important is finding a
cure for the millions worldwide who live with this disease. Articles
about research or supporting research looking for a cure is on topic.
Articles about prevention or about helping people live with the disease
are off topic.
Description
How have the September 11 attacks on the US in 2001 affected immigration?
Topic Narrative
After the 9-11 attacks, security has increased and made it harder for
foreigners to visit America. What other reasons are keeping
internationals from coming to the US? How have restrictions on visas
affected the economy and student enrollment?
Description
What does it take to build your own computer?
Topic Narrative
It seems to me that building your own "box" is growing in popularity,
though perhaps somewhat stunted by falling prepackaged computer prices.
Still, if you build it yourself, you know the thing inside and out.
Plus, it seems like manufacturers would jump on the bandwagon to sell
their stuff to individuals at higher prices. Articles about the
popularity of DIY computers and ones on how to build it are on topic.
That includes fancy designs. Building servers and home networks can
also be on topic. Anything with commercial application however is off
topic. Articles about upgrading computers are also off topic.
Description
How do theorists believe quantum computing will affect security on the world wide web?
Topic Narrative
Articles need to discuss the possibility of using quantum computing for
encryption and security purposes on the Internet. Future code
algorithms may be discussed as well as a comparison to current key
production methods. Articles should focus on the pros and cons of using
quantum mechanics in respect to Internet security issues.
Description
Do theories about patent laws need to be revised for intellectual property?
Topic Narrative
In the early days of software development, free sharing of intellectual
property was vital for software to keep pace with advances in hardware.
Now that there is so much money to be made, companies are leading
attacks against open source software. Some say we need to change the
way we treat intellectual property to maximize software development and
protect the ability of developers to make money. Articles about court
cases concerning software copyrights or about why the law worksdoesn't
work are on topic. The history and development of open source is also
on topic. However, articles about the software itself, without
referencing the legal or development issues, are off topic.
Description
Is the market for interactive software just waiting to crash?
Topic Narrative
The leap in the technology of interactive software between 1984 and
1994 is astounding. However, the advancement from 1994 and 2004 is only
a fraction of that. Some are predicting that games will soon run out of
the bells and whistles, causing people to take their leisure time and
dollars elsewhere. Articles on why or why not console and computer
games are in trouble are on topic. Articles about what game companies
are developing to attract new customers is also on topic. Stories about
only technology or only new games, without reference to industry
concerns, are off topic. Stories about game violence or game copying
are also off topic.
Description
Information regarding the progress of countries in their pursuit of
meeting the United Nations Development Programme's Millennium
Declaration (UNDP) millennium development goals with specific
references to the Millennium Project's supporting role.
Topic Narrative
Launched in July 2002, the Millennium
Project is an independent advisory project commissioned by UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan and supported by the UN Development Group.
Working in cooperation with developing countries and other partners,
the project has set up an expert task force to prepare strategies to
help countries achieve the goals by bringing together the best current
thinking and research. Its work includes reviewing innovative
practices, prioritizing policy reforms, identifying means of policy
implementation and evaluating financing options.
Description
How is globalization influencing the Indian media?
Topic Narrative
What is the effect of "globalization" on the entertainment industry of
India and how are they shaping it? What are some of the new emergent
trends or styles in Indian films? Is the film production process or
method (such as that of Bollywood) being influenced by "Western" ideas
and practices? Stories that connect local aspects with the global will
be on topic.
Description
Why did the last year's WTO talk fail?
Topic Narrative
What were the patterns of alliances between nation-states in the WTO
talk held in Cancun, 2003? What is the relationship between those
alliances and the failure of the talk? On topic will be stories that
explain why certain nation-states formed alliances and in relation to
the outcome (i.e. failure) of the talk. The story should be written as
an analysis of what happened during the entire event. Off topic will be
those concerned with individual nation-states (e.g. country profiling;
industry profiling).
Description
How is Chinese capitalism being constructed?
Topic Narrative
With China entering the sphere of global capitalism, there has been
much speculations in public discourses as to how Chinese traditional
culture might influence the ways capitalism becomes localized. The
search is to find examples and understand what Chinese' cultural
elements, that of tradition, is currently being mixed with the new type
of economic system, i.e. capitalism imported into the land. Stories
that contain binary oppositions of old versus new; tradition versus
modernity; past versus future will be on topic.
Description
The role of Landless Workers Movement in Brazil's past and present
Topic Narrative
Landless Workers Movement (MST) is referred to as one of the most
successful grass-root movements. What are some of their achievements
throughout the Brazilian history and what is their current role in
shaping the civil society? The search is ultimately to find clues as to
their reasons of "success," such as how they were able achieve
consensus andor negotiate their interests. Stories therefore, must have
some research background of the Brazilian economy and society as a
whole. Off topic will be those that do not have a time-depth.
Description
Who creates the demands in the international ring of organ trafficking?
Topic Narrative
Many countries are institutionalizing legal measures to prevent the
selling and buying of human organs. Who, in the ring of international
organ trafficking, are the "buyers" of human organs? Any information
that identifies 'where' they are or 'who' they may be will be
considered on topic; the specificity of info does not matter. Also, the
story must be about international trafficking. Stories that only
contain information about the "sellers" of organs or those that focus
on national trafficking will be off topic.
Description
What is the difference between Biodynamic and Organic agricultural practice?
Topic Narrative
Biodynamic agriculture refers to sustainable systems of production,
particularly of food. Based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, it
includes the idea of organic farming, although it predates the term,
and the idea of the soil and the life on it as a living system.
Description
Because Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs were damaging the ozone layer, were banned internationally, and to be phased out by 2000
Topic Narrative
Chlorofluorocarbons were invented in 1928 specifically for their non
reactive qualities. Because of this, they have a lifespan of over 100
years and are able to reach the stratosphere, where they catalyze ozone
molecules, which change into oxygen. This reaction caused the ozone
layer to deplete, allowing UV rays into the atmosphere, thereby causing
cancer in humans. In 1990, diplomats met in Montreal and vowed to
eliminate CFCs by 2000. Recent scientific findings show that the ozone
layer may be showing signs of recovery due to the international ban.
Description
What does the rest of the world think of America's Britney Spears?
Topic Narrative
In the United States, Britney is a sex symbol, a pop sensation, the
woman every girl wants to be, and the woman every guy wants to be with.
Though her musical talent can be called into question, her ability to
entertain is undeniable. But maybe we love Britney because she
symbolizes a lot of what Americans aspire to have and be like. This
query tries to find out what the rest of the world thinks of her. Are
they jealous, are they creating their own Britney's, or do they like
her too?
Description
How do farm subsidies in the United States affect our trade relations
with other countries? Can the family farm survive without these
subsidies?
Topic Narrative
The United States, Japan, and many European Union countries provide
subsidies so that their agricultural exports can compete on a world
market. The subsidies may provide an unfair advantage in terms of
global trade, but without the subsidies farmers in these countries
would not be able to survive economically.
Description
To what extent has the proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases
and infections affected the teenage population of the US, and how has
this population responded?
Topic Narrative
There has been a surge in recent years in sexually transmitted diseases
among young people. While these epidemics range across virtually all
socioeconomic strata, the reactions of people from different
communities have varied greatly. Sources relating to the differences
between communities with respect to STDs are on topic. Sources
providing only medical information about STDs are off topic.
Description
This query investigates why the Zapatista movement is one of the most sustainable revolutionary movements in modern history.
Topic Narrative
The Zapatista movement focuses on indigenous rights of the people of
southern Mexico, and on improving their living conditions. They rarely
bear arms, which is one of many reasons that they have been a supported
social movement since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994.
Description
Does LeBron James deserve the hype?
Topic Narrative
LeBron James is the most celebrated high school basketball player in
history. Bigger than Kobe, KG, and T-Mac. Bigger than Kareem Abdul
Jabar. 2003 was his year of controversy, with everyone buzzing about
King James and his unbelievable skills. He is projected to be the third
highest-paid athlete in the country next year, behind only Tiger and
Shaq. He already has over 100 million in endorsement deals lined up
over the next ten years. Is he worth the hype? Can he possibly live up
to his reputation?
Description
What new discoveries were made about dinosaurs in 2003?
Topic Narrative
As technology advances, scientists have become more adept at both
finding and interpreting dinosaur fossils. Every year, new and
fascinating discoveries are made, whether they be of exotic new
species, or simply new data that make us re-imagine established
species. What discoveries occurred in 2003?
Description
How have highly-publicized Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) fared in the United States?
Topic Narrative
2003 saw the launch of several highly-publicized Massively Multiplayer
Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). Games like EverQuest, PlanetSide,
The Sims Online, Star Wars Galaxies, There, and Final Fantasy XI all
hit the shelves during the span of year and attempted to bring the
United States into the worldwide culture of online fantasy epics. How
successful were they?
Returned articles should concern themselves with an evaluation of
existing games, not previews of future releases.
Description
How "green" is BP?
Topic Narrative
British Petroleum has changed the game, as far as oil companies go. The
first oil company to stop trying to debunk global warming research and
come out in support of the Kyoto Accords, BP set for itself stricter
emissions standards than the Accords call for, to be met by 2010.
Simultaneously, they began investing heavily in solar, wind, and
hydrogen, the so-called "renewable" energy sources. In 2002, they
announced that they had met their self-imposed standards, eight years
ahead of schedule and that doing so had resulted in a net profit
increase of 600 million dollars, belying President Bush's claims in
2001 that meeting the emissions standards would be economically
prohibitive. But at the same time, BP was pressing for the chance to
drill in Alaska's protected forests and spending over half a million
dollars in political contributions towards the decidedly un-green
Republican Party and various oil lobbyists. And, being the world's
largest solar energy company, BP plans to double oil and gas production
in the next thirty years. They also spent more money on a re-branding
PR campaign advertising their "green" research than they did on the
research itself. So how "green" is BP, really, when you put it all
together?
Description
What new discoveries have been made concerning the giant and colossal squid?
Topic Narrative
2003 was a big year for Architeuthis dux and Mesonychoteuthis
hamiltoni, the giant and colossal squid, respectively. The first live
colossal squid was caught and taken intact for study. The year also saw
four giant squid wash up on the coast of Spain. These animals, usually
difficult to glimpse or study, have suddenly become more available.
What have scientists learned from this wealth of new data?
Description
A look at the latest Supreme Court decisions, and their ultimate effect on government policy, if any
Topic Narrative
Each year a few truly important cases come before the Supreme Court.
These usually receive a huge amount of media coverage, appropriate to
their importance. Many other important, but not as high-profile, cases
come before the Court, as well. Both of these are on topic, as well as
minor cases. That is, no particular case type is off topic. What are
the rulings that the Court makes? Does it break the status quo or
uphold it? How big of an effect is realized? Returns briefing a Court
case before a ruling is made are off topic. In order for a return to be
on topic, it must summarize the already-made decision.
Description
The policies set by the European Union, their effects, and reactions to them
Topic Narrative
Though the European Union has its own monetary system, government, and trade agreements, how
important of a role in Europe does the EU play? Are the policies they enact important, are
they politically meaningful, and are the policies enforced somehow? Or is the EU merely a
symbolic organization which has no real power or authority?
Returns are on topic which answer these questions. A mere description of the EU is off topic. To be on topic, it must
somehow cover the EU's policies, enforceability, allowing the reader's analysis of success.
Description
A look at the Federal Reserve's changes in interest rates, the causes
of these changes, and their effects, both short-term and long-term
Topic Narrative
One of the main stabilizing tools that the US economy has is the
interest rate and the Federal Reserve's ability to create policies
around it. How often is this power used and why? Are extreme measures
required before the rates are changed? What important economic
indicators are consulted for determining when interest rates need
altering? And what are the effects of such changes? Does it often help?
Non-US interest rates are off topic (and not relevant). Only changes
mandated by the Federal Reserve, not individual or private interest
rate changes, are on topic.
Description
New technologies in the areas of cell phones, PDAs, and so forth
Topic Narrative
As technology more and more focuses on adapting old technology for
smaller scales, new advances are abounding in the consumer markets,
including advances in cell phone technology, PDA technology, notepad
PCs, and digital cameras. Advances in all types of hand-held technology
is on topic. Reports on large-scale technology, unless substantially
applicable to hand-held technology as well are off topic. In such a
case, the article itself must make the cross-application to hand-held
technology.
Description
Commentary on elections throughout Europe
Topic Narrative
How do the trends in European elections compare to those in the US?
Looking for commentary both in the days leading up to the elections and
after results have come in. Commentary months after elections about how
the elected have performed, mis-performed, etc. are off topic.
Description
How can bird death during migration, due to windows in skyscrapers, be reduced
Topic Narrative
Information about strategies for reducing bird fatalities is on topic.
Documents about bird migration is off topic unless it relates to the
deaths. Information about communications towers or the guy wires
supporting them is off topic. As are documents about legislation, or
politics.
Description
What are the effects of the Glen Canyon Dam on the environment around the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
Topic Narrative
Information about the environment is on topic. As is information about
the changes that have occurred in the Grand Canyon over time due to the
dam. Scientific studies are of particular interest. Articles about the
construction or history of the dam are off topic.
Description
What is the process used to neutralize VX nerve gas, and then dispose of the waste material?
Topic Narrative
Documents about the proposed plan to neutralize and then dispose of the
gas stored in Newport, Indiana are on topic. Information about other
deadly chemicals, or the effects of VX is off topic.
Description
What does NASA have in store for the future of space exploration?
Topic Narrative
This topic creation looks to the future. Space exploration is of
growing interest both in the United States and in the rest of the
world. NASA is one of the major players and has a large hand in shaping
the future of space exploration. This topic creation looks to inform
the reader about NASA and its future plans. NASA and space related
issues of the past and present that do not concern the future are off
topic.
Description
An examination of the frequency of multiple pregnancy in modern culture and its effects on medicine and society.
Topic Narrative
The frequency of multiple pregnancies was called an "epidemic" in the
late 1990s. It seems that the high number of incidents may have fallen
since the millenium; if this is the case, why is it so? I'd like to see
both the world-wide impact of multiple pregnancies -- even things as
simple as international news coverage of individual incidents -- and
the impact of multiple pregnancies on medicine itself.
Description
What practical applications do fractals have?
Topic Narrative
The term fractal was coined in 1975 and describes a
multi-fractional-dimensional way of viewing space. It deals with
concepts of self iteration and chaos theory. The subject has given math
new forms of expression and has been able to better describe complex
patterns such as cloud, tree, and plant shape formations. This search
hopes to get to the core of how fractals can be applied and
specifically what mathematicians must do. Saying that fractals can help
describe turbulence, for example, is not enough. This topic hopes to
inform the reader of how, specifically, fractal knowledge aids in these
discoveries.