My Neighbor Has Guns Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

My Neighbor Has Guns - Essay Example Based on these statistics, there has been an intention of reducing violence by restricting guns. However, the issue generates immense controversy in the country. For example, some opines that there should be control on guns as they lead to increased rate of violence. On the other hand, others believe that the increased rate of violence calls for increased gun ownership in the society as it will help give protection. In United States, most of the private citizens own handguns. For example, statistics shows that, in 1990, there were over 200 million guns in private hands of which a third were handguns (Kleck 1). Various reasons resulted to increased gun ownership in the 1960s to 80s. First, there was increased gun ownership in the country was the formation of new households and growing wealth enabling gun owners to get more guns (Kleck 1). Second, there was increased rate of crime among people who previously had no title for guns. Ownership of guns in the neighborhood and homes should be regulated as it leads to unintended accident, intimidation, increased rate of violence, and abuse by weak in society. Guns promote weaker adversaries to attack stronger ones (Kleck 1). Therefore, there should be tight restriction on gun ownership and operation. This occurs as the weak and vulnerable finds it easier to commit a crime that would have been dangerous difficult to carry out, or physically or emotionally difficult (Kleck 1). In fact, guns make the individuals involved having impression that they wield considerable influence that cannot be matched by anyone else. The attacker feels having greater power as compared to the victim. Moreover, gun might make it possible for the aggressor to feel that the planned attack will be advantageous to the points that the victim would not be able to counteract its effect (Kleck 1). Furthermore, the aggressor may have a feel that the victims accumulate enough fear that would make it impossible for them to strike back even if they have physically capability (Kleck 1). Therefore, this relates to the statistics that show that women attack men mainly by use guns (Kleck 1). Moreover, there is more likely that an individual will attack a group rather than a group attacking an individual. Likewise, the immense courage to attack is gained from the fact that one attack from a distance. Moreover, guns lead to unintentional accidents in both homes and neighborhood. Some of the accidents may lead to death or injury of an individual with disastrous consequences. For example, a gun may go off and shoot a family member, and this may lead to guilt and emotional breakdown. A survey carried out from 3003 to 2007 showed that over 500 Americans were killed per year unintentionally with firearms (Hemenway 2). In fact, more of the deaths occurred in homes. Moreover, most of the victims were below 25 years and family or friends accidentally shot the victims (Miller, Hemenway and Barber 1). Consequently, most of the accidental shootings deaths in the homes are due to guns kept in the home. There appears that accidental gun deaths are more vulnerable in areas with more guns (Miller, Hemenway and Barber 1). The result correlates with the statistics that show that accidental firearms deaths are high in states with a high level of guns ownership (Hemenway 2). Moreover, increased access to guns by children leads to

Selling a product Essay Example for Free

Selling a product Essay The slogan is all part of the brand package for the meddeteranian cruise advert, and it combines with the images created with the use of the swan and Helen of Troy: Discoveries of a Lifetime; the elegent tone and formal vocabulary used combine with the images of the swan and Helen; there is dignity in the seriousness in the vocabulary, but it also insites a sense of adventure and excitement which would make a potential buyer keen to go on a cruise and see the amazing discoveries; it also conveys the uniqueness of the experiences you will have on a Swan Hellenic cruise. It makes the expereinces you will have on a Swan Hellenic cruise seem special, as well as unique, and makes it seem as if that if you turn down the chance to go on a cruise, you will never have the chance again. Once again, however, the Scottish Highlands advert lacks a concrete slogan. Because it doesnt promote any perticular company, and only a product (the Highlands themselves), there is no company slogan to use; really, it has more of a tag; the visitscotland web address; the advert is used to draw people in with its imagery before directing the reader to a resource for more information, rather than selling a product directly to the reader. The most striking contrast between the two adverts is the use of text and tone. The cruise advert uses a personal tone in the style of a postcard (together with a font which looks as if it is handwritten) to give the advert the style ofa one on one conversation between the reader and a friend; the personal style makes the dvert seem as if it has been purposefuly created for the reader and thus makes it seem more relevent to them. The description of the area is also personal rather than it shines like a beacon in the sun, which would be used ina formal desprition, the phrase it shone like a beacon in the sun is used to give the text the feeling of it being a persons despription, enhancing the personal feel. The text is of a relevent size to make it seem legitimately handwritten (and is spaced to achieve the same effect), but it is hugh up enough on the pafge for the glorious, sprawling and idyllic medeterranian scene to be seen in full. The use of we in the opening paragraph affirms the audience the product is aimed at; couples or groups, and also suggestes a shared experience, which the whole party enjoyed; the use of the phrase never knew existed not only enforces the uniqueness of the cruises but also suggest that you will learn and be entralled in the process by going on the cruise. The text reffering to the monks being hoisted up in a basket gives the text even more of a personal feel because it comes accros as a private joke; the final use of humour does what the phrase about the monks does and also makes the reader laugh, hopng to usethe humour to help them remember the advert. The body of text underneath the picture is used to push the cruises themselves. Within the first sentence, you have all the positives of a Swan Hellenic cruise laid out for you with a rheotorical question on the end to make you think about them all; the text also speaks directly to the target audience (couples or groups who want to get away from modern life) with the promise of places off the beaten track and also promises once again that you will learn whilst on the cruise. Having considered the rheotoricalquestion, the reader is confronted with still more of the cruises virtues Havinggiven the reader all the virtues of a cruise with Swan Hellenic in the firsttwo sentances, the text then details how to obtain them all in a plethora of ways, all guaranteed to be easy, quick, effective and hair-tearing free; the use of the phrase friendly team are waiting to assist you conjures up an office full of happy people who will wait for a time convinient to you to assist you in choosing a perfect holiday; another virtue, and only in the third sentence.  Where as the Swan Helenic advert uses an extensive amount of text, the Scottish Highlands advert uses short, snappy and witty (slightly sarcastic) phrases to give it a chic, modern air. The text stands out because of its position on the page and the sentences lead sraight on into each other. The other body of text is small and secreted away so as not to detract from the all-important picture; the phrase make your own entertainment makes use of innuendo and gives a certain allure to coming to the coming to the Scottish Highlands; the useof aquestion directly followed by an answer (Want to come? Go online.) points a reader where to go without giving him or her time to think; its almost s if he or she as nochoice. Those last two sentences are also short and snappy, as is the tag visitscotland.com, which is is easy to remember andstresses that you shoud visit Scotland; the use of an incomplete andshort address rather than a longwinded one also keeps up the modern theme (by missing off the http:// and www. sections of the website address and using something catchy like visitscotland.com and not something like uktourism.co.uk/scotland/highlands/visit_scotland.html the shot and snappy nature of the text is kept going and it is also a stylish ddress.). In conclusion, this study has shown how two adverts selling he same product (holidays) and aimed at a simmilar demographic (high-earning Times readers) can be vastly different. Whilst the Swan Hellenic advert relies on showcasing and using a built up image of the Medetteranian and the reputation of PO cruises the Scottish Highlands advert tries relentlessly to dispelpreconceptions about the Scottish Highlands through the use of modern colours, the internet, short, snappy phrases and a modern sense of humour. In my opinion, the Swan Hellenic is more successful becauseit has a built up image to rely on and fall back on and so the product is easier to sell throgh visual showcasing and the use of language techniques (,etaphor in like a beacon in the sun rheotorical questions), and the conotations of the swan and Helen of Troy to sell its product.

Green marketing: Promoting environmentally friendly products

Green marketing: Promoting environmentally friendly products Abstract Green marketing is marketing of products that are environmental safe. Companies market ­ing their green achievements were once a small segment of forward-thinking organisations, but since grown into a group of unlikely advocates that includes an oil company and the worlds largest retailer. Environmental friendly production is vital in running future economies. By nature, plants take carbon dioxide from the air and give oxygen in respiration process. By doing this, they make ecology sensible and sustainable. Companies should stop polluting the environment and make their existence sensible and sustainable. They should go green. This paper discusses what is green marketing, and to what extent are companies inte ­grating its principles into their communications i.e. positioning green and green thinking into their operations? Paper also focuses on what is the effect of green marketing in the satisfaction of the needs and wants of consumers. The challenges in an effort of going green are also put in the paper. Positioning strategies for Green i. e environment-friendly products are suggested in the paper. Keywords: Green marketing, positioning green, environment Introduction According to the American Marketing Association, green marketing is the marketing of products that are presumed to be environmentally safe. Thus green marketing incorporates a broad range of activities, including product modification, changes to the production process, packaging changes, as well as modifying advertising. Yet defining green marketing is not a simple task where several meanings intersect and contradict each other; an example of this will be the existence of varying social, environmental and retail definitions attached to this term. Other similar terms used are Environmental Marketing and Ecological Marketing Green marketing refers to the process of selling products and/or services based on their environmental benefits. Such a product or service may be environmentally friendly in itself or produced and/or packaged in an environmentally friendly way. The obvious assumption of green marketing is that potential consumers will view a product or services greenness as a benefit and base their buying decision accordingly. The not-so-obvious assumption of green marketing is that consumers will be willing to pay more for green products than they would for a less-green comparable alternative product an assumption that, in my opinion, has not been proven conclusively. While green marketing is growing greatly as increasing numbers of consumers are willing to back their environmental consciousnesses with their dollars, it can be dangerous. The public tends to be sceptical of green claims, to begin with and companies can seriously damage their brands and their sales if a green claim is discovered to be false or contradicted by a companys other products or practices. Presenting a product or service as green when its not is called greenwashing. Green marketing can be a very powerful marketing strategy though when its done right. Also Known as: Environmental Marketing, Ecological Marketing, Eco-Marketing. Common Misspellings: Geen marketing, gren marketing. Example: Chads green marketing campaign bombed bec Environmental Product Strategies There are a large number of environmental issues impacting on the production of goods and products. For example: What is the impact of production, sourcing of materials and packaging on the environment? Can minimum levels of packaging and/or environmentally friendly packaging be achieved without compromising product quality or appeal? Supplier practices i.e. are they at least as environmentally friendly as the organisation they are supplying? Environmentally friendly products can increase and decrease production costs; environmentally friendly production may increase costs for organisations and their suppliers but this may be offset by lower fuel bills through energy efficiency measures or an increase in sales caused by a positive product image. An organisation may able to pass increases in production costs (caused by EFS) to consumers. However, this will depend on the level of increase, type of consumer, competitor prices for the same type of product and the strength of the economy. For example during times of recession consumers will place price above many if not all of the factors making up the marketing mix. Environmental Place Strategies All organisations will need to carefully time when their product reaches consumers; exact time of distribution will depend on the product or service being distributed. Such timing may have an environmental implication. Some products will need to reach the consumer shortly after production for example fresh food in order to retain freshness, taste or nutritional value. The fastest method of distribution may damage the environment. Conversely a more environmentally friendly method e.g. via canals may impact on speed of distribution and consequently quality of the product. A method of distribution that combines speed with environmentally friendliness may increase distribution costs as some of these processes are still under development e.g. electric vehicles. In addition to the type of transport used for distribution, an organisation will need to review distribution techniques; For example timing deliveries so that they occur during off peak hours and do not contribute to congestion. Some organisations attempt to make fewer deliveries, whilst others promote concentrated products (e.g. fabric conditioner) as they increase the number of products that can carried in each delivery vehicle. Even if environmentally friendly distribution is not at the top of an organisations list of priorities, government policies may elevate it to the top. Congestion charging and low emission zones have been introduced in the London. Apart from the obvious increase in costs emanating from observance of such policies, a failure to observe environmentally friendly rules and regulations will lead to fines and sanctions and consequently negative publicity. After reviewing internal distribution methods an organisation will need to review supplier and subcontractor distribution as consumers and the media expect organisations claiming environmental credentials to only liaise with other environmentally friendly organisations.. For example do the subcontractors use Bio-fuel? Are the subcontractors actively managing their carbon footprint or energy use? Environmental Promotion Strategies Due to the consumer, celebrity and government appetite for protecting the environment environmentally friendly practices are used as promotional tools. For example the award of ISO 14001 (which certifies that an organisation has certain environmental standards, as certified by an independent external auditing organisation) is often quoted in marketing literature. Product packaging that can be recycled will have a message on the packaging clearly stating the recycling properties for the packaging. Similarly organic products will be labelled, not only on the packaging but also around the shelving displaying the organic produce. Some organisations have sought to reduce costs through the promotion of environmentally friendly strategies. The use of carrier bags has changed dramatically in the UK over the last 2-3 years. Retailers actively promote the benefit of reusable bags as they have many benefits Lower costs for the retailer Consumers feel good as they believe that the use of a reusable bag is helping the environment Fewer carrier bags go to landfill Another example is hotels offering guests the opportunity to engage in fewer linen and towel changes. Such strategy is environmentally friendly as it reduces the use of detergents and energy but it also reduces costs for the hotel and improves corporate image. Some organisations providing products and services which may harm the environment have added off setting methods to their portfolios and marketing literature. The idea behind off setting is that the consumer is offered the opportunity to indirectly engage in an activity (such as tree planting) that benefits the environment and therefore balances/evens out the damage they caused for example through flying. Such schemes attempt to ease the consumers conscience and retain a positive image for the organisation providing the environmentally unfriendly product or service. Environmental Pricing Strategies Throughout this article we have discussed how environmentally friendly strategies can either increase or decrease organisational costs. The ideal marketing mix is a reduction in costs and/or an increased in costs which is exceeded by an increase in profits. Pricing must reflect the demand for the product an incorrectly priced product will reduce demand; this is now further complicated by the impact environmental issues have on pricing. If an organisation is paying more for raw materials because the supplier is environmentally friendly it may decide to pass on this price increase to the consumer, the amount the ideal amount will be dictated by the target consumer. On the other hand companies cutting costs and increasing profits at the expense of the environment may be risking negative publicity, fines, sanctions or may simply lose out to organisations actively promoting their environmentally friendly practices even if such competitors offer more expensive products and services. Summary The environmental marketing mix is becoming extremely important in todays business world. Firms will have to carefully manage this mix if they are to successfully operate in a world which is becoming increasingly aware of climatic changes. Wheres the beef? may not be the most accurate phrase, but its the first that comes to mind. Seriously, thats the only thought I could come up with in the face of this news: McDonalds is swapping out the red in its logo for a deep hunter green to tout its environmental credentials in Europe. From an Associated Press article by Mary MacPherson Lane: About 100 German McDonalds restaurants will make the change by the end of 2009, the company said in a statement Monday. Some franchises in Great Britain and France have already started using the new color scheme behind their Golden Arches. This is not only a German initiative but a Europe-wide initiative, Martin Nowicki, McDonalds Germany spokesman, told The Associated Press. [] The company has warmed to greener practices, including environmentally friendly refrigeration and converting used oil into biodiesel fuel. With this new appearance we want to clarify our responsibility for the preservation of natural resources. In the future we will put an even larger focus on that, Hoger Beek, vice chairman of McDonalds Germany, said in the statement. Leaving aside the fundamental unsustainability of the fast food industry as a whole, this is not to say that there is nothing behind McDonalds claims of environmental action the company is working on green buildings, electric vehicles and published a report earlier this year highlighting its best green efforts. Who are the green consumers? Understanding the demographics of green consumerism can help entrepreneurs explore the environmental market, and home in on likely prospects. Research has shown that green consumers: are sincere in their intentions, with a growing commitment to greener lifestyles; almost always judge their environmental practices as inadequate; do not expect companies to be perfect in order to be considered green. Rather, they look for companies that are taking substantive steps and have made a commitment to improve. However, they also: tend to overstate their green behaviour, including the number of green products they actually use; want environmental protection to be easy, and not to entail major sacrifices; tend to distrust companies environmental claims, unless they have been independently verified; lack knowledge about environmental issues, and tend not to trust themselves to evaluate scientific information about environmental impacts. However, at the same time they are eager to learn, and this means that consumer education is one of the most effective strategies that entrepreneurs can use. The most responsive age group tends to be young adults, many of whom are influenced by their children. In addition, women are a key target for greener products, and often make purchases on behalf of men. The best green customers are people with more money to spend. As a result, the most promising products for greening tend to be at the higher end of the market. The most promising outlets for green products are retail stores frequented by better-off shoppers. In general, green consumers have the education and intellectual orientation to appreciate value; they will understand evidence that is presented in support of environmental claims. In the US, children and teens are generally more concerned than adults about the environment, and are more knowledgeable about green alternatives. Increasingly, they influence their parents purchasing decisions. Equally importantly, millions of them will reach adulthood in the next decade, and gain purchasing power of their own. At the opposite end of the age spectrum, US consumers born before the 1950s are the least green. As their numbers diminish, their share of consumer purchases will dwindle. In Canada, children and parents alike tend to have strong environmental concerns. Older people, too, tend to be active green purchasers.

Chemistry Essay -- essays research papers

Robert Boyle is considered both the founder of modern chemistry and the greatest English scientist to live during the first thirty years of the existence of the Royal Society. He was not only a chemist and a physicist as we know him to be, but also an avid theologian, a philanthropist, an essayist, and a beginner in medicine. Born in Lismore, Ireland to Richard Boyle, first earl of Cork, and Katherine Fenton, his second wife, Boyle was the youngest son in a family of fourteen. However he was not shortchanged of anything. After private tutoring at home for eight years, Robert Boyle was sent to Eton College where he studied for four years. At the age of twelve, Boyle traveled to the Continent, as it was referred to at the time. There he found a private tutor by the name of Marcombes in Geneva. While traveling between Italy, France, and England, Boyle was being tutored in the polite arts, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and science.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the years went by, Boyle became more and more interested in medicine. His curiosity in this field led him to chemistry. At first Boyle was mainly interested in the facet of chemistry that dealt with the preparation of drugs, but soon he became genuinely interested in the subject and started to study it in great detail. His studies led him to Oxford where he joined such scientists as John Wilkins and John Wallis. Together in 1660, they founded the Royal Society of London for the Ad...

Who is the Dominant Partner between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth? Essay

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is very strange. In the relationship, throughout the play, both take turns to assume the role of being the dominant partner. What is unusual about this is the fact that at this period in time, the man typically was the one controlling the relationship, but in this case, for a lot of the time it is in fact Lady Macbeth that is the dominant force in their relationship. In Act 1, Scene 5 we can see that Lady Macbeth is very ambitious for Macbeth. I believe that the reason she is so eager for the prophecies about Macbeth to come true, is because she knows that if Macbeth becomes a more important figure in society, so will she. Lady Macbeth declares, â€Å"Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised.† This tells us that she is very optimistic and confident of the prophecy coming true, and Macbeth succeeding Duncan as king. Although this statement shows that she is confident of Macbeth becoming King, she then goes onto show some signs of uncertainty over Macbeth’s kind and gentle nature, by confessing, â€Å"Yet do I fear thy nature†. This tells us that she is concerned that Macbeth lacks the evil ruthless streak that is needed for him to kill Duncan and succeed him as king. In order to enhance any evil and ruthlessness that Macbeth does possess, Lady Macbeth tries to make Macbeth feel that he deserves to be king more than Duncan by using flattery. She says to Macbeth â€Å"Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor! Greater than both†, which through sarcasm suggests that he is above these titles, and thoroughly deserves to be king. In this scene we can clearly see that Lady Macbeth is t... ...d helped each other in their time of need. Before they became king and queen they worked together as a team, this is shown by the way that Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth his â€Å"dearest partner of greatness,† however this is not the case after they gain the crown, as they both work as individuals. This may be a contributing factor to the deterioration of their relationship. Although parts of this play go against the way men and women behaved during relationships at the time, the final outcome is in keeping with the traditions of the time. This moral of this play is that women cannot handle a role of powerfulness and dominance, with Lady Macbeth yielding to the effects of her powerfulness, and eventually becoming insane, whereas men prosper with power and dominance, with Macbeth now stronger and more powerful than ever before.

Club Drugs and Teens Essay -- essays research papers fc

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s society, teens are a common target of anti-drug campaigns and government advertisements. The goal of these campaigns is to make teens and young adults aware of the dangers associated with drug use. While these campaigns are generally effective, teens are still greatly tempted by the dangerous, exciting, and fast-paced world of club drugs. Despite the information they are constantly receiving from their teachers, parents, and government media, some teenagers will still adamantly pursue drugs in hopes of finding â€Å"a good time.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some of the club drugs that teens are likely to try are extremely dangerous and can ruin a person’s mental or physical health with just a few uses. Because teenagers’ nervous systems are still developing, it is very easy for them to become addicted to drugs after even one use. The lifestyle that can be brought about by the use of club drugs can be a vicious cycle of self-destruction, and can have a rapid detrimental effect on a teen’s chances to excel in life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, many times facts are skewed by media and government agencies in order to keep teens off drugs. While this sort of propaganda has good intentions, many people find it morally unjust to deliberately misinform people, even for their own benefit. Some risks are greatly exaggerated, and some of the â€Å"facts† which are commonly accepted are barefaced lies. In this report, I hope to create a source of unbiased, legitimate facts about club drugs and the ways they are used by teens, and the effects that they can have on a teenager’s life. I believe it is better to know and understand the risks of drug use, and make an educated decision about using them, than to be told what to think and what to do by another person. Ketamine Hydrochloride (â€Å"K†, â€Å"Special K†, â€Å"Ket†, â€Å"Vitamin K†, â€Å"Cat Tranquilizer†)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ketamine is one of the lesser-known club drugs around today, and gets far less media coverage than other more common drugs. It has been used as a veterinary and medical anesthetic since 1965, and was known for producing a fairly safe, if unusual, anesthesia in patients. It was only in 1999 that Ketamine became a controlled substance in the United States, after governmental anti-drug agencies took note of people using it as a recreational drug. &... ...ments can be made for or against this statement, but the fact remains true that many people are concerned about drug use in teens. Combating and reducing sales and use of club drugs is not an easy task, nor one that will be accomplished quickly, if at all. This isn’t going to stop people from trying. As long as there are teens who abuse drugs, there will be people fighting to stop them, for better or for worse. Bibliography 1. â€Å"Teens’ use of meth growing.† The Daily Oakland Press. Posted by an anonymous internet user. April 11, 2005. http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/041105/edu_20050411011.shtml 2. â€Å"Dark Crystal: Crystal Meth Across Canada.† CBC News. Author’s name not available. March 23, 2005. http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/darkcrystal/canada.html 3. â€Å"Ecstasy.† Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica premium Service. http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9343568&query=ecstasy&ct= 4. Berube, Margery S., et al. â€Å"LSD†, â€Å"Ecstasy†, â€Å"Methamphetamine†, â€Å"Ketamine†. The American Heritage College Dictionary. 2000. 5. Multiple Anonymous Posters. â€Å"GHB†, â€Å"MDMA†, â€Å"Meth†, â€Å"Ketamine†, â€Å"LSD†. Erowid.org.* http://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/psychoactives.shtml

Are parents to stick on their kids?

Today I am here to share with you about the loss of my beloved daughter, Juliet. As a father myself, I will be sharing the many mistakes I have made while raising Juliet, hoping you will be able to learn from my past experiences and not make the same mistakes I have already made. One of the biggest mistakes I made as a father is not giving Juliet the freedom she deserved. As parents, we want the best for our children as we want to ensure their safety.However, we tend to forget that they're growing up and we take away their hoicks and rights as we think we know what's best for them. An example of this would be when I threatened Juliet with eviction and portended to disown her if she didn't marry Paris that I would kick her out and disown her if she didn't get married to Paris. This was a very unreasonable and harsh decision I made, as I will regret this for the rest of my life as it will lead her to rebel and do things behind my back. If I had Just given her the freedom she deserved, things may not have ended up the way It has.One of the biggest mistakes I made as a father Is not giving Juliet the freedom she didn't marry Pans that I would kick her out and disown her if she didn't get married it has. Didn't marry Paris that I would kick her out and disown her if she didn't get married it has. Greetings to all. As you might be familiar already, I am Lord Caplet. Today I am here to share with you about the loss of my beloved daughter, Juliet. As a father myself, I will be sharing the many mistakes I have made while raising Juliet, hoping you will be able to learn from my past experiences and not make the same mistakes I have already made.