Friday, November 15, 2019

The American Constitution and Drug War Essay -- American Government, L

The consensus with regards to drug laws favors more stringent and draconian laws, with the attempt to stifle use and punish crime. There are many claims used against drug legalization, such as, moral degradation, crime, the destruction of inner cities; along with families, diseases, such as AIDS, and the corrupting of law enforcement. When one examines the effects of prohibition, one has to inquire: has the cost been worth it? Certainly, an argument for the abolition of prohibition doesn’t include the favoring of drug use, but merely recognizes the vain and utopian attempt to control individual choices. Along these lines, the unintended consequences of these attempts may preclude any benefits. Further, one has to wonder: are these laws—at the federal level—constitutional or not? This paper will examine the issue of drug prohibition from a constitutional standpoint, an economic perspective, and the societal effects these laws have. The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land. While this statement seems axiomatic, it’s essential to discern the explication and implication of this with regard to the drug war. It’s been assumed that whatever the federal government passes is by the fact itself constitutional, notwithstanding the Supreme Court. However, to the dismay of some, this statement is blatantly false. The Constitution was ratified on the condition that only the powers the federal government would possess were the ones specifically delegated to it by the states. This is reinforced by the 10th amendment (Mount, 2010). This view stipulates that the federal government is limited and defined; and, for the government to garner new powers, the correct approach would be through Article V’s amendment process. ... ...this construction of the words â€Å"necessary and proper,† is not only consonant with that which prevailed during the discussions and ratification of the constitution, but is absolutely necessary to maintain their consistency with the peculiar character of the government, as possessed of particular and defined powers, only; not of the general and indefinite powers vested in ordinary governments. (Tucker, 2010) To take a step beyond these powers would cripple the constitution and thus cripple our democratic principles and process. In order for changes to be made—which there have been—the proper arrangement would be the amendment process. If it took the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919 to outlaw alcohol, it would seem logical and constitutional to outlaw drugs (Vick, 2010). In sum, any laws at the federal level that outlaw drugs, based on these facts, are unconstitutional.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Goodwill Industries Essay

1. Describe the three customer types mentioned in the video. What is each customer type looking for when they shop at Goodwill? What is most important to each customer type? The video mentioned 3 specific clientele for Goodwill Industries. The fashion shoppers, the bargain hunters, and the resellers. The Fashion Shoppers are most likely the frequent customers of Goodwill boutiques. Goodwill boutiques sells high end products with lower prices. These shoppers are what the Goodwill merchandisers are targeting when it comes to selling their trendier merchandise. These shoppers are the early adopters of trends and they put more value on style rather than the savings itself. Bargain Hunters are the more common clientele for Goodwill stores. These are the people that go to the stores with the mindset of getting more for their money. To this clientele, the focus is on how much discount they could get on an item in comparison to getting them from regular stores. They may care about the trends as well, but their focus is more on the psychological factor of getting a deal (buying something that is 80% off for example) rather than getting something that is trendy. Resellers are probably the shrewdest of all three. They are basically a combination of both of the latter customer types with an intent to sell afterwards. They are businessmen or women that understands trends and are also looking for the best deal for it. Resellers traditionally would buy merchandise at deeply discounted prices and then sell them for a profit. They would be the most frequent customers of the Goodwill outlet stores where the items that were not sold on regular stores are sold in bulk for much cheaper prices. Their sole intent is to make a profit, an d reselling Goodwill products is their means to do it. 2. What is Goodwill’s value proposition? Is it the same for all customer groups? According to the video, Goodwill’s value proposition is ‘used merchandise in deeply discounted prices’. (Pearson Education, 2013) No, I believe that it varies from customer to customer. A fashion shopper’s bargain would be different from what a bargain hunter would consider a deal. Also according to the video, social values define  what we see as a thrift; that is why they cater their stores to appeal to different demographics. 3. How do the four sets of factors affecting consumer behavior affect the buying behavior of Goodwill’s customers? Which of the four sets of factors affecting consumer behavior do you believe most strongly affects consumers’ purchase decisions from Goodwill? The four factors that affects consumer behavior are Cultural, Social, Personal, and Psychological factors. Each factor has a heavy effect on shaping a consumers buying behavior and so Goodwill makes their stores relevant by making sure to weigh in the most prevalent factor, among these four, based on location. The cultural factor makes it important to fill stores with items that match the culture of the neighborhood in which the store is located. The social factor make sit important to take into consideration consumers’ views of thrift stores. The personal factor makes it important to consider how concerned the target market for a particular store is with timing fashion trends, and the psychological factor makes it important to consider how a buyer’s perception of an item is linked to the item’s price. (Pearson Education, 2013) In my opinion, Cultural factors plays the biggest role in affecting the consumer behavior when it comes to Goodwill stores. As have been discussed last week, marketing affects the society it is found in and vice versa.If they are to sell products that does not fit the target demographics neighborhood, then the rest of the factors becomes moot. After all, the consumers has to be in the store for any of the other factors to kick in, and being culturally appropriate would greatly help in bringing in consumers. From my own experience as well, I only go inside Goodwill stores if it seem like it would be a safe place for me to buy things. If the place appear too musty, or to unclean, I would not even be tempted to go inside even if they have the best deals in the area. 4. What environmental trend(s) does the video discuss that significantly impacts Goodwill’s performance? What two â€Å"metrics† are affected and why does this affect how Goodwill markets its retail goods? The video talks in detail about the challenge of depending on customer situations and economic changes. The success of their whole operation rests on the ever changing economic times; specifically influencing consumer purchasing habits. When the economy goes through a slight recession, it drives customers to the stores. Less money to spend means, budgeting and bargain hunting for consumers, which happens to  be the forte of Goodwill stores. However, if the economy keeps turning bad, the company gets fewer donations. Fewer donations leads to fewer products to sell and fewer movement in the supply line. Some of their stores rely on the constant product cycles to reach their target demographic. Without donations, the cycles slows, stalling every aspect of their operation. These also results in the cutting back of employee hours, which greatly affects their mission to help people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. (Goodwill Industries International, 2015) 5. How does Goodwill’s recognition of consumer behavior principles affect its marketing mix? It helps them in recognizing trends, leading to better strategies and helps them in optimizing their impact on influencing consumer behavior. First off, they tailor their stores in a way that it is very similar to private retail stores. The products, the way the stores operates, and the way everything is processed are like those of traditional retailers; they set themselves apart with their offering and the experience of shopping in the store itself. (Pearson Education, 2013) They have boutiques to sell the trendier products, they have outlets to sell items in bulk, and they have an online store as well to reach a global audience. Their prices speak for themselves. They offer very low prices in comparison to regular stores and they make sure that consumers know that they are getting a bargain. All the factors are being considered here: the neighborhood of the store, the perception of thrift stores by that neighborhoods’ populace, the buying power of the consumers, and the discounts that drives them to spend their money there. REFERENCE LIST Goodwill Industries International (2015) Our Mission http://www.goodwill.org/about-us/ Goodwill: understanding consumer and buyer behavior, produced by Cole Creative Group, Pearson Education (2013)

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Symbols in Ethan Frome

Sex, lies and deceit. These three things are what this novel is about. But it is so much more than that. In the book Ethan Frome, written by Edith Wharton, the author uses symbolism to represent many things such as death. Symbols such as Zeena’s red pickle dish, the cold season of winter, and the dead cucumber vine all represent important parts that make up this novel. Zeena’s red pickle dish is a dish Zeena treasures most. She received the pickle dish as a wedding present and only uses the dish on special occasions. Mattie uses the pickle dish the night her and Ethan are alone, while Zeena is out of town. The cat accidently breaks the dish during the dinner. â€Å"†¦And gathering up the bits of broken glass she went out of the room as if she carried a dead body† (Wharton 66). At this point, Zeena was really mad when she found out herself that the dish was broken and no one told her. This gave her another reason to hate Ethan and Mattie even more. The dish breaking symbolizes the marriage between Ethan and Zeena was now broken. Ethan Frome takes place in Starkfield, Massachusetts during the cold winter months. Winter controls over the tragedy in all its signs of snow, wind, cold and darkness. Winter is the worst season for Ethan. In the beginning, Harmon Gow had said, â€Å"Guess he’s been in Starkfield too many winters. Most of the smart ones get away† (Wharton 2). Ethan studied science and technology after high school, but after his father died and his mother became sick, he was forced to come back to his hometown of Starkfield. Responsibility for his mother and poverty has prevented him from leaving. Sadly, Ethan’s mother died in the winter. After his mother’s death, Ethan married Zeena because he was so lonely all the time. Winter is symbolizes isolation and loneliness. Last but not least, the dead cucumber vine. â€Å"A dead cucumber vine dangled from the porch like the crape streamer tied to the door for a death, and the thought flashed through Ethan’s brain: â€Å"If it was there for Zeena-† (Wharton 26). Ethan wished Zeena was dead. If Zeena was not alive, Ethan could be with Mattie and they both would be happy together. They wouldn’t have to hide their love for each other. The dead cucumber vine symbolizes death and also symbolizes dying souls that live in the Frome’s house. In this case is Zeena, who is the slowly dying soul living in the house because of her illness. Zeena’s red pickle dish, winter, and the dead cucumber vine are all important symbols in this novel. Understanding these symbols make this novel more interesting now that one knows what some objects symbolizes. Such as Zeena’s pickle dish, the broken dish is a symbol for the shattering of Ethan and Zeena’s marriage. The winter represents loneliness. The dead cucumber represents death. These three things best represent the story of Ethan Frome.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Free Essays on Visions Of New England

Visions of New England Two visions of New England life are present in the works of John Smith and William Bradford. Both men write in a manner that shows their sincerity and passion for the new world, however, they differ on the ways in which the new world is intended to be used. Smith, as a military leader, focuses on the commercial (economical) and secular aspects of exploration and resources in his: â€Å"The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles† and â€Å"A Description of New England.† Bradford, as a religious leader, focuses on the religious and providential purposes of the colonies in his â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation.† Smith’s vision of New England is one of commercial possibilities – what does the land have to offer? His narration is in the style of a military report, focusing upon the facts and figures, as he describes the people and events that make possible the commercial use and colonization of the new world. Bradford’s style suggests a deeper religious connection and purpose, as he focuses on the inclusion of religion in the foundation of the Plymouth colony. His language is strong and would seem to have the air of a Sunday sermon as his personal and emotional passions are brought to the forefront of his writing. Both men detail the events that allowed for, and led up to colonization. However, Smith details the importance of the native population. His mention of the great, yet highly romanticized, figures of Powhatan, Pocahontas, and Nantaguoud, alludes to his respect for the native population and a knowledge of their importance in the future of the colony. Bradford seems to have neglected the mention of the native population, but for two passages: 1) he mentions watching them work and fish and 2) He mentions them in the context of a trade problem. In his religious view of the new world, Bradford sees the native population as savages and fails to mention their importance in the ... Free Essays on Visions Of New England Free Essays on Visions Of New England Visions of New England Two visions of New England life are present in the works of John Smith and William Bradford. Both men write in a manner that shows their sincerity and passion for the new world, however, they differ on the ways in which the new world is intended to be used. Smith, as a military leader, focuses on the commercial (economical) and secular aspects of exploration and resources in his: â€Å"The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles† and â€Å"A Description of New England.† Bradford, as a religious leader, focuses on the religious and providential purposes of the colonies in his â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation.† Smith’s vision of New England is one of commercial possibilities – what does the land have to offer? His narration is in the style of a military report, focusing upon the facts and figures, as he describes the people and events that make possible the commercial use and colonization of the new world. Bradford’s style suggests a deeper religious connection and purpose, as he focuses on the inclusion of religion in the foundation of the Plymouth colony. His language is strong and would seem to have the air of a Sunday sermon as his personal and emotional passions are brought to the forefront of his writing. Both men detail the events that allowed for, and led up to colonization. However, Smith details the importance of the native population. His mention of the great, yet highly romanticized, figures of Powhatan, Pocahontas, and Nantaguoud, alludes to his respect for the native population and a knowledge of their importance in the future of the colony. Bradford seems to have neglected the mention of the native population, but for two passages: 1) he mentions watching them work and fish and 2) He mentions them in the context of a trade problem. In his religious view of the new world, Bradford sees the native population as savages and fails to mention their importance in the ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Frida Kahlo and Edvard Munch essays

Frida Kahlo and Edvard Munch essays How have the artists communicated meaning when reacting to events in their life and/or exploring private emotions? Frida Kahlos The Broken Column 1944 and Edvard Munchs Evening on Karl Johan 1982. Frida Kahlos The Broken Column is portraying an image of her life and her experiences. Even though Frida Kahlo was thought to be a surrealist, she solely painted her reality that portrayed her mental and physical pain. Andre Breton, a surrealist poet, once actually remarked that Kahlo was a surrealist, but Kahlo denied arguing that she only painted her reality and her experiences of life. Although Kahlo was aware of the surrealist movement, she did not necessarily get involved with it. Kahlos paints were actually highly personal self-portraits that revealed the most painful aspects of her life. The most significant event in Kahlos life was the most tragic one as well. At the age of eighteen, she was involved in a serious bus accident that not only changed her for the duration, but that also changed her life; her body was almost ruined. Both her spinal column and pelvis were broken in three places. Not capable of leaving her bed, and with out many options to pass her time, Kahlo began painting; this was her only way of revealing her thoughts and exploring her innermost painful feelings, memories, and experiences. Kahlo spent the next three years of her life, as she was unable to move, painting and portraying the reality of her life; how it had changed and how helpless and incomplete she felt. One of the paintings that represented her feelings was The Broken Column. Edvard Munchs Evening on Karl Johan is a strange piece. It represents a feeling of anxiety. A strange thing about Munch is that he uses private symbolism through his artworks. Munchs symbolic image, finally free from represent faithfully and ban ...

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Customer and neighbourhood services( resit) report on CUSTOMER Essay

Customer and neighbourhood services( resit) report on CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT STRATEGY WITHIN THE WORKPLACE - Essay Example This is because the response time has greatly decreased. The organizations now cannot wait to see if their products show positive response in terms of profit. The consumers are informed now like never before. The globalization has done wonders to the commercial world and the boom in internet has increased the reach of the customers. The products and services are just within the few clicks of the computer mouse. The competition is another important factor which determines the modern business environment. This competition is a byproduct of diversity. The increase alternatives available to consumers force organizations to continuously evolve and strive for excellence. The present era has thus high regards for the customization of the product and services. This is a result of third wave civilization. In second wave the emphasis was placed on standardization of products. The increase in customization automatically places customers as the key drivers to success. Therefore every possible measure is taken to satisfy the needs of the customers. Be it private or the public, both the types of the companies view customer satisfaction as one of the prime objectives. As the customers are the key drivers that help organizations make their decisions, the organizations are taking every possible measure to satisfy them in order to increase their market reach. For the purpose, many of the organizations are also involving the consumers and the customers in the decision making process. The marketing and management strategies are therefore formed with the customer at the core. Therefore practical involvement of the customer in decision making process is the key to success. Organizations find different methods to involve customers in the decision making process. Large FMCG (Fast moving consumer goods) organizations rely on surveys and customer feedbacks. Smaller orga nizations such as housing societies etc can directly communicate with customers and developed

Friday, November 1, 2019

The use of hypnosis in pre-conception and early pregnancy problems Literature review

The use of hypnosis in pre-conception and early pregnancy problems - Literature review Example Stress is one of the main road blocks that develop when a couple is unable to conceive and this further exacerbates the problem. Clinical hypnosis is a way to calm the nerves and make the patient feel like they're in control of the situation. Clinical hypnosis is being used to help women through all stages of conception and pregnancy as discussed in the following lines; Natural Conception: Hopeful parents never turn to IVF before having explored all options in natural conception. About ten percent of the couples having difficulty to conceive are being diagnosed with 'unexplained infertility'. The purpose that hypnosis serves here, has to do with the basic definition of it, it reduces stress and helps clean out the negative thoughts culminating in the couples. It is believed that what we think has an effect on our physical selves, so hypnosis is being used to keep all those fears at bay. In Vitro Fertilization: In Vitro Fertilization is a route that many people take when natural conce ption doesn't work. It's a well known fact that IVF takes a toll physically, emotionally as well as financially. A study conducted by Professor Eliahu Levitas and his team (2004) at Soroka Hospital, Israel,the success rate of IVF treatment can possibly be doubled using various hypnosis techniques. The professor's research was focused on the effect of hypnosis during the embryo transfer. Patients were asked to think of pleasant experiences during the embryo transfer and a hypnotic state was induced by a therapist during the procedure. After the procedure was done, patient was instructed to be calm and positive before breaking the hypnosis. The results of this study indicated that twenty eight percent of the couple undergoing ET with hypnosis had successful implantations as compared to the controls where it was merely 14% (Levitas, 2006:1404-1408). Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Now moving on to early pregnancy problems, one of the most common problems that gets women hospitalized in their f irst trimester is Hyperemesis Gravidarum. "HEG is a clinical diagnosis characterized by severe and intractable vomiting and it often associated with weight loss, ketonuria, dehydration, metabolic alkalosis, and electrolyte disturbances." (Nayeri, 2012:22). It is a serious problem that must be quickly diagnosed and then treated, since it can deteriorate and harm the mother and the foetus if not taken care of. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is done with a 2 tiered approach, physical and chemical. Physical examination should include weight, temperature, blood pressure, heart rate etc but importantly, signs of dehydration should be looked for - like dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor. Although HEG is diagnosed clinically, some laboratory investigations may be helpful like urine ketones, urine specific gravity and serum electrolytes to detect any derangements in the volume status. Other blood tests can be done to exclude any other diseases (Nayeri, 2012:24). Management: Management of HEG in volves a few objectives, like lessening the nausea, correcting dehydration and any other electrolyte imbalances along with it, and maintaining maternal weight. There are two types of measures that can be taken, pharmacological and non-pharmacological. To start with, considerable evidence has accumulated that intake of multivitamins during the period of conception and