Vision’s of Light

Applying â€Å"Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography† After watching the film, â€Å"Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography,† I was introduced to the beauty of capturing perfected lighting, highlighting, and shadowing. Before watching this documentary, I never truly focused on how a scene was portrayed and why it made me feel how I did. After careful consideration, I have decided to apply my new knowledge to why I feel, â€Å"A Little Princess† has been perfected by cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki. Furthermore, why I am pleased to know that â€Å"A Little Princess,† was nominated Academy Award for Best Cinematography back in 1996.During the film, â€Å"Visions of Light,† I learned about the importance of how lighting an individual or a certain part of a room can speak for itself. One fact that I found was interesting, was one character in a scene will have more light on them than any others in the room to show the importance of that cha racter in that moment. Another interesting fact I learned was on female actresses, they used flashing to make the image look soft and beautiful. In â€Å"A Little Princess,† Emmanuel Lubezki used flashing during filming.My favorite scenes are of India with the contrast between the richness of whites, oranges, and bright yellows. The cinematography is so soft and beautiful, it can easily consume one. Another scene that takes my breath away, is when Sara wakes up one morning to the light shining into her glass windows. As she gets out of bed, her windows fly open with little snow flakes floating in the air. The light captures it so well, you can see each speck of glittering snow. The rest of the room is dark, while the light strictly focuses on her while she twirls in the snow.It truly is alluring. On the contrary, shadowing and darkening also can speak for itself. â€Å"Visions of Light,† referenced darkening scenes to give off sadness, lonesome, anxious, and horror. It builds up suspense and thrill. This aspect of â€Å"lighting† is applied to â€Å"A Little Princess,† as well. There is such a dullness to New York in the movie. It has colors of green, black and white. Each scene is gloomy and sad. The scene where Sara Crew's father has recently been presumed dead, she is walking up to the attic where she will be living with absolute nothing.During her walk, the long hall behind her is dark with only a few candles lit. As Sara proceeds to walk to her bed, the room is shadowed and darkened, giving the watchers a sense of sadness and loneliness. The way this movies heightens and diminishes colors is quite symbolic. The cinematography captures the beauty in the movie so well, it almost creates the story on it's own. Being more advanced in knowledge, I cannot wait to start comparing differences between movies and how each cinematographer displays their own piece of art.

The Truth Regarding Puppy Mills

Page 2 Puppy mills have long been a problem in the United States, specifically the Midwest region. Puppy mill dogs live in cages 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The dogs’ only purpose in life is â€Å"to sit in a cage, constantly producing more puppies to make a profit for their owners† (Best Friends Network, 2007). The dogs have little to no human interaction. Puppy mills are licensed facilities, which mass-produce puppies for pet stores and/or auctions, and should be banned due to the horrible conditions in which the animals live; they are bred repeatedly, and often killed when having outlived their usefulness. According to Pet Shop Puppies (n. d. ), Congress enacted the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA was meant to protect the animals, but instead opened up the door for dog farms. This act changed the definition of dogs from pets to livestock. Today we have moved up from dog farms to puppy mills. Puppy mills breed dogs repeatedly and have turned breeding into a multi-million dollar industry. Best Friends Network states there is an estimated 6,000 licensed puppy mills breeding approximately 500,000 dogs each year with an unknown amount of unlicensed facilities (The Skinny On Puppy Mills section, final paragraph). Puppy mill owners breed dogs, sell the offspring to pet stores and auction houses. The puppies are sent to auction to be sold to the highest bidder in order for other puppy mills to be able to continue the breeding cycle. When puppy mills run out of new dogs to breed, they will begin breeding mother to son, daughter to father, etc. creating inbreeding. Inbreeding causes many genetic problems for any breed. Page 3 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires minimum standards for puppy mills, breeders, and rescues. According to Prisoners of Greed (n. ), the cages are required to be six inches longer, wider, and taller than the dog inside. The cages have to be made of coated wire. This coated wire cuts into the paws of the dogs causing severe infection, loss of limbs, and sometimes death. The USDA does not require dogs to be exercised. There is no requirement as to how clean the cages have to be kept. Often, the dog cages are stacked on top of one another to save space. The dog’s feces and urine drops through the coated wire bottom onto the dog(s) below. There are many differences between puppy mills and licensed rofessional breeders. A professional breeder only breeds to improve or sustain the breed. Puppy mills breed for purely profit. Professional breeders will only breed their dogs a maximum of once a year. Some breeders only breed their bitches every other year. Puppy mills breed their dogs repeatedly. When a person purchases a puppy from a professional breeder, the facilities, which the parent dogs live, is available for a tour. Puppy mills wholesale their puppies to stores and auction houses only. Puppy mills and private auctions are not licensed to sell directly to the public. This means the purchaser is unable to see the conditions of which the parent dogs live. Professional breeders will retire their dogs once they are too old to be used for reproduction. Retirement means these dogs get to live out their life as a family pet. Puppy mills kill the dogs, dump them on the side of the road, give them away, or send them to animal control once they are not able to reproduce. According to the USDA, animal control is not required to keep a surrendered dog for any length of time. Animal control is free to euthanize the animal when the owner brings them in. Page 4 The USDA has many responsibilities. The USDA is responsible for inspecting yearly all professional breeders, puppy mills, and rescues. When the USDA inspects the officer is required to enforce the federal AWA. The USDA does not always fine or shut down puppy mills when the officer discovers a violation. These facilities are allowed to continue to operate while the animals are kept in poor conditions. According to Prisoners of Greed (n. d. ) â€Å"there are over 4,000 federally licensed breeding kennels†. In Susan Montee’s report (2008), Missouri State Auditor, the USDA â€Å"failed to inspect 1,111 of 2,769 licensed animal care facilities in 2006. The same report states only 27% of licensed facilities were inspected in 2004. In Claire McCaskill’s report (2004), Missouri State Auditor, the USDA has received three negative reports in the last seven years. These reports inspections by the Missouri State Auditor happen every other year. The issue being the USDA is required annually to inspect every li censed animal care facility and is not even inspecting half. Puppy mills treat their dogs like livestock. The dogs live in small cages, stacked on top of each other, with a coated wire bottom cutting into their feet. The dogs breed repeatedly with no attention paid to genetic defects. Sick puppies are often produced and sold to pet stores. These pet stores in turn sell the sick puppies to the public (S. Rhoades, personal interview, June 7, 2009). There are people, which have the mindset of only buying from pet stores because they only want a purebred puppy, and do not want to pay the prices professional breeders charge. (S. Rhoades June 7, 2009) There are many pure bred dogs on death row at animal shelters all over the Midwest. (S. Rhoades, personal interview, June 7, 2009) It is important the general public knows the truth regarding where that cute puppy was born, and where its parents live. (S. Rhoades, personal interview, June 7, 2009) There are also breed specific rescues, which have Page 5 only purebred puppies and dogs for adoption. As long as we have dogs on death row do not breed or buy, adopt from the local animal shelter or rescue. (S. Rhoades, personal interview, June 7, 2009) Page 6 References Best Friends Network, The Skinny on Puppy Mills [A. Abern]. (October 20, 2007) http://network. estfriends. org/puppymillrescue/news/19928. html Pet Shop Puppies, Incorporated ( n. d. ). The Joy of a Puppy. Brochure distributed by Pet Shop Pet Shop Puppies, Incorporated [no author]. (2004-2009). The Truth Behind Pet Store Puppies. June 3, 2009, http://www. petshoppuppies. org/psppuppymills. htm Prisoners of Greed [no author]. (n. d. ). Puppymills Breed Misery. June 3, 2009, http://www. prisonersofgreed. org/Com mercial-kennel-facts. html Rhoades, S. (June 7, 2009). Personal interview with S. Rhoades, Follow Me Home Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, http://www. followmehome. org

Sample Lesson Using the Inductive Approach

sample lesson: simple future June 5th, 2012 Introduction: This sample lesson is made for beginners (kids) for explaining simple future with an inductive approach. Using some visual aids to get the attention of the students through examples like, dialogs, conversations, images and videos. Teaching in a generative situation, which follows the real world is used in order to generate a real environment to make students experience like in the real life. Making students apply the language in the real situation is the most crucial.This means that the purpose of learning language is to realize how to use it correctly in a right situation. Natural language acquisition means that learning a language at an environment of non-intervention, the best approach of experimental learning is that situates the learner at the environment which is full of our foreign language, and it’s as the acquisition of our first language. Simple Lesson: Teaching simple future through dialogs. (begginers) The t eacher shows a video of a trip, taken from a website to the students, using it as the introduction of the simple future with appropriate vocabulary to the group. Places, food, activities). Step 1. The teacher plays a little conversation about a trip. Mary: What will you do in your summer vacations? Paul: I will go to the beach with my family. Mary: Will you go to a Mexican beach? Paul: Yes, I will. I will travel to Cancun. And what will you travel the next vacations? Mary: No, I won’t. I just will stay here. Paul: Oh, I will bring you something from Cancun. Mary: thanks! Then the teacher asks them: what are they talking about? * Last weekend * Next weekend * Every weekendThen he gives some seconds to the students to think about the answer. Step 2. Here, the Teacher shows an image in this case it would be a beach and ask students to say some ideas according to the image. For example: Travel by car Take pictures Swim Eat seafood, etc. Then the teacher writes the list of words o r sentences on the board. Step 3. The teacher writes on the board, the following: I will (say the ideas they gave) You He she I will (say the ideas they gave) You He sheThe teacher is going to read the first one: ‘ I will travel by car’ Then the students are going to continue with the following examples to form a simple future sentence with the information they gave. After that, the teacher asks them to repeat with he the sentences. Step 4. In this step, the students create some sentence using real information like what will they do the next weekend, to evaluate the knowledge learned. Discussion: In this sample lesson, chosen a video of a trip leaves students watch and understand the context and they can realized what the video is about.The teacher also chose an image that is so useful in this case, because it leaves students to think about activities or use their imagination to produce ideas related to the image. Asking students to read sentences using the rule but not provide it them like an explanation leaves them to discover the rule applied, and notice about the new item and may lead them to work out the rules by induction. In step 1 the rule is a little provided, without an explanation, for the students and they can realize that they’re talking about next activities.And listening skill is required to attend the attention to students to the form. In steps 2 and 3 students are more closely to describe activities used to talk about future. And in step 4 students are capable to demonstrate of the new item. Evaluation E-factor: in terms of efficacy this sample lesson is efficient if the vocabulary provided is comprehensible or the video used is adaptable for kids. It is also essential that the video and the conversation are intelligible by reference and context. A problem here is that the internet couldn’t work so that would make difficult the class.This detracts from the ease of preparation. If the video and the conversation are to o long it will require a lot of time, reducing the economy factor. And in terms of efficacy the contextual support they gave with the ideas related to the image, the conversation and the video scores highly in terms of efficacy. A-factor: students will be familiar with the conversation because it was with appropriate vocabulary for beginners (kids). The use of dialogs, videos, images matches learners of how language is used in the real world.Also through inductive approach students can discover the rule through examples. Conclusion This sample lesson was referred with the inductive approach in which students learned through experience and discover by themselves. The rule so in this case they fit their mental structures than in a deductive approach. And students are more involved in the learning process. Using this approach is easier for beginners to learn new rules because they interact more participating, and are more likely to work in the activities presented. And learn through ex perience that is the natural route to learning.

Iphone 6concept) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Iphone 6concept) - Essay Example The iPhone 5 and 4s were among other devices examined by two competent firms, HealthyStuff and iFixit, and the levels of toxic chemicals was investigated. These two models were found to have the least levels of toxic chemicals, making them the safest phones in the market. The iPhone 6 holds a lot of promise environment-wise. This phone is expected to have environment friendly features, with less of toxic substances than ever recorded on an Apple mobile phone. There is talk that the iPhone 6 will be partially solar powered (Yarow, 2014). This would bring about a new generation of environment friendly smart phones with technology never applied in mobile phones before. The development of such technology would eradicate the constant concern over the dangers posed by toxic chemicals like bromine and lead. These are chemicals used in the manufacturing of mobile phones. Apple is known to release its new models at prices similar to the old ones’ prices (Napier & Kumar, 2013). Assuming they use the same policy, it is expected that the 32GB model of the iPhone 6 will cost more than $550. This price could change if the company continues to sell the iPhone 5s, since the iPhone 6 will definitely have superior technology. This is bound to have an effect on the price of the product. There is continuously mounting evidence that the next generation of Apple is bound to include some few enormous ‘firsts’. The iPhone 6 is supposedly bound to be the first revolutionary iPhone that will include a large display which is of actual benefit to the user. There is a high likelihood that the iPhone 6 will emerge as the exceptional mass market mobile phone that will feature a crystal display cover made of sapphire. The advantage ascribed to the sapphire display is the fact that sapphire glass may prove to be more resistant to scratches in contrast to gorilla glass. The phone is bound to be more aesthetically appealing and attract buyers based o its display’s durability. The release

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 6

Research Paper Example Some misrepresentations however aim at esteeming an organization’s financial position to present a better image to stakeholders. I, in this paper, review cases of accounting fraud. Worthen reports a claim by Hewlett Packard that Autonomy, a United Kingdom based company that it acquired two years ago, had misrepresented its financial position to the harm of Hewlett Packard. Hewlett Packard reports that the acquisition was overvalued and the transfer of ownership led to an almost nine billion dollar write off and a consequent loss in hp’s trading. hp claims that its internal audit detected gross misrepresentation by Autonomy prior to the 2011 acquisition with claims of intentional motive to overstate both income and profitability of the organization. The perpetrators, according to the article, further intended to conceal such acts but Autonomy’s founder dismissed the claims as false. The founder, Mr. Lynch who worked with hp after the acquisition however cited poor management by the new owner of his former software enterprise as the possible cause of the financial conditions at Hewlett Packard. Reports of formal action by hp for legal investigations and action by both United States and United Kingdom authorities identified significance of the case that would transcend international legal systems. History of Hewlett Packard, prior to the acquisition, had however been marred with integrity compromises that led to reorganization of its top management and the departure of its two chief executives in 2010 and 2011. While Mr. Hurd had to resign in the year 2010 for conflict of interest that manifested in relationship with a client, his successor who also spearheaded the Autonomy deal bowed down to pressure after barely a year (Worthen 1). Investigations into the fraud case were initiated in May 2012 after Hewlett Packard’s lead legal personnel reported allegations from a member of Autonomy’s management team that gross manipulation of accounting records occurred before the property’s transfer to Hewlett Packard. While the informant’s anonymity was maintained, Autonomy’s auditing firm expressed its positions of having no interest of knowledge of such malpractices though the accounting firm did not express confidence in its client’s accounting records prior to the sales. Mr. Lynch however maintained that his former business was developed on integrity and was stable before internal differences among hp’s management team led to its collapse. Supporting Lynch’s allegations are reports of other managerial challenges such as mobility among hp’s top executives, reduced costs, increasing liabilities and reducing demand for some of the organization’s products. Even though private audit identified inconsistency in classification of items for recording, hp’s allegations of gross misrepresentation was downplayed by its representation by distinguished accounting fi rms during the acquisition and the fact that the firms did not detect such claims (Worthen 1). Even though existing information does not establish validity of the claim, Autonomy appears to have misrepresented its accounting records to portray a profitable and competitive enterprise that it was not. The primary motives of such misrepresentations have however not been established but occurrence prior to Autonomy’s sales suggest that the misrepresentation aimed at deceiving potential

Hoggy's Restaurant Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hoggy's Restaurant Experience - Essay Example I was disappointed and frustrated by a recent experience at Hoggy’s Restaurant. I had very high expectations.   Numerous visits to the restaurant with family and friends led me to anticipate that the food would be served at the right temperature, that it would be tasty and delicious, the service would be prompt and attentive, and the restaurant would be clean and organized.   I had never had a negative experience with this restaurant chain, or with this particular location.   My most recent visit changed their winning streak, however.   The experience was poor, and I am unlikely to return to this location.A friend and I visited the restaurant over lunch.   We were not in a rush and were looking forward to a pleasant meal in great company.   Upon entering the restaurant, we noted that it took several minutes before someone greeted us and led us to a table.   On past visits, the hostess greeted us within a minute, so this was a surprise.   In fact, it took so lon g that we joked that they had closed the restaurant and had forgotten to lock the door.After the hostess led us to a table and provided us with a menu, we waited another five minutes before the waitress visited our table and took our beverage order.   This was frustrating, because we had picked a time to visit after the standard lunch rush time, and the restaurant was not busy.We received our drinks, gave the waitress our order, and visited with each other until the waitress returned with our food.   She placed the plates in front of us and indicated that she would get drink refills for us.   My friend started eating, but as soon as I picked up my sandwich, I noticed a long, black hair lying across the top of it.  

Strategic Management (M&S strategic analysis) Essay

Strategic Management (M&S strategic analysis) - Essay Example To maintain this, the company needs to develop a strategy that will take into consideration all the factors that might affect the sales of the company (Prince, M. 2012, 23). The aim of this essay is to determine all the factors that might affect the sales of each of the products of Marks and Spencer and come up with the most relevant strategy to help the company reach its goal. In an institution that relies on the will of a customer in a big part like Marks and Spencer, it would be prudent to have a plan that takes into consideration most of the needs of the customer (Worth, R. 2007, 62). This is just one of the needs that the company should take into consideration. For maximum productivity, the company must evaluate each of the PESTEL factors. This is to avoid being in trouble with the administration and other bodies. The company should make sure that its waste is not harmful to the environment. A big company like Marks and Spencer could easily bring catastrophic damages to the environment. The fact that it is widely over Europe, which makes it very visible, and the public is very conscious of what they do. If the company started destroying the environment, it would be seen by everyone, and this would lead to them loosing the trust and love of the customer (Marketing Society. 2009, 15). The company should also take into consideration the international tie s between the various countries that they operate in. It should follow the rules of the country to the latter. The other issue that the company should consider is how they treat their staff. A general well treatment of the members of a certain company brings a general improvement of output among the workers. This, in return, is beneficial to the company since they get products of better quality. The company should also take into huge consideration their competitors and the range of services that they offer.

The Golden Age of Spain Period Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Golden Age of Spain Period - Research Paper Example This was within the period roughly between the tenth and twelve century, a time when Iberian Peninsula was under the Islamic command. The Jewish people marked this as their period that they had expansive participation in the economic and public life as well as their flourishing Hebrew culture. This Jews living in this era were very educated and cosmopolitan too (Lasker 80). Moreover, they engaged themselves in philosophy, science, literature and art though they remained committed to their religious traditions. It is important to note that the Jewish community living in Spain experienced a lengthy and extremely rich history that revolves back about 2000 years to roman rule. The roman period is a time when the Jewish left their territory Jerusalem and dispersed around the globe. The land of sepharad or sefarad thus Spain in Jewish language, is one of the largest contingents of Jewish settlement. The Sephardic community existed in times of peace and lots of prosperity for centuries though it endured some spells of oppression including prosecution (Lasker, 85). In the present day, the rediscovery of a lot of vibrant Jewish heritage of the ancient Iberian Peninsula has been noted and seen. A revival is underway on the Sephardic surroundings on various cultural events and the medieval synagogues in the vast lands of Spain. It has been noted that the confluence of Jewish culture in this particular area provides an interesting journey in studying the past. Cities such as Barcelona, Palma, Oviedo, Seville, Girona, Jean, Cardoba, Leon, Avila, Toledo, Segovia and Caceres found in this region still pose as Spanish Jewish sites (Lasker, 89). The discovery of other Jewish importance’s in Spain is still made up to date in cities such as Lorca where there is a well preserved synagogue that is visible when one is positioned at the Lorca Parador hotel. This is made even though there are cities existing notably possessing very rich Jewish heritage. This synagogue has more than 50 rare glass including oil amps that have been unearthed. Guests from a ll over flock in Spain to witness the overwhelming rich Jewish culture that is evidently characterized by vibrant architecture, grand hotels, art and to some extends some Jewish festivals (Hill, 55). Jewish religious authority was centered back in Babylonia a place where the Jewish Muslim counterparts held great Jewish leadership in great esteem. Hasdai ibn shaprut a Jewish physician through his efforts enabled the Jewish living in Spain to learn from the Jewish scholarly books. They no longer had to rely on the on the Babylonian academies religious authorities. The golden age was a time of partial Jewish autonomy. Especially as a dhimmis thus a protected non-Muslim living in the Islam world had to pay jizya which is different from zakat which is administered and paid separately by the Muslims. The jizya is similar to a head tax also a payment to non-conscription in the military. It was structured in the Muslim empire for non-Muslims not to precipitate in military activities includi ng bearing arms or receiving any basic martial art. So as attribute, the Jewish society had their own legal system including social services (Hill, 60).In that time, monotheist religions were tolerated thus of the people of the book. The activities that were not allowed were conscious displays of religious faith. This includes bells and processions that were heavily opposed and discouraged. In the Islamic world, identified Jewish including Christians were allowed to practice more freely than the Islam’

The Honor of Fuente Ovenjuna Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Honor of Fuente Ovenjuna - Essay Example Content analysis of responses revealed systematic differences in the cultural prototypes of pride and shame; these differences can be seen as reflecting the influence of individualistic versus honor-based values on the way in which self-conscious emotions are conceptualized. (Fischer) The focus on the traditional values of respect to royalty and honor of women has been a part of the Spanish tradition and much of traditional Spanish literature uses honor-related themes as a conspicuous backdrop, even if in a diluted form in modern Spanish Drama. Lope de Vega’s play Fuente Ovenjuna, written sometime between 1612 and 1614 portrays the conflict of these values as interpreted by the various strata of the social structure. This play not only structures itself around the play of ‘pride, anger and shame’ between the hoi-polloi and the riff-raff, but allows the reader to take a macro view of the use of these emotions by the characters to project their sense of ethics and morality; and thus, safeguard their own honor. According to Alix Inger in ‘What is an honor play?’, an honor play essentially deals with the theme of conjugal honor; that is, the respect of a man threatened by the behavior of his wife. However, in the Golden Age, the preoccupation with conjugal honor came to acquire newer dimensions and the subject acquired larger proportions. Now, conflict of the type lay not only in gender but also in class, age, allegiance and a collective psyche. While one may largely agree with Inger’s inference of such development; it is pertinent to remark that in ‘Fuenteovejuna’, no matter where the conflict lay; the perpetration and the resolution of honor-conflicts lay mostly with the female protagonist of the play. As ascribed in the paper ‘Courtesy, Altruism and Honor’, there is a direct correlation between the interpretation of honor and the issues of courtesy, opinion, authority and respect. Whether it is the Comendador’s use of the age-advantage

Common Variables of Public Relations in Mix Modelling Dissertation

Common Variables of Public Relations in Mix Modelling - Dissertation Example Based on the corporate vision, integrated marketing communication can be used to enable the target consumers not only to self-select but also identify themselves with the corporate brand (Duncan, 1993, p. 18). Since the effectiveness of business communication strategies could either positively or negatively affects the product and corporate brand (Kitchen et al., 2004), it is a challenge on the part of the large multinational companies to learn more about how these business entities could improve the use of integrated marketing communication.  Depending on the main purpose behind the need to communicate the corporate product, marketing managers can make use of integrated marketing communication strategies in order to deliver not only harmonious messages to its target consumers. Today, the availability of new media technologies changes the traditional way of communicating the product and corporate brand to the public (Kitchen et al., 2004, p. 33). Instead of heavily relying over the use of print advertisements, marketing managers today are utilizing a more diversified media sector depending on the type of marketing media that could provide them with the most cost-efficient option and most effective way to meet the personal preferences of its target consumers (ibid).In order to establish a strong corporate and product brand, the marketing mix (categorized as product, price, place, and promotion) should be carefully studied when making use of integrated marketing communication strategies (Keh, Nguyen and Ng, 2007).... 18). Since the effectiveness of business communication strategies could either positively or negatively affects the product and corporate brand (Kitchen et al., 2004), it is a challenge on the part of the large multinational companies to learn more about how these business entities could improve the use of integrated marketing communication. Depending on the main purpose behind the need to communicate the corporate product, marketing managers can make use of integrated marketing communication strategies in order to deliver not only harmonious messages to its target consumers. Today, the availability of new media technologies changes the traditional way of communicating the product and corporate brand to the public (Kitchen et al., 2004, p. 33). Instead of heavily relying over the use of print advertisements, marketing managers today are utilizing a more diversified media sector depending on the type of marketing media that could provide them with the most cost-efficient option and mo st effective way to meet the personal preferences of its target consumers (ibid). In order to establish a strong corporate and product brand, the marketing mix (categorized as product, price, place, and promotion) should be carefully studied when making use of integrated marketing communication strategies (Keh, Nguyen and Ng, 2007). Likewise, it is necessary on the part of the marketing manager to integrate the significance of the marketing mix when deciding for the type of marketing media to use in marketing communication since this strategy will make the target consumers be able to self-select and successfully identify themselves with the corporate brand

United States Maintain the embargo against Cuba Essay Example for Free

United States Maintain the embargo against Cuba Essay Fidel Castro seized control of the Cuban government in 1959, and set out to change relations with the United States. As relations declined with the United States, the Cuban government developed stronger ties with the Soviet Union, and became a communist country. In response to this intent, the United States placed an economic embargo on Cuba and later ended all diplomatic relations with the Cuban government. Now that the Soviet Union has dissolved and left Cuba on its own, should the economic embargo continue. Fidel Castros revolutionary forces overthrow the military dictatorship of  Fulgencio Batista on January 1, 1959. The United States recognized the new government on January 7, 1959. Terrence Cannon (109) explains, There is no mystery about what happened between the United States and the Cuban Revolution. The morning Batista fled, two forces came into a head-on conflict: the needs of the Cuban people verse the economic policies of the United States corporations that owned the factories and fields of Cuba. The victory over Batista meant that the Cuban people had done away with the local overseer; now they confronted the owner of the plantation American Imperialism. This conflict was inevitable if the Revolution was going to execute the reforms, it had been promising since 1953. Cubas constitution of 1940 was reinstated on February 7 1959 (it had been suspended by Batista after his coup in 1952). Although he had promised a return to constitutional rule and democratic elections along with social reforms, Castro used his control of the military to consolidated his power by repressing all dissents from his decisions, marginalizing other resistance figures, and imprisoning or executing opponents(Background Note: Cuba). This became apparent nine days later, when Castro replaced Mira Cordons as Prime Minister without any elections. On March 3, 1959, the Cuban government nationalized the Cuban Telephone Company, an affiliate of ITT that was a United States owned company. Many government officials resigned their post and fled the country because of the rising influence of communism. Numerous were leading figures in the revolution. On April 16, 1961, Filed Castro declares Cuba a socialist state and announces on December 20, 1961 that he is a Marxist-Leninist. Over the last 42 years, the economic embargo has gone through numerous tightening and loosening of its restrictions. President Eisenhower first imposed a type of embargo in a covert action plan on March 17, 1960, to overthrow Castro. The plan included the termination of sugar purchases, the end of oil deliveries, the continuation of the arms embargo (in effect since mid 1958), and the organization of a paramilitary force to invade the island (Serria). This was in response to the signing of the trade agreement with the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union agreed to purchase five million tons of sugar over a five-year period. They in turn would supply Cuba with crude  oil, petroleum products, wheat, iron, fertilizers, and machinery. They also provided Cuba with $100 million in credit at 2.5 percent. The United States put pressure on the oil companies not to process the Soviet oil or sell Cuba fuel. In response, Castro nationalized the Texaco, Shell, and Esso refineries. The United States Congress passed the Sugar Act, eliminating Cubas remaining sugar quota. Cuba then nationalized all United States businesses, commercial properties, U.S. Banks, and Cuban locally owned firms (including sugar mills and large industries). On October 19, 1960, the United States imposed a partial economic embargo that excluded food and medicine. The official break of diplomatic relations occurred on January 3, 1961. President Kennedy expanded the trade embargo in early 1962 to include all trade except for non-subsidized sales of food and medicines. Imports were banned that contained Cuban materials, even if made in other countries. President Kennedy prohibited travel to Cuba and all financial transactions for United States citizens. The plan for Cuba to become a socialist state began formulating with Fidel Castro during his college years at the University of Havana. Castro joined the Orthodox Party while at the University of Havana. This party was against everything that Batista and his puppet government represented. Two years out of college, Castro ran for congress as a candidate for the Orthodox Party. Batista stopped the elections that were three months away by taking over the government on March 10, 1952. Six months after Castros revolution takes over from Batista, Castro sends Che Guevara, his right-hand man, to Cairo. There he makes contact with the Soviets (Sierra). Soviet involvement with Cuba begins. Over the next 30 years, until the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Soviet Union became the main influence in all aspects of Cuban life. Castros plan for a socialist Cuba required the government to control all businesses. With the restrictions, that the United States was imposing, it was easy for Castro to nationalize everything in Cuba. The Soviet involvement was steadily increasing, so the United States felt it was time to remove Castro from power. Cuban exiles trained by United States CIA, invaded Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. After three days of fighting, the invading force was defeated (Suchlicki). The United States discovered the construction of intermediate-range nuclear missile sites from its reconnaissance flights on October 14, 1962. President Kennedy ordered a naval blockade to stop the Soviets from shipping any more arms. In a newly declassified United States document, then United States Attorney General Robert Kennedy warned Antoly Dobrynin, the Soviet Ambassador to the United States, A real war will begin in which millions of Americans and Russians will die (Cuban Missile Crisis, Revisited). The situation was resolved after two weeks, with the Soviets removing the missiles. The United States agreed to remove missiles in Turkey. President Kennedy then froze all Cuban assets in America. The Soviet Unions influence and control over Cuba enabled them to build up their military capabilities and project power throughout Latin America and Africa. From 1975 through the 1980s, bilateral relations continued to deteriorate (Background Note: Cuba). Cubas forces reached nearly 50,000 in Angola to help repel an invasion of South African forces. Cuba sent nearly 20,000 troops to Ethiopia to stop Somalia from invading. Over 1500 soldiers deployed to Nicaragua to assist the Sandanistain insurgency against Anastasia Somozus rule. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, their support to Cuba also went away. Cubas military presence abroad virtually has ceased to exist. Former President Clinton signed into law the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act, on March 12, 1996. The bill significantly tightened the embargo. Initially President Clinton was reluctant to sign the bill because he knew it would bring Washington into conflict with its European partners. Cuba shot down two United States civilian airplanes on February 24, 1996, which forced his hand. Free Cuba PAC, a group of Cuban campaign contributors, had long lobbied the bill (Vote Index: An Occasional Look at Campaign Money and Votes). Ignacio Sanchez, an attorney with Bacardi Rum, helped draft the bill and is a donor to the Free Cuba PAC (Bacardi Bucks). President Clinton suspended Title III of the bill throughout his second term in office. He attached the sale of food to non-governmental entities and accelerated the processing time for obtaining a required travel  license to Cuba. In 1999, he authorized that New York and Los Angeles provide direct flights to Cuba. Miami was the only authorized airport until now. President George W. Bush remains committed to the use of the embargo and travel restrictions to encourage a rapid transition to a democratic government. The administration will oppose any effort to loosen sanctions against the Cuban regime until it frees political prisoners, holds democratic, free elections, and allows free speech. President Bush has also suspended Title III of the LIBERTAD Act. The Bush administration may lift the economic sanctions while Castro is still in power. If Cuba conducts the 2003 elections correctly by internationally established standards, President Bush proclaims that he will approach congress to remove or relax the current sanctions (USINFO US-CUBA). The pressure is on the Bush administration to lift the ban on travel and the sale of American goods. The House of Representatives voted 262 to 167 against the embargo. In September 2002, the first opportunity for Americans to sell food to Cuba since 1962 occurred at the food trade show in Havana. There were 288 exhibitors, from 33 states, with over $90 million in contracts at the end. The United States should lift the embargo, normalize relations, and respect the Cuban peoples right to self-determination. We need to make peace with Castro because the Revolution is not a threat to America. The United Nations (for 10 consecutive years), the Organization of American States, and repeatedly by the Pope, have condemned the embargo. It is also in violation of the International Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Accords. If the United States can trade with China, even granting most favored nation status, we can end the embargo against Cuba after 40 years and have normal relations. The embargo punished the Castro government for the confiscation of American properties. American investors stole these same properties from the Cuban people after the Spanish-Cuban-American War. This continued during the six decades as an unwilling New-Colony to the United States. The Teller Amendment, which was included in the Joint Resolution for War with Spain,  stated that the United States would not exercise jurisdiction or control over Cuba. Keeping the Embargo for this reason would be supporting a crime. The move into a communist regime was another reason for the embargo. The embargo accelerated this move and powered Cuba with a Steady flow of income and military support for 30 years. With the fall of the Soviet Union came the end of a threat sitting 90 miles off the American coast. The attempt to spread communism in Latin America and Africa has ceased to exist. The Cuban military has dwindled to nothing. They are no longer a menace and the embargo is not effective for this reason. Because of the large amount of legislation passed in more than 40 years of the embargos existence, it has become a full-blown blockade. Embargos are a wartime policy that employs human suffering and disease as political weapons with the intent of depriving people with food and hope to encourage them to rise up and implode into civil war and overthrow their government. Forty years later, the same government is in place and the only ones hurting from the effects of the embargo are the people. Preventing capitalism from bringing to Cuba its full effects is deterring democracy from prevailing The United States imposed the embargo on Cuba because Castro was a communist dictator who repressed his people, stole the property of foreigners, and threatened American security and interests. The embargo should remain until Cuba becomes a free-market democracy committed to the rule of law and peaceful relations with the United States and its neighbors. Democracy has not existed in Cuba for four decades. Since declaring Cuba a socialist country and him a Marxist-Leninist, the Cuban people have had a stranglehold placed upon them. The Communist Party is constitutionally Cubas only legal political party. The Cuban government imprisons its people for speaking out against Cuba or Castro. The court system denies the Cuban people due process. The Cuban government controls the job placement of all citizens and pays them as government workers. Lifting the embargo will cause the government to benefit and not the people. The embargo has deteriorated the military and the brutal police state since the fall of the Soviet Union.  Castro wants the embargo removed to give new life to a crumbling regime. Ending the embargo would not promote economic reform. The Cuban government controls all form of business. Castro does not intend to allow a free market economy. The current Cuban constitution bans the ownership of private property, prohibits free enterprise, and does not allow the hiring of Cubans by Cuban employers. Foreign investors must pay the government instead of the workers. The people only receive about one percent of what the government gets. Lifting the embargo would only subsidize the oppression of the Cuban people. While Cuba no longer has the ability to export violent communist revolution on a large scale, Castro has not renounced the use of violence to overthrow democratically elected governments. Castro continues to let Russia maintain an electronic listening post at Lourdes. Cuba is trying to complete a nuclear reactor facility with Russian help. The facility has dangerously outdated equipment and the work is shoddy. This could endanger millions of Americans if there were an accident. Castro has staked out the position as the last defender of Marxism-Leninism. He has reasserted the supremacy of communist ideology and to plan for a comeback when capitalism fails. Lifting the embargo and giving Castro the opportunity to strengthen his government and military, could cause reversible effects throughout Latin America. He would be able to exploit the unstable countries by promoting communism and providing military assistance. The embargo should remain in place until Cuba is free from Castros tyranny and oppression. The day Cuba is free; the Cuban people are not going to forget that it was the United States, which paved the way through the embargo, for a free republican Cuba. Just as we should not forget that, it is been Spain, Canada, Italy, and Mexico who have kept Castro going since the fall of the Soviet Union. Our government should tighten the embargo and condemn the countries that are trading with Cuba. United States citizens who lost land and businesses in Cuba, that are being used by foreign investors, should have the right to sue  under Title III if the LIBERTAD Act. Lifting the embargo will open the floodgate of hard currency to Cuba. This will only cause suffering for the Cuban people. The money will continue to go to the government. The military and secret police will become stronger. What the Cuban people do not need is this strengthening of this communist government. Castro does not have many more years left it would be in the best interest for all that the Cuban government is in a state of despair when he finally goes. In conclusion, the trade embargo is the most effective weapon in the Americas foreign policy arsenal for dealing with Fidel Castro. Until the following basic demands are met: (1) free and democratic elections; (2) free-market economy and all stolen property returned to the rightful owners; (3) all political repression must stop and all political prisoners freed from jail; (4) Castro must step down from power and give the Cuban people the right to exercise their legitimate human rights, the embargo will most likely remain. When the Cuban people have these rights, they will finally be a free nation. Works Cited BACARDI BUCKS. Money in Politics Alert. Vol.2, #6 March 11, 1996. July 13, 2002. http://www.opensecrets.org/alerts/v2/alrtv2n06.asp Background Note: Cuba. U.S. Department of State. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. September 2002 Cannon, Terrence. REVOLUTIONARY CUBA. Olympic Marketing Corporation. New York. March 1981. Page 109. Cuban Missile Crisis, Revisited. Associated Press. October 12, 2002 FACT SHEET: CUBAN LIBERTY AND DEMOCRATIC SOLIDARITY (LIBERTAD) ACT OF 1996. U.S. Department of State. April 1, 1996. September 3, 2002. Lester, James D. and James D. Jr. The Essential Guide: Research: Writing Across the Disciplines 2nd ed. New York. Longman. 1999 Sierra, Jerry A. The Timetable History of Cuba. October 6, 2002. Suchlicki, Jaime. Castro, Fidel,. World Book Online Americas Edition. December 4, 2002. VOTE INDEX: AN OCCASIONAL LOOK AT CAMPAIGN MONEY AND VOTES. Money in Politics Alert. Vol.2, #6 March 11, 1996. May 8, 2002.

Macbeth Essay Example for Free

Macbeth Essay In Shakespeares famous play, Macbeth, the themes of murder, guilt, ambition and the ruthless pursuit of power is explored. He does this through the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth who are tied together in an eerie search for absolute power. Throughout the play, Macbeth reveals many traits that have horrible consequences for Macbeth himself and for Scotland. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth portrays himself as a noble, sincere man who would die for his country but as the play moves forward we discover that we may have been misled. At first it seems that Macbeth is a noble warrior, but as time goes on it becomes apparent that he is a cruel, heartless tyrant, particularly when he murders Duncan and Macduffs’ wife and babes. At the start of the play, Macbeth believes the witches’ prophesies which foretell that he will become king. After he tells Lady Macbeth ‘My dearest partner of greatness’ of the witches prophesies, Lady Macbeth hatches a plan to kill the king of Scotland, which eventually results in horrible consequences for Macbeth and Scotland. Lady Macbeth explains her plan to Macbeth and her vision for his accession to the throne which would require the removal of Duncan. She suggests the murder of Duncan. Macbeth begins to feel weary and starts to have doubts. Lady Macbeth is insanely ambitious for her husband to become king, so much so that she states ‘I would, while it was smiling on my face, have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums, and dash’d the brains out’ rather than go back on her word like her husband has just done. However, little did either of them know that the repercussions for the killing of the king would lead to their own deaths. The people of Scotland were living in fear of an uncertain future, which influenced them to turn against their new king. Lady Macbeth is the driving force behind the murder of Duncan. She is ruthless. She was prepared to kill Duncan herself but found that he reminded her of her father and failed to go through with it only to find a few hours later, that Macbeth had carried out the deed. From there on it was a downhill slide into insanity for Macbeth as he could not live with the guilt. After murdering King Duncan, Macbeth fears he will never sleep again ‘Methought I heard a voice cry â€Å"Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. The consequences for Scotland were catastrophic as they lost their noble king and instead found themselves being ruled by a psychopathic tyrant. Macbeth became paranoid and suspicious of everyone around him. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth could never have envisaged the consequences for themselves and their plans for the future began to fall apart. Keeping the murder of Duncan a secret tormented the couple, leading Macbeth to commit further murders. Banquo posed a threat because Macbeth feared he would get in the way of accession to the throne. He decided to hire assassins to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Banquo is murdered and Fleance flees. That night, Macbeth is crowned and a banquet is held to celebrate. During the banquet Macbeth see’s the ghost of Banquo and has a breakdown. Lady Macbeth comes to his rescue. She tells his guests that he is having hallucinations which he has suffered from since childhood. In this scene we see Macbeth being driven mad with guilt. ‘It will have blood; they say, blood will have blood’. Behind Macbeths back, somewhere in Scotland, Lennox is walking with another lord discussing the consequences the death of Duncan will have on Scotland. Both suspect Macbeth whom they have called a ‘tyrant’, of the murder of Banquo even though Fleance has been blamed. The lord tells Lennox that Macduff has gone to England, where he will join Malcolm in pleading with England’s King Edward for aid. News of these plots prompted Macbeth to prepare for war. When Macbeth realised that Macduff had gone to England, he brutally murders Macduffs’ wife and babes who were left unprotected. All sympathy for Macbeth vanishes and is seen as a cold-blooded murderer. Macbeth reaches his lowest ebb after the murder of Macduff’s wife and babes. When Lady Macbeth commits suicide he is left with no alternative but to face his demons. Macbeth now faces the consequences of the murders alone. He goes into battle defiant and is determined not to give up. Going into war, Macbeth is faced with the prospect that he might die. He then recites his famous last words ‘Yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff, and damn’d be him that first cried, â€Å"Hold, enough! †Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ and is killed by Macduff in battle. The question remains, was Macbeth a tragic hero or was he in fact an overly ambitious, ruthless tyrant? The killing of Duncan does have terrible consequences for Macbeth and for Scotland, but after Macbeths’ death, Scotland’s reputation was restored. Freed from tyranny, the rightful king, Feance, took Macbeths place and descended the throne.

Absolut Vodka Brand Positioning

Absolut Vodka Brand Positioning Absolut Vodka is one of the worlds selling premium spirits brands and achieved sales of 10.7 million nine-liter cases in 2007. Every bottle of Absolut Vodka is produced in Ahus, southern Sweden. Although the brand is the largest premium vodka selling in 126 countries, its market share is threatened by the constant growth of Bacardi and Smirnoff. In the turbulent environment Absolut Vodka facing nowadays, the organization needs to constantly search for ways to innovate and to meet the changing customer demands in order to maintain or strengthen the position of their products. Absolut Vodka, one of the most popular super-premium brands in the world, is the strongest brand for VS Spirits. Now, the company seeks to maximize its brands market share through constant innovation and adopting new marketing and distribution strategies. 2. Product Every bottle of Absolut Vodka is produced in Ahus, in southern Sweden where the wheat that gives Absolut Vodka its smooth grain character grows. Absolut Vodka is produced from winter wheat, a hardy wheat grain that centuries of experience have shown to produce superior vodka. Absolut Vodka uses a process called continuous distillation, introduced in Sweden in 1879 by The Vodka King Lars Olsson Smith (Pernod Ricard, 2009). The water it uses comes from our own deep well. Producing its vodka in one location using local raw materials gives VS Absolut Spirits complete control of all stages of production and ensures that every drop meets the companys high quality standard. Unlike other vodkas, the Absolut Vodka flavors are made by blending the vodka with only natural flavors and no sugar is added. In fact, Absolut is as pure as vodka can be. Still, that purity has a certain taste; rich, full-bodied and complex, yet smooth and mellow with a distinct character of grain, followed by a hint of dried fruit (2009). Absolut Vodka currently comprises its products within many flavors, such as vanilia, raspberri, apeach, ruby red, pears, and mango. All Absolut Vodka products can also be enjoyed neat or mixed in drinks. In addition, the shape of the Absolut Vodka bottle has made it one of the worlds most iconic products reinforces the brands strong design heritage. The bottle shape of the Absolut Vodka bottle has made it one of the worlds most iconic products reinforces the brands strong design heritage. It looked elegant, different, simple and very Swedish, and was decided that there should be no label not to hide the crystal clear liquid. Blue was decided upon as the most visible and elegant color for the Absolut Vodka logo. The flavor comes in a transparent bottle in order to show how pure and clear its vodka is. The brand values of Absolut are defined as Clarity, Simplicity and Perfection. All three are there, visible on the bottle. Absolut Vodka currently comprises the following products within the same quality framework: Year Product 1979 Absolut Vodka 1986 Absolut Pepper 1988 Absolut Citron 1992 Absolut Kurant 1999 Absolut Mandrin 2003 Absolut Vanilla 2004 Absolut Raspberri 2005 Absolut Apeach 2006 Absolut Ruby Red 2007 Absolut Pears, Absolut 100, Absolut Mango 2008 Absolut Los Angeles 2009 Absolut Boston 2010 Absolut Berri Acai, Absolut Brooklyn, 2011 Absolut Wild Tea, Absolut San Francisco Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolut_Vodka Creativity is what drives Absolut brand forward. That applies not only to the marketing and design, but also to the product development. When launching a flavour, the Absolut Company wants to make room for new cocktail experiences. 3. Brand Positioning Absolut Vodka is positioned as premium brand in the minds of the target consumers. The price of the product is high. Absolut is one of the expensive brands among the leading brands in the U.S. as illustrated in Exhibit 4. The company also tried to feature the product as a high end product. For example, Absolut had an identity campaign termed Smart, showy, sassy, sophisticated and stylish. By this kind of brand personality statement, the brand was associated with the fashion conscious, rich, desperate and dynamic lifestyle-namely the Absolut Lifestyle. Absolut entered Glamour world and tried to relate the brand with fashion world. In the Lifestyle magazines, the glimpse of a trendy tanned fashionable girl posing and wearing Absolut Vodka marked attire became widely visible. The brand personality of Absolut was communicated successfully with the help of a series of aesthetically designed advertisement campaigns both in print and in electronic media. The word Absolut was punned in conjunction with creative images of the bottle and with strong positive feeling awakening words or phrases. Absolut went for simple, but sophisticated ads a classy picture of the bottle accompanied by a witty caption (Facts Abusolut Ads, 2009). Those advertisements have not only broken advertising records year after year but also have captured the eyeball alongside the imagination of the general public. The advertisement campaigns were nice to look at, easy to understand yet had the spark of intelligence and smartness. The modes featuring in the advertisement had a tanned skin most of the times thus the brand tried to relate itself with a sense of sunny, urban and dynamic lifestyle. The brand was more inclined to lay emphasis on girls. Because vodka is an odorless drink and do esnt give any quirky sensation while drinking, this was assumed that girls would love this kind of product features. Absolut Vodka soon became news. The latest ads often started getting journalistic coverage in magazines and on TV. Everybody talked about Absolut campaigns be it the Absolut Manhattan ad portraying an aerial view of New Yorks Central Park in the shape of an Absolut Vodka bottle or 26 Russian painters creating their own most personal impressions of the bottle. Over the years Absolut has commissioned not only over 300 painters, but also leading artists in all fields like sculptors, glass designers, musicians and fashion designers. The main strategy of the brand was to avoid relating the product with only one particular lifestyle and the ads were to have a timeless but contemporary theme. Absolut Vodka can be proud of its ads in crossing the line between advertising and art using different medians such as paintings, limited edition bottles, shirts, and sculpture (Brand Spotlight: Absolut Vodka, 2010). Many famous artists worked for the company, including Andy Warhol and Keith Harris. TBWAs branding campaign for Absolut Vodka was listed as one of the top ten campaigns of the last century by Advertising Age and the campaign won many awards including an Effie and Kelly awards which are probably the most prestigious awards in the advertising industry (2010). Those highly accepted and widely popular advertisements campaigns could successfully del iver the main brand positioning ideas of Absolut Vodka, i.e. premium product, high quality and association with art and a good life. 4. Competitors and their Campaigns In addition to Absolut Vodka, there are over other 30 vodka brands in the U.S. market as shown in Exhibit 2. Those brands are original from nine countries such as Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia (Latvia and Estonia), and Sweden. Apart from American made brands existing in the market such as Popov, Gordon, etc. there was the emergence of new American made vodka brands in the past several year such as Skyy, a lovely San Francisco spirit, the newly arrived Teton Glacier, unique vodka made in Idaho, etc (Department of Liquor Control, 2009). In 2007, there were seven leading vodka brand in the U.S. market including Smirnoff, Absolut, Grey Goose, Skyy, Stolichnaya, Ketel One, and Svedka respectively as shown in Exhibit 3. These brands are made in different countries. However, the American made brand like Smirnoff was ranked the number one U.S. market share in 2007, followed by Absolut Vokda. A brief profile of five leading brands that were Absoluts competitors and their campaigns in 2007 will be discussed in next session. 4.1 Smirnoff Smirnoff is the #1 selling vodka in the U.S and the world. It had a 17.2% share in 2007. It is originally produced in Russia, the recipe found its way to America in the early 1900s. Smirnoff is one of alcohol brands of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O), the worlds leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, JB, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. In November, 2006, Smirnoff renewed its alliance with James Bond in the film Casino Royale. The alliance involved a multi-million dollar media campaign, which was activated in the U.S. and around the world. The campaign included a broadcast advertising campaign; on- and off-premise promotions and sweepstakes; a global public relations campaign; and a fully interactive Casino Royale microsite (Zydel, 2006). Smirnoff had the close partnership with Bond in 1962à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ²s Dr. No. In a scene when the villain hands Sean Connery a Martini, shaken not stirred made with Smirnoff Vodka. This monumental moment in film made some impact on the way martini drinkers made their cocktails, shifting from the traditional gin to a vodka-based drink and popularizing the vodka martini the world over (2006). Exhibit 5 shows a cross-promotional ad for James Bond Casino Royale and Smirnoff Vodka and some scenes in James Bonds movie in 1962s. In August, 2007, Smirnoff launched its largest ever marketing campaign ( £5M) which was named Sea to promote the brand. It centers around a 60-second commercial created by JWT, which premiered on 17 August 2007 in showings of The Bourne Ultimatum at selected cinemas across the United Kingdom. There were various tie-ins launched, including the Smirnoff Purifier, an online game, point of sale Smirnoff purity kits, and a tour of a custom-built Smirnoff Purification Installation used to make drinkable samples of water taken from saline or otherwise undrinkable water at selected sites (Sea: Advertisement, 2010). 4.2 Grey Goose Grey Goose was imported to the United States by the Sidney Frank Importing Company which is located in New Rochelle New York. In 1997, the brand became national prominence when it was awarded substantially for its quality in the U.S. In 2004, Sidney Frank then sold the right of manufacturing to Bacardi. Grey Goose was the first prominent French vodka but has seen some competition from Nuage, Ciroc and Idol which are now on the market. Each of these vodka brands are premium brands sold in North America (Grey Goose Vodka, 2007). In 2007, it held a 6.3% share of the U.S. Market. In 2007, claiming itself to be the Worlds Best Tasting Vodka, Grey Goose launched its new Discerning Taste advertising campaign which was produced by New York-based @radical.media. The campaign was the brands first major advertising effort since its acquisition by Bacardi Limited in 2004. It consisted of four different print advertisements and three broadcast spots. Creative elements of the campaign capture particular moments, people, places, and events in the lives of Grey Goose consumers revealing their unyielding lifestyle of discerning taste. The theme of the advertising platform supports the brands commitment to represent more than just a spirit, but a luxurious lifestyle brand. The print composites reveals the back stories of Grey Goose drinkers by portraying images ranging from playing golf to a spontaneous late night dinner with friends. These snapshot moments suggest that a Grey Goose drinkers inherent eye for detail leads them to seek refined subtleties in more than just th eir vodka but in all aspects of life (Grey Goose Vodka 2007 Advertising Campaign, 2007). The advertising campaign commenced in conjunction with the U.S. Open Tennis Championships in which Grey Goose was the Proud Promotional Partner of the tournament. The advertisements surrounded broadcast coverage on the USA Network and appeared on target outlets such as the Golf Channel, ESPN, and HD Networks and in print outlets such as BlackBook, Departures, GQ, Golf Digest, Travel + Leisure, Vanity Fair and Wine Spectator (Grey Goose Vodka 2007 Advertising Campaign, 2007). 4.3 SKYY SKYY is one of the fastest growing spirits globally and the leading domestic super premium vodka in the United States (Baker Hearn, 2005). The brand was launched in 1992 by Skyy Spirits, LLC who is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Milan: CPR.MI) and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. It had 4.6% U.S. share. Skyy vodkas highest quality and ultimate smoothness are perceived by consumers due to the state-of-the-art process of quadruple distillation and triple filtration (2005). According to the good design of its distinctive cobalt blue bottle and award-winning marketing communications, SKYY is synonymous with quality, sophistication, and style (2005). SKYY Vodka let the worlds most accomplished and controversial photographers interpret the brands sexy image in bold and daring fashion (Press Release: Skyy Spirits Unveils Sexiest Ad Campaign in Skyy  ® Vodka History, 2010). In 2007, SKYY looked to acclaimed photographer and independent filmmaker David LaChapelle to shoot the powerful, tantalizing images that captured the essence of cocktail glamour and the jet set lifestyle which would constitute its third campaign. The national campaign was named Cocktail Moments and was available for national outdoor, print, and online. Exhibit 6 shows some ads for this campaign. The creative was launched outdoors beginning January 2007 in LA, Chicago, Miami and San Francisco (2010). Magazine insertions start in February of 2007 in men and womens entertainment and lifestyle publications, including ESPN, InStyle, US Weekly and People, as well as on www.SKYY.com. The ads also ran as banner ads on selected websites including ESPN.com, Evite.com, an d Gay.com, starting in mid-February. Due to its bold, sexy imagery, SKYYs ads have become collectible pieces of artwork (2010). 4.4 Stolichnaya Stolichnaya has its origins in the Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1 which was opened in 1901 by the authorities to ensure higher quality vodka production (Stolichnaya, 2010). It was the first vodka to be introduced and imported into the USA, in 1972. Stolichnaya was at this time a good choice to the USA-produced vodka brands as it tasted milder due to a more refined distilling process (2010). However, Stolichnayas popularity has been dependent on the political climate between the U.S. and the former USSR. In 2005, Stolichnaya was included in the Pernod Ricard portfolio. Pierre Pringuet, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard said We needed a major vodka to boost and balance our product range. Stolichnaya signalled our first step in the vodka market and we are proud of our achievements in developing this fine brand. But with ABSOLUT, we have now made a giant leap forward! (Pernod Ricard, 2008). Since 2005, sales of Stolichnaya grew up from 2.1 million to 3.4 million cases and it had a 4.2% share. In 2007, the brand received several awards including Best New Product in the U.S. and Best New Event in the UK. Additionally, its benchmark Ultra Premium Stolichnaya Elit also got the highest rating by the U.S. Beverage Tasting Institute (2008). While renovating the brand, Pernod Ricard launched a new advertising campaign for the Stoli family in order to remind consumers to Choose Authenticity on April 9, 2007 (Pernod Ricard USA, LLC., 2007). Exhibit 7 presents ads of this campaign. The campaign debuted in leading U.S. magazines as In Style, Rolling Stone, and GQ in May, 2007. The new campaign was in a visual style and based on a Russian artistic movement called constructivism, that celebrated the strong industrial structures of the early 20th century when there was the creation of Stolichnaya (2007). The campaign depicted positive Russian icons in a proud tone and humorous way. One of the first ad executions headlines was The Mother of all Vodkas, from the Motherland of Vodka. The new campaign was developed according to two findings of research that: first, that the remarkable history of Stoli hadnt been fully told; and second, that authenticity was a critical consideration in the purchasing decisions of sophisticated, young adult consumers at that time (2007). Patrick Piana, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Pernod Ricard USA said: Pernod Ricard has consistently demonstrated its ability to drive brands to achieve their potential, and we are confident that this new Stolichnaya campaign will resonate with the brands core consumers and build on our overall track record of success(2007). However, after the purchase of Absolut was completed, Pernod Ricard ended its agreement with Stoli. William Grant Sons USA signed an agreement to distribute Stolichnaya in the U.S. in 2009. 5. Consumer Behavior The comprehensive analysis of vodka by the Beverage Information Group and research by Simmons Market Research Bureau reveal consumer behavior of vodka as follows: Vodka is unlike any other spirit category. The proportion between male vodka consumers and female consumers are fairly equal. Furthermore, it is consumed by all adult age groups (Simmons Market Research Bureau, 2007). Due to universal appeal of vodka coupled with its versatility as a mixer and the cachet high end products, it has continued to attract adult consumers (Beverage Information Group, 2008). Females favor flavored vodkas while males take the lead among several brands-Absolut Kurant, Stoli Citros, Stoli Ohranj and Stoli Cranberi (Simmons Market Research Bureau, 2007). According to Simmons (2007), the older the brand the older the consumer. Stolichnaya drinkers tend to be older than Absolut drinkers. Also, Absolut drinkers tend to be slightly older than Grey Goose consumers. Belvedere scores highest in the 21-to-24 age group among unflavored vodkas. Younger adult consumers tend to be attracted by somewhat sweet flavors-vanilla and raspberry. Whereas older consumers prefer classic cocktails that are savory in nature (Beverage Information Group, 2008). All vodka consumers are moving toward a healthier lifestyle and a greener planet. (Beverage Information Group, 2008). It was found that several marketers are incorporating natural and green elements in their products. This is a trend that is expected to continue (Beverage Information Group, 2008).. Limited edition products that benefit local causes such as Absolut New Orleans and Absolut Los Angeles are another trend that is expected to gain a following (Beverage Information Group, 2008).. Overall, consumers are moving away from sweet cocktails into the savory area. This may not bode well for several flavored vodkas (Beverage Information Group, 2008). Review of publications about vodka brands uncovers that there are some significant factors that enhance customer decision making process when buying vodka as follows: Luxury: By definition, vodka is a clear, tasteless, odourless liquid-meaning that a basic level of quality distilling yields vodka on par with any other. Yet through clever ads and higher pricing, Absolut vodka became the premium vodka over Smirnoff in the 1980s. Then, i n the 1990s, Sidney Frank consciously decided to introduce Grey Goose vodka, which costs 50 percent more than Absolut, with reasoning that people would pay more for a brand they saw as more exclusive, just as they did with Absolut over Smirnoff. Since vodka is one of premium alcoholic drinks, it is considered a kind of luxury items (Rothbaum, 2009). Flavors: Several companies keep introducing more varieties for customers to choose from, this strategy has proven to be quite successful. Also, the U.S. is the worlds biggest market for flavored vodka and a new flavour can drive sales. For example, in the summer of 2007, Finlandia introduced grapefruit flavored vodka. The vodkas popularity has been so great that it has increased the brands overall sales of flavored vodkas by almost 10% (2009). Thus, there are still room for competition in the vodka category. Store shelves are now packed with new flavours and brand extensions from numerous well-established brands (2009). Price: Setting an inviting price to attract consumers seems to be successful for some brand vodkas like Smirnoff. For example, Smirnoff posted a 4.0% gain in 2008 and making it the top-selling spirit in the U.S., leveraging its rainbow of flavors as well as its inviting price (2009). This pricing strategy must be employed carefully for luxury goods like vodka, since consumers still perceive that Vodka should not be cheap. It is not a product of first necessity. Even though higher-priced brands are seeing slower growth, consumers are still spending a lot of money to purchase these prestigious brands. Reference Group: Vodka consumers use reference groups such as co-workers, friends, and family as a guide to select a brand, since vodka is a product that can be shared in social occasions and consumers tend to please all of those groups when they gather. Thus, group situations constitute their purchase decisions. Packaging: Packaging has always played an important role in developing brand image, and the vodka industry is not exceptional. According to Adam Rosen, the brand manager of Wyborowa Vodka, the vodka industry is much more image conscious than other liquors (Labbrand Consulting Co., Ltd., 2009). In addition to ingredients and taste, packing is another factor influencing vodka drinkers buying decision- the vodka they choose should make a statement to others. Thus, the bottle design should display sophistication and class. For example, Svedkas new bottle reflects their cheap chic positioning, allowing consumers to purchase a premium vodka at a competitive price (2009). This should appeal to hip night life lovers, but not older customers accustomed to having a casual drink at home. It was found that the older audience will appreciate a classic bottle design that looks nice in their alcohol cabinet (2009). As Svedka hasnt redesigned their bottle for over 10 years, the repeat customers like ly have a strong connection to the old brand image (2009). In short, packing can influence decisions made through constructive process at the time of purchase. 6. History of Brand Advertising Absolut Vodka has become famous mainly due to its advertising campaigns. The shape of the bottle of Absolut vodka is very unique and is emphasized in all their advertisements. For about 25 years, the focus on the product has been the main theme in advertisements for Absolut Vodka. They ran campaigns of humor featuring their unique bottle. It is the unique advertising campaigns that have made Absolut a popular brand going up to the heights of Coke and Nike. In 1981 they started the Absolut ________ campaign. Absolut Perfection which was created in 1981 was the first advertisement and it is still popular today. They had clever concepts like Absolut L.A. which showed a swimming pool shaped like a bottle or Absolut Warhol which showed the painting of a bottle by the artist. One of their popular ads is the Absolut London', which shows the door of 10 Downing Street resembling an Absolut bottle. In a 1988 feature of a playboy magazine they showed a bottle like a model and this ad was called Absolut Centerfold. Then there were issues Absolut Disco (2007) related to dance music in 2008 Absolut Masquerade under the theme Every night is a masquerade and in 2009 the Absolut Rock Edition as a tribute to rock and roll. They wanted to end this campaign in 1997 with the launch of an offbeat bottle campaign on April fools day and it was very popular. But it took 9 more years to come up with a different campaign due to its limited advertising budget. Th e Absolut ____ campaign enabled the brand to become the best-selling imported vodka in the United States as sales rose from 20,000 cases in 1981 to almost 5 million in 2007. In January 2006 they started a campaign called The Absolut Vodka which had a theme on the pun between the brand name and the word absolute. This multimedia campaign demonstrates the headship of Absolut Vodka as The Absolut Vodka and observes other classics that are absolutes in our culture. This campaign is an evolution of the brands iconic, 25-year-old advertising and one that underscores the brands marketing ingenuity and continuous creativity. This campaign was broadcasted on television in the United States. The campaign also featured online and print executions. The new execution was built on the brands existing campaigns. The broadcast depicts a collage of absolute moments and icons that bases modern culture. Pictures include The Absolut Morale Booster (Marilyn Monroe singing for U.S. troops) and The Absolut Road Trip (first manned trip to the moon). The print advertisement features an Absolut Vodka bottle levitating over a color-block table with copy that reads The Absolut Vodk a the image connotes an exclamation point. The print ad shows the genuinity of Absolut Vodka and conveys only one message that Absolut is The Absolut Vodka. The Absolut Vodka campaign targeted a new and increasing group of vodka drinkers in the United States. The broadcast is very interactive and is aimed at capturing in-the-know customers. The Absolut Vodka campaign was created by TBWA/Chiat/Day, the advertising agency of record for Absolut VODKA. 7. The In an Absolut World Campaign In 2007, Absolut Vodka began its In An Absolut World campaign in which the company posted various, often fanciful scenarios of what the target audience might think would constitute a perfect, or Absolut, reality. The campaign was handled by TBWA/Chiat/Day, part of the TBWA Worldwide division of the Omnicom Group. The In An Absolut World would elicit varying opinions and points of view of customers. It is designed to be an inspiring, humorous, and thought-provoking integrated campaign about what an Absolut World might look like and to initiate a discussion about both universal and everyday subjects, as well as to challenge consumers to express their own visions of the world. Its advertising campaign invites consumers to visualize a world that appeals to them one they feel may be more idealized or one that may be a bit fantastic. The campaign includes commercials and video clips as well as online ads, print ads, billboards and event marketing. Drinkers were invited to imbibe In An Absolut World, a fanciful, even surreal, place where common sense prevails and just deserts are always on the menu. For example, on planet Absolut, men can get pregnant, and lying leaders are exposed by their Pinocchio noses. In fact, Absolut was confronting the same problems as other market-leading brands in that everybody knows who they are, but what are they known for? Thus, The goal is to encourage a dialogue between customers and the brand. The ads proclaim, This is Absoluts view of the world; you respond, you react. Absolut ads aimed at minority consumers will also begin to feature the Absolut World theme. 7.1 Probable Marketing Objectives Since from 2003 to 2007 over 240 new brands of vodka came and many companies started focusing on the ultra-premium category, the marketing objectives of the In an Absolut World include robusting sales growth and re-establishing and re-cementing the Absoluts position in the vodka category in an extremely competitive environment. 7.2 Probable Communication/ Advertising Objectives The main communication of the In an Absolut World campaign is to provide the customers with an opportunity to interact, get involved and associated with the brand, since its customer survey found that the previous one never provided the opportunities for customers to interact and get involved with the brand. Furthermore, the campaign aimed at depicting that Absolut Vodka has a class of its own or a world of its own implicating that it is different and better than other brands. The idea is that Absolut Vodka is the quintessential vodka, the true vodka, and the standard by which you judge other things. 7.3 Target Market The target audience is 23 34 year urbanites. 7.4 Positioning Statement To inform urbanites that Absolut Vodka is the quintessential vodka, the true vodka, the standard by which consumers judge other Vodkas. 7.5 Creative Strategy The In an Absolut World advertising campaign requires that consumers imagine a world that appeals to them, something like a perfect world or a fantastic world, thus bringing about different opinions and points of view. Also it needs to these ads in countries worldwide with varying themes relevant to their region. 7.6 Creative Execution To achieve the creative strategy, they decided not only to show what an ABSOLUT WORLD looks like, but also to give consumers the chance to experience it in their daily lives. The idea was to publish the perfect newspaper and distribute it for free, with real editorial content that was entirely positive and interesting to read. Another idea was to perfect a taxi ride by supplying a fleet of free-of-charge Porsche taxis. The next idea was to make a unique experience at the nearest ATM cash machine by introducing the Happy Hour. 7.7 Media Strategy The campaign would be put in print ads, billboards, TV commercials, video clips as well as online ads (at absolut.com), and event marketing. Absolut turned its website into an online community where visitors can share and discuss their visions of an Absolut World, create and upload images, films, worlds, and sounds, create personal profiles; browse, comment, and develop the visions of others. 8. Evaluation of the In an Absolut World The campaign uses a combination of approaches in the major selling idea between creating a brand image, positioning and inherent drama. Absolut developed its strong, memorable identity through image advertising and positioned itself as the quintessential vodka in the consumers mind. The creative approach used in the campaign is appropriate for the target audience who is 25 34 year urbanites. The message can delivered to the target audience and executed in a combination of imagery and humor. For example, one of the ads shows an expectant couple and the husband is pregnant. Additionally, even though Absolut came up with many ads with different pictures, those ads were able to convey the message to the target audience effectively by using indirect headlines In an Absolut World as creative tactics for printing ads and TV commercials. Also, the message is short, clear, novel, and creative as well as provokes their thoughts. Most of the ads in the campaign use emotional appeal to attract the target audience while others create excitement and provoke thoughts. The ads and some TV commercials try to communicate with the target audience that people wish to see the world in a different manner according what an Absolut World means to them or their perceptions. For example, a TV commercial portrays a h

Gun Control: Do NOT Believe What Liberal Politicans Tell You :: Argumentative Example Essays

The book titled "Guns in America" written by Helen Strahinich defines gun control as any las that restricts the ownership or sale of firearms(Strahinich 2). The history of the gun control debate can be traced back to colonial times when guns were being outlawed to keep them out of the hands of the poor. Today, the subject still remains so controversial that many politicians fear touching the subject. Will banning guns eliminate crime? Will criminals still be albe to obtain firearms? These are two of the most controversial questions that fuel the fire in the debaate spotlight. tThese following two examples best illistrate how easily one can put forth arguments either for or aginst gun control.In 1995, a gang of four masked theives armed with Tec-9 semiautomatic pistols brok into Marsha Bealty's home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The thieves were supprised when they were confronted by Marsha and her roomate armed with 9mm pistols. The immediately fled when threatened by the two women.(Black man) The two sides of this argument are the pro and anti gun groups. The anti-gun groups main goals range from more stringent gun control laws to a total ban on handguns. The political supporters of this group are susally liberal democrats and a few other small independedt groups such as Handgun Control Inc. Their main arguments are questionin gth eoriginal intent of the framers of the constituion adn the way of life in the time it was written, and also the purpose of guns in modern siciety. For thte most part, their claims are mainly emotional and use popular incidences adn the high number of people killed annually from firearms and, gun saftey in households. On the other side of the fence is the pro-gun grouuups who lobby to support law abiding citizens' second amendment rights to keep and bear arms. Their suporters tend to be conservative republicans and pro-gun groups. The most popular of these groups is the NRA(National Rifle Association) which is a strong political group consisting of over three million members. Theses groups tend to use statistics and sases wehre lives have been saved by the use of firearms while strongly stressing gun saftey and training programs. They favor strict interpretation of the Bill of Rights. INthsi paper I am taking a stand against gun control. I feel that law abiding citizens should be entitled to their second ammendment rights to keep and bear arms for the purposes of protection of home, property, and person.

Poem :: Poems

As we sat around like every other day, We decided we could no longer stay. So we packed up the van And we were determined to darken our tan. California was where we were going To the beach where it’s never snowing. We were off to watch the scenery during the day And at night, find the best partay. By now you’re wondering who is we It is five of my friends and don’t forget me. So without further adieu Let me introduce my crew. First on my list Is a man who is hard to miss. He wears a bright orange coat But is rarely one to gloat. He frequently runs naked through the streets But is a friend to most anyone he meets. He is the kind of guy that is never a stranger He waves to everyone in his Ford Ranger. His music is a unique pick Pretending to play along is his trick. He works at the hardware store called ACE But teaching is what he wishes to chase. Hunting and skanking is what he loves to do His name is Mickey now onto number two. The next girl is the understanding one. She takes a lot of crap, but it’s all in fun. I.S.U. is where she chose to learn An education she hopes to earn. Soccer was her favorite sport She is very good, although she is quite short Hanging out with her is always cool She did quite well during high school. She has always been a real smarty Whenever we visit her, she knows where to party. She will always be a part of the group Her name is Julie and she’s the second of the troop. My long time friend Gabe is the third He is hard to describe in just one word. He has the biggest ears around His girlfriend, Staci’s house is where he’ll be found . Soccer’s what he loves to play Instead he’s stuck at work all day. When it comes to humor he’s the best At funny stories, he’s better then the rest. He tried to change the color of his hair Many people just turned to stare. With his future he is still unclear Purdue is where he’d like his path to steer. As for worries he has none His mind is set on having fun. This trip is all he has on his mind Now we have the fourth member to find. The next member lives down the street form me. My college roommate will soon be he. He is the tallest of our six His basement’s where we watch our flicks. A ’97 Camero is what he drives An I.S.U. education is for what he strives. A hockey goalie he used to play,

Its Time to Bring Back Religion and School Prayer in Public Schools Es

     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Benjamin Franklin once declared, "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As a nation becomes more corrupt and vicious they have more need of masters." In nineteen sixty-two the Supreme Court of the United States pronounced that a prayer recited in the public school was abusing our freedoms . In the court's opinion this was an act in violation to the first amendment, which calls for "a separation of church and state.'' This ruling was later extended to include the use of the Bible as well. A Supreme Court Justice, Hugo Black, put it in this often quoted statement "Neither a state or the Federal government can set up a church. Nor can pass laws that aid one religion, all religions, or prefer one religion over another. No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adapt to teach or practice religion." (686)    This issue,"separation of church and state," is a cloudy topic in the eyes of the modern world, but in reality the only gray clouds are primarily a result of ignorance of the original intent of the Founding Fathers who put the phrase in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.    From the beginning of American government, state and legal papers, such as the Northwest Ordinance and state constitutions, were threaded with religion. In addition, many of the more eminent men who signed the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other important documents clarified their intent. John Witherspoon, as quoted by David Barton in The Works of John Witherspoon, said: " What follows from this? That he is the best friend to American Liberty, who is most sincere and active in pro... ... capable of freedom.    Works Cited Barton, David. Movie: Education and the Founding Fathers. Aledo, Texas: Wall Builders, 1991. Evans, Stanton.M.,"The Myth of Seperation: What Wall?", January, 1995, n. pag. Researcher.sirs.com.WWW. Internet <http://researcher.sirs.com/cgi-bin+sep+of+church+and+state>October 13, 1998. Parry, Skousen and Andres W. Allison. The Real George Washington. Washington, D.C. U.S., National Center for Constitutional Studies,1991. Skousen, Cleon, W. The Making of America. Washington D.C.:National Center of Constitutional Studis, 1986. Taylor, Earl, Jr. Letter to American Citizens.1 Oct, 1998. letter not documented. Ed. Earl Taylor. Malta, Idaho: National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1998. Taylor, Earl. "No Title" None given. 1, Oct. 1981 1A.< http://www.xmission.com/>/~NCCS-20 Oct. 1998.

Astron 2b03

Astronomy / Origins 2B03 Practice Midterm Questions 1. Our solar system is located in the a) Milky Way's galactic halo b) Milky Way's central bulge c) Milky Way's galactic disk d) space between the Milky Way and its neighbouring galaxies e) none of the above 2. What happens when you shine a laser beam horizontally across a room? ) the light would be deflected upwards slightly b) the presence of the gravitational field makes the light move slightly faster c) light travels a perfectly straight path d) the path of the light is curved downward very slightly e) none of the above 3. The terrestrial planets are a) Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars b) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune c) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto d) Venus, Earth, and Mars e) none of the above combinations 4. From lowest energy to highest energy, which of the following correctly orders the different categories of electromagnetic radiation? a) gamma rays, X rays, visible light, ultraviolet, infrared, radio b) visible light, infrared, X rays, ultraviolet, gamma rays, radio c) radio, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X rays, gamma rays d) infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X rays, gamma rays, radio e) radio, X rays, visible light, ultraviolet, infrared, gamma rays 5. Evidence of the expansion of the universe is shown by a) the Einstein Cross b) the 4. billion year age of the Earth c) the abundances of the elements in stars d) the redshifts of distant galaxies e) time dilation 6. Suppose we look at two distant galaxies: Galaxy 1 is twice as far away as Galaxy 2. In that case, a) Galaxy 1 must be twice as big as Galaxy 2 b) we are seeing Galaxy 1 as it looked at an earlier time in the history of the universe than Galaxy 2 c) we are seeing Galaxy 1 as it looked at a later time in the his tory of the universe than Galaxy 2 d) Galaxy 2 must be twice as old as Galaxy 1. ) none of the above 7. A black hole and a normal star have the same mass. They each have an Earth-sized planet orbiting them at the same distance as the Earth is from the Sun. a) the black hole pulls harder on its planet than the normal star does b) the two planets feel identical pulls c) the normal star pulls harder on its planet than the black hole does d) the planet is sucked into the black hole e) none of the above statements are correct 8. Which of the following is not part of the official International Astronomical Union definition of a planet? A planet †¦ a) is close to round in shape b) is a satellite c) is in orbit around the Sun d) has â€Å"cleared the neighbourhood† around its orbit e) none of the above 9. We can determine the distance to a galaxy that contains Cepheid variable stars by using a) the period-colour relation b) the mass-luminosity relation c) the mass-radius relation d) the period-luminosity relation e) none of the above 10. Ann sees Bob travel by her in a very fast spaceship a) Ann observes Bob’s clock to be running slowly and Bob observes Ann’s clock to be running slowly b) Ann observes Bob’s clock to be running slowly and Bob observes Ann’s clock to be running fast c) Ann observes Bob’s clock to be running fast and Bob observes Ann’s clock to be running slowly d) Ann observes Bob’s clock to be running fast and Bob observes Ann’s clock to be running fast e) something else 11. Which space time diagram(s) violate special relativity? a) ii b) ii and iv c) iv and v d) i and iii e) iii and v

Public Transportation Vs Private Transportation

Nowadays people from all over the world are suffering from the air pollution. One of the reasons of such situation is the constantly increasing car usage. Are we able to do something in order to encourage people not to use private cars or to use them less? To be honest, there are only several things we can do. Among them is propaganda of the risks caused by the private cars usage. We can provide people with the main benefits they can get by using public transport and make the transportation prices more affordable.First of all, advertisement is a very powerful â€Å"weapon†. Many people can remember the ad they saw several years ago. Advertisement has a very strong effect. It can impress people, influence their thoughts and even change them. Of course, it is impossible to encourage all people from all over the world to use public transport only. But still a certain number of people will definitely give up using cars and will give preferences to the public transport as time goes by.Moreover, we can also provide people with the benefits they can get from usage of public transport. For example, it is possible to provide those people who use public transport with the 20% discount when they need to buy something. Also, it is possible to implement special cards that will be some kinds of an opportunity to change bus to train for free. As a final point, let’s take a look at one more thing we can provide people with in order to encourage them to use public transport. It would be advisable to make the public transportation prices lower.Let’s suppose that you pay 40$ per month to drive your own car. If you give preference to the public transport, it will cost 20$ per month. What would you pick as the method of transportation? Sorry to say that it may be quite hard to set the price of 20$ for public transport, as transportation companies may be against such fee’s reduction. But if it happens one day, a great number of people would give up their cars and prefer public transport in order to prevent congestion and air pollution. I’m 100% sure that all the ways†¦ Public Transportation Vs Private Transportation Nowadays people from all over the world are suffering from the air pollution. One of the reasons of such situation is the constantly increasing car usage. Are we able to do something in order to encourage people not to use private cars or to use them less? To be honest, there are only several things we can do. Among them is propaganda of the risks caused by the private cars usage. We can provide people with the main benefits they can get by using public transport and make the transportation prices more affordable.First of all, advertisement is a very powerful â€Å"weapon†. Many people can remember the ad they saw several years ago. Advertisement has a very strong effect. It can impress people, influence their thoughts and even change them. Of course, it is impossible to encourage all people from all over the world to use public transport only. But still a certain number of people will definitely give up using cars and will give preferences to the public transport as time goes by.Moreover, we can also provide people with the benefits they can get from usage of public transport. For example, it is possible to provide those people who use public transport with the 20% discount when they need to buy something. Also, it is possible to implement special cards that will be some kinds of an opportunity to change bus to train for free. As a final point, let’s take a look at one more thing we can provide people with in order to encourage them to use public transport. It would be advisable to make the public transportation prices lower.Let’s suppose that you pay 40$ per month to drive your own car. If you give preference to the public transport, it will cost 20$ per month. What would you pick as the method of transportation? Sorry to say that it may be quite hard to set the price of 20$ for public transport, as transportation companies may be against such fee’s reduction. But if it happens one day, a great number of people would give up their cars and prefer public transport in order to prevent congestion and air pollution. I’m 100% sure that all the ways†¦