Discuss One environmental problem facing cities and outline some solutions free essay sample

Discuss One environmental problem facing cities and outline some solutions The issue of a severe problem called solid waste in Manila and Beijing is becoming a matter of concern. Causes of numerous waste aroused widespread attention. Therefore, the solution to reduce greenhouse gas emission from solid waste management can be regional and international (Ooi, 2009, p.189). It seems that waste has become an important part of the environmental problem in cities. Waste can be divided into two distinct parts, hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste, and the non-hazardous waste is consisted of municipal solid waste, industrial waste and some other types (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2012). Because of the large amount of waste, government needs to spend more human and financial resources. Therefore, some additional environmental problems in cities are related to waste, such as air pollution, water pollution and the greenhouse effect. This article will introduce the causes of municipal solid waste, industrial waste and hazardous waste, and some effective prevention methods to solve these problems. We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss One environmental problem facing cities and outline some solutions or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The spawning of municipal solid waste, which including residents living garbage, hospital waste and commercial waste, building waste, leads to the most serious problem. Most of human behaviour could cause the growth of solid waste. Materials which are thrown away by citizens, such as the product bottles, food scraps, newspapers and batteries are the direct causes of solid waste. Consequently, effective methods need to be implemented. The most direct method is to decrease the amount of waste. To perform the principle of waste prevention, the society should focus on the recycling and collecting, which means to withdraw useful and organic materials, then turn these items into new products. This method could reduce the needs of raw materials. In addition, waste can be used as a resource and it will be economical use (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2012). Manufacturing and industrial procedure are the most direct cause of industrial waste. Stone tools and sickles are difficult to be seen in current-day, because in factories, up-to-the minute production lines that produce numbers of waste per day are used as a substitute for wood and stone. To show an example, by 1990 the amount of industrial waste has raised  up to 265 million tons, which is a shocking figure to the public (Waste Industries, 2013). Hence, the city government should provide a convenient environment for factory managers and convince them that they should undertake the environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, managers should comply with the principle of recycling industrial waste. Therefore, waste management issues in cities should be people-oriented (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2012). Hugo (2012) stated †Some industrial waste management services companies even emphasize on understanding clients’ industrial processes that produce waste and then supplying the tools for deterring accurate chemical and physical properties.† In addition, hazardous waste is damaged in both human health and the city environment. Solvents, electroplating wastes, heavy metals, and acids, which all produced by laboratory and chemical plant in cities cause substantial accumulation of hazardous waste. In agriculture, citizens’ non-standard behavior of using pesticides can lead to the generation of hazardous waste. Moreover, non-standard behavior in city life can also cause the creation of hazardous waste, such as batteries and some items containing heavy metal thrown away by citizens (Harris et al, n.d.). Thus, cities should take some actions to reduce producing hazardous waste. In industries, numbers of methods need to be done. For instance, melt materials like batteries can be recycled. To recover resource and lean production, Harris (n.d.) claimed â€Å"Zinc can be gathered from smelting furnaces. Used oil, hydraulic fluids, refrigerator compressors and more can be taken from cars and fridges.† Citizens should pay attention to establishing especial collection facilities in cities. Considering the problem of land, the city government needs to find a suitable place in the city where could offer special disposal of toxic waste (Harris et al, n.d.). In recent years, the number of waste becomes a growing tendency, which is a common phenomenon, has aroused wide concern in cities. The causes of waste are the spawning of Municipal Solid Waste, industrial activities and citizens’ and industries’ non-standard behavior. What is more, to decrease the amount of waste, citizens should standardize their behavior and use waste as a resource, and managers should release their environmental responsibility so that factories could reduce the discharge of industrial waste. Government needs to establish especial collection facilities in cities and find a suitable place for toxic waste. In conclusion, the whole society should pay close attention to the problem of recycling and reducing. Citizens of the future may be more environmentally conscious than people in the current society.

Starbucks Coffee Company Research Paper Example

Starbucks Coffee Company Paper Starbucks had a humble beginning with one small store front in 1971 at the famous Pike’s Place in Seattle, Washington. The inspiration for Starbucks came from Peet’s Coffee and Tea who started importing fine Arabica beans from around the world (Arthur, 1999). At that time Starbucks had a simple mission of providing the world’s finest fresh roasted coffee to its customers, and it worked. A decade later in 1981, Howard Schultz, now Chairman, President and CEO, had entered Starbucks and was instantly captivated. For over a year, Howard pursued employment at Starbucks, wanting the job far more than Starbucks wanted him. Eventually, he convinced the three partners to take him on as head of marketing. He soon hung up his high profile New York City position and moved to Seattle. He quickly gained acceptance, knowledge and experience in all aspect of the coffee business. Howard’s trip to Italy a year later would change that one small store into the global corporation it has become today. He was be taken by the warmth and connectivity local Italians shared at their coffee bars, and wanted to combine the great coffee with the closeness of the community. After having a cafe latte, he concluded it was the perfect drink and no one in America knows about it. Upon returning, he had growing frustration as the owners did not want to leave the retail business for the beverage business. A year later, once the sixth store was open did Howard get his espresso bar? It was a huge success, but he could not convince the owners to expand the beverage business to the other stores. He left Starbucks to create his own coffee shop il Giornale with the financial help of Jerry Baldwin. He used Starbuck’s coffee to brew espresso and coffee beverages. We will write a custom essay sample on Starbucks Coffee Company specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Starbucks Coffee Company specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Starbucks Coffee Company specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Soon II Giornale’s three stores had annual sales of $1. 5 Million. In 1987, Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker decided it was time to sell Starbucks and Howard knew this was his opportunity. He was able to obtain the $3. 8 Million in capital to purchase Starbucks. This acquisition started the chain of quick expansion for Starbucks. By the late 1980’s, Starbucks had a few years of unprofitability as the stock market had crashed in October of 87. Howard relentlessly pushed forward, battling with his board to better the company and continue expansion. By 1991, the financial performance had improved and Starbucks went on to introduce their â€Å"bean stock. † This was an employee stock option plan that all employees working more than 20 hours per week were granted 12 percent of their base pay with stock options (Arthur, 1999). These generous fringe and higher than average pay allowed for Starbucks to retain highly motivated and talented baristas. In 1992 Starbucks went public with one of the most successful IPOs of the year. This allowed for Starbucks to pursue their three year geographic expansion plan. They achieved their plan by opening a large store in a major city that acted as a hub. A team of professionals were located in the â€Å"hub† and were task with the opening, support, and development of 20 or more stores around the hub store (Arthur, 1999). To grow internationally, Starbucks sought out license agreements with local companies. In 1996, they made their first international expansion into Japan and Singapore. They identify reputable companies that had experience in retailing and strong local knowledge. Through their aggressive expansion strategy combined with their model to be a connected member of the neighborhood, they have stores in 61 countries and 18,066 shops. They have successful just launched the acquisition into India with the first stores opened in Mumbai in 2012. Starbucks has a diverse beverage product line. Their core business is fresh roasted Arabica coffee, and espresso beverages. From this base, Starbucks continue to innovate their beverage offering based on consumer’s wants where they offer a range of smoothies, teas and chocolate beverages. With tea being a substitute for coffee, they had acquired Tazo Tea and most recently Teavanna. They have expanded their food offering in every store with an emphasis on healthy options. Through a partnership with Pepsi bottling, Starbucks entered the soft drink retail business with bottled Frappuccino and other coffee drinks. The entered the instant home brewing market with the launch of the Starbucks K-Cups. They continue to grow their merchandising and equipment business. Starbucks have a diverse line of merchandise from coffee accessories to music that is played in the stores. They retail all the equipment necessary to properly brew coffee from home, and sell their fresh roasted coffee. Not just a coffee shop and retailer, Starbucks realized its strength and advantage came from motivated baristas who would positively engage customers. The baristas are the face of Starbucks, and to cultivate the Italian espresso bar image, Starbucks had to develop engaged employees. Starbucks is very committed to quality and the image of Starbucks that is why Starbucks does not operate any franchises. At the end of 2012, Starbucks had a total of 18,066 stores of which 9,405 were company owned and 8,661 were licensed stores. The mix of company owned stores and licensed stores allow Starbucks to retain authority while accessing difficult markets and reducing costs. Starbucks classifies its stores into a three-region structure which includes: 1) Americas; 2) Europe, Middle East, and Africa; and 3) China/Asia Pacific. As of September 30, 2012, Starbucks had 7,857; 882; and 666 stores opened in each region respectfully. Under their licensed agreements, Starbucks had 5,046; 987; and 2,628 stores respectfully in each region (Form 10k). Overall the licensed agreements accounted for 9 percent of total revenue in 2012. Since 2009, Starbucks have seen a rapid and steady increase in their stock price. From the low of $8. 45 per share to the recent value of $65. 11 per share as of June 24th, Starbucks is trading just under its 52 week high. Starbucks is financial sound, producing steady cash from operations indicating steady demand and innovation. Consolidated revenues for 201 were $13. 3 billion which is an increase of 13. 7 percent from 2012 revenues of $11. 7 billion. From the $13. 3 billion, company-owned stores contributed 79. 2%; licensed stores – 9. %; and CPG food serveries contributed 11. 7% (Form 10K). Starbucks has been making financial improvements to its operating income which is up 40% since 2010. Their net income is also up 46% since 2010. With this increase only brings marginal performance increase. The operating margin for 2012 was 15% up from 13% in 2010. This has only seen slight improvements due to the volatility in the commodity markets and high costs of operating the stores. Starbucks has been steadily improving and that have estimated a revenue increase of 10 to 13 percent for 2013. They continue to develop and expand their channel development line which includes K-Cups and bottled coffee and tea drinks. They will see a steady increase in revenue from their licensed stores as-well-as their company owned stores. Their stock is estimated to appreciate into the low $70 per share range for 2013. Starbucks faces extensive competition on their coffee beverage business from quick-service restaurants and specialty coffee shops. As more local coffee shops open, they pressure the sales of existing Starbucks. Dunkin Donuts has set its sight on Starbucks, and has rebranded them a beverage company. By 2015 they plan to have opened 15,000 stores west of the Mississippi with a large portion of those stores operating in California (O’Connor, 2013). In distribution and sale of coffee and premade coffee products, Starbucks faces completion from nationwide coffee manufacturers. Kraft Foods is the supplier of Maxwell house and Procter and Gamble is the parent company of Folgers brand coffee. Recently Starbucks had a deal fall through with Kraft over the distribution of coffee to supermarkets. Schultz’s vision to create a company with soul derived the basis of Starbucks competitive advantage. Schultz’s dream to treat every employee with respect and to do better for the community became a way of life for Starbucks through good and bad financial times. Through extensive employee training and involvement, Starbucks developed actively engaged baristas that exceeds customers’ expectations of their coffee shops. Every new hire receives 24 hours of training within the first two to four weeks. They learn how to address and engage the customer, brew the perfect cup, and properly handle the coffee. Starbucks coffee line is hand chosen from around the world. Starbucks strives for the highest standard in the coffee industry and bypasses the coffee commodity market. They enter into fix-price contracts to secure their supply. This also allows Starbucks to exert considerable power of farmers to rely on the accuracy of the fair trade agreements. The stores ambiance of Starbucks is critically important to driving the culture and experiences at the coffee shop. Starbucks developed their own internal team of architects and designers to ensure that each store would convey the right image and character (Arthur, 1999). The company went to great lengths to make sure the store fixtures, the merchandise displays, the colors, the artwork, the banners, the music, and the aromas all blended to create a consistent, inviting, stimulating environment that evoked the romance of coffee, that signaled the companys passion for coffee, and that rewarded customers with ceremony, stories, and surprise (Arthur, 1999). Soon the cost of opening a new store became highly undesirable. Starbucks responded by centralizing buying which allowed them to realize a discount of 20 to 30 percent on orders from vendors. They focused on the equipment that was absolutely necessary for a successful new launch and employed a just in time management system on materials. This significantly cut costs and lowered store development time from 24 to 18 weeks. Through innovation Starbucks continues to remain competitive. Schultz’s built a company where employees can freely, without repercussions, submit ideas and comments about any aspect of the business. Through technological change, Starbucks have captured and stayed true to their promise of coffee and connectedness. Through digital applications, customers can pay for their order by using their phone to enhance the experience of their 14. 6 million loyalty card members. They adapt to consumer preferences and delivered Starbucks K-cups, a lighter roast coffee, and Starbucks refreshers. A constant problem that Starbucks faces is the increased competition from specialty coffee shops around the country. These shops possess a great threat to Starbucks because they specialize in fair trade organic coffee, but have a reputation of being the small business. Starbucks have been able to maintain a competitive edge over the small local coffee shop through their support of the â€Å"hub† system, high traffic locations, and Starbucks mission. The â€Å"hub† system allows for a highly talented team to quickly react to changes in the local market and satisfy consumers. The highly visible and high traffic locations make for convenience when consumers are in a rush on their daily routine. Starbucks involvement in the community through their extensive corporate social responsibility programs makes Starbucks seem like the local coffee shop. Starbucks Coffee Company (Starbucks) has five major stakeholder groups: customers, partners (employees), community / â€Å"neighbors,† suppliers and shareholders. Customers – Starbucks is incredibly dedicated to its customer base and emphasizes the human connection. Starbucks aims to, â€Å"connect with, laugh with, and uplift† (Starbucks mission statement) its customers, even though the customer interaction time is short. Partners (employees) – Starbucks does not simply call its employees, ‘employees,’ but rather partners because it is not just a job, but a passion (mission statement). Everyone within the organization â€Å"treats each other with respect and dignity. † All partners can feel comfortable being themselves because Starbucks is a place that embraces everyone’s individuality. Community / â€Å"Neighbors† – Starbucks has an extensive program around social responsibility and corporate citizenship. Starbucks believe that it should â€Å"have a positive impact on the communities it serves, one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. † (http://www. starbucks. com/responsibility) Suppliers – As part of its community and neighbor focus, Starbucks is passionate about ethically sourcing its coffee beans and â€Å"improving the ives of people who grow them. † (Mission Statement). Starbucks also makes it a point to work with suppliers that share the same vision of social responsibility. If a supplier is not meeting expectations, Starbucks will work with that supplier to make the necessary changes. Shareholders – Starbucks believes that if it can deliver in all of the above mentioned areas that it will be successful and be able to reward its shareholders. It wants its shareholder to â€Å"endure and thrive† (mission statement). Conflict among stakeholders can arise during changing economic conditions, specifically when suppliers are forced to raise prices. This increase in expense for Starbucks can translate into charging higher prices for its products. Customers may be turned off and change their habits and purchase their morning coffee from a competitor. This in turn will affect the financial success of the company and negatively impact the return to shareholders. (Annual report) However, interestingly enough coffee prices are actually falling but Starbucks has decided to increase its prices for certain products, as much as 10 cents. The shareholders will benefit from the extra money to the bottom line, but customers will be unhappy and may feel as though they are being taken advantage of. Table 1 (below), displays Starbucks’ top-management hierarchy, much in the same way the Jones text does in Figure 2. 1 (Jones, p. 38). Starbucks is a publically traded company so its shareholders are the legal owners of the organization. To oversee its governance structure, Starbucks’ Board of Directors adopted governance principles, committee charters and policies that guide the company to stay committed to its mission and maintain its uncompromising principles as it grows (corporate governance). The Board of Directors is also accountable for monitoring and evaluating the corporate-level management team that is responsible for Starbuck’s overall vision, strategic planning and goal-setting. Starbucks’ executive team is led by company founder and CEO, Howard Shultz. Schultz’s top-management team is made up of 14 executives that set strategy and oversee specific geographic areas (Americas, Asia, Africa, etc. ) and company functions like marketing, public affairs, community involvement, digital business, global strategy, and global coffee. Following down the chain of command are managers in line roles that are specifically responsible for the production of coffee in six roasting plants, and managers in staff roles that are responsible for overseeing specific organizational functions like communications, design, engineering finance, green coffee and tea management ,marketing, operations, procurement, quality, research and development, sales, social responsibility and supply chain management. Beyond the central functions are the divisional and functional management teams that oversee Starbucks’ 18,066 (annual report) company-operated and licensed stores throughout the world. In succession, regional directors oversee district managers that oversee store managers that supervise assistant store managers that supervise assistant store managers that oversee shift supervisors and baristas. Each position has its own responsibilities for meeting financial, management and customer service goals. One of the most important positions is probably that of the barista, as those partners are the face of Starbucks interacting with customers and create that personalized and unique customer experience.

The Development Of The Atomic Theory Essays - Chemistry, Physics

The Development Of The Atomic Theory The Greek concept of atomos: the atom Around 440 BC leucippus of Miletus originated the atom concept. He and his pupil, Democritus of abdera refined it for future use. Their atomic idea has five major points. All original writings of leucippus and Democritus are lost. The only sources we have for there atomistic ideas are inquotations from other writers. Democritus was known as the laughing philosopher because he enjoyed life so much. At this time Greek philosophy was about 150 years old, emerging in the sixth century bc, centered in the city of miletus on the ionian coast in Asia minor, which is now turkey. The work of leucippus and Democritus was further developed by epicures (341-270 BC) of Samos. He made ideas more generally known. Aristotle also quotes both of them in arguing against their ideas. Most of what we know about leucippus and Democritus was found in a poem entitled de rerum natura (on the nature of things) written by Lucretius (95-55 BC). This poem was lost for over a thousand years and was discovered in 1417. These are the basic points of their theory. #1 - all matter is composed of atoms, which are bits of matter to small to be seen. These cannot be split any smaller. The atomists hold that splitting stops when it reaches indivisible particles and goes on no more Which means there is a limit to division of matter that we cannot go. Atoms are very hard so they cannot be divided. In Greek a means not and tomos means cut. So our word comes from atomos, meaning uncuttable. He reasoned that if matter could be infinitely divided, it could also completely disintegrate and cannot be put back together, however matter can regenerate. Even though matter can be destroyed by splitting, new things can be made by joining other matter together. This process is reversible. The idea of reversibility means there must be a limit to splitting. If it could be split forever, there is nothing to stop it from destroying itself. Epicures insisted on an upper limit also, that atoms are always invisible, it seems obvious; all matter that can be seen is still divisible, so they can't be atoms. #2- there is an empty space between atoms. Unless there is a void with a separate being of its own 'what is' cannot be moved-nor again can it be 'many' since there is nothing to keep things apart. So there is an empty space between atoms, or a vacuum. Given that all matter is composed of atoms, then all changes must be a result of movement of atoms. So the movement within the atoms is allowed by a space so atoms can move from place to place. #3- atoms are completely solid. If there is a space outside there cannot be a space inside, which would cause to disintegrate. But we knowthis is wrong, in 1919 Ernest Rutherford discovered the nucleus, demonstrating that there is an empty space. #4- atoms are homogeneous (no internal structure) The solidarity of atoms means that atoms are the same all over, or has no internal structure. There was speculation about sub-atomic structure in the 1800's introduced it on solid scientific basis, not until 1897, J.J. Thomson's discovery of the electron that it had internal structure. #5- atoms are different in? 1- there size. 2- their shapes. Democritus and leuccippus say thatthere are indivisible bodies, infinite number and shape Aristotle They have all sorts of shapes and appearances and sizes Democritus Aristotle and others opposed almost all of the ideas of the atom, so most of the information was lost. There is a pattern of atomic thought but only a few scholars gave it real thought. It wasn't until 1803 that john Dalton (1766-1844) a schoolteacher put the atom on a solid scientific base. Dalton's gift for analyzing data allowed him to recognize the connection between atomic weight and weight relations in chemical gases. He was the first to put the idea of atoms and stoichiometry together. Dalton's atomic laws are in the following points. #1- all matter consists of tiny particles called atoms. The existence of atoms first came up 2000 years ago. Though they remained pure speculation for most of this time. #2-

Marketin Strategy In E-Commerce Essays - Management, Free Essays

Marketin Strategy In E-Commerce Essays - Management, Free Essays Marketin Strategy In E-Commerce Marketing Strategy and E-Commerce Introduction With the rapidly advancing technologies that are occurring in modern business, organisations are required to be ready, and able to adapt within their ever-changing environment. It is true across all diverse industries that in order to stay competitive, organisations must be able to utilise the various tools that technology has to offer. Technological factors have been of growing importance, particularly in recent years. A major factor involved in these technology issues is the use of the Internet as a major issue to modern organisations. The Internet has been rapidly growing since it's inception and is now commonly used in all sectors of societies, in all corners of the globe. The Internet has quickly become one of the most valuable assets in modern technology, and as such, is developing as an integral part of modern commerce. As with past technologies, the Internet will have future technological advances develop from its own growth. The task the organisations of in the new century? Realise future opportunities and threats, and base a strategy accordingly. Is it clich to say that 'the Internet changes everything': the challenge now is to say what, how and how quickly. (When Companies Connect, 1999, p.19) The Internet has lead to the birth and evolution of electronic commerce or E-commerce. E-commerce has now become a key component of many organisations in the daily running of their business. Simply defined, electronic commerce is a system of online shopping and information retrieval accessed through networks of personal computers. (Reedy, J. Schullo, S. Zimmerman, K. 2000, pg. 29) E-commerce challenges traditional organisational practices, and opens ups a vast array of issues that the organisations must address. By focusing on the varying levels of an organisation, it soon become apparent the effects that E-commerce can have. An understanding of the implication E-commerce has on such organisational divisions can help businesses gain understanding h ence plan for it's inevitable continuing evolution. In terms of marketing, the modern organisation must be critically aware of the development of E-commerce, and the implications that it entails. Marketers develop their own recipe of promotional tactics to fit the product lines or industries in which they compete. Now electronic communications tools are and will continue to be an important ingredient in the promotional mix (Reedy, J. Schullo, S. Zimmerman, K. 2000, pg. 29) In assessing the implications of E-commerce in terms of marketing, it is important to understand its impact in respect to marketing strategy formulation. As the Internet, and in turn E-commerce has developed, and continues to evolve and grow, it is vital that any organisation, in any particular industry, must base it's strategic planning around such a rapidly growing medium. The growth of the Internet is an environmental influence that must be embraced and understood so to successfully plan for future marketing implementation. In order to successful realise the impact that E-commerce has in terms of marketing, it is important to break the area of interest into some key areas. As most of the issues that arise in terms of E-commerce represent organisations entering the environment, it seems natural to base discussion around this. Therefore, the bulk of the literature review relates existin g organisations entering into the E-commerce market environment. In successfully identifying the relationship between E-commerce and strategy, the issues are categorised as follows: 1. Strategic analysis Understanding the environment 2. Identifying the strategic options/SWOT analysis Strategic Advantages/Disadvantages Advertising Electronic cost cutting/publishing/Process 3. Corporate level, Business level, d Marketing level 4. Retailing in E-commerce Implementation Issues Financial Performance monitoring 5. Conclusion Based on current knowledge state To gain a clearer understanding of the implication of E-Commerce in the formulation of marketing strategy, it is imperative to gain a clear understanding of the environment and it's relevant effects. This helps in understanding the rationale in a developing marketing strategy, particularly the influences of E-Commerce on its make-up. The next crucial element is to gain an understanding of E-commerce itself, as well as the current and p ossible future developments. In understanding E-commerce's impact on strategic foundations, an organisation's strategies can be more clearly focused. Once the organisation and E-commerce's respective environments are clear it is then possible to understand E-commerce's implications in regards to

World War II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

World War II - Essay Example The article, which features a documentary film â€Å"Touching the Tigers,† focuses on the idea that China was an ally of the United States in WWII, and hopefully seeks to instill the notion that it is so until now. In fact, one of those who were responsible for Beneda’s survival was then military commander Li Zongren, who went on to become President of China in 1949 (Friedersdorf, 2012). The truth of this matter is implied to have been confirmed by Beneda’s widow, Elinor Beneda, who was mentioned in another article (â€Å"Documentary,† 2011). In fact, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries have even wanted everyone to know about such friendship that China fostered with the United States, through Beneda’s story (Friedersdorf, 2012). This is perhaps a political strategy to use World War II anecdotal evidence in order to help neutralize the increasing tension between the United States and China. Nowadays, China opposes U.S. sanctions on Iran (Censky, 2012). Moreover, China complains that the United States has not been particularly open to Chinese investors (Censky, 2012). China has also recently challenged the Philippines, an ally of the United States, in the dispute over who has a right to the Scarborough Shoal (Boot & Kirkpatrick, 2012). These misunderstandings plus the fact that China has been rumored to surpass the U.S. in terms of size of economy in 2016 and the fact that Pres. Obama â€Å"will not stand by when [the United States’] competitors don’t play by the rules† (Censky, 2012). However, the article seems to shed a more positive light on these aforementioned matters. Through the article, as well as through the influence of the documentary film it describes, U.S.-China relations will hopefully end up in a more positive light, or as what Henry Kissinger describes as â€Å"†¦a strong, prosperous, and successful China that plays

Discuss point of view in Walkers Everyday Use . Is the narrator Essay

Discuss point of view in Walkers Everyday Use . Is the narrator reliable How does the point of view affect our assessment of the other characters in the - Essay Example The Mother appreciated her modest yard as the following quote shows, â€Å"anyone can come and sit and look up into the elm tree and wait for the breezes that never come inside the house† (Walker, 1998). Yet the Mother could also face the tragedy in her life, like when her daughter was burned. This is proven by the quote, â€Å"Sometimes I can still hear the flames and feel Maggies arms sticking to me, her hair smoking and her dress falling off her in little black papery flakes (Walker, 1998). She did not sugar coat the events in her life by making them appear better or more tragic than they were. This view of her life makes the Mother’s narrative believable. The Mother’s choice of words when describing herself and her daughters also make the narrative plausible. When describing herself, she is far from flattering by saying, â€Å"In real life I am a large, big.boned woman with rough, man.working hands† (Walker, 1998). Her daughter Maggie, who had been burned in the fire, was described as â€Å"a lame animal, perhaps a dog run over by some careless person rich enough to own a car, sidle up to someone who is ignorant enough to be kind to him† (Walker, 1998). The Mother’s other daughter, Dee, receives more of her venom. She is illustrated as pretentious, always wanting to be better than her Mother and Maggie. These descriptions are blunt, so make the story more credible. Using the descriptions of her daughters, the Mother makes the reader feel sorry for Maggie and contemptuous of Dee. When relating Maggie’s acceptance of her fate, by marrying a local boy because of her self esteem being damaged by her burns, the reader admires and pities Maggie. On the other hand, when Dee comes home with a new African name, trying to relate to her African roots, her Mother is disgusted. Dee’s real roots were there at their home with the Mother and Maggie, but her exaggerated ways make the

Death Sentence Errors or Gun Control Term Paper

Death Sentence Errors or Gun Control - Term Paper Example A moral and legal analysis of the second amendment can help in clarifying whether infringement of right of owning and carrying arms should be allowed or disallowed. Firstly, there are no rights that are absolute in nature; even the rights that Americans have been allotted by God and by the Bill of Rights have certain limitation. Similarly, the right of owning and carrying arms cannot even be absolute and can be infringed upon if the person having a particular right is indulged in the act of misusing his/her right. The absolute nature of the right of owning and carrying arms has been challenged by the courts itself for several times. For example during the Miller case which took place during the 20th century, the court ruled that citizens of US are only allowed to carry certain kinds of weapons and not all weapons (Uviller 21). Later in the case of Stevens v. US, the court ruled that citizens cannot be awarded the duty of militia until they become an official of the militia and the ri ght of owning and carrying arms should only be limited to the militia (Carter 558). This writing will focus on the reasons due to which gun control laws should not be implemented. Gun control laws should not be implemented because law abiding citizens use guns as a self defense against goons who use are armed, secondly, guns in the hands of law abiding citizens deters crime and criminals and gun control laws can only control guns that are registered to the names of law abiding citizens and cannot control guns that are in the hands of criminal minds. Body Issues Associated with Guns According to the statistics of the period of 2010, 358 of individuals were murdered with the use of rifles, 6,009 were murdered through hand guns and 1939 individuals experienced being shot through an unknown firearm (FBI, 2013). During the same period, a total of more than 19000 suicides were committed with the use of firearms. Various costs associated with the use of firearms include medical bills, insu rance cost, and costs experience by the US criminal justice system and during the period of 2010, these costs totaled to $174 billion due to incidences of violence conducted while using guns (Goldman, 2012). During the last month of 2012, a 20 year old guy named Adam Lanza went on a shooting rampage in the Sandy Hook Elementary School and took the precious lives of nearly 20 children and six faculty members of the school along with the murder of his own mom and later shot himself. These incidences clearly show that causing injury and killing others and oneself are the two main tasks of guns. Murders conducted with the assistance of a gun can be recognized as a 1st degree murder which means that the killer had intent of killing and a gun made the task easier. Other kind of murders that may take place includes: murder caused while another form of crime was taking place, murder of a friend due to passion and murders caused due to negligence that is criminal in nature. There have been v arious incidences where the murderer has no intention of committing a murder and was at the crime scene to commit another crime such as rape or theft, but the availability of an armed weapon makes the crime lethal. This means that individuals are not rational choice makers and at times they conduct behaviors which they initially