Marketing Absolut Vodka In France free essay sample

Analyzes market, regulation, consumption, European Community issues, threats opportunities, future. This research assesses the prospects for the marketing of Absolute brand vodka in France. The findings of this assessment are presented in the contexts of (1) market description, (2) market overview, (3) environmental analysis, (4) threats and opportunities, (5) future prospects, and (6) action plans strategies and tactics. An assessment of the prospects for the marketing of Absolute brand vodka in France is important to the company that produces the product Vin Spirit AB (VS) of Sweden because the successful marketing of the product, for the most part, determines the financial success of the firm. Although France is not a huge market for vodka products, the country is viewed by VS as an

The Iron Curtain Essay Example

The Iron Curtain Essay Example The Iron Curtain Paper The Iron Curtain Paper Attention Getter â€Å"From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet Sphere†- Winston Churchill, â€Å"The Sinews of Peace†. Winston Churchill’s Sinews of Peace Address, also called the Iron Curtain Speech, was provocative and very informative. His ideas were presented based on the events that shaped the world history and transformed nations into war victims trembling in the dark shadows of the World War II. To that, he called for unity among the nations; â€Å"the iron curtain† that divides Europe into the self-governing nations of the West and the Russian-led nations of the East. He called for unity among the United States and the British Commonwealth, the English-speaking Commonwealth, to elucidate the assurance of security. He called for â€Å"permanent prevention of war and the establishment of conditions of freedom and democracy as rapidly as possible in all countries† (Churchill, 1946). He was a hero for the many who had his side, the ones who supported the idea of Anglo-Saxon global domination (Harbutt, 1988). II. Audience/Ceremony The Academic Audience Winston Churchill presented the Sinews of Peace Address (Iron Curtain Speech) at Westminster College. He was introduced by President Harry S. Truman of the United States to a crowd of 40,000. In addition to the honorary award he was given, he delivered the Sinews of Peace Address, which undoubtedly was one of the most famous postwar speeches he made. B. The Iron Curtain The iron curtain is a boundary between the Eastern and Western Europe. Churchill made mention of the cities lying in this boundary. The cities were: Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia. The phrase â€Å"iron curtain† was popularly recognized after his delivery of the speech. The British Empire and Commonwealth and the United States The intended audiences of Churchill’s â€Å"Iron Curtain Speech† were the populations of English-speaking Commonwealth and the United States. He wanted them to hear his ideas about a world supergovernment that will provide peace and order to all. The speech also changed the classical view of the Western countries about the Soviet Communist rule of the East as well as the Germans’ and Japanese’s participation during the World War. He was an icon of the Anglo-Saxon precipatetes. D. Secondary audiences The Sinews of Peace address stimulated the audiences because of its relevance to the existing economic, political, social, and global security issues not just of the countries he mentioned but also the threat the Soviet Communist might bring in the future. It enjoyed wide circulation across the American continent and the Atlantic. To Harbutt (1988), the speech was one of the reasons that

Answer the following Marketing Discussion Questions Assignment

Answer the following Marketing Discussion Questions - Assignment Example SWOT analysis is the third step which emphasizes on the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats). The fourth step, marketing goals and objectives are formulated that are formal statements of the desired and expected results from the marketing plan. The fifth component is the marketing strategy which entails selecting and analyzing target markets and developing and maintaining a suitable market program (product, distribution, promotion and product) to fulfil the needs of those target markets. Devising of the marketing strategy results in marketing implementation that describes how the marketing plan will be executed. The last stage of the marketing plan describes how the outcomes of the marketing plan are evaluated and controlled. Marketing plan is critical in marketing process because it allows the organizations to identify the right target market and fulfil their needs and wants through the most suitable marketing strategies (Ferre ll & Hartline, 2007, p. 42-45).

A Consultant Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

A Consultant Report - Research Paper Example on as the ratio of a number of customers that have reported higher satisfaction than expectations after using the products and services of the company to the number of total customers served by the company. According to Farris, Bendle, Pfeifer, and Reibstein, (2010), customer satisfaction level is an important aspect in analyzing how the company is performing. The research revealed that 71% of the respondents said that customer satisfaction is critical in managing the business and in monitoring it (Farris et al., 2010). Gitman and McDaniel (2005) stated that customer satisfaction level is considered as a significant and a differentiator factor in this competitive market. In the competitive market, customer satisfaction level is decisive for success. This report analyzes the situation of one of the largest retailers of the world, Wal-Mart. The report analyzes how the retailer is managing and satisfying the customers. The report first gives an overview of the company and issues related to customer satisfaction level at the company are discussed.. Different theories, models and trends on the subject have also been presented in this report. The report also recommends different strategies that Wal-Mart can adapt in order to improve the customer satisfaction level and a plan has been formulated on how to go about these recommendations. Wal-Mart is the leading retailer in United States. Wal-Mart has been operating successfully since 1960s. The company has a presence in 27 countries along with an e-commerce website that allows consumers to purchase and order products that would be delivered at the doorstep of the customers. The company has reported sales of $466 billion in 2013 (Wal-Mart, 2014a). More than 2.2 million employees work for Wal-Mart in different parts of the world. In United States alone, the company has employed approximately 1.3 million employees (Wal-Mart, 2014b). According to Fortune Global 500 list, the company is the largest employer in the world (CNN

You can choose one out of five Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

You can choose one out of five - Essay Example er the story of myths, let us examine the place and the role of the place where it is supposed to happen and be able to characterize the relationship of gods to the place where the story is supposed to take place, and what does it tell us about early Greek culture? I have chosen two myths that I believed have connections with mortals. First myth that I chose who played an important position in the mythology is Zeus. Zeus appeared in the collection of myths in the Greek pagan creation of myths. He was described as the king of the gods, king of law and order, fate, and sky and weather (Atsma, 2000). The Geographic location often referred to in the story of Hesoid, Theogony, is Mt. Olympus. It is a tall mountain with snowy peaks able to penetrate heaven.(v. II 36-52). Mt. Olynpus is characterized as a peaceful place wherein gods and goddesses lived peacefully. This is where Zeus lived, together with other goddesses and muses, his wife, brothers and sisters. Mt. Olympus first appeared in the story of Hesoid, while he was sheparding sheep at the foot of Helicon. Mt. Olympus was the home of Zeus and the twelve muses of Mt. Olympus. These muses came to see Hesoid to tell him of their stories so he could retell it to others. Hesoid is not a supernatur al being. He was an early Greek poet who lived during the 700 BC era. Hesoid opened his story with the tale of muses singing tirelessly to their father, Zeus, in Mt. Olympus. This is the first talk about Mt.Olympus. It is thru songs that the muses told the tale of the clans of men and giants. I perceived Mt. Olympus hall to be happy as it resonates the voices of muses. Mt. Olympus is featured with snowy peaks that leads to heaven, a peaceful place with no troubles or worries because it is guarded by a god. This is where gods built homes and palaces and any gods can live there but no humans were allowed. Mt. Olympus is different from what we see in mountains today. Today, in geography, there are several mountains

Effects Of Co2 Emission Legislation Economics Essay

Effects Of Co2 Emission Legislation Economics Essay The global climate conditions are incessantly changing which has become a threat and one of the greatest challenges faced by the international community. Transport is amongst one of the main factor causing one fifth of greenhouse gas emissions and also a large share of air pollution and noise nuisance (Braithwaite and Drahos, 2000). Additionally it divides natural areas into small patches that lead to severe consequences on the landscape which makes it detrimental to environmental sustainability. The number of vehicles worldwide is projected to increase from around 700 million at present to 1.1 billion by 2020, so if anything, the problems caused by cars will get worse not better, unless dramatic changes are made (Burns et al 2002). In response to the mounting concerns and substantial evidences over global warning, a suite of climate change legislation has been introduced. According to the Kyoto protocol the European Union must reduce greenhouse gas emission by 8%. International manu facturing is dominated by car industry and the vehicle production is considered as the worlds largest manufacturing sector. With internationally integrated investment, production and sales; the automotive industry has the supremacy to manage environmental damage. The authoritative positioning of car industry spawns two contrasting viewpoints; (i) the industrys products are a major source of global environmental damage; (ii) industrys persistently determined to strike a balance between the imperatives of profitability and environmental sustainability. Safety measures have been introduced and legislations have been put forward by the traditional car producing countries for reducing the specific emission for vehicles and to increase fuel efficiency of cars. The study expounds on the various aspects that encompasses the need for CO2 emission legislation and its pertinent ambiguities. The study further investigates the response of EU car industry by critically analysing its strategic app roach to fight against the challenges it faces due to proposed legislation and constantly evolving economic conditions. 1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE BY AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Transport industry is responsible for several activities that one way or another cause environmental damage and these may include; fuel extraction, processing and transport, manufacturing and 90 percent of all carbon monoxide emissions are also cause by cars. In addition to this, cars are also a major cause of acid rain. Following are some facts and figures compiled by examining the existing data that accounts for ample evidence of the environmental damage caused by cars; Amongst all land-based modes of transport, cars are the most energy intensive with petrol-powered cars consuming in aggregate more energy and producing more greenhouse gas emissions than any other type of vehicle (International Energy Agency 1993). Annually seven billion pounds of scrap and waste is produced by international car industry (Elster,1989) Cars are a prime cause of the depletion of the worlds resources (Freund and Martin, 1993). About 25 percent of total CO2 emissions are caused by transportation industry out of which up to 85 percent is caused by road transport (UNEP 2003). On average, road transport accounts for 48 percent of NOx emissions in OECD countries and around 60 percent of this is done by cars (Paterson, 2000). 1.2 ANALYZING THE NEED FOR CO2 EMISSION LEGISLATION The CO2 emissions in the EU grew by 32% between 1990 and 2005 unlike other sectors accomplished to reduce their emissions by 9.5% on average over the same period (World Values Survey, 2003). Earlier, the share of CO2 emissions by transport was 21% in the year 1990 which rose up to 27% by 2005 (UNEP, 2003). Passenger cars and vans are responsible for over half of the CO2 emissions. Kyoto indicates that transport is the worst performing sector that seriously jeopardises the achievement of the targets. Under Kyoto protocol the European Union is committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8 per cent by 2008-2012 compared to the 1990 level (UNEP, 2003). Approximately 20% cut in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 has been committed by the EU and around 30% cut provided that the other countries follow suit when a new climate deal is agreed. The EU has also adopted a target of improving energy efficiency in the European Union by 20% by 2020 (UNEP, 2003). The legal implementation of the se targets along with climate and energy package was adopted in December 2008. The package of emissions trading scheme contains laws for carbon capture and storage, renewable energy, transport fuel quality, and car emissions (Held et al, 1999). 1.3 ASSESSING THE LOOPHOLES OF LEGISLATION The enforcement of CO2 emissions legislation will take place through a system of fines. For every g/km a manufacturer exceeds its company target, it has to pay a â‚ ¬95 fine per vehicle sold, in principle. However, there have been some ambiguities in the commandment indicated in several studies and when all these ambiguities are put together in practice then it signifies that the target for 2015 is close to 140 g/km, rather than 130 g/km (Paterson, 2000). The detected loopholes in the law include: For currently unmeasured and undefined eco-innovations, up to 7 g/km credits that could be exchanged for measured reductions; For very low-emission cars there are super credits, which would count for more than one car and hence water down overall CO2 reductions which are based on fleet averages; Much lower penalties for small surpassing of the target until 2018. The penalties for the first, second and third g/km of surpassing are only â‚ ¬5, 15 and 25 per g/km respectively instead of â‚ ¬95; Exemptions for small-volume carmakers. 1.4 EU CAR INDUSTRY VS CO2 EMISSION LEGISLATION In accordance with the CO2 emission legislation it has been anticipated that its implementation would be fruitful enough to gain at least 20% cut in domestic EU emissions and at most 30% is the target to attain (The Economist, 2002). Scientists believe that about 40% targets are essential to hit the EUs maximum 2 degrees warming (The Economist, 2002). The climate policy is going off track where the substitution of reduction in real emission has been counterbalanced by the effort sharing and ETS laws and the renewable energy law on the other hand, allows bio fuels which could cause the transport emissions to intensify. Transport is also critical in the debate on Europes energy dependence. By mid-2008, approximately â‚ ¬1 billion worth of oil has been imported by Europe per day (Leveque, 1996). The noticeable fact is that EU recognises cars as the single biggest consumer utilizing around 4.4 million barrels per day and is also responsible for 40 per cent of imports which constitutes that car MNCs have a very strong and economically powerful position (World Values Survey, 2003). In order to put political pressure on governments against environmental regulations car MNCs have consistently lobbied governments against emission controls to reduce greenhouse gases on the basis that this would lead to severe economic impacts (Bradsher, 2002). PROPOSED STRATEGY FOR THE EU CAR INDUSTRY Despite of the strict regulations by European Commissions that may impose financial loss to the EU car industry, even then they could gain. In accordance with the strategy suggested by Porter, selling poorly performing, unsafe, or environmentally damaging products is not a route to real competitive advantage in sophisticated industry and industry segments, especially in a world where environmental sensitivity and concern for social welfare are rising in all advanced nations (Porter 1990). The proposed strategic model also supports this vision together with the UNEP, World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development; which sees competitive advantages for businesses that voluntarily adopt environmentally sustainable strategies (United Nations Environment Programme and World Business Council for Sustainable Development 2002). 2.1 PESTLE ANALYSIS European Automotive industry is greatly influenced by the global economic circumstances, political scenarios, changing market trends and revolutionizing technological conditions (Hutton, 2002). All these factors put an impact both directly and indirectly upon the subsistence of the industry. This PESTLE analysis is a significant instrument to illustrate the political, economic, socio- demographic, technological and legislative aspects for managers to develop a strategic approach in order to reduce CO2 emissions in compliance with the legislation. POLITICAL The automotive industry is greatly influenced by European Union that will continue to introduce new legislation and modify the existing ones. The political scenario of EU is exacerbated by the fuel tax which is ineffective to address the environmental issues rather working as a tool for governments to raise revenues (Ostrom, 1990). The European Commissions Auto Oil II programme illustrated in the Table 01, indicates the inefficiency of fuel tax CO2 savings if fuel duty was increased by 20% above 1999 UK levels by 2002 which are unlikely for political reasons; Table: 01 Finland -0.43% France -0,43% Germany -0,61% Greece -2,14% Ireland -1,52 Italy -0,54 Netherland -0,52 Spain -1,41 United Kingdom -0,55 Source: European Commission 2.1.2 ECONOMIC There is a vast scope for improvements in efficiency and environmental sustainability within the automotive industry. The increased use of low carbon technologies in accordance with the CO2 emission legislation creates value and offer secure jobs in the automotive industry. Furthermore, it reduces the â‚ ¬30bn fuel bill that Europes businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, currently pay every year to fill up their vans and this account for a net benefit to the consumer (OBrien et al, 2000). Small and medium sized enterprises in particular stand to benefit from the fuel savings resulting from this legislation. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC In future, China and Latin America are expected to account for the bulk of new car sales worldwide and the ability of the EU to enter these markets is restricted. Most of the revenue generated by the big three American firms is through the sales of pick-up trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) which are considered tarnished due to their size, load and high fuel consumption however, European and Japanese manufacturers are producing similar gas-guzzlers to compete for market share in this sector (Storm Clouds over Detroit 2002; Fords Troubles 2003; Bradsher 2002). TECHNOLOGY For developing a low carbon emission strategy for sustaining business competitiveness, the EU automotive industry must enable cost effective reductions in carbon emissions from production, distribution and energy use across the production process (Dicken, 1998). There is a need for well-timed investment in technologies which are eco-friendly and vital enough to minimise the cost of making the conversion and will provide the potential for business to get the most out of market opportunities. LEGISLATION A number of legislative directives and government policies followed by the growing awareness of climate change issues are aimed at reducing the negative environmental impact of the EU automotive industry. The End of Life Vehicles Directive (ELV) is a complex piece of legislation that aims to increase the levels of re-use and recycling of vehicles that are to be scrapped to improve environmental standards and also limit the use of material harmful to the environment in new vehicles (Martin and Raes, 2002). Moving to low carbon fuel will require a technology shift for both fuel and vehicle technology. 2.2 PORTERS FIVE FORCE MODEL To develop a wholesome model for competitive rivalry risk-adjusted rates of return should be invariable across the business. The structure of an industry explains how it may sustain different levels of profitability (Hasenclever, Mayer and Rittberg, 1997). Porters model is a helpful contrivance to develop a well thought out and a competitive strategic plan that congregates the opportunities and threats of the external environment of the organizations. For an ideal stratagem the understanding of industry structures and their ways of evolution is extremely important. The following Porters five force analysis of EU car industry is intended to propose a valuable strategic approach that is profitable and also tends to comply with the CO2 emission regulations. Potential Entrants Supplier Power Buyer Power Competitive Rivalry Substitute of Products 2.2.1 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS A significant proportion of the total number of vehicles in EU will continue to be outside warranty age thus generating business for the maintenance and repair sub-sector of the automotive industry but cars are likely to be less efficient potentially damaging the industrys environmental agenda (OBrien et al, 2000). On the other hand the legislation consents for basing car taxation on environmental characteristics of the vehicle however, suppliers choice is equally important regarding vehicles for development and promotion. To gain an eco-friendly development and promotion policy economic incentives to suppliers is much more effective and the consumers can be framed to meet the required targets. The adapted version of tradable CO2 performance scheme proposed by California could be beneficial to European automotive industry (OBrien et al, 2000). 2.2.2 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS Consumers help to encourage rivalry through their consumption decisions and switching behaviour however, they currently require the data about the environmental footprint of new and existing automotive products to make fully informed choices. Considering the consumers frame of mind a mixture of regulatory instruments and economic incentives should be launched by the automotive industry and attention should be drawn towards the trade of new cars as well as the usage of the vehicle supply. The public procurement directives could be a step forward to institute a lead market for EU automotive industry for environmentally enhanced vehicles. 2.2.3 THREATS OF POTENTIAL ENTRANTS The strict CO2 emission regulations do not unavoidably hinder competitive advantage against foreign rivals (Ordeshook, 1993). The EU automotive sector should situate determined environmental standards for its market as potential new entrants from Asia including China and India adopt EU car emission rules and hence progressive standards will put the EU automotive industry in a leading position to make the first move. 2.2.4 SUBSTITUTE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Due to the highly technical environment of the automotive sector across the globe; the key challenge for European car industry is to introduce more inventive products in the markets. The revenues of electronics and catalyst firms of the automotive sector will be damaged if compromises are made over environmental standards for vehicles (Green and Shapiro, 1994). Moreover; it is not in the interest of the EU as a whole to become ever more dependent on oil imports. Dominance of the international players like US and China is often considered as a market barrier but the competitiveness of EU automotive industry depends on utilising its potential. It is also imperative to note that he demand for service and mechanical repairs has been evidently reduced due to improved reliability of cars which lead to cutting the labour hours by 32% and the total number of service and repair outlets has fallen by 5,500, to a total of 24,700 in 2004 (Paterson, 2000). 2.2.5 COMPETITIVE RIVALRY The interpretation of competitiveness in EU is heavily prejudiced towards creating monetary benefits for the car industry. The automotive sector of EU must recognise the significance of the soaring competition and rivalry and should adopt the norms of democratic society which demands self-confronting and integrates all stakeholders equally. The competitiveness of this knowledge-based economy can be improved if the car industry gives up its lobbying against the environmental regulations and develop an eco-friendly stratagem (Holliday, Schmidheiny and Watts 2002). CONCLUSIVE REMARKS The introduction of CO2 emissions legislation comes with both negative and positive externalities, information asymmetries and significant uncertainty that subsequently erect barriers. The strategic approach of EU automotive industry to persuade reduced carbon emissions in compliance with the CO2 emission legislation; needs to be addressed in a balanced and appropriate manner taking into account of relevant drivers of change such as market trends, consumer behaviour, the technological conditions and financial facet of the automotive industry. There is an evidence that strong environmental policy, indeed stronger than the rest of the worlds, does not hurt the industry and but improves rather than deteriorates its competitive position and this is illustrated by the voluntary commitments by EU car manufacturers to reduce fleet average CO2 emissions to140g/km by 2008 (ACEA 2002).

How does Steinbeck in Of Mice and Men portray the position of women Ess

How does Steinbeck in Of Mice and Men portray the position of women in 1930's America? 'Of Mice & Men' by John Steinbeck is set during the depression and highlights the extreme economical and social problems through each character. We see them all aspire to live the 'American Dream', while in pursuit for this life disregard one another and do not acknowledge the importance of friendship, in the world of isolation. Loneliness and dreams are recurring themes through out the novel. Curley' s wife is a key figure with in the novel. On a social level she embodies the position of women during the depression and the way in which their emotions had been ignored. George and Lennie are warned of her by candy when they first reach the ranch. He describes her as ' tart' because she's only been ' Married two weeks and got the eye?', we already have am instant dislike about her and we still haven't met her. Steinbeck has purposely not given Curley's wife a name, which highlights the concept of women's social position during the depression and how they seemed to be viewed as nothing more than a mans possession. In this case she is nothing more than Curley's possession We first meet Curley's wife in the barn house; her presence is almost striking. Her appearance seems to embody the image we had constructed from candy's description; provocative and very suggesting. "She had full, rouged lips and wide spaced eyes, heavily made-up. Her fingernails were red" The use of the colour red puts emphasis on the idea of her being a seductress and like a scarlet woman. However it also represents danger; and we are already aware of Lennie's attraction to red. The description of her movements is a projection of her sensuo... ...r she dreams more of being recognised by the masses, she craves the attention that she lacks in the farm. She seemed to view Curley's proposal as a chance for an escape to a better life. We begin to feel sympathy for her, she is trapped in a marriage were she doesn't like her husband, and can't make friends due to his tight rein. Although her fate is tragic, the way in which Steinbeck describes her in the moments after her death is as though she is the opposite person we met in the beginning of the novel. This is significant description in the play; it helps define what Curley's wife and many other woman of that time were, beneath the clothes and make-up. Beneath the actress and the role she played into, was nothing more than a young girl; "The ache and attention were gone form her face. She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young".

Drug Abuse and Addiction Essay

Drug abuse and addiction are a major burden to society. Many people do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as morally weak. One very common belief is that drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior. What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction — that it is a disease that impacts the brain and because of that, stopping drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower. Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drugs work in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume productive lives. So what is drug abuse and why do we became addicted to certain drugs? Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a substance (drug) in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods neither approved nor supervised by medical professionals. Addiction is the continued use of a mood altering substance or behavior despite adverse dependency consequences, or a neurological impairment leading to such behaviors. Addictions can include, but are not limited to, drug abuse, exercise abuse, sexual activity and gambling. Classic hallmarks of addiction include: impaired control over substances/behavior, preoccupation with substance/behavior, continued use despite consequences, and denial. Habits and patterns associated with addiction are typically characterized by immediate gratification (short-term reward), coupled with delayed deleterious effects (long-term costs). Physiological dependence occurs when the body has to adjust to the substance by incorporating the substance into its ‘normal’ functioning. This state creates the conditions of tolerance and withdrawal. Drug addiction and drug abuse, chronic or habitual use of any chemical substance to alter states of body or mind for other than medically warranted purposes. Traditional definitions of addiction, with their criteria of physical dependence and withdrawal (and often an underlying tenor of depravity and sin) have been modified with increased understanding; with the introduction of new drugs, such as cocaine, that are psychologically or neuropsychologically addicting; and with the realization that its stereotypical application to opiate-drug users was invalid because many of them remain occasional users with no physical dependence. Addiction is more often now defined by the continuing, compulsive nature of the drug use despite physical and/or psychological harm to user and society and includes both licit and illicit drugs, and the term â€Å"substance abuse† is now frequently used because of the broad range of substances (including alcohol and inhalants) that can fit the addictive profile. There are many different types of drugs you should be aware of. Some are prescribed, others are known as club drugs, illicit or illegal substances, and some are called designers drugs. They include: Antidepressants, Barbiturates, Cannabis, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Narcotics, Steroids, Stimulants and Tobacco.

Free Essays on Illegal Wildlife Trade

Illegal wildlife trade produces billions of dollars a year globally. It is the second most lucrative illegal trading industry next to drug trafficking. Despite international and local laws designed to crack down on the trade, live animals and animal parts, often those of endangered or threatened species, are sold in open-air markets throughout many regions of the world. Growing demand, leaky borders and the attraction of big money make it a rewarding business. The animals involved in the trade end up as trophies, or in specialty restaurants. Some are used in traditional Asian medicines. One of the monitoring groups, TRAFFIC, claims that as a result, many species are simply disappearing. There are, however, conventions set up to prevent further disappearance and abuse. The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) is an international agreement between Governments; its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threa ten their survival. This sort of trade is most prominent in developing countries. One of the regions most heavily influenced by this market is Asia. China, in particular, is rich in biodiversity especially in the Himalayan region and local people have taken advantage of the resources surrounding them. China has developed a conservation consciousness quite rapidly and has state and local protection lists for these national treasures. The Himalaya region in particular is suffering from illegal trade and hunting despite their implementation of the China Wildlife Protection Law (CWPL). They are especially conscious of the trade of aesthetic mega-fauna such as the Giant Panda, Tibetan Antelope, Saker Falcon. Conservation in China came about only within the past fifty years. The first nature reserve was established in 1956 called Dighushan Nature Reserve and even then many local governments encouraged poaching for skins. (Li Yi-Ming.) From the 60s-80s wildlife h... Free Essays on Illegal Wildlife Trade Free Essays on Illegal Wildlife Trade Illegal wildlife trade produces billions of dollars a year globally. It is the second most lucrative illegal trading industry next to drug trafficking. Despite international and local laws designed to crack down on the trade, live animals and animal parts, often those of endangered or threatened species, are sold in open-air markets throughout many regions of the world. Growing demand, leaky borders and the attraction of big money make it a rewarding business. The animals involved in the trade end up as trophies, or in specialty restaurants. Some are used in traditional Asian medicines. One of the monitoring groups, TRAFFIC, claims that as a result, many species are simply disappearing. There are, however, conventions set up to prevent further disappearance and abuse. The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) is an international agreement between Governments; its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threa ten their survival. This sort of trade is most prominent in developing countries. One of the regions most heavily influenced by this market is Asia. China, in particular, is rich in biodiversity especially in the Himalayan region and local people have taken advantage of the resources surrounding them. China has developed a conservation consciousness quite rapidly and has state and local protection lists for these national treasures. The Himalaya region in particular is suffering from illegal trade and hunting despite their implementation of the China Wildlife Protection Law (CWPL). They are especially conscious of the trade of aesthetic mega-fauna such as the Giant Panda, Tibetan Antelope, Saker Falcon. Conservation in China came about only within the past fifty years. The first nature reserve was established in 1956 called Dighushan Nature Reserve and even then many local governments encouraged poaching for skins. (Li Yi-Ming.) From the 60s-80s wildlife h...

Qué migrantes deben comprar seguro por Obamacare

Quà © migrantes deben comprar seguro por Obamacare Actualmente, si su empleador no le brinda seguro mà ©dico ni tampoco est protegido por programas como Medicaid o Medicare puede que està © obligado a comprarse un seguro mà ©dico en cumplimiento de la ley que se conoce como Obamacare y, si no lo hace, deber pagar una multa. Obamacare, que tambià ©n se conoce como ACA, por sus siglas en inglà ©s o incluso como PPACA, tiene normas complejas. Y este artà ­culo aspira a explicar claramente quià ©n est obligado a tener seguro mà ©dico con especial mencià ³n a las diversas situaciones migratorias e, incluso, tipos de visa. Tambià ©n cules son las excepciones a esta obligacià ³n, cul es el monto de la multa si no se cumple con la ley y quià ©nes pueden comprar seguro a travà ©s del mercado que que se conoce como Marketplace y, es su caso, obtener subsidios para el pago. En este artà ­culo se explica quià ©nes NO estn obligados a comprar un seguro mà ©dico. Y como todos los dems no incluidos, sà ­ estn obligados a adquirirlo, tambià ©n se explica quià ©n puede tener ayuda econà ³mica para comprarlo y cul es la multa por no tener seguro. Quià ©nes no estn obligados a tener seguro mà ©dico   La forma ms sencilla de saber si se est obligado a tener seguro mà ©dico en Estados Unidos es determinar que no se est en uno de los grupos que pemiten no tenerlo. Y no estn requeridos por ley los siguientes: Ciudadanos y residentes permanentes legales en una de las siguientes situaciones especiales No estn obligadas aquellas personas con ingresos tan bajos que no tienen que llenar las planillas de impuestos (tax returns)Tampoco aquellas que no pueden pagarlo porque el costo del premium del seguro ms barato supera en un ocho por ciento los ingresos del hogar.Tampoco se tiene obligacià ³n si el tiempo sin seguro no excede de tres meses en el conjunto de un aà ±o.  Ni los ciudadanos que residen habitualmente en el extranjero o pasan al menos 330 dà ­as de un total de 12 meses en otro paà ­s. Estos ciudadanos pueden comprar seguros privados de corta duracià ³n cuando se encuentran en Estados Unidos si asà ­ lo desean.Tampoco estn obligados las personas que se encuentran en prisià ³n ni aquellas a las que su religià ³n se lo prohibe.Asimismo,   tampoco aplica a los nativos americanos que pueden obtener cobertura mà ©dica a travà ©s Servicio Mà ©dico Indio o los religiosos cubiertos por Health Care Sharing Ministry.Tampoco estn obligadas las personas con pocos ingresos que podrà ­an ser elegibles para Medicaid segà ºn las reglas establecidas por Obamacare, pero que viven en un estado que ha elegido no extender este beneficio. Por à ºltimo, ciertas situaciones transitorias de dureza pueden servir para calificar para no tener que comprar un seguro mà ©dico, como por ejemplo: declaracià ³n de bancarrota, haber sufrido un desastre natural como huracn o tornado, ser và ­ctima de violencia domà ©stica, estar en una situacià ³n de desamparo y no tener vivienda o, incluso, la muerte de un miembro de la familia.   Todos los ciudadanos y residentes que no estn en ninguna de esas categorà ­as citadas anteriormente deben estar cubiertos por un seguro mà ©dico. Situacià ³n de migrantes indocumentados y Obamacare Segà ºn la ley, las personas sin estatus legal en los Estados Unidos -los migrantes indocumentados- no estn obligadas a comprar un seguro mà ©dico. Ni tampoco tienen que pagar una multa por no tenerlo. Es decir, no les aplica la ley para nada, ni para lo bueno ni para lo malo.    A la hora de aplicar para comprar seguro a travà ©s de Obamacare se verifica el estatus legal del solicitante, siendo necesarios al menos 2 I.D. para acreditar ciudadanà ­a de Estados Unidos o residencia permanente legal. El sistema SAVE es una base de datos federal contra la que se verifican todos los I.D. que se presenten. Especial mencià ³n hay que hacer a los muchachos que aplicaron por la medida que se conoce como Accià ³n Diferida (DACA) y obtuvieron la aprobacià ³n. Se les considera que no estn legalmente presentes en los Estados Unidos y, como consecuencia, no estn obligados a comprar un seguro mà ©dico. Tampoco pueden beneficiarse de ninguna ayuda si deciden comprarlo. Es importante resaltar que todos los indocumentados -con DACA o sin ella- pueden comprar su propio seguro mà ©dico privadamente. Tambià ©n tienen las puertas abiertas en algunas instituciones que atienden sin fin de lucro y en los Centros de Salud Comunitarios y en los Centros de Salud Federalmente Calificados. Tambià ©n hay programas limitados como WIC, para embarazadas, lactantes, bebà ©s e infantes. Adems, algunos estados como California o Nueva York, permiten que tengan acceso a travà ©s de sus sistemas estatales a protecciones limitadas  en asuntos de salud o incluso a travà ©s de programas que aplican en condados concretos. Adems, California est viendo cà ³mo los indocumentados podrà ­an llegar   a beneficiarse de Obamacare, pero por ahora no pueden. Los indocumentados y los muchachos con DACA deben tener mucho cuidado con fiscalistas inescrupulosos que aseguran que tienen que pagar una multa por no tener seguro mà ©dico y se quedan con ese dinero. Porque, como ya se dijo ms arriba, ni tienen obligacià ³n de comprar seguro ni tienen que pagar si no lo tienen. Turistas en Estados Unidos y Obamacare Los extranjeros que se encuentran en los Estados Unidos por turismo no estn obligados a tener seguro mà ©dico. Sin embargo, es altamente recomendable que adquieran uno antes de viajar por las cifras astronà ³micas que puede alcanzar una simple consulta mà ©dica o una hospitalizacià ³n para un procedimiento sencillo debido a una urgencia. Adems, llamar la atencià ³n sobre las posibles consecuencias negativas de tener un bebà © en Estados Unidos con estatus de turista si no se paga completamente la factura de la hospitalizacià ³n. Por à ºltimo, las personas extranjeras residentes en otros paà ­ses que desean recibir tratamiento sanitario en Estados Unidos deben pagar por el mismo o mostrar un seguro mà ©dico que cubra por los gastos. Recordar que el riesgo de convertirse en una carga pà ºblica es una de las muchas causas de negacià ³n y/o cancelacià ³n de la visa americana. Visas de estudiantes y de intercambio y seguro mà ©dico Para los efectos de Obamacare, los estudiantes y participantes en programas de intercambio no son consideradas residentes legales temporales. Lo siguiente afecta a los extranjeros presentes en Estados Unidos con visas F, M, J, Q y sus dependientes.   Los estudiantes (F, M, Q) estn exentos de tener seguro mà ©dico durante los primeros cinco aà ±os de su estadà ­a en Estados Unidos. A partir de esa fecha debern iniciar trmites para que los consideren no residentes y probar fuertes lazos con su paà ­s para evitar tener la obligacià ³n de comprar seguro mà ©dico. Los titulares de visas J de intercambio, tienen una exencià ³n durante los dos primeros aà ±os de su estancia.   Obviamente, el sentido comà ºn indica que lo prudente es tener un seguro mà ©dico. Se puede comprar privadamente y, adems en el caso de los estudiantes, en muchas ocasiones se puede adquirir a travà ©s de las propias universidades. En total se estima que un total de 24 millones de personas que residen habitualmente en los Estados Unidos no tienen la obligacià ³n de tener seguro mà ©dico. Casos especiales En primer lugar, las personas menores de 26 aà ±os pueden estar incluidas en el seguro mà ©dico de cualquiera de sus padres. En segundo lugar a las personas con visas H-1 para profesionales y modelos  y L-1 de transfer entre empresas  se  les considera a estos efectos como residentes temporales y deben tener cobertura mà ©dica. Si trabajan en un lugar con ms de 50 empleados lo obtendrn por ley a travà ©s de la empresa pero si es ms pequeà ±a depender de la polà ­tica de la empresa. Si à ©sta no lo da, pueden obtenerlo a travà ©s del marketplace o comprar uno directamente con una aseguradora para sà ­ y sus dependientes (H-4).  ¿Cà ³mo se hace para obtener un seguro mà ©dico en Estados Unidos? Si no se est en ninguna de las categorà ­as mencionadas anteriormente y que dan derecho a estar exentos de la obligacià ³n de tener un seguro mà ©dico entonces hay que conseguir uno. Lo cierto es que en Estados Unidos la gran mayorà ­a de personas con esta obligacià ³n - tres de cada cinco- lo obtienen a travà ©s de las empresas para las que trabajan.  Y otro 12 por ciento resuelve la situacià ³n a travà ©s de programas pà ºblicos como Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, el Sistema de Veteranos, u otros como COBRA (desempleados que cumplen ciertos requisitos) o TRICARE (militares). Para el resto caben dos alternativas para cumplir con la ley. Primero, contratar un seguro privado por su cuenta o, segundo, acudir a lo que se conoce como el Health Insurance Marketplace.  ¿Quà © es el Marketplace para la compra de seguro mà ©dico? El Marketplace un mercado en internet donde se da la opcià ³n de comparar y comprar el seguro mà ©dico que ms se ajuste a las necesidades del comprador. Tambià ©n se conoce en inglà ©s con el nombre de exchanges. Los seguros varà ­an enormemente segà ºn lo que se paga, las coberturas que se acuerdan, la aseguradora, el estado en el que se reside, si se elige un PPO o un HMO, etc.  ¿Quià ©nes pueden comprar seguro mà ©dico en el marketplace? Todas las personas en una de las siguientes categorà ­as que no tienen seguro mà ©dico porque no se lo da la empresa, ni estn cubiertos por asistencias pà ºblicas como Medicare, CHIP o Medicaid ni han contratado uno directamente con una aseguradora. El seguro en el marketplace se puede comprar para sà ­ mismo y para las personas dependientes, como por ejemplo los hijos menores de 26 aà ±os. Ciudadanos o nacionales de los Estados Unidos. No importa el caminio por el cul se adquirià ³ la ciudadanà ­a.Todos los   extranjeros presentes en Estados Unidos que califiquen, esto es:   Residentes permanentes legales.Extranjeros en el proceso de ajuste de estatusAsilados y refugiados. Los primeros sà ³lo si ya tienen aprobado el permiso de trabajo (EAD) o son menores de 14 aà ±os y llevan de espera en su aplicacià ³n ms de 180 dà ­as.Cubanos y haitianos que ingresaron al paà ­s por reglas especà ­ficas que aplican sà ³lo a ellos. Y cualquier persona a la que se le haya concedido un parole en una frontera (puerto, aeropuerto o paso terrestre).Las personas a las que se le concedià ³ con anterioridad a 1980 un ingreso condicional.Las personas buscando legalizacià ³n en base a maltrato y sus cà ³nyuges, hijos, padres o madres.Las và ­ctimas de trfico humano, sus cà ³nyuges, hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os, padres, madres y hermanos.Los migrantes que gozan de un TPS.Los extranjeros con visas temporeras de trabajo, como por ejemplo las H-1B, las H-2A y las H-2B y otros comprendidos dentro de la clasificacià ³n de residentes legales temporales, como por e jemplo, los periodistas con visa I, los religiosos con una R, los prometidos (novios) de ciudadanos americanos con una K-1, los inversores (EB-5, E-2), oficiales de gobiernos extranjeros, los estudiantes, trabajadores de la OTAN, personas con visas de intercambio J-1 o trabajadores en situacià ³n de transfer dentro de sus empresas (L-1). Por regla general, tambià ©n se incluye a sus cà ³nyuges e hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os.   Los extranjeros a los que se les ha concedido una suspensià ³n de la deportacià ³n (withholding of deportation/removal) o una suspensià ³n administrativa de la expulsià ³n (staying removal)Los muchachos a los que se les ha concedido el Estatus de Inmigrante Especial Juvenil.Las personas favorecidas por una orden presidencial que pospone su salida obligatoria de los Estados Unidos, lo que se conoce como DED o Deferred Enforced Departure y que en la actualidad sà ³lo aplica a ciudadanos de Liberia.Los residentes de la Samoa AmericanaLos ciudadanos de Micronesia, las islas Marshall o PalauLos miembros de una tribu nativa reconocida federalmente  Los nativos americanos (first nations) nacidos en Canad y que viven en los Estados Unidos. En el caso de familias mixtas con miembros legales y otros indocumentados, se puede aplicar para las personas que tienen estatus. No se preguntar por las circunstancias migratorias del resto. Y, si califican, los miembros legales pueden beneficiarse de subsidios.  ¿Quià ©n tiene derecho a descuentos de seguro mà ©dico a travà ©s del Marketplace? Muchas de las personas autorizadas a comprar seguro mà ©dico a travà ©s de este sistema podrà ­an tener derecho a dos clases de subsidios: Fiscales (tax subsidies), para los que ingresan menos del 400 por ciento de lo que est establecido como là ­nea de la pobreza. Esto viene a ser aproximadamente $46,000 para las personas que viven ellas solas y ms para las familias.De pago (cost-sharing), para ayudar a pagar por copagos, deducibles, primas, etc y que beneficia a las personas que ingresan en un aà ±o menos del 250 por ciento de lo que est establecido como umbral o linea de la pobreza.  ¿Cundo se puede comprar en el Marketplace? Las pequeà ±as empresas tienen el marketplace abierto sin là ­mite de fechas para incorporar a trabajadores. Adems, si se ha cambiado recientemente de estatus migratorio se podrà ­a calificar para un tiempo especial para enrolarse.  ¿Cul es el castigo por no tener seguro mà ©dico cuando se tiene obligacià ³n de tenerlo? En el 2017  el importe a pagar en concepto de multa ser la cantidad ms grande de entre estas dos: $695 dà ³lares por persona, cantidad que se ajustar segà ºn la inflacià ³n,  con un tope mximo de tres por familia, si bien el importe a pagar por un nià ±o menor de 18 aà ±os es de $347.50.el 2.5 de los ingresos de la renta imponible.  ¿Cà ³mo cobra el gobierno esa multa? Automticamente en cuando se hace el clculo de lo que toca a pagar (o a regresar) al llenar las planillas de los impuestos federales. Para cobrar el multa en su totalidad el gobierno puede incluso no regresar lo que toque a devolver por varios aà ±os, hasta que la deuda se paga completamente. Para mayor informacià ³n sobre Obamacare Se puede marcar al telà ©fono gratuito 1-800-318-2596 o consultar la pgina oficial de Cuidado de Salud del gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal

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Police Misconduct - Essay Example The police may torture a detainee in custody in order to force confessions to crimes that were not otherwise committed by the detainee. If it emerges that the detainee was tortured, the police may lie about what they know so that they can avoid the possible consequences. Police may torture a detainee in their custody with the intention of forcing the detainee to confess to some crimes or to obtain evidence that can secure conviction in a court of law. The police can also force some witnesses to testify in court cases by providing false evidence. The forced witnesses may be threatened with jail terms if they fail to cooperate with the police (CIP). In order to deal with police misconduct, anyone who witnesses it should report by either doing it directly or anonymously to the police. A review board will then analyze the case in order to establish the truth. Police officers can then be prosecuted or cleared of any misconduct charge (CMC