Gay and Lesbian Parenting free essay sample

A study on the issue of homosexual parenting. This paper examines various opinions regarding the topic of gay and lesbian parenting. It illustrates clearly that gays and lesbian parents are mentally and emotionally stable enough to provide their children with love, support and attention that they require for success in all areas of life. The commons myths are addressed in this paper and are dispelled as being groundless in fact. This paper also discusses several court rulings concerning this issue. The Courts in the United States have tried repeatedly to provide children with a family setting which is recognized by American Family Law. Even the societal changes, which are currently taking place in family structures, the society itself and the legal system of our country have failed to see beyond the myths and misconceptions associated with alternative family structure. Millions of gays and lesbians are now trying to become parents through adoption, insemination and surrogate procedures. We will write a custom essay sample on Gay and Lesbian Parenting or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page No matter which method is finally chosen, it has been repeatedly proven by researchers and pediatric professionals that gay couples are absolutely capable of providing love, support and moral values required for healthy mental and emotional development of children.

American Foreign Policy and Re essays

American Foreign Policy and Re essays Broadcast journalism has been used throughout recent history to shape popular opinion about how governments deal with international issues. If we look at major historical events related to American foreign policy such as the Vietnam war, the Persian Gulf War, the war in the former Yugoslavia, or the events of September 11, 2001 and its aftermath, they can hardly be imagined without the television images carried into American (and other) homes. The American media giant has a definite impact on what Americans understand about world events and how the US government responds to them. How has this so called free press been manipulated in the last three decades of world history? Wars and political movements through out developing nations have been played out on the stage of living room televisions and have held Americans and others as a captive audience. Television is able to rivet people to their televisions for up-to-date live coverage with an unquenchable thirst. The need to know is fed with the presses ideals of the public has the right to know. Are people manipulated by the news media? One has to wonder if the political gains of the world leaders are connected to their reactions to world events, or do world events control the policy makers. Edward Bickham former special advisor to the British foreign secretary says, The power of television in foreign policy is a mixed blessing. As a medium it plays too much to the heart and too little to the head. It presents powerful emotive images, which conjure strong reactions...Anecdotes about individual suffering make compelling television, but they rarely form a good basis to make policy. Wars on television have been the main topic of a great deal of compelling news coverage. At the time of the Korean War the television industry was still in its infancy stage, therefore not much material was given to the public through this medium. Many pe...

Greeks Interaction with other Nations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Greeks Interaction with other Nations - Essay Example He did not have enough written document to assist him in his investigations of the Greek aspects of the War. In ancient Greece history was transmitted orally. He was therefore reduced to gather oral testimony from survivors and descendants of survivors of an era. He was too young to have experienced, but Herodotus had overcome those difficulties." He weighed and carefully sifted the oral accounts of his witnesses, making clear to his audience which among them contained evidence that was probable, Possible".(A. Robertson) The history of the Persian Wars was written with purpose of passion. To him men are only puppets in an all powerful fate. He thus tried to find out the universal truth through human beings. Although he was an Ionian Greek, Herodotus yet believed that Athenian vigor, liberty and democracy. He explained Athens's instrumental role in the defeat of the Persians. "The Athenians were saviors of Greece" and later justified her domination of Greek affairs through her Empire. The Persian Wars lasted for nearly five years (500BC- 479 BC) Herodotus provides information among many other things of the rise of the Persian Empire under Cyrus, the humiliating defeat of proud Croesus and two invasions of Greece by the Persians, the first under Darius turned back at Marathon (490B.C.) With the destruction of the Persian fleet at Salamis, Greece was saved from destruction. Her golden age began. He wanted to preserve the moral lesson embodied in what he saw the victory of Greek liberation from the clutches of Persian autocracy. The Persian Wars provided him the golden opportunity to construct this epic. Herodotus was the first historian to understand the need for a purpose in historical study. He was a true researcher who truly laid his hands on discovering the truth for example, the causes of the Persian War. He tried his best in putting together a long involved historical narrative in which the main theme never been lost. His comparative and constructive study of Greeks and Barbarians led a few scholars to consider him as a friend of the Barbarians. In the opinion of H.E. Barnes, "the frame of Herodotus will endure as the first constructive artist in the field of historical writing as the author of the earliest comprehensive historical work, as the first to imply that the task of the historian is to reconstruct the whole past life of man ... in the entire course of historical writing. He won for history a distinct place in the arts and sciences of mankind for all times." Aeschylus (525-456BC), Greek dramatist born in Eleusis, near Athens, he was the earliest of city's tragic poets. As the predecessor of Sophocles and Euripi dies, he is the founder of Greek Tragedy. "The Persians", presented in 472 BC, is a historical tragedy about the Battle of Salamis, the scene being set in Persia at the court of the mother of King Xerxes I. In the Play it is written that the Greek prevented an invasion by the superior forces of the Persians. More precisely, the play focus is the Persian reaction to their defeat. The Greek's belief on ghost can be seen when Darius appears, and blames his son Oxeyes arrogant pride which had

Saudi Arabia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Saudi Arabia - Research Paper Example As Prophet Mohammad was responsible for converting members of all communities into Islamic faith, the constitution of Saudi Arabia has been the Holy Koran. The Islamic law, called Shari’a guides the country. The King is bound by such laws, along with the advice of Ulema, the religious scholars. The status of women has improved, as compared to the same that was prevalent during the pre-Islamic period, in Arabian region. However, the same needs lot of further reforms, as the present laws are definitely against females. Incidentally, Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world, where women are not allowed to drive. The oil boom, starting from 1950-60 has brought prosperity and huge economic development to the nation, which is evident everywhere in the country, currently. Pre-Islamic history of Saudi Arabia Before the dawn of Islam and arrival of Prophet Mohammad, as messenger from God; the whole Arabian Peninsula was fragmented into different tribes, with no cohesion or authori ty. As there was total lack of any political organization or activity, in \the whole region; the moral authority of tribal chiefs ruled the day, which was decided by their personality and character. However, Yemen was an exception, as it had some sort of a political government. Due to lack of any government in the Arabia, the Justice was delivered, barely as per the wishes of injured victim, which most often resulted in harsh cruelty. Since no judges, police or other law enforcing agencies prevailed, the rule of justice was based on the feelings of revenge. Hence, the confederation of tribes played an important part to protect people from enemies, seeking such revenge. (Arabia Before Islam) No political authority The life in Arabia, during late sixth and early seventh century, A.D, just before the arrival of Prophet Mohammad, revolved mainly around war and other feuds among various tribes. As it is, the region is mostly covered by the Arabian Desert, which could not support life, as progressively, as is being done now. Therefore, war was seen as an instrument to reduce the population, while people enjoyed participating in such battles. They took it as an activity to kill their time, while war gave them the opportunity to show case their skills with bows, arrows, horsemanship and so on. The victory of the people in war would bring honor to the whole tribe. There were mainly two groups of Arabian population, at that time, called Hejaz and Bedouins. While people belonging to Hejaz section were settlers along the towns, Bedouins were nomadic tribes, which used to wander around, looking for their own prey. The sedentary population of Hejaz group always feared the nomads, as Bedouins were deemed to be the pirates of the desert, following their own anarchic traditions. The lack of any political authority, until the rise of Islam in the region was responsible for arrogance of the people. The command of any tribal leader and obedience to the same was mainly based on th e sharing of booty, during any battle. The obedience would vanish, once the sharing gets over, as the members would freely change their loyalty. Religions followed in pre-Islamic Arabia Various tribes followed different religious faiths. Most of the population was idol worshippers, as Kabba in Makkah had around 360 idols made from stone and wood. The tradition says that it

Company Introduction, Market Segmentation, and Product Positioning Essay Example for Free

Company Introduction, Market Segmentation, and Product Positioning Essay The key to successful product implementation in today’s national enterprise system is the effective marketing of a new product with the company’s line of existing products. As stated by Lacobucci (2012), marketing is defined as an exchange between a company and its customers. The customer wants something from the company or firm and vice versa. In previous times, a company would manufacture a product they thought the customer would want or need. The customer purchased that product because of a pending need, which basically meant that marketing used to be product oriented. However, marketing today is more that an advertisement for goods and services in an attempt to attract new business. We live in a customer orientated and empowered marketing environment. We realize the importance and ramifications of having an exchange with our customers and developing a relationship with them. It is this exchange of information between our company and our existing as well as future customers that secures our position in our target market. Our company is a regional tool distributor located in the northeastern section of the United States. Our customer base consists of several major retailers, nationally known in the retail and wholesale tool industry. We used the brand label Blue Steel Tools for marketing and distribution of our products to discuss the implementation of an effective plan to market a new product line, the Illuminated Power Wrench. This paper will analyze market, identify our market segment for sales distribution and discuss the reasoning for the segment. Discussing the target market and why the targeted customers were specifically selected. We will do the SWOT analysis; describe the unique market position and the expected service provided in meeting the needs of the target audience. 1. Identify the marketing segment for the product and provide a rationale for this segment. The definition of a market segment as stated by Lacobucci (2012) is a group of customers that shares similar inclinations towards our brand. To define market segment further for our needs, it is an identifiable group of individuals, professionals or organizations that share one or more characteristics or needs in an otherwise homogenous market. In our case, our product will have a very wide market of consumers and small business owners and employees. Therefore we will need to reduce the market segments to larger chunks. Market segments generally respond in a predictable manner to a marketing or promotion offer. The market segment for the new product will vary widely due to the versatility of our product usage. Our main segment approach will focus on the wholesale distribution to retail repair supply stores who carry lines of tools for resale to the private and business consumer. These market segments will include businesses such as Lowes and Home Depot, retail tool distributors such as Harbor Freight Tools, automobile parts stores such as Advance Auto Parts and tool catalogue companies such as great Northern to name a few. As we analyze this segment we ask the question if this segment is viable and can we profit from using it. Other considerations are accessibility and measurability. This segment is small enough to manage our sales and distribution, but large enough to reach the ultimate user of our product. This market segment possesses the potential and versatility to sell and distribute our product to the target consumer market with a widely diversified audience in the retail industry. The bases for this segmentation include similar demographics, geographical locations, and psychological make-up of customers and behaviors of users/purchasers. In other words, the customer base for our segments meets the desired user of our end product. Anyone who builds or repairs something whether they are a novice or professional is a potential customer. Therefore, by using this method of market segmentation for product distribution, we will successfully sub-divide a large homogenous market into clear identifiable and manageable segments that have similar needs, wants or demand characteristics indicated by Lacobucci (2012). 2. Discuss the target market and provide rationale for this target market. The target market defined is the particular market segment at which a marketing campaign is focused. As stated earlier, this product has been designed for the retail tool industry. We have targeted segments in the industry that will be the most successful in reaching the consumer and generating a demand for our product through steady sales. Lacobucci stated the first perspective in assessing segments target is to have a view of the segments themselves and the primary concern is the segment be profitable. This in turn will become a profitability issue for our company as we continue to hold a place in the small tool market and generate profits with continued sales. The second perspective examined was if the market or segment fit with who we are. In this case the answer is yes. The ultimate target for this product is the consumer. The greater exposure we have, the higher propensity for sales growth. The illuminated ratchet screw driver is a quality tool for use by not only the novice home self repair person; it will also meet the needs of the professional repair person, no matter what the industry. The illumination system in the handle of the wrench will appeal to the vehicle mechanic working in the close quarters of an engine compartment, the electrician repairing the circuit breaker box, the computer repair technician working in between electronic circuitry as well as to the basic consumer performing handy maintenance projects. This tool will come with the standard wrench lugs and have availability to accessories such as wrench tips to enhance its versatility to meet the needs of a wider target audience. The wider target audience is customers of our targeted market segments. Therefore the target market is our pathway to the ultimate user of the product is consumer sales. The strategic sales objective of these retail establishments coincides with our strategic vision of reaching the ultimate user of our products, satisfying their needs and increasing the likelihood of additional product sales. 3. Perform a SWOT (strengths, weakness, opportunities and treats) for the company. As we move forward in the marketing of our product, we need to our own corporate strengths. Lacobucci (2012) suggests the use of a SWOT analysis in identifying our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The strengths and weaknesses characterize our company in relation to competitors where the opportunities and threats characterize the broader environment such as the tool industry, suppliers, the government and etc. Our strengths are in our track record in t he tool industry. We have provided quality products at competitive prices. Another perceived strength is in the management of our company. The senior management of Steel City Tools has provided a strategic vision with clearly defined attainable goals for market position and sales. However a perceived threat is in the foreign market. A number of tool company’s efforts have been over shadowed with a cheaper duplication of products from foreign markets. The US has been plagued with a reduction in the manufacturing industry due to globalized markets, elimination of trade barriers and outsourcing. The end result is our market segment (distributor) could purchase a similar product cheaper and increase their gross margin and not purchase our product for resale. Another threat we are not prepared to react to is loss of a major distributing customer. With more and more businesses merging, we could lose a distribution source with no warning. One of our weaknesses is we have focused on sales east of the Mississippi, thus limiting market expansion. However, this could be turned around as a future opportunity for market expansion. An easy way to expand our market is to establish a retail division and use infomercials through the cable television network to accept mail order/telephone order select product sales such as our new illuminated power wrench. However, a marketing effort of this nature would require careful consideration must be given to the geographical area so as not to alienate our primary segment customers. A move of this nature would require additional capital investment and careful analysis of this type of expansion would be necessary to minimize risk of project failure. The SWOT is useful in clarifying our marketing questions. The key is to address our shortcomings so as not to give the competition an upper hand and not raise concerns with our customers and capitalize on our strengths for continued success. 4. Create the market position for your product and service. Explain your rationale. Product positioning, according to the Encyclopedia of Business, involves the tailoring the entire marketing program to include product features, distribution, price, quality and service to meet the needs of the consumer within the specific market segment. In this manner, the product positioning is part of the overall market segmentation. Product position takes place in our distributors store, or target market segment and tells us how we can strive most effectively in that market segment against our competition which are also present on display. The key is to understand the consumer perceptions of the product and the marketing behind it. Quality, reliability, affordability, unique features, benefits to the customer is just a few attributes of product positioning. According to Lacobucci (2012) positioning is often about modifying the four P’s of marketing (position, price, place and promotion). In the case of our company, our reputation is a reflection of the position to provide a quality product at a competitive price while leading the market in innovation. Our company performance is attributed to the quality of our employment staff. Our employees are at the core to our success. We have established core values for our company’s work force by creating a positive work culture with recognition of the whole person concept. The strategic leadership from the top on down to the employee fosters productivity with reward and recognition to enhance their performance in support of the company operations to include our marketing efforts. Thus the positive and proactive personality of our company in meeting its marketing objectives is a direct reflection of the quality of every member of the Blue Steel Tool Team. As we continue to grow and develop products for sale, we position our products at a distribution sales point or market segment with the greatest customer exposure for maximum market penetration. We will service our product to the satisfaction and benefit of the customer so as not to jeopardize customer confidence as well as the business relationship with our market segment. The product we create and the service we provide are a direct reflection of not only our company, but that of our distributors. Our products are designed to meet the working needs of our professional as well as consumer clientele with a level of quality that meet or exceed expectations at the best value. References Lacobucci, D. (2012) Marketing Management: 2012 custom edition. Mason OH Market Segment Defined Retrieved from http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/market-segment. html Morley R. (2006), Trumpet Print Edition: The Death of American Manufacturing, February 2006 Retrieved from http://www. thetrumpet. com/index. php? page=articleid=1955 Reference for Business Product Positioning: Encyclopedia of Business, 2nd ed. Retrieved from http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/small/Op-Qu/Product-Positioning. html Target Market Defined retrieved from http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/target-market. html

How Can Assistive Technology Benefit Preschool Special Education Studen

How Can Assistive Technology Benefit Preschool Special Education Students? The inclusion of special needs children with typically developing peers has become a key service option in preschool special education classrooms (Odom, 2000). Benefits abound, yet inclusion does not present without challenges. Young children with disabilities find it complicated to interact with objects and peers due to obstacles that their disabilities present. A child unable to speak too often goes unheard. Students with limited movement are frequently unable to participate in activities with peers. How can young children with disabilities achieve some degree of independence so that they may interact in their environments without reliance on others? Assistive technology (AT) can help young children with disabilities fully participate in natural, inclusive learning environments (Sadao & Robinson, 2010). Through the use of AT devices, even the youngest of children are provided opportunities for developmentally appropriate play, movement and communication. In this paper, I will talk about the use of assistive technology to promote young children's participation in preschool learning opportunities. Furthermore, I will discuss a few of the many potential benefits of AT when used within the preschool special education classroom, including: opportunities for play, movement, and communication. IDEA defines assistive technology as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially of the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." (Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) 20, USC, Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25) US). According ... ...stive technology and how is it used in schools? Retrieved March 25, 2012, from www.sc.edu/scatp/cdrom/atused.html Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Centers. (2006). Assistive technology for infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities. Minneapolis, MN: PACER Center University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology. (2000). Playing with switches: Birth through two. Retrieved March 23, 2012 from http://letsplay.buffalo.edu/toys/playing-with-switches/playing-with-switches.htmf Wilcox, J., (1999) Assistive technology and early childhood education. Journal of Special Education Technology, 28(3), 63-78 Wilds, M. L. (1989). Effective use of technology with young children. NICHCY News Digest, 13,6-7. Willis, C. (2009). Creating inclusive learning environments for young children: what to do on Monday morning. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.

Brand Manager

We keep hearing about managers of different kinds, yet we never really know what a manager's job actually entails. This article will deal with a specific kind of manager – the brand manager. Through this article, we will know a little something more about a brand manager and the brand manager job description in detail. Along with that, we will also foray into the different brand manager duties and some other brand manager responsibilities. Read the following article to know a little something more about the brand manager job description and what career opportunities one might have in that field. Job Description of Brand Manager As the name suggests, the brand manager has to work with a particular brand or several brands. It is a highly challenging job because he has to take the entire responsibility for the success of that product(s), and is therefore, responsible for all related aspects which include planning, buying, selling, marketing, pricing, dispatching and ordering. That is a bird's eye view of what a brand manager job description is, the following paragraphs will list some of the important duties of the brand manager. To begin with, they need to work extensively with the research and development department of the company, and with their help, formulate the best possible way to market the product. †¢ They need to supply the engineers (who are working on developing the product) with the results of the market research and on the basis of which the product will be based. †¢ They also check if the engineers are following the decided path and suggest changes for improvement. †¢ They need to be fully aware of the product at hand. What is the product capable of doing and what will be some of the improvements that might take place in the future. †¢ Once the product is ready, he must gather a core group for testing. The results from these tests will help him to determine whether the product has been able to achieve the desired result or not. †¢ After the product has passed this test, he will have to think of the marketing strategies for the same. What will be the audience, the target group at which the product will be directed etc. The packaging of the product – the best way in which the audience will be able to connect to the product and how the packaging will be able to convey what the product is all about. †¢ The pricing of the product is also an important factor that will need the drawing up of several strategies. The brand manager will work with several other departments to determine this aspect. †¢ Then he will undertake the extensive planning of the techniques and methods by which the product will be launched in the market. †¢ The advertising strategies that will be used. What modes of mass media will be utilized to ensure the success of the product. †¢ The methods of promotion that will be used will also need to be determined by him. †¢ All this will be dependent upon the budget that has been allocated. He has to also make sure that all these techniques employed like the promotions, marketing, advertising costs , all of them fall under the allotted budget and no more. †¢ After the product has been launched, he has to monitor the sales. †¢ Depending on the sales, he needs to change strategies or techniques in marketing, advertising or promotions to lead to maximum success. Read more on marketing strategies. †¢ He has to plan for the future about the course of the product – what will be the future strategies etc. so that continued success is guaranteed. †¢ Bringing about changes in the product from time to time so that it includes whatever the audience wants and is thereby accepted more openly by the audience. †¢ A marketing plan is an official plan of how the company intends to execute its marketing strategies. Learning how to write a marketing plan is very important as it gives the management a good idea of what the marketing department is up to. So this article will explain how to develop a marketing plan along with supplying a marketing plan template. Marketing Plan Developing a marketing plan is tough and requires a good amount of research. A marketing plan starts with market research. The first step is to evaluate what the customers feel about your product, what they like about it, and what changes they would like to see in the product. By communicating with the end users of the product, we understand what they expect of the product, what are their exact needs and how your product can best satisfy that need. Market research also helps you analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your product along with finding out the potential opportunities and threats to your product's present market share. After the market research has been conducted, you will have a fair idea of what the users think about your products and what changes you may need to integrate into your final product offering. Market research will also help you feel the pulse of the market and understand how the customer sees your product and that way, you will be able to make a good marketing strategy for it.