http://abcnews.go.com/Business/IndustryInfo/wireStory?id=4868744
Little do most Wisconsinites know, but our own lovely city of Reedsburg contains a water bed factory. Big deal. But this isn't just an ordinary water bed factory; the kind people of Reedsburg focus on ensuring that the nation's cows are comfortable and happy.
Another little known fact that is almost worthy of a Snapple cap? Cows that sleep on water beds or sand produce, according to a recent study, 6 percent more milk that those that have uncomfortable bedding. And, what's more, mattresses are the worst sort of bedding as they make the cows' legs swell up.
Kirk Christie of Iowa has not only installed temperature controlled water beds for each of his cows, but has also installed multiple flat screen TV's around the barn so that his cows may watch Oprah and Dr. Phil. (I'm not even being sarcastic, he said they watch Oprah and Dr. Phil.) Now, this doesn't really have a direct link with anything we've studied thus far in class, but I think this story is a prime example of how personal morals and beliefs can play into a person's economic mindset.
The issue that I think would have a major impact on these transaction is one's view on animal value. Now I am personally against animal cruelty and abuse, but, in this situation, a cow is a cow. A cow does not need a water bed or a flat screen TV. According to the article, each water bed costs $200, plus the cost of pumping either hot or cold water through it depending on the weather conditions. Flat screen TVs run for a couple grand depending on the size. I would never spend this much money making sure a cow was comfortable enough to produce milk. Yet there are people that are so obsessed with their animals that they purchase massages, clothing, and special hotel rooms for them. These people spend a HUGE amount of money making sure their precious pooches are properly pampered (ha! alliteration!) Without people having extreme views or values, would our economy have as much of a constant flow of money as it does? Take the animal issue again. There are those that spend thousands of dollars on their dog's hair and nails each year, but then there are also people who have strong views towards saving the endangered animals and poor money into those funds. As well as those who for some reason enjoy wearing the dried skin of dead animals as fashion accessories, who spend thousands on their crocodile/snake skin boots and gloves and their mink/baby seal coats.
In a way different political views work the same way. We spend money on of for causes we agree with; and since people have different opinions, there is more money needed to ensure that your personal view comes out on top.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Video Game One Stop Shopping
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/GadgetGuide/Story?id=4767635&page=1
This post idea came from an unusual source: four hyperactive, technologically, somewhat annoying 12 and13 year old boys. My little brother's friends were over this weekend and raving about the latest internet sites, ipod advances, and video games. Grand Theft Auto IV was recently released, and I was informed that it was "Soooooo cooooooool!" I'll admit that a GTA fix every now and then is quite entertaining, but I wondered what the impact of fanatical middle school boys who were obsessed with the latest technology would have on the economy with the release of an anticipated new game.
After some research I came across an article that brought about a unique, but brilliant, point of view. The author is describing the intricate detailing of the GTA IV graphics, and how they are so realistic that it is almost like one is literally walking through the streets of NYC. He says that entering the shops and retail stores is almost like he is actually making a purchase. Soooo........why not utilize this in the business world? People have come to love online shopping and infomercials, so why not shop through an interactive game? With graphics being as realistic as they are, businesses could make virtual copies of their stores and products. As the "customer" (which, naturally, one would be allowed to customize to correlate with themselves) walks around the store, there could even be helpful sales people that when approached would offer information and advice about the product. Online shopping is nice, but often allows those low quality and incredibly boring 2D pictures with no opportunity to create an avatar. I believe a lot of people, especially young people, would become hooked on this new way of shopping if it was put in place.
This post idea came from an unusual source: four hyperactive, technologically, somewhat annoying 12 and13 year old boys. My little brother's friends were over this weekend and raving about the latest internet sites, ipod advances, and video games. Grand Theft Auto IV was recently released, and I was informed that it was "Soooooo cooooooool!" I'll admit that a GTA fix every now and then is quite entertaining, but I wondered what the impact of fanatical middle school boys who were obsessed with the latest technology would have on the economy with the release of an anticipated new game.
After some research I came across an article that brought about a unique, but brilliant, point of view. The author is describing the intricate detailing of the GTA IV graphics, and how they are so realistic that it is almost like one is literally walking through the streets of NYC. He says that entering the shops and retail stores is almost like he is actually making a purchase. Soooo........why not utilize this in the business world? People have come to love online shopping and infomercials, so why not shop through an interactive game? With graphics being as realistic as they are, businesses could make virtual copies of their stores and products. As the "customer" (which, naturally, one would be allowed to customize to correlate with themselves) walks around the store, there could even be helpful sales people that when approached would offer information and advice about the product. Online shopping is nice, but often allows those low quality and incredibly boring 2D pictures with no opportunity to create an avatar. I believe a lot of people, especially young people, would become hooked on this new way of shopping if it was put in place.
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