Financial Analysis Apple Inc.

————————————————- To: ————————————————- ————————————————- By: ————————————————- ————————————————- FINANCIAL REVIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Company Background 3 2. Stock Price Analysis 6 3. Risk Return Analysis 9 5. References11 PART I A. Company Background Apple Inc. long with its wholly-owned subsidiaries designs and manufactures and markets mobile communication, media devices, personal computers and portable digital music players along with a variety of related software’s, services, peripherals and networking solutions. The Company offers a range of mobile communication and media devices, personal computing products, and portable digital music players, as well as a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions and third-party hardware and software products. The most important of which are enumerated below: 1. Phone – iPhone combines a mobile phone and an iPod, Internet communication device in a single handheld product. 2. iPad – is a multi-purpose mobile device, for browsing web, sending and reading email, viewing photos & watching videos, listening music, playing games and reading e-books etc. 3. Mac Hardware Products – includes likes of iMac, Mac-Pro and Mac mini. The iMac desktop has design that incorporates display, processor, graphics, storage, and other components in a single enclosure 4. iPod – line of portable digital media players includes lik es of iPod touch, iPod shuffle and iPod classic. Pod is a flash-memory-based device with a widescreen display, a Multi-Touch user interface. 5. iTunes – is an application, which supports the sale, purchase, download, organization and playback of digital video and audio files and is also available for both the Mac and the Windows based computers. The Company not only sells to retail and bulk consumers, but also to small and mid-sized businesses, and to educational institutions, enterprises and government customers. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of September and is of 52 or 53-week period.The company has almost 60400 permanent employees and has the second largest market cap after IBM with about 563. 79 Billion dollars and an equal enterprise value, with revenues in excess of 142. 36 Billion dollars and with and EBITDA of 53. 27 billion dollars. B. Business Strategy & Organization The Company’s business strategy is to uniquely leverage its abi lity to design, develop its own operating system, hardware, applications software’s, to its customers, and new products and new solutions with superior usage ease and seamless integration and innovative design.The Company’s strategy, also includes and basically rests on, expanding its distribution network so in order to effectively reach more customers. The Company manages business primarily on geographical basis and has segregated the business locations of its customers into the following 1. The Americas consisting of both North and South America, 2. Europe, Middles East and Africa, 3. Japan, 4. Asia-Pacific, Australia and Asian countries and 5. Retail. It is to be noted that all the above four segments do not include the retail segment figures and strategy.The retail segment consists of stores directly opened by the company and managed by it. C. Competition The products and services offered by the company are a part of highly competitive markets segment it faces stif f and aggressive competition in almost all areas of its business. The market is characterized by very frequent new product introductions and a rapid technological advancement that has substantial capabilities of use of mobile and related communications devices.There is a cut throat competition in the market where the company’s operates, as the competitors are continuously innovating and selling products at extremely low rates. However still the company has been able to maintain its market brand values and sees a good and extremely high level of operating cash flows generation. The Company’s major services i. e. digital content services is facing significant competition from other companies who are promoting their own digital music, services and content products, including free peer to peer video and music services.Some of Apple’s competitors have enough substantial resources and may provide such products and services in market at virtually little or no even prof it to compete with the Apple’s offerings. The most important and major company’s competitors can be classified in various ways as below: However for our study later on, we shall consider HPQ or Hewitt Packard as a close competitor. PART II A. Stock Price Analysis For our stock price analysis, we consider the time period from 16 Mar – 2012 to 6 April – 2012.However it is to be noted that the time frame provided here is not ample for a detailed study and an accurate one for future predictions. We first study the movement of the Apple Inc. stock price movements’ vis-a-vis the S&P 500. From the above figure it is clear that the movement of Apple is less volatile than that of the Index. It is also to be noted that the pattern of movement of Apple’s price show that it is lagging behind or trailing the trend movement of the index. Furthermore in the period under consideration above there seems to be an immediate uptrend developing and sustaining.Al so the major point of astonishment here is during the period post 3 April 2012, the S&P 500 and Apple’s stock prices are moving in opposite direction thereby indicating of some news based movement. This move was probably preempting the Q2 filing by the company which was due later in the next week. However no serious trend or movement is visible in either of the charts above. We do the same comparison of Apple with its peer HPQ for the same period. From the graph above it is quite clear that where Apple’s price movement is positively trending upwards, that of HOQ is a sideways movement without any perfect present trend or direction.The reason being the expectations from the forthcoming Q2 results of Apple, which was an event based movement for Apple, which was absent for HPQ. Now we study the movement of the stock prices on a standalone basis. From the above diagram it is clear that there is no significant or sudden movement in prices or volume of the stock. However the y both show a good trend, and there is not much pressure on the prices of the stock at higher levels which is shown by the build of white candles and an uptrend, which indicates of further upside room present in the stock.However this seems to be news based event and should be properly traded. In all there are five black and ten white candles, which show an imminent uptrend in the stock price, which is also supported by sustenance in the daily volumes. PART III A. Risk Return Analysis We now perform a risk return analysis on the stock. We use the concepts of CAPM model and data for the period as specified in the above segment and calculate different measures as shown below and abridged in the accompanying excel file.From the above calculations we see that the Beta of Apple is lesser than that of HPQ and more close to 1 which resembles that Apple is less volatile than HPQ and more in tandem with the normal or broad market movement. On the other hand HPQ has a high beta indicating tha t the movement in prices of HPQ is more volatile and would yield a higher return, either positive or negative, as compared to Apple. This is also visible in the fact that the Expected return of HPQ is less than that of Apple, which is at least a percentage point or a 100 bps better than HPQ.It is also seen that Apple has been able to give positive returns as compared to HPQ and even the market. This means that Apple has been able to outperform the market. The reason behind the same is the fact that it is expected that the results of Apple for Q2 are going to be better due to the fact that they have recently launched new products and expanded on existing sales and product line, which would result in better revenue e, margins and sales and net profits, which would ultimately react in the EPS.Hence the returns of Apple are positive and more than that of HPQ. This indicates the fact that Apple seems to be an underpriced stock and should be bought as it seems to be giving more returns th an the expected returns and compared to HPA and the index is an outperformer due to more fundamental reasons likes above expectation performance rather than purely and only technical reasons. All this is pretty evident in the Beta and the Expected returns of the stock.PART IV REFERENCES: 1. Thirty Year US T-Bill rate; Available at http://www. bloomberg. com/markets/rates-bonds/government-bonds/us/ 2. Apple Inc. Annual Report and About Company; Available at http://secfilings. nasdaq. com/edgar_conv_html%2f2011%2f10%2f26%2f0001193125-11-282113. html#FIS_BUSINESS 3. Stock Prices Data, Apple, S&P, HPQ; Available at http://finance. yahoo. com 4. Apple Competitors; Available at http://www. nasdaq. com/symbol/aapl/competitors

Different Types of Sausages

Variations of sausages are made available in different cultures and cooking styles. Nowadays, we see and taste sausages in all forms and their flavors have been quite distinctive as well. Some of it is classified as ready to eat while others require maximum precautions of thorough cooking. This is the reason why there have been various divisions which separates the different types of sausages based on how it has been prepared. Sausages are usually made out of ground or minced meat for as long as it is chopped exceedingly small, with pounded spices, aromatic herbs, and animal fat (Lee 193).This food is always packed in a casing and can be easily perceived as a food which is elongated in form. The casings in traditional sausage making are made out of intestines of animals. However, times have changed and now sausage makers utilize synthetic as an alternative to the animal intestines. There are also variations in its ingredients. A sausage can actually be made out of poultry or red meat , and are served cooked or uncooked. These different kinds of sausages are further classified into various types. Cooked SausageOne classification of sausages is a special kind which is cooked. This kind of sausage is branded with such delight as it is made with a certain way in which it is cooked in a heated oven then eaten immediately after the cooking or may be preserved to be eaten at a later time. The procedure of making this kind of sausage starts with the mincing of the meat in a very fine consistency. Along with the minced meat, come the ingredients, spices, and cure that make up the sausage’s flavor and prolong its shelf life for its storage.After all these are combined, cooked sausages require a great effort of mincing to achieve a certain fine texture requirement. This serves as the stuffing of the sausage. After the combining and mincing process, the stuffed created out of the both processes are put into a casing which is later dried. This, thereafter, is cooked a s its final stage in an oven, then either served immediately or stored in a refrigerator for preservation. Cooked sausages are usually made available through various forms.Some of which are as follows; bratwurst, knockwurst, liverwurst, salami, bologna, blood sausage, hot dogs, jellied beef loaf, thurignger style and braunshweiger (Grigson 84). Fresh Sausage Usually, the curing of sausages which serves as the preservative is used in cooked sausages; however another type of sausage does not require exactly the same initial stage of preservation. This kind of sausage is known as the Fresh Sausage in which it is made out of fresh meats that has not been previously cured. Fresh sausages require tremendous cooling in the refrigerator.The method requires such kind of refrigeration as keeping the meat cold stores the fat. This is true in its sense as the fat melts when the meat is left warm. The lack of moisture out of the warmness of the sausage only leads to the grainy texture of the sau sage. This sausage, after being made and being kept in the refrigerator should be cooked thoroughly before serving. Undercooked sausages are deemed to be toxic at a certain extent if not safely prepared. The content of fresh sausages differs from various styles and forms.A whole hog of sausage, for example, contains swine meat and has no more than a fat weight of 50 %. This goes with breakfast sausages as well as it is similar to fat weight which contains various kinds of meat. Italian Sausage, on the other hand, contains 85 % meat, sometimes a combination of meat and fat. This also contains herbs and spices and a little amount of water. Fresh pork sausages, however, may contain no more than 50% fat weight and is prohibited to contain pork byproduct. Fresh beef sausages, also, may not contain beef byproduct and can only have around 35% fat weight (Coxe 196).Dry Sausage Another type of sausage has been made available to us under circumstances of elongated preservation. Normally, saus ages require tremendous attention in taking note its shelf life. However, a type of sausage is set aside for its prolonged shelf-life under proper refrigeration. This type is called the dry sausage. Dry sausages are very much intricate in production and require more time in preparing compared to other types of sausages. Also, this type of sausage has a more concentrated form of meat.To further illustrate this type of sausage, examples of this are classified into the following; chorizo, pepperoni, Genoa Salami, and Frizzes. Cooked Smoked Sausage Another type of a sausage is classified as a Cooked Smoked sausage. This kind of sausage falls into the same category as the cooked sausage because of its similarities in its production process. As its name suggests, Cooked Smoked Sausage is also prepared the same way as the Cooked Sausage is made, however another method is added into the procedure to make this kind of sausage.Smoking is integrated to complete the procedure. This method is em ployed as a means of preserving the sausage as there are implications on how the chemicals in the smoking process builds up in the sausage’s storage life. However, nowadays the smoking method gives in more than the preservative feature; it is now perceived as a means of cultivating flavor in the sausage brought about by the cooking procedure itself The smoking method is done by drying the sausage as its initial stage of the process as its moist surface may actually mottle the surface.There are two variations in smoking a sausage; cold smoking and hot smoking. Cold smoking is usually done in a room temperature between 70 and 90 degrees. This kind of smoking can actually take up a week to complete the process. Hot smoking, in the other hand, is done in a room temperature that is between 100 and 190 degrees. Fresh Smoked Sausage The smoking method is also employed in fresh sausages. Though smoked sausages are previously discussed as a method which is utilized after the cooking o f sausages in a heated oven, the smoking method also gives the same amount of flavor to fresh sausages.This is the reason the smoking process is integrated to the making of fresh sausages as the distinct smoky flavor gives the exact same flavor it gives to the cooking process. The process of cooking of this kind of sausage is quite simple. It basically integrates the making of a fresh sausage and the smoking process. After making the fresh sausage, which involves constant chilling to keep the texture and the fat intact, the smoking process is subsequently applied.All these types of sausages are classifications which makes it more comprehensible to us the different cooking styles employed to various kinds of sausages. Some of these sausages can be classified into various common forms which have different flavor and ingredients; Salami, Summer Sausage, Italian Sausage, British Sausage, Braunschweiger, Liver Sausage, and a lot more. With the variety of sausages available to us, it is q uite indiscernible as to how a sausage has been made. These types make it easier for us to know the ways in which a certain flavor has been achieved and how the process has preserved it.

Case Study Analysis Rough Draft

Case Study Analysis Paper (Rough Draft) Case Study Analysis Paper (Rough Draft) How do you make sure that you are prepared early so that you are not running around at the last minute? Many people work at different skill levels and also can handle pressure differently. In order to ease the process it is usually better to keep ahead by preparing the things that are needed in advanced rather than waiting till the last minute. Knowing these types of skills also allows for people to work with less stress since they do not have to meet a deadline so quickly and have time to fully research what is needed to be done.The Situation In early April the 15 candidates were hired to work for the Operations Supervisor by one of the new recruiters. At this time the recruiter had six months experience at this job and no previous recruitments done for the company. The recruiter was not working with another recruiter that had more experience at the time to help with this process. Once the 15 candidates where hired he scheduled a new hire orientation to be held on June 15th as to make sure the new hires would be ready for work in July.A little over a month after the 15 candidates were hired the Operations Supervisor contacted the recruiter about all the information, paperwork and other necessities that needed to be done such as drug test, physicals, etc†¦. The recruiter gave assurance to the Operations Supervisor that everything would be handled by the time the orientation would be held on June 15th. The recruiter waited until after Memorial Day to check the records for the new hires to see if their applications were complete and if they had done the mandatory drug screenings and most had not been done.The recruiter then checked for the paperwork that would need to be given to the new hires in around 20 days and there were only three manuals all of which were missing pages making none of them complete. Once this was all the seen the recruiter went on a walk to clear his head a nd then returned to the office. He went to check on the scheduling of the conference room where the new hire orientation is to be held since he saw that one of the employees from technology services was setting up computer terminals.The schedule showed that the conference room was booked for the whole month for training seminars on the new database implementation that was going to occur. The recruiter is not sure what to do at this point since everything appears to be going wrong and the new hires would not be able to have orientation on time nor will they be able to start by July. Analysis 1: Correcting the problem At this time the recruiter is not sure what to do in order to fix all the problems that have arisen since there is such little time left to the deadline he had set.The wisest decision would be to separate the problems and then take them on one at a time. As far as the conference room situation goes the recruiter can speak with the person that is going to be holding the s eminars to see at what times they are to be held. If there are some gaps in between the seminars it can be seen if the scheduling of the orientation would be affected or not. Also if there is a particular day that the seminars would not be taking place the orientation can be rescheduled for that day. The new hires that have not completed all the necessary paperwork or drug tests would be the next point issue to handle.The files would need to be reviewed to see who is missing what paperwork or tests so that they can be contacted accordingly and be given a deadline to complete it all or they will not be hired. In doing this it allows for the follow to seem more personal since the records are being looked at individually and also puts a sense of urgency in the new hire to get it all done. This would also allow the recruiter to contact the new hires with the date of the orientation if it has changed or just to give a reminder of the date if it has not changed. The final problem of the o rientation manuals not being complete is next problem to work on.From the three manuals that the recruiter does have he should review each to see what pages are missing from one and see if they are available in one of the others. If all three manuals together can make one complete manual then copies can be run off of all three accordingly to be pieced together to make one manual. Once there is one complete manual then other copies can be made. If the manuals cannot be pieced together to make one then the recruiter would need to contact his or her supervisor to see how to obtain new manuals and the time frame that it would take to get them in.This would allow him to see if the orientation would need to be rescheduled or not due to the time it will take to get manuals for all the new hires. From this point on continued follow up of all the new hires paperwork and drug tests would need to be done to make sure that they will be done before the orientation is held. Following up of the co nference room schedule would also need to be done to make sure that there is nothing else newly scheduled that may have interference with the orientation.The final detail that would need to be followed up on is the status of the operations manuals being ready by the date of the orientation, such as checking with who is making them and if they are running behind or if everything is on schedule. Analysis II Proper Procedure There are many different aspects that would need to be revised in order to make sure that issues like this can be avoided in the future. Proper supervision of procedures is one the major aspects that would need to be looked at first.Since the recruiter was new and it was the first recruitment they had done another more experienced recruiter could have shadowed the process to make sure that everything is done correctly. Shadowing would allow for the new recruiter to put to the test their training and if there are points that are not done right it can be caught early . This makes for better teamwork as well as a confidence building situation for the new recruiter. During the hiring process the new hires should be given deadlines to have all of their applications and other necessary paperwork completed in order to continue processing them as a new hire.The same should also be done with the drug testing, rather than giving them till the orientation date they should have a date within 30 days to complete it so that if they don’t they can be given a little more time or there would still be ample time to hire a replacement if needed. With these deadlines in place it has the employees take the time needed to get the tasks done but also does not give them excess time to procrastinate on the getting them done. As far as the orientation paperwork situation goes the recruiter would need to check how many are available right after hiring the employees to make sure that there would be enough.With this being done early then the recruiter would be able to contact the Operations Supervisor with plenty of time to let them know that they are short on the manuals necessary for the orientation. Checking this also allows the recruiter to stay on top of ordering the manuals so that there will always be some in supply as and would only need to order more to replace the ones that are going to be used. Conclusion The best solution that was presents was from the second analysis.This solution sets the goals of the company to not only train their employees better but also to promote teamwork in order to increase accuracy in the way that jobs are done. With the shadowing being done the more experienced recruiter could have had the newer recruiter set up the deadlines for the new hires, as well as how, where and when to check on the paperwork that is needed for the orientation. The communication on how often to check the scheduling log for the conference rooms could have also been brought up. The better the training and teamwork the better the situation turns out.

Evaluate Assignment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluate Assignment - Research Paper Example ied to suit the training need and purpose which was developing competent financial advisors with proper product knowledge and enhances professional sales skills for their future careers. Part I: Complete Part I first by taking notes throughout the exercise. On the left-hand side of the paper, write down only what you see and hear from both facilitator(s) and participants. Note some of the following: 1) It was generally observed that some of the participants had little or no background in finance and hence could not be treated equally as participants with an academic background in business or finance. It is therefore suggested that separate course be established to cater for non finance advisors to get basic finance knowledge before advancing to the effective financial advisor course. 2) Another design flow is that it is assumed that all the advisors are interested in sales of all the products and does not give provisions for product specialization or choice of leaning on customer care. The design is also not considerate of already experienced staff that is aware and has already developed sufficient work competencies. The course should also separate total novices and experts in the trainings in future dates. 3) Lastly the training should be more field based as the skills being taught are mostly to be applied in the field. It is therefore not appropriate to evaluate the sales skills of an individual in a classroom setting. A cooperative course in future where some of the selling and communication skills are integrated in an actual environment under the instructors supervision. That would be more effective. Please rate, on a scale of 1 to 5, your overall assessment of the course relative to the statements provided below, with 1 indicating strong disagreement with the statement and 5 indicating strong

Journalism - Media Representation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Journalism - Media Representation - Essay Example But upon the age of industrialization when the printing press went out in the market, the fray for information and various data that printed matter can provide started. The use of the airwaves soon contributed to the evolution of mass media as radio became portable and mass produced. The forms of entertainment also expanded to fill the void that news, opinion and information left for listeners and their anchormen. Television also provided a turning point, not only for the media industry but for world history. It became a milestone invention and product that every home had to own. And more than that, every room of a home need to feature like a basic commodity. Today, mass media encompass many other forms but the latest phenomenon has become the computer and its peripheral products and services courtesy of the information and communication technologies (ICT). This paper will discuss and analyze media representation in a specific article â€Å"Liking Is for Cowards. Go for What Hurtsâ €  by Jonathan Franzen published in May 28 at New York Times print and online editions. It is an adaptation from a commencement speech he delivered on May 21 at Kenyon College. Discussion Media representation refers to the various direct and indirect messages conveyed to the audience or reader of any form of communication. In a certain page, whether a magazine, a newspaper, or a website, various messages are delivered across the audience. These messages are dependent on several factors that have been intentionally or unintentionally provided by the media entity. Media entities are the various imprints, sites, stations, competing publications or publishers, or products of a media conglomeration. The messages provided by the media may reflect their representation. Conway (65) discussed the danger of representation where journalists were left on their devices and decision-making on how to interpret a memorandum issued by their supervisor. At length, Conway noted that: â€Å"The que stion of who represents whom is politically fraught, especially when it is journalists who make the decision. In their coverage of the constitutional debates in 1991 and 1992, for instance, CBC and Radio-Canada journalists followed identifiable professional norms when choosing representatives to speak on behalf of the groups identified by McQueen, the end result being that they favored certain speakers while leaving others out. In other words, through their exclusions they failed to meet the task McQueen had set for them.† (65). She was referring to the task given by McQueen as head of the news and current affairs of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to her staff to provide their viewers a chance to hear the point of view of various groups affected by the debate. Representation in this manner was limited by the inadequacy of the media personnel to identify objectively their sources of information. There are various ways that representation may be interpreted. This paper will p roceed to discuss and analyze a New York Times article with regards to its media representation and messages imparted. Media Article: Political Commentary Jonathan Franzen’s (1) commentary begins with the popular trend of technological consumerism. He narrated how he, too, was a gadget user who fell for the hypes and commercial aspects of products specifically the PDA Blackberry series. He soon went on to point out the

Critical paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critical paper - Essay Example (Lumpkin, 56). As from the book A Woman like Me Bettye, clearly show courage in pushing ahead nevertheless being abandoned by his best friend. A Woman like Me is a tour de force from one of the most outspoken female performers singing today and she is a force to be reckoned with. From the story, Bettye la Vette is able to deal and face the world with fear or danger without flinching Bettye in her life she faces more challenging events but with time .Some of the problems were as a result of friend influence they highly affected her behavioral changes. For instance Bettye La Vette after being in association with legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown Otis Redding , and Marvin Gaye made her fade back into obscurity. As much of what threads on in the world about you due to what people think rather than actually what you are always be focused and keep the determination to success, also one need to present himself in the way he wants the world to observe the passion of pressing forward. (Lumpkin, 103) Being courageous and persistence one need to understand himself/herself better in terms of weakness and strengths as this will help you in winning over the obstacles on the way. Others pretend to be something they truly are not.   No matter which way you look at it, if you try to act like someone you are not, the truth will always appear in the end.   That is exactly what happened in Bettye. Previously, she pretended to be someone else but in real, she understands the true story of herself. (Candre, 98) Bettye La Vette emerged courageous and focused when she had the freedom to be associated with all types of individual from musicians to politicians from the book she clearly reveals herself as an individual who believes that no body as ever enjoyed the act of sex as she has done. For instance through the courage and the ability to keep her goals she was proud to present in the inauguration ceremony of United States of

Feminist Analysis of Pop Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Feminist Analysis of Pop Culture - Essay Example Women were projected as mere puppets, and men became all the more chauvinist and domineering. Thus, a need for Third-wave feminism arose, which could deal with the changing norms of objectification. The third-wave feminism provided a strong base that not only transferred the improper objectification in the favor of women, but also upheld womanhood irrespective of race, color, ethnicity and sexual-orientation. Literature and media gained influence from Third-wave and hence, a new-age approach towards feminism developed. This paper is an attempt to identify the core beliefs of new form of feminism, and will analyze its representation in media through a movie that follows similar lines. For this paper, acclaimed director Zack Snyder's year 2011 movie Sucker Punch has been selected to be reviewed, which comprehensively displays post-feminist discourse and entails a convincing portrayal of third-wave feminism in popular culture forms. Understanding Third-Wave Feminism: Feminism in contemp orary era has evolved into a modernized (I-e well-acquainted with the current scenarios) avatar known as the post-feminist approach. According to Judith Butler, the very essence of third-wave feminism implies that â€Å"challenging gender roles alone will be inadequate to effect social change. The new goal for feminist and sexuality movements should be to defy the faith in the existence of an innate sexuality and natural sex categories† (Hull 54). The theory entails that women do not need to fight for gaining self-identity, or long to change the sex-based symbolism in a male-oriented society. Instead, it suggests that women should acknowledge their womanhood and use it to empower themselves; instead of despising being a female, they have to use their femininity for achieving the maximum benefits. Constructivism rules this new doctrine. According to Leslie Heywood and Jennifer Drake â€Å"contradiction marks the strategies and desires of third-wave feminists† (Zeisler 1 16). Empowerment is the best word that can describe the approach of this barely structured but extremely powerful theory of feminism in the present age. It cleverly switches gear and transforms significant norms that targeted women before into a tool for them. That is because stereotypical concepts and images that were termed as embodying womanhood, actually were a product of male preferences. The discrimination based on color, physique and race, and â€Å"mirroring the erasure of black womanhood from pop culture† emerged because they preferred white women (Hooks 264). Sex-display genre, which included pornographic images, restrictive attires like corsets, performances like erotic dances, and strip-tease, etc., developed to further objectify women and they became entities of gaining pleasure only (Nally 621). Third-wave feminism re-applied these self-induced norms from a female-benefiting perspective. The take of contemporary females of pop culture, and eminent third-wave act ivists on the genre of sex-display has been an ironic one, and as per Judith Butler’s queer theory, it is also comical. A culture of giving men what they want to see but at the same time being in control and making fun of male preferences started off convincingly with Madonna, and has come of age now with the likes of Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani and Kei$ha (Halberstam 8). Rachel Shteir describes that today â€Å"

Business economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business economic - Essay Example Thus, a double-dip recession occurs when the GDP rises to positive levels (the recovery period) followed by negative levels (another recession) (Quiggin, 2010). It is often referred to as the â€Å"W-shaped† recession (Quiggin, 2010). One of the most prominent double-dip recessions took place in the 1980’s in the United States (Appendix 1) (Quiggin, 2010). Two recessions occurred in the 1980’s in the United States. Initially, the economy shrunk by 8%, then grew at 8% after which the economy dipped into the second recession due to the Federal Reserve’s policy to raise interest rates to curb inflation (Quiggin, 2010). Following that, the economy re-entered into growth for the rest of the years (Quiggin, 2010). Although, there are no definite characteristics that define a recession, there are a few symptoms that are generally agreed by economists. First is the inverted yield curve model which was determined by Jonathan H. Wright which uses 10 year yield of Tr easury Securities as an input (LaBonte et al., 2010). Second, is the change in unemployment rate over a three month period (LaBonte et al., 2010). Third, lower prices of assets including real estate and financial assets as well as large personal and corporate debts (LaBonte et al., 2010). ii) The contraction in Ireland’s economy was of particular significance at a time when other Euro nations were showing positive growth rates. This fall in Ireland’s GDP is attributed firstly, according to Author of the Bulletin, Dr. Dan McLaughlin, Group Chief Economist, Bank of Ireland, to the drastic fall in capital spending. Although capital spending decreased by 11%, on average, throughout the rest of the developed world; in Ireland it fell by a drastic 30% along with a 34% decline in building and construction activity (McLaughlin, 2010). The share of construction in general, and house-building in particular now accounts for only 2.5% of Ireland’s GDP, compared to 12% in 20 05 (McLaughlin, 2010). Secondly, consumption expenditure also saw a decline throughout the Western regime by 1.1%, due to reduced employment and falling growth in wages (McLaughlin, 2010). In the case of Ireland, employment slashed by 8% along with decline in wages which partially contributes to the fall in real consumer purchase power of Ireland (McLaughlin, 2010). A significant trend emerged at this point; that of higher savings. Although real disposable income dipped in Ireland, it was accompanied by a rise in the marginal propensity to save, leading to a higher savings ratio (McLaughlin, 2010). At the same time, Ireland’s exports fell by much more than that of its Euro competitors, implying that Net Exports also declined. Thus, to sum up; since all the components of GDP including consumption, investment and government expenditure along with net exports fell, GDP was bound to decline. iii) A Keynesian style stimulus package is a policy measure used by policymakers and inst itutions that involves stimulating one or more of the components that make up aggregate demand in an attempt to increase employment, income and output of an economy (Tool & Samuels, 1989). This approach is consistent with the Keynesian theory that negative output gap can lead to a bottleneck in the economy; a situation it finds difficult to escape. The paradox of thrift comes into force whereby loss of valuable consumer and investor confidence combined with high propensity to save exacerbates the recession (Meltzer, 1988). If such is the situation,

Why people prefer to choose to eat low-fat food(research paper) Essay

Why people prefer to choose to eat low-fat food(research paper) - Essay Example In the U.S., obesity is almost an epidemic with nearly 65% of the adult population being estimated to be either overweight or obese (Hedley et al., 2004). The rapid economic and social changes that have occurred in China and other developing countries have also been associated with changes in diet, physical activity and health. Higher fat diets, and high incidence of obesity are found among lower-income and rural Chinese as well (Wang et al., 2006). Global availability of cheap vegetable oils and fats is one of the reasons for the observed increase in fat consumption among low-income nations (Drewnowski & Popkin, 1997). Consumption of fast food is associated with higher caloric intake and the excess calories consumed will contribute to obesity, excess sodium intake, and higher saturated fat intake as well (Lin & Frazao, http://findarticles.com). The science of nutrition has changed significantly in recent years, and information on healthy eating, wrong diet and its health effects is readily available in magazine articles. People have more access to the Internet, print media, and TV for nutrition advice than before. Information on the benefits of eating low-fat foods is easily available (www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51537). Public health initiatives of government institutes also offer information on low-fat foods e.g., the Obesity Education Initiative of the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute in the U.S. (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/lcal_fat.htm). College students are also becoming health-conscious and seek advice from online sources (http:// askville.amazon.com/SimilarQuestions.do?req=low-fat-easy-quick-vegetarian-cookbook-college-student). Several universities too offer healthy eating tips to students online e.g., University of Oregon (http://healthed.uoregon.edu/10tips.htm). In addition to the health benefits, it has become a fashion for many people, even

Argument. Men and particularly princes Essay Example for Free

Argument. Men and particularly princes Essay Argument Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Men and particularly princes should be very careful when making their decisions and they should not be concerned by the making decisions that always favors their subjects and friends but they should be concerned more on the outcomes of their decisions and whether those decisions will benefit their state. I strongly believe that there should not be procedures and methods set to be used by princes in dealing with their friends and subjects. This is because different situations require to be handled differently since the societies keeps changing and therefore, princes should not follow set procedures and methods.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Princes are judged by their subjects through their qualities which will make their subjects either to praise them or to blame them. However, it would be very difficult for the princes to fulfill all the qualities that their subjects expect them to have due to human nature. Therefore, princes should be very careful to escape from bad reputation of those vices which would make them lose the state.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I agree with the statement that a quality which seems to be a virtue, if pursued may end up destructing the individual who decides to pursue such a quality; while another quality which appears to be a vice, if an individual decides to pursue such a vice might end up being more beneficial to such an individual and to the society. Therefore, princes should be very prudent when making decisions since a quality which seems to be vice may end up being a virtue, and vice versa.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Princes can be generous which seems to be a virtue but may end up giving them a bad reputation among their subjects. This is because such princes maybe generous and end up using up all their resources or overburdening their subjects with excessive taxes and doing everything possible in order to the funds. This quality of generosity may give such princes a bad reputation and his generosity may end up offending their subjects thus hating their princes. Also through not being generous may lead them to appear to be a miser according to their subjects.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For instance, Pope Julius II although he used his generosity to attain papacy however he decided to end his generosity in order to reduce the expenditures so as to be able to wage war. Therefore, princes should use any virtue such as generosity in a way that will not harm them. In this regard, princes should avoid overburdening subjects or becoming poor as a result of their generosity. Also, in order for a prince to avoid destroying their rule they should not mind being branded as misers since this would be a key vice that would help them to rule their subjects.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although princes should avoid being cruel and should be merciful but they should be very careful not to abuse their mercy. This is because being too merciful may be abused which may lead to disorder in a state resulting to increased crimes thus harming the society at large. For instance, although cesare Borgia was regarded cruel, he was able to restore order, peace and unity in Romagna through his cruelty. Therefore princes should not mind being refereed to be cruel in their attempts to keep their subjects loyal and united. It would be much safer for princes to be feared than being loved by their subjects. In this regard they should do anything to ensure that there is order, peace and unity in their states even if it means taking someone’s life for the benefit of their states at large. This may result to some of their subjects hating them however, this would be less harmful to them and also it would beneficial to their states at lar ge.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Princes should not care much on keeping their promises to their subjects and in some circumstances the princes are supposed to manipulate their subject’s mind with shrewdness if this would be more safer for them and also if this would be more beneficial to their state. Princes must be aware of how to deal with different situations since fulfilling their promises in some circumstances would bring harm to them and to their subjects. In such situations such princes should be wise and know how to deceive their subjects to avoid fulfilling their promises where they feel that keeping their words would bring harm to their state or to themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this regard, princes are not necessitated to have all the good qualities but it is very important for them to appear as if they have them. This is because having those all qualities and practicing all of them would bring more harm. For example, appearing being faithful, religious, merciful, trustworthy and humane among other good qualities would be necessary and princes should know how to practice them in different situations, however, practicing all of them would lead to more harm than good as subjects would misuse them to cause disorder which may increase the crime rates which would be harmful to the states. References Machiavelli, NiccoloÃÅ'â‚ ¬. The prince. Belle Fourche: NuVision Publications, 2004. Print. Source document

The controversial issue of animal testing

The controversial issue of animal testing Animal testing is categorized into three main groups which are chemical testing, medical testing and research testing. Using non-human animals for such tests is a controversial issue that may lead several opinions whether on experts and non-expert views. Experts might say it is beneficial to human because without the non-human animals, where would science be now? Aristotle (384-322 BCE) and Erasistratus (304-258 BCE) were among the first to perform experiments on living animals. The physician operates and testing surgical procedures on to the animals before implementing on to human. Long ago, research in animal testing had helped people in curing their illness and seemed like the animals died for a good cause. On the other hand, people who stand up for animal rights would see this as cruel and injustice act for the animals. They claimed that animals have feelings and they can feel pain too. The pros and cons are still in consideration by most animal-testing industry in order to keep the consumer needs. But, is it morally acceptable to experiment on non-human animals to develop products and medicines that benefit human beings? No, it is morally unacceptable. In Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary 5th edition, moral is based on ones sense of what is right and just, not on legal rights and obligation; able to understand the differences between right and wrong. Billions of animals have died to advance science. To test one chemical whether or not it is carcinogenic which means any substance that produces cancer, it takes 500 to 1000 animals to be tested and to make sure that the chemical is free from cancer -causal. We rather let the animals die because of expected cancer from the chemicals just to satisfy human needs in cosmetics, household compound and pharmacy. Not that on the other hand it meant that we rather see human died because the chemicals are not tested but logically, the scientists should have known the cause of cancer, why would they put the chemicals in the product at first place? If science is advance enough, why use the innocent animals? Humanity should speak by itself. From the definition itself and the question asked, the answers would be a definite no because it is wrong to experiment on animals because animals are living things that have emotions. Animals do not just suffer from physical pain but also mental pain. We can notice a persons emotions without him saying anything because of non-verbal language or body language he expressed. If we can examine body language in human, then we are also able to observe non-verbal language of animals. Love an animal, it will love you, hurt the animal, it will hurt you. Pictures of vivisections of animals (Appendix 1), their eyes were filled with pain and innocent faces are enough to upset us human. When we experiencing on animals, it is likely to experience on humans, the difference is just animals do not speak human and we cannot understand them. We might as well pictured the animals being tortured, in great pains, yelling for help and trying their very hard to escape from that evil experiment. Experiment is what we called a scientific test done carefully in order to study what happens and to gain new knowledge, quoted from the dictionary. Any side effects will result in failure and poor animals, another hundreds or thousands of them will be used in the experiment to get better results. Consider yourself being experimented by another form of species and they treat you the same way as human did to non-human animals (Appendix 2). Allegedly, there is animal euthanasia which means the act of unpainful killing. How can we ever know that it is not painful? How can we know that the animals used in so-called painless death tests died peacefully? Before a new aftermath shown in your local stores, the goods have gone through a complicated and long process which leaves millions of tested animals damaged, poisoned, undergo mutation, and other unnecessary tests. Animal testing is cruelty to them, forcing them to endure the frightful side effects just so a new product can be released. Chemical testing on animals are not 100% accurate because animals do not respond the same as human does. In reality, animal research and scientists never guarantee that medication, cosmetics and other products will be safe and effective for human. There are products that have been pulled out of the market because of consumer complaints of irritancy on skins and some were severe illness and death but were previously tested on animals. Although the tests on medicine seemed safe for consumer use, two million Americans become seriously ill and approximately 100,000 people die every year because of reactions to medicines they were prescribed extracted from Nexus Magazine, Volume 8, Number 2. The statistics occurred because of the inaccurate animal experimentation which results inadequate evaluation the effects of chemicals on humans. Different animals have different body system and it reacts differently. Animals and human obviously have different condition of body system and it is the ent ire issue of the failure. Biologically speaking, different body system would result in different drug metabolism and thus dissimilar effects take place. Innumerous animals have been sacrificed and suffering from animal abuse during medicine testing. This situation is very unfair. While humans are cured, animals are slaughtered. The alternatives would be computer simulations and modeling which have the entire database from previous animal testing subjects. Millions of animals were used onto the same type of product. Researchers should file the report of the experiment and if it is proven safe to human, other industry that wants to do the same product, they should use the same chemicals or whatever materials they required but not the animals testing. The software can be used in major research centre to do such test with any chemical involve in creating a product that benefit human. Such synthetic skin would be great to test products on skin. Besides that, government and non-government could create great awareness by advertising such ads that directs the realization to the consumer (Appendix 3). Advertisement that has subtle messages creates no awareness among people because somehow it did not touch their heart. When the main point of the advertisement is being straight-forward, people would realize and immedi ately take effect. As for closure, animal testing is an immoral act. Animal suffering is a cruel act. Yes, it benefits humans to be beautiful and healthy but not to kill them in return. The scientists and researchers should have other way that is more humane. Animals are living things create by God and they can respond the same as human do. The effectiveness of the products tested on animals can never be guaranteed 100% because the products still harm the consumer even though it has been proven safe. Even the effects only affect small number of people, still we are putting the humans in danger. There are other possible options as alternatives for animal testing. Any industry can be science-advance without animal testing. If animal-testing is being prolong, will our future generations still be able to learn about the animals? Do you think the animals-tested will extinct? References Darshini Kandasamy Animal-testing centre to be set up in Malaysia. Malay Mail Friday, April 2nd, 2010 No to animal testing lab plan. The Star Online Thursday June 10, 2010 Pete Harrison Great apes protected as EU restricts animal testing. The Star Online Wednesday September 8, 2010 Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 16 September 2010 S.O.S at the University of Georgia Animals used in experiments Janet Babin Taking the animals out of testing Thursday, May 24, 2007 Nun Adilah 6 Animal Testing June 8, 2010 The National Anti-Vivisection Society Animals in Product Testing http://www.animaltestingfacts.zoomshare.com/> The Human Cost of Animal Experiments Nexus Magazine, Volume 8, Number 2 http://www.sourcewatch.org Animal testing 7 April 2010 Doris Lin Why Its Wrong to Test on Animals Haris Amin Animal Testing: Is Animal Testing Ethically Incorrect Haris Amin Animal Testing: Are there any alternatives Nun Adilah 7 BMJ Where is the evidence that animal research benefits humans? 28 February, 2004 http://www.lad.org.hk/bmjfeb2004.htm Oxford advanced learners dictionary 5th edition, International Student Nun Adilah 8 APPENDICES

Benefits of Video Conferencing

Benefits of Video Conferencing VIDEO CONFERENCING WHAT IS VIDEO CONFERENCING? A Video Conference (known as video teleconference) is a set of interactive telecommunication technologies which allow two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously. It has also been called visual collaboration and is a type of groupware. In other word Video Conferencing is a communications technology that integrates video and voice to connect remote users with each other as if they were in the same room. Each user needs computer, web cam, microphone, and broadband internet connection for participation in video conferencing. Users see and hear each other in real-time, allowing natural conversations. Video Conferencing differs from a videophone calls in that its designed to serve a conference rather than individuals. It is an intermediate form of video telephony, first deployed commercially by A T T during the early 1970s using their picture phone technology. Video Conferencing is becoming increasingly popular as a way to facilitate meetings, and save time and money on travel and accommodation. HOW IT WORKS Video Conferencing can be used in a host of different environments, which is one of the reasons the technology is so popular. General uses for video conferencing include business meetings, educational training or instruction and collaboration among health officials or other representatives. Thus far video conferencing has been helping in different sphere of life. The most usage field of Video conferencing Interviewing prospective students and staff Presentations Seminar presentations to remote audiences Business meeting Distance Learning Telecommuting Telemedicine BENIFICIAL OF VIDEO CONFERENCE The biggest advantage or benefit Video Conferencing has to offer is the ability to meet with people in remote locations without incurring travel expenses or other expenses associated with face to face communication. Business meetings, educational meetings, healthcare conferences and more can all be easily conducted thanks to video conferencing technology. Individuals living in remote areas can also use video conferencing to keep in touch if you will, with the world at large. More people are easily accessed and contacted using video conferencing. Because of this technology information and knowledge are often disseminated at more rapid rates, and collaboration between people occurs more willingly and freely. Students can take advantage of video conferencing to take classes at distant locations that would normally be unavailable. They can also take classes that will accommodate busy schedules. Video Conferencing can stimulate better brainstorming, knowledge sharing and information gathering. Businesses can use video conferencing to provide presentations to key members of an organization or to solicit new clients in a professional manner, regardless of their location. The possibilities for communication are virtually endless thanks to video conferencing technologies. Video Conferencing provides with the ability to meet and to work with others over a distance. The following list includes several examples of the benefits for businesses using video conferencing: Reduce travel costs. Improve use of executive time. Speed up decision-making. Keep meetings brief and more focused than face-to-face meetings. Enable top management to quickly and effectively communicate with employees sitting in multiple locations. Allows virtual project management via video and data conferencing with geographically dispersed peer groups at short notice. Provides an effective way of delivering cost-efficient training to individuals without the requirement to consistently travel to central locations. Creates a medium for conducting interviews. Working out of home has never been easier or more practical. Videoconferencing makes it possible to stay connected with people in a very real way. Videoconferencing allows users to save resources by meeting with clients and/or colleagues via videoconference. This reduces travel expenses, while maintaining face-to-face contact. For a minimal cost, it is possible to set-up a fully functional videoconferencing system that works in a professional and reliable way from your home office. HOW TO DO THIS Video Conferencing used to be something of a black art. Today, easy-to-use and manage technology means that users need know little about how the equipment actually works, Whats important is what it can do, now how it does it. Video Conferencing has become popular over the last decade. Video conferencing is when two or more parties communicate in real time in separate locations with both video and audio signals. Technology used in Video conferencing Video Input Video Output Audio Input Audio Output Data Transfer Data Compression Software Acoustic Echo Cancellation This is the technology/software used for video conferencing. The software is usually used for Video Conferencing. So start video conferencing in your preferable work and make your world easy and trouble free.

ADHD Medication and Children Essay -- health, disorders

Not being able to keep still, talking out of turn, and not being able to resist temptation are many traits of a child under the age of twelve; also, the symptoms of a child diagnosed with ADHD. Though there isn’t a test to determine whether or not a child has ADHD many psychiatrists are quick to incline that the child may have this behavioral disorder even though they could just be acting like children. Not only are psychiatrists too quick to diagnose they’re also quick to prescribe medications that have high risks of causing behavioral changes and disruption of the chemical balance within the brain. Children under the age of twelve should never be diagnosed and/or prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Many people don’t even know what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders for children. It causes children to be hyperactive, act without thinking, have trouble focusing, and have problems paying attention to instructions. Since many children have these symptoms without having ADHD, Kingsley explains in more detail: Of course, all kids (especially younger ones) act this way at times, particularly when they're anxious or excited. But the difference with ADHD is that symptoms are present over a longer period of time and occur in different settings. They impair a child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home. (Kingsley, MD) This could cause a problem with parents and children alike especially when the child becomes enrolled in school considering that school requires a lot of attention. There are three different types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattent... ...ol and Prevention, 17 Jan. 2014. Web. 04 Mar. 2015. "Medications: Using Them Safely." KidsHealth. Ed. Yamini Durani. The Nemours Foundation, 01 Nov. 2011. Web. 03 Feb. 2015. Paddock, Catherine, PhD. Michigan State University. "Nearly one million children in U.S. potentially misdiagnosed with ADHD, â€Å"Science Daily. Science Daily, 17 August 2010. Web. 05 Mar. 2015. "Psychiatric Medication for Children and Adolescents Part III: Questions to Ask." Psychiatric Medication for Children and Adolescents Part III: Questions to Ask. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Feb. 2015. Robinson, Lawrence. "ADD / ADHD Medications." ADD/ADHD Medications: Are ADHD Drugs Right for You or Your Child? N.p., Sept. 2013. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. Shute, Nancy. "Neurologists Warn Against ADHD Drugs To Help Kids Study." NPR. NPR, 14 Mar. 2013. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

Type 1 diabetes :: essays research papers

Squats Versus Lunge   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The purpose of my project grade sheet is to get a better understanding of the movement I chose which was squats versus lunges. The body of my research paper will give the reader a better understanding of the following for my specific movement. Anatomy: The origin and insertions that are involved include the Glutes- gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, Hamstrings- lliotibial band, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, adductor magnus, gracilis, semimembranosus. Calves- Gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus brevis, flexor hallucis longus. Thighs- Pectineus, sartorius, adductor longus, tensor fasciae latae, gracilis, quadriceps, rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. These muscles originate just beneath the gluteus maximus on the pelvic bone and attach on the tibia. The primary functions are knee flexions which involve bringing the heel towards the gluteus maximus and hip extensions moving the leg to the rear end. Squats and lunges are a simple but very effective exercise for the lower bodies specifically the legs. It helps with balance and coordination which comes very useful for any sporting events as well as muscle development. The hamstrings, gluteus, and quadriceps muscles can be worked by using dumbb ells, barbells or just by simply using your own body weight, which we refer to as calisthenics. The most important point to remember about calisthenics is that if your muscles do not receive more stress than what they are used to, you are wasting your time. The advantages of using dumbbells and barbells are more effective in developing the smaller synergistic (helping) muscles and stabilizer muscles. Synergism is the combined effects of two or more parts of forces or agents which is greater than the sum of individual effects. The bone articulations that are involved include the pelvic bone, tibia bone and femur. The soft tissue ligaments (connects bone to bone) and tendons (connects muscle to bone) that are involved are the anterior and posterior cruciates, patella tendon connects quadriceps muscles to patella, and it also involves the shins. Kinetics: Sir Isaac Newton a scientist during the 1600’s, made observations about the world surrounding him. The observations he came up with and out of those he developed the three laws of motion. Newton’s laws of motion explain rest, constant motion, and acceleration motion; He described how balance and unbalanced forces act to cause the states of motions. In other words they are fundamental to understanding human movement. The laws that account for my movements are the law of inertia, which is the first law, it states â€Å"a body in motion tends to remain in motion at the same speed in a straight line unless acted on by a force; a body at rest tends to remain at rest unless acted on by a force†.

Natural Calamity in Uttrakhand

As a child I was amused at the premonition of the Soothsayer when he predicted the Death of Julius Caesar, who out of sheer vanity not only discarded his advice, but also admonished him for the same. A similar analogy can be drawn to the travesty that now surrounds Uttarakhand, the sole exception being, the vanity and obliviousness of the Government has gravely pulverized the State Exchequer and costed the lives of its own denizens, as against the death of one ruler. The blame game, which is a necessary by product of every mishappening in our country, has already begun, where both the Central Government as well as the State Government are rebuking each other and their predecessors in chair for faulty policy making, ineffective implementation, absence of rescue and relief strategy, steaming constitutional debates on whether the present system should be governed under Entry 56 of the Union List or under Entry 17 of the Sate List, and the classic press release phrase â€Å"mis-governance†. What lies on the other hand of this scale is innumerable unreported deaths, devastation of public property, and over sixty thousand stranded people, who are yet to be afforded anything as remotely close to the term â€Å"relief†. Genesis of the Problem and Observations made by the CAG Report India boasts of being ranked sixth in terms of largest hydel power generation capacity countries. Domestically, hydel power accounts for 1/4th of India’s dependence on energy. The Hydel Power Report of Uttarakhand published in the year 2008, categorically acclaims that the State has the potential to harness almost 20,000 MW of electricity through hydel power. Blinded with such ambitious target, the State Government failed to notice, either deliberately or otherwise, the very first objective on the same page, which has been reproduced as: â€Å"To harness the environment friendly Renewable Energy resources and enhance their contribution to the socioeconomic development of the State. Another important objective which the State while implementing the said project, was oblivious to, is â€Å"To enhance the use of energy sources that assist in mitigating environmental pollution. † The current policies, as the CAG Report categorically points out, are aimed at aggravating and not mitigating environmental pollution, and have been a cause of the floods in and around the region. Periphrastically speaking, the ngoing havoc that was witnessed in Uttarakhand was preordained in the report published by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India as late as in 2009, reproaching the Central Government and the Government of Uttarakhand for its dual role of faulty hydro power policy making as well as ineffective policy implementation. Some of the main concerns highlighted in the CAG Report are: 1. Due to the over ambitious policy of the State Government to create multiple river channels, and multiple power projects on the same tributary, a serious endangerment of environment is certainty. With over 42 Projects currently functioning, and 203 projects in construction and clearance stage, at every 6 – 7 kms stretch, there will be a dam to obstruct the flow of the river. 2. All the projects are based on high seismic areas in and around districts chamoli, rudra prayag, pithoragarh, Almora and despite severe earth quakes in 1720, 1803, 1991, and 1999 the multiplicity of hydro power projects, without adequate counter seismic measures continue to run rogue thereby causing serious risk to the lives of the people. 3. There is a clear enumeration of Flash Floods which would result in severe destruction to life and property in and around the low lying areas of the hills. Table Appended to the Report has further highlighted various instances wherein such flash floods have occurred previously in the same areas. 4. No evidence to suggest that for failure to comply with the conditions of Environmental Impact Assessment, a penalty was imposed on the builders. 5. Failure of the nodal agency to ensure submission of quarterly and half yearly compliance reports by the management. . Flagrant Negligence towards Environmental and Security Concerns. 7. The adverse impact on the ecology was further underscored by the fact that almost 4 out of 5 Power Projects have shown the complete drying up of river beds to a trickle resulting into severe impairment and devastation of the ecology, and imbalance in the water table resulting into drying up of natural aquifers in the nearby areas. 8. According to International Standards, the minimum discharge of river downstream should be maintained at 75 % so that the aquatic life remains intact. However, the present projects are discharging downstream river by 90 % and above which results into complete devastation of the aquatic life. 9. Faulty Pre-Feasibility Survey Reports, which gives inaccurate data for evaluation of the hydro power station, which means serious short comings in ascertaining whether the location to construct is feasible or not, questions on plant efficiency and what would be the impact of soil erosion, etc. remain in a state of serious jeopardy. 10. As much as 38 % of the total projects which have been granted an Environmental Clearance have failed to carry out mandatory plantation. By – Passing The Law As per the Gazette notification issued by the Central Government under Sections 2 and 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the area surrounding the river Bhagirathi from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi, which is 135 kms stretch, was declared to be â€Å"eco sensitive area†. A total area of about 4179. 59 sq km came under the eco-sensitive zone. This will impose restrictions on quarrying, commissioning hydropower projects on Bhagirathi, and construction of roads in the prohibited area. Besides, it will impose a ban on felling of trees and setting up of factories to manufacture furniture and other wooden items. For the purposes of effective implementation, the State Government, with the help of the local NGO’s and people was mandated to formulate a Zonal Master Plan surrounding the area, whereby every hydel power which is below 20 MW of Power Generation Capacity had to take a clearance from the State Ministry. However, the State Government opposed the said notification in May as they were not â€Å"consulted† before this policy was formulated; among concerns voiced by the citizens that an embargo on development would send them back to the Stone Age, which in reality was not what the notification envisaged. This mutual blame game and inter-ministerial trifles have led to such travesty. Today the very area surrounding Bhagirathi and parts of Uttarkashi are the worst hit areas of the State. Travesty of Environmental Clearance. Another notification issued by the Central Government warrants deliberation. It was mandated that before sanctioning the projects, or before expanding or modernizing hitherto existing projects, it was obligatory to procure an Environmental Impact Assessment Clearance from the Central Government and the State Government. Every Hydel Power project was subjected to the same strictures as have been mandated under Section 3(1) and Section 3(2) (v) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Such an EIA has to be in conformity with the Standards laid down by the National Environment Policy, and the guidelines that have been made under Rule 5 of the Environment Protection Rules. There are four stages before procuring an Environmental Clearance: 1. Screening wherein the projects are divided into two categories, those to be assessed by the Central Government (Category A Projects which are over and above 25 MW capacity power projects), and those to be assessed by the State Government (Under 25 MW Capacity Power Projects). 2. Scoping by which the Expert Committee determines on detailed concerns (current and probable) regarding Environmental Depletion or damage, at which stage the Committee is empowered to allow or reject the application seeking commencement of the project. 3. Public Consultation which provides for a public consultation held in the auspices of the site, obtain responses of all stake holders, villagers, etc. in writing and to be supervised by the State Pollution Control Board, but which specifically excludes â€Å"modernization of irrigation projects† out of its domain. . Appraisal which means the detailed scrutiny by the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee of the application and other documents like the Final EIA report, outcome of the public consultations including public hearing proceedings, submitted by the applicant to the regulatory authority concerned for grant of environmental clearance. In addition to the aforementioned checks and balances, there is a periodic Post Environment Clearance monitoring which are to be submitted on a half yearly basis by the management. This provides a very rosy picture of the law that governs such clearances; however the reality is far from such notion. For instance, according to the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as much as 38 % of the total industries and projects functioning in the area, and which have received a green signal to operate, have not complied with the mandatory plantation of trees in and around the site. This has resulted into serious deforestation in the hilly areas, which results into soil erosion. Himalayas being young fold mountains, have a very unstable soil compaction, as compared to other mountain ranges, because of which soil erosion can assume cataclysmic proportions, it is also the reason why rivers are changing their natural course and cutting deep crevices in the hills, wreaking havoc amongst those who stand in its way. Are we to blame? This is one perpetual question, which warrants a sordid introspection. Reports have also suggested that illegal construction of motels, rest houses, guest houses, hotels and restaurants have been made in the river bed, whereas a notification issued by the State Government clearly prohibits any illegal construction in or around 100 metres from the river bed. This is supplementary to the damage that has already been carried out by the Government. Media reports further stipulate that there was no effective functioning authority in the name of â€Å"State Disaster Management Authority†. The moot question that now faces us is whether this calamity was â€Å"natural† at all, or was it brought about by our own fallacies, inactions, deliberate obliviousness, and negligence. History is replete with instances of civilizations crashing under the might of Natural Forces, and with the present rate of depletion, the future of the Upper Gangetic Basin and the Himalayas hangs in a very delicate balance.

Oxidative Stress Cardiovascular Risk Factors Health And Social Care Essay

Background: High blood pressure, one of the modifiable hazard factor for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) and shot is known to be associated with oxidative emphasis and decreased cardiovagal transition. Similar to high blood pressure, prehypertension besides has greater hazard of inauspicious cardiovascular events. But there is a dearth of literature in our population in happening the relation of cardiovagal transition and oxidative emphasis with prehypertension and associated cardiovascular ( CV ) hazard factors. Methods: Subjects ( n=178 ) recruited through high blood pressure showing cantonment conducted in our population Puducherry, India were grouped into prehypertensives ( n=97 ) and normotensives ( n=81 ) . They were farther divided based on the age as immature grownups ( 20-39 old ages ) and middle aged grownups ( 40-60 old ages ) . Basal physiological parametric quantities, cardiovagal transition, oxidative emphasis parametric quantities ( thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and entire antioxidant capacity ) and CV hazard factors/parameters were measured. Consequences: We found important difference between prehypertensive and normotensive topics of both the age groups in cardiovagal transition and oxidative emphasis parametric quantities, important correlativity of oxidative emphasis with cardiovagal transition and average arterial force per unit area even after seting for other hazard factors, but a weak negative correlativity between average arterial force per unit area and cardiovagal transition. Derangements in oxidative emphasis and cardiovagal transition parametric quantities observed in prehypertensive immature grownups are similar to that of normotensive middle-aged grownups. Decisions: Increased oxidative emphasis and reduced cardiovagal transition in prehypertensive immature grownups with the presence of CV hazard factors increases their hazard for CVDs as that of center aged grownups, early and appropriate intercession could turn to this job.IntroductionThe 7th study of Joint National Committee for bar, sensing, rating and intervention of high blood force per unit area ( JNC 7 ) in 2003, emphasized the term â€Å" prehypertension † 1. The persons with prehypertension have higher hazard for developing high blood pressure and morbidity due to their sensitivity to cardiovascular diseases ( CVDs ) in future when compared to normotensive persons 2. In developing states the prevalence of prehypertension, high blood pressure and CVDs are increasing 3 and in south India prevalence of prehypertension is found to be 47 % 3. The blood force per unit area ( BP ) is regulated neurally by cardiovascular autonomic nervous system. Imbalance in autonomic nervous map, either by heightened sympathetic or declined parasympathetic activity is associated with premature aging 4, prehypertension 5, 6, high blood pressure 7, 8, CVDs and mortality 4, 9-11 and another subscriber for this addition in prevalence is the presence of oxidative emphasis 12, 13 may take to the patterned advance of prehypertension to high blood pressure 14, but it is still ill-defined whether oxidative emphasis or altered cardiovascular autonomic map is the cause or effect of high BP. Another of import factor which is known to impact cardiovascular autonomic map 15, oxidative emphasis 16 and lend to the load of CVD 17 is age. Framingham bosom survey provinces that the presence of any two major hazard factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, increased cholesterin or smoke in middle-age addition the life-time hazard for CVDs 18. The presence of prehypertension in immature grownups, whether associated with reduced cardiovagal transition or increased oxidative emphasis, is frequently ignored. Several surveies have demonstrated bunch of hazard factors in immature grownups 19, 20 which can take to CVDs in ulterior life 21. Previous surveies have demonstrated the association between bosom rate variableness ( HRV ) and oxidative emphasis in indispensable high blood pressure 22. There is dearth of surveies showing the association between cardiovagal transition, oxidative emphasis and prehypertension in immature and middle-aged grownups.SUBJECTS AND METHODSCapable enlistingAfter the blessing from the Institute Human Ethics Committee, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India. We conducted ‘Hypertension testing cantonments ‘ in our population Puducherry, India during the period of Mar 2011 to Dec 2012. A sum of 524 voluntaries consented for the showing plan. During the cantonment, BP was recorded 3 times with 5 minute intervals utilizing automatic BP proctor ( Citizen CH432B, Japan ) . Participants were considered ( n=294 ) for the survey after taking into history the inclusion ( systolic BP of & lt ; 140 millimeter Hg and diastolic BP of & lt ; 90 mi llimeter Hg and 20-60 old ages of age ) and exclusion standards ( history of chronic unwellness, CVDs, diabetes, primary autonomic inadequacy, kidney diseases, athleticss individual, under medicine for prehypertension and chronic unwellness ) . Finally 178 participants gave their written informed consent to take part in the survey.Lab measuringsParticipants were requested to describe to lab between 07.00 ante meridiem to 09.00 a.m. , and instructed to avoid any drugs that influence bosom rate variableness ( HRV ) and alcohol a twenty-four hours before and coffin nail smoke for at least 30 proceedingss. . Subject ‘s occupational position and medical history were besides reviewed. Based on the BP class as normotensive ( & lt ; 120 millimeter Hg and & lt ; 80 millimeter Hg ) and prehypertensive ( 120-139 millimeter Hg or 80-89 millimeters Hg ) and ages as immature grownups ( 20-39 old ages ) and middle-aged grownups ( 40-60 old ages ) , the topics were grouped as depicted in Figu re 1: Cardiovascular hazard factors Waist perimeter measured halfway between top of the iliac crest and the lower costal boundary line. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire ( GPAQ ) was used to measure the physical activity of the topics, and represented as metabolic equivalent ( MET ) . A lower limit of one coffin nail per twenty-four hours and consumption of at least 1 alcoholic drink ( 90-100 milliliter ) per twenty-four hours was considered as history of smoke and alcohol addiction severally and the familial history of high blood pressure and diabetes were besides recorded, Table 1. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile parametric quantities ( entire cholesterin, triglycerides, high, low and really low denseness lipoprotein cholesterin ) were assessed utilizing to the full automated clinical chemical science analyser ( AU400, Olympus, USA ) . Short-run bosom rate variableness The lead II ECG and respiration recorded in dim lighted room with the room temperature of 24-26A °C. Analogue signals were digitized, utilizing a 16-bit information acquisition system ( LabChart, AD instruments, Australia ) . Sampling rate was kept at 500 Hz. The tendency in fluctuation in bosom rate around radical bosom rate due to the interaction between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity were analyzed utilizing HRV package ( version 1.1. , Biomedical signal analysis group, University of Kuopio ) . Frequency spectral constituents classified based on the scope of country under the power spectrum as low frequence power ( LF ) between 0.04 to 0.15 Hz represents the part from parasympathetic and sympathetic systems ; high frequence power ( HF ) between 0.16 to 0.4 Hz represents the part from parasympathetic system to cardiovascular system and the ratio of LF/HF represents the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic system influenced chi efly by parasympathetic nervous system 23, 24. Time sphere constituents viz. standard divergence of RR intervals ( SDNN ) , standard divergence of HR ( SDHR ) , square root of the mean of the amount of the squares of consecutive RR interval differences ( RMSSD ) , next RR intervals differing more than 50ms ( NN50 ) and NN50 divided by entire figure of RR intervals in per centum ( pNN50 ) besides represents the parasympathetic activity on CV system. Oxidative emphasiss parametric quantities thiobarbituric acid reactive substance ( TBARS ) and entire antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) were measured utilizing ELISA kit harmonizing to maker instructions ( Cayman chemical company, USA ) .Datas analysis:Continuous informations were expressed as average A ± SD and categorical informations as frequences. Frequency distributions between the groups were compared utilizing Chi Square trial. The comparing of parametric quantities between the groups was carried out utilizing one manner ANOVA for parametric informations and Wilcoxon Sign Rank trial for non-parametric informations. The association between the parametric quantities was analyzed utilizing Spearman ‘s rank correlativity. HRV constituents like LF and HF power were natural log transformed and denoted as ln ( LF ) and ln ( HF ) severally, before ANOVA and additive arrested development analysis. The part independent variable on the discrepancy of dependent variable was assessed ut ilizing additive arrested development. RMSSD was considered as stand foring cardiovagal transition parametric quantity for correlativity and arrested development analysis. All the analyses were performed with statistical bundle for societal scientific disciplines ( SPSS ) 13.0 for Windows ( SPSS, USA ) . A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically important.ConsequenceDistribution of demographic profile:Number of topics and gender distribution in each group differed based on age. The figure of prehypertensive topics was more in middle-aged grownups ( n=62 ) as compared to immature grownups ( n=35 ) . The male to female ratio declined from 2.18 ( immature grownups ) to 1.21 ( middle-aged grownups ) with age 25, represented in Table 1.Comparison between normotensives and prehypertensives of both age groupsBasal physiological and bosom rate variableness parametric quantitiesSubjects with prehypertension were compared to those with normotension of same age group. The basal HR did non differ significantly between normotensive and prehypertensive topics in both age groups. Waist perimeter was significantly higher in immature grownups with prehypertension than in normotensive immature grownups but such a difference was non observed in middle-aged grownups. The resting cardiovagal transition parametric quantities obtained as frequence sphere indices ; ln ( HF ) , HFnu, and clip sphere indices ; RMSSD, NN50 and pNN50 were decreased significantly in prehypertensive immature grownups when compared to normotensive immature grownups but in the prehypertensive middle-aged grownups HFnu entirely did non differ significantly from normotensive middle-aged grownups. Same sort of consequences was observed in the index of sympathovagal balance ( LF/HF ratio ) , worsened significantly in immature grownups with prehypertension when compared to immature grownups with normotension but non in the middle-aged grownups with the presence of prehypertension.Cardiovascular hazard factors and oxidative emphasis parametric quantitiesFamily history of high blood pressure and diabetes, figure of tobacco users and alkies and physical activity were non differed significantly between normotensive and prehypertensive of both age groups. TC, HDL-c and LDL-c were besi des non significantly altered between normotensives and prehypertensives in both age groups. The waist perimeter, fasting plasma glucose and TG were merely increased significantly in prehypertensive immature grownups and non in between middle-aged grownups with normotension and prehypertension ( Table 1 ) . No female tobacco user or alky was present in our survey. The oxidative emphasis parametric quantities, TBARS and TAC were significantly deranged in prehypertensive topics in both immature and in-between age ( Table 2 ) .Prehypertension in immature grownupsYoung grownups with prehypertension were compared with middle-aged normotensive topics. Resting radical physiological parametric quantities, cardiovagal transition, lipid profile, oxidative emphasis parametric quantities and waist perimeter did non differ significantly between normotensive middle-aged grownups and prehypertensive immature grownups.Association between cardiovagal transition, oxidative emphasis parametric quantit ies, age and blood force per unit areaThe MAP correlated indirectly with cardiovagal transition ( RMSSD ) , TAC and straight with TBARS, Figure-2 and Figure-3. But the correlativity of MAP with RMSSD, TBARS and TAC were reduced to ( r= -0.199, p=0.009 ; r=0.335, p= & lt ; 0.001 and r= -0.318, p= & lt ; 0.001, severally ) after repairing the CV hazard factors like age, waist perimeter, physical activity, FPG, TC and TG. The oxidative emphasis parametric quantities, TBARS correlated reciprocally and TAC correlated positively with RMSSD, Figure 4. The correlativity of TBARS and TAC with RMSSD were strong plenty ( r= -0.311, p= & lt ; 0.001 and r=0.437, p= & lt ; 0.001, severally ) even after adjusting/fixing the CV hazard factors. The MAP contributes to 16.4 % and 15.8 % discrepancy in TBARS and TAC severally. The TBARS and TAC explained the discrepancy in MAP by 23.2 % . Age, TBARS and TAC together explained 42.3 % of discrepancy in RMSSD, out of which 36.8 % is by TBARS and TAC, Table-3.DiscussionThe most of import determination of the present survey is that prehypertension in immature grownups with the presence of altered cardiovagal transition, elevated oxidative emphasis and other CV hazard factors is an alarming phase as the parametric quantities are comparable to those observed in middle-aged grownups. Surveies have reported that either altered cardiovagal transition or oxidative emphasis may take to the development of high blood pressure 7, 26. Change in cardiovagal transition is an of import marker for foretelling future CV morbidity 27, was decreased in prehypertensive immature and middle-aged grownups when compared to normotensives of matching age group. The cardiovagal transition can be influenced partially by each hazard factor like waist perimeter, physical activity, FPG, TC, TG and age 15, 28-31. Therefore, all of these confounders were fixed to quantify the association between MAP and cardiovagal transition. But we could happen lone hebdomad relation between these two variables, bespeaking that the presence of high BP entirely does non bring forth much influence on cardiovagal transition. This contradicts the consequences demonstrated in the survey by Pletcher et al. , in which prehypertension by itself was concluded as an independent hazard factor for the development of C VD 21. At the same clip, oxidative emphasis is one of the of import parametric quantities responsible for the development and care of CVD including high blood pressure, was significantly increased in prehypertensive topics of both age groups. The relation between MAP and oxidative emphasis ( TBARS and TAC ) was strong plenty even after seting for confusing CV hazard factors. This goes manus in manus with old survey 32. Our survey reveals the association between oxidative emphasis and prehypertension, but it is non plenty to convey about a causal relationship as surveies have shown high blood pressure per Se can increase oxidative emphasis or frailty versa. Further the association between oxidative emphasis and cardiovagal transition parametric quantity ( RMSSD ) were besides strong even after seting for all the confusing parametric quantities. These observations lead us to speculate that oxidative emphasis may be the precursor for both prehypertension and altered cardiovagal transition, the later are manifestations of the underlying oxidative emphasis. This may necessitates the demand for longitudinal research to happen the causal relationship between oxidative emphasis, cardiovascular autonomic map and pre-hypertension. Increased oxidative emphasis and reduced cardiovagal transition observed merely in immature grownup with prehypertension as compared to normotension, but non in between middle-aged normotension and prehypertension can be explained by the presence of CV hazard factors. In our survey, we observed that the CV hazard factors like waist perimeter FPG and TG were significantly different between immature normotensive and prehypertensive grownups, but the increase in CV hazard parametric quantities were observed in middle-aged prehypertensives as compared to normotensives, but non significantly. This farther emphasizes that the presence of CV hazard factors contributes to CVD hazard more than the presence of prehypertension entirely. Framingham bosom survey stated that the presence of multiple hazard factors in in-between age increases the life-time hazard for CVD for the staying old ages and reduces their length of service by 10 old ages 18. Surveies besides demonstrated that the presence of prehypertension and associated CV hazard factors increase the opportunity for acquiring CV events when compared to normotensive topics 2. In our survey, prehypertensive immature grownups tend to portion similar CV hazard factors as in middle-age adults.. Hence the CV hazard factors associated with prehypertension in immature grownups has to be viewed with cautiousness. Altered cardiovagal transition and oxidative emphasis parametric quantities were besides non differed significantly between prehypertensive immature grownups and middle-aged grownups, bespeaking that the damage has occurred earlier in the class of life with the presence of prehypertension and associated hazard factors 25, 33. The consequences of our survey demonstrate that the immature grownups with prehypertension have high hazard for developing CV events as comparable to that of middle-aged grownups. But prehypertension and CV hazard factor appraisal in immature grownups is frequently neglected 34. The complications start roll uping with come oning age when left untreated, ensuing in development of other co-morbid conditions 35.RestrictionsWe did non mensurate LDL-c atom size. More figure of male prehypertensives in immature grownup age group would hold besides reduced the difference between immature grownup with prehypertension and middle-aged normotensive grownups but the old sur veies have demonstrated that immature work forces are more prone to developing prehypertension when compared to immature adult females of peer age group 25. The prevalence of prehypertension and high blood pressure in adult females additions with progressing age 25, 36. This may explicate the gender difference in immature prehypertensive grownups.DecisionPrehypertension in immature and middle-aged topics is associated with increased oxidative emphasis and altered cardiovagal transition. In our survey, the hazard factors for CVDs in prehypertensive immature grownups were found to be tantamount to that of middle-aged grownups who are in dusky zone for its development. Particular wellness programmes need to be undertaken in the signifier of antioxidant and yoga therapy to turn to the cardiovascular hazard among the immature and middle-aged prehypertensives.RecognitionWe like to unfeignedly thank Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research for funding the underta king and Department of Science & A ; Technology, Government of India for back uping the first writer through INSPIRE family. We besides thank Dr. Madanmohan Trakroo, Professor and Head of Physiology Department, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & A ; Research Institute, Puducherry, Dr. Abdoul Hamide, Professor of Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry and Dr. T N Sathyaprabha, Additional Professor of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India for their part in planing the survey

Food Essay Essay

Food. When people see or hear that word, many of them think of food as something that just keeps us healthy and alive. In my perspective that is true. But there is so much more to it than many people see. It is cultural, a tradition, and can have many different meanings. It can also be seen as edible art and a way to express yourself. To me, it is a way to get away from everything. As a child, I didn’t enjoy eating what my parents wanted me to. I was obsessed with sugary treat and that is almost the only thing I’d enjoy eating. Going to the dentist was always a pain because I was always scared of the dentist which till this day I don’t like going to the dentists. My mother would always think I would have a lot of cavities but to her surprise I never had any cavities as a child. But the bad side was, I would always get stomach aches because of the amounts of sugar I would eat. Even that wouldn’t stop my sweet tooth. As I got older I slowly realized that there are so many other foods that taste amazing! I would begin eating more and more foods that were different. And nowadays I love food! I eat everything that my mother will cook; I am not the same picky child as I was before. I not only love to eat food, but I love to cook as well. I’m definitely not an amazing cook but I still love it and it means a lot to me. Just give me a recipe and the ingredients and I will be fine. Just like anyone my age, I started off cooking small and easy foods. I would begin with cooking eggs, omelets, brownies and pancakes. And I would slowly make more and more types of food. For example I love cooking pasta and making sushi with my mother. It doesn’t seem like very high end kind of foods to make but it does the job well and tastes great and is healthy at the same time. Now that I am an adult, more is more expected from me from both my parents and my boyfriend. All three of them are making me learn to cook more and more because it’s something everyone my age should know how to do. Food is not only great tasting, but also is a stress reliever; a mood changer. Whenever I am feeling down, sad or maybe even bored I can always count on my kitchen because it isn’t going anywhere and is always there when I need it. Especially when I have an anxiety attack and I just want to be alone, I plug in my earphones, turn up my music and eat of course. It really helps me at home and helps me cope with being away from my boyfriend who is stationed on the other side of America and who just got home from Afghanistan. Just something about food that helps me feel better all the time. As a child I remember always watching my mother cooking and all. And just like every other child I always wanted to help because it would make me feel more grown up. So as awesome as my mother is, she would let me help her. Of course she gave me the easiest things to help her with. For example, if she was baking a cake she would let me crack the eggs, put in the butter, use the measuring cup to put in the right amount of flour. And she would even let me mix the batter too sometimes. When my mother would let me do all those things it made me feel so empowered and I felt like a responsible adult. As I got older, cooking had a special place in my heart. She would slowly let me make on my own, with her by my side of course. Making sure I’m doing it right. Till this day I remember always sneaking into the kitchen and steal some batter from the cake she was making and run off giggling. I would also sneak the chocolate she was using. Every time my mother bakes, I always have these memories. The house would always smell so good when she would cook. Food isn’t just plain and simple. It is unique and is almost fragile. While cooking even the smallest change in the recipe can change the taste of the dish dramatically. With spices especially it can change the food because if you put too little it won’t taste good, same if you out too much. You have to put in the perfect amount for it to taste good. Not only is the taste of the food good, but also the smell of the food while cooking is amazing. While cooking the smell of the food cooking just makes you want to eat it a lot more. When it comes to cooking, my mother is my biggest inspiration because no matter what is going on at home, when my mom fixes us some food; it of course doesn’t fix any of the problems but it does lighten the mood and helps us feel a little better. I’ve noticed that many arguments are when people are hungry or have an empty stomach. She absolutely loves cooking and it makes her happy and it’s the same for me as well. As I was younger, I would love to watch cooking shows where they compete over who can cook the best, also I would love watching the shows where they show a lot of cooking gadgets. Those shows always caught my attentions. Watching those shows just amazes me because of the things people can create with food, it’s just breath taking and makes me so happy! As for being Ukrainian and Polish, we h ave many different types of food that we make. In my culture we eat a lot of potatoes. Many people think it’s funny and weird that we eat a lot of potatoes but to me it tastes good and it is very healthy. We also make many different salads. Being Ukrainian and Polish and coming from a fairly large family, we eat a lot so it opens my eyes to many different types of food and makes me interested in trying everything. If I had to describe food in my perspective in the least amount of words I’d have to say that food to me is not just food, it’s a way I live my day to day life and what I create with food is not just to keep me stress free but is also a hobby and a way I keep people I know happy. Food isn’t just something we can just describe as a culture or what goes in our stomachs.