Detailed Implementation of BHDs Goals and Objectives Research Paper

Detailed Implementation of BHDs Goals and Objectives - Research Paper Example The gun and firearms retail store catering to the customer’s penchant to learn to shoot prior to buying their preferred firearm choices. Second, the sports complex has a paintball shooting area. Projected Operational Income Statement. The operational plan’s projected income statement is based on Dickie’s actual performance. Appendix A shows the BHD’s projected income statement. The projection is based on Hillsboro’s 42,000 target age group market segment. The same projected annual income statement incorporates the target market’s 15 per cent buyers. The computation is grounded on Dickie’s quarterly income statement (http://www.google.com/finance?fstype=ii&q=NYSE:DKS). Four P’s of the company’s operational Marketing Plan (Habiyaremye, 2011). Product. The BHD entity sells diverse products. The products are guns and ammunition for the sports buffs, sports equipment, firing range services, and paintball game services. BHD com plies with all gun law requirements, including the Gun Control Act (18 U.S. C. Chapter 44) as well as the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. Chapter 53) (http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulings/laws/). The BHD Corporation’s paintball sports arena complies with Oregon’s safety, environment, and other legal requirements. Price. The prices of BHD’s products are similar to the average competitors’ selling prices.  Ã‚   Demographical data shows that Oregon has 3.8 million residents. Within the Oregon States, Washington County has 530 thousand residents. In addition, Washington County’s Hillsboro City has 92 thousand residents.  

How the Digital World May Change Essay Example for Free

How the Digital World May Change Essay The rapidly changing societies with constantly improving technology and occurrence of social digital technologies dramatically changed the way people communicate and interact with each other making them either â€Å"digital natives†, â€Å"digital residents†, â€Å"digital immigrants† or â€Å"digital visitors† based on their generation or familiarization with technology. More and more people today perceive the world as the complicated and mature network of computerized and online applications that help to communicate, search for, exchange and share information, make business with international partners, play games on distance, and many other purposes. Though, the question is whether digital natives and digital residents are the same in their perception of the world, behavior and life habits in the future? Behavior of Digital Residents Since personally I was born before 1994, I am related to the category of digital residents, who were born before the occurrence of social digital technologies. Such people like me learnt the computer and Internet-related skills either in schools or universities and have an opportunity to compare life and perception of the world before and after the digital world. Despite I am not a digital native, my behavior as a digital resident is already influenced by numerous technologies I am using daily like cell phone, computer, DVD player, iPod, etc. With occurrence of cell phones, for example, people became more flexible and mobile in their behavior, actions, plans and ability to communicate with their family members, friends and colleagues. Moreover, many people combine conversations by cell phone with other activities like cleaning the house, working on the computer, shopping or driving a car (Palfrey and Gasser, 2008). Recently more and more people, including me, prefer to make their personal or business calls while driving to the office, shop or gym. It might be a good way to use time efficiently, though at the same time might cause problems and distract a person from driving and being careful on the road. In one of his first video chapters Robert Schrag (2010) addressed exactly this issue when young people got used to talk by phone and type text messages while driving. Though, the main difference in such behavior between digital natives and digital residents is that the last ones are more careful, reasonable and less dependent on the technologies than digital natives are (Palfrey and Gasser, 2008). It might sound crazy, but computers, cell phones and other technology-related products became a mandatory and integral daily part of their lives. While as a digital resident I am less dependent, or better to say, obsessed with technology, the changing world of education and business requires being constantly aware and familiar with the latest technologies, either to learn the updated and useful information for my personal and professional development or to keep pace with younger people whose knowledge of languages, computers and technology-related applications make them more competitive at the labor market. Conclusion  As for the future behavior as a digital resident, it is rather hard to predict since more and more innovations enter our lives. For example, nowadays a debate exists concerning two main issues: human cloning and brain chips. Personally, I do not support either of these ideas since with their occurrence and legacy people will be controlled by those who created such innovations while the human being is independent self-thinker who is responsible for his/her own actions, has personal wishes and dreams and is unpredictable in his/her behavior. While digital world gives me more and more opportunity to learn the world and communicate with other people, at the same time it controls me more and more shaping my behavior in the way innovators and digital world creators want. I personally think that technology should be wisely and within certain limits without suppressing and eliminating the natural things and personal communication between people.

The Problems of American Youth Essay -- Youth Young Adolescent Essays

The Problems of American Youth 1. Introduction This report briefly presents the problems of American youth. It consists of six parts. The first one deals with the general understanding of the teenagers in general. The second part conveys some facts about historic events and socio – historical context. The third one describes youths and their families and briefly shows the problems. The fourth part describes students and their schools. It conveys some details of educational system. The fifth part shows in what kind of activities can youths participate. The sixth part explain what problems do the youths face at. Finally the conclusions sum up all the parts and tries to show some looks to the future. 2. The Teenagers At 18 years of age, young people in the United States of America can take on most of the rights and responsibilities of adulthood. However, before that the young man is understood as a teenager. A young person between the ages of 13 and 19 has to deal with the problems of adolescence. Most people experience conflict during this period of their lives. At this time the young people are changing rapidly, both physically and emotionally. Moreover, they are searching for self-identity, which cause some difficulties. As the young people are growing, they are developing their own values of life that often differ from the ones of their parents. It must be said that teenagers are influenced by the values expressed by their friends, newspapers, television, magazines and teachers. It is good if these expreesed values are suitable for young people and affect them in the right way. During this period of life, young people begin to participate in social activities. They begin to do more things in the company of members of the opposite sex and fewer things in the company of their families. All youths face a certain problems. Some young people have difficulties in their relationship with their parents. Some of them have problems at school, which may lead to use of alcohol or drugs or even grow to refusal to go school or running away from home. Some teenagers even can turn to crime. However, some teenagers, who face such problems, are making positive and important contributions to their communities, schools and society. Many teenagers are studying for college entrance exams or working at part-time jobs after school. Others are volunteering a... ...ancies. Some programs rely on strong counseling against premarital sex and others provide contraceptive counseling. About one million young people run away from home each year. Most return after a few weeks, but others turn to crime. New programs are created to help troubled youths. Young people can go after school and talk with counselors, receive academic tutoring or take part in social activities. 8. Conclusions Most American youths look forward to their future with hope and optimism. American youth now focus on their education and career. They admit that hard work lies ahead and claim they are willing to make the sacrifices needed to reach their goals. Many young people are headed toward four – year colleges and universities. Many other look forward to getting job after high school. Others plan on getting married. Other young people intend to join the armed forces or volunteer organizations. American youth are concerned about problems confronting both their own communities and the world around them. They faced such important issues as drug abuse, AIDS and environment problems. The youth are concerned with global issues such as nuclear war and world hunger.

Qualities of Ratan Tata Essay

PERSONAL POWER —-Krishna Kumar, in an internal interview published on the group’s website in March, had also praised Ratan Tata for his contributions to not only the group, but the business and industry as a whole and called him a ‘born leader’. Visionary—Good Communicator–A visionary leader has good communication skills. She knows how to verbalize her dreams and goals and can explain them to his team. For the leader, communication isn’t just one-sided. In addition to sharing her vision for the future, a visionary leader is also an active listener. As more people â€Å"catch the vision,† leaders listen to their ideas and thoughts, incorporating them into the larger goal. Visionaries involve others in reaching their milestones and help the team members meet their personal goals.Charismatic Leader–Visionary leaders also have charisma. Merriam-Webster defines charisma as a â€Å"personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty.† Not everyone is born with this â€Å"personal magic,† but they can learn and cultivate it. Charisma is a natural attraction that draws people to the leader and the leader’s enthusiasm.Chief Organizer–Visionary leaders also are chief organizers. While many leaders have administrators that manage the processes, the leader often sets up the organization by establishing key departments or functions. As the organizer-in-chief, the visionary directs, develops and conducts meetings until reliable help is found. During the initial organization, a leader will take the time build a solid foundation through establishing boards, councils or a company hierarchy. Strategic Planner–Visionary leaders are strategic planners. Like a chess player, these leaders plan ahead to make the best business moves. Strategic planning involves creating an action plan with a particular strategy in mind. The leader’s vision defines what the organization will look like in the future and how it will function. His strategies are designed to take him toward his ultimate vision. COURAGEOUS Risk-taker–Visionary leaders, like Washington, are notable risk-takers. These leaders are willing to gamble on something they believe in, but the gamble is often a measured one. Visionaries are creative people that take the initiative with the appropriate action. Visionaries take intelligent risks that capitalize on prime conditions. This kind of leader starts small by taking measured steps than later bigger risks.INSPIRING Passionate—-He was the chairman of the group from 1991-2012. He stepped down as the  chairman on 28 December 2012 and now holds the position of Chairman Emeritus of the group which is an honorary and advisory position. He will continue as the chairman of the groups charitable trusts.Even at this age he is able to work for his company showing loyality, respectiv eness and passion towards his work which is definetly an inspiration for young leaders. There are three characteristics that I have noticed among leaders that make them conscious, responsible and effective leaders — Tata demonstrates all the three.One: Leader has a bigger, higher purpose for you and your organization that expresses responsiveness to community. While some organizations do create the higher purpose, they do not operationalise that. In the absence of translating the higher purpose into actions, these statements become static and meaningless, limited to websites and decorating boardrooms. Individuals and organizations that have imbibed their higher purpose experience more meaning in their life and fulfillment. An organisation that has a well-articulated and an operationalised higher purpose would create sustainable business success, employee loyalty, satisfaction and a sense of pride. Tata group is an ideal example of all that. CREATIVE Two: Leader uses creative rather than reactive tendencies to get results. Some people achieve it using reactive com petencies and tendencies like controlling, manipulating, pleasing and complying. While some others achieve similar or better results using creative tendencies like relating, self awareness, purposeful actions, and authenticity. If an organisation is only interested in driving financial results, they might be doing this by using reactive competencies. Results can be achieved using multiple motivational drivers. Someone who is extremely insecure and controlling will use those tendencies to drive results. Tata used more creative competencies to lead the organization. INNOVATIVE IMAGINATIVE EXPERIMENTAL INITIATES CHANGE— His imagination ability inovated lots of ideas which were on the side of company’s growth which were both experimented and executed with a positive result creating a change in the history of reputation of company by building a base of company’s growth Three: Leaders operate from higher order values. Robert Kegan, a professor at Harvard Graduate School, proposed the need for leaders to scale their abilities to the higher orders so that they can solve complex problems and create personal transformation. Richard Barret, author and expert on values, talks about seven levels of consciousness. While  survival, selfish wealth creation, power, greed, status and being liked can be considered as lower order values, self actualisation, service, trust, honesty and Integrity can be considered as higher end-values. Ratan Tata was a ‘terrific combination’ of the four necessary leadership characteristics — character, commitment, competence and courage. ï‚ · Leaders inspire others because they are inspired themselves. They are excited about the possibility of creating an exciting future for themselves. They get up every morning and they see every effort they make as part of a great plan to accomplish something wonderful with their lives.ï‚ · Leaders are optimistic. They see opportunities in everything that happens, positive or negative. They look for the good in every situation and in every person. They seek the valuable lessons contained in every problem or setback. They never experience â€Å"failures;† instead, they write them off as â€Å"learn ing experiences.†Ã¯â€š · Leaders have a sense of meaning and purpose in each area of their lives. They have clear, written goals and plans they work on every day. Leaders are clear about where they are going and what they will have to do to get there. Their behavior is purposeful and goal-directed. As a result, they accomplish five and ten times as much as the average person who operates from day to day with little concern about the future.ï‚ · Leaders accept personal responsibility. Leaders never complain, never explain. Instead of making excuses, they make progress. Whenever they have a set-back or difficulty, they repeat to themselves, â€Å"I am responsible! I am responsible! I am responsible!†Ã¯â€š · Leaders see themselves as victors over circumstances rather than victims of circumstances. They don’t criticize or blame others when something goes wrong. Instead, they focus on the solution.ï‚ · Leaders are action-oriented. They are constantly in motion. They try something, and then som ething else, and then something else again. They never give up.ï‚ · Leaders have integrity. They tell the truth at all times. They live in truth with themselves, and they live in truth with others.

Leaving

1. Nowadays, many immigrants have moved to America(north, central, and south) for many reasons, searching for a fresh start. My family was one of them. I was born in Egypt and lived there for six years of my life. My family’s decision to immigrate to Canada was basically for my future. At that time, the state of the Egyptian government was very unstable, the economy was poor and there were many problems between Christians and Muslims in the country. Also, the education system in Egypt is not one of the best in the world. So, thinking of my future, my parents decided to immigrate to Canada. I have been living here for 12 years now. My country will always be the best to my eyes but I have to say my place is in Canada. In one’s life, it is highly likely that one will hear somebody say â€Å"I've been lucky to have some great opportunities acting with some great people since leaving my country† or â€Å" I have certainly been kept busy since leaving the street! † talking about how much his life is better in another country. In M. G. Vassanji’s short story, â€Å"Leaving† we followed the plot which took place in Tanzania in the 21st century. The story gives a clear representation of immigrant’s lives, their motives and their most dominant struggles. The story can be perceived from many different angles with the use of context, the character’s evolution, the language used and the plot. The origin of â€Å" Uhuru Street† and more specifically of â€Å"Leaving† has much to do with the origin of M. G. Vassanji. Vassanji is a Canadian writer of Indian identity. He was born in Kenya and spent his early years in the south of Asia, in Tanzania. In his written pieces, he concentrates on the situation of south Asians living in Africa. There, we can already see a direct link of vassanji’s life and the people he writes about. Much like Aloo in â€Å"Leaving†, he even received a scholarship to the university of Massachusetts. In his stories, Vassanji analyzes the lives of those people, which are affected by the several migrations. The short story that I chose takes place in Tanzania, Africa. It involves an Indian family living in Africa dealing with the possibility of migration of one of the sons to America and how this could affect his and his whole family’s life. In the story, the son is helped by his family to go to university in America. The mother suffers because she is a widow who raised four children and has trouble letting her son go. â€Å"Leaving† mainly talks about the leaving of the place where our roots are, nowing that everything will change. M. G Vassanji’s style is very unique. It is rather simple and direct combining real life events with heart-felt emotions, nationalities and historical facts. This author had many motives and purposes in writing this story. First of all, this story is a reproduction of a part of his experience because he went through the same life issues as Aloo did. Secondly, the story is a representation of the fears of Indians and immigrants in general. In â€Å"Leaving†, the mother fears that her son will loose a part of his heritage, living in a country where there is no link to it and where there is no daily practice of it and she risks loosing her son. She is also afraid of letting him go because of her protective nature and roots. Third of all, Vassanji intended to show the reader what immigrants go through, what their values are and how they live. Aloo’s motive for leaving Africa even though he was not accepted in the program he applied for says a lot about the living conditions of immigrants to Africa. 2. A)The story is about the life of an Indian family of a widow mother, her two daughters and two sons living in Africa. At the beginning, we learn that the two daughters have gotten married and the mother misses them. Aloo’s mother, as we remark, places all her hope in her son Aloo hoping he will be a man with good opportunities followed by a bright future. Aloo and the narrator are the youngest of 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, raised by their widow mother. We learn as we read the story that the daughters are married and out of their mother’s house. This leaves a large burden on the mother’s shoulders as she starts feeling emotions of loneliness. One day, the family sells their store and move from Uhuru Street to Upanga, which was described as peaceful and quiet. During Aloo’s graduate year, he goes on a life changing fieldtrip with a former professor back from abroad. His chat with the professor was the turning point that made Aloo get courage to apply to an American university. In reaction to this desire, Aloo’s mother humored the boy, feeling this was a waste of time. she did not want to get his hopes up only to see them shattered afterwards. When the character finally receives the letter from the California institute of technology, Aloo learns he has been accepted in the agriculture program. Aloo initially wanted to go into medicine and had gotten accepted in the local university of Tanzania. Mother, surprised by the news, kept trying to put Aloo down to protect him and keep him from leaving telling him they did not have enough money. She also joked about how some of his uncles in America would help with financial aid. When Aloo kept insisting, they all decided to confide in an old friend, Mr. Velji. Mr. Velji was very impressed by Aloo’s straight A average and said that it would be a good opportunity and a good experience for the young man. Mother had a hard time letting her son go but ended up doing it to make him happy. The final passage of the story is a letter from Aloo written from London telling his family how much London is a beautiful place and sharing his wonderful experience with them. All the events that happened in the plot are a brief explanation of the passage. First, the event of the mother’s letting her other son, the narrator, go to America foreshadowed that she would have problems letting Aloo go as well but that she would finally let him leave. Second, when Aloo started having hope to go to America and was determined to go, foreshadows the fact that he would expect so much from his trip and would change during this trip as we read in the passage. Third of all, when the mother chose to ask Mr. Velji’s opinions about Aloo’s departure, we could see that she knew what she was doing. She knew that, with his experience from going to America himself, he would be able to judge the situation wisely. This can be related to the character’s evolution in the passage. 2. B) We can see that, in this specific passage, two characters have evolved: Aloo and the mother. In the beginning of the story, the reader’s perception of Aloo is a young adult chasing after his dream of getting into the medicine program. He was viewed as an excellent student with a straight â€Å"A† average. When he receives the letter from the university of California back and finds out he was accepted, he decides he would go to the university because of the fact that he was an Indian being accepted and welcomed by many fraternities in an American university. we can see that his acceptance was a very unusual thing happening because of the discrimination that exists in America nowadays towards immigrants. This event marked the start of his evolution. The passage itself is a letter written by Aloo to his family from London, where e had stopped to visit a friend, telling them how the places he has visited are so different and so beautiful. This passage can have many interpretations. Aloo can be simply sharing a wonderful experience with his mother and siblings or he could be telling them that finally he is living and that what he used to live in Asia is not good enough. In London, he felt as if he was in a world of freedom and opportunities and that Asia was a prison that he escaped from. The second character to whom we can associate a certain evolution in the passage of the short story â€Å"Leaving† is Aloo’s mother. Throughout the beginning of the story up to the middle, the mother had been rather neutral about Aloo’s going away to university. She did not want to encourage him because of many reasons. First of all, she knew that being of Indian origin, he would probably have more trouble than Americans in getting into the university. She did not want to get his hopes up and then see all of his dreams shattered because of the discrimination that exists in the U. S. A. Secondly, she knew that if he ever was accepted and did go away to university, he would probably like his life there more than his life in dare s salam and therefore would not think about coming back. On the other hand, she also was afraid that he would loose a part of his Indian identity if he went to another country and changed his way of living. Basically, in all of the preceding reasons, the mother just wants to protect her child from the outside world that she knows nothing about. Then, in the second half of the story, the mother’s behavior and view concerning Aloo’s departure slowly starts changing. Her love for her son, her protective ways and seeing her son’s dreams being shattered when she tells him that he will not be leaving make her start to see that she needs to learn to let go. In the passage, after the mother has read Aloo’s letter, she stares into the distance. She stares into the distance because she sees what she feared happening in front of her eyes. At this point, we see that she is still worried about her child especially after her interpretation of the words in his letter, but she is ready to accept what life brings him and let him build the bases of his own life. I think time is the wisest counselor for her. 2. d) In the passage, there is a sentence that has a rather hidden meaning from Aloo’s point of view. Vassanji wrote, â€Å"Even the mountains are clean and civilized†. This part of the phrase means that Aloo is criticizing his old life, the life with his mother and siblings in Tanzania as to say that he has finally reached what is the real civilization. He is basically showing them that he is finally in a better place when he never even imagined of going there until a few months before. Vassanji wrote: â€Å"Aloo’s first letter came a week after he left, from London where he’d stopped over to see a former classmate. It flowed over with excitement. How can I describe it,’ he wrote, ‘the sight from the plane†¦mile upon mile of carefully tilled fields, the earth divided into neat green squares†¦even the mountains are clean and civilized. And London†¦Oh London! It seemed that it would never end†¦blocks and blocks of houses, squares, parks, monuments†¦could any city be larger?†¦ How many of our Dar es Salaams would fit here , in this one gorgeous city†¦? A bird flapping its wings: Mr Velji nodding wisely in his chair, Mother staring into the distance. † 3. As I mentioned before, this specific passage, can be viewed in two ways. The most obvious one is that Aloo’s letter is simply a way of expressing his wonderful experience and sharing this happy moment with his family with no other intention. This interpretation is a rather innocent interpretation of Aloo’s character in the way that he is sharing his excitement of seeing things he has never even imagined before. The other decipherment of this passage is an unfavorable one. The view is that Aloo wrote the letter as a criticism of the Asian lifestyle and as a method of telling his family how he is in a better place and has a better life. Some may even read the mother’s reaction of staring into the distance as a selfish one. The mother would be thinking about how her son has left her and went to a better place after all she did for him. She might even be jealous of the fact that her son has many opportunities that she never got to have as a young adult. Of course she is happy that he gets to go and chase after his dreams but she is sad at the idea that he chose his dreams over his mother. 4. With the use of context, character’s evolution and plot, we can see that this passage has a large variety of interpretations. Aloo’s words are either perceived as innocent and good or selfish and bad. He could be writing to his family to share a wonderful, breathtaking experience or he could be writing to tell them how much life in Africa is a prison and how he has finally found the real life. Either way, the most important aspect of this passage is the fact that Aloo left his a country that resembled his own and people who are like him to go towards the unknown. What are his motives for doing so? The predominant incitement for this choice is the fact that he is an Indian boy being accepted and highly welcomed by several fraternities to the university. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity because the Indians and immigrants in general, from what we understand from the story, were discriminated against at that time in America. Etymology of words: Green: â€Å"O. E. grene, earlier groeni, related to O. E. growan â€Å"to grow,† from W. Gmc. *gronja- (cf. O. Fris. grene, O. N. gr? nn, Dan. gron, Du. groen, Ger. grun), from PIE base *gro- â€Å"grow,† through sense of â€Å"color of living plants. † The color of jealousy at least since Shakespeare (1596); â€Å"Greensleeves,† ballad of an inconstant lady-love, is from 1580. Meaning of â€Å"a field, grassy place† was in O. E. Sense of â€Å"of tender age, youthful† is from 1412; hence â€Å"gullible† (1605). Greenhorn (containing the sense of â€Å"new, fresh, recent†) was first â€Å"young horned animal† (1455), then â€Å"recently enlisted soldier† (1650), then â€Å"any inexperienced person† (1682). Green light in figurative sense of â€Å"permission† is from 1937. Green and red as signals on railways first attested 1883, as nighttime substitutes for semaphore flags. Green beret originally â€Å"British commando† is from 1949. Green room â€Å"room for actors when not on stage† is from 1701; presumably a well-known one was painted green. †[1] Block solid piece,† c. 1305, from O. Fr. bloc â€Å"log, block,† via M. Du. bloc â€Å"trunk of a tree† or O. H. G. bloh, both from PIE *bhlugo-, from *bhel â€Å"a thick plank, beam. † Slang sense of â€Å"head† is from 1635. The meaning in city block is 1796 , from the notion of a â€Å"compact mass† of buildings; slang meaning â€Å"fashionable promenade† is 1869. Extended sense of â€Å"obstruction† is first recorded 1649. The verb â€Å"to obstruct† is from 1570. Blockhead â€Å"stupid person† (1549) was originally a head-shaped oaken block used by hat-makers. Blockade first used 1680, with false Fr. ending (the Fr. word is blocus). Blockhouse is c. 500, of unknown origin. † Flappig/Fly â€Å"†to soar through air,† O. E. fleogan (class II strong verb; past tense fleag, pp. flogen), from W. Gmc. *fleuganan (cf. O. H. G. fliogan, O. N. flugja, M. Du. vlieghen, Ger. fliegen), from PIE *pleu- â€Å"flowing, floating† (cf. Lith. plaukiu â€Å"to swim†). The O. E. plural in -n (cf. oxen) gradually normalized 13c. -15c. to -s. Notion of â€Å"flapping as a wing does† led to sense of â€Å"tent flap† (1810), which yielded (1844) â€Å"covering for buttons that close up a garment. † Flying buttress is from 1669. Fly-fishing (from fly (n. )) is from 1653; while flying fish is from c. 511. Flying saucer first attested 1947, though the image of saucers for unidentified flying objects is from at least 1880s. Flying Dutchman ghost ship first recorded c. 1830, in Jeffrey, Baron de Reigersfeld's â€Å"The Life of a Sea Officer. † Slang phrase fly off the handle â€Å"lose one's cool† dates from 1825. On the fly is 1851. Flying colors (1706) is probably from the image of a naval vessel with the national flag bravely displayed. † Distance â€Å"c. 1290, from O. Fr. destance, from L. distantia â€Å"a standing apart,† from distantem (nom. distans) â€Å"standing apart, separate, distant,† prp. f distare â€Å"stand apart,† from dis- â€Å"apart, off† + stare â€Å"to stand† (see stet). The figurative sense is the same as in stand-offish. Phrase go the distance (1930s) seems to be origina lly from boxing. † Plane â€Å"flat surface,† 1604, from L. plantum â€Å"flat surface,† properly neut. of adj. planus â€Å"flat, level, plain, clear,† from PIE *pla-no- (cf. Lith. plonas â€Å"thin;† Celtic *lanon â€Å"plain;† perhaps also Gk. pelanos â€Å"sacrificial cake, a mixture offered to the gods, offering (of meal, honey, and oil) poured or spread†), suffixed form of base *pele- â€Å"to spread out, broad, flat† (cf. O. C. S. polje â€Å"flat land, field,† Rus. polyi â€Å"open;† O. E. , O. H. G. feld, M. Du. veld â€Å"field†). Fig. sense is attested from 1850. The verb meaning â€Å"soar, glide on motionless wings† is first recorded 1611, from M. Fr. planer (16c. ), from L. planum on notion of bird gliding with flattened wings. Of boats, etc. , â€Å"to skim over the surface of water† it is first found 1913. † Maps [pic] [pic] Ramatan Abdel-Maksoud Analysis of â€Å"Leaving† 603-103-04 David Fielding March 6th 2009 ———————– [1] http://www. Etymonline. com (all etymologies of words)

Gran Torino Movie Analysis Essay Example

Gran Torino Movie Analysis Essay Example Gran Torino Movie Analysis Essay Gran Torino Movie Analysis Essay In the movie Gran Torino, by Clint Eastwood, Eastwood plays a racially bitter and lonely war veteran that doesnt really have a soft side at first for anyone after his wife dead. He treated everyone the same, with a grumpy attitude. He would keep to himself cause he felt it was the best thing of him to recover from his lost. He wouldnt take any hand outs or help from anyone cause he believed he could do it all by himself and didnt need anyone. The movie shows great examples of how he went from a stuck up grumpy old man to a kind hearted caring man in the end. In the movie when Walt (Clint Eastwood) catches Thao trying to steal his car late at night for the initiation because his crazy cousin and friends were trying to get him to be more of a man and be apart of the gang. After Thao was caught and held up by gun point by Walt, he manages to get away. After that the next day his cousin and friends came back around causing problems and Walt comes out and holds them up by gun point to scare them off. Thaos mom felt that Thao had a debt to Walt now for helping him out, so he had to come work for Walt for a little. : Thao would be given asks that would get him dirty and really have to put a lot of energy into. Walt started to ease up on him towards the end because he saw something different in Thao then all the other bad kids in the neighborhood. Another example from the movie is when Sue invites Walt over to a family gathering that they were having. He felt apart of the family because of how he was welcomed in and how comfortable he felt after awhile. From everyone greeting him and from all the food and hospitality that was given on his visit. He really started to click with Sue to a point were Sue could tell that they were becoming close. At this point Walt was starting to become more calm and kind hearted. Walt one day when Thao was in his backyard planting and gardening, they started talking and the point of Thao wanting to make money so he could save up but he wasnt getting paid working for Walt. Walt saw that Thao was good with his hands and took Thao to go get his Job with Walts friend in the construction business. He did him a favor of getting him the Job and buying all the tools that Thao would need to start the Job because he saw Thao as one of his sons. They were becoming close so Walt didnt have a problem doing it. Walts soft side was starting to show. In the end Walt turned out to be a kind hearted old man, he was a little rough at the movie Walt does one last kind gesture for Sue and Thao. He went and confronted the gang, to get them to leave them alone. He went in there knowing it was dangerous and that he wasnt gonna make it out alive so he pretended to pull a gun on the gang so they would shoot at him and go to Jail forever so that Sue and Thao could live in peace finally without worrying about them. Su and Thao were grateful but they were sad that they had to lose a friend for it to happen.

Women and the Front Line of Combat Essays

Women and the Front Line of Combat Essays Women and the Front Line of Combat Essay Women and the Front Line of Combat Essay Although recent changes in human rights and equality have definitely focused on being new roles for women in todays modern workforce females are now being fully integrated into professions that have traditionally been associated with being composed completely of men the fact remains that there are still many factors and variables that must be considered before we are able to completely resigned to the fact that in the workplace, as in everything else, women should also be able to perform and fulfill the duties of men and vice versa. This research paper brings forward the argument that women should not be taken in the front lines of combat. And though this argument may be seen as a further social obstruction in treating many women equally, it nevertheless is for this argument from a non-biased perspective, and will be using irrelevant research and peer review journals in order to defend   its proposition.Why is it, now that the question has been raised, ha ve women never been associated with fighting in the front lines of combat? In order to answer this question, the most important factor to take into consideration is the historical context in which this analysis from. Remember that the society we are living in today is a patriarchal society ever since the era of colonization and the spread of Western thought. From ancient Greece, and even as far back in Mesopotamia, and fast forward into the future of modern times, women have never been associated to combat simply because theyre contextual roles in society have always been purely in-home management and domestic responsibilities. At first, this concept they not be so easy to grasp.However, one must also take into consideration that there are other individual members in society which have at least because of historical context accident been associated to specific duties. For example, children below the age of 18, whether they are men or women, have always been associated to play, hom e responsibilities, and recently, education. On the other hand, individuals above the age of 50 or taking that argument further in the age of retirement when taken from the modern point of view had been associated with care and also staying at home or special care facilities.   Some may argue that the reason women had been separated from specific duties and responsibilities is because of discrimination of society. However, taking such an occurrence in context and from that point of view of comparison to other roles, we see that there is actually a logical framework for such events.For example, relevant research and area of study have shown that women have intrinsically different biological structures and physical characteristics from that of men. Women, from the point of view of biology, have been proven by those in the medical community to have a harder time developing their muscle structures as compared to the speed of which men could be to do so. In fact, being in the front l ine of conflict itself requires that individuals have that specific biological and physical structure because the needs and requirements of the job. Also, research in the same area and arguments of biology reflects that the action and reaction of muscles of women are significantly different from men (Kimura, 2002). However, this is not to say that one sex and gender is better than the other.In fact, there is a difference and complements scheme adapted to the specific responsibilities and evolution of human beings between men and women with respect to such reactions. For example, biological anthropologists have shown that men have developed more acute senses in the area of the upper torso in such researchers have theorized that this is because of the need for protection in hunting. On the other hand, the same acute and sturdy muscle developments have been pointed out in women from the lower torso downwards muscles that are important in walking, giving birth, and other duties   ac tivities that require legwork. The history and evolution of human conflict cannot be changed, and one argument that this paper brings forward on why women should not be taken to the front-line combat because of the intrinsic difference in biology and physical structures from that of men who are well-suited for such area of concentration.Yet another evidence that is important to defend the argument of this paper is that researchers have discovered that the primary brain structure and thought process of women are significantly different from that of men (Kimura, 2002). Recent neurological experiments have shown that the right hemisphere of women, in development, significantly grows at a faster rate than men from the age of eight upwards. This reflects the primary ability of women to do focused tasks, while allowing men to have multitasking capabilities. And although this is not a consistency in all respondents and members of the sample size to research, it still shows a real world ex ample of why contextual and historical events have led to women not being in the front-line conflict. Especially in ground-level combat where in focus operations are required for the brain, the ancient acquiring of the brain structure of women are not suitable for such events. In fact, it is a well-documented fact that although men do indeed operate in the front-line combat, because of the integration of modern technology and tactical machinery into warfare and conflict, women are being integrated into the military but in locations where they could be more effective such as distance operation facilitation for telecommunication and computers, tactical planning and logistics, and even the design of overall planning programs for future military personnel. Remember that the argument is that women should not be in the front-line combat, but even this paper accepts the fact that women could be more effective depending on the job and responsibility which has been assigned to them. If, once definition of front lines include dose of modern military duties which include tactical operations from distance facilities, then it would be a much different argument. However, the basic definition of the front-line of combat are those associated with ground assaults, and, after this relevant research implies, efficiency may be associated to women in the military but from a different framework and approach.Another argument that this paper puts forward now deviates from biology but rather focuses on historical and contextual social norms. Although we recognize the fact that training and education of women in todays world have significantly changed over the years, it still remains a fact that there is a unspoken social conventions that women, in their basis for responsibility, should be focused on domestic tasks and tasks which do not require high physical exposure (Neiberg, 2001). Result, there is a so-called generational training gap of education and development. This education ga p creates a generation of men and women whose training, education, and mental development are specifically adapted to the responsibilities they were trained to do. If indeed women should be driven to the front lines of combat conflict, then we should not be able to expect the current generation to easily adapt to such responsibilities because the training and they received their early years has not been adapted for this specific task. Instead, stretching the argument further, if we were to want women to play a greater role in the front lines of combat, then the training and education should start from today in order to create a next generation of women whose tasks and mental schemas are adapted to that purpose. However, again, this would be extremely difficult because of conventions of society and cultural norms especially in the training and development of women in our age.Lastly, although we of course consider that death for both men and women are equal with respect to the weight and gravity especially in the perspective of warfare and conflict, we could not deny the fact that news articles that reports of death of women who had been taken into the front-line of combat significantly and greatly affects us even more from the news receive from the injury or death of a man (Beaumont, 2006). Perhaps the reason for this is the psychological effect that our culture has on the death of women in warfare because of their scarcity in that field. Also, women have the popular image in society to be frail individuals and we could not deny this fact. As a result, use of accidents and deaths something which could not be avoided especially in warfare and combat significantly affect society and may affect the judgment with respect to the tactical conditions and requirements of warfare (Coleman, n.d.).Such evidence and research provides brief but nevertheless solid arguments on why women should not be placed in the front-line combat.

Magic Rocks Crystal Growing Kit Review

Magic Rocks Crystal Growing Kit Review Compare Prices Magic Rocks are a classic instant crystal growing kit. You pour a magic solution over magic rocks and a fanciful crystal garden starts growing as you watch. Are Magic Rocks worth trying? Heres my review of the Magic Rocks kit. What You Get What You Need There are different Magic Rock kits on the market. Some of them only include the Magic Rocks and the Magic Solution. I bought a kit that included a plastic display tank and some decorations. If you dont get a kit that includes a display tank, you will need a small plastic or glass bowl (a small fishbowl works). For any kit, you will need: room temperature water (~70 °F)measuring cupplastic spoon or wooden stick My Experience with Magic Rocks I grew Magic Rocks when I was a kid. I still think they are fun. They arent a fool-proof project, though. Success depends on one thing: following the directions! Read the directions before beginning this project. The exact instructions will depend on your kit, but they go something like this: Read the instructions.Mix the Magic Solution with the amount of water indicated in the instructions. Be sure the water is room temperature and not hold/cold. Mix the solution well (this is important).Place half of the Magic Rocks on the bottom of the display tank. The rocks should not touch each other or the sides of the tank.Pour in the diluted Magic Solution. If any of the rocks were disturbed, use ​a  plastic spoon or wooden stick to put them back in place. Do not use your finger!Set the container somewhere where it wont get bumped. This location should have a stable temperature and should be out of reach of young children and pets.Look! The crystals start growing immediately. Its pretty cool.About 6 hours later, add the other half of the Magic Rocks. Try to avoid landing them on each other or against the side of the container.After another 6 hours, carefully dump the Magic Solution down the drain. Flush this solution away with lots of water to be sure no one will acciden tally touch it. Gently fill the tank with clean room-temperature water. If the water is cloudy, you can replace the water a couple more times to cleanse the tank.At this point, your Magic Rocks are complete. You can top off the display tank with water to keep the crystal garden as long as you like. What I Liked and Didnt Like About Magic Rocks What I Liked Instant gratification. Crystals begin to grow as soon as you add the Magic Solution to the Magic Rocks. You dont have to wait around for something to happen.The crystal garden is beautiful. Nothing looks quite the same.The project is easy.You can keep your creation indefinitely. What I Didnt Like Magic Rocks are not non-toxic. The ingredients are harmful if swallowed, plus they are a skin and eye irritant. That makes them unsuitable for very young children. Keep them away from pets, too. It is safe to rinse the materials down the drain, but clean-up is a little more critical than with non-toxic projects.You can get poor results if you dont adhere to the instructions. If the rocks are too close together, your crystals will look flat and uninteresting. If your water is too warm or too cold your crystals will be too spindly to support themselves or will be stunted.The instructions dont explain the science behind how Magic Rocks work. In case you are wondering, you arent really growing crystals in this project. You are precipitating colored metal salts. Its still awesome. The Bottom Line Magic Rocks have been around since the 1940s and are still around today because this project is a lot of fun, is easy to do, and makes an interesting chemical garden. I might hold off on playing with Magic Rocks if I had very young children in the house (recommended age is 10), but otherwise, I think they are great. You could make your own Magic Rocks, but most kits are inexpensive. Magic Rocks are a memorable science project. Compare Prices

Group Characteristics and Development Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Group Characteristics and Development - Article Example Four of us had known each other before coming to the same university since we had all met at the various debating competitions which we had taken part in previously and won laurels for our respective institutions. Serisha was new to all the members because she had travelled all the way from India to study at our school. At one competition I had lost to Sera and Adam had lost to me, so Sera stood first, I stood second and Adam third. Consequently, we all shared a common passion for debating and respected each other’s debating style. Therefore, when we all met at school, we took no time in forming our group. It has been approximately 11 months now since we have all been a part of this group. Initially, it was evident that Serisha felt a little left out because the rest of us had some common experiences to share and talk about. The change which I feel exists now is that Serisha is as comfortable with us as we are with her. The basic tasks for which the group was formed was keepin g practice sessions, practicing for upcoming competitions, discussing a good public speaking video each week and coordinating with other sub-groups of the debating society and learning about their progress. All this work required a leader to take responsibility that the assigned work was done.

Financial Research Report Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Financial Report - Research Paper Example Apple, Inc. is the second-largest information technology corporation in the world by revenue after Samsung Electronics and also the third-largest mobile phone maker in the world (Ximà ©nez, & Sanz, 2014) As the financial manager, I have made the decision to recommend to my investor that he/she invest heavily in the stock of the Apple Inc. There are a number of reasons behind my decision for the investor to consider investing in Apple. First, Apple is the best investment option owing to the fact that by the end of 2012, according to Bernstein analyst, Toni Sacconaghi (2012), the company alone was responsible for 17% of the gains of the whole Standard and Poor’s Five hundred. Secondly, Apple’s long-term performance over the last ten years has been outstanding. Since 2002, the company’s stock soared 7,800% compared to S&P Five hundred (Birger, 2013). In my opinion, this performance/strength over the past ten years proves that the stock of Apple Inc. is a reliable investment at present and in the future. Additionally, while in the previous periods Apple has been considered specifically as the growth stock company, presently I would consider Apple as not only the gro wth stock company but also the value play company. The reason behind my consideration is that according to Birger (2013), the company experienced â€Å"66% growth in earnings in the past four quarters, a 1.8% dividend yield as well as a price/earnings ratio of 13.3 , which is lower than S&P 500’s 16 P/E† in 2012. All of the aforementioned reasons indicate that even though the company’s stock has significantly dropped by almost 33% since the company’s historic high of $ 700 (September 18th, 2012), Apple is still a strong investment option for the investor (Rich, 2013). Additionally, in August 2013, Carl Icahn (American businessman) invested quite a large amount shares in Apple saying that he thinks the shares are extremely undervalued. Lastly, Apple is famous for its excellent innovation. For

Da Vinci's The Last Supper - Image Analysis Assignment

Da Vinci's The Last Supper - Image Analysis - Assignment Example When one examines the work it is fairly simple to understand how the apostles’ reactions to Jesus depict their astonishment at his words. Da Vinci depicts them as astonished, crystallized in a performative, nearly ironic state of shock. Symbolically the image groups the apostles in groups of three, with each different group reacting to Jesus’ announcement in subtle yet pronounced ways. The groupings of three hold obvious religious significance as the number is echoed throughout the Bible in a number of incarnations. Perhaps the most relevant such incarnation in the context of this work is that which refers to Jesus’ resurrection after three days, as a direct result of his betrayal that led to his eventual crucifixion at the hands of the Romans. In one grouping, Bartholomew, James, son of Alphaeus and Andrew are depicted together as simple surprised. In another grouping, Judas Iscariot, Peter, and John are depicted together. In terms of Biblical significance this last grouping is the most relevant in terms of relation to Christ, as well as narrative significance within the painting. Peter and John represent two of the closet and Biblically significant disciples; also, as is well understood, Judas Iscariot is the one that would eventually betray Jesus.

Union organizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Union organizing - Essay Example In every establishment the employee and employer relationship and their performance are regulated by proper labor laws. Though most of these labor laws are intended to protect the interests of the employees, they are seen generally exploited by the employers. The act of the employers may provoke the employees so that they may organize themselves to safeguard their interests by bargaining their needs collectively, through strikes or by other means. In order to avoid such strikes that may thwart the progress of the establishment, the employers may seek settlements.These settlements may have pros and cons. Sometimes these will go in favor of the employees due to their power of collective demand. And at other times if there is conflict in their demands the settlement may favor the employers too.Success of any organizations largely depends upon the intensity of the employee-employer relationship. This relationship is based on the quantity and quality of safety and protection, care and val ue an employer gives to the employee, and the magnitude of service an employee provides to the employer. Different labor laws were enacted in the course of time to restrict the employers from exploiting the employees. If the employees suspect that the employer is exploiting them the employees will tend to organize to safeguard their interests. No democratic government can prohibit the rights of the employee to organize. However, to avoid wanton dealings untoward conflicts certain laws were formulated on to how this union organizing can be processed. As per the provisions contained in Section 8(a) (1) of the National Labor Relations Act no employer can restrict the employees from exercising their rights to collective organization, or unionization. Section 8(a) (3) prohibits employers from interfering labor union activities through company hiring and employment decisions. But mostly, these prohibitory orders are violated at workplaces. For instance, consider the case of Dynasteel Corp. v. NLRB, 181 LRRM 2201 (5th Cir. 2007). The Dynasteel Corp has two plants, one in Mississippi and the other in Tennessee. The employers at Mississippi plant put illegal threats and discipline on employees, while at Tennessee plant; they discriminated against the applicants for employment. Accusing unfair labor practice NLRB framed charges against Dynasteel. The Fifth Circuit was convinced of the illegal practices of the company and granted NLRB's request to enforce its order. Union Organizing 4 Now that discussion on 'The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is in progress, it will bring in drastic changes in the matter of union organizing during the first leg of the presidency of Mr. Obama. It is likely that the provisions contained in NLRA may be revamped, taking a much lenient attitude towards the employees and at the same time adopting somewhat stringent steps against the employers. In nut shell, if The Employee Free Choice Act becomes federal law, the workers will get an edge over the employers with their right to form a union. This may torpedo the interests of the employers as it is considered that it will bring harm to their business. Union Organizing 5 Discussion Union organizing from the employee's perspective is to gain collective bargaining for better wages, good and safe working conditions, protection from exploitation, and increased job security. But the nature of employee relations and the roles of trade union may not be in conformity with legislation. Many argue that employee relations are not confined to unions and its collective bargaining, but cover all employment relationships. They are of the opinion that it is beyond pay and other benefits. However, it is quite certain that if the right to organize is jeopardized the safety of the

The Movie Playing by Heart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Movie Playing by Heart - Essay Example Attachment and commitment was a different story, however, because each individual had a different background. Hannah and Paul, married for 40 years survived Paul’s brief infidelity even if he and Hannah only had closure about that affair recently. Theirs is a case of true love that conquered all and is the kind of marriage that is permanent and not fleeting. Gracie and Hugh’s marriage was on the rocks because boredom set in and Gracie did not think Hugh had enough imagination to make their marriage more exciting, that is why Hugh kept trying to invent stories and sell these to women in bars to prove to himself that he is still an interesting man. Gracie, however, goes off to have a physical affair with a man he thought was exciting. Their marriage was not built on a strong foundation because the commitment to each other was flimsy and consistently needed concrete proof that they were worthy of each other. Meredith and Trent’s relationship is new, thanks to Trentà ¢â‚¬â„¢s devotion and persistence in breaking down the high wall that Meredith had built around herself. Being able to get through to her was a major breakthrough that both he and Meredith had a great chance of a successful relationship. The same is true of Joan and Keenan who met casually at a bar. Although their lives seem to be shallow, once they opened up to each other and decided to become vulnerable, they discovered what love was. The movie seemed to point out that once walls are broken down and the person inside agrees to be exposed until another person gets to love him or her for what he or she is, then the love that will grow from it is true. The couples Meredith and Trent and Joan and Keenan have chances to have happy marriages and probably children to complete their families. This is because they have made a decision, to be honest with each other and to live without pretenses.

Union organizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Union organizing - Essay Example In every establishment the employee and employer relationship and their performance are regulated by proper labor laws. Though most of these labor laws are intended to protect the interests of the employees, they are seen generally exploited by the employers. The act of the employers may provoke the employees so that they may organize themselves to safeguard their interests by bargaining their needs collectively, through strikes or by other means. In order to avoid such strikes that may thwart the progress of the establishment, the employers may seek settlements.These settlements may have pros and cons. Sometimes these will go in favor of the employees due to their power of collective demand. And at other times if there is conflict in their demands the settlement may favor the employers too.Success of any organizations largely depends upon the intensity of the employee-employer relationship. This relationship is based on the quantity and quality of safety and protection, care and val ue an employer gives to the employee, and the magnitude of service an employee provides to the employer. Different labor laws were enacted in the course of time to restrict the employers from exploiting the employees. If the employees suspect that the employer is exploiting them the employees will tend to organize to safeguard their interests. No democratic government can prohibit the rights of the employee to organize. However, to avoid wanton dealings untoward conflicts certain laws were formulated on to how this union organizing can be processed. As per the provisions contained in Section 8(a) (1) of the National Labor Relations Act no employer can restrict the employees from exercising their rights to collective organization, or unionization. Section 8(a) (3) prohibits employers from interfering labor union activities through company hiring and employment decisions. But mostly, these prohibitory orders are violated at workplaces. For instance, consider the case of Dynasteel Corp. v. NLRB, 181 LRRM 2201 (5th Cir. 2007). The Dynasteel Corp has two plants, one in Mississippi and the other in Tennessee. The employers at Mississippi plant put illegal threats and discipline on employees, while at Tennessee plant; they discriminated against the applicants for employment. Accusing unfair labor practice NLRB framed charges against Dynasteel. The Fifth Circuit was convinced of the illegal practices of the company and granted NLRB's request to enforce its order. Union Organizing 4 Now that discussion on 'The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is in progress, it will bring in drastic changes in the matter of union organizing during the first leg of the presidency of Mr. Obama. It is likely that the provisions contained in NLRA may be revamped, taking a much lenient attitude towards the employees and at the same time adopting somewhat stringent steps against the employers. In nut shell, if The Employee Free Choice Act becomes federal law, the workers will get an edge over the employers with their right to form a union. This may torpedo the interests of the employers as it is considered that it will bring harm to their business. Union Organizing 5 Discussion Union organizing from the employee's perspective is to gain collective bargaining for better wages, good and safe working conditions, protection from exploitation, and increased job security. But the nature of employee relations and the roles of trade union may not be in conformity with legislation. Many argue that employee relations are not confined to unions and its collective bargaining, but cover all employment relationships. They are of the opinion that it is beyond pay and other benefits. However, it is quite certain that if the right to organize is jeopardized the safety of the

AR 364 HISTORY OF ART(print based) Research Paper

AR 364 HISTORY OF ART(print based) - Research Paper Example Every man is an artist. Every individual has a way to voice out what is going on inside of him and loose it out in ways that would make an impact to whoever perceives. Art as an expression reflects what is happening in a certain society and culture. If art is a work output, then it must come from inside of the artist. The freedom of every individual lets him explore the vastness of his creativity exploding into varied concepts of supreme work of art and achievements. Historically, art has evolved through time and culture. Since the evolution of human history, art is already present. Early artworks were seen on the caves and rocks. They were aesthetically basic, devoid of colors, no definite forms and lacking in medium. Regardless of their simplicity, they are renowned important due to the message and content that they carry. What they have done is considered supreme and historically significant. Their art is their way of expression of what they perceive in their nature. Due to their simple cave wall caricatures and sketches, man’s civilization was traced. The message of an artwork reveals the environment at certain point in the history. There is a dynamic relationship of the artist with the environment, whether internal or external. With all his intellect, emotions, and religious beliefs, he freely cast out what he infers from his system. There are various factors that affect the artist’s works such as geographical, historical, religion, politics, and other day to day happenings can make artists resolved into expressions painted in canvasses to portray soundless words. This symbiotic human cycle produces a total artwork that is directed into shaping the world creating history and directing the course of the future. Art has been evident since the early period of Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic period in 30,000 BC to 2,000 BC. Man has expressed what they perceived from nature through

Confederation and Constitution Essay Example for Free

Confederation and Constitution Essay The Articles of Confederation, formally known as the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, refers to an agreement between the thirteen founding states that first formed the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states. The Articles of Confederation had served as the first U.S. constitution (Merrill, 1959). The states under the confederation were Virginia, South Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Georgia, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Delaware and Maryland. In 1787, a constitutional convention was called to revise the Articles of Confederation as they contained so many flaws, which would have fatally affected the confederation (Wendel, 1981). However, the convention ended up abandoning the Articles and drafted a new constitution which had a much stronger national government. After so much tussle and debating, eleven of the thirteen states ratified the constitution which led to the formation of a new form of government for the United States of America (Kermit, 1987). The following are similarities and differences of the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Consenting of power According to the Articles of Confederation, the legislature of each state had no specific means of choosing voters. The delegates of each state were to sign the Articles, but only do as directed by their legislature (Young, 1977). Their legislature did not provide for them to vote in such agreements thus, they only wait until instructed so. This shows that the Articles of Confederation did not provide how it could be ratified, but indirectly implied it the duty of the legislatures of the various states. This meant that the people had no direct influence over the form of national government being put in place because their representatives were not specifically elected for that purpose.The Constitution provided for conventions in the states whereby delegates are chosen by people for the purpose of considering ratification. Therefore, the Constitution had specifically addressed its ratification in Article VII (Maier, 2010). The provision that ratification by nine states were to effect it meant by passing the state legislature and going to the people for governing consent. In summary, in the Articles of Confederation, consent of power was from the state while in the constitution the power to govern came from the people to the government. Type of National Government Under the Articles of Confederation, the government was more of a constitutional confederacy, whereas the Constitution provided constitutional federal republic (Merrill, 1959). Under both, the government was a constitutional government because it was codified in writing. The government structure between the two, however, differed. An association of States under a common government formed the confederacy. Each member state retained its sovereignty leaving the national government with very little authority over the individual state (Young, 1977). The National government powers tilted towards foreign relations for the benefit of all the states. This meant that the National Government could not coerce individual states to do anything. The constitution provided for a federalism structure (Kermit, 1987). This ensured a more equated power sharing between the National government and the state government. The National government, therefore, had sufficient sovereignty to execute its mandate while ensuring the same for the state government. Representation in the National Government In the Articles of Confederation, indirect popular representation was in effect as the representatives were appointed by an elected state legislature (Wendel, 1981). On the other hand, the Constitution effected direct popular representation for both the states and the citizens. The people, through popular vote, formed the House of Representatives while the states ,through elected legislature, appointed the Senate (Kermit, 1987). The representation according to the constitution was in accordance with the structure of Federalism. Division of Powers in the National Government Articles of Confederation provided one legislative body (unicameral) with all powers of national government which was the Congress Assembly. All decisions and relations were derived from the Congress (Wendel, 1981). Matters of law, settling disputes, foreign relations, including all the others issued from Congress (Merrill, 1959). However, Congress did not have the ability to implement laws, and had limited ability to judge on law or disputes because a dedicated judiciary was not in place. The Congress, however, appointed courts to preside on piracy and High Seas crimes, resolve disputes between States and individuals from different States. The Constitution, however, provided for division of power of the National government into three distinct branches, each with specified duties. The Legislature composed of the Senate and House of Representatives is mandated with making laws (Maier, 2010). The executive was to enforce laws with the President while the Judiciary and inferior courts is to judge using the law. A mechanism was also provided to each of the three branches to view the power on other two and encroachments into other branches powers. Powers of Congress The Articles of Confederation provided specifically enumerated powers to the congress which included regulating foreign commerce. Congress could not, however, regulate interstate commerce (Wendel, 1981). The Constitution powers carried over from the Articles of Confederation included the power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce amongst others. Some of the powers remained the same although others differed. Among the powers included in the Constitution but absent in the Articles of Confederation are taxing, regulating interstate and foreign commerce, making of uniform laws on bankruptcy, raising and supporting an Army and Navy and establishment of inferior courts (Kermit, 1987). Congress Assembly lacked all these powers under the Articles of confederation. Revenue Raising The Articles of Confederation provided that National Government should request for funds from the individual states (Wendel, 1981). The Constitution, however, gave the National Government power to tax. A major shortcoming of the Articles of Confederation was a failure of providing for the National Government to raise its own revenues (Young, 1977). Congress assembly requested funds from states for National treasury. This resulted in the states failing to comply as requested. This made the United States lag on paying its debts and meeting its obligations. Under the Constitution, Congress could raise revenue for costs and operations of the National Government, namely, common defense and general welfare of the United States (Maier, 2010). However, some restrictions were imposed regarding revenue raising of the National Government. The provision of raising revenue for National government ensured it did not rely on other entities namely, the states to execute its duties. Enforcement of Federal Laws The Articles of Confederation did not provide for the National government to enforce its laws thus it had to rely on States for this function (Wendel, 1981). Laws, treaties, acts or agreements passed by Congress Assembly were up to states solely to enforce (Merrill, 1959). This resulted in them only enforcing what favored and suited to them. The Constitution on its part, gave the executive branch through the President power to enforce laws (Maier, 2010). This provision enabled speedy execution of laws and execution of the government requirements. Analysis of Drafting the Constitution On May 25, 1787, fifty five delegates of the United States convened in Philadelphia with intent of creating a new and better government. Initially, Virginians Edmund Randolph and James Madison presented a constitutional proposal called the Virginia Plan. The proposal provided for a bicameral (two chambers) legislature (Kermit, 1987). The lower house was to be chosen by the citizens, and the upper house was chosen by the lower house. In addition, a national executive and judiciary were to be selected by the legislature. The plan aimed at creating a strong central government. The debate began with the delegates of the large states supporting the Plan while those from smaller states opposed it. The smaller states felt that the larger states would dominate national legislature for the number of legislative representatives was to be determined by population. Some delegates also had fear that a firm central government would overpower the states restricting their individual liberties. Weeks of debating saw another proposal from William Patterson of New Jersey (Maier, 2010). This was referred to as the New Jersey Plan. This plan modified the Articles of Confederation and proposed a unicameral legislature having equal representation regardless of states’ population, a two-person executive branch and a single body of the judiciary. Smaller states delegates and proponents of weak government were for the New Jersey Plan while bigger states delegates opposed it. The ensuing stalemate was broken by Roger Sherman of Connecticut through the Connecticut Plan. The plan incorporated both previous proposals. Its proposal of a bicameral legislature with a population-based lower chamber and an independent upper chamber with equal representation satisfied both the small state and large state delegates. Other compromises included legalization of the slave trade until 1808 and returning of escaped slaves to their owners. Slavery was assumed to come to an end by itself. During census, slaves were to be enumerated as three-fifths of a person (Kermit, 1987). This resolved the debate on counting slaves between northerners who were against it and southerners who were for equal counting of slaves. Many delegates opposed people electing the president while others supported the election of the executive by the citizens. An Electoral College was formed which called for a body of electors selected by each state’s legislature to vote for a president. The Debate over Ratification between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists Ratification of the constitution also resulted in a major division between federalists and anti-federalists. The Anti-Federalists such as James Hancock feared that the National Government, the Executive branch and Congress held too much power. They also argued that the national government could maintain the army during times of peace (Maier, 2010). Contrary to the Anti-Federalists, the Federalists led by James Madison argued that power separation into three independent branches protected people’s rights as each of the branches represented a different aspect of the people (Hamilton, Madison Jay, 1982). Because of the equality of the branches, none of the groups could control another. They also argued that listing the rights exposed the people as it would likely result in the government violating those not listed. The final compromise for ratification saw the federalists promise drafting of the bill of rights once Congress met. References Hamilton, A. Madison, J. Jay, J. (1982). The Federalist Papers. New York: Bantam Classics. Kermit, H., (1987). The Formation and ratification of the Constitution: Major historical interpretations. New York: Garland Pub. Maier, P. (2010). Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787-1788. New York: Simon Schuster. Merrill, J. (1959). The Articles of Confederation: An Interpretation of the Social-Constitutional History of the American Revolution, 1774–178, p. 178–179 Wendel, T. (1981). The Articles of Confederation. National Review. Vol. 33(13) p. 768- 770. Young, R. L. (1977). The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. American Bar Association Journal. Vol. 63(11), p. 1572.

Causes of Cardiovascular Disease | Literature Review

Causes of Cardiovascular Disease | Literature Review 2 Abstract 3 Introduction 3.1 Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad class of diseases that involves the heart or/and blood vessels. CVD includes atherosclerosis, heart valve disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, endocarditis, diseases of the aorta, disorders of the peripheral vascular system, and congenital heart disease [1]. However, atherosclerosis accounts for the major part of CVD (up to xx%), and sometimes CVD is misleading used as a synonym for atherosclerosis [REF]. Because atherosclerosis is the underlying disease of several CVD, part of patients, where one diagnosis of CVD became manifest, may present with further co-morbidities, especially other diagnosis of CVD are common. However, the portion of patients with co-morbidities is depending on the baseline disease [2-4]. For example 40-60% of patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) also have coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebral artery disease, but only 10-30% of patients with CAD have also PAD (Figure 1) [2, 4]. Further, the severity of cardiovascular co-morbidities correlates well with each other[5-7]. CVD is today responsible for ca. 30% of all deaths worldwide [8], while heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of mortality and disability in developed countries [9]. Although the mortality rates of CVD has a considerable variation across countries (xx% in xx to xx% in xx) [10], a common trend of increasing rates has been observed worldwide. Before 1900, infectious diseases and malnutrition were the most common causes of death throughout the world, and CVD was responsible for The economic burden and the public health costs are mainly driven by CVD. In terms of combined morbidity and mortality, 148 million Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs) were lost worldwide (2002), which represents about 10% of all lost DALYs [REF]. In 2008, CVD costs about 192 billion Euros a year alone in the European Union, which results in a per capita cost of 391 Euros [13]. 3.1.1 Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is the most frequent and important pattern of Arteriosclerosis, other forms of Arteriosclerosis are Mà ¶nckeberg medial calcific sclerosis and Arteriolosclerosis, which vary in pathophysiological and clinical presentation [14]. As described above (3.1), atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death (up to 30%) in developed countries and represents the major portion of CVD. Atherosclerosis (literal origin from Greek: athero = â€Å"gruel or paste†; sclerosis = â€Å"hardness†) is defined as â€Å"thickening and loss of elasticity of arterial walls† and describes a process, where fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin building up in the inner lining of arteries [14]. These intimal lesions are called â€Å"atheromas†, â€Å"atheromatous† or â€Å"fibrofatty plaques†, which lead into an obstruction of vascular lumens and weakness the underlying media. Even within a given arterial bed, lesions or stenoses due to atherosclerosis tend to occur focally, typically in certain predisposed regions. 3.1.1.1 Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis Due to overwhelming importance of atherosclerosis, enormous efforts have been spent to discover its cause over the last few decades. Today, the currently accepted concept, so called â€Å"the response to injury hypothesis†, considers atherosclerosis to be a chronic inflammatory response of the arterial wall initiated by injury to the endothelium [15]. Furthermore, lesion initiation and progression are sustained by interaction between lipoproteins, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and the normal cellular constituents of the arterial wall. This process of developing atherosclerosis, which typically lasts over a period of many years usually many decades, can be divided into several consecutive steps, as illustrated in Figure 2 [REF]. Parallel, a morphological change is observed within the artery wall, where fatty streak represents the initial morphological lesion, even so the pathogenesis has started quite earlier with a chronic endothelial injury [REF]. Figure 2: Illustration of the Pathogenesis and Morphological Development of Atherosclerosis. SMC: Smooth muscle Cell; 6 ÃŽ ¼m thick histology slices of coronary arteries stained with Movats pentachrome. A: pathological intimal thickening with a â€Å"fatty streak†; B: pathological intimal thickening with a macrophage infiltration; C: early fibroatheroma with neoangiogenesis; D: fibroatheroma with thin fibrous cap and a healed rupture; E; late fibroatheroma with a sheet calcification. * demarks necrotic scores. Histology performed by CVPath Laboratory, Maryland, MD. The below described steps of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis shouldnt been seen as a separated processes. They are interconnected and occur parallel. Further, several mechanism of vicious circles are described [REF]. However, the stratification into the flowing six steps helps to understand the complex pathogenesis and represents the current understanding: (1) Chronic Endothelia Injury As the earliest step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, endothelial activation and chronic injury, also known as endothelial dysfunction, have been described [16]. The following factors contributed in different extent to endothelial dysfunction and are partly known as traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis [17]: advancing age, dyslipidemia, hypertension, increased levels angiotensin, insulin resistance and diabetes, smoking, estrogen deficiency. Several biochemical pathways have been described for those factors increasing the endothelial dysfunction. Other factors like hyperhomocysteinemia, possible infection and especially low or oscillatory shear stress are still discussed whether they significantly contribute to endothelial dysfunction [18-22]. The phenotypic features of endothelial dysfunction are described as the reduced vasodilator and increased vasoconstrictor capacity, an enhanced leukocyte adhesion, an increase of pro-thrombotic and decrease of fibrinolytic activi ty, and an increase in growth-promoting. (2) Accommodation and Oxidation of Lipoproteins In addition and due the endothelial dysfunction lipoproteins, especially low density lipoprotein (LDL), sequestered from plasma in the extracellular space of the arterial intima. Beside the extent of endothelial dysfunction, this process is depending on the concentration of LDL in the blood circulation [23]. Even so several mechanisms have been proposed for transport of LDL into the arterial intima including vesicular ferrying through endothelial cells, passive sieving through endothelial-cell pores, passage between cells, its not finally understand. However, strong evidence exist, that the accommodation of LDL in the arterial intima is not only a passive effect by a â€Å"leaking† vascular endothelium [REF]. Part of the lipoproteins that have entered the arterial wall stay there and are modified subsequently. Especially the modification of the lipoproteins has a trapping function for die selbigen [24]. The most common modification is the oxidation of lipoproteins, giving rise to hydroperoxides, lysophospholipids, oxysterols, and aldehydic breakdown products of fatty acids and phospholipids. But further modification like fusion of lipoproteins, proteolysis, lipolytic degradation and glycation are well known [25]. Such modified lipoproteins or particles of the modification process have inflammatory potential and trigger a local inflammatory response responsible for signaling subsequent steps in the atherogenesis. It includes a further increased endothelial dysfunction, which may cause a vicious circle of LDL accumulation, and activation of various cell types [24, 26, 27]. (3) Migration of Monocytes and Transformation into Macrophages/Foam Cells More important, the inflammatory response induces migration of leukocytes such as monocytes or lymphocytes into the lesion. Leukocytes are attracted by chemoattractant factors including modified lipoprotein particles themselves and chemoattractant cytokines depicted by the smaller spheres, such as the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin 1 (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ÃŽ ±) produced by vascular wall cells in response to the inflammatory process [REF]. The activated arterial endothelial cells express a number of adhesion molecules and receptors on their surface, which participate in the recruitment of leukocytes from the blood to the nascent lesion [REF]. Macrophages are a key player in atherogenesis [27]. They develop from recruited monocytes, which migrated as described above into the lesion. In the mediator stimulated process of maturation, those macrophages become lipid-laden foam cells by uptake of lipoprotein particles through receptor-mediated endocytosis [REF]. The accumulation of lipid in the macrophages results in the apoptosis and necrosis, which lead first to a boosted expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines and second to a release of their lipid excess into a necrotic lipid-core [REF]. Macrophages further produce enzymes, such as metalloproteinases, that degrade the extracellular matrix and lead to instability of plaques [REF]. (4) Adhesion of platelets and Release of SMC activating factors The inflammatory process, especially triggered by the necrosis of the foam cells, microscopic breaches in endothelial integrity may occur. Platelets adhere to such sites of limited endothelial denudation owing to exposure of the thrombogenic extracellular matrix of the underlying basement membrane and form microthrombi. Although most of the arterial mural microthrombi resolve without any clinical manifestation, they lead indirectly to lesion progression by pro-fibrotic stimulation [REF]. The platelets, activated by adhesion, release numerous factors that promote a fibrotic response, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-ÃŽ ±) [28-30]. Thrombin itself generates fibrin that has a pro-fibrotic stimulus [28]. (5) Migration and Proliferation of SMCs The pro-fibrotic response includes first the migration of SMC from the media of the arterial wall, through the internal elastic membrane, and the accumulation within the expanding intima of the arterial wall. Second, stimulate the proliferation of SMC, which is responsible to form the bulk of the advanced lesion. Another part of the advanced lesions is an increased extracellular matrix. TGF-ÃŽ ± and other mediators stimulate the interstitial collagen production by SMC. These mediators may arise not only from neighboring endothelial cells or leukocytes (a paracrine pathway) but also from the same cell that responds to the factor (an autocrine pathway). Together, these alterations in smooth-muscle cells, signaled by these mediators acting at short distances, can accelerate transformation of the early lesion (fatty streak) into a more fibrous SMC and extracellular matrix-rich plaque. (6) Enhanced accumulation of lipids, collagen and proteoglycans The formation of a complex atherosclerotic lesion is characteristic by an extent remodeling process. Further foam cells within the expanding intimal lesion perish, while they phagocytose more and more lipids. The fibrotic cap between the so arisen lipid-rich necrotic core and the vascular lumen may vary in thickness and allows the classification of â€Å"thin cap fibroatheroma†, which correlates with a higher risk for acute luminal thrombosis [REF]. The production of extracellular matrix, as well plaque evolution and complication can be stimulated by diverse growth factors or cytokines like IL-1 or TNF-ÃŽ ±, and can be inhibited by other cytokines (e.g. interferon alpha (IFN-ÃŽ ±)) [REF]. As atherosclerotic plaques advance, they show intimal arterial calcification [REF]. The same proteins, which can be found in bone, are also localize in atherosclerotic lesions, e.g., osteocalcin, osteopontin, and bone morphogenetic proteins [31]. Both, passive and active models are discussed for the development calcification [32]. SMC can, promoted by several cytokines (e.g. transcription core binding factor ÃŽ ±1), acquire osteoblast-like characteristics and secrete bone matrix [33]. These examples illustrate how the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis involves a complex mix of mediators that in the balance determines the characteristics of particular lesions [REF]. 3.1.1.2 The Role of Inflammation The role of inflammation is central, while those inflammatory mechanisms mediate initiation, progression, and the complications of atherosclerotic lesions [26, 34]. Through the inflammatory process, arterial endothelial cells begin to express on their surface selective adhesion molecules that bind various classes of leukocytes, especially monocyte and T lymphocyte which are found in early human and experimental atheroma [REF]. After monocytes adhere to the endothelium, they can first migrate in the intima, largely stimulated by chemokines; and second transform into macrophages and avidly engulf lipoproteins, largely oxidized LDL [REF]. Although the phagocytosis of potentially harmful lipid particles by macrophages and subsequently the transformation into foam cells has an initially protective, this process involves further expression and secretion of inflammatory chemokines like Interleukin (IL)-1, Monocyte Chemotactic Protein (MCP)-1 or Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-ÃŽ ±. Those enhanc e the inflammatory reaction and enable the further migration of leukocytes into the lesion [REF]. Macrophages also produce toxic oxygen species that cause additional oxidation of the LDL in the lesions, and they elaborate growth factors that may contribute to SMC proliferation [REF]. Similary, T lymphocytes (both CD4+ and CD8+) are also recruited to the intima by chemo-attractants. Cross-talk between macrophages and T cells induces a chronic inflammatory state regarding cellular and humoral immune activation characteristics. This state of a chronic inflammation leads also to the next observed steps in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Thus, it stimulates the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC), as well the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in the lesion. Through fibrogenic mediators, released from activated leukocytes and intrinsic arterial cells, the replication of SMCs is getting enhanced and contributes to elaboration by these cells of a dense extracellular matrix characteristic of the more advanced atherosclerotic lesion. 3.1.1.3 Vasa Vasorum and Neo-Angiogenesis The vasa vasorum of the aorta is as a plexus in the wall of artery of microvessels, which are functional endarteries [35, 36]. They either originate from major branches, originate from the main lumen of the aorta or drain in concomitant veins [37]. These vessels allow the humoral communication between intravascular lumen, vessel wall and adventitial layer of large arteries including oxygen and nutrients supply [REF]. Several studies demonstrated that hypoxia [38], cytokines (e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor) [39, 40], pro-angiogenic factors (e.g. hypertension or hypercholesterolemia) stimulate the growth of the vasa vasorum [41]. Those increased microvascular network may contribute to inflammation and lesion complications in several ways. First, the vasa vasorum provides an abundant surface area for leukocytes trafficking and may serve as the portal of entry and exit of white blood cells from the established atheroma. Microvessels in the plaques may also furnish foci for intraplaque hemorrhage. Like the neovessels in the diabetic retina, microvessels in the atheroma may be friable and prone to rupture and can produce focal hemorrhage. Such a vascular leak leads to thrombosis in situ and thrombin generation from prothrombin. In addition to its role in blood coagulation, thrombin can modulate many aspects of vascular cell function, as described above. Atherosclerotic plaques often contain fibrin and hemosiderin, an indication that episodes of intraplaque hemorrhage contribute to plaque complications. Multiple and often competing signals regulate these various cellular events. Increasingly, we appreciate links between atherogenic risk factors, inflammation, and the altered behavior of intrinsic vascular wall cells and infiltrating leukocytes that underlie the complex pathogenesis of these lesions. The present data indicate that vasa vasorum neoangiogenesis and atherosclerosis are seemingly inseparably linked, triggered and perpetuated by inflammatory reactions within the vascular wall. 3.1.1.4 Risk Factors for Development of Atherosclerosis Local shear stress In the coronary circulation, for example, the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery exhibits a particular predilection for developing atherosclerotic disease. Likewise, atherosclerosis preferentially affects the proximal portions of the renal arteries and, in the extracranial circulation to the brain, the carotid bifurcation. Indeed, atherosclerotic lesions often form at branching points of arteries, regions of disturbed blood flow. Age, Gender, HTN, HLP, DM, Smoking, Race/Ethnicity, 3.1.1.5 Atherosclerosis of the Aorta In the characteristic distribution of atherosclerotic plaques in humans the abdominal aorta (Fig. 11-8) is usually much more involved than the thoracic aorta, and lesions tend to be much more prominent around the origins (ostia) of major branches. In descending order (after the lower abdominal aorta), the most heavily involved vessels are the coronary arteries, the popliteal arteries, the internal carotid arteries, and the vessels of the circle of Willis. Vessels of the upper extremities are usually spared, as are the mesenteric and renal arteries, except at their ostia. Nevertheless, in an individual case, the severity of atherosclerosis in one artery does not predict the severity in another. In an individual, and indeed within a particular artery, lesions at various stages often coexist. 2009_Dijk_The natural history of aortic atherosclerosis_A systematic histopathological evaluation of the peri-renal region.pdf 3.1.2 Peripheral Arterial Disease Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis and represents the most common cause of lower extremity ischemic syndromes in developed countries [42]. Symptoms of PAD are variable including pain, ache, hair loss, thickened nails, smooth and shiny skin, reduced skin temperature, cramp, muscle atrophy, or a sense of fatigue in the muscles. Because of the variability of symptoms, the diagnosis of PDA is frequently missed [43]. In addition, the major part of patients with PAD is asymptomatic [REF]. Beside these diagnostic challenges, PAD affects a large and increasing numbers of patients worldwide. Round 30 million people are diseased in worldwide, but of those only 10 million patients are presenting with symptoms [44]. Further, the prevalence is increasing with age [6, 45], while the prevalence is 10% at the age of 60 years [46]. Association to mortality!!! 3.1.2.1 Pathogenesis of Peripheral Artery Disease The leading cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, especially in older patients (>40 years) and at the lower extremities [42]. Other, but rare causes of PAD include embolism, vasculitis, fibromuscular dysplasia, entrapment, and trauma. Atherosclerotic lesions, which are segmental and cause stenosis, are usually localized to large and medium-sized vessels. The pathology of these lesions is based on atherosclerotic plaques development, as described above (xxx). The primary sites of involvement are the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries (30% of symptomatic patients), the femoral and popliteal arteries (80-90%), and the more distal arteries (40-50%) [REF]. Atherosclerotic lesions have been predominantly observed at arterial branch points. These may be explained by altered shear stress [REF]. However, the involvement of the distal and smaller arteries is more common in elderly individuals and patients with diabetes mellitus [REF]. 3.1.2.2 Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease While atherosclerosis is the major underlying condition of PAD, the risk factors for PAD are essentially the same as those for other form of atherosclerosis (like e.g. CAD), see Table 1 [47-50]. However, the risk factors smoking and diabetes may have even greater effect for PAD as compared for CAD [51]. Risk Factors Increased risk for PAD Hypercholesterolemia 1- to 2-fold (low) Homocysteinemia 1- to 3-fold (moderate) Hypertension 1- to 3-fold (moderate) Smoking (current and past) 2- to 4-fold (high) Diabetes mellitus 2- to 4-fold (high) Table 1: Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease 3.1.2.3 Clinical Presentation of Peripheral Artery Disease PAD affects more often the lower extremities (xx times more often than upper extremities) [REF]. The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication, which is defined as presence of pain, ache, cramp, numbness, or a sense of fatigue in the muscles. Those symptoms occur during exercise and are relieved by rest, as result of the increased muscle ischemia during exercise caused by obstruction to arterial flow. Patients with PAD in the lower extremities resulting in ischemia may range in presentation from no symptoms to limb-threatening gangrene. Two major classifications based on the clinical presentations are established, the Fontaine and the Rutherford classification. While the more simple Fontaine classification consists of four stages (Table 2) [52], the Rutherford classification has four grades (0-III) and seven categories (0-6). Asymptomatic patients are classified into Rutherford category 0. Any patient with claudicants are stratified into Rutherford grade I and divided into three categories based on the severity of the symptoms. If patients have pain at rest, they belong to Rutherford grade II and category 4. Any patient with tissue loss are classified into Rutherford grade III and categories 5 and 6, based on the significance of the tissue loss [4]. These two clinical classifications can be translated into each other according to Table 2. Fontaine Classification Rutherford Classification Stage Clinical Grade Category Clinical I Asymptomatic 0 0 Asymptomatic IIa Mild claudication I 1 Mild claudication IIb Moderate to severe claudication I 2 Moderate claudication I 3 Severe claudication III Ischemic rest pain II 4 Ischemic rest pain IV Ulceration or gangrene III 5 Minor tissue loss III 6 Major tissue loss Table 2: Classification of Peripheral Arterial Disease based on the Fontaine Classification in Comparison the Rutherford Classification In the Framingham Offspring Study, the prevalence of PAD was determined in 1554 males and 1759 females from 1995 to 1998.55 The mean age was 59 years. PAD, defined as an ankle-brachial (blood pressure) index (ABI) of ABI Severity of PAD The physician also queried the participant about symptoms of intermittent claudication using a standardized questionnaire [53]. 3.2 Local Adipose Tissue Depots 3.2.1 Variability of Adipose Tissue 3.2.1.1 Anatomy and Morphology SACK: Epicardial, mesenteric, and omental fat all share the same origin from the splanchnopleuric mesoderm associated with the gut.11 Pericardial fat (pericardial adipose tissue [PAT]) is defined as epicardial fat in all these possible locations plus paracardial fat.14 Paracardial fat is situated on the external surface of the parietal pericardium within the mediastinum and has alternatively been termed mediastinal fat.15 Paracardial fat originates from the primitive thoracic mesenchyme, which splits to form the parietal (fibrous) pericardium and the outer thoracic wall.16 Epicardial adipose tissue is supplied by branches of the coronary arteries, whereas paracardial fat is supplied from different sources including the pericardiacophrenic artery, a branch of the internal mammary.17 Lipolysis and lipogenesis have not been measured directly in human epicardial fat. Based on approximately 2-fold higher rates of lipolysis and lipogenesis in guineapig epicardial fat than other fat depots, Marchington et al18,19 proposed that EAT serves to capture and store intravascular free fatty acid (FFA) to protect cardiomyocytes from exposure to excessive coronary arterial FFA concentrations during increased energy intake and, at other times, to release FFA as an immediate ATP source for the myocardium during periods of need. Epicardial fat and the myocardium are contiguous. Islands of mature adipocytes are more frequ ent within the subepicardial myocardium of the RV than the LV13 and may act as more readily available, direct sources of FFA for cardiomyocytes. The thickness of the wall of the right atrium is about 2 mm; the left atrium, 3 to 5 mm; the RV, 3 to 5 mm; and the LV, 13 to 15 mm.20 Possibly, FFAs could diffusebidirectionally in interstitial fluid across concentration gradients from epicardial fat into the atrial and RV walls where EAT predominates and vice versa, but this process in the LV wall can be questioned because the diffusion distance is much longer. Peri-vascular adipose tissue is defined as any adipocytes, which are located close to the vascular wall and has the possibility to secret their biomarkers into the vasa vasora of the wall (see 3.2.1.2). 3.2.1.2 Secretion of Biomarkers by Adipose Tissue Adipose tissue is known to have more functions than lipid storing. Adipose tissue secrets biomarkers and serves as an endocrine organ. Beside hormones, it secrets also different inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The amount of adipose tissue were associated to xxx, xxx, xxx (FRAMINGHAM?!). Especially peri-vascular adipose tissue like epicardial or visceral adipose tissue demonstrated higher expression of inflammatory biomarkers compared to other adipose tissue depots in the body [REF]. Beside the systemic effect of the secreted cytokines and chemokines, also a local effect/paracrine is hypothesied. Biomarkers secreted of peri-vascular adipose tissue reach over the vasa vasora of the major arteries their adventitia, media, and intima. Therefore it might be involved in the inflammatory process of atherosclerotic plaque. Further, a local effect can be thought by direct diffusion. 3.2.2 Association of Adipose Tissue to Cardiovascular Disease 3.2.2.1 Atherosclerosis 3.2.2.2 Peripheral Arterial Disease 3.2.3 In-Vivo Assessmentof Adipose Tissue 3.2.3.1 Traditional Measures * BMI and WC [54] 3.2.3.2 Imaging-based Assessment * dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) [55] * magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [56, 57] * ultrasound [58] * multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) [59, 60] 3.3 Framingham Heart Study 3.3.1 Historical Origin of the Framingham Heart Study Infectious diseases were prior to World War II the major burden for public health. But through a greater microbiological knowledge and improved sanitation, the morbidity and mortality of infectious disease decreased continuously. When penicillin was introduced in 1942, a dramatic reduction was made in the prevalence and incidence of infectious diseases, especially by controlling tuberculosis and pneumococcal pneumonia [REF]. Replacing infectious diseases, public health was challenged by a mounting epidemic of CVD starting in the 1940s. With World War II over the alarming rise of CVD became increasingly evident. In the United States, 30% of all men developed CVD before reaching the age sixty. The prevalence of CVD was twice of cancer by 1950 and had become the leading cause of death [REF]. Even so the available statistic data from around the world was often crude and inaccurate, it clearly demonstrated a worldwide atherosclerotic CVD problem. Furthermore there was no known treatment to prolong life and to reduce mortality. Added to these distresses was the fact that little was known about etiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of CVD. The big gap between the enormous public health burden of CVD on the one site and the little understanding of this disease on the other site increased drastically the need for action. At this time, some believed a primary preventative approach was more promising than a search for cures [Dawber, Thomas R. (1980), The Framingham Study: The Epidemiology of Atherosclerotic Disease, Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.], while the secrets of the etiology of CVD and subsequently for treatment were not being uncovered by basic laboratory and clinical research. Some of these prevention-minded individuals occupied positions of influence and were able to translate their beliefs into actions. The key was to develop a preventive approach, where first of all the characteristics of the host and environment, which lead to the early appearance of the disease, had to be determined. In particular, preventable or modifiable predisposing factors had to be identified. If a practical preventive approach was developed, the hope was that doctors and public health officials would adopt it and so have a widespread impact on the reduction of CVD-based morbidity and mortality. Accordingly to the preventive approach, the Framingham Heart Study was designed given the charge to identify these modifiable characteristics of host and environment for CVD. 3.3.2 Initiation of the Framingham Heart Study By the mid 1940s several striking studies were conducted with an examples epidemiological approach in the fields of nutritional imbalance, metabolic disorders, occupational hazards, accidents, cancer and rheumatic fever under principle investigators (PI) Drs. Dawber, Meadors and Moore [REF, Dawber, Meadors and Moore 1951]. In common, an association between the circumstances and the disease could be identified with-out knowledge of the precise etiology. One of those studies was performed by Dr. John Snow in 1936. He demonstrated that cut-ting off the water supply from contaminated wells, despite incomplete knowledge of the pathogenesis of the disease, stopped cholera. He observed on the one hand the source of the water supply and on the other hand the time and place where the disease occurred. He sufficiently pinpointed based on his observations the major environmental factor for cholera. Further investi