Nutritional Value of Fast Food Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nutritional Value of Fast Food - Essay Example The sandwich itself comes with vegetables included such as tomatoes, pickles, onions, and lettuce leaves. Thus giving the sandwich more nutritional value for my money. It is a heavy meal because of the proteins that were combined and the Kaiser bun itself is light in texture although quite filling to the stomach. Topping off the meal with a Lemonade drink helps cut the calorie and fat count of the sandwich since acidity in food or drinks has been known to have a positive effect on the intake of carbohydrates and fats. I eat these types of meals at Wendy's about once a week. As a full-time student, I find that I do not have the time to whip up a meal from scratch. Wendy's burgers and drinks offer me a healthy meal alternative that helps me achieve the nutritional needs of my body. I grab the meal to go or for delivery and sit at my study desk as I continue to concentrate on my studies. This type of food gives me the much-needed energy boost that helps me get through my long study sess ions that often last well into the night. Chili's Entree: Grilled Chicken Salad 270 Calories 14 g. Total Fat 4 g. Sat. Fat 14 g. Carbohydrates 25 g. Protein 4 g. Fiber 610 mg. Sodium Drink: Frosty Chocolate Shake 690 Calories 33 g. Fat 21 g. Sat. Fat 92 g. Carbohydrates 8 g. Protein 0 Fiber 210 mg. Sodium Comment: I normally eat at Chili's about once or twice a month depending upon my financial needs for the next 2 weeks. I do not usually carbo load unless I have to, such as when I need to have marathon study sessions or when I need to finish a school paper within a matter of hours. I normally watch what I eat and make sure that the food will not harm my body in any way. Which is why I normally order the Grilled Chicken Salad at Chilies. It is a very filling meal that has a decent number of calories and a very controlled amount of fats in it. Since the chicken is grilled, the skin is removed and the part used is usually the breast which is known to be the healthiest part of the chic ken. It is served with a light vinaigrette on a bed of vegetables that are as fresh as they can come. I often top the meal with a Frosty Chocolate Shake because I have a weakness for milkshakes. The calcium that I get from the shake helps augment my limited calcium intake during the week. Knowing that the food at Chili's is always healthy, I really wish I could eat there more than once a month. But the prices are prohibitive and I need to watch my budget so I always make sure to drop in for a decent and healthy meal every time I have the extra cash on hand to do so. Comment on Student #1: Student # 1 readily shared his experience with eating the â€Å"junk food† of all burgers, that is McDonald's. A McDonald's meal easily satiates one's appetite due to the overwhelming amount of grease and preservatives that go into the preparation of their sandwiches and fries. That is why when it comes to eating fast food sandwiches, it is always best to look for the ones that come with a n utritional rating that supports the sandwich ingredients. His choice of Dr. Pepper is also alarming. Knowing that sodas are laden with sugar and nothing more than that, it was a wise decision for the student to shy away from McDonald's for the rest of the year.  

Microeconomic Policy Essay Example for Free

Microeconomic Policy Essay The article identifies the major reasons why oil prices have become high and will remain high. Lynn Westfall, chief economist for Tesoro (TSO), suggests that the increase in the cost of crude per barrel leads to an increase in the prices of gasoline. The chief economist also suggests that the cost of investment for a new refinery would be at least $16 billion and would depend on several factors like pollution control, the cost of human labor, and the maintenance cost for the refineries. Moreover, the huge increase in global consumption levels has led to an increase in consumer demand and a lengthy process of extracting and refining of crude oil. In essence, the article conveys that the pending situation of high gasoline prices will not be resolved overnight and that the existing social conditions especially the presence of legal sanctions and proscriptions will suppress the possibility of maintaining the status quo or of lowering todays dizzying oil prices. Primary Economic Elements Mechanical enthusiasm scaling from simple lawn mowers to complex factory engines, as well as the trend for travelling and other interests of the like has thoroughly mounted the demand for gas. Given with such instances, the production of gas has been failing to meet that demand, so the anticipated and foreseeable price ceiling is not able to reach the ideal economic state of equilibrium. According to the analysis discussed in the article, it is evident that the catastrophically-triggered instances in the past few years have gravely affected the circulation of natural resources and minerals. The statement given by the chief of Tesoro Corporation (a company engaging in marketing and refining petroleum products in the United States) that the rapid increase of gas prices, ranging from a shoot up of over $3. 20/gallon, commenced the problem which is now taking occurrence in the arena of gas production. Moreover, the fact that consumers have spent approximately $20 billion in this year alone, making the parallel cost of crude somewhere between $30 and $70, is a manifestation that production has depleted at the rate of 2. 5 refineries every two years. Because of the disproportionate rise and fall of demand and supply, the problem is burdening contemporary consumers. Hence, the predicted remedy for such an imbalance in the economic symmetry is taken from the idea of the construction of new refineries. However, constructing new refineries is rather costly in terms of materials, labor, and time. Gas companies are reluctant to take such risks. As for recent analysis of supply and demand, analysts have suggested that there are still 150 grades of gasoline fit enough for use in various states. However, the fear of running down the supply by using these grades is legitimate since refineries need the precise ratio to continue operation. Importing more oil only increases the problem because of the 13% tax on importation. Conclusion Prices on fuel outrageously mount, while the production of supply is belligerently met. It is evident that there is an economic imbalance. the government should seek economic stability to assuage societys fear of a scarcity of resources. However, that scarcity will most likely occur. Such scarcity will lead to poverty (Why Gas Prices Will Stay High, 2007). therefore, the government should take action as soon as possible. Economic stability depends on a balance between production and consumption they should increase and decrease in proportion. What one takes, one must sustain. With that equilibrium, there will still be more for the future. Another issue in this mix is the sustainability of resources. Numerous government agencies are now focusing on the environment and on natural threats that are beyond human control (McPhee) in an effort to determine the appropriate amount for the restoration of lost or damaged properties, specifically when it comes to mineral resources destroyed by natural catastrophes. The change of the price of oil is dependent upon the trade specifications or laws stated in a states contract on import and export. Its primary goal is to stabilize the exchange of goods or energy for the benefit of the benefactor. The changes also depend on the providers ability to produce. The less a resource is available, the higher its cost in the market.

Code Of Hummurabi :: Hummurabi Code of Law

In his position as King of Babylonia, Hammurabi managed to organize the world's first code of laws and establish Babylon as the dominant and successful Amorite city of its time. "Records written on clay tablets show that Hammurabi was a very capable administrator and a successful warrior. His rule spanned from 1792 B.C. to 1750 B.C. When he became king in 1792, he was still young, but had already become entrusted with many official duties in his administration" (Grolier). In the early years of his reign, Hammurabi mostly participated in traditional activities, such as repairing buildings, digging canals, and fighting wars. Yet later in his rule, Hammurabi organized a unique code of laws, the first of its kind, therefore making himself one of the world's most influential leaders. Hammurabi was primarily influential to the world because of his code of laws. This code consisted of 282 provisions, systematically arranged under a variety of subjects. He sorted his laws into grou ps such as family, labor, personal property, real estate, trade, and business. This was the first time in history that any laws had been categorized into various sections. This format of organization was emulated by civilizations of the future. For example, Semitic cultures succeeding Hammurabi's rule used some of the same laws that were included in Hammurabi's code. Hammurabi's method of thought is evident in present day societies which are influenced by his code. Modern governments currently create specific laws, which are placed into their appropriate family of similar laws. Hammurabi had his laws recorded upon an eight foot high black stone monument. Hammurabi based his code on principles like, the strong should not injure the weak, and that punishment should fit the crime. As for punishment, "legal actions were initiated under the code by written pleadings; testimony was taken under oath. The code was severe in it's penalties, prescribing "an eye for an eye, a tooth f or a tooth.""(Grolier). This code of laws was able to be maintained by invoking the authority of the gods and the state. Although the punishments were different than those of today, the authority of the state (government) is similar. Currently, punishments are issued through the state's law enforcement system, comparable to the way punishment was determined and enforced in ancient Babylon. In the code, crimes punishable by death required a trial in front of a bench of judges. Included in these crimes were: bigamy, incest, kidnapping, adultery and theft.

Memoir

Pets in general are lovable. Of course, who doesn’t love a dog? Or a cat? A fish, maybe? But in my case, it’s different. Not because I dislike innocent animals but because I have this extreme within me since childhood. You may not believe it but what I do the love are one of the most â€Å"unloved† and feared living creatures in this world —snakes and reptiles. I don’t know what it is about these cold-blooded creatures that attracted me most but for as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about them. Lizards arouse my curiosity while snakes give me a sense of mystery and excitement. Even as a grown up now, I can still vividly recall my first encounter with a rattlesnake which was one of the scariest experiences I ever had. It was one bright, sunny morning and we were playing in the woods. The summer heat was conducive for outdoor activities and our â€Å"gang† has gathered once again to welcome the long school break. Careless and jolly, I was only 10 then and I was chasing my ball after it was tossed away in a very secluded area. I could not even remember what game was that but I was running after the ball and as soon as I entered the isolated zone, I felt shivers in my nape which gave me the creeps. I had cold sweats just as the earth was cold and moist and there were dried, wrinkled leaves scattered all over. I moved quite slowly not knowing what’s in store in there. I looked everywhere for my ball using my telescopic vision. I was quite good in finding things and stuff. As soon as I found the ball behind a moss-filled rock, I heard this eerie hissing sound. Sensing that it might be a snake, I was agitated that I wondered where it could be hiding. I said to myself, â€Å"This is a chance of a lifetime!† I was thinking twice at first anticipating the danger it could do to me. Anti-venoms were difficult to find during those days. Nevertheless, I hesitated. Out of curiosity, I kicked the rock hard and there it was†¦a fat, healthy rattlesnake! I suppose it was taking a nap before I got there. But at that moment its eyes looked straight at mine, I knew that there was impending harm to come. My mind was flying somewhere. All I felt was fear and thrill. The rattlesnake I found was brown, about four feet long with a triangular head. The minute I saw it, I was shaking hard and I froze all over. Knowing that rattlesnakes only attacked humans when disturbed, I was reluctant to go near it. But thinking it was my only opportunity to explore and take a good look at a real one, I picked up a stick and went closer to it moving one step at a time. As soon as I was closest to it, it gave a sort of evil look at me as if it was about to bite me whole. Then I gathered all my nerves and began to strum its thick scales then lifted it up slowly. It irked! I felt great and brave. Right that moment, I thought I’d die a terrible death from a venomous snake. Then I struggled to gaze at it for a few minutes. What a beautiful sight! And that’s how I remember it. I returned it back to its place then I started moving away slowly to avoid provoking its untamed nature. When I returned to my â€Å"gang,† I proudly shared to them the wonderful yet terrifying experience with the first snake I have ever encountered. I never told my mom what I did because I knew she’d kill me for doing such a â€Å"stupid† thing as she might have called it. I never had any other close encounters with snakes after that. I actually never petted them long. I gave up my Gopher snakes soon enough after I kept them a few years ago. But being a unique pet lover, it is quite rewarding on my part especially when I hear people praise me for it. Even if only see snakes usually in cages or in the zoos now, I can always remember that one fateful day I met that rattlesnake in the wild. I will always remember how beautiful it was. My experiences with lizards were not as intense as that I’ve had with snakes probably because they are harmless and naà ¯ve. But my daily encounters with lizards were as memorable to me as that of snakes. Actually, it was quite a traumatic beginning for me. I was standing in our front porch one day when I saw this kid (I think he was younger than me at that time) playing with a lizard. It was about 4 inches long and brown in color so I assumed it was a fence lizard. It had a bluish belly though. At first, the kid was feeding it with small insects I could not identify then before I knew it, he was flipping the poor lizard up and down. I was about to approach him when the next thing I saw was he stepped on it and the lizard was squeezed like an orange fruit. There it was lying flat on the street not breathing anymore. It was a terrible event which I cannot erase from my long-term memory until now. From then on, I came to love lizards more and I collected not only fence lizards but alligator and whiptail lizards as well. When I stopped keeping snakes, my lizards remained. At present, I still have my lizards which I long to protect and care for in my own simple ways. To my mind, at least I am making a difference in the lives of these astonishing small creatures which are often neglected and unappreciated by people. It is so sad to note that in some countries which do not have strict animal rights, snakes and reptiles are ruthlessly killed even with just the sight of them, even if they did nothing to harm humans. We should realize that such acts are merely their naturally-occurring defense mechanisms. Some races made them into exotic dishes and sold at high prices. Even in zoos and animal sanctuaries, snakes and reptiles are given negative connotations which affect the impressions of people in general regarding these creatures. The media play a great role in influencing people’s opinions and generalizations about snakes and reptiles. Since time immemorial, I have never seen a film, TV show or any advertisements for that matter depicting snakes in a positive manner. Movies like â€Å"Anaconda,† â€Å"Anacondas,†   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Spasm,† â€Å"Venom,† â€Å"Snakes on the Plane,† â€Å"Rattled,† and many more all gave snakes bad images. Oftentimes, snakes are shown to represent evil and have been considered demonic symbols. How can people’s attitude towards snakes and reptiles be changed if what is being shown by entertainment is purely the dark side of these creations? It certainly takes time to alter people’s perceptions on snakes and reptiles. One of the most effective medium to begin with is education. We should be reminded that snakes and reptiles are also part of our wildlife, thus, they should be conserved and protected like any other endangered species. Children should be taught to love all animals through promoting media exposure and including conservation of wildlife in the school curriculum to instill in their minds the need to appreciate even the most dangerous creatures. This is not an easy task pursue since most learning of children are facilitated at home and most parents and guardians teach children to fear snakes and reptiles. This is the reason why massive media campaign should be done to alter our views about snakes and reptiles even at a slow pace. What is of the essence is that there should be efforts and attempts to correct the wrong impressions people have of these despised animals. While it may be true that snakes and reptiles are feared and â€Å"unloved† by most people, for me, they are wonderful creatures. Therefore, it is not true that they are feared and ‘unloved† because there are still people like me who can love them unconditionally. And I choose to remain as such as long as I have the capacity to do so.                                                      

Poland Spring’s Advertisement Campaign Failure Essay

Poland Spring’s recent advertisement puts its viewers in a serene natural environment; a nice sunny day overlooking a crystal clear spring on a green field. In the center of this field is a giant plastic bottle, one that is â€Å"environmentally friendly.† The bottle is praised and pointed out for using â€Å"less plastic,† â€Å"less paper,† and the very important â€Å"dye-free cap.† The bottle is called the â€Å"Eco-Shaped bottle† and is designed to have less impact on the earth. The entire scene is under the giant caption that tells of how Poland Spring is doing â€Å"less† to the environment. The company is selling water in a disposable plastic bottle yet the advertisement seems to be trying to convince people that by consuming their disposable product they are some how helping the environment; that because they drink Poland Spring water they are doing â€Å"less to the environment. This advertising strategy however is not uncommon. According to Julia B. Corbett â€Å" ‘green advertising’ has focused on ads that promote environmental sensitivity toward†¦ a corporate image of environmental sensitivity† (Corbett 148). The recent ad campaign may seen to be about Poland Spring’s new â€Å"Eco-Shaped† bottle, but it is really about diverting attention from the pollution the bottle generates to instead creating a pro-environmental view of the company and its product. The Eco-Shaped bottle by Poland Spring is marketed with a few selling points the company points out directly in their advertisement. The bottle uses â€Å"30% less plastic†, â€Å"less paper† and a â€Å"dye-free cap†. These improvements are  better for the environment then the original bottle used by Poland Spring. However the problem lies in the fact that the product is still harmful to the environment. Last time I checked less of a bad thing is still a bad thing. According a recent article by Hope Molinaro, the California Department of Conservation (CDOC) stated, â€Å"in California, more than a billion plastic water bottles wind up in the trash each year† and that total is only the amount of bottles in the state of California (Molinaro, 64). The total amount equates to 3 million empty water bottles per day disposed of in just one state (Molinaro, 64). That large amount of plastic has many detrimental effects to the environment. The materials used to make the bottles consist of a tremendous amount of resources and are difficult to dispose of if not recycled. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence to make the claim that a good portion of the plastic bottle waste generated in the United States is produced by the Poland Spring Company. Not only is the plastic filling our landfills, but there is evidence that the water bottle company is polluting its own town. According to a 2008 study of pollution demographics of Androscoggin County in Maine, where Poland Spring’s headquarters is located, the particulate matter is 62% higher there than the United States average (Unknown). It’s also 61% higher then the state of Maine’s average particulate matter found (Unknown). Particulate matter is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. Particle pollution is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. Poland Spring’s advertisement does not show any of this particulate matter when depicting how green and lush the springs it gets its water from are. One aspect of the Poland Spring’s advertisement that I find different and contradictory to traditional green thinking is that in the ad the plastic Poland Spring water bottle, is shown in nature. Normally when a plastic water bottle is found laying in a field or any natural setting for that matter, it is viewed upon as pollution. In this ad the bottle is sitting in nature and is supposed to be appealing to the human eye. The bottle is shown in a way that it blends into the natural setting and tries to convince people that it almost belongs there, in the midst of nature; that the  unnatural belongs with the natural. It is easy to relate the bottle as being positive to the environment however as it blends in with the incredible sunrise in the background on a beautiful day with a clear sky. The bottle is featured sitting in a field where the growth of the field is doing outstanding and there is not one dead or even one imperfectly grown plant. The land is doing so well it is almost portrayed as being happy and at peace with a giant, unnatural, plastic water bottle sticking out of it. This scene does not just occur in the ad however as pollution is a huge issue when there is a â€Å"disposable† factor to the product. A second contradiction in the ad is that Poland Spring is a water bottle company whose ad features more lush, green field then the body of water in which their product comes from. The ad is trying to make the product fall into the American consumers mind as a green product hence the green field is more affective then a view of the lake or spring containing the water Poland Spring is selling. Poland Spring is really trying to hammer in the point that it’s product is green and eco-friendly, and the more green in the picture the more green the consumer sees. Contradiction number three this ad uses is the slogan that titles it. In the current green revolution sweeping across America the constant theme is doing more for the environment. Under Poland Springs fancy, flower-laden font reads the words â€Å"doing less†. This is a clear indication that Poland Spring is not being beneficial to the environment by saying they are â€Å"doing less† harm to the planet we live on. Over the serene sunset, over laying the clear blue sky, and lush green field, lies an admission of pollution and guilt by the company. Poland Spring’s methods however are not so uncommon in today’s advertising market. Many advertising campaigns are seen now featuring nature in one way or another and one of the more common ways to do this is through and advertisements backdrop. According to Julia B. Corbett, â€Å"Using nature merely as a backdrop whether in the form of wild animals, mountain vistas or sparkling rivers-is the most common use of the natural world in advertisements.† (Corbett 150) So when Poland Spring sets it’s water bottle in the green field, with little purple flowers swaying in the wind, the peaceful sunset over looking the bluest clear sky the world has to offer,  followed by beautiful green hills rolling off to the distance there is a purpose to it. The purpose according to Julia could be that the company is trying to promote a â€Å"corporate image of environmental responsibility.†(Corbett 148) This is very well one if not the main initiative of the advertisement and it is even so less of an advertisement as it is a rebuttal. Recently, as our country starts to become more â€Å"green† and environmentally aware, there has been some recent campaigns against the consumption of bottled water. One major campaign against bottled water has been â€Å"Think outside the bottle†. Even the mayor of Miami, Manny Diaz along with a dozen or so mayors, is calling on municipal governments to phase out bottled-water purchases in a resolution to be presented at the U.S. Mayors Conference (Barnes). Poland Spring is trying to distract the average consumer from believing the hype that the bottle are bad for the environment and tries to prove that they are doing something about it. Poland Spring’s advertisement is focusing on green aspects of its product and is trying to make the company appear to have a green initiative, however the Poland Spring’s target audience is not the hardcore environmentalist. Any person who puts some research into what they buy and cares about the environment is going to know that consumption of disposable plastic water bottles is not going to help the environment. The ad however does target the average consumer who does sort of care about the environment but does not research into what they consume. A consumer might see the recent anti-water bottle campaigns and generate a negative view of the disposable, plastic water bottles that Poland Spring sells. That is why Poland Spring’s ad was created in the first place, to turn the average consumer’s view of the water bottle and the Poland Spring Company from a negative one to a positive one. In times of environmental awareness that the United States is currently facing, many unenvironmentally friendly companies are finding it harder and harder to promote sales for their products. Poland Spring is no different in that respect but tries a different approach that is gaining in popularity, green advertising. Poland Spring uses nature to show a pristine and beautiful backdrop for their hazardous product. The ad is focusing on deterring the public’s view of Poland Spring from environmentally damaging  to environmentally caring. As shady and undermining the ad is to not only the people but the earth its self, the ad creates a pro-environmental image of a company that does not practice what is preaches. Works Cited Barnes, Tayler. â€Å"Anti Bottled Water Campaign Enlists Mayors to Cause.† Corporate Accountability International. Miami Herald. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. . Corbett, Julia B. †Faint†Green: Advertising and the Natural World.† Communicating Nature: How We Create and Understand Environmental Messages. Island, 2005. Web. Molinaro, Hope. â€Å"Plastic Water Bottles Go to Waste, Says Calif. Conservation Agency.† Plastics Engineering 59.7 (2003): 64-. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 7 Nov. 2011. Unknown. Poland Spring Pollution Indexes. Raw data. Androscoggin County. CLRSreach.com