Saturday, October 12, 2019

Raves :: essays research papers fc

Social Problems of Ecstasy and Raves Throughout American history drugs have posed a problem to society and lawmakers. Many attempts have transpired to try to prevent future problems associated with drugs. Many of the drugs threatening America were originally designed toward the improvement of human health. The most recent epidemic of recreational drug use is ecstasy. Ecstasy’s popularity is particularly in the possession of the nations youth. The institute of use is at all-night clubs and bars within many large cities. Recent research has been completed about the problems and long term effects of the drug. Does the new era of rave clubs and club drugs such as ecstasy pose a great threat to society? Before analyzing the societal problems associated with ecstasy it is important to understand what it is and its background. Ecstasy or MDMA (methylenedioxmethamphetamine) first originated in 1914 and was used as an appetite suppressant; it was not heavily used again until the 1970â €™s and was used to treat psychological disorders. Finally in the 1980’s the drug administration banned any open use of ecstasy because of recent test results proving it causes health problems. Recently the drug has become very popular and the rising popularity is from the influence of the rave movement. Boom, Boom, Boom. The sound of the new innovative music, responsible for cultivating and transforming society erupts from the speakers of a rave. Codes of conduct at raves are nonexistent. With out rules the crowds are encouraged to participate in whatever they find pleasing. People attend the raves to dance, but in actuality the ravers seek thrill through clandestine actions. Raves usually are praised for creating peaceful and positive vibes, but in spite of the fun and happiness created, raves also have many downfalls. Raving is an all-night activity. Large quantities of "rave kids" use mind and body altering drugs enabling them to indulge in a night of dancin g and immoral behavior. Ecstasy is a quintessential part of entertainment at the rave scene. The drug enhances the scene and the raver does not fully appreciate the moment unless in an altered state of mind. Kids who use ecstasy roam around the scene lost, and not in touch with reality. The ravers are experiencing the moment, but to others it sounds as if they are experiencing mass confusion. Some "ravers" consider alcohol to be a â€Å"square† drug, and therefore seek an alternate source of synthetic energy, such as ecstasy.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Concussions In the NFL

Concussions in the NFL have become much more prevalent, and the effects of these concussions appear to have become more severe, as this is a direct result of the development of player training systems. Over the past decade there has been vast improvements made in the training equipment and techniques used to train NFL players. This has inevitably resulted in players getting much stronger, faster, and bigger. Over the same period of time concussions have also systematically became more frequent as well.This has led many people to believe that there is some type of relationship between the improvements in player training and the increase of concussions over the course of a NFL season. The focus of the first paragraph of this essay will be on the overall increase of strength and size of players and how this relates to concussions. The second paragraph will focus on the amount of season and career ending concussion that have occurred this last season opposed to the amount before it.The t hird paragraph will focus on the studies, which have been conducted on past players that have showed they have some sort of brain damage, which has resulted from football related activity. The overall strength and size increase is most obvious on the offensive and defensive lines. Consider this in the mid 1970’s Randy white starred at defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. White weighed 257 pounds, he lined up across from centers weighing 240 or 250 pounds and guards who were considered huge if they weighed 265.Last year's Super Bowl featured defensive tackles B.J. Raji who weighs 337 pounds and Casey Hampton who weighs 330 pounds versus guards Chris Kemoeatu who weighs 344 pounds and Josh Sitton who weighs 318 pounds. To put it in perspective Randy White who played Defensive Tackle and weighed 257 pounds weighs almost 20 pounds less than Baltimore Ravens rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw who weighs in at a whopping 271 pounds. Upshaw is also much faster than White was. This is a prime example of how players have increased in size and strength over the years, and have become more effective in there positions.Which means that players at certain positions will have programs specifically designed for them to get bigger and stronger. But players have not just gotten bigger they have also gotten faster. This increase in weight, overall strength, and speed is clearly a result of the developments that have been over the years in player training systems. With players looking more like modern day Roman Gladiators than football players, there is no wonder why concussions have been occurring more frequently. Over the past decade there has been a drastic increase in recorded concussions over the course of an entire NFL season including practice.From pre-season week 1 of the 2011-12 of the NFL season until week 17 regular season 2011-12 there was 167 concussions 12 of those resulted in players being placed on IR (Injured Reserve) which means they are inact ive for the entire season (season ending). Over the exact same period of time in the 2007-08 season there were only 115 documented concussions and only 4 of those resulted in Players being placed on the IR. That is a 48% increase in total concussions and 33% in season ending concussions, in just 4 seasons.So one can only imagine the increase that you would see from the early 1990’s to now, if concussions were documented as thoroughly then as they are now. This increase in concussions over such a short period of time is a direct result of player training systems, because in 2008 most NFL teams ran 5 2 a day practices per week in training camps, which only included 3 2 hour weight training sessions. But heading in to 2011-12 season most teams were running 5 2 a day practices and 1 3 a day practices, and the majority of those camps ran 4 3 hour weight training sessions.There have been several studies conducted on brains of ex-NFL players the most recent of those players is Junio r Seau. Seau committed suicide on May, 2, 2012 after a lengthy 19 year NFL career. Junior Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy CTE, which is believed to have been partially induced by all the blows to the head that he has taken. Junior started showing symptoms of CTE at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season these symptoms include impulsivity, forgetfulness, depression, and sometimes-suicidal ideation.The time period in which Seau’s family said he started showing signs of CTE is coincidentally the same period of time that NFL teams started to increase the length of practice and conditioning exercises. Throughout the course of Seau’s 19 year playing career he played at least 13 games in every season up until the 2004-05 season and up until his retirement after the 2008-09 season he only managed a measly average of 8 games per season. He suffered 3 undocumented concussions according to his family and 2 more documented ones over the same time period.Junior is not the only ex-NFL player to be diagnosed, more than 30 NFL players have in recent years been diagnosed with CTE, a condition once known as â€Å"punch drunk† because it affected boxers who had taken multiple blows to the head. The increase of player’s size and strength in the NFL in recent years has a direct correlation with the increase in concussions. This evident by the 48% increase in total concussions since the 2007-08 season, and the 33% increase in season ending concussions.The facts that Junior Seau was virtually concussion free his entire career, which spanned 19 years up until the 2004-05 NFL season. Despite the advances in medical sciences and protective player equipment, it is just not enough to protect these mammoth NFL players from concussing one another. The first of two literary devices that I used was a metaphor â€Å"With players looking more like modern day Roman Gladiators than football players† This sentence suggests modern NFL players ex hibit many of the same traits that Roman Gladiators once exhibited.This sentence supports my argument because; the increase in player training technologies has essentially turned players into gladiators. The second literary device that I used was Irony â€Å"he started showing signs of CTE is coincidentally the same period of time that NFL teams started to increase the length of practice† this is ironic because it is not a coincidence at all there is clearly a direct correlation between length of conditioning/weight training exercises and amount of sustained concussions. Concussions In the NFL Concussions in the NFL have become much more prevalent, and the effects of these concussions appear to have become more severe, as this is a direct result of the development of player training systems. Over the past decade there has been vast improvements made in the training equipment and techniques used to train NFL players. This has inevitably resulted in players getting much stronger, faster, and bigger. Over the same period of time concussions have also systematically became more frequent as well.This has led many people to believe that there is some type of relationship between the improvements in player training and the increase of concussions over the course of a NFL season. The focus of the first paragraph of this essay will be on the overall increase of strength and size of players and how this relates to concussions. The second paragraph will focus on the amount of season and career ending concussion that have occurred this last season opposed to the amount before it. The third paragraph will focus on the studies, which have been conducted on past players that have showed they have some sort of brain damage, which has resulted from football related activity.The overall strength and size increase is most obvious on the offensive and defensive lines. Consider this in the mid 1970’s Randy white starred at defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. White weighed 257 pounds, he lined up across from centers weighing 240 or 250 pounds and guards who were considered huge if they weighed 265. Last year's Super Bowl featured defensive tackles B.J. Raji who weighs 337 pounds and Casey Hampton who weighs 330 pounds versus guards Chris Kemoeatu who weighs 344 pounds and Josh Sitton who weighs 318 pounds. To put it in perspective Randy White who played Defensive Tackle and weighed 257 pounds weighs almost 20 pounds less than Baltimore Ravens rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw who weighs in at a whopping 271 pounds. Upshaw is also much faster than White was.This is a prime example of how players have increased in size and strength over the years, and have become more effective in there positions. Which means that players at certain positions will have programs specifically designed for them to get bigger and stronger. But players have not just gotten bigger  they have also gotten faster. This increase in weight, overall strength, and speed is clearly a result of the developments that have been over the years in player training systems. With players looking more like modern day Roman Gladiators than football players, there is no wonder why concussions have been occurring more frequently.Over the past decade there has been a drastic increase in recorded concussions over the course of an entire NFL season including practice. From pre-season week 1 of the 2011-12 of the NFL season until week 17 regular season 2011-12 there was 167 concussions 12 of those resulted in players being placed on IR (Injured Reserve) which means they are i nactive for the entire season (season ending). Over the exact same period of time in the 2007-08 season there were only 115 documented concussions and only 4 of those resulted in Players being placed on the IR.That is a 48% increase in total concussions and 33% in season ending concussions, in just 4 seasons. So one can only imagine the increase that you would see from the early 1990’s to now, if concussions were documented as thoroughly then as they are now. This increase in concussions over such a short period of time is a direct result of player training systems, because in 2008 most NFL teams ran 5 2 a day practices per week in training camps, which only included 3 2 hour weight training sessions. But heading in to 2011-12 season most teams were running 5 2 a day practices and 1 3 a day practices, and the majority of those camps ran 4 3 hour weight training sessions.There have been several studies conducted on brains of ex-NFL players the most recent of those players is J unior Seau. Seau committed suicide on May, 2, 2012 after a lengthy 19 year NFL career. Junior Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy CTE, which is believed to have been partially induced by all the blows to the head that he has taken. Junior started showing symptoms of CTE at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season these symptoms include impulsivity, forgetfulness, depression, and sometimes-suicidal ideation.The time period in which Seau’s family said he started showing signs of CTE is coincidentally the same period of time that NFL teams started to increase the length of practice and conditioning exercises. Throughout the course of Seau’s 19 year playing career he played  at least 13 games in every season up until the 2004-05 season and up until his retirement after the 2008-09 season he only managed a measly average of 8 games per season. He suffered 3 undocumented concussions according to his family and 2 more documented ones over the same time period. J unior is not the only ex-NFL player to be diagnosed, more than 30 NFL players have in recent years been diagnosed with CTE, a condition once known as â€Å"punch drunk† because it affected boxers who had taken multiple blows to the head.The increase of player’s size and strength in the NFL in recent years has a direct correlation with the increase in concussions. This evident by the 48% increase in total concussions since the 2007-08 season, and the 33% increase in season ending concussions. The facts that Junior Seau was virtually concussion free his entire career, which spanned 19 years up until the 2004-05 NFL season. Despite the advances in medical sciences and protective player equipment, it is just not enough to protect these mammoth NFL players from concussing one another.The first of two literary devices that I used was a metaphor â€Å"With players looking more like modern day Roman Gladiators than football players† This sentence suggests modern NFL pla yers exhibit many of the same traits that Roman Gladiators once exhibited. This sentence supports my argument because; the increase in player training technologies has essentially turned players into gladiators. The second literary device that I used was Irony â€Å"he started showing signs of CTE is coincidentally the same period of time that NFL teams started to increase the length of practice† this is ironic because it is not a coincidence at all there is clearly a direct correlation between length of conditioning/weight training exercises and amount of sustained concussions.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Letters to a Young Poet Essay

Rilke’s â€Å"Letters to a Young Poet,† ostensibly a series of reflections about and advice regarding the inner-life of an accomplished poet, reveal as much about philosophical and moral attitudes as those attitudes or concepts which are commonly associated with literary theory and literary technique. In fact very little, if any, evidence of traditional literary criticism exists within the series of letters; Rilke, in fact, comments in the first letter that: â€Å"†Nothing touches a work of art so little as words of criticism : they always result in more or less fortunate misunderstandings† (Rilke, 1). With that quite clear admonition as a sort of preface to his ensuing reflections and advice, Rilke establishes a far more urgent and profound set of considerations regarding creative expression, considerations which arise out of the human capacity for self-exploration and spiritual odyssey. To begin with, Rilke advises young artists to eschew traditional â€Å"markers† of success, such as publication and critical acclaim. Such things are aspects of what he terms the â€Å"outer† world and have little to do with the composition of poetry. Instead of looking outward for signs of success, the aspiring poet should look within: â€Å"†You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you – no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself† (Rilke,1). While it is relatively easy to comprehend Rilke’s meaning here that an aspiring poet should not allow themselves to be judged by outside sources for fear of losing their individuality, the method by which one attempts to â€Å"go into yourself† (Rilke,1) are both complex and dependent upon th aspiring poet’s level of devotion and patience. It is not certain that a turning inward, alone, will produce the emotional and intellectual response that feeds into the creation of great art, but without such a turning inward, great art can not be accomplished at all. When Rilke comments that â€Å"if out of this turning-within, out of this immersion in your own world, poems come, then you will not think of asking anyone whether they are good or not† (Rilke, 2) he is beginning to introduce the most crucial point in his set of principles and advice for young artists. This first, and most important, concept is that: artists are self-reliant. This means that not only do artists plumb their own depths of emotional response for themes and techniques with which to advance self-expression, but the process of turning inward makes of any potential artist, a sort of â€Å"exile† within their own respective societies, a loner who must accept, first, subjective experience and response, and only later consider the repercussions of their journey. The searching into the deep and personal subjective reality of the artist is not only a search for self-identity, bit a search for an escape from irony. And here, Rilke makes an amazing and very profound point regarding the â€Å"pose† that many people adopt to their lives. It would be easy to recognize this pose, say, in a corrupt politician who espouses love for his fellow-citizen but steals for personal wealth and empowerment from the taxes which are meant to improve his society. Equally easy would be to recognize the irony and hypocrisy of literary critics who pontificate about works without ever bothering to understand them. However, Rilke takes the idea of irony and hypocrisy to an additional level and views it as one of the primary obstacles, as well as primary instruments, of creative expression. To dwell in irony may make for quick expression and readily comprehensible art, but it is also a path to the trivial. Rilke writes â€Å"Search into the depths of Things: there, irony never descends† (Rilke, 3) and so, lack or irony, and hence — honesty — is also a hallmark of the odyssey of the artist. Once the prospective artists has made the decision that they could simply not live without being an artist, that they must plumb the depths and take on the journey within, the ensuing time of solitude and reflection will allow the artist to slowly replace conventional modes of logic and thinking with modes of logic and thinking that are far more conducive to artistic expression. It is important to remember that Rilke states plainly that anyone who imagines that they can live without being a poet should not bother to write at all. This is a key point in his overall vision because Rilke regards poetry and artistic expression not as crafts or vocations, but as a â€Å"calling† not unlike that which is commonly associated with religious traditions. The poet or artist has no choice but to be a poet or an artist; there is no-one to teach them craft or skills, there is simply the immersion into one’s â€Å"soul† and the re-emergence as an artist with a unique voice and vision. The thought process of the artist is â€Å"To let each impression and each embryo of a feeling come to completion, entirely in itself, in the dark, in the unsayable, the unconscious, beyond the reach of one’s own understanding, and with deep humility and patience to wait for the hour when a new clarity is born† (Rilke, 5). In this statement Rilke places great emphasis on the erosion of the ego in the artist, signifying that it is not the artist’s conscious ego which creates art, nor learned technique, but submission to unconscious processes, and openness to sensation and understanding: â€Å"this alone is what it means to live as an artist: in understanding as in creating† (Rilke, 5). Along with the substitution of a new â€Å"logic† for the old, Rilke mentions that perception of linear events, such as time itself, are not the business of the true artist: â€Å"Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn’t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come† (Rilke, 5). Along with self-reliance and patience, internal emotional, spiritual, and psychic growth are aspects of an artist’s journey. Simply by removing oneself from the â€Å"mainstream† (and often ironic) flow of common society and common thinking, the artist becomes something apart from human society and something which is more in touch with Nature nd the processes of natural growth. Such a diversion from the ordinary means that the poet or artist will carry with them the additional burden of being misunderstood, possibly envied, and likely written off as a â€Å"crank† because the diversion of vision, mission, and personal bearing is radical enough to cause visible manifestation. For this issue, Rilke advises â€Å"be happy about your growth, in which of course you can’t take anyone with you, and be gentle with those who stay behind; be confident and calm in front of them and don’t torment them with your doubts and don’t frighten them with your faith or joy, which they wouldn’t be able to comprehend† (Rilke, 9). The prospect of internal joy and a magnificent experience of one’s self and of nature are the artist’s true rewards, not notoriety and publication, just as self-reliance, patience, and honesty — rather than technique, theme, and medium — are the important aspects of composition. In the long run, the journey inward which is made by the prospective artist will reveal itself to be a journey toward a deeper and more complete communion with God. Of course, Rilke avoids any dogmatic interpretations of precisely what God is or is not, but he advises young poets to understand that art is a spiritual, rather than a material or commercial, process. He mentions that it is very helpful for an artist to view God as â€Å"the one who is coming, who has been approaching from all eternity, the one who will someday arrive, the ultimate fruit of a tree whose leaves we are† (Rilke, 10). This latter observation sums up, quite readily, the ultimate â€Å"thrust† of Rilke’s advice: that any prospective artist should view the process of becoming an artist as something more akin to religious than material experience. Art is not only a way of life, it is life and for a true artist, there is no other path. Rilke’s letters are important not only for their veracity and honesty, but for Rilke’s insistence that the artist be regarded, rightfully, as a visionary rather than a craftsman, especially in an age which values above all else, reduction of human experience to merely material principles. Work Cited Rilke, Rainer Maria. Letters to a Young Poet, W. W. Norton & Company, 1993.

Purpose of Life Essay

Are you really contented with your life? Do you even know the real purpose of life here on Earth? What is your purpose for waking up everyday? Why can you hear, see, smell, talk and think? What are you here for? Every life here on Earth has their own purpose of existence. The plants, they play a huge role on maintaining the cleanliness of our planet and the air we breathe. The animals, they serve as our food and source of life. But us humans, do we know our purpose? Of course, many would say yes, but then again is that our real purpose for living? According to the book â€Å"40 days of purpose† by Rick Warren, there are consequences of not knowing your purpose. One is, without knowing your purpose life will seem tiresome. Because if you do not know your purpose and so confusion will take control of you, and when that happens you just go with the flow like the river flowing into the sea. You just go round and round and back again. Second, without knowing your purpose life will seem unfulfilling. Like the saying goes history merely repeats itself because there is no contentment, no satisfaction at all. No matter how much we have we still ask for more. Third, without knowing your purpose life will seem uncontrollable. We often do things we think is right, but actually we are being deceived by the knowledge the world has put into us and not by our own knowledge that God has given us. But on the other hand, if you will know your purpose of living, there are also benefits from it. First, knowing the purpose of your life will give your life focus. Just like in a team, every team has one purpose and that is to attain a certain goal. Next is, knowing the purpose of your life will simply your life. In here comes fulfillment, contentment, joy and satisfaction. Third, knowing the purpose of your life will increase motivation in your life. Every good and bad things that happen in this world has a reason and a purpose, and it’s for us to find out. We only need to strive, work and be patient to discover it. Lastly, knowing the purpose of your life will prepare you for eternity. We all know that nothing is permanent in this world, we will all die in the future. But the question is are we ready when that time comes? Are we able to comply with the purpose where God has placed us? If you feel tired, unfulfilled and uncontrollable then it means that you are still in the process of knowing your purpose. But, if you are focused, living a simple life, motivated and prepared for the future, for eternity then you are living the purpose of God in your life. And so are you living with the purpose or are you leaving your purpose? Thank you! And God bless!

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Managing External Influences on Local Bus Company Essay

Managing External Influences on Local Bus Company - Essay Example Empirical and theoretical studies have found evidence that the organization has an estimated seven thousand buses inside the United Kingdom alone. Arriva enjoys thirty percent share of London’s public transportation services. It provides efficient and effective services inside the city. It also connects London with other major cities like Liverpool and Manchester. Arriva even provides passenger services from London to remote areas in Wales. The success of the organization has been due to its focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. It seeks to provide an exhilarating experience for passengers. Customer desires and aspirations are at the forefront of Arriva’s business and marketing strategy. The overall aim of the organization is to transform the public transportation industry to serve customer interests. Finally the organization seeks to become the catalyst for revolution in the public transportation industry. External factors have been defined as the rapid changes in the business environment that impact organizational performance (Kotler, 2001: Pg 73). These factors can either have a positive or negative impact on the performance of business organizations. Firms need to carry out extensive audit and analysis of the business environment. They need to utilize a goal oriented approach in order to respond to external challenges. Arriva plc has been influenced by a number of external factors. The Transport Act passed in 1985 ensured the deregulation of the British transport industry. Deregulation has been a major external factor on the performance of Arriva plc. The benefits of deregulation have been the transformation of the organization into the fifth largest bus operator in the United Kingdom. It has also provided efficiency and effectiveness in bus services. The organization registered â€Å"contract mileage in London up 5%† in the year 2008 (Arriva, 2009: Pg 12). Also fuel

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Cardio-vascular Diseases (CVDs) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cardio-vascular Diseases (CVDs) - Essay Example This report is made with a view to analyze the important aspects of heart disease with clear examinations of the biochemical, body-functional and symptomatic areas of the disease and the presently available treatment models for the better understanding of all cardio-vascular disorders. Biochemistry of the Disease The defective condition of the heart results in the inferior level of blood flow with a considerably deficit in the supply of oxygen to body cells, and the impact of such a serious lack of the life giving gas results in the damage of the functioning of the brain in some cases. Cardiovascular illness can be attributed to a set of health issues occurring when the fitness of the circulatory system stars declining due to various health disorders. In the biochemical angle, heart disease is grouped into different categories such as arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack and stroke. The condition of arteriosclerosis occurs when the arteries harden enough to lose th eir flexibility to carry blood proportionately. Atherosclerosis is the thickening of the interior walls of the arteries which results in the diminished blood supply quantity. Also, when the heart doesn’t get enough blood for the functioning, it piles up pains in the chest and this condition is called angina. Clotting of blood or other obstacles in the blood circulation creates partial flow of the blood, which results in heart attacks. The most dangerous of all the conditions is the insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain cells, and it causes strokes which can be partial or complete paralysis of the body in a permanent way. The identified reasons for the cardiovascular disease are hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and cigarette smoking in most of the cases. The risk factors gradually contribute to the oxidation and arterial inflammation which in the gradual course result in the formation of fibroids or fatty lesions in the arterial interiors. Although there is assumption that genetically transmitted reasons can increase the risk of heart disease, personal healthcare disorder stands as the phenomenal cause for the illness of many people. The disease is diagnosed with the presence of inflammatory CRP (C-reactive protein) and the cardiac myofilament protein troponin which can directly cause heart failure (HF). As Scott points out, although the presence of calcium suppresses the HF, hypertension causes cardiac hypertrophy and permanent loss of cardiac cells. The protein synthesis that occurs with the oxidation process in the arteries results in the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque and a resultant HF. As a results, monocytes stick to the endothelian cells and gradually cause the blockage of arteries with CD36 and SR-A (Scott). The continuous process of plaque weakening has an increased risk of initiating platelet recruitment which may even result in the production of sarcomeric proteins, an immediate cause of death. In all these conditions, the ult imate impact of the dysfunctions is reflected in the weakening of the cardiovascular cells to a fatal condition. Body systems Heart disease and body systems have a peripheral relationship in every angle, as the circulatory system is the life guard of the entire body cells. It is

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Brazos Co-Mark Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Brazos Co-Mark - Case Study Example in proving to the potential lenders that the CoMark deal has been carefully evaluated and will be able to generate the money needed to offset the loan given. As a result of the tough economic times brought about by the economic recession of 2008, apart from lenders being more careful the corporate bond market is also not as attractive since investors are very careful with their dollars. Sellers on the other hand as in the case of the founders of CoMark are very hesitant as they expect continued recovery and as such would take their time before committing to transactions. As the economy continues to recover however, the investment environment should become favourable going forward and as such the investment in CoMark will yield returns. The fallen oil prices should also mean a friendlier investment environment. So as to guarantee return on the investment in the CoMark deal as well as assure lenders and potential investors of value due diligence must be taken in every aspect. The first area of due diligence is the company’s profile and its industry. CoMark is strategic in the sense that unlike peers in the industry, it is completely integrated with own production and sales forces. As such the company is easy leverage upon. Firstly it can control prices and also effectively management investment with sales persons involved from the production to the final point where the product is sold. CoMark’s marketing strategy of selling to the end users, majority of whom are government agencies, educational institutions and the private sector is differentiated. As such on this end therefore the company is capable of withstanding recession thus will prefer to go ahead with the investment. Second is the management aspect, CoMark is a family owned business which fits well in the strategy of Brazos. It is well managed and has unique business model in the entire industry hence will approve the deal. The other area of due diligence is the company’s cash flow; CoMark strategy