Abstract
The paper explores the problems facing America in terms of poor nutrition, widespread obesity, inhumane treatment of animals and the growing corporate influence on what Americans eat and how their lives are affected. The paper looks at the three books and discusses how the enormous influence on American political institutions by corporations and money must be eradicated and advertising must be banned from marketing unhealthy food to children. The paper supports the old-fashioned healthy family meal in the evening with parents discussing important issues with their children. The paper contends that these health issues must be addressed soon.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Fast Food Nation (summary) - Schlosser
Question for Author Schlosser
The Food Revolution (summary) - Robbins
Question for Author Robbins
Genetically Engineered Food (summary) Teitel / Wilson
Question for Authors Teitel / Wilson
Concluding Remarks

From the Paper
"The subtitle of Schlosser's book is "The Dark Side of the All-American Meal," and one doesn't have to read very far to see that "dark side." On page 3 of the Introduction, readers learn that Americans spend more on fast food - which the book goes to great lengths to document as a highly unhealthy substitute for truly nutritious meals - than "higher education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars." In fact, Schlosser goes on, Americans shell out more money for fast food than music CDs, magazines, newspapers, videos, books and movies "combined." That's a large amount of money; in fact, in the year 2,000, the author says, Americans spent $110 on fast food, up from $6 billion in 1970."

Tags:unhealthy, nutrition, advertising, children

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes declines in the American economy such as the issues of declining worker productivity, a large and growing trade deficit, a large and growing budget deficit, a crushing national debt, declining revenues and a serious decline in the overall American economy. The writer offers solutions on a variety of economic problems.

From the Paper
"In response to your recent emails regarding the issues of declining worker productivity a large and growing trade deficit a large and growing budget deficit a crushing national debt declining revenues and the most serious decline in the overall American economy since the Great Depression of the s- s I offer the following suggestions. American productivity has fallen. Economists understand that workers' wages directly correlate to their productivity and wage trends over the past decade have not been encouraging. As Schwarz Center ..."

Tags:America, economy, recession, worker productivity, national debt, national budget deficit, national trade deficit, declining revenues

Abstract
This paper presents a description of both Italian and American cuisines and shows what is at the root between those differences and between the people who live on each diet. It defines American food as fast, convenience foods, while Italian meals are slower prepared and more nutritious. The health benefits and risks of each form of diet is discussed.

From the Paper
"There are noticeable differences in the diets of people from different countries, even between those of a similar geographic area. One has only to compare Italian to French cuisine to see that though both share parts of the same landmass, both nations have very differently evolved diets, cooking styles, and kitchen staples. The European attitude toward food, however, is quite unified. Europeans generally enjoy their food for the visceral effects, the beauty and simplicity (or complexity) of the food, and treat it with respect. Americans, on the other hand, have a very different attitude toward food. American culture is based upon speed and convenience. Where once home-cooks prepared complex, multi-course meals for the entire family to savor and enjoy together, now the American household dinner is more often than not divided between the separate eating times of the family members, prepared with a minimum of from-scratch ingredients, and relies heavily upon pre-prepared frozen, canned, and other food items. Because of this, speed and efficiency are the hallmark of the American diet."

Tags:food, diet, nutrition, health

Abstract
A paper which explores how the media contributes to the bad eating habits of the American people. It examines issues such as advertising, projection of the "cool" or perfect image, targeting of children, dental problems and health issues. The paper also discusses ways in which the media can be used to deliver positive and educational messages.

From the Paper
"Children are an easy and promising market. According to MediaQuotient research, an American child watches TV for 25 hours a week; some of the children have television set in their bedroom, where they can spend time relaxing in bed watching their favorite cartoon with an ice cream gallon in hand. Families also often have their television on during meals, as 18% of the participants say always, 22% say often, and 26% do it sometimes, showing that much of the time they are exposed to TV shows and commercials."

Tags:American, Dental, Association, Teen, Magazine, commercials, weight-loss, pills

Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that there are many studies which assert that there has been a strong and even radical decline in American family values since the 1950s. The writer maintains that one of the main aspects leading to this decline is that the centrality and importance of marriage in society has also suffered a steady decline since the 1950s. Firther the writer claims that the values associated with different gender roles have changed as a result of the changes in the nature and structure of the family. In conclusion, the writer points out that the decline in traditional family values since 1950 is a fact that is evidenced in many research studies.

From the Paper
"This is supported by statistics which show that the proportion of adults who have never been married rose from 15% to 23% between 1972 and 1998. There has also been a concomitant increase in the divorce rate. These aspects have all contributed to the changing values in the family."
"For example, the values associated with different gender roles have changed as a result of the changes in the nature and structure of the family. The value system in the traditional nuclear family was dependent on gender role differentiation and responsibilities. These roles, which created certain values and norms associate with the sexes, were disturbed by social events such as the increasing participation of women in the workforce since 1950. This altered the responsibility structures and values attached to the concept of the mother as the 'homemaker'."

Tags:morals, marriage, gender, role

Abstract
This paper discusses three theories which attempt to assess the reasons for this decline of the "American family" unit.The first being the "conservative model," the second is the "liberal model" and the third being various feminist theories of familial discontent. Each one of these theories is presented and analyzed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the obstacles faced by women in managing a family and career.

From the Paper
"The conservative model of family decline suggests a model that is a replica of the "fall from Eden" for the American family. According to the conservative point of view, once the American family existed in a relative state of harmony and bliss. The family, according to the conservative point of view, is necessarily dependent upon a rigid model of roles. The father is in charge of major family decision making and providing economically for the family. The mother's duty primarily revolves around the production, education, and nurturing of the family's children. The children are to be obedient to their parents, deferring first to their mother, then to their father when he comes home from his job."

Tags:female, nurturing, education, children, sexual, parents, feminism, patriarchal

Abstract
This paper discusses how F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby" captures a slice of American life that reveals the dangers of excess and how, while the novel covers the hope and expanse of the American dream, many would also agree that the novel is about the decline of the American Dream. It looks at how although Jay Gatsby is the epitome of the self-made man he allows his dream to become clouded by a growing sense of desire that is far beyond his reach. Through characterization, Fitzgerald demonstrates how destructive materialism, excess, and desire can not only ruin the American Dream but a man's life.

From the Paper
"The tragedy of The Great Gatsby is that Gatsby actually does achieve his dream, but it slips away from him when he allows himself to be sidetracked with his infatuation with Daisy. Thomas Inge maintains that the novel "deals symbolically with the failure of the American dream of success" (Inge) by concentrating on possibilities arising from "rags to riches through industry, ambition, self-reliance, honesty, and temperance" (Inge). There is nothing wrong with wanting to have the best and working hard for it but Gatsby allows his dream to become entwined with the myth of obtaining Daisy's love. Inge believes that the myth of Daisy's love "lies the genesis of what impels Gatsby" (Inge). It is a passion strong enough to compel him to achieve great things but not what he wants."

Tags:Jay, Daisy, materialism

Abstract
This paper explains that the kind of partnership, which was forged between these two nations following Japan's defeat in the Second World War, is unprecedented, an unlikely alliance between conqueror and conquered, an unequal alliance that places both parties in a position of advantage. The author points out that a major social factor influencing American-Japanese relations is the sense of insecurity and vulnerability, which the Japanese have, being subject to earthquakes, typhoons, tidal waves and the possibility of domination by nations with greater military strength; whereas, to the Japanese, the high degree of self-confidence displayed by Americans comes across as being "mindless arrogance". The paper relates that the Japan's phenomenal economic growth in the span of a single generation, owing largely to its 1960 "income-doubling program", has raised serious problems for the American-Japanese relationship, especially since it was paralleled by a slow decline in the American economy up until the 1980s.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Historical Overview
Social and Cultural Dimensions
Economic Dimensions
Geopolitical Dimensions
Conclusion: The Future of U.S.-Japanese Relations

From the Paper
"U.S.-Japanese relations date back to the middle of the nineteenth century, when, in 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo Bay and opened up Japan to trade with the West. The U.S.-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed in 1857, not only gave the United States an immediate advantage over its Western competitors, but also had the profound effect of re-instating the Japanese Emperor and launching Japan on the road to modernization. A more serious consequence, however, was Japan's emerging imperialist ambitions, which were early demonstrated in its launching of the Sino-Japanese War (1895-1895) with its resultant acquisition of Taiwan as well as in its success in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and subsequent annexation of Korea (1910) and Manchuria (1931). "

Tags:debt, conquer, multi-polarity, defense, military

Abstract
This paper analyzes the influence of mass media on the everyday diet of Americans. The author discusses the inconsistencies of food and nutrition news reported by the media that confuse and frustrate consumers and lead to poor diet and lifestyle choices.

From the Paper
"Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but you may need a scorecard to decide what to eat. Will knocking back a few cups of java (a) raise your risk of pancreatic cancer, (b) lead to arthritis, or (c) protect you from Parkinson's disease? Is it butter or margarine that is healthier on your toast? Are eggs OK or did you get the message scrambled? One has good reason to be confused and not just at breakfast. Americans get the bulk of their nutrition news from TV, magazines, and newspapers where the latest findings are proclaimed by just about anyone in a lab coat (Kulman 1). These findings are sometimes contradictory to established research conclusions and leave consumers unsure of what to really think."

Tags:nutrition, life, health, food, eating, t.v., commercial, advert, diet

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the so called Mediterranean diet. According to the paper, this term refers to more than just people living in the Mediterranean region. The paper discusses how factors such as climate, geography, socioeconomic, culture and history influence the nutritional value of the diets of Mediterranean countries.

From the Paper
"According to one study, people afflicted by metabolic syndrome who followed a Mediterranean diet lost more weight than those on a low-fat diet, a total difference of nine pounds in two years (Collins). An earlier study revealed that participants who followed a Mediterranean-style diet of moderate fat content lost the same amount of weight at first as a low-fat diet group, yet the Mediterranean group kept the weight off better, while only one-fifth of the low-fat group could were able to stay on their diet (Collins). A recent study published in Nutrition & Metabolism, revealed that rheumatoid arthritis patients who adopted a modified Mediterranean diet, obtained a reduction in disease activity and also showed an improvement in physical function and vitality (Mediterranean1)."

Tags:cereals, legumes, fish, virgin, olive, oil, fresh, fruit, nuts, vegetables, wild, plants, wine, American, Heart, Association