Enumerations

Credit cards can be divided into three basic groups. One type, the easiest to obtain, is the retail credit card. These are the cards issued by department stores, boutiques, and gasoline companies. Interest is charged on an unpaid balance, but the minimum payment required per month may vary; department stores usually require the highest monthly payments. Another type of credit card is the bank card, such as MasterCard or Visa. Overall, these credit corporations issue more cards than anyone else, but a card must be obtained from a local bank. Like retail cards, bank cards require a minimum monthly payment and charge about 18 percent interest annually on the balance. Some also charge an annual membership fee. These cards may be used in a wide variety of places for items from food to clothes to college tuition payments. A third type of card is that offered by American Express, Carte Blanche, and Diners' Club. Unlike the other types, these companies expect payment in full every month. They also charge a yearly membership fee to card owners. Such cards are usually the most difficult to obtain, since these companies look for more affluent customers capable of meeting all monthly charges.

As you might guess, pollutants do their greatest damage to the organs of the breathing system. There are several kinds of damage that can occur. The tubes and passages of the breathing system are lined with hairlike structures called cilia. The cilia are constantly moving back and forth; they function like a broom that sweeps out foreign material inhaled from the air. Some pollutants can slow down these cilia-or stop them altogether. This leaves the lungs with one of their protective devices out of order.

Besides the cilia, the air passages and tubes are also lined with a sticky fluid called mucus, which traps particles that have been inhaled. Mucus production greatly increases when certain pollutants are inhaled. This is a defensive response by the body. Normally, the cilia would sweep out the mucus and much of the foreign matter. But when they do not function, the mucus builds up and narrows the tubes and air passages. Coughing results, and breathing is more difficult.

Pollutants can also cause muscle spasms in the tubes of the lungs. During the spasms, the muscle contracts and gets thicker. This narrows the passageway in the tubes and makes breathing more difficult. Along with the muscle spasms, the membranes inside the tubes may swell. This results in more narrowing of the tubes and more difficulty in breathing.

There are numerous advantages associated with franchising. One of the most important is the training and guidance given by the franchisor. One of the best-known training programs is that offered by McDonald's, which sends the owner to "Hamburger U." Here the individual learns how to make hamburgers, control inventory, keep records, handle human relations problems, and manage the unit.

Another advantage is the customer appeal associated with buying a well-known name. Many franchisors advertise on television and radio and have catchy jingles that attract customers to the unit. Just think of some you have heard during this past week from Pizza Hut, Holiday Inn, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

A third advantage is that the franchise, assuming it is an established one, is a proven idea. There is no need to worry about whether people will like the food being sold or the auto service being provided. There are many other successful franchised units selling the same goods and services.

Finally, there is the financial assistance angle. Some bankers will not be willing to lend money to get a small business started but will change their mind when they find that it is a Dairy Queen franchise, a Holiday Inn, or a Jack-in-the-Box.