Gothic literature Essay Example for Free

Gothic literature Essay In response to the question â€Å"is gothic literature purely escapist? † considering Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Walpole’s novel The Castle of Ontranto, which is recognized as pretty much establishing the genre, the answer is yes. Castle of Ontranto Brief Plot summary The plot of Castle begins full tilt as Conrad, son of Manfred of house Otranto, is crushed by a giant helmet on his wedding day, also his birthday. Because of the marriages political connections, Manfred decides to divorce his wife, Hippolita, and marry Conrads betrothed, Isabella. Amid speculations about an ancient prophecy claiming That the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it, Manfreds second union is disrupted by a series of supernatural events involving many oversized limbs, ghosts, mysterious blood, and a true prince (Wikipedia). Castle of Ontranto represents the quintessential Gothic story. It created the genre. Key examples of this can be seen as follows: 1 Note: that Gothic literature is escapist through the use of contrasting specific elements to create conflict and draw the attention of the reader. (the main themes most common in these two novels are: horror vs romance, good vs evil, and the element of mystery basically the known vs the unknown. ) The Castle of Ontranto opens with the line â€Å"Manfred, Prince of Otranto, had one son and one daughter: the latter, a most beautiful virgin, aged eighteen, was called Matilda (chp1). † This is a very fantastic scenario from the main character being a Prince to the daughter being a beautiful eighteen year old virgin in an era when many women in prestigious families were married off by the age of 14. The author goes on to point out how the son Conrad three years younger than Matilda is ugly sickly frail and pale. The act of immediately contrasting Conrad’s ugly sickliness with Matilda’s beauty and pure virginity, significantly defines the gothic genre, which is literally defined as â€Å"an important genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance. † -Another important contrast other than horror and romance is good and evil. This can be seen in Walpole’s novel through the differences in the characters. The Castle of Otranto revolves around a curse that has been placed upon the family of Manfred, ruler of the principality of Otranto. The curse is slightly ill defined, but apparently threatens the end of Manfreds rule and destruction of his family. Manfred is a greedy man who plots and schemes to outwit this curse. He is clearly the villain of the novel and contrasts strongly with the three leading women, Hippolita his wife, Matilda his daughter and Isabella the intended wife of his son. These women represent the forces of good throughout the novel. NOTE: Heroines in gothic books as well as in contemporary horror is a common theme a major example of this being emphasized in Northanger abbey can be seen when Austen says, â€Å"Chapter 1 But from fifteen to seventeen she was in training for a heroine; she read all such works as heroines must read to supply their memories with those quotations which are so serviceable and so soothing in the vicissitudes of their eventfuly lives. † (page 9) NOTE: examples of Romance as a theme in Northanger Abbey â€Å"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love. † Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey â€Å"In every power, of which taste is the foundation, excellence is pretty fairly divided between the sexes. â€Å" Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey, 1818

Economic Globalisation And Rising Global Living Standards Economics Essay

Economic Globalisation And Rising Global Living Standards Economics Essay 1.0. Introduction. The notion of economic globalisation has grown to be one of the generally effective in economic development as well as raises the global living standards through economic growth and poverty reduction. Economic Globalization is muscularly believed to result in better social, economic and in the contemporary world. Yet UN1 report (September 1999) show the current trend of economic inequality has increased dramatically as a direct result of economic globalization and current rules of trade. Subsequently, economic globalisation is growing attractive a controversial issue whether it can really lead to a rise in global living standard or aggravate the situation. Several authors in this part look not to convincingly provide or even concur on relation between economic globalisation and living standard. To my understanding, economic globalisation is an essential but not enough condition to hasten living standard 1.1. PURPOSE The purpose of this essay is to essentially inspect how aspects of economic globalisation facilitate a rise in global living standards. The essay will commence by introducing the concepts of economic globalisation and living standards and its measurements, using different readings, lectures, Journals and my personal view regarding to the issue. The first part of this essay will illustrate the link between economic globalisation and contribution of economic globalisation to the process of accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction. Secondly, it will examine some criticism and or challenges associated with economic globalisation. Finally, the essay will draw a conclusion based on review findings. 1.2 Economic Globalisation and Living Standards. The perception of economic globalisation mean global spanning economic relationships in term of markets, finance, good and services and the network create by transactional (Chase, 1999). According to Nicholas (2009), economic globalisation is the increasing of cross border flow of goods and service. He emphasize that It facilitates increasing cross border movement of financial capital, which increase economics activities from private derived from foreign sources. Moreover, movement of productive activities are then totally or partially extended or relocated to another country. It is likely that the integrations of global economic enabling social, economic environment that will broke out of poverty and improved the living standard of a related community. For better understanding on the Concept of living standard, I will brief discuss on the idea of GNI2 per capita which is broader definition of well being. Michael Todaro (2009) state that GNI per capita is a common measures of economic activities related with economic well being of people globally. He emphasizes that. GNI comprises GDP plus the difference between the income residents receive from abroad for factor services less payment made to non residents who contribute to the domestic economy. Not only that but also as it defined by several International agencies including OECD3 and UN living standards process by HDI4 ranks countries on scale of high and lower ranks. Usually it focus on three indicators: i) life expectancy at birth knowledge as measured weighted average of adult literacy and standard of living by using real per capita gross domestic product with PPP (Todaro and Smith 2009), ii) HDI uses to evaluate standard of living by determine real per capital gross domestic pr oduct adjusted by PPP5 of each countrys currency reflect cost of living of a particular country (Todaro 2009). The above information gives the connotation of living standards is associated with real income per individual and poverty rate. 2.0 Link between Economic Globalisation and Living Standard. Before the description of link between the economic globalisation and living standard, this paper will describe in brief the goal one of MDG6 in association with the global living standard. The endorsement of eradicate extreme poverty and hunger (Todaro 2009) is Goal One among of eight inspiring and much talked about Millennium Development Goals (MDG). In alliance with its target of reduce by half of the people living on less than $1 a day, it aims is to improve living standard, and encourage economic growth and improve equity. In this regards, by achieving these targeted goals, it will help to improve the growth as well as income poverty which is very important in poverty reduction and raise living standards. Many writers believe that people lives with income level below 1$ per day represents in extreme poverty, indicating that they live in absolute poverty. According to Allen and Thomas (2000) the global target for measure living standards by using poverty line which is US 1 $ per day by adjusted by PPP. The question is what the position is for those living under one or two dollar per day. This is shows that poor people suffer by necessary requirements similar to health care, adequate provisions and appropriate protection. As I illustrate in the beginning, economic globalisation is the opening of economic to flow of goods and services, capital and business from other nations that integrate their market with that abroad S.Mishkin (2006). Hence is better to look which forces which help to hasten the pace of economic globalisation today. I will consider on the three major forces which helps to accelerate the economic globalisation with living standards according to OECD handbook on Economic Globalisation Indicators (2005). Economic globalisation can increase by different forces. The following are the major forces which supply the swiftness up globally economic: The liberalisation of capital movements, of financial services in particular, the opening of markets to international trade and investments. Neoclassical point of view transmits trade liberalisation as a source of amenities economic growth by shift to the market liberalisation and growing global amalgamation. Their key thought by having more open market oriented emphasize more choice in trade itself and capital flow in develop the higher the living standards of global population. Todaro and Smith (2009) state that, free market permitting competition to flourish privatisations which promote both economic efficiency and economic growth. Hoekman at al. (2004) agrees that, Trade liberalisation and openness to trade increases the growth rate of income and output. In theory, it offers prediction for foreign firm and local firms citizen to be engaged in production, give confidence in export with domestic and international promote. To a large extent the process observed support sustaining the profitable achievement of counties like South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. Moreover, it make possible for large firm allocate individual i n to specialise additional product, therefore develop more market and increase consumer preferences. In addition, Neoclassical agrees that, not only free market but also economic globalisation in term of financial globalisation progress the economic growth. According to S. Mishkin (2006) economic globalisation through financial low has several important in emerging market economies. In this regards movement of capital flow allows to come into a country encourage distribution of capital as well as domestic economic sector become well off. For Neoclassical perspective, capital is physical inputs including money, machine natural resource and human with technology. The expansion of capital production resulted booming saving in financial institution (Nicholas 2009). In this regards increasing of saving due to higher interest rate will encourage the speed up investment, enabling creation of employment in particular for unskilled labour force in the long run, the income of inexperienced labour will be higher. On the other hand, Marxists argues that, economic globalisation base on international economic international leads inevitably to uneven gain (Nicholas 2009). Furthermore, they acknowledge that this internationalise trade rise a common European and the emergence in various international institution like World Bank and International Monitory Fund (Hossein 2005). In practice, the exchange of trade is imbalanced trade, for developing countries produces primary goods were sent to advanced countries who subsequently shaped manufactured commodities after that they tried to put on the market reverse to poor countries with value added tax making them unaffordable, resulted is international capitalism. Myriam Plank (2006) agrees that, In Gambia cheap import of chicken egg and milk loosing local access their domestic market and lack opportunities to earn income hence farmers especially women driven into poverty. This observation emphasize that reduce trade tariff is a key to destroys infants industries agricultural sector and in food in security especially in developing countries. Different with Neoclassical perspective, New Keynesian theories highlight that the international economic integration is not the result of free choice and not necessarily mutual beneficial, but can be made to be mutually beneficial. Nicholas (2009).This situation exacerbated by historical aspect, the role of colonialism was damaging of global economy particular for those countries became colonies which resulted the existing intercontinental division of labour. Maddison (2001) accepts that, free trade was imposed in India and other British colonies and the same true in Britains informal empire Hence it is important to realise that the exploitation of resources including inputs in term of human, slave trade and primary product from Africa to the industrial areas is a main reasons of the increasing inequality in economic growth and living standard between North and South. In additional to that, new Keynesian scholars argues that world economy is essentially constant. To some extent changing is crucial on internationally policies coordination through international institution like IMF, World Bank and WTO. The World Bank should be refocused with clear goals, and accountability for their success. Specifically, the bank should have one overarching assignment: helping the poorest countries achieves the millennium development goals to reduce poverty, hunger and disease Sachs (2008). International Financial Institutional, might pay support to developing countries by make out barriers to trade, provide debt relief and build capability on international trade as an alternative of supply of loans with higher conditionality. 3.0 CRITICS OF ECONOMIC GLOBALISATION. This document has assessed the economic globalisation to find out whether it is sufficiently raising the global living standards for human being. To a large extent the process helps to increase growth and wealth and might provide benefits in exports, creation of employment and increasing of capital flow. It is exactly the expanding of international trade and investment put together enlargement of economic activities network worldwide. Yet it face some challenges. One of the most critics of economic globalisation is that, to a certain degree it has extended the economic gap between South and North. According to UN Report in 1999, the number of developing countries that have benefited from economic globalisation is smaller than 20. Shangquan (2000) emphasize that the difference of income per capita between the richest country and poorest country has enlarged from 30 times in 1960 to the 70 times at present. This indicating that there is also a gap on economic growth and living standards between them. His observation that the hole has been upward together surrounded by and within nations is largely true. The correlation with economic globalisation is to a large extent less comprehensible. This incompatible of per capita income cause an internationally deviation in incomes and living standards continues a moment, and convergence is slowest between OECD and HIPC7. Stiglitz (2006) argues that in many countries, unemployment rates are high and those who lose their jobs do not move to higher wage alternative but to the unemployment rolls. This has happened especially in many developing countries around the world when they liberalised so fast the private sector did not have time to respond and create new jobs. Therefore, unemployment rate increases in economic system where there are two dimensions appears low productivity in economics activities and higher rates of dependency and crime increasing in societies. Shangquan (2000) suggested that this huge amount of floating international capitals may lead up to bubble economies and disorderly fluctuation of foreign exchange rates. To some extent under release economic conditions, meticulous express for international floating capital consequence, there are great constrains on deteriorating capacity on macroeconomic control and regulation, particularly in monetary policy. This impact might suffer by developing countries rather than Industrial Countries. 4.0 CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this paper attempts the economic globalisation endeavour to raise economic growth internationally and helps increasing living standard on people globally. To a large extent, trade liberalisation of capital movements, financial services in opening market to international trade and investment encourage rise higher living standards in OECD rather than developing countries. Thus, while these policies maintain situation which show better off in one side and worse off to another, hence strong institutions should be created to strengthen national and international collaboration towards facing the above mentioned challenges. The practice of trade liberalisation and market oriented economic improvement that had taking place in many developing countries in the last two decade, yet, no proof for developing countries successful through the trade as well as financial liberalisation as opposed to export encouragement which useful in some of Asian Countries. In this situation, economic globalisation has benefits with OECD and some of Asia countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea, which involved in global market (Griswold: 2000) has helped their economies, yet Africa and Latin America still becoming poor. For developing countries, this process will take time to take off for particular case. Major reasons that developed countries generate worldwide economic policies in term of price arrangements for production while third world countries engaged on primary and fragmented goods. Generally, as an economists functioning in developing countries, my personal view on economic globalisation and word economy today, though there is global specialisation focus on competitive advantages and between the highly developed and developing on energetic comparative advantages. Yet, current implementation of economic perspective, in term of economic globalisation should relate with New Keynesian perspectives. The economic growth relate with development distribution of welfare and environmental control. Emphasize redeployment of income and eliminating poverty by using different programmes like pro poor growth and poverty strategy growth programmes. In order to improve the economic growth of developing counties should make sure that income distribute equally, hence it will reduce the national divergence in living standards and the it will help to reduce an international divergence. Economic growth will stimulate development and collaborate poverty reduction programme and facili tate to meet target under goal one of the Millennium development Goal, to eliminate tremendous poverty and hunger.

Traditional Agricultural Technology in Sri Lanka

Traditional Agricultural Technology in Sri Lanka 1. Modern Agricultural sector plays a very important role in contributing to the economy of the country. Agriculture represents 13% of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Rice is the main staple food in Sri Lanka. Paddy sector contributes 16.5 % of the GDP of the agriculture sector. Paddy farmers represent considerable percentage of the labor force of the country. Rice is the oldest crop on earth and rice is the main consumer food in Sri Lanka and the main substitute for rice is the wheat flour. Sri Lanka has two major agricultural seasons namely Yala and Maha. About 5.75 lakh hectares were being bought under paddy farming in the Maha season from October to February and another 3.5 lakh hectares under the Yala season from April to August. Sri Lanka is country which Agricultural sector plays a main role in the economy. Paddy is produce in two seasons in a year. Every Government has identified the importance of the Paddy industry and has been a political focus so far. Mahaweli P roject is the one of the most successive project done in the country to increase the land available for the paddy cultivation. However farmers in rural provinces faced many hardships to obtain adequate harvest and revenue from paddy cultivation and vegetable cultivation due to lack of new technology 2. There are three major economic activities which contribute to the Gross National Product (GNP) in a country, Namely Agriculture sector, Industrial sector and Service sector. Beginning of 1950s Sri Lankan economy was mainly based on agricultural sector and by mid 1950, service sector contribution remarkably increases and maintained the highest contribution to the GNP at present. With the change of political and security situation of the country, it is essential to develop agriculture sector to achieve the self sustainability of the country. In 2008 recorded the highest sectoral growth of 7.5 percent (%) over the growth of 3.4 % recorded in 2007. Output of domestic agriculture products were increased in 2008 mainly due the record increasing of paddy production during the year seasons. 3. Sri Lanka Rice Sector alone contributes 30% to the agricultural GDP which accounts for 16.8% of GDP in year 2007.The present Annual value of the rice production is Rs. 49 billion which is at an increasing trend, although the relative contribution of the rice sector to the GDP is diminishing. In 2008 paddy production increased by 24% recorded levels of 2.63 million metric tons of rice. This recorded target was archived through enormous difficulties faced by the farmers in rural provinces. It is essential to implement an effective government policy and an efficient mechanism to the development of the paddy sector in Sri Lankan in each province to increase income of the rural farmers. GENERAL OUTLINE 4. Paddy is widely grown in the all over Sri Lanka and it is a popular food crop among all communities in country. As the labor and other requirements of paddy are high it provides direct employment to a large number of people besides its contribution to indirect employment in input supplies and providing other services associated with the industry. However, there are several constraints that affect the development of paddy crop in Sri Lanka. Among the most important constraints are, high cost of the new technology, low productivity of paddy land, and high disease prevalence in paddy growing areas due to prevailing conductive environment for disease occurrences STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 5. The statement of problem can divided in to two major parts: a. Social Presently at the country most of farmers are using Traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka and it will effect for there personnel income with out using new technology b. Economic Without using new technology for traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka will not enable to increase of production in agriculture. Mal usage of the modern technology caused low productivity in local agriculture SCOPE OF THE STUDY 6 This research attempts to identify the relationship between the traditional agriculture and modern agriculture in Sri Lanka and the number of farmers who had abandoned the cultivating of paddy. The research will focus only on the paddy farmers in Sri Lanka and the benefits of using new technology in traditional agriculture. JUSTIFICATION 7. As it effects to the national income of the country it is reasonable to do a research on this topic. 8. As it effect to the loosing of jobs in agricultural field it is a responsibility of the government to look in to this problem. 9. As the agriculture is the oldest traditional occupation in Sri Lanka it is very much needed to research on this field and its out come. OBJECTIVES General Objectives 10. The general objective, this research is to study increase production by using new technology for traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka Specific Objectives 11. The following objectives are identified. a. To study what is the traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka. b. To study technology used for traditional agriculture and modern agriculture in Sri Lanka. c. To examine traditional paddy farming cultivation of paddy in Sri Lanka and its increase drastic production. c. Agro biodiversity and related traditional systems. d. Recommendations based on the findings. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS 12. Use of new technology will enable drastic increase of the production of traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY 1. This study will be based on a survey. The data will be gathered from primary and secondary sources to analyse the situation and the data obtained from Agriculture department and other relevant source Primary Source 2. A literature survey will be carried out by referring various types of articles, books and World Wide Web to gather information on the field of the paddy cultivation and data gathered by agriculture department and other agriculture research centres ORGANIZATION OF THE PAPER 3. Since the main idea of this study in to analyze that there is specific relationship between the diminishing trend of yield and the trend of abundance of paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka, the paper analyses this relationship and its effect to the paddy farming. The first chapter introduces the subject and other details of the research. In the second chapter contains the History Methodology Organization of the paper Data collection method Limitation. In the fifth chapter all gathered data are analysed and the last chapter contains findings, recommendations and conclusion SAMPLING 4. Selected 10 paddy farmers randomly to represent every part of the country who are currently engaged in the paddy cultivation. DATA COLLECTION METHOD 5. The source of data collections is details gathered from the Government Officials those who are engaging in the cultivation. Further, past statistics were collected from the Hector Kobbekaduwa agriculture Research Centre in Colombo, and the Public Library in Colombo LIMITATIONS 6. a. proceeding with a research the following limitations was identified. b. The time available to carry out this research was only 3 months. c. Commonly most of the farmers were not in the position of giving accurate figures regarding their individual farm management. CHAPTER 3 WHAT IS TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE IN SRI LANKA 1. Rainfall and its variation Sri Lanka is a tropical country, but climate of the country shows variation across the Island due to differences in rainfall, elevation and soil factors. Further, the central hill masses, which act as an orographic barrier and the Indian Ocean, surrounding the Island also influence the climate of Sri Lanka. 2. The rainfall of Sri Lanka shows seasonal fluctuations and is dependent on mostly monsoon, Four precipitation seasons are clear in Sri Lanka, namely southwest monsoon from mid-May to September call Yala season, northeast monsoon from December to February call Maha season and two inter-monsoon periods, the first and second inter-monsoons last from March to mid May and from October to November respectively. Total annual rainfall of the country varies from 750 to 5000 mm two broad climatic regions, namely the dry and wet zones are recognized based on total annual rainfall and distribution of dry months. The rainfall is one of the significant factors for determining agricultural land use as well as use of various genetic resources. The distribution pattern of rainfall throughout the year is further important than the total annual rainfall. The rainfall distribution in the majority areas of Sri Lanka is markedly seasonal. Seasonal distribution of rainfall and distribution of wet and dry months in different climatic zones influence the type of paddy grown by farmers in different seasons. The bi-model pattern of rainfall distribution is characteristic of the wet zone whereas the dry zone exhibits a uni-model rainfall pattern. The rainy season of the wet zone lasts from May to November (7 months) which is much shorter in the dry zone (3-4 months; October to January). In the dry zone, southwest monsoon allows only a small crop (Yala season) whereas the main season (Maha) is effectively the wet season. Cropping patterns, farming practices and genetic resource utilization are markedly different according to this rainfall distribution patterns along with the other factors. 3. Agro ecological zones Agricultural land use and land management necessities at a given location depend on the climatic conditions together with soil properties and conditions. The areas with similar climatic and soil conditions are identified and demarcated as agro ecological regions. Twenty-four agro ecological regions based on rainfall, elevation and soil types are demarcated in Sri Lanka Agro ecological classification is very useful since it provides basic climatic and edaphic differences of the country for various agricultural productions and farming practice. 4. Agro biodiversity and related traditional systems Genetic assets or germplasm are biological resources of animal, plant and microbes that contain the hereditary information required for life and are responsible for their useful property and ability to replicate. Agro biodiversity can be defined as selection and variability of animal plant and microbial organisms on earth that are for main food and agriculture. It is a key subset of genetic resources as it is the basis of food security and an essential feature of farming systems around the world. People have managed genetic resources, selecting crops, harvesting medicinal plants etc. Genetic resources remain the basis for the improvement of agricultural crops, for medicines of about 75% of the world population that relies upon traditional, largely plant-based, treatments for its primary healthcare, and for a myriad of other products such as pharmaceuticals, crop protection products and perfumes. 5. Agriculturally used domestic plants have been basically altered from their wild relatives and they have been reshaped to meet human being needs and wants. Paddy genetic resources and agro biodiversity is the product of thousands of years of evolutionary process. There are two types of selection distinguish crop evolution in Sri Lanka namely natural and artificial. These evolutionary processes continue in order to agriculture systems to remain viable. Paddy evolution has been altered by our enhanced ability to produce, locate and access genetic stuff. Both farmers and scientists have relied on the store of genetic diversity present in paddy plants that has been accumulate by hundreds of generations who have observed, selected, multiplied, store, traded and kept variants of paddy plants. 6. Sri Lanka is well thought out as a valuable repository of crop germplasm and agro biodiversity. These varieties show great adaptability to a large range of climatic and soil conditions and pest and infection problems. They also exhibit difference in grain size and quality some with medicinal property and fragrance and others that are used for cultural and formal procedure reasons and also show differences in maturity period. The existence of genetic and species diversity has special significance for the maintenance and improvement of productivity in agricultural crops in Sri Lanka which is characterized by very varied agro-climaticand diverse growing situation. Such variety provides safekeeping for the farmer against disease, pests, drought and other stresses. The genetic variety also allows farmers to develop the full range of highly various microenvironments in the country, conflicting in characteristics such as soil, water, warmth, elevation, slope and fertility. 7. The occurrence of heterogeneous agro ecological situation with seasonal and inter annual difference, socio-cultural and ethnic differences, application of different traditional paddy farming practices including dry and wet land paddy farming, deliberate and inadvertent selection of variety and a choice of systems of beliefs allow to develop various indigenous and traditional paddy cultivation practices and techniques for selection, maintenance and utilization of planting materials. 8. Furthermore these traditional paddy farmers represent centuries of accumulated experience and skills of peasants who often continuous yields under adverse paddy farming environment using locally available resources. The establishment for such paddy farming is comprised of the traditional landraces. Landraces are crop plant populations that have not been bred as variety but have been modified throughout years of natural and artificial variety to the conditions under which they are paddy cultivated. Maintenance of species and genetic diversity in farmers fields is essential to sustainable agriculture, especially for resource-poor farmers practicing agriculture under low-input conditions in marginal lands. Aboriginal knowledge has been brought down from generation to generation and forms part of the information base for a culture. The indigenous knowledge can be defined as local information that is unique to a given civilization or society. Each society has a variety of type of aware ness systems. Indigenous people have a great knowledge of the ecosystem they live in and ways to guarantee that natural resources are used sustainably. Therefore, indigenous awareness which has been accumulating over hundred years has potential value for sustainable development. It can help other people to learn how to live in the natural world in a sustainable approach as well as to increase agronomic practices for paddy cultivation and utilization of materials. 9. The agricultural landscape of the country consists mainly cultivation of rice (780,000 ha), plantation crops such as tea, rubber, coconut, sugarcane, spices (772,000 ha), vegetables (110,000 ha), other field crops (128,000 ha) and home gardens (98,000 ha). Sri Lankas farming systems, particularly rice, other field crops and home gardening have evolved over thousands of years including a rich array of farming systems and cultivated plants such as grains, vegetables, fruits, spices and livestock. New local cultivars have been developed in the agriculture sector formally and informally. In addition, many farmers have selected local landraces. The long history of cultivation, presence of cultural diversity and wide range of eco-edaphic conditions present in the country have resulted in a wide variety of farming practices in Sri Lanka. The following section describes the traditional farming principles and systems reported in Sri Lanka during the survey. TRADITIONAL AND ORGANIC PADDY FARMING SYSTEMS 10. Lowland paddy farming. The most widely practiced farming system in Sri Lanka is lowland paddy farming. Lowland can be defined as areas, which receive enough water or which can be irrigated. The lowland also called Wel yaya and is mainly cultivated with rice. In lowlands, rice is the dominant crop both in terms of land use and dietary importance, and it has been the backbone of Sri Lankas agriculture over 2500 years. Lowland paddy farming is started with deep ploughing to create a hard pan at the onset of rain or with irrigated water. Harrowing and leveling under submerged conditions follow ploughing. Initiation of agricultural operations is begun at an auspicious time with special ceremony and rituals. Sowing, transplanting, weeding, pest and disease control, water management, manuring (with compost, cow dung and green matter from plant bio mass) and harvesting are other main operations involved in rice farming and each component has special traditional methods and performances. 11. Upland (organic) paddy cultivation. Upland can be defined as land above the water sources, which therefore can be cultivated only under rain fed conditions or by providing lift irrigation. Following ploughing, the land up to two inches using buffalo and traditional plough, seed paddy soaked overnight is sown when rain is expected. The soil is mixed using a fork. This method increases the soil nutrients and water retention / absorption capacity of soil. Sometimes, broadcast field is covered with straw as mulch, which enhances weed control, soil moisture and nutrient retention. When grasses and hedges are grown in the field, they are cut and allowed to dry for incorporating in the field. The field is turned using hoe. Two to three weeks after turning, harrowing is done. Then seed is broadcast during mild rain. Intensity of management practices such as chemical weeding, fertilising, chemical pest and disease control are very low in this system. Water management is entirely dependent on rainfall. Usually, only is Maha season cultivated with paddy. CHAPTER 4 WHAT IS THE MORDEN AGRICULTURAL POSSIBILITIES IN SRI LANKA 1. Utilization of modern technology in agriculture and related industries can be categorized in several ways. In this study it is being categorized according to the type of streams of technology used. The main areas of technology which are being using in Sri Lankan Paddy farming can be identified as follows: ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS 2. Mechanization of agronomic practices: This includes the crop cultural practices from seed sawing to harvesting In paddy farming the first main step is pre planting land preparation and that is been mechanised with tractors including two wheels and four wheels, ploughs, rotervators, harrows etc. In Sri Lanka this step is highly mechanised specially in commercial paddy farming.Seed sawing or crop establishment is the next main step in paddy farming. There are two main methods called direct seeding and transplanting. Sophisticated machines as well as simple machines are available for the both methods. Still Sri Lankan farming community does not use hi-tech methods for this step The next main step which is been mechanised in paddy farming is harvesting and harvest cleaning. Wide range of machines are using for this process. That includes very sophisticated machines like combine harvesters which harvest, thresh and clean the harvest at once in the paddy field itself 3. Mechanization of post harvesting activities Technology is been using in this step for storing, weighing, threshing, boiling, cleaning and polishing rice. 4. Biological improvements New paddy verities Almost all paddy farmers except very few isolated farmers cultivate improved varieties. The paddy verities been improved for high yield, to minimise lodging, to gain resistively for pest and diseases. This improved the per acre yield in the country over the last three decades 5. New breading technologies New breeding technologies like genetic engineering, germplasm transplants, mutations, selective breeding are extensively using for develop new verities 6. Biological pest and diseases control methods Biological pest and disease control methods are promoting extensively among the farming community to minimize the threat for the environment and as effective and sustainable control method. These include usage of plant extracts as repellents and insecticides, introduction of parasitic insects, introduction of insect pathogens, introduction of sterile technologies etc. 7. Chemical improvements a. Fertilizer This became one of the key inputs of farming and the new improved varieties are highly sensitive for fertilizers. Improvement of fertilizers including chemical components, slow releasing fertilisers like chelates, development of new fertilizer ratios, mixing methods can be considered under this. b. Insecticides Development of new environmental friendly verities like Aparathyroid, new types, new chemicals, new application methods, bio-degradable chemical developments comes under this. c. Herbicides Development of new environmental friendly verities, new types like selective weedicides, new chemicals, new application methods, bio-degradable chemical developments comes under this d. Fungicides Fungal attacks can be effectively controlled by application of fungicides. Development of new environmental friendly verities, new types, new chemicals, new application methods, bio-degradable chemical developments comes under this. There are no effective chemical control methods for bacterial and viral diseases CHAPTER 5 DATA ANALYZING Yield Statistics. Year Insecticides Fungicides Chemical Fertilizer 1985 415,638 221,164 32,542 1986 457,549 208,597 18,167 1987 368,498 158,651 15,590 1988 443,321 176,847 14,682 1989 413,378 156,547 30,020 1993 476,839 171,594 22,361 1994 540,838 192,340 32,204 1995 539,903 228,063 31,814 1996 434,967 144,959 26,426 1997 422,805 142,814 27,455 1998 514,241 224,636 49,147 1999 585,579 266,120 61,636 2000 629,275 238,987 74,975 2001 591,142 201,707 95,397 2002 633,964 256,770 104,992 2003 767,484 291,370 160,973 2004 630,014 243,375 156,232 2005 752,075 311,986 166,811 2006 717,539 282,688 166,434 2007 654,251 215,578 180,315 2008 840,024 345,890 237,490 2009 796,301 353,848 298,816 Figure 3.1 Annual local productions of Usage of new improved varieties during the period of 1985-2009 Figure 3.2 cultivation extent (Ha) of old and new varieties during the period of 1979-2009 Figure -3.3 growth in average (kg/Ha) paddy yield Technology statistics: Usage of Tractors etc. Figure 3.4 Annual local productions of Usage of Tractors etc during the period of 1979-2008 Agro chemicals usage over the time Figure 3.5 Agro chemicals usage over the timeduring the period of 2001-2007 CHAPTER 5 FINDING RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION FINDINGS 1. During the survey it was found that the main problem faced by farmers in Sri Lanka was the insufficient average of traditional agricultural yield. Further high cost of technology , lack of high quality seeds, cost of cultivation, Non awareness of technology and low market prices were the another identified problems in this area. Further I found that following strengths and weaknesses while observing the traditional and modern agriculture in Sri Lanka. a. Production possibilities and potentialities are tremendous in the country. b. Increase of local food production is an urgent need. c. It is pre requisites for acceleration of agricultural transformation and economic growth in the country. d. Production directly affects on the increase of farmers income. e. Increase of production will reduce the level of malnutrition. f. Production market is sensitive areas that affect the political and economical background of the country. 2. Weakness observed in the paddy farming System. a. Low production of traditional farming system and modern farming productivity has discouraged the farming system. b. Land and soil degradation are leading factors for the decision of abundance of paddy farming. c. High Cost of Production has discouraged the farmers. e. here is a wide gap between the potential level and farmer yields. f. Inadequate technology transfer at village level farms. CONCLUSION 3. The general tone of the conclusion of this paper identifies that there are many obstacles and problems in paddy cultivation as well as many opportunities and potentialities for improving the high average of yield in modern and traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka. Modern Agricultural sector plays a very important role in contributing to the economy of the country. Agriculture represent 13% of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Rice is the main staple food in Sri Lanka. Paddy sector contributes 16.5 % of the GDP of the agriculture sector. Paddy farmers represent considerable percentage of the labor force of the country. Rice is the oldest crop on earth and rice is the main consumer food in Sri Lanka and the main substitute for rice is the wheat flour. Every Government has identified the importance of the Paddy industry in Sri Lanka. Mahaweli Project is the one of the most successive project done in the country to increase the land available for the paddy cultivation. Howeve r farmers in rural provinces faced many hardships to obtain adequate harvest and revenue from paddy cultivation and other crop cultivation due to lack of new technology. 4. Presently at the country most of farmers are using Traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka and it will effect for there personnel income with out using new technology. Also without using new technology for traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka will not enable to increase of production in agriculture. Mal usage of the modern technology caused low productivity in local agriculture 5. Thus hypotheses of this research can be proven. RECOMMENDATION 6. Implementing programme which can be help for the purpose of the training about new agriculture technology with an aim of encouraging the rest of potion of farming population for new method of farming. 7. Introduction a mechanize system through agriculture department and relevant authority for remote farmers to reach new technology writhing short period of time with its proper efficiency. 8. changing of attitudes in remote farmers towards use of new technology a they are in strongly believe that modern technology can harm there traditional system of agriculture and socio-culture values which they have being practicing for long time of period. 9. Arranging possible educational programme to educate many of farmers about positive impact on the harvest where they will not be reaching through traditional method of agriculture. 10. in order to prevent the risk of loosing traditional occupation in the field of agriculture by using new modern mechanization farmer should be encourage to change their box thinking and seek for positive and possible alternative job opportunities regarding and relevant to the field of agriculture as starting of business of chemical, agriculture equipment, machinery repair and ext. 11. Government should involve specially in this problem with the purpose of upgrading the productivity which can strongly correlated to the national economy as follows. a. implementing the infrastructure specially in remote area b. opening buying centre where farmers can obtain stable income through out the year c. government should provide to facilitate technical support relevant to agricultural industry on free or low cost basis BIBILIOGRAPHY 1. Activating All Powers in Sri Lanka Agriculture- G.K. Upawansa and Rukman Wagachchi 2. Handy guide to agriculture by Dr. Thilak T. Ranasinghe 3. Directory of Research Centers in Sri Lanka 4. National Agricultural Information Network 5. A Policy Rule for the Liberalization of Agriculture in Sri Lanka HN Thenuwara 6. Rice production on acid soils of the tropics by EN Ponnamperuma 7. Harti agricultural commodity review 2006 8. Harti agricultural commodity review 2007 9. Harti agricultural commodity review 2008

Mac vs IBM :: essays papers

Mac vs IBM Technology has led the world into the 21st century. Competition between two main computer systems, creates controversy over which system is superior. IBM compatables have captured the largest market share, but Apple Macintoshes hold a special place in capabilities. Computer buyers need to keep in mind different capabilities and their own unique requirements when deciding which way to go. Although both provide state of the art computer systems, IBM compatibles and Apple Macintoshes attract their own distinct clients because of their unique operating systems and stand alone buying powers. Adequate performance and mediocre ease of use, bundled in an extremely low cost package, have allowed IBM compatible computers to lead the computer industry in personal computers. To begin with, the average computer generation is about six months, and with every generation IBMs increase their computers^ capacities to appeal more and more to the ^average Joe.^ Memory, normally measured in gigabits, is constantly increasing though most people cannot use as much as is available. One year ago 166 mhz was considered fast. Now 350 mhz is what is being advertised. With the ability to hold more information, graphics have also improved. Megahertz, one type of speed of computers, is increasing at a blinding rate soon surpassing the speed at which a user can operate his computer. In fact, the biggest drawback to IBM compatibles is their complexity. IBMs allow access to useless information that clutters the hard drive while confusing the user. On an IBM, all programs, including Wi! ndows, are DOS based which means one will, at some time, have to use the convoluted system that requires typing rather than point and click. Another problem is that viruses are very common on IBMs especially if connected to the internet. If a computer is contaminated with a virus, even further frustration, time and money may be lost. However, a good element of IBMs is their purchasing abilities. For IBMs there are millions of programs, including games, business tools, and other various varieties. Also, IBM compatibles themselves are relatively inexpensive, and this drives their popularity. A decent, fully equipped machine can be bought for as low as $700. While IBMs appeal to the general public with lower prices, Apple Macintosh has proven to be a better overall product. Unlike IBM marketing claims, which have mislead potential buyers about the superiority of their product by emphasizing their few strengths despite the value; modern Macs can easily outperform commercial IBM computers. Like IBMs the memory on a Mac often exceeds the user requirements. Today^s top of the

Free Grapes of Wrath Essays: The Joads Journey :: Grapes Wrath essays

The Joad's Journey in The Grapes of Wrath Throughout history man has made many journeys, both far and wide. Moses’ great march through the Red Sea and Columbus's traversing the Atlantic are examples of only a couple of men’s great voyages. Even today, great journeys are being made. Terry Fox's run across Canada while fighting cancer is one of these such journeys. In every one of these instances people have had to rise above themselves and overcome immense odds, similar to a salmon swimming upstream to full fill it's life line. Intense drive and extreme fortitude are qualities they needed to posses during their travels. In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck illustrates the Joad’s endurance by his use of extended metaphors in intercalary chapters. Steinbeck uses intercalary chapters to provide background for the various themes in the novel. He effectively foreshadows upcoming events by telling of the general state of the local population in the intercalary chapters. He then narrows it down to how it effects the main characters of the novel, which are the Joads. Setting the tone of the novel in the reader’s mind is another function of Steinbeck's intercalary chapters. In chapter three, Steinbeck immaculately describes the long, tedious journey of a land turtle across a desolate highway. From the onset of his journey, the turtle encounters many setbacks. Along the way ants, hills, and oak seeds hinder him under his shell. The turtle’s determination to reach his destination is most apparent when a truck driven by a young man swerves to hit the turtle. The turtle's shell is clipped and he goes flying off the highway, but the turtle does not stop. He struggles back to his belly and keeps driving toward his goal, just as the Joads keep driving toward their goal. Much like the turtle from chapter three, the Joads had to face many great hardships in their travels. The planes of Oklahoma, with their harsh summer weather, were the Joads desolated highways. The truck driver represented the Californians, who Buried food and killed livestock to keep the Joads and others like them away from their dream. And their ants and hills were sickness. Even through all of this, the Joads persevered. They were driven by two great motivating powers, poverty and hunger. Just as the turtle searched for food, the Joads were searching for paradise, "The Garden of Eden.

Carrie Chapter Seven

‘Wait Just wait. Let me talk. You want me to ask Carrie White to the Spring Ball. Okay, I got that. But there's a couple of things I don't understand.' `Name them.' She leaned forward. ‘First, what good would it do? And second, what makes YOU think shed say yes if I asked her?' ‘Not say yes! Why – ‘ She floundered. ‘You're †¦ everybody likes you and-‘ ‘We both know Carrie's got no reason to care much for people that everybody likes.' ‘She'd go with you.' ‘Why?' Pressed, she looked defiant and proud at the same time. ‘I've seen the way she looks at you. She's got a crush. Like half the girls at Ewen.' He rolled his eyes. ‘Well, I'm just telling you,' Sue said defensively. ‘She won't be able to say no.' ‘Suppose I believe you,' he said. ‘What about the other thing?' ‘You mean what good will it do? Why it'll, bring her out of her shell, of course. Make her†¦' She trailed off ‘A part of things? Come on, Suze. You don't believe that bullshit.' ‘All right,' she said. ‘Maybe I don't. But maybe I still think I've got something to make up for.' ‘The shower room?' ‘A lot more than that. Maybe if that was all I could let it go, but the mean tricks have been going on ever since grammar school. I wasn't in on many of them, but I was on some. If I'd been in Chris's group, I bet I would have been in on even more. It seemed like. . oh, a big laugh. Girls can be cat-mean about that sort of thing, and boys don't really understand. The boys would tease Carrie for a little while and then forget, but the girls †¦ it went on and on and on and I can't even remember where it started any more. If I were Carrie, I couldn't even face showing myself to the world. I'd just find a big rock and hide under it.' ‘You were kids,' he said. ‘Kids don't know what they're doing. Kids don't even know their reactions really, actually, hurt other people. They have no, uh, empathy. Dig?' She found herself struggling to express the thought this called up in her, for it suddenly seemed basic, bulking over the shower-room incident the way sky bulks over mountains. ‘But hardly anybody ever finds out that their actions really, actually hurt other people! People don't get better, they just get smarter. When you get smarter you don't stop pulling the wings off flies you just think of better reasons for doing it. Lots of kids say they feel sorry for Carrie White-mostly girls, and that's a laugh-but I bet none of them understand what it's like to be Carrie White, every second of every day. And they don't really care.' ‘Do you?' ‘I don't know!' she cried. ‘But someone ought to try and be sorry in a way that counts †¦ in a way that means something.'. ‘All right. I'll ask her.' ‘You will?' The statement came out in a flat, surprised way. She had not thought he actually would. ‘Yea. But I think she'll say no. You've overestimated my box-office appeal. That popularity stuff is bullshit. You've got a bee in your bonnet about that.' ‘Thank you,' she said, and it sounded odd, as if she had thanked an Inquisitor for torture. ‘I love you,' he said. She looked at him, startled. It was the first time he had said it. From My Name is Susan Snell (p. 6): There are lots of people-mostly men-who aren't surprised that I asked Tommy to take Carrie to the Spring Ball. They are surprised that he did it, though, which shows you that the male mind expects very little in the way of altruism from its fellows. Tommy took her because he loved me and because it was what I wanted. How, asks the sceptic from the balcony, did you know he loved you? Because he told me so, mister. And if you'd known him, that would have been good enough for you, too †¦ He asked her on Thursday, after lunch, and found himself as nervous as a kid going to his first ice-cream party. She sat four rows over from him in Period Five study hall, and when it was over he cut across to her through the mass of rushing bodies. At the teacher's desk Mr Stephens, a tall man just beginning to run to fat, was folding papers abstractedly back into his ratty brown briefcase. ‘Carrie?' ‘Ohuh?' She looked up from her books with a startled wince, as if expecting a blow. The day was overcast and the bank of fluorescents embedded in the ceiling was not particularly kind to her pale complexion. But he saw for the first time (because it was the first time he had really looked) that she was far from repulsive. Her face was round rather than oval, and the eyes were so dark that they seemed to cast shadows beneath them, like bruises. Her hair was darkish blonde, slightly wiry, pulled back in a bun that was not becoming to her. The lips were full, almost lush, the teeth naturally white. Her body, for the most part, was indeterminate. A baggy sweater concealed her breasts except for token nubs. The skirt was colourful but awful all the same: It fell to a 1958 midshin hem in an odd and clumsy A-line. The calves were strong and rounded (the attempt to conceal these with heathery knee-socks was bizarre but unsuccessful) and handsome. She was looking up with an expression that was slightly fearful, slightly something else. He was quite sure he knew what the something else was. Sue had been right, and being right, he had just time to wonder if this was doing a kindness or making things even worse. ‘If you don't have a date for the Ball, would you want to go with me?' Now she blinked, and as she did so, a strange thing happened. The time it took to happen could have been no more than the doorway to a second, but afterwards he had no trouble recalling it, as one does with dreams or the sensation of deja vu. He felt a dizziness as if his mind was no longer controlling. his body – the miserable, out-of-control feeling he associated with drinking too much and then coming to the vomiting point. Then it was gone. ‘What? What?' She wasn't angry, at least. He had expected a brief gust of rage and then a sweeping retreat. But she wasn't angry; she seemed unable to cope with what he had said at all. They were alone in the study hall now, perfectly between the ebb of old students and the flow of new ones. ‘The Spring Ball,' he said, a little shaken. ‘It's next Friday and I know this is late notice but-? ‘I don't like to be tricked,' she said softly, and lowered her head. She hesitated for just a second, and then passed him by. She stopped and turned and he suddenly saw dignity in her, something so natural that he doubted if she was even aware of it. ‘Do You People think you can just go on tricking me forever? I know who you go around with.' ‘I don't go around with anyone I don't want to, Tommy said patiently. ‘I'm asking you because I want to ask you.' Ultimately, he knew this to be the truth. If Sue was making a gesture of atonement, she was doing it only at secondhand. The Period Six students were coming in now, and some of them were looking over curiously. Dale Ullman said something to a boy Tommy didn't know and both of them snickered. ‘Come on,' Tommy said. They walked out into the hall. They were halfway to Wing Four – his class was the other way – walking together but perhaps only by accident, when she said, almost too quietly to hear: ‘I'd love to. Love to.' He was perceptive enough to know it was not an acceptance, and again doubt assailed him. Still, it was started. ‘Do it, then. It will be all right. For both of us. We'll see to it.' ‘No,' she said, and in her sudden pensiveness she could have been mistaken for beautiful. ‘It will be a nightmare.' ‘I don't have tickets,' he said, as if he hadn't heard. ‘This is the last day they sell them.' ‘Hey, Tommy, you're going the wrong way!' Brent Gillian yelled. She stopped. ‘You're going to be late.' ‘Will you?' ‘Your class,' she said distraught. ‘Your class. The bell is going to ring.' ‘Will you?' ‘Yes,' she said with angry helplessness. ‘You knew I would.' She swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. ‘No,' he said. ‘But now I do. I'll pick you up at seventhirty.' ‘Fine,' she whispered. `Thank you.' She looked as if she might swoon. And then, more uncertain than ever, he touched her hand. From The Shadow Exploded (pp. 74-76): Probably no other aspect of the Carrie White affair had been so misunderstood, second-guessed, and shrouded in mystery as the part played by Thomas Everett Ross, Carrie's ill-starred escort to the Ewen High School Spring Ball. Morton Cratzchbarken, in an admittedly sensationalized address to The National Colloquium on Psychic Phenomena last year, said that the two most stunning events of the twentieth century have been the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 and the destruction that came to Chamberlain, Maine, in May of 1979. Cratzchbarken points out that both events were driven home to the citizenry by mass media, and both events have almost shouted the frightening fact that, while something had ended, something else had been irrevocably set in motion, for good or ill. If the comparison can be made, then Thomas Ross played the part of Lee Harvey Oswald – trigger man in a catastrophe. The question that still remains is: Did he do so wittingly or unwittingly? Susan Snell, by her own admission, was to have been escorted by Ross to the annual event. She claims that she suggested Ross take Carrie to make up for her part in the shower-room incident. Those who oppose this story, most lately led by George Jerome of Harvard, claim that this is either a highly romantic distortion or an outright lie. Jerome argues with great force and eloquence that it is hardly typical of high-school-age adolescents to feel that they have to ‘atone' for anything – particularly for an offence against a peer who has been ostracized from existing cliques. ‘It would be uplifting if we could believe that adolescent human nature is capable of salvaging the pride and self image of the low bird in the pecking order with such a gesture,' Jerome has said in a recent issue of The Atlantic Monthly, ‘but we know better. The low bird is not picked tenderly out of the dust by its fellows; rather, it is despatched quickly and without mercy.' Jerome, of course, is absolutely right-about birds, at any rate – and his eloquence is undoubtedly responsible in large part for the advancement of the ‘practical joker' theory, which The White Commission approached but did not actually state. This theory hypothesizes that Ross and Christine Hargensen (see pp. 10-18) were at the centre of a loose conspiracy to get Carrie White to the Spring Ball, and, once there, complete her humiliation. Some theorists (mostly crime writers) also claim that Sue Snell was an active part of this conspiracy. This casts the mysterious Mr Ross in the worst possible light, that of a practical joker deliberately manoeuvring an unstable girl into an situation of extreme stress. The author doesn't believe that likely in fight of Mr Ross's character. This is a facet which has remained largely unexplored by his detractors, who have painted him as a rather dull clique-centred athlete; the phrase ‘dumb jock' expresses this view of Tommy Ross perfectly. It is true that Ross was an athlete of above-average ability. His best sport was baseball, and he was a member of the Ewen varsity squad from his Sophomore year. Dick O'Connell, general manager of the Boston Red Sox, has indicated that Ross would have been offered a fairly large bonus for signing a contract, had he lived. But Ross was also a straight-A student (hardly fitting the ‘dumb-jock' image), and his parents have both said that he had decided pro baseball would have to wait until he had finished college, where he planned to study for an English degree. His interests including writing poetry, and a poem written six months prior to his death was published in an established ‘little magazine' called Everleaf. This is available in Appendix V. His surviving classmates also give him high marks, and this is significant. There were only twelve survivors of what has become known in the popular press as Prom Night. Those who were not in attendance were largely the unpopular members of the Junior and Senior classes. If these ‘outs' remember Ross as a friendly, goodnatured fellow (many referred to him as ‘a hell of a good shit'), does not Professor Jerome's thesis suffer accordingly' Ross's school records – which cannot, according to state law, be photostated here – when taken with class mates' recollections and the comments of relatives, neighbours, and teachers, form a picture of an extraordinary young man. This is a fact that jells very badly with Professor Jerome's picture of a peer-worshipping, sly young tough. He apparently had a high enough tolerance to verbal abuse and enough independence from his peer group to ask Carrie in the first place. In fact, Thomas Ross appears to have been something of a rarity – a socially conscious young man. No case will be made here for his sainthood. There is none to be made. But intensive research has satisfied me that neither was he a human chicken in a public-school barnyard, joining mindlessly in the ruin of a weaker hen †¦ She lay (i am not afraid not afraid of her) on her bed with an arm thrown over her eyes. It was Saturday night. If she was to make the dress she had in mind, she would have to start tomorrow at the (i'm not afraid momma) latest. She had already bought the material at John's in Westover. The heavy, crumpled velvet richness of it frightened her. The price had also frightened her, and she had been intimidated by the size of the place, the chic ladies wandering here and here in their light spring dresses, examining bolts of cloth. There was an echoing strangeness in the atmosphere and it was worlds from the Chamberlain Woolworth's where she usually bought her material. She was intimidated but not stopped. Bemuse, if she wanted to, she could send them all screaming into the streets. Mannequins toppling over, light fixtures failing, bolts of cloth shooting through the air in unwinding shelters. Like Samson in the temple, she could rain destruction on their heads if she so desired. (i am not afraid) The package was now hidden on a dry shelf in the cellar, and she was going to bring it up. Tonight. She opened her eyes. Flex. The bureau rose into the air, trembled for a moment and then rose until it nearly touched the ceiling. She lowered it. Lifted it. Lowered it. Now the bed, complete with her weight. Up. Down. Up. Down. Just like an elevator. She was hardly tired at all. Well, a little. Not much. The ability, almost lost two weeks ago, was in full flower. It had progressed at a speed that was Well, almost terrifying. And now, seemingly unbidden – like the knowledge of menstruation – a score of memories had come, as if some mental dam had been knocked down so that strange waters could gush forth. They were cloudy, distorted little-girl memories, but very real for all that. Making the pictures dance on the walls; turning on the water faucets from across the room; Momma asking her (carrie shut the windows it's going to rain) to do something and windows suddenly banging down all over the house; giving Miss Macaferty four flat tyres all at once by unscrewing the valves in the tyres of her Volkswagen; the stones (!!!!! no no no no no !!!!!!) -but now there was no denying the memory, no more than there could be a denying of the monthly flow, and that memory was not cloudy, no, not that one; it was harsh and brilliant, like jagged strokes of lightning: the little girl (momma stop momma can't i can't breathe o my throat o momma i'm sorry i looked momma o my tongue blood in my mouth) the poor little girl (screaming: little slut o i know how it is with you i see what has to be done) the poor little girl lying half in the closet and half out of it, swing black stars dancing in front of everything, a sweet, faraway buzzing, swollen tongue lolling between her lips, throat circled with a bracelet of puffed, abraded flesh where Momma had throttled her and then Momma coming back, coming for her, Momma holding Daddy Ralph's long butcher knife (cut it out i have to cut out the evil the nastiness sins of the flesh o i know about that the eyes cut out your eyes) in her right hand, Momma's face twisted and working, drool on her thin, holding Daddy Ralph's Bible in her other hand (you'll never look at that naked wickedness again) and something flexed, not flex but FLEX, something huge and unformed and titanic, a wellspring of power that was not hers now and never would be again and then something fell on the roof and Momma screamed and dropped Daddy Ralph's Bible and that was good, and then more bumps and thumps and then the house began to throw its furnishings around and Momma dropped the knife and got on her knees and began to pray, holding up her hands and swaying on her knees while chairs whistled down the hall and the beds upstairs fell over and the dining room table tried to jam itself through a window and then momma's eyes growing huge and crazed, bulging, her finger pointing at the little girl (it's you it's you devilspawn witch imp of the devil it's you doing it) and then the stones and Momma had fainted as their roof cracked and thumped as if with the footfalls of God and then†¦ Then she had fainted herself. And after that there were no more memories. Momma did not speak of it. The butcher knife was back in its drawer. Momma dressed the huge black and blue bruises on her neck and Carrie thought she could remember asking Momma how she had gotten them and Momma tightening her lips and saying nothing. Little by little it was forgotten. The eye of memory opened only in dreams. The pictures no longer danced on the walls. The windows did not shut themselves. Carrie did not remember a time when things had been different. Not until now.

Nursing program

I have come to a point in life that many people have not.   I have made a firm decision to recommit myself to pursuing my dreams.   While there are those who believe that with an ounce of luck and a ton of persistence anything can be accomplished, I believe that there is no reason to expend so much energy and rely on luck.   I believe in taking hold of my destiny and carving out a future for myself based on the decisions that I make in life.   Life is simply too short and too precious to be left to luck alone.   This is why I have decided to apply at the National University Nursing Program to become a registered nurse. I have always wanted to help change the world.   As a child, I believed that if everyone did their own little part in taking that extra step to help others, the world would be a much better place for everyone.   The stark reality of it all hit me not long after that but it did not lessen my resolve.   I figured that if so many people I knew did not want to do their part in changing the world then I would probably have to do their share.   This is where my motivation to pursue nursing comes from; the drive to go the extra mile just to make a difference in this world. Early in life, I have always realized that my dream was to be able to help those less fortunate in life.   I have relentlessly pursued this dream and at present I am proud to say that I have had a lot of experience in the Nursing Field by acting as a private caregiver to the elderly in La Jolla.   I understand, however, that in order for me to turn these dreams into realities I need to get the training and proper experience necessary.   I see this as the first step in attaining my goals.   Eventually, I hope that my education with the National University over the next 2 years coupled with work in the neonatal intensive care unit as a registered nurse will allow me to live out my dreams. I see my goal in life as similar to that of Nurse Leader Mary Breckenridge in that I know that nursing plays a very important role in the world today.   There are few jobs and professions that are as rewarding as nursing.   While other jobs may get more publicity, the role that nurses play in the health care industry is highly valued and appreciated.   My motivation has to do with the fact that nursing is one of the ways by which I am able to do something that I really want to do in my life and that is to care and help other people.   More importantly, I greatly feel that by taking up nursing I can become a productive member of society. I remember vividly the first time that I had decided to become a registered nurse.   My Aunt had given birth prematurely and ended up losing her child.   She was only six months pregnant when this happened.   It was a traumatic and harrowing experience for all of us in the family.   Seeing her pain, I was determined to make sure that I would do all I could to help those in similar situations.   Much like my mother devoted her time to the less fortunate by completing her Masters in Special Education at the National University, I also plan to pattern my life after her example.   As such, I would also like to point out that I have continually improved my academic performance in school over the years. This was the factor that set the field of nursing apart from the other careers in the medical field.   The human involvement that is critical in nursing makes it the ideal profession for me.   The remunerations that one can receive from being a nurse are only secondary to the feeling of fulfillment from knowing that one was able to provide support to those in need.   These experiences that I took with me during my time in the hospital shaped my future and opened my eyes to the benefits that a career in nursing can provide. Pursuing my career in nursing is just the first step in my plan.   Much like Nurse Leader Mary Breckenridge has done, I too want to be just more than a nurse.   I would like to have the opportunity to take a bigger role in making the world a better place to live.   My main philosophy in life is to lead by setting an example. I cannot expect others to do what I myself would be willing to do but that does not mean that I cannot hope that others will see the example that I have shown them. This philosophy is one of the many forces that drive me to pursue my dream of pursuing a career in nursing and of becoming so much more in life.   The chance to help those who are less fortunate in life, the chance to help others, the opportunity to be of service to humanity; these are the reasons why I have selected nursing as the profession that I will pursue; for, as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, â€Å"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 