Rice Essays - Rice, Oryza Sativa, Paddy Field, Glutinous Rice

Rice Rice is the main food for about one-third to one-half of the world's population. A mature rice plant is usually two to six feet tall. In the beginning, one shoot appears. It is followed by one, two, or more offshoots developing. There are at least five or six hollow joints for each stalk, and a leaf for each joint. The leaf of the rice plant is long, pointed, flat, and stiff. The highest join of the rice plant is called the panicle. The rice grains develop from the panicles. (Jodon, 300) Rice is classified in the grass family Gramineae. Its genus is Oryza and species O. sativa. It is commonly cultivated for food in Asia. Some varieties of rice include red rice, glutinous rice, and wild rice. (Jodon, 303) The kernel within the grain contains most of the vitamins and minerals (298). The kernel contains thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin (299). Rice has many enemies that destroy a majority of the rice crops. The larvae of moth, stem borers, live in the stems of the rice plants. Some insects suck the plant juices or chew the leaves. Birds, such as bobolink, Java sparrow, or paddybird, would eat the seeds or grains. Disease causing factors such as fungi, roundworms, viruses, and bacteria also destroy the rice plants. Blast disease is caused by fungi which causes the panicles containing the grains to break. (Jodon, 300) There are various types of rice grown all over the world. A majority of rice grown is cultivated rice. When rice is grown with water standing on the fields, it is called lowland, wet, or irrigated rice. Rice plants grown in certain parts of Asia, South America, and Africa are called upland, hill, or dry rice because they are raised on elevated lands that cannot be flooded, but with plentiful rainfall. Wild rice is grown along lake shores of Canada and the Great Lakes. It is usually eaten by people in India. Scented rice is the most expensive because is has long grains and tastes like popcorn when cooked. Glutinous rice is waxy rice consumed by Asians. It is cooked to a sticky paste and is used for cakes and confections. (Jodon, 299) Rice was thought to have originated in southeast Asia when Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 B. C(Jodon, 303). Further research revealed that rice was cultivated around or at the Yangtze River in China, around 4000 to 11,500 years ago. One archaeologist, Toyama, surveyed data on 125 samples of rice grains, plant remains, husks, and other factors from numerous sites along the length of the Yangtze River. He reported that the oldest samples. . . are clustered along the middle Yangtze in Hubei and Hunan provinces. Samples from the upper and lower portions of the Yangtze River were found to be younger, around 4,000 to 10,000 years old. This pattern. . .suggests that rice cultivation originated in the middle Yangtze and spread from there. Archaeologists see more than a decade of excavation of the Yangtze River and nearby sites to confirm that the Yangtze River is where rice was first cultivated. (Normille, 309) The Greeks learned of rice when Alexander the Great invaded India around 326 B. C. Spain was introduced to rice when it was conquered by the Moors during the 700's A.D. Spain then introduced rice to Italy, around the 1400's. The Spanish also introduced rice to the West Indies and South America, around the 1600's. Rice was introduced to the United States when a Madagascar ship docked in the Charleston, South Carolina harbor. The ship captain presented the governor with a sack of seed rice. It was then grown in states south of the Ohio River and east of Mississippi. (Jodon, 303) Rice is usually grown in lowland fields divided by dirt walls (Jodon, 300) A majority of the rice crops are grown with water standing on the fields (Jodon, 299). On level land, these paddies and dirt walls are built in wavy or straight lines. On hill-like land, they follow the slopes and form paddies that rise like steps. The dirt walls are used to hold in water for the fields. (300) Cultivation of the rice plant requires controlling the water supply and weeding the

Free Essays on Representations Of Race And Ethnicity In Film

Introduction The issue of representing race and ethnicity is a controversial one. While ethnicity and race are related concepts, the concept of ethnicity is rooted in the idea of societal groups, marked especially by shared nationality, tribal afilliation, religious faith, shared language, or cultural or traditional origins and backgrounds. Whereas race is rooted in the idea of biological classification of homo sapiens to subspecies according to morphological features such as skin color or facial characteristics. "Ethnicity" is sometimes used as a euphemism for "race". It is a term also used to justify real or imagined historic ties as well. Ethnicity goes far beyond the modern ties of a person to a particular nation (e.g., citizenship), and focuses more upon the connection to a perceived shared past and culture . Many representations of race and ethnicity are created and shaped by popular culture and media. In the film ‘Black Rain’, the concepts of race and ethnicity are represented to show the conflict between two races; namely the Mongoloid race and the Caucasian race. This paper will aim to criticize these representations in light of related readings in order to question these representations. I will start by examining the representations for the Mongoloid race, followed by the Caucasian race. Due to the length limit of this paper, only the most important points will be discussed and even so, in summary. Inferior Mongoloid Race In the film ‘Black Rain’ the Mongoloid race is represented and portrayed as inferior to the Caucasian race. The film is in fact a result of Orientalism; orientalism being the corporate institution for dealing with the Orient (Mongoloid race) – dealing with it by making statements about it, authorizing views of it, describing it, by teaching it, settling it, ruling over it: in short, Orientalism as a Western (Caucasian) style for dominating, restructuring, and having authority over the Or... Free Essays on Representations Of Race And Ethnicity In Film Free Essays on Representations Of Race And Ethnicity In Film Introduction The issue of representing race and ethnicity is a controversial one. While ethnicity and race are related concepts, the concept of ethnicity is rooted in the idea of societal groups, marked especially by shared nationality, tribal afilliation, religious faith, shared language, or cultural or traditional origins and backgrounds. Whereas race is rooted in the idea of biological classification of homo sapiens to subspecies according to morphological features such as skin color or facial characteristics. "Ethnicity" is sometimes used as a euphemism for "race". It is a term also used to justify real or imagined historic ties as well. Ethnicity goes far beyond the modern ties of a person to a particular nation (e.g., citizenship), and focuses more upon the connection to a perceived shared past and culture . Many representations of race and ethnicity are created and shaped by popular culture and media. In the film ‘Black Rain’, the concepts of race and ethnicity are represented to show the conflict between two races; namely the Mongoloid race and the Caucasian race. This paper will aim to criticize these representations in light of related readings in order to question these representations. I will start by examining the representations for the Mongoloid race, followed by the Caucasian race. Due to the length limit of this paper, only the most important points will be discussed and even so, in summary. Inferior Mongoloid Race In the film ‘Black Rain’ the Mongoloid race is represented and portrayed as inferior to the Caucasian race. The film is in fact a result of Orientalism; orientalism being the corporate institution for dealing with the Orient (Mongoloid race) – dealing with it by making statements about it, authorizing views of it, describing it, by teaching it, settling it, ruling over it: in short, Orientalism as a Western (Caucasian) style for dominating, restructuring, and having authority over the Or...

Macroeconomic Stabilisation Theory and Policy Essay

Macroeconomic Stabilisation Theory and Policy - Essay Example † A labour market is generally a market where the services of labour factors of production exchange hands. From a macroeconomics’ point of view, it is a very critical factor that impacts on the overall markets of factors of production. In line with the same definition, it should be noted that in the short-run wages remain rigid and this is among other predicaments in the same short-run. In the short-run, therefore, equilibrium remains an illusion. Over-employment and under-employment remain the order of the day in the short-run. (econguru.com, 2008) Castles, in his book, states that aggregate supply of labour is usually a function of the trade-off between leisure and income. It involves the effects of substitution and the income offsetting. (Castles, 1998 p198) On the other hand aggregate demand of labour happens where there is measurement of employment levels and it serves as a rate of growth determinant with wages and inflationary impacts on wage levels in the spotligh t. (O’Hara, 2001 p511) These two functions of any given labour market are the major aspects of this market clearing topic. They are going to be considered in detail further on in the study. The expression â€Å"Market clearing† refers to that process through which markets move to a scenario where the quantity of demand is equal to that of supply. This means that the forces of the economy ensure that supply and demand are at par. This process of achieving a market clearing position usually involves various adjustments in the market up to the point of getting a price of market clearing. This concept of market clearing is highly related to that of equilibrium in the market. (Black, et al, 2009 p282) Issues of a labour market may be with the inclusion of wages, rates of participation as well as unemployment. A typical labour market, thus, provides a systematic structure that creates an environment of employers’ and workers’ interaction with regards to the con ditions of work, jobs and pay. The outcomes of a given labour market are dependent upon the processes as well as institutions of the overall bargaining besides the part played by unions of trade and organisations of employers. (eurofound.europa.cu, 2011) An equilibrium in a market of labour may be the putting together of demand for labour and labour supply. In such a case the price, with labour in focus, is the wage equivalent to a given labour level and the demanded quantity of labour is the amount of labour-hours that are employed. Labour demand is the output price multiplied by the extra labour productivity in output units. Equilibrium, therefore, occurs where the demand and supply curves intersect. Figure 1; shows the demand and supply of labour in a given industrial case. Note: D is demand for labour S is supply for labour W is real wage levels Wage S W D Labour hours D,S One can look at a given labour market where there is a law of minimum wage. The most essential factor here is to make an analysis of the effects of the law of minimum wage. Minimum wage (W1) is set above the wage at equilibrium level. The resultant effect is that of employers’ demand as well as hire (N1) labour-hours, which is lower than would be the amount of labour hours that are hired at the point of equilibrium wage. The other outcome is an excess supply of labour as seen in the

Differences in Marketing products or Services to Organisations and Essay

Differences in Marketing products or Services to Organisations and Customers - Essay Example Marketing is the core of any business and the success or failure of marketing can affect the future of the organization. Different marketing strategies are used for different products and services. Moreover, marketing strategies used for marketing a product or service to a customer and to an organization is different as both an organization and a customer have basic differences in their buying habits. This paper briefly explains the basic differences in marketing a product or service to a customer and an organization. Organizations purchase and use goods for further production, operations, or resale whereas the customers always buy finished goods for their personal use. In other words, organizations always look for the utility of the product or service they purchased for making the profit whereas customers always look for quality, reliability and cheaper price of the product. Advertisements and sales promotion techniques can usually attract more customers whereas such things alone may not convince organizations. For example, a tire manufacturing organization purchases rubber for making tires. So they will be keen in getting rubber for the cheaper price and in better quality rather than the attractiveness of the branding or packaging of it. On the hand, a customer who purchases a tire will definitely be attracted by the brand value and attractive packaging.

Alienation In The Metamorphosis English Literature Essay

Alienation In The Metamorphosis English Literature Essay The Metamorphosis is a story written by Franz Kafka that was published in 1915. Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning and finds that he has transformed from a human to an insect. He immediately worries about how he will get to his job as a traveling salesman. His family depends on him financially. One Gregor finally decides to show himself, he sends the family into shock. Throughout the story, this requires the rest of the family to get jobs and work. He slowly starts to become unnoticed by his family. He eventually gets so depressed that he finally dies one night in his room. After Gregor died, it seems that a great weight had been lifted from the family. The family only seemed to mourn for a few moments. They soon take a trolley to countryside and their thoughts are already happy. There are many ways that this story can be analyzed. Alienation is a theme in Kafkas The Metamorphosis. At a young age, Gregor finds that he is responsible for the support of his family and cannot for the life of him see a way out of his situation. He is forced to forgo a love relationship where he could find intimacy with another human and perhaps father children to his lonely life. Night after night, he travels from one lonely hotel room to another, selling textiles. When he is at home, he locks himself into his bedroom, a habit he says he developed while traveling, but you can see this as his need to alienate himself even more from his family. His room has three doors, with a family member outside each urging him to get up and go to work so they can continue to live a nice lifestyle. Gregors solution to his dilemma is to metamorphose into a gigantic insect. However, this alienates him from his family even more. Gregor is overburdened by guilt and I think that is what finally killed him. After he awakes one morning to find he has bee n transformed into a gigantic insect, he shows little concern for himself. Instead, he agonizes about what will happen to his family now that he cannot get up to go to work. In addition, he is concerned about his boss will react. Despite having sacrificed his life for his family, he expects nothing in return and feels guilty that Grete is now forced to bring him food. His guilt about his appearance forces him under the couch so she wont have to looking at him. I also think he feels guilt that now his father will have to get a job instead of sitting around all day being lazy, along with the rest of his family. He also feels guilt that his mother has to sew to make money, and guilt that Grete has to work in a shop. In the end, when he is rejected by Grete for interfering during her concert, Gregors guilt forces him back into his filthy room to die alone so his family can get on with their lives. A lot of people like to compare this guilt to Kafkaà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s gui lt in his own life. He felt alienated because he spoke German but lived in Prague, a Czech city. He was Jewish, yet lived among people who looked down upon Jews. Since he doubted the existence of God, he felt alienated from his own people. He lived with his family, but felt isolated because he despised his father. Overburdened, he found no satisfaction in his job in the insurance industry, wanting only a life of literature. He felt like a failure in the eyes of his father who held him to very high standards. It is generally agreed, however, that the story portrays a world that is hostile, much like Kafkaà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s own life. The second time Gregor makes an appearance, his father gives him a permanent injury by throwing an apple into his back. For a father to throw apples at his own son, proves that Gregor is no longer being treated or thought of as their son, but more as a wild beast. Resulting from this incident, his family begins neglecting Gregor by not cleaning up the room or even feeding him. The last and final time Gregor makes an appearance; his family is disgusted and loathes his presence. They slam the door behind him, not realizing his condition, and he takes his last breath shortly thereafter. If escape from his predicament is impossible, then Kafka, with his metamorphosis, provides an impossible escape. By becoming an insect, Gregor gains both his freedom and the right to avoid guilt, since his freedom is forced on him. Maybe this transformation happened randomly on its own, or maybe Gregor willed it on himself. What matters is that this transformation is the only escape from the trap that Gr egor is caught in. And, since the trap is primarily a psychological one, the escape is physical. Gregor is changed into an insect. This metamorphosis seems to end his conflict.

Canadas Identity Essay -- Multiculturalism, Religion, Culture

Canada’s identity comes in many shapes and forms. Multiculturalism has been adopted and is at the forefront of Canadian identity. Following the Second World War, Canada’s multiculturalism policies became more acceptable and even successful in, not only accepting, but inviting multiple ethnic cultures in. In contrast to other countries, multiculturalism adaptation works for the Canadian culture. Canadian policies on multiculturalism have shifted over the past few decades; policies are now implemented for integration, not discrimination. Multiculturalism is defines as â€Å"the policy of maintaining a diversity of ethnic cultures within a community† (). Canada does accept people from virtually every culture, but requires that cultural practices do not interfere with social order, or the cultures of other fellow residents. With that being said, compromises are often made and implemented. It is not possible to maintain a diversity of ethnic cultures if cultures contradict and impact each other. Canada has done its best in order to make multiculturalism work. The Second World War ended in the year of 1945(). Before this time, immigration into Canada was not ideal, especially for the Chinese, Indian, German and Japanese (1). In the year of 1885, Canada proposed its first policy regarding immigration into Canada (1). The â€Å"Chinese Head Tax† law was passed in order to filter the overwhelming number of Chinese immigrants into Canada (1). Chinese immigrants were required to pay a fee in order to come into the country. The amount, person, rose from fifty dollars in 1885, to an astounding five-hundred dollars in 1904. Ten years later, another unjust act was expressed, this time focusing on Indian immigrants. All 376 emigrants possessed valid ... ...ective in hopes of finding ideal immigrants. But what really is the ideal immigrant? Based on the â€Å"federal government’s strict qualification criteria, many of those who make the cut each year are well-educated workers from a narrow list of occupations† (p2). Associate dean of law at Queen’s University, Sharryn Aiken believes â€Å"the current rules skew the system in favour of relatively privileged newcomers† (p2). Canada is comprised of many ethnic backgrounds. Multiculturalism plays a major role in today’s mosaic society. Following the Second World War, Canada welcomed multiple ethnic cultures into the country. Even though multiculturalism may not work for other countries, Canada has been quite successful in implementing and maintaining a positive name for multiculturalism. Policies put in place help regulate and draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable.

Crossing the Threshold

The Courage of Scott Carded It is difficult to know what one will do when faced with a life or death decision. Many do not even encounter such choices. What is thought in that spit second moment? You could save yourself or possibly save another; you could also die trying. Could you put all self-regarding values aside and complete an absolute act of courage? This is a man who did. Scott Carded had the courage to risk his own life for another's.It was Coot's third deployment. He is Infantry. He and his men walk directly into an enemy ruse. Gunfire and grenades threaten their very existence. Staff Sergeant screams to take cover, but it is too late for one man. He is down, lying vulnerably in the open. Between shots and explosions, Scott can hear the agonizing screams. He has no time to hesitate, enemy fire is closing in. Stay behind cover in safety or aide his brother in arms. No man left behind he shouts at his commanding officer.Scott tears through the sand toward the screaming, towar d the danger, toward his possible death. As he reaches his destination, he is shot through his hand by an enemy's rifle. Does he flee? No. He drags the man who has been shot through his stomach the 500 Ft. To cover with his other hand. Scott hears an all too familiar screech. He will not lose this man, not now; he knows what to do. He lies on top of him to absorb the airborne shrapnel from the grenade. The metal pierces his back and side.That man is alive today because Scott risked his life for him. Scott crossed the threshold when he stepped out of cover to retrieve a friend. He overcame fear of death and fear of failure. Courage is not absence of fear, but making the choice to overcome it, facing it head-on. Scott Carded was awarded a bronze star and multiple purple hearts in reward of his single act of courage. He did not give up. He was determined. Do not give up on your objective; you may even save a life.