Abstract The paper examines the similarities and significant differences between Jane Smiley's novel "A Thousand Acres" and Shakespeare's original "King Lear". The paper illustrates how "A Thousand Acres" is a feminist re-vision of the Lear tragedy where the patriarchal myth is best grounded. The paper shows how, by giving voice to the women seen as vile in Shakespeare's text, Smiley manages to shed a new light on the traditional story and make it more compatible with modern consciousness.
From the Paper "Thus, Jane Smiley's re-vision of King Lear works as a displacement of traditional patriarchy: the author demits Lear from his role as a patriarchal figure, persecuted and betrayed by his ungrateful daughters. The main characters in A Thousand Acres, as well as the main directions in the plot, are all mirroring the Shakespearian tragedy: the prosperous farmer in Iowa - Larry Cook/ Lear decides, on an impulse, to renounce the absolute rights on his property, and to divide the family land among his three daughters: Ginny/ Goneril, Rose/ Regan and Caroline/ Cordelia. The names of the characters themselves are plain allusions to the main characters in Shakespeare's text."
Abstract This paper discusses how few industries are as rabidly competitive as the hotel industry. With this in mind, the following paper offers a business proposal for a 30 acre hotel to be constructed in St. Kitts of the West Indies. Beyond its role as a resting place for weary travelers the hotel will also serve as a hospitality and tourism college for those interested in making their way in this sector.
An examination of the arguments of preacher, Russell Conwell's sermon entitled "Acres of Diamonds" in "Negotiating Difference," edited by Patricia Bizzell and Bruce Herzberg.
Abstract This paper discusses Russell Conwell's sermon entitled "Acres of Diamonds," in "Negotiating Difference," edited by Patricia Bizzell and Bruce Herzberg, in which he connects money to God's salvation and suggests that wealth is not the enemy of Christianity, but that it is actually quite the opposite. The paper discusses Conwell's argument and suggests that his argument would not be as convincing today as it was when he gave it.
From the Paper "Finally, Conwell was able to successfully establish the relationship between wealth and salvation in part due to the concrete nature of his sermon. He anticipates many objections, and he animates these objections by putting them into the voices of his audience members. If he recognizes a person's objection, he will seem more connected and dedicated to his public, and they will likely find his appeal more attractive. Also, when Conwell refutes an argument, he includes some sort of personal experience or anecdote to illustrate his point, which again, strengthens his argument and the relationship with his audience. By being so matter-of-fact and realistic in addressing questions about his sermon, it is difficult to refute the relationship he establishes."
Abstract The following paper discusses one of the many historical attractions in Wilmington, the famous Airlie Gardens. Designed at the beginning of the 1900?s, it encompasses some sixty-seven acres of post-Victorian European style gardens, including ten acres of freshwater lakes. This paper also focuses on the life and works of Minnie Evans, who worked as a gatekeeper in the Airlie Gardens, from 1948 to 1974, painting the scenery in the gardens whenever she had a break. This paper discusses the way in which her drawings of the Airlie Gardens helped her start her career as a well-acclaimed artist.
From the Paper ?A descendent of slaves from Trinidad, Minnie was born in a log cabin in Long Creek, North Carolina on December 1, 1892. She and her mother moved to Wilmington in 1893, and there Minnie was raised by her grandmother. She completed the fifth grade, and then went to work as a sounder, selling oysters and clams door-to-door. Minnie always saw a world invisible to everyone else and throughout her life, even her childhood, her night dreams were filled with visions, and her days filled with sights and voices only she experienced.?
Abstract This paper looks at the problems faced by New York once the huge Fresh Kills' landfill site is closed. Private contractors will take the garbage out of the state by river barge, but in the mean time transfer stations have been set up in poorer areas of the city. The paper discusses the political arguments that have occurred concerning these problems and the huge profits to be made by the companies involved. Waste Management Inc. has a $6 billion 20-year contract for New York. It goes on to discuss environmental pollution from these dumps, industrial pollution in the Hudson River and the problems of carcinogens and clean-ups.
From the paper:
?In the garbage industry, Waste Management, Inc. remains king of garbage hauling after gaining a 20-year $6 billion contract in New York City. Waste Management Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the largest waste collection and disposal company in the United States and has annual sales in excess of $12 billion. The New York City contract calls for the waste hauler to dispose of its 13,000 tons of garbage a day. This residential, commercial, and industrial garbage will be sent out of state once the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island is closed on Jan. 1, 2002. Covering more than 2,100 acres, the Fresh Kills landfill is so large it can be seen with the naked eye from space. (McCrory) It first opened in 1947 and is now considered the largest landfill in the world. The site is unlined and leaches thousands of pounds of toxins into nearby streams. Its odors reach into neighborhoods on both sides of the Arthur Kill, which separates Staten Island from New Jersey.?
Abstract The paper begins by claiming that Caroline is the most evil of the characters in the novel, and then goes on to argue this point. It explores the nature of sibling relationships and focuses on the communication between the sisters in the novel. Following the plot of the novel, it gives reasons for the claim that Caroline is the most evil character ? her accusations and her denial of her sisters? pain. The writer's arguments are supported by quotes from the novel.
From the Paper "The grief process that accompanies child sexual abuse is often a grief process that is delayed well into adulthood. For this reason one of the most important steps in that grief process has to do with gaining validity and acceptance from your peers, often siblings. The dynamics of parent-child relationships, even in rather large families often makes it feel to the individual person that each sibling grew up in an entirely different household. In this narrative the most evil character in the novel is Caroline because she does not lend the support her sisters need when they are beginning the healing process. Yes, the father is evil, yet he is lost to the girls already. There will be no reconciliation because he is to angry and afraid to handle his own demons and he eventually gets lost in dementia so he never has to make amends. The healing the women need must take place in the present, with people who they will know for the rest of their lives, mainly their sisters."
Abstract The paper analyzes the differences between the two stories that make them unique and important in their own way. According to the writer, Smiley's modern version of the King Lear tale is easier for a reader today to understand. The paper gives examples of Smiley's more feminine point of view. The writer also brings passages from Shakespeare's text to illustrate the style of the classic master.
From the Paper "When reading a tragedy it is necessary to know what constitutes a tragedy in plays. A tragedy usually involves some sort of disaster such as death or plague. The plot of the tragic story focuses around the reaction of the characters to the disaster. Usually a tragedy will be about the main character, or protagonists struggle with moral issues, (as with Hamlet in Hamlet, or King Lear in King Lear). Tragedies raise questions about the morality and psychological stability of human kind. The outcome of a tragedy often seems to be inevitable if the reader is aware that they are reading a tragedy. The main almost always dies along with the main characters nemesis and others along the way. Good does not always win in tragedies either, and that is another aspect of tragedies that makes them more tragic in those cases."
Abstract This paper examines the finalist proposals for two plans, both of which intend to build the world's tallest buildings, on the World Trade Center site in New York. It also discusses the nine preliminary proposals in which several approaches were suggested to replace the 16-acre site in lower Manhattan, and all included memorials.
From the Paper "The two firms behind the plans were Libeskind and the international THINK team, led by New York-based architects Rafael Vinoly and Frederic Schwartz. Libeskind's proposal features a 1,776-foot spire overlooking several smaller steel towers. The THINK team proposed two decorative steel towers, reaching 1,655 ft. Both included significant plans for a memorial. The winning design was announced in late February and Libeskind's plan was the chosen project.
The selected plan for the World Trade Center site includes a museum at the epicenter of the site, as well as two large public spaces dubbed the Park of Heroes and the Wedge of Light, which would be built in such a way that the sun would shine down on them unblocked on the anniversaries of the attack. This is considered one of the most unique memorial proposals in history."
An overview of the marketing strategies of the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. and how it represents the modern marketing principles of centralized commerce.
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 106.95
Abstract This paper is on the marketing strategies of the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. Currently the largest enclosed retail space in the world, it includes a seven-acre theme park, a vast variety of restaurants and nightclubs, and 1000 stores. It demonstrates modern marketing principles of centralized commerce, and the universal appeal of leisure activities in an economy whose participants have a large amount of disposable income. The paper also mentions the mall as a tourist attraction, and discusses how this has come about in the current cultural atmosphere.
Abstract An examination of the series of events that followed the disastrous fire at Yellowstone National Park in 1988. It discusses the destruction and ecological damage of the fire and also looks at plans to repair the damage as much as possible.
From the Paper "Fires are dangerous and deadly but just how far they can go that can be seen with the example of the 1988 fire at the Yellow Stone National Park. Yellowstone National Park is located in the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming is the first and oldest national park in the world. It covers 8,983.210 km? (2,219,790.71 acres) mostly in the northwest corner of Wyoming. Yellowstone is home of the brown bear (sometimes called "grizzly bears") and wolf, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. It is the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact Temperate Zone ecosystems remaining on the planet. The park was named for the yellow rocks seen in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone a deep gash in the Yellowstone Plateau that was formed by floods during previous ice ages and by river erosion from the Yellowstone River."
Abstract Ancient redwoods grow on land that is owned by Pacific Lumber Company, which was a reputable, responsible lumber company for decades until it changed hands in the 1980?s. The paper explains that Texas financier, Charles Hurwitz, purchased the company and, to pay off his debts, ordered the acceleration of logging in the Headwaters Forest, an area along the Northern California coast of over 6,000 pristine acres of ancient redwoods. These trees are some of the oldest in existence and are the home of many endangered species. This paper discusses the outrage expressed by environmental activists from around the country and many loggers over the rate of deforestation. The paper argues that Pacific Lumber Company has an obligation to retain these ancient trees.
From the Paper "There is no doubt in my mind that the trees need immediate protection. According to the article, if we wait for some rosy future when we will have responsible business practices and an enlightened people and dedicated public agencies, we will no longer have the redwoods. On the other hand, logging is necessary to build our houses and supply us with wood practices. Taking both sides of the story into consideration is important when determining if the trees and the industry can be saved."
Abstract This paper looks at the methods used by the environmental group, "Earth First", to save Headwaters Forest from logging by the Maxxam Corporation. The paper details the protest movement organized by "Earth First" and the ensuing police response to the protest. The subsequent legal battle that followed the protest is also outlined.
From the Paper "Earth First! is characterized as a radical environmental group by its enemies and as a necessary and militant group seeking to protect the environment from illegal use and predatory actions by big business by its supporters. The group has raised objections to one project in particular, the Headwaters project in Humboldt County in Northern California, bringing it into conflict not only with the Maxxam Corporation that is pushing this project and with various employees or potential employees of that company, but also with the FBI, leading to several court cases either directed at Earth First! or undertaken by Earth First! in order to challenge the actions of Maxxam. A number of legal issues are raised in these court actions by both sides in the dispute."
Abstract This paper explains that the northern slopes of Alaska's one hundred fifty million acre coastal plain, which is part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), is abundant in both oil and gas reserves and is the number one prospect for United States' oil and gas development. The author points out that the use of wildlife refuges and wilderness areas for energy development has become a very hot topic, especially in Alaska, because of the United States' dependence on foreign oil. The paper relates that researchers and developers are seeking new technologies to drill for and transport the oil without hurting the surrounding environment in the process.
From the Paper "According to government estimates, the equivalent of one billion, four hundred million barrels of oil are tucked away under Teshekpuk Lake. This lake is Alaska's third largest lake. Teshekpuk, which means big enclosed coastal water. This is where the Pacific Black Brant migrates for its annual molt. Migratory birds, as well as moose, bear and fish take full advantage of this wild life refuge. Many make their home there and
others migrate to this placid lake every year."
Abstract The United States will probably never see an era quite like it again. The timber boom that took place during the period 1880-1920 was unprecedented and left fundamental changes in agricultural practices, an expansion of the railroads, and tens of thousands of cleared acres of forest in North America in its wake. Although the original boom is over, the North American timber industry is enjoying a modest "boom" today as well, but threats to its continued productivity exist in the form of global warming and foreign competitors. To this end, this paper provides an overview of the timber boom that took place from 1880-1920, compared to the shape of the timber industry in North America today. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion. Includes graphic.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Timber Boom - 1880-1920
Timber Industry Today
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research showed that the timber boom of 1880-1920 was responsible for expanding the North American industrial infrastructure into the wilderness, and for compelling fundamental changes in agricultural practices. This early timber boom was also responsible for depleting tens of thousands of acres of virgin North American forests that have been difficult to replace. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of conservationists and industry leaders alike, there may well be another timber boom on the horizons for the North American timber industry. Because of improvements in growing and land management methods, perhaps this next timber boom will be more sustainable than the first."
This paper discusses that Malaysia is a region of the world which has a wide variety of environmental problems ranging from deforestation to air and water pollution, despite having a national policy of biodiversity.
Abstract This paper explains that Malaysia has been identified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as one of 12 mega diversity areas in the world, which means that these areas are very rich in plant and animal species; however, it is estimated that, because of environmental problems, by 2020, almost half of all mammals and a quarter of all birds in Malaysia will face extinction. The author points out that agriculture plays a very important role in the development of Malaysia; large-scale farming has caused thousands of acres of forestland to be ploughed up, destroying the habitat of wildlife. The paper relates that Malaysia entered the industrial age, but at the cost of the environment: (1) Industrial zones have been approved by the government to be set up in mostly forestland and uninhabited areas, (2) many rivers have become polluted by the wastes poured out into these rivers and (3) hotels and resorts are being built on the rivers destroying the forests, thus eroding the soil and polluting the water.
From the Paper "The dramatic losses of these species obscure equally large and important threats to genetic diversity as well. This could imperil agriculture too. Varieties of corn, wheat, rice, and other crops have rapidly squeezed out of land-races. Farmers and pastoralists bred and maintained a tremendous diversity of crop and livestock varieties. On-farm diversity is shrinking fast thanks to modern plant-breeding programs and the resulting productivity achieved by planting comparatively fewer varieties of crops that respond better to water, fertilizers, and pesticides. The loss of species stems from and invites the loss of cultural diversity."
