Initial Condition Report- Environment- Farming Assignment

Initial Condition Report- Environment- Farming - Assignment Example â€Å"Agri-food systems research theorizes two separate and unequal food systems based on the competing values, differential social and environmental impacts, and unequal power relations.†1 Of these, the first type is the industrial agriculture which can be characterized as being more financial or capital oriented, and is generally large-scale in nature, shows high productivity, and is â€Å"mechanized with monocultural cropping systems† that has links with the local, national and global market, as for example the Washington apples.2 The second form is the sustainable agriculture, which is distinguished as compact, region-specific process agricultural practice in order to meet the requirements for food while also protecting and complementing the surrounding environment and working towards elevating the quality of lives of the residents of that particular locality (as seen in Puget Sound).3 To comprehend the agri-food system within the Puget Sound region, it is necessary to take a firsthand stock of the existing agricultural system within this region. Fig 1: This shows a rather depressing picture, where we find that till 1997 in the region of Puget Sound, the scenario pertinent to agriculture is not very encouraging. More than 20% of the agricultural lands (amounting to about 100000 acres) have been lost or put to other use in the region, within a short period of only fifteen years, 1982 to 1997. There has been a decrease in the number of farms (nearly 25%) in this region during the same time-frame.4 According to this report, smaller farms are disappearing fast, while there has been a slight increase in the larger farms; however the report shows us that less number of young people are entering into this farming business.5 Later available figures of the Pierce County and the Snohomish County show us that, after 1997, especially in the years 2002 and 2007, the farming situation in Snohomish County is comparatively better, and shows slight increase in the number of farms (fig 2-a), and land in farms (fig 2b), The Pierce County however shows figures that continue to reflect a downward slide. In the context of the decreased amount of chemicals brought by the farms in the Pierce County, reflects a tilt towards an improvement in the environment and the crops produced (fig 2c and d); while Snohomish with an increasing agriculture produce, shows a rise in the use of chemicals by these farms, which may prove to be detrimental for the environment. (fig 2c and d). Hence, the focus should be on producing local crops that are organic in nature, that is, crops grown without the use of any chemical fertilisers. Number of Farms 1997 2002 2007 Pierce County 1616 1474 1448 Snohomish County 1819 1574 1670 Fig 2 (a): Source; Census of Agriculture Land in Farms (acres) 1997 2002 2007 Pierce County 61689 57224 47677 Snohomish County 72882 68612 76837 Fig 2 (b): Source; Census of Agriculture Number of Farms purchased chemicals 1997 2002 2007 Pierce County 560 510 425 Snohomish County 444 388 454 Fig 2 (c): Source; Census of Agriculture Total expenses for chemicals 1997 2002 2007 Pierce County $870,000 $1,044,000 $707,000 Snohomish County $722,000 $721,000 $1,501,000 Fig 2 (d): Source; Census of Agriculture The sharp fall in the agricultural produce in the Puget Sound region is owing to the fact that the farm products are liable to be

Mad Cow Disease is Not a Large Cause for Fear :: CJD MCD BSE Prion Diseases Bovine Spongiform

Mad Cow Disease: A Cause for Fear? Abstract: Mad Cow Disease, a disorder well known and well feared, is not as deadly as most people believe it to be. In fact, most people know little of this disease and what little they know usually turn out to be false facts. MCD is a prion-based disease where an infected protein converts healthy proteins into the infectious state. There is no cure and the disease is fatal but to this year, there have been little over 150 cases of the human version of the disease, variant Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease, world-wide. Thus, MCD does not deserve the fear and attention that it commands. Although the name, Mad Cow Disease is instantly recognizable by everyone today, few people know it for what it actually is. However, no matter how little they know about this disease, everybody acknowledges the deadly capabilities it possesses. Personally, I find it interesting and feel it only natural that, as humans, we fear what we do not entirely understand simply because we know what will happen. It is only natural that we feel threatened at the first sign of danger. Thus, it is important to inform others about Mad Cow Disease so that they will at least know what they fear. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, commonly known as Mad Cow Disease, first appeared around 1985 in Great Britain as a result of the special animal feed that consisted of ground up sheep fed to the cattle. Between the years 1992 and 1995, a major BSE outbreak occurred in Great Britain, which caused the country's beef industry to suffer. Since 2003, the United States have only had three reported incidents of mad cow disease in humans[8]. A prion is a disease-carrying agent that is composed entirely of proteins. It is the cause of numerous diseases in mammals, all of which target the brain specifically. Also note that all prion-based disorders are fatal and that there are currently no known cures for any of them. All known prions induce the formation of an amyloid fold, in which the protein polymerizes into an aggregate consisting of tightly packed beta sheets[3]; thus, converting into its infectious state. BSE is a prion-based disease where the infectious protein causes other prion proteins in the brain to misfold and change into the infectious state. This process continues until it forms protein aggregates, which are large clumps of mis-folded proteins which in turn form plaque, giving the appearance of â€Å"holes† in the brain. Cows with this disease show signs including changes in mental state and abnormalities in posture, movement and sensation[4].

Culture of Portugal

The country of Portugal has many rich cultural facets in food, music and sports. Situated on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula that it shares with Spain, Portugal’s culture was shaped by the influences from the Latin, Visigoth and Muslim cultures. Many men in Portugal go into the Atlantic to catch fish while the women are homebound doing chores like house work or cleaning the fish. The men are the bread winners while the women are the housewives who take care of the home. The kids are free to make their own decisions outside of their home. It is mandatory for children to go to school until 6th grade but after that they are free to choose to carry on in school or help out in the working society. Even though the children have freedom outside their homes, it is within the culture for children to not leave the house until married and have their own children because of the strong family ties. Divorce was not an option in Portugal for many years. After the revolution of 1974, divorce was finally allowed into the Portuguese culture dominated by the Roman Catholic religion. Portugal has been known to be a very homogenous society over the years with mainly one language and one religion, Portuguese and Roman Catholic respectively. The Do’s and Don’ts of the Portuguese Culture are quite simple but different from the way of life that we know here in the States. For example: each time you meet someone new, you take time to get to know them; do not use first names unless you know them very well, the Portuguese have a lot of respect for academic titles for doctors and engineers and are addressed accordingly; upon meeting for the first time, the Portuguese can be quite reserved and formal if they do not know you well; don’t write in red because it is considered rude; if invited to someone’s house, do bring flowers; do not stretch in public because it is also rude; tip taxis 10% on each ride and by just using common sense and smiling at all times you will not go far wrong. The food of Portugal Varies by the region you visit. In the north, there is caldo verde and sardines. Caldo verde is a type of kale & potato soup flavored with a spicy sausage. This soup is eaten with broa, which is a grainy corn bread with thick crust. The traditional wine that goes with this food in this region would be the vinho verde. This is a young wine made from grapes that grow on arbors that often serve as property markers. In the northeastern region a popular dish is the Tras o Montes, which is fresh and cured pork used in many meals. A stew consisted of mixed meats and vegetables called cozida a portuguesa originated in this region has become a national dish. In central Portugal Cheeses are a very important part of the meal and fish like octopus, squid and eel. And finally in the south, a soup called gazpacho with bread and smoked pork. Overall as a nation, Bacalhau, or codfish, has been the most popular fish sine the 15th century. The Bacalhau croquettes are popular appetizers and for dessert cinnamon on top of rice pudding. Port wine which is the symbol of the city Porto, is a major export and is only used in rural households during ceremonial occasions or offered to celebrated guests. The annual killing and preserving of the pig is an important ceremony in the culture of Portugal. The event which last two days, usually occurs in late December or January. This process involves making sausage, smoking ham and salting other parts of the pig, including the stomach area. On the first day of this celebration called Sarrabulho, the noon meal consists of rice, innards and the blood of the pig. The country of Portugal observes fourteen holidays throughout the calendar year. The major days include the following: Freedom day (25th April), day that Portugal went from a dictatorship to a democracy in 1974; Portugal day (10th June), celebrates 16th century epic poem that brought fame and fortune to Portugal; Assumption (15th August), day Mary was taken into heaven; restoration of independence (1st December), celebrates the end of the Iberian Union. Many of their holidays fall are shared and fall on the same days as the US holidays like new years day, Good Friday, Easter, Labor Day and Christmas day. Clothing is a huge essential aspect of the culture in Portugal. The people of Portugal are very particular about their clothing attire and dressing styles. Like in many countries clothing ranges from the modern to traditional dressing patterns. The clothing industry plays a very important role in the economy of the country. The clothing ranges from the urban to the rural region. Usually the city people are extremely well dressed. They bear the resemblance of the western influence with western pattern clothing. In the rural areas, clothing is in tune with the traditional pattern of dressing. Men’s traditional outfits include stocking caps, berets that are teamed with trousers and baggy shirts. Women wear black shawls and long dresses. Black or dark colors are usually worn for carrying out daily chores, however brightly hued clothing is usually worn on special occasions. The music of Portugal was influenced by Ancient Rome’s traditions. The genres music include classical to popular. The history of the music can be divided into music production from the middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic and Modern times. The music in Portugal offers a rich history and privileged geographical location which despite its European roots, reflects the intercontinental interactions with Portuguese discoveries. Despite all the rich culture in music, Portugal and more specifically the city of Lisbon is better known for the birth place of Fado. Fado is a melancholy urban genre of music that was believed to date back to the 15th century when it was believed that women would cry for the longing of their husbands who sailed the seas. Even though Arabs left the region in the 13th century, the instruments like the Portuguese guitar have Arabic imprints that are heavily used in the singing of Fado. In the year 1939, Fado became an international popular genre with Amalia Rodrigues. A Singer and actress, she made stylistic adjustments to Fado that have made her the most influential fadista of all time. Amalia Rodrigues revived the Fado tradition. She was followed by many new, young musicians who have contributed to the social/political revival of the music adapting and blending it with new trends. The new artists walk a fine line of adapting and carrying the old traditions while trying to bring in a new audience. Portugal takes a huge liking to the most popular sport in the world, football. Three major clubs that come out of Portugal are Sporting and Benfica both in Lisbon; and FC Porto based in Porto. The big three as they are known in Portugal not only compete in football but also in basketball, handball, futsal and volleyball. The Portuguese national team is one of the finest in Europe and the world and it evokes tremendous passion on its people. In studies it was proven that during the days of the National team games held throughout Portugal while hosting the Euro 2004 Championships, heart attacks increased by 46% for males with cardiovascular problems. With past players like Eusebio, Figo and now Christiano Ronaldo, Portugal has produced some of the best world class players in the game. Bullfighting is another popular sport. Unlike their Spanish compatriots, the Portuguese do not kill the bulls in the ring. The bullfighters come out usually dressed in an 18th century style coat and three-cornered hat. The horns of the bull are sheathed to protect the horse. The bullfighter, which is always on the horse, is followed by Forcados who are young men that take on the bull bare handed. And finally since Portugal is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, it is a popular destination for aquatic activities. It has become over the years a center for the activities the long seacoast and mild climate make for popular sailing, surfboarding and scuba diving. From the early 1990’s the Portuguese entrepreneurs along with the tourist board have heavily promoted the coastline for these popular sports and have been a revelation for the economy. From it’s vast array of food, including the ever so popular Bacalhau, to it’s most cherished music in Fado; Portugal has a unique mixture of cultural brilliance that’s sets it apart from it’s neighbor Spain and, for that matter, any country in Europe. With its pleasant climate along the coastline, it is not a surprise that they are hosts to many aquatic activities and produce a fine wine in Port. With Football being the hands down most popular sport in the country that drives the passion of the people, there is also an uprising of other sports through the big three clubs (Sporting, Benfica and Porto). Most importantly, family values and the cultures they create for the country of Portugal is still the core to most of the society who continue to live and have deep roots in their society modeled by their Catholic faith. References http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Portugal.html https://www.britannica.com/place/Portugal http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal

Richard Wilbur s Boy At The Window - 834 Words

War has changed many people s lives, including Richard Wilbur. Richard is a poet who was in the U.S. army in World War II. According to the Poetry Foundation, the war influenced his poetry. He was born in 1912 in New York City and won the Pulitzer Prize two times and won many other awards, such as the Wallace Stevens award. One poem Richard Wilbur wrote was â€Å"Boy at the Window†. This poem is about a boy looking out a window at a snowman, but the young boy does not quite understand why the snowman has to suffer out in the cold. The theme of the poem is as one grows older they will start to understand the world more. This relates to Richard’s experience in the war. Richard was young when he went into the war and he had many fears that he could not understand before going into the war. In the poem, â€Å"Boy at the Window†, by Richard Wilbur, he shows a central idea of misunderstanding which shows the theme of as one grows older they will start to understand the world more by the context, literary devices, and mood in the poem. In the poem, â€Å"Boy at the Window†, the first way that the theme of as one grows older they will start to understand the world more is shown in the context of the poem. An example of how the context of the poem helped to show is by the quote in line 1, â€Å"Seeing the snowman standing all alone† (Wilbur). This quote is talking about a little boy looking out the window at the snowman. It helps to explain the theme because he is young and does not understandShow MoreRelatedEng125 Reading Response to a Poem: Boy at the Window847 Words   |  4 Pagesresponse to a poem: Richard Wilbur Boy at the window D. Jones ENG125 July 1, 2012 For: Jennifer Miller Reading response to a poem: Richard Wilbur Boy at the window When one is considered naà ¯ve, it has been thought to determine one as â€Å"having or showing a lack of experience, judgment, or information; credulous† (www.dictionary.com). In Richard Wilburs’ poem, Boy at the Window, Wilbur uses simple form language to paint the image of the boy staring out the window at the snowman. In theRead More Comparing and Contrasting Hughess Mother to Son and Wilburs The Writer1104 Words   |  5 PagesHughess poem Mother to Son and in Richard Wilburs poem The Writer, the poets use the voice of a parent considering a childs future, and both use imagery of struggle and survival to suggest what lies ahead for the child. Although the point of view, context, and language of the two poems differ significantly, the message is the same: a parent wants a good life for his or her child, but knows that many obstacles can block the way. While Hughes and Wilbur share a similar message in their poemsRead MoreProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 PagesCanada 118 Riverview Children s Hospital 124 The Evolution of Project Management at Quixtar 145 3 PROJECT MANAGEMENT CULTURES 151 Como Tool and Die (A) 153 Como Tool and Die (B) 157 Apache Metals, Inc. 160 Haller Specialty Manufacturing 162 The NF3 Project: Managing Cultural Differences 163 An International Project Manager s Day (A) 172 An International Project Manager s Day (B) (see handout provided by instructor) An International Project Manager s Day (C) (see handout provided byRead MoreStrategy Safari by Mintzberg71628 Words   |  287 Pagesmanagement needs to be opened up, not closed down; it needs reconciliation among its many different tendencies, not the isolation of each. To enrich the experience of this safari, we hope to follow up with a Guidebook. We have also prepared an Instructor s Manual to facilitate the use of this rather unconventional book in the classroom. We owe many thank-yous. Bob Wallace of The Free Press must be especially singled out. In the musical chairs world of publishing these x EMBARKATION days, to beRead MoreVarian Solution153645 Words   |  615 PagesEach ad in the business magazine will be read by 1,000 recent M.B.A.’s and 300 lawyers with hot tubs. Fact 3: Each ad in the consumer publication will be read by 300 recent M.B.A.’s and 250 lawyers who own hot tubs. Fact 4: Nobody reads more than one ad, and nobody who reads one magazine reads the other. (a) If Harry spends his entire advertising budget on the business publication, his ad will be read by 10,000 recent M.B.A.’s and by 3,000 lawyers with hot tubs. (b) If he spends his entire