"Interpreter of Maladies" by Tina Das

Page 48 of Interpreter of Maladies “Interpreter of Maladies”

1^st person point of view from Tina’s perspective

I am bored. The car just keeps going and going on these thin roads. When will we be there already? Bobby and Ronny start looking out the windows screaming. I look over and see these furry animals hanging from the trees. I think they’re called monkeys. Daddy takes some pictures of them. When we start to drive away, I am bored again, but I see Mommy take out some nail polish.

“Mine too. Mommy, do mine too,” I say.

She tells me to leave her alone. It seems like Mommy never cares about me. She is always doing things for herself and never for me. When Mommy took me to the bathroom, she didn’t even hold my hand. Then she tells me that I’m making her mess up. I am upset and bored so I start to button and unbutton the pinafore on Dolly. I don’t want to talk to Mommy right now. I just want to get there already. Whatever there is.

The car is starting to bounce up and down and Daddy is talking with the others about things I don’t understand. I want to understand what they’re talking about. I took off Dolly’s clothes and banged her against the seat. I hear the driver mention something called Dallas.

“What’s Dallas?” I ask. I start banging Dolly harder against the seat.

Daddy tells me that it is a TV show that is off the air. I don’t know what he means, but I don’t ask more questions. Will we get there already?

Revisions to "America's Energy Future"

In the area of focus, various changes were made to keep the essay on point. For example, in the rough draft I went into detail about the use of oil money by terrorists. In the final draft, this topic was only mentioned because I needed to stay true to the topic: energy.

For content, the paper already had a great amount of examples and statistics to help to prove my point. When writing the rough draft, I had already done sufficient research and obtained all of the facts that I would need. During revising, I did change some of my analysis, specifically in the con argument.

Structurally, the rough draft only had four paragraphs, which included an introduction, the importance of domestic drilling, the importance of renewable sources of energy, and then the con argument of current government policy. After the con argument, the essay seemed to end abruptly. I added a conclusion paragraph to tie all of my points together in the final draft.

When revising the style of my essay, I changed sentences and phrases to sound more appealing and to better drive a point. In the rough draft it said, “on the issue of energy, we cannot only use the solutions of Democrats or only those of Republicans.” This was changed to, “on the issue of energy, we cannot choose between Republicans or Democrats.” This states the point in a much pithier way.

Conventions were revised by correcting misspelled words throughout the essay along with checking all grammar.

America's Energy Future (Final)

America’s energy challenges became apparent during the summer of 2008 as gasoline prices rose past four dollars per gallon, breaking records. The energy crisis became a hot-button issue through the 2008 presidential race as candidates came forward with their own solutions, but on the issue of energy, we cannot choose between Republicans or Democrats. Every tool at this country’s disposal needs to be utilized in order to combat the cost of energy and promote energy independence. An ‘all of the above’ energy policy needs to include and expansion of domestic drilling, and all appropriate alternative energy solutions. One thing is clear: increased government regulation will only exacerbate the current problems.

In July 2008, President George W. Bush lifted an executive ban on domestic oil drilling that was put into place by his father in 1990. In 1990, a gallon of regular gasoline cost only $1.16 due to minimal worldwide demand. Then, it seemed logical to import America’s energy. By 2007, gas prices were on the rise and 58 percent of total US oil was imported from abroad. Money that would otherwise be spent on domestic drilling operations is now being put into the economies of countries in the Middle East and Central America; some of it finds its way into the hands of violent regimes that hurt the US. Another problem with importing a majority of our petroleum is that the end product ends up costing more than it would have if domestically produced. The price of the petroleum that the US buys from abroad is fixed by OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, an oil cartel that disregards. OPEC ensures that foreign oil tycoons and thugs worldwide can make hefty profits, all at the expense of American consumers. Domestic drilling for oil in America will allow these problems to be alleviated. The US government needs to lift constraints on drilling in the Rocky Mountains, in the ANWR of Alaska, and offshore. For example, in the Green River formation of the Rockies, it is estimated that there are 800 billion barrels of recoverable oil; this amount alone is three times greater than the total oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. America is capable of becoming a major oil producer, but it is ultimately the choice of government legislators to decide whether America can produce her own energy.

While fossil fuels power America in the present and into the near future, continuing our dependence on fossil fuels like coal and petroleum will not help us. Various forms of alternative sources of energy need to be explored as a means of replacing nonrenewable fuels. America needs an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy that allows all sources of energy to be explored. This strategy must include wind, solar, and nuclear energy. Currently, the US derives 57 percent of its energy from coal-fired power plants. This fossil fuel is known to cause air pollution and arguably contributes to global warming. Wind, solar, and nuclear power do not release carbon dioxide or any other greenhouse gasses into the air and should be employed around the country. Solar power can be utilized in deserts where the sun shines with little obstruction. Wind turbines can be built along coastlines where sea breezes blow. Both of these will not only contribute to increased pollutant-free energy production, but wind and solar energy will help to create thousands of jobs that cannot be outsourced. A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists said that 297 thousand jobs could be created by 2025 if alternative energy sources are expanded. Nuclear power should not be ignored as a means of reaching energy independence. Nuclear power plants produce vast amounts of energy through nuclear fission, but there are only 109 nuclear power plants in the United States. Combined, they produce 20 percent of US energy. In comparison, there are more than 600 coal-fired power plants in the US, which produce 57 percent of our energy. This means that each nuclear reactor produces about two times the amount of energy as a coal-fired plant while emitting no greenhouse gases. Unfortunately, the last nuclear plant to be built was constructed in 1977. America needs to build more nuclear power plants if we are to responsibly produce energy. Any and all feasible methods of energy generation must be researched and adopted.

The quest to end dependence on foreign oil and the push for alternatives faces opponents in America. Many government bureaucrats are opposed to domestic drilling for oil. They see the use of American land to extract energy as being destructive, even if it helps to lower gas prices and reduce foreign dependency. Because of this mentality, congress refuses to lift the congressional ban on offshore drilling. Another crime that the government perpetrates against America’s energy future is the self-selection of alternative energy sources. For example, President Obama’s stimulus bill allocates money for particular alternative energy sources. For example billions of dollars go to solar and wind power while nuclear power does not get any government funding. In America, the free market needs to decide which energy sources see another day and which do not, not Washington. It will be the choice of consumers, present and future, to determine whether America moves closer to energy independence.

In the pursuit of energy independence, there are many sources of energy that must be researched and applied. Through more domestic drilling for oil, America will not need to depend on foreign countries for energy. With the use of alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear, America will be able to create energy that does not pollute the environment and will never run out. Now, it is up to the government to take the first step, though it has formerly limited America’s ambition. They need to remove regulations and allow America to explore sources of energy, both new and old.

America's Energy Future

America’s energy challenges became apparent during the summer of 2008 as gasoline prices rose to a record four dollars per gallon. The energy crisis became a hot-button issue through the presidential campaign as the candidates came forward with their own situations, but on the issue of energy, we cannot use only use the solutions of Democrats or only those of Republicans. Every tool at this country’s disposal needs to be utilized in order to combat the cost of energy and promote energy independence including the expansion of domestic drilling, and an ‘all of the above’ alternative energy policy. Increased government regulation will only exacerbate the current problems.

In July 2008, then president George W. Bush lifted an executive ban on domestic drilling that was put into place by his father in 1990. At that time, a gallon of regular gasoline cost only $1.16 and emerging industrial powers, namely China and India, were not consuming gasoline anywhere near current levels. As of 2007, 58 percent of total US energy consumption was imported from abroad. This vast dependence on foreign oil hurts America in various ways. Namely, money that would otherwise be spent on domestic drilling operations is being given to the economies of countries in the Middle East and Central America. Some of this money finds its way into the hands of violent regimes through corrupt governments. Examples include Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Another problem with importing a majority of our petroleum is that the end product ends up costing more than it would have if domestically produced. Much of the petroleum that the US buys from abroad comes from OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC is a cartel, which fixes the price of oil across all of its member nations, with little regard for natural economic forces. This ensures that foreign oil tycoons and thugs worldwide can make hefty profits, all at the expense of Americans. Domestic drilling for oil in America will allow these problems to be avoided. The US government needs to lift constraints on drilling in the Rocky Mountains, in the ANWR of Alaska, and offshore. In the Green River formation of the Rockies, it is estimated that there are 800 billion barrels of recoverable oil; this amount alone is three times greater than the total oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. America is capable of becoming energy independent, but it is ultimately the choice of government legislators to decide whether America will become self-sufficient or remain dependent on rogue dictators for energy.

While fossil fuels power America’s way of life in the present and the near future, continuing to use the same types of energy will not be enough on our quest toward energy independence. Various forms of alternative sources of energy need to be explored. America needs an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy that does not discriminate for or against certain energy sources. This includes wind, solar, and nuclear. The United States gets 57 percent of its energy from coal-fired power plants. This fossil fuel is known to cause air pollution and arguably contributes to global warming. Wind, solar, and nuclear power do not release carbon dioxide or any other greenhouse gasses into the air. These three should be employed around the country whenever possible. Solar power can be utilized in deserts where there are few clouds. Wind turbines can be put into place in windy regions such as coastlines and certain mountainous areas. Both of these will not only contribute to energy production that can eventually pay for itself, but wind and solar energy will help to create thousands of jobs that can not be outsourced. A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists said that 297 thousand green collar jobs could be created by 2025. Nuclear power should also be used as a means of reaching energy independence. Nuclear power plants produce vast amounts of energy through nuclear fission. There are only 109 nuclear power plants in the United States. Combined, they produce 20 percent of US energy. In comparison, there are more than 600 coal-fired power plants in the US, which produce 57 percent of our energy. This means that each nuclear reactor produces about two times the amount of energy as a coal-fired plant while emitting no greenhouse gases. Unfortunately, construction last began on a nuclear reactor in 1977. America needs to build more nuclear power plants if we are to responsibly produce energy. Wind, solar, and nuclear are only a few ways that America can generate power. Any and all feasible methods of energy generation must be researched and adopted.

The quest to end dependence on foreign oil and the push for alternatives faces many opponents in America. Many government regulators are opposed to domestic drilling for oil. They see the corporate use of American land destructive, even if it helps to lower gas prices and reduce foreign dependency. Congress refuses to lift the congressional ban on offshore drilling, even though the benefits are apparent. The greatest crime that the government perpetrates against America’s energy future is the self-selection of alternative energy sources. For example, President Obama’s stimulus bill allocates money for particular alternative energy sources. Nuclear energy is often excluded do to the waste that the process generates, even though there is relatively little. In America, the free market needs to eventually decide the outcome of our many energy sources, not Washington. It will be up to consumers, present and future, to determine whether America moves closer to energy independence.

How to Get Rid of Groundhogs

Groundhogs are annoying pests that many homeowners face. These oversized rodents will burrow under porches, garages, and sheds. They can also make a quick meal of a vegetable garden. For these reasons, it is important to keep groundhog burrows under control before they can cause destruction. There are a number of ways to get rid of groundhogs including harmless methods and lethal ones.

Before going about destroying an infestation, it is important to understand that groundhogs live in burrows. They will run into these vast tunnels when frightened and will come out to eat. Any means of getting rid of the varmints must either be able to reach them while inside of the burrow or when they come outside.

One of the most popular methods of getting rid of groundhogs is through the use of repellents that force groundhogs to move elsewhere. Most of these are in the form of liquids. Ammonia is one such repellent. All that is needed for application is to pour the liquid into the groundhog hole. After this, one can only pray that the groundhogs will move far away. A limitation of this method is that the groundhogs remain alive to dig a burrow in another location, possibly nearby. Another shortfall is that these liquid repellents may be harmful to local plant life.

Another harmless method of dealing with groundhogs is by using what are known as ‘live traps’. These intricate devices lure the animal into a cage containing food. As soon as the groundhog moves inside, a door closes and the animal is trapped. Live traps should always be set near the entrance to the burrow. Food then needs to be placed inside of the trap. Successful foods include organic items like watermelon rinds or orange peels. After the food is placed inside of the trap, the mechanism needs to be set. It is important be careful while handling these mechanisms to ensure that they do not harm the user. The trap must be checked often to ensure that a trapped animal does not starve to death. When a groundhog is caught in the cage, it must be taken to a local humane society or released in a publicly owned park with the permission of a ranger or other official. This process can be repeated until all groundhogs are caught.

Groundhogs can also be dealt with through deadly means. The easiest of these is with poison. Poisonous pellets can be bought at nearly any hardware store. When applying these, sprinkle the directed amount into the burrow at the entrance. Another way to do this is by digging a small hole through the earth above a burrow and pouring the poison in through there. The hole should be covered again in the latter method. With any luck, the groundhogs should consume the poison and die. Any corpses found can be buried or otherwise responsibly disposed of. A problem related to the use of poison is that a terrible smell is produced by a rotting corpse. Shoveling soil into the groundhog’s burrow, essentially converting it to a tomb, can solve this issue.

A more systematic means of killing groundhogs is through fumigation. In this method, a canister of poisonous gas must be bought from a hardware store. First, it is necessary to block all of the burrow’s holes except for one. Light the fuse on the canister and drop it into the remaining open hole. Cover the hole to trap the gas and the groundhogs inside. After a few hours have passed, open up the holes. Remove and bury any corpses and fill in all holes.

This guide should have provided help in getting rid of groundhog infestations through the use of deterrents, traps, poison, and gas.

The Power of Government

It has been almost 100 days since President Barack Obama first took office as President on January 20, 2009. Since then, the stock market has taken dips and dive. It is unfortunate that nearly all of the shifts, both upward and downward, have been incited by the actions of our federal government. The government decided who is “too big to fail” and who will die. The government can handpick the CEOs of once-great corporations. At a whim, the president can ask the CEO of GM to step down. The government can choose to breach the contracts of AIG employees and tax 90 percent of their bonuses. This is not the government of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, or Reagan anymore. This is not a government of the people, by the people, or for the people. This government is of Pelosi by Frank, for Reid: all individuals that would rather line their pockets and expand their power than protect the hard-working people they represent. During this undoubtedly transformational period in our nation’s history, one where our capitalistic foundations are being replaced with socialism, the president of the United States has certainly made his choice between the people and the government.

Since taking office, Obama’s new spending has already raised our projected debt down the road. Economists at the heritage foundation calculate that the actions of Obama so far have caused an increase in ten trillion to the debt. As John McCain puts it, this money is being taken from our own children and grandchildren in what is referred to as “generational theft”.

Luckily, many in America have begun to wake up. On April 15^th, hundreds of tea parties were held around the country, attracting hundreds of thousands to protest the scope and scale of the national government. It is a good thing that America is not as naive as Nancy Pelosi. We know what increases after the government signs spending bill after spending bill. A hint for Mrs. Pelosi: it starts with a T.

Heratige.org

Politico.com

thehill.com