Macbeth Equivocation Essay - 1003 Words

The story of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a classic one of betrayal and destiny. One of the major themes of the play is the use of equivocation to create ambiguity. The definition of equivocation from the Oxford dictionary is: the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication. The very definition of equivocation contains the use of ambiguity, thus making the two very connected in terms of the story of the play. Equivocation is used multiple times throughout the piece to create a sense of uncertainty, which in turn makes the reader not sure of what will happen next. This makes the reading of the play very compelling. Shakespeare uses equivocation to make the reader think one thing,†¦show more content†¦Macbeth himself is written like a double meaning, having the characteristics of one personality, while possessing the features of another. Macbeth, being the title character, is the main focus of the story. He is the protagonist. In the beginning, Shakespeare writes Macbeth as being the noblest of warriors. It is only after Macbeth learns from the witches that he will become the King that his personality begins to change. He goes from being the quintessential protagonist, to a scheming and paranoid villain. He schemes with Lady Macbeth to kill King Duncan, who is portrayed as a kind and just ruler. In the act of killing Duncan, Macbeth becomes the antagonist and Macduff, the one who makes it his mission to dethrone Macbeth. Because of Macbeth’s status as a tragic hero, he falls from grace and heroism to shame and villainy. These characteristics are conflicting, therefore making Macbeth a walking equivocation, a living embodiment of a double meaning. This makes the reader unsure of Macbeth’s fate. Shakespeare makes the audience unsure of what Macbeth will do next, if he will redeem himself or continue on his downward spiral of darkness. William Shakespeare uses the unc ertainty and ambiguity that accompanies the theme of equivocation to make the reader not know what to expect. Equivocation is used to showcase the tragic hero fall that Macbeth experiences. Without the use of equivocation, the story would be more predictableShow MoreRelatedAllegorical Elements In Macbeth Essay761 Words   |  4 PagesThe use of allegorical devices within Macbeth can also be used as a way of discussing internal political and ethical perspectives. Shakespeare condemns equivocation within the narrative, â€Å"Faith here’s an equivocator that could swear in both the scales against either scale who committed treason enough for Gods sake, yet could not equivocate to heaven† . This is probably in reference to the Jesuit, Henry Garnet a man who was tried and executed for his role in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Garnet publishedRead MoreExplore the Link Between Ambition and Evil in Lord of the Flies and Macbeth976 Words   |  4 Pagestruly is the source of all evil. In Macbeth, Shakespeare does well to disguise ambition as the true source of villainy, behind the faà §ade that is Lady Macbeth and the witches. Without ambition, there would never be any action, no good, no evil, would Eve have picked the apple from the garden of Eden, without the ambition to gain further knowledge? The two traits of evil and ambition are well aligned in both pieces of literature, and too in real life, and this essay aims to explore the link they shareRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth 997 Words   |  4 PagesMacbeth Essay Final Draft The catalyst that initiated World War 1 is the murdering of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinad in June 28, 1914. In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the witches are the main catalyst to all of Macbeth’s crimes. From the very beginning, the witches tells us that Macbeth is very critical to their evil scheme â€Å"There to meet with Macbeth†(1,1,5). It is from this instant that the witches make a everlasting connection between themselves and Macbeth â€Å"A drum, a drum, MacbethRead MoreMacbeth English Ib-Hl Essay1229 Words   |  5 PagesENGLISH HL SHAKESPEARE- MACBETH ESSAY It is human nature to be intrigued by all things mystical and dangerous. We fear the unknown but seek it nonetheless out of greed. Most of Shakespeare’s works hold an element of the supernatural and the play Macbeth is no exception. In this play we see a contemporary morality that warns of the dangers of trafficking with instruments of darkness; the witches in the play prophesize of Macbeths future as king, and Macbeth blinded by his hunger for power failsRead MoreComparing Human Nature in Macbeth and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde1596 Words   |  7 PagesHyde’. Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare in 1604. It is set in Scotland and is considered one of the darkest and most powerful tragedies in literature. The play dramatizes the corrosive psychological and political effects which occur when the evil inside a person is chosen as a way to fulfil the ambition for power. Shakespeare performed this play and was paid by the monarch, King James I; this meant that the sovereign had a large effect on the outcome of the play. In this essay, I willRead MoreAnalysis Of Macbeth By William Shakespeare1659 Words   |  7 PagesHonors 9 November 2015 Macbeth Essay The theme of tragedy appears in various amounts of movies, literature, and plays which provided entertainment for people throughout the years. Movies and plays such as â€Å"The Titanic† and â€Å"Romeo Juliet† gave audiences a pang of sadness and amusement as the story line unraveled. Notably, the prevalence of the theme occurs in Shakespearean plays such as the tale of Macbeth which displays Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. The play Macbeth lives up to Aristotle’sRead MoreChange of Macbeth in William Shakespeares Macbeth Essay1674 Words   |  7 PagesChange of Macbeth in William Shakespeares Macbeth Throughout the course of the play, Macbeths character changes from good to evil. As the audience we are given plenty of opportunities to look at the way in which he changes and the influences that help bring about the alteration in character. Shakespeare also uses dramatic devises to highlight Macbeths change. In this essay I am going to explore the influences that Macbeth was exposed to and theRead MoreEssay about Certain Ambiguity in Shakespeares Ambiguous Macbeth2636 Words   |  11 PagesCertain Ambiguity in Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚   The Bard of Avon does not make all meanings explicit in his tragedy Macbeth. Of course, much of the ambiguity is intentional. In this essay we shall explore the instances of ambiguity in the play.    In Everybodys Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies, Maynard Mack comments on the purposeful obscurity in which Shakespeare keeps the three Witches:    The obscurity with which Shakespeare envelops their nature and powers is very probablyRead MoreZen and the Art of William Shakespeare Essay2389 Words   |  10 Pagesrole of God and Satan. Zen suggests that we have no good reason to escape this reality, and furthermore it is absurd to think that we really can. Ultimately, living in Zen is to live extemporaneously. When one truly lives in Zen there is no equivocation or deliberation. There is only action. Zen is the ever-present guiding force in the life of an individual who adheres only to living. Zen is far away from the individual who abides whether in thought or deed, in his own disillusions. In TheRead MoreStudy Guide Literary Terms7657 Words   |  31 Pagesoverwhelming space, danger, instability; whereas earth connotes safety, fertility and stability. 28. claim-to assert or maintain as a fact: Ex. She claimed that he was telling the truth. 29. classification and division- In a classification essay, a writer organizes, or sorts, things into categories. Division separates items into categories. 30. coherence- logical interconnection; overall sense or understandability. The property of unity in a written text or a segment of spoken discourse

Oliver Twist By Charles Dickens - 1644 Words

In Dickens’ Oliver Twist, Dickens frequently explains how â€Å"callous and uncaring Victorian society was (Shmoop Editorial Team),† as well as how clothing affects one’s social class. The protagonist of this eventful and heart wrenching story, Oliver Twist, is a naive young man who endures intense abuse and starvation in Victorian England’s workhouses. He keeps his hopes high and has a turn-around from his past life of misery. During this morose experience, Oliver sees the realization of Victorian England, where social classes were most important in society. All of the events that occur have a beginning, and the beginning of Oliver’s adventures is the workhouse. Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse in the 1830s of England. His mother dies shortly after giving birth to Oliver. Oliver is raised on The Farm until he is nine years old, where it is the â€Å"coming of age† to the parish, in other words, Oliver needs to begin working. This becomes interrupted as Oliver causes a hysterical commotion by asking for more dinner. The parish put him â€Å"for sale,† offering to give anyone five pounds and Oliver. Soon enough, Oliver becomes an apprentice for a local undertaker. A charity boy causes Oliver to pounce on the charity boy, causing the undertaker and his wife to beat and starve him. Oliver takes the initiative to run away on foot towards London. Oliver meets and gets involved with Fagin and a group of criminals and gets accused of robbing an old gentlemen (named Mr. Brownlow) who does notShow MoreRelatedOliver Twist By Charles Dickens1535 Words   |  7 PagesCharles Dickens, the author of Oliver Twist. Charles Dickens was born on February 7th, 1812 in Landport, England, and then died on June 9th, 1870 in Kent, England. In his 58 years of life he made a collection of books that are still famous today; although it was not until 1836 that he started to come to fame when he published The Pickwick Papers. One of the many books he published was Oliver Twist and this story was one that he related too, because like this story Dickens had little education asRead MoreOliver Twist By Charles Dickens Essay1736 Words   |  7 Pagesfunctions as Charles Dickens (1812- 1870) did. Oliver Twist was the second novel of Dickens distributed in a serial structure in a magazine titled BentleyÊ ¼s Miscellany run independent from anyone else from February 1837 to April 1839 when Dickens was still a columnist. In England, from the 1830s to the 1840s, a lot of wrongdoing books were distributed. Oliver Twist was composed simply During that period. Most faultfinders and book commentators of Dickens lifetime based their surveys o f Oliver Twist on oneRead MoreCharles Dickens Oliver Twist1150 Words   |  5 PagesOliver Twist, one of Charles Dickens greatest novel written in 1838, portrays the despotic social scenario of England at that time. The novel’s substitle is The Parish Boy’s Progress, which is a satirical depiction of an orphan boy, Oliver, who suffers from the miserable behavior of the authorities charged to care for orphan children. Oliver eventually becomes involved with a gang of criminals (Frank 19). It shows how a young mind gets manipulated by evil just because he suffers from the crueltyRead MoreOliver Twist By Charles Dickens1370 Words   |  6 PagesOliver Twist was written by Charles Dickens, English writer and social critic. He is known as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. It was his second novel and was finished in September 1838. Dickens was writing two novels at the same time, The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist. Oliver Twist, tells of the complicated life of an orphan, Oliver, living in the streets of London. The story was inspired by Dickens childhood poverty where he had to get by on his own and earn his own way. DickensRead More Charles Dickens Oliver Twist Essay1137 Words   |  5 PagesCharles Dickens Oliver Twist The novel Oliver Twist is a criticism of the cruelty that children and poor people suffered at the hands of 19th century society. It was Dickens first novel written under his own name when he was 24 years old and in it he already reveals his sharp, but comic comments and criticism. From the start Dickens makes it clear to the reader that poor people and the children of poor people; most especially a baby born illegitimately; were of no consequence in theRead MoreAnalysis Of Charles Dickens s Oliver Twist 1539 Words   |  7 Pages​Charles Dickens illustrates how people facing poverty are treated as criminals by the Victorian society and may cause them to be forced down the path of crime. He demonstrates this theory throughout his novel Oliver Twist. Oliver Twist is a novel about a ten year old orphan in the nineteenth century who is forced into labour at a workhouse. Dickens highlights the conditions of the workhouse to display the struggle one bares in order to survive. He uses the characters Oliver and Nancy to demonstrateRead MoreAnalysis Of Charles Dickens s Oliver Twist 905 Words   |  4 Pagesthat the earliest use of the word realism referred to the faith full representation of the real world in the literature beginning from the 1850 s. Charles dickens is one among the greatest well-known representatives of the 19th century English critical realism. In Victorian England realism is greeted by the work of Dickens. In his work, Oliver Twist (1838), he uses realism to represent the harsh realities of life during his lifetime. It is his first novel in which he reflect on the shortcomingsRead MoreNancy in Charles Dickens Oliver Twist Essay679 Words   |  3 PagesNancy in Charles Dickens Oliver Twist London in the 19th century was a heavily packed city where the rich and poor rubbed shoulders daily. Charles Dickens lived there most of his life, growing from a poor child to a publicly famous, but often privately troubled, writer. The city shaped his life it also patterns his work in complex and fascinating ways. The novels picture this great city vividly. It can also be seen to be used as a symbolic map through which human relationshipsRead MoreThe Inspirational Nature of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens671 Words   |  3 PagesOliver Twist is a popular book written by Charles Dickens among many others such as David Copperfield and A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens wrote many short stories, plays, novels, fiction, and nonfiction stories during his lifetime. He wrote a lot about the different types of people in the world, especially about the poor. This type of writing showed in the book Oliver Twist. This book is told by a 3rd omniscient narrator. Oliver Twist is the main character in this book asRead MoreCharles Dickens Great Expectations And Oliver Twist1057 Words   |  5 Pagesstrangers as family. Charitable strangers can also teach children to act with benevolence and give them an honorable role model to follow. These acts of kindness can drastically change the character of the poor child. In Charles Dickens’ two novels, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, Dickens challenges the conventional idea of parentage and suggests that through generosity anyone can become a guardian and have a major impact on the emerging identity of children. Therefore, people should not place as much

Negative Tax Gearing And House Rent Rates †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Negative Tax Gearing And House Rent Rates? Answer: Introduction Negative adapting happens for a situation where a benefit is acquired with the help of obtained stores, whereby the pay raised from that advantage is deficient to cover the intrigue cost and different costs associated with keeping up that benefit. Accordingly, a net misfortune position is reflected having equipped a benefit contrarily. Negative outfitting is for the most part utilized by financial specialists in Australia, as that is one of their approach to of expanding their riches through obtaining (Yates and Bradbury, 2010). Many have required its annulment albeit negative outfitting is settled in inside our tax assessment framework. In any case, what they neglect to acknowledge is that negative outfitting is appealing to the individuals who pays because of other approach measures set up, including quick utilization of misfortunes, the corporate ascription frameworks and the CGT marking down measures. With heart breaking stream on impacts after they switched their position the Australian government has attempted to confine negative adapting, though on speculation properties. The explanations behind their inversion depended on unwarranted confirmation controlled by different lodging industry bodies and with the approaching NSW state and government races, the political gatherings needed to be re-chosen (Yates and Bradbury, 2010). Be that as it may, this venture won't just cover the negative outfitting as by all account not the only driver of the lodging rent rates yet additionally factors, for example, share advertise crashes, financing costs, professional stability, deregulation of the managing an account industry and mix of these effect on the lodging business sector or state charges. It is important to select property with different gearing structures as a part of an investors journey. Positive and negative geared properties is what experienced property investors likely mix to create a balanced portfolio (Bently and Sherman, 2014). In order the properties to bring in a negative or appositive income a property is either geared to be either positive or negative. After all tax deductions and all expenses have been paid to produce tax saving and the investor put some money in his/her pocket each and every year that is referred to as positive gearing. This becomes very important because of value growth over time as it does not require a cash shortfall to fund the asset. It becomes crucial to note that surplus in income is not included in the annual taxable income figure thus increasing income tax paid to the ATO come tax time. As a result of this achievement of your propertys objectives may not be affected if you are a high earner with a need to divert tax funds elsewhere. Anyway, paying tax is somehow a good sign as it can tell that you have made money. Portfolio may expand quicker having been permitted by positive geared properties as it typically dont hurt an investors borrowing capacity, as there is no a continual drain on cash flow through each propertys combined shortfalls(Bryant, 2012). Referring to the negative gearing we get that investors tend to make an annual loss in day to day life due to cash flow in the investment been less than the cost of the investment (Jordan et al, 2012). In practical terms there is no a quite cover of the running expenses by the rental payments (running expenses plus the interest on the money you borrowed). The loss is forecasted to be negated over the long term by the increase in capital growth, which would more than exceed the relatively the relatively small out of pocket expense incurred annually to hold the property. Also, despite individuals incurring a loss, regular income can be offset by the negative geared property (e.g. salary and wages), hence reduction of total taxable income and tax payable to the ATO. Another useful way is that the negative geared property might be used to balance out the income produced from positive geared properties, so that the net holding cost of your portfolio is neutral. Based on before or after tax calculations investors can often classify their property as negatively or positively geared. Where the investor is left with no cash shortfall at all during the year before tax the investment is regarded to be positively geared and if there is an occurrence of on paper loss is taken to consideration due to non-cash expenses such as building depreciation and borrowing costs it is referred to as negative geared after tax (Garnaut, 2010). Alternatively, a property may be negatively geared before tax, with the investors having to fund a cash shortfall throughout the year because rental income doesnt fully cover the propertys cash expenses. However a property may actually turn positive geared if the saving in tax outweighs the cash shortfall incurred due to non-cash expenses taking into account thus generating tax savings from the government. As a result of this the investors have benefited by saving their funds usually paid in tax but there is no increasement of taxable income directly through its own income (Miller, 2013). As rental income increases or interest rates reduce over time property starts out negatively geared but after a few years becomes positively geared. Normal livelihoods and family unit riches have expanded as Australia has lifted its profitability, and profited from the higher costs for its item trades due to the 'asset blast' (Garca and Martnez, 2010.). Obviously the families have needed to spend some of this expanded riches and pay on enhancing the nature of their lodging. In the beach front districts there has been expanded interest for second occasion homes to the degree that supply reactions are constrained expanding interest to higher costs. Family units' earnings are higher in light of the fact that the two accomplices are grinding away for some couples. Many couples having taken unreasonable workloads to pay their home loan by fuelling aggressive offering up of house costs (Bowling and Kirkendall, 2012). In the previous decades salaries have expanded at a comparative pace crosswise over most salary quintiles however there are probably going to be a few gatherings whose ability to spare and offer for homes has enhanced short of what others. Normal family measure has diminished for various reasons, for example, less kids, later marriage and expanded rate of partition and separation consequently prompting an expansion in the interest for lodging for a given populace. Socioeconomics projections are for this continuation mind solitary individual families anticipated that would increment at a considerably quicker rate than family and gathering family units (Mirrlees, 2010) Australia having a relative solid populace development for an economy mirrors a high migration contrasted with similar nations. Interest for lodging has been added because of a higher movement rates as the migrants have a tendency to be lopsidedly youthful grown-ups. Workers have additionally tended to set out toward regions where lodging is as of now short, as opposed to nation areas (Cohen et al, 2015). This halfway mirrors a view of where the best openings for work are found along these lines self-fortifying viewpoints as fresh debuts want to situate in territories where companions or relatives have effectively gone or where there are shops and social offices obliging individuals from their ethnic foundation. The want of numerous leaseholders to purchase a home as opposed to leasing has been expanded by the expansion in rents as of late. In any case, the capacity of these family units to spare a store has been lessened because of higher rates of paying rents accordingly having the net effect on the compelling interest for house buys is in this manner uncertain ( Burke et al, 2012). People are given the capacity to offer up house costs because of the decrease in the standard home credit financing costs from the mid-1990s to mid-2002 expanded the sum that family units could obtain. The bringing down of the save bank's approach financing cost as a low expansion condition been set up because of the drop in lodging credit loan costs. Be that as it may, expanded rivalry has likewise observed a diminishment in the edge between the strategy financing cost and the lodging advance rate. The costs would have fallen back again as loan fees have since risen if this instrument was the main driver of costs. Be that as it may, costs might be sticky, or there might be inertial in the framework as merchants are hesitant to acknowledge low offers. This would prompted moderateness by the progressive ascent in earnings as opposed to a fall in ostensible house costs. It could be contended that total request in the economy has been permitted to become quicker than total supply given that fundamental swelling has as of late transcended the save bank's 2-3 percent medium-term target band (Davis and Zhu, 2011). Ascends in house costs, including resource costs, and summed up inflationary weights because of a free financial and fiscal approach. Expansion rates ought to be kept up or controlled proficiently in light of the fact that if swelling is not dealt with the financing costs will wind up been higher than something else. Especially in the event that you are a first home purchaser, the level of house costs is too high coming about to a major issue for lodging reasonableness. On the off chance that financial strategy is run too free house costs have a tendency to blow up more than they have to and that would not be great. Notwithstanding loan fees been lower, credits have turned out to be less demanding to acquire over the long haul coming about to budgetary deregulation. Taking advantage of securitisation markets non brokers loan specialists have expanded the accessibility of credit for lodging (Thompson, 2013). Since deregulation the Australian lodging account advertise has built up an extensive variety of items and credit is accessible to every single potential borrower who can manage the cost of the reimbursements. Australia has more than two million landowners yet in spite of the blast in properties up for gets, thousands are sitting vacant empowering numerous people make speculations to fit in the focused economy. In contributing adventure building up a contributing system that suits your conditions is a noteworthy stride however it is not the aggregate condition. The following piece in baffle is your activity design, which incorporates a purchasing system that best suits your circumstance (Brown et al, 2012). At the point when the need of having a speculation property a few variables must be considered including possession costs and in addition the home loan reimbursements which are typically, for example, property administration costs, committee rates, water rates, protection, water rates and perhaps body corporate charges. As the need to enable you to cover these costs one is required to have a customary pay stream from the property as lease. The deficit may cost you a little or a ton ever y week or even set cash back in your pocket every week relying upon the property you purchase. Adversely adapted properties event as the cost owning the property getting to be plainly more noteworthy than the rental wage even after tax breaks are mulled over emerge another loss of adding some pay every week keeping in mind the end goal to help this sort of property (Stone et al, 2012). One may ask him/herself why purchase such a property and the reason would be the kind of property by and large displaying higher than the ordinary capital development in this way speculators urged to point for.one ought to however think about the aftereffects of owning a property like this and the outcomes it will have on your acquiring limit and way of life. The legislature urges people to put resources into property in light of the fact that the private proprietors give rental convenience to a great many Australian who are not in ability of managing their own particular settlement, and without financial specialists, the administration at that point be compelled to give elective social lodging arrangements which it obviously can't stand to do (Duca et al, 2010). Because of this reason the assessment man will enable you to assert devaluation and counterbalance any property misfortunes against your own assessable wage by cutting your break come charge time. Conclusion The critical way approach to genuine riches is the adjusted venture portfolio in this manner an adversely adapted property one is required to include the emphatically equipped property with a specific end goal to kill the monetary record. Be that as it may, this does not really rely upon your own money related circumstance and your objectives in this manner getting to be plainly vital that you make the correct system to fit your conditions. Any venture technique ought to be consistently refreshed to represent changes to budgetary tunnelling limit, objectives and way of life as one should stay with one procedure until the end of time. Buying properties with values that generally coordinate with your pay level is the most ideal approach to keep an adjusted portfolio. Hence, the determinant of purchasing the contrarily equipped property is the significance of your salary as it is less demanding to gain thought about when there is bring down wage level. References Australia.Journal of Housing and the Built Environment,25(2), pp.193-211. Bently, L. and Sherman, B. Yates, J. and Bradbury, B., 2010. Home ownership as a (crumbling) fourth pillar of social insurance in, 2014.Intellectual property law. Oxford University Press, USA. Young, R., Young, M., Jordan, E. and O'Connor, P., 2012. Is strategy being implemented through projects? Contrary evidence from a leader in New Public Management.International Journal of Project Management,30(8), pp.887-900. Garnaut, R., 2010Bushee, B.J., Jung, M.J. and Miller, G.S., 2013. Do Investors Benefit from Selective Access to Management?.Journal of Financial Reporting. Garca-Teruel, P.J. and Martnez-Solano, P., 2010. Determinants of trade credit: A comparative study of European SMEs.International Small Business Journal,28(3), pp.215-233. Bowling, N.A. and Kirkendall, C., 2012. Workload: A review of causes, consequences, and potential interventions.Contemporary occupational health psychology: Global perspectives on research and practice,2, pp.221-236. Mirrlees, J.A., 2010.Dimensions of tax design: the Mirrlees review. Oxford University Cohen, S.A., Duncan, T. and Thulemark, M., 2015. Lifestyle mobilities: The crossroads of travel, leisure and migration.Mobilities,10(1), pp.155-172. Hulse, K., Burke, T., Ralston, L. and Stone, W., 2012. The Australian private rental sector: changes and challenges.Australian Journal of Political Science,35(1), pp.99-110. Davis, E.P. and Zhu, H., 2011. Bank lending and commercial property cycles: some cross-country evidence.Journal of International Money and Finance,30(1), pp.1-21. Thompson, P.A., 2013. Invested interests? Reflexivity, representation and reporting in financial markets.Journalism,14(2), pp.208-227. Bryant, L., 2012. An assessment of development funding for new housing post GFC in Queensland, Australia.International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis,5(2), pp.118-133. Rondeau, E.P., Brown, R.K. and Lapides, P.D., 2012.Facility management. John Wiley Sons. Hulse, K., Burke, T., Ralston, L. and Stone, W., 2012. The Australian private rental sector: changes and challenges.Australian Journal of Political Science,35(1), pp.99-110. Duca, J.V., Muellbauer, J. and Murphy, A., 2010. Housing markets and the financial crisis of 20072009: lessons for the future.Journal of financial stability,6(4), pp.203-217.

Kurt Vonnegut A Canary In A Coal Mine Essays - Fiction, Literature

Kurt Vonnegut: A Canary in a Coal Mine Kurt Vonnegut Served as a sensitive cell in the organism of American Society during the 1960's. His work alerted the public about the absurdity of modern warfare and an increasingly mechanized and impersonal society in which humans were essentially worthless and degenerated. The satirical tone and sardonic humor allowed people to read his works and laugh at their own misfortune. Vonnegut was born on November 11, 1922, in Indianapolis, where he was reared. His father was an architect, as his grandfather had been. Though the family's fortune was eroded during the Depression-his father went without an architectural commission from 1929 to 1940-they were well-to-do. Kurt attended Shortridge High School, where he was the editor of the nations oldest daily high school paper, the Echo. (((high school quote))) Vonnegut was expected to become a scientist, and when he went to Cornell in 1940, he chose, at the urging of his father, to major in chemistry. (((college quote))) "Chemistry was everything then," he said. "It was a magic word in the thirties. The Germans, of course, had chemistry, and they were going to take apart the universe and put it together again. At Cornell, he was the managing editor and columnist for its daily paper, the Sun. Among . Among ng and put it together again. At Cornell, he was the managing editor and columnist for its daily paper, the Sun. Among . Among ng and put it together again. At Cornell, he was the managing editor and columnist for its daily paper, the Sun. Among . Among ng and put it together again. At Cornell, he was the managing editor and columnist for its daily paper, the Sun. Among . Among ng and put it together again. At Cornell, he was the managing editor and columnist for its daily paper, the Sun. Among interned as a prisoner of war i! n Dresden, Germany. It was here that he experienced what would later become the basis for one of his best-selling novels, Slaughterhouse-Five. "(Dresden) was the first fancy city I'd ever seen. Then a siren went off-it was February 13, 1945-and we went down two stories under the pavement into a big meat locker. It was cool there, with (animal) cadavers hanging all around. When we came up the city was gone." This experience, or rather, disaster, was the Allied firebombing of Dresden in which over 130,000 people, mostly citizens, died for no apparent reason. Despite the horror of the incident, he maintains that the experience did not change his way of thinking, but rather gave him another viewpoint from which to observe the absurdity and cruelty of the human race. "The importance of Dresden in my life has been considerably exaggerated because my book about it became a best seller." (p. 94 CWV) Vonnegut returned to the United States determined tp be a writer, and to deal with the experience of Dresden, though it was nearly 25 years before he was able to do so. In May of 1945 he married Jane Marie Cox. His first book, Player Piano, was published in 1952. It is an account of life in the future in a town called Ilium, NY, modeled on Schenectady, where Vonnegut, in his late 20's, worked as a public relations man for General Electric. The world that Player Piano envisions is run by computers, an idea which he came across while working at General Electric. Only those who can compete economically with the computers-those whose IQ qualifies them as managers or whose trades are not yet automated-are in any way free. Vonnegut was extremely opposed to this type of mechanization, which he saw as threatening and degrading to the dignity of the common man, and therefore, the human race as a whole. The novel's hero, Paul Proteus, proclaims, "I deny that there is any natural or div! ine law requiring that machines, efficiency, and organization should forever increase in scope, power and complexity..." Doing the book was enough to liberate Vonnegut from his job at G.E., a job that he truly despised. He quit and moved to Cape Cod in 1950. Player Piano sold just 3,500 copies, so for the next few years he was forced

Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essays

Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essays Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essay Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essay In investigating to what extent local, national and European economies impact on two contrasting organisations within the UK, Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon provide a interesting and informative perspective to base this on. An organisation has traditionally been defined as a group of people with a common purpose. According to this view, the organisation is a distinct entity separate from its environment. This means that if the organisations environment changes the organisations has to adapt. So in looking at economics, which is essentially an organisations environment, you need to understand what exactly economics are. The fact is economics affect our daily lives. Continually we are being made aware of local, national and international economic problems, and continually we are faced with economic problems and decisions of our own. Basically economics is essentially about money. This is measured by how much money people are paid, how much they spend, what it is costs to buy various items, how much moneys firms earn and how much money there is in total in the economy. But despite the large number of areas in which our lives are concerned with money, economics is more than just the study of money. There are many areas such as the production and consumption of goods, demand and supply, which affect organisations. With this is mine two UK companies which have been affected heavily in recent years buy local, national and European Economies are Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon. They have been affected in very different ways and this report will try and demonstrate the ways in which these companies have been affected. Vauxhall Motors Firstly Vauxhall Motors is one of the longest established motor manufacturers in the world, and part of the worlds largest corporation General Motors. Founded in 1903 the company now employs 7,000 people directly, and supports an estimated 30,000 further jobs in the UK. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 people are employed throughout the entire supply chain to support Vauxhalls presence in the UK from raw material suppliers to dealership staff. One major manufacturing facility, UK parts warehouse and headquarters are located in the Luton area. The second major manufacturing facility where the Astra is produced was opened in Ellesmere Port in 1963, and in 1992 a major engine facility was added, exporting V6 engines and components throughout the world. Latest Position During 2001 car production continued at both the UK sites. As part of Europe-wide restructuring to stem losses and return GMs European operations to profitability, 2000 ended with the difficult announcement that car production at the Luton plant would cease in 2002. Throughout the year the manufacturing plant developed and implemented a strategy for a dignified end of production, scheduled for the end of March 2002. For a look at its current position please see appendix A. On the same site is Vauxhall Powertrain, which produces V6 engines for GM-Fiat Powertrain customers around the world. With increased sales volumes in 2001 the company became the leading supplier of UK-produced vehicles to the domestic market, and Vauxhall also boasts the widest range of UK-manufactured cars and vans, including Astra, Astravan Frontera, Vectra and Vivaro. Vauxhalls average total employment for the year was 8,362, excluding some 500 staff transferred to GM Fiat powertrain and purchasing joint ventures during 2001. With the plant at Ellesmere Port, Vauxhall is the largest private employer in Cheshire. Also for employees, Vauxhall have enhanced Family Friendly policies, offering a new industry-leading maternity and paternity benefit programme. Retail operations are provided by 507 franchised retailers throughout the UK. From looking at Vauxhall current position you can see its main aim to get back to profitability. (See appendix B) JD Wetherspoon JD Wetherspoon on the other hand is a fairly new company and has an organic growth in process. A 24-year-old law student named Tim Martin acquired his first ever pub in North London in December 1979, but he could never have envisaged how popular his style of operation was to prove. He is said to have been spurred on by the lack of good quality pubs in the area where he was living, he decided to take action by purchasing the outlet he drank in, which he named Wetherspoons. His first pub offered a good range of cask-conditioned beers in a music-free environment. Twenty years on, the range of beers and the absence of any music, form the twin cornerstones of the companys pubs, together with their all-day food and non-smoking areas. In the formative years of the company, Wetherspoon pubs were all located in North London. But, as the company grew, it began to open pubs across London and in the Home Counties. Following its successful Stock Market floatation in 1992, Wetherspoon began to expand rapidly. In 1994 it opened its first pub in the Midlands, The Square Peg in Birmingham, followed by others in major cities, including Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester. (See appendix C) Latest Position There are now more than 435 Wetherspoon outlets throughout the UK. The company aims to continue opening new pubs for the foreseeable future. Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin said: in the past 20 years Wetherspoon has grown from a single pub to a national company. However our commitment to comfortable, music-free pubs offering excellent beer, all-day food and first-class service has remained consistent, regardless of the size of the company. Wetherspoon is set to open approximately 80 new Pubs and Lloyds No.1 bars during the next 12 months as it builds on a record-breaking year. In the financial year ended July 28 2002, the companys turnover and pre-tax profits were at their highest levels ever. A total of 87 outlets opened across the UK in the year, including unprecedented numbers of Lloyds bars and Wetherspoon Lodges. (Please see appendix D) Types of Organisations There are many ways of classifying organisations: large, medium or small; local, national or international; primary, secondary or tertiary. However for the purpose of this report the best way to define them is either private, public, charitable and voluntary. Both Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon are Private organisations. Vauxhall is a larger company than JD Wetherspoon. Vauxhall has international links where JD Wetherspoon is UK based. Essentially both companies provide a service to its customers and would be considered large companies. The service they provide is very different and they dont have any link, or hopefully they shouldnt. The main thing to remember between the two from there latest positions are one is in decline (Vauxhall Motors) and the other is growing rapidly (JD Wetherspoon). Organisations Purpose, Aims and Objectives Organisations need to have aims and objectives to be able to focus on the clear direction needed for success in the modern business world. The aim is the overarching goal for the organisation, which can be broken down into a subset of objectives to achieve the aim. Business organisations aims usually relate to profit, market share, return on capital employed, sales, growth, levels of service and customer/user perception. In the case of both Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon this is no different. Vauxhall Motors In 2000 reported that the main economic challenge for Vauxhall was returning to profitability. Although economic performance in 2001 went some way to reversing the losses witnessed in 2000, a return to profitability remains the overriding economic challenge for the company. Following the launch of a record four new products in 2000, a further four new vehicles were launched in 2001 (Vivaro, Combo, Corsavan and Astra convertible) assisting sales through the year, and with the launch of New Vectra in 2002 and extensive cost saving and revenue building programmes in place, Vauxhall aims to break even in 2002 and return to sustained profitability in 2003. So using initiative and new ideas is an objective of Vauxhall to get back to profitability. But essential Vauxhall have much the same objectives as of any other company. JD Wetherspoon The organisation owns and operates pubs throughout the UK. Without the gimmies of profit, market share etc. The company aims to provide customers with good-quality food and drink, served by well-trained and friendly staff, at reasonable prices (See appendix E). The pubs are individually designed and excellently maintained. This has been an underpinning aim of JD Wetherspoon as they look to such areas of customer loyalty as a method of increasing profits. Some companies, especially pubs, have not had this in mine and there is not enough emphasis on customer service. JD Wetherspoon is said to be always committed to quality, choice and value. JD Wetherspoon has taken a simple idea that people go to pubs for good beer, food and service, in a clean and friendly environment and turned it into a major success story; one which is growing by two new openings each week. JD Wetherspoon is said to give as much back to our people as possible and have one of the best benefits packages in the business. The other major aim is to continue its rapid growth this is proving the country with jobs. Essential Vauxhall are trying to claw its way back where as JD Wetherspoon is onwards and upwards with its aims and objectives. Responsibilities Organisations have a range of responsibilities to their stakeholders. Both these organisations have many responsibilities. Social During 2001 Vauxhall developed an umbrella social policy, which summarises a number of existing policies into a single document. The aim of the policy is to communicate better with employees and the wider public on key issues to Vauxhall, including health and safety, human rights, equal opportunities, community involvement and supplier conduct. A look at the Vauxhalls social highlight and challenge can be seen in appendices F and G. Environmental Responsibility for environmental issues is delegated throughout the company, from the Managing Director, who is the main board environmental champion, to the shop floor. Corporate issues are discussed and agreed by the Environmental Issues Team, which comprises individuals with environmental responsibilities from various parts of the company. So essentially Vauxhall are meeting their responsibilities in designing schemes and methods to measure this. Vauxhall have also won many awards in this area (See appendix H).A look at the Vauxhalls environmental challenge can be seen in appendix I. JD Wetherspoon has more social responsibilities due to the area of the pub business. This is in the sense of the area of alcohol, which is not socially responsible in the first place. JD Wetherspoon is meeting its responsibilities by been profitable and providing excellent quality of service.

The Different Types of Domestic Abuse

The Different Types of Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is a growing problem that affects millions of people in all kinds of relationships including traditional marriages, same-sex partnerships, and even relationships where there is no sexual intimacy involved. While physical violence is the most blatant form of domestic abuse, sometimes called intimate partner violence,  it  not the only form of domestic abuse. The Main Types of Abuse Domestic abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual, emotional,  psychological and  financial. It is harm inflicted by a current or former spouse or partner. Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse involves actions designed to destroy a persons sense of self-respect or self-worth. It includes constant, an unrelenting verbal onslaught of insults and  criticisms  designed to humiliate and belittle the victim. It is often combined with other forms of abuse and used as a method to gain control over the victim. Although there are no physical scars, the emotional scars can be debilitating to victims. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse  not only includes rape and sexual assault, but it also includes demeaning behavior like exposing a partners body to friends, forcing a partner into posing for pornography, secretly videotaping a partner while engaging in sex, or forcing a partner to have sex without using protection. Reproductive coercion, which is forcing a partner into having an abortion is a form of domestic sexual abuse. Another form of domestic sexual abuse is sexually assaulting someone who is unable to refuse due to disability, illness, intimidation or the influence of alcohol or other drugs.   There are three main categories of sexual abuse: Using physical force to compel someone to have sex against their will, whether the act is completed or not.Attempting or having sex with someone who is unable to understand the nature of the act or unable to decline participation or is unable to communicate their unwillingness.Abusive sexual contact of any kind. Physical Abuse Physical abuse involves injuring, disabling or killing  the victim. Physical abuse can be performed with a weapon or restraint or merely using body, size or strength to harm another person. The injury from the abuse does not have to major. For example, an abuser could forcefully shake the victim in anger. While the victim may not require medical treatment, the shaking would still be a form of physical abuse. Physical violence can include burning, biting, choking, grabbing, pinching, punching, pushing, throwing, scratching, shoving, shaking, or slapping. Threats of Violence Violent threats involve the use of words, gestures, motions, looks or weapons to communicate a threat to frighten, harm, injure, disable, rape or kill. The act does not have to be carried out for it to be abusive behavior. Psychological Abuse Psychological abuse is a broad term that includes acts, threats of acts or coercive tactics to cause someone fear and trauma. If there has been previous physical or sexual abuse in the relationship, any further threat of abuse is considered psychological violence. Psychological abuse can include: HumiliationControlling what the victim can and cannot do.Withholding information.Diminishing or embarrassing the victim.Isolating the victim from friends and family. Financial Abuse Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of domestic abuse and also the difficult to recognize, even for the victims. It can involve a partner denying the victim access to money or other resources. Refusing to allow a spouse to work or get an education is also a form of financial abuse. It is often seen in homes where an abuser forces the victim into isolation by limiting when they can communicate with family and friends. Isolation makes it more difficult for a victim to have any form of financial freedom. Get Help Immediately Research shows that domestic violence usually gets progressively worse. Rarely does it stop because the abuser promises that it will never happen again. If you are in an abusive relationship, there are many resources available to help. You do not have to stay with an abusive partner. It is important to seek help immediately.

Leadership Behavioral Analysis. Evaluation of the Research Methodology Essay

Leadership Behavioral Analysis. Evaluation of the Research Methodology - Essay Example The study entailed statistical as well as qualitative surveys conducted on a sample of project managers. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to analyze how the managers used situational leadership in project management. Johnson, Onwuegbuzie and Turner (2007) consider Concurrent Triangulation Mixed Method Design as appropriate research method since it enables the researcher to collect qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously. Moreover, the researcher is able to use qualitative data in validating the quantitative data resulting in reliable findings (Driscoll, Appiah-Yeboah, Salib, & Rupert, 2007). Appropriateness of the Data Collection and Analysis Methods Used For the Study The research study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology (hybrid) and what the author refers as Concurrent Triangulation Mixed Methods Design. This entailed more than two methods in collection and analysis of data. Although qualitative and quantitative research methodo logies are considered different in terms of epistemology and ontology, they ensure completeness and validness in data collection and analysis. ... Blending qualitative and quantitative data collection technique is advantageous since results obtained using one of the methods can be triangulated using the other method. By using quantitative techniques, the researcher was able to obtain data that was used to test the research hypotheses. The data collected through qualitative techniques was used open the study since it provided insights on the other aspects interconnected in the study (Driscoll, Appiah-Yeboah, Salib, & Rupert, 2007). Scaling, which was used for quantitative data collection, was disadvantageous since it could not have reflect diverse observations of the data. By using open-ended surveys, which is a qualitative methodology, the researcher was able to explore situational leadership and project success. The above aspects are quite complex hence hard to explore using quantitative techniques. This is because it is hard to measure leadership and project success quantitatively since such aspects are better explained in de tails other than numeric. Such explanations constitute qualitative analysis (Lee, 2010). Using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies was a great idea. Quantitative method is the major method used for data analysis. However, qualitative data is used to support the quantitative data. In some instances, data collected using qualitative strategies such as open surveys is likely to be biased. However, collecting more data using quantitative methodology and analyzing it can enable the researcher to determine the credibility of the data. For example, in Lee (2010) study, the answers obtained from the open interviews showed that most manager interviewed had used situational leadership techniques. However, the data collected

Data, information, and Organizational knowledge Essay

Data, information, and Organizational knowledge - Essay Example Knowledge is one the leading, if not the only, principal factor, which makes organizational, personal, as well as societal intelligent performance possible. Data refers to facts that are precise and timely, specific and planned for a reason, offered within a context that gives it significance and relevance, and can enhance understanding and reduce uncertainty. Information is priceless because it can influence behavior, a choice, or result. For instance, if a manager is informed that his/her company's net profit declined in the past month, he/she might use this information as a motive to cut financial expenses for the following month. A piece of information is regarded valueless if, after getting it, things still remain unchanged (Leonard & Swap, 2005). People can refer to information as data, particularly when it is in the form of statistics or facts that they can analyze. In the American English dictionary, data is normally a plural noun. The knowledge-based theory of the organizati on regards knowledge as the most tactically significant resource of the organization (Levinson, 2007). Its proponents quarrel that since knowledge-based resources are socially complex and difficult to imitate, diverse capabilities and knowledge bases among organizations are the key determinants of sustained competitive advantage, in addition to superior corporate performance. This knowledge is entrenched and carried through numerous entities comprising of organizational culture and identity, routines, policies, documents, employees and systems. Initiating from the strategic organization literature, this viewpoint builds upon and goes beyond the resource-based view of the organization (RBV) originally endorsed by Penrose (1959) and later lengthened by the likes of (Barney 1991, Wernerfelt 1984, Conner 1991) (Levinson, 2007). Even though, the resource-based view of the organization recognizes the significant role of knowledge in organizations that accomplish a competitive advantage, s upporters of the knowledge-based view quarrel that the resource-based perception does not go far enough. Particularly, the RBV regards knowledge as a common resource, instead of having unique traits. It, hence, does not differentiate between different kinds of knowledge-based competences (Levinson, 2007). Information technologies can play a significant role in the knowledge-based view of the organization in that information systems can be utilized to enhance, synthesize, and speed up large-scale inter- and intra-organization knowledge management. Not all information is significant. Hence, it is up to individual organizations to decide what information meets the criteria of knowledge-based and intellectual assets (Leonard & Swap, 2005). In general, nevertheless, knowledge-based and intellectual assets fit into one of two categories: tacit or explicit. They are incorporated among the former assets such as trademarks, patents, business plans, customer lists and marketing research. As a universal rule of thumb, explicit knowledge takes in anything, which can be archived, documented and codified, frequently with the help of IT. More complex to understand is the perception of tacit knowledge, or the expertise contained in an individual’s minds. The dispute inherent with tacit knowledge is finding out how to generate, recognize, share and run it (Wiig, 2009). While information technology in the form of a groupware, e-mail, instant messaging and correlated

Understanding Identities of Students Essay Example for Free

Understanding Identities of Students Essay In this paper, Carlo’s story is the focus discussion. Emigrating from Texas to Corpo Christi, Carlo with his grandmother, younger sister and brother left for the U. S. in search for better opportunities in career, freedom to choose religion, and attain a better, social status in life. However, Carlo and his family is having a hard time with their social adjustment and acculturation of the norms in the society and school, making new friends, and adjusting in the existing policy of stopping the usage of their Spanish native language (Ovando, 2006, p. 1). The Importance of Understanding Identities of Students It is very important for teachers to understand their students in their multicultural classroom. Since every student deserves to receive quality education in school, they deserve adequate supervision and guidance of the school personnel to ensure the children’s needs. Further, the parents entrust their children to the school personnel to help their children reach their full potentials, increase their knowledge, and develop their physical, mental, and socio-emotional development. So, it is important that the teachers fulfill their role in integrating the diverse-cultured students and mingle them with the mainstream of the majority students. To avoid the feeling of depersonalization, teachers and peers should help each other build a community open for diverse culture, ethnicity, and religion to protect all the children from emotional maladjustments and to hinder what is blocking every student’s learning. Conclusion Learning would be effective and much easier for students if they feel comfortable in their school setting. The school environment is next best place to home so the teachers and school personnel should ensure the safety and well-being of all their students. Thus, school personnel, teachers, and peers should help in stopping discrimination and rather attend to the needs and help the adjustment of the foreign students or immigrants. References Ovando, C. J. , Combs, M. C. , Collier, V. P. (2006). Bilingual and ESL classrooms: Teaching in multicultural contexts. (4th ed. ). Boston: McGraw Hill.

Capital Punishment :: essays research papers

There are five basic reasons that society uses when imposing the â€Å"punishment† that I’ve been able to conclude from my readings. I will discuss these societal concepts and show that the death penalty does not serve to further them. Deterrence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Deterrence is basically defined as â€Å"the punishment should fit the crime.† Under this concept, the individual committing the crime and society are prevented from committing this action again. In the case of the death penalty, an individual kills another human and he is â€Å"punished† for it by death. Punishment is supposed to be a temporary penalization for a wrongful action. Death is far from temporary. One is to learn from one’s mistakes. How can the person learn if they are paying for their mistakes with their life? By imposing the death penalty the individual does not learn from their mistakes and neither does society. Economy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Under this concept, punishment should be economical. There are specific costs associated with keeping an inmate on death row such as specially built prison blocks, the need for maximum security, and costing the courts much money through many, many appeals. These costs clearly out weigh the regualr costs incurred to house a regular inmate. Deterrence is clearly not served by imposing the death penalty. Restitution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Society demands that the punishment should fix the harm it has done. By sentencing a person to death no harm has been fixed. You can not bring the murdered person back by taking the prisoner’s life. Punishment is not intended to revenge, offset, or compensate for the victims suffering or to be measured by it. Retribution The community demands that justice be served. Would justice not equally be served and in fact may be better served by life imprisonment? I believe tit would be a worse punishment to go through a life sentence in prison. The individual is deprived of liberty. He will then suffer and live the rest of his or her life within three lonely walls and a set of bars.

A Background on Non-Governmental Organizations

According to the World Bank, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the diversity of NGOs may hurt even the simplest definition that may be attributed to it because they include numerous groups and different institutions that are either entirely or largely independent to the government and have humanitarian objectives rather than commercial. They are private groups in industrial countries that support international development. NGOs include religious associations, charitable groups, independent cooperatives, different associations, women’s groups, among others.Non-Governmental Organizations were built primarily by private individuals or group of individuals and does not have any representations from the government. They are largely independent, in terms of its functions and how it executes its main objectives and how it handles its funds for its various projects. As much as possible, no person from the government can join or handle any NGO to maintain its non-partisan stance a nd to retain its objectivity in the execution its mission. Individuals who bring about the existence of NGOs believe in certain common social principles that act as their framework in executing their activities to bring about the development of communities they give service to. Furthermore, they also assist in empowering the civil societyThere are numerous types of organizations, as mentioned by the World Bank. NGOs is often used as an alternative term with that of an independent sector, civil society, volunteer sector, grassroots, social movements and non-state actors. They play a pivotal part in forming the development of a nation or a state and the betterment of the lives of the people. Their method of executing and attaining its objectives varies: some NGOs acts as lobbyist to promote their causes while some conducts various programs to solicit support and funds. Most of the time they find the need to maintain healthy relationships with the public if they wish to attain their ma in goal. Although there may be some interest groups that plays an important role in politics, this is mainly because of its ability to influence both social and political outcomes.As the world move further in internationalizing its different facets, NGOs, like any other group, manages itself in different forms. Most of the existing organization in the world uses two management types: (1) the diversity management; and, (2) the participatory management. The first type of management deals with different cultures within the organization. It is the type of management being used to avoid intercultural problems and difficulties. On the other hand, the participatory management style is used in most NGOs, regardless of what their objectives are or its primary location. This type of management is associated with the concept that all people within an organization are perceived to be sources of knowledge and skills.For its funding, they get their money through various means and major sources in clude the following: (1) its membership dues; (2) sale of goods and services; and, (3) grants from international private institutions. However, even if NGOs are supposedly independent from governments, there are a number of NGOs that heavily depends for their funding. And this is where their non-partisan stance is most of the time being questioned. This sometimes causes confusion to people whether these NGOs are still free to decide on its own without any influence from government. Independence from any group with vested interest and the government is still the best solution to this dilemma, to allow NGOs a respectable position in the society.NGO’s as Unaccountable, Ineffective and a Mechanism of the Elite: A Sweeping GeneralizationThere are an alarming number of criticisms about NGOs, this may be borne out of the fact that they have been actively engaging in different causes and have been cooperating more with the government in pursuing their objectives. They have also been cooperating and negotiating with the group of elites that have been very helpful in pushing for their advocacies. On the account that NGOs are unaccountable, ineffective and a mechanism of elite capture, I refuse to accept this as a general fact, for various reasons.For one, an NGO, as it has been said many times over, is any non-profit, voluntary groups that are organized in either a local, national or international level. Most of the people who work with these NGOs are task driven and goal oriented people with one common interest. They perform various humanitarian services and acts as the voice of the common people to their government. They likewise advocate and monitor different laws and policies and provide information to people as a way to encourage them to participate in the politics of their own government.NGOs are accountable for their own actions, as they represent a number of people who believe in their advocacies. They are accountable to the people who believe and support them because these people are one of the reasons for their existence. They share common beliefs and they share common interests, without these people, NGOs will not function the way it is designed to function. NGOs work hand in hand with the Civil Society and most of these NGOs try hard enough to maintain harmonious relationship with the society. However, they are not accountable to the government as they independently and for as long as they remain non-partisan and independent, they are not and should be held accountable to the government. Due to this argument, I stand by not agreeing that NGOs are unaccountable.On the other hand, the effectivity of any organization, just like the government, is relative to how it executes its different goals and interests. NGOs have different methods in going about its main goals. For example, what may be an effective way of promoting and representing people from the grassroots may not be an effective way for an NGO who are working for the womenà ¢â‚¬â„¢s rights. Although both are NGOs, they have different needs and they address these using different methods. For this alone, I do not agree that NGOs are ineffective.Although it is true that NGOs has to maintain a certain amount of relationship with the civil society, NGOs still maintains a respectable amount of distance. Donations from individuals, specifically the elite, may be seen as a chance for these groups of people to manipulate the ongoing of a NGO. While it is true that a large portion of the funds that the NGO receive may have come, most of the time, from individuals coming from the elite group, it should not be generalized that they are the ones making the decisions for the people who manages the NGO. Again, NGOs are non-profit groups and whatever that keeps them going are funds being donated by those people who believe in what the NGO is standing for. It is therefore more appropriate to think that NGOs work with the civil society than to think that it is a mechani sm of the elite, or the chosen few.The existence of NGOs is born about the many changes in the world today. These have been brought about by the need to have a unilateral voice that would stand up for the people. Whether it is effective or not is relative to how it executes its own programs or advocacies or mission and objectives. However, to generalize that all NGOs are unaccountable and is a mechanism of the elite to be able to have an advantage in promoting their own interest may be a harsh generalization and needs to be pondered upon.ConclusionIn conclusion, NGOs have been existing for so many years, maybe even before civilization has began. NGOs main existence is not to jeopardize the relationship between the people and the government but rather to stand as a medium to bridge the gap between them. They act as the voice of the people to different issues and concerns, like women’s rights, environment issues, and peace advocacy, among others. They are to be seen as a cataly st for change, for the betterment of a place where people and government live harmoniously.NGOs should remain non-partisan so that it would be able to maintain its independence from the influence of either the government or the elite. This will enable them to carry out their objectives and goals without having to give in to the dictates of these powerful groups. This will also help in ensuring that they will be more effective in promoting their own programs. Although a friendly and harmonious relationship with the government will give them more benefits than loss, for this will allow them to be heard.On the other hand, it is best to keep a very good and healthy relationship with the civil society, which stands as their main client. This will allow them to properly voice their concerns to the proper authorities and will enable them to address each issue with objectivity. The civil society is one of the major stakeholders of NGOs and it is but proper to continue a healthy relationship with them. They are accountable to these people, as the represent them and not any other vested interest.NGOs should remain committed to the root causes of the societal problems to enable them to help in trying to better the quality of the lives of people, especially the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized in certain areas of the world.Although NGOs are often seen as a group that works in the international level, with the presence of the United Nations, there are numerous NGOs within countries, and they work on a national level. They work hand in hand with the civil society, as well as the government, to promote the good of the majority and to help in attaining a better world to live in and a better life for each person. The both NGOs and governments represent the people, they should continue to work hand in hand, rather than against each other, for in the long run, it is the people who will benefit from all the positive results of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence.REFERE NCES1.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bebbington, Anthony., Hickey, Samuel., & Mitin, Diana C. 2008. Can NGOs Make a Difference?: The Challenge of Development Alternatives2.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mendelson, Sarah E., & Glenn, John K. 2002. The Power and Limits of NGOs3.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ebrahim, Alnoor. 2005. NGOs and Organizational Change: Discourse, Reporting, and Learning4.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Edwards, Michael., Jordan, Lisa., & Tuijl, Peter van. 2006. NGO Accountability: Politics, Principles and Innovations5.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   DeMars, William E. 2005. NGOs and Transnational Network: Wild Cards in World Politics6.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Carey, Henry F. 2003. Mitigating Conflict: The Role of NGOs (The Cass Series on Peacekeeping)7.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Doh, Jonathan P., & Teegen, Hildy. 2003. Globalization and NGOs: Transforming Business, Government, and Society8.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Church, Cheyanne. 2004. NGOs at the Table: Strategies for Influencing Policy in Areas of Conflict9.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dodd, Felix., Betsill, Michele M.,   Corell, Elisab eth. 2007. NGO Diplomacy: The Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations in International Environment Negotiations10.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Goel, S.L. 2004. Administration and Management of NGOs11.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Earle, Lucy. 2004. Creativity and Constraint (NGO Management and Policy)12.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abraham, Anita. 2004. Formation and Management of NGOs A Background on Non-Governmental Organizations According to the World Bank, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the diversity of NGOs may hurt even the simplest definition that may be attributed to it because they include numerous groups and different institutions that are either entirely or largely independent to the government and have humanitarian objectives rather than commercial. They are private groups in industrial countries that support international development. NGOs include religious associations, charitable groups, independent cooperatives, different associations, women’s groups, among others.Non-Governmental Organizations were built primarily by private individuals or group of individuals and does not have any representations from the government. They are largely independent, in terms of its functions and how it executes its main objectives and how it handles its funds for its various projects. As much as possible, no person from the government can join or handle any NGO to maintain its non-partisan stance a nd to retain its objectivity in the execution its mission. Individuals who bring about the existence of NGOs believe in certain common social principles that act as their framework in executing their activities to bring about the development of communities they give service to. Furthermore, they also assist in empowering the civil societyThere are numerous types of organizations, as mentioned by the World Bank. NGOs is often used as an alternative term with that of an independent sector, civil society, volunteer sector, grassroots, social movements and non-state actors. They play a pivotal part in forming the development of a nation or a state and the betterment of the lives of the people. Their method of executing and attaining its objectives varies: some NGOs acts as lobbyist to promote their causes while some conducts various programs to solicit support and funds. Most of the time they find the need to maintain healthy relationships with the public if they wish to attain their ma in goal. Although there may be some interest groups that plays an important role in politics, this is mainly because of its ability to influence both social and political outcomes.As the world move further in internationalizing its different facets, NGOs, like any other group, manages itself in different forms. Most of the existing organization in the world uses two management types: (1) the diversity management; and, (2) the participatory management. The first type of management deals with different cultures within the organization. It is the type of management being used to avoid intercultural problems and difficulties. On the other hand, the participatory management style is used in most NGOs, regardless of what their objectives are or its primary location. This type of management is associated with the concept that all people within an organization are perceived to be sources of knowledge and skills.For its funding, they get their money through various means and major sources in clude the following: (1) its membership dues; (2) sale of goods and services; and, (3) grants from international private institutions. However, even if NGOs are supposedly independent from governments, there are a number of NGOs that heavily depends for their funding. And this is where their non-partisan stance is most of the time being questioned. This sometimes causes confusion to people whether these NGOs are still free to decide on its own without any influence from government. Independence from any group with vested interest and the government is still the best solution to this dilemma, to allow NGOs a respectable position in the society.NGO’s as Unaccountable, Ineffective and a Mechanism of the Elite: A Sweeping GeneralizationThere are an alarming number of criticisms about NGOs, this may be borne out of the fact that they have been actively engaging in different causes and have been cooperating more with the government in pursuing their objectives. They have also been cooperating and negotiating with the group of elites that have been very helpful in pushing for their advocacies. On the account that NGOs are unaccountable, ineffective and a mechanism of elite capture, I refuse to accept this as a general fact, for various reasons. For one, an NGO, as it has been said many times over, is any non-profit, voluntary groups that are organized in either a local, national or international level. Most of the people who work with these NGOs are task driven and goal oriented people with one common interest. They perform various humanitarian services and acts as the voice of the common people to their government. They likewise advocate and monitor different laws and policies and provide information to people as a way to encourage them to participate in the politics of their own government.NGOs are accountable for their own actions, as they represent a number of people who believe in their advocacies. They are accountable to the people who believe and suppor t them because these people are one of the reasons for their existence. They share common beliefs and they share common interests, without these people, NGOs will not function the way it is designed to function. NGOs work hand in hand with the Civil Society and most of these NGOs try hard enough to maintain harmonious relationship with the society. However, they are not accountable to the government as they independently and for as long as they remain non-partisan and independent, they are not and should be held accountable to the government. Due to this argument, I stand by not agreeing that NGOs are unaccountable.On the other hand, the effectivity of any organization, just like the government, is relative to how it executes its different goals and interests. NGOs have different methods in going about its main goals. For example, what may be an effective way of promoting and representing people from the grassroots may not be an effective way for an NGO who are working for the women ’s rights. Although both are NGOs, they have different needs and they address these using different methods. For this alone, I do not agree that NGOs are ineffective.Although it is true that NGOs has to maintain a certain amount of relationship with the civil society, NGOs still maintains a respectable amount of distance. Donations from individuals, specifically the elite, may be seen as a chance for these groups of people to manipulate the ongoing of a NGO. While it is true that a large portion of the funds that the NGO receive may have come, most of the time, from individuals coming from the elite group, it should not be generalized that they are the ones making the decisions for the people who manages the NGO. Again, NGOs are non-profit groups and whatever that keeps them going are funds being donated by those people who believe in what the NGO is standing for. It is therefore more appropriate to think that NGOs work with the civil society than to think that it is a mechan ism of the elite, or the chosen few.The existence of NGOs is born about the many changes in the world today. These have been brought about by the need to have a unilateral voice that would stand up for the people. Whether it is effective or not is relative to how it executes its own programs or advocacies or mission and objectives. However, to generalize that all NGOs are unaccountable and is a mechanism of the elite to be able to have an advantage in promoting their own interest may be a harsh generalization and needs to be pondered upon.ConclusionIn conclusion, NGOs have been existing for so many years, maybe even before civilization has began. NGOs main existence is not to jeopardize the relationship between the people and the government but rather to stand as a medium to bridge the gap between them. They act as the voice of the people to different issues and concerns, like women’s rights, environment issues, and peace advocacy, among others. They are to be seen as a catal yst for change, for the betterment of a place where people and government live harmoniously.NGOs should remain non-partisan so that it would be able to maintain its independence from the influence of either the government or the elite. This will enable them to carry out their objectives and goals without having to give in to the dictates of these powerful groups. This will also help in ensuring that they will be more effective in promoting their own programs. Although a friendly and harmonious relationship with the government will give them more benefits than loss, for this will allow them to be heard.On the other hand, it is best to keep a very good and healthy relationship with the civil society, which stands as their main client. This will allow them to properly voice their concerns to the proper authorities and will enable them to address each issue with objectivity. The civil society is one of the major stakeholders of NGOs and it is but proper to continue a healthy relationshi p with them. They are accountable to these people, as the represent them and not any other vested interest.NGOs should remain committed to the root causes of the societal problems to enable them to help in trying to better the quality of the lives of people, especially the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized in certain areas of the world.Although NGOs are often seen as a group that works in the international level, with the presence of the United Nations, there are numerous NGOs within countries, and they work on a national level. They work hand in hand with the civil society, as well as the government, to promote the good of the majority and to help in attaining a better world to live in and a better life for each person. The both NGOs and governments represent the people, they should continue to work hand in hand, rather than against each other, for in the long run, it is the people who will benefit from all the positive results of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence.REFER ENCES  Bebbington, Anthony., Hickey, Samuel., & Mitin, Diana C. 2008. Can NGOs Make a Difference?: The Challenge of Development AlternativesMendelson, Sarah E., & Glenn, John K. 2002. The Power and Limits of NGOs  Ebrahim, Alnoor. 2005. NGOs and Organizational Change: Discourse, Reporting, and LearningEdwards, Michael., Jordan, Lisa., & Tuijl, Peter van. 2006. NGO Accountability: Politics, Principles and InnovationsDeMars, William E. 2005. NGOs and Transnational Network: Wild Cards in World PoliticsCarey, Henry F. 2003. Mitigating Conflict: The Role of NGOs (The Cass Series on Peacekeeping)Doh, Jonathan P., & Teegen, Hildy. 2003. Globalization and NGOs: Transforming Business, Government, and SocietyChurch, Cheyanne. 2004. NGOs at the Table: Strategies for Influencing Policy in Areas of ConflictDodd, Felix., Betsill, Michele M.,   Corell, Elisabeth. 2007. NGO Diplomacy: The Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations in International Environment NegotiationsGoel, S.L. 2004. Adm inistration and Management of NGOsAbraham, Anita. 2004. Formation and Management of NGOs

Locke: Founder of British Empiricist

John Locke had a number of major influences on society in general, but his influences on education have stood the taste of time. His idea of Tabula Rasa, his introduction of empiricism, and idea of the use of all senses are all objectives that are used in schools today. The idea of Tabula Rasa is basically defined as a â€Å"blank slate.† Locke believed that everyone is born with a clean mind, a supposed condition that he attributed to the human mind before ideas have been imprinted on it by the reaction of the senses to the exterior world. â€Å"Thus the first capacity of human intellect is that the mind is fitted to receive the impressions made on it; either through the senses by outward objects; or by its own operations when it reflects on them. This is the first step a man makes towards the discovery of anything†¦Ã¢â‚¬  -John Locke (On Ideas as the Materials of All Our Knowledge) Locke considers the new mind as white paper or wax. It is to be moulded and formed as one pleases. It is up to the teacher to insure that it is formed the correct way and that there is no inate knowledge. This is incorporated into education the grade system. Children start out in kindergarten or pre-school with a blank slate; we start teaching the very basics as if they know nothing. The more information and experience they gather, the further they move along the grade continuum. Locke was considered the founder of British empiricist. He believed that all knowledge comes to us through experience. â€Å"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience.† Basically, all knowledge has its origin and end in experience, or perception using the senses. He says, â€Å"Experience is twofold, sensation and reflection. From both sources we obtain ideas.† Sensation is the perception of external phenomena and reflection is the perception of the operations of the mind itself. This view of empirical thinking is widely used in schools today, especially in the science fields. Concepts and skills are much easier to learn if you can experience them. The empirical way of teaching has brought about the use of the scientific method. First, students must observe a situation and decide if there is a problem. Secondly, make an educated guess, or hypothesis, of what will happen. Next, test this hypothesis. If it is true then draw a conclusion. If not, make a new hypothesis and test again. This is a very valuable way to learn. The students get to experience the whole situation and will in tern retain and understand this information better. Along with using empirical methods of learning, Locke insisted that all the senses be used when learning. It is not enough for a teacher to just stand in front of a classroom and lecture; students are only using one sense (hearing) to try to comprehend the material. Locke feels that you must hear, feel, see, smell, taste everything in order to get the full potential knowledge. This is very relative to today's teachings because we, as teachers, need to appeal to all learning styles. Some students learn better visually, others orally and so on, so we have to hit all area in order to give all students an equal chance to learn. In closing, John Locke was a very significant figure on how we educate children today. He gave us the idea of starting students with a clean slate, the use of the scientific method, and the essential use of all the senses. All these ideas are important aspects of today†s classroom and will most assuredly be a continued use in the future.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the American Revolution

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the American Revolution The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga took place May 10, 1775, during the American Revolution (1775-1783). In the early days of the conflict, multiple American commanders recognized the strategic importance of Fort Ticonderoga. Located on Lake Champlain, it provided an important link between New York and Canada as well as held a treasure trove of badly-needed artillery. Moving forward in early May, less than a month after war started, forces led by Colonels Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold advanced on the forts small garrison. Storming the fort on May 10, they met minimal resistance and quickly captured it. Fort Ticonderoga served as a launching point for the American invasion of Canada in 1775 and its guns were later removed for use in ending the Siege of Boston. Gibraltar of America Built in 1755 by the French as Fort Carillon, Fort Ticonderoga controlled the southern part of Lake Champlain and guarded the northern approaches to the Hudson Valley. Attacked by the British in 1758 during the Battle of Carillon, the forts garrison, led by Major General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm and the Chevalier de Levis, successfully turned back Major General James Abercrombies army. The fort fell into British hands the following year when a force commanded by Lieutenant General Jeffrey Amherst secured the post and it remained under their control for the rest of the French Indian War. With the end of the conflict, Fort Ticonderogas importance diminished as the French were forced to cede Canada to the British. Though still known as the Gibraltar of America, the fort soon fell into disrepair and its garrison was greatly reduced. The state of the fort continued to decline and in 1774 was described by Colonel  Frederick Haldimand as being in ruinous condition. In 1775, the fort was held by 48 men from the 26th Regiment of Foot, several of which were classified as invalids, led by Captain William Delaplace. A New War With the beginning of the American Revolution in April 1775, Fort Ticonderogas significance returned. Recognizing its importance as a logistical and communications link along the route between New York and Canada, the British commander at Boston, General Thomas Gage, issued orders to the Governor of Canada, Sir Guy Carleton, that Ticonderoga and Crown Point be repaired and reinforced. Unfortunately for the British, Carleton did not receive this letter until May 19. As the Siege of Boston commenced, American leaders became concerned that the fort afforded the British in Canada with a route for attacking their rear. Governor Sir Guy Carleton. Photograph Courtesy of the National Archives of Canada Voicing this, Benedict Arnold appealed to the Connecticut Committee of Correspondence for men and money to mount an expedition to capture Fort Ticonderoga and its large store of artillery. This was granted and recruiters commenced attempting to raise the forces required. Moving north, Arnold made a similar plea to the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. This too was approved and he received a commission as a colonel with orders to raise 400 men to attack the fort. In addition, he was given munitions, supplies, and horses for the expedition. Major General Benedict Arnold. Photograph Courtesy of the National Archives Records Administration Two Expeditions While Arnold began planning his expedition and recruiting men, Ethan Allen and militia forces in the New Hampshire Grants (Vermont) began plotting their own strike against Fort Ticonderoga. Known as the Green Mountain Boys, Allens militia gathered at Bennington before marching on to Castleton. To the south, Arnold moved north with Captains Eleazer Oswald and Jonathan Brown. Crossing into the Grants on May 6, Arnold learned of Allens intentions. Riding ahead of his troops, he reached Bennington the next day. There he was informed that Allen was at Castleton awaiting additional supplies and men. Pressing on, he rode into the Green Mountain Boys camp before they departed for Ticonderoga. Meeting with Allen, who had been elected colonel, Arnold argued that he should lead the attack against the fort and cited his orders from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. This proved problematic as the majority of the Green Mountain Boys refused to serve under any commander except Allen. After extensive discussions, Allen and Arnold decided to share command. Moving Forward While these talks were ongoing, elements of Allens command were already moving towards Skenesboro and Panton to secure boats for crossing the lake. Additional intelligence was provided by Captain Noah Phelps who had reconnoitered Fort Ticonderoga in disguise. He confirmed that the forts walls were in poor condition, the garrisons gunpowder was wet, and that reinforcements were expected shortly. Assessing this information and the overall situation, Allen and Arnold decided to attack Fort Ticonderoga at dawn on May 10. Assembling their men at Hands Cove (Shoreham, VT) late on May 9, the two commanders were disappointed to find that an insufficient number of boats had been assembled.  As a result, they embarked with around half the command (83 men) and slowly crossed the lake. Arriving on the western shore, they became concerned that dawn would arrive before the rest of the men could make the journey. As a result, they resolved to attack immediately. Forces Commanders Americans Colonel Ethan AllenColonel Benedict Arnoldapprox. 170 men British Captain William Delaplaceapprox. 80 men Storming the Fort Approaching the south gate of Fort Ticonderoga, Allen and Arnold led their men forward. Charging, they caused the sole sentry to abandon his post and swept into the fort. Entering the barracks, the Americans awakened the stunned British soldiers and took their weapons. Moving through the fort, Allen and Arnold made their way to the officers quarters to compel Delaplaces surrender. Reaching the door, they were challenged by Lieutenant Jocelyn Feltham who demanded to know on whose authority they had entered the fort. In reply, Allen reportedly stated, In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress! (Allen later claimed to have said this to Delaplace). Roused from his bed, Delaplace quickly dressed before formally surrendering to the Americans. Securing the Fort Taking possession of the fort, Arnold was horrified when Allens men began to plunder and raid its liquor stores. Though he tried to stop these activities, the Green Mountain Boys refused to adhere to his orders. Frustrated, Arnold retired to Delaplaces quarters to await his men and wrote back to Massachusetts expressing concern that Allens men were  governing by whim and caprice.  He further commented that he believed the plan to strip Fort Ticonderoga and ship its guns to Boston was in threat. As additional American forces occupied Fort Ticonderoga, Lieutenant Seth Warner sailed north to Fort Crown Point. Lightly garrisoned, it fell the next day. Following the arrival of his men from Connecticut and Massachusetts, Arnold began conducting operations on Lake Champlain which culminated with a raid on Fort Saint-Jean on May 18. While Arnold established a base at Crown Point, Allens men began to drift away from Fort Ticonderoga and back to their land in the Grants. Aftermath In the operations against Fort Ticonderoga, one American was injured while British casualties amounted to the capture of the garrison. Later that year, Colonel Henry Knox arrived from Boston to transport the forts guns back to the siege lines. These were later emplaced on Dorchester Heights and compelled the British to abandon the city on March 17, 1776. The fort also served as a springboard for the 1775 American invasion of Canada as well as protected the northern frontier. Major General Henry Knox. Photograph Source: Public Domain In 1776, the American army in Canada was thrown back by the British and forced to retreat back down Lake Champlain. Encamping at Fort Ticonderoga, they aided Arnold in building a scratch fleet which fought a successful delaying action at Valcour Island that October. The following year, Major General John Burgoyne launched a major invasion down the lake. This campaign saw the British re-take the fort. Following their defeat at Saratoga that fall, the British largely abandoned Fort Ticonderoga for the remainder of the war.

Lystrosaurus Facts and Figures

Lystrosaurus Facts and Figures Name: Lystrosaurus (Greek for shovel lizard); pronounced LISS-tro-SORE-us Habitat: Plains (or swamps) of Antarctica, South Africa, and Asia Historical Period: Late Permian-Early Triassic (260-240 million years ago) Size and Weight: About three feet long and 100-200 pounds Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Short legs; barrel-shaped body; relatively large lungs; narrow nostrils About Lystrosaurus About the size and weight of a smallish pig, Lystrosaurus was a classic example of a dicynodont (two dog toothed) therapsid- that is, one of the mammal-like reptiles of the late Permian and early Triassic periods that preceded the dinosaurs, lived alongside the archosaurs (the dinosaurs true ancestors), and eventually evolved into the earliest mammals of the Mesozoic Era. As therapsids go, though, Lystrosaurus was on the much less mammal-like end of the scale: its unlikely that this reptile possessed either fur or a warm-blooded metabolism, putting it in stark contrast to near contemporaries like Cynognathus and Thrinaxodon. The most impressive thing about Lystrosaurus is how widespread it was. The remains of this Triassic reptile have been unearthed in India, South Africa and even Antarctica (these three continents were once merged together into the giant continent of Pangea), and its fossils are so numerous that they account for a whopping 95 percent of the bones recovered at some fossil beds. No less an authority than the famous evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has called Lystrosaurus the Noah of the Permian/Triassic boundary, being one of the few creatures to survive this little-known global extinction event 250 million years ago that killed 95 percent of marine animals and 70 percent of terrestrial ones. Why was Lystrosaurus so successful when so many other genera went extinct? No one knows for sure, but there are a few theories. Perhaps the unusually large lungs of Lystrosaurus allowed it to cope with plunging oxygen levels at the Permian-Triassic boundary; perhaps Lystrosaurus was somehow spared thanks to its presumed semi-aquatic lifestyle (the same way crocodiles managed to survive the K/T Extinction tens of millions of years later); or perhaps Lystrosaurus was so plain vanilla and unspecialized compared to other therapsids (not to mention so petitely built) that it managed to endure environmental stresses that rendered its fellow reptiles kaput. (Refusing to subscribe to the second theory, some paleontologists believe that Lystrosaurus actually thrived in the hot, arid, oxygen-starved environments that prevailed during the first few million years of the Triassic period.) There are over 20 identified species of Lystrosaurus, four of them from the Karoo Basin in South Africa, the most productive source of Lystrosaurus fossils in the entire world. By the way, this unprepossessing reptile made a cameo appearance in the late 19th century Bone Wars: an amateur fossil-hunter described a skull to the American paleontologist Othniel C. Marsh, but when Marsh didnt express any interest, the skull was forwarded instead to his arch-rival Edward Drinker Cope, who coined the name Lystrosaurus. Oddly, a short time later, Marsh purchased the skull for his own collection, perhaps wishing to examine it more closely for any mistakes Cope may have made!