MOVE Philadelphia Bombing History and Fallout

MOVE Philadelphia Bombing History and Fallout On Monday, May 13, 1985, a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter dropped two bombs on a Philadelphia house where members of the MOVE black liberation organization lived. The resulting fire grew out of control, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including five children, and the destruction of 65 area homes. An independent investigation  of the event heaped criticism on the city’s administration and at least for a time earned Philadelphia an unwanted reputation as â€Å"the city that bombed itself.†Ã‚   Fast Facts: MOVE Bombing Description:  Philadelphia police bomb the home of the MOVE black liberation organization, killing 11 and destroying dozens of homes.Date:  May 13, 1985Location:  Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaKey Participants: John Africa (Vincent Leaphart), James J. Ramp, Wilson Goode, Gregore Sambor, Ramona Africa About MOVE and John Africa MOVE  is a Philadelphia-based black liberation group founded in 1972 by  John Africa, the assumed name of Vincent Leaphart. Not an acronym, the group’s name, MOVE, was chosen by John Africa to reflect the group’s true intentions. Living in a communal arrangement and often associated with the  Black Power  movement,  MOVE mixes the beliefs of  black nationalism,  Pan-Africanism, and  anarcho-primitivism  in advocating for the return to a  hunter-gatherer society  devoid of modern technology and medicine. Originally called the Christian Movement for Life, MOVE, as it did in 1972, identifies itself as being deeply religious and devoted to a belief in the independence and ethical treatment of all living creatures. â€Å"Everything thats alive moves. If it didnt, it would be stagnant, dead,† states MOVE’s founding charter, â€Å"The Guidelines,† created by John Africa. Like many of his contemporaries, the charismatic John Africa wore his hair in dreadlocks in keeping with the Caribbean  Rastafari  religion. In a show of loyalty to what they considered their true home, his followers also chose to change their last names to â€Å"Africa.† In 1978, most of MOVE’s members had moved into a row house in the predominately African-American Powelton Village area of West Philadelphia. It was here that the group’s numerous loud public demonstrations for racial justice and animal rights angered their neighbors and ultimately led to violent confrontations with Philadelphia police. The 1978 Shootout and the Move 9 In 1977, complaints from neighbors about MOVE’s lifestyle and bullhorn-amplified protests had led the police to obtain a court order requiring the group to vacate their Powelton Village compound. When informed of the order, MOVE members agreed to turn in their firearms and leave peacefully if their members arrested during the demonstrations were first released from jail. While the police complied with the demand, MOVE refused to vacate their house or give up their weapons. Nearly a year later, the standoff took a violent turn. On August 8, 1978, when police arrived at the MOVE compound to execute the court order, a shootout erupted during which Philadelphia Police Officer James J. Ramp was fatally shot in the back of his neck. MOVE denied responsibility for Officer Ramp’s death, claiming that although he was shot in the back of the neck he had been facing their house at the time. During the nearly hour-long standoff, five firefighters, seven police officers, three MOVE members, and three bystanders were also injured. Since known as the MOVE Nine, MOVE members Merle, Phil, Chuck, Michael, Debbie, Janet, Janine, Delbert, and Eddie Africa were convicted of third-degree murder in the death of Officer Ramp. Sentenced to up to 100 years in jail, they were all denied  parole  in 2008. MOVE Recovers and Relocates By 1981, MOVE had recovered from the 1978 shootout and relocated its growing membership into a house at 6221 Osage Avenue in Cobbs Creek, a predominantly African American middle-class subdivision in West Philadelphia. After turning the home into a virtually bulletproof fortress, MOVE began blasting profanity-laced messages and demands through bullhorns 24 hours a day. The group further disrupted the neighborhood by keeping a menagerie of animals- from dogs and cats to wild rats- around the house, leading to complaints about sanitation and health risks. Neighbors complained to police that they had been verbally and physically assaulted by MOVE members, and police reported that children living in the house were not allowed to attend school. The 1985 Bombing On May 13, 1985, Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode dispatched police to execute warrants for the arrest of all residents of the MOVE compound. Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode at a press conference to discuss the aftermath of the bomb. Getty Images/Leif Skoogfors When the police arrived, MOVE members refused to respond to their demands to enter the home or to allow the children to come outside. Despite the presence of children, Mayor Goode and Police Commissioner Gregore Sambor decided the situation warranted the use of â€Å"military-grade weapons† and extreme physical force as required. â€Å"Attention MOVE: This is America!† police warned over loudspeakers. After initial attacks with water barrages from fire hoses and tear gas explosions failed to drive MOVE members from the house, shooting broke out. At the height of the firefight, a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter flew over the house dropping two small â€Å"entry device† bombs made of FBI-supplied water gel explosive in an attempt to destroy MOVE’s rooftop bunker. Fed by gasoline stored in the house, a small fire caused by the bombs grew quickly. Rather than risk having firefighters caught in the ongoing crossfire, police officials decided to allow the fire to burn out. Instead of going out harmlessly, the fire spread throughout the neighborhood, destroying more than sixty homes and leaving at least 250 Philadelphians homeless. Along with the destruction of a residential neighborhood, the MOVE bombing resulted in the deaths of six adults- including MOVE founder John Africa- and five children inside the home. Ramona Africa and  13-year-old Birdie Africa  were the only two MOVE members to survive the incident.   Select Commission Finds City at Fault With most of the attack covered on live television, many people in Philadelphia and across the nation questioned the decisions made by Mayor Goode and police officials. On March 6, 1986, an independent  Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission  appointed by Goode issued a report finding that police had used â€Å"grossly negligent† tactics in committing an â€Å"unconscionable† act by â€Å"dropping a bomb on an occupied row house.† The report was highlighted by two telling findings: â€Å"The city administration discounted negotiation as a method of resolving the problem. Any attempted negotiations were haphazard and uncoordinated.† â€Å"The Mayors failure to call a halt to the operation on May 12, when he knew that children were in the house, was grossly negligent and clearly risked the lives of those children.† The commission further found that the police would have been unlikely to use similar tactics in a white neighborhood. Despite the commission’s request for a grand jury investigation, no prosecutions resulted and Mayor Goode was reelected in 1987. The Aftermath of the Bombing Ramona Africa, the only adult MOVE member to survive the bombing, was convicted of rioting and conspiracy and served seven years in prison. In 1996, a federal jury awarded Ramona Africa and the relatives of two people killed in the bombing a total of $1.5 million in damages in a civil suit judgment. The jury also found that Philadelphia officials had authorized the use of excessive force and had violated MOVE members’  4th Amendment  constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure. Ramona Africa (R), the lone adult survivor of the 1985 MOVE tragedy, hugs Denise Garner (L) during a commemorative march in 2005. Getty Images/William Thomas Cain The New York Times reported that the City of Philadelphia also paid over $27.3 million in legal fees and the cost of rebuilding the houses destroyed in the bombing. In addition, the MOVE group itself was paid $2.5 million to settle wrongful death suits brought on behalf of the five children who died. In 2016, Ramona Africa, who continues to serve as spokesperson for MOVE, tied the group to the  Black Lives Matter movement, asserting that cases of brutality in the police killings of black men throughout the U.S. are â€Å"happening today because it wasn’t stopped in ’85.† Sources â€Å"Who was John Africa?† The Philadelphia Inquirer. May 8, 2010â€Å"About MOVE – On a Move.† onamove.com.â€Å"Report of Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission.† University Libraries. Temple UniversityTrippett, Frank (1985-05-27). It Looks Just Like a War Zone. TIME MagazinePhiladelphia, city officials ordered to pay $1.5 million in MOVE case.† June 24, 1996. CNN.comâ€Å"Philadelphia Bombing Survivor Leaves Prison.† Archives. The New York Times

Quotes From the Famous Novel Catch-22

Quotes From the Famous Novel 'Catch-22' Catch-22  by Joseph Heller is a famous anti-war novel. Even if youve never read the book, youve likely heard about its premise. The title of the book refers to a situation where no matter what choice you make the outcome will be bad. The concept has been widely referred to in popular culture.   Here are a few quotes from the novel to refresh your memory, to give you a taste for this classic, or just for you to enjoy the language and lines of Joseph Hellers famous work. Catch-22 Quotes Chapter 2 An unreasonable belief that everybody around him was crazy, a homicidal impulse to machine-gun strangers, retrospective falsification, an unfounded suspicion that people hated him and were conspiring to kill him. Chapter 3 He had decided to live forever or die in the attempt, and his only mission each time he went up was to come down alive. Chapter 4 Youre inches away from death every time you go on a mission. How much older can you be at your age. Chapter 5 Fortunately, just when things were blackest, the war broke out. There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for ones own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Or would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didnt, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didnt have to, but if he didnt want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle. Thats some catch, that catch-22,  he observed. Its the best there is,  Doc Daneeka agreed. Chapter 6 Catch-22...says youve always got to do what your commanding officer tells you to. But Twenty-seventh Air Force says I can go home with forty missions. But they dont say you have to go home. And regulations do say you have to obey every order. Thats the catch. Even if the colonel were disobeying a Twenty-seventh Air Force order by making you fly more missions, youd still have to fly them, or youd be guilty of disobeying an order of his. And then the Twenty-seventh Air Force Headquarters would really jump on you.   Chapter 8   History did not demand Yossarians premature demise, justice could be satisfied without it, progress did not hinge upon it, victory did not depend on it. That men would die was a matter of necessity; which men would die, though, was a matter of circumstance, and Yossarian was willing to be the victim of anything but circumstance. But that was war. Just about all he could find in its favor was that it paid well and liberated children from the pernicious influence of their parents. Clevinger was a troublemaker and a wise guy. Lieutenant Scheisskopf knew that Clevinger might cause even more trouble if he wasnt watched. Yesterday it was the cadet officers; tomorrow it might be the world. Clevinger had a mind, and Lieutenant Scheisskopf had noticed that people with minds tended to get pretty smart at times. Such men were dangerous, and even the new cadet officers whom Clevinger had helped into office were eager to give damning testimony against him. The case against Clevinger was open and shut. The only thing missing was something to charge him with. Ill tell you what justice is. Justice is a knee in the gut from the floor on the chin at night sneaky with a knife brought up down on the magazine of a battleship sandbagged underhanded in the dark without a word of warning.   Chapter 9 Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.    With a little ingenuity and vision, he had made it all but impossible for anyone in the squadron to talk to him, which was just fine with everyone, he noticed, since no one wanted to talk to him anyway.   Chapter 10 Major Major never sees anyone in his office while hes in his office. Chapter 12 Open your eyes, Clevinger. It doesnt make a damned bit of difference who wins the war to someone whos dead. The enemy, retorted Yossarian with weighted precision, is anybody whos going to get you killed, no matter which side hes on, and that includes Colonel Cathcart. And dont you forget that, because the longer you remember it, the longer you might live.   Yossarian sidled up drunkenly to Colonel Korn at the officers club one night to kid with him about the new Lepage gun that the Germans had moved in. What Lepage gun? Colonel Korn inquired with curiosity. The new three hundred and forty four millimeter Lepage glue gun, Yossarian answered. It glues a whole formation of planes together in mid-air. Yossarians heart sank. Something was terribly wrong if everything was all right and they had no excuse for turning back. Chapter 13 You know, that might be the answer - to act boastfully about something we ought to be ashamed of. Thats a trick that never seems to fail.   Chapter 17 There was a much lower death rate inside the hospital than outside the hospital and a much healthier death rate. Few people died unnecessarily. People knew a lot more about dying inside the hospital and made a much neater, more orderly job of it. They couldnt dominate Death inside the hospital, but they certainly made her behave. They had taught her manners. They couldnt keep death out, but while she was in she had to act like a lady. People gave up the ghost with delicacy and taste inside the hospital. There was none of that crude, ugly ostentation about dying that was so common outside the hospital. They did not blow up in mid-air like Kraft or the dead man in Yossarians tent or freeze to death in the blazing summertime the way Snowden had frozen to death after spilling his secret to Yossarian in the back of the plane. Chapter 18 Dont tell me God works in mysterious ways, Yossarian continued, hurtling on over her objection. Theres nothing so mysterious about it. Hes not working at all. Hes playing. Or else Hes forgotten all about us. Thats the kind of God you people talk about - a country bumpkin, a clumsy, bungling, brainless, conceited, uncouth hayseed. Good God, how much reverence can you have for a Supreme Being who finds it necessary to include such phenomena as phlegm and tooth decay in His divine system of creation? What in the world was running through that warped, evil, scatological mind of His when He robbed old people of the power to control their bowel movements? Why in the world did He ever create pain?   Pain? Lieutenant Scheisskopfs wife pounced upon the word victoriously. Pain is a useful symptom. Pain is a warning to us of bodily dangers.   Chapter 20 He had failed miserably, had choked up once again in the face of opposition from a stronger personality. It was a familiar, ignominious experience, and his opinion of himself was low. Chapter 36 And looking very superior, he tossed down on the table a photostatic copy of a piece of V mail in which everything but the salutation Dear Mary had been blocked out and on which the censoring officer had written, I long for you tragically. R. O. Shipman, Chaplain, U.S. Army. Chapter 39 Morale was deteriorating and it was all Yossarians fault. The country was in peril; he was jeopardizing his traditional rights of freedom and independence by daring to exercise them. Chapter 42 Run away to Sweden, Yossarian. And Ill stay here and persevere. Yes. Ill persevere. Ill nag and badger Colonel Cathcart and Colonel Korn every time I see them. Im not afraid.

Explaining religious terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Explaining religious terrorism - Research Paper Example The number of terrorist organizations and individuals involved and those willing to be involved in it have been on the rise. Various studies and observations have shown that terrorism is highly linked to religion. This explains why religious terrorism is considered to be the leading aspect of terrorism (Burke 40). Particularly, Islam has been associated with terrorism to a greater extent compared to other religions. This can be attributed to the argument that many of terrorism groups are comprised of people who subscribe to the Islamic religion, as well as led by leaders who subscribe to Islamic doctrine. There is a perception which was inspired by terrorist leaders such as Osama bin Laden that the entire Muslim world is international terrorism victim (Combs 65). In the modern world, terrorism in the name of religion has become the political violence’s predominant model (Perry and Howard 18). While this is the case, it should be noted that there are other models for political violence including ideology and nationalism which remain as potent catalysts for political violence and extremist behaviors. Nonetheless, religious extremism is predominantly the main issue for the global community in respect to terrorism and political violence (Martin 130). It has increased in frequency, global reach, and scale of violence in the modern era. This situation is simultaneous with the decline in secular terrorism. The vigorous and new infusion of religious extremism and sectarian ideologies has challenged the old ideologies of anti-colonial liberation, secular nationalism, and class conflict that were the basis for political violence. Extremist support in the grassroots level for religious support has been the most widespread particularly among popu lations living in repressive societies that do not allow expression of dissent or demand for reforms (Stern 94). Religious terrorism can be defined as a form of

Business Strategic Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business Strategic Report - Essay Example So this is a platform which helps them in their exposure to the real world. The report is understanding the strategy of P4CK and also look into the external environment of the packaging industry. PESTLE is a memory helper which in its extended structure means P for Political, E for Economic, S for Social, T for Technological, L for Legal and E for Environmental. It gives a million of perspective of the entire environment from numerous diverse edges that one needs to check and keep a track of while pondering on a certain thought/plan (Oldroyd, 2004). All the parts of this procedure are pivotal for any industry a business may be in. More than simply understanding the business, this structure speaks to one of the vertebras of the spine of strategic management that characterizes what an organization ought to do, as well as records for an associations objectives and the methodologies stringed to them. It might be thus, that the significance of each of the variables may be diverse to various types of businesses, yet it is basic to any procedure an organization needs to create that they lead the PESTLE analysis as it structures a substantially more complete form of the SWOT analysis. The UK has a statutory maker obligation administration for packaging. This places a lawful commitment on organizations which make or use packaging to guarantee that an extension of the packaging they put available is recouped and reused. To help individuals and associations capitalize on chances to spare cash by decreasing waste, the government has distributed the Waste Prevention Program for England. The expense of keeping up labourers may be affected by the change in future pay rates as it builds consistently. The National Minimum Wage rises consistently, has gone up from  £5.93 in 2010 to  £6.50 presently. Worldwide packaging deals are anticipated to climb by 3% in 2013 and develop at a yearly rate of 4% to 201 Because of the peril issue the more

Malnutrition Disease Process Essay Example for Free

Malnutrition Disease Process Essay Causes: There is a wide variety of causes of malnutrition. An elderly person with dementia may forget to eat or to buy food. Poverty may cause a lack of food or lack of nutritious food. People in third world countries often do not have access to healthy foods. Other causes may be alcoholism, excessive dieting, throat or mouth cancer, decreased mobility, malabsorption, dialysis, fistulas, corticosteroid or oral antibiotic use, hypermetabolism, burns, trauma, or a lack of oral intake for 5-10 days for a variety of reasons. Incidence: Incidence of malnutrition in America is low, thought to be as low as 10% nationwide. Death from malnutrition in our country is extremely rare. Worldwide death from malnutrition among children under age 5 is thought to be as high as 50%. Prognosis: Prognosis is very good for patients with malnutrition in America. Most incidents are temporary and are a result of another condition. The malnutrition is very treatable with food, nutritional supplements such as Ensure, or parental feedings depending on the cause.

The Development of Childhood Throughout History Essay -- Sociology

Throughout the history of childhood development poor social and economic conditions contributed to the many hardships and poor treatment of children. During the early Middle Ages the "paternalist" family concept evolved and the father had authority and control over family matters including the welfare and safety of his wife and children. Discipline was severe, young children both poor and wealthy were subjected to strict rules and regulations and often beaten if disobedient. Children took on the responsibilities of adults at an early age, sharing in the work of siblings and parents. Girls from affluent families were educated at home and married in their teens. Some males were educated at a monastery and others became apprentices to experienced knights. Children who were considered retarded or suffering from disease were abandoned to churches or orphanages. Relationships between parent and child were distant, and younger male and female siblings were considered "economic and social l iabilities." (Siegel 10). Custom and practices such as primogeniture and dower subjected many children to endure suffering and cruel treatment. These customs and practices often caused family rivalry, sometimes led to tragedy and had a significant impact on the role of women and children. Under primogeniture the oldest surviving male inherited family lands and titles. Younger siblings who were not fortunate to receive lands were forced to enter religious orders, become soldiers or seek wealthy patrons. Under the Dower system, a woman's family gave money, land or other wealth in exchange for a potential husband. This system "forced women into the role of second class citizens dependent on their fathers and brothers." Wet nurses took care of newb... ...rs (mandatory sentences) and target hardening techniques (steering locks, unbreakable glass on storefronts). This approach is not consistent with the viewpoint guiding the juvenile court because this type of deterrence punishment interferes with "parens patriae" philosophy. Juveniles are treated more leniently than adults, which limit the power of the law to deter juvenile crime. (Siegel 96). REFERENCES Siegel, Larry J., Brandon C. Welsh and Joseph J. Senna. 2003. Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law. California: Thomson Wadsworth. Hyperdictionary, (http://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=status+offenders) Flowers, R. Barri. 2002. Kids Who Commit Adult Crimes Serious Criminality by Juvenile Offenders. New York: The Haworth Press.

Financial Ratios and Stock Return: Evidence on selected Plantation Companies in Malaysia Essay

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK (UNIMAS) SEMESTER 2 2012/2013 FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS (FEB) EBF 3183 FINANCE SEMINAR (Group ASSIGNMENT) Financial Ratios and Stock Return: Evidence on selected Plantation Companies in Malaysia NAME:VICTORIA AK JUTI 28578 VENOSHNI A/P MANOGARAN 28577 PHUA WEE WEE 27952 TEOH CHIEN NI 28513 LING LING26752 GROUP:1 PROGRAMME:FINANCE Financial Ratio and Stock Return: Evidence on selected Plantation Companies in Malaysia Abstract This paper is to investigate the predictive ability of several financial ratios for stock return in Malaysia specifically in plantation industry. 23 listed plantation companies were analysed for the period from 2008 to 2012. Four of the common financial ratios were take into consideration in this study. These financial ratios include dividend yield (DY), book to market ratio (B/M), earning per share (EPS), and firm size. Pool ordinary least squares regression (OLS) method is adopted to estimate the predictive regression. The descriptive statistics indicate that there is a negative relationship between the dependent variable and the two independent variables include B/M and EPS. In contrast, the firm size and DY is positive correlated with the stock return. In addition, the empirical results indicate that dividend yield is the best predictor on stock return in the context of Malaysia’s plantation sector. Section 1 Introduction Introduction Research on predicting stock returns using various variables such as inflation, accuracy of disclosure of public information, discount rates are widely discussed in past studies. Return is something that investor expects to receive on their original investment in the future. Alternatively, financial ratios have provided investors another method in predicting the stock return. Previously, financial ratios are used to evaluate performance of a company. So far, numerous studies on stock return and financial ratios have conducted based on different sectors over the countries. However, the research on plantation sector is limited. Therefore, our main focus of this research is to determine the connection between financial ratio and stock return in the Malaysia stock market especially in the plantation industry. The reason plantation sector is chosen as our focus in this research is due to the growing of global demand in plantation. Presently, plantation is one of the major contributors in the economy of Malaysia amongst the sectors. In Malaysia, oil palm industry is currently the second largest export revenue earner for Malaysia after the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. Meanwhile, Malaysia is also known as the world’s top exporter of palm oil which exported to several countries such as China, India, the European Union (EU) and Pakistan. Essentially, plantation sector is expected to rise in the future. In this study, we examine how the stock return can be predicted by using the financial ratio. 23 of plantation listing firms in Bursa Malaysia are selected as our research data. Meanwhile, the period we take into consideration is over the period from 2008 to 2012. The purpose of this research is to determine the predictability of financial ratio to the stock returns specifically in the plantation sector. By this research, we intend to provide an analysis of forecasting stock return using financial ratio. Financial ratios that commonly used to forecast the stock return are the dividend yield (DY), book to market ratio (B/M), and firm size. However, we extend the study by adding another financial ratio in predicting the stock return which is the earning per share. The empirical findings of this study indicate that financial ratios do have the predicting power on stock return in Malaysia’s plantation industry. Meanwhile, the results also show that firm size has the strongest forecasting power amongst the four variables. Therefore, we can conclude that our findings are somehow in line with past studies conducted by Fama and French (1988) which revealed that dividend yield was a good forecasting tool in predicting stock return in China, Canada and U.S stock market. The remainder of the paper is organized as follows. In section 2, we discussed the previous studies and provide a review of existing literature regarding on predictive ability of financial ratios for stock return. Data and methodology for constructing stock return predictors is discussed in the third section. Section four reveals the empirical findings and lastly followed by conclusion. Objective of study Main: To predict stock return using financial ratios General: To reveal more information regarding financial ratio acts as the predictor of stock return. To investigate how significant is the selected variables in forecasting the stock return. To determine which independent variables has greater predictive power. Significance of study Investing in stock market is risky. Therefore, a predicting tool is important for a wise investor to estimate the appropriate return of an investment. This research is significance in revealing the use of financial ratio as a forecasting tool of stock return. Previously, studies on the determinant of stock return are widely discussed by many of the researchers from all over the world. This study also tends to test whether our empirical results are parallel with previous research. Financial ratio is one of the most common tools that act as a financial analysis to compare the performance between companies or between industries. Currently, financial ratio analysis is not only can be used to evaluate the performance of company but also a predictor tool of the stock return. Financial ratio is computed through the items presented in financial statement of the company. For instance, financial ratio can be divided into several categories such as market debt ratio, liquidity ratio, profitability ratio, investment ratio and others. In addition, this study also acts as guidance and reference for further  research on similar topic. By referring this study, interested investor and researcher can apply different indicator, and other relevant factors to do further research. Theoretical Framework Section 2 Literature Review In this section is described the results of some of the most important researches which conducted in the context of financial ratios and the stock return. The financial ratios as empirical predictors of stock returns in the selected 23 plantations companies listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange during the period 2008 to 2012. For this research, we used stock price as a dependent variable while dividend yields, book market, earning per share and asset size as independent variables. Stock returns, dividend yield (DY), asset size, earning yield (EY) and book-to-market ratio (B/M) have a strong theoretical background based on the predictive models. Some of the studies such as Fama and French (1988), Stattman (1980), Kothari and Shanken (1997) has done research on predictive variables, including, dividend yield, book to market, earning per share and asset size forecast stock return. Hodrick (1992), Fama and French (1988) has been study that DY has the predictive power on stock returns, a s the relationship between DY and return are developed by the appealing patterns. Moreover, DY track variation in return and can predict future return in 36 international markets. To illustrate the predictive power of DY, they introduced an explosive new test to improve the predictive ability of financial ratios especially DY during 55 years. Therefore, DY is regarded as a good predictor of stock returns in China, Canada and U.S stock market. Consequently, the DY as a strong predictor can contribute to stock return predictability. Banze (1981) and Reinganum (1981) found out that relationship between sizes (market value) has a significant effect on stock return. Smaller companies have more return than bigger companies. It is because first, intentional or unintentional errors are less likely to happen because of installing strong internal controlling systems in big companies, consequently audits can rely more on the company internal controlling systems and decrease increasingly the amount of content test. Second, big companies can recruit more accountants with more expertise and  higher education, and more advanced informational systems. According to study done by Fama and French (1988), they presented a firm background for the relationship between market size and stock return. Fama and French using Running single and mul tiple tests, they found a positive relationship between markets size and stock return. In fact, they doubt on beta sensitivity in capital assets pricing model, and generally stock return. Stattman (1980) has done study on indicated the positive relationship between return and the book-to-market ratio (B/M). Considerable evidence they suggested that BM ratios are related to future returns, and denoted the predictive power of B/M ratio on stock returns caused by the relationship between book value and future earnings, and provided evidence that the B/M ratios predict negative expected returns and track variation in return. The results of recent survey confirmed previous results that the BM ratio is positively related to stock returns. According to Hakkio and Rush (1991) have study on the relationship between stock return and earnings per share. They found that the subdivision do not improve the test power. Besides, there exists a non-stationary problem for stock prices and EPS, the non-stationary may lead to the problem of spurious regression for previous studies. Auret and Sinclaire (2006) has been studied the relationship between the ratio of book value to market value (BTM) and stock return in the years 1990 to 2000 in the companies listed in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). In this study is used from the ratio of book value to market value (BTM), price to Earnings (P/E), dividend yield (DY), and firm size as independent and control variables. The results indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between the ratio of book value to market value and stock return. But there is no significant relationship between the ratio of price to earnings and stock returns. According to Kheradyar, Ibrahim and Mat (2011) has been study on investigated the role of financial ratios as empirical predictors of stock returns in the 100 companies listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange during the period 2000 to 2009. In their study is used from the variables of dividend yield (DY), earnings yield (EY) and Book-to-market ratio (BTM) as financial ratios to predict stock returns. To estimate the regression model used from panel data and generalized least squares (GLS) methods. Research findings indicate that there is a significant and positive relationship between financial ratios  and stock return of next year. Also, the results showed that the ratio of book value to market value is superior against dividend yield and earning s yield in explaining stock return of next year. Lau, Lee and Mclnish (2002) has been study on the relationship between stock returns and systematic risk with firm size, the ratio of book value to market value of equity, price to earnings ratio, the ratio of cash flow to price and sale growth in both Malaysia and Singapore. Their studied sample is 82 companies listed in the Singapore Stock Exchange and 163 companies listed in the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange during the period 1988-1996. Results for Singaporean companies are indicating that there is no significant relationship between the ratio of book value to market value (BTM) and earnings to price ratio (E/P) with stock returns. The results for Malaysian companies show that there is significant and positive relationship between the ratio of earnings to price (E/P) and stock returns. But the relationship between the ratio of book value to market value (BTM) and stock returns is not significant. Kothari and Shanken (1997) has been study on the relationship between the ratio of book value to market value and dividend yield with the expected market return. Results have shown that there is a significant and positive relationship between the ratio of book value to market value (BTM) and the dividend yield with market returns of future year. Also, the results indicate the superiority of book value to market value ratio against dividend yield in explaining future market returns. According to study done by Fama and French (1988), Hodrick (1992) and Stambaugh (1999) have shown that the variables of earnings to price ratio, the ratio of dividends to the price and short-term interest rates can better predict stock returns. As a conclusion, financial theories lay great emphasis on the role of risk in stock returns so the relationship between stock returns and financial ratios is because the ratios captured information about the risk. Therefore, these three financial ratios are supported by financial theoretical basis. Section 3 Data and Methodology Data Collection Methods The data collected are mainly from secondary data. The secondary data that used in this paper are included the closing price, dividend yield, book to market, earning per share and asset size of each plantation company from  year 2008 to 2012. These closing prices will be collected from yahoo finance but for the dividend yield, book to market, earning per share and asset size will be collected from data stream. Target Population The secondary data will be used in this paper to test whether dividend yield, book to market, earning per share and asset size forecast stock return or not. Therefore, the 23 stocks listed on Bursa Malaysia will be obtained. They are included: 1ï ¼Å½ UNITED MALACCA 2ï ¼Å½ NPC RESOURCES 3ï ¼Å½ KWANTAS 4ï ¼Å½ SARAWAK OIL PALMS 5ï ¼Å½ TH PLANTATIONS 6ï ¼Å½ TSH RESOURCES 7ï ¼Å½ CEPATWAWASAN GROU 8ï ¼Å½ CHIN TECK PLANTATIONS 9ï ¼Å½ KIM LOONG RESOURCES 10ï ¼Å½ FAR EAST HOLDINGS 11ï ¼Å½ KLUANG RUBBER 12ï ¼Å½ NEGRI SEMBILAN OIL PALMS 13ï ¼Å½ SUNGEI BAGAN RUBBER 14ï ¼Å½ UNICO-DESA PLANTATIONS 15ï ¼Å½ GOLDEN LAND 16ï ¼Å½ RIVERVIEW RUBBER ESTS. 17ï ¼Å½ UNITED PLANTATIONS 18ï ¼Å½ TRADEWINDS PLANTATION 19ï ¼Å½ MHC PLANTATIONS 20ï ¼Å½ IJM PLANTATIONS 21ï ¼Å½ HAP SENG PLTNS.HDG 22ï ¼Å½ CHIN TECK PLANTATIONS 23ï ¼Å½ GENTING PLANTATIONS Data Analysis The collected data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel and Eview. Microsoft Excel will be used to calculate the stock returns for each stock for a period of around 5 years which are the year from 2008 to 2012. Besides, pool ordinary least squares regression, descriptive statistic, correlation and Hausman test from Eview will be used to run the result of our research. Dependent variable a. Stock return The total stock return can be gain through the appreciation in the price plus any dividends paid and then divided by the original price of the stock. The dividends can include any of the income sources from a stock. Commonly, it is increase in value. Thus, the first portion of the numerator of the total stock return formula is looks at how much the value has increased (P1 – P0). Then, it needs to remind that the denominator of the formula which is use to calculate a stock’s total return is considered as the original price of the stock which is used due to being the original amount invested. Total stock return calculated as follow: Total stock return = where = Ending stock price (period 1) = Initial stock price D = Dividends Independent variable b. Dividend yield Usually, a financial ratio can be used to show how much a company pays out in dividends each year which is relative to its share price. Therefore, it can be said that the dividend yield is the return on investment for a stock in the absence of any capital gains. Dividend yield is calculated as follows: Dividend yield = Annual dividends per share / Price per share c. Book to market Sometimes, we also use a financial ratio to find the value of a company. It can be found by comparing the book value of a firm to its market value. Book  value can be calculated by looking at the firm’s historical cost or accounting value. On the other hand, market value is determined in the stock market through its market capitalization. Book value is calculated as follows: Book to market = Book value of firm / Market value of firm d. Earnings per share The earnings per share (EPS) can be defined as the portion of a company’s earnings, net of taxes and preferred stock dividends. Usually, all of them are allocated to each share of common stock. EPS is calculated as follows: EPS = Net earnings / Outstanding shares e. Asset size Asset size is defined as the total of the current assets and the non-current assets which is holding by a company. Asset size is calculated as follows: Asset size = total asset Pool OLS regression Stock return = + (dividend yield) + (book to market) + (earning per share) + (asset size) + Pool OLS is to measure whether there is positive or negative relationship between dependent variable (stock return) and independent variable (dividend yield, book to market, earning per share and asset size). R-squared is the total variation dependent Y is explained by the total variation of independent X. F-statistic is to test whether the overall goodness of fit is good or not. The significant level is set at 1%, 5% or 10%. Descriptive Statistic Descriptive statistic is to provide simple summarizes about the sample and the observation that have been made like mean and median. Correlation The correlation is called the correlation coefficient (or â€Å"r†). It ranges from -1.0 to +1.0. If r is close to 0, it means there is no relationship between the variables. If r is positive, it means that as one variable gets larger the other gets larger. If r is negative it means that as one gets larger, the other gets smaller (often called an â€Å"inverse† correlation). Hausman test Hausman test is usually applied to test for fixed versus random effects models. Ho: Cov (ÃŽ »i, xit) = 0 (Random Effect) H1: Cov (ÃŽ »i, xit) ≠  0 (Fixed Effect) If the p-value is lower than 0.01, we reject Ho. This indicated that the fixed effects model is preferred. If p-value greater than 0.01. We do not reject Ho. This means that the random effect is preferred. Random effect model is to utilize in meta-analysis. It is using both study sampling error and variances. The variations between studies are included in the assessment of the uncertainty or confidence interval of the results of a meta-analysis. In addition, random effects model is apply when there is no correlation between the regresses and the individual effects. On the other hand, fixed effect model stipulates the units under analysis such as people in a trial or study in a meta-analysis are the ones of interest. Thus, this model constitutes the entire population of units. The variation between the estimates of effect from each study name as heterogeneity. It does not affect the confidence interval. Besides, this model is applied when there is allow for arbitrary correlation between the regresses and the individual effects. Section 4 Data and Empirical Results Research Findings: Descriptive statistics Variables N Mean Maximum Minimum Standard Deviation Stock Return 115 0.069304 1.170000 -0.600000 0.308345 Dividend yield 115 3.356435 10.31000 0.370000 2.220661 Earnings per share 115 0.345304 1.800000 0.040000 0.300544 Book to market value 115 1.193478 2.950000 0.340000 0.542936 Firm Assets 115 13.64433 15.36144 12.01738 0.816106 From the table above, on average or the mean stock return level for firms is 0.07% with a maximum value of 1.17% from 2008 to 2012. As we can see, average dividend yield for the plantation firms in Malaysia is the highest which mean 3.36% return of plantation firms in Malaysia are generated by dividend yield. Looking for the earnings per share, it shows low earnings  per common share. On average Malaysian plantation firms only make earnings about 0.04% and the highest is 1.8%. This amount of earnings per share is very low compared to the dividend yield. Average book to market value is 1.19% with a maximum value of 2.95%. Firm asset is one of the most important bank specific variables that will affect stock return. Total assets value for Malaysian plantation firms ranges from 12.02% to 15.36%. The range is big and this may due to the sample firms having operated for different lengths of time. Correlation SR DY EPS LSIZE MVB SR 1.000000 DY 0.188256 1.000000 EPS -0.048140 0.084159 1.000000 LSIZE 0.055228 -0.150209 0.239308 1.000000 MVB -0.313238 -0.014558 0.383026 0.509393 1.000000 The stock returns for two variable that is earning per share and market to book value are moving in totally opposite direction linearly. These are because the correlation between stock return and earning per share and also the correlation between stock return and market to book value are negative relationships which are -0.05 and -0.3. On the other hand, the correlation between stock return and total asset and also the correlation between stock return and dividend yield are positively correlated which are 0.05 and 0.19. As a conclusion, based on the result above the dividend yield recorded the strongest correlated to stock return. Pooled Ordinary Least Square Dependent Variable: Stock Return Variables Coefficient Std.Error t-Statistic Probability C -1.424024 0.492529 -2.891247 0.0046 DY 0.031544 0.011973 2.634631 0.0096 EPS 0.044259 0.094578 0.467969 0.6407 LSIZE 0.125167 0.037734 3.317073 0.0012 MVB -0.281240 0.058763 -4.786012 0.0000 R-squared 0.214105 Adjusted R-squared 0.185527 F-statistic 7.491945 Prob(F-statistic) 0.000022 SR= -1.4240 + 0.0315 DY + 0.0443 EPS + 0.1252 LSIZE – 0.2812 MVB where SR = Stock Return DY = Dividend Yield EPS = Earnings Per Share LSIZE =Log Firm Size MVB = Book to Market Value The intercept value of -1.4240 means that if the all independent variable are zero, the stock returns will expected to be -1.4240. the R-squared is 0.2141 means that about 21.4% of the total variation dependent Y is explained by the total variation of independent X. the F-statistic is 0.000022 means that  this regression model is statistically significant at 5% level of significant. Therefore, the overall goodness of fit is good. From this regression, dividend yield and firm size showed positive relationship to stock return as shown by the positive coefficient. Both variables of p-value are significant at 1% of significant level. There is negative relationship between book to market value as shown by negative coefficients and the p-value is significant at 1% of significant level. The relationship between stock return and earning per share is negative and the p-value is not significant at 10% of significant level. Fixed effect model Dependent Variable: Stock return Variable Coefficient Std. Error t-Statistic Probability C -4.296162 2.324473 -1.848231 0.0679 DY 0.040577 0.020388 1.990207 0.0497 EPS -0.153195 0.222027 -0.689983 0.4920 LSIZE 0.361256 0.168448 2.144618 0.0347 MVB -0.542055 0.096166 -5.636630 0.0000 The table shows the dividend yield, earning per share, firm size and book to market value. The dividend yield, size and book to market value were found be significant, the p-value are 0.0497, 0.0347 and 0.0000 respectively which are significant at 5% of significant level. The earnings per share was found not be significant, since p-value is 0.4920 which is greater than 0.05. Thus, dividend yield, size and book to market value were impact on the stock return of Malaysian plantation sector. Random effect model Dependent Variable: Stock return Variable Coefficient Std. Error t-Statistic Probability C -1.424024 0.450854 -3.158502 0.0020 DY 0.031544 0.010960 2.878165 0.0048 EPS 0.044259 0.086575 0.511226 0.6102 LSIZE 0.125167 0.034541 3.623689 0.0004 MVB -0.281240 0.053791 -5.228410 0.0000 The table shows the dividend yield, earning per share, firm size and book to market value. The dividend yield, firm size and book to market value were found be significant, the p-value are 0.0048, 0.0004 and 0.0000 respectively which are significant at 5% of significant level. The earnings per share was found not be significant, since p-value is 0.6102 which is greater than 0.05. Hausman test Test Summary Chi-Sq. Statistic Chi-Sq. d.f. Prob. Cross-section random 35.021193 4 0.0000 Hausman test is used to test hypotheses in terms of bias or inconsistency of an estimator. For this specification test, H0 and H1 are: H0: Cov(ÃŽ » , x ) = 0 H1: Cov(ÃŽ » , x ) ≠  0 The result of Hausman Test illustrated the p-value is 0.0000 which is smaller than 0.01. Therefore, it is statistically significant at 1% of significant level. Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected and concludes that the fixed effect is preferred. Section 5 Summary and Conclusion The purpose of this study is to investigate the predictive ability of the selected financial ratios on stock return in Malaysia specifically in plantation sector over the period from 2008 to 2012. Among the financial ratios, three commonly used financial ratios are included which is the dividend yield, firm size, earning per share (EPS) and book to market ratio. As a result, this study has provided evidence that financial ratios played a significant role in predicting stock return. In addition, the empirical findings also revealed that dividend yield, book to market ratio and firm size have significant relationship on stock return of Malaysia plantation sector among the financial ratios. However, the research finding indicate that the dividend yield has the strongest forecasting ability on stock return and it is in line with the past studies by Fama and French (1988) who found out that there is a strong predictive power of dividend yield on stock return. In summary, this study might not applicable to other region or other industry. Nevertheless, it has provided better information regarding the forecasting power of financial ratio on stock return. Therefore, effort shall be made to explore for further research in order to improve on previous work. References: Abgineh, M. (2013). The Investigation of the Relation between Changes in Financial Ratios with Changes in Stock Returns on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Journal of Basic and Applied Scientific Research, 3(2), 473-479. Aono, K., & Iwaisako, T. (2010). Forecasting Japanese Stock Returns with Financial Ratios and Other Variables. Asia-Pacific Financial Markets, 18, 373–384. Auret. C.J., & Sinclaire R.A. (2006). Book-to-market ratio and returns on the JSE.Investment Analysts Journal, 19, 31-38. Banze, R. (1981). The relationship between return and market value of common stocks. Journal of Financial Economics , 9, 3-18. Emamgholipour, M., Pouraghajan, A., Yadollahzadeh, T., Haghparast, M., & Shirsavar, A. (2013). The Effects of Performance Evaluation Market Ratios on the Stock Return: Evidence from the Tehran Stock Exchange. International Research Journal of Applied and Basic Sciences, 4 (3), 696-703. Fama, E. F., & French, K. (1988). Dividend yields and expected stock return. Journal of Financial Economics, 22, 3-25. Hodrick, R. (1992). Dividend yields and expected stock returns: alternative procedures for inference and measurement. Review of Financial Studies, 5, 357-386. Hakkio, C. & Rush, M. (1991), Cointegration: how short is the long run?, Journal of International Money and Finance, 10, 571-581. Kheradyar, S., Ibrahim, I., & Mat, N. F. (2011). Stock Return Predictability with Financial Ratios. International Journal of Trade, Economics and Finance, 2 (5), 391-396. Kothari, S. P., & Shanken, J. (1997). Book-to-market, dividend yield, and expected market returns: a time series analysis. Journal of Financial Economics, 44, 169–203. Lau, S.T., Lee, T.C. & McInish, T. H. (2002).Stock Returns and Beta, Firms Size, E/P, CF/P, Book to Market, and Sales Growth: Evidence from Singapore and Malaysia. Journal of Multinational Financial Management, 12, 207-222. Lewellen, J. (2002). Predicting Returns with Financial Ratios. MIT Sloan School of Management. Working Paper 4374-02. Lewellen, J. (2004). Predicting Returns with Financial Ratios. Journal of Financial Economics, 74, 209–235. McManus, P.A. (2011). Introduction to regression models for panel data analysis. Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~wim/docs/10_7_2011_slides.pdf Reinganum, M.R. (1981). Misspecification of Capital Asset Pricing: Empirical Anomalies based on earning yield and market values. Journal of Financial Economics, 9(1), 19-46. SAS Institute Inc. (2013). The model produce. Hausman specification test. Retrieved from http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/etsug/63348/HTML/default/viewer.htm#etsug_model_sect050.htm. Stambaugh, R. (1999). Predictive regressions. Journal of Financial Economics 54, 375–421. Stattman D. (1980). Book values and stock returns. The Chicago MBA: A Journal of Selected Papers, 4:25-45.

Falconi removals business Essay

Falconi removals business I will choose for them location in my area Harehills road because is good busy place. Is good connection to big local stores as continental, electrical superstores. Falconi business is depending now much works them received from customers. I think Harehills area will give those lots local customers who moving the houses or being stuff from shop. Falconi can find unemployed people and give them job. Harrehills area is more cheap then for example city centre and they can safe more money from renting office or buy cheaper place for business in this area. The most important point to make Falconis business is not more removal company there. They will not have concurrency in business. Economies of scale- are the cost advantages that a firm obtains due to expansion. Diseconomies of scale are the opposite. Economies of scale may be utilized by any size firm expanding its scale of operation. The common ones are purchasing managerial, financial and marketing. Each of these factors reduces the long average cost (LRAC) of production by shifting the short-run average total cost curve down and to the right. The local labour force- The labor force is the number of people employed and unemployed. Participation rate is the ratio between the labor force and the overall size of their cohort. In the West during the latter half of the 20th century, the labor force participation rate increased significantly, largely due to the increasing number of women entering the workplace. Local employment levels- local unemployment rate may play a part in the decision where to locate. Uk currently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. However, unemployment is not evenly spread and some parts of the country have high levels of unemployment like Northern Ireland, parts of west Cornwell and the north-east of England. Wage and salary levels- for some firms wages account for a significant proportion of their total cost so a business may decide to locate in an area of relatively low wages, Wage in south-east of England tend to be higher then in south Wales. These areas tend also to be areas of above average unemployment as workers are keen to find work and are prepared to accept lower wages. Nearness to customers- There are a limit to how far customers will travel to buy fish and chips even if they are excellent quality. Fish and chip shops will need to be situated in area where plenty of local customers are. Debenhams will only consider locating a new store in an area of relatively high population. Nearness to suppliers- for some businesses near suppliers of key raw materials and components may be the main factory where to locate. Over the years a wide range of suppliers have grown up in area such as companies supplying electrical fittings and other important components. Up until 1979 the uk imported all of its crude oil. Historical reasons for location- In an area a business may be reluctant to reluctant to relocate, with all the expense and upheaval that this involves. During the 18th and 19th centuries a large number of pottery and earthenware business set up in the area because of the availability of suitable fireclay. Demographic change- Over the thirty years some parts of the country have experienced increases in population as people move into the area in search of work. These demographic changes will have a significant impact on local the business.

Free Essays on Ontological And Teleological Arguments

The Ontological Argument St. Anselm felt God exists so truly that we can’t even deceive that he doesn’t exist. He does not begin about the facts of the world but goes straight to the conclusion of his being. His reason is what we mean by God is that nothing greater can be conceived. Even the fool who says there is no God has an existence as an object of thought. But Anselm believed to exist as well in the mind is the greater then just being thought of, therefore, God must exist. It’s better to exist truly than just to be an idea in the mind, a concept, thought in someone’s mind. If the fool wants to say that God exists only in the figment of the mind he’s making God a being that can be greater than just thought. If nothing greater can be thought he must exist in reality as well as in the mind. God then really exists and the fool in denying this is guilty of failing to understand what he is talking about. This applies to the most excellent of all being and only to that. We h ave the working notion that the being that nothing greater can be thought. If we were to say that God is a being that nothing greater can be thought but he doesn’t exist that would be a contradiction. What this amounts to is that infinite being alone necessarily exists. It’s not enough to think of infinite being to see its necessary existence. The notion of God is sufficient to understand his existence. Descartes begins with the most perfect being. Descartes thought metaphysical perfection was the full actualization of a possible being rather than moral perfection. St Augustine said faith seeking understanding seizes the idea of God as a necessary deduction from the date of purà ©es. Descartes moves by means of clear and distinct idea from the indubitable reality of his own mind of the reflection of the fact that he doubts. He believed to doubt is to think, if there’s thinking going on then I am. I am therefore God is. God is therefore the world is.... Free Essays on Ontological And Teleological Arguments Free Essays on Ontological And Teleological Arguments The Ontological Argument St. Anselm felt God exists so truly that we can’t even deceive that he doesn’t exist. He does not begin about the facts of the world but goes straight to the conclusion of his being. His reason is what we mean by God is that nothing greater can be conceived. Even the fool who says there is no God has an existence as an object of thought. But Anselm believed to exist as well in the mind is the greater then just being thought of, therefore, God must exist. It’s better to exist truly than just to be an idea in the mind, a concept, thought in someone’s mind. If the fool wants to say that God exists only in the figment of the mind he’s making God a being that can be greater than just thought. If nothing greater can be thought he must exist in reality as well as in the mind. God then really exists and the fool in denying this is guilty of failing to understand what he is talking about. This applies to the most excellent of all being and only to that. We h ave the working notion that the being that nothing greater can be thought. If we were to say that God is a being that nothing greater can be thought but he doesn’t exist that would be a contradiction. What this amounts to is that infinite being alone necessarily exists. It’s not enough to think of infinite being to see its necessary existence. The notion of God is sufficient to understand his existence. Descartes begins with the most perfect being. Descartes thought metaphysical perfection was the full actualization of a possible being rather than moral perfection. St Augustine said faith seeking understanding seizes the idea of God as a necessary deduction from the date of purà ©es. Descartes moves by means of clear and distinct idea from the indubitable reality of his own mind of the reflection of the fact that he doubts. He believed to doubt is to think, if there’s thinking going on then I am. I am therefore God is. God is therefore the world is....

Rattlesnake Facts

Rattlesnake Facts Rattlesnakes (Crotalus or Sistrurus) are named for the rattle at the end of their tail, which makes a rattling sound as a warning to other animals. There are over thirty species of rattlesnakes that are indigenous to the Americas. While most of those species have healthy populations, some rattlesnakes are considered threatened or endangered due to factors like poaching and the destruction of their native habitats. Fast Facts: Rattlesnake Scientific Name: Crotalus or SistrurusCommon Name: RattlesnakeBasic Animal Group: ReptileSize: 1.5–8.5 feetWeight: 2–15 poundsLifespan: 10–25 yearsDiet: CarnivoreHabitat: Diverse habitats; most commonly open, rocky areas, but also native to deserts, prairies, and forestsConservation Status: Most species are Least Concern, but a few species are Endangered Description Rattlesnakes get their name from the distinctive rattle at the tip of their tail. When it vibrates, it produces a buzzing or rattling sound. Most rattlesnakes are light brown or gray, but there are some species that can be bright colors like pink or red. Adults are usually 1.5 to 8.5 feet, with most measuring under 7 feet. They can weigh from 2 to 15 pounds. Close-up of a rattlesnake tail.   Robert Young/EyeEm/Getty Images Rattlesnake fangs are connected to their venom ducts and are curved in shape. Their fangs are continuously produced, which means there are always new fangs growing in behind their existing fangs so that they can be used as soon as the old fangs are shed. Rattlesnakes have a heat sensing pit between each eye and nostril. This pit helps them to hunt their prey. They have a form of heat vision that helps them to locate their prey in dark conditions. Because rattlesnakes have a heat-sensitive pit organ, they are considered pit vipers. Habitat and Distribution Rattlesnakes are found throughout the Americas from Canada to Argentina. In the United States, they are quite common in the southwest. Their habitats are varied, as they can live in plains, deserts, and mountain habitats. More often than not, however, rattlesnakes reside in rocky environments, as rocks help them to find cover and food. Since they are reptiles and ectothermic, these areas also help them with temperature control; depending on the temperature, they bask in the sun on top of the rocks or cool down in the shade under the rocks. Some species enter a hibernation-like state during winter. Diet and Behavior Rattlesnakes are carnivores. They eat a variety of small prey like mice, rats, and other small rodents, as well as smaller species of birds. Rattlesnakes are stealthy hunters. They lie in wait for their prey, then strike with their venomous fangs to immobilize it. Once the prey is dead, the rattlesnake will swallow it head first. Due to the snakes digestion process, a rattlesnake will sometimes seek out a place to rest while its meal is being digested. Reproduction and Offspring In the United States, most rattlesnakes breed in June through August. Males have sex organs called hemipenes at the base of their tails. Hemipenes are retracted when not in use. Females have the ability to store sperm for long periods of time, so reproduction can occur well after mating season. The gestation period varies based on species, with some periods lasting for almost 6 months. Rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs are carried inside the mother but the young are born live. Offspring numbers vary based on species, but typically range from 5 to 20 young. Females usually only reproduce once every two to three years. Newborns have both functioning venom glands and fangs at birth. The young do not stay with their mother long and are off to fend for themselves shortly after being born.   Conservation Status Most species of rattlesnake are classified as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). However, most rattlesnake species are decreasing in population size, and a few species, such as the Santa Catalina Island rattlesnake (Crotalus catalinensis) are classified as critically endangered. Predation as well as human encroachment on habitats are the two most prevalent threats to rattlesnake populations. Species There are over 30 species of rattlesnakes. Common species are the eastern diamondback, timber rattlesnake, and the western diamondback rattlesnake. Timbers can be more passive than other species. Eastern diamondbacks have the distinctive diamond pattern that helps them to blend into their environment. The western diamondback is usually the longest of the rattlesnake species. Rattlesnake Bites and Humans Thousands of people are bitten by snakes in the United States each year. While rattlesnakes are usually passive, they will bite if provoked or startled. Snakes bites are rarely fatal when the proper medical care is sought. Common symptoms from a snake bite can include swelling at the bite site, pain, weakness, and sometimes nausea or excessive perspiration. Medical care should be sought immediately after a bite. Sources â€Å"11 North American Rattlesnakes.† Reptiles Magazine, www.reptilesmagazine.com/11-North-American-Rattlesnakes/.â€Å"Frequently Asked Questions About Venomous Snakes.† Venomous Snake FAQs, ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/venomous_snake_faqs.shtml.â€Å"The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.† IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, www.iucnredlist.org/species/64314/12764544.Wallach, Van. â€Å"Rattlesnake.† Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, Inc., 8 Oct. 2018, www.britannica.com/animal/rattlesnake.

Db5 diversity in the workplace Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Db5 diversity in the workplace - Research Paper Example It is also mean to increase the number of women in the employment sector. In my opinion, I believe affirmative action had fair intensions. This is because the programs were designed so as to provide individuals who are qualified with a fair and equal access to recruitment and opportunities. This is because the polices states that the people responsible in hiring and recruiting people should give fair and equal chances of evaluation regardless of the candidates gender, race or ethnic background. This makes sure that all people get opportunities equally (Tucker, 2000). It also increases social and economic diversity in the American educational system and workplace. Currently, the affirmative action has created a stronger educational and workplace diversity. This is because students of all races have been equally admitted into academic institutions. It has also made sure that women have increased in number in jobs that predominantly were occupied by males (Sadler, 1996). The program has ensured a rich diversity in colleges. There have been greater gains in the enrollment and graduations for women and people of colored skin at higher education institutions. Generally, I believe the affirmative action has had positive effects to the