Bribery and Corruption Police Corruption

The word corrupt when used as an adjective literally means â€Å"utterly broken†. The word was first used by Aristoteles and later by Cicero who added the terms bribe and abandonment of good habits. According to Morris, corruption is described as the illegitimate use of public power to benefit a private interest. Senior, however, defines corruption as an action to (a) secretly provide (b) a good or a service to a third party (c) so that he or she can influence certain actions which (d) benefit the corrupt, a third party, or both (e) in which the corrupt agent has authority. Scales of corruptionCorruption can occur on different scales. There is corruption that occurs as small favours between a small number of people (petty corruption), corruption that affects the government on a large scale (grand corruption), and corruption that is so prevalent that it is part of the every day structure of society, including corruption as one of the symptoms of organized crime (systemic corrup tion). Petty corruption occurs at a smaller scale and within established social frameworks and governing norms. Examples include the exchange of small improper gifts or use of personal connections to obtain favors.This form of corruption is particularly common in developing countries and where public servants are significantly underpaid. Grand corruption is defined as corruption occurring at the highest levels of government in a way that requires significant subversion of the political, legal and economic systems. Such corruption is commonly found in countries with authoritarian or dictatorial governments but also in those without adequate policing of corruption.The government system in many countries is divided into the legislative, executive and judiciary branches in an attempt to provide independent services that are less prone to corruption due to their independence. Systemic corruption (or endemic corruption)[5] is corruption which is primarily due to the weaknesses of an organ ization or process. It can be contrasted with individual officials or agents who act corruptly within the system. Factors which encourage systemic corruption include conflicting incentives, discretionary powers; monopolistic powers; lack of transparency; low pay; and a culture of impunity.Specific acts  of corruption include â€Å"bribery, extortion, and embezzlement† in a system where â€Å"corruption becomes the rule rather than the exception.† Scholars distinguish between centralized and decentralized systemic corruption, depending on which level of state or government corruption takes place; in countries such as the Post-Soviet states both types occur.Corruption in different sectorsCorruption can occur in different sectors, whether they be public or private industry or even NGOs.Government/Public SectorPublic sector corruption is one of the more insidious forms of corruption; a corrupt governing body can lead to widespread effects in the rest of society. Recent r esearch by the World Bank suggests that who makes policy decisions (elected officials or bureaucrats) can be critical in determining the level of corruption because of the incentives different policy-makers faceLegislative System (Political)Main article: Political corruptionA political cartoon from Harper's Weekly, January 26, 1878, depicting U.S. Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz investigating the Indian Bureau at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The original caption for the cartoon is: â€Å"THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR INVESTIGATING THE INDIAN BUREAU. GIVE HIM HIS DUE, AND GIVE THEM THEIR DUES.† Political corruption is the abuse of public power, office, or resources by elected government officials for personal gain, e.g. by extortion, soliciting or offering bribes[10] It can also take the form of office holders maintaining themselves in office by purchasing votes by enacting laws which use taxpayers' money.Executive System (Police)Main article: Police corruptionPo lice corruption is a specific form of police misconduct designed to obtain financial benefits, other personal gain, and/or career advancement for a police officer or officers in exchange for not pursuing, or selectively pursuing, an investigation or arrest. One common form of police corruption is soliciting and/or accepting bribes in exchange for not reporting  organized drug or prostitution rings or other illegal activities.Another example is police officers flouting the police code of conduct in order to secure convictions of suspects — for example, through the use of falsified evidence. More rarely, police officers may deliberately and systematically participate in organized crime themselves. In most major cities, there are internal affairs sections to investigate suspected police corruption or misconduct. Similar entities include the British Independent Police Complaints Commission.Judiciary SystemJudicial Corruption refers to corruption related misconduct of judges, th rough receiving or giving bribes, improper sentencing of convicted criminals, bias in the hearing and judgement of arguments and other such misconduct. Governmental corruption of judiciary is broadly known in many transitional and developing countries because the budget is almost completely controlled by the executive. The latter undermines the separation of powers, as it creates a critical financial dependence of the judiciary. The proper national wealth distribution including the government spending on the judiciary is subject of the constitutional economics. It is important to distinguish between the two methods of corruption of the judiciary: the government (through budget planning and various privileges), and the private.CorporateMain article: Corporate crimeAs corporations and business entities grow larger, sometimes with a monetary turnover many times that of small countries, the threat of corruption in the business world, within the organization, in dealings with other organ isations and in dealings with the government is a looming and growing threat.UnionsLabor racketeering is the domination, manipulation, and control of a labor movement in order to affect related businesses and industries. It can lead to the denial of workers’ rights and inflicts an economic loss on the workers, business, industry, insurer, or consumer. The historical involvement of La Cosa Nostra in labor racketeering has been thoroughly documented: More than one-third of the 58 members arrested in 1957 at the  Apalachin conference in New York listed their employment as â€Å"labor† or â€Å"labor-management relations.†Three major U.S. Senate investigations have documented La Cosa Nostra’s involvement in labor racketeering. One of these, the McClellan Committee, in the late-1950s, found systemic racketeering in both the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union. In 1986, the President†™s Council on Organized Crime reported that five major unions—including the Teamsters and the Laborers International Union of North America—were dominated by organized crime. In the early 1980s, former Gambino Family Boss Paul Castellano was overheard saying, â€Å"Our job is to run the unions.†Labor unions provide a rich source for organized criminal groups to exploit: their pension, welfare, and health funds. There are approximately 75,000 union locals in the U.S., and many of them maintain their own benefit funds. In the mid-1980s, the Teamsters controlled more than 1,000 funds with total assets of more than $9 billion. The FBI currently has several investigative techniques to root out labor law violations: electronic surveillance, undercover operations, confidential sources, and victim interviews.They also have numerous criminal and civil statutes to use at their disposal, primarily through the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Statute. Citation needed The Teamsters are the best example of how efficiently the civil RICO process can be used. For decades, the Teamsters has been substantially controlled by La Cosa Nostra. In recent years, four of eight Teamster presidents were indicted, yet the union continued to be controlled by organized crime elements. The government has been fairly successful at removing the extensive criminal influence from this 1.4 million-member union by using the civil process.

International Financial Integration. Is it worth it

We are witnessing the transformation of meld-20th century managerial capitalism Into global financial capitalism†. This Is what Martin Wolf expressed In an article written for the Financial Times In June 18, 2007. Even after the global economic crawls that followed the next years and from which the world Is still recovering, this statement Is of great relevance.Actually, this crawls Is a good example of how Integrated the world's financial markets have become: a financial crisis that started In some developed countries practically spread throughout the whole world. As Wolf himself hinted in his book Fixing Global Finance, it is obvious why financial crises bounce back from one country to another (2008, p. 25).First, markets are connected globally, both for commodities and financial instruments; second, an unexpected weakness in one country is seen by investors as a weakness for apparently similar countries; third, when governments fail to respond to financial crises as expected , trust in their willingness to act elsewhere will be lost; fourth, a high perception of risk in one market may spread to others; and fifth, the rationing of reedit to risk borrowers can turn a slight instability into a crisis (Wolf, 2008, p. 5). Likewise, Jeffrey Freddie adds that current regulations and technology allow money to travel around borders almost instantly, giving rise to short-term international transactions (Freddie, 1991, p. 428). With such vulnerabilities, to what extent is international financial integration (capital mobility) worth it? To answer this question, this paper will try to explain how and why capital mobility alters economic policymaking by governments as well as the tradeoffs such policies entail.By doing so, it will show the extent to which capital mobility takes policy autonomy away from governments and Indicates how It can affect certain countries more than others. To do so, first the concept of the open economy trillium will be illustrated. Followed policymaking and its interaction with exchange-rate stability and macro-economic independence and the influence this has in different countries.The Unholy Trinity Also known as the open economy trillium or the Mendel-Fleming Model in reminiscence to the economists that first set forth the concept, it indicates that overspent must choose between two of three goals: capital mobility (CM), exchange-rate stability, or monetary independence (Freddie, 2008, p. 347). Giving up CM implies placing capital controls that ultimately close world markets to a country. This is what the Latin American nations practiced from the sass's until the sass's with their import-substitution industrialization (IS') policy (Freddie, 2007, p. 10-312). On the contrary, in a financially integrated world as today, the trade-off is between exchanger stability and domestic monetary policy autonomy. If the latter is referred, the exchanger will have to be allowed to fluctuate. For example, if a government wants to encourage investment and increase consumption, policymakers will pursue low interest rates. Hence, many investors will want to move their investments to another country that offers higher interest rates.When the capital leaves the country, demand for the local currency will 2 decrease and it will end up depreciating; there is no exchange-rate stability (Walter, 2013, p. 22). Conversely, if policymakers prefer exchange-rate stability, they need to subject monetary policy solely to this goal. To neutralize depreciation or appreciation, interest rates still have to be lowered or increased, but they cannot be used for domestic objectives such as encouraging investment or promoting a rise in consumption (Walter, 2013, p. 22).With this model in mind, I now pass to explain how and why CM alters autonomous economic policymaking by governments, first by indicating its influence and then by explaining its interaction with the other two goals of the economy trillium. Influence of CM in nationa l economic policymaking worth asking: what are the benefits of CM that make it incontestable in today's world? Benefits of CM For one part, CM allows countries to borrow from the rest of the world in order to improve their ability to produce goods and services (Newly, 1999, p. 1 5).In doing so, goods and services from other parts of the world compete in local markets. This creates a more competitive environment, driving down profits and forcing companies to seek finance from outside (Wolf, 2008, p. 22). Due to the increased competitiveness, a global financial system can benefit the quality of domestic regulation: there will be pressure for better accounting 3 standards and an improved legal and financial system (Wolf, 2008, p. 3). In this sense, it will encourage companies to lobby for a more efficient, flexible and accessible financial system (Wolf, 2008, p. 3). Linked to competition, such financial systems can encourage governments to re- think' their policies (avoid requesting to o much taxes or allowing too much inflation, for example) and prevent capital outflows (Wolf, 2008, p. 23). Also, CM allows risk diversification and technology transfer (Wolf, 2008, p. 23). Furthermore, in many developing countries the economy is not big enough for its citizen's savings to finance world-level institutions. This is an important argument for allowing the presence of foreign banks (Wolf, 2008, p. 23).For example, between 1960 and 1980 South Korea annually requested funds from international sources equivalent to 4. 3% of its GAP to finance its strong economic growth (Newly, 1999, p. In addition, capital flows allow countries to avoid large drawbacks in consumption from economic crises by selling assets to and/or borrowing from outside sources (Newly, 1999, p. 1 5). It was precisely through foreign lending that Mexico and Argentina were able to overcome their 1995 crisis (Grumman, 2008 p. 51). All in all, capital flows can be beneficial for a nation.However, this type of global integration is likely to generate crisis if pursued with a low level of economic development (Wolf, 2008, p. 24). Citizens in developed countries may have enough savings within the national financial system to allow their governments to leverage enough investment and growth. However, developing countries will most likely depend on capital inflows for this and even more urgently when an economic imbalance occurs. Hence, many countries in the past have used capital controls to limit the harmful effects (Grumman, 2008, p. 107).Pinpointing on this last issue, what leads a country to prefer a fixed exchange-rate and monetary autonomy over CM? In short, the control of capital flows helps a country have economic stability (Newly, 1999, p. 21). As investors have limited information about the true value of the assets they hold in the country, they tend to infer from the actions of others, creating a herding behavior, where asset price variations cause further changes in the same dire ction, leading to a boom-bust cycle and macro-economic instability, hence Justifying capital controls (Wolf, 2008, p. 25).There are different ways this is sought by today's governments. Control of CM First, capital controls may be used to discourage capital outflows in the event of a crisis, allowing the central bank (CB) to have invulnerability with domestic monetary policy. This is how Malaysia responded to its 1998 crisis (Newly, 1999, p. 19). -. Second, economic stability can be achieved by preventing destabilize outflows in the first place, in other words, changing the composition of capital inflows (Newly, 1999, p. 21). Through capital inflow controls, the government helps prevent future and sudden outflows by investors.This is what Chile practiced in the sass's. By scrounging capital inflows, Chile was able to limit the number of volatile capital that could have left the country on short notice (Newly, 1999, p. 21). 5 Likewise, at present the International Monetary Fund (MIFF ) is recommending capital flow management measures after exhausting interest-rate adjustment and if implemented alongside foreign exchange-rate reserves accumulation and macro- prudential financial regulation (Gallagher, 2012). As mentioned above, the aim of CM controls is macro-economic stability.I will now further explain the reasons why CM causes economic instability in the first place. There are two reasons: either they are the result of irresponsible behavior in the markets or of bad policies by local authorities (Change, 1999, p. 7). The former reason has to do with human attitudes: while in economic boom, there is excess of greed; in recession, there is excess of fear (Wolf, 2008, p. 21). This leads, as explained above, to the panic and herding effect. Market that make it inherently risky – adverse selection, moral hazards, and asymmetric information (Wolf, 2008, 19).The unfortunate intervention of a government (wrong or bad fiscal and/or monetary policies) often makes them even sees safe, as is the case of poor fiscal discipline added to a lack of monetary discipline (Wolf, 2008, 22). Likewise, mistakes in exchange-rate policy can greatly affect the financial market as will be described in the next section. Both of these reasons affect the other two goals of the unholy trinity: exchange-rate stability and monetary independence. We will be able to see this by explaining the interactions of CM with these two other goals.Interaction of CM with exchange-rate stability and macro-economic independence 6 To provide a sense of how CM interacts with exchange-rate and macro-economic lollygagging, different scenarios are analyzed: fixed vs. fluctuated exchange-rate and the efficacy of monetary and fiscal policies. First, the efficacy of fiscal policy in a country with a fixed exchange-rate and CM will be considered. Supposing that a government seeks to stimulate national income, it will pursue an increase in aggregate demand by increasing government spendi ng and/or reducing taxes.Consequently, interest rates will go up and an inflow of capital from abroad will arrive. This capital inflow would lead to an excess supply of foreign currency. Therefore, as the exchange rate is pegged, the country CB would have to ay that excess supply with national currency, thus stimulating the national income even more. Although this might seem ideal, the ultimate consequence is a detriment of the country international competitiveness: exports would become more expensive to the world and imports cheaper for the locals (Greece, 2003, p. 87).Accordingly, international investors would lose confidence in the government's capacity to sustain a current account deficit brought by the capital inflow, as well as probable price inflation due to the fiscal expansion , and move their money somewhere else (Greece, 2003, p. 7). Now with a capital outflow, the CB would seek to raise interest rates, which leads to a decrease in investment and consumption, thus reducin g aggregate demand and counteracting the national income stimuli (Greece, 2003, p. 87). From a monetary policy perspective, the prospect is not positive either.If the economy wants to be stimulated, the CB would have to reduce interest rates which currency would exceed its demand, and in order to maintain its peg the country CB would have to buy the excess with 7 its foreign exchange reserves. The national currency reduction circulating in the economy and the consequent increase in interest rates and decrease of income and consumption would end up cutting the national income stimuli also (Greece, 2003, p. Now, considering a flexible exchange-rate and, again, supposing a fiscal policy intended to boost national income and hence a rise in interest rates, the country would expect capital inflows.Therefore, there is an increase in demand for the national currency, which would appreciate in value, causing imports to be less expensive in the local market and exports more expensive abroad. Accordingly, the country would lose in international competitiveness and the probable reduction of sports (because they are now more expensive for the world) would decrease national income (Greece, 2003, p. 88). On the other hand, regarding monetary policy with a flexible exchange-rate, some political scientists consider that it has strengthened as the world has become more integrated (Greece, 2003, p. 89).When a government's goal is an increase in national income, the natural response is to lower interest rates. This would provoke a capital outflow from the country, which in turn brings depreciation of its currency and hence a competitive edge in the international market. This effect would increase aggregate emend and national income even more (Greece, 2003, p. 89). However, policy preferences of economic interest groups differ within a country (Freddie, 1991 , p. 432 and Walter, 2008, p. 406). Therefore, those who depend on imports, for example, will prefer a stronger local curre ncy (Freddie, 1991, p. 45). This is, for example, Thailand experience with its 1997 economic crisis (Walter, 2008, p. 422). Thailand economy was, and still is, export-oriented. However, in 1997 the majority of its exporters produced industrial goods that needed imported inputs. Therefore, the depreciation ad no real competitive effect (Walter, 2008, p. 422). 8 Developing countries and CM As economic and financial markets in developed countries provide more stability to investors, as seen with the above interactions developing countries are more externalities on recipient countries (Gallagher, 2012).In this sense, regulating CM is an optimal tool to address market failures and enhance growth, not worsen it (Gallagher, 2012). Conclusion International financial integration alters national economic policymaking. This can be understood by first looking at the Mendel-Fleming Model and the influence and interaction of CM with exchange-rate stability and macro-economic independence. In toda y's world, CM has priority over the two other goals. However, there are certain traits that can lead a country into an imbalance or even a deep crisis, especially for developing countries.Hence, the level of openness to CM must be studied against the economic development of the country and its financial health. Countries are the custodians of national economic stability and well-being.

Kayte Clark (case) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Kayte Clark ( ) - Case Study Example To successfully bring a case of discrimination against her employer under ADEA, there are certain things that Kayte Clarke must prove. In the case of Palasota v Haggar Clothing Co., 342 F.3d 569 (5th Cir. 2003), the Court outlined what the plaintiff must prove to show that indeed there was discrimination that is actionable under ADEA. Citing the earlier case of Bodenheimer v PPG Indus., Inc., 5 F.3d 955, 957 (5th Cir. 1993), the Court enumerated the following: the plaintiff was discharged; he was qualified for the position; he belongs to the protected class at the time of the termination; the employer did any of the following to him (a) replaced him with another who is not within the protected class, or (b) replaced him with a younger person, or (c) simply discharged on account of his age. Applying the aforesaid in Kayte’s case, she must provide proof that she is 40 years old or above at the time of her termination and therefore within the protected class under s. 631(a) of th e 29 USC Chapter 14 (or ADEA), proof of her termination and her qualifications to the position and the fact that she was discharged on account of her age. Moreover, ADEA requires that the employer must have at least 20 employees to bring the case within its ambit under s. 630(b). An act of employment discrimination may be proved either directly or indirectly. Indirect proof is conducted using the â€Å"pretext† method prescribed in the case of McDonnell Douglas Corp. v Green, 411 US 792 (1973). In that case, which involves discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Court held that prima facie evidence from which it can be inferred that there was discrimination may be offered in lieu of direct proof. The employer is then given an opportunity to rebut it with contrary evidence, to which the plaintiff must counter-prove as a mere â€Å"pretext,† because the real reason was actually discrimination-based. On the other hand, if Kayte is to bring a suit under the ADA, she must prove the threshold requirements of the law, which are: she has a disability within the ADA context; she is a qualified individual under ADA, and; she has suffered an adverse employment action because of such disability (Huber 267). Section 12102(1) of Title 42 of the USC (known as ADA) defines disability as: physical or mental impairment significant enough to interfere with major life activities; is recorded, and; seen or regarded by others as such. Legal blindness is defined by the American Medical Association as an eye condition in which a person can see details only at a distance of 20 feet or less using the best conventional correction as opposed to the normal 200 feet vision reach of persons with 20/20 vision or can detect objects only at a field of 20 ° degrees or less (Corn & Koenig 6). In the case of Sutton v United Airlines 527 US 471 (1999), the Court ruled that a person who is legally blind, but whose vision impairment is correctable, is not disabled under the ADA. Under the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the mitigating factor established in Sutton and similar cases was specifically rejected under s. b(2) thereof, but not the use of eyeglasses or contacts that â€Å"correct visual acuity or eliminate refractive error† which is now incorporated as s 12102(4)(E)(ii) and (iii)(I) of ADA. The implication of this is that Kayte may not qualify if her vision impairment is correctable by eyeglasses or contacts, but may qualify if instead of eyeglasses and contacts, the impairment is cor

Boardman Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Boardman Management - Case Study Example The word processing software should be effective for future strategic growth of the company and its development. The main will cover: service provision, planning, inventory and customer relations. This initial section of the management audit examines the major parts of the service function and its relation to other functional areas. The opening section is related not only to planning and service delivery, but also to inventory and purchasing. Similarly, it can be related to the sale and distribution of service4. Overall, this beginning overview section is an integral part of the materials- and information-flow evaluation (Phillips 2002). The second step is to inform Smith Systems Consulting about current software nad its applications. The evaluation of the IT group starts with examining the competency of its management. Important questions relating to long-range plans are set forth for evaluation, followed by analogous questions on short- to medium-range plans. Ultimately, these short- to longrange planning questions evaluate the caliber of the IT planning group and their ability to undertake their assigned tasks. Is it flexible enough to meet changing conditions as well as ensure efficient and economical operations Building upon these subsections, the adequacy of leadership by the IT group is assessed. Specifically, questions are asked to determine if IT planning management provides the necessary leadership to achieve desired organizational goals. Complementary to the leadership subsection is the capacity of the group to communicate important information to departments for economy and efficiency in ongoing operatio ns. The third step is one of the most important. The Baderman Island resort should explain its strategic goals and aims, and vision of future. This step is important because it will help Smith Systems Consulting to understand the gap between current word processing software and future needs of the company. The main focus of the next subsection is on the effectiveness of the IT for meeting organizational goals. For the most part, questions are asked that relate to the capabilities of the service facilities to provide efficient and economical service provision. Going beyond the organization structure, leadership, or lack thereof, in the management function is analyzed in the next subsection. Questions relating to the degree of teamwork between service management and its subordinates are asked. Overall, leadership of service delivery supervisors focuses on the economy and efficiency of operations within the various service work centers. Translating the long-range plans into a shorter time f rame, typical questions are raised concerning the adequacy or short- to medium-range inventory plans to meet the requirements of the web-based marketing as well as the need for protection against inventory stockouts. In addition, there are questions evaluating the compatibility of the inventory structure with short to long-range plans. Complementary to this subsection is one on communication, whose purpose is to determine if proper information is forwarded to management for keeping service under control. In the final subsection, the degree of control over service delivery is examined. If an out-of-control condition exists, appropriate management action can be undertaken so as to restore the service delivery situation to normal (Phillips 2002). The next step is to evaluate budget

Observing .... ( write observing whom it depends who you are Essay

Observing .... ( write observing whom it depends who you are interviewing ) - Essay Example Introduction Over the weekend, I decided to attend a musical event hosted the Samba Reggae School of Michigan. The event was held on November 17, 2013 along the famous Grand Haven beach of Lake Michigan. It was organized by the Samba Reggae School in collaboration with local fans. It was a daytime event taking place between 12pm to 7pm in the evening. Since I had no opportunity of purchasing advanced tickets, I decided to get rush tickets at the beach, which were retailing at a price of $11.50. This event was a Samba Reggae concert meant for ceremonial and entertainment purposes. The guest artist was Luis Vieira, one of the most popular Samba Reggae artists in South America. The ceremonial event started with a rehearsal by a local percussion team followed by dances and major performance by the guest artist. The entire program for the concert was available at the gate free of charge. Samba Reggae Music At this juncture, we will evaluate integral aspects of Samba Reggae music as used w ithin the context of Brazilian traditional practices. First, it is worth acknowledging the fact that Samba Reggae derives its roots from a combination of Brazilian Samba genre and the Jamaican Reggae music (Pessanha and McGowan 23). A proportional blend between these two distinct genres gave birth to Samba Reggae, a music characterized by moderate tempo instrumentals with frequency ranging from 90-120 beats per minute. Samba Reggae is known for its close association with Carnival ceremony in Brazil, which involves dancers parading through residential villages while dressed in artifacts representing society’s values. It was originally an African ceremony brought into South America by slaves from West Africa. Currently, Samba Reggae is one of the most popular musical genres in Brazil and other Southern nations like Colombia. Personal Experience on the Event Prior to attending the music concert, I was not thoroughly conversant with events taking place in a Samba Reggae concert. I was used to seeing street dancers in television dressed in colorful attire and making magnificent patterns in their dancing formations. Therefore, this concert was my perfect opportunity to experience a Brazilian ceremonial event marked by musical performances. Chronological happenings in the beach were initiated by entrance by the two hosts carrying Samba Reggae flags followed by a short rehearsal performance by two local Samba bands. After the rehearsal, the drum session started preparing for the eagerly awaited Samba parade. The colorful parade which featured approximately 100 dancers of both genders lasted for about 2 hours. Finally, the guest artist, Luis Vieira, was invited to give his 1-hour energetic performance featuring top ten of his best tunes. After experiencing a Samba Reggae concert in person, I developed a high-spirited attitude towards involvement in such colorful events. In the past, I was used to experience Samba Reggae music in recorded videos or audio versions . However, attending an actual concert inspired me to start learning detailed concepts about Brazilian traditional ceremonies, especially the role of music in those ceremonies. In conventional context, I used to lose interest after listening to tunes from this genre for a consecutive 20 minutes. However, the concert was not only fun but also thrilling. Watching real people performing dancing moves

Ethical Climate Survey Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethical Climate Survey - Assignment Example Specifically, the issue facing the organization was related to how it paid teenage employees and serving dangerously unhealthy fast foods to people. It is clear that these actions were unethical because the organization was exploiting the ablest employees who are the teenagers and at the same time, serving products that would potentially harm the customer’s health by becoming obese, which can cause heart disease and ultimately death. Some steps were taken by the admin to eliminate the same and currently, the organization wants to have the employees’ views on the progress so that they can possibly come up with additional strategies based on the outcomes. The establishment of a corporate culture is crucial to the success of the overall organization and requires certain steps to accomplish and realize the anticipated results. The culture defines the behaviors exhibited by the employees in the subject organization. The first step incorporates understanding what is important to the employees so as to incorporate that in the culture to be established. Specifically, the leader should take responsibility in determining what motivates the employees and this step relies heavily on communication where the employees hold a conversation with the leader. Here, the two parties outline what is expected of each other. While the leader communicates the goals, the employees communicate how they would like to benefit from the business and with the business. The second step involves taking action while taking the interests of the employees into consideration. After developing the culture, it is then defined to the involved parties who are then involved in the third step of contributing and providing ideas. This should be considered so as to make them feel responsible for its creation.  

Aristotle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Aristotle - Essay Example The Apology that Plato gives may be witnessed as a continuation of Phaedo because here, he defends himself with regard to the charges of him corrupting the young people with his philosophy and not believing in the gods of the Greek cities. This paper provides an insight into these dialogues and their meanings. In Crito, Socrates has been viewed as a very calm individual despite waiting in a prison cell for his own execution. Socrates states that it is only fitting that he be calm in the face of death however; Crito arrives to help him escape and tells him that it would be unjust if Socrates simply gave his life up to his enemies’ hands. He talks about moral appeals to which Socrates replies by saying that he is a man who is guided by reason and rationality and is not scared about facing death. When it comes to the question of justice, he replies by saying that it would be unjust to carry on with the plan of the escapade and if it is not good to do injustice to people then it is not good to do injustice to injustice as well, like an eye for an eye. The Apology is a piece of art which is a charge against Socrates for both not believing in the Gods and questioning their abilities instead, as well as corrupting the youth with his morals and ethics. He defends himself in the presence of Delphi, the Oracle and he dialogue includes the cross examination that he has with Meletus. The dialogue has been divided into three parts with the first as the introduction of the charges, the second as the verdict and the final part depicting the sentencing that Socrates faces. However, the Apology is simply an account of philosophy and is not true in nature. Phaedo on the other hand is the last dialogue that Socrates states Socrates’ argument regarding the soul’s lasting appearance is based only on the probability of the soul’s continued existence after the death of the body, as per the comment and objection made by Cebes. He says that since Cebes

Understanding the business of fashion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Understanding the business of fashion - Essay Example Understanding the business of fashion Heading into 2012, retaliating industries will face a greater challenge. Many retailers are using the concept of Internet retailing to increase purchasing power. For most of human history, clothes were handmade, often by the woman of the household, or by female servants. Those who could afford nice material and expensive designs typically indulged those desires; however, most individuals did not put much consideration into their wardrobe. The emergence of a middle class in Europe and the United States made it possible for people to take more of an interest in how they presented themselves in clothes, and patterns of popular clothes were introduced for people to copy. With the industrial revolution, it became possible for clothes to be mass?produced, but there was still a desire among many individuals to have clothes that were considered fashionable and even unique in an era when mass production was increasingly the norm. Today, with advanced technologies, manufacturers are able to of fer mass customization in fashion. Haute couture, which continues to be regulated in France, often sets the design guidelines for a particular season. Major couture houses, including Christian Lacroix, use their haute couture not only for its own sake, but also to promote ready-to-wear designs, as well. In addition, many major design houses today sell multiple brands and also multiple product lines, so that a haute couture show may also be a showcase for perfume and accessories. (Waddell 21). Competitors of Haute Culture include major retailers like the Gap, which sells clothes worldwide, and Avicsar, CatWalk Enterprises, and First Impressions. All of these companies are European based and First Impressions is situated in London. All of these companies are showing the same trends—a decrease in sales relevant to the decrease in economic status. Therefore, heading into 2012, all companies are going to need to consider new ways of selling, and the Internet could certainly open up many avenues for them. Out of the companies listed above, Gap is currently most prevalent on the Internet, and this may be the reason they are performing better than the other companies, although economic issues have hurt them. The fashion industry is a global industry (Movius n.p.). Textiles may be produced in a country such as Thailand and transported to a low-cost labor market such as China to manufacture designs that were created in Europe or the United States for sale in r etailers around the world. This globalization works to keep costs low on the manufacturing side, which increases the normal profit. However, not all of the companies listed above work in this global context, Gap again being the only one listed that does. The use of outsourcing may be a consideration for these other companies in order to increase sales. At the same time, the various fashion collections and their shows can increase demand for a particular designer's goods. As designers become better-known, customers may be willing to pay more in order to have the distinction of owning a piece by that particular designer. In this way, the price of high fashion can be driven up not by value-added, but by customer valuation of a particular brand. While some might argue that this does, indeed, constitute value-added from a marketing standpoint in the sense that branding adds value, others would suggest that this is an artificial component that does not have intrinsic economic

New York and Caribbean Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

New York and Caribbean - Essay Example lationship between the Europeans and the Amerindian people was affected due to the policies that were put in place by the Europeans who also became the rulers in the region. The Europeans were quite aggressive and they changed the way of life of the people in North America. The paper is thus a reflection of the European settlement in the Caribbean and North America. The non indigenous communities including the Europeans settled in the region due to various reasons. One of the reasons for settling in the area was to spread Christianity. Christopher Columbus was a Christian of the catholic faith and he thought that it was his duty as a good Christian to spread the Christian religion (Cantwell & diZerega Wall, 2003). This led to the settlement of the missionaries in the region. The authorities in Spain were also for the idea of spreading the catholic faith and they sent missionaries who settled in the region. The missionaries from Spain were accompanied by the soldiers who were sent by the authorities. This led to the colonization of the indigenous people as the settlers stated forming the administrative units. The indigenous people were also forced to abandon their religious and cultural practices. The Europeans also intended to establish trade routes along the coastal region and hence leading to the settlement. T his is considering that the Euro peans at the time were mainly involved in trading activities. The coast areas were import for the trade as there were good habours a long the coastal area. The presence of the good habours indicated that the area was good for carrying out the trading activities. The economy of the region at the time was not good as the indigenous people were not actively engaged in economic activities. The explorers were able to come up with the conclusion that the region was not developed economically as compared to the other parts of Europe. Developing the region economically was therefore considered important as it would have

The Companies Ordinance Essay Example for Free

The Companies Ordinance Essay II. REGISTERED OFFICE: The registered office of the company will be situated be situated in the province of Sindh III. OBJECT CLAUSE: The objects for which the Company is established are: 1. To manufacture, treat, produce, process, prepare, pack, bottle, can import, export, buy, Sell, market, distribute or otherwise deal in any or all types of foods including without limitation all kinds of raw, processed and prepared food and food products including without limitation dairy products, meat, fish, vegetables, poultry, fruit and fruit Juices, powders and syrups; 2. To advertise all or any of the business and goods of the Company in any way that may be thought advisable; 3. To open and operate accounts, overdraft cash, credit and loan accounts and to keep fixed and other deposits with banks, firms, corporations and institutions, loan offices and other concerns; 4. To do all or any of the above things in any part of the world either as principals, agents, Contractors or otherwise and either alone or in conjunction with others, but not to act as a managing agent 5. To expend money in experimenting on and testing and improving or seeking to improve any patents, rights, invention, discoveries, processes or information of the Company or which the Company may acquire or propose to acquire; IV. LIABILITY CLAUSE: The liability of the members is limited V. AUTHORIZED CAPITAL: The authorized share capital of the Company is Rs. 8,500,000,000 (Rupees Eight Billion Five Hundred Million) divided into 850,000,000 (Eight Hundred Fifty Million) ordinary shares of the nominal value of Rs.10.00 (Rupees ten) each with the rights, privileges, and conditions attached. Here to as are provided for the time being, with power to increase and reduce the capital of the Company and to divide the shares in the capital for the time being, into several classes.

Causes of the Lebanese Civil War

Causes of the Lebanese Civil War The Middle Eastern region has always been a symbol of regional instability; much like a leaky propane tank in an area prone to wild fires, just one spark in the wrong place can create an inferno. The subject of this investigation is to determine the primary causes for the Lebanese Civil War, why the fighting persisted for the better part of two decades, and how it finally ended. Using books written at the time of the war from scholarly sources and examining the firsthand accounts of individuals affected by the war, we will be able to at least draw some conclusions of how and why history unfolded the way it has. For fifteen years (1975-1990), Lebanon was embroiled in a vicious civil war that ultimately resulted in de facto Syrian military control over the small Middle Eastern state and left thousands of people dead—many non-combatant civilians. Most civil wars are fought between two religious or political factions, but the belligerents included the Lebanese Front, Syria, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), Israel, and the Lebanese National Movement (LNM), though it can be argued that this was a battle of control between the region’s Muslim and Christian populations though the scope of interests involved would make it far more significant. Thus, it would not be entirely accurate to refer to this conflict as a ‘civil war’, but an ideological struggle of an entire region fought on a very small piece of land. According to David C. Gordon in his book Lebanon, the Fragmented Nation, ‘It has been a war between haves and have-nots, Christians and Muslims, Lebanese nationalists and non-Lebanese Palestinians, as well as a war between rival Arab states and ideologies on Lebanese soil, and part of the confrontation between Israel, the Arabs, and more.’[1] Summary of Evidence: A Timeline Lebanon obtains her independence in 1946.[2] The state of Israel is formed in 1948. Palestinian refugees are driven from Israeli territory to neighbouring countries. Lebanon attempts to absorb more than half a million Palestinian refugees, not really welcoming them into the society. Stability is compromised during the 1960s and power shifts several times ultimately leading to civil war in 1958.[3] During the 1960s and 1970s, the PLO violates Lebanese sovereignty to attack Israel. Lebanese society is polarized as the Muslim minority feels powerless and allies itself with more powerful Muslim forces such as the PLO and the Syrians.[4] Christian majority allies themselves with the nationalist forces. Open warfare breaks out in 1975 and becomes a microcosm for the rest of the conflict in the Middle East.[5] An Evaluation of Sources Itamar Rabinovich’s The War for Lebanon 1970-1985 was a source of basic information. It identified the various factions and their objectives and provided a summary of the major events in the war and the tensions leading up to it. A valuable source for someone that needs to familiarise themselves with the general situation, though it does not adopt a particular perspective. This would be a good place to start when beginning research. In Syria and Iran by Anoushiravan Ehteshami and Raymond A. Hinnebusch, the subject of discussion focused on the growing hegemony of Syria and Iran as an opposition to Israel’s growth in the Middle East. At first glance, the subject matter had very little to do with the Lebanese Civil War, however, the books sixth chapter introduces the theory that the war in Lebanon was critical to the interests of many factions in the region rather than being a simple resolution of sovereignty and government representation. ‘The struggle for Lebanon is most usefully understood, not as part of a civilizational conflict between Islam and the West, but as a conflict of national interests: if Israel could control Lebanon, it could smash Syrian and Palestinian resistance to its hegemony. Syria and Iran sought to make Lebanon, respectively, a buffer and a front in the struggle with Israel.’[6] This book was critical to understanding how a delicate situation was pushed into civil unrest by external forces. In this case, Iran and Syria were threatened by an Israel backed by the superpower that was the United States of America and much of the Shi’a Muslims in the region became more energized to resist that influence. Of special interest was the alliance of the Lebanese Shi’a Muslims with Syria and Iran, and their ultimate success. ‘The USA and Israel withdrew from Lebanon. Syria and Amal had forged an alliance in opposition to the USA, the Phalanges and Israel which would prove remarkably enduring.’[7] In contrast Lebanon, the Fragmented Nation by David Gordon was indispensable to understanding the internal issues that precipitated the war, focusing on the diverse nature of Lebanon and its inability to decide whether to become a part of a ‘greater’ Syrian society or remain the Arab World’s link to the West. When asked, the Christian and Muslim population offered radically different visions of the society that Lebanon should become.[8] This may suggest that religious diversity is not possible, especially when the religions involved tend to be expansionist and the practitioners themselves extremist, albeit co-existence is possible in a society where the diverse groups were moderate and non-expansionist (i.e. believe that everyone should abide by the mores of their particular group). While the first source couched the war in terms of Islam vs. Christianity and Zionism, this source explored the fundamental division between Christians and Muslims in Lebanese society, which could never lead to a lasting peace. The personal account provides a most important perspective for this investigation: the individual soldier or civilian whose life was impacted by the hostilities. Scholarly historical books and documents offer a bird’s eye view of the social and political forces that led to this outcome, however, it does not capture the personal element of how the individual is pushed into fighting for a particular cause. According to Lebanese writer Fawaz Gerges, the Civil War was a grand struggle ‘for the soul and future of the Muslim and Arab world.’[9] This is not an exaggerated statement given that the causes for the war and the parties involved originated beyond Lebanon’s borders, but the writer of this story wanted to express how the interference of the West and the extremism of the Christian soldiers began to inflame the passions of young jihadists. This source was chosen for its historical relevance because the jihadist movement is more powerful than ever in the twe nty-first century and Lebanon is considered more an ally of the Muslims than a Christian state even as it retains a sizeable Christian population. Although this does not show the origin of the war per se, this book highlights the origin of Muslim extremism and how a climate embroiled in religious strife can polarise the most moderate reasonable people. Analysis From the sources that were gathered for this study, it is clear that the seeds of the conflict were sown in 1948 when the Jewish state of Israel was formed. With its alliance with the Western world and a new religious influence in the area, it challenged the existing balance of power in the Middle East. As we know, the Palestinians already inhabiting the territory ceded to Israel were strongly opposed and began to attack the newly formed nation because there was a resentment against having to give up land that was theirs to begin with, and that they had done nothing wrong to merit its loss. When the Israelis won and expanded their borders, many Palestinians were forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. When Jordan expelled many of the Palestinian refugees for reasons of national security, the refugees (along with PLO forces) began to migrate into Lebanon in greater numbers. Political asylum seekers that could not have easily assimilated into Lebanese culture were absorbed int o the population resulting from Israel’s treaty with Lebanon. ‘One result of Israel’s creation was that Lebanon became host to many of the some 700,000 Arab Palestinian refugees. Most of the Diaspora was Muslim, and so in this predominantly Christian state, it was inconceivable that they should be given citizenship and assimilated. To do so would have been to undermine the statistically based legitimacy of the Establishment to continue to rule. Muslims of course took full note of the fact that when thousands of Christian Armenians had poured into Lebanon after the First World War they had been quickly provided with the rights of citizenship.’[10] Lebanon had only been independent of France for two years and a nation is most vulnerable in the first years of formation as the stronger factions seek to overcome the minority groups and the new order overturns outdated power structures, and attempted coups by ambitious power brokers were rather common.[11] With the influx of Palestinian refugees, the balance of power began to shift. The Lebanese government was created to empower both Christians and Muslims. The President of Lebanon must be a Maronite Christian and the Prime Minister must be a Muslim. However, the balance of power strongly favoured Christians. When Muslims began agitating for more influence because they believed they were in the majority, a mini-civil war was fought in 1958, which claimed 4,000 lives leaving the region even more fraught with religious tension. The rise of religious extremism in general and Muslim fundamentalism in particular characterised the 1970s social and political climate, and many hard line members of the Abrahamic religions believed that their sect should be in control of the Holy Land, with the city of Jerusalem at its centre. While this in and of itself was not enough to spark the war in Lebanon per se, Palestine’s insistence on using its adopted country as a staging ground for an attack on Israel polarised the Lebanese people into two camps. The Muslim faction supported Palestine’s military efforts while the Christians were strongly opposed, and many Christians commonly support the Jewish claim to the city of Jerusalem. Considering Lebanon’s religiously and politically diverse population, it is not difficult to imagine that obtaining a consensus on foreign relations would be extremely difficult. This was especially true once the United States and Europe were intervening on behalf of the newly formed Jewish state that most of the Arab nations in the region wished to destroy. Tensions between the Lebanese and Palestinians escalated as the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) sought to fight Israel from Lebanese territory, which suggests that the root of this conflict was the seizure of Palestinian lands when Israel was founded in 1948. ‘It was not the Lebanese that started the violence; rather, Israel’s dispossession of the Palestinians was the root of the Lebanese civil war and the civil war was greatly exacerbated by the 1982 Israeli invasion which was supported by the USA in order to smash the PLO and the Islamic movement and reinforce Israel.’[12] Conclusion After Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982, the Shi’a Islamic group Hezbollah was created as a political group that provides social services to the Shiites living in Lebanon, however, it is considered a terrorist organisation in the West. The Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolution in Iran inspired and influenced the development of radical and powerful Islamic political groups in Lebanon, and eventually the small nation had become an enemy of Israel and the West. The Lebanese Civil War was a historically significant event because it led to a revival of Islam centred on Jihad. The growing influence of the West in the Middle East caused moderate Arab Muslims to turn to religious extremism, which is evident in the acts of terrorism taking place in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America. Would the war have taken place had the United Nations never introduced the state of Israel into the region? It is rather unlikely, as the Palestinians would have remained in their homeland and many speculate that there would not be a radical Muslim movement except at the fringes of society, much in the same way that hard line Christian sects are on the fringes of European society. However, it is usually quite difficult to predict what would happen on an alternate timeline because who would have known that the assassination of two aristocrats in Austria-Hungary would have led to one of the worst wars of all time? Bibliography Ehteshami, A Hinnebusch, R A (1997) Syria and Iran: Middle powers in a penetrated regional system Routledge, London Gerges, F A (2006) Journey of the Jihadist: Inside Muslim Militancy Harcourt Trade, Orlando, Florida USA Gordon, D C (1980) Lebanon, the Fragmented Nation Croom Helm Ltd, London Rabinovich, I (1985) The War for Lebanon, 1970-1985 Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York USA 1 Footnotes [1] D C Gordon (1980) p. 234 [2] Gordon (ibid.) p. 49 [3] Rabinovich (1985) p. 42 [4] A Ehteshami R A Himmebusch (1997) p. 116 [5] Gerges, F A (2006) p. 61 [6] Ehteshami Hinnebusch (ibid.) p. 116 [7] Ehteshami Hinnebusch (ibid.) p. 122 [8] Gordon (ibid.) p. 145 [9] Gerges (ibid.) p. 61 [10] Gordon (ibid.) p. 49 [11] Gordon (ibid.) p. 50 [12] Ehteshami Hinnebusch (ibid.) p. 127

Her Passion for Learning :: College Admissions Essays

Her Passion for Learning It took me eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. She' s the kind of person who has thoughtful discussions about which artist she would most want to have her portrait painted by (Sargent), the kind of mother who always has time for her four children, and the kind of community leader who has a seat on the board of every major project to assist Washington' s impoverished citizens. Growing up with such a strong role model, I developed many of her enthusiasms. I not only came to love the excitement of learning simply for the sake of knowing something new, but I also came to understand the idea of giving back to the community in exchange for a new sense of life, love, and spirit. My mother' s enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel. I was nine years old when my family visited Greece. Every night for three weeks before the trip, my older brother Peter and I sat with my mother on her bed reading Greek myths and taking notes on the Greek Gods. Despite the fact that we were traveling with fourteen-month-old twins, we managed to be at each ruin when the site opened at sunrise. I vividly remember standing in an empty ampitheatre pretending to be an ancient tragedian, picking out my favorite sculpture in the Acropolis museum, and inserting our family into modified tales of the battle at Troy. Eight years and half a dozen passport stamps later I have come to value what I have learned on these journeys about global history, politics and culture, as well as my family and myself. While I treasure the various worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house. As a ten year old, I often accompanied my mother to (name deleted), a local soup kitchen and children' s center. While she attended meetings, I helped with the Summer Program by chasing children around the building and performing magic tricks. Having finally perfected the " floating paintbrush" trick, I began work as a full time volunteer with the five and six year old children last June. It is here that I met Jane Doe, an exceptionally strong girl with a vigor that is contagious.

Criminological Theories Essay -- Legal Issues, Crime

Many of the traditional criminological theories focused more on biological, psychological and sociological explanations of crime rather than on the cost and benefits of crime. More conservative approaches, including routine actives, lifestyle exposure and opportunity theories have clearly incorporated crime rate patterns as a fundamental part of analyzing the economics of crime. Crime statistics are important for the simple reason that they help put theories into a logical perspective. For example, a prospective home owner may want to look at crime rates in areas of potential occupancy. On a more complex level, it helps law enforcement and legislators create effective crime reduction programs. Furthermore, it also helps these agencies determine if crime prevention programs, that have been in effect, have been successful. There are many factors that influence the rates of crime including socio economic status, geographical location, culture and other lifestyle factors. More specifical ly, Messner and Blau (1987) used routine activities theory to test the relationship between the indicators of leisure activities and the rate of serious crimes. They discussed two types of leisure actives, the first being a household pastime, which primarily focused on television watching. The second type was a non-household leisure event which was consisted of attendance to sporting events, cinemas, and entertainment districts. The focus of this paper will be to study the effects that substantial amounts of leisure activities have on the offender and the victim. Leisure activities not only make a crime more opportunistic for offenders, it may also provide offenders with motivation to engage in criminal activity. On the other hand, it may also be argue... ... such as walking in well lit areas, abstaining from areas know as â€Å"hot spots†, and letting someone know your whereabouts, are suggested. Also, these individuals should be aware of the risks that come with certain types of activities. In conjunction to awareness, individuals should be involved in family leisure activities so that their idle hands do not become the devils workshop. Parents provide the primary foundation in the children’s socialization; if this process is not effective or neglected the result could be detrimental. It may lead children to transition into adulthood without the fundamental skills that prevent the development of a criminal disposition. Now that routine activities theory has created a clear understanding of the economics of crime, let’s focus our research on which parenting methods could prevent criminality or crime before if ever develops.

Plans for College and the Future :: College Admissions Essays

Plans for College and the Future What will I do for the rest of my life? Every person asks this question at some stage of their life, usually during their later teenage years. As a high school junior, I am now asking myself this question. After considerable thought, I have devised a tentative plan for my future. I realize that some of these plans and goals may change over time, but with a plan, the first steps of the journey can begin. To prepare me for the journey, I have taken very challenging high school curriculum, such as Honors and Advanced Placement courses. These classes will not only assist in my admission to college, but have also helped me to develop strong study skills and time management. While attending college, it is my ultimate goal to become a doctor, either a podiatrist, radiologist, or plastic surgeon. I intend to earn my undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, majoring in chemistry. Then, I plan to attend medical school at the University of Florida, as well. After completing a residency in my specialty, I would like to begin a medical practice somewhere in central Florida. Very important to my life after completing my education is having a family. It is my dream to become happily married and have children. Family has always been a great part of my life, and I wish to be a loving husband and parent. I am also looking forward to raising my children in the Catholic faith. As an adult, I have numerous personal goals. Most importantly, I would like to own a home. Also, I would like to pursue my interests of water-sports by owning a boat and my long love of cars by owning a sports car. Other personal interests that will affect my years after college are my love for the outdoors and the thrill of traveling to many new places throughout the world. As an educated professional in my community, I would like to make a contribution to society and my community. My background in hours of community service has prepared me for this and shown me its value.

Psy/265 Sexuality at Different Life Stages Essay

There are changes in every stage of life including sexual changes that follow us as we grow older. With the following scenario’s that talk about the different points of our awareness and stages of sexual relationships, I will suggest from a counselors perspective ways to help each person in the settings presented. The first case is Anna, an adolescent girl, is very much in love with her boyfriend who is three years older than she. He is putting a lot of pressure on her to have sex. At the same time, she is anxious about her parents’ attitude towards her boyfriend. Her mother constantly warns her about dating an older boy and assumes that he intends to take advantage of her. The first thing I would go about is setting a relaxed and comfortable exchange to allow Anna to express her own opinions, in doing so I would simply ask her what she feels about having sex with her boyfriend, not how her parents feel, not how her boyfriend feels, but how does she feel about it. I would then ask her is she was prepared to have sex, has she discussed with her boyfriend what precautions they would take, and what they would be prepared to do if something happened and she became pregnant. Some of the questions would be directed towards her once I could visually observe her, I would ask her if she was feeling peer pressure to have sex, or if her boyfriend was pressuring her to have sex. I would also explain that sometimes it is okay to say no to sex and just because her friends say they have or are encouraging her to have sex does not necessarily mean it is the right decision for her. I would also enter into a discussion of what sex means to her, and bring about the questions to see if she feels if she does not have sex with him she would perhaps loose him. I would recommend to her that she see a gynecologist or her family doctor to further explore all the birth control options and make sure she understands that even though it is a shared responsibility with her and her boyfriend, she should make sure she is practicing safe sex. For me I would also mention that her mother is concerned, because Anna is her daughter. I would ask her if she had any questions for me, and then assure her that what ever we discuss is between us and she can feel free to come to talk with me at anytime. I would also tell her to take all the time she needed to come to her decision, and make it because it is what is right for her. I am a realist, and all we can do is provide the kids with good information and hope that we have given them enough of it for them to make a decision that is right and safe for them. Tom and Susan are an elderly couple. Tom has been retired for several years, and Susan is more recently retired. She has shown a renewed interest in sexual activity. Tom has not reciprocated Susan’s interest as he is anxious about his sexual ability at this age. I feel it would be best to first address some issues with Tom and see if he felt there was a possible physical reason that perhaps he had not brought up prior to this. Several factors may play a role in sexual inactivity including declining activity, physical problems, boredom, and attitudes about sex among older people. If he was having physical issues I would suggest to him that perhaps he should see his physician about some of the things that may help in this area. Many men have problems with erections due to stress and other factors, and when you can get to the cause of it, there is often help for it. I would discuss with them about Susan’s recent retirement and see if that change has triggered her to have some extra energy and less stress from not having a regular scheduled job. I would suggest that they try date night, or think about activities or things that used to make them feel more romantic, and suggest that they try to stop thinking about it and just let it naturally occur. Go out and do things that make you both happy, couple things, individual things, get to know each other again because in a sense that is what they are doing, getting to know each other again. I would encourage them to communicate and talk about things, not turn the television on or the phone on when they go to bed, and discuss their needs openly with each other and figure out what will meet both of their needs. Bill has been paralyzed from the waist down since he was a child. He is involved in a romantic relationship and wishes to be intimate with his partner but is unsure how to express his interest. Bill becomes very nervous and uncomfortable when talking about this subject Sex and the ability to have sex with a partner and have a long term intimate relationship is desired as much by people with a disability as it is with most people. The amount of physical sexual function and ability to feel pleasure or pain sensation is often the first thing they think of, raising fear and anxiety. Yet it is something we all desire because sex enriches our lives and brings us to understanding and closer relationships with our partners. People with a physical disability often have a poor self body image, thinking they are damaged goods, broken, somehow less than. These feelings are normal you should talk about them with your partner, but don’t dwell on them. Healthy love making is about pleasing your partner. Often people in Bill’s situation find excitement and release simply from the closeness of pleasuring their partner. Healthy sexuality involves warmth, tenderness, and love, not just genital contact, so I would encourage Bill to step outside of his comfort zone and talk to his partner about how he feels. I recommend that Bill seek his physician’s medical opinion and assistance to see if one of the clinical treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra could improve the quality of erections and sexual activity with him. I would also remind him that orgasm after paralysis is possible for some men but it is often not the same as it is usually defined. It can become less physical, less focused on the genitals and more about his state of mind. It is important Bill comes to understand that the loss of sensation does not rule out loss of sexuality. In conclusion, we all experience sexual awareness and activity during all ages of our lives. So we all need to take a moment to just breathe and know we are not alone. Talk to our partners, talk with our physicians/counselors and learn what will work for you in your own situation. Take control of your life and learn to understand your own body. References Rathus, S. A. , Nevid, J. S. , and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2011). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (8th ed. ) Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Mill on Liberty

John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty is an intellectual discussion on just how far society’s reach can influence and direct the actions of individuals. Mills required several criteria to evaluate the discussion of cigarette advertising, its impact, and whether it is a health issue. His work can be summarized into the following points:1. An individual has the right to act as he wants as long as their actions do not harm others.2. Society has no right to intervene if the individual is only directing his actions upon himself.3. Children and those less civilized would be exempt. (In other words these two groups are deemed to require guidance).4. Everyone is entitled to free speech regardless if that speech is erroneous.5.   Debate is necessary to find truth.6.   We must protect the ability to choose.Mills would have no issue with cigarette advertising. Under his philosophy the manufacturers of cigarettes and those advertising for cigarettes would be entitled to do so. What Mil ls would argue is that although these companies have the right to free speech they would have to tell what the health costs of cigarette consumption as documented by every major health agency. Mills would propose that cigarettes be taxed and the individual be warned of associated health issues from cigarette consumption.If the individual is properly educated about the risks and still decides to purchase and consume cigarettes, according to Mills the individual will have assumed all the risk because the individual has  been educated about the risks of cigarette consumption and has still decided to pursue that action in spite of that knowledge.Mills’ decision would not solely be based upon whether the issue is health related or an issue of free speech regarding cigarette manufacturer’s ability to have their product advertised. Mills would take into account all aspects and produce a judgment. His utilitarian philosophy is never separate from any of his decisions and is expressed, â€Å"†¦ one must always act so as to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Mill 59-74).†Following this logic cigarette advertising would be accepted; the cigarette advertising would have constraints such as proper disclosure of the health risks associated with cigarette consumption – in other words no deceptions. If, in spite of this information regarding cigarettes, the individual still makes a decision to use cigarettes, Mills would conclude that it is within the individuals’ power to control their actions, so if anything detrimental happened to them, they were fully aware of the consequences.What Mills would argue is that it would be wrong to influence children and others not qualified to properly take care of themselves. Constraints such as cigarette tax, proof of age would be acceptable as constraints because they do not infringe upon an individuals right to choose. The production of proof would be viewed as an i ndication that the individual understands the risks and willing to assume the risks associated with cigarette consumption.The cigarette producer requests that cigarettes be advertised. The advertisement would conform and give the risks inherent with cigarette consumption. In recognition of the risks, certain constraints such as requirement of understanding the health risks and proof that one is of legal age to understand these risks, Mills would have no issue.Mills would have issue if the individual wasn’t told of the health risks in the cigarette advertising. Mills would have issue if the cigarette manufacturers and cigarette advertisers forced individuals to consume cigarettes. Mills would have further issue if the individual was told he couldn’t  choose or would have a choice either way – to choose to use cigarettes or to choose not to use cigarettes based upon advertising.Mills would advocate that if cigarette manufacturers, advertisers did not provide the means (information, education, relevant disclosure) they should be punished. Applicable laws, fines and imprisonment would be considered.  These judgments would be considered because the manufacturer and advertiser would knowingly be inflicting pain upon the individual by not disclosing the health risks associated from consuming cigarettes and the advertising of the product.Simply, â€Å"†¦ the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others (68).† Because harm would come to the individual without proper information, the prevailing judgment would be to enforce a law so as to cause other manufacturers of cigarettes and their advertisers to rightfully inform the individual. Also, â€Å"†¦ each is the proper guardian of his own health, whether bodily, or mental or spiritual (71-72).†The process of discussing the effects and how cigarettes affected the individual would be rigorously encouraged by Mills. â€Å"We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavouring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still (76-77).† Further, Mills would argue that the opinion regarding cigarettes couldn’t be suppressed anyway because others’ opinions around the world would exist.Cigarette advertising would be viewed rather positively. The advertising would pose a forum to discuss the benefits and risks – whether physical, mental or spiritual. The reason would be many areas of argument would be heard, and out of this an ability to judge for one’s own self would become evident. As further proof and evidence would become clear, the benefits and risks would also become clear. The individual then would be able to decide ultimately for himself.As it is known the health effects of cigarette consumption, Mills would impose a tax based upon utility. That is, cigarette consumption is used by some. Since some derive some benefit from cigarettes  they should be allowed to do so. Indeed, Mills would view the attempt to prevent an individual from whether to choose to consume cigarettes, even with the health risks explained as an attempt to prevent the ability to choose. Mills would take into account these health risks and place a tax on the product. This tax in turn could further the education about cigarette consumption and quite possibly be put to further the research into cigarettes.The health issue of cigarettes would provide a great forum for debate because through debate the raw essence of truth would surface. The raw truth, not society’s truth, your neighbor’s truth or another form of spoon-fed truth, but the raw truth would reveal itself. It is this raw proof through debate that Mills would have humanity embrace. It is through the, â€Å"†¦ Complete liberty of contradicting and disproving our opinion, is the very condition which justifies us in assuming its truth for purposes of action; and on no other means can a being with human faculties have any rational assurance of being right (79).†Mills would state further that the validity of health issues associated with cigarette consumption would stand the test of time. That is regardless of who said what, evidence to support the health risks associated with cigarette consumption would be consistent regardless of who wants to test the validity. The testers would find the same evidence and would come to the same conclusions. There would be no reason to inflict one’s will to assume the truth. The government would not need to intervene because the individual would be aware and educated to what the benefits or risks of cigarettes and cigarette advertising.Mills would also justify that if cigarettes were advertised and sold to minors or those who are not yet old enough to form an opinion that the sellers of cigarettes would be punished under the law. The reason is t hat he would view this as a form of slavery – slavery or imprisonment of one’s ability to be properly educated and the ability to freely choose. Mills would argue those minors or those not yet old enough or have sufficient maturity are not quite capable of making a strong mental decision.Therefore, the cigarette manufacturers’ and their advertisers would be in violation of not disclosing what they know, that is the associated health risks of cigarettes.  Mills would also view those who consumed cigarettes in the presence of others who didn’t consume cigarettes equally unjustifiable. Mills would state that the happiness of the individual who did not consume cigarettes as being infringed upon and his ability to choose whether to be around another individual and knowing or not knowing the consequences of such action would not nullify the existence of those actions and thus infringe upon that individuals ability to remove himself from possible health risks. Mills would further argue because another individual inflicted harm upon another then certain fines or other punishment would be enforced. This would also involve cigarette manufacturers and their advertisers. Mills would include fine, imprisonment or other penalties if those parties did not disclose information that they had available that was relevant and affected the individual.Mills methodical approach would be applied to every situation. He would ask the same questions regarding any problem. As applied to cigarette advertising Mills would ask, ‘Who does this affect?’ If this affects individuals negatively, he would say, â€Å"This is bad for the good of individuals so the cigarette advertisers should be fined or imprisoned because they are harming others (119).†If cigarette advertisers were to publicly announce that cigarettes are horrible and pose numerous health risks and the individual still chose to consume cigarettes, then that is the individuals choice and society should not intervene The reason is simple: the individual armed with the knowledge that cigarette consumption poses health risks and is dangerous and still continues to pursue this task, then that individual has been warned. Since that individual has been warned they take and assume all responsibility for their actions.Mills’ logic would not stop there. Mills would require that the individual who consumes cigarettes, as a result of cigarette advertising, be truly and wholeheartedly aware of what consequences this course of action may bring. Further, if those individuals were not mature or mentally aware, fines  or imprisonment against cigarette advertisers’ and their manufacturers would be at the core of justifiable punishment.Mills was concerned with the ability of the individual to choose. If the individual was not able to choose regardless of whether that choice was considered wrong then that individual’s liberty would be taken away. As such, s ociety would impress upon the individual its choice and deny that individual any means of exploring that option for themselves.At heart of this ability to choose is necessary debate. Debate and intellectual discussion at its core would disclose assumptions and get at raw truth. The truth has to be, â€Å"†¦fully, frequently, and fearlessly discussed (96-97).† Or else it would not be,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ a living truth (97).†No one from society to other individuals including the individuals themselves should impose any thought or action that would deprive them of their freedom. Freedom in the sense that the â€Å"†¦individual can pursue their own good in their own way (71-72)†, and not â€Å"†¦attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it (71-72).†Mills would view cigarette advertising from all positions. It would not be sufficient to just argue on point and then conclude that to be the truth. Mills would argue that if c igarette advertisers and their manufacturers did not disclose any relevant risks associated with the consumption of cigarettes then they should face penalties because those agencies would be denying individuals necessary information that affects their well-being.Mills also would view any issue of health as a matter of disclosure. Inevitably some individuals would say they benefit from cigarette consumption. Mills would say those individuals are willing to take the risks and also say they benefit from cigarettes. Society should not impose any restrictions on their ability to choose. However, since cigarettes and cigarette advertising have health risks, they needto be taxed. Taxation would not be viewed as a prohibitive measure on an individual’s ability to choose rather as a means to ensure that those who manufacturer and advertise cigarettes understand their role in providing the individual with proper disclosure. Payment through taxation would be a means to accomplish this t ask.Utilitarianism is considered at every step of the decision making process. Utilitarianism would not be viewed as a separate thought process or as a separate means at arriving at a decision. Utilitarianism would state that the taxation imposed upon cigarettes is not prohibitive to the individual. Rather it is prohibitive to the manufacturer in that it forces them to disclose the health risks or face further penalties outside of taxation.Regardless of the argument presented – if cigarette advertising is wrong, it wouldn’t only be a matter of free speech, a health issue or would utility help in explaining, Mills would state that it is the argument that enables the truth to be told. It is with constant debate that this truth would finally be realized.Not the truth as we would want it, imagine it, think it or have it told to us; pure truth. It is the freedom to be able to discuss that truth, to be able to think through the steps to arrive at that truth, and the ability after the truth is found not to enforce that truth on anyone unless that individual intended to harm another with that truth. It is with this truth that we as human beings can be better and achieve great things.Works CitedMill, J.S. On Liberty. London: Penguin Books Ltd., 1974.

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 «  » ? ? Chicago : 3 ?- ? : , ?. ?. -- 2009 Contents. History 3 1. 1 First settlers 1. 2 Infrastructure and regional development 1. 3 Chicago Fire 1. 4 20th century 2 Geography 6 2. 1 Topography 2. 2 Climate 3 Cityscape. Architecture 8 4 Culture and contemporary life 9 4. Entertainment and performing arts 4. 2 Tourism 4. 3 Parks 4. 4 Sports 4. 5 Media 5 Economy 13 6 Demographics 15 7 Law and government 16 8 Education 17 References. 19 1. History. 1. 1. First settlers During the mid. 8th century the area was inhabited by a native American tribe known as the Potawatomis, who had taken the place of the Miami and Sauk and Fox peoples. The first permanent settler in Chicago, Haitian Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, arrived in the 1770s, married a Potawatomi woman, and founded the area’s first trading post. In 1803 the United States Army built Fort Dearborn, which was destroyed in the 1812 Fort Dearborn massacre. The Ottawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi lat er ceded the land to the United States in the 1816 Treaty of St. Louis. On August 12, 1833, the Town of Chicago was organized with a population of 350. Within seven years it grew to a population of over 4,000. The City of Chicago was incorporated on March 4, 1837. The name â€Å"Chicago† is the French rendering of the Miami-Illinois name shikaakwa, meaning â€Å"wild leek. †[1] The sound shikaakwa in Miami-Illinois literally means ‘striped skunk', and was a reference to wild leek, or the smell of onions. The name initially applied to the river, but later came to denote the site of the city. 1. 2. Infrastrukture and regional development The city began its step toward regional primacy as an important transportation hub between the eastern and western United States. Chicago’s first railway, Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, opened in 1838, which also marked the opening of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The canal allowed steamboats and sailing ships on the Great Lakes to connect to the Mississippi River. A flourishing economy brought residents from rural communities and immigrants abroad. Manufacturing and retail sectors became dominant among Midwestern cities, influencing the American economy, particularly in meatpacking, with the advent of the refrigerated rail car and the regional centrality of the city's Union Stock Yards. 3] In February 1856, the Chesbrough plan for the building of Chicago's and the United States' first comprehensive sewerage system was approved by the Common Council. [2] The project raised much of central Chicago to a new grade. Untreated sewage and industrial waste now flowed into the Chicago River, thence into Lake Michigan, polluting the primary source of fresh water for the city. The city responded by tunnelin g two miles (3 km) out into Lake Michigan to newly built water cribs. In 1900, the problem of sewage was largely resolved when Chicago reversed the flow of the river, a process that began with the construction and improvement of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and completed with the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal leading to the Illinois River which joins the Mississippi River. 1. 3. Chicago Fire After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed a third of the city, including the entire central business district, Chicago experienced rapid rebuilding and growth. [4]During its rebuilding period, Chicago constructed the world's first skyscraper in 1885, using steel-skeleton construction. Labor conflicts and unrest followed, including the Haymarket affair on May 4, 1886. Concern for social problems among Chicago’s lower classes led Jane Addams to be a co-founder of Hull House in 1889. Programs developed there became a model for the new field of social work. The city also invested in many large, well-landscaped municipal parks, which also included public sanitation facilities. [pic] 1. 4. 20th century The 1920s brought notoriety to Chicago as gangsters, including the notorious Al Capone, battled each other and law enforcement on the city streets during the Prohibition era. The 1920s also saw a major expansion in industry. The availability of jobs attracted African Americans from the South. Arriving in the tens of thousands during the Great Migration, the newcomers had an immense cultural impact. It was during this wave that Chicago became a center for jazz, with King Oliver leading the way. [5] In 1933, Mayor Anton Cermak was assassinated while in Miami with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the late summer of 1942, during World War II, Chicago held a practice black-out. According to one witness, â€Å"the sirens sounded, the lights went out while airplanes flew overhead to spot violators†. After about 30 minutes the beacon on top of the Palmolive Building came back on and the lights were quickly restored. [5] On December 2, 1942, physicist Enrico Fermi conducted the world’s first controlled nuclear reaction at the University of Chicago as part of the top-secret Manhattan Project. Mayor Richard J. Daley was elected in 1955, in the era of machine politics. Starting in the 1960s, many residents left the city for the suburbs, taking out the heart of many neighborhoods, leaving impoverished and disadvantaged citizens behind. Structural changes in industry caused heavy losses of jobs for lower skilled workers. In 1966 James Bevel, Martin Luther King Jr. , and Al Raby led the Chicago Open Housing Movement, which culminated in agreements between Mayor Richard J. Daley and the movement leaders. Two years later, the city hosted the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention, which featured physical confrontations both inside and outside the convention hall, including full-scale riots, or in some cases police riots, in city streets. Major construction projects, including the Sears Tower (which in 1974 became the world’s tallest building), McCormick Place, and O'Hare Airport, were undertaken during Richard J. Daley's tenure. When he died, Michael Anthony Bilandic was mayor for three years. His loss in a primary election has been attributed to the city’s inability to properly plow city streets during a heavy snowstorm. In 1979, Jane Byrne, the city’s first female mayor, was elected. She popularized the city as a movie location and tourist destination. In 1983 Harold Washington became the first African American to be elected to the office of mayor, in one of the closest mayoral elections in Chicago. After Washington won the Democratic primary, racial motivations caused a few Democratic alderman and ward committeemen to back the Republican candidate Bernard Epton, who ran on the slogan Before it’s too late, a thinly veiled appeal to fear. [10] Washington’s term in office saw new attention given to poor and minority neighborhoods. His administration reduced the longtime dominance of city contracts and employment by ethnic whites. Washington died in office of a heart attack in 1987, shortly after being elected to a second term. Current mayor Richard M. Daley, son of the late Richard J. Daley, was elected in 1989. He has led many progressive changes to the city, including improving parks; creating incentives for sustainable development, including green roofs; and major new developments. Since the 1990s, the city has undergone a revitalization in which some lower class neighborhoods have been transformed as new middle class residents have settled in the city. In 2008, the city earned the title of â€Å"City of the Year† from GQ for contributions in architecture and literature, a renaissance in the world of politics and downtown's starring role in the Batman movie The Dark Knight. 6] 2. Geography 2. 1. Topography Chicago is located in northeastern Illinois at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. It sits on the continental divide at the site of the Chicago Portage, connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes watersheds. The city lies beside Lake Michigan, and two rivers — the Chicago River in downtown and the Calumet River in the industrial far South Side — flow entirely or partially through Chicago. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal connects the Chicago River with the Des Plaines River, which runs to the west of the city. Chicago's history and economy are closely tied to its proximity to Lake Michigan. While the Chicago River historically handled much of the region's waterborne cargo, today's huge lake freighters use the city's far south Lake Calumet Harbor. The Lake also moderates Chicago's climate, making it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. When Chicago was founded in the 1830s, most of the early building began around the mouth of the Chicago River, as can be seen on a map of the city's original 58 blocks. [6] The overall grade of the city's central, built-up reas, is relatively consistent with the natural flatness of its overall natural geography, generally exhibiting only slight differentiation otherwise. The average land elevation is 579 feet (176 m) above sea level. The lowest points are along the lake shore at 577 feet (176 m), while the highest point at 735 feet (224 m) is a landfill located in the Hegewisch community area on the city's far south side. Lake Shore Drive runs adjac ent to a large portion of Chicago's lakefront. Parks along the lakeshore include Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park and Jackson Park; 29 public beaches are found all along the shore. Near downtown, landfills extend into the Lake, providing space for the Jardine Water Purification Plant, Navy Pier, Northerly Island and the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and large portions of the McCormick Place Convention Center. Most of the city's high-rise commercial and residential buildings can be found within a few blocks of the Lake. Chicagoland is an informal name for the Chicago metro area, used primarily by copywriters, advertising agencies, and traffic reporters. There is no precise definition for the term â€Å"Chicagoland,† but it generally means â€Å"around Chicago† or relatively local. The Chicago Tribune, which coined the term, includes the city of Chicago, the rest of Cook County, eight nearby Illinois counties; Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Will and Kankakee, and three counties in Indiana; Lake, Porter, and LaPorte. [7] The Illinois Department of Tourism defines Chicagoland as Cook County without the city of Chicago, and only Lake, DuPage, Kane and Will counties. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce defines it as all of Cook, and DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. 2. 2. Climate The city lies within the humid continental climate zone, and experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm & humid with average high temperatures of 80-84 °F (27-29 °C) and lows of 61-65  °F (16-19 °C). Winters are cold, snowy and windy with temperatures below freezing. Spring and Fall are mild with low humidity. According to the National Weather Service, Chicago’s highest official temperature reading of 107  °F (42  °C) was recorded on June 1, 1934. The lowest temperature of ? 27  °F (? 33  °C) was recorded on January 20, 1985. Along with long, hot dry spells in the summer, Chicago can suffer extreme winter cold spells. In the entire month of January 1977, the temperature did not rise above 31  °F (-0. 5  °C). The average temperature that month was around 10  °F (-12  °C). Chicago’s yearly precipitation averages about 34 inches (860 millimeters). Summer is typically the rainiest season, with short-lived rainfall and thunderstorms more common than prolonged rainy periods. [8] Winter precipitation tends to be more snow than rain. Chicago's snowiest winter on record was that of 1978–79, with 89. 7 inches (228 cm) of snow in total. The winter of 2007-08, with more than 61 inches (155 cm) of snow, was the snowiest in nearly three decades, and the winter of 2008/2009 produced nearly 50 inches (127 cm). Average winter snowfall is normally around 38 inches (96. 52 cm). The highest one-day snowfall total in Chicago history was 18. 3 inches (46. 5 cm) on Jan. 3, 1999. Chicago’s highest one-day rainfall total was 6. 63 inches (168. 4 mm) on September 13, 2008. [8] The previous record of 6. 49 inches (164 mm) had been set on August 14, 1987. The record for yearly rainfall is 50. 6 inches set in 2008; 1983 was the wettest year before with 49. 35 inches. [8] 3. Cityscape. Architecture The outcome of the Great Chicago Fire led to the largest building boom in the history of the nation. Perhaps the most outstanding of these events was the relocation of many of the nation's most prominent architects to the city from New England for construction of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition. In 1885, the first steel-framed hi gh-rise building rose in Chicago ushering in the skyscraper era. [9] Today, Chicago's skyline is among the world's tallest. Downtown's historic buildings include the Chicago Board of Trade Building in the Loop, with others along the lakefront and the Chicago River. Once first on the list of largest buildings in the world and still listed twentieth, the Merchandise Mart stands near the junction of the north and south river branches. Presently the three tallest in the city are the Sears Tower, the Aon Center (previously the Standard Oil Building), and the John Hancock Center. The city's architecture includes lakefront high-rise residential towers, low-rise structures, and single-family homes. Industrialized areas such as the Indiana border, south of Midway Airport, and the banks of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal are clustered. Future skyline plans entail the supertall Waterview Tower, Chicago Spire, and Trump International Hotel and Tower. The 60602 zip code was named by Forbes as the hottest zip code in the country with upscale buildings such as The Heritage at Millennium Park (130 N. Garland) leading the way for other buildings such at Waterview Tower, The Legacy and Momo. Other new skyscraper construction may be found directly south (South Loop) and north (River North) of the Loop. Multiple kinds and scales of houses, townhouses, condominiums and apartment buildings can be found in Chicago. Large swaths of Chicago's residential areas away from the lake in the so-called â€Å"bungalow belt† are characterized by bungalows built from the early 20th century through the end of World War II. Chicago is also a prominent center of the Polish Cathedral style of church architecture. One of Chicago's suburbs is Oak Park, home to the late Frank Lloyd Wright. 4. Culture and contemporary life 4. 1. Entertainment and performing arts Chicago’s theatre community spawned modern improvisational theatre. Two renowned comedy troupes emerged — The Second City and I. O. (formerly known as ImprovOlympic). Renowned Chicago theater companies include the Steppenwolf Theatre Company (on the city's north side), the Goodman Theatre, and the Victory Gardens Theater. Chicago offers Broadway-style entertainment at theaters such as Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre, Bank of America Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Auditorium Building of Roosevelt University, and Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place. Polish language productions for Chicago's large Polish speaking population can be seen at the historic Gateway Theatre in Jefferson Park. Since 1968, the Joseph Jefferson Awards are given annually to acknowledge excellence in theatre in the Chicago area. Classical music offerings include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the world,[10] which performs at Symphony Center. Also performing regularly at Symphony Center is the Chicago Sinfonietta, a more diverse and multicultural counterpart to the CSO. In the summer, many outdoor concerts are given in Grant Park and Millennium Park. Ravinia Park, located 25 miles (40 km) north of Chicago, is also a favorite destination for many Chicagoans, with performances occasionally given in Chicago locations such as the Harris Theater. The Civic Opera House is home to the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Joffrey Ballet and Chicago Festival Ballet perform in various venues, including the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. Chicago is home to several other modern and jazz dance troupes, such as the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Other live music genre which are part of the city's cultural heritage include Chicago blues, Chicago soul, jazz, and gospel. The city is the birthplace of house music and is the site of an influential hip-hop scene. In the 1980s, the city was a center for industrial, punk and new wave. This influence continued into the alternative rock of the 1990s. The city has been an epicenter for rave culture since the 1980s. A flourishing independent rock music culture brought forth Chicago indie. The city has also been spawning a critically acclaimed underground metal scene with various bands gaining national attention in the metal and hard rock world. Annual festivals feature various acts such as Lollapalooza, the Intonation Music Festival and Pitchfork Music Festival. . 2. Tourism Chicago attracted a combined 44. 2 million people in 2006 from around the nation and abroad. [4] Upscale shopping along the Magnificent Mile, thousands of restaurants, as well as Chicago's eminent architecture, continue to draw tourists. The city is the United States' third-largest convention destination. Most conventions are held at McCo rmick Place, just south of Soldier Field. The historic Chicago Cultural Center (1897), originally serving as the Chicago Public Library, now houses the city's Visitor Information Center, galleries, and exhibit halls. The ceiling of Preston Bradley Hall includes a 38-foot (11 m) Tiffany glass dome. Millennium Park, initially slated to be unveiled at the turn of the 21st century, and delayed for several years, sits on a deck built over a portion of the former Illinois Central rail yard. The park includes the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (known locally as â€Å"The Bean†). A Millennium Park restaurant outdoor transforms into an ice rink in the winter. Two tall glass sculptures make up the Crown Fountain. The fountain's two towers display visual effects from LED images of Chicagoans' faces, with water spouting from their lips. Frank Gehry's detailed stainless steel band shell Pritzker Pavilion, hosts the classical Grant Park Music Festival concert series. Behind the pavilion's stage is the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, an indoor venue for mid-sized performing arts companies, including Chicago Opera Theater and Music of the Baroque. In 1998, the city officially opened the Museum Campus, a 10-acre (4-ha) lakefront park surrounding three of the city's main museums: the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium. The Museum Campus joins the southern section of Grant Park which includes the renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Buckingham Fountain anchors the downtown park along the lakefront. The Oriental Institute, part of the University of Chicago, has an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern archaeological artifacts. Other museums and galleries in Chicago are the Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum of African-American History, Museum of Contemporary Art, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Polish Museum of America, Museum of Broadcast Communications and the Museum of Science and Industry. 4. 3. Parks When Chicago incorporated in 1837, it chose the motto â€Å"Urbs in Horto†, a Latin phrase which translates into English as â€Å"City in a Garden†. Today the Chicago Park District consists of 552 parks with over 7,300 acres (30 km? ) of municipal parkland as well as 33 sand beaches along Lake Michigan, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons and 10 bird and wildlife gardens. Lincoln Park, the largest of these parks, has over 20 million visitors each year, making it second only to Central Park in New York City. [16] Nine lakefront harbors located within a number of parks along the lakefront render the Chicago Park District the nation's largest municipal harbor system. In addition to ongoing beautification and renewal projects for existing parks, a number of new parks have been added in recent years such as Ping Tom Memorial Park, DuSable Park and most notably Millennium Park. The wealth of greenspace afforded by Chicago's parks is further augmented by the Cook County Forest Preserves, a network of open spaces containing forest, prairie, wetland, streams, and lakes that are set aside as natural areas which lie along the city's periphery, home to both the Chicago Botanic Garden and Brookfield Zoo. 4. 4. Sports Chicago was named the Best Sports City in the United States by The Sporting News in 1993 and 2006. The city is home to two Major League Baseball teams: the Chicago Cubs of the National League play on the city's North Side, in Wrigley Field, while the Chicago White Sox of the American League play in U. S. Cellular Field on the city's South Side. Chicago is the only city in North America that has had more than one Major League Baseball franchise every year since the American League began in 1900. The Chicago Bears, one of the two remaining charter members of the NFL, have won thirteen NFL Championships. The other remaining charter franchise also started out in Chicago, the Chicago Cardinals, now the Arizona Cardinals . The Bears play their home games at Soldier Field on Chicago's lakefront. Due in large part to Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls of the NBA are one of the most recognized basketball teams in the world. With Jordan leading them, the Bulls took six NBA championships in eight seasons during the 1990s (only failing to do so in the two years of Jordan's absence). The Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL, who began play in 1926 have won three Stanley Cups. The Blackhawks also hosted the 2008-2009 Winter Classic. Both the Bulls and Blackhawks play at the United Center on the Near West Side. The Chicago Fire soccer club are members of Major League Soccer. The Fire have won one league and four US Open Cups since their inaugural season in 1998. In 2006, the club moved to its current home, Toyota Park, in suburban Bridgeview after playing its first eight seasons downtown at Soldier Field and at Cardinal Stadium in Naperville. The club is now the third professional soccer team to call Chicago home, the first two being the Chicago Sting of the NASL (and later the indoor team of the MISL); and the Chicago Power of the NPSL-AISA. The Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer also play in Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. The Chicago Rush, of the Arena Football League, The Chicago Bandits of the NPF and the Chicago Wolves, of the AHL, also play in Chicago; they both play at the Allstate Arena. The Chicago Sky of the WNBA, began play in 2006. The Sky's home arena is the UIC Pavilion. The Chicago Slaughter of the CIFL began in 2006 and play at the Sears Centre. The Chicago Storm began play in 2004 in the MISL until 2007 when they moved to the XSL. The Chicago Storm also play at the Sears Centre. The Chicago Marathon has been held every October since 1977. This event is one of five World Marathon Majors. [10] In 1994 the United States hosted a successful FIFA World Cup with games played at Soldier Field. Chicago was selected on April 14, 2007 to represent the United States internationally in the bidding for the 2016 Summer Olympics. [11] Chicago also hosted the 1959 Pan American Games, and Gay Games VII in 2006. Chicago was selected to host the 1904 Olympics, but they were transferred to St. Louis to coincide with the World's Fair. 11] On June 4, 2008 The International Olympic Committee selected Chicago as one of four candidate cities for the 2016 games. Chicago is also the starting point for the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, a 330-mile (530 km) offshore sailboat race held each July that is the longest annual freshwater sailboat race in the world. 2008 marks the 100th running of the â€Å"Mac. † At the collegiate level, Chicago and its suburb, Evanston, have two national athletic conferences, the Big East Conference with DePaul University, and the Big Ten Conference with Northwestern University in Evanston. 4. 5. Media The Chicago metropolitan area is the third-largest media market in North America (after New York City and Los Angeles). [12] Each of the big four (CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX) United States television networks directly owns and operates a station in Chicago (WBBM, WLS, WMAQ, and WFLD, respectively). WGN-TV, which is owned by the Tribune Company, is carried (with some programming differences) as â€Å"WGN America† on cable nationwide and in parts of the Caribbean. The city is also the home of The Oprah Winfrey Show (on WLS) and Jerry Springer (on WMAQ), while Chicago Public Radio produces programs such as PRI's This American Life and NPR's Wait Wait†¦ Don't Tell Me!. PBS on TV in Chicago can be seen on WTTW (producer of shows such as Sneak Previews, The Frugal Gourmet, Lamb Chop's Play-Along, and The McLaughlin Group, just to name a few) and WYCC. There are two major daily newspapers published in Chicago: the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, with the former having the larger circulation. There are also several regional and special-interest newspapers such as the Chicago Reader, the Daily Southtown, the Chicago Defender, the Chicago Sports Weekly, the Daily Herald, StreetWise, The Chicago Free Press and the Windy City Times. The city has pushed hard to make Chicago a filming-friendly location. After a long drought of interest from Hollywood movies, Spider-Man 2 filmed a scene in Chicago. Since then, progressively more movies have filmed in Chicago, most notably the massive blockbuster success The Dark Knight, which was a follow up to Batman Begins, which also shot in Chicago. 5. Economy Chicago has the third largest gross metropolitan product in the nation — approximately $440 billion according to 2007 estimates. The city has also been rated as having the most balanced economy in the United States, due to its high level of diversification. [35] Chicago was named the fourth most important business center in the world in the MasterCard Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index. Additionally, the Chicago metropolitan area recorded the greatest number of new or expanded corporate facilities in the United States for six of the past seven years. In 2008, Chicago placed 16th on the UBS list of the world's richest cities. [13] Chicago is a major financial center with the second largest central business district in the U. S. The city is the headquarters of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (the Seventh District of the Federal Reserve). The city is also home to three major financial and futures exchanges, including the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the â€Å"Merc†), which includes the former Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). Perhaps due to the influence of the Chicago school of economics, the city also has markets trading unusual contracts such as emissions (on the Chicago Climate Exchange) and equity style indices (on the US Futures Exchange). In addition to the exchanges, Chicago and the surrounding areas house many major brokerage firms and insurance companies, such as Allstate and Zurich North America. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area are home to the second largest labor pool in the United States with approximately 4. 25 million workers. [13] Manufacturing, printing, publishing and food processing also play major roles in the city's economy. Several medical products and services companies are headquartered in the Chicago area, including Baxter International, Abbott Laboratories, and the Healthcare Financial Services division of General Electric. Moreover, the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which helped move goods from the Great Lakes south on the Mississippi River, and of the railroads in the 19th century made the city a major transportation center in the United States. In the 1840s, Chicago became a major grain port, and in the 1850s and 1860s Chicago's pork and beef industry expanded. As the major meat companies grew in Chicago many, such as Armour and Company, created global enterprises. Though the meatpacking industry currently plays a lesser role in the city's economy, Chicago continues to be a major transportation and distribution center. Late in the 19th Century, Chicago was part of the bicycle craze, as home to Western Wheel Company, which introduced stamping to the production process and significantly reduced costs,[12] while early in the 20th Century, the city was part of the automobile revolution, hosting the brass era car builder Bugmobile, which was founded there in 1907. Chicago is also a major convention destination. The city's main convention center is McCormick Place. With its four interconnected buildings, it is the third largest convention center in the world. Chicago also ranks third in the U. S. (behind Las Vegas and Orlando) in number of conventions hosted annually. In addition, Chicago is home to eleven Fortune 500 companies, while the metropolitan area hosts an additional 21 Fortune 500 companies. The state of Illinois is home to 66 Fortune 1000 companies. Chicago also hosts 12 Fortune Global 500 companies and 17 Financial Times 500 companies. The city claims one Dow 30 company as well: aerospace giant Boeing, which moved its headquarters from Seattle to the Chicago Loop in 2001. 6. Demographics During its first century as a city, Chicago grew at a rate that ranked among the fastest growing in the world. Within the span of forty years, the city's population grew from slightly under 30,000 to over 1 million by 1890. By the close of the 19th century, Chicago was the fifth largest city in the world,[14] and the largest of the cities that did not exist at the dawn of the century. Within fifty years of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the population had tripled to over 3 million. As of the 2000 census, there were 2,896,016 people, 1,061,928 households, and 632,909 families residing within Chicago. More than half the population of the state of Illinois lives in the Chicago metropolitan area. The population density of the city itself was 12,750. 3 people per square mile (4,923. 0/km? ), making it one of the nation's most densely populated cities. There were 1,152,868 housing units at an average density of 5,075. 8 per square mile (1,959. 8/km? ). Of the 1,061,928 households, 28. 9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 35. 1% were married couples living together, 18. 9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40. 4% were non-families. The median income for a household in the city was $38,625, and the median income for a family was $46,748. Males had a median income of $35,907 versus $30,536 for females. Below the poverty line are 19. 6% of the population and 16. 6% of the families. At the 2007 U. S. Census estimates, Chicago's population was: 38. 9% White (30. 9% non-Hispanic-White), 35. 6% Black or African American, 0. 5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 5. 3% Asian, 0. 1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 21. 3% some other race and 1. 6% two or more races. 28. 1% of the total population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 5]. The main ethnic groups in Chicago are African American, Irish, German, Italian, Mexican, English, Bulgarian, Greek, Chinese, Lithuanian, Polish, Serbian, Ukrainian and Puerto Rican. Many of Chicago's politicians have come from this massive Irish population, including the current mayor, Richard M. Daley. Poles in Chicago constitute the largest Polish population outside of the Po lish capital, Warsaw, making it one of the most important Polonia centers,[16] a fact that the city celebrates every Labor Day weekend at the Taste of Polonia Festival in Jefferson Park. The Chicago Metropolitan area is also a major center for those of Indian ancestry. 7. Law and government Chicago is the county seat of Cook County. The government of the City of Chicago is divided into executive and legislative branches. The Mayor of Chicago is the chief executive, elected by general election for a term of four years, with no term limits. The mayor appoints commissioners and other officials who oversee the various departments. In addition to the mayor, Chicago's two other citywide elected officials are the clerk and the treasurer. The City Council is the legislative branch and is made up of 50 aldermen, one elected from each ward in the city. The council enacts local ordinances and approves the city budget. Government priorities and activities are established in a budget ordinance usually adopted each November. The council takes official action through the passage of ordinances and resolutions. During much of the last half of the 19th century, Chicago's politics were dominated by a growing Democratic Party organization dominated by ethnic ward-heelers. During the 1880s and 1890s, Chicago had a powerful radical tradition with large and highly organized socialist, anarchist and labor organizations. For much of the 20th century, Chicago has been among the largest and most reliable Democratic strongholds in the United States, with Chicago's Democratic vote the state of Illinois tends to be â€Å"solid blue† in presidential elections since 1992. The citizens of Chicago have not elected a Republican mayor since 1927, when William Thompson was voted into office. The strength of the party in the city is partly a consequence of Illinois state politics, where the Republicans have come to represent the rural and farm concerns while the Democrats support urban issues such as Chicago's public school funding. Although Chicago includes less than 25% of the state's population, eight of Illinois' nineteen U. S. Representatives have part of the city in their districts. Former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley's mastery of machine politics preserved the Chicago Democratic Machine long after the demise of similar machines in other large U. S. cities. 15] During much of that time, the city administration found opposition mainly from a liberal â€Å"independent† faction of the Democratic Party. The independents finally gained control of city government in 1983 with the election of Harold Washington. Since 1989, Chicago has been under the leadership of Richard M. Daley, the son of Richard J. Daley. Because of the dominance of the Democratic Party in Chi cago, the Democratic primary vote held in the spring is generally more significant than the general elections in November. 8. Education There are 680 public schools, 394 private schools, 83 colleges, and 88 libraries in Chicago proper. Chicago Public Schools (CPS), is the governing body of a district that contains over 600 public elementary and high schools citywide, including several selective-admission magnet schools. The school district, with an enrollment exceeding 400,000 students (2005 stat. ), ranks as third largest in the U. S. [52] Private schools in Chicago are largely run by religious groups. The two largest systems are run by Christian religious denominations, Roman Catholic and Lutheran, respectively. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago operates the city's Roman Catholic schools, including Jesuit preparatory schools. Some of the more prominent examples of schools run by the Archdiocese are: Brother Rice High School, Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius College Prep, St. Scholastica Academy, Mount Carmel High School, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, Marist High School, and St. Patrick High School and Resurrection High School. In addition to Chicago's network of 32 Lutheran Schools,[16] Chicago also has private schools run by other denominations and faiths such as Ida Crown Jewish Academy in West Rogers Park, and the Fasman Yeshiva High School in Skokie, a nearby suburb. There are also a number of private schools run in a completely secular educational environment such as: Latin School, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in Hyde Park, Francis W. Parker School, Chicago City Day School in Lake View, and Morgan Park Academy. Chicago is also home of the prestigious Chicago Academy for the Arts, an arts high school focused on 6 different categories of the arts, Media Arts, Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Musical Theatre and Theatre. It has been heralded as the best arts high school in the country. Children commute from as far away as South Bend, Indiana every day to attend classes. Since the 1890s, Chicago has been a world center in higher education and research. Six universities in or immediately adjoining the city, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, DePaul University, University of Illinois Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and the Illinois Institute of Technology, are among the top echelon of doctorate-granting research universities. Northwestern University, established in 1851, is a nonsectarian, private, research university located in the adjacent northern suburb of Evanston. The University maintains the top–rated Kellogg Graduate School of Management, the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the McCormick School of Engineering, the Bienen School of Music, and the Medill School of Journalism. Northwestern also has a downtown Chicago campus, with the Feinberg School of Medicine and School of Law, both being located in the city's Streeterville neighborhood. Northwestern is a member of the Big Ten Athletic Conference. The University of Chicago, established in 1891, is a nonsectarian, private, research university located in Hyde Park on the city's South Side. The university has had 82 Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty and alumni, the highest of any university in the world. Academic programs at the University of Chicago have initiated entire schools of thought named after Chicago, most notably the Chicago School of Economics. The university also maintains the Pritzker School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Law School, and the Booth School of Business. The University of Illinois at Chicago, a nationally ranked public research institution, is the largest university within the city. [54] UIC boasts the nation's largest medical school. 16] State funded universities in Chicago (besides UIC) include Chicago State University and Northeastern Illinois University. The city also has a large community college system known as the City Colleges of Chicago. Prominent Catholic universities in Chicago include Loyola University and DePaul University. Loyola, established in 1870 as Saint Ignatius College, has campuses on city's North Side as we ll as downtown, and a Medical Center in the West suburban Maywood, is the largest Jesuit university in the country while DePaul, a Big East Conference university is the largest Catholic university in the U. S. Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit university. The Illinois Institute of Technology is a private Ph. D. -granting technological university. The main campus is established in Bronzeville, and is home to renowned engineering and architecture programs. The university was host to world-famous modern architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for many years. IIT also maintains a formal academic and research relationship with the Argonne National Laboratory. The IIT Institute of Design is located downtown, and the Stuart School of Business and Chicago-Kent College of Law are located within the city's financial district. IIT shares it's main campus with the VanderCook College of Music, the only independent college in the country focusing exclusively on the training of music educators, and Shimer College, a private liberal arts college which follows the Great Books program. Lake Forest College is Chicago's national liberal arts college. North Park University is located in Chicago's Albany park neighborhood, it enrolls a little over 3,000 students and has been listed on US News' college review as one of the best universities in the Midwest. References: 1. Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007 (CBSA-EST2007-01)†: www. census. gov/popest/metro/CBSA-est2007-annual. html 2. â€Å"Population in Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Ranked by 2000 Population for the United States and Puerto Rico†: www. census. gov/population/cen2000/phc-t29/tab03a. csv 3. â€Å"Chicago in the World City Network†. Glob alization and World Cities Study Group and Network Loughborough University: http://www. lboro. ac. uk/gawc/projects/projec16. htm 4. Choose Chicago – the official visitors site for Chicago | Industry Statistics 5. Swenson, John F. â€Å"Chicagoua/Chicago: The Origin, Meaning, and Etymology of a Place Name. † Illinois Historical Journal 84. 4 (Winter 1991): 235–248 6. McCafferty, Michael. kDisc: â€Å"Chicago† Etymology. LINGUIST list posting, Dec. y21, 2001 7. Bruegmann, Robert (2004–2005). Built Environment of the Chicago Region. Encyclopedia of Chicago (online version). 8. www. enjoyillinois. com 9. Chicago Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Rankings (11/25/2005) 10. â€Å"Best Sports Cities 2006: Who, where and how†: http://www. sportingnews. com/yourturn/viewtopic. hp? t=113586 11. â€Å"City Mayors: World's richest cities†: www. citymayors. com/economics/richest_cities. html 12. Norcliffe, Glen. The Ride to Modernity: The Bicycle in Canada, 1869-1900 (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2001), p. 107. 13. Schneirov, Richard (April 1, 1998). Labor and Urba n Politics. University of Illinois Press. pp. 173–174. 14. Montejano, David, ed (January 1, 1998). Chicano Politics and Society in the Late Twentieth Century. University of Texas Press. pp. 33–34. 15. Chicago falls to 3rd in U. S. convention industry (4/26/2006). Crain's Chicago Business. 16. http://glores. ru/wiki/en. wikipedia. org