Monthly Archives: September 2009

Sep3

FCPA and the International Code of Conduct

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FCPA and the International Code of Conduct

In response to the terrorist attacks that have been occurring throughout the world the United Nations created the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.   The focus of the Act is on the policies, procedures, and behaviours of companies with which the United States conducts business as well as the conduct of the Public Officials of those countries.  It applies not only to foreign officials but to domestic officials as well.  The policies and procedures are set in place to create an environment wherein in criminal behavior is discovered, investigated and prosecuted, creating a world that is better to live in for all the people on the planet, a world wherein unethical, immoral, corrupt and illegal activities are stopped in their tracks.  As part of this continued effort the United Nations enacted in 1996 an International Code of Conduct,  this is in regards to specifically public officials.

This was adopted for use by agencies as a tool or a guide for them in the efforts in the fight within the public sectors against fraud and corruption.  This is a basic, but detailed and thorough list of recommendations regarding the performance of the officials duties and the means in which they must follow these recommendations.  These general principles are in regards to fairness, effectiveness, integrity, loyalty and impartiality in all aspects of their performance.

This applies not only to their work, but to their personal character as well.  This also involve the principle of transparency.   This means that they must agree to disclosing their books and their assets, as well as those of their husbands or wives, or other dependents.  This serves to lay it all out in the open and serves to not only detect those who are committing acts of corruption,  but to protect those who are not as well.  If there is not criminal behavior, than they should fear and will have nothing to hide.  They must also disclose any favors they either accept or extend, as well the giving and receiving of gifts.  This states as well that the activities of the officials must not impair nor be destructive to the confidence of the public for which they represents, and must perform all there actions in regards to these standards at all time.

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Sep2

Melbourne’s Painters and Dockers

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Melbourne’s Painters and Dockers

When looking for an Australian boutique hotel, Melbourne is a treasure chest.  It is one of Australia’s largest cities, and home to some of the best artistic and scientific minds on the continent.  It is fiercely individual, holding uniqueness in very high esteem, and our boutique hotels continue in this unique tradition.  Offering an alternative to the chain hotel, with all the luxury and splendor that meets the highest standards of the industry, we specialize in attention to detail.  Sleek design and contemporary style meet with the best of classical standards to provide an ambience that is inviting and relaxing.  With excellent cuisine prepared by world-class chefs, and a host of extras, there is a world of splendor at your fingertips.  After a cozy night’s stay, you’ll be ready to explore the wonders of Melbourne.

As a cosmopolitan center, Melbourne is a heady blend of cultures and traditions, and there are lots of exciting activities that will be fun for the whole family.  People watching, world-class shopping, sight-seeing and festivals are all on the menu.  The night life here is really fabulous as well, and the Melbourne pub scene is famous.  It has quite a fascinating history, too, seeing the birth of punk rock in the region.  One of Melbourne’s all-time favorite pub bands is Painters and Dockers.  This satiric and rowdy band began in 1982.  Their favorite pub was frequented by the Painters and Dockers’ Union, and as the band didn’t have a name, they adopted it.

The Painters and Dockers went on to record six albums and a sizable following, both in Melbourne and the international punk scene.  Their funny and biting social satire earned them a reputation for causing trouble.  To this day, the band’s mainstay, Paul Stewart attracts attention as he plays with the press while bringing attention to a number of social causes, from hepatitis awareness to East Timor.  Their legacy is still keenly felt here, and it’s worth a trip down music history to visit the pubs here and see what the next generation is up to.

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Sep2

Freud Museum in Vienna

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Freud Museum in Vienna

“Is this some kind of ego trip?” I asked Candi in my best Austrian psychologist voice. We were preparing to visit, of all things, the Sigmund Freud museum in Vienna. Without missing a beat, Candi replied, “Why yes, and I will be wearing a Freudian slip,” and we both almost fell down laughing. It is even funnier since Candi is a Jungian analyst I met at the Jung Center in Switzerland, interested in the Carl Jung’s (http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/jung.html) work that I am, and like to think of myself as an amateur analyst. It turned out Candi and I both lived in Chicago when we met, about a five minute drive from each, and we do not recall ever meeting. We often wonder if we would have met if we had not gone to Switzerland and I hit on her. “Now zen,” I said, evoking the spirit of the great doctor, or a poor attempt at his voice, “what do you think of the hotels Vienna Austria has, very beautiful, no? Now, what do you say you lie down on the couch and tell me all about it,” but Candi would have none of it. Now it turns out the good doctor lived there his professional life until he had to leave in 1938, and you can the actual couch, or something like it, and the place looks like he could have just been there moments before. The original waiting room furniture is there, but it turns out the famous couch went to London with him in ’38, and there wasn’t much in the apartment except plaques and photographs, and from the outside a church overlooks the area. Later, we went for a nice lunch of some schnitzel, as were museum-ed out and needed a respite, and had a beer or three, one in honor of Freud and for the super-ego.

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Sep2

The U.S. Patriot Act, and the Acts That Have Followed

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The U.S. Patriot Act, and the Acts That Have Followed

The U.S. Patriot Act,  which was drawn up in the year following the terrorist attack in New York City and at the United States Pentagon, has resulted in the change of several of the aspects of the laws in the United States.  Many of the laws that this affected include the Bank Secrecy Act, the Money Laundering Control Ace and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

The U.S. Congress set about working immediately in order to propose several bills surrounding anti-terrorism.  This has had a huge effect on the capture of several people or organizations that were funding terrorist cells around the world.  However, the Act itself has been a bit of a controversy as people are concerned with losing their privacy.

Many concepts are now put to use that grant financial institutions the right to thoroughly serve customer’s backgrounds.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been give more rights concerning the tracking and tracing of cell phones and computer activities of those they are suspecting of committing any form of corruption.

And due to the nature of the investigation into the past history of a person or a future client, some officials in foreign countries are refusing to do business, as they feel this is a negative view toward their character, or rather they are insulted by the questioning of their reputation.  And so many more new acts have been a result, acts such as the Security and Freedom Ensured Act, that are meant to ensure that the rights of private citizens are not being violated.

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Sep1

Tips for Off-Road SUV Excursions

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Tips for Off-Road SUV Excursions

Many of the SUVs that are on the market are today, although they are suited for the off road terrain, it is best to stay in the existing roadways.  This helps with not only protected one’s life, and one’s vehicle,  but the landscape and the environment as well.  There are a few tips for staying safe when venturing off into wilderness.  One tip is to make sure that the tires on the SUV are meant for off road abuse.  Cooper Tire has a wide selection of tires for use on four wheel drive, and they are rated as some of the safest discount tires in the industry.  In general, tire pressure should always be check before heading off-road.

One tip when taking the back roads is to be sure to be on the lookout for hikers, bicyclists and those on horseback.  Also free range livestock such as goats, sheep, or cattle can shock one as they seem to appear at the last moment and out of no where.  There are many resources on the Internet to check the weather conditions before heading out.  In the Southwestern deserts flash floods can happen at a moment’s notice, and can not only strand drivers, but are dangerous as well.

In cases wherein one will be pretty far off of the beaten track, it is best to let some one know when you are leaving, where you are going and when you plan to return.  Let them know that you will give them a call when you return home, and should you not place that call, give them the names and numbers of whom they should call.  It is always recommended that one wears their seat belt, some of the rougher patches and the washed out roads can create problems in controlling one’s vehicle.

Smooth roads can be deceiving as well, as it is very easy to get caught in sand or large amounts of fine dirt.  Should this happen, it is best to ease out slowly, as trying to push the vehicle will only serve to get the car more stuck and dug into the ground.  And always know the vehicles ground clearance so as to not become trapped in a straddle over a large boulder.  Four wheeling can be fun and exciting, it is just always wise to practice caution and to be prepared.

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