eHow
July 6, 2011
The public sphere is a concept of a community gathering to share information and form opinions. The public sphere is no one place, though it is often associated with public forums. The concept is also related to the marketplace of ideas, a concept that if all ideas, good and bad, are shared, the truth will out. The public sphere was originally proposed by cultural theorist Jürgen Habermas in 1962.
The Public Sphere Conceptualized
The ideal public sphere is made of private people gathered as a public to discuss the needs of society to the state, the ruling force. Through assembly and dialogue, the public generates opinions about the role of the state, either challenging or affirming the status quo. The public then articulates its opinions to the state. This dialogue makes up public opinion. Cultural theorists agree that public opinion is vital for a legitimate democracy.
A Successful Public Sphere
There are five factors that constitute a successful, ideal public sphere. The first is access. People must be able to access the discourse universally to form a true public opinion. Discourse must be open and nonsecretive, taking place in public forums. The second is degree of autonomy. People must participate in the public sphere willingly and without coercion, and their opinions must be their own. The third is egalitarianism, or rejection of a hierarchy. All people must be equal in the public sphere, with each opinion holding equal weight. The fourth is the rule of law, the subordination of the state. The final factor is the quality of participation. The public must commit to a common logic to debate rationally.
Public Sphere Historically
The public sphere as it is now known was established in the 18th century with the growth of public meeting places. Coffeehouses, literary societies and a free press were all meeting places or outlets where issues of public concern could be discussed. The Internet could be considered a modern public sphere. Governments have historically tried to censor the public sphere to control discourse. Attempts to criminalize or stifle speech are still seen today.
Problems with the Public Sphere
A true public sphere has never been achieved. Disenfranchisement of groups throughout history has made it impossible for everyone to have egalitarian access. Ethnic, gender and class exclusions have always existed, though those barriers are continually breaking down. Despite advances in civil rights, private interests continue to invade the public sphere, buying their way into public opinion. For-profit newspapers, advertising and even the enormous spending in public elections are all examples of money confounding an ideal public sphere.
References
Vancouver Island University: Jürgen Habermas and the Public Sphere; Marshall Soules, Ph.D.
“Public Opinion”; Vincent Price; 1992
“Public Opinion”; Carroll J. Glynn, et al.; 2004
Monday, August 8, 2011
What is a Poblano Pepper?
eHow
July 6, 2011
Poblano peppers are mild chiles named for the Mexican state of Puebla where they originate. They are a staple of Mexican cooking, used in mole sauce, chile relleno and a traditional Mexican independence day dish called chiles en nogada. When they are dried, poblanos are called ancho chiles. Poblanos are often confused for mulato and pasilla peppers, but each variety is distinctive.
Physical Characteristics
Poblano peppers are long, heart-shaped peppers. Young poblanos are vibrant or dark green, and redden as they mature, becoming almost black at their ripest stage. They can grow up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. The tough, waxy skin is usually removed for cooking. Because they are so wide, they are perfect for stuffing.
Growing Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are easy to grow. They thrive in warm climates like their native southeast Mexico. They are slow-growing, so plant them in the early spring for a summer harvest. The plants begin in pots, but they must be transferred to a garden once the seedlings reach about 5 inches tall. The plants need full sun, rich soil and good drainage. They are ready for harvest when they are large, dark green and glossy, but they can be left on the plant until they ripen to a dark red.
Ancho Chiles
Dried poblano peppers are called ancho chiles. The peppers wrinkle and become black, resembling a raisin. Ancho means "broad" in Spanish, referring to the pepper’s width when it flattens during drying. Drying ancho chiles is a method of preservation and flavor concentration. They can be reconstituted for cooking or ground into powder.
Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en nogada is a traditional Mexican dish often served for Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16, because it features the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white and red. It means "chiles in walnut sauce," and the sweet and savory dish includes fruits, nuts and pork stuffed in poblano peppers. The holiday meal includes an exhaustive list of ingredients and steps.
Chile Rellenos
A more manageable dish is chile rellenos, poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and covered in a tomato sauce. Start by charring the peppers to remove the skin. Place four peppers under a broiler until completely black, then place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. When cooled enough to handle, peel away the charred skin. Slice them lengthwise to remove the seeds. Using 1 lb. of queso fresco, stuff the peppers and seal with toothpicks. Beat three egg whites until fluffy. Mix in three egg yolks and 1 tbsp. flour. Dip the stuffed peppers in the batter and fry in oil until golden brown. Simmer four Roma tomatoes in 1 cup water until soft. Stir in two chopped garlic cloves and 1 tbsp. chicken bouillon. Whisk together ¼ cup oil and 1 tsp. flour over low heat until brown; add the tomato sauce. Simmer 5 minutes and add 1 tbsp. oregano. Pour the tomato sauce over the fried chiles and serve.
References
The Cook’s Thesaurus: Fresh Chile Peppers
Veggie Gardener: How to Grow Poblano Peppers
Gourmet Sleuth: Chiles in Nogada
Food Network: Chile Relleno
July 6, 2011
Poblano peppers are mild chiles named for the Mexican state of Puebla where they originate. They are a staple of Mexican cooking, used in mole sauce, chile relleno and a traditional Mexican independence day dish called chiles en nogada. When they are dried, poblanos are called ancho chiles. Poblanos are often confused for mulato and pasilla peppers, but each variety is distinctive.
Physical Characteristics
Poblano peppers are long, heart-shaped peppers. Young poblanos are vibrant or dark green, and redden as they mature, becoming almost black at their ripest stage. They can grow up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. The tough, waxy skin is usually removed for cooking. Because they are so wide, they are perfect for stuffing.
Growing Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are easy to grow. They thrive in warm climates like their native southeast Mexico. They are slow-growing, so plant them in the early spring for a summer harvest. The plants begin in pots, but they must be transferred to a garden once the seedlings reach about 5 inches tall. The plants need full sun, rich soil and good drainage. They are ready for harvest when they are large, dark green and glossy, but they can be left on the plant until they ripen to a dark red.
Ancho Chiles
Dried poblano peppers are called ancho chiles. The peppers wrinkle and become black, resembling a raisin. Ancho means "broad" in Spanish, referring to the pepper’s width when it flattens during drying. Drying ancho chiles is a method of preservation and flavor concentration. They can be reconstituted for cooking or ground into powder.
Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en nogada is a traditional Mexican dish often served for Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16, because it features the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white and red. It means "chiles in walnut sauce," and the sweet and savory dish includes fruits, nuts and pork stuffed in poblano peppers. The holiday meal includes an exhaustive list of ingredients and steps.
Chile Rellenos
A more manageable dish is chile rellenos, poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and covered in a tomato sauce. Start by charring the peppers to remove the skin. Place four peppers under a broiler until completely black, then place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. When cooled enough to handle, peel away the charred skin. Slice them lengthwise to remove the seeds. Using 1 lb. of queso fresco, stuff the peppers and seal with toothpicks. Beat three egg whites until fluffy. Mix in three egg yolks and 1 tbsp. flour. Dip the stuffed peppers in the batter and fry in oil until golden brown. Simmer four Roma tomatoes in 1 cup water until soft. Stir in two chopped garlic cloves and 1 tbsp. chicken bouillon. Whisk together ¼ cup oil and 1 tsp. flour over low heat until brown; add the tomato sauce. Simmer 5 minutes and add 1 tbsp. oregano. Pour the tomato sauce over the fried chiles and serve.
References
The Cook’s Thesaurus: Fresh Chile Peppers
Veggie Gardener: How to Grow Poblano Peppers
Gourmet Sleuth: Chiles in Nogada
Food Network: Chile Relleno
For How Long Is Food Good After a Power Outage?
eHow
July 5, 2011
Power outages can be frustrating and inconvenient, but they can also become downright hazardous when it comes to the contents of your refrigerator. Cold and frozen food must be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to remain safe for consumption, and there are ways to test your food’s safety. Following a few food safety guidelines can determine what is salvageable, but keep in mind this adage: when in doubt, throw it out.
Refrigerated Foods
Food is generally safe at room temperature for up to two hours. Some foods are more susceptible to spoilage, particularly meats and dairy products like mayonnaise. During a power outage, the refrigerator door should remain closed as much as possible to retain cold air. Food kept in a closed refrigerator should stay good for up to four hours of lost power.
Frozen Foods
During a power outage, frozen food may begin to thaw. The best way to determine if the food is safe is to keep a thermometer in the freezer. As long as the contents do not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be safe to eat or refreeze. Most freezers will retain cold air for up to two hours of lost power if they are kept closed. The fuller the freezer, the longer it will stay cold.
Checking Food Safety
Never taste foods to determine spoilage. Smell is also an unreliable indicator. The best way to test foods is to measure their temperature. Perishable and frozen items should not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the power has been out for more than two hours, automatically discard all meats, poultry and seafood, all cheeses except for hard and processed varieties, all dairy and eggs except for butter, all cut fresh fruits, and any cooked leftovers. Pastries made with dairy and all cream-based sauces should be thrown away as well. The USDA lists complete food safety guidelines on its website.
Emergency Preparedness
Every household should have an emergency preparedness plan with a food contingency, particularly in areas affected by storms or floods. Always stock non-perishable foodstuffs to prepare for long-term power outages. Canned and boxed goods can be heated in pans on outdoor grills. Always keep foods at or below 40 degrees. Filling coolers with dry ice or freezer packs is a good way to keep foods cold. Finally, keep thermometers in the freezer and refrigerator at all times to monitor food safety.
References
USDA: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
Centers for Disease Control: What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly
July 5, 2011
Power outages can be frustrating and inconvenient, but they can also become downright hazardous when it comes to the contents of your refrigerator. Cold and frozen food must be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to remain safe for consumption, and there are ways to test your food’s safety. Following a few food safety guidelines can determine what is salvageable, but keep in mind this adage: when in doubt, throw it out.
Refrigerated Foods
Food is generally safe at room temperature for up to two hours. Some foods are more susceptible to spoilage, particularly meats and dairy products like mayonnaise. During a power outage, the refrigerator door should remain closed as much as possible to retain cold air. Food kept in a closed refrigerator should stay good for up to four hours of lost power.
Frozen Foods
During a power outage, frozen food may begin to thaw. The best way to determine if the food is safe is to keep a thermometer in the freezer. As long as the contents do not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be safe to eat or refreeze. Most freezers will retain cold air for up to two hours of lost power if they are kept closed. The fuller the freezer, the longer it will stay cold.
Checking Food Safety
Never taste foods to determine spoilage. Smell is also an unreliable indicator. The best way to test foods is to measure their temperature. Perishable and frozen items should not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the power has been out for more than two hours, automatically discard all meats, poultry and seafood, all cheeses except for hard and processed varieties, all dairy and eggs except for butter, all cut fresh fruits, and any cooked leftovers. Pastries made with dairy and all cream-based sauces should be thrown away as well. The USDA lists complete food safety guidelines on its website.
Emergency Preparedness
Every household should have an emergency preparedness plan with a food contingency, particularly in areas affected by storms or floods. Always stock non-perishable foodstuffs to prepare for long-term power outages. Canned and boxed goods can be heated in pans on outdoor grills. Always keep foods at or below 40 degrees. Filling coolers with dry ice or freezer packs is a good way to keep foods cold. Finally, keep thermometers in the freezer and refrigerator at all times to monitor food safety.
References
USDA: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
Centers for Disease Control: What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly
Marinade for 10-Minute Steak
eHow
July 5, 2011
A good steak slices like butter and packs a robust flavor. Both of these qualities can be achieved with a marinade, which tenderizes the meat and injects it with big flavors. It can be done hours in advance, so a steak is ready to throw on the grill after a long day at work. The simple extra step of marinating makes a world of difference in the texture and taste of the meat; you won’t believe you ever settled for just salt and pepper.
Preparing a 10-Minute Steak
Choose the cut of meat you want to use. Less-expensive, tougher cuts stand up well to tenderizing marinades. Prepare the marinade of your choice and pour it over the steaks. Always marinate in the refrigerator to avoid foodborne illnesses. Steaks can marinate for as little as 15 minutes, or overnight at the longest. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavor it will absorb. If the marinade is very acidic or contains vinegar, limit marinating to 30 minutes. Acids break down the meat and can ruin the texture if over-tenderized. When meat is marinated, take it out of the refrigerator in advance to take the chill off. Shake off the excess marinade and grill for five minutes on each side for medium to medium-well.
Fresh Herb Marinade
Herbs give steak a fresh, earthy flavor. To make an herb marinade, combine four cloves of minced garlic, five finely chopped basil leaves, 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, 2 teaspoons of chopped thyme, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt and pepper. Brush the herb marinade onto both sides of four sirloin steaks, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least two hours prior to cooking.
Soy Sauce Marinade
Soy sauce is a delicious base for marinades. The salty and savory flavor adds body to the meat. To make a soy marinade, combine 1/3 cup of olive oil, two cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of honey and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This marinade is perfect for tenderizing tough flank steak. Score the surface of the steak across the grain. Coat with the marinade and refrigerate for at least two hours, and up to overnight. The toughness of flank steak allows for longer marinating.
Balsamic Marinade
Balsamic vinegar has a sweet, heady and robust flavor. Its acid content makes it great for quick marinating, and it adds enormous flavor to steaks. Combine ½ cup of molasses and ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar. Coat the steaks in the marinade and let sit for no more than 15 minutes. For an even greater flavor boost, baste the steaks with the marinade during cooking. Place steaks on the grill and baste one side. Turn after a couple of minutes and baste the opposite side. Continue cooking until the steaks reach the desired doneness. Be sure to cook steaks thoroughly when basting to avoid contamination from raw meat. The sugar in the balsamic and molasses forms a wonderful crust on the steaks.
References
“Men’s Health”; Grills Gone Wild: Sirloin Steaks With Fresh Herb Marinade
Simply Recipes: Grilled Marinated Flank Steak
“Southern Living”; Molasses-Balsamic Steak Kabobs With Green Tomatoes
July 5, 2011
A good steak slices like butter and packs a robust flavor. Both of these qualities can be achieved with a marinade, which tenderizes the meat and injects it with big flavors. It can be done hours in advance, so a steak is ready to throw on the grill after a long day at work. The simple extra step of marinating makes a world of difference in the texture and taste of the meat; you won’t believe you ever settled for just salt and pepper.
Preparing a 10-Minute Steak
Choose the cut of meat you want to use. Less-expensive, tougher cuts stand up well to tenderizing marinades. Prepare the marinade of your choice and pour it over the steaks. Always marinate in the refrigerator to avoid foodborne illnesses. Steaks can marinate for as little as 15 minutes, or overnight at the longest. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavor it will absorb. If the marinade is very acidic or contains vinegar, limit marinating to 30 minutes. Acids break down the meat and can ruin the texture if over-tenderized. When meat is marinated, take it out of the refrigerator in advance to take the chill off. Shake off the excess marinade and grill for five minutes on each side for medium to medium-well.
Fresh Herb Marinade
Herbs give steak a fresh, earthy flavor. To make an herb marinade, combine four cloves of minced garlic, five finely chopped basil leaves, 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, 2 teaspoons of chopped thyme, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt and pepper. Brush the herb marinade onto both sides of four sirloin steaks, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least two hours prior to cooking.
Soy Sauce Marinade
Soy sauce is a delicious base for marinades. The salty and savory flavor adds body to the meat. To make a soy marinade, combine 1/3 cup of olive oil, two cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of honey and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This marinade is perfect for tenderizing tough flank steak. Score the surface of the steak across the grain. Coat with the marinade and refrigerate for at least two hours, and up to overnight. The toughness of flank steak allows for longer marinating.
Balsamic Marinade
Balsamic vinegar has a sweet, heady and robust flavor. Its acid content makes it great for quick marinating, and it adds enormous flavor to steaks. Combine ½ cup of molasses and ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar. Coat the steaks in the marinade and let sit for no more than 15 minutes. For an even greater flavor boost, baste the steaks with the marinade during cooking. Place steaks on the grill and baste one side. Turn after a couple of minutes and baste the opposite side. Continue cooking until the steaks reach the desired doneness. Be sure to cook steaks thoroughly when basting to avoid contamination from raw meat. The sugar in the balsamic and molasses forms a wonderful crust on the steaks.
References
“Men’s Health”; Grills Gone Wild: Sirloin Steaks With Fresh Herb Marinade
Simply Recipes: Grilled Marinated Flank Steak
“Southern Living”; Molasses-Balsamic Steak Kabobs With Green Tomatoes
Why Do People Get Purity Rings?
eHow
July 5, 2011
Purity rings, also known as "chastity rings," are symbols of abstinence worn by young men and women. The ring represents a promise between two parties that the wearer remains chaste until marriage. Purity rings are associated with evangelical Christianity, but the message translates to any religion or culture. Purity rings come in many styles and are often worn on the left ring finger to hold the place for an engagement and wedding ring.
Virginity Pledges
Teenagers and young adults sometimes take virginity pledges, either with their churches or their parents. Teens can also make a virginity pledge with their significant others. The pledge states that the teen abstains from sexual activity until marriage. Virginity pledges can be based in religion and are supported by Bible passages. They can also be statistically based, citing teen pregnancy, STD rates and other negative consequences of premarital sex.
Purity Rings
Virginity pledges are often accompanied by purity rings, a physical symbol of the pledge. Young women traditionally wear purity rings, but they are becoming popular for young men as well, thanks in part to publicity from pop stars like The Jonas Brothers, who have worn their purity rings publicly. Purity rings are usually a gift from parents to their children at a milestone, like a birthday or the start of high school.
Silver Ring Thing
The "Silver Ring Thing" program was created in 1995 in response to escalating teen pregnancy rates. A subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Evangelical Church, Silver Ring Thing holds conferences and events all over the world, and attendees of the faith-based conferences receive silver rings inscribed with Bible verses and take a vow to remain celibate until marriage. Silver Ring Thing is one of the largest faith-based abstinence programs in the United States. It received federal funding under the George W. Bush administration but lost support when the ACLU brought suit, citing a violation of separation of church and state.
Criticism of Virginity Pledges
A 2008 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study showed that virginity pledges are not effective at promoting chastity. Adolescents who take virginity pledges and wear purity rings are just as likely as their peers to have premarital sex, and they are less likely to use protection, putting them at greater risk for pregnancy and infection. The criticism of abstinence-only education is that it is unrealistic to expect teens to abstain, and when they inevitably have sex, they aren’t equipped with the knowledge of how to use to protection.
References
Time: Do Virginity Pledges Work?; Alex Altman; December 2008
Silver Ring Thing: What Is Silver Ring Thing?
July 5, 2011
Purity rings, also known as "chastity rings," are symbols of abstinence worn by young men and women. The ring represents a promise between two parties that the wearer remains chaste until marriage. Purity rings are associated with evangelical Christianity, but the message translates to any religion or culture. Purity rings come in many styles and are often worn on the left ring finger to hold the place for an engagement and wedding ring.
Virginity Pledges
Teenagers and young adults sometimes take virginity pledges, either with their churches or their parents. Teens can also make a virginity pledge with their significant others. The pledge states that the teen abstains from sexual activity until marriage. Virginity pledges can be based in religion and are supported by Bible passages. They can also be statistically based, citing teen pregnancy, STD rates and other negative consequences of premarital sex.
Purity Rings
Virginity pledges are often accompanied by purity rings, a physical symbol of the pledge. Young women traditionally wear purity rings, but they are becoming popular for young men as well, thanks in part to publicity from pop stars like The Jonas Brothers, who have worn their purity rings publicly. Purity rings are usually a gift from parents to their children at a milestone, like a birthday or the start of high school.
Silver Ring Thing
The "Silver Ring Thing" program was created in 1995 in response to escalating teen pregnancy rates. A subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Evangelical Church, Silver Ring Thing holds conferences and events all over the world, and attendees of the faith-based conferences receive silver rings inscribed with Bible verses and take a vow to remain celibate until marriage. Silver Ring Thing is one of the largest faith-based abstinence programs in the United States. It received federal funding under the George W. Bush administration but lost support when the ACLU brought suit, citing a violation of separation of church and state.
Criticism of Virginity Pledges
A 2008 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study showed that virginity pledges are not effective at promoting chastity. Adolescents who take virginity pledges and wear purity rings are just as likely as their peers to have premarital sex, and they are less likely to use protection, putting them at greater risk for pregnancy and infection. The criticism of abstinence-only education is that it is unrealistic to expect teens to abstain, and when they inevitably have sex, they aren’t equipped with the knowledge of how to use to protection.
References
Time: Do Virginity Pledges Work?; Alex Altman; December 2008
Silver Ring Thing: What Is Silver Ring Thing?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in a Big City
eHow
July 5, 2011
Choosing whether to live in a big city or a small town requires serious considerations of your lifestyle. Big-city life isn’t for everyone, but many people thrive on the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. As with any dichotomy, there are advantages and disadvantages. No two cities are alike, and each has a different vibe that attracts certain people.
Traffic
Heavy traffic and constant congestion keep car-lovers away from large cities. The freedom to get behind the wheel and choose your destination is lost in many cities where cabs are the only vehicles on the road. The advantage of a large city, however, is the efficiency of public transportation. Reliable subway or bus systems and ever-present taxis make transportation relatively inexpensive. There is no need to buy gas, and many city dwellers don’t own cars at all, eliminating the need for insurance, registration and maintenance.
Entertainment
There is no scarcity of entertainment in big cities. Concerts, theater and events are happening all the time, and many free options exist for budget tourism. The disadvantage of a city that draws tourists is the crowds. Droves of people coexist in a single city, so all aspects of life can become crowded. The mixture of different cultures also draws people to cities. There are scores of goods and services that small-town dwellers cannot access.
Cost of Living
Big cities are associated with a high cost of living. Houses and apartments in prime neighborhoods tend to be much smaller and much more expensive. Goods and services can also be more costly. The cost of living is somewhat mediated by higher average salaries and public transportation. It is also easier for people in many industries to find work in a big city.
Crime
Big cities tend to have higher rates of crime due to poverty and density. Crime rates are dropping in the nation’s 100 largest cities, but both violent and nonviolent crimes remain cause for concern to city residents and visitors.
Pollution
Congestion causes severe pollution in many large cities. Air quality is very low in large metropolitan areas, which can lead to respiratory illnesses. This can raise the cost of health care and reduce productivity in the workplace. Many large cities are implementing eco-friendly initiatives, however, and it is easier to live a “green” lifestyle in cosmopolitan areas that are invested in reducing their residents’ carbon footprints.
Neighborhoods
Many large cities are considered walking cities, where it is easier to get around on foot than to travel by cab or public transport. Neighborhoods have all of the amenities residents need for daily life, including markets, restaurants and schools. Walking cities promote a sense of community and can improve health.
References
“Boston Globe”; Falling Crime in Big Cities Disproves Old Assumptions; Alan Wirzbicki; June 3, 2011
“Forbes”; The World’s Dirtiest Cities; Tiffany M. Luck; February 26, 2008
The Good Human: City vs. Country—Which Is More Eco-Friendly?
July 5, 2011
Choosing whether to live in a big city or a small town requires serious considerations of your lifestyle. Big-city life isn’t for everyone, but many people thrive on the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. As with any dichotomy, there are advantages and disadvantages. No two cities are alike, and each has a different vibe that attracts certain people.
Traffic
Heavy traffic and constant congestion keep car-lovers away from large cities. The freedom to get behind the wheel and choose your destination is lost in many cities where cabs are the only vehicles on the road. The advantage of a large city, however, is the efficiency of public transportation. Reliable subway or bus systems and ever-present taxis make transportation relatively inexpensive. There is no need to buy gas, and many city dwellers don’t own cars at all, eliminating the need for insurance, registration and maintenance.
Entertainment
There is no scarcity of entertainment in big cities. Concerts, theater and events are happening all the time, and many free options exist for budget tourism. The disadvantage of a city that draws tourists is the crowds. Droves of people coexist in a single city, so all aspects of life can become crowded. The mixture of different cultures also draws people to cities. There are scores of goods and services that small-town dwellers cannot access.
Cost of Living
Big cities are associated with a high cost of living. Houses and apartments in prime neighborhoods tend to be much smaller and much more expensive. Goods and services can also be more costly. The cost of living is somewhat mediated by higher average salaries and public transportation. It is also easier for people in many industries to find work in a big city.
Crime
Big cities tend to have higher rates of crime due to poverty and density. Crime rates are dropping in the nation’s 100 largest cities, but both violent and nonviolent crimes remain cause for concern to city residents and visitors.
Pollution
Congestion causes severe pollution in many large cities. Air quality is very low in large metropolitan areas, which can lead to respiratory illnesses. This can raise the cost of health care and reduce productivity in the workplace. Many large cities are implementing eco-friendly initiatives, however, and it is easier to live a “green” lifestyle in cosmopolitan areas that are invested in reducing their residents’ carbon footprints.
Neighborhoods
Many large cities are considered walking cities, where it is easier to get around on foot than to travel by cab or public transport. Neighborhoods have all of the amenities residents need for daily life, including markets, restaurants and schools. Walking cities promote a sense of community and can improve health.
References
“Boston Globe”; Falling Crime in Big Cities Disproves Old Assumptions; Alan Wirzbicki; June 3, 2011
“Forbes”; The World’s Dirtiest Cities; Tiffany M. Luck; February 26, 2008
The Good Human: City vs. Country—Which Is More Eco-Friendly?
What Are Speakeasies?
eHow
July 4, 2011
Speakeasies were illegal bars in the United States during the Prohibition Era in response to the 18th Amendment, which barred the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol. The speakeasy got its name from the need to “speak easy” or whisper a secret password to gain entry. The bars were underground operations, hidden from law enforcement under the façade of regular businesses. The speakeasy is a legendary icon of the Roaring Twenties.
Prohibition
The Prohibition movement to ban alcohol was led by several different groups in American society. Prohibition or temperance is historically linked with women’s suffrage. Women in the 19th century had no political or property rights, and some husbands became abusive after nights drinking in saloons. Susan B. Anthony began her suffrage campaign when she tried to speak a Sons of Temperance meeting, and was told she had no right to speak or take action. Prohibition is also attributed to anti-German sentiment in the wake of World War I, which led to a boycott of German beers as a political statement. It is also believed that white Southerners supported Prohibition to keep alcohol out of reach from blacks.
The 18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment was passed on January 29, 1920. Prohibitionists successfully lobbied Congress to ban the manufacture and sale of alcohol, presumably to correct societal ills associated with drunkenness. Law enforcement began shutting down saloons and bars all over the country. The 18th Amendment restriction of alcohol was repealed by the passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933, but until then, speakeasies cropped up in every major American city.
Speakeasies
Rather than stop drinking, the 18th Amendment simply drove consumption underground. Speakeasies were small, hidden saloons that supplied illegal alcohol. For every legitimate bar that was closed, several speakeasies cropped up. Hidden in delis, tailors and apartments, speakeasies became neighborhood joints for drinking and entertainment. A secret password, signal or handshake kept these places under wraps from law enforcement. The profits earned in speakeasies were often worth the risks of ownership. Speakeasies became highly lucrative businesses in cities where demand for alcohol was high and supply was restricted.
The Advent of Jazz
Speakeasies were a major contributor to the development of jazz music. With so many speakeasies springing up — nearly 5,000 in Manhattan alone — each saloon had to set itself apart. By offering music, the bar could draw more patrons. Jazz musicians suddenly found a demand for their craft, and speakeasy patrons embraced this new style of music. Other entertainment acts like Cabaret singers and Vaudeville troupes had their heyday in the speakeasy culture, which invited a loosening of morals — the exact opposite of Prohibition’s intentions.
References
National Public Radio: Prohibition: Speakeasies, Loopholes and Politics
Public Broadcasting Service: Jazz Exchange: Speakeasies
July 4, 2011
Speakeasies were illegal bars in the United States during the Prohibition Era in response to the 18th Amendment, which barred the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol. The speakeasy got its name from the need to “speak easy” or whisper a secret password to gain entry. The bars were underground operations, hidden from law enforcement under the façade of regular businesses. The speakeasy is a legendary icon of the Roaring Twenties.
Prohibition
The Prohibition movement to ban alcohol was led by several different groups in American society. Prohibition or temperance is historically linked with women’s suffrage. Women in the 19th century had no political or property rights, and some husbands became abusive after nights drinking in saloons. Susan B. Anthony began her suffrage campaign when she tried to speak a Sons of Temperance meeting, and was told she had no right to speak or take action. Prohibition is also attributed to anti-German sentiment in the wake of World War I, which led to a boycott of German beers as a political statement. It is also believed that white Southerners supported Prohibition to keep alcohol out of reach from blacks.
The 18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment was passed on January 29, 1920. Prohibitionists successfully lobbied Congress to ban the manufacture and sale of alcohol, presumably to correct societal ills associated with drunkenness. Law enforcement began shutting down saloons and bars all over the country. The 18th Amendment restriction of alcohol was repealed by the passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933, but until then, speakeasies cropped up in every major American city.
Speakeasies
Rather than stop drinking, the 18th Amendment simply drove consumption underground. Speakeasies were small, hidden saloons that supplied illegal alcohol. For every legitimate bar that was closed, several speakeasies cropped up. Hidden in delis, tailors and apartments, speakeasies became neighborhood joints for drinking and entertainment. A secret password, signal or handshake kept these places under wraps from law enforcement. The profits earned in speakeasies were often worth the risks of ownership. Speakeasies became highly lucrative businesses in cities where demand for alcohol was high and supply was restricted.
The Advent of Jazz
Speakeasies were a major contributor to the development of jazz music. With so many speakeasies springing up — nearly 5,000 in Manhattan alone — each saloon had to set itself apart. By offering music, the bar could draw more patrons. Jazz musicians suddenly found a demand for their craft, and speakeasy patrons embraced this new style of music. Other entertainment acts like Cabaret singers and Vaudeville troupes had their heyday in the speakeasy culture, which invited a loosening of morals — the exact opposite of Prohibition’s intentions.
References
National Public Radio: Prohibition: Speakeasies, Loopholes and Politics
Public Broadcasting Service: Jazz Exchange: Speakeasies
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