LEGAL ASPECTS OF INTL BUSINESS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

LEGAL ASPECTS OF INTL BUSINESS - Essay Example American may use all forms of treats against Russia including economic sanctions, but will never go to war with Russia. This article addresses issues that relate to international relations, business, and law, as most consequences of Russia actions in Ukraine will be felt outside Ukraine. The outside effect will be felt in international business, political stability, and law. Business and other economic activities in both countries have been affected especially the Crimea region where Russian troops have seized the Airport and borders (Peck 1). The sovereignty of Ukraine has also been interfered with since international laws, which recognizes the sovereignty of a country have been violated by Russia invasion. Among the issues raised in this article are reasons why America may never manage to go to war with Russia over Ukraine. I believe that these reasons would make sense to anyone reading this article due to the facts supporting. The Russian army is powerful and alongside the power of the army, they are a nuclear superpower. Russia has the advantage of being close to Ukraine than US making it easier for them to send troop. The US is tired after a long period of war and does not have adequate army to send to Russia. The American people are also tired of war and most of their allies tired as well and are not ready for war. However, it is not in order for countries to think war always whenever conflict arises between them. Russia has over 4500 active nuclear warheads that could devastate the US totally and the world at large (Peck 1). Their military is well equipped with weapons that would make America not good enough. Compared to Taliban and Iraqis, the Russian army is not lightly armed as them. Russia can easily send its troops to Ukraine, which is close unlike US. With nearly 13 years of involving itself in war, America has used most of its resources and need a

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay Example for Free

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s early twentieth century masterpiece serves as the author’s critique on the 1920’s culture of extravagance to which he was admittedly was part of. The prosperous economy of the early twentieth century allowed the upper strata of the population to lead entirely leisure-filled lifestyles and it was in this setting that Fitzgerald framed his social criticisms, told through a first personal narrative account by the character, Nick. The theme of carelessness presents itself again and again throughout the course of the novel, mainly manifested through the actions of every major character in the book. The way carelessness is manifested in each character differs; however, the underlying commonality between all the characters is the availability of money. This is purposefully woven into the story by Fitzgerald to reflect the superfluous times of the period.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tom and Daisy were careless with regards to many aspects of their lives, especially their marriage and their money. Tom took his relationship with Daisy for granted, unabashedly flaunting his affair with Myrtle without the least bit of consideration for Daisy. It is Tom’s egotistical personality that ultimately haunts him. Having been raised in luxury and privilege his entire life, Tom considered his actions to be without effect having never been forced to deal with the causalities of responsibility. As Nick observes, They were careless people, Tom and Daisy they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back to their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made. . . .(189) Tom’s refusal to acknowledge consequences created the possibility and motivation for Daisy and Gatsby to fall in love. Tom’s solution was, of course, to take Daisy and run away from the problem at hand. Daisy also provides the perfect example of her carelessness during a conversation with Nick in which he tells her she is a â€Å"careless† driver. I am careful. No, youre not Well, other people are, she said lightly. Whats that got to do with it? Theyll keep out of my way, she insisted. It takes two to make an accident. Suppose you meet somebody just as careless as yourself. I hope I never will, she answered. I hate careless people.(63) Jordan, like Tom and Daisy, was raised in privilege and also displayed the utterly self-centered attitude of them as well. Jordan differed in her carelessness in the sense that she was used to men being attracted to her and having them at her disposal that she developed an inability to empathize with those coping with the effects of her actions. She also displayed the trademark characteristic during the golf tournament when she won the match after kicking the golf-ball into the hole. She was careless both by cheating in the first place as well as not being mindful of the crowd watching her while she cheated. The theme of carelessness resurfaces many times throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald’s â€Å"The Great Gatsby.† Each of the main characters exhibits this trait, and all are affected negatively by their careless actions. The theme was intentionally utilized as a focal point serving to highlight the general atmosphere of 1920’s decadence and free-spiritedness. â€Å"The Great Gatsby† continues to serve as a unique internal criticism of a decade that concerned itself the frivolities of aristocratic life. Outline Introduction – The story serves as Fitzgerald’s critique of his own   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     society. The leisurely lifestyle was allowed by the economic prosperity of the time The underlying characteristic is the presence of money Tom and Daisy – Tom took Daisy for granted in their marriage by affair with Myrtle Tom took Myrtle for granted and then lost her because of Daisy’s Carelessness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      He does not acknowledge the effects of his actions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Quote by Nick observing this carelessness in both Tom and Daisy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   -Daisy’s conversation with Nick concerning her reckless driving Jordan – Considers men to be disposable -She was born into privilege like Nick, Tom and Daisy -Example of the golf tournament used to illustrate her carelessness and selfishness Conclusion – Every character in the story is effected by their own carelessness or by that of another person. -Carelessness was chosen as a theme intentionally by Fitzgerald to serve as a critique on his society at the time

The Branding Luxury Brand Valentino Marketing Essay

The Branding Luxury Brand Valentino Marketing Essay A luxury brand or prestige brand is a brand for which a majority of its products are luxury goods. It may also include certain brands whose names are associated with luxury, high price, or high quality, though few, if any, of their goods are currently considered luxury goods. Luxury goods are said to have high income elasticity of demand: as people become wealthier, they will buy more and more of the luxury good. This also means, however, that should there be a decline in income its demand will drop. Income elasticity of demand is not constant with respect to income, and may change sign at different levels of income. That is to say, a luxury good may become a normal good or even an inferior good at different income levels, e.g. a wealthy person stops buying increasing numbers of luxury cars for his automobile collection to start collecting airplanes (at such an income level, the luxury car would become an inferior good). Valentino: haute contour dressing: The Valentino Fashion Group S.p.A is a natural extension of the Marzotto Groups industrial experience. Over the years, through specific acquisitions aimed to strengthen their presence in the clothing sector, it has gradually shifted approaches, becoming less production-oriented and more fashion-driven and market-oriented. The fashion industry is a highly competitive industry, where product life cycles are short. The economies gained by product differentiation are built on brand image and product styling can be quickly imitated. These developments force firms to innovate at a rapid pace, denying them the benefit of lasting advantage. Valentino includes the following brands: Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma e RED Valentino. It operates in the upper end of the fashion and luxury market, offering exclusive products in the couture, ready-to-wear, designer, diffusion and bridge segments. Nature of the Brand: This business unit gets its name from Valentino Garavani, the undisputed master of haute couture and one of the leading representatives of Italian style and creativity in the world of fashion and luxury. In over 45 years of being in business, his collections have dressed and accessorised top international celebrities time and time again. Its image of glamour, exclusivity and strong style make Valentino a brand well known for the sophistication and elegance of its creations. Valentino Haute Couture offers a variety of collections made up of unique items singularly handcrafted in the prestigious atelier situated in Rome. A team of about 40 Premiere is entirely dedicated to the highest quality manufacturing of one of a kind precious creation. Valentino Prà ªt-à  -Porter presents sophisticated, exclusive lines for women and men intended for an elegant, but unconventional young clientele belonging to the new international jet-set. Valentino surprised everyone with a revamped vision of haute couture a reference to a new, younger target market who loves the exquisiteness and exclusiveness of the upper end of fashion. The collection is colourful, with saturated neon tones. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli bring us the wilder side of the Valentino woman. With fluorescent bustier, translucent garments and tulle leggings, this is a truly revamped collection that experiments with new silhouettes. The designers are sure about one thing: this collection is designed for a younger audience. The brand took inspiration from a lush, colourful interpretation of Eden full of birds, innocence and sensuality. Target Market: Valentino have made their Spring Summer 2010 campaign a tribute to their revamped target market. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are thinking of a new generation of clients, and theyve revamped their target market in collaboration with Cole Mohr and Dree Hemingway. Their party dresses look more youthful, and their unique fairies have inspired new designs featuring organza in gold, pink and nude tones. Brand Positioning: The Valentino Fashion Group S.p.A plays a vital role in the world of fashion and luxury, with a rich and well-diversified portfolio of products which includes clothing, accessories, and footwear for men and women. In the highly discriminating world of fashion and luxury, few players have gained the international fame the Valentino Fashion Group S.p.A has achieved. The Valentino Fashion Group S.p.A offers an array of complementary brands characterised by a consolidated global presence, excellent brand awareness, and strong product recognition. The groups activities are broken down into two business units, covering the entire luxury and fashion sector where a wide range of styles and products are offered: Valentino, featuring the prestigious brands Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma and RED Valentino Licensed brands MCS Marlboro Classics and M Missoni, in addition to its own brands Lebole, Oxon and Portrait. Until 23 December 2009 there were three business units, which even included Hugo Boss, a company which was relinquished on that date and therefore no longer a part of the consolidated group. The Valentino Fashion Group S.p.A operates in over 110 countries, with more than 1,600 single-brand boutiques and 433 directly-managed shops. The Groups consolidated revenue for the 2008 financial year is approximately 2.206,9 million. More than 13.081 employees work in directly controlled companies and branches spread across 28 countries. Its no secret that Valentino has been sending the costume department of Gossip Girl clothes and accessories almost every main female character on the show, save maybe Vanessa and Lily van der Woodsen, have sported Valentino bags, dresses, and even headbands more than once.   One recent episode even revolves around Jenny and a fiasco involving a one-of-a-kind red Valentino gown.   At first, I thought product placement there was too much of the brand for it not to be a coincidence.   But is the Gossip Girl market really Valentinos target market?   Apparently it is now: the brand is going for rapid expansion and one if their main checkpoint is To attract a younger, trendier consumer while not losing the brands current clientele.   And there you have it, product placement at work. C:UsersmansiPicturesVFG_organigramma_201002_eng.jpg Brand Promise: Todays fashion world is a framework, which enhances values such as style and research, creativity and innovation, technology and craftsmanship. Its distinctive feature is the skill to merge many spirits into a harmonious balance. The real protagonists in this global scene are those who offer proposals charged with irresistible value and designed to integrate an extensive variety of products and trademarks by converging the offers quality and variety and consumer satisfaction. The goal is: To be the fashion worlds protagonists in the fashion and luxury sectors. Ensuring the highest quality standards in all market segments we serve. Steadily focusing on the demands of an unwaveringly evolving cosmopolite consumer. Pursue excellence and innovation by establishing an on-going dialogue between passion and experience. Brand Essence: Increasing the value of human resources, work in team and development of individual skills are the key for the VFG success. People that we are looking for should be active and determined, with spirit of enterprise and innovative capacity; they put themselves on the line and give all their best in everything they do. Creativity and quality the central factors of creative processes detailed research and skilled choice of materials; total control of all processing phases Differentiation and selection multiple styles; an extensive diversified offer Flexibility and efficiency excellent production processes and logistics; sourcing management designed to ensure the highest product quality Continuity and innovation enhancement of each brands distinctive features; application of advanced techniques to the management of global brands; consistent strategic choices for global development Ethics integrity, fairness and transparency in business relations with all stakeholders; total compliance with international laws and regulations concerning labour protection The consumers central role never failing to keep in mind that we concretise our Consumers dreams. Research and Evidence: Article # 1435: VALENTINO FASHION GROUP 2008 RESULTS: TURNOVER UP 5% AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE RATES AND EBITDA STABLE Milan, April 17th 2009 Valentino Fashion Groups consolidated net turnover in 2008 rose to 2.206,9 million Euro, an increase of 3% at current exchange rates and 5% at constant exchange rates, compared to 2007. This result reflects the positive performance of Hugo Boss (turnover up 6% at constant exchange rates), of Valentino (turnover up 5% at constant exchange rates) and of the other brands belonging to the Group (turnover up 5% at constant exchange rates, with the M Missoni licensed brand posting an increase of 27%). Hugo Boss. Despite very difficult market conditions, Hugo Boss strengthened its market leading position internationally. Hugo Boss broadly flat revenues in a subdued German market were counterbalanced by sales increase in other markets. Sales in Germany were 357 million Euro (down 1%), while sales in the Americas and in Asia enjoyed double digit increases: in 2008 sales in the Americas increased to 307 million Euro (+10% at constant exchange rates) while in Asia/Pacific sales rose to 162 million Euro (+25% at constant exchange rates). Valentino. The considerable growth of Valentino in the first half of the year was offset by the negative performance of the retail business in the second half of the year, following the gradual worsening of the international macroeconomic environment. Valentinos core markets, Europe and the US, both suffered, posting respective turnovers of 130 million Euro (-1%) and 50 million Euro (-5% at constant exchange rates). By contrast, the Asian markets held up well as sales increased to 56 million Euro (+19% at constant exchange rates). Revenues at Valentino Fashion Groups direct operated stores channel increased to 390 million Euro, up 7% compared to 2007. This increase reflects the expansion of the retail network, which amounted to 433 points of sale at the end of 2008 (December 2007: 369). Valentino Fashion Group EBITDA, adjusted for one-off costs relating to management changes at the Board of Hugo Boss and the reorganization of the Group, reached 320,4 million Euro (14,5% on revenues), broadly stable compared to the prior year (330,3 million Euro), with an Operating Income of 248,3 million Euro (11,3% on revenues), a decrease of 7% compared to 2007. Stefano Sassy, CEO of Valentino Fashion Group, commented: The group posted solid turnover growth and succeeded in maintaining its profitability despite challenging market conditions in 2008. The outlook for 2009 remains difficult and the Group acted quickly to optimize processes and save costs where necessary. Notwithstanding the uncertainty of the current environment, we are confident that the breadth and strength of our brands leaves us well positioned to deliver on our ambitious growth objectives in the medium term. February 17 2010 Valentino supports Francesca Rava N.P.H. Italia Onlus Foundation for Haiti children Milan, 17th February 2010 During Milan and Paris fashion weeks, the House of Valentino will support an initiative of great significance and value to benefit Haiti children. In collaboration with Francesca Rava N.P.H Italia Onlus Foundation (www.nphitalia.org), forever engaged in continuous charitable activity throughout Haiti, Valentino boutiques of Via Montenapoleone and Avenue Montaigne will host an exclusive evening starting from 6:30 pm: Milan on 24th February and Paris on 10th March. Valentino Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, profoundly involved in this important project, will personally take part to both events to present an exclusive t-shirt expressly created by them to support the initiative. This significant item will be available in both boutiques throughout Milan and Paris fashion weeks respectively. All t-shirt profits will be entirely donated to Francesca Rava Foundation, which during the Paris event will collaborate with N.P.H. France, to support focused rehabilitation and medical-surgical programs. Day to day beneficial mission involves working towards providing a physically and emotionally new alternative life to all children affected by Haiti earthquake. This special t-shirt will also be available on valentino.com website starting from March 15th. All proceeds will once again be devolved to sustain this significant charitable project. During Milan and Paris fashion weeks, the House of Valentino will continue to actively support the same initiative by devolving part of Montenapoleone and Montaigne boutique in store sales. In collaboration with photographer Stefano Guindani, the book HAITI through the eye of stefano guindani will be available for purchase in Valentino Milan and Paris boutiques. This unique volume, published by Electa, is the pure result of an extensive and in depth photo reportage from Stefano Guindani. Entirely dedicated to Haiti children and withholding images featuring voyages performed prior to the tragic earthquake, this book has recently highlighted many endless dramatic events linked to a country devastated by poverty and civil battles. All book profits will be entirely donated to Francesca Rava N.P.H Italia Onlus Foundation. The House of Valentino dedicates total commitment towards this important philanthropic operation, triggering awareness around the internationally proclaimed immense emergency for Haiti children.

Genetic Engineering Brings More Harm Than Good :: Genetic Engineering Essays

Until the recent demise of the Soviet Union, we lived under the daily threat of nuclear holocaust extinguishing human life and the entire biosphere. Now it looks more likely that total destruction will be averted, and that widespread, but not universally fatal, damage will continue to occur from radiation accidents from power plants, aging nuclear submarines, and perhaps the limited use of tactical nuclear weapons by governments or terrorists. What has gone largely unnoticed is the unprecedented lethal threat of genetic engineering to life on the planet. It now seems likely, unless a major shift in international policy occurs quickly, that the major ecosystems that support the biosphere are going to be irreversibly disrupted, and that genetically engineered viruses may very well lead to the eventual demise of almost all-human life. In the course of the major transformations that are on the way, human beings will be transformed, both intentionally and unintentionally, in ways that will make us something different than what we now consider human. Regardless of the dangers, we are rushing full speed ahead on almost all fronts. Some of the most powerful multinational chemical, pharmaceutical and agricultural corporations have staked their financial futures on genetic engineering. Enormous amounts of money are already involved, and the United States government is currently bullying the rest of the world into rapid acceptance of corporate demands concerning genetic engineering research and marketing. In the 1950's, the media was full of information about the great new scientific miracle that was going to make it possible to kill all of the noxious insects in the world, to wipe out insect-born diseases and feed the world's starving masses. That was DDT. In the 1990's, the media is full of information about the coming wonders of genetic engineering. Everywhere are claims that genetic engineering will feed the starving, help eliminate disease, and so forth. The ideas and evidence presented below are intended to help evaluate that central question. Some scientists believe that, since genetic codes determine the appearance, personality, health, and aging process of human beings, if that genetic information in the chromosomes could be decoded and the genetic mechanism were understood, we could potentially control and improve our health, quality of life, and the biochemical processes in our bodies. In other words, we could control our own fate. Also, we'd be able to improve the genes of other animals and vegetables so that they could serve humankind better. At first sight, these ideas seem reasonable and attractive. However, careful analysis reveals that they are based upon an incorrect theory--the theory of gene determinism. Genes are often described as 'blueprints' or 'computer programs' for

Political Climate of the 1970s Essay

Consider for just a moment the following scenario: the United States finds itself embroiled in a war for which no foreseeable end is in sight.   The president finds himself on the low end of the approval polls and the American people are staging protests against the war that the president is dedicated to waging.   While this sounds like it was taken from the headlines of today, and indeed it could be, but it just as well applies to the era of president Richard Nixon and the age of the Vietnam War.   This essay will focus on several facets of Nixon, the war he led, and the scandal that ultimately ended his administration, but created echoes that are heard even today. Political and Social Outcomes of the End of the War in Vietnam The Vietnam War, of course created all of the sadness, caution and concern that all wars throughout history have created.   Additionally, there are definite political and social outcomes from the war that still echo in the American psyche decades after the official end to the war itself.   Politically, Vietnam was a rude awakening for the American political/military machine because this war represented the first time that the US was engaged in a war that it did not win.   While there is lingering debate as to whether the Vietnam War was lost, few can debate that the war was not decisively won by US troops. From this political fallout came several social consequences for the American people.   With the potential that the US could not defeat Communism in any specific way, the American people began to doubt the effectiveness of their government more so than at any other time in history.   Not all people doubted the government’s potency, however, and this gave rise to two sides that would start to debate one another starting in the Vietnam era and continuing into the present day (Gilbert, 2001). Lastly, the end of Vietnam led to a general distrust of the government as a whole, as stories began to leak out about the backroom military planning, lack of accurate information being released to the public, and what many saw as a war that was lost not because of an undefeatable enemy but because of an American military that was too mired in political infighting and self interest to win any war. A Comparison of Nixon’s Policies of Engagement and Cold War Strategies During the Cold War, Richard Nixon held true to one overriding philosophy- â€Å"Peace with Honor†.   Ã‚  This simple statement has far reaching implications because of several considerations about the Vietnamese War.   Eventually, Nixon came to realization that the war was one that could not be won for several reasons.   First, American troops were utilizing conventional military techniques in an unconventional war, fought against an enemy that used hidden tunnels, soldiers without noticeable uniforms, and primitive forms of terrorism such as suicide bombers who would detonate explosives in the midst of American soldiers, killing them by the dozens at a time.   Second, what was really being fought in Vietnam was not another army, but a massive social and political machine called Communism. The forces behind Communism stretched far beyond the borders of Vietnam and represented a foe that would never really be defeated in conventional battle.   What these facts   meant for Nixon, and indeed for the entire nation was that while it may be possible for the United States to be able to withdraw from the war in Vietnam, there really was no way for the war to be won or for Communism to be defeated in the way that physical enemies are neutralized (Katz, 1997).   Nixon’s mindset was indicative of the Cold War strategies used both before and after the years that Nixon led the nation.   It was long acknowledged that Communism was a force that was not able to be fought and defeated like an army might be able to be fought and defeated, but that it would have to compete against and democracy protected and promoted, likewise bringing about â€Å"Peace with Honor† as Nixon advocated. Measure the Impact of the Watergate Scandal on Public Perception of Government Power President Richard Nixon, in the early 1970s, found himself entangled in the Vietnam War but also faced with the possibility that he would not be re-elected to the presidency in the upcoming election. With the pursuit of that re-election in mind, it now is apparent that Nixon was involved in planning, and trying to cover up, the burglary of the Democratic national headquarters in the scandal that would come to be known as Watergate.   In the aftermath of Watergate, public perception of government power was changed forever.   During the 1970s, much of the general public, in particular those of college age, did not trust the government because of what they saw as an unjust war in Vietnam and the accompanying withholding of information about the war itself which was viewed by many as a government conspiracy to deliberately mislead the public in the pursuit of self interests on the part of government officials, from the president himself and downward into the ranks of the US governmen t (Genovese, 2004).   This distrust led to the mantra â€Å"don’t trust anyone over the age of 30†, as young Americans viewed their elders as selfish power grabbers who were using the blood of the youth to serve their own means. The mistrust of the government likewise had effects on the presidency that has repeated itself in almost every subsequent administration since Nixon resigned in the heat of Watergate.   Whether one looks at the Clinton, Reagan, or Bush(es) administrations, there are examples where the Nixon-era suspicion of the government comes out, as allegations are made that the president is more concerned with public approval and his own well-being than he is in being honest and forthcoming with the citizens of the nation (Genovese, 2004).   Skepticism can of course be healthy or destructive, especially in evaluating the government.   The trick, going forward, will be for Americans to recognize the difference between being aware of the government’s actions and petty criticisms that are driven by political self interest and not what is best for the nation as a whole. Conclusion In this essay, the past and present has been brought together.   This linking of history’s events makes it possible to realize that the more things change, the more that they seem to remain the same.   It also makes it possible to understand that events do not take place in isolation from other events that came before them, but there is an historic influence of the past on the events of the present and will eventually affect the events of the future.   This also brings about the old adage that those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.   If political leaders and even the average person on the street fail to pay attention to what has happened before and do something better, no good will come of it.

Private Schools vs Public essays

Private Schools vs Public essays In the middle of a crowded commercial area and a low-income housing subdivision sits Rincon High School. The students at Rincon test at slightly below average on the Iowa Basic Skills Test, a generalized knowledge exam given nationwide to all students every year. St. Gregory College Preparatory School is located in a suburban area near expensive homes and pricey coffee shops. Student achievement at St. Gregorys is exceptional, in contrast to the mediocre performance of students elsewhere in the city. Public schools simply cannot compete with the amenities and environment available to students at private schools. There is a significant contrast between the opportunities offered at St. Gregorys and Rincon, not only in the type of classes but in the physical environment itself. There is a world of difference between the two schools. If you spent time on each campus, you would reach the conclusion that they have to be in different cities. Surprisingly, they are located within five miles of each other. Latin classes are mandatory for all entering freshmen at St. Gregorys, while Rincon students take entry-level Spanish as an elective. Trigonometry is a standard math class at St. Gregorys, but Rincon only offers that level of math as an advanced placement course. The physical environment at Rincon includes uniformed security officers trying to maintain order in overcrowded, rundown buildings. Students must pass through metal detectors to enter the campus. Teachers spend more time on discipline than instruction. The student attitude at St. Gregorys was more mature and responsible. No metal detectors have been installed, and there is no need for security guards. There are no gangs and no graffiti on campus. The only security issues involved nonstudents vandalizing the campus buildings. St. Gregorys holds one-fifth the number of students as Rincon, but the size of the buildings...