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The Jungle By Upton Sinclair Essay Example

The Jungle By Upton Sinclair Essay Example The Jungle By Upton Sinclair Essay The Jungle By Upton Sinclair Essay Article Topic: ...

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Oregon Wildlife Conservation Policy Free Essays

Wildlife is a barometer of the health our environment. Meager diversity of wildlife, or relatively smaller wildlife populations in any geographical region, is usually an indication of something seriously wrong in the environment. In the United States and Canada, early settlers indulged in unrestricted hunting for food and sport. We will write a custom essay sample on Oregon Wildlife Conservation Policy or any similar topic only for you Order Now As these territories were settled, the game species gradually dwindled. The westward movement of people took its toll in terms of loss of habitat for diverse animal species. In the latter half of the twentieth century, it began to be widely realized how important it was to manage, preserve and conserve wildlife prudently. Over the decades, more and more conscious efforts have been directed towards wildlife conservation, though they do not seem to be adequate yet. Today, almost every national government across the globe has laws to maintain wildlife. North American governments, especially, perceive the urgency of the need of intense efforts to conserve and protect game and non-game species. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and their counterparts in Canada share in the management of wildlife. In almost every state and county of the U.S. and Canada there are wildlife agencies responsible for the protection of fish and animal species. Oregon’s varied geology, soil, and climate support a vast collection of species and habitats, which also influence the state’s culture and economy. In 2001, for example, wildlife-related activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching generated a revenue of $2.1 billion for the state’s economy. However, the expanding impact of human development has left much of Oregon’s wildlife at different levels of risk. Nearly all native grasslands and prairies have been lost since European settlement. Ninety-six percent of the original coastal temperate rainforests have been logged. Oregon has 32 federally listed threatened and endangered species. Oregonians still feel much closer to nature than people in most other parts of the United States. They deeply appreciate and are proud of Oregon’s rich natural and wildlife heritage, the state’s strong ties to fish, birds and animals. However, it is common knowledge that the wildlife scenario is not so upbeat within the state’s territory. Oregon’s state bird, the western meadowlark, for example, has become a rare sight in Willamette Valley, though it is not yet placed in the endangered species list yet. The meadowlark needs some conservation attention, as do dozens of other bird and animal species in this land of nature’s bounty. Habitat conditions have to be improved significantly to let Oregon’s wildlife assert its natural resilience and thrive in abundant numbers. There are major challenges in maintaining Oregon’s many fragmented or degraded wildlife habitats. The construction of towns and roads, alteration of river systems, or intensive land management practices have all contributed, in the natural course of things, to the loss of habitat. Land conversion often results in diminution or total disappearance of habitats. At the very least, it impacts the quality of habitats and adversely affects the ecosystems. However, in the more recent decades, environmental awareness has led to improvements in land management practices. Better concerted efforts by Oregonians to sustain the state’s fish and wildlife are showing promising results. How to cite Oregon Wildlife Conservation Policy, Essays

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Monetary Policy Surprises Interest Rates -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Monetary Policy Surprises Interest Rates? Answer: Introduction In the current discussion, the interest rate decision of Australian central bank and the effect of the same on the economy has been elaborated providing evidence. In the existing scenario, government budget deficit has become one of the most dominating issues for the Australian government. Influenced by the current pressure scenario, Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Malcolm Turnbull has decided to reduce the government spending in many segments to lower the surging pressure of budget deficit. Due to the event, capital funding has become a crisis in the economy as investors are not showing any interest to make further market investments. To handle the economic uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of Australia has decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at a record low so that investors and leading borrowers can take loans and invest capital in the economy (Letts, 2017). Fundamentally, the aim of the study is to analyse how the low rate of interest has influenced the business investment and economic environment of the nation. Furthermore, the study investigates how an increase in investment has made a significant impact on the aggregate demand curve, real Gross Domestic Product, and price level in the economy. The Central Banks of major economies have been flexible in their monetary policy to cut the benchmark interest rate to support during the period of economic slowdown. Under the strict monetary policy, the RBA has cut the benchmark rate from 4.25% to 1.5% since 2012 to 2017 as shown in figure below (Tradingeconomics.com, 2017). Due to such monetary policy, the flow of capital in the Australian economy can be seen. In the meanwhile, by cutting down the benchmark interest rate, the RBA has mostly encouraged the borrowers to borrow more money from the financial institution to support the economic growth. According to the concepts of economics, lower benchmark interest rate will make borrowing cheaper for the biggest market borrowers and companies. Due to increase in capital in hand, the spending as well as business investment will see a boost. As a result of the scenario, the economic growth and market stability will be further supported. On the other hand, lower interest rate will offer very small amount of investment in savings. Hence, common public will be encouraged to invest the money in diverse segments (Tuan, 2012). Thus, the business investment and economic environment in Australia will be boosted. In terms of business proposition, lower interest rate will be an encouraging sign for the business firms to borrow more money from the financial institutions to expand their businesses. Due to the opportunity of greater finance, firms will borrow more and spend more. In this way, larger borrowing amount will increase the expenditure contributing towards the growth of the economy (Tuan, 2012). Moreover, lower rate of interest rate will help to increase the prices of a number of assets. As a result, housing industry and other asset related sectors can observe asset buying (Heath, 2017). In this way, consumer confidence will be increased. Apparently, in this manner, the RBA has encouraged business investment by lowering the benchmark interest rate in Australian economy. As per the above analysis, it can be seen that the fall in the bank interest rate will influence the common people to re-invest their money in the market in place of keeping them safe in bank accounts. Additionally, the availability of low interest rate loans will help the small entrepreneurs to invest money on start-up businesses in the Australian market. Hence, it can be assumed that the fall in the interest rate will lead to increase in investment promoting business in the Australian economy (Fender, 2012). On the other hand, it is important to note that the increase in investment will lead to several impacts on the economic indicators such as aggregate price level (inflation), real GDP and aggregate demand curve in the market. The influence of enhancement of business investment on price level, GDP and aggregate demand has been presented using the figure given below: On the basis of the above figure, it can be seen that the aggregate demand in the market will increase leading to a rise in the price level and GDP of the nation. Firstly, the increase in the business investment will increase the supply of money in the market (Forstater, 2016). For example, the increase in investment will increase the earnings of the people in Australia leading to an increase in the purchasing power of the consumers. Additionally, the increase in investment will promote business leading to better job opportunities and higher living standard of the people (Phan, 2014). Hence, the increment in the buying power will increase the level of demand in the market that will further lead to a rightward shift in the aggregate demand curve from AD to AD1 (Forstater, 2016). On the other hand, the aggregate supply curve will remain constant at AS in the short run because the producers cannot make use of more resources in shorter time. Therefore, a rise in the aggregate demand can be evident due to the fall in the interest rate in the market. Secondly, it can be seen that the rise in the aggregate demand leads to a shift in the market equilibrium from E to E1. As per the above figure, the rise in the market equilibrium will lead to an increase in the aggregate price level of the services and products in the market. However, the consumption of commodities also increases from Q1 to Q2 leading to a rise in the real GDP of the nation (Cobham, 2015). Therefore, it can be clearly seen through the illustration that the aggregate demand, price level and real GDP increases with the fall in the interest rate. Conclusion According to the above discussion, the decision of the Reserve Bank of Australia to reduce the interest rate will work in the favour of the economy. The reduction in the interest rate will promote business investment and increase the flow of money. Additionally, the earning of the people will grow leading to an increase in purchasing power and better living standards. Hence, the Australian economy will be boosted as the aggregate demand, price level and GDP of the nation will increase with the fall in the interest rate. References Cobham, D. (2015). Monetary Analysis and Monetary Policy Frameworks: Introduction.The Manchester School, 83, pp.1-4. Fender, J. (2012).Monetary policy. 3rd ed. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley. Forstater, M. (2016).Economics. 5th ed. London: A. C. Black. Heath, M. (2017).Australia's interest rates aren't as stimulatory as RBA thinks. [online] The Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/australias-interest-rates-arent-as-stimulatory-as-rba-thinks-20170730-gxlxjo.html [Accessed Oct. 2017]. Letts, S. (2017).RBA holds rates at record low 1.5pc, warns of high dollar risks. [online] ABC News. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-01/rba-holds-rates-at-historic-low/8763628 [Accessed Oct. 2017]. Phan, T. (2014). Output Composition of the Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism: Is Australia Different?.Economic Record, 90(290), pp.382-399. Tradingeconomics.com. (2017).Australia Interest Rate | 1990-2017 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast. [online] Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/interest-rate [Accessed Oct. 2017]. Tuan, B. (2012). Monetary Policy Surprises and Interest Rates: Evidence from Australia.SSRN Electronic Journal.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Solid 19th Century Classics with Modern Enthusiasm Symphony of the Mountains at ETSU, September 28, 2013

The concert on September 28th by the Symphony of the Mountains, at East Tennessee State University, featured a solidly classical program of pieces by Ludwig von Beethoven, Pablo De Sarasate, and Schubert . The performance group, under the direction of Sean Claire, is from the region, although they have interesting and varied international backgrounds .Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Solid 19th Century Classics with Modern Enthusiasm: Symphony of the Mountains at ETSU, September 28, 2013 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The ensemble gave the music their all. They were patently highly skilled, and their performances were loving and enthusiastic, including no wrong notes or missed entrances (or, if they did, these were not noticeable to the untutored listener). It was an interesting matinee program at Mathes Auditorium, even for a listener for whom these particular pieces of music were not the most familiar. It wa s clear from themes and melodies contained in each piece that other composers, especially of film music and popular music, must have been inspired by this kind of music. The initial piece, Beethoven’s Sonata Number 5 in F, titled â€Å"Spring†, was performed by Emi Kagawa on piano and Sean Claire on violin. They somehow gave the impression of including many more instruments than these two. If a listener closed his or her eyes, it would at times seem that a whole ensemble was playing. This may be a reflection of the fact that both instruments can produce more than one note at once. It was a striking effect. The piece is programmatic in that the overall effect is of joy and growth rather than otherwise. The Scherzo movement, in particular, evokes the liveliness of young animals in springtime, whether lambs or colts, an image often associated with spring. Later in the concert, the same duo produced a lovely and hauntingly memorable melody, carried by the violin and backed with harmony by the piano. This seems very familiar, and it is this sense of dà ©jà   vu that suggests that other more recent composers have plundered this theme for their own use. The second melodic theme is clearly a dance tune, in what sounds like a waltz time signature. Again, the violin carries the melody, while the piano harmonizes along with this tripping, glancing melody.Advertising Looking for report on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More After correcting their tuning, the strings and piano performed movements that showcased the fireworks possible for the piano. In the first one, the piano thundered and crashed, rumbled and sang behind the strings, sometimes carrying the melodic line. There was, in spite of the drama of the piece and the volume of sound that the piano demonstrated, a fine balance between it and the strings. In the second movement, the piano sang the gentle and tender tune, in turn with the strings. This was contemplative music, tending The Schubert quintet filled out the program after the intermission, and called on the talents of not only Sean Claire but violinist Ilia Steinschneider, violist Gina Caldwell, and cellists Matt and Jeanine Wilkinson. This work was filled with variety, and ended with the lower strings sounding so richly human as to be spooky. It was not programmatic but It was tempting to read something into it, from the composer’s own life or events going on around him. Perhaps a personal evolution from quiet joy to more exuberant rejoicing would fit the bill. The program included a wide range of dynamics, from the very quiet and peaceful to the towering and emphatic. These 19th century classics hold up very well even for very modern listeners and these performers interpreted them individually and thoughtfully. It was a program that encouraged further listening to these composers and to music from this era and genre more generally. Reference Department of Music, East Tennessee State University. â€Å"The Symphony of the Mountains Chamber Ensemble†. (September 2013). Johnson City, Tennessee: Department of Music, East Tennessee State University, 2013. This report on Solid 19th Century Classics with Modern Enthusiasm: Symphony of the Mountains at ETSU, September 28, 2013 was written and submitted by user Kimberly Kent to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

The Insanity Defense in Criminal Cases

The Insanity Defense in Criminal Cases The standard for claiming a defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity has changed through the years from strict guidelines to a more lenient interpretation, and back to a more strict standard again. Although definitions of legal insanity differ from state to state, generally a person is considered insane and is not responsible for criminal conduct if, at the time of the offense, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, he was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts. This reasoning is, because willfull intent is an essential part of most offenses, a person who is insane is not capable of forming such intent. Mental disease or defect does not alone constitute a legal insanity defense. The defendant has the burden of proving the defense of insanity by clear and convincing evidence. The history of the insanity defense in modern times comes from the 1843 case of Daniel MNaghten, who tried to assassinate the prime minister of Britain and was found not guilty because he was insane at the time. The public outrage after his acquittal prompted the creation of a strict definition of legal insanity which is known as the MNaghten Rule. The MNaghten Rule basically said a person was not legally insane unless he is incapable of appreciating his surroundings because of a powerful mental delusion. The Durham Standard The Durham standard was a much more lenient guideline for the insanity defense, but it addressed the issue of convicting mentally ill defendants, which was allowed under the MNaghten Rule. However, the Durham standard drew much criticism because of its expansive definition of legal insanity. The Model Penal Code, published by the American Law Institute, provided a standard for legal insanity that was a compromise between the strict MNaghten Rule and the lenient Durham ruling. Under the MPC standard, a defendant is not responsible for criminal conduct if at the time of such conduct as a result of mental disease or defect he lacks substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law. The MPC Standard The MPC standard was popular until 1981, when John Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity under those guidelines for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. Again, public outrage at Hinckleys acquittal caused lawmakers to pass legislation that reverted back to the strict MNaghten standard, and some states attempted to abolish the insanity defense altogether. Today the standard for proving legal insanity varies widely from state to state, but most jurisdictions have returned to a more strict interpretation of the definition.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Discussion Board 6-1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Discussion Board 6-1 - Assignment Example Simple narration of personal experiences gives counselors a view of the nature of the family and things that precipitate particular problem(s). Certain techniques of Solution-Focused and Narrative Therapies can incorporate with other types of family therapy. To begin, the narrative aspect of Narrative Family Therapy can be compatible with Experiential Family Therapy. This relates to the fact that Experiential Family Therapy focuses on encouraging individual family members to communicate their emotions freely and honestly. Disclosing and sharing emotions enable therapists to understand clients and demonstrate appropriate sympathy. In the same manner, Narrative Therapy focuses on encouraging disclosure of unpleasant experiences, which then eases when therapists sympathize and delink clients from the problems (Nichols, 2013). A therapist can use Narrative Therapy to initiate narration of stories that disclose a client’s experiences and then introduce Experiential Approach to identify negative emotions and guide the client in reducing impacts of the emotions on the health of a family. The fact that Solution-Focused Family Therapy views family problems as results of failed and relaxed attempts to resolve family issues makes it easy to incorporate with Structural Approach that considers problems as maintained by dysfunctional family structures. The goal of Structural Therapists is to alter the dysfunctional systems (Nichols, 2013). The goal of Solution-Focused Therapists is to challenge families to explore alternative solutions to their problems. When incorporated, Structural Approach will help a therapist to alter dysfunctional systems to ease tension(s) and use Solution-Focused Approach to help family members identify alternative solutions to the given

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Geography Master Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Geography Master - Essay Example It had been branching out for a long time, more so, with the new discoveries. History of physical geography starts with the cartography of early Greeks, developed by Eratosthenes, Strabo and Aristotle, and later popularised by Ptolemy, who even thought of latitude and longitude. The voyages of the discoverers and adventurers, conquests of Alexander the Great, geographical exploration and the broadening of the scientific outlook in humans, contributed immensely to the development of physical geography. Physical/Environmental geography includes hydrosphere, Lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Physical geography is considered to be a branch of two disciplines, Geography and Earth Sciences. . "The main purpose of Physical Geography is to explain the spatial characteristics of the various natural phenomena that exist in Earth's hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere," http://www.physicalgeography.net/home.html Study of Physical geography consists of rocks, minerals, land formations, animals, water, plants, environment, water bodies, oceans, atmosphere, rivers, weather and climate etc. It also covers Meteorology, Climatology, Biogeography, Geomorphology, Pedology, and Hydrology and every natural aspect, shape on the outer skin of Earth. It also consists of a history of uniformitarianism, Charles Darwin's Evolution, constant exploration and survey, and the recently popularised conservation. It explains the quantitative revolution with statistics and measurement and determines man's relationship with the land. It deals with global warming and greenhouse effect. It explains the environment as it is found on Earth today, points out the natural and human-made changes and assimilates efforts of restoration. There are many future scopes of physical geography research. Applied physical geography is used for solving human-induced environmental problems. It has solutions for many daunting riddles, posed by an ecologically imbalanced world. It also can be used for new techniques like Remote Sensing to monitor the resources of the earth and atmosphere. Cartography combined with the modern scientific methods, could be a formidable force. These are the fundamentals of physical geography: It is concerned with the atmospheric composition and the layered atmosphere, consisting of troposphere, tropopause, stratosphere, influence by the polar jet stream and the subtropical jet stream, isothermal layer, ozone layer, mesosphere, stratopause and mesopause, and thermosphere. It learns the physical behaviour of the atmosphere and gas laws, temperature, density, pressure, volume, proportional atmosphere, proportional and inversely proportional volumes. It studies mass, gravity, force of acceleration, terminal velocity, ultra violet radiation, atmospheric effects on incoming radiation, absorption, patterns of solar radiation absorption, greenhouse effect and photosynthesis, short and long wave radiations, global heat balance, meridional transport, sensible, latent and surface heat flux, ocean currents, the concept of temperature, daily and annual cycles of temperature, global surface temperature distribution, forces acting to cre ate wind, local and regional wind systems, global scale circulation of the atmosphere, upper air winds and the jet streams, air masses and frontal transitional zones, the mid-latitude cyclone, thunderstorms and

Monday, January 27, 2020

Marco Polo The Travels

Marco Polo The Travels Marco Polo is inarguably the most famous medieval European traveler, despite the heated controversy among modern scholars surrounding his adventurous travels. In The Travels of Marco Polo, Polo has clearly portrayed the character of the 13th century Asian society, which forms the basis of this paper. Various issues have been considered in the paper, such as the government organization and administration by Kublai Khan, the prosperity of the Asian society, their beliefs and last but not least, the values and possessions that people esteemed. At the age of only 17 years old, Marco Polo accompanied his father and uncle in a long and difficult journey from Venice his birth place, to Cathay, China. It was in this journey, started at the end of 1271, that Marco began his account of the escapades during the three and a half long difficult journey, and his account of the Mongols life. Marcos detailed description on the greatest moment when he first met the Great Khan, and the appointment of Marco to high posts in the Khans administration demonstrated Marcos gift in linguistics and languages. His amazement with Chinas vast power, immense wealth, and complex social structure made Marco to travel the more in China, becoming one of the most travelled Westerners on the Silk Road. His journey throughout Asia took 24 years, which made him to reach beyond Mongolia to China (Silkroad 10-14). The following analysis is based upon Polos information, and additional information obtained with reference to his writing. The government of the 13th century Asian Civilization provides an interesting reading, especially from the ruler, Kublai Khan. Kublai Khan was, as Polo describes him, the â€Å"the greater and more powerful than all others†, of the six khans that ruled the Mongol Empire. Being the last khan, a title given to a ruler in the Mongolian languages, Kublai ruled the Mongol Empire from 1260 to 1294, founding the Yuan Dynasty, which lasted until 1368. The Mongols, under the rule of Kublai, implemented divide-and-rule methods in a way that made the Mongols and the Asians to remain separate from Chinese life (Brummett et al 98). By dividing the Chinese population into the Mongols; the northern Chinese and Koreans; the southern Chinese; and the central Asians, it was possible to successfully rule the Mongol minority. While the Mongols and the central Asians enjoyed extensive privileges the southern Chinese were barred from state offices. The government was also reorganized by Kublai, and he established three distinct divisions to supervise the military, to deal with civilian affairs, and the third one to supervise the major officials (EWB 6-10). The prosperity of the Asian society during Marco Polos travels is revealed by many of Polos quotations concerning, for instance, the Greater Hermenia. Polo wrote that the Tartars of the Levant frequented the Armenian country every summer due to the outstanding pasture that was available in plenty for their cattle. The pastures were always abundant for the cattle, and according to Polo, the pastures were in large quantity, never failing the cattle. Also of unique significance is the oil fountain that Polo met on the boundaries towards Georgiana. The plenty oil that sprung from the fountain was in such a large quantity that as Polo put it, â€Å"a hundred shiploads might be taken from it at one time.† Although the oil is was not recommended to be used with food, it was needed for burning and was also used for anointing camels that had the mange. The oil was such a treasure that people came from great distances to obtain it (Armenia ch5). The beliefs of the Asian civilization are of utmost importance when understanding their character. There were various beliefs in the 13th century Asian society, and the existence of the different religious beliefs, for instance, was because of Kublai Khans religious tolerance. Moreover, Kublai supported Confucian rituals and rites at court, and also showed special act of kindness to Buddhism. His tolerance was further demonstrated by his decision not to alienate Daoist interests, as well as protecting Muslims and professing an interest in Christian beliefs (Polo 134). The monastery of St. Barsamo is a very important example in portraying part of the beliefs of the 13th century Asian society. The many monks who came to the monastery involved themselves in knitting girdles, which they placed on the altar of the monastery as the service continued. The monks have been likened to the â€Å"Brethren of the Holy Spirit† Polo, and he writes that they present the girdles to their friends and to other people, since the monks belief was that the girdles could remove bodily pain. Every monk, henceforth, just like the â€Å"Brethren† is religiously fervent to have them. Polos description of how the one-eyed man prayer caused the mountain to move is very significant in understanding the Christians and their behaviors, as they converted the Saracens after the miracle had been performed (Armenia, Ch12) Polos travels reveal various possessions that people esteemed. One of these was the manufactures promoted under the Mongols. The Mongols were good stewards at accumulating wealth, which they did through various ways, such as sacking of cities, promoting trade, and by taxation. A variety of objects were found in the tombs of the influential Mongolians, especially from the 13th and 14th centuries. These included items such as gold cups, leggings, robes. Of these commodities, hundreds of craftsmen were located into northern China, others located in the steppe regions north of the Yellow River. Marco Polo described them as â€Å"they live by commerce and industry†¦just as we have woolen clothes of many different types, so have they of cloth of gold and silk† (Waugh 34). Marco Polos narrative was of tremendous use in understanding the 13th Century Asian civilization. From all the discoveries that he made, and all the documented information regarding the behaviors, culture, and way of life of the Asian community, it was possible for one to not only understand the civilization, but also appreciate the lifestyle. There were numerous adventures in Marco Polos travels, which played an important role in understanding various elements of the character of the civilization. Marcos escapades were written with a simple, yet profound, easy to understand way, and his excellent skill of using an interactive language was very significant in relating with the society. Since most of the information provided in Polos narration was concerning his experiences and the Asians way of life, the narration was a very relevant source in understanding and characterizing the society. Works Cited Armenia. The Travels of Marco Polo 1: Chapter 3. Retrieved on July 29, 2009 from http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=The_Travels_of_Marco_Polo_1:_Chapter _3 Brummett, Palmira Johnson., Edgar, Robert., Hackett, Neil J., Jewsbury, George., Taylor, Alastair M., Bailkey, Nels M., Wallbank, Thomas and Lewis, Clyde. Civilization past present. Longman, 1999. EWB. Kublai Khans administration â€Å"Encyclopedia of World Biographies†. 2007. Retrieved on July 29, 2009 from http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ki-Lo/Kublai-Khan.html Polo, Marco. The Travels of Marco Polo .Cosimo, Inc. 2007. Silkroad. Marco Polo and His Travels. 2000. Retrieved July 29, 2009 from http://www.silk-road.com/artl/marcopolo.shtml.