"Corruption vulnerabilities exist where government officials have power over the provision of goods and the imposition of costs. Building permits and infrastructure contracts are examples of state-issued goods. Traffic tickets and tax liabilities are examples of costs levied by the state. These and other corruption vulnerabilities turn to actual threats when officials calculate that the benefits of abusing their power are greater than the penalties associated with getting caught. By a similar logic, the formula for corruption control requires increasing the probability of detecting corruption (that is, of activating the eye) through enhanced monitoring and then credibly threatening to apply the appropriate penalty in response to wrongdoing (cracking the whip). Notably, the common policy response to corruption often emphasizes only the first of the two mechanisms. Governments prioritize transparency measures but avoid the risks associated with confronting corruption. Therefore, as a means to improve on the current state of affairs, this book examines distinct approaches to promoting accountability, especially accountability among the set of unelected officials responsible for regulating the built environment. It analyzes the results of field experiments on corruption control conducted in the City of Querétaro in central Mexico, urban and peri-urban districts in Peru, and two of New York City's boroughs. The book contributes evidence-based recommendations for how societies can go about fighting bureaucratic corruption"--

“The Eye of Zeitoon” is an adventure novel written by Talbot Mundy. Hugh Redmond, an American mining engineer, becomes enmeshed in the political and cultural complexity of the Middle East in this narrative, which takes place in the early 20th century. Redmond finds himself embroiled in a mission to locate a fabled diamond known as "The Eye of Zeitoon" that possesses mysterious abilities. Redmond gets involved in the power battles in the area as he travels across the dangerous terrain of Armenia and meets a variety of people, including rebels, spies, and mystics. Redmond gets involved in the power battles in the area as he travels across the dangerous terrain of Armenia and meets a variety of people, including rebels, spies, and mystics. As Redmond deals with obstacles from opposing factions vying for control of the valuable stone as well as the local authorities, the novel delves into issues of honor, loyalty, and the collision of civilizations. The narrative is a classic example of adventure literature from the early 20th century since it blends elements of mystery, romance, and adventure.

The Whip is inspired by the true story of a woman, Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst (1812-1879) who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man. As a young woman in Rhode Island, she fell in love and had a child. Her husband was lynched and her baby killed. The destruction of her family drove her west to California, dressed as a man, to track down the murder. Charley became a renowned stagecoach driver. She killed a famous outlaw, had a secret love affair, and lived with a housekeeper who, unaware of her true sex, fell in love with her. Charley was the first woman to vote in America (as a man). Her grave lies in Watsonville, California.