Characters like Al Capone and other major mobsters once drove fear through the hearts of many of Chicago’s non-made residents. And while few people romanticized the mob or its infamous personalities when they were dealing directly with the oppressive forces of their existence, individuals far removed from mafia threat certainly did. In fact, this has been a tradition of observers and followers of the mob for as long as the awareness of its existence has been established. Al Capone was one of the most infamous and widely sensationalized figures in the mob’s history. Many of the guests who are staying in one of the luxury hotels Chicago include a tour of some of the famous mafia houses and hangouts as part of their agenda.

Al Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York in January of 1899. His parents were immigrants from Southwestern Italy and Capone began his career as a gangster while still living in New York. He also had early work as in both a candy store and bowling alley, though he showed an early potential and interest for a criminal career. He was drawn toward the gangster Johnny Torrio, who became his mentor. He gained early experience with some small town gangs before joining the notorious, at the time, Five Points Gang. He worked for Frankie Yale who was a racketeer and bartender in Coney Island. He received the nickname Scarface while he was still in Brooklyn after having gotten into a fight with the brother of a woman he inadvertently insulted.

Ultimately, Capone saw opportunity in Chicago and moved there where he became the boss of the Chicago Outfit, which is what the local criminal organization was known as. His primary original draw was in the numerous bootlegging possibilities that arose after the institution of prohibition. The FBI followed, arrested and tried to imprison Capone for years before they were finally able to nail him on charges of Criminal Tax Evasion.

Lindau Germany is like a little oasis among the big oasis. It sits out in Lake Constance with only a bridge or train to connect it to the near by land. It has become quite the nice little spot to visit. There are a few things to do while visiting the island for the day. From the shore of the island you can see the glorious views of the Swiss Alps and you can see the Rhine delta from some areas on the island edge. When you first approach the island you will be greeted by the Pulverturm, which is the Gunpowder Tower. A nice introduction to some of the historical buildings that reside on the island. Once you have arrived there are a few light houses to see, a nice promenade to walk along and an old residence called Zum Cavaaaen which is now a museum and art gallery. So find a room at one of the Lindau hotels and come see what attracts people to this beautiful island.

In 2010, Lindau will once again host the Nobel Laureate Meeting. This meeting happens every year and often focuses on scientific and research topics. Many Nobel Peace prize winners gather to discuss and learn about each others ideas. Chemistry, Medicine, Physiology and Physics are the main topics that get discussed during this meeting. This up coming year will more than likely reflect the future of medicine, ethics of technology and climate change. There will be new collaborations created among some of these great minds. The first honor give out went to Henry Dunant and Frederic Passy in 1901. Theodore Roosevelt received it in 1906. Woodrow Wilson received it in 1919. Martin Luther King Jr received the honor in 1964. And the latest gift went to Barrack Obama in 2009. There have been some organizations that have received it as well such as the Red Cross in 1917, 44 and 63. The United Nations in 1954 and 1981.