Pros and cons of horse racing Essay

Horse racing is an adrenaline filled sport for all the participants. It is a short lived, action packed, joy ride. The sport has increased in popularity over the past several years, due to the need for a rush, and is continuing to rise. Due to this massive influx in size the amount of money the business is contributing to the government is large. The business has also had to hire a multitude of people to help carry out the job of keeping the business as orderly as possible. The enlargement of the horse racing industry has also made the stakes for money in the winning a much bigger deal for owners which means they will do most anything to win. This includes the use of illegal drugs on the horses and many other forms of cheating. When the prize money raises so does the need for as many winning horses as possible for horse owners in the industry. The need for horses has led to an intense amount of over breeding of thoroughbreds. The amount of money contributed to the United States gover nment by the horse racing industry is an incredible amount. On average the sport produces 38.8 billion dollars, of which a whopping $1.88 billion is paid in annual taxes. That amount of money just goes to the United States. Around the world, countries make on average 40.2 billion. For instance, in Europe, horse racing is a widely known event and is tradition to participate in. they make on average about 45.3 billion United States dollars in the horse racing industry. Then, when talking into account supplies and employees, they produce around 101.6 billion us dollars. Governments around the globe benefit highly from the industry and horse racing being banned could have a drastic effect on entire populations from lack of money. Horse racing being banned could also cost millions of people around the globe their jobs and businesses. According to a recent labor poll over 4.6 million people are involved in the horse industry in some way, either as owners, employees, service providers or v olunteers. This includes 2 million horse owners, of which 238,000 are involved in breeding. When it comes to competing such as the jockeys and handlers, 481,000 people are involved. When looking at the amount of people involved in other activities such as grooms, veterinarians, and care takers, 1.1 million involved. 119,000 service providers and 702,000 employees, full- and part-time and 2 million family members and volunteers. That means that 1 out of every 63 Americans is involved with horses. Many of these jobs are held by lower-income families. This could be disastrous when taking into account  all the people who depend on the money they make from this business. Banning the horse racing industry could affect the local areas around them badly. The results of the one study done by students at the University of Louisville show that the horse business is a highly diverse industry that supports a wide variety of activities in all regions of the country. It combines the primarily rural activities of breeding, training, maintaining and riding horses with the more urban activities of operating racetracks, off-track betting parlors, horse shows and public sales. Usually when people go to watch a race they want to get dinner or spend their newly eared money in the expertly placed, over priced restaurants and shops. These strip mall shops gain money and business from these enthused shoppers. If there is no race track, these shops and small businesses could have a plummet in sales and be shut down for lack of ability to pay. Additionally, the volume of consumers that are driven to the racetracks each year create a need for additional medical care, education for children and families of track staff, as well as the local universities. Having the race tracks removed could lower business income for hospitals and schools as well as universities. The United States alone produces 3 billion from horse racing and tourism. Over 67 percent of activity as well as gambling money come from tourists going and paying at the race track. As a source of entertainment as well as having food venues and shopping areas round the premises of the track, it is an ideal hot spot for tourists to spend their money; whether it be on food, gambling, or shopping. The revenues made my gamblers who are not local to the area is 785 million dollars. Gambling is exciting as well as engaging for the participants. For those who enjoy taking risks, the propensity for risk associated with gambling may be both simulating and challenging. Also, gambling on horse racing allows the participant to challenge themselves with predicting the potential wins and losses. Gamblers from out of the country are obviously a large part of the income on the race track. Banning racing could make the area of choice loose business all around from not having the interest of tourists any longer. When it comes to betting on horses in horse racing, bettors rely on the accuracy of the statistics on the horses. The statistics allow the bettors to know which horses to bet and wager on. Cheating, such as the latest scandal called ‘doping’, can affect the reliability if those statistics. Doping and other forms of cheating using  drugs can harm the jockeys and horses in the long run. A few of the top drugs used in horse racing are cocaine, blcarbs, anabolic steroids, blue magic and heroine. Drugs such as heroine and anabolic steroids are typically injected into the lungs of the horse or the heart as to keep them from feeling pain and to slow down the rapid rate at which they would usually work to keep them from tiring. This can cause break downs on the track because of the lack of oxygen entering the blood stream at such a high rate of physical activity. Drugs such as cocaine blcarbs, and blue magic are usually pumped into the blood stream on added into the grain. Wha t the purpose of these are is to give the horses an energy boost that is un natural and these can also cause break downs on the track because of the amount of stress the horse is putting its body under without being aware until it is too late. The form of cheating of which is in drugs is considered cruel to the horse. Another form of cheating in the racing industry is toe grabs. A toe grab is a raised rim on the toe area of a horseshoe; its purpose is to help the horse â€Å"dig in† to the track and reduce sliding much like football cleats. However, there are increased stresses on the limbs from this stronger grip on the ground and quicker â€Å"stops† of the feet when they land while normally the foot slides forward just a bit on the ground before stopping, but toe grabs arrest this slide. It’s also been suggested that toe grabs add stress to the limb by raising the toe relative to the heel. Toe grabs on front feet have been associated with increased incidence of catastrophic injury in horse racing. Horses involved in racing are being over bred and this is causing weakening in the breed and mass slaughter of those horses that do not make the cuts. While over-breeding in the racing industry is the derivation of availability, inbreeding, and drugs are inescapably interconnected with the callous and brutal practice of slaughter as is the insatiable demand for horse meat for human consumption principally in European and Asian cultures. Inbreeding and drugs have weakened the modern Thoroughbred while the horse meat industry remains a lucrative multi-million dollar enterprise. More than 100,000 unwanted horses are born in the U.S. per year. Roughly 83,000 of those horses are slaughtered every year just in the United States because of improper breeding. A recent study was done and it showed that if 1,000 horses are bred for racing, only 300 will make it to training. Of that 300, only  roughly 75 horses will make it to racing. Only about 4 horses will make it to live their second race . Most horses that are not used for racing are sold to meat and glue factories. Only 12% of horses are properly retired and either sold to a family for other riding uses it retired to the pasture. This unnecessary breeding has caused weak bones in the thoroughbreds and diseases passed down in blood lines. The weakening of the breed has aroused a lot of controversy over whether or not horse racing should continue due to this issue. In the end there are both pros and cons to whether or not horse racing should be banned. Horse racing contributes an incredible amount of money worldwide and produces multiple job opportunities as well as business in local shops. It also brings in tourism to the track and surrounding areas which can help great deal of money also. Horse racing also has a large issue with cheating that can harm both the jockey and the horse against their will. The use of illegal drugs and product on the race horses’ pre race can significantly alter the horses performance whether for the good or the bad and in the long run, harm the horse terribly. Also over breeding has become a widely known issue across the globe and is causing a mass amount of horses to be sent to slaughter. Over breeding has also caused a decline in the stability of the breed. Horse racing both helps and harms.

How fertility was portrayed in ancient art Essay

How fertility was portrayed in ancient art - Essay Example The earliest artifacts that portray fertility can be said to emanate from both the historical periods of Neolithic and Paleolithic period. These images included sculptures in which females were portrayed, whereby the artists presented the women with swollen bellies, as well as accentuated thighs and breasts. One of these images is the â€Å"Venus of Willendorf†, which encompasses a figure of a female that is well rounded. The picture of the woman in this portrait has been carved from limestone whose shape is that of an egg. This work portrays fertility since it seems that the artist who curved it linked fertility with the shape of the stone used, which resembled an egg. Fertility in this artwork can also be portrayed by the fact that it has some features, which can be regarded as the phenomenon of female figurines (Liu 147). Some archeologists have referred to this image as the goddess of fertility. This image is crucial since it portrays some features that relate to fertility . For example, the swelling in the image, as well as the femininity emphasized by the sculptor, can be connected to female fertility. From this image, fertility, in its physical form, can be seen from most of the features that the image possesses. The female figure appears as strong and large, which is common in pregnant women who fall under the category of fertile people. The continuity and change about fertility can be depicted by the fact that figure appears as stable. In addition, the hands of the female figure can be seen resting on her breasts, which further presents her as strong. The power seen in the figure can be associated with childbirth and stable health, which relate to fertility (Liu 147). Another ancient piece of art that represents fertility is the â€Å"Venus of laussel.† This image consists of a drawing, which portrays an overweight woman, but with little presented about her looks. This figure can be found in Laussel, which is a cave in the French Valley of Dordogne. Scholars of the Paleolithic period have asserted that the woman in this image holds a crescent moon. The figure held by the woman resembles the crescent moon. In addition, the figure has 13 stripes, which represent the lunar cycle. Since the Venus has her hand on her belly, which is of large size, this can be regarded to be a sign of fertility. Moreover, the tallies, which the crescent has, can sometimes be referred as the total number of cycles of menstruation, which a woman experiences in one year. This image can be regarded as important since it presents some of the symbols, which related to fertility in women (James 230). The other image that represents fertility is the â€Å"Sculptured Vase† from the Uruk Period. This sculpture represents Inanna, the goddess associated with both fertility and love. This figure represents a huge image of the goddess receiving some offerings. In addition, there is also a representation of a man who is nude. The purpose of the va se is to honor the goddess, who can be considered valuable for the role she plays when it come to fertility. It is believed that this goddess blesses women with children and enables people to fall in love with one another. Therefore, it can be argued that this image is crucial as it represents the goddess who determines whether people are fertile. The continuity of fertility in Uruk Period can be seen to be connected to the

Phase 4 Discussion Board Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Phase 4 Discussion Board - Essay Example Also, the beverage industry is one in which brand loyalty is an important factor. For example, many people are hard core loyals to brands such as Coke or Pepsi, and it would take time to steal market share away from these established brands. As more and more time lapses after the launch, more people would become aware of the product and more trial would be generated. Optimistically speaking, if consumers like the new product, there would be more repeat purchase as time goes by. Satisfied consumers market the new product even more through the word of mouth as they encourage their friends and family to try it out. Hence, as more time goes by, more and more sales can be generated. Generally, for new products, the initial hype created by promotion campaigns is what leads to trial purchase. Even after the launch, the level of advertisement and other promotional activities has a considerable effect on the sales level. Advertisements can be in the print or electronic media. Other promotional activities can include Below The Line (BTL) activities such as free trial purchases offered to consumers, or free gifts with every purchase of the new product. For a new product, there has to be large scale advertisement and promotional activity to create awareness about the brand, and to steal the market share away from already established brands. It has already been mentioned that the beverage industry is usually dominated by a few players which have a strong, brand loyal customer base. A unique brand image needs to be created to appeal to the target audience, so that those loyal to other brands will be attracted towards the new one. This unique brand image can only be done through effective advertisement and promotional campaigns. If we were to take the combined effect of time and advertisement/promotion, it would give us an even clearer picture of the success or

Human Resources, Competitive Advantg Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Resources, Competitive Advantg - Essay Example HR will have to ensure that they are given equal opportunity and they are protected against issues such as sex discrimination. 2. Sexual harassment has been defined as sexual moves that are unasked for by the victim, requests of favors that are sexual in nature in exchange of promotion or threat of firing the employee and physical and verbal actions and movements that are sexual in nature. Sexual harassment that is recognized as Quid Pro Quo occurs when an individual is offered promotion or is threatened to be fired from his/her position if the employee rejects or accepts favors that are sexual in nature. Sexual harassment that is recognized as Hostile environment occurs when people on the same level of the hierarchy conduct activities that are sexual in nature and are unwanted and make the environment difficult for the victim to continue to operate in an efficient manner. 3. When during the procedure of selection and hiring the HR employs a multiple hurdle model, the applicant has to stay successful during different steps of a test and they have to prove to be successful in every step. If they fail to achieve the passing score in a particular test, they are deemed as unfit for the job. If the HR has employed a compensatory model, they will be making their hiring decision based on the overall scores of all the tests. This model is based on the premise that if an applicant performs well on one test and fails to perform well on the other test, the earlier score will compensate for the score of the second test. 4. According to the job characteristic model, there are five characteristics of a particular job. The first characteristic is skill variety, which is defined as the number of skills that are required to perform a particular job; the second is task identity, which is defined as the completion of the job from the starting point to the ending point. The third is task significance which is defined as how

The Well Paid Receptionist Case Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Well Paid Receptionist Case Analysis - Essay Example The main problem with a company’s employees is that he/she gets little salary because employers’ strategy is to cut on salary expenses. However, employees are not deterred and use offers to enhance their earnings. An employee also ensures that sales increase through her good attendance and service to customers. She/he therefore focuses on improving his/her skills and performing well in his/her job and even engages in training to improve their skills (Berman, 2007). Suppliers of materials also have their own values. For instance, the supply of a good material with good capabilities is a good indicator of the supplier’s ethical business values and concerns for their customers, which leads to the supply of appropriate materials for the company. The Company’s customers develop good loyalty to Harvey’s services and business. They want a direct contract with the firm for all their service needs. The customers also need to be given specific attention to and their needs be met. The customers demand good services and attention from the company and that’s what makes the company to gain loyalty from customers. A company operating in the society should always be concerned with the needs of the society, hence making it concerned with third party values (Scott, 1999). The members of the society within which the business operates need good business environment so as to enable them recover from the problems related to the recession, pollution, inflation and unemployment. Competitors in the industry always display their own values in order to gain competitive advantage in the market. Each player in the industry has competition strategies to win the market (Bamford & West, 2010). In fact, there is always a need to take the best employees by competitors in the market so as to gain competitive advantage due to improved service delivery by the best

Try to pick something thats not boring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Try to pick something thats not boring - Essay Example Every parent of every American child is responsible for the health and well being of their child so they need to be actively inculcating and encouraging a momentum towards a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits within and outside the home. Doctors, scientists and health promoters expound advice telling us that although obesity can sometimes be caused by physiological factors, such as genetics, hormonal problems or slow metabolism, it is more commonly caused by poor diet. We are told that obesity is the result of eating more calories than necessary and indulging in a diet high in saturated fats and sugars, or leading an inactive life, or both; it increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and strokes, as well as other emotional and psychological problems. Without doubt however, obesity is growing rapidly in the United States in adults and children. The First Lady’s Move to Schools campaign is a step in the right direction, and the â€Å"project is a small piece of the big picture† (Sweet, 2010) but the problem of obesity is multifaceted and the solution cannot rest on government campaigns, Acts or Legislations; the problem requires cooperation and action from everybody, including schools, health providers, food industries and most importantly the American public themselves. Governments and other stakeholders can advise, promote and assist in promoting healthy lifestyles but the reality is that it is up to the individual to make choices and it is up to the parents to make the right choices for their children. Obesity may be caused by wrong diet but we also need to consider other factors that impact on the issue; factors like the environment which in itself promotes a more sedentary lifestyle than in the past with more public transport options, more convenience stores, inadequate security in parks, unsafe walking areas and poor

McFagues Metaphorical Theology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

McFagues Metaphorical Theology - Research Paper Example Richard Niebuhr’s. Sally McFague’s major contribution is bridging literature and theology. Her works frequently touch on literary theory and theology, and her theories are known as Metaphorical Theology. Metaphorical Theology has four defining aspects and this has greatly influenced how McFague created her idea. It will be discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. First: theology is achieved by â€Å"hearing† out God’s word. Secondly, God being in Jesus Christ means that all the flaws in humanness, all the problems and ambiguousness, is significant. Thirdly, theology should be reviewed and renewed constantly to avoid â€Å"idolatry and irrelevance†. And lastly, the world, or the human world at least, is made of language. Theology is achieved by â€Å"hearing† out God’s word. If a person does not â€Å"hear† or understand the word of the God, then it is unsuccessful, it is a farce. This thought echoes throughout McFague’s wo rk, and it is has seen to be heavily influenced by Barthesian ideas. The mere fact that it constitutes communication as a part of major theory, is a sign that McFague’s thrust understanding of literature is evident in her study of theology. The second aspect, â€Å"God being in Jesus Christ means that all the flaws in humanness, all the problems and ambiguousness, is significant†, is an aspect that shows that McFague tries to bridge the gap between the relationship of theology and literature. It is quite evident that the tension. ... This second aspect is an attempt to articulate that tension, and it turns out to be possible. The third aspect of McFague’s Metaphorical Theology is theology should be reviewed and renewed constantly to avoid â€Å"idolatry and irrelevance†. This is also heavily influenced by Barth’s ideas and the nature of language, which is dynamic. Anything that is related to God can be deemed powerful and substantial. These images, or words, related to God can be overvalued (as it is related to something divine) and abused. This makes some words and images prone to overvaluation and idolatry. Corollary, the overvaluation of some things can make other aspects of faith and belief overshadowed and will exclude them in other analyses of idolatry. This makes theology, or religion in this matter, rather biased (Wildman, 1994). The fourth aspect is about language. For McFague, the world, or the human world at least, is made of language. This theory is quite Barthesian in nature and proposes that everything exists because of its own definition. This is probably the most important aspect of metaphorical theology. This is where McFague’s literature background comes in. Language is quite powerful. It dictates meaning, and with meaning comes reality. Therefore, language is the medium of reality, because it conveys it: how we mean things and how we interpret things. Without words and things of expression, we cannot have realities. Although with language comes not the realities of fact, it qualifies meaning; meaning is different for every reality, for every person. Meaning-making is practically making a metaphor for one uses contrasting words and comparisons to convey meaning.