Gambling And Crime Rate Essays - Gambling In The United States

Gambling And Crime Rate Many factors have influenced the rising crime rate, some being, increasing use of drugs, increasing population, and decreasing morals. America must find ways to decrease the crime rate legally. One question often going hand in hand with decreasing crime rate is would legalized gambling decrease the crime rate? During the late 1980s and early 1990s slow economic growth, cuts in federal funding, and growing public needs forced state and local governments to seek additional sources of revenue. Most states turned to lotteries, horse and dog racing, and most recently a growing number of states have resorted to casino gambling as a painless way to raise money. Case studies show that legal casino gaming can increase tourism, employment, sales of noncasino goods, and tax revenues (Cabot 1). For example, The New Jersey Casino Control Act of 1977 states legalized casino gambling has been approved by the citizens of New Jersey as a unique tool of urban redevelopment for Atlantic City (Thompson 144). Legalized gambling provides a major new source of revenue for the state (Kurk 1). Even though 48 states have some form of legalized gambling such as lotteries, horse racing, casinos, riverboat and Indian casinos, casino gambling still remains illegal in most states (NCALG 2). Casino gambling, which was once limited to two states, is now legal in twenty-one states. Some states are Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, and South Dakota. Over time we have seen a change in the gambling market. At one time, only Bingo parlors could be found on Native American reservations. Today almost one hundred casinos are operating in twenty-one states (Begun, Siegal, and Jacobs 29). There are five types of legal gambling in the United States: bingo, lotteries, pari-mutual betting, off track betting and casinos. Bingo is the most common form of legalized gambling; forty-six states participate in legal Bingo. Forty-three states permit thoroughbred horse racing, Lotteries are allowed in thirty-seven states, and only twenty-one states permit casino gambling (Begun et al. 27). Illegal gambling like legal gambling is deeply rooted into American Society. Despite innumerable federal and state laws, illegal gambling still remains a part of American life. The four principal forms of illegal gambling are numbers, horse books, sports books, and sports cards. The numbers game is a sideline game of the lotteries. Originally, lotteries were used to raise money for civic or charitable causes, while numbers was played to earn money for the Lottery Company. It is commonly believed that the numbers game gave rise to gambling syndicates ( 132). Betting on horses or Horse books is run by a bookie. The racetrack-licensed bookies to accept bets at the tracks, for that privilege, bookies paid the racetrack operators a daily fee, usually around $100 a day. The most popular form of illegal gambling is gambling on sporting events (133). There are four states that allow betting on sports, these are Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, and Oregon (PBS 1). Some estimate that professiona l football alone attracts $50 billion in wages per season (Begun et al. 133). Sports cards are very popular for the $1 to $10 sports bettor. Sports cards are also run by a bookie. A bettor selects a team that he or she thinks will win and tears off a card stub and submits the cards before the start of the game (134). There has been an increase in the use of loopholes in the government, an example of this would be gambling on cruise ships. In 1992, Congress was forced to approve a general maritime law (PL-102-251). This law permitted gambling on American registered cruise ships once they were more than 3 miles offshore, on international voyages. This law possessed one flaw. Out of over 100 American docked ships, only 2 percent were American registered. These foreign registered ships were also operating casinos offshore. This forced California to pass a new law, only months later. This law (AB3769) banned gambling on foreign registered ships (Begun et. al 13). With the rise of legalized gambling, many politicians have brought up the question as to whether legalized gambling would decrease the crime rate? As cardrooms and gambling facilities have grown nationwide, the issue has divided many communities. Concern has reached Washington, D.C., where the House Of

Art Expression Essays - Visual Arts, Painting, Art History

Art Expression Essays - Visual Arts, Painting, Art History Art Expression Before the portrayal of the human body can be critiqued, you must understand the artist's culture. As man evolved over centuries, his views of the body also transformed. Our tour definitely showed the drastic changes in different cultures' art. Each culture and era presents very distinct characteristics. Through time and experimentation, we have expressed our views of the human body clearly with our art. Egyptians were the first people to make a large impact on the world of art. Egyptians needed art for their religious beliefs more than decoration or self-gratification. The most important aspect of Egyptian life is the ka, the part of the human spirit that lives on after death. The ka needed a physical place to occupy or it would disappear. Most of the important men of Egypt paid to have their body carved out of stone. That was were the spirit would live after the man dies. They used stone because it was the strongest material they could find. Longevity was very important. The bodies are always idealized and clothed. Figures are very rigid, close-fisted, and are built on a vertical axis to show that the person is grand or intimidating. Most of the figures were seen in the same: profile of the legs, frontal view of the torso, and profile of the head. Like most civilizations, Egyptians put a lot of faith in gods. The sky god Horus, a bird, is found in a great amount of Egyptian art. Little recognition was ever given to the artists. The emphasis was on the patron. Early Greek art was greatly influenced by the Egyptians. Geography permitted both cultures to exchange their talents. The beginning of Greek art is marked by the Geometric phase. The most common art during the Geometric phase was vase painting. After the vase was formed but before it was painted, the artist applied a slip (dark pigment) to outside. Then the vase was fired and the artist would incise his decorations into the hard shell. It was important to incise humans into the fired slip and not paint with slip. The people in the pictures needed light colored skin, which was the color beneath the slip, because Greeks wanted to make their art as realistic as possible. Much like Egyptian art, the Greeks idealized the bodies of the people in their works. As the Archaic Period evolved, Greek sculptures were almost identical to the Egyptians'. Unlike Egyptians, the Greeks refined their techniques. Greeks used marble to construct their sculptures. It was considered more valuable and beautiful than any material available. They softened the lines of the body. Greek sculptors slowly perfected every contour in the human figure. Greek people viewed the human body as something beautiful and so they depicted nude men. Women were eventually nude but only when there was a reason, they needed to be bathing or something where they would be naked. They people that are sculpted are always young and their bodies are still idealized. The Greeks invented contrapposto, the relaxed natural stance of a sculpture. A figure that is standing in contrapposto becomes a sculpture in the round, meaning that the emphasis is not only on a frontal view but also from all angles. The Hellenistic Period emerged as the Romans began to produce some of the finest art in history. This new revolutionary style was incredible. Figures weren't confined to the unnatural or boring positions they had for centuries. All body parts were in perfect proportion. These statues came alive as their limbs reached out into space. Vacant stares evolved into human emotions, which were easily recognized on their faces. I think this renaissance portrayed the way people were thinking. They were exploring philosophy, religion, and politics. This was a time for rebirth. Christian art was introduced during the middle of the second century. In many cases the only difference between Christian art and Hellenistic art is the religious subject matter. After a slow start the Christians introduced something new, the mosaic. Mosaics became a favorite medium for decorating churches. Man was viewed in religious scenes due to the spread of Christianity. Byzantine and medieval art was very representative. The artists' ability to produce lifelike figures had regressed. The emphasis was not on man anymore. Their art was made to glorify God. The fifteenth century marked the arrival of the Renaissance. Artists have finally recaptured the amazing detail and realism that the Greeks and Romans perfected. Artists pushed the

UK Revised Combined Code Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

UK Revised Combined Code - Essay Example Following the Enron report, two review committees were commissioned by the UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to review UK corporate governance2. The two independent review reports - the Higgs Report on Non-Executive Directors and the Smith Report on Audit Committees, were published in January 2003 and form the bases for the revised Code [also see Higgs review (2003) and Smith review (2003)]. In this analysis the features of the revised combined code will be discussed along with studies to show and suggest whether the implementation of this code is likely to improve the effectiveness of corporate governance for listed companies. The revised code contains 14 principles for companies supported by 48 code provisions. Many aspects of the revised code have remained unchanged from the original code although there have been many important changes. The code suggests that the board should comprise of independent non-executive directors along with executive directors and the code contains guidance on the meaning of independent directors emphasizing on independence as an important measure (Long et al, 2005). It also lays down the rule that the role of chairman and chief executive should not be a position taken by the same person (in Combined Code, 2003). The chairman should be independent and only in certain exceptional cases, the chairman can also be a former chief executive. It has also been suggested that the position of a senior independent non-executive director should be included. This new position of senior independent non-executive director shows that the director must be identified in the annual report and al so be given specific responsibilities (Long et al, 2005). The other specifications of the revised code show that all listed companies should have an audit committee, a nomination committee and a remuneration committee. The audit and remuneration committees should have at least three members and all the members should be independent non executive directors3. The majority of the members are expected to be independent non executive directors and the committee is also headed by the chairman who is an independent non executive director (Long et al, 2005; Chambers 2005)4. The code also specifies that at least one member of the audit committee must be a financial expert or a person with the relevant financial experience and having membership with a professional accountancy body. The code highlights on performance evaluation and regular monitoring and emphasises on the performance evaluation of board members and the committees and executive directors (Combined Code, 2003; Directors' Remuneration Report, 2002). The annual report should include a disclosure on the performance evaluation process. The external auditors are important as well and the audit committee is given the primary responsibility of making a recommendation on the appointment, reappointment and removal of external auditors. The audit committee is given the responsibility to develop and implement policy on engagement or taking services of the external auditor to supply non-audit services. The Audit Committee states in its report that the

The wealth and poverty of nations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The wealth and poverty of nations - Essay Example Other people in the world should try to understand how the expansionists Europeans have grown very rich. He also stated that relative poverty today is the result of failure on the part of political, religious and mercantile elites to pass the tests of maintaining and regaining independence from and assimilating the technologies demonstrated by the people from Europe (DeLong, 1998). Landes demonstrated that Europe was the center and basis of economic development. He also pointed out that the reason why Eurasian civilizations had an edge in technological advancement over non-Eurasian is the climate. According to Landes, it is impossible for human beings to live in any numbers in â€Å"temperate† climates before the invention of fire, housing, tanning, but that once the technological capability to live where it snows has been gained, the "temperate" climates allowed a higher material standard of living (DeLong, 1998). I am not really convinced about this argument that Landes had presented. Though, I can say that climate can be one of the factors affecting the developments of an economy, it need not be of great impact as what Landes had pointed out. In our world today, a lot of counties gifted with rich natural resources and great climate are suffering from great economic issues and belonged to the less developed countries.

Antebellum Period Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Antebellum Period - Essay Example The reform movements during the late antebellum period aimed at securing equality among the citizens of United States. This period marked the beginning of the search for democracy, justice and equality in the United States history. The era of reform during the late antebellum period got marked by significant reform movements. One of the movements got to be the second great awakening which got characterized by massive religious revivals (Brands 292). Religious revivalism oversaw the birth of women’s rights movements, abolition of slavery and the temperance movement. The temperance movement aimed at reducing alcohol consumption as a way of promoting morality within the society (Brands 295). Religious reform became viewed as a way towards order and cultural unity. There was the birth of the abolitionist movement which campaigned for the abolition of slavery in the United States. This movement grew out of the moral persuasion that human bondage was morally wrong. They called for e mancipation of slaves especially in the south. Protests against slavery grew during this period. They faced great resistance from southern slaveholders who viewed abolition of slavery as a loss of free labor (Brands 303). The women’s right movement got formed during the antebellum era. Many women called for equality and political right to vote. They also rejected the doctrine of separate spheres by calling for gender equality. Women aimed to change unfair laws, which provided husbands with the right to control property and children. The women’s rights movement got born in Seneca Falls, New York during a convention that took place for two days (Brands 308). Young America was a movement in the 1840s and 50s. It was a collection of writers, politicians, and entrepreneurs who viewed themselves as the force of young America. This era marked a period when America was experiencing economic growth, technological advancement and expansion of its territories (Brands 314). The yo ung Americans era marked the birth of democracy in the United States although restricted to gender and race or color. The new found democracy got associated with the election of Andrew Jackson as president who won by popular vote. Political democracy got marked by suffrage of all white men (Brands 247). Social democracy took the form of equal citizenship and opportunity for all though, it became limited to race and gender. This era also marked the disappearance of social aristocracy and inherited social ranks. Equality became marked by the abolishment of certain legal requirements for different professions ensuring that academically qualified and non academically qualified individuals practiced together ensuring fair competition (Brands 248). Conclusion The era of reform and the democracy of young America can be related. Both trends aimed at social reforms. The era of reform aimed at ensuring moral suasion in society through religious reforms by ensuring individual and public morali ty (Brands 292). Democracy of young America aimed at ensuring equity among all citizens although it limited itself to race and gender. Equal opportunity was to be provided for all white men (Brands 247). Both trends got political. The era of reform instigated the birth of women’s right and the abolitionist movements. Women’s right movement called for equity in rights and laws pertaining to both gender. The abolitionist movement called for an end to slavery (Brands 302). The young Americ

A Self Evaluation and Personal Goal Setting

A Self Evaluation and Personal Goal Setting You are about to graduate from the UMA Teacher Certification Program. What are you immediate plans and goals? Well yeah!!! I am going to graduate from UMA Teacher Certification Program and my plans are to further study for Elementary Teaching Certificate and am enrolled with The College of New Jersey for summer course 2010 in Bangkok and from March 1st 2010 I have taken up for my 3 credit courses in Thomas Edison State College, beginning with English. It is a busy schedule for me for a year and a half and my goal is to achieve my target to be a recognized international teacher. Apart from that, my immediate plan is to apply here in international schools to work as a pre-school teacher and end my career working as teaching assistant. What are your long-range plans and goals? My husbands job is transferable and I have to follow him wherever he is been put up and my long term goals are to get settled as a teacher especially for 3 to 4 year old in international schools or even in India. Internationally recognizable is more beneficial because I want to be different from my mom and my other family members who are teachers in local schools in India. Right now in china, I do have a lot of scope to work as Montessori teacher and I will start applying in different schools after I receive my UMA certificate, so am anticipating it with great anxiety. My goals are to nurture each childs desire to learn by himself, learn steadiness, teamwork, encourage positive feelings about oneself and help a child in developing his/her social skills, expressive growth and physical management. How has the Montessori training experience changed your views, outlook, and/or life in general? Montessori studies do have a great impact on my personal behavior and attitude towards children. I have learned how to be patience and loving and caring towards children. I feel myself being prepared spiritually and I do experience these changes in my classroom here where I allow my children free choice with limits. I observe them and try to find out how much they have been upgraded being in class since the day one. I plan a lot of stuffs for each and every child to make them work independently. My dressing style has changed a lot. I used to be a Disney fan and wear a character t -shirt and now I have changed to simple and sober clothes. I place activities on the tables in one corner of my classroom and observe how children perform it and how they take interest in it though I work in a traditional pre-school. I do take these activities during center time and observe children and their joy into learning the activity. I can provide a well prepared environment that meets the development al need of a child. I can help each child realize his/her potential and nurture a life long love for learning in a child. What do you believe are your strengths as a Montessorian? My strengths are patience and friendliness. I am very organized and have a passion for learning. I am creative and love art and music. I am a good communicator and above all I love children a lot. As a Montessorian, I can exhibit my strength in having a thorough knowledge in each activity and show interest in every child through a detailed observation. What do you believe are your weaknesses as a Montessorian? I personally donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find any weakness in me as such but am a strict teacher and much disciplined person in my life. I would love things to be in the right place and love a clean and neat environment. My greatest weakness is running towards perfection. I love everything to be perfect and also expect everyone near me to be perfect as well. Also I would think that a child should understand when taught once about a topic and should not make us teachers repeat things again and again. I sometimes get on my nerves when things have to be repeated many times to the same child like writing the letters neatly on a 4 lines sheet. My stern looks at times which I think I need to stop and try to be lenient. What aspect of the program do you consider to be the most significant in your personal estimation? Why? The most significant aspect of the program was the Skype calls because my doubts were all cleared so very clearly and patiently and I really liked the amount of dedication it was through my tutor Trudy, which can never be forgotten. Initially I was scared of a Skype call to clear doubts, but it was a great way to learn online and clear doubts and mistakes. I appreciate the efforts taken by my tutor to simplify all my doubts in a short span of chat and very clearly and precisely. Also my evaluations were never harsh or badly evaluated Evaluations were always fair and encouraging in all aspects. Encouraging words were always used that motivated me to dedicate myself to study calmly and now finishing my course on time. Other than having the physical hands-on experience with the materials, do you feel that you are prepared to be an affective Montessori teacher? Why or why not? I am prepared to consider myself as an affective Montessori teacher because I know the basics of what are the qualities and roles of a Montessori teacher and I am anxious to use my potentials for having my own classroom with Montessori materials and then watch the children perform the activities and observe the environment as an eye of a teacher, because till now I have been observing as a Montessori student. I am confident that I can be a better teacher and am willing to learn more and this can be done by experiencing the Montessori environment and so I would love to work as a Montessori teacher if I get a chance to. What final comments do you have for UMA? Thanks. My expectations were exceeded. UMA definitely did so much for me, I can say it helped me get where I am now. UMA nurtured me with so many strengths and taught me so many new things to brighten my future and foresee a new world in front of me. I appreciate UMAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s reputation for academic excellence and educational integrity. UMA provided a flexible and high quality learning opportunity. My tutor was very friendly, helpful and approachable. She was very good, considerate, and sort of shepherded me through my whole course. UMA provided Montessori lessons that provided applicable experience and education. I could work in my own space and pace. I could manage work, home and studies. The education I received from UMA was worth my time and money. How do you foresee UMA being a continued benefit to you in the future? Finishing my Montessori Certificate is like a tremendous leg up for me in terms of marketability. The online studying experience was pleasant and enlightening. I feel validated. I feel qualified. UMA fostered me with a bright career which am sure is going to be very beneficial in my career. The experience was very fulfilling and has given me a lot of strength and a lot more self-esteem. I feel am a step ahead in my career academically and professionally.

The Effects of Global Warming on the Country Columbia :: Environmental Global Climate Change

Global warming is a very serious case, especially on a world wide scale knowing that it poses many extreme problems to different countries. Columbia is an upstart and emergent developing country that is significantly yielded by the issue of global warming. Global warming is caused by certain greenhouse gases that trap in radiation and heat from the sun and earth. These gases have always been produced in past times, but at a level that nature can balance and live by. It is us humans that act as a catalyst to creating and providing for global warming. One main gas, carbon dioxide, is very abundant in Columbia. However, the increase of it’s numbers has raised a serious concern in my country for future problems. Columbia is a vastly developing country, so industries and companies are moving in to make business. Their unlawful and selfish emission of carbon dioxide through power plants and other fossil fuel burning industries raise an eye for concern and show need for a safer law to obey by. For one, Columbia is greatly known for it’s extravagant and plentiful tropical lands. Its tropical forest split in parts by rivers such as the Magdalena, Caqueta and Cauca that produce mass biological life. However, these trees in the forest are large sites for deforestation. Companies that come in Columbia and remove the trees for irrational reasons disturb the balance of life, as well as create global warming problems. For example, trees absorb the carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale to evenly produce a cycle. With more and more trees in the rain forests in Columbia being cut down, the higher the carbon dioxide level rises. Carbon dioxide changes our earths climate due to the carbon dioxide particles absorbing heat. The more my country loses it’s natural resources, such as trees and forests, the higher the concentration of carbon dioxide gas, increasing the country’s temperature. Columbia is protected from the Pacific Ocean by the illustrious Andes Mountains. The Andes Mountains provide relief from the ocean’s winds, homes for many animals and a source for natural resources. The tops of the mountains are caped with ice glaciers that are rapidly melting. The carbon dioxide particles, trapping heat and creating unusually high temperatures, melt the ice caps. With this at hand, the rivers over flow, therefore producing flood and destruction of crops. Rivers once flowing with a balanced amount of water that satisfied animals and other life forms along the river now become disrupted and generate more problems.