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2006/12/07
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29893
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Manne wrote:
SACRAMENTO - Two Inland Southern California tribes with large casinos are pushing legislation to legalize Internet poker in the state, the opening bid in what could be an intense Capitol fight involving tribes who oppose the idea.
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Banning and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians near San Bernardino are the leading members of a new group of tribes and card clubs called the California Online Poker Association. It is the sponsor of the bill introduced Monday, the first day of the 2011-12 session.
The measure would put a "licensed entity" that already has a casino or card club in California in charge of an "intrastate Internet poker website." In return, the entity would pay the state an unspecified share of the revenue.
Federal law prohibits online gambling, but increasingly popular websites based outside the U.S. attract an estimated 2 million California poker players who bet as much as $300 million annually, according to an estimate earlier this year.
States can license their own legal games; none has done so. In Congress, meanwhile, fast-evolving online gambling legislation championed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, of Nevada, could go to a vote before year's end.
Supporters of this week's California proposal called it a way to keep gambling revenue in-state, while protecting online poker enthusiasts from unscrupulous offshore gambling sites.
"It's just not safe to play poker on these sites," James Ramos, the chairman of the San Manuel tribe, said in a statement distributed by the online poker association. It includes 29 tribes and some of the state's largest card clubs.
Critics said the bill would give its sponsors a monopoly on online poker. The bill would make it a crime to play poker on any other site.
"In our opinion, internet gaming of some sort is coming. It's a given," said David Quintana, the political director of the California Tribal Business Alliance, which includes several large tribes with casinos.
But Quintana called this week's measure "the equivalent of the state passing a bill to give Chevron the sole right to operate gas stations in California."
The bill, introduced by state Sen. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, closely resembles a proposal that has been pushed by the Morongo tribe since mid-2009. It's the first of what's expected to be several online gambling measures to emerge in the coming legislative session.
State Sen. Rod Wright, D-Inglewood, leads the Senate committee with oversight of gambling issues. He plans to re-introduce a bill to legalize online gambling that stalled in committee in June.
That bill would have let the state award 20-year contracts to up to three operators to run legal online gambling websites.
Online poker groups also are crafting potential legislation. And different tribes or tribal groups could come forward with their own ideas.
Anti-gambling groups have said legalizing online poker would create more problem gamblers. The issue also has deeply split California's powerful tribal gaming industry.
CHIPPING AT CASINOS
Some tribal critics say legalization of online poker would undermine their casinos. They also question whether it would violate agreements that limit casino competition in return for the tribes giving the state a share of revenue.
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, which runs a casino near Temecula, has been a vocal opponent of legalizing online gambling.
"Despite our historic alliances, this is one of those rare instances in which we simply do not agree with the consequences of authorizing intrastate Internet poker," Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro said at a February hearing, referring to the Morongo tribe. "This is a game changer."
In my opinion,the USA really needs to pass some decent Federal legislation asap,or the states will try to make their own legislation for online poker.This will surely be a mess,from kentucky trying to ban every site,from New Jersey legalizing it to suit their own needs.This will leave every state making their own rules.What a nightmare this will surely be.
I believe indian reservations should be able to do whatever they decide,since they are their own nation.
I believe indian reservations should be able to do whatever they decide,since they are their own nation.
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2008/11/07
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145
Manne wrote:
If these rumors are true, then a mini egomaniac could descend upon the world.
Two megastars – Kim Kardashian and Kanye West - may have fornicated and successfully procreated, reportedly. MediaTakeOut, not unlike the National Enquirer, is alleging that they have a Kim Kardashian insider who claims to have overheard Kim on the phone with Kanye discussing her options. The story goes that Kim and Kanye began hanging out over the summer, as he was helping her launch a music career.
The insider tells MTO, "Kim has been seeing Kanye [West] off and on for years now. But this summer, they [hooked up] five or six times. Kanye told her that he didn't want anything serious, but Kim really likes him."
The insider goes on to snitch, "Kim is being very secretive about everything. She calls [Kanye] almost non-stop and wants to know what she should do."
MTO goes on to report, "The insider reportedly OVERHEARD the conversation between Kanye and Kim, with her OWN EARS."
However, Kim, who is apparently dating Halle Berry's ex, Gabriel Aubry denies the rumors, telling People: "The rumors are absolutely not true. I'm not pregnant."
Through her denials, however, there are reports that Kardashian is looking to nest. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is apparently hoping to start a family with Aubry after reports claimed she has become "broody" after seeing him with his daughter, Nahla, who he fathered with Berry.
The Internet is ablaze with Kardashian-West baby rumors!!??
Have these people ever heard of condoms, birth control? Because they are famous don't mean they cannot contract a disease. Idiots. X
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2008/08/08
Messages:
158
The state of California is usually way out ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to liberal viewpoints and law changes. For years, state lawmakers have talked about the possibility of regulating online gambling, and now another gaming bill has been introduced.
Senator Harry Reid has been discussing possible federal law changes for Internet gambling this past week, and that talk has legislators in several states moving quickly to get out ahead of the curve. California Senator Louis Correa introduced legislation this week that would regulate online poker.
Correa joins a growing list of lawmakers around the country that want online gambling regulations on the state level. New Jersey senators have already passed online gambling legislation, and the Washington D.C. Council approved an Internet gambling measure on Tuesday.
Reid's federal bill would give the advantage to established casinos, many of which are located in Nevada and New Jersey. Opposition to Reid's legislation believe he is simply paying back the gaming companies that supported his re-election in Nevada this past year.
Correa's proposal would authorize and regulate online poker for state tribes and others. The state would obviously tax a tax cut from the revenue generated, and California would also set the rules and regulations regarding the gambling activity. Lawmakers have proposed online gambling legislation for several sessions in a row in California, but as of yet no proposal has passed.
The state of California is highly reliant on gambling compacts that have been signed with Indian tribes, and last session some of the tribes threatened to withhold payments from their casinos if the Internet gambling bill passed. The threat was strong enough to scare some legislators away and vote against the proposal.
Senator Harry Reid has been discussing possible federal law changes for Internet gambling this past week, and that talk has legislators in several states moving quickly to get out ahead of the curve. California Senator Louis Correa introduced legislation this week that would regulate online poker.
Correa joins a growing list of lawmakers around the country that want online gambling regulations on the state level. New Jersey senators have already passed online gambling legislation, and the Washington D.C. Council approved an Internet gambling measure on Tuesday.
Reid's federal bill would give the advantage to established casinos, many of which are located in Nevada and New Jersey. Opposition to Reid's legislation believe he is simply paying back the gaming companies that supported his re-election in Nevada this past year.
Correa's proposal would authorize and regulate online poker for state tribes and others. The state would obviously tax a tax cut from the revenue generated, and California would also set the rules and regulations regarding the gambling activity. Lawmakers have proposed online gambling legislation for several sessions in a row in California, but as of yet no proposal has passed.
The state of California is highly reliant on gambling compacts that have been signed with Indian tribes, and last session some of the tribes threatened to withhold payments from their casinos if the Internet gambling bill passed. The threat was strong enough to scare some legislators away and vote against the proposal.
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2006/12/07
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29893
It’s an Elvis fan’s dream for him to reappear in Las Vegas but not as a bloated chubby version of himself but as a svelte guy who wanders the streets looking to save lives. That’s kind of what happened on Sunday after a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon participant dressed as Elvis, took time out of his busy day, which included a marathon and his wedding, to save a woman’s life that collapsed in a local restaurant. Hey, a King’s gotta do what a King’s gotta do, right?
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon was held on Sunday to raise funds for charity and year after year participants will dress up in crazy outfits as they run through the streets of Las Vegas and down the Strip to reach the finish line. As runners make their way through the race, many couples actually end up getting married on the run by a jogging reverend as did Claudio Palma (Elvis) and his fiancée Renee.
According to the NY Daily News, Claudio, who is a doctor, rushed to help after he noticed a woman was bleeding from the mouth and head and had no pulse. Palma who was still dressed in his Elvis wear, dashed over to the woman’s side to help and gave her CPR, which brought the woman back to consciousness. Soon after Palma’s heroic actions, the woman was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
Dr. Palma/Elvis had one heck of a busy day on Sunday; he completed a marathon, got married and saved a life. It was just a day in the life of a true super hero, he must have been channeling the King somehow I mean only the Elvis could pull all of that off in one day, Uh Huh!
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The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon was held on Sunday to raise funds for charity and year after year participants will dress up in crazy outfits as they run through the streets of Las Vegas and down the Strip to reach the finish line. As runners make their way through the race, many couples actually end up getting married on the run by a jogging reverend as did Claudio Palma (Elvis) and his fiancée Renee.
According to the NY Daily News, Claudio, who is a doctor, rushed to help after he noticed a woman was bleeding from the mouth and head and had no pulse. Palma who was still dressed in his Elvis wear, dashed over to the woman’s side to help and gave her CPR, which brought the woman back to consciousness. Soon after Palma’s heroic actions, the woman was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
Dr. Palma/Elvis had one heck of a busy day on Sunday; he completed a marathon, got married and saved a life. It was just a day in the life of a true super hero, he must have been channeling the King somehow I mean only the Elvis could pull all of that off in one day, Uh Huh!
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2006/12/07
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29893
Back in 1970, when actor Sylvester Stallone was suffering for his art and was on the verge of eviction from his apartment, he took on his first acting role on an erotic film called “The Party at Kitty and Stud’s also known as “The Italian Stallion.” The hot and heavy flick was never released but recently resurfaced on an E-bay auction where the buyer would obtain full rights to the movie. It was sold for a mere $412,100. So why didn’t the aging Italian Stallion buy the film himself?
No clue as to why Stallone didn’t buy the rights to the film but it would have been interesting since it was his stepping stone to bigger and better films. According to Variety, Stallone earned $200 for two days of work back in the day probably paid a little more than his rent. Luckily after this film, Stallone was able to attract new projects which eventually led to the box-office hit “Rocky” which he wrote the script for and was released in 1976.
The lucky winner of the E-bay auction, got the whole package including full rights to the film and the original 35mm negatives which were previously in the hands of Bryanston Distributors.
We all know that Stallone has come a long way since his start in the soft porn industry and maybe he didn’t buy the rights because it wasn’t necessarily the proudest moment in his life but I guess the guy had to start somewhere.
Stallone’s recent achievements include the release of his latest action flick, The Expendables, as well as becoming part of the Boxing Hall of Fame for his contributions in boxing through his “Rocky” films.
No clue as to why Stallone didn’t buy the rights to the film but it would have been interesting since it was his stepping stone to bigger and better films. According to Variety, Stallone earned $200 for two days of work back in the day probably paid a little more than his rent. Luckily after this film, Stallone was able to attract new projects which eventually led to the box-office hit “Rocky” which he wrote the script for and was released in 1976.
The lucky winner of the E-bay auction, got the whole package including full rights to the film and the original 35mm negatives which were previously in the hands of Bryanston Distributors.
We all know that Stallone has come a long way since his start in the soft porn industry and maybe he didn’t buy the rights because it wasn’t necessarily the proudest moment in his life but I guess the guy had to start somewhere.
Stallone’s recent achievements include the release of his latest action flick, The Expendables, as well as becoming part of the Boxing Hall of Fame for his contributions in boxing through his “Rocky” films.
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2006/12/07
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29893
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is battling pancreatic cancer, it is being reported.
Last month there were whispers and rumblings when Franklin canceled all tour dates as per her doctors orders, but was mum on her condition. Then last week, the 68-year-old singer/songwriter announced she had undergone surgery that she called “highly successful,” but again, did not reveal her ailment.
Franklin told fans, "The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers!"
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who visited Franklin during her treatment, told the AP on Wednesday that the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was “recovering very well” from “serious surgery" but also did not comment on the nature of her illness. Back in August, Franklin had to cancel her dates with Condoleeza Rice on their joint tour after she broke two ribs in a fall, so fans were shocked when recently, the National Enquirer reported that Franklin has incurable pancreatic cancer. In their article, the publication cited that survival rates for pancreatic cancer are between 5-10% and even lower for someone her age and weight.
Now WJBK FOX 2 News in Detroit is confirming the Enquirer's report that Franklin has cancer. A family insider told the station that she's doing, "OK," but are asking for the public's prayers. The relative, who asked not to be named, said that the family is very concerned about her prognosis.
Franklin has won eighteen 18 Grammy Awards over the course of her nearly half-century long career and holds the record for most Best Female R&B Vocal Performance awards with 11 in total.
Last month there were whispers and rumblings when Franklin canceled all tour dates as per her doctors orders, but was mum on her condition. Then last week, the 68-year-old singer/songwriter announced she had undergone surgery that she called “highly successful,” but again, did not reveal her ailment.
Franklin told fans, "The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers!"
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who visited Franklin during her treatment, told the AP on Wednesday that the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was “recovering very well” from “serious surgery" but also did not comment on the nature of her illness. Back in August, Franklin had to cancel her dates with Condoleeza Rice on their joint tour after she broke two ribs in a fall, so fans were shocked when recently, the National Enquirer reported that Franklin has incurable pancreatic cancer. In their article, the publication cited that survival rates for pancreatic cancer are between 5-10% and even lower for someone her age and weight.
Now WJBK FOX 2 News in Detroit is confirming the Enquirer's report that Franklin has cancer. A family insider told the station that she's doing, "OK," but are asking for the public's prayers. The relative, who asked not to be named, said that the family is very concerned about her prognosis.
Franklin has won eighteen 18 Grammy Awards over the course of her nearly half-century long career and holds the record for most Best Female R&B Vocal Performance awards with 11 in total.
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2006/12/07
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29893
It is the nature of commerce that when the competition heats up, a business must become more aggressive in protecting market share. That is true whether the commodity is clothing or kitchen appliances or the pipe dream of easy riches. The competition for fools willing to part with their money in casinos is about to heat up.
Illinois already has nine riverboat casinos and a 10th in the wings. But the state has not managed its fiscal policy very well and could face a deficit of up to $15 billion next year. So an expansion plan is being proposed that would put a land-based casino in Chicago, two more riverboats in the Chicago suburbs and two in rural parts of the state. Also, six horse-racing tracks would be allowed to add hundreds of slots, and existing casinos could expand by two-thirds.
If that happens, even more stress will be put on Indiana casinos, already facing declines from a weak economy and competition from Michigan. So our state would naturally have to expand its base of approved gambling just to stay even. Then Michigan would have to expand, so we would, too, followed by another spurt in Illinois. All of that would be worrisome to Kentucky. Ohio, where voters just approved casinos, will be especially nervous. If gambling expands in those two states, can the General Assembly really keep Fort Wayne from getting its share of the action?
It's easy to see where this will lead – a slot machine on every corner and every politician there to collect the bounty so they can “serve their constituents” without raising taxes, at least those things we choose to call taxes.
Of course, there might be a snag or two along the way.
Experts point out that state-approved gambling establishments allow residents to be fleeced at home instead of having to cross state lines, but they aren't likely to draw visitors from far away. And existing casinos are already scrambling for every customer, so what government officials are doing is encouraging expansion in a shrinking market, never a smart move.
So before the whole thing collapses, maybe the federal government should try to get in on the action. It can't keep running up monstrous deficits, and Americans won't stand for the size of the tax increase needed to keep things the way they are. So never mind some kind of national sales tax, let's just go for federal casinos and a national lottery and be done with it. In addition to paying taxes at every level of government, we can gamble there, too.
Illinois already has nine riverboat casinos and a 10th in the wings. But the state has not managed its fiscal policy very well and could face a deficit of up to $15 billion next year. So an expansion plan is being proposed that would put a land-based casino in Chicago, two more riverboats in the Chicago suburbs and two in rural parts of the state. Also, six horse-racing tracks would be allowed to add hundreds of slots, and existing casinos could expand by two-thirds.
If that happens, even more stress will be put on Indiana casinos, already facing declines from a weak economy and competition from Michigan. So our state would naturally have to expand its base of approved gambling just to stay even. Then Michigan would have to expand, so we would, too, followed by another spurt in Illinois. All of that would be worrisome to Kentucky. Ohio, where voters just approved casinos, will be especially nervous. If gambling expands in those two states, can the General Assembly really keep Fort Wayne from getting its share of the action?
It's easy to see where this will lead – a slot machine on every corner and every politician there to collect the bounty so they can “serve their constituents” without raising taxes, at least those things we choose to call taxes.
Of course, there might be a snag or two along the way.
Experts point out that state-approved gambling establishments allow residents to be fleeced at home instead of having to cross state lines, but they aren't likely to draw visitors from far away. And existing casinos are already scrambling for every customer, so what government officials are doing is encouraging expansion in a shrinking market, never a smart move.
So before the whole thing collapses, maybe the federal government should try to get in on the action. It can't keep running up monstrous deficits, and Americans won't stand for the size of the tax increase needed to keep things the way they are. So never mind some kind of national sales tax, let's just go for federal casinos and a national lottery and be done with it. In addition to paying taxes at every level of government, we can gamble there, too.
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2006/12/07
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29893
In the past few weeks intensity has heightened around the country surrounding the Internet gambling issue. On a federal level, Senator harry Reid is pushing an online poker bill, and on the state level both California and New Jersey have online gambling bills pending.
New Jersey took another step on Thursday towards becoming the first state in the country to regulate online gambling. The Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee approved two bills, one that would bring online gambling openly to New Jersey, and another that would legalize sports betting.
There is a chance that the entire Assembly could vote on the bills by next week. That would put New Jersey ahead of schedule on California in the race to become the first state to partake on online gambling. The two bills, however, do face some legal challenges.
Senators approved the online gambling legislation last month and are now waiting for it to move through the rest of the lawmakers in New Jersey. The bill may create a problem with federal and International online gaming laws.
On a federal level, the online gambling bill would directly contradict the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. States have the right to make their own laws, and there is a chance that they would become exempt from federal laws should they pass the bill.
Internationally, the World Trade Organization may have a problem with the part of the bill that allows New Jersey online casino sites to accept foreign customers. Doing so may be a violation of international trade agreements.
The sports betting bill would also face a federal challenge. New Jersey is not one of the states that opted to keep their options open back when sports betting was outlawed nationally. The state, however, is contending that since sports betting is allowed in some states, then others should have the right to offer similar services.
New Jersey took another step on Thursday towards becoming the first state in the country to regulate online gambling. The Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee approved two bills, one that would bring online gambling openly to New Jersey, and another that would legalize sports betting.
There is a chance that the entire Assembly could vote on the bills by next week. That would put New Jersey ahead of schedule on California in the race to become the first state to partake on online gambling. The two bills, however, do face some legal challenges.
Senators approved the online gambling legislation last month and are now waiting for it to move through the rest of the lawmakers in New Jersey. The bill may create a problem with federal and International online gaming laws.
On a federal level, the online gambling bill would directly contradict the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. States have the right to make their own laws, and there is a chance that they would become exempt from federal laws should they pass the bill.
Internationally, the World Trade Organization may have a problem with the part of the bill that allows New Jersey online casino sites to accept foreign customers. Doing so may be a violation of international trade agreements.
The sports betting bill would also face a federal challenge. New Jersey is not one of the states that opted to keep their options open back when sports betting was outlawed nationally. The state, however, is contending that since sports betting is allowed in some states, then others should have the right to offer similar services.
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2006/12/07
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29893
The Assembly Regulatory and Oversight Committee will meet today to consider a package of bills that aims to enhance and modernize the state’s gaming and horse racing industries.
One of the measures is a bill sponsored by state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) that would allow Internet wagering at New Jersey casinos. Because of a federal ban on interstate wagering, only New Jersey residents would be able to make use of the system. A portion of the revenue from this Internet gaming would go to the New Jersey Racing Commission. “This bill would generate a minimum of $35 million in tax revenue to help build a bridge to self-sufficiency for our state’s ailing horse tracks,” said Lesniak. “It would generate millions of dollars in private revenue and would give casinos a new product to capture gaming dollars from tech-savvy gamblers.”
The Assembly committee will also consider a resolution to amend the state Constitution to allow sports betting if federal law changes to permit it. Lesniak sponsored an identical Senate resolution.
A report from Wall Street ratings company Moody’s Investors Service said that the Atlantic City initiatives – including Lesniak’s Internet gaming proposal – would be of little help to the struggling casino industry.
“We do not believe Internet gambling and sports betting will grow the overall market because consumers will continue to feel pressure from economic forces such as high unemployment for some time,” the report said. “We expect revenue would go in one pocket and out the other as gaming companies use different forms of gambling to vie for the same customer base.”
The state Senate passed the Internet gaming bill by a 29-5 vote last month, so it will go to the governor’s desk if the full Assembly approves it.
One of the measures is a bill sponsored by state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) that would allow Internet wagering at New Jersey casinos. Because of a federal ban on interstate wagering, only New Jersey residents would be able to make use of the system. A portion of the revenue from this Internet gaming would go to the New Jersey Racing Commission. “This bill would generate a minimum of $35 million in tax revenue to help build a bridge to self-sufficiency for our state’s ailing horse tracks,” said Lesniak. “It would generate millions of dollars in private revenue and would give casinos a new product to capture gaming dollars from tech-savvy gamblers.”
The Assembly committee will also consider a resolution to amend the state Constitution to allow sports betting if federal law changes to permit it. Lesniak sponsored an identical Senate resolution.
A report from Wall Street ratings company Moody’s Investors Service said that the Atlantic City initiatives – including Lesniak’s Internet gaming proposal – would be of little help to the struggling casino industry.
“We do not believe Internet gambling and sports betting will grow the overall market because consumers will continue to feel pressure from economic forces such as high unemployment for some time,” the report said. “We expect revenue would go in one pocket and out the other as gaming companies use different forms of gambling to vie for the same customer base.”
The state Senate passed the Internet gaming bill by a 29-5 vote last month, so it will go to the governor’s desk if the full Assembly approves it.
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2006/12/07
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29893
American Idol creators keep injecting more and more changes to their Season 10 production which will be full of surprises for fans of the show. Next season, fans should expect what creators of the show call ‘transparency’ which will include Tweeting from contestants, moving the “Top 12” finalists to a swank Hollywood pad and document their every move as well as a fab Las Vegas road trip.
At the moment, the ideas for Idol’s season 11 are just that, ideas, but if they manage to pull it off they will give the show more of a voyeuristic look into the lives of the final 12 contestants. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the plans include to have the final contestants stay in a house in the Hollywood Hills where they will be able to interact with fans via Twitter. There is no confirmation as to whether they will record their activity in the house in a Big Brother sense but it's definitely in the plans. The problem is that unless post-production editors have amazing editing skills, whatever happens in the house could seriously sway voting and may take away from the contestant’s actual talents.
A second major plan in the works is to take 60 of the contestants on a road trip to Las Vegas and have them work together with the Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles production, Love at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, from there only 40 will return.
Keep in mind that there is also a new panel of judges including Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, so in essence it’s a brand new show which is a good idea since many wondered if the show would survive after Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres made an exit. While they’re still not out of the woods, if they can implement these changes then it would give the show a fresher vibe.
At the moment, the ideas for Idol’s season 11 are just that, ideas, but if they manage to pull it off they will give the show more of a voyeuristic look into the lives of the final 12 contestants. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the plans include to have the final contestants stay in a house in the Hollywood Hills where they will be able to interact with fans via Twitter. There is no confirmation as to whether they will record their activity in the house in a Big Brother sense but it's definitely in the plans. The problem is that unless post-production editors have amazing editing skills, whatever happens in the house could seriously sway voting and may take away from the contestant’s actual talents.
A second major plan in the works is to take 60 of the contestants on a road trip to Las Vegas and have them work together with the Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles production, Love at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, from there only 40 will return.
Keep in mind that there is also a new panel of judges including Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, so in essence it’s a brand new show which is a good idea since many wondered if the show would survive after Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres made an exit. While they’re still not out of the woods, if they can implement these changes then it would give the show a fresher vibe.
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2006/12/07
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29893
This morning, the ladies of “The View” got a very special surprise as legendary pop star, Prince, showed up on their live set to invite them to his upcoming concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 18th. The gabbing ladies were shocked as the tiny soul man pranced on stage with his leather duds to discuss his concert, Justin Beiber and his love for co-host Sherri.
According to Spinner, his appearance on the show made crowds go wild and ensued them to make cat calls and start screaming. The audio was even cut during the whole screaming session which is a good sign for Prince who’s been out of the spotlight for quite some time. The crowds screamed “Love you Prince” to which he responded “Love you back”.
Prince claimed that ‘these are strange hours for a rock star’, who appeared on the show thanks to Whoopi Goldberg, who secretly arranged the surprise appearance. He was there to promote his concert but it was surprising to see how much star power the guy still has.
During his brief appearance, Prince managed to share his thoughts on pop teen sensation Justin Beiber, and offered him some career advice about staying power in the music industry. He mentioned how important it was for him to learn every aspect of music he can and talked about the importance of picking up an instrument.
A funny part of the segment was when according to Jezebel, co-host Sherri Sheperd screamed, “I’ve wanted to make love to you my whole life” as the star walked away. Prince shared how he enjoyed watching Sheri but I'm not sure if he wanted to take it the there but at least she got it out of her system.
So it seems that Prince still oozes sex-appeal at the age of 52, it must be his music.😄
According to Spinner, his appearance on the show made crowds go wild and ensued them to make cat calls and start screaming. The audio was even cut during the whole screaming session which is a good sign for Prince who’s been out of the spotlight for quite some time. The crowds screamed “Love you Prince” to which he responded “Love you back”.
Prince claimed that ‘these are strange hours for a rock star’, who appeared on the show thanks to Whoopi Goldberg, who secretly arranged the surprise appearance. He was there to promote his concert but it was surprising to see how much star power the guy still has.
During his brief appearance, Prince managed to share his thoughts on pop teen sensation Justin Beiber, and offered him some career advice about staying power in the music industry. He mentioned how important it was for him to learn every aspect of music he can and talked about the importance of picking up an instrument.
A funny part of the segment was when according to Jezebel, co-host Sherri Sheperd screamed, “I’ve wanted to make love to you my whole life” as the star walked away. Prince shared how he enjoyed watching Sheri but I'm not sure if he wanted to take it the there but at least she got it out of her system.
So it seems that Prince still oozes sex-appeal at the age of 52, it must be his music.😄
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2006/12/07
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29893
Internet gambling sites that are still accepting US players have had to deal with tougher payment processing in the past year. When the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act went into effect, financial institutions were forced to start blocking transactions.
In the coming months, the online gambling sites may have another problem on their hands. Operation Payback has been wreaking havoc on Internet transactions over the past couple of days, and the WikiLeaks fallout is only expected to get worse, not better in the foreseeable future.
"Already around the world, online sports books have reported difficulties related to Operation Payback," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "According to reports, sports bettors have either been unable to deposit funds, or the sports books have had trouble paying winners. The industry is a little concerned how much business they will lose if this continues."
Online merchants have complained yesterday and today about not being able to process payments from Visa, MasterCard, and even PayPal. All three of these options are popular among online gamblers across the world.
Authorities are working hard on tracking the hackers that are a part of Operation Payback. Already, there has been an arrest made of a person who is accused of being a volunteer. It is likely that more arrests will be coming in the coming days as authorities try to stop the threat.
Online sports books will have a busy day with the English Premiere League having matches on Saturday. In the US, there are no major sporting events until Sunday, when the NFL plays a full slate of games. The NBA and NHL, favorites of online gamblers, both have games throughout the day Saturday, as does college basketball.
In the coming months, the online gambling sites may have another problem on their hands. Operation Payback has been wreaking havoc on Internet transactions over the past couple of days, and the WikiLeaks fallout is only expected to get worse, not better in the foreseeable future.
"Already around the world, online sports books have reported difficulties related to Operation Payback," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "According to reports, sports bettors have either been unable to deposit funds, or the sports books have had trouble paying winners. The industry is a little concerned how much business they will lose if this continues."
Online merchants have complained yesterday and today about not being able to process payments from Visa, MasterCard, and even PayPal. All three of these options are popular among online gamblers across the world.
Authorities are working hard on tracking the hackers that are a part of Operation Payback. Already, there has been an arrest made of a person who is accused of being a volunteer. It is likely that more arrests will be coming in the coming days as authorities try to stop the threat.
Online sports books will have a busy day with the English Premiere League having matches on Saturday. In the US, there are no major sporting events until Sunday, when the NFL plays a full slate of games. The NBA and NHL, favorites of online gamblers, both have games throughout the day Saturday, as does college basketball.
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2006/12/07
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29893
The world seems to be mesmerized by the eccentricities of pop star, Lady Gaga, to the extent that famous wax house Madame Tussauds has unveiled 8 different wax models of the star in several locations around the world including the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
It was such a grand event in Las Vegas that even their Mayor, Oscar Goodman declared today “Lady Gaga Day.” The Gaga project spanned the world with several wax models being displayed in Hollywood, New York, London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Berlin.
Las Vegas Weekly, mentioned how sculptors invested $2.5 million to pull off the global display which took a total of four months to complete. Each statue was created in England and then flown to various cities around the globe.
At the Venetian, fans were able to witness Lady Gaga’s waxy presence at the Venetian Hotel and Casino and the first 100 fans who showed up dressed up in full Gaga gear were able to receive free admission. The Vegas Gaga was dressed in a Minnie Mouse inspired outfit with platinum blonde hair and a skin-tight cat suit.
The wax figures will be on display until further notice. Gag madness is on!
It was such a grand event in Las Vegas that even their Mayor, Oscar Goodman declared today “Lady Gaga Day.” The Gaga project spanned the world with several wax models being displayed in Hollywood, New York, London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Berlin.
Las Vegas Weekly, mentioned how sculptors invested $2.5 million to pull off the global display which took a total of four months to complete. Each statue was created in England and then flown to various cities around the globe.
At the Venetian, fans were able to witness Lady Gaga’s waxy presence at the Venetian Hotel and Casino and the first 100 fans who showed up dressed up in full Gaga gear were able to receive free admission. The Vegas Gaga was dressed in a Minnie Mouse inspired outfit with platinum blonde hair and a skin-tight cat suit.
The wax figures will be on display until further notice. Gag madness is on!
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2006/12/07
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29893
The New Jersey Assembly's Regulatory Oversight Committee voted unanimously on Dec. 9 to legalize online gambling for state residents. The bill had already passed the New Jersey Senate in late November by a vote of 29-5.
Proponents say the bill, designated S-490, is likely to pass the full Assembly on Monday, Dec. 13, and could become law by January, unless it's vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie.
The governor's position on legalizing Internet gambling is unknown; however, in July Christie declined to support a lawsuit that would have ended New Jersey's ban on sports betting.
The gambling bill is sponsored by Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union). If enacted, it would let Atlantic City casinos provide Internet versions of casino games. Estimates of potential annual grosses range from $250 million to $290 million within five years. Of this, 20% would be paid in taxes to the state, resulting in $55 million or more in new funds for New Jersey government coffers.
At the national level, U.S. Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has been seeking during the past 10 days to have his online poker legalization bill incorporated into the pending compromise tax package that was recently endorsed by President Obama and Senate Republicans. Reid's efforts have been sharply criticized by leaders of both parties, and appear unlikely to succeed.
In the event that Reid's online poker bill does not pass, and that an Internet casino legalization bill by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Boston) does not clear the House, observers have said that a state government -- Florida, California or New Jersey, for example -- may legalize online gambling, but only for players within the state.
The worldwide online gambling industry generates an estimated $330 billion or more in revenues from more than 2,000 online casinos, all of which are licensed overseas and operated through foreign Internet servers.
Any legalization of U.S. online poker or casino games is projected to provide significant competition to the music and amusement industry for American consumers' leisure spending.
Proponents say the bill, designated S-490, is likely to pass the full Assembly on Monday, Dec. 13, and could become law by January, unless it's vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie.
The governor's position on legalizing Internet gambling is unknown; however, in July Christie declined to support a lawsuit that would have ended New Jersey's ban on sports betting.
The gambling bill is sponsored by Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union). If enacted, it would let Atlantic City casinos provide Internet versions of casino games. Estimates of potential annual grosses range from $250 million to $290 million within five years. Of this, 20% would be paid in taxes to the state, resulting in $55 million or more in new funds for New Jersey government coffers.
At the national level, U.S. Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has been seeking during the past 10 days to have his online poker legalization bill incorporated into the pending compromise tax package that was recently endorsed by President Obama and Senate Republicans. Reid's efforts have been sharply criticized by leaders of both parties, and appear unlikely to succeed.
In the event that Reid's online poker bill does not pass, and that an Internet casino legalization bill by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Boston) does not clear the House, observers have said that a state government -- Florida, California or New Jersey, for example -- may legalize online gambling, but only for players within the state.
The worldwide online gambling industry generates an estimated $330 billion or more in revenues from more than 2,000 online casinos, all of which are licensed overseas and operated through foreign Internet servers.
Any legalization of U.S. online poker or casino games is projected to provide significant competition to the music and amusement industry for American consumers' leisure spending.
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2006/12/07
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29893
Gambling addiction has become a major problem in Australia over recent years and the new government is set on making sure the problem does not expand. Through technology, Australia may have come up with the best way to help curb problem gambling to date in the world.
A new USB memory stick will be the key to ensuring that gamblers do not go over their spending limits. Upon playing at a poker machine, gamblers will have to set limits for how much they can lose. Then, the gamblers fingerprints will be used to stop the gamblers from exceeding those limits.
This is the first step of what the government believes will be an extensive effort to slow problem gambling. This step is crucial to stop gamblers from binge betting, where they lose their limit and then keep playing the machines to try and recover their losses. By using the fingerprint technology, the gambler would be unable to continue gambling once they reach their limit.
Gamblers will have the ability to change the spending limit on the key they insert into a machine, but it will not happen instantaneously. The provisions are not yet set, but a period of one day to one month is being proposed to give the gambler time to come down from the losses before changing the limits.
One of the reasons that casinos are successful is impulse gambling. A gambler brings a certain amount of money to a casino, and when they lose, they run to an ATM to get more cash. They then continue the routine, until some players have cleaned out their bank accounts. Many government's have created laws keeping ATM machines out of casinos.
Privacy is a concern for gamblers with the new fingerprinting system. Lawmakers, however, have assured gamblers that their fingerprints are not stored. Once they leave the machine, the fingerprints are eliminated, never having to be linked to a database.
Senator Nick Xenophon has been the driving force behind gambling reform in Australia. Xenophon struck a deal with the current leaders in government ensuring that the problem gambling issue would be dealt with in the coming months.
A new USB memory stick will be the key to ensuring that gamblers do not go over their spending limits. Upon playing at a poker machine, gamblers will have to set limits for how much they can lose. Then, the gamblers fingerprints will be used to stop the gamblers from exceeding those limits.
This is the first step of what the government believes will be an extensive effort to slow problem gambling. This step is crucial to stop gamblers from binge betting, where they lose their limit and then keep playing the machines to try and recover their losses. By using the fingerprint technology, the gambler would be unable to continue gambling once they reach their limit.
Gamblers will have the ability to change the spending limit on the key they insert into a machine, but it will not happen instantaneously. The provisions are not yet set, but a period of one day to one month is being proposed to give the gambler time to come down from the losses before changing the limits.
One of the reasons that casinos are successful is impulse gambling. A gambler brings a certain amount of money to a casino, and when they lose, they run to an ATM to get more cash. They then continue the routine, until some players have cleaned out their bank accounts. Many government's have created laws keeping ATM machines out of casinos.
Privacy is a concern for gamblers with the new fingerprinting system. Lawmakers, however, have assured gamblers that their fingerprints are not stored. Once they leave the machine, the fingerprints are eliminated, never having to be linked to a database.
Senator Nick Xenophon has been the driving force behind gambling reform in Australia. Xenophon struck a deal with the current leaders in government ensuring that the problem gambling issue would be dealt with in the coming months.
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2006/12/07
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29893
All signs are go for New Jersey to become the first State to allow online gambling to its residents via Intrastate gambling. The New Jersey Assembly Committee voted unanimously to pass Senator Raymond Lesniak’s sponsored online gambling bill and sports betting bill unto the floor on Monday the 13th of December for a full vote. Hopes are high that both pieces of legislation will be passed and become law in New Jersey before the year ends, making the State the first to pass such a law. The bill that has been unanimously voted on will allow NJ residents to gamble online but has been amended to “not” allow international gamblers to partake. Now Governor Christie has 45 days to decide whether to pass the bill or not.
Sources are confident that the Governor will accept this bill and pass it into law, which will help the failing Atlantic City gambling Mecca and the New Jersey economy. Bill s-490 will allow Atlantic City casinos to offer online versions of their casino games to New Jersey residents. The Senator believes that allowing the casinos to market their brand of casino games online would help to generate millions of dollars that the State desperately needs and would give the casinos a much needed boost and a new product to market and capture. It is also believed that over $35 million in tax revenue can be generated to help the failing racing industry.
Bill ACR-167 proposes amending the laws that don’t allow sports betting at racetracks and casinos in Atlantic City. By allowing residents to bet on sports at the racetrack and in the casinos, would change the direction of both industries for the better and bring in much needed revenue. President and CEO of IGT is very happy with the moves that New Jersey lawmakers are taking because it will help their brand of games and allow more job opportunities in the State and of course allow businesses like theirs to grow and compete. While Nevada is proposing an online gambling bill that would allow ONLY poker to its residents, New Jersey has taken the step to offer all forms of online gambling to theirs, which makes them a leader in the industry and we can only hope that more States will follow their lead.
This all hangs on whether Governor Christie accepts the bill and passes it into law which many on the inside say will happen. “We are very confident that this will be voted favorably on Monday and will soon become law in the State”. “We need to reverse the State’s gaming industry decline in Atlantic City”, and sources close to the assembly committee are very optimistic that New Jersey will soon be celebrating this new law. Another huge incentive to passing bill s-490 is the 20% annual gross gaming revenues that the State will be the recipient of. A New Jersey intrastate gaming system would raise up to $250 million in revenue and $55 million in taxes. The expected revenue over a 5-year period would be $290 million for casinos and $270 million by poker players and these figures would climb higher if International players are allowed to play.
Sources are confident that the Governor will accept this bill and pass it into law, which will help the failing Atlantic City gambling Mecca and the New Jersey economy. Bill s-490 will allow Atlantic City casinos to offer online versions of their casino games to New Jersey residents. The Senator believes that allowing the casinos to market their brand of casino games online would help to generate millions of dollars that the State desperately needs and would give the casinos a much needed boost and a new product to market and capture. It is also believed that over $35 million in tax revenue can be generated to help the failing racing industry.
Bill ACR-167 proposes amending the laws that don’t allow sports betting at racetracks and casinos in Atlantic City. By allowing residents to bet on sports at the racetrack and in the casinos, would change the direction of both industries for the better and bring in much needed revenue. President and CEO of IGT is very happy with the moves that New Jersey lawmakers are taking because it will help their brand of games and allow more job opportunities in the State and of course allow businesses like theirs to grow and compete. While Nevada is proposing an online gambling bill that would allow ONLY poker to its residents, New Jersey has taken the step to offer all forms of online gambling to theirs, which makes them a leader in the industry and we can only hope that more States will follow their lead.
This all hangs on whether Governor Christie accepts the bill and passes it into law which many on the inside say will happen. “We are very confident that this will be voted favorably on Monday and will soon become law in the State”. “We need to reverse the State’s gaming industry decline in Atlantic City”, and sources close to the assembly committee are very optimistic that New Jersey will soon be celebrating this new law. Another huge incentive to passing bill s-490 is the 20% annual gross gaming revenues that the State will be the recipient of. A New Jersey intrastate gaming system would raise up to $250 million in revenue and $55 million in taxes. The expected revenue over a 5-year period would be $290 million for casinos and $270 million by poker players and these figures would climb higher if International players are allowed to play.
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2006/12/07
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In tragic news today, Mark Madoff, the son of Bernie Madoff, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment this morning on the two-year anniversary of his father's arrest. Mark's wife, Stephanie, was out of town and asked her father to check on her husband after she became worried about during an online chat with him.
When Mark's father-in-law arrived at around 7:30 a.m., he found 46-year-old Mark hanging by a dog leash. Mark and Stephanie's two-year-old son was asleep in the house at the time.
Mark, who, along with his brother Andrew had blown the whistler on their father's Wall Street firm Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, which has been described as the largest Ponzi scheme in history, is a defendant in a number of civil suits. This week, the trustee recovering assets for Madoff's investors sued the Madoff brothers for funds they say their parents transferred to them. The amount missing from client accounts, including fabricated gains, was a staggering $65 billion.
Meanwhile, Mark's wife Stephanie had requested to change their family surnames for safety reasons. She said that in December 2008, she was informed of “certain death and other threats made against the Madoff family.”
Mark's father Bernie is currently serving a 150-year prison sentence. Both Mark and Andrew had been investigated in the Ponzi scheme, but never faced any criminal charges. Mark had two children with Stephanie.
When Mark's father-in-law arrived at around 7:30 a.m., he found 46-year-old Mark hanging by a dog leash. Mark and Stephanie's two-year-old son was asleep in the house at the time.
Mark, who, along with his brother Andrew had blown the whistler on their father's Wall Street firm Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, which has been described as the largest Ponzi scheme in history, is a defendant in a number of civil suits. This week, the trustee recovering assets for Madoff's investors sued the Madoff brothers for funds they say their parents transferred to them. The amount missing from client accounts, including fabricated gains, was a staggering $65 billion.
Meanwhile, Mark's wife Stephanie had requested to change their family surnames for safety reasons. She said that in December 2008, she was informed of “certain death and other threats made against the Madoff family.”
Mark's father Bernie is currently serving a 150-year prison sentence. Both Mark and Andrew had been investigated in the Ponzi scheme, but never faced any criminal charges. Mark had two children with Stephanie.
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2006/12/07
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29893
For the past several years, the Minnesota Vikings have been asking the state to come up with a way to get the team a new stadium. There even have been rumors that the Vikings ownership would move the team in the coming years if a stadium deal was not complete.
One way that lawmakers have lobbied to get a stadium built was to expand gambling. The revenue generated from expanded gambling taxes would go towards building a new stadium that would keep the Vikings in Minnesota for a long time to come. On Sunday, that gambling plan may have received a boost from Mother Nature.
The roof collapse at the Metrodome thanks to a wicked snowstorm that had tons of snow fall on the stadium. The Vikings and Giants game had already been moved to Monday night, so nobody was hurt when the roof collapsed. If New York had been able to get into Minnesota Saturday evening, the game may have gone on as planned.
Instead, the Giants were diverted to Kansas City, where they spent the night. Now, the football game has been moved to Detroit after the roof caving, but the issue of getting a new stadium built still exists, and lawmakers in favor of expanded gambling have received added ammunition in their battle.
The new legislature in Minneapolis is likely to be more open to the gambling expansion plan for racetracks than the previous administration. With the Vikings only having one year left on their lease at the Metrodome, it is likely the gambling issue will be one of the key discussions that takes place when the new year begins.
A recent poll suggests that residents of Minnesota would be in favor of gambling expansion if it meant getting a stadium built and keeping the Vikings from moving out West. Those same respondents overwhelmingly were against having their taxes raised to pay for a new football facility.
The Vikings are scheduled to play their last home game of the year next Monday night, but it is unclear whether the stadium's roof will be repaired by then. If the roof will not be done, the NFL could reschedule the game, but likely will move it like they did this week with the Giants and Vikings.
One way that lawmakers have lobbied to get a stadium built was to expand gambling. The revenue generated from expanded gambling taxes would go towards building a new stadium that would keep the Vikings in Minnesota for a long time to come. On Sunday, that gambling plan may have received a boost from Mother Nature.
The roof collapse at the Metrodome thanks to a wicked snowstorm that had tons of snow fall on the stadium. The Vikings and Giants game had already been moved to Monday night, so nobody was hurt when the roof collapsed. If New York had been able to get into Minnesota Saturday evening, the game may have gone on as planned.
Instead, the Giants were diverted to Kansas City, where they spent the night. Now, the football game has been moved to Detroit after the roof caving, but the issue of getting a new stadium built still exists, and lawmakers in favor of expanded gambling have received added ammunition in their battle.
The new legislature in Minneapolis is likely to be more open to the gambling expansion plan for racetracks than the previous administration. With the Vikings only having one year left on their lease at the Metrodome, it is likely the gambling issue will be one of the key discussions that takes place when the new year begins.
A recent poll suggests that residents of Minnesota would be in favor of gambling expansion if it meant getting a stadium built and keeping the Vikings from moving out West. Those same respondents overwhelmingly were against having their taxes raised to pay for a new football facility.
The Vikings are scheduled to play their last home game of the year next Monday night, but it is unclear whether the stadium's roof will be repaired by then. If the roof will not be done, the NFL could reschedule the game, but likely will move it like they did this week with the Giants and Vikings.
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2006/12/07
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This Friday, December 10, a voluminous document titled "Council Conclusions on the Framework for Gambling and Betting in the Member States of the European Union" was published by the European Union (EU). The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has pointed out that this document has the potential to change the outlook in Europe from a national to a continental one. So far the different national governments have been fiercely protective of their own monopoly operators, have insisted on separate licensing from their regulatory authorities and have resisted transnational cooperation. Now in this document the EU ministers have accepted for the first time that "a purely national approach is insufficient to deal with online gambling". The debate on online gambling was initiated in the Council in 2008 and till now had made little headway. This show of unanimity will make the European Commission's Green Paper consultations more meaningful as and when it is issued. Green Papers are documents published by the EC to stimulate discussion among the member countries. Green Papers may give rise to legislative developments on the basis of the discussion and debate.
The representatives of the countries of the EU agreed that their national regulatory authorities could undertake a number of actions that would improve cooperation between them. These actions included cooperation on consumer protection, sports integrity, minimizing unnecessary administrative burdens and the sharing of best practice in relation to responsible gambling measures. Minimizing unnecessary burdens is a common and frequent complaint of online gaming operators who have to duplicate the costly and time consuming registration formalities with each national regulator.
EGBA Secretary General, Sigrid Ligne, commented in depth on the release of this crucial document. She said, "The importance of these conclusions for online gambling in the EU cannot be underestimated. The Member States expressly support an in-depth discussion on online gambling in the Internal Market as proposed by Commissioner Barnier." Barnier is the present head of the European Commission. Ligne further pointed out that just the announcement of the Green Paper has changed the outlook and the debate on online gambling is evolving rapidly. About a year back EU member states agreeing to cooperate in online gambling issues would have been unthinkable. EGBA has extended full support to the EC in its efforts to issue the Green Paper and hopes that the paper will be released as soon as possible. EGBA also "commends the Belgian Presidency for its hard work and this remarkable result".
EGBA is the industry body representing the leading online gaming and betting operators established, licensed and regulated within the EU. EGBA advocates a fair, competitive and regulated online gaming market throughout Europe based on effective European and international collaboration and cooperation.
The representatives of the countries of the EU agreed that their national regulatory authorities could undertake a number of actions that would improve cooperation between them. These actions included cooperation on consumer protection, sports integrity, minimizing unnecessary administrative burdens and the sharing of best practice in relation to responsible gambling measures. Minimizing unnecessary burdens is a common and frequent complaint of online gaming operators who have to duplicate the costly and time consuming registration formalities with each national regulator.
EGBA Secretary General, Sigrid Ligne, commented in depth on the release of this crucial document. She said, "The importance of these conclusions for online gambling in the EU cannot be underestimated. The Member States expressly support an in-depth discussion on online gambling in the Internal Market as proposed by Commissioner Barnier." Barnier is the present head of the European Commission. Ligne further pointed out that just the announcement of the Green Paper has changed the outlook and the debate on online gambling is evolving rapidly. About a year back EU member states agreeing to cooperate in online gambling issues would have been unthinkable. EGBA has extended full support to the EC in its efforts to issue the Green Paper and hopes that the paper will be released as soon as possible. EGBA also "commends the Belgian Presidency for its hard work and this remarkable result".
EGBA is the industry body representing the leading online gaming and betting operators established, licensed and regulated within the EU. EGBA advocates a fair, competitive and regulated online gaming market throughout Europe based on effective European and international collaboration and cooperation.
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2006/12/07
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Two megastars – Kim Kardashian and Kanye West - may have fornicated and successfully procreated, reportedly. MediaTakeOut, not unlike the National Enquirer, is alleging that they have a Kim Kardashian insider who claims to have overheard Kim on the phone with Kanye discussing her options. The story goes that Kim and Kanye began hanging out over the summer, as he was helping her launch a music career.
The insider tells MTO, "Kim has been seeing Kanye [West] off and on for years now. But this summer, they [hooked up] five or six times. Kanye told her that he didn't want anything serious, but Kim really likes him."
The insider goes on to snitch, "Kim is being very secretive about everything. She calls [Kanye] almost non-stop and wants to know what she should do."
MTO goes on to report, "The insider reportedly OVERHEARD the conversation between Kanye and Kim, with her OWN EARS."
However, Kim, who is apparently dating Halle Berry's ex, Gabriel Aubry denies the rumors, telling People: "The rumors are absolutely not true. I'm not pregnant."
Through her denials, however, there are reports that Kardashian is looking to nest. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is apparently hoping to start a family with Aubry after reports claimed she has become "broody" after seeing him with his daughter, Nahla, who he fathered with Berry.
The Internet is ablaze with Kardashian-West baby rumors!!??