Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Select your timezone:
As i was replying in a previous thread i thought i would start a topic here about it
the best advice is DONT PLAY THEM there is only 1 main winner and thats the bookies, but if you do play them and lose loads and feel that you cant go without playing them and have a problem but dont want to admit it the best advice i would suggest is only take £20-40 out with you and leave cards and wallet at home just incase , if you need to have your cards on you then have 2 accounts , 1 main 1 where your wages get paid into that pays the bills ect and have direct debits set for the day after your wages goes in and have a standing order for a % of your wages to go into another account which you can access with no overdraft option on it ( my mate spends his whole wages on it when he gets paid then will use his credit cards to get more money to use on it , these machine will end up wrecking lives
DONT LET IT BE YOURS THAT WRECKED
the best advice is DONT PLAY THEM there is only 1 main winner and thats the bookies, but if you do play them and lose loads and feel that you cant go without playing them and have a problem but dont want to admit it the best advice i would suggest is only take £20-40 out with you and leave cards and wallet at home just incase , if you need to have your cards on you then have 2 accounts , 1 main 1 where your wages get paid into that pays the bills ect and have direct debits set for the day after your wages goes in and have a standing order for a % of your wages to go into another account which you can access with no overdraft option on it ( my mate spends his whole wages on it when he gets paid then will use his credit cards to get more money to use on it , these machine will end up wrecking lives
DONT LET IT BE YOURS THAT WRECKED
Join:
2011/07/08
Messages:
13
Actress Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, is now using her talents to become the next hot singing sensation after recording the song “Because of You” with singer/songwriter Ryan Boone which is expected to be released on iTunes next month.
Like her high-profile parents, she’s had some success as an actress and now it seems that she has plans to pursue her dream of becoming a recording artist. Her last stint on television was on the revamped television series “90210” and she was also recently part of the hit Broadway production Love, Loss and What I Wore, a heartfelt comedy about different women telling personal stories about their past and the clothes that connected them to that moment.
Now Rumer, is taking a break from the stage to hopefully focus on more of a serious singing career and thanks to her friend Ryan Boone who apparently met her about four years ago while at a party claims “she has the most beautiful voice, like Adele meets Robin Thicke. It is very sultry, just like her mother Demi Moore,” he told US Weekly.
For those wanting a sneak peek of her single “Because of You,” you’ll be able to catch it at the Hugo Boss Rooftop Beat the Heat Concert on July 21st or for those who can’t make it out can catch it on iTunes next month.
It looks like Demi and Bruce have some talent on their hands. Any thoughts on Rumer’s voice?
Like her high-profile parents, she’s had some success as an actress and now it seems that she has plans to pursue her dream of becoming a recording artist. Her last stint on television was on the revamped television series “90210” and she was also recently part of the hit Broadway production Love, Loss and What I Wore, a heartfelt comedy about different women telling personal stories about their past and the clothes that connected them to that moment.
Now Rumer, is taking a break from the stage to hopefully focus on more of a serious singing career and thanks to her friend Ryan Boone who apparently met her about four years ago while at a party claims “she has the most beautiful voice, like Adele meets Robin Thicke. It is very sultry, just like her mother Demi Moore,” he told US Weekly.
For those wanting a sneak peek of her single “Because of You,” you’ll be able to catch it at the Hugo Boss Rooftop Beat the Heat Concert on July 21st or for those who can’t make it out can catch it on iTunes next month.
It looks like Demi and Bruce have some talent on their hands. Any thoughts on Rumer’s voice?
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Manne wrote:
Actress Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, is now using her talents to become the next hot singing sensation after recording the song “Because of You” with singer/songwriter Ryan Boone which is expected to be released on iTunes next month.
Like her high-profile parents, she’s had some success as an actress and now it seems that she has plans to pursue her dream of becoming a recording artist. Her last stint on television was on the revamped television series “90210” and she was also recently part of the hit Broadway production Love, Loss and What I Wore, a heartfelt comedy about different women telling personal stories about their past and the clothes that connected them to that moment.
Now Rumer, is taking a break from the stage to hopefully focus on more of a serious singing career and thanks to her friend Ryan Boone who apparently met her about four years ago while at a party claims “she has the most beautiful voice, like Adele meets Robin Thicke. It is very sultry, just like her mother Demi Moore,” he told US Weekly.
For those wanting a sneak peek of her single “Because of You,” you’ll be able to catch it at the Hugo Boss Rooftop Beat the Heat Concert on July 21st or for those who can’t make it out can catch it on iTunes next month.
It looks like Demi and Bruce have some talent on their hands. Any thoughts on Rumer’s voice?
Yeah the voice mmmmmm caught her in i think it was Sorority Row a year or 2 ago,, she sounds so much like her mum in the voice and Demi had a nice sexy voice anyway so yeah the voice does it for me defo ! If her singing is sexy too she may do well!
Join:
2011/07/05
Messages:
31
Manne wrote:
Thirty-three-year-old Tudors actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers was hospitalized in London Tuesday night after reportedly attempting to commit suicide by overdosing on pills in his Maida Vale, London home.
According to U.K. paper The Sun, after an emergency call, paramedics found Meyers "slumped on the floor," but he refused treatment until cops arrived and finally convinced him to go to the hospital – about a half hour after he was found.
Officials confirm that officers were dispatched to the Irish actor's home, but were mum on whether he had tried to take his own life.
The British police confirmed in a statement, "Officers were called by London Ambulance Service following reports of a man refusing treatment. The man was taken to hospital."
Meyers, who has been in and out of rehab five times, was released from the hospital early Wednesday morning and has had no comment on the situation.
Back in 2007, Rhys Myers was arrested at Dublin Airport and charged with two counts of violating the Public Order Act after displaying "erratic" and "abusive" behavior. Reportedly, an intoxicated Meyers refused to calm down after being repeatedly asked by Irish police, the Garda Siochana. He was also banned from United Airlines after he was intoxicated on a flight, and spent ten days in rehab just last month.
Aside from his role on The Tudors, Meyers' acting credits include a stunning performance in Woody Allen's genius flick Match Point. He also starred alongside Reese Witherspoon in Vanity Fair and appeared in Bend it Like Beckham. Meyers began his career as a model for Hugo Boss.
Strange that for someone with a good pedigree like he has with the elvis film and From Paris With Love being such good draws at the box office etc etc etc but just goes to show money cant buy you happiness eh?
ste
ste
Join:
2011/07/05
Messages:
31
johnjohn44 wrote:
As i was replying in a previous thread i thought i would start a topic here about it
the best advice is DONT PLAY THEM there is only 1 main winner and thats the bookies, but if you do play them and lose loads and feel that you cant go without playing them and have a problem but dont want to admit it the best advice i would suggest is only take £20-40 out with you and leave cards and wallet at home just incase , if you need to have your cards on you then have 2 accounts , 1 main 1 where your wages get paid into that pays the bills ect and have direct debits set for the day after your wages goes in and have a standing order for a % of your wages to go into another account which you can access with no overdraft option on it ( my mate spends his whole wages on it when he gets paid then will use his credit cards to get more money to use on it , these machine will end up wrecking lives
DONT LET IT BE YOURS THAT WRECKED
Very wise idea. Leave the checkbook at home or in the car.
Join:
2008/12/11
Messages:
117
Ohio Gov. John Kasich says expansion of legalized gambling in the Buckeye State has stopped for at least 10 years.
Where have we heard that before? In West Virginia, of course.
We have no doubt Kasich means what he says about restricting gambling to four casinos and seven racetracks with video slot machines. At first glance, the governor may seem secure in his plan; after all, the casinos and "racinos" will pour hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue into state coffers.
But that does not take into account the greed of the gambling industry.
Legalized gambling in West Virginia started with a ticket-based lottery. It moved quickly to slot machines at racetracks, full-scale casinos and thousands of slot machines in stores, bars and fraternal organizations.
Incredible as it seemed to many West Virginians at the time, gambling devices were permitted outside tracks because state officials said that was the best way to eliminate illegal "gray machines."
Ohio is on the same track as West Virginia was once - with one concern being, you guessed it, illegal gambling devices.
We applaud Kasich for desiring to limit the expansion of legalized gambling. Frankly, as soon as gambling interests begin touting new revenue for the state, we believe legislators will agree to more expansion, however. We suggest the governor be ready for that, with rules intended to ensure the state gets a fair cut of the proceeds.
Where have we heard that before? In West Virginia, of course.
We have no doubt Kasich means what he says about restricting gambling to four casinos and seven racetracks with video slot machines. At first glance, the governor may seem secure in his plan; after all, the casinos and "racinos" will pour hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue into state coffers.
But that does not take into account the greed of the gambling industry.
Legalized gambling in West Virginia started with a ticket-based lottery. It moved quickly to slot machines at racetracks, full-scale casinos and thousands of slot machines in stores, bars and fraternal organizations.
Incredible as it seemed to many West Virginians at the time, gambling devices were permitted outside tracks because state officials said that was the best way to eliminate illegal "gray machines."
Ohio is on the same track as West Virginia was once - with one concern being, you guessed it, illegal gambling devices.
We applaud Kasich for desiring to limit the expansion of legalized gambling. Frankly, as soon as gambling interests begin touting new revenue for the state, we believe legislators will agree to more expansion, however. We suggest the governor be ready for that, with rules intended to ensure the state gets a fair cut of the proceeds.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt is preparing to radically overhaul online gambling licensing rules which have left hundreds of British poker players unable to get hold of their funds after the founders of Full Tilt Poker, the world's second-largest poker site, found themselves at the centre of money-laundering and illegal gambling charges in the US.
"This highlights why the government is looking at reforming how overseas-based operators are regulated and we hope to make an announcement in the next few weeks," a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport said.
The government recently completed a wide-ranging consultation on online gambling. Under current rules companies can advertise and operate without being licensed by the UK Gambling Commission as ministers rely on the strength of approved overseas regulators, including those in tiny offshore jurisdictions.
Full Tilt, which employs about 600 people in Dublin and is regulated on Alderney in the Channel Islands, is one of a handful of sites that continued to accept players from the US after the introduction in 2006 of legislation making it illegal for payment processors to transfer funds from American residents to gambling sites offshore.
Together with market leader PokerStars and number three player Absolute Poker, Full Tilt has been accused of using hundreds of bogus online retail websites and corrupt banks to hoodwink the US authorities into believing payments taken from American residents were for goods and services other than poker.
In a 51-page indictment, filed in April, the FBI and US department of justice are seeking to recover at least $7.5bn (£4.7bn) and have moved to freeze dozens of bank accounts in Switzerland, Cyprus, Andorra, Luxembourg and elsewhere, including the UK.
Full Tilt and PokerStars have spent millions advertising on British media in recent years and are among the most popular sites with UK players.
The US indictment triggered a worldwide crisis for Full Tilt, after it failed to satisfy Alderney regulators that its activities inside and outside the US were in good order. Players in the US have launched a class action claiming the site is refusing to return their money. Alderney suspended Full Tilt's licence two weeks ago. A message on the site says: "The system is currently down."
PokerStars, the world's largest site, is regulated in the Isle of Man and is one of the island's largest employers. The Manx regulator insists PokerStars has not breached its rules. The sites had an average of 35,000 players at any time, day or night, before its US operations were shut down. PartyPoker, owned by London-listed bwin.party, has an average of about 4,000.
Asked if it applies a "fit and proper" test to licensees, Steven Brennan, chief executive of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, said: "The GSC thoroughly checks and vets every director and key official of any online gaming company ... It has the authority, and has used it, to turn down any company where it feels the company or the owners could bring the island into disrepute."
The three sites are believed to deny wrongdoing but could not be reached for comment.
"This highlights why the government is looking at reforming how overseas-based operators are regulated and we hope to make an announcement in the next few weeks," a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport said.
The government recently completed a wide-ranging consultation on online gambling. Under current rules companies can advertise and operate without being licensed by the UK Gambling Commission as ministers rely on the strength of approved overseas regulators, including those in tiny offshore jurisdictions.
Full Tilt, which employs about 600 people in Dublin and is regulated on Alderney in the Channel Islands, is one of a handful of sites that continued to accept players from the US after the introduction in 2006 of legislation making it illegal for payment processors to transfer funds from American residents to gambling sites offshore.
Together with market leader PokerStars and number three player Absolute Poker, Full Tilt has been accused of using hundreds of bogus online retail websites and corrupt banks to hoodwink the US authorities into believing payments taken from American residents were for goods and services other than poker.
In a 51-page indictment, filed in April, the FBI and US department of justice are seeking to recover at least $7.5bn (£4.7bn) and have moved to freeze dozens of bank accounts in Switzerland, Cyprus, Andorra, Luxembourg and elsewhere, including the UK.
Full Tilt and PokerStars have spent millions advertising on British media in recent years and are among the most popular sites with UK players.
The US indictment triggered a worldwide crisis for Full Tilt, after it failed to satisfy Alderney regulators that its activities inside and outside the US were in good order. Players in the US have launched a class action claiming the site is refusing to return their money. Alderney suspended Full Tilt's licence two weeks ago. A message on the site says: "The system is currently down."
PokerStars, the world's largest site, is regulated in the Isle of Man and is one of the island's largest employers. The Manx regulator insists PokerStars has not breached its rules. The sites had an average of 35,000 players at any time, day or night, before its US operations were shut down. PartyPoker, owned by London-listed bwin.party, has an average of about 4,000.
Asked if it applies a "fit and proper" test to licensees, Steven Brennan, chief executive of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, said: "The GSC thoroughly checks and vets every director and key official of any online gaming company ... It has the authority, and has used it, to turn down any company where it feels the company or the owners could bring the island into disrepute."
The three sites are believed to deny wrongdoing but could not be reached for comment.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
This has got to be the best prison break stories we’ve heard but probably not one of the better planned ones. A 19-year-old woman who was eager to break her common-law husband out of a Mexican prison decides to stuff him in a suitcase during one of their conjugal visits and needless to say, they got busted, but good effort on her part for having the cojones to go through with it.
According to the CNN, Juan Ramirez Tijerina was in the middle of serving a 20-year sentence after being charged in 2007 for drug trafficking. After four years of completing his sentence, it wasn't quite reported who had the bright idea of the escape but it was his 19-year old pregnant wife, Maria del Mar Arjona who carried out the master plan.
As the woman attempted to walk out of the prison with the bulky suitcase, officers noticed that something was moving inside which was when they opened it to find Ramirez curled up in a ball. This is very much in the realm of a Jackass type stunt isnt it?
So the bad news for Arjona, is that she is kind of in big trouble and will now probably go to prison herself where she will have plenty of time to work on a more thoroughly planned breakout. 😄
According to the CNN, Juan Ramirez Tijerina was in the middle of serving a 20-year sentence after being charged in 2007 for drug trafficking. After four years of completing his sentence, it wasn't quite reported who had the bright idea of the escape but it was his 19-year old pregnant wife, Maria del Mar Arjona who carried out the master plan.
As the woman attempted to walk out of the prison with the bulky suitcase, officers noticed that something was moving inside which was when they opened it to find Ramirez curled up in a ball. This is very much in the realm of a Jackass type stunt isnt it?
So the bad news for Arjona, is that she is kind of in big trouble and will now probably go to prison herself where she will have plenty of time to work on a more thoroughly planned breakout. 😄
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
An alleged cockfighting ring in South Bexar County was left with nothing but feathers and gambling tickets Sunday afternoon after Bexar County sheriff's deputies and city Animal Care Services officials arrived to make arrests.
When officers showed up at the property on the 15900 block of Henze Road, no cockfight was in progress. But a lookout might have alerted participants that police were coming, said sheriff's Det. Oren Skurnik, and it appears officers who arrived shortly after the 11:46 a.m. call got there before the cockfight took place.
“They had someone selling admission up the street,” the detective said, pointing to green gambling tickets scattered around the ground.
A notice for cruelty to livestock animals and cockfighting, as well as a warrant for seizure of the animals, was posted outside the property at 1 p.m. Investigators spent the next five hours capturing fowl and speaking with people at the scene.
Officers cited 13 adults for participating in illegal gambling and cockfighting. Several children were also present.
“People ran every which way,” Skurnik said. “At least 10 more people are out in the woods waiting for us to leave.”
An Animal Care Services truck hauled away more than 60 live roosters from the property around 6:30 p.m. Cages and boxes with roosters were in makeshift holding areas all around the property, the detective said, and dead fowl were found in a pile.
“Some still had the banding and razors, blades and spurs,” he said.
Driving out of the property, Arturo Esquivel denied any cockfighting activities took place and said he did not understand why he received a citation.
“I have always liked roosters,” the 77-year-old said in Spanish. “They don't fight them here, not one.”
Forcing any animal to fight is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
A court date on July 19 was set for owners of the roosters.
The confiscated roosters are “usually destroyed,” Skurnik added.
“They're bred for fighting,” he said. “They're not good for anything else.”
When officers showed up at the property on the 15900 block of Henze Road, no cockfight was in progress. But a lookout might have alerted participants that police were coming, said sheriff's Det. Oren Skurnik, and it appears officers who arrived shortly after the 11:46 a.m. call got there before the cockfight took place.
“They had someone selling admission up the street,” the detective said, pointing to green gambling tickets scattered around the ground.
A notice for cruelty to livestock animals and cockfighting, as well as a warrant for seizure of the animals, was posted outside the property at 1 p.m. Investigators spent the next five hours capturing fowl and speaking with people at the scene.
Officers cited 13 adults for participating in illegal gambling and cockfighting. Several children were also present.
“People ran every which way,” Skurnik said. “At least 10 more people are out in the woods waiting for us to leave.”
An Animal Care Services truck hauled away more than 60 live roosters from the property around 6:30 p.m. Cages and boxes with roosters were in makeshift holding areas all around the property, the detective said, and dead fowl were found in a pile.
“Some still had the banding and razors, blades and spurs,” he said.
Driving out of the property, Arturo Esquivel denied any cockfighting activities took place and said he did not understand why he received a citation.
“I have always liked roosters,” the 77-year-old said in Spanish. “They don't fight them here, not one.”
Forcing any animal to fight is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
A court date on July 19 was set for owners of the roosters.
The confiscated roosters are “usually destroyed,” Skurnik added.
“They're bred for fighting,” he said. “They're not good for anything else.”
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Moms Kate Hudson and Victoria Beckham have two great reasons to celebrate after they both welcomed newborn babies to the world over the weekend. This makes child number two for Kate Hudson and number four for Victoria and David Beckham who are all celebrating their happy arrivals.
Kate Hudson currently share a child with Black Crowes lead singer, Chris Robinson, and her current addition comes from her union with Muse frontman, Matt Bellamy. According to People Magazine, Kate and Matt had been dating for nine months before Kate announced her pregnancy to the world back in January. There has been no word as to the name of their new baby boy which was born in Los Angeles on Saturday.
As for the Beckhams, Victoria and her footballer husband David are happy to be welcoming a baby girl to the pack since they have three boys already and as we reported earlier in the week their baby girl was meant to be born sometime this week. The Beckham baby was born at the Los Angeles Cedar-Sinai Hospital early this morning and according to Yahoo she weighted in at 7lbs, 10oz.
Congratulations to the happy couples and their new additions!
Kate Hudson currently share a child with Black Crowes lead singer, Chris Robinson, and her current addition comes from her union with Muse frontman, Matt Bellamy. According to People Magazine, Kate and Matt had been dating for nine months before Kate announced her pregnancy to the world back in January. There has been no word as to the name of their new baby boy which was born in Los Angeles on Saturday.
As for the Beckhams, Victoria and her footballer husband David are happy to be welcoming a baby girl to the pack since they have three boys already and as we reported earlier in the week their baby girl was meant to be born sometime this week. The Beckham baby was born at the Los Angeles Cedar-Sinai Hospital early this morning and according to Yahoo she weighted in at 7lbs, 10oz.
Congratulations to the happy couples and their new additions!
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Isle of Man-based online gaming firm PokerStars should find out in the next couple of weeks whether it will have to earn United Kingdom regulatory approval.
According to reports in the Observer newspaper, UK culture secretary Jeremy Hunt is preparing to radically overhaul online gambling licensing rules there.
Currently, firms such as PokerStars can advertise in the UK without being licensed by the country's Gambling Commission, as long as they are in the jurisdiction they operate in and the UKGC approves of the regulator.
But that could be about to change, following the money laundering and illegal gambling charges brought against the founders of PokerStars, Absolute Poker and Full Tilt Poker in the United States in April.
The Observer article has a quote from a UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson, which, referring to the charges, says: 'This highlights why the government is looking at reforming how overseas-based operators are regulated, and we hope to make an announcement in the next few weeks'.
According to reports in the Observer newspaper, UK culture secretary Jeremy Hunt is preparing to radically overhaul online gambling licensing rules there.
Currently, firms such as PokerStars can advertise in the UK without being licensed by the country's Gambling Commission, as long as they are in the jurisdiction they operate in and the UKGC approves of the regulator.
But that could be about to change, following the money laundering and illegal gambling charges brought against the founders of PokerStars, Absolute Poker and Full Tilt Poker in the United States in April.
The Observer article has a quote from a UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson, which, referring to the charges, says: 'This highlights why the government is looking at reforming how overseas-based operators are regulated, and we hope to make an announcement in the next few weeks'.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry has now called cops twice in two days about a stalker who somehow bypasses her security gate and winds up right outside the windows of her home.
In a scene that seems straight out of the Scream flicks, Halle was at her kitchen yesterday when she looked out of the window and saw a man staring at her with a book in his hand.
Just the day before, a man was spotted roaming in Halle's front yard. People from her house went outside to investigate, but the guy quickly jumped the wall. The police were called but the intruder was nowhere to be seen.
Yesterday's incident is said to be related and that the same guy is involved in both creepy encounters. After Halle saw the dude at her kitchen window, she called 911 and an LAPD helicopter hovered above her home, while squad cars were also dispatched. The guy, however, had vanished.
So cops think the guy is one of two things: an obsessed fan, or a paparazzo, who will stop at nothing to get a picture.
Hopefully it's the latter and Halle is safe from a crazed fan, but even a paparazzo situation can become dangerous.
Halle has been in the news lately due to an ugly custody battle with her ex, a French-Canadian model named Gabriel Aubry. Berry's representative told People that Berry had pulled out of a film to make time for custody litigation because Berry had "serious concerns for her daughter's well-being while in the care of her father for any extended period of time and is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect her". Thus, a vicious, public fight began between the two ensued.
In a scene that seems straight out of the Scream flicks, Halle was at her kitchen yesterday when she looked out of the window and saw a man staring at her with a book in his hand.
Just the day before, a man was spotted roaming in Halle's front yard. People from her house went outside to investigate, but the guy quickly jumped the wall. The police were called but the intruder was nowhere to be seen.
Yesterday's incident is said to be related and that the same guy is involved in both creepy encounters. After Halle saw the dude at her kitchen window, she called 911 and an LAPD helicopter hovered above her home, while squad cars were also dispatched. The guy, however, had vanished.
So cops think the guy is one of two things: an obsessed fan, or a paparazzo, who will stop at nothing to get a picture.
Hopefully it's the latter and Halle is safe from a crazed fan, but even a paparazzo situation can become dangerous.
Halle has been in the news lately due to an ugly custody battle with her ex, a French-Canadian model named Gabriel Aubry. Berry's representative told People that Berry had pulled out of a film to make time for custody litigation because Berry had "serious concerns for her daughter's well-being while in the care of her father for any extended period of time and is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect her". Thus, a vicious, public fight began between the two ensued.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
A former president of Kwantlen Polytechnic University will lead a review into the way government distributes gambling revenues to charities and other non-profit organizations, Premier Christy Clark announced Monday.
Skip Triplett will have until Oct. 31 to consult across the province on questions such as how money should be distributed and how government can best ensure stable funding for groups it wants to support.
"Eligibility shouldn't be changing as often as I think it has in the past. People should know who's eligible and who's not in advance," Clark said Monday as she made the announcement.
"The No. 1 concern I've heard is [organizations] need stable and predictable funding," she added.
Clark said Triplett will also be asked to review the amount of money government gives out each year, adding that will be just one small part of the larger probe.
"The amount of money is one of the things at issue, but it's not the only thing at issue here," she said.
In 2010-11, the province received more than $1 billion in revenues from gambling. It handed out $135 million in grants to charities and nonprofit organizations.
Clark first promised a review of gambling grants during the B.C. Liberal Party leadership race, then formally committed to the idea in April. Her announcements followed a period of upheaval for community groups that relied on gambling revenues to remain in operation.
Amid cutbacks in the 2009-10 fiscal year, government reduced the amount it handed out in gambling grants by $36 million, dropping the amount to $120 million from $156 million.
At the same time, government also disqualified several groups from eligibility, including adult arts and culture organizations, sport organizations and the environmental sector.
Almost immediately after being sworn in as premier, Clark added a one-time $15 million top-up to the gambling grant program, bringing the funding for 2010-11 to $135 million.
But a spokeswoman for charitable organizations said Clark's one-time top up was only in place last fiscal year, and so government is now back to handing out just $120 million in gambling grants.
"On the ground there is no change, and it still is a pretty desperate situation," said Susan Marsden, president of the British Columbia Association for Charitable Gaming.
Marsden added she is concerned that the review won't be completed until the end of October, meaning it could be the next fiscal year before the government takes substantive action.
"The timeline is such that charities that have been holding on for two years are now looking at at least another year," she said, calling on Clark to restore the annual grants to $156 million until the review is complete.
New Democratic Party critic Shane Simpson said he is concerned Triplett will not be able to consult broadly enough in the time allotted.
"It's not at all clear to me how Mr. Triplett gets to engage this community," said Simpson.
"There's 6,800 organizations that over the past couple of years have received funding."
Clark said individuals and groups will be able to make formal submissions, or they can provide informal commentary over the Internet.
"Every British Columbian will really have a chance to have their say in this," she said.
Skip Triplett will have until Oct. 31 to consult across the province on questions such as how money should be distributed and how government can best ensure stable funding for groups it wants to support.
"Eligibility shouldn't be changing as often as I think it has in the past. People should know who's eligible and who's not in advance," Clark said Monday as she made the announcement.
"The No. 1 concern I've heard is [organizations] need stable and predictable funding," she added.
Clark said Triplett will also be asked to review the amount of money government gives out each year, adding that will be just one small part of the larger probe.
"The amount of money is one of the things at issue, but it's not the only thing at issue here," she said.
In 2010-11, the province received more than $1 billion in revenues from gambling. It handed out $135 million in grants to charities and nonprofit organizations.
Clark first promised a review of gambling grants during the B.C. Liberal Party leadership race, then formally committed to the idea in April. Her announcements followed a period of upheaval for community groups that relied on gambling revenues to remain in operation.
Amid cutbacks in the 2009-10 fiscal year, government reduced the amount it handed out in gambling grants by $36 million, dropping the amount to $120 million from $156 million.
At the same time, government also disqualified several groups from eligibility, including adult arts and culture organizations, sport organizations and the environmental sector.
Almost immediately after being sworn in as premier, Clark added a one-time $15 million top-up to the gambling grant program, bringing the funding for 2010-11 to $135 million.
But a spokeswoman for charitable organizations said Clark's one-time top up was only in place last fiscal year, and so government is now back to handing out just $120 million in gambling grants.
"On the ground there is no change, and it still is a pretty desperate situation," said Susan Marsden, president of the British Columbia Association for Charitable Gaming.
Marsden added she is concerned that the review won't be completed until the end of October, meaning it could be the next fiscal year before the government takes substantive action.
"The timeline is such that charities that have been holding on for two years are now looking at at least another year," she said, calling on Clark to restore the annual grants to $156 million until the review is complete.
New Democratic Party critic Shane Simpson said he is concerned Triplett will not be able to consult broadly enough in the time allotted.
"It's not at all clear to me how Mr. Triplett gets to engage this community," said Simpson.
"There's 6,800 organizations that over the past couple of years have received funding."
Clark said individuals and groups will be able to make formal submissions, or they can provide informal commentary over the Internet.
"Every British Columbian will really have a chance to have their say in this," she said.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Michael Todd, the bass player for the rock band Coheed and Cambria, made one very important pit stop before opening for Soundgarden yesterday during a show in Mansfield, Mass. Apparently the guy was in need of a serious fix which caused him to enter a drug store fake a bomb threat and run off with 6 bottles of the painkiller Oxycontin. All of this took place before attempting to join his buddies onstage where the guy was busted and arrested. Not such a cool thing those bomb threats…
The guy was smooth, according to the Boston Herald, Todd entered the store and showed the pharmacy attendant his phone where he had written a message alerting them that the guy had a bomb. I think it's safe to say that there was no bomb and the guy was just looking for a fix which is why he ran off with the supply of Oxycontin.
Once Todd scored the goods, he then jumped in a cab and headed back to the show to play with his buddies but the 30-year-old didn't quite make it because the cops were on his trail and arrested him before showtime. Todd's bandmates were luckily equipped to go on without him and continue the show but according to a statement released by the band, the guys seemed shocked by their bandmate's behavior and released the following statement, "We are surprised to say the least and will address the situation with Michael after the tour."
For now it's business as usual for the rest of the guys who will go on with their tour and aren't going to let a little robbery/bomb threat situation keep them down.
The guy was smooth, according to the Boston Herald, Todd entered the store and showed the pharmacy attendant his phone where he had written a message alerting them that the guy had a bomb. I think it's safe to say that there was no bomb and the guy was just looking for a fix which is why he ran off with the supply of Oxycontin.
Once Todd scored the goods, he then jumped in a cab and headed back to the show to play with his buddies but the 30-year-old didn't quite make it because the cops were on his trail and arrested him before showtime. Todd's bandmates were luckily equipped to go on without him and continue the show but according to a statement released by the band, the guys seemed shocked by their bandmate's behavior and released the following statement, "We are surprised to say the least and will address the situation with Michael after the tour."
For now it's business as usual for the rest of the guys who will go on with their tour and aren't going to let a little robbery/bomb threat situation keep them down.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The present government in Australia is currently watching as the United States Department of Justice has been going after a number of online casino websites using numerous indictments. These indictments have recently ended the run of Full Tilt Poker, as well severely hurt other online gambling websites, like Absolute Poker and PokerStars.
In the last week of June, the Australian Department of Gaming, Racing and Liquor stated that numerous flaws have been found in Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act. The laws in this act prohibit gambling online with real money. However, it is not necessarily illegal for Australian citizens to enjoy playing on these websites. This creates a big problem when it comes to enforcing the laws.
The laws stipulated about online gambling have been in existence for close to a decade. The Australian Department of Gambling, Racing and Liquor makes the assertion that no arrests have been made during this period, however online gambling continues to gain popularity in Australia. Lawmakers are just now addressing this in hopes that a number of loopholes found in the act can be removed.
One senator, Nick Xenophon, has been quite verbal in his pushing the Australian government to enact much tougher regulations for both land-based and online gambling in the country. The current legislation proposed would require that all land-based casinos would install a new technology that would necessitate gamblers to set a better limit prior to playing on slot machines.
A majority of casino are opposed to the changes being proposed. Many casinos, for example with the new technology, offer to install it but it is optional for gamblers to use. When it comes to the online gambling industry, the government is looking to limit the industry. Xenophon has long been after online gambling. However, his negative stance toward online gambling is not shared by the majority of lawmakers in Australia. Australia wants to join a number of other countries, like Spain, France and Germany, who have created regulated systems for online gambling. Rather than creating laws to that would prohibit online gambling, regulate it much better.
In the last week of June, the Australian Department of Gaming, Racing and Liquor stated that numerous flaws have been found in Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act. The laws in this act prohibit gambling online with real money. However, it is not necessarily illegal for Australian citizens to enjoy playing on these websites. This creates a big problem when it comes to enforcing the laws.
The laws stipulated about online gambling have been in existence for close to a decade. The Australian Department of Gambling, Racing and Liquor makes the assertion that no arrests have been made during this period, however online gambling continues to gain popularity in Australia. Lawmakers are just now addressing this in hopes that a number of loopholes found in the act can be removed.
One senator, Nick Xenophon, has been quite verbal in his pushing the Australian government to enact much tougher regulations for both land-based and online gambling in the country. The current legislation proposed would require that all land-based casinos would install a new technology that would necessitate gamblers to set a better limit prior to playing on slot machines.
A majority of casino are opposed to the changes being proposed. Many casinos, for example with the new technology, offer to install it but it is optional for gamblers to use. When it comes to the online gambling industry, the government is looking to limit the industry. Xenophon has long been after online gambling. However, his negative stance toward online gambling is not shared by the majority of lawmakers in Australia. Australia wants to join a number of other countries, like Spain, France and Germany, who have created regulated systems for online gambling. Rather than creating laws to that would prohibit online gambling, regulate it much better.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The California Online Poker Association on Tuesday backed a state Senate bill to legalize Internet poker, saying California needs to act quickly or it will be beaten to the punch.
“Time is not on our side,” Sen. Lou Correa said in the final informational hearing the Senate Governmental Organization Committee held in Sacramento before the summer break.
The Santa Ana Democrat said his Senate Bill 40 would provide the state with $1.4 billion in revenue over 10 years and create 1,300 new jobs.
“I suggest we keep California as a can-do state, and move forward this year,” he said.
Jim Wise, a federal online gaming advocate, said Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval signed a new law last month requiring his state to adopt regulations for Internet gambling by January.
“This is further evidence that Congress is ready to move,” Wise said.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs begged to differ. Jeff Grubbe, vice-chairman of the tribe, told the Senate committee led by Sen. Rod Wright that the Agua Caliente would like to see California act on intrastate gambling before the federal government does, but it doesn't need to be rushed.
“We foresee no successful action on this front in either 2011 or 2012,” Grubbe said.
“We believe you have the time to carefully construct a proposal. We urge you to take the time to get it right,” Grubbe said.
Industry observers perceived Grubbe's statement as a shift from the tribe's long-held “neutral” stance on online gambling.
“They've come off the dime, and that's a big off-the-dime,” said Patrick Dorinson, an independent consultant who has last been affiliated with Poker Voters of America.
“Clearly, it means tribes are realizing if they don't get this done, the federal government will do this for them — and the federal government has never been good for tribes in our history.”
The Agua Caliente will oppose Senate Bill 40, as well as the competing Internet gambling bill by Wright, until six provisions are met, Grubbe said at Tuesday's hearing. “No. 1, it must be limited to poker. Going beyond that would threaten exclusivity provisions of the state,” Grubbe said.
Even then, it might trigger a challenge that could have serious implications for the state's general fund and the $346 million the state gets annually from compact tribes.
The Agua Caliente want the law to be open to all entities — from card clubs to brick-and- mortar casinos.
“No one should be allowed to have an artificial monopoly,” Grubbe said, either through a hub limit or licensing fees.
The tribe also stipulated that offshore or international entities be allowed to enter the state only if they partner with licensed online gambling providers.
“No silent partnerships should be allowed,” Grubbe said.
Last, the tribe said the revenues required of Internet poker should not exceed levels needed to set up a credible, safe alternative to illegal offshore gaming sites. And state lawmakers must clearly state the intention of the state to opt out of any federal Internet gaming legislation.
The California Tribal Business Alliance also testified against SB 40, once dubbed the Morongo bill.
“It is still crafted to benefit a select group,” said Leslie Lohse, vice-chairwoman of CTBA.
Correa's SB 40, originally setting no limit, front-loads money into the state budget through licensing fees.
It rewards early-bird operators. Those who spend $5 million for a license within 90 days after the bill takes effect could pay $50 million to the state against future revenues. After 90 days, the pre-pay fee rises to $250 million.
Tribes don't have that kind of money, Lohse said.
“We believe it will do irreparable harm to our economies,” she said. “It would undermine our tribal agreements.”
Brick-and-mortar businesses have reported a 15 percent spike in poker and tournament play since the so-called “Black Friday” federal shutdown of illegal offshore operators, she said.
“Internet gaming is like the rush for gold,” Lohse said. “Are we so far removed we forget what the gold rush did for our people?”
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, which played a lead role in shaping COPA with an assortment of smaller tribes and 29 card rooms, could not be reached Tuesday to discuss the Agua Caliente's stance.
Wright, who is carrying competing legislation, Senate Bill 45, said Tuesday that headway is being made despite the discourse. At first, everyone was opposed.
“I was told I was a damn fool,” he said. “At least now, we're hearing discussion.”
“Time is not on our side,” Sen. Lou Correa said in the final informational hearing the Senate Governmental Organization Committee held in Sacramento before the summer break.
The Santa Ana Democrat said his Senate Bill 40 would provide the state with $1.4 billion in revenue over 10 years and create 1,300 new jobs.
“I suggest we keep California as a can-do state, and move forward this year,” he said.
Jim Wise, a federal online gaming advocate, said Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval signed a new law last month requiring his state to adopt regulations for Internet gambling by January.
“This is further evidence that Congress is ready to move,” Wise said.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs begged to differ. Jeff Grubbe, vice-chairman of the tribe, told the Senate committee led by Sen. Rod Wright that the Agua Caliente would like to see California act on intrastate gambling before the federal government does, but it doesn't need to be rushed.
“We foresee no successful action on this front in either 2011 or 2012,” Grubbe said.
“We believe you have the time to carefully construct a proposal. We urge you to take the time to get it right,” Grubbe said.
Industry observers perceived Grubbe's statement as a shift from the tribe's long-held “neutral” stance on online gambling.
“They've come off the dime, and that's a big off-the-dime,” said Patrick Dorinson, an independent consultant who has last been affiliated with Poker Voters of America.
“Clearly, it means tribes are realizing if they don't get this done, the federal government will do this for them — and the federal government has never been good for tribes in our history.”
The Agua Caliente will oppose Senate Bill 40, as well as the competing Internet gambling bill by Wright, until six provisions are met, Grubbe said at Tuesday's hearing. “No. 1, it must be limited to poker. Going beyond that would threaten exclusivity provisions of the state,” Grubbe said.
Even then, it might trigger a challenge that could have serious implications for the state's general fund and the $346 million the state gets annually from compact tribes.
The Agua Caliente want the law to be open to all entities — from card clubs to brick-and- mortar casinos.
“No one should be allowed to have an artificial monopoly,” Grubbe said, either through a hub limit or licensing fees.
The tribe also stipulated that offshore or international entities be allowed to enter the state only if they partner with licensed online gambling providers.
“No silent partnerships should be allowed,” Grubbe said.
Last, the tribe said the revenues required of Internet poker should not exceed levels needed to set up a credible, safe alternative to illegal offshore gaming sites. And state lawmakers must clearly state the intention of the state to opt out of any federal Internet gaming legislation.
The California Tribal Business Alliance also testified against SB 40, once dubbed the Morongo bill.
“It is still crafted to benefit a select group,” said Leslie Lohse, vice-chairwoman of CTBA.
Correa's SB 40, originally setting no limit, front-loads money into the state budget through licensing fees.
It rewards early-bird operators. Those who spend $5 million for a license within 90 days after the bill takes effect could pay $50 million to the state against future revenues. After 90 days, the pre-pay fee rises to $250 million.
Tribes don't have that kind of money, Lohse said.
“We believe it will do irreparable harm to our economies,” she said. “It would undermine our tribal agreements.”
Brick-and-mortar businesses have reported a 15 percent spike in poker and tournament play since the so-called “Black Friday” federal shutdown of illegal offshore operators, she said.
“Internet gaming is like the rush for gold,” Lohse said. “Are we so far removed we forget what the gold rush did for our people?”
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, which played a lead role in shaping COPA with an assortment of smaller tribes and 29 card rooms, could not be reached Tuesday to discuss the Agua Caliente's stance.
Wright, who is carrying competing legislation, Senate Bill 45, said Tuesday that headway is being made despite the discourse. At first, everyone was opposed.
“I was told I was a damn fool,” he said. “At least now, we're hearing discussion.”
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
It’s been somewhat of a stressful year so far with the news that the world was coming to an end back in May, but hey guess what, we’re still here which means that Los Angeles traffic warriors shouldn't worry too much about what they are calling “Carmageddon” 2011 or should they?
It’s a city with some of the most stress inducing traffic known to man and what happens when you close a main artery that connects Los Angeles to the outside world? Chaos I tell you, pure chaos or at least that's what many are predicting after a 10-mile stretch of the I-405, a highway running from north to south through LA, will be shut down in order to add a carpool lane to the Mulholland Dr Bridge.
The good news is that the closure will run from Friday to Monday which means that it could be a good excuse to take a long weekend, stay home or just get really clued in on those stress-reducing back roads that many always knew existed but never bothered to figure out.
Since there will be plans for many to stay home and avoid the Carmageddon chaos, according to Laist, many businesses will be offering sweet deals in restaurants, shopping malls, bars , etc. so while may choose to brave Los Angeles traffic, others can sip a margarita and enjoy a mani-pedi or something.
It’s a city with some of the most stress inducing traffic known to man and what happens when you close a main artery that connects Los Angeles to the outside world? Chaos I tell you, pure chaos or at least that's what many are predicting after a 10-mile stretch of the I-405, a highway running from north to south through LA, will be shut down in order to add a carpool lane to the Mulholland Dr Bridge.
The good news is that the closure will run from Friday to Monday which means that it could be a good excuse to take a long weekend, stay home or just get really clued in on those stress-reducing back roads that many always knew existed but never bothered to figure out.
Since there will be plans for many to stay home and avoid the Carmageddon chaos, according to Laist, many businesses will be offering sweet deals in restaurants, shopping malls, bars , etc. so while may choose to brave Los Angeles traffic, others can sip a margarita and enjoy a mani-pedi or something.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The California Senate is revisiting the issue of online gambling as it seeks additional sources of revenue to supplement budgetary shortfalls. Two bills, SB 40 and SB 45, offer different plans to legalize online gambling games. Indian gaming groups currently support SB 40 and oppose SB 45. Both bills are scheduled for an informational hearing by the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization on July 12, however, no votes are expected.
Members of the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization have received $29,800 in contributions connected to Indian gaming interests.
Interest groups that oppose SB 40 (Native American tribes & governing units and Christian Coalition, religious right) gave 46% more than interest groups that support this bill (Casinos, racetracks & gambling, Online computer services, Indian gaming) to members of the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization.
For SB 45, MapLight has recorded the bill position of only one interest group, Indian gaming, which opposes the measure. Below is a table outlining contributions from this group to members of the Committee on Governmental Organization.
Members of the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization have received $29,800 in contributions connected to Indian gaming interests.
Interest groups that oppose SB 40 (Native American tribes & governing units and Christian Coalition, religious right) gave 46% more than interest groups that support this bill (Casinos, racetracks & gambling, Online computer services, Indian gaming) to members of the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization.
For SB 45, MapLight has recorded the bill position of only one interest group, Indian gaming, which opposes the measure. Below is a table outlining contributions from this group to members of the Committee on Governmental Organization.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The state’s top gambling regulator said today he would be “flabbergasted” if Gov. Pat Quinn signs off on a major expansion of gambling, saying the bill passed by lawmakers was a back-room deal cut on behalf of special interests.
Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe said when he met with Quinn to review the legislation last week the governor was very understanding about concerns the bill would undermine gambling regulation. “I would be flabbergasted, and I don’t think he’s going to” sign the bill said Jaffe, who has urged Quinn to veto the plan. “I don’t speak for him, but I know his feelings on it. I think he wants an honest administration of any gambling.”
The legislation, which would allow for a Chicago casino, three other new land-based gambling halls and the addition of slot machines at horse racing tracks, is filled with regulatory loopholes, Jaffe said.
“I’ve said before and I will tell you again, it’s 409 pages of garbage,” Jaffe said, later adding “use your imagination, and whatever evil thoughts come into your minds, it will probably be worse than that.”
Quinn has time to weigh his options because Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, put a parliamentary hold on the bill shortly after lawmakers approved it. Sponsors of the legislation feared an immediate veto from Quinn, who for weeks before a vote called the plan “top heavy” and said he would not support it.
Lawmakers are now considering possible changes to win the governor’s support, though no specific changes have emerged.
The current proposal calls for a casino in Chicago, Rockford, Lake County, southern Cook County and downstate Danville. Race tracks would be allowed to operate slot machines, and a “racino” would be built at the state fairgrounds in Springfield. O’Hare and Midway airport could operate slots behind security gates, and existing river boats would get more gambling stations and be allowed to move on land.
Quinn has said he is meeting with opponents and supporters alike on the measure, promising quick action should lawmakers eventually send him the bill.
Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe said when he met with Quinn to review the legislation last week the governor was very understanding about concerns the bill would undermine gambling regulation. “I would be flabbergasted, and I don’t think he’s going to” sign the bill said Jaffe, who has urged Quinn to veto the plan. “I don’t speak for him, but I know his feelings on it. I think he wants an honest administration of any gambling.”
The legislation, which would allow for a Chicago casino, three other new land-based gambling halls and the addition of slot machines at horse racing tracks, is filled with regulatory loopholes, Jaffe said.
“I’ve said before and I will tell you again, it’s 409 pages of garbage,” Jaffe said, later adding “use your imagination, and whatever evil thoughts come into your minds, it will probably be worse than that.”
Quinn has time to weigh his options because Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, put a parliamentary hold on the bill shortly after lawmakers approved it. Sponsors of the legislation feared an immediate veto from Quinn, who for weeks before a vote called the plan “top heavy” and said he would not support it.
Lawmakers are now considering possible changes to win the governor’s support, though no specific changes have emerged.
The current proposal calls for a casino in Chicago, Rockford, Lake County, southern Cook County and downstate Danville. Race tracks would be allowed to operate slot machines, and a “racino” would be built at the state fairgrounds in Springfield. O’Hare and Midway airport could operate slots behind security gates, and existing river boats would get more gambling stations and be allowed to move on land.
Quinn has said he is meeting with opponents and supporters alike on the measure, promising quick action should lawmakers eventually send him the bill.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
.jpg?v=1.014689161)
.png?v=1.014689161)
After news circulated that Baez had signed a package deal with the William Morris Agency in New York but they denied it, yesterday afternoon an internal memo was sent out to the employees of Paradigm that announced Jose Baez was being signed to their agency.
Just five hours later, however, Paradigm received a backlash and dropped him like a hot potato. Although they stand to gain money from signing the now notorious defence attorney, the damage to their reputation could be irreparable.
Thus, another internal memo made its rounds saying that they had unsigned Baez. “We have informed Jose Baez tonight that we will not be representing him."
However, when reached for comment, a Paradigm source explains, “In the end it’s just not who we are.” The source then added, "We have not and have NO INTENTION of signing Casey Anthony."
Baez was just a no-name Florida defence attorney until he became a household name during the Casey Anthony trial. Often admonished by the judge for incorrect courtroom antics, Baez and Casey earned a victory anyway, and Anthony’s acquittal has thrust him into the spotlight.
Baez was hired as an attorney by Anthony based upon the recommendation of a fellow inmate. Baez was mentioned by one of the female inmates whom Casey then asked to get in touch with Baez, who visited her the next day and was then given the job of defending her.