Let your mouth speak archive

North Dakota lawmakers on Thursday revived a tax-cutting package for the state's charitable gambling industry, days after the idea was almost defeated for good.

The new proposal would tax gambling wagers, with the rate depending on the size of the business, and abolish a variety of taxes that critics say are too high for some charities to pay.

Charitable groups would save $6.7 million over the next two years, said Rep. Mark Owens, R-Grand Forks, who drafted the new plan. He said it would give all but one of the state's charities a tax break, and that one small operation would pay $82 more.

On Monday, the House defeated a proposed 1 percent flat tax on wagers, which represented a $10.8 million tax cut for charitable gambling operations over two years. Representatives revived the bill the following day, with supporters saying its impact on the state treasury needed trimming.

Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, the House majority leader, argued the revenues were needed to pay for addiction counseling and other social costs of gambling.

Since then, a panel of three House members and three senators, led by Sen. Joe Miller, R-Park River, has been negotiating a compromise bill. The group agreed on the new proposal Thursday.

The new plan sets up four tax rates.

Charities that take in less than $500,000 per three months would pay a 1 percent tax on wagers. Groups making between $500,000 and $1 million would pay 1.5 percent; those making between $1 million and $1.5 million would pay 2 percent; and those taking in more than $1.5 million would pay 2.5 percent.

Owens said his proposal is fair to charities, even though he's heard concern from groups that were expecting a bigger reduction.

"I've been getting emails left and right and every one of them is the same: 'Whatever you do to her is fine, but keep me at this,'" he said during Thursday's negotiations.

North Dakota has allowed charities to raise money through gambling since 1976. More than 300 organizations -- including fraternal clubs and groups that support wildlife, art museums, people with disabilities, youth hockey and public broadcasting -- offer bingo, blackjack, pull-tab tickets and other games.

At present, charities pay an array of taxes, depending on the game. The new tax structure imposes a tax on wagers and eliminates the rest.

In addition to lowering rates, supporters of the bill also said the current tax system is too messy and is a burden on charitable groups.

"The fact that this is in such a simple form will mean a great savings in their accounting," said Rep. Bette Grande, R-Fargo. "They'll be saving more than just the tax reduction."

The bill now goes back to the full House and Senate for a vote. It is SB2042.

It seems that the wrath of Charlie Sheen is far from being over and in support of his “torpedo of truth” mission he’s now released the The MaSheen iPhone App where his loyal followers can access some of Charlie’s most treasured pearls of wisdom. It’s all on iTunes for $2.99 but does it live up to its hype?

Well, if you’ve been following Sheen’s activities then you’ll know that he’s still on his My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option Tour which has been full of a few hit and misses but he seems to be going strong with shows scheduled from now throughout May.

Last night Charlie’s tour hit Atlanta where people seem to show up just out of plain curiosity and according to CNN, just when Sheen’s dialogue seemed to be taking a dive, comedian Jeffrey Ross stepped in to save the day with a special roast geared toward Charlie.

As far as the app, which is compatible with iPhone/iPad, it gives Charlie’s fan a peek inside his mind and allows users to access his catch phrases or Mind Torpedos, videos otherwise known as Fast Balls of Truth and also gives fans the opportunity to purchase some of his famed Warlock gear including his “Duh, Winning” t-shirts.

How much longer can Charlie go on with his tour? We’re guessing until he gets it all out of his system but so far he seems to be hanging in there and there are no signs of him giving in.

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I'd pay to see it if Jeffrey Ross is involved in "roasting" Charlie. lol 4 sho!

While Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars were content to settle the online poker shutdown with the US government by agreeing to never offer gambling for real money inside the United States again, a third and lesser talked about company is taking a much harder stance on the situation. MyPokerBasics has learned that Absolute Poker (which also owns the 4th banned poker site, Ultimate Bet) has stated that giving refunds to US customers is a definite priority of theirs, but they are not yet ready to concede the American market of online gambling quite so quickly. In fact, Harold Lovell, the finance minister for the island of Antigua where Absolute Poker is located, suggests that the poker giant stand its ground and pursue intervention from the World Trade Organization.

"I am concerned that at this point in time United States authorities continue to prosecute non-domestic suppliers of remote gaming services in clear contravention of international law," Lovell said. This wouldn't be the first time for the tiny island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea to stand up to the United States over the issue of online gambling; they did it in 2005 and walked away with a favorable verdict. The same argument was made almost seven years ago claiming that the United States was illegally targeting Antiguan companies that offered online gaming to protect the interests of US land-based casinos and the tax dollars that they produce. The US, meanwhile, cited that it was seeking to block online gambling to protect the morality of the American population, but the World Trade Organization did not buy into that argument. Antigua was awarded $21 million in intellectual property rights held by US businesses.

Kevin Smith, a project director at MyPokerBasics, added, "The government of Antigua has a valid argument. Let's say, for example, that a US tire manufacturer appealed to the United States government to ban all tire imports because it hurt his business and lowered our overall tax revenue. If laws were passed based on that type of reasoning, free enterprise would be absolutely dead in America."

A spokesman for Absolute Poker has already stated that they are reviewing the offer made by the United States and considering it, much to the disapproval of Lovell and the Antiguan government. It is believed that the agreement is almost identical to the one that Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars signed earlier this week, with the release of the website contingent on swift player refunds and not accepting any more US customers that wish to bet for real money. Every day that passes without Absolute Poker being available in cyberspace creates even more of an opportunity for rivals like Sportsbook Poker, however, which is why an acceptance to the offer by the United States is probable.

"Antigua produces billions of dollars in annual revenue from online poker," Smith added, "And that money provides jobs and opportunities for thousands of people on that tiny Caribbean island. Their finance minister certainly is not going to just give up that tax revenue without a fight, especially if the WTO has already sided with their country in the past on the exact same issue."

The Iowa Senate voted today to approve a bill that seeks a state report assessing the extent of illegal Internet poker activity currently taking place in Iowa and how best to regulate an intrastate online program should the Legislature decide to legalize online poker next session.
Senators voted 38-12 to pass Senate File 526 and send it to the Iowa House for further consideration.
The bill includes other provisions that would end the requirement that existing state-licensed casinos periodically conduct countywide referendum votes and a separate section that seeks to resolve a dispute over purse money among the state’s various horse breeders and the Altoona racetrack-casino.
Originally, the legislation authorized the creation of an intrastate online poker network and provided a regulatory structure for its implementation, operation and taxation.
However, backers reworked the package to remove the language seeking to legalize online poker this year. Instead, the state Racing and Gaming Commission would be directed to conduct fact finding regarding the framework for state regulation of a system by which a hub operator would contract with state-licensed casinos to operate affiliated online sites within a “closed loop” in Iowa for registered players ages 21 and older.
Proponents say the legislation is needed because unregulated wagering already is taking place in Iowa via online poker websites offering games illegally via offshore operations. They estimate that up to 150,000 Iowans could be playing online poker now with no consumer protections from the state that would prevent them from being cheated.

Lindsay Lohan was taken into custody immediately after being sentenced to 120 days for violating her parole for stealing a necklace from a store in Venice Beach. Luckily for Lohan, she was able to find a bondsman and post the $75,000 bail so she spent just five hours in custody. She, again, waltzed out of Lynwood Correctional Facility.

Lohan's attorney, Shawn Holley appealed her sentence Friday and the felony theft case had been reduced to a misdemanor, but although judge Stephanie Sautner, ruled that Lindsay's offence did not warrant a felony charge, she ruled against Holley's motion to throw out the case completely.

In addition to her jail time, Lohan was also sentenced to almost 500 hours of community service, including 300 hours at a women's shelter and time at the county morgue. For her part, Lindsay and her lawyer claim that the jewelry store where the necklace was allegedly stolen, is trying to benefit from this PR wise, at one point, even in talks with publishers about scoring a book deal about the whole fiasco.

Lohan rode out of Lynwood in a black SUV, with a Sheriff's vehicle leading the way. Lohan will have a pre-trial hearing on May 11th for a trial set to begin on June 3rd.

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This is a good step. Too bad the fed can't seem to figure it out.

NEW DELHI: In what may bring to an end the legal uncertainty around casinos, the centre has asked states to put in place a clear and transparent regulatory framework for gambling and other gaming activities. "States need to have more effective laws for better regulation of casinos. We have written to them to put in place such a framework ," a finance ministry official told ET.

The centre has told the states that the legislative framework should provide for a regulator or a commission too. The regulator would also be empowered to issue licences to casinos. "Creation of a gaming regulator on the lines of international bodies , such as Nevada Gaming Commission , Macau Gaming Authority and Singapore Casino Authority , will help the industry take off,' says Sachin Pawa, managing director, Sol Entertainment , and a casino operator. "We need to encourage 360 degree business in our resorts," he adds. Gambling is a state subject so the centre can only issue directions to them or provide guidelines. While Sikkim and Goa permit gambling and casinos, union territory of Daman plans to have casinos soon. However, in the absence of any law, the activity is regulated through executive orders that create uncertainty. The Goa government had promised to set up a gaming commission in 2009, but it has failed to meet its promise . Goa chief minister D Kamat has revived the proposal and hopes to implement it this time. "A regulatory authority or a commission provided for within the legislative framework can make the regulation more effective and bring about more transparency to benefit not just customers but industry as a whole," says Srinivas Kotni, managing associate of law firm Corporate LEXport .

The centre is keen that the legal framework is put in place at the earliest. The urgency to implement comes after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global agency to monitor illicit flows, pointed to the uncertainty regarding regulation of casinos. Sikkim government had enacted a law in 2008 but has to amend it in line with the deficiencies pointed out by the watchdog that recently reviewed India's money laundering laws. The FATF had pointed out that the current regulations did not provide for the statutory fit and proper tests for owners, operators and managers of casinos.

Doubts have also been expressed about the authorities, in current situation, to enforce compliance with antimoney laundering rules. "Only basic requirements of Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the accompanying rules apply to casinos and they do not address much of detailed requirements under the FATF standards," the global body had commented in its evaluation report. The authority proposed in the law would be responsible for effectively implementing a supervisory regime for anti-money laundering laws and other regulations.

At present, Goa has seven offshore casinos operating on vessels and more than a dozen onshore casinos housed in the numerous five-star resorts. The state government had cancelled some licences last year alleging that the casinos did have permission from directorate general of shipping. The issue is now in court. Sikkim has one casino and has issued letter of intent for one more.

The Royal Wedding, the biggest shindig of the year, might just get a little bit more exciting, with dream team Beyonce and Jay-Z being invited to perform at Prince William and Kate Middleton's reception.

An insider said, "Both William and Kate are massive fans of Beyoncé and Jay-Z. They really wanted to make their big day even more special and what better way than by getting pop royalty to perform at the party? Will and Kate will have an official reception for hundreds of dignitaries before throwing a less formal bash for loved-ones. They both wanted to ditch traditions and make it more personal for them. Jay-Z and Beyoncé are both in Europe at the moment while she promotes her new single 'Run The World (Girls)'. So it's highly likely they have taken up the Royals' offer. After all, who would turn down a once-in-a-lifetime gig like that?"

The Daily Star Sunday reports that Beyonce and Jay-Z, who are happily married themselves, have accepted the offer.

With Royal Wedding fever at an all-time high, Beyonce and Jay-Z performing will bring the excitement-leval to a fever pitch. In fact, 1.5 million people from around the world are expected to descend upon London to catch a glimpse of the prince and his blushing bride.

With the wedding of the century less than a week away, there's money to be made for us commoners!

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This is cropping in all city. Get your extended car policy from a broker to aquire the best warranty.

State officers in NY need a reportedly deceptive auto lender to pay back its patrons for what lawyers say were underhand calls on wannabe purchasers with poor or limited credit histories.

In a legal action filed on March 31, the Long Island Lawyer General's office accuses One Source Networking, of Auburn, N.Y, and its owner, Sara Fagan, of deceiving used-car loan applicants by requiring them to buy an extended guaranty in order to qualify for a vehicle loan.

The problem, according to Big Apple Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, is that One Source loan processors falsely stated to customers that loans could only be gotten if they also purchased an extended warranty, which cost the customers an additional $1,995 to $2500.00. Such requirements are not legal, the attorney general's office announced.

In one or two examples, when shoppers withstood the guaranty, Schneiderman's investigators assert that One Source put in place a previously concealed fee of $495.

"This company has taken customers for a ride, repeatedly cheating them into paying rather more for loans than necessary," Schneiderman said in a statement. "The message we are sending today is clear : If you are a unfair business who preys on a unsuspecting public, this office will go after you."

An employee of One Source, at the company's Auburn, N.Y, office, told Shopper Ally that Fagan was unavailable, and, when asked to provide another representative who could talk to the press about the case, recounted the company had "no comment at this time."

According to Schneiderman's office, One Source's consumers were people who were in the market for used vehicles. Agencies in the Mohawk Valley region and Central Manhattan would often refer these customers to One Source Networking, a 3rd party vehicle loan broker, that the solicitor general's office recounted advertised ""fast, straightforward, no problems credit for purchasers who have been broke or have poor credit."

Schneiderman's office believes hundreds of consumers were overcharged for loans in the case, which is outstanding in the New York courts.
Car Warranty that are affordable.
Orange County Web Design

‘‘Foreign firms that choose to operate in the United States are not free to flout the laws they don’t like simply because they can’t bear to be parted from their profits.” Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, did not mince his words on April 15 as he indicted PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker, three of the world’s biggest online gambling companies, on charges of operating illegal gambling businesses, concocting an “elaborate criminal fraud scheme,” involving tricking and bribing banks, and “massive money laundering.” At the same time, America’s Department of Justice seized and shut down the firms’ main websites and filed a civil suit for penalties of $3 billion.

On the face of it, this is a devastating blow to those who hoped that online gambling would soon be made fully legal in America and to the estimated 10 million Americans who have been gambling online even as their government has insisted that it is illegal. Americans have been significant contributors to the global online gaming industry’s booming revenues, now close to $30 billion a year. In response to the indictment, outraged poker players swiftly christened April 15 Black Friday. “Online poker is not a crime and should not be treated as such,” protested Alfonse D’Amato, a former senator who chairs the Poker Players Alliance, which claims over 1 million members.

A debate has gone on for years over whether online poker is in fact illegal in America. A 2006 law, hastily tacked onto the end of unrelated legislation, bans American banks from handling money related to Internet gambling. The indictment against the poker sites accuses them of going to great lengths to hide the flow of payments to them, such as by disguising them as purchases of jewelry or golf balls, implying that they must have known they were on the wrong side of the law. Talk of federal legislation to make the industry legal again has so far gotten nowhere. In the absence of this, several states have moved toward legalizing and regulating online gambling within their territory. On April 7, the local government of Washington, D.C., said that, to boost its tax revenues, it would do so this summer. By confining access to residents (or at least going through the motions of doing so), it hoped not to fall afoul of federal legislation, which only applies to interstate commerce. This announcement may have triggered the indictment the following week, as a demonstration that the government remains committed to enforcing its interpretation of the law, and to send a message to the gambling industry that it should stop planning for life after prohibition.

On March 24, Wynn Resorts, a casino operator, had formed a partnership with PokerStars with a view to operating online sites jointly. Six days later, Fertitta Interactive, a business associated with the owners of Station Casinos, joined up with Full Tilt Poker. Both deals were predicated on online gambling becoming legal. The two offline firms support legislation now before lawmakers in Nevada, the home of Las Vegas, that called for the state’s gaming commission to draft regulations for online gambling, to take effect on approval from Congress or the Department of Justice. Both firms scrapped their deals within hours of their partners’ indictment.

Although it would appear that the chips are down for Internet gambling, the prosecutors’ crackdown may in fact turn out to be the last before Congress reverses itself and scraps prohibition. There are prominent supporters of legalization in both parties pressing for such a change. An attempt to pass new legislation late last year looked promising at first, but folded when Harry Reid, a senator for Nevada, misplayed a good hand. With lobbying from 10 million disconnected gamblers and the big casino companies (which have belatedly realized how much money there is to be made online) plus the enticing prospect of much-needed tax revenue, Congress has plenty of reasons to get its act together, despite the inevitable moral objections of a minority of members.

Legalization, if it happens, may not come soon enough for the three indicted websites, which are under pressure from customers demanding refunds of their fees. But things are looking far better for those sites that had refused to accept American clients. On April 19, as fears grew of a liquidity crisis at PokerStars, the privately owned market leader, the price of shares in Bwin.party Digital Entertainment (formed in March by merging Bwin, a sports betting firm, and PartyGaming, a gambling website) jumped by nearly 30 percent, restoring some of the value lost last month when Germany proposed steep taxes on online gambling.

PartyGaming had pulled out of America after the passage of the 2006 law. It has been paying off a penalty of $105 million under a non-prosecution settlement with the American authorities, for offences it admits to committing before it withdrew.

Because it has kept its nose clean of late, will its successor be one of the main beneficiaries if prohibition is ended in the near future? Investors seem to think it worth a bet. But betting on the fortunes of online gaming companies seems every bit as risky as playing their virtual tables.

The Royal Family have always been scoffed at for their pomp and circumstance. However, with a seemingly down-to-earth Kate Middleton added to the mix, things could be looking up for the family, since the English people have long-tired of the monarchy.

London now has taken on a carnival atmosphere, with an estimate of the wedding bringing in a staggering £1 billion boost to the economy. During the reception, Prince William is planning to give a heartfelt groom's speech dedicated to his mother Diana, Princess of Wales – while comparing her understated yet classy demeanor to Kate's.

Once married, Prince WIlliam and Kate Middleton will likely live at Kensington Palace, a centuries-old home for the monarchy where William was raised himself with his brother Harry.

Queen Victoria, who also resided and was baptized at Kensington Palace, married Prince Albert in 1840 and her ivory gown changed the way brides dressed forever.

Since the death of his mother, the British people seemed to have looked up to and respected William. If the marriage between William and Kate fails, the hopes of a nation, who now see the pair as a breath of fresh air to a tired, scandal-ridden monarchy, will most likely be crushed.

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Whats everyone think of the new film that is coming out? Obviously the orginal was the best. I hope it's at least ok seems like there is nothing good to watch anymore.

Europe always produces mixed news in online gambling because different countries are heading in different directions. It was no different last week. Hungary's efforts in ushering a regulated online gambling regime were lauded, whereas in Greece the regulation was mired in difficulties.

Good progress has been reported on the Hungarian government's shift to a liberalized and regulated online gambling market, from the present monopolistic set up. The drafting of the bill is in an advanced stage and the government is listening to advice from reputed online gambling operators that are interested in the market. The pressure from the European Commission seems to be working in the case of Hungary. One of the critical issues will be the taxation. Taxation of gambling income under Hungarian law is a complicated process and potential operators are waiting to see what form it takes in the draft bill.

Meanwhile the monopoly gambling operator is gearing up for a competitive market. Earlier in April it tendered for a complete online gambling platform for providing online casino gambling and online sports book in one package. Bids will be accepted only from established operators until May 16. The three lowest bids will be made public on June 3 and the winning bid will be announced on June 6. Many international software providers are expected to bid because partnering the present monopoly organization will be the easiest way to access the Hungarian online gambling market.

In Greece, the online publication Capital.gr has reported that the European Commission has rejected for a second time the government's request for the consideration of its online gambling regulations as a matter of urgency. The review has been scheduled for June 6 based on the normal procedure. The economic situation in Greece is critical and the government needs the projected tax revenues from online gambling to materialize as soon as possible. The refusal of the European Commission to offer an early review could spoil the Greek government's plans to have a regulated regime in place this year. The draft law submitted by the Greek Finance Ministry expects to raise tax revenues of €700 million annually.

The problem in Greece is compounded by disagreements within the ruling party politicians. A section of the politicians claim that the proposed bill could turn Greece into a giant casino with people gambling in excess. Member of Parliament Dimitris Papoutsis told Reuters, "We should not go towards full deregulation of gaming and gambling." The politicians are also in disagreement over the future of the Greek gambling monopoly OPAP. The issues involved are what percent of the share should be retained with the government and whether the lucrative operations should be off in a privatization initiative.

Does this mean that Kristin Cavallari is finally done pining over perma-douche Brody Jenner? Or maybe she's just getting back at him for dating Avril Lavigne. Whatever the reason, the former Hills star is getting hitched to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who popped the question over the weekend while on vacation in Mexico.

A source close to the couple confirms to People that Cutler proposed over the weekend during their getaway in Cabo San Lucas.

"He surprised her with a quick trip to Cabo to ask her to marry him," the source says.

The couple, who have been dating since last fall are moving quite quickly, when as you all probably remember, it wasn't that long ago that on The Hills finale, Cavallari finally realized that her ex-boyfriend, turned friends with benefits, was only into her after the club had cleared out and he couldn't score anyone else. Thus, Kristin decided to teach him a lesson by fleeing to Europe and the show was over. Now, however, Cavallari's love luck has changed since NFL star Cutler presented her with a 5.2 carat diamond ring.

During her stint on reality TV, Cavallari was known as quite the party girl, telling MTV News at one point, "I think that's sort of my I-wish-I-didn't moment, when I made out with Stacie in Vegas," she continued. "That was one episode I had to call my dad and say, 'Dad, sorry — this is going to be your least favorite episode.'"

The trick question of putting the letters down when i registered......... Kept not lettingme register........ But i think my dislexia😟😟 Hade me put the letters down backwards😟? Im a dork not a donk😟😟😟😟heheeee

Wasn't my least favorite episode 😋

Well ya know how famous ppl are they dont know how to move slow...lol

Welcome donk 😁

DES MOINES - Legislation that would allow gamblers to bet on horse races over the phone or via computer made it through a House committee Wednesday.

The gaming bill also wrapped up several other long-standing loose ends for lawmakers and people involved in the racing and gaming industry, including:

* A requirement that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission study Internet gambling and produce a report for lawmakers by Dec. 1.

* A change to the law that requires voters to approve by referendum the continuing existence of the casinos every eight years. Under the legislation, there is a single eight-year review. After that review, a referendum would go on the ballot only if 10 percent of the residents of the county who voted in the previous presidential or gubernatorial election sign a petition calling for it.

* A deal between the state's various horse breeders and race tracks over purses.

Rep. Ron Jorgenson, R-Sioux City, was one of three "no" votes on the 23-member committee. He said he had an issue with the provision that eliminates the automatic referendum every eight years.

"I've always been against the expansion of gambling, and I'm against the weakening of the regulations," Jorgenson said. "They had it set up (for referendums every eight years) for a reason, and I don't see a reason to change it."

Other lawmakers, even those who voted for the legislation, said they were concerned about keeping people who aren't supposed to gamble from being able to gamble with remote wagering.

"It would be foolish for me to say we would eliminate that 100 percent," said Jack Ketterer, executive director of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. "Whether kids find something out without their parents' consent, whether they do it with their parents' consent, whether they do it at a friend's location who is of age ... so there are some things you do as well as you can."

Ketterer said there's been no push to establish a time when remote wagering would become a reality, even if the legislation passes the full House and is signed by the governor.

"There's not a big rush to implement it," he said. "I don't think it needs to be done the right way."