See Monkey Do

Speaking of which, a study released this week confirms what I already know, that legal, regulated online poker gambling is easily attainable.

Harvard Professor Malcolm Sparrow wrote the study showing that the best way to address the risks of Internet gambling is through regulation, not a prohibition. The study, commissioned by Wired Safety, a leading Internet safety non-profit, was released during the House Financial Services Committee hearing on H.R. 2267, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act.

“Following last week’s decision by the Federal Reserve and the Department of Treasury to delay the implementation of the flawed Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), the release of this study adds even more fuel to the fire that a prohibition like UIGEA won’t work and that licensing and regulation, such as Chairman Frank’s H.R. 2267, is the right answer,” said Poker Players Alliance Chairman Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, in a press statement. “Robust and effective licensing and regulation will not only protect poker players, children and problem gamblers, but also collect billions in tax revenue that is currently being lost. This is a win-win situation.”

As more attention is being paid to the appropriate way for the U.S. to oversee online gaming, the Wired Safety study provides an academic view of how best to protect consumers. The study cites evidence that millions of U.S. consumers currently gamble online through offshore gambling sites, outside of American oversight and thus offering no consumer protections. The study concludes that a prohibition on online gambling would only serve to continue down this misguided path and turn a blind eye to protecting American consumers, especially children and problem gamblers.

The second, and equally important, component of the study is that not only is licensing and regulation the best approach, it is also realistically achievable given the technologies available today - and being used in other countries. Learning from what works around the world, the report identifies regulatory tools and technologies that have reduced the risks associated with underage and problem poker gamblers, money laundering, fraud, privacy and security.

The professional poker online players all chalk up part of their wins to a gut feeling that tells them when a move is the right thing to do. They feel the poker game in a way that you and I just don’t. Our society is more apt to say that women have this indefinable sense of knowledge than poker layers. We call it woman’s intuition, and claim that all women have a kind of 6th sense. Apparently, the top poker player’s also use intuition. It seems a logical leap to assume that women would have a heads up at the poker table if they can apply their instinctive intuition to the online poker table. However, most of the players that claim they have poker intuition are not women. They have found a way to use the notable intuition of women to profit their game. Psychologists explain this gender crossing by saying that women’s intuition is not actually gender specific. It is us the result of a heightened social awareness, a skill that the excellent poker players have in spades. However intuition is viewed in society, it does not change the fact that good poker players use it to make their online poker game better. It does not matter what it is called, that feeling in your gut can result in money in your pocket.

Sailing is a fun way to get around on the water. Many boats offer up a big motor on the back that can get you going fast on the water, but these boats are not as fun as sailing in my opinion. Sailing is about working with nature and getting the boat to move swiftly across the water without any intervention from man. You can sail across the whole world with only the help of the wind; this is working with nature in a positive way. It is very good for your muscles and lungs because you have to move the sails all around and steer the boat, it is quite a workout to say the least. The downside is if it is not windy. Then all you do is sit there on top of this glassy water and look around, nothing to do. Once the wind does decide to come around then you can start moving and get going across the water. Sailing is not for everyone and it takes a very dedicated and focused person to do it. It is much easier to go out on a boat with a motor than a sailboat, and this depends on what your goals are and how you want to navigate yourself around our water.

Australia is pursuing introducing laws that require gambling officers to intervene with gambling addicts on the request of a family member. Identified problem gamblers would be banned from gaming clubs and online casino until they successfully completed counseling.

A pilot program, operating in South Australia from 2004 to present, had handled 150 complaints and taken formal action in 10 cases.

It is estimated two per cent of all gamblers in Australia have a problem with gambling. Other measures proposed include a ban on credit cards which are used to pay for many online and telephone gambling sites.

The measure is one of several proposed by the registered clubs movement, which relies heavily on poker-machine revenue, to challenge problem gambling.

The organization also wants tighter regulation of internet and telephone gambling, and for schools to implement financial literacy education programs

The Australian Productivity Commission has been asked to investigate gambling and problem gambling in Australia.

It will deliver a final report to the government at the end of next year.

I’m not sure if other countries how similar programs, and certainly the idea of a government banning someone from using credit cards can be troubling.

But, people who do have a serious gambling problem should be treated, for their own good as well as for the good of others.

What do you think about this proposed law?

A Christmas Caroling Party is a great way to spread the spirit of Christmas. It’s sure to brighten the neighborhood and the hearts of all involved. Read on for a delicious drink recipe, great for serving at your party, followed by Christmas party ideas.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 2 bartlett pears, cut into wedges
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 bottle pinot noir
• 2 red delicious apples, cut into wedges
• 1 tsp ground ginger

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot on the stove. Heat on medium-high until boiling.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered
3. Remove cinnamon sticks with a slotted spoon.
4. Keep pot over a low flame so that guests can serve themselves.

TIPS

• Set the mood for the party with invitations. Make the invitations festive by printing them on music scrolls and delivering the rolled up scrolls with a beautiful red ribbon.
• Purchase santa hats, reindeer antler or some other costume item that everyone can wear to indicate that you’re a group of carolers.
• Ask your guests to gather at your home about an hour before you plan on caroling - 6 or 7pm. Be sure to stop caroling at about 9pm.
• Only visit the homes of people you know.
• Distribute lyric books among your guests so that everyone can sing along with confidence.
• Ask your guests to dress comfortably for caroling outside. Encourage festive attire in Christmas colors such as red and green.
• Safety first. Be sure children are looked after. Have flashlights on hand.
• Bring along hand instruments such as tambourines or sleigh bells to enhance your songs.