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2023 BLACKJACK BALL: THE INSIDE SCOOP PART 1 BY HENRY TAMBURIN – Las Vegas Advisor

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

This post is syndicated by the Las Vegas Advisor for the 888 casino group. Anthony Curtis comments on the 888 article introduced and linked to on this page.

AC Says:

Youve probably heard of the Blackjack Ball, the annual gathering of many of the worlds top blackjack pros, during which theres a vote for Blackjack Hall of Fame induction and a skills contest to name the Worlds Greatest Blackjack Player. Thereve been many articles written about the Ball, but no one covers it like Henry Tamburin. In Part 1 of his summary of the 26thgathering, Henry goes into detail about thisyears HoF nominees, the betting Calcutta that takes place before the skills contest, and the written test thats part of the competition. Its a fascinating event that not many get to experience in person, but this account is the next best thing to being there.

This article was written by Henry Tamburin in association with 888Casino.

For the second consecutive year, the 26th Blackjack Ball was held at one of the unique buildings in Las Vegas, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. (See photo of its unique and distinct architecture.) The building contains a large ballroom that could easily

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2023 BLACKJACK BALL: THE INSIDE SCOOP PART 1 BY HENRY TAMBURIN - Las Vegas Advisor

University of Stuttgart picks HPE for 115 million exascale supercomputer – DatacenterDynamics

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

The University of Stuttgart has ordered two supercomputers from HPE for its High Performance Computing Center (HLRS).

The two systems, called Hunter and Herder, will cost 115 million ($127m), and take the HLRS up to exascale level in two stages by 2027, leading to a massively parallel GPU-accelerated system.

"The expansion will strengthen Stuttgart's outstanding position in computer simulation and artificial intelligence research," explains Professor Wolfram Ressel, Rector at the University of Stuttgart.

The systems will be used for simulation, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance data analysis, within computational engineering and applied science.

Hunter, a transitional supercomputer based on HPE's Cray EX400, will begin operation in 2025, replacing HLRSs current flagship supercomputer, Hawk, and taking HLRS from its current peak performance of 26 petaflops, to 39 petaflops,

It will have 136 HPE Cray EX4000 nodes, each with four HPE Slingshot high-performance interconnects. Hunter will also use the next generation of Cray's ClusterStor storage system.

Hunter will begin the move away from CPU processors, adding in more energy-efficient GPUs. It will be based on the AMD Instinct MI300A accelerated processing unit (APU), which combines CPU and GPU processors, with local unified memory the processors can access quickly.

As well as boosting performance, Hunter will use 80 percent less energy than Hawk, the University says.

Herder, a true exascale system, will arrive in 2027. It is projected to provide speeds on the order of one quintillion (1018) flops. Its final architecture will use accelerator chips but won't be fully determined till the end of 2025.

The 115 million budget will be jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the State of Baden-Wrttemberg's Ministry of Science, Research, and Arts, through the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS), which is an alliance of Germany's three national supercomputing centers.

Elsewhere in Germany, the GCS is funding the Jupiter supercomputer at the Jlich Supercomputing Centre which, 2025, is scheduled to be Europe's first exascale system in Europe in 2025. The Leibniz Supercomputing Centre is planning an exascale system for widescale use in 2026.

The move to GPUs will save power, says the University. "Energy efficiency with optimal support for cutting-edge science is of paramount importance for us at the University of Stuttgart," said Anna Steiger, Chancellor at the University of Stuttgart.

"With Hunter and Herder, we are responding to the challenges of reducing CO2 emissions, while also enabling both improved computing power and outstanding energy performance."

"As part of the University of Stuttgart, HLRS has a key role to play it is not just the impressive performance of the supercomputer but also the methodological knowledge that the center has assembled that helps our cutting-edge computational research to achieve breathtaking results, for example in climate protection or for more environmentally sustainable mobility," said Petra Olschowski (Baden-Wrttemberg Minister of Science, Research, and Arts).

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University of Stuttgart picks HPE for 115 million exascale supercomputer - DatacenterDynamics

First supercomputer that simulates entire human brain switching on in 2024 – Study Finds

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

PENRITH, Australia DeepSouth, the worlds first supercomputer designed to simulate the entire human brain, is now just months away from activation. Developed by researchers at the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) at Western Sydney University, DeepSouth boasts the capability to mimic brain networks on the scale of an actual human mind.

DeepSouth employs a neuromorphic system, which replicates human biological processes. By utilizing hardware, it efficiently simulates large networks of spiking neurons, achieving an impressive 228 trillion synaptic operations per second. This rate is comparable to what scientists believe the human brain could achieve. The researchers at ICNS are optimistic that by replicating brain functions, they can gain a deeper understanding of its workings and subsequently design more effective AI systems.

Professor Andr van Schaik, the Director of ICNS, highlights that DeepSouth is distinct from other supercomputers due to its unique design. Specifically engineered to function like networks of neurons (brain cells), it requires less power and achieves greater efficiencies. This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional supercomputers, which, optimized for conventional computing tasks, consume a considerable amount of power.

Progress in our understanding of how brains compute using neurons is hampered by our inability to simulate brain like networks at scale. Simulating spiking neural networks on standard computers using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and multicore Central Processing Units (CPUs) is just too slow and power intensive. Our system will change that, Prof. van Schaik says in a media release.

This platform will progress our understanding of the brain and develop brain-scale computing applications in diverse fields including sensing, biomedical, robotics, space, and large-scale AI applications.

Prof. van Schaik believes that the DeepSouth system will pave the way for advancements in smart devices, such as mobile phones and sensors used in manufacturing and agriculture. Moreover, it is expected to contribute to the development of AI applications that are both less power-intensive and more intelligent. Additionally, the system will enhance our understanding of the workings of the human brain, both in healthy and diseased states.

The ICNS team at Western Sydney University has been instrumental in the development of this groundbreaking project, working in collaboration with experts across the neuromorphic field. This includes partnerships with researchers from the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Aachen in Germany.

The name DeepSouth was thoughtfully chosen, serving as a tribute to IBMs TrueNorth system, which spearheaded the effort to create machines that simulate large networks of spiking neurons. It also honors Deep Blue, the first computer to win a world chess championship. Additionally, the name reflects its geographic location, down under in Australia.

DeepSouth is scheduled to become operational by April 2024.

Artificial Intelligence: By mimicking the brain, we will be able to create more efficient ways of undertaking AI processes than our current models.

Super-fast, large scale parallel processing using far less power: Our brains are able to process the equivalent of an exaflop a billion-billion (1 followed by 18 zeros) mathematical operations per second with just 20 watts of power. Using neuromorphic engineering that simulates the way our brain works, DeepSouth can process massive amounts of data quickly, using much less power, while being much smaller than other supercomputers.

Scalability: This systems design allows easy expansion by adding more hardware for larger systems or downsizing for portable or cost-effective applications.

Reconfigurable Design: Leveraging Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) allows hardware reprogramming, enabling the addition of new neuron models, connectivity schemes, and learning rules. DeepSouths remote accessibility through a Python-based front end simplifies usage without intricate hardware knowledge.

Commercial Availability: DeepSouth relies on off-the-shelf hardware, ensuring continual enhancements and easy replication at global data centers. This approach overcomes challenges associated with custom-designed hardware, which is time-consuming and costly.

South West News Service writer Dean Murray contributed to this report.

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First supercomputer that simulates entire human brain switching on in 2024 - Study Finds

Supercomputer predicts entire Boxing Day results with shocks for Man Utd and Newcastle… – The Sun

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the results for the Premier League's Boxing Day line-up of matches.

There are five games scheduled for the day after Christmas as part of a busy festive period.

Newcastle welcome Nottingham Forest to St. James' Park in the early kick-off, with Liverpool also in action at Burnley.

Manchester United and Aston Villa will conclude the day's play at Old Trafford in an 8pm kick-off.

BestGamblingSites' supercomputer has predicted the results of all five matches ahead of Boxing Day.

The results were predicted using a variety of factors, including each team's form this season and on Boxing Days of the past.

Manager form and home team advantage were also considered by the supercomputer.

Newcastle fans are in for a nightmare after Christmas if the predicted results come true.

The supercomputer expects Eddie Howe's side to fall to a 2-1 home defeat against Forest.

Forest have not won a league game at St. James' Park since 1988 but the Magpies have a shocking record on Boxing Day, winning just once since 2013.

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Fulham are predicted to win 3-0 away to Bournemouth along with a 1-0 win for Luton at Sheffield United in the 3pm matches.

Liverpool are also expected to have plenty of festive cheer thanks to a 4-0 win at Burnley..

Meanwhile, there will not be a record-extending Boxing Day win for United.

The Red Devils have won 21 of their 27 Premier League matches on December 26, giving them the best record of any side in the league's history.

Erik ten Hag's side are predicted to be held to a 2-2 draw by high-flying Villa, though, despite winning eight of their last 10 league meetings at Old Trafford.

Villa do have an encouraging recent record against United, however, beating their opponents at home last November as well as securing a 1-0 win on the road in April 2021.

The Boxing Day line-up of matches will be followed by five more fixtures on December 27 and 28 to complete matchday 19.

Amongst those involved later in the week are Manchester City, who visit Everton, and Arsenal in a home clash with West Ham.

Tuesday 26 December (Boxing Day)

12.30pm - Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest

3pm - Bournemouth vs Fulham

3pm - Sheffield United vs Luton

5.30pm - Burnley vs Liverpool

8pm - Man Utd vs Aston Villa

Wednesday 27 December

7.30pm - Brentford vs Wolves

7.30pm - Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

8.15pm - Everton vs Man City

Thursday 28 December

7.30pm - Brighton vs Tottenham

8.15pm - Arsenal vs West Ham

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Supercomputer predicts entire Boxing Day results with shocks for Man Utd and Newcastle... - The Sun

Supercomputer predicts Boxing Day results as both Liverpool and Manchester United get ready for action – Sportskeeda

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

A supercomputer has predicted contrasting results for Manchester United and Liverpool as they take the field on Boxing Day in the Premier League.

According to Caught Offside, a supercomputer has predicted Liverpool to secure an emphatic 4-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. The same computer has predicted Manchester United to once again drop points and pick up a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Both sides desperately need a win heading into their respective Boxing Day fixtures. The Reds have drawn their last two home games against United and then against Arsenal on Saturday, December 23.

Erik ten Hag's side, however, are in an even worse run of form in the Premier League. The Red Devils are currently winless in their last three league games and have failed to score a goal in each of those outings. They come into the game on the back of a 2-0 loss to West Ham United at London Stadium.

The two aforementioned fixtures are not the only Boxing Day games the supercomputer predicted. The computer also predicted wins for Nottingham Forest, Fulham, and Luton Town against Newcastle United, Bournemouth, and Sheffield United, respectively.

According to the aforementioned source, the supercomputer has taken various factors into consideration while making these predictions. Things like a team's record in past Boxing Day games, current form, etc. were all contributing factors for the predictions made.

Liverpool and Manchester United have had contrasting fortunes in the 2023-24 season so far. The Reds are in the midst of a title race with the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City.

The team from Merseyside are currently second in the table, having accumulated 39 points from 18 games. They are just one point behind league leaders Arsenal.

United, on the other hand, are struggling to secure European football of any flavor. At the time of writing, they are eighth in the standings, having picked up 28 points from 18 matches. Erik ten Hag's side are eight points behind Tottenham Hotspur who currently occupy the final Champions League spot.

Manchester United did secure a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month. Jurgen Klopp's side dominated the affair with 69 percent possession and 34 shots in the game to United's six but still failed to make use of their chances.

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Supercomputer predicts Boxing Day results as both Liverpool and Manchester United get ready for action - Sportskeeda

DeepSouth: A Revolutionary Supercomputer for Simulating the Human Brain | 2024 Launch – Medriva

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

In an ambitious leap forward in computational neuroscience, a supercomputer designed to simulate the entire human brain is set to become operational in 2024. This cutting-edge development, named DeepSouth, holds the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and advance the field of neuroscience.

Set to switch on in 2024, DeepSouth is the worlds first supercomputer capable of simulating networks at the scale of the human brain. Using a neuromorphic system that mimics biological processes, it can perform a staggering 228 trillion synaptic operations per second. This system is purpose-built to operate like networks of neurons, demanding less power and facilitating greater efficiencies. The supercomputer is a collaboration between Western Sydney University, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Aachen in Germany.

This unprecedented development is expected to lead to significant advances in smart devices, sensors, and AI applications. But perhaps the most profound impact of DeepSouth will be its contribution to our understanding of the healthy and diseased human brain. By replicating the brains neural network and cognitive functions, the supercomputer paves the way for groundbreaking insights into brain disorders and neurological conditions.

DeepSouth is not the only attempt at creating a biological computer. Researchers worldwide are exploring the possibility of building computers powered by actual brain cells. Such advancements could potentially create a cyborg brain vastly more powerful than our own. The hope is to better understand how brains can use such little power to process vast amounts of information.

DeepSouth is part of a larger initiative known as the Human Brain Project. This multinational collaboration aims to simulate the entire human brain by 2024. The goal is to delve deeper into the brains functions and develop new treatments for brain-related diseases. This ambitious project has garnered significant attention from the scientific community and offers a promising direction for future research.

In conclusion, the advent of a supercomputer capable of simulating the entire human brain signals a new era in neuroscience and AI research. As we await the operational launch of DeepSouth in 2024, the scientific community and the world at large watch with bated breath, eager to witness the revolutionary insights this development will bring to our understanding of the most complex organ in the human body. The future of neuroscience holds exciting possibilities and is poised for unparalleled growth and discovery.

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DeepSouth: A Revolutionary Supercomputer for Simulating the Human Brain | 2024 Launch - Medriva

The Future of Neuroscience and AI: DeepSouth Supercomputer – Medriva

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

Stepping into the Future with DeepSouth

The world is on the brink of a significant breakthrough with the development of DeepSouth, the first-ever supercomputer capable of simulating the entire human brain. This trailblazing project, under the leadership of Western Sydney University in Australia, is set to revolutionize neuroscience and artificial intelligence as we know it. With an operational launch date set for 2024, DeepSouth is poised to unlock a myriad of opportunities in medicine, technology, and beyond.

DeepSouth isnt just another supercomputer it is a powerhouse that matches the human brains estimated rate of operations. With the ability to perform 228 trillion synaptic operations per second, it is set to redefine what technology can achieve. Its not just about the staggering numbers; its about how DeepSouth uses this power. The supercomputer is designed to process colossal amounts of information with minimal power, emulating the efficiency of the human brain.

What sets DeepSouth apart is its neuromorphic system. Unlike traditional computer systems, the neuromorphic system is designed to operate like networks of neurons. This unique configuration allows the supercomputer to emulate large networks of spiking neurons efficiently, requiring less power and enabling greater efficiencies. This ingenious design is what makes the simulation of the entire human brain possible.

DeepSouth is expected to be a game-changer for neuroscience and AI. By simulating the human brain, it will provide unprecedented insights into how our brains process information so efficiently. These findings could lead to breakthroughs in understanding both healthy and diseased human brains, opening new avenues for medical research and treatment. The supercomputer will also be an invaluable resource for researchers looking to prototype new engineering solutions in the AI space.

While the implications for neuroscience are profound, the potential applications of DeepSouth dont stop there. The project could lead to advances in smart devices and sensors, further enhancing the technology that forms an integral part of our lives. With AI applications becoming increasingly prevalent, the insights derived from DeepSouths brain simulations could pave the way for more sophisticated AI systems, pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.

As we look forward to DeepSouths operational launch in 2024, its clear that were on the cusp of a new era in technology and neuroscience. This supercomputer isnt just simulating the human brain; its unlocking the potential to understand our brains better, develop more advanced AI, and create smarter technology. The future of neuroscience and AI is bright, and DeepSouth is leading the charge.

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The Future of Neuroscience and AI: DeepSouth Supercomputer - Medriva

DeepSouth Supercomputer: A Revolutionary Project to Simulate the Human Brain – Medriva

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

In a groundbreaking feat of technology and neuroscience, a supercomputer designed to simulate the entire human brain is set to be operational in 2024. This ambitious venture, known as the DeepSouth project, promises to replicate human brain functions and behaviors, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of neurological disorders, artificial intelligence, and cognitive processes.

DeepSouth, the worlds first human brain-scale supercomputer, is being developed at Western Sydney University. Once activated, it will be capable of 228 trillion synaptic operations per second. This astonishing rate of operations rivals the estimated rate at which the human brain processes information. Interestingly, the human brain accomplishes this feat while using a considerably small amount of power. Understanding this efficiency is one of the key ambitions of the DeepSouth project.

The DeepSouth supercomputer takes a neuromorphic approach to replicate the human brain. This means it is designed to emulate large networks of spiking neurons, closely imitating the biological processes that occur in our brains. The project involves a collaboration of scientists and researchers from various fields, all working together to develop a supercomputer capable of mimicking the complex functions of the human brain, including consciousness and emotions.

The supercomputers potential applications extend far beyond academic curiosity. It is expected to be a game changer for the study of neuroscience, offering unprecedented insights into how our brains work. This could lead to significant advancements in diagnosing, managing, and treating neurological disorders.

Moreover, the supercomputer holds promise for the field of artificial intelligence (AI). By understanding how the human brain processes vast amounts of information so efficiently, engineers could design more efficient AI systems. This could dramatically improve a wide range of technologies, from autonomous vehicles to voice recognition software.

DeepSouths potential impact extends to diverse fields such as sensing, biomedical, robotics, space, and large-scale AI applications. The supercomputer could revolutionize these sectors by providing a deeper understanding of human cognition and its efficient processes. In essence, the DeepSouth project brings us a step closer to fully understanding the brains complex mechanisms, a frontier that remains largely unexplored in science.

With the DeepSouth supercomputer set to be operational by April 2024, the countdown to this remarkable scientific achievement has begun. As we approach this milestone, the anticipation surrounding the project continues to build. While its too early to predict exactly what the DeepSouth project will uncover, one thing is for sure this pioneering venture stands to significantly advance our understanding of the brain, its processes, and its potential.

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DeepSouth Supercomputer: A Revolutionary Project to Simulate the Human Brain - Medriva

Supercomputer Ramanujan Universe to enable engineering students to pursue qualitative research in AI and ML … – Education Times

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Danzig

The Ramanujan Universe - a supercomputer was inaugurated at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) to help the Engineering students pursue cutting edge research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The supercomputing facility was inaugurated by Rajive Kumar, member secretary, AICTE on the National Mathematics Day.

This newly developed High Performance Supercomputing Center(HPC) facility has eight A 100Graphics Processing Unit(GPU) cards accelerated nodes, six compute nodes, more than 3500 GB RAM and 100 GB InfiniBand connectivity. The supercomputer has been developed with the help of technical expertise provided by Dell. The cost ofRs10crore has been incurred to develop this high computing facility.

Speaking to Education Times, on the sidelines of launch event, BR Mehta, vice-chancellor, JIIT, Noida, says, Introduction of the supercomputer will enable undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students to solve complex mathematical problems, algorithms and more. Several students involved in AI and ML research can use the supercomputer. In addition to the regular curriculum, we would encourage the students to use the supercomputer for research in healthcare, data analysis, data Science and cyber security."

The needfor supercomputer was felt for long and itslaunchwill fulfil requirementof AI programmerstodevelop diversesoftware applicationscatering to differentindustries.This supercomputer cancalculatewithing fraction of secondsandenable processing of complex tasks and simulations at incredibly high speed.In the era of AI and ML, this facility will play a crucial role in advancing scientific research, technological innovation, and solving complex real- world problems in the areas of AI, Robotics, and many more by harnessing the power of high-speed computation and data processing.

Rajive Kumar, member secretary, AICTE, says, The supercomputing facility will be beneficial to all Engineering students as computing is the major component of their curricula. Besides the computer engineering students, students from mechanical stream can use this to create Computer Aided Design and Drafting technology (CADD) technology. Students can take the help of this supercomputer to complete their online internships and projects. This high-powered supercomputing facility will revolutionise the engineering education in the country. This is the second college which has introduced a facility of high-powered supercomputing after IIT Delhi in North India.

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Supercomputer Ramanujan Universe to enable engineering students to pursue qualitative research in AI and ML ... - Education Times

Valkyrie’s Fourth Amendment for the Launch of a Bitcoin ETF – Crypto Times

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

A prominent player in the digital asset management industry, Valkyrie Investments, recently filed its fourth amendment with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to introduce a spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) in the US.

This move demonstrates Valkyries continued commitment to getting past regulatory obstacles, despite past setbacks.

The companys unwavering strategy in this area demonstrates its commitment to creating a Bitcoin spot ETF, a financial instrument that has seen tremendous demand but intense regulatory scrutiny.

This comes after news that CoinShares, a well-known European cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund issuer, has acquired the sole right to buy Valkyrie Funds, with an expiration date of March 31, 2024.

This calculated move emphasizes the goal of strengthening a dominant position in the US digital asset investment market to create a comprehensive worldwide platform for digital asset investments.

This partnership could change the environment for bitcoin investments by bringing together a wealth of knowledge and resources from the digital asset management sector.

The fact that Blackrock and Fidelity have recently held talks with the SEC has added to the industrys growing expectations.

With a crucial deadline approaching on January 10, 2024, this development is seen as a promising sign of the SECs upcoming decision-making regarding the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Link:

Valkyrie's Fourth Amendment for the Launch of a Bitcoin ETF - Crypto Times

HCSO to release body cam footage to plaintiff alleging Fourth Amendment violation – Smoky Mountain News

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

Monroe A. Miller Jr. petitioned the court on Nov. 22 to obtain the footage. On Dec. 14 following the hearing and his review of the recordings, visiting Superior Court Judge Steve Warren, of Asheville, published his order granting permission, albeit with some noteworthy restrictions.

On Nov. 9 at about 1:25 p.m., two Haywood County Sheriffs deputies visited Millers property along with the plaintiff in an ongoing civil dispute his sister, Linda Overcash as well as her attorney, Mark Melrose. Their civil dispute is over how to split up their late fathers estate. Monroe Albert Miller, who passed away on Jan. 20, 2017, is assumed to have left behind a good deal of money, along with a Haywood County home appraised at over $1 million dollars.

he was co-founder of one of the earliest Computer Companies, Electronic Associates, Inc., a NYSE listed company located in New Jersey, where he designed and manufactured many of the first electronic computers used in industry and the early space program, his obituary reads. In 1955, he founded Milgo Electronic Corporation, a company heavily involved in tracking and communication in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. He and the company were also instrumental in the development of the first, and subsequently, the high speed modem. He served as President and Chairman of the Board until all its NYSE listed stock was acquired in 1977. Milgo's Miami, Florida facility employed more than 2500 and also carried out world- wide manufacturing and marketing operations in many foreign countries.

The group was there to survey the property. Also present on Nov. 9 was Terry Ramey, a Haywood County commissioner and staunch ally of Miller, as well as Millers attorney, Ed Bleynat.

The petition notes that after the visit, on that same day, Miller requested the recordings from Wilke. That communication was entered into evidence as part of the petition.

Deputies appeared indoctrinated by Mark Melrose on the aspects of the order issued, the initial request reads.

Deputies kicked Terry Ramey, Haywood County Commissioner, out of the dwelling also, even though he was acting as my agent, which was allowed in the Order, it later reads.

A Nov. 15 response from Haywood County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Gina Zachary notes that because there was no court order mandating the office provide the footage and audio, it could not be turned over at that time. A week later, Miller submitted the petition to the court.

Also included as evidence in the petition is a series of messages between Miller and Wilke from the evening of Nov. 9. In those messages, Miller alleges the deputies violated his rights.

You have made serious, unfounded allegations about my deputies and any further contact will need to be from your legal counsel to ours, Wilke replied. Your multiple public information requests will be handled in as reasonably prompt manner as possible.

Millers chief complaint is that he and Ramey were forced to remain outside while the others had full run of his home. The petition also notes that the order for a law enforcement escort during the survey said that one deputy would be present, but two showed up.

In order to keep the peace and allow a thorough inspection of the property the presence of a uniformed law enforcement officer would be helpful, that order reads.

The order also says that Overcash and Melrose should be allowed adequate space to engage in private conversations during the inspection and that Miller, Ramey and Bleynat shall remain 50 feet or more from the Petitioners and their attorneys while the Petitioners and their attorneys are outside the dwelling during this inspection.

The two deputies violated my Fourth Amendment rights, the petition claims. There was no reason, nor was Mark Melrose authorized, to bring two deputies for this visit. He took a Haywood County Sheriffs Deputy off-line for no good reason, therefore interfereing (sic) with the operation of a law enforcement agency by hindering and obstructing the second law enforcement officer in the performance of his duty.

According to court documents, Miller submitted a complaint against Melrose to the North Carolina Bar Association, something he has done in the past against multiple local attorneys. For his part, in an email to Bleynat, Melrose alleged that Miller behaved inappropriately and without an understanding of proper procedure when he showed up at Melrose's office seeking a signature for the receipt of a $5,000 check he was ordered by a judge to provide to cover administrative costs related to the dispute over the estate.

Your client just came to my office trying to get my staff to sign a document indicating receipt of a check, the email reads. I did not speak with him. He was instructed by my staff to call your office. Please advise Mr. Miller to never come to my office again, and advise him that I am not legally permitted to talk to him nor is my staff.

In court on Dec. 14, Wilke was accompanied by members of his command staff, as well as Zachary. While Ramey didnt accompany Miller, he did show up a few minutes after the hearing began. Neither side was represented by an attorney that morning. The hearing was the first of the day in Haywood County Superior Court, and when Warren took the bench, he brought Miller and Wilke up to argue their positions, noting that while he was called in the day before to review a case he wasnt familiar with, hed made time to review the petition. He went through state law outlining the procedure for a person to obtain law enforcement agency recordings.

That statute dictates that the court must consider a few things.

First, the person requesting the recording must be authorized to receive it. In this case, because Miller is depicted in the recording as stipulated by Wilke in court he is authorized. Next, the judge asked whether the recording may contain confidential information. It was acknowledged by both parties that it likely included conversations covered by attorney-client privilege. Miller agreed that audio in such segments could be redacted, which Warren said rendered that issue moot. Other concerns were whether the recording could reveal information that is highly sensitive or personal; if the disclosure could create a serious threat to the fair, impartial, and orderly administration of justice; or if its disclosure could jeopardize an active or inactive internal or criminal investigation. It was agreed that none of those would be an issue.

Wilke voiced concern that it could be technically cumbersome to redact the audio from the recordings while maintaining their integrity. In addition, according to statute, the disclosure of the recordings cant jeopardize the safety of a person, nor can it harm anyones reputation. Wilke said that Miller frequently uses a blog he has maintained for several years to launch personal attacks against numerous individuals.

While the sheriff said hed love the recordings to be made public because theyd refute the claim that we violated Mr. Millers Fourth Amendment Rights, he was concerned that Miller would use parts of the recording out of context to attack his deputies character and reputation. Warren addressed this in the order. First, he listed specific segments of the video that contain conversations covered by attorney-client privilege for which the audio must be redacted. He also gave Miller strict orders for how he can use the recording, once released to him.

No portion of the released videos may be published other than in a pending court proceeding, it reads, or to any party to any current or future lawsuit or witness is (sic) said lawsuit who are all hereby ordered not to publicly disclose the contents of said video. Said Order is punishable by contempt.

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HCSO to release body cam footage to plaintiff alleging Fourth Amendment violation - Smoky Mountain News

The New CEO of Sofitel and MGallery Hotels Says Deliberate Hedonism Plus Mindful CSR Are What Todays Luxury Is Made Of – Travel + Leisure Southeast…

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

The Reimagined Lobby at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand

FOR YEARS, there was one choice along Bangkoks buzzing Sukhumvit strip for those looking for a contemporary luxury homebase. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit had it all: great location, French sophistication, a rooftop bar with all the views yet none of the faff, a verdant lazy-days photo-worthy pool, and the sumptuous rooms and suites wed come to rely on from this storied brand including the famous Sofitel MyBed.

Sensing that not just the hotel but also the neighborhood needed some exciting new life, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit underwent a massive renovation that maintained all the elements we always loved but supercharged them. Rooms and suites are brighter and softer, there are two exciting new restaurant and bar concepts off the stunningly soaring lobby upping the F&B game, and theres a new skybridge offering direct walking access to the BTS and the heart of the city. The hotel has reemerged as the neighborhood grande dame it used to be, version 2.0: an anchor, a hub and a nurturing cocoon. You might say the same about the Sofitel brand overall, these days. And for that, much credit is due to Maud Bailly, who took over as CEO of Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems brands worldwide in January 2023, just as Accor solidified a strategic reshuffle.

Quick primer for you hotel nerds: Accor is now divided into two empowered divisions supported by corporate functions and a shared platform. First, the Premium, Mid-scale & Economic Division, whose properties are organized by region. Second, the Luxury & Lifestyle Division, organized by brand, in which the former is represented by Orient Express, Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel/Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, and the latter includes Ennismore.

Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems find themselves in the same umbrella under Bailly because, despite having different styles, they each offer guests collections of unique places to find luxury that incorporate local soul while affirming their French roots. We asked Bailly, featured on the cover of Forbes France this July as one of 40 influential women shaping France, to share her vision of the Sofitel and MGallery brands (which comprise 240 hotels in 58 countries), what exciting evolutions lie ahead for them in Asia (there are 10 properties in Thailand alone!), and some packing tips because we can never get enough travel advice from women always on the go.

Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia: Whats your interpretation of the Sofitel DNA? What was exciting about the brand when it launched 60 years ago? Why does it matter now? And where is it going?

Maud Bailly: Sofitel is the only French global brand, the second-largest brand in the luxury hospitality industry with 123 hotels, about 31,000 rooms, and 49 countries by the end of 2023. We have a large diversity of top locations, from urban historic centers like Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, to airport locations, to mind-blowing romantic resorts, and six gems of Sofitel Legend hotels like the one we opened this year Sofitel Casco Viejo in Panama.

In a luxury world with very similar codes,we believeSofitel brand can differentiate itselfby a specific positioning on quiet and committed luxury,reconciling quality and discretion, with a very recognizable signature: the French zest for life that is based on four brand markers that we are deploying across our entire network:

Pool at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama

The Sofitel promise also stands in its logo, the symbol of cultural link: two interlocking rings, reflecting the encounter of the French and the local culture of each hotel. All Sofitel hotels embody this union of two cultures, proving that they are also, and maybe first, places meant for their local communities.

And finally, the last and the most important brand marker: Sofitel is meant to be heartful, it should lead the way in sustainable luxury, with a strong CSR commitment.

T+L SEA: What CSR activities are you most passionate about?

Maud Bailly:

1. Promoting diversity and inclusion

2. Giving back to local communities by strengthening local anchorage and solidarity

3. Fighting against food waste especially by leveraging AI

To change the perception of a sector that can sometimes be perceived as a predator we developed a demanding CSR roadmap. Our ambition is to demonstrate that our brands can be sustainable places and can have a positive impact on the local communities, that we can combine beauty, experience and eco-responsibility.

Our 7-pillar roadmap is:

Im convinced that the power of a brand, no matter how fascinating it is, is no longer enough. We decided to stand for a committed luxury, inclusive, diversity-promoting, luxury that gives back to our local communities and serves something bigger than ourselves.

It has to be rooted in a genuine purpose, a value system and a positive societal impact. For me, this is the most powerful lever of attraction and retention.

T+L SEA: Glad you brought up RiiSE. The hospitality industry has long been dominated by men, but more and more women are becoming luxury GMs and taking on other important leadership roles. How is Accor/Sofitel working on gender parity?

Maud Bailly: The group has been a pioneer on the diversity and inclusion subject, long before Rixain French law appeared in 2021. With 300,000 people working all around the world, diversity is obviously at the heart of our DNA. Diversity of cultures, backgrounds, educations, skills, jobsthere are 138 different kinds of jobs in hotels, where you can find up to 25 different nationalities, and this is a real gift. And we value diversity as an immense lever of collective intelligence, with strong KPIs to monitor it, notably through our RiiSE diversity network, with 20,000 members all around the world.

I am against quotas, but for quotas until we dont need them anymore. I believe the sum of individualities is greater than collective individualities.

When I started this new role on the first of January, we were counting 26% of women as general managers in our hotels; they are now 29.5% and we hope to reach 32% by the end of the year.

With RiiSE we are also fighting against all forms of violence and are very involved with several NGOs to help women victim of violence: finding them a place to stay with their children, conducting webinars with testimonies, and even training our teammates within Accor to detect early indicators of violence.

Finally, I am very involved in mentorship to help women both within and outside of Accor. I am trying to help every woman to embrace their sensitivity as a form of freedom and truth towards others. As Gustave Flaubert said, I am endowed with an absurd sensitivity; what scratches others tears me apart. Being a woman in this industry and more globally is finding the right balance between intellectual and emotional quotients, which is a combination for success.

T+L SEA: Wellness is huge right now. What new, interesting things are Sofitel and MGallery in Asia doing to meet guest needs in spa, health and wellbeing?

Maud Bailly: We are always listening to our guests, and studies have shown that 80% wish to focus on their wellbeing. Guests are now seeking more personalization, as well as a reconnection to oneself and others. Desires for nature intertwine with a strong attraction to new technologies, and, hence, to sustainable results. This is how our new holistic wellness concept The Purist Retreat & Spa was born. An innovative offering centered around four pillars of wellbeing: care, sleep, nutrition, and movement. It provides a means to live better, find balance, and establish new lifestyle habits.

The very first The Purist Retreat & Spa is opening its doors in December 2023 within the MGallery in Trouville, Normandy, in France, an ideal destination for its fresh air and seawater. Here, the offering is reinvented, modernized, and tailored to a guest seeking a holistic experience. The treatment menu has been enriched with exclusive novelties and complemented by a 360 wellness offering.

The Purist Retreat & Spa is intended to be deployed worldwide, in each case emphasizing the expert hands of our teams and strong CSR commitments. In our spaces, guests regain control of their health, learn to understand themselves (better), and take daily self-care.

Globally, all Sofitel hotels have a dedicated luxury spa. We are also dedicated to the Art of Sleep, from jet-lag kits, to our pioneering Sofitel MyBed, to sleep rituals.

Our MGallery hotels offer signature treatments and local know-how in the wellness space, using local products inspired by the destination and ancestral techniques (for example, the farm within the hotel serving all organic ingredients at the restaurant in Legacy Yen Tu, herbs from the garden used in the spa treatments, etc). And we highlight outdoor experiences, from sunrise in Sapa at Hotel de la Couple, to mountain hiking at Veranda Chiang Mai, to personal wellness gurus at V Villas Phuket.

T+L SEA: What innovations should we be looking out for in Sofitel and MGallery food and beverage in Asia?

Haute Croissanterie at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Maud Bailly: The French zest in all our hotels starts at breakfast! Sofitel will soon introduce a project around the art of the croissanta century-old true symbol of the French breakfast around the world. From mastering the traditional pur beurre croissant to perfection following the French pastry guidelines, to creating a cultural link in styling the croissant, Sofitel Croissants will let the guests taste the essence of different places, celebrating the diversity of global cuisine where unique flavors come together, ultimately linking the French culture with other cultures around the world.

At MGallery we aim to turn our hotels into lively destination places for locals with one of the brand pillars being Memorable. Memorable stands for memorable moments, design and mixology. We are creating a signature cocktail to tell the story of each hotel, its creativity, savoir-faire and local anchorage.

T+L SEA: Whats your favorite destination in Asia-Pacific?

Maud Bailly: Vietnam.

T+L SEA: How often per month do you travel? And can we get your most important packing tips, please?

I am traveling three to six times a month! My life could be summarized this way: from checked bag to carry-on, I became a worldwide expert of under 100mlbeautyproducts.

Travel tips: drink a lot of water, no alcohol, sleep as much as you can each time you can, dont eat too much on a plane, take some high hydration masks, and never forget yourflightsocks!

T+L SEA: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Maud Bailly: A hand surgeon!

T+L SEA: Haha! Wed say were surprised but actually you came to this job from operations in a totally different industry. How does running the Paris Metro Montparnasse station equip you to run one of the worlds most prestigious luxury hotel brands?

Maud Bailly: A principle has always driven me: to fully embrace each experience, whether its spending six months on the field at SNCF learning to couple TGV carriages, overseeing missions for NGOs in inspection, envisioning tomorrows solutions within Manuel Vallss economic and digital cell at Matignon, or over the past six years at Accor, alongside my wonderful teams.

Throughout all my experiences, I have remained true to who I am, my values, my drive to build powerful teams through diversity, my desire to empower those around me, and my commitment to the cause of women.

The expectations of the new generations have evolved significantly in their approach to work, that is why we are very focused on the purposehow we are serving something bigger than ourselves. I am deeply involved in the transformation of the hotel industry to make it more environmentally friendly by eliminating plastic usage, making our buildings cleaner, thereby reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing food waste.

I am always guided by Ren Chars quote: There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle.

The general manager of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Oliver Schnatz, introduces us to his newly spruced-up grande dame The renovation of the hotel did not only cover all of our 345 guest rooms and suites, but we also have a put a very strong focus on enhancing all the public spaces in the hotel. This includes the bridge that was built to connect the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit directly with the Asok BTS station, the Sukhumvit MRT station, and Terminal 21 shopping mall.

When we conceptualized the new food and beverage outlets for the hotel one of the key objectives was to create venues that would appeal to the community as much as they would appeal to our in-house guest. Judging by the number of local residents we are now welcoming on a daily basis, it seems that we were able to achieve this and become a meeting spot for the community.

Our soul is in providing exceptional and personalized service.

There are indeed many new hotels coming into the market on a regular basis and with our renovated product we can definitely compete with them. But ultimately it is the service culture in a hotel that creates these memories that make you want to return. I truly believe that we have a very caring and passionate team and they are the ones creating the opportunities to set us apart from many other luxury hotels.

To find out more about the lovely new look and feel at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, read here.

Article Sponsored by Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit. Images courtesy of Sofitel, unless otherwise noted.

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The New CEO of Sofitel and MGallery Hotels Says Deliberate Hedonism Plus Mindful CSR Are What Todays Luxury Is Made Of - Travel + Leisure Southeast...

Minnesota brothers charged in TikTok livestream gambling scheme – Star Tribune

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

More charges, including a felony count, were filed Monday against a Twin Cities man who is accused of roaming Twin Cities-area casinos and playing slots for gamblers who paid to have their bets placed, then watched live on TikTok in hopes of striking it rich.

Blake C. Fitzgerald, 40, of Farmington, is now facing a felony charge in Goodhue County of instructing others to violate gambling laws along with three related gross misdemeanor counts. A conviction on the felony count could send Fitzgerald to prison, rather than jail or some other lesser form of detention.

Also Monday, additional gross misdemeanor illegal gambling counts were filed in Goodhue County against Fitzgerald's brother, Christopher J. Mattison, 34, of Warren, Minn.

In August, Fitzgerald was charged with three gross misdemeanors in connection with allegations he ran a remote bookie business for at least four months until January 2023 while at Mystic Lake Casino in the Scott County city of Prior Lake or Treasure Island Resort & Casino just outside of Red Wing in Goodhue County. Mattison was charged as well back in August.

Both men were charged by summons and declined to comment Monday to the Star Tribune about the latest round of charges. Fitzgerald is due on court on Wednesday, followed by Mattison on Thursday.

The new complaints note that a state investigator with the state Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division contacted Fitzgerald and Mattison in June about the initial charges. Mattison denied the allegations, while Fitzgerald asked the investigator for further specifics and then stopped responding to the agent.

Monday's criminal complaints not only cover in greater detail the allegations spelled out in the earlier charges, they also reveal that the brothers arranged bets for 81 people in that three-week period that totaled more than $48,000.

Bettors received back about a third of their money, either in winnings or refunds if the brothers ran out of time to get the wagers down, the complaints read.

Among those who turned to Fitzgerald for remote betting on slots at Treasure Island was a 53-year-old woman from southeastern Minnesota who told the state investigator that she was a gambling addict, the charges read.

The woman, who often bet at night as she struggled with insomnia and other medical difficulties, told the investigator she was "hopeful that illegal forms of gambling like Fitzgerald's would be eliminated from the Internet, as it would help limit her exposure to gambling and ease the struggle that she faced every day," the complaints continued.

According to the criminal complaints and other court documents:

Fitzgerald collected through cash apps an initial $5.99 subscription fee and then $25 that he kept for every $100 deposited for wagering, which he streamed live on TikTok.

Archived videos on his main TikTok account revealed 165,000 followers from around the world. Video highlights showed wads of cash and slot machines rolling up occasional big jackpots, including one in December that topped $15,000.

Administrators at both casinos caught on to Fitzgerald's TikTok bookie business. On Jan. 12, he livestreamed about being booted from Mystic Lake during a previous visit. That same day, he was in his car outside Treasure Island and said he had just been given a permanent trespass notice.

The American Gaming Association, which represents sports books and casinos across the country, said after the brothers were initially charged that it has never heard of such a gambling scheme.

Minnesota brothers charged in TikTok livestream gambling scheme - Star Tribune

Opinion | Why can’t you just vote on gambling? – Alabama Political Reporter

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

Gambling is popular in Alabama.

Despite all of the phony hand-wringing over gambling legislation during every legislative session and all of the alleged moral pushback about legalizing casino wagering, Alabama loves to gamble.

Were one of the top states in the country each year for sports wagering. Alabama gamblers are one of the top groups of users on the offshore gambling website Bovada. Our residents spend millions each year buying lottery tickets and visiting casinos in other states. The total amount of legal and illegal gambling in this state accounts for billions of dollars each year.

Its no wonder, then, that when polled on the question of legalizing gambling, implementing a lottery and allowing sports wagering, Alabama voters overwhelmingly said they wanted the chance to vote on it.

And by overwhelmingly, I mean 89 percent.

You couldnt get 89 percent of the people in this state to agree with you that the sky is blue. Thats how popular the issue is at this point.

Its not just a bunch of librals either. Gambling legalization, including a lottery, casino-style games and sports wagering, is also popular among those who consider themselves conservative voters. More than 60 percent of them, in a 2015 poll, wanted a chance to vote on the issue.

But then, what do you dopey voters know?

It doesnt matter what you want, what you think is best for yourself or for the state. No, no. The politicians theyre the ones who know better than you whats best for you.

Just ask Chris Elliott.

The Baldwin County state senator said last week, during an appearance on a Mobile-area radio station, 106.5-FM, that it doesnt matter what yall want. No, the politics matter more. The politicians matter more.

Elliott said out loud the part that elected officials are never supposed to say out loud that their job security matters more than serving you.

Elliott said that rumored legislation that would legalize a lottery, casino gambling at certain locations and sports wagering while clamping down on the thousands of illegal gambling operations around the state would be a bad idea. Not because the legislation is unpopular, or because its bad legislation that wouldnt solve the problems and increase revenue, but because putting the issue on the ballot in 2024 might drive more Democrats to the polls and result in a loss in Alabamas newly-drawn 2nd congressional district.

Three things: 1. Republicans aint winning that seat, and it doesnt matter if Ronald Reagans ghost is on the ticket; 2. Democrats in that district will NOT need a secondary issue, like gambling, to drive them to the polls to vote in a fair race that they fought all the way to the Supreme Court to get; and 3. Republicans gamble too.

You have to be living in some alternate reality to seriously believe that Democrats hold a major voter advantage on the issue of gambling in this day and age. Or maybe thats just what living inside the Republican super-conservative news bubble does for you.

About the only Republicans who are vehemently opposed to gambling legislation at this point are the ones who dont fully understand the complexities of the issue in this state and the ones who are being paid by certain interested parties (like out-of-state casino owners) to oppose the legislation.

There is no major organized opposition.

Because were talking about a business thats everywhere now. You cant watch a ballgame without 87 ads for online sportsbooks. Everyone discusses the lines on games. Half the state drives to Georgia or Tennessee or Florida to buy tickets for the big Powerball drawings. And those buses leaving for Biloxi and other casino locations are filled with active church members.

No one cares anymore. Its like being opposed to alcohol sales.

Except in this case, were still living in the prohibition era of the 1920s, where 90 percent of those sales are conducted by shady characters running shady operations and propping up other illegal activities. Thats the Alabama gambling landscape in 2023.

Which makes it hilarious to read the ridiculous study on gambling from the Alabama Policy Institute.APIs study trots out the same old ignorant-of-reality talking points and pretends once again that were living inside a gambling-free bubble where neither roads nor the internet exists.

Every phone will become a casino, the report breathlessly warns of the legalization of sports wagering. Um, excuse me, but yall do know that offshore gambling websites are accessible on phones now, as are daily fantasy wagering websites, including over/under player totals, right?

If you dont, you shouldnt be writing about gambling. If you do, everyone should question why youre trying to mislead them on the realities of gambling.

Look, Ive written about this issue a bunch. There is no solution that includes just making certain games more illegal. There is no solution that includes just legalizing a lottery. There is no solution that includes more enforcement without a wholesale change of gambling laws on the books which will require a constitutional amendment and a vote of the people.

Anyone who tells you differently is lying to you. Ill leave it up to you to figure out why theyre lying to you.

But I can assure you of one thing: None of them are lying to you for your benefit.

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Opinion | Why can't you just vote on gambling? - Alabama Political Reporter

Luck and Cheating in Roman Gambling: The Die is Cast – The Collector

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

The ancient Romans had a complex relationship with gambling, involving both disapproval and widespread participation. Archaeological findings and written sources reveal that the preferred form of ancient Roman gambling was dice games. Roman dice possessed unique shapes due to the inherent asymmetry of the materials used and the Romans belief in divine intervention influencing random outcomes. Romans were also known for employing various cheating methods, including the use of loaded dice, which enabled players to manipulate the outcomes.

Six-sided playing dice, featuring numbers one to six marked on each side the same kind we still use today have been in use for over 4,000 years. They have been discovered at sites in Egypt, India, and Persia, but it appears that nowhere in the past were they as prevalent as in ancient Rome. Dice made of wood or bone have been unearthed at Roman sites across the former empire. Archaeological findings and written sources reveal that the Romans utilized them for both board games and gambling, which was a widespread indulgence among Roman citizens.

Gambling in Ancient Rome occupied a curious place in society. It was both disapproved of and enthusiastically embraced by the people. Undeniably, gambling held significant popularity among the ancient Romans. The act of gambling often took place in inns and taverns, which served as common venues for such activities. Archaeological findings from Pompeii have revealed depictions of dice, game pieces, symbols of wealth and good fortune, and terms commonly used in Roman dice games (Faris, 2012). These artifacts shed light on the prevalence of gambling in the Roman world.

Despite its widespread practice, some Romans strongly disapproved of gambling. Even in the face of their fellow Romans apparent addiction to it, figures like Cicero condemned gambling and those who partook in it. Educated and upper-class Roman writers of the late-republican and imperial periods largely viewed gambling as a wasteful pastime, and at its worst, a ruinous vice capable of tarnishing an individuals reputation and social standing.

Despite the prevailing view that aristocrats generally frowned upon gambling, there were notable exceptions within the ranks of the senators and Roman elite, who indulged in high-stakes gambling. However, for the majority of aristocratic elites, excessive gambling or public engagement in such activities was considered a potential source of legal and political corruption. The majority of aristocratic elites associated dice games with the lower classes, and they often connected them to hustlers and petty criminals.

It is worth noting that not all forms of gambling were illegal or disapproved of in Rome. Betting on sporting events, for instance, was an acceptable practice. However, the situation differed entirely when it came to dicing, which formed the core of a thriving industry within the Roman Empire. Backrooms of inns and taverns were frequently dedicated to gambling, which is evident from the numerous inscribed gaming boards and mosaics discovered in Rome, Pompeii, and various Italian and North African towns. Private homes or rented premises could also function as small-scale casino operations, providing spaces where money could be both won and lost.

Roman dice possess a curious feature that distinguishes them from other dice: their striking asymmetry. This distinctive characteristic has captured the interest of a pair of scholars from the University of California, Davis and Drew University. Close examination of these dice has unveiled a remarkable fact an astounding 90% of the dice discovered so far display (at least) are slightly flattened in shape. In fact, some of these dice deviate so significantly from the ideal cube that they more closely resemble parallelepipeds. This intriguing observation also holds practical implications, as the dice are more likely to land on their wider sides rather than the narrow ones when rolled.

How can we explain this intriguing phenomenon? The researchers find the simple explanation that the Romans lacked the advanced technology to produce a perfect cube unacceptable. After all, we are talking about a civilization that left us aqueducts and thousands of kilometers of paved roads, among other remarkable achievements. At the same time, they reject the hypothesis that Romans intentionally produced misshapen dice to manipulate the outcomes. Their explanation reveals the interplay between intentional and unintentional elements that influenced the curious shape of Roman dice.

The asymmetrical shape can be attributed to two factors. Firstly, the raw materials used, such as bone and antler, were inherently asymmetrical, resulting in objects that were longer across certain axes. While it was possible to grind or shave down the longer sides to create a true cube, this step was largely deemed unnecessary due to the second factor: the Roman view on probability.

In ancient Rome, the concept of probability, as we understand it today, was not prevalent among the average citizen. Instead, they believed that random outcomes were decisions made by gods like Fortuna, the personification of luck. From their perspective, if any of the numbers shown on the dice were equally influenced by the will of the gods, then each outcome would be considered equally likely. The shape of the dice, therefore, was not seen as the determining factor for the outcome; rather it was divine intervention.

As a result, the asymmetry of the dice did not hinder their overall function. Rolling dice served purposes beyond mere games; it was a means of communication or engagement with the gods. For instance, people would roll dice to seek guidance or gain insights into the outcome of future events. Moreover, players often believed that gods favoring them would influence the dice rolls to grant them victory or fortune.

This Roman worldview allowed for a wide variety of dice shapes, as the concept of fate rather than probability dictated the outcomes. While we can now estimate probabilities statistically when analyzing a large number of dice rolls, individual throws remain unpredictable. This partly explains the continued popularity of gambling casinos today, despite the long-term odds being stacked against the individual player. For the Romans, producing an even probability of rolls across the numbers one through six, which is typically the main purpose of dice in modern gaming, was not the primary concern. Fate rendered each roll unpredictable, and the shape of the dice was not believed to be linked to specific outcomes. Most dice users were unaware of any connection between the frequency of particular numbers and the asymmetry of the dice they used.

However, as old as games of chance are, attempts to manipulate luck to gain an unfair advantage have existed for just as long. Historical evidence shows that even the Romans attempted to deceive the gods in various ways. There have been two well-known methods of cheating that have persisted throughout the centuries.

The first method involves using dice with two identical numbers on opposite sides. This clever trick allows a deceitful player to tilt the odds in their favor. For example, an unsuspecting opponent may not notice that the cheater gets sixes slightly more frequently than any other number, while never rolling ones. However, experienced gamblers quickly catch on to this scheme, making it less effective over time.

The second method employed by more cunning swindlers involved using weighted dice. By filling the dice with lead or other heavy materials, the cheater can ensure that a specific side of the dice carries more weight, resulting in that particular number being displayed more often than any other. Nevertheless, even this method becomes less effective after several games, as cautious gamblers become more observant and wary of such cheating tactics.

While attempts to cheat at games of chance have existed for centuries, both of these cheating methods have their limitations. Skilled and attentive gamblers can eventually detect these dishonest practices, making it increasingly difficult for cheaters to fool their opponents. However, as of recently, we know that there existed a third, much more sophisticated method of cheating that required specially manufactured dice. The presence of such dice demonstrates the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Romans in producing dice and it once again disproves the notion that the majority of dice were crudely made due to a lack of technology.

This particular type of dice came to light by a stroke of luck (or by the will of Fortuna) in 2000 when a group of Belgian schoolchildren embarked on an educational trip to a nearby Roman site. During their visit, a ten-year-old schoolgirl accidentally broke a bone-made dice, causing a mysterious grayish liquid, none other than mercury, to seep out. Although an interesting incident, this anecdote would have been forgotten if not for the efforts of a pair of Belgian archaeologists over twenty years later. They managed to unravel the secrets of this unusual dice. Through their research, they found that mercury dice, although rare, were present in various regions of Gaul and Germania during ancient times.

According to the authors, these dice served a similar purpose to the lead dice mentioned earlier, yet with one important difference. The mercury dice offered greater flexibility, enabling gamblers to enhance their odds of achieving any desired number. The trick was remarkably subtle, as the player merely needed to discreetly tilt the die to a specific side just before rolling it. For instance, when aiming for the number six, they would skillfully tip the die so that the mercury gracefully flowed toward the side displaying one. The liquid nature of mercury enabled them to reuse the same die for subsequent throws, adjusting it to show different numbers depending on their needs. This method of cheating was nearly impossible to detect which is another significant advantage over lead-filled dice.

What is particularly remarkable about these dice is the incredible precision required in their craftsmanship. The dice had to be carefully drilled and filled with mercury, ensuring they did not become noticeably heavier. The hole would then be closed using the same material. This entire process demanded the skills of experienced goldsmiths, along with precise instruments and hard-to-obtain materials. As a result, scientists conclude that each dice must have been worth a small fortune. This conclusion is further supported by the fact that most of these dice were discovered in former locations of Roman villas, where the wealthiest citizens resided.

If these findings are accurate, they reveal something else about the Romans: some of them likely gambled very large sums of money. Those willing to invest significant amounts in such an item would have done so only if they expected it to yield an even greater return. It appears that some Romans long ago managed to fulfill the alchemists dreams and discovered a way to turn mercury into gold. Fortuna may have favored the bold, but it is even more likely that she favored the rich.

Bibliography:

Eerkens, Jelmer W., de Voogt, Alex (2022). Why are Roman-period dice asymmetrical? An experimental and quantitative approach. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 14(134).

Faris, Suzanne B. (2012). Changing Public Policy and the Evolution of Roman Civil and Criminal Law on Gambling. UNLV Gaming Law Journal 3(2). 199219

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Luck and Cheating in Roman Gambling: The Die is Cast - The Collector

I WILL NEVER GIVE DAVE PORTNOY A GAMBLING PICK AGAIN! – Barstool Sports

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

There's no denying I had a ROUGH week at the Stool last week.

After spoiling Surviving Barstool on Wednesday morning, Wake Up Mintzy was suspended until 2024 and dump button gets figured out. All hell obviously broke loose at Barstool and I rightfully took a good bit of heat. I even had to wear a dunce cap around the office all day.

I also am banned from live content currently. I had to sit behind the NFL Sunday stream in this crazy mask & could not speak.

Just when I could not make things any worse, I mentioned to Dave Portnoy that I loved Green Bay (-3.5) on Sunday to bounce back from Monday Night Football loss at the Giants.

OOPS!

So much for that. Baker Mayfield torched the Packers secondary in 34-20 road win in what was the first time a road quarterback had a perfect rating at Lambeau Field.

And once again, I got torched by Dave Portnoy who fired big on the game.

The gambling gods then came for me when I lost my 2 unit over 48.5 bet on a blocked extra point in Washington/LA Rams game.

Thank God it is a new week. And it cannot get any worse than last week.or so I hope?

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I WILL NEVER GIVE DAVE PORTNOY A GAMBLING PICK AGAIN! - Barstool Sports

Could Online Gambling Become a Reality in Maryland? – Eye On Annapolis

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

The latest MDBetting.com poll has caught the eye, showing that 75% of Marylanders support the idea of legalizing online casinos and are ready to express their support in the 2024 election. According to the latest report from theMaryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, this state could generate more than $533 million in revenue in the very first year after legalizing online gambling.

In order for the issue to get on the ballot, Bill 267 must pass both houses of the Maryland legislature. If this happens, a simple majority of voters could authorize the launch of online gambling as early as June 2025. This could be a major moment for the state, which is expecting a significant economic infusion and new development opportunities in the gambling industry.

One of the bills sponsors is SenatorRon Watson, who is a Democrat from Prince Georges. He claims that legalizing online casinos will lead to more funds being allocated to the Maryland Future Project. This project is an education reform initiative that aims to close achievement gaps and create new developmental opportunities for students from preschool through high school.

Revenues from conventional casinos are directed to the Education Trust Fund and minority-owned small businesses in Maryland and in the areas where the casinos are located. Online casino revenues are also expected to support these same areas.

Currently, online casinos are legal in six states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Many Maryland players play in other states online or even in other countries. For example, many ventures to play casino games with Canadian dollars, which can be found at thelink http://www.twinspinca.com, despite the conversion fee. Nevada offers online poker. Also, Rhode Island has passed a bill to introduce online casinos, but for now, it wont go into effect until next March. This suggests that Maryland has precedents and successful models for taking full advantage of online casinos, which can serve as inspiration for the state and encourage the industry to grow.

A surge in problem gambling calls and more Va. headlines – Virginia Mercury

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

Gov. Glenn Youngkin is proposing mental health care reforms that would let a person in crisis have a relative near them and allow them to be given previously prescribed medication.Associated Press

Virginias problem gambling helpline saw a 788% increase in calls between 2019 and 2022. Henrico Citizen

Youngkins child care plan would maintain expanded eligibility at 85% of the state median income but would require low-income families to pay somewhat more for child care.VPM News

Small business owner Eric Phillips was nominated as the Republican candidate to fill the seat left by Del. Les Adams, R-Pittsylvania, who is stepping down after five terms in the legislature.Cardinal News

Northern Virginia residents are asking how plans for a new arena in Arlington to host the Washington Capitals and Wizards could affect already bad commutes.Washington Post

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A surge in problem gambling calls and more Va. headlines - Virginia Mercury

Argentina: Santa Fe Province approves online gambling and sports betting – Yogonet International

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

The Senate of the Province of Santa Fe sanctioned on Thursday 14 several bills sent by the Executive Power, headed by Governor Maximiliano Pullaro. Among these proposals was the one that regulates the activity of online gambling.

During the Extraordinary Session N 1 of the 141st Period, presided over by Vice Governor Gisela Scaglia, online gambling was enabled when the Senate accepted the preliminary approval from the Chamber of Deputies, without modifications.

The approved initiative "establishes a regulation for the development and exploitation of the activity of games of chance, sports betting, and sports forecasts, online or with virtual modality, which are carried out through digital, electronic, computerized, telematic, interactive, telecommunication means and platforms, and those to be developed in the future", the Senate stated.

Bill 52.665, promoted by Deputy Fabin Basta -currently Pullaro's Minister of Government- and introduced by his peer Marcelo Gonzlez (both from UCR Evolucin), was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, November 30.

With a wide majority in the Lower House and unanimity in the Upper House, the new regulation comes to overcome Decree 1451 of November 20, 2020, which, with the signature of then Governor Omar Perotti, enabled online gambling under the idea that it was only a "modality" of an already existing legalization.

During the pandemic, the opposition did not understand it this way since, from their point of view, the powers of the provincial Legislature had been subjugated. Three years ago, Pullaro and Basta, at that time deputies, initiated a lawsuit against Perotti, which now the online gambling law will probably make the issue become "abstract".

Although the idea of Basta and Gonzlez's project was to correct Perotti's regulation, the initiative has some novelties, such as the authorization of sports betting, the increase of the tax from 10% to 15% of the gross results, and a special containment to the agencies, to whom a part of the benefits will be allocated.

In addition, 50% of the money raised will be allocated to campaigns for the prevention and awareness of compulsive gambling.

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Argentina: Santa Fe Province approves online gambling and sports betting - Yogonet International

Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/18 – Zone Coverage

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Danzig

Locks

NBA (0.5 Unit) LA Clippers/Indiana Pacers Over 244.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 6:00 PM CT on Bally Sports IN

I was very surprised to see the Indiana Pacers associated with an opening total of just 239 points, even with speculation about Tyrese Haliburtons status tonight. But the big upwards adjustment signals that the total was far too low in the first place, and well probably see Haliburton tonight after he missed Saturdays game.

You also have to factor in how the Clippers have been playing lately. The past 3 weeks have seen their collection of superstars finally start to click, especially offensively as theyre averaging 122.4 PPG the past 9 games. LA is still the leagues second-best under team, but thats in the process of reverting back to the mean. Games against the leagues most dynamic scoring team that plays no defense will certainly help, and I see another 240s total getting cleared as has usually been the case this year.

NBA (0.5 Unit) Brooklyn Nets/Utah Jazz Over 233.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 8:00 PM CT on YES

The Nets have had a pretty unsuccessful road trip out west except for a shocking win in Phoenix, so theyll want to close it out here by taking advantage of a vulnerable Jazz defense. Utah is just 25th in defensive efficiency this season, and have had real trouble stopping any decent offenses. Brooklyn certainly has that potential as the leagues second-best shooting team from behind the arc, so look for them to keep firing away from deep here.

But the biggest reason the Nets have had a rough road trip is the defense, allowing 122.8 PPG in their 4 games out west so far. The Jazz finally got Lauri Markkanen back from injury, and his presence makes this offense completely different so they should exploit Brooklyns defensive struggles. Utahs home games have been some of the better over bets on the year, and this fairly low total by current NBA standards feels a little too low.

No degenerates today.

Tiny Nick is 1827-1635 ATS (+80.9 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games hes confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.

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Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/18 - Zone Coverage

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