Monthly Archives: January 2022

Two young local heroes of the Sydney to Hobart – Central Coast News – Central Coast Community News

Posted: January 5, 2022 at 8:43 am

January 4, 2022

This years Sydney to Hobart had a very strong link to the Central Coast as local sailors Reece and Liam Woulfe were part of the crew of the Line Honours winning super maxi sail boat Blackjack.

Of course Central Coast sailors have featured prominently on the world stage for many years, with world champion Tom Slingsby maintaining strong ties with Gosford Sailing Club.

Reece talked to Central Coast Newspapers about the challenging ordeal while sailing back to Sydney. The vessel took just two days, 12 hours and 37 minutes to complete, arriving at 1:37 am into Hobart, comfortably ahead of prized favorites Law Connect and SHK Scallywag.

From the beginning of the race we knew the first 24hrs were going to be tough for us, the strong southerly favoured the other two 100fts Law Connect and Scallywag said Reece

With the breeze dropping off along the coast of Tasmania in the forecast our team knew we just had to keep the distance between us and the leading boat as small as possible, we didnt expect Blackjack would be leading the fleet for majority of the race!

The aggressive sea state along the coast line made for a bumpy ride but once we sailed across the bass strait we finally hit smoother water and thats where we began to put some good distance between us and the other boats

Its been an incredible experience being apart of the Blackjack team over the past 2 years and to be surrounded by some of the most experienced and talented sailors Australia has to offer has been a privilege.

This was my first Hobart and to do it along side one of my best mates Liam Woulfe just made the win that much sweeter! said Reece

Blackjack will sail back to Sydney now where we can continue to modify, improve and prepare for the next race to come.

Reece, a former Kincumber High School student will now return to work at McConaghy Boats in Gosford.

CCN

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Arizonans bet $780M on sports in September and October. The state only made $1M – Fronteras: The Changing America Desk

Posted: at 8:43 am

KJZZ

Arizona gamblers can bet on sports using apps.

Arizonans bet nearly $780 million in the first two months that the state allowed gambling on sporting events.

But all that wagering, pushed by Gov. Doug Ducey, translated to just slightly more than $1 million in state revenues. Thats because of a provision in the law he signed has the state effectively financing free games to entice people to gamble.

And if the pattern doesnt change, the state will wind up with far less than the $100 million a year in new revenues that proponents were claiming.

Thats not the only issue.

It turns out that that revenue sharing from the tribal casinos, which until this past fall had a monopoly on gaming, was less than $21.5 million for the last three months of 2021. The Department of Gaming reports that is 32% less than from the same period a year earlier.

Max Hartgraves, spokesman for the agency, acknowledged the numbers and the fact that the 2020 legislation built in five years worth of what amount to credits the gaming industry can use to offset what they owe the state. But he said the low net revenue numbers for the state are likely to be only temporary.

Its basically to jump-start the market in the state,he said of the deductions the gaming companies can take. Gubernatorial press aide C.J. Karamargin agreed.

These numbers are going to go up, he told Capitol Media Services. And he boasted of Arizona already having the fifth highest handle of wagers in the entire country.

That, however, has so far not translated into actual dollars into state coffers the prime reason behind the legislation.

Newly legalized fantasy sports wagering on made-up teams of real players also has not taken off, with the state collecting only about $24,000 in gaming taxes in its first two months.

The new reports are the first since Ducey signed legislation in August allowing the sports franchises that are being given licenses to take bets on professional and college games to give away free samples.

As adopted, the franchises or the outside firms they hire to run their gaming operations can provide free bets or promotional credits.

But the key is the law says these operators can reduce what they report in adjusted gross receipts the amount used to compute what they owe the state by up to 20% for each of the first two years they are in business to compensate them for those free bets.

That drops to 15% in the third year of gaming and 10% in years four and five. After that, write-offs are not allowed.

So, in September, the state reported $291.2 million in gross wagers, virtually all of that placed on phones and other mobile apps.

The companies paid out $258.9 million in winnings, leaving them with $31.6 million in net wagers.

But the companies also took $31.2 million in promotional credits,leaving them with about $392,000 subject to the state tax of 8% on in-person bets and 10% on mobile or just $31,393 owed to the state.

It got somewhat better in October, with $486.1 million in wagers.

But here, too, after deducting the promotional credits, that left $10.4 million in net revenues and slightly more than $1 million for the state.

Karamargin, however, preferred to focus on the gross handle rather than what wound up in state coffers. He said the Arizona numbers are incredible, given that Nevada, in that same month, had $1.2 billion in gaming handle.

Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler), who was the sponsor of the House version of the legislation, said the numbers in the reports at least those showing the level of gaming are a positive sign. It shows theres clearly demand, he said. People of Arizona are responding and are embracing this.

Phoenix Suns and FanDuel Group

A viewing area inside FanDuel Sportsbook at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

So if there is all that interest, does the state need to incentivize enticements for people to gamble?

Yes, said Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge), the sponsor of the Senate version.

Im likening it to a store offering a holiday sale or something like that,he said. You need to entice people into the door to get them interested in doing something that they may have never done before.Shope said thats particularly true for online sports wagering.

This is something new for Arizona, he said.

Karamargin said he cannot say that the incentives are necessary to get people to wager on sports. Instead, he said, all he can work with is the big increase from September gaming actually started Sep. 9 and October with the $1 million in state revenues.

How do we know it would have been that without the incentives? he said.

Weninger had his own explanation.

What its really geared for is enticing the existing illegal bettors to come over to these platforms, to bring them into the legal fold, he said.

Weninger said the companies that operate the sports wagering will voluntarily begin to scale back their giveaways and enticements once Arizonans are in the habit of betting on sports.

You saw a big drop from September to October,said Weninger, with the amount of credits taken dropping from $31.2 million to $26 million. Its no different, he said, with how he operates his own restaurants, providing incentives to get new customers that arent necessary after they become regulars.

Anyway, Weninger said, it would be wrong to look at the benefits of legalized sports gaming based solely on the tax on net profits of the wagering companies, even after the promotion deductions.

I believe theres a lot of indirect revenue that comes through this, through economic development, through lots of tourism, Weninger said. And that, he said, doesnt count all the money that TV stations in Arizona are making from the blizzard of commercials promoting gambling and the free wagers.

The numbers do not include the initial $14 million in licensing fees for the operations plus the $3 million a year the state expects to get in renewals.

Weninger said he was not surprised that tribal gaming numbers are down. He said it reflects the fact that this form of gambling things like slot machines, keno and blackjack tables require physical presence.

You have to be masked up the entire time youre in there,Weninger said. So Im sure COVID is affecting that somewhat right now, and has been.

Hartgraves agreed. He said that casinos tend to cater to the older crowd, those who may be less willing to risk contracting the virus.

The tribes, however, were willing participants in the deal in hopes of eventually generating additional dollars for themselves.

In exchange for agreeing to off-reservation sports gaming, they get to operate not only more slot machines and table games like blackjack and poker but add craps, roulette and baccarat to their offerings. They, too, are able to take bets on sporting events and fantasy sports.

And rural tribes were given a big break in how much they have to share of their handle with the state.

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Arizonans bet $780M on sports in September and October. The state only made $1M - Fronteras: The Changing America Desk

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Playtech Live launches in the US with landmark multistate rollout – iGaming Business

Posted: at 8:43 am

Company launches new state-of-the-art Live Casino facilities in both Michigan and New Jersey.

Playtech,the worlds leading gambling technology company,has announced the launch of two state-of-the-art Live Casino facilities, one in Michigan and one in New Jersey.

The simultaneous launch of the two Playtech Live Casino facilities has been done in collaboration with newly established partner, Parx Interactive under the Play Gun Lake brand in Michigan and long-standing partner Bet365 in New Jersey, and after receiving the relevant approvals from MGCB and NJ DGE accordingly. Both facilities represent the initial launch ofPlaytechs entertainment-led Live Casinooffering in the US and the next step inPlaytechs strategic expansion in the US.

The cutting-edge studio in Southfield, Michigan, has been developed to deliver a new standard in Live Casino experience. The initial launch comprises of classicroulette,blackjackandbaccaratlive dealer tables as well asall-bets blackjack,which is based on Playtechs leading scalable variant allowing an unlimited number of players to participate in a game. This initial offering will be followed by further launches including a sport led environment, a new arcade experience which offers a new way to engage on Live Casino, and the introduction of some of our leading Live Game shows.

Both the Michigan and the New Jersey studio also featurequantum roulette arcade. A key game in our multiplier roulette portfolio,quantum roulettehas been tailored for the US market to create a new arcade gaming experience. It is a double zero auto roulette table with a new 1000x multiplier, which is the first live multiplier roulette variant to be launched in both states. It is certain to deliver a truly entertainment-led experience.

Commenting on the news, Edo Haitin, CEO at Playtech Live Casino, said:This is a landmark moment for Playtech and our development in the US and it is something we are all very excited about. We are humbly grateful for the warm welcome and support our teams have received from the Atlantic City and Southfield communities, and we are looking forward to becoming an integral part of these communities and contribute our part. The launch of the two facilities represents our core strategy of bringing our industry-leading studio standards to the US while ensuring that Playtech Lives most engaging and innovative products and technology are available to new markets and audiences. By partnering with Parx Interactive in Michigan and Bet365 in New Jersey, we have been able to enter some of the fastest growing states in the U.S. and Playtechs vision and drive for growth in these states has been well received by the local communities.

Launching two state-of-the-art studios across two regulated states in one day is not something I have seen done before, but I am incredibly proud of the entire Playtech Live team for stepping up to the challenge and producing not one, but two best-in-class Live Casino studios. By developing specially customised gameplay experiences for the US audience, we are confident we will deliver an exceptional online experience to players in Michigan and New Jersey, and we are excited to continue our journey with further strengthening our Playtech Live offering with more leading titles and content in the coming months.

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Easy Cold Dip Recipes – southernliving.com

Posted: at 8:42 am

When it comes to hosting a party, every hostess knows that the appetizer course is just as important as the main course. From sausage balls to sliders, there are innumerable appetizer recipes to choose from, but our tried-and-true appetizer is a savory dip. While we're big fans of a warm Spinach-Artichoke Dip, we'd like to make a case for classic cold dip recipes. You truly can't go wrong whipping up any of these dips. They take only a few minutes to make, and some of them can even be made a few days in advance. Whether you're hosting a ladies luncheon and want to have crudits or hosting a tailgate party and need a dip that will keep until you reach your tailgate location, these easy cold dip recipes are sure to impress. We've included a cold crab dip recipe, for all the seafood lovers out there, and a cold spinach dip that's just as good, if not better than, the warm version. What are you waiting for? Dip into one of these recipes and unlock even more hostess potential.

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On Alden Richards’ birthday, Jasmine Curtis-Smith looks back on an event they did together 10 years ago – GMA News Online

Posted: at 8:42 am

Jasmine Curtis-Smith posted a decade-old photo with Alden Richards to greet him a happy birthday.

On Instagram, Jasmine first posted a recent photo and followed it up with a photo from a ribbon cutting event they attended 10 years ago.

"Its been 10 years since that ribbon cutting and all I can say is CHEEEERS," Jasmine said.

"I will always be your friend beyond the cameras," she added.

The two are headlining "The World Between Us," which is already on its last week, and on her caption, Jasmine also thanked Alden for an easy work relationship.

"Thank you for making it a breeze to work with you(as always)," she said.

"May you rock all upcoming projects this 2022!" Jasmine added.

Alden turned 30 while still on vacation in the US. LA, GMA News

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On Alden Richards' birthday, Jasmine Curtis-Smith looks back on an event they did together 10 years ago - GMA News Online

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Sonam Kapoor, Anand Ahuja Make New Year Celebrations Phenomenal Twinning In Black – NDTV Swirlster

Posted: at 8:42 am

What better way to celebrate the onset of New Year than dressing up in stylish clothes and better still, twinning with your beloved? The ever-fashionable couple Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja chose to celebrate theirs in a way they know best and that is to stay on point always. Sonam Kapoor, in her recent post, was seen showering all her love for her husband Anand Ahuja in her New Year wishes. What caught our attention was Sonam Kapoor's beautiful high neck, all-black kaftan from the shelves of the Italian label Taller Marmo and of course, Anand Ahuja complementing her in the best possible way in a modest all-black ensemble featuring a black shirt and black trousers. Yet again, the couple's fashion choices made an impression.

Also Read:Sonam Kapoor's Modern IndianLehengaIs The Stuff Of Fairytales

But the party is not over yet as that was not the only holiday look for the couple. With an outfit change, the couple made more chic style statements, much to the delight of their fans. Sonam Kapoor in a casual-chic peach co-ord set from Jil Sander's Pre Fall 2020 collection looked stunning and Anand Ahuja kept it fuss free in a black tee and beige overshirt. Chic yet comfortable seems like the fashion motto for the stylish duo. Don't we just love how they complement each other?

From glamorous to casual, we have witnessed the duo rock all outfits they wear. Don't they look dreamy and straight out of a movie poster in this post? The lovely Sonam Kapoor in a bright and gorgeous pink dress while Anand Ahuja opts for a classic blazer look.

Also Read:From Sonam Kapoor's Co-Ords To Malaika Arora's Kaftan, This Celebrity Pattern Party Is Raging

After their fair share of casual looks, how can we even forget to mention their glowing Diwali look? Sonam Kapoor in an off-white chikan anarkali looked radiant and ready for celebrations. Anand Ahuja too in an off-white kurta set designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh looked charming. The Internet surely went gaga over the couple's outfits and poses of them drooling in love.

Undeniably, Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja are surely couple-goals when it comes to fashion. We can't wait to see what more this duo has in store for us!

(Also Read:Sonam Kapoor And Anand Ahuja Look Regal In White Ethnic Looks To Wrap Up The Diwali 2021 Weekend)

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The best gigs and albums to look forward to in 2022 – The Irish Times

Posted: at 8:42 am

Ireland's lineup of gigs and album releases for 2022 looks to rejuvenate the industry and music fans across the country Gigs in January 2022

Gilla BandJanuary 14th/21st/29th, Whelans, DublinOne word: earplugs.

TradfestJanuary 26th-30th, various venues in DublinTop-notch folk/roots/trad fare here, folks. Acts performing include Fairport Convention, Kate Rusby, Peggy Seeger, Martin and Eliza Carthy, and The Lost Brothers.

Soda BlondeFebruary 5th-18th, various venuesQuality Irish band playing in Dublin, Listowel, Limerick, Belfast, Galway.

Eddi ReaderFebruary 10th-26thComprehensive nationwide tour by acclaimed Scottish singer/songwriter.

Mary BlackFebruary 18th, INEC, Killarney, Co Kerry; February 19th, Theatre Royal, Waterford; February 24th, Opera House, Cork; February 25th, Lime Tree Theatre, LimerickEnduring Irish performer embarks on a rare mini-tour.

Denise ChailaFebruary 25th, 3Olympia Theatre, DublinThe hottest Irish act right now deservedly ups the game with her biggest show to date.

DaveMarch 3rd, 3Arena, DublinMuch praised UK rapper delivers tracks from his two albums, 2019s Psychodrama and 2021s Were All Alone in This Together.

CMATMarch 9th, Cyprus Avenue, Cork; March 10th, Dolans, Limerick; March 11th, The Academy, Dublin; March 12th, Limelight 2, BelfastMuch anticipated live shows from the uber-smart Irish singer and songwriter, who will be performing songs from her debut album, If My Wife New Id be Dead.

Country To CountryMarch 11th-13th, 3Arena, DublinUS country big names come out to play. Acts include Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, and Miranda Lambert.

Randy NewmanMarch 15th, Vicar Street, DublinSatiric, cynical, smart-arse and witty a songwriters songwriter comes to town.

Fatboy SlimMarch 16th, 3Arena, Dublin; March 18th, SSE Arena, BelfastConfident club-friendly crowd-pleaser on a St Patricks two-day bender.

The Mary WallopersMarch 17th, Vicar Street, Dublin (also April 17th)Dundalks The Mary Wallopers on St Patricks Day? Perfect.

SigridMarch 18th, 3Arena, DublinThe Norwegian pop singer loves Ireland, and Ireland loves her right back. Simple as.

The StavesMarch 23rd, Dolans, Limerick; March 24th, Helix, Dublin; March 25th, Empire, Belfast; March 26th, Black Box, Galway; March 28th, Cyprus Avenue, CorkUK folk/pop sibling group finally return to Ireland for a brief if decent-sized tour.

Sam FenderMarch 24th, 3Arena, DublinUK singer with muscular hints of Springsteen and old-school rock/pop.

Counting CrowsMarch 27th, 3Arena, DublinAdam Duritz returns to the fray with his immensely popular band.

James ArthurMarch 28th, Ulster Hall, Belfast; March 29th, 3Olympia Theatre, DublinOne of X Factors more credible alumni.

Bitch FalconApril 1st, Whelans, DublinFarewell to this Irish band, whose final gig this is.

Gavin JamesApril 2nd-29th, various venuesNationwide tour throughout April for one of Irelands most confessional songwriters. Commencing April 2nd/3rd, Opera House, Cork, and concluding April 29th, Lake Land Session, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Royal BloodApril 5th, 3Arena, DublinHeavy-duty twosome here to make some noise.

War On DrugsApril 14th, 3Arena, DublinUS musician Adam Granduciel performs songs from his 2021 album, I Dont Live Here Anymore.

ProtomartyrApril 22nd, Button Factory, DublinUS post-punk band for fans of The Fall, Pere Ubu, and Wire.

Ed SheeranApril 24th, Croke Park, Dublin; April 28th/29th, Pirc U Chaoimh, CorkOne of the most popular music acts in the world, right here, right now.

Shawn MendesMay 1st, 3Arena, DublinCanadian mega pop star brings his Wonder: the World Tour to Dublin.

Ed SheeranMay 5th/6th, Thomond Park, Limerick; May 12th/13th, Boucher Road Playing Fields, BelfastHere we go again.

ToolMay 6th, 3Arena, DublinUS metal band you need to experience. Enough said.

Richard HawleyMay 8th, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin; May 10th, Dolans Warehouse, Limerick; May 11th, Opera House, Cork; May 13th, Black Box, Galway; May 14th, St Canices Cathedral, KilkennyUK crooner par excellence always welcome in these parts.

WarpaintMay 15th, National Stadium, DublinIndie rock all the way from Los Angeles. How cool is this? Very.

Lindsey BuckinghamMay 17th, The Helix DublinEx-Fleetwood Mac songwriter/guitarist delivers solo and choice Mac tunes.

My Chemical RomanceMay 24th/25th, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, DublinGerard Way and friends return. Skeleton costume attire is optional.

Bryan AdamsMay 29th, SSE Arena, Belfast; May 30th, 3Arena, DublinYoure gonna run to him, arent you?

IdlesMay 29th, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, DublinBlistering UK band reschedule their January shows (x3) at Vicar Street to this open-air venue. Damn theyre good, but we know which venue wed have preferred to see them in.

Simply RedJune 1st, Live At The Marquee, Cork; June 2nd, Live At Botanic Gardens, BelfastSoul/funk/pop as presented by Mick Hucknall.

Billie EilishJune 3rd, SSE Arena, Belfast; June 4th/5th, 3Arena, DublinWelcome home, Billie Eilish OConnell.

Forbidden FruitJune 4th/5th, The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, DublinFrom Bicep to Hot Chip, and Gemma Dunleavy to Lorde happy 10th anniversary to this excellent city-centre festival.

Noel Gallaghers High Flying BirdsJune 5th, Fairview Park, DublinMeat? Check. Two veg? Check. Thick gravy? Check.

Public Image LtdJune 9th, National Stadium, DublinJohn Lydon and co still a unique presence after all these years.

Peggy Seeger and Calum MacCollJune 9th, Pavilion Theatre, Dn Laoghaire, Co DublinThe folk dynasty continues.

Jimmy WebbJune 10th, Pavilion Theatre, Dn Laoghaire, Co DublinPop classicist for some, there is no better.

The ScriptJune 14th/15th, 3Arena, DublinIrish favourites here to heat up the summer.

Sea SessionsJune 17th-19th, Bundoran, Co DonegalActs featured across this much-loved festival include Kodaline, Basement Jaxx, Tinie, All Tvvins, David Keenan, and Malaki.

Greta Van FleetJune 23rd, Fairview Park, DublinIf straight-up rock music is your bag, then grab this one.

The EaglesJune 24th, Aviva Stadium, DublinUS stalwarts taking it to the limit again as they celebrate their 50th birthday.

Years & YearsJune 24th, National Museum Of Ireland, Collins Barracks, DublinFronted by Olly Alexander, Years & Years headline the Mother Pride Opening Party.

St VincentJune 26th, Fairview Park, DublinSmart, stylish, and a quality US songwriter/musician.

FoalsJune 27th, Fairview Park, DublinTextured UK rock band hit tender and terrifying marks.

Red Hot Chili PeppersJune 29th, Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, DublinAnyone for a vigorous bout of Rathfarnication?

Olivia RodrigoJune 29th, Live At The Marquee; June 30th, Fairview Park, DublinUS singer and songwriter du jour brings her debut album, Sour, to Ireland.

WestlifeJuly 8th, Aviva Stadium, DublinAnd theyre off!

VillagersJuly 14th, Iveagh Gardens, DublinA home from home for one of Irelands most considered songwriters.

All Together NowJuly 29th-31st, Curraghmore Estate, Co WaterfordConfirmed acts so far include Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Underworld, Sinad OConnor. Many more TBA.

AslanSeptember 17th, 3Arena, DublinResilient Dublin band celebrate 40 years on the go.

Swedish House MafiaOctober 6th, 3Arena, DublinElectro/EDM outfit taking care of dance/house business.

Don McLeanOctober 7th, 3Arena, DublinUS songwriter celebrates the 50th anniversary of his classic song, American Pie.

PavementNovember 10th/11th, Vicar Street, DublinUS band more than a cult, less than stadium fillers. Do we love them? Yes, we do.

The CureDecember 1st, 3Arena, Dublin; December 2nd, SSE Arena, BelfastClass legacy band perform songs from their 40-odd year career.

Years and Years: Night Call

Elvis Costello: The Boy Named IFCat Power: CoversLyndsey Lawlor: Dearest Philistine

Janis Ian: The Light at the End of the LineSilverbacks: Archive MaterialYard Act: The Overload

Eels: Extreme WitchcraftMaverick Sabre: Dont Forget to Look UpAndy White: This Garden is Only TemporaryMichelle Daly: January Skies

Mitski: Laurel HellWhozyerman: BlinkDivine Comedy: Charmed Life: the Best of DCCate Le Bon: Pompeii

Alt-J: The DreamEddie Vedder: EarthlingLaurie Shaw: The Great SouthernTelefs: a hAon

Hurray for the Riff Raff: Life on EarthBeach House: Once Twice Melody

Johnny Marr: Fever Dreams Pts 1-4Soft Cell: *Happiness Not IncludedTears for Fears: The Tipping PointCMAT: If My Wife New Id be DeadSpiritualised: Everything Was Beautiful

Stereophonics: Oochya!Dolly Parton: Run, Rose, Run

The Boo Radleys: Keep on with FallingBryan Adams: So Happy it Hurts

Charli XCX: CrashFeeder: TorpedoTrack Dogs: Where to Now?

Placebo: Never Let me GoBon Iver: Bon Iver 10th Anniversary

Mic Christopher: Live At the Lobby (Live At the Lobby)

Jack White: Fear of the DawnLets Eat Grandma: Two RibbonsWet Leg: Wet Leg

HamsandwicH: title tbc

The Waterboys: All Souls Hill

Naimee Coleman: The EdgesNeil Dexter: Ill be Ready

The Feeling: Loss. Hope. Love.Rosa Nutty: World Still BlueDora Gola: Dance with Danger

Craig David: 22Wallis Bird: title tbc

Liam Gallagher: Cmon You Know

The Orwells: The World is a Circus Created for the Young/debut

Robocobra Quartet: Living Isnt Easy

Col Patterson: Dare you Come to Mind

Post Punk Podge: title tbcSomebodys Child: title tbc

Jack White: Entering Heaven Alive

Arctic Monkeys, Avenged Sevenfold, Corner Boy, Counter Intelligence, Ghost, Dora Gola, David Hope, Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Interpol, Keeley, Jesy Nelson, Loah, Machine Gun Kelly, Tol Makay, Laura Mulcahy, Lorraine Nash, New Pagans, Ken ODuffy, Molly OMahony, Ozzy Osbourne, Rammstein, Ailbhe Reddy, Clare Sands, Selk, Spiritualised, Ye Vagabonds, Zaska.

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Letters: Freedom to refuse vaccine comes with enormous cost

Posted: at 8:40 am

Letters to the Editor| The Columbus Dispatch

While the human cost of the COVID-19 pandemic has been staggering, and its emotional toll on health care workers unimaginable, the economiccost to the health care systemhas been enormous, as well. Yet, a significant portion of the billions of dollars spent on hospital care could have been avoided.

More: "Doctors and nurses crying after their shifts," CMO says. 'Health care heroes' need support

According to the Health System Tracker, a publication of thePeterson Center on Healthcare andtheKaiser Family Foundation, there were a total of 690,000 vaccine-preventable COVID-19 hospitalizations form June through November 2021with each of those cases costing an average of $20,000.That equals 13 billion, 800 million unnecessarilyspentdollarsthat will come from taxpayers or insurance rate payers.

In the end, those claiming the freedom to be unvaccinated are doing so at an enormous cost to others. It gives freedom isnt free an entirely new meaning.

Chuck Ardo, Lancaster

More: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

I am writing with regard to a Dec. 28 Dispatch editorial published in the Canton Repository "Lawmakers hellbent on making gun violence worse."

More: Our view: Hellbent lawmakers are doing 'something' about gun violence making it worse

In the "world of rules" you refer to, needing a license to drive a car, hunt deer, and take fish from Ohio waters, I fully agree with, as license fees help pay the costs of maintaining roadsand funding the ODNR to keep our state a viable place for wildlife to flourish, while giving the residents who wish to participate an environment to do so. It doesn't require a constitutional obligation to do so, either.

Regarding the concealed carry law that awaits the governor's signature, we must realize that the right to defend ourselves is granted by the Second Amendment to the Constitution. It is clearly stated that this right "shall not be infringed" -period.

More: Concealed carry, guns in schools: Two major gun bills win approval in Ohio House

Any need for a license will not be adhered to by those who have bad intent. The law-abiding citizen who is only wanting to have a chance of surviving a situation where his/her life may be in danger is no threat to anyone other than the "bad guy."

I highly urge the governor to sign this bill into law.

Randy J. Lindower,New Philadelphia

With every man, woman and child having access to one or moreguns, why should there be a question as to why homicides have risen in Columbus and the U.S.?

More: Amelia Robinson: Instead of celebrating Christmas, far too many are 'dying by the gun'

The actions of many of our elected officials explains why instruments searching for intelligent life are pointed toward the sky.

John Lindamood, Columbus

I am a vaccination card supporter (referencing Dec. 26 letter to the editor "Do vaccination card advocates support proper ID for voting?") and also support proper ID for voting.

More: Letters: Common sense needed about COVID-19 vaccines. Ohio Republicans need to shape up.

The problem is that William Kloss forgets we already have proper identification for voting:at the voting venue they compare my signature with the one on file when I registered as well as asking other questions about my address, etc.

If I vote by mail I have to submit my name, address, signature, date of birth and either part of my Social Securitynumber or my driver's license number. So showing a driver's license to vote would not add anything, and of course, not everyone has a suitable license. There is no need for anything else.

Martin J. Williamson, Worthington

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Letters: Freedom to refuse vaccine comes with enormous cost

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The five freedoms we must champion in the New Year – ncpolicywatch.com

Posted: at 8:40 am

Photo: Creative Commons/Caroline Lna Becker

Eighty-one years ago this week, President Franklin Roosevelt delivered what was, from a substantive perspective, the most important speech of his unique and remarkable presidency.

While the 1933 inaugural speech (We have nothing to fear but fear itself.) is almost certainly better known, FDRs January 6, 1941 address to Congress commonly referred to as the Four Freedoms Speech is now rightfully remembered, alongside Lincolns Gettysburg Address, as one of the best and most inspiring testimonials to the cause of human freedom (and enunciations of national purpose) ever offered by an American chief executive.

The speech was delivered at a time the U.S. was still wrestling with what its role should be in combating Nazi Germany and in it, Roosevelt forcefully called for the intentional construction of a world in which such noxious and destructive forces be forever banished and all human beings would enjoy a series of fundamental birthrights.

Today, at another moment of national and global peril (and in which the basic concept of human freedom has frequently been twisted and misdirected off onto weird tangents like the possession of assault weapons, slashing taxes on corporations, and the resistance of basic public health guidelines) its an apt time to recall and celebrate the four freedoms FDR lifted up and to add a fifth that he would have undoubtedly included had he been able to foresee the changes that have overtaken our planet in the intervening decades.

Freedom Number One on FDRs list was the freedom of speech and expression. Of course, in some ways, the world has made important strides in this realm over the last 81 years. Here in the United States and many other parts of the world, for instance, the freedom of artists resides in a much stronger position than it did in the mid-20th Century when thousands were blacklisted for leftist political views and films and books were regularly banned for obscene content. The advent of the internet has contributed to this trend by making it harder than ever for would-be censors to monitor and control what people express and consume.

But, of course, the fight in this realm continues. In just the last year, forces of the political right have launched a new and concerted campaign to whitewash how American history is taught and renewed efforts to prevent schoolchildren from accessing celebrated authors. Meanwhile, in other parts of the globe perhaps most notably, Xis China and Putins Russia the right to openly criticize the government and champion meaningful political change remains effectively nonexistent.

A similar story can be told with respect to FDRs second core freedom the freedom of worship. While some countries have made enormous strides in ending government efforts to stifle or advance religious belief, the trend is decidedly negative elsewhere. Not only do many nations remain organized as repressive theocracies, but even in the United States, our historic commitment to separation of church and state is under a new and energetic assault.

And then there are Freedoms Three and Four the freedom from want and the freedom from fear. Here too, of course, the record is decidedly mixed.

Across the planet, even as millions of humans live longer and healthier lives than ever before, millions of others live in abject poverty with hunger and hopelessness their constant companions even here in the U.S.

And while the world has made important strides in turning away from the threat of nuclear annihilation that so dominated and poisoned human mental well-being throughout the second half of the 20thcentury, today we rightfully fear an equally daunting existential threat: the global environmental emergency.

As more and more people are coming to realize especially in the dark shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic the planet Earth is, effectively, shrinking. The global population continues to grow and resources and inhabitable land become stretched thinner and thinner. As the destructive impacts of climate change become more apparent, humans are, tragically, right to fear for the long-term sustainability of life as weve come to know it.

Its for this reason that we would do well to supplement FDRs still excellent list with a fifth freedom on which all others remain utterly dependent the freedom of a sustainable environment. After all, the cause of human freedom wont amount to much in the long run without rapid and intentional efforts to preserve the fragile biosphere upon which all life is dependent.

The bottom line: The Year 2022 is sure to feature passionate and important debates on a dizzying array of political, social, economic issues so much so that it will become easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees. At such a time, caring and thinking people would do well to stay focused on a discreet list of guiding objectives, and the one we might describe as the Five Freedoms is a good place to start.

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The five freedoms we must champion in the New Year - ncpolicywatch.com

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Driver charged with DWI after 2 killed, 2 hurt in crash on Freedom Drive – WCNC.com

Posted: at 8:40 am

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene of a crash in the inbound lanes of Freedom Drive in west Charlotte Tuesday morning.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Two people were killed and two others were hurt in a crash on Freedom Drive in west Charlotte Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Medic responded to a reported crash on Freedom Drive near Alleghany Street around 5:30 a.m. The crash involved a 2004 Nissan Maxima and a 2017 Hyundai Sonata and both received severe damage.

Medic said two people were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed the identities of the two as Onjenay Porter, 25, and David Coleman, 32. They were passengers in the 2004 Nissan Maxima.

The drivers of both vehicles were taken to a hospital for treatment.

CMPD says the Nissan turned directly in front of the Hyundai, causing the crash.

The driver, Kenya Harris, was determined to be impaired by an officer. Warrants were obtained against Harris, who remains hospitalized, for felony death by motor vehicle.

Officers say impairment and speed do not seem to be contributing factors for the driver of the Hyundai, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Freedom Drive was shut down between Alleghany Street and Camp Greene Street for the investigation. The road reopened shortly after noon.

Drivers in the area can use Tuckaseegee Road to get around the incident. Drivers heading toward Uptown can use Ashley Road or Wilkinson Boulevard to get into the city.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have not determined the cause of the crash at this time or identified the people who were killed. Any person with information about this incident is asked to call 704-334-1600 or 704-432-TIPS.

Contact Chris Mulcahy atcmulcahy@wcnc.comand follow him onFacebook,TwitterandInstagram.

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Driver charged with DWI after 2 killed, 2 hurt in crash on Freedom Drive - WCNC.com

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