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Daily Archives: February 5, 2023
What is federalism? | State Policy Network
Posted: February 5, 2023 at 10:50 am
The term federalism is often confusing. You would think that federalism involves a system where the federal government has more influence and power, but its just the opposite. Federalism actually describes a system of government where some powers belong to the national government, and some powers belong to the state government.
Federal systems must have at least two levels of government. As you know, America has a federal government that consists of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches (headquartered in Washington, DC). Thats one level. The other level comes from the 50 state governments, each with their own powers and sovereignty.
The Founding Fathers adopted federalism in response to the problems with Americas first system of government, the Articles of Confederation. If you think back to your high school history class, you may remember the 13 original states created the Articles of Confederation as the United States first form of government. Under this system, the states remained sovereign and independent, and a newly created Congress served as a last resort to resolve disputes.
But the articles had some weaknesses. The biggest problem was Congress wasnt strong enough to enforce laws or raise taxes. These flaws prompted the Constitutional Convention of 1787. There, delegates from the 13 states drafted the Constitution to address the problems with the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution created a stronger central government to oversee national issues while keeping most power in the states. This is a federalist style of governmentand Americas systemwhere power is shared between the state, local, and national governments.
In the United States, the federal government has the power to regulate trade between states, declare war, manage the mail, and print moneyamong several other powers.
State governments have their own set of powers too. States generally oversee education, roads, drivers licenses, police departments, elections, and more. Notably, all power not granted to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people. The Founders intended the federal governments powers to be limited. In The Federalist Papers, James Madison noted: The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.
And then there are shared powers, also known as concurrent powers. Both the federal and state governments have the power to tax and establish courts, for example.
A healthy federalist system is one in which citizens are active, informed participants who hold government officials accountable and push back when they overstep their powers. The recent challenges to Governors Cuomo and Newsoms actions are an example of individuals and organizations demanding accountability. An example of state governments pushing back against overreach by the federal government can be seen with the recent federal vaccine mandates. When OSHA and other federal agencies issued mandates which attempted to usurp states acknowledged authority over public health, states pushed back, filing lawsuits that have been upheld by federal courts.
The American colonists fought the American Revolution because they wanted to break free from the tyrannical government led by Englands King George III. After winning the war in 1781, the new American citizens were very hesitant to create a powerful, centralized government. Thats why they created the Articles of Confederation. But the Articles were too weak and gave states too much power. Federalism was a compromise. Its the idea that government authority rests in both the national and state governments. Its why you are a citizen of both your state and the United States!
One benefit of federalism is it creates laboratories of democracy across the country. This means states are free to try different policies and see what works best for their populations. A good policy in Wyoming, for example, might not be the most effective policy for a bigger state such as California. Federalism allows states to adopt policies that best fit their needs.
Another benefit of federalism is it protects the American people from tyranny. Because power isnt concentrated at one levelor within one branch of governmentits difficult for one branch to take control of the others.
Yes. Besides the United States, 30 other countries use federalist systems for their governments. These countries include India, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, and Brazil.
There you have it. A very brief overview of what federalism is and how it works. If youre interested in learning more about this form of government, these resources may interest you:
FederalismBill of Rights Institute
What is Federalism?History on the Net
When the Founding Fathers Settled States vs. Federal RightsAnd Saved the NationHistory Channel
What is Federalism?US Law Essentials
Federalism is a Condition for Better StatesAmerican Enterprise Institute
Too many decisions have been taken out of the hands of citizens and our elected representatives and left up to Washington, DC. The solution lies in reclaiming self-governance in our states and communities.
A new book, I, Citizen, offers concrete solutions for how our country can come together to reclaim local and state control from the political elites in Washington.
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15 Most Beautiful Small Towns in New Zealand – WorldAtlas
Posted: at 10:46 am
New Zealand is home to stupendously beautiful small towns that are so diverse in sights, stretching from the country's North to South Islands. Each with a special character, they will immerse you into a unique atmosphere in an unforgettable getaway from the hustle of the everyday life. Boasting mesmerizing scapes with pursuits for all levels, these cities offer opportunities to bask along the beaches, soak in views and take in sun-rays on a stroll, and hike diverse terrain including mountain peaks.
These 15 towns welcome with a cool vibe and warm atmosphere veiling eco-friendly attractions and accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. Their beaches are renowned for sensational sunsets, with surfing, swimming, fishing, and water adventures via scenic cruises and kayak rides.
The "adventure capital of New Zealand" is nestled along the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu on the South Island. You can explore the diverse surroundings through plenty of active or laidback pursuits, from adrenaline-pumping jet-boat rides to relaxing river cruises, and swimming along the shores, or fly fishing. The breathtaking scenery will also follow you throughout the land adventures along the trails within surrounding mountain views on a stroll or days-long hikes.
The areas iconic rugged landscape is a favorite destination among photographers, picnickers amidst scenic sights, and family visits. The in-town knows its worth, with a boisterous quaint vibe balanced by a Cosmopolitan lifestyle. Its lively streets come lined with fine dining establishments, along with a bustling bar scene. The line-up of cultural events includes the most-popular Queenstown Winter Festival, famed for raucous street parties.
All the scenically-inclined culture fans head to Oamaru, the self-proclaimed "Steampunk capital of New Zealand." The beautiful town houses the country's best collection of nationally-recognized Victorian architecture and offbeat art culture along the streets, under a laid back vibe. Oamaru is home to vibrant natural sights like its renowned penguin colonies, best-spotted via the Alps to Ocean Cycleway.
Take the scenic day trip along this historic track, or the full four-to-six day journey to admire the entire galore of sights, like the extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins at the Bushy Beach. There are also little blue penguins around the harbor district. The town awaits tired explorers with attractions and many boutiques, a prominent artsy atmosphere, and the all-encompassing steampunk scene.
Picton's tiny scape spreads picturesquely at the doorstep of New Zealands wine producing Marlborough. It is ideal base for all new and weathered wine connoisseurs, especially the active types, with enough adventures to fill a vacation. "Epicton" boasts stunning views of Marlborough Sounds from Victoria Domain, and the Queen Charlotte Track for multi-day hike through pristine native forest and round coastal bays.
The postcardport-town sits in the heart of the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, a real paradise for diving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins, or enjoying sights via an atmospheric mail boat cruise. The beautiful boardwalk along the main harbor is aligned with cafes, restaurants, and galleries, along with a 19th-century former convict ship-turned Edwin Fox Maritime Museum.
The town of Russell is New Zealand's first European settlement and port, formerly known as Kororreka. Needless to say, it is an attractive scape of rich history, with historical sights like structures, wonderful galleries, and the Pompallier Mission. The French Catholic mission headquarters is the last-remaining, and only of its kind structure in all of Australasia.The historical heart of the country is also home to the oldest surviving Christ Church for another bucket-list item to pay homage.
The very first capital of New Zealand, nestled in the beautiful Bay of Islands is not all about historicalarchitecture. The active enjoy kayaking around the scenic Bay of Islands, fishing, sailing, dolphin spotting, and cycling ventures down the iconic Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Surrounded by golden sand beaches, Russell offers access to days-spent basking along the sands, splashing clear waters, and trekking through the pristine tropical forest paradise.
Wanaka is a truly beautiful town within a picturesque part of New Zealand, at the gateway to the famed Mount Aspiring National Park. The lakeside town sits surrounded by majestic peaks, glacier and ski fields, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Wanaka is a perfect base for exploring the natural delights around the rugged South Island'sunspoiled nature.
There is also the namesake river with jaw-dropping backdrop of snow capped mountain peaks and the doorstep to the awe-inspiring park, featured in The Lord of the Rings. Others come for the severalski resorts around, a famous sculpture gallery, and outdoor maze, the Puzzling World. Enjoy the town from a different angle on a scenic cruise or a kayak ride splicing the pristine waters.
Whakatane is a treasure cove for the adventurous souls, nestled within one of New Zealands best locales with a telling name of the Bay of Plenty, referring to its immense scenery. The award-winning Sunshine capital is epitome of authentic New Zealand, with nature and history under forever-pleasant weather, behind the moniker. Immerse in deep culture at places like the Mataatua Wharenui, the 130-year old Maori meeting house, and the impressive Te Kputu a te whanga a Toi museum with history on the Maori and European settlement.
There is a vast specter of outdoor attractions like the vibrant Wairere Falls, the famous, partially-damaged Muriwais Cave, and the countrys best, hope Beach. The White Island awaits relentless venturers just a boat ride away with a very-active volcano. The coastal town is also the Kiwi capital of the world, a scenic home to these endangered native birds and nature, aplenty. While it may be hard to leave the pleasant bay's waters, the countrys scenic swimming galore, the town is also ideal base on a getaway into the upper North Island.
Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's renowned alpine village, perfect for a winter ski vacation or a summer getaway into boundless outdoor pursuits. Following the nature ventures, the beautiful park is home to natural hot springs alongside an award-winning wellness spa to relax any style. Take an evening stroll through the atmospheric downtown, encompassing fantastic a restaurants scene, bars, and comfortable hotels for a good night's rest before a new day of adventures.
The skiers flee-in for the Hanmer Springs ski field with runs for beginners and advanced, and less crowds than the larger fields down south. Enjoy surrounding beauty along the walking tracks, jet boat rides, and mountain bike trails. For anytime pursuits, there is boutique shopping, cafe sits, and laid back entertainment along the streets. The animal park calls for families to interact with local fauna, including wallabies. Follow-up with some adult-time at the local Marble Point winery, amidst gorgeous scenery with wine tastings and scrumptious selection of cheeses.
Akaroa sits perched on the namesake bay amidst appealing scape, veiling deep French and English heritage within. The bay's calm waters call for lazy morning swims to wake up for the day of adventures ahead. Outdoor explorers enjoy 4WD tours into the largest penguin habitat in New Zealand, along with plentiful scenic activities like sea kayaking, sailing, and cycling along the shores.
Akaroa's quaint streets emanate special ambience with colonial architecture, while the artisan galleries and craft stores showcase the best of present-day culture along the Banks Peninsula. Combine history and nature on a stroll around downtown, the heart of a primeval volcano, or choose a relaxing walking track through the gorgeous hills around, for a relaxing pastime. Spend the evening watching hector dolphin play from the beach at sunset.
The beautiful town of Bluff, once known as Campbelltown, is perched at the southern tip of the country. It is one of the earliest-inhabited locales by the Europeans, and present day claim to fame for its world-renowned Bluff oysters. The country's oldest continually occupied European settlement is full of pursuits for the nature-starved, and plenty of marvelous architecture for those after rich history. Visit the Bluff Maritime Museum to learn fascinating heritage insights. A peaceful stroll along the world class tracks of Bluff Hill will take you through the regions fascinating flora and fauna that will imprint in mind. The little town is also idyllic base for a scenic escape into a whole other world of wild natural attractions at the nearby Stewart island.
The small town in southern reaches of the North Island is a 16-time winner of "the most beautiful town" title in the country. Its manicured scape and moniker friendly Feilding emanate waves of Pleasantville that attract sightseers from around the globe. Fielding's vast offerings in scenic pursuits include the town square, public gardens with an aviary and duck pond, and galleries for the cultured. The town just north of Palmerston North is like a delicious candy in beautiful wrapper, with streets adorned in gorgeous Edwardian architecture in between boutiques and a collection of historic museum, under rural charm.Take a walk along the central business district to sight-see side-building murals by the local, Eric Brew. The foodies rejoice in authenticity and choice at the award-winning farmers market on Friday mornings, with fresh honey from beekeepers, locally grown produce, homemade pastries and freshly-baked bread. The Manfeild Complex encompasses a historic race track, host to many iconic races and racing celebrities, with regular motorsport meets. The equestrian fans enjoy events like dressage, horse races, and the National Miniature Horse show.
The beautiful town on the west coast of the South Island within the rugged Tasman sea was a gold mining community in the 1860s. Today, Hokitika is a gold mine of historical marvels and natural wonders, proximate to South Island's treasures like the Arthurs Pass National Park and Franz Josef Glacier. The water fans enjoy scenic white-water kayaking at the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, while the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve is ideal for water skiing and fishing.
The stupendous West Coast Rainforest features a 20-meter-high steel platform to stroll around the treetops and sight-see breath-taking sunset at Sunset Point. The town near the namesake river is a thriving port with vibrant history, unique activities and attractions, like the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival with local delicacies of huhu grubs and pigs ears.
Kaikoura is a beautiful town where its hard not to spot a specie from a corner of the eye no matter where you are. The immediate waters are a-brim with exotic animals like dolphins, whales, and seals. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise or scuba dive amidst the fauna and flora of some of New Zealand's most scenic reefs. Kaikoura sits idyllically nestled within landscape where the county's stunning coastline meets the jagged peaks. The spectacular town boasts an improved coastal road following a devastating earthquake in 2016.
Kaikoura awaits visitors with walkable streets veiled in eco-friendly atmosphere, steep mountains, and wild ocean views. The galore of wet and dry pursuits include swimming, fishing opportunities, and endless hikes, followed by back-in-town attractions that will keep everyone happily occupied for the evening. Enjoy dining on local sea delicacies everyday, like freshly caught crayfish, the lobster of the southern hemisphere.
The beautiful town of Mangawhai veils a quaint scape, one hundred kilometers from Auckland, that feels completely out of this world. This coastal respite will suit all tastes on a getaway from the hustle and bustle, with laidback and active pursuits amidst immense scenery. Enjoy everything from surfing along the Pacific beaches to swimming in pleasant waters. There is also kayaking around the tranquil harbor, fringed by dunes, and sun-basking along the sands.
Stroll the rugged dunes flanked by quiet bays with wild seas to one side and exceptional range of exotic tree and bird species to the other. Following scenic overload along the Mangawhai Walkways, check-out the local prominent art scene and many galleries along the streets of the creative town that attracts many artists to paint the wild conglomeration of sights.
This coastal gem is a revered respite for surfers in New Zealand, only a few kilometers west of Hamilton. Raglan is also the destination for the everyday traveler seeking a respite along the beautiful beaches for simple relaxation under persistent sunshine. The little community boasts a cool vibe and warm atmosphere, with friendly locals to chat-up at eclectic bars or cafes.
The kind weather lends to endless outdoor ventures like hiking to the peak of the mighty Bridal Veil falls, and seeking-out the historic Maori Gardens ruins at the Te Toto Gorge.There are alsobeautiful rainforest-clad national parks all-around, the breathtaking black sand Ngarunui Beaches, and the Manu Bay. Take an evening stroll or sit down along at the beach to watch that sensational sunset.
St. Arnaud is a real untouched heaven for adventurers at the doorstep of the magnificent Nelson Lakes National Park. The charming town on the banks of the stunning Lake Rotoiti boasts a scenic drive-in, with many heading for the busy winter season. The nearby uncrowded Rainbow Ski Field has terrain for all levels, while a skating pond is just a short walk from town. The summering tourists enjoy New Zealand's best trout fishing in St. Arnaud, via personal vessel or a fishing charter. The national park is spliced with popular hiking trails for all levels of ventures on an outdoor retreat whether you are ahiker, tramper, backpacker, or a picnicker. There are plenty of huts and shelters around the trails established by the Department of Conservation for day hikers to become one with nature.
These family-friendly towns offer best beaches with sensational sunsets for strolls and picnics, dolphins, whales, and swimming amongst friendly seals. The endless inland ventures include sights like volcanoes, waterfalls, and historical ruins. Spot wildlife from the shores or through dense rainforests, with species ranging from penguins to wallabies, and everything in-between. The townscapes await with envious food scene from the sea, atmospheric cafes, and local bars for some culture immersion. So choose your next beautiful town in New Zealand for an adventure of a lifetime, or explore them all on a country-wide road trip.
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Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 – now he thinks it’s ‘actually alright’ – Newshub
Posted: at 10:46 am
Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 - now he thinks it's 'actually alright' Newshub
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Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 - now he thinks it's 'actually alright' - Newshub
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Big Tech earnings face more heat as cloud cover fades | Reuters
Posted: at 10:45 am
Feb 3 (Reuters) - Big Tech results reinforced concerns a boom in cloud services is easing, limiting a lucrative source of profit when a slowing economy has hit the companies' other businesses and prompting a bet on artificial intelligence as the next growth driver.
Earnings from Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) - which together dominate the cloud market - showed growth in the business was at its lowest since they started breaking out the metric in 2015 and was on track to slow further.
Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), which has the smallest cloud business among the three, said Google Cloud grew 32%, the slowest rise since the company began reporting the measure in 2019.
The poor results reflect a shift to post-pandemic frugality by corporate customers whose budgets have been squeezed in the past year by high inflation and rising interest rates.
"Once thought as the most defensive revenue stream in tech, we are seeing investors questioning the cyclicality for the (cloud) business," analysts at Bernstein said.
View 2 more stories
Cloud services had long been a reliable source of earnings for Microsoft and Amazon.
The Windows maker posted growth of around 50% in its Azure cloud-computing business for each quarter of calendar 2020, when the pandemic forced people to work and study at home. Meanwhile, market leader Amazon Web Services (AWS) reported sales jump of about 30% during the same period.
Times, though, have changed.
[1/3]The logo of Amazon is seen at the company logistics centre in Boves, France, August 8, 2018. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol
Growth at AWS slowed to a record low of 20% in the last three months of 2022 to $21.4 billion, slightly missing analysts' estimates of $22.03 billion, according to Refinitiv data.
Microsoft's revenue in its so-called intelligent cloud business that includes Azure rose 18% to beat expectations for October to December. But its current-quarter forecast of $21.7 billion to $22 billion was below estimates of $22.14 billion.
"The deceleration in AWS was even worse than expected and means Amazon can't rely on that business units' operating profits as much in coming quarters," said Andrew Lipsman, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence.
Amazon finance chief Brian Olsavsky said on Thursday that the company expects slower cloud growth rates for the next few quarters. That echoed Microsoft, which said last week that growth in its Azure cloud-computing business would slow by 4-5 basis points in the March quarter.
"You've just come off two years of rapid movement of workloads to the cloud, there's probably a lot of inefficiency in cloud spending and now there is a shifting focus to greater efficiency," said James Cordwell, analyst at Atlantic Equities.
A potential boom in AI after the viral success of OpenAI's ChatGPT could boost demand for cloud services again though, analysts said. AI applications require massive computing power, a boon for companies whose services help run the technology.
As an investor and partner of OpenAI, Microsoft looks well poised, analysts said, but any gains may take time to translate into profits.
"Those (AI) advancements and demand for related cloud services will take time to materialize. They're not likely to offset current headwinds in the enterprise market over the next few quarters," Lipsman said.
Reporting by Aditya Soni, Yuvraj Malik, Akash Sriram and Tiyashi Datta in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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Big Tech earnings face more heat as cloud cover fades | Reuters
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Big Tech earnings face more heat as cloud cover fades
Posted: at 10:45 am
By Aditya Soni and Yuvraj Malik
(Reuters) - Big Tech results reinforced concerns a boom in cloud services is easing, limiting a lucrative source of profit when a slowing economy has hit the companies' other businesses and prompting a bet on artificial intelligence as the next growth driver.
Earnings from Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp - which together dominate the cloud market - showed growth in the business was at its lowest since they started breaking out the metric in 2015 and was on track to slow further.
Alphabet Inc, which has the smallest cloud business among the three, said Google Cloud grew 32%, the slowest rise since the company began reporting the measure in 2019.
The poor results reflect a shift to post-pandemic frugality by corporate customers whose budgets have been squeezed in the past year by high inflation and rising interest rates.
"Once thought as the most defensive revenue stream in tech, we are seeing investors questioning the cyclicality for the (cloud) business," analysts at Bernstein said.
Cloud services had long been a reliable source of earnings for Microsoft and Amazon.
The Windows maker posted growth of around 50% in its Azure cloud-computing business for each quarter of calendar 2020, when the pandemic forced people to work and study at home. Meanwhile, market leader Amazon Web Services (AWS) reported sales jump of about 30% during the same period.
Times, though, have changed.
Growth at AWS slowed to a record low of 20% in the last three months of 2022 to $21.4 billion, slightly missing analysts' estimates of $22.03 billion, according to Refinitiv data.
Microsoft's revenue in its so-called intelligent cloud business that includes Azure rose 18% to beat expectations for October to December. But its current-quarter forecast of $21.7 billion to $22 billion was below estimates of $22.14 billion.
"The deceleration in AWS was even worse than expected and means Amazon can't rely on that business units' operating profits as much in coming quarters," said Andrew Lipsman, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence.
Story continues
Amazon finance chief Brian Olsavsky said on Thursday that the company expects slower cloud growth rates for the next few quarters. That echoed Microsoft, which said last week that growth in its Azure cloud-computing business would slow by 4-5 basis points in the March quarter.
"You've just come off two years of rapid movement of workloads to the cloud, there's probably a lot of inefficiency in cloud spending and now there is a shifting focus to greater efficiency," said James Cordwell, analyst at Atlantic Equities.
AI SILVER LINING
A potential boom in AI after the viral success of OpenAI's ChatGPT could boost demand for cloud services again though, analysts said. AI applications require massive computing power, a boon for companies whose services help run the technology.
As an investor and partner of OpenAI, Microsoft looks well poised, analysts said, but any gains may take time to translate into profits.
"Those (AI) advancements and demand for related cloud services will take time to materialize. They're not likely to offset current headwinds in the enterprise market over the next few quarters," Lipsman said.
(Reporting by Aditya Soni, Yuvraj Malik, Akash Sriram and Tiyashi Datta in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
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Big Tech on defense: Apple, Amazon and Google report earnings – CNN
Posted: at 10:45 am
- Big Tech on defense: Apple, Amazon and Google report earnings CNN
- Big Tech earnings face more heat as cloud cover fades Reuters
- Big Tech Didn't Quite Clear the Bar The Wall Street Journal
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Big Tech on defense: Apple, Amazon and Google report earnings - CNN
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Californias new gold rush: Big tech moves to gain the edge in AI – The Indian Express
Posted: at 10:44 am
Californias new gold rush: Big tech moves to gain the edge in AI The Indian Express
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Californias new gold rush: Big tech moves to gain the edge in AI - The Indian Express
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How to Play Roulette: 9 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow
Posted: at 10:26 am
wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 36 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 992,426 times.
Co-authors: 36
Updated: January 8, 2023
Views:992,426
Roulette is a casino game played at a table that features 38 numbers, 2 colors, and a roulette wheel that has all of the same numbers and colors on it. At the beginning of the game, players place bets on the different spaces on the table. Every table has a minimum bet, like $10, but players can bet more than that and bet on multiple spaces if theyd like. Players are trying to bet on which number they think the ball will land on when its dropped into the spinning roulette wheel. Players can also bet on which color, red or black, the ball will land on. Placing a chip directly on a number has a payout of 35 to 1. Placing a chip on one of the color spaces has a payout of 1 to 1. Players can also split their bet by placing a chip on the line between 2 numbers. If the ball lands on either of those numbers, the payout is 17 to 1. Similarly, players can place a chip on the outside border of a row of 3 numbers. If the ball lands on any of those 3 numbers, the payout is 11:1. Players can also place a chip at the intersection of 4 numbers. If any of those 4 numbers come in, the payout is 8 to 1. Besides the number and color spaces, there are other spaces on the table that readers can bet on. They can place a bet on the First Row, Second Row, and Third Row spaces. If a number in the corresponding row comes in, the payout is 2:1. Similarly, players can bet on the First Dozen, Second Dozen, and Third Dozen spaces. If one of the 12 numbers that correspond with the space comes in, the payout is 2:1. Players can also bet on whether they think the ball will land on an odd or even number. If theyre right, the payout is 1 to 1. Finally, players can bet on the 1 to 18 and 19 to 36 spaces. If the ball lands on a number within that range, the payout is 1 to 1. As players are placing their bets, the dealer will spin the roulette wheel and drop the ball into it. Players can continue betting until the dealer waves their hand and says No more bets. Once the ball lands on a number, the dealer will pay out anyone who bet on that number or color. Then, a new round of betting starts, and the game repeats. If you want to learn how to calculate your odds of winning roulette, keep reading the article!
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Putin likely has Parkinsons – his days are numbered & he’ll come to a …
Posted: at 10:24 am
SICK Vladimir Putin's "days are numbered" as the tyrant faces being carted off to hospital in a "sudden end" to his rule, the former head of MI6 has warned.
Rumours have swirled for months about the 70-year-old Russian leader's reportedly failing health - fuelled by his bloated face and trembling legs.
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Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, told The Sun Online that there is clearly "something wrong with him" - and the most likely explanation is a diagnosis of Parkinson's.
It comes after bombshell spy documents leaked to The Sun Online appeared to confirm he has pancreatic cancer and early-stage Parkinson's disease.
Ukraine previously suggested Russia is using body doubles to stand in for Putin - and earlier this month, the country's spy chief claimed he will die very soon of cancer.
The tyrant was alsopictured with suspected track marksfrom IV treatment on the back of his hand - amid rumours he's suffering from cancer and crippling pain.
Sir Richard warned the "preconditions for his disappearance or collapse" have now been set as the tyrant's shambolic war in Ukraine rumbles on.
The former spy boss also suggested Putin's increased isolation could be linked to his illness.
"My view is there is still something wrong with him, medically," he said.
"I'm not a clinician, but I know a number of people have watched him closely, and they think the most likely explanation is Parkinson's.
"There's no proof - but he shows quite a lot of the symptoms. If he does have Parkinson's, that can certainly impair your judgement.
"The two favourite medical diagnoses through observing him is either Parkinson's or blood cancer, or maybe both.
"But the Russians will be desperate to make sure Putin's health is a state secret."
As the Russian leader's health reportedly deteriorates, Sir Richard said Putin could be "shuffled" off to a sanitorium - and never reappear.
"It's quite possible they just shuffle him off into a sanitorium and say he's unwell, and then he doesn't reappear," he said.
"Talking to someone from central Europe who I regard as pretty well informed, he said you have the preconditions now for there to be a pretty sudden end to Putin's administration, or to Putin himself.
"It's impossible to say when that is going to happen. He's definitely in a very difficult place - there's no question about that.
"I think you have preconditions for his disappearance or collapse - which could be violent."
Either he gets gently pushed aside and someone close to him takes over, or there's a major political upheaval and there's a real meltdown
Sir Richard said there's "no way" Putin would step aside.
"Either he gets gently pushed aside and someone close to him takes over, or there's a major political upheaval and there's a real meltdown," he said.
"I think both of those things are possible. Things are in a pretty bad state, and he's probably going to lose this war, or come out of it in a position where it looks like he's lost.
"He's got this so wrong, there must be a huge amount of opposition within the Kremlin. If it continues to go badly, I think Putin's days are numbered.
"The more so if he's got a medical problem. How that will happen and when it will happen is entirely guesswork.
"But people who are well informed think he's in a pretty fragile situation."
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The former spy chief said the Russian dictator has got himself "deeper and deeper into what looks like an unwinnable war".
Putin is said to be plotting a "dangerous escalation" in the war as the West have been warned over Russia's air-force capabilities.
But Sir Richard warned the tyrant's "days are numbered because of the disastrous war".
He said Putin's options are limited - and a further mobilisation will be hugely unpopular in Russia.
"The Russian military has performed very poorly," he said.
"They expected to walk in Kyiv, knock the regime over, and put in a puppet regime... we know that didn't happen and he's just got himself deeper and deeper into what looks like an unwinnable war.
He suggested said there could be a coup inside the Kremlin to oust Putin - but the mechanisms for political change in Russia are "fragile".
"I think we're heading into another phase where you're going to get a political upheaval as a result of a war gone badly wrong," he said.
"There could be a coup inside the Kremlin.
I think you have preconditions for his disappearance or collapse - which could be violent
"I don't think there will be a popular uprising in Russia, but because of the catastrophic situation they're in, there must be massive tensions in the current leadership."
Despite the Russian front stabilising in Ukraine for now, Sir Richard said the war is still a "disaster".
"More and more intelligent Russians must realise he's in a difficult place - particularly now the West are gearing up to supply tanks," he said.
"There are only two endings possible - one is victory, and the other is compromise. Putin is in a desperate place - but what's he going to do to win it? It's looking pretty dire for him.
"The circumstances will dictate the end of Putin's regime. The preconditions for it ending are already clearly there. I think he's in a catastrophic position already."
Sir Richard also said the danger of the war spilling over still exists - but insisted it's "unlikely".
"NATO will do everything to avoid the risk of a direct conflict," he said.
"On the other hand, the last thing the Russians need is a direct conflict with NATO as well.
"I think both sides will be very careful to keep the war within the boundaries it's currently contained in - unless Putin does completely lose his marbles and uses a tactical nuclear weapon.
"I think the chances of that are very unlikely. It would be an act of real desperation."
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Putin Slams Germany for Sending Tanks to Ukraine, Hints at Russia’s Nukes
Posted: at 10:24 am
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday leveled another veiled nuclear threat in relation to the war in Ukraine as he ripped into Germany for providing battle tanks to Kyiv, while comparing Russia's unprovoked invasion of its next-door neighbor to the Soviet Union's fight against the Nazis during World War II.
"Unfortunately we see that the ideology of Nazism in its modern form and manifestation again directly threatens the security of our country," Putin said during a speech in Volgograd, per Reuters. Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad after the Soviet dictator, was the site of the World War II battle that put Nazi Germany on the path to defeat at an estimated cost of 750,000 Soviet lives.
"Again and again we have to repel the aggression of the collective West. It's incredible but it's a fact: we are again being threatened with German Leopard tanks with crosses on them," Putin added.
The Russian leader left out some key facts, however. The Leopard tanks will be operated by Ukrainians, and Germany joined the US and the UK in offering battle tanks to aid Ukraine in regaining territory it has lost since Russia invaded almost a year ago. The US and other Western powers have avoided providing longer-range missiles and fighter jets that Ukraine could use to strike inside Russia.
Putin said that the battle of Stalingrad was indicative of "the indestructible nature of our people," adding that those who draw European countries into a new war with Moscow and "expect to win a victory over Russia on the battlefield, apparently don't understand that a modern war with Russia will be quite different for them."
"We don't send our tanks to their borders but we have the means to respond, and it won't end with the use of armored vehicles, everyone must understand that," Putin said, in an apparent reference to Russia's nuclear arsenal. The Russian leader has repeatedly made nuclear threats since the war began, and has been condemned across the world as a result.
Russian lawmakers have reportedly been urged to make comparisons between Stalingrad a battle against Nazi invaders and the present-day fight in Ukraine, despite the fact Russia is now the aggressor. Putin has frequently harkened to WWII which Russians remember as the Great Patriotic War to seek greater support as the country faces economic hardships and well over 100,000 casualties from Ukraine.
Putin has offered a series of justifications for launching the invasion, including the bogus assertion that Ukraine is led by neo-Nazis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish and lost family in the Holocaust, but the Kremlin has continued to make references to Nazism in an effort to justify the ongoing war.
Top Russia experts say Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine because he has been preoccupied with subjugating it for years and wants to restore the power and prestige enjoyed by Moscow during the Soviet era. Putin, who has repeatedly suggested that Ukraine is not a real country, once described the collapse of the Soviet Union as "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe" of the 20th century.
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Putin Slams Germany for Sending Tanks to Ukraine, Hints at Russia's Nukes
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