Monthly Archives: November 2023

Video shows the moment 86-year-old reputed mafioso punches … – New York Daily News

Posted: November 30, 2023 at 8:33 pm

Surveillance video captures the moment an elderly reputed Genovese capo punched the owner of a fancy Manhattan steakhouse in an attack federal prosecutors hope to prove was part of a gambling extortion conspiracy.

Anthony Rom Romanello was 80 years old when he swung on Shuqeri Bruro Selimaj after a heated exchange at Lincoln Square Steak on the Upper West Side on May 11, 2017.

Romanello, now 86, and another reputed Genovese crime family gangster, Joseph Celso, are on trial in Brooklyn Federal Court on charges that could land them in prison for decades.

Selimajs nephew, Toni, and Tonis brother-in-law, Eddie, had racked up an $86,000 sports gambling debt with Michael Regan, who was accused in 2019 of running a bookie operation in Queens, according to court filings.

Romanello was a regular customer at Selimajs steakhouses, and the feds say he paid three angry visits to demand that the restaurateur settle the debt himself.

The punch came on visit number three, after Romanello confronted Selimaj in a private room, while Regan, Celso and Romanellos son waited in the restaurant, Selimaj recounted on the stand Wednesday.

The video shows Selimaj flanked by Regan and Romanello, right before he leans in and makes a remark to the aging wiseguy. Romanello leans back at the comment, then punches Selimaj in the jaw.

The other men then surround Selimaj as he walks backwards. Regan can be seen grabbing Selimaj by the lapels as he retreats.

Selimaj told the jury Wednesday that he told Romanello he was willing to make good on his nephews $6,000 debt, but he wouldnt cover the brother-in-laws $80,000 and that angered Romanello.

According to Selimaj, Romanello repeated, I would like to punch you! I would like to punch you! and he responded, You have no guts to punch me.

Romanellos lawyer, Gerald McMahon, presented a different version of the exchange, and tried to make Selimaj out as an Albanian tough guy and a bully.

Bruno told him that he was a washed-up Italian, that he had no balls, that he was nothing, McMahon told the jury, saying the punch was meant to answer that insult, not to collect a debt.

McMahon also downplayed the assault, noting that his client punches like a girl.

On Thursday, Selimajs brother Nino the owner of Ninos Restaurant on the Upper East Side, who played himself in the 2019 film Uncut Gems took the stand to describe his role in making sure the debt was paid.

Bruno Selimaj filed a police complaint, which he withdrew the next day after Celso warned him things would be ugly, Nino said.

Joe told me if Rom gets arrested, somebodys going to pay the price, he said.

In 2019, after Nino Selimaj was subpoenaed, Celso told him, Go ahead, testify, but keep me away from this, he told the jury.

Nino Selimaj said he and Celso were close friends, almost like family, and that Celso was his bookie. To settle the debt, he gave Celso $6,000 from his brother, plus another $49,000 from Eddies dad, he testified.

Typically, Nino said hed bet $5,000 on a sporting game and made several bets a week three or four, usually, but sometimes as many as 10 in a week.

Marrone asked if Nino declared his winnings on his taxes, and when he said no, the lawyer asked, I know you dont know the law, but is that against the law?

Nino responded, to the laughter of the courtroom, Yeah, but I lose more than I win. The government has to pay me back.

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Can Anyone Give An Actual Argument For Atheism? – The Federalist

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Not long ago, I regularly received treatment from a medical professional whose expertise was well-proved over many appointments. She, religiously unaffiliated, was a woman of reason and science, effortlessly melding the most recent studies in her field with more than two decades of clinical expertise. Then, one day, she asked me for my sign and proceeded to explain the personal qualities of Sagittariuses like myself. Though my high opinion of her professionalism remains, her trust in astrology cannot help but bespeak a certain incoherence in her worldview.

I thought of astrology (popular among 30 percent of Americans) and the now-billion-dollar crystal industry when reading Washington Post columnist Kate Cohens new book, We of Little Faith: Why I Stopped Pretending to Believe (And Maybe You Should Too). Heavily reliant on anecdotes from her own (admittedly lukewarm) upbringing as a Reform Jew, Cohen aims to cajole her readers to be honest with themselves about their true beliefs by acknowledging their implicit atheism.

This will not only make Americans more coherent, claims Cohen it will benefit American progress, inhibited as it is by religion and its backward bigotry. Yet, I wonder, can Cohens readers (or even Cohen herself) overcome their own intellectual incoherence?

I believe that passing on ones preference for reason, evidence, and honesty pointing out, with conviction and context, where fiction poses as fact is the truly moral choice, declares Cohen in the prologue. This is a constant refrain of We of Little Faith that religious belief is intellectually indefensible, that the scriptures of various faith traditions are full of absurd and morally contemptible portrayals of the divine, and that many people profess belief because of a certain inherited intellectual laziness. I would say that all evidence points to the fact that God is a popular and useful fiction, and that no evidence points to the fact that he actually exists.

Cohens atheism, she explains, derives naturally from a few simple observations. The first of these is that many religious traditions are based on mythical accounts that are obviously fanciful, and that many others such as Mormonism and Scientology are so absurd as to merit nothing but derision.

Yet from the premise that some religions are mythical or downright preposterous, it does not follow that all religions are thus, just as recognizing that the history of medical science has been full of quackery (and often still is) does not mean modern medicine is all illegitimate. Indeed, if there were a God, its at least plausible he might even make use of the mythical genre to communicate truths to primitive cultures whose understanding of the world is informed by such stories, as many scholars posit God does in the Old Testament.

Life is confusing and death is scary, notes Cohen. Thus, she asserts, humans concocted religion to explain death. At least Cohens first point was an argument, albeit a fallacious one. This second argument is sheer, unsubstantiated speculation regarding the existence of a phenomenon, and obtains as little as it would for me to assert that Cohen authored this book as an exercise in self-deception in order to suppress her own fears of the divine and death.

Her third argument is that the holy books of various traditions contain facts now disproven by science and morality now disavowed by modern adherents. Yet the Hebrew Bible is not a science textbook but a collection of various ancient literary genres poetry, wisdom literature, history, prophecy that even its early interpreters did not believe were to be understood as explaining literal, scientific realities (just read Origen or Augustine). And as much as religious traditions such as Christianity declare the absolute nature of various moral principles, does that not allow for their varied application in human history, based on cultural or political circumstances?

Again, if there is a God, and He is a Father of creation, is He not permitted to give us varied moral instructions, based on mans historical and cultural ability to understand and apply them? Is the divergence in instructions I give to my 10-year-old and 3-year-old an embarrassing contradiction or an appreciation for the difference in their maturity?

Cohen also argues that various unfathomable cruelties such as child rape disprove Gods existence. Certainly, child rape is heinous. But is any rape not heinous? Is any cold-blooded murder not unconscionable? But if there is a God, and if He has permitted free will, such human wickedness becomes possible.

Of course, we may demand to know why God does not intervene in the midst of such evil. But what, one might ask, would this look like? Is a good God supposed to intervene every time a rape or murder is about to happen, immediately acting to prevent such harms, say, by staying the perpetrators hand or striking him dead? And, if we demand God to intervene in those events, why not every circumstance where people are killed, injured, or hurt, from natural disasters to skinned knees? This is an exercise in pure subjectivity.

Cohens arguments against God, little more than regurgitations of the tired rhetoric of the New Atheists, are superficial, illogical, and emotive. They are also embarrassingly ignorant. There is absolutely no engagement with any of the classical arguments for Gods existence, be they Thomas Aquinass Five Ways or Anselms ontological argument. Nor is there any interaction with the best responses to the New Atheists, such as from theologian David Bentley Hart or philosopher Ed Feser. Its certainly possible all of the arguments in favor of Gods existence are bad, but if Cohen believes them to be so, she offers no rebuttals.

Instead, she complains that atheists are held to an unfair standard by those who expect them to be able to prove that God doesnt exist. Well, given thats the definition of atheism yes, one should be able to demonstrate that. Or is Cohen demanding atheists be allowed to be intellectually lazy?

We of Little Faith is less a logic-driven treatise than a therapeutic self-help book from someone whos seen the light she even devotes a chapter to helping atheists create their own holidays. Because of this, one observes the same kind of naivete found among zealous new religious converts. When I had children I realized that our lives and our heads are full of half-considered actions and half-digested philosophies and entirely unproven received wisdom, writes Cohen, as if religious people havent also contemplated this fact.

Not that Cohen is entirely ignorant of religious writers. She cites Josef Pieper, Tim Keller, and Rick Warren, among others. She approvingly cites Ignatius of Loyola and C.S. Lewis as guides for reflection, something she has sought to adopt (in a non-religious way) as an atheist. But she also gets basic things about religion wrong. She thinks individual Catholic priests, rather than tribunal courts, grant annulments. She claims that the Catholic Church in 1992 stopped authoritatively teaching the doctrine of limbo, though thats patently false it was never official, magisterial doctrine in the first place, and Catholics are still permitted to believe in it.

Cohen believes that by dispensing with religion, America will become a more prosperous and just society. You can conduct a full life, a wonderful, even profound life, without relying on either the familiar religious structures or the supernatural beings that supposedly animate them. She praises secular societies, which according to measures such as rates of homicide, violent crime, poverty rates, obesity, child abuse, and teen pregnancy, are doing better than religious societies.

Yet this elides the widely-reported fact that these same societies are facing a catastrophic future because of paltry birth rates, growing vocal immigrant communities in (increasingly violent) tension with native peoples, and a deep, nihilistic self-hatred resulting in unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, and drug abuse.

If people stopped trusting in God to solve their problems they would take more responsibility for their lives and the well-being of the societies in which they live, Cohen claims. Yet the most actively religious people are often the most civically engaged and driven to change the world for the better (ever heard of Mother Teresa?).

According to the Philanthropy Roundtable, the religiously observant are almost twice as likely to volunteer when compared to the non-observant, and donate more than twice as much to charitable causes. Much to the ACLUs chagrin, about 1 in 7 U.S. hospital beds are in a Catholic facility. About 1.7 million American children are educated in Catholic schools, saving taxpayers more than $20 billion annually. The Knights of Columbus annually contributes almost $200 million and about 75 million service hours to charitable causes. Can Cohen name a single American atheist organization that rivals that?

At a superficial level, the arguments made by people like Cohen make sense. If you believe a higher power is responsible for the weather or can stop the spread of some illness, shouldnt that make you intellectually and volitionally lazier? Yet the data does not support that hypothesis quite the opposite, in fact.

Faith, at least in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is more often an intellectual and societal stimulant than a soporific. Yet even if thats true, demography seems to be on Cohens side: millions of Americans are abandoning religion in favor of a secular future. Nevertheless, as Cohens book (unintentionally) shows, that future will be no less incoherent.

Casey Chalk is a senior contributor at The Federalist and an editor and columnist at The New Oxford Review. He has a bachelors in history and masters in teaching from the University of Virginia and a masters in theology from Christendom College. He is the author of The Persecuted: True Stories of Courageous Christians Living Their Faith in Muslim Lands.

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Can Anyone Give An Actual Argument For Atheism? - The Federalist

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A Winning Hand: The 10 Most Captivating Gambling Movies of All … – The Garnette Report

Posted: at 8:33 pm

A Winning Hand: The 10 Most Captivating Gambling Movies of All Time

Welcome to the thrilling world of high-stakes and heart-stopping moments, where fortunes are won or lost with a roll of the dice or turn of a card. Were taking you in on an exciting journey through The 10 Most Captivating Gambling Movies of All Time, a cinematic celebration of the allure and suspense that keeps us riveted to the silver screen. These films, from the neon-lit drama of Casino to the strategic triumph of Rounders, capture the intoxicating mix of risk and reward that makes gambling such an enduring fascination. They bring to life epic scenes of poker showdowns, roulette spins, and blackjack duels that continue to captivate audiences. Whether its the raw intensity of a high-stakes poker game in Mollys Game, the ingenious card-counting scheme in 21, or the glitzy underworld of Las Vegas in Oceans Eleven, these films epitomize the thrill of the gamble. Join us as we delve into these captivating narratives, exploring what makes them resonate with viewers and why they remain timeless portrayals of the human spirits eternal dance with fortune.

Casino (1995) is a classic American crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, set in the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas in the 1970s and 80s. The film revolves around three central characters: Sam Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a master gambler appointed to run the Tangiers Casino; his volatile friend Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), a mafia enforcer; and Ginger (Sharon Stone), a hustler and Aces wife, whose loyalty lies precariously between both men.

Scorsese masterfully crafts a narrative that is both sprawling and intimate. His use of voice-over narration from De Niro and Pesci gives us an insight into the minds of these flawed characters, adding depth to their motivations and decisions. The acting is superb, with De Niro delivering a nuanced performance as Rothstein, a man who strives for control amidst the chaos. Pesci is terrifyingly explosive as Santoro, while Stone gives a career-best performance, embodying Gingers desperation and erratic behavior with raw intensity.

The films cinematography is a visual feast, capturing the opulence and decadence of Las Vegas through vibrant colors, dynamic camera movements, and meticulous set designs. The music, a mix of pop and jazz hits from the era, adds a layer of authenticity and enhances the films mood and tone. The dialogue is sharp and biting, filled with memorable lines that echo long after the movie ends.

One of Scorseses unique techniques in this film is his extensive use of freeze frames, which punctuate key moments and add dramatic weight. The opening car explosion scene is particularly memorable, setting up the films tone of impending doom.

However, Casino is not without its flaws. Its lengthy runtime can feel excessive, and the violent scenes, though integral to the narrative, can be overly graphic for some viewers.

In conclusion, Casino is an intense, visually stunning exploration of greed, deception, and power. Its a testament to Scorseses mastery of storytelling and character development. Despite its shortcomings, I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in crime dramas, Scorseses body of work, or those simply seeking a gripping tale set amidst the intoxicating allure of Las Vegas.

21 (2008) is a compelling drama that delves into the world of high-stakes gambling, presenting the true story of a group of gifted MIT students who master the art of card counting to win millions at blackjack in Las Vegas. The film follows Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), a financially strapped student, who under the guidance of his cunning professor Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey), transforms from a shy scholar to a confident gambler.

The films storyline, while thrilling, is peppered with clichs and predictable twists which somewhat diminish its impact. However, it compensates for this with its dynamic visual style and the vibrant portrayal of Las Vegas hypnotic allure, making it an entertaining watch.

Performances by the cast are commendable, notably Sturgess who convincingly portrays Bens transformation, and Spacey who delivers a potent mix of charm and menace as Professor Rosa. Despite the plots predictability, the film manages to maintain a sense of suspense and excitement, particularly in the casino scenes.

Overall, 21 is an enjoyable film for those interested in heist movies, character-driven dramas, or simply a good, suspenseful story. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a world where intellect and nerve can beat the odds.

The strategic depth and thrill of blackjack depicted in the movie might pique your interest in learning the game. There are numerous reputable online casino platforms where you can experience this thrill from the comfort of your own home. You can play blackjack online for free to understand the games mechanics without any risk. Once youre comfortable with the gameplay and strategies, you can take it to the next level and play for real money, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Oceans Eleven (2001) is a slick and entertaining heist film that effortlessly combines an intriguing plot with a charismatic ensemble cast. The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, features George Clooney and Julia Roberts, who evoke the elegance of classic Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. Andy Garcia, as the antagonist, delivers a polished performance, portraying a character who handles his affairs with a ruthless edge.

The storyline, centering around a grand larceny, is cleverly constructed and smoothly paced, keeping viewers engrossed throughout. The script is neatly tied together with every character having a backstory that adds depth to their roles. The films cinematography and music also deserve praise, lending it a stylish and cool vibe.

However, some viewers may find the plot mildly confusing as it slowly unravels. Despite this minor hiccup, the film manages to deliver an exciting and well-made picture. Oceans Eleven is a caper movie with a serious demeanor but comic underpinnings, making it a unique blend of genres that adds to its appeal.

In conclusion, Oceans Eleven is a wonderfully crafted heist movie that balances suspense, humor, and star power in equal measure. Its a film thats as smooth and polished as its characters, offering viewers an enjoyable cinematic experience. If you havent seen it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a watch.

Maverick (1994) is a delightful blend of Action, Adventure, Western, and Comedy genres that captivates viewers with its charming narrative and likable characters. The plot revolves around Bret Maverick, portrayed by Mel Gibson, a gambler and quick shooter who prefers cunning over confrontation. Jodie Fosters portrayal of Annabelle, the enchanting and equally cunning counterpart to Maverick, adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

The humor in Maverick is well-executed, and seamlessly woven into the action sequences, making for an enjoyable balance of thrills and laughs. The films setting, a nod to the classic Western era, is captured beautifully through expert cinematography. The performances are commendable, with Gibson, Foster, and James Garner (playing a wry frontier sheriff) delivering memorable performances that breathe life into their characters.

Director Richard Donner skillfully manages the fast-paced narrative, infusing it with tongue-in-cheek jokes and straight-ahead action, reminiscent of the blend found in Lethal Weapon and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The films music enhances the Western ambiance, contributing to the overall charm of the movie.

In conclusion, Maverick (1994) stands as a fun-filled, action-packed romp that showcases strong performances and a well-crafted storyline. Its a film that successfully combines the elements of adventure and comedy, making for an entertaining watch.

The Gambler (1974) is a compelling drama directed by Karel Reisz, featuring a stellar performance from James Caan in the titular role. The film delves into the psyche of Axel Freed (Caan), an English professor with a debilitating gambling addiction. Lauren Hutton plays his girlfriend, Billie, while Paul Sorvino portrays Hips, a mobster to whom Freed owes money.

The plot skillfully portrays Freeds spiral into debt and desperation, as he continually places higher stakes despite mounting losses. His character is complex and well-developed, with Caan delivering an intense performance that effectively communicates the torment of addiction. Hutton and Sorvino also deliver strong performances, adding depth to their respective characters.

The themes of addiction and self-destruction are explored thoroughly, providing a grim yet honest look at the consequences of compulsive behavior. The acting performances, particularly Caans, successfully bring these themes to life, making the film both engaging and thought-provoking.

Visually, The Gambler uses gritty cinematography to mirror Freeds inner turmoil, while the jazz-infused soundtrack adds a layer of tension and suspense. These elements, coupled with the strong performances and well-crafted narrative, make The Gambler a poignant exploration of the human condition and a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas.

California Split (1974), directed by the acclaimed Robert Altman, is a compelling exploration of gambling and friendship that leaves a lasting impression. The film features a dynamic duo, Elliott Gould and George Segal, who deliver exceptional performances as two gamblers caught in the throes of their addiction.

The storyline brilliantly captures the highs and lows of gambling, from the thrill of winning to the despair of losing. Memorable scenes include a high-stakes poker game and a frantic horse race, both of which are shot with Altmans signature style of overlapping dialogue and realistic soundscapes.

The characters struggles and emotions are deeply felt, making their journey both engaging and relatable. Altman masterfully captures the essence of Los Angeles and its gambling scene, using the citys glitz and glamor as a backdrop for the protagonists chaotic lives.

Thematically, California Split delves into themes of chance, friendship, and disillusionment. Altman uses the motif of gambling as a metaphor for life, where wins and losses are unpredictable and often meaningless.

In conclusion, California Split is a thought-provoking film that offers a raw and authentic look at gambling and its impact on relationships. Its balanced blend of humor, drama, and realism, coupled with strong performances and expert direction, makes it a must-watch for any cinema lover.

Uncut Gems (2019) is a riveting crime thriller directed by the Safdie brothers that takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. The film follows the life of Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York jeweler with a gambling addiction, who makes a high-stakes bet after acquiring a rare Ethiopian gem.

Sandler delivers a standout performance, bringing to life Ratners desperation and reckless ambition in an unforgettable manner. His portrayal of the character is both intense and authentic, making the audience root for him despite his flaws.

The Safdie brothers unique storytelling style is evident throughout the film, with the plot unfolding in a chaotic, almost claustrophobic manner that mirrors Ratners escalating predicaments. The pacing of the movie, while fast and relentless, effectively serves the narrative, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Thematically, Uncut Gems explores the dangerous allure of greed and the destructive cycle of addiction. The films ending, without giving away any spoilers, leaves a lasting impact, compelling viewers to reflect on the consequences of unchecked ambition.

In conclusion, Uncut Gems is a masterfully crafted film that stands out for its powerful performances, gripping plot, and insightful exploration of human fallibility. Its not for the faint-hearted, but for those who appreciate intense dramas with complex characters and high stakes, its a must-watch.

The Hustler (1961) is a timeless classic that delves into the world of professional pool and gambling. Directed by Robert Rossen, the film presents a gritty portrait of Fast Eddie Felson, a small-time pool hustler portrayed impeccably by Paul Newman. The movie excels in its depiction of Eddies ambition and self-destruction, with Newmans performance capturing the essence of a man driven by the thrill of the game.

The films cinematography enhances its seedy atmosphere, immersing viewers in the smoke-filled pool halls that serve as the backdrop for Eddies exploits. Its plot is both engaging and evocative, exploring themes of winning, success and losing in a brutally realistic manner.

Rossens direction is noteworthy, skillfully conveying the tension and drama inherent in the world of professional pool. The film also benefits from strong performances from its supporting cast, adding depth to its narrative.

Historically, The Hustler marked the beginning of a boom in American cinema, setting a high standard for character-driven dramas. Its impact is still felt today, with its exploration of ambition and downfall resonating with contemporary audiences.

In conclusion, The Hustler is a masterful film that offers a compelling look at the darker side of ambition. Its strong performances, engaging plot, and evocative cinematography make it a must-watch for any cinephile.

Mollys Game (2017) is a gripping drama biopic that tells the true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the worlds most exclusive high-stakes poker game before becoming an FBI target. Jessica Chastain delivers a phenomenal performance as Molly, a human smart bomb using her intelligence as a weapon.

The film, directed and written by Aaron Sorkin, is a perfect blend of invigorating character study and stunning exposure. Known for his fast-paced dialogue and intricate storytelling, Sorkin dives deep into Mollys world, revealing not just the glamor and thrill of high-stakes poker, but also the darker side of addiction and crime.

Mollys Game features a trifecta of top-notch performances from Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, and especially Chastain, whose portrayal of Molly is both captivating and nuanced. The films cinematography adds to its appeal, immersing viewers in the glitzy, high-stakes world of underground poker.

Thematically, the film explores ambition, power, and redemption, with Mollys journey from ski champion to poker princess to FBI target serving as a compelling exploration of these themes. In conclusion, Mollys Game is not only entertaining but also informative and educational, providing a fascinating look at a world few people get to see.

Rounders (1998) is a riveting drama that delves into the underground world of high-stakes poker, masterfully directed by John Dahl. The film stars Matt Damon and Edward Norton, both delivering compelling performances that bring their complex characters to life.

The plot revolves around Mike McDermott (Damon), a reformed gambler who is drawn back into the high-stakes poker scene to help his friend (Norton) pay off loan sharks. The films storyline is well-paced and engaging, exploring themes of addiction, friendship, and the dangerous allure of risk.

Rounders boasts strong character development, with McDermotts struggle between his past and future serving as the heart of the film. The cinematography effectively captures the tension and thrill of the poker games, immersing viewers in the gritty, high-stakes atmosphere. However, the movie does romanticize compulsive gambling, which may be a flaw for some viewers.

In conclusion, Rounders is a gripping drama that offers a fascinating look into the world of high-stakes poker. Its strong performances, engaging plot, and intense atmosphere make it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and gambling movies.

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A Winning Hand: The 10 Most Captivating Gambling Movies of All ... - The Garnette Report

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Mori atheism on the rise: the legacy of colonisation is driving a decline in traditional Christian beliefs – The Conversation

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Religious beliefs among Mori have shifted significantly over the past two decades.

The number of Mori identifying as having no religion in the census between 2006 and 2018 increased from 36.5% to 53.5%. Mori affiliation with Christianity has fallen from 46.2% to 29.9%.

Are Mori simply rejecting Christianity? Or are they rejecting all supernatural phenomena, including traditional Mori beliefs?

Our research examined the apparent rise of Mori atheism. We found the colonial history of religion was a driving force for Mori who identified as atheist or having no religion.

We also found Mori atheists said they experienced discrimination for their lack of religion, and their Moriness was questioned within their community or work.

The no religion category in the census captures a range of worldviews, including people who say they are spiritual but not religious; agnostics people who are uncertain about the existence of a higher power; and atheists people who do not believe in the existence of god(s).

As part of our research, we spoke with 16 Mori aged 30 to 65 who did not believe in god(s). All but four were raised in religious households.

Some emphasised lingering intellectual doubts as the reason for rejecting religion. As one participant explained:

If Im being intellectually honest and consistent, I should put all my beliefs on the table and I should examine all of them. I shouldnt keep some safe from scrutiny just because theyre mine, theyre Mori.

Read more: When is being Mori not enough? Why Mori politics are always personal

Others said they left for moral reasons. These included a perceived hypocrisy among churchgoers, immorality of religious leaders, and the role of religion in spreading harmful views about women and LGBTQ people.

Most participants, however, framed their rejection of religion as an expression of resistance against the colonial systems of belief.

In fact, participants ideas of religion were primarily shaped by their experience of various Christian denominations and their knowledge of the Christian missionary history in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Accordingly, most of the people we spoke with viewed religion as a colonial tool for the oppression of Mori people and culture. Another participant noted:

Ive only become very angry against religion over the last five years after I found out what theyve done to my culture [] Weve lost a lot of our culture from the Anglican missionary societies [] Removing ones culture and then assimilating them into religion is [] like a double-edged sword of colonisation.

Some interviewees spoke about how Christianity had been used as a way to exert cultural superiority, labelling Indigenous beliefs and practices as evil.

Others argued that the God of the Bible is not indigenous to Aotearoa, but rather a creation myth from the Middle East and therefore inherently irrelevant to Mori people.

The interview responses show Mori rejection of Christianity seems to be largely aligned with anti-colonial movements, Mori protest movements, and the decolonial feminist movement.

For most participants, atheism equated to non-belief in the existence of God and the rejection of monotheistic traditions, specifically Christianity.

In other words, being a Mori atheist did not necessarily mean the rejection of all supernatural beliefs.

While some individuals were confident in their non-belief in all supernatural phenomena, others were either ambivalent towards certain wairua (spirit, soul) beliefs or emphasised the need to understand Mori beliefs as metaphors for a way to live.

The emergence of non-religious as a growing sector of the Mori community poses both challenges and opportunities to the ideas of what it is to be Mori and the development of New Zealand.

If we see ourselves progressing as a bi-cultural Treaty/Tiriti-enhanced nation, it stands to reason we need to be able to identify the two cultures clearly.

But there is the opportunity to develop more quickly without identity membership based on religious affiliation or non-affiliation.

Within the community, there is a spectrum of views about the significance of religious or spiritual beliefs to Mori identity.

On one end, there are those who ask whether it is even possible to be Mori if one is not religious or spiritual in some shape or form.

At the other, there are those who distinguish between culture and religion, and argue Mori development can be more easily enhanced if one is freed from the constraints of religious belief.

Read more: Kiwiana is past its use-by date. Is it time to re-imagine our symbols of national identity?

The former speaks to a traditional and conservative view of being Mori; the latter to notions of changes in cultures, the impact of the colonial experience, modernisation, and different ways of being Mori.

Our research highlights the diversity of non-religion among Mori, which is neither reflected in representations of Mori (for instance in education), nor considered in Mori-Crown relations.

While there is little difficulty in identifying the Crown in Treaty negotiations, the emerging no religion sector of the Mori community adds new layers of complexity to who the Treaty partner is. Importantly, is being spiritual or religious a prerequisite to being a Mori?

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Mori atheism on the rise: the legacy of colonisation is driving a decline in traditional Christian beliefs - The Conversation

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2023 NASCAR Win Totals Recap I NASCAR Gambling Podcast (306) – SGPN

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2023 NASCAR Win Totals Recap I NASCAR Gambling Podcast (306)

Welcome to another episode of the NASCAR Gambling Podcast on the Sports Gambling Podcast Network! Every week Rod Villagomez and Cody Zeeb bring their love of NASCAR and their love of sports betting to you to help you set your bets for the weekend of NASCAR action. From the Craftsman Truck Series to the Xfinity Series, to the Cup Series, Rod and Cody have you covered.

Today, Rod and Cody take a look back as some 2023 NASCAR Win Totals and give you some of their early leans on next seasons lines. Will William Byron come close to winning as many races as he did this year? How well will Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman bounce back from their injuries and how many wins do they have between them next season? Are we in for another dominant year from Kyle Larson after a much quieter 2023? Who will be the next breakout driver in 2024 and will it be Tyler Reddick? Well answer these questions and more on this weeks episode.

Be sure to subscribe to the NASCAR Gambling Podcast on the SGPN App, and on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Find Rod (@rjvillagomez), Cody (@Husker_Zeeb) and Seth (@Between_SethFF) on Twitter.

0:55 Pre-roll

2:41 Intro

5:00 2023 Snowball Derby Preview

12:08 Bet Rivers Up To $500 Risk Free Bet https://signupexpert.com/sgpn/rivers

13:11 2023 NASCAR Win Totals Recap

20:41 Underdog Fantasy code SGPN 100% Deposit Match up to $100 https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-sgpn

21:28 Hall Of Fame Bets code SGPN 50% off your first month today https://hof-bets.app.link/sgpn

22:15 More Win Totals Recap

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Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 11/29 – Zone Coverage

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Locks

NBA (0.5 Unit) Washington Wizards @ Orlando Magic -9.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 6:00 PM CT on Bally Sports FL

We might be reaching the top of the market with Orlando here, as Im not completely sold that they should be a double-digit favorite. Unless of course the opponent is Washington, who continues to show a complete lack of seriousness on the court. That lack of seriousness and competitiveness mostly comes in the second half of games for the Wizards, as theyre 29th in average second-half margin.

So that has me looking away from the strong Magic record in first halves and expecting their talent to eventually win out down the stretch here. The strength of Orlandos defense should carry them, even against an up-tempo team like the Wizards, who will refuse to play any defense themselves. With the Magic an excellent 8-1 against the number in home games, I expect them to be able to win by margin here against an awful team.

NBA (0.75 Unit) Houston Rockets/Denver Nuggets Under 216.5 (-110; Odds Via Caesars): 8:00 PM CT on Altitude

Im not usually looking to mess with the under on totals in this range given the modern NBA, but these teams are different. Houston and Denver are a combined 22-11 to the under this season, and get off to especially slow starts. And theyve already played twice this season, going under in both meetings with just 211 and 191 points.

As usual its all about tempo, and these are two of the slowest teams in the league with the Rockets 28th and the Nuggets 25th in pace. Theyre also very good defensively, with both teams top-8 in defensive rating, efficiency, points allowed, and opponent effective field goal rate. There are also plenty of injury issues for both squads including Nikola Jokic, so Im just not seeing a lot of points in this one.

NCAA Basketball (1 Unit) North Florida/Iowa First Half Over 80 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 8:00 PM CT on BTN

Itll take an act of Congress for me to stop betting the over when Iowa hosts a cupcake school in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The consistency is amazing, as their three games this year have averaged 87.3 first half points. The second halves are actually slowing down though, averaging just 81 points, which makes this derivative total out of line with the full-game number of 167.5 points.

Im jumping on that value here as the opponent doesnt seem to matter for the Hawkeyes, they just run it up and make numbers like this very reachable. I dont think theyll have any trouble with that against a North Florida team thats 330th in adjusted defensive efficiency, and havent seen an offense anywhere near what they will tonight. The Ospreys also hoist the 11th-most threes in the country, so those will either go in or create runouts, leading to plenty of early points no matter what.

NCAA Basketball (0.5 Unit) Colorado/Colorado State Over 148 (-110; Odds via BetMGM): 8:00 PM CT on CBSSN

If this game has half the excitement of the football game these schools played this fall, were in for a fun and high-scoring game. These are two very good teams with very good offenses, both top-40 in adjusted offensive efficiency, and both play at an above average pace.

The key for me here is Colorados usually strong defense taking a big step back when the team isnt at home, and this will be their first true road game. Colorado State has long been a team that pushes tempo and scores like crazy in Fort Collins, so with KenPom making this just a slight over lean, Ill take a shot that the offenses shine tonight.

NCAA Basketball (0.5 Unit) Louisiana Tech/New Mexico Over 148.5 (-110; Odds via DraftKings): 8:00 PM CT on MW Network

Another slight edge from KenPom has this game sneaking over the total, but its a number I was surprised by. New Mexico is always going to play up-tempo with a strong offensive game, and are actually all the way up to 6th nationally in adjusted tempo. I just dont think Louisiana Tech is ready for it, as they havent played a team anywhere near as fast-paced as the Lobos this year.

The only actual test from their extremely soft schedule was a trip to the aforementioned Colorado State Rams, who put up 81 points with excellent interior scoring. Thats what New Mexico does best, as theyre 13th in the country for percentage of points from inside the arc. I think this Bulldogs defense is in for a rude awakening here, and Ill take the over on what is a very discounted total when the Lobos are involved.

No degenerates today.

Tiny Nick is 1710-1504 ATS (+87.6 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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North Carolina Will Not Launch Online Sports Gambling Until After … – The Action Network

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Updated:

Nov 29, 2023, 03:30 PM EST

North Carolina sports betting is not expected to launch online until after the Super Bowl, North Carolina Lottery Chairman Ripley Rand said during a commission meeting on Wednesday.

During a commission meeting the day prior, it had been suggested that sports betting operators could begin to go live in the state as soon as Jan. 8.

The NC Lottery Commission, along with the sports betting committee, has been meeting to discuss rules for mobile wagering. The new legislation mandates that legal online sports betting should be in operation by the middle of June in 2024.

Online sports gambling was passed into law after the state governor signed, "An Act to Authorize and Regulate Wagering on Professional, College, and Amateur Horse Racing in North Carolina, and to Authorize Live Horse Racing in North Carolina."

During the meeting on Tuesday, it became clear that Jan. 8 would be a difficult deadline to meet, but it wasn't ruled out until Wednesday.

Are you in North Carolina? With North Carolina sports betting coming online in 2024, youll be able to bet legally at major sportsbooks. Learn more.

Thank youfor clarifying that this would not all be done by Jan. 8, otherwise we would be probably meeting daily instead of weekly to get all that done, Commissioner Cari Boyce said to Chairman Ripley Rand in the meeting on Tuesday.

Sports betting operators will have the opportunity to submit applications to operate in North Carolina by Dec. 27. It was suggested to have a 60-day window for the commission to process the applications.

That timeline would indicate that sportsbooks will not be able to go live in North Carolina until at least March.The committee is expecting to receive hundreds of applications.

The committee declared it is still too early to release an official launch date.

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Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo reveals on First Take how much he’s lost … – For The Win

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Theres no doubt that Chris Mad Dog Russo is entertaining on TV and radio, especially when he gets himself worked up into a tizzy about something. This season, alone, weve heard of his mixture of betting $10,000 on Colorado and gummies on ESPNsFirst Take.

On Wednesdays show, Russo explained how he lost a big parlay because he had the OVER 48.5 in the Week 12 Jacksonville Jaguars-Houston Texans game. It was a wild, back-and-forth game that involved the Jaguars choosing to go for a touchdown at the 1-yard line with seconds remaining in the first half, instead of kicking a field goal, and Texans kicker Matt Ammendola missing a 58-yard FG off the crossbar that wouldve sent the game into overtime and likely cashed Russos parlay.

But the real kicker is that the conversation then shifted to how much money Russo had lost gambling over the course of his betting career. Russo had Molly Qerim, Stephen A. Smith and Marcus Spears all guess a number, and then revealed that it was somewhere in between Qerim ($50,000) and Spears ($100,000) guesses.

It seems like a lot of money, but Russo has made a whole lot more over the course of his career. Maybe betting a few less parlays will help that bottom line.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

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The wagering way: As gambling matures in U.S., what pitfalls are … – Sports Business Journal

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Stop us if you think weve written this story before.

Oops, wait, we wrote on this topic in 2020. Back when sport practitioners werent howling about generative artificial intelligence, the Taylor Swift factor or World Series ratings.

Three years ago, we noted neither of us were gamblers nor prepared to act as experts on sport wagering. We simply wanted to explain this sectors rapid growth.

Back then, laws had changed, states were adopting handles, technology was facilitating easy access and big brands like FanDuel and DraftKings were advertising heavily. The easy money, like milk and honey, had started flowing into team coffers.

All were pleased.

This time around, were thinking more counterintuitively, watching the warning signals flashing in other countries where betting is culturally common and more mature as a business vertical. These are places where gambling always existed and the punters were never restricted by North Americas Puritanism.

Sound interesting? Well, here are a few nuggets to ponder:

1) As pro leagues and teams become reliant on sponsorship revenue from betting entities, will the day come when sport wagering income becomes overtly addictive for some teams and leagues the way tobacco was for NASCAR and F1?

2) Are there global trends emerging suggesting sport wagering has a downside? Will the sport wagering downside force state or federal politicians to alert their constituents of the risks? Will New Jersey (which just announced it enjoyed an annual increase of 50% to reach $1.29 billion in revenue) someday find it must intervene on behalf of habitual bettors who are underwater? Will legislators start weighing in on the dangers or will a gambler beware approach (with links for pre-betting education and helplines for compulsive gambling disorders) suffice?

In Australia, the Guardian reported in June that an Australian parliamentary inquiry had recommended ads for online gambling be banned across all media and at all times, within three years, to combat the manipulation of an impressionable and vulnerable audience.

In fact, the story continued, after months of debate about betting ads, including the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, labeling them annoying and the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, calling for a ban on ads during sports matches, the inquiry has provided a blueprint to shut them [the advertisers] down entirely.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare cited research and included in a recent report these findings: Gambling is a major public policy issue in Australia, affecting the health and wellbeing of individuals and families in a range of ways. Estimates suggest Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling each year, representing the largest per capita losses in the world. The social costs of gambling have been estimated at around $7 billion in Victoria alone. Gambling-related harms affect not only the people directly involved, but also their families, peers and the wider community.

Makes you wonder what the behind-the-scenes data looks like. Are real people losing real homes, cars and marriages?

3) Where the University of Colorado once gladly took money from PointsBet (note: U.S. operations of PointsBet were recently acquired by Fanatics for $150 million), will an AAU basketball club or USOPC governing body take sponsorship money from FanDuel? Is there a perceived age cutoff on who DraftKings can sponsor? You might think they would never sponsor a Little League team, but can they advertise on ESPNs Little League World Series? Is the day coming when well need tobacco-level legislation?

4) Will North American athletes start taking endorsement deals from groups trying to counter the negative ramifications created by pathological gamblers? NCAA athletes cant represent betting firms. But could they represent anti-betting groups as part of their NIL freedoms? Weve seen this dynamic before with social issues like climate change and marijuana. Why not sports betting?

As an abstract to No. 4, innovative revenue generation technology is already appearing on the global horizon, and one of the ways underfunded groups can address financial gaps for community sport is via technology drawn from sport wagering. One such example is an Australian firm called Clubfunders that has developed technology aiming to address imbalances (in youth sport settings) and designing contactless payment transactions to underscore needed funding.

So, lets do a pro-con analysis.

The upside includes notable revenue for sport entities, dynamic brand building, higher levels of fan engagement via social channels, ticket sales and increased merchandising. In fact, sports betting has reached such an elevated level its hard matching this value from any other sponsor/advertiser category. Almost overnight, sport wagering has become essential for holding spectators attention for an entire game.

Now, the cons. In Australia, policymakers are addressing the gambling downside and because of that, much like American tobacco in the 1980s, the sports betting sector recently offered to make significant concessions including the removal of logos from match-day jerseys of sports teams.

We know the world is always changing, borders are digital, and fans love wagering on games, regardless of handle advertising, sponsorship or encouragement from Kevin Hart, JB Smoove or Jamie Foxx. But as English author and poet Lewis Carroll once warned, beware the Jabberwock, Jubjub bird and frumious Bandersnatch.

You wont see them often, but their jaws bite and claws can catch.

Rick Burton is the David B. Falk Professor of Sport Management at Syracuse University and COO, North America, for Playbk Sports. Norm OReilly is dean of the University of Maines Graduate School of Business and a partner at the T1 Agency. They are co-authors of Business the NHL Way (University of Toronto Press).

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3 Science-Related Arguments for God’s Existence – Reasons to Believe

Posted: at 8:33 pm

In my studies and reflection, Ive concluded that there are many cogent argumentsphilosophical, theological, and scientificsupporting the existence of the biblical God.1I also know that science tends to get some peoples attention. Perhaps youve engaged with skeptics who seem to be open to scientific arguments. With that in mind, lets briefly consider three philosophical and science-related arguments for the existence of the God of the Bible. (See the resources for further exploration of the arguments.)

1.The existence of the biblical God offers a rationally plausible explanation for the cosmoss origin.

Scientific evidence supports the universes beginning. According to big bang cosmology, the universe had a singular beginning about 14 billion years ago. The universe came into being in a cataclysmic but controlled explosion of extreme heat and light. The big bang cosmological model, accepted by nearly all research scientists and based on comprehensive astronomical evidence and testing,shows that the cosmos is not eternal but had an origin in the finite past.

Knowing that the cosmos had a singular beginning, consider the Kalam cosmological argument:

Premise 1: Whatever begins to exist has a cause for its coming into being. Premise 2: The universe began to exist. Conclusion: Therefore, the universe has a cause for its coming into being.

2.The existence of the biblical God provides a rationally plausible explanation for the complex order and design in the world.

The scientific communitys broad acceptance of theanthropic principlethe view that natures laws appear to be fine-tuned to allow for the existence of human lifesupports the view that the cosmos is the product of a designer. Even a committed atheist would have to acknowledge that the universe exhibits extraordinary order and design. Moreover, scientists have proposed that the cosmos didnt have to take its present form and the statistical probability of producing a life-permitting world is virtually incalculable.2

In reflecting upon our life-friendly, orderly universe, consider this fine-tuning argument:

Premise 1: The fine-tuning of the universe must result from physical necessity, chance, or design. Premise 2: It does not result from physical necessity or chance. Conclusion: Therefore, the fine-tuning results from design.

3.The existence of the biblical God provides a rationally plausible explanation for the compatibility between mathematical ideas and their capacity to describe the universe.

Over the last few centuries, scientists have recognized that abstract mathematics can be used as a type of tool or language to explain the physical cosmos. In his paper The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in the Natural Sciences,3 physicist Eugene Wigner even uses the word miracle to describe this extraordinary congruence between mathematical ideas in the minds of human beings and their explanatory power to describe physical reality.

Does mathematics operate simply because thats the way the universe happens to be (a fortunate accident as the result of a brute reality)? Or is the cosmos the product of reason because it was created by an infinitely wise divine mind?

Consider this abductive (inference to the best explanation) argument:

Premise 1: Abstract mathematics accurately describes the universe. Premise 2: But if the biblical God exists, then maths applicability to nature is an expected matter of course resulting from the act of creation. Conclusion: Thus, there is plausible reason to conclude that the biblical God exists.

From a Christian perspective, mathematics and logic flow from the mind of the Creator God who imbued these rational elements into the nature of the universe.

TakeawayIn terms of explanatory power, the biblical God can account for a broad range of science-related phenomena in the cosmos. In contrast, how does a godless perspective compare? Does a universe that (1) had an origin, (2) reflects order and design, and (3) corresponds to mathematics comport well with a naturalistic point of view?

Resources

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