Category Archives: Golden Rule

Maurie Backman| The Motley Fool

Tax season 2022: What to know before you submit your return this year

The IRS is "buried" in paper after "most challenging" year for taxpayers, here's what to know for filing your tax return.

Staff video, USA TODAY

If you've ever seen a tax audit play out on TV or in the movies, it can come across as a scary occurrence. But let's get one thing straight most tax audits don't involve an IRS agent ransacking your home office in search of evidence of tax fraud. Often, audits result from innocent mistakes and are dealt with by sending information back and forth by mail.

Also, getting your tax return audited doesn't automatically mean you'll wind up in jail or get slapped with massive fines. In some cases, you may not owe the IRS a penny more.

But still, an audit may be something you're aiming to avoid. If you'd rather not subject your tax return to added scrutiny, then be sure to steer clear of these mistakes when you file it.

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These days, a lot of people are taking on side hustles and getting paid on a freelance basis. If you earned that type of income in 2021, you need to report it on your upcoming tax return. If you don't, and the IRS finds out about it, you could easily get audited.

If you earn $600 or more from a single company, you should get a 1099 form in the mail summarizing that income. But even if you don't get that 1099, you still have to report your earnings.

Plus, if you earned interest in a savings account or were paid dividends in an investment account that isn't an IRA or 401(k), you need to report that income as well. Banks and financial institutions are generally good about reporting that information to the IRS, so you'll want to make sure the details you report match what the IRS has on file.

YES, SIDE HUSTLE MONEY IS TAXABLE: Here's what to know if you made $600 or more in 2021.

The simple act of taking deductions on your tax return won't necessarily trigger an audit. But if those deductions look too clean to be true, the IRS might choose to dig in.

Say you're taking a deduction for medical expenses. If you list your expenses as $10,000, the IRS might question how your bills magically came to such a round figure. It pays to actually add up your receipts and claim the $9,992 you racked up instead.

If you use your car for work say, you're a freelance journalist who drives to meet people for interviews you're allowed to claim a deduction for its cost and maintenance on your taxes. But one thing you shouldn't do is claim 100% business use of your car. Chances are, you use your car for some non-work purposes, and if you claim you use it solely for business and nothing else, the IRS might take a closer look.

Getting your taxes audited isn't necessarily the nightmare you might expect. But it definitely doesn't hurt to do what you can to avoid an audit and that means making sure you don't fall victim to these mistakes.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Avoid these 3 tax-filing mistakes unless you want the IRS to audit you - USA TODAY

Michigan gas prices remain at record-high levels

While climbing gas prices have somewhat plateaued in their growth, their stagnation comes as U.S. prices on average and in Michigan remain at some of the highest levels ever reported.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - We are all feeling how much a gallon of gas is costing us. Now that COVID-19 rules being relaxed, it's now costing us more than ever to go places. But, believe it or not, there is a good day to buy gas, when compared to other days.

Gas prices in Michigan today are at $4.24, about 8 cents per gallon lower than they were on Saturday. That's good news. But they're still $1.40 more than they were a year ago.

The reason gas prices are so high right now isn't all about the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the Keystone Pipeline cancelation, or because the Biden administration paused oil extraction permits. It's a LOT more complicated than all of that and we broke it down here.

With gas prices so high, we're all considering ways to find cheaper cost per gallon.

According to GasBuddy, the best day of the week to buy gasoline is on Monday, especially if you're looking to fill up from empty.

But that's the only day to get a better price. GasBuddy revealed that it's 2021 data shows Friday was also a good day to fill up. This bucked previous trends when it was one of the most expensive days at the pump.

RELATED: Michigan gas price finally falls; still at near-record levels

Sunday and Tuesday are also good days to top off', which GasBuddy says those days are better to buy but not necessarily the best days.

In 28 states, gas is most expensive on Thursdays. Previously, Saturday was the worst day of the week for prices but in 2021, it was replaced by the middle of the week.

Thursday, Wednesday, and then Saturday are the three most expensive days to buy gas.

MORE: Check Michigan gas prices by county

"When it comes to saving money at the pump, Monday becomes more than the dreaded end of the weekend. GasBuddy analyzed gas price data and found that the first day of the work week offers the lowest average gas price in 17 states, making it yet again the best day to fill-up," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Though there is variation in daily gas prices across different states, the consensus is that filling up at the beginning or end of the work week, on Monday or Friday, is the best way to save money. Following Monday, Sunday is the cheapest day to fill-up. But even if you cant always time your fill ups, the golden rule is to always always shop around before filling up."

GasBuddy said it looked at gas price data from the app based on reported prices from January 1, 2021 through December 16, 2021.

RELATED: Michigan Republicans announce plan to suspend state gas tax for next 6 months

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Cheapest day of the week to buy gas - FOX 2 Detroit

Have you ever stayed up late to finish something after an unproductive day? Do you feel trapped in a vicious cycle of procrastination because you lack the motivation to complete a task?

It might even be an assignment you could finish within a few hours if you set your mind to it. But the question is: how do you start?

If you find yourself nodding, we get it and weve got you covered. Here are 10 tools and methods to help you stay productive even when it feels impossible to get anything done.

Has Covid-19 destroyed your attention span? Youre not alone

1. Start your day with just five minutes of one task

Dont overwhelm yourself with a long list of unfinished tasks at the beginning of your day. Focus on completing just five minutes of one assignment first. If you find it challenging, break it down into smaller goals. This helps a stressful task feel more achievable.

Use a schedule or to-do list to organise your tasks and your brain. Photo: Shutterstock

2. Avoid multitasking

While multitasking might seem like the best way to get a lot done at once, it is totally fine if you dont feel comfortable handling several tasks at the same time.

For some of us, it can be helpful to put our energy into one goal at a time to avoid being overwhelmed by the work for multiple tasks. This also helps us to be more careful and avoid mistakes.

A trend called time blocking is taking over TikTok. What is it?

3. Need a game to spice things up?

If gaming and positive reinforcement is something that keeps you going, this productivity app may work for you. Forest is a gamified timer that allows you to track the time you concentrate on a task and schedule breaks for yourself.

If you stay on this app on your phone, youll be able to grow a virtual tree if you earn enough in-game coins, you can use them to plant a real tree, too.

4. Dont use your phone by using your phones focus mode

Notifications can be very distracting. Try turning them off temporarily when you are working by setting your phone on Focus or Do Not Disturb mode. Then, you wont be tempted to check your phone as often.

If that isnt enough, you can also flip your phone upside down, so you cannot see what pops up on your screen. Or put your phone in a separate room, so it is out of mind and out of arms reach.

Remember that messaging does not have to be instant, and you can tell your friends or family that youll respond as you take breaks or when you finish your task.

Face Off: Should there be a limit on how long teens can play video games?

5. Set boundaries

When working and studying from home, it is especially important to establish boundaries with family members. Communicate with them that you need to focus to make sure they wont interrupt you for the amount of time you are working.

6. Find a routine that works for you

Everyone has a particular time when they tend to get an extra boost of focus and creativity. Some are more motivated to get things done in the morning, while others are more comfortable working at night when it might be quieter. You dont have to force yourself to be a morning person to stay productive figure out the routine that works best for you.

How journaling can help relieve stress and foster creativity

7. Reward yourself with something that piques your interest

School suspension and online learning can feel like a time of stagnation. But it can also be an opportunity to work on something you are passionate about or to discover a new interest.

Find one thing that you look forward to whether its crafting, learning a new language, or going on a walk. This can be your reward when you finish your task.

8. Stay active, and make it enjoyable

Staying active is important for mental and physical health, but making it enjoyable and sustainable is the key.

If you struggle to find a sport or exercise you enjoy, just take a walk at a nearby park or trail. Listen to your favourite playlist or podcast as you stroll, or use it as a time to answer messages or phone calls that you missed while you were working. If you are a goal-oriented person, you can use a health app and set a target for the number of steps you want to achieve each week.

Even a stroll around your neighbourhood gives you a break from your work. Photo: Shutterstock

9. Cultivate deep work and deep rest

No matter what tools and methods you have, your mental and physical health matters most. You dont want to burn out by working too much or feeling anxious because of your procrastination. Remember the golden rule: deep work and deep rest go hand in hand.

Get about eight hours of sleep every night. Besides having breaks throughout the day, make sure you set aside time at night when you put down all your work and relax.

And for those who often overwork themselves, you must learn how to take a proper break. The secret to deep work is getting deep rest.

5 tips to help solve Covid-somnia and get better sleep

10. Step back and reflect is there anything troubling you?

There may be underlying emotions diverting your attention. Are you stressed, upset or sad about something that makes you incapable of working?

These emotions are more than just fleeting distractions. They might stem from an argument with a friend or anxiety over academics, and it is worth spending time to work through what youre feeling.

Psychologist explains why emotions should be a school subject

Take 10 minutes to start a conversation with yourself, and put words to these overwhelming emotions. Are there any steps you can take to fix these problems? Can you talk to someone you trust about it?

Staying home more often can make you feel like youre alone. But reach out to someone you trust, and share about your worries. Taking care of your emotional health can do wonders for your focus and your heart.

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10 tips to stay productive when you dont feel motivated or cant focus - YP

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).

Dn 9:4b-10; Lk 6:36-38

The ancients all had thoughts on how to keep an ethical balance in life. The so-called Golden Rule summarized an underlying principle: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Being respectful was wise, because, as other axioms held, What goes around, comes around, and You will reap what you sow.

Jesus seems to have shared in this wisdom tradition, and he also identified the source of this basic law of life in God, who has ordered creation and human morality with the same mutual benefit. Love begets love. Forgiveness inspires forgiveness. The measure you measure with is the measure you will receive.

But Jesus added a dimension to human morality by making Gods infinite generosity and forbearance the measure of our human perfection. Be merciful as your Father is merciful was more than quid pro quo, which could also justify returning evil for evil, and eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, another ancient rule.

Jesus extended the principle of love to situations where love is not returned. He counseled his disciples to keep forgiving seven times seventy when offenses are repeated. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Turn the other cheek, go the extra mile. Such radical teachings have been called nave, utopian and impossible.

What did Jesus have in mind? Perhaps he was proposing for his disciples a new kind of freedom. After all, if we can let go of offenses and move on from the burden of keeping track of the sins of others, imagine just how free we would be.

And it is this freedom from spending our entire domestic budget on defense that enables us to focus on something more important an encounter with God, the source of love. Jesus wanted his disciples to know God, to live in the gaze of the face of Mercy, to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.

To live in the community of the Beatitudes was Jesus invitation to live in this world as though heaven were already visible, within reach. To be among the little ones who embraced meekness, peace, justice, mercy and purity of heart was to possess the revelation of God that remains hidden from the wise and clever, the learned and the logical. Emily Dickinson captures this truth in her two-verse poem I had no time to hate.

I had no time to hate, because

The grave would hinder me

And life was not so ample I

Could finish enmity.

Nor had I time to love, but since Some industry must be, The little toil of love, I thought, Was large enough for me.

See more here:

Like the Abba - National Catholic Reporter

Donald Trump has shot the United States of America twice on Fifth Avenue by denying COVID-19 through maligning science and public health experts, and equally heinous, the planning and leading of an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.

Each event cost the USA dearly nearly 1 million people dead and the killing of our fragile concept of democracy.

So what swift and urgent application of the rule of law will the Justice Department apply to Trump and all who supported these acts of criminality? We continue to witness the erosion of our democracy state by state by the Trumplican Party via the erosion of voting rights and the proliferation of propaganda on public health initiatives, because the system designed to hold lawlessness in check doesn't seem to apply to Trump and all in his circle. He knew this when he said he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue.

It is evident to Black people in the USA that there is a dual system of justice that literally and figuratively continues to put a knee on our necks and backs for minor infraction of the law, immediately and swiftly, leading to the loss of Black lives most times.

Can that same level of swift justice be applied to Trump, since he is on record breaking multiple laws, especially the constitutional violation against leading an insurrection, which he continues to perpetuate. Where oh where is the urgency to save the USA from lawless autocrats and dictators like Trump. Is this the "American Legal Standard," that it's OK to break the Golden Rule as long as you are well connected, well heeled, and White male?"

IVY MATHIEU

human resources consultant

LaPlace

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Letters: Trump shot the U.S. on Fifth Avenue -- twice - The Advocate

When you've lived in NYC for a while, it's easy to notice when someone is new to the city.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with being new to NYC, in fact, in 2017, more than 264,000 people (3 percent of the citys population) moved to New York, and of these, 35 percent came from abroad and the remaining 65 percent, moved from elsewhere in the U.S., according to StreetEasy. New Yorkers, both native and "transplant," make NYC what it is today.

That being said, newbies to NYCdo questionable things that are quite against the grain of city living, from stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to making eye contact with strangers. They haven't yet learned the city-specific habits we've picked upthere's a lot to learn, after all.

On Reddit, a user asked the question, "Whats a telltale sign somebody is an NYC newbie?" and the more than 600 answers gave us a good idea of what it might look like. Below are 16 ways to tell somebody is an NYC newbie, according to New Yorkers on Reddit.

(Note: Take these with a grain of saltsome of us who have lived here since birth still do some of these things!)

If they're concerned with appearing like a "real" New Yorker,they must be new here. Being a New Yorker is just who you are, it's not something you can force or make yourself look like. You either are or you're not. In fact, the harder you try, the more you will stick out.

The golden rule of NYC is not to stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Ifthey break it, it's clearthey haven't walked our streets much.

It's pronounced "House-ton" and "Gren-ich." This is a big tell.

Being rude is not a New Yorker trait it's a personality flaw. We're direct, not nasty. "I think a lot of transplants confuse directness with being an absolute antisocial asshole," bombardieristrash said.

Not every corner deli or convenience is a "bodega."

"Growing up, no one called the corner store a bodega. It was either the corner store or deli (latter if it was mainly Jewish or Eastern European and sold certain items). A bodega was specifically a Hispanic corner store, typically Dominican or Puerto Rican. But now everything is a bodega. The gas station? A bodega. Pizzeria that sells some chips and knickknacks? Nah its a bodega too," bombardieristrash, said chiming in again.

Unless traffic is oncoming, why wait for the walk sign to come on? We have places to go and things to do! Abiding by the sign when there's no car or bike in sight is silly. We're careful but in a hurry.

The subway lines are numbered and lettered. The colors help to know the general direction they're going in, but that's not what we know them by. And it's not "the tube" or "the metro"it's "the subway" or "the train."

"If I give directions to out-of-towners, Ill reference the color first, then the letter or number so its easier for them to navigate. For any local, by the numbers/letters," 113631 said.

We all know to avoid these CD-hawking scammers. They're fake rappers selling "autographed" CDswe just keep walking.

If you're here for the long haul, you learn to wipe the smile off your face and avoid eye contact with strangers. If you don't,it's an open invitation to weirdos to speak to you. Sure, it might make us seem rude and intense, but we're doing it to protect ourselves (and our time). And honestly, we're all busting our assesso a lot of the time, too tired to smile or engage, anyway.

This is a major flag.You wait "on" line. Period.

As much as we know our streets, the actual addresses of the places we're going to are of little importance. Most of us go by the approximate location because we're walking and taking public transportation, not driving with GPS. Give a taxi driver an address and they might know how to get you there, but give them cross streets and you're golden.

There are so many awesome neighborhoods in NYC that don'tqualify as"cool" like Williamsburg is, but that's a good thing. Once something is deemed "cool," anyhope of keeping its character is over. The world is so much bigger than these overhyped and overcrowded neighborhoods and not everyone wants the same things asthey do.

We know, we feel it every day and it's part of why we're still here but also stressed out AF.

We have all seen videos by an influencer who just moved to the city claiming to discover a "hidden gem" and rolled our eyes.

"The way they make these grand pronouncements about 'New Yorkers this' and 'New Yorkers that,' how 'nobody knows' something (like they did on that video about chopped cheese some years back), how they 'discovered' a neighborhood, how a gentrifying neighborhood where people are being displaced is 'up and coming,' or how theyre suddenly the experts about how 'authentic' some cuisine is that they just tried once they moved here," explained BxGyrl416.

This is a hard lesson to learn, but eventually, New Yorkers come to realize it will always take more time to get there thanany app says.

Ifthey have to ask, chances are,they're a newbie. 😉

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16 ways you know someone is an NYC newbie, according to New Yorkers - Time Out

On Sunday, my wife, Crystal, and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.I must admit I dont know how shes put up with me this long. She must have the patience of Job! I also have to admit that I love her more today than ever before.God has blessed us with two great kids, a wonderful son-in-law and a bouncing grandbaby boy. His name is Matthias Alexander Daniel and he has stolen our hearts!I used to hear my parents say, Kids grow up too fast. I understand what they meant now that were a part of the Grandparents Club.Kids can say the funniest things, cant they? I recently read a collection of Bible stories actually written by children.See if you can remember any of these stories: In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world, so he took the Sabbath off. Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. One of their children, Cain, asked Am I my brothers son? Noahs wife was called Joan of Ark. Noah built an ark, which the animals came to in pears. Lots wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night. God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Montezuma. Jacob, son of Isaac, stole his brothers birthmark. Jacob was a partridge who had twelve sons. One of Jacobs sons, Joseph, gave refuse to the Israelites. Sampson was a strong man who let himself be led astray by Jezebel. Then he slayed the Philistines with the ax of the apostles. People who lived in Egypt were called mummies. They lived in the Sarah Dessert and traveled by Camelot. The climate of the Sarah is so hot that it is cultivated by irritation. The Egyptians built the Pyramids in the shape of a huge triangular cube. The Pyramids are a range of mountains between France and Spain. Pharaoh forced the Hebrew slaves to make bread without straw. Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread, which is bread without any ingredients. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterward, Moses went up to Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Amendments. The First Commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple. The Fifth Commandment is humor thy father and mother. The Seventh Commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery. Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him. David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. Solomon, one of Davids sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines. Jesus said the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you. The people who followed the Lord were called the twelve decibels. The epistles were the wives of the apostles. One of the opossums was St. Matthew, who was by profession a taxi man. St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage. A Christian should have only one wife. This is called monotony.These humorous stories remind us that kids come in all shapes and sizes, and they bring such joy to our lives.They also remind us that it only takes a child-like faith to please God. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, Truly I say to you, unless you are converted, and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (MEV)I thank God for my family. Many times in our 30 years of marriage, Crystal and I have faced crises and didnt know what to do. But every time we prayed to God with child-like faith, He came through for us.And He can do the same for you!

Rev. Doug Johnson is the senior pastor at Raven Assembly of God in Raven, Virginia.

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Celebrating 30 years of marriage, kids' versions of the Bible stories - The Tribune | The Tribune - Ironton Tribune

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Xbox Game Pass has such a great collection of games, ranging from big AAA hits, to smaller indie darlings. Its no surprise though that any person cant physically play every single game released though. Thats way too much time, and until we get that 25th hour and 8th day added to our weeks, we all just need to keep choosing how to spend our time wisely. If youre looking for some recommendations on what to play next, what about some stellar games that have been flying under everyones radars? Here are 3 games on Xbox Game Pass that need more talk about them because they are just that good.

Timeloop games were THE THING in 2021. We got 12 Minutes, Deathloop, and Returnal, which all used the groundhog day style in their own ways. Theres one though that I thought did time loops better than the rest, and thats The Forgotten City. Developed by Modern Storyteller, The Forgotten City actually started out as a mod for Skyrim. With how expansive it became, Modern Storyteller decided to spin it out into its own game. InThe Forgotten City, you play as a modern-day person who ends up in a lively Greco Roman city full of other people who feel like theyre out of place.

Roman leaders, Greek scholars, and many others are there all cohabitating and told to follow one thing, The Golden Rule. Anyone who breaks this rule causes all golden statues to come to life and turn everyone else into gold. Thing is, nobody really knows what falls under The Golden Rule. Is it murder, is it theft, is it insulting people? Upon your arrival, youre given one task, find the person who is about to break The Golden Rule and stop them. And so begins a fantastic whodunnit mystery adventure about what the heck is happening here. I could gush about this game all day, but saying any more quickly encroaches on spoiler territory because there are just so many twists and turns! If you want a game that really makes you think, go play The Forgotten City right away.

Unpacking is sweeping up awards left and right this season and for good reasons. Its a great game! Developed by Witch Beam, Unpacking is about a zen game as you can get. It specifically scratches that itch of cleaning up a room (and is a great distraction from cleaning your own place too). Its a simple game of you just unpacking someones life in different years into their new place. For a game that does require precision, just to get that pair of underwear put away juuuust right, it works surprisingly well on the controller.

There are no timers, theres no pressure, theres just you and boxes. What I loved most aboutUnpacking is how it indirectly tells a story of growth, love, heartbreak, and finding oneself. Thats a lot to unpack in a game about unpacking (pun absolutely intended). But, Witch Beam pulls it off really well. Noticing little things like what meets the completion criteria, to items slowly missing or being carried over slowly breaks down this persons life. Its not too long either and is great to play with someone else.

Im a huge fan of puzzle games (if it isnt clear by the hidden thread between all the games listed so far). One that really took me by surprise last year, even though it was released in 2017, was The Pedestrian. Developed by Skookum Arts,The Pedestrianhas you control one of that pedestrian figures on signs. With little instructions, you start moving signs around and start solving puzzles about how to get this pedestrian guy from sign to sign.

This is a fun little puzzle game that can easily fill an afternoon up. The puzzles never get too difficult, and the variants keep you on your toes regularly. Also, this is one of those games that are first and foremost about the puzzles. Theres a very light overarching story that you dont have to pay too close attention to while enjoying the game. LikeUnpacking, I highly recommend this for a fun weekend game when youre just looking for something light to play.

Are there any sleeper hits on Xbox Game Pass that I didnt list? Let us know on social media.

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Game Pass Games That You've Been Sleeping On - But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Published: Tue 15 Mar 2022, 7:00 AM

CHELTENHAM VIEW: JOHN MELVIN

THE Irish invasion of Cheltenham will begin in earnest today as the tape goes up on four days of the very best of National Hunt racing.

The famous Cheltenham Festival is the equine equivalent of the Olympics and this is where the Irish trainers come into form, having dominated in recent years in particular.

That looks set to continue as they simply have the best horses and, dare we say it, the best jockeys.

Will we ever forget watching history unfold last year as Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Triumph Hurdle on Honeysuckle? She will be back to defend her title this year as leading jockey at the festival.

It was an Irish one-two in last years Gold Cup for Henry De Bromhead, with Jack Kennedy bringing home Minella Indo in a thrilling finish and Rachael Blackmore second on A Plus Tard, who is favourite for this years race.

Willie Mullins returns also with back-to-back winner in 2019-2020 Al Boum Photo, who was third last year. What a great race we have in prospect.

Of course, Tipperary lady Blackmore went on to make history by becoming the first ever female jacket to win the Aintree Grand National when she rode Minella Times to victory.

I have a feeling she could be in for another big showing at this years Cheltenham Festival, which seems certain to be dominated yet again by Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot, the latter absent from last year's event due to suspension.

Henry De Bromhead is another Irish trainer with some quality runners in what is an exciting week of racing, with St. Patrick's Day stuck bang in the middle of the four-day event, which starts on today and finishes on Friday, March 18.

It will be great to hear the famous roar from the Cheltenham stand when the tape goes up on the first race.

Happy punting, and remember the golden rule only bet what you can afford to lose.

My nap is Sporting John, who runs on Thursday, at 10/1, while a few bob each-way on Cloudy Glen is another favourite of mine, who could go well at a price today.

Published: Tue 15 Mar 2022, 7:00 AM

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Rachael Blackmore returns to defend her top jockey title - Connaught Telegraph

There is an awful lot of water to go under the bridge before next years election.

But the currents have changed, and Labour will struggle to stay the course to victory.

It was never likely that Jacinda Arderns party would win another single party majority.

But last weeks 1 News/Kantar poll sharpens the sense that one of the minor parties will decide the future government. National pulled just ahead of Labour in the TV poll for the first time in two years.

READ MORE:* Christopher Luxon surges to bring National neck and neck with Labour after only four months* New poll has National above Labour, Mori Party holding balance of power* A jump at the pump: Government has little control as petrol tops $3 a litre

LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff

National leader Christopher Luxon delivers his state of the nation speech in Auckland.

With ACT firmly married to National, and the Greens wed to Labour, NZ First and Te Pti Mori are now in play. Both sit on two per cent in the poll.

Winston Peters currently looks like a spent force. A trial over allegations of improper political donations involving the New Zealand First Foundation is due to take place mid-year.

Peters has struggled to get traction on any issue since he left office in 2020. For a very long time, his roguish opportunism has been an accepted, even indulged, feature of our democratic landscape.

But his support, and tour, of Parliaments occupation may have been a step too far. Figures in his own party were horrified by his misjudgement.

DAVID WHITE/STUFF

NZ First leader Winston Peters visited protesters occupying Parliaments ground. The occupation ended in a violent and fiery riot.

The experience of the previous parliamentary term has made Arderns team very wary of any future relationship with senior staff said to be prepared to quit if a new coalition were to eventuate.

Peters visit the day after human waste was thrown at police by the demonstrators has only solidified their antipathy. When asked if she could work with Peters again, Ardern remarked his actions demonstrated the strong distance between them.

But the golden rule of New Zealand politics is: never rule out Winston Peters. Especially Winston Peters armed with a wedge issue.

A common thread in Peters most recent press releases is co-governance (the arrangement for negotiated decision-making between iwi and other Mori organisations and central government). He argues Labour has no mandate for the policies, which are designed to white and brown ant New Zealands democracy.

His position is consistent with past opposition to the incorporation of the Treaty of Waitangi into legislation and policy. Before Don Brash, as a National Party MP he was calling for "one law for all. Last year he railed about increased state usage of te reo Mori, including Aotearoa.

Suspicion about a separatist government Mori agenda has been growing since the emergence of the He Puapua report, and galvanised by opposition to plans to overhaul how the countrys three waters services are managed.

Stoking a culture war is too vague a strategy to campaign on, especially in an election that will be dominated by the economy. But there is nothing Peters loves more than a referendum. Especially on contentious issues.

His ancestry gives him the freedom to exploit the issue and whip up fears of Morification without being labelled a racist. A strong stance on the issue of Mori sovereignty would also endear him to some older, provincial voters in Nationals base who are yet to forgive him for handing power to Ardern in 2017.

Assuming he cant win an electorate, Peters will have to work hard to reach five per cent. And Te Pti Mori already have the jump on NZ First, holding Waiariki.

On the face of it, either side could offer co-leader Rawiri Waititi a deal, guaranteeing the partys return and sweetening any post-election negotiations. But the reality is more complicated: Labour wants to scrap the coat tail rule that brought in co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff

Rawiri Waititi on his way to the House of Representatives debating chamber.

To offer a lifeline, but campaign on a change that would decrease Te Pti Mori representation would be hypocritical. Labour also urged voters in the Mori electorates not to split their vote in 2020.

National have pledged to stand in the Mori seats for the first time in almost decades. It would be strange then to campaign only for the party vote.

For now, Te Pti Mori are holding Peters kingmaker crown. And Ngarewa-Packer has demonstrated she is a worthy successor, making no commitments. Her pledge to work only with those who are focused on treaty-centric policies threw down the gauntlet to both National and Labour.

The poll indicates a sea change. And a rising tide of Mori voters could decide the future government.

Continued here:

Never rule out Winston Peters. But there's a new kingmaker in town. - Stuff