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The poker industry is valued at over $60,000,000,000 with revenues of well over $300,000,000 a month. All those figures look pretty right? Well maybe that’s the reason why so many poker sites have been caught up in scandals and cheating that has rocked the online poker community. Most famously is the scandal at Absolute Poker and also a similar occurrence with their sister site, Ultimate Bet.

If you haven’t heard of the absolute poker scandal that occurred on September 12th 20007, then take a look at the starting hands and the final hand of a huge $1000 tournament on Absolute Poker by searching “Potripper” on YouTube. Of course this aroused suspicion by “Crazy Marco” who then posted the hand history on 2+2 forums and contacted AP to get hold of the full tournament hand history. It was discovered that a “super user” account had been leaked to a player who was able to see all of his opponents’ hands. Of course the greed got the better of him and his blatant cheating ended up getting him found out. The villain in this story, “Potripper” managed to bag $800,000 from cash tables and tournaments. Here is a statement produced by absolute poker shortly after the incident. A few days before the tournament, a private jet caught fire before taking off in Costa Rica. The two onboard were Absolute Poker President, Scott Tom and his pregnant wife who was taken to hospital. It was rumoured that the plane had a cargo $2-$3 million in cash.

Thank you for your patience in this urgent issue.

Let me start off by stating in 100% confidence that, fair play and security is of paramount importance to Absolute Poker. We have temporarily frozen accounts that have been brought to our attention while we perform an extensive investigation.

While we are continuing with our investigation, we have yet to find any evidence of wrong doing. Our game client only receives data regarding the individuals hand and no other players’ hole cards, except in the event of a showdown.

The player’s and their respective actions that are in question, all come from a small sample of Hands. We have researched their play exhaustively and have found no proof that they had any knowledge of other player’s hole cards.

There were hands that were played poorly – from a poker strategy perspective – and these players did receive a fortunate result.

So far we have no evidence that substantiates claims that any of the players were involved in chip dumping, or any other improper activity.

Because of the seriousness of these allegations, we have not closed the investigation and are continuing to look very closely into this matter. We will notify you if we obtain any new information regarding these claims.

It took Absolute Poker well over a month of discovering this scandal to admit publicly, that there had been a breach of security.

What separates a scandal from being hugely damaging to a site’s integrity is the way it is handled. As you can see from the letter posted by an Absolute Poker executive, they failed to recognise the seriousness of the situation and the blatant cheating that had occurred. Contrary to this is the PokerStars and Party Poker scandal that involved a player named JJProdigy. JJProdidy, AKA “ablackcar” used two accounts (strictly against the TOS of all poker sites) to win a $500,000 guaranteed tournament on Party Poker for a $140,000 top prize. After the win, it broke that he had used two accounts and he was quickly banned. PokerStars soon got news of this and found that not only did JJProdigy use two accounts on their site, but that he was also 16 years old. Again, the player was quickly banned and the scandal ended with prize money being refunded and no one was left out of pocket.

JJProdigy came out with a public apology last year on Poker News and both sites have since upheld their great reputation amongst the poker community.

Poker scandals are now becoming what seems to be an annual occurrence. Is it really worth playing these sites if there is a chance that you could be losing thousands of dollars to a player who has hacked the system? Sites like Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet have now lost all integrity and respect; not only because of the scandal itself, but due to the fact the problem was poorly handled and covered up.

For more great articles like this one, please visit Pokerisrigged.com and discuss everything poker! The site also now has it’s own league table with a reward point system.

If you play slots in two or more different states, you may have played on two different kinds of slot machines. These are called Class II and Class III slots. Though you won’t be able to tell the difference in these machines with a cursory glance, there are important distinctions between the two.

Actually, when I say “important distinctions”, I mean important legal distinctions. Players won’t be able to tell much of a different in these slot machines. Certain jurisdictions do not allow the traditional slots game, so the game designers found an ingenious way around the legalities.

Class III slot machines are the ones we all know and love. These slots you will find in Las Vegas and Atlantic City and most of the other casinos of America.

Class II machines are for specific jurisdictions, often introducing a bingo element into the slot machine experience. Since bingo games are less regulated in many states, this becomes a way to run a slot machine industry in a state where slots aren’t allowed. Here’s how it works.

Class III Characteristics

*Class III slots use an internal random number generator to determine wins and losses.

*Every Class III spin is separate from the other. A player winning on a similar machine adjacent to you does not affect your game. Any outcome is possible.

*The player is playing against the house and not against opponents.

*Wins are instant.

Class II Characteristics

*Class II slots are tied to a random number generator in a central computer. The slot machine itself does not determine whether you win or not. Instead, it is part of a networked game.

*Players compete against one another for a central prize. This means you do not play against the house and a prize eventually will be won by someone, but not necessarily by yourself.

*Games are interactive. When you win, you must actively claim your prize.

*When a new game begins, there are only a certain number of combinations in the game. Once a set of numbers (or card) has been used, it is not active in the game. This makes a class II game like a scratch off lottery card.

*If on a machine with Class III characteristics, any of the Class II stipulations are met, then the machine legally is considered a Class II slot machine.

How Do You Tell The Difference?

For all intents and purposes, Class III slots play like a traditional machine. Both use a random number generator to determine results. But if you look closely enough, you will notice a few differences with a Class III machine.

Most such machines have a virtual bingo card someone along the top of the machine. As the reels spin, you will also notice the bingo numbers in a “spin” mode. This is actually the method used to determine a winner.

If you win, the reels align in the commensurate winning position. If you do not win, the reels line up in any random non-winning alignment.

The Class II and Class III distinctions highlight the hypocrisy of certain gaming jurisdictions. A slot machine is considered immoral and made illegal, unless it is played with a bingo mechanism, which therefore makes it legally and morally valid.

Who can figure? Let’s just be happy our slots playing brethren in these jurisdictions can enjoy themselves with a good game of slots.

Tony Stevens is an experience gambler and is the owner of several internet slot machine sites.

No visit to San Francisco is complete without visiting some of the most popular San Francisco tourist destinations. Here is a sampling of seven must-see places you have to check out on your next visit:

1) California Palace of the Legion of Honor

Located at 34th Avenue & Clement Street, The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is an art experience you won’t want to miss. First off, there’s the building itself. Built in 1924, the Legion of Honor is a three-quarter scale replica of the Palais de La Légion d’Honneur in Paris, built to honor the 3,600 Californians who lost their lives on the battlefields of France during World War I.

After being wowed by the building, you will probably want to view the collection of Rodin sculptures, as well as some other notable acquisitions, including Claude Monet’s “The Grand Canal, Venice,” 1908 and El Greco’s “St. John the Baptist,” circa 1600.

2) Alcatraz

Who knew touring a former prison could become so popular?

Alcatraz is a an island a few miles off the coast of San Francisco which had been used as a military prison in 1907, then as a Federal prison in the 1930s, housing the most hardened criminals. Some of its most famous prisoners include: George Kelly, bank robber and kidnapper, also known as “Machine Gun Kelly;” Floyd Hamilton, driver for Bonnie and Clyde; and Al Capone, Chicago Mob Boss, known as “Scarface.”

In 1973, Alcatraz was incorporated into the National Parks system and became a tourist attraction. Since then, over 14 million visitors have taken the 10-minute boat ride from Pier 41 in San Francisco to see ‘The Rock’. Tickets generally sell out, sometimes weeks in advance.

3) Chinatown

Chinatown is home to the largest Asian population outside China, and is located in an area near North Beach, bound roughly by Grant Avenue and Bush Street, Broadway and Larkin Street. Here you’ll find shopping and great food, including Mee Mee Bakery at 1328 Stockton between Broadway and Vallejo. Mee Mee’s is reputed to be the originator of the fortune cookie. For great seafood, one of your best bets would be Yuet Lee at 1300 Stockton Street, near where North Beach and Chinatown merge.

4) Golden Gate Park

You can easily spend an entire day at Golden Gate Park – and you should. It’s great to just go there and walk, or sit and enjoy the day. But, if you’re into exploring, there’s certainly enough for you to explore, such as:

The Strybing Arboretum – 70 acres of gardens with trails, blooming trees and redwoods, herbs, flowers and duck ponds.

Stow Lake – where you can rent paddleboats and bicycles.

Spreckels Lake – where you can watch the miniature radio-controlled boat races.

Bison Paddock – Located along John F. Kennedy Dr., the Bison Paddock is an exhibit of the San Francisco Zoo where you can see, what else, bison!

5) Union Square

Union Square is the place to go for serious shopping. Bound by Stockton, Powell, Post and Geary, several buses run to the area and it’s a short walk from many of the most commonly used hotels. There’s also a BART and Muni (subway) exit at Market Street.

Or, you can stay at the Grand Hyatt on Union Square and just walk from your room.

Everywhere you walk in the Union Square area you’ll find store after store after store, such as: Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Giorgiao Armani, H&M, Hermes, Baccarat and Gianni Versace.

6) Haight Ashbury (“The Haight”)

Well, it’s not Union Square, but it might not be what you’d expect either. While Haight Ashbury was the center of “hippiedom” in the 1960s, the Haight today is home to exclusive boutiques, high-end vintage-clothing shops, hip clubs and cafés. No matter what you’re into you’ll find something you like in the Haight, whether it’s a hemp bracelet, collectible kitchenware, punk t-shirts, skateboard gear, a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or a vintage gown costing over $1,000.

While you’re in the neighborhood you can walk by former houses of 1960s musicians, including the former home of the members of the Grateful Dead at 710 Ashbury, the former home of Janis Joplin at 112 Lyon, and the former home of the Jefferson Airplane at 2400 Fulton.

7) Neighborhoods on the Muni Metro and Bus Lines

Of course, San Francisco is more than just popular tourist spots. People actually do live there. Why not go to some not-so-touristy areas located along the bus and Muni Metro line routes and check out some really fun and unique neighborhoods, most of which have their own shopping areas?

Neighborhoods you might want to visit and experience include: the Castro, which is the predominately gay neighborhood with many unique and fun shops along Castro Street; Noe Valley, a neighborhood of Victorians with a great shopping district along 24th Street; and the Inner Richmond, which many consider the “New Chinatown,” with a great abundance of good Asian restaurants. You’ll also find an old-time Irish pub, Irelands 32 at 3920 Geary Blvd., where you can enjoy live music any day of the week and live telecasts of sporting events from Ireland.

Shari Hearn is a writer and website creator. Visit her site at http://www.topvacationspots.net to find out more about top vacation spots and tropical island vacations.

They say ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’ and that is true of quite a few visitor’s hard earned vacation budgets. In the city of sin, opulence is at every turn. Just tilt your head skyward to the recently opened City Center that, at a cost of approximately $11 Billion dollars (yes, billion with a B), where extravagant architecture and elaborate art take center stage. It makes one wonder, who is all of this luxury for? One simple answer: very wealthy people. What would it be like to blow through one hundred thousand dollars in a short weekend in Las Vegas? Read on.

Check in to the 3-bedroom suite at Sky Lofts. Designed to accommodate Las Vegas’ most sophisticated guests, the elegant Sky Lofts are outdone only by the extraordinary level of personalized service provided by the Sky Lofts’ staff. Cost: $13,000 per night.

After checking in, take the included Maybach chauffeur service to the shopping destination of your choice. Our suggestions include a pair of very Vegas aviator sunglasses from Chrome Hearts at Oculus in Caesar’s Palace (Appian Way Shops). Cost: about $4,000, depending upon the style.

While at Caesar’s Palace, check out the Move 1 Daylight watch from FRED Paris in the Forum Shops. Cost: $15850.

After the Forum Shops for accessories, continue on to the Canal Shoppes at the Venetian to indulge in a shopping spree at LIOR. LIOR, a Las Vegas haven, carries the best designs from Europe and beyond, complete with exceptional service. You will have no trouble finding the perfect outfit for your evening of extravagance. Cost varies on purchase, approximate cost: $16000.

Take a helicopter from the Maverick Helicopters helipad to the helipad at Lake Las Vegas Resort. Rent one of two private reception yachts for the afternoon and enjoy lounging on deck in the warm spring sun. Return to Las Vegas via helicopter. Cost: $3000 (varies based on yacht choice).

Head over to Canyon Ranch, the Spa at the Venetian and pamper yourselves with facials and massages, followed by hair and makeup for your night out. Approximate cost: $3000 before gratuity.

For dinner, try the tasting menu at Aureole, located at Mandalay Bay, $105 per person in the Swan Court, accompanied by a bottle of 1961 Chateau Margaux (a first grow Bordeaux, a classic choice for a luxury red wine), suggested by William Sherer, Wine Director and Master Sommelier at Aureole. Approximate cost: $4000 before gratuity.

After dinner, head over to TAO at the Venetian, where the indulgence can truly begin. Call ahead to reserve your personal sky box, with the best view of the scene. This is the perfect place to let your hair down and get wild. See and be seen by the city’s sexiest and most beautiful crowd. Sky boxes start at $5000 for the night.

Head over to the Palms, off the Strip, for some high roller action in the brand new Mint Lounge. Limits range from $100 to $5000 per hand. Higher limits may be arranged prior to your arrival. High-limit table games include blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

Head back to your luxurious suite at the Sky Lofts where you can have your personal butler draw a bath and then watch the sleepy Vegas sun rise through your awe-inspiring 24 foot floor-to-ceiling windows. Order breakfast in bed from the 24 hour in-Loft dining service.

Your private chauffeur will definitely drive you over to the airport, but which airport is dependent on how you did at the tables this weekend. If you won, pass go and head straight to the Las Vegas Executive Airport where a private charter can be arranged to whisk you away at your convenience and without the hassle of today’s airports. If your wallet is hurting after a weekend of reckless gaming, tell your driver to drop you at the curb for your coach flight back to reality.

Vegas Orange is a news and information resource on all things Las Vegas and Las Vegas Real Estate

Bijan, whose full name is Bijan Pakzad, has been a major force in the world of fragrances since 1981 when he developed his first perfume for men. He further drew attention to his product when he offered his perfume in Baccarat crystal flacons that were signed and numbered. As a result, a 6 oz. Bottle of this perfume is now worth approximately $3,000.

After immigrating to the United States from Iran in 1973, Bijan wasted no time getting himself established in the world of fashion and design. In fact, by 1976, he had set up an exclusive boutique on the legendary Rodeo Drive. His store, which could only be visited by appointment, was considered by many to be “the most expensive store in the world.” Bijan still currently resides in Beverly Hills, though he also has homes in New York, Milan, and Florence.

Today, many of the most powerful men in the world can be seen wearing clothing designed by Bijan. His clients include President Bush, Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sir Anthony Hopkins, President Ronald Regan, Jay Leno, and Prime Minister Tony Blair.

In addition to his clothing, Bijan continues to create fragrances. His current line includes fragrances for both men and women. In both cases, he presents the fragrances in globally patented circular glass flacons that have an open center as well as a dividing web. When the fragrance is half full, the two chambers fill on their own accord by following the scientific principle that liquids seek their own level. His flacons are so intriguing that one is even featured as a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute.

Bijan has won numerous awards for his efforts. In 1988, his Bijan for Men fragrance won the FiFi award for “Most Successful Men’s Fragrance” from the Fragrance Foundation. His Bijan for Women fragrance took home the “Best Women’s Fragrance Package” award that same year. His Michael Jordan Cologne won “Men’s Fragrance Star of the Year Specialty/Department Stores” in 1997 as well as “Best National Advertising Campaign – Men’s.” He also received the Ig Nobel Prize in chemistry for his DNA fragrance in 1995. He was also included on the “International Best Dressed List” by Vanity Fair in 1989.

Find Bijan perfume and colognes on sale at Perfume Center. Read more about Bijan perfumes