Tommy Shaw of Styx joins Daryl Hall for an unforgettable session on Live From Daryl’s House! Together, they deliver powerful renditions of Styx classics like “Blue Collar Man” and “Renegade,” plus some Daryl Hall & John Oates gems. Watch the full episode here:
David Ellefson Rings in the Holidays with a Fresh Take on Donnie Iris’ “Ah! Leah!”
Grammy Award-winning bassist David Ellefson is closing out the year with a special holiday surprise: a vibrant and reimagined version of the 1980s classic Ah! Leah! by legendary singer-songwriter Donnie Iris.
This fresh take on the iconic track boasts an all-star lineup. Joining Ellefson are vocalists Chip Z’nuff (Enuff Z’nuff) and Stephen Shareaux (Kik Tracee), Drew Fortier (The Lucid) on guitar, and Paolo Caridi on drums. The new rendition, brimming with talent and nostalgia, is now available across all digital platforms.
Reflecting on the project, Ellefson shared, “The skinny tie alternative rock movement of the early ’80s was such a fun and creative era for music. Ah! Leah! Was not only a massive FM radio hit; it’s a hauntingly beautiful song with an unforgettable melody and lyric. Alongside acts like Aldo Nova, The Greg Kihn Band, Joe Jackson and The Cars, this was a transformative time for rock music that shaped me as a young musician. This rendition brings together an amazingly talented group of friends and musicians to create a really cool version of this classic, setting a creative tone for the holiday season!”
Chip Z’nuff added his thoughts on the collaboration, “Anytime I get the opportunity to work with heavyweights on a classic 1980s hit, I sonically attack with as much reflection and intent as possible. David Ellefson picked an incendiary track with Donnie Iris Ah! Leah!, which is the perfect combination of pop meets metal in 2025!”
With Ellefson’s knack for reinvention and a stellar team of musicians, this reimagined Ah! Leah! is sure to resonate with fans of the original while introducing its magic to a new generation.
Beyond the Sun: Using Parasols as Decor for Outdoor Events
By Mitch Rice
Parasols have long been cherished for their practical role in providing shade, but their aesthetic appeal has made them an increasingly popular choice for outdoor event decor. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, a wedding, or a summer soirée, parasols can transform any space into an enchanting setting. With their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and timeless elegance, parasols go beyond functionality to become striking decorative elements that elevate the ambiance of any event.
A Splash of Color and Elegance
One of the most compelling reasons to use parasols as decor is their ability to introduce vibrant colors and patterns into your event. From bold, bright hues to soft pastels, 日傘 can be selected to complement your event’s color scheme. For instance, floral-patterned parasols are perfect for a romantic garden wedding, while parasols in tropical prints can enhance the festive vibe of a summer luau. Their versatility allows event planners to customize the look and feel of the venue, creating a cohesive aesthetic that ties all elements together.
Parasols also add a touch of elegance to any setting. Their delicate structure and intricate designs can evoke a sense of sophistication and refinement, making them ideal for formal events. For vintage-themed gatherings, antique-style parasols with lace or embroidery can transport guests to a bygone era, adding an extra layer of charm.
Functional and Decorative: Dual Purpose Parasols
Beyond their decorative appeal, parasols serve a functional purpose that is particularly valuable for outdoor events. They provide shade and protection from the sun, ensuring that guests remain comfortable throughout the day. Strategically placing parasols around seating areas, dining tables, or lounges can create cozy, shaded spots where guests can relax and enjoy the festivities.
To maximize their dual-purpose potential, consider using parasols with unique features. For example, parasols with LED lighting can illuminate the space after sunset, adding a magical glow to the event. Alternatively, parasols with built-in misting systems can keep guests cool on particularly hot days, seamlessly blending practicality with style.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Parasols
Parasols can be used in a variety of creative ways to enhance your event decor. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Ceiling Installations: Suspend parasols from above to create a whimsical canopy that adds depth and visual interest. This works particularly well in tents or outdoor venues with overhead structures.
- Photo Backdrops: Arrange parasols in an artistic pattern on a wall to create a stunning photo backdrop. This not only serves as a focal point but also provides guests with a memorable spot for pictures.
- Table Centerpieces: Miniature parasols can be incorporated into table centerpieces, paired with flowers, candles, or other decorative elements to create a cohesive look.
- Pathway Decor: Line pathways with open parasols to guide guests through the venue. This can be especially striking when using parasols in uniform colors or designs.
- Hanging Decor: Attach parasols to trees or pergolas to create floating decor that sways gently in the breeze, adding movement and a sense of enchantment to the setting.
Sustainable and Reusable Decor
In an era where sustainability is a growing concern, parasols offer an eco-friendly decor option. 高品質なパラソル can be reused for multiple events, reducing waste and providing long-term value. For those looking to minimize their environmental impact, consider choosing parasols made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or organic cotton.
After the event, parasols can be repurposed as home decor items or donated to charities, extending their life cycle and contributing to a more sustainable approach to event planning.
Customization for a Personal Touch
Personalized parasols are a fantastic way to add a unique touch to your event. From monograms and logos to custom colors and patterns, parasols can be tailored to reflect the theme and personality of the occasion. For weddings, parasols with the couple’s names or wedding date can serve as keepsakes for guests. Similarly, branded parasols can be used for corporate events, providing both functionality and a promotional opportunity.
Memorable Guest Experiences
Incorporating parasols into your event decor is not only visually impactful but also enhances the guest experience. Parasols can be distributed to guests as functional favors, allowing them to stay cool and comfortable while enjoying the festivities. This thoughtful gesture ensures that guests feel cared for and adds an interactive element to the event.
For larger gatherings, consider hosting a parasol-decorating station where guests can personalize their own parasols. This creative activity adds a fun and engaging dimension to the event, leaving guests with a unique souvenir to take home.
Conclusion: Elevating Events with Parasols
Parasols are more than just practical accessories; they are versatile decor elements that bring beauty, elegance, and functionality to outdoor events. From adding splashes of color to creating magical installations, parasols have the power to transform any venue into an unforgettable setting. By incorporating parasols into your event planning, you can craft a unique and memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression on your guests. Whether you’re hosting an intimate garden party or a grand celebration, parasols offer endless possibilities to elevate your event beyond the ordinary.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Landscape of Privacy in Online Gambling in 2025
By Mitch Rice
The online gambling landscape has undergone massive changes in privacy norms and regulations over the past few years. With advanced tracking, data collection and responsible gaming initiatives, privacy is no longer a straightforward concept for operators or players. This article explores the key privacy battlegrounds that define the online gambling experience in 2025.
Protecting Player Data from Unauthorized Access
Online gambling operators, like Casiny Australia, collect vast amounts of personal data on players, including identity, contact information, financial data and gaming history. Players expect this data to be kept private and safe from hackers and unauthorized access by third parties.
Several high-profile data breaches in recent years have heightened concerns around data security. A 2023 survey found 78% of players worry about the privacy of their data held by gambling operators. In response, many jurisdictions have introduced stricter know-your-customer (KYC) regulations and data protection laws with severe penalties for non-compliance.
Table 1: Regulations related to player data security in major online gambling jurisdictions
| Jurisdiction | Year Introduced | Key Provisions |
| UK | 2021 | Mandatory encryption for player data
Fines up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover for GDPR violations |
| Malta | 2024 | Player data must be anonymized after 90 days
Breach notifications required within 72 hours |
| Australia | 2023 | KYC checks required within 72 hours of registration
Access controls and activity monitoring mandated for employee data access |
Regulations Around Geo-tracking and Targeting
The ability to track player locations and target personalized promotions based on activity was a major driver of online gambling growth prior to 2020. However many jurisdictions now view some geo-tracking and targeting tactics as invasive or manipulative.
For example, the UK Gambling Commission banned the use of third-party data for targeting in 2023. Operators can only target players based on data collected on-site. Multiple European countries have introduced similar “privacy by design” regulations.
At the same time, interstate gambling in the US remains illegal under the Wire Act. Strict geo-blocking and location verification measures are mandatory for operators. This limits targeting capabilities but ensures regulatory compliance. The evolving patchwork of regulations presents complex challenges for multi-territory operators.
Data Collection for Responsible Gaming Initiatives
As problem gambling gains recognition as a public health issue, operators face pressures to identify at-risk players early and intervene with responsible gaming tools. However these tools require collecting and analyzing player behavior data to detect harmful patterns.
Obtaining player consent for broader data collection has proved challenging. For instance, a 2024 trial by the UK Gambling Commission to detect problem gamblers through live play tracking achieved only a 27% opt-in rate among players. Privacy advocates also argue such intrusive, automated monitoring violates player autonomy.
Nonetheless, responsible gaming remains a top priority for regulators. Balancing problem gambling safeguards with player privacy concessions will only grow more complex for the industry.
Tensions Behind Anonymized Data
While anonymized and aggregated player data offers insights without compromising individual privacy, even this faces skepticism today.
Critics point to the risk of re-identification and the lack of transparency around anonymization processes. A 2022 lawsuit alleged one operator’s “anonymized” datasets contained enough unique identifiers to reconstruct player profiles. This erodes trust in promises of anonymity.
However anonymized data enables many public interest initiatives – from identifying inequality to planning urban infrastructure. Online gambling regulators face calls to mandate more robust anonymization standards and audit processes instead of restricting access to such data.
Navigating this tension between utility and perceived privacy risks continues to pose ethical and technological challenges for regulators.
Ongoing Developments
The online gambling ecosystem in 2025 presents complex, rapidly evolving privacy landscapes for both players and operators to navigate. While technology, regulations and public attitudes continue to develop, proactive communication and transparency around privacy practices are essential to maintain player trust.
The issues covered here reflect some of the most pressing current battlegrounds but the coming years will likely surface new dimensions to the privacy debate as technology and attitudes co-evolve. Regulators and operators must closely track emerging concerns around invasive marketing, biometrics, surveillance and interconnected technologies so they can balance privacy and broader public interests in a transparent manner.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
The Meaning of Life: Insights from Godfrey Reggio, Steve Albini, and Fred Armisen
In a January, 2024 episode of Dispatches from The Well, Kmele Foster dives deep into the minds of filmmaker Godfrey Reggio, rock legend Steve Albini, and comedian Fred Armisen to explore the “why” behind their creative lives. From Reggio’s groundbreaking films to Albini’s analog commitment and Armisen’s fusion of music and comedy, this episode offers a unique perspective on purpose and creativity.
Gillian Anderson Reads Anaïs Nin’s Letter About Passion And Poetry
In 1932, Cuban diarist Anaïs Nin and American novelist Henry Miller began a deep, lasting connection that would span many years. In the 1940s, while working with other writers to produce private fiction for an anonymous client known as the “Collector,” Nin wrote a passionate letter expressing her frustrations with the client’s demand to “leave out the poetry” and focus solely on the physical. In November 2023, Gillian Anderson read this letter during the 10th anniversary show of Letters Live at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Iman Opens the Doors to Her Catskills Home, Sharing Artistic Tributes to David Bowie
In the 2021-taped Objects of Affection, supermodel Iman invites us into her Catskills home, filled with stunning tributes to her late husband, David Bowie. From a 1980 self-portrait he painted to a sculpture she gifted him on their first anniversary, Iman shares intimate treasures that celebrate their love and Bowie’s legacy. It’s a rare, heartfelt glimpse into a home that once hosted rock royalty, with echoes of their connection lingering in every corner.
Betty Boop and Cab Calloway’s Enchanted Adventure In Snow-White From 1933
In 1933, Betty Boop took center stage in the animated short Snow-White, an ambitious project from Max Fleischer’s studio that became a pivotal moment in animation history. Directed by Dave Fleischer and largely animated by Roland Crandall, this surreal fairy tale introduces a magic mirror, a villainous Queen, and a series of whimsical, jazz-infused musical numbers. With groundbreaking animation techniques and a standout performance by Cab Calloway’s rotoscoped dance moves, Snow-White remains a masterpiece of the Golden Age of Animation and a cultural gem preserved in the National Film Registry.
Frank Herbert Discusses the Universe of Dune in 1969 Interview with Willis E. McNelly
Willis E. McNelly interviews Frank Herbert on February 3, 1969 at Herbert’s house.
Set in the distant future amidst a feudal interstellar society in which noble houses, in control of individual planets, owe allegiance to the Padishah Emperor, Dune tells the story of young Paul Atreides, whose noble family accepts the stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis. As this planet is the only source of the “spice” melange, the most important and valuable substance in the universe, control of Arrakis is a coveted — and dangerous — undertaking. The story explores the multi-layered interactions of politics, religion, ecology, technology, and human emotion, as the forces of the empire confront each other in a struggle for the control of Arrakis and its “spice”.
Bob Dylan Reads “Twas The Night Before Christmas”
In 2006, Bob Dylan brought his unique, gravelly charm to the holiday season, reciting the classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” on his Theme Time Radio Hour. The iconic poet of rock ‘n’ roll spun the timeless tale with a voice full of whimsy and wonder, proving once again that Dylan can turn even a holiday tradition into a masterclass in storytelling.