Alan Mendelson, frequent forum contributor, dead at 70
November 11th, 2022 at 11:51:45 PM
permalink
RIP, in addition to his TV reporting he also ran a television production company for various infomercials. He was a big player in Vegas, Seven Stars and married a wife at a craps table. At the end he was taking care of another ex wife who had cancer. No cause of death listed.
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/longtime-kcal9-reporter-alan-mendelson-dies-70/
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/longtime-kcal9-reporter-alan-mendelson-dies-70/
November 12th, 2022 at 12:45:12 AM
permalink
Seems more like an election day witness protection program death to me. Not sure which mob boss he's running from, but in Vegas, who knows?
I watched Bad Times At The El Royale last night, so excuse me for losing my composure.
I watched Bad Times At The El Royale last night, so excuse me for losing my composure.
November 12th, 2022 at 1:23:47 AM
permalink
____________
r.i.p. Alan
the video - he was so handsome when he was young
.
r.i.p. Alan
the video - he was so handsome when he was young
.
Please don't feed the trolls
November 12th, 2022 at 1:33:05 AM
permalink
Rest In Peace, Alan. Forever the gentleman.
Psalm 25:16
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion.
November 12th, 2022 at 1:51:20 AM
permalink
Thus is very sad news. Condolences to all of Alan's friends here at WoV.
Dog Hand
Dog Hand
November 12th, 2022 at 2:58:27 AM
permalink
Sorry to hear that. Alan and I exchanged more than a few PMs here at the forum. I liked him and we saw eye to eye on many things.
I suppose you just never know when the Grim Reaper will take you away. In the meantime, try to make your lives extraordinary lads.
More complete biography here:
https://2urbangirls.com/2022/11/kcal9-reporter-alan-mendelson-dies-at-70/
Alan Mendelson, 70, was known for sharing tips on where his viewers could find savings on electronics and jewelry.
Alan was a unique fellow for many reasons. He had a long career in broadcast journalism, beginning his professional journey as a disc jockey and news reporter for two local Rockland County radio stations (WRKL and WKQW). He was also the co-host of a Saturday morning youth-oriented television show on WOR-TV in New York City. All of this was accomplished BEFORE he reached his 17th birthday.
While attending Syracuse University, Alan got a job with a local TV station as a roving reporter. After graduation in 1973, he stayed on at that station in Syracuse for three more years. Then it was on to New York, where he worked the assignment desk for the “CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite” and he developed strong friendships with Cronkite, TV news pioneer Douglas Edwards and Dan Rather, among many other leaders in news industry. He made a name for himself as the person who broke the news of the death of former New York governor and vice president Nelson Rockefeller.
But Alan wanted to be in front of the camera. So he took a news reporting job in Miami with Channel Four News (WTVJ). For some reason, Alan was sent to Ethiopia where he covered a civil war and was pinned down by enemy fire for several hours before friendly troops were able to get him and his crew to safety.
Eventually Alan made his way to Los Angeles where he served as the on-air consumer reporter for more than 25 years for channel 9 (K-CAL). He would encourage viewers to visit pawn shops and discount electronic stores as a way to save money.
I suppose you just never know when the Grim Reaper will take you away. In the meantime, try to make your lives extraordinary lads.
More complete biography here:
https://2urbangirls.com/2022/11/kcal9-reporter-alan-mendelson-dies-at-70/
Alan Mendelson, 70, was known for sharing tips on where his viewers could find savings on electronics and jewelry.
Alan was a unique fellow for many reasons. He had a long career in broadcast journalism, beginning his professional journey as a disc jockey and news reporter for two local Rockland County radio stations (WRKL and WKQW). He was also the co-host of a Saturday morning youth-oriented television show on WOR-TV in New York City. All of this was accomplished BEFORE he reached his 17th birthday.
While attending Syracuse University, Alan got a job with a local TV station as a roving reporter. After graduation in 1973, he stayed on at that station in Syracuse for three more years. Then it was on to New York, where he worked the assignment desk for the “CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite” and he developed strong friendships with Cronkite, TV news pioneer Douglas Edwards and Dan Rather, among many other leaders in news industry. He made a name for himself as the person who broke the news of the death of former New York governor and vice president Nelson Rockefeller.
But Alan wanted to be in front of the camera. So he took a news reporting job in Miami with Channel Four News (WTVJ). For some reason, Alan was sent to Ethiopia where he covered a civil war and was pinned down by enemy fire for several hours before friendly troops were able to get him and his crew to safety.
Eventually Alan made his way to Los Angeles where he served as the on-air consumer reporter for more than 25 years for channel 9 (K-CAL). He would encourage viewers to visit pawn shops and discount electronic stores as a way to save money.
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
November 12th, 2022 at 3:18:38 AM
permalink
RIP Alan
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
November 12th, 2022 at 3:52:17 AM
permalink
Sad news. Condolences to his friends and family.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
November 12th, 2022 at 5:17:42 AM
permalink
Oh no! I am sorry to hear this. He was the poster child of my free speech policy here. While he is most remembered for the 18 yo's, before that he made hundreds of posts on the 1/6 side of the Two Dice probability question. He got a post of pushback, especially from me, and took it like a gentleman, rarely attacking back.
I applaud his success in the television news business. Growing up in the LA area, I vaguely recall seeing him on channel 9 news, lots of times. Was I too hard on him here? That's what I'm asking myself now. Two things I'll say about Alan is he was consistent and steadfast in what he believed.
RIP Alan.
I applaud his success in the television news business. Growing up in the LA area, I vaguely recall seeing him on channel 9 news, lots of times. Was I too hard on him here? That's what I'm asking myself now. Two things I'll say about Alan is he was consistent and steadfast in what he believed.
RIP Alan.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 12th, 2022 at 5:18:41 AM
permalink
R.I.P. Alan Mendelson
Since there is no cause to doubt this reporting, I suppose that I can reveal that I actually talked to Alan on the phone a handful of times.
Alan was very polite and well-spoken, but also, strangely very serious about things, in my observation.
I had wanted to co-write an article with him about casino etiquette that would be mostly an interview-style sort of thing. That article didn't end up happening because the one thing that I couldn't seem to prevail upon him was that casino etiquette wasn't really meant as a serious subject (on its own) and that the subgoal of the article was for it to be really funny.
For one reason or another, he just didn't seem to want to be on board with that.
It was a reverence for gambling and casinos that, quite frankly, caught me by surprise. Either way, I would have to say that Alan really loved the casino environment, and judging from his posts, he got to enjoy casinos either right up to the end, or, at least, near the end.
Since there is no cause to doubt this reporting, I suppose that I can reveal that I actually talked to Alan on the phone a handful of times.
Alan was very polite and well-spoken, but also, strangely very serious about things, in my observation.
I had wanted to co-write an article with him about casino etiquette that would be mostly an interview-style sort of thing. That article didn't end up happening because the one thing that I couldn't seem to prevail upon him was that casino etiquette wasn't really meant as a serious subject (on its own) and that the subgoal of the article was for it to be really funny.
For one reason or another, he just didn't seem to want to be on board with that.
It was a reverence for gambling and casinos that, quite frankly, caught me by surprise. Either way, I would have to say that Alan really loved the casino environment, and judging from his posts, he got to enjoy casinos either right up to the end, or, at least, near the end.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
November 12th, 2022 at 5:33:49 AM
permalink
Very sad news. His death is a big loss for his family, friends, this forum, and many craps tables across LV.
R.I.P Alan.
R.I.P Alan.
November 12th, 2022 at 5:43:29 AM
permalink
I will miss my back and forth with him. I have said this many times…. We all talk about craps. We all talk about our wives. None of the rest of us got married at a craps table! RIP Alan.
November 12th, 2022 at 5:43:30 AM
permalink
May he rest in peace.
Does anyone know if he had been ill? This seems very sudden.
Does anyone know if he had been ill? This seems very sudden.
November 12th, 2022 at 5:45:54 AM
permalink
Rest in Peace.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
November 12th, 2022 at 5:59:21 AM
permalink
RIP.
I took his side in that I agreed with him (and still do) that a lot of it has to do with the wording and rules.Quote: Wizard...He made hundreds of posts on the 1/6 side of the Two Dice probability question.
link to original post
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
November 12th, 2022 at 6:01:06 AM
permalink
About a year ago I came across a YouTube of Alan doing a story about smoking in airlines in 1984.
I sent him a message and he confirmed it was him. I asked if I could post it and he said yes, but I never got around to it.
Here it is now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqbFu7gwr-Q
I sent him a message and he confirmed it was him. I asked if I could post it and he said yes, but I never got around to it.
Here it is now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqbFu7gwr-Q
November 12th, 2022 at 6:07:55 AM
permalink
Somewhere today someone is playing craps and the dice will land one on top of the other for him
November 12th, 2022 at 6:23:50 AM
permalink
I can say that I have never been as annoyed by an internet poster as Alan has made me. I wish you the best Alan.
R.I.P.
R.I.P.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
November 12th, 2022 at 7:22:09 AM
permalink
He had many health issues and had undone at least one transplant (kidney transplant maybe?). His death does seem to be somewhat sudden as he was posting here regularly up to a week ago.Quote: rsactuaryMay he rest in peace.
Does anyone know if he had been ill? This seems very sudden.
link to original post
November 12th, 2022 at 11:32:36 AM
permalink
R.I.P.
“Man Babes” #AxelFabulous
November 12th, 2022 at 12:42:55 PM
permalink
I recall him saying his wife was extremely ill and he spent a lot of time caring for her. Who would have thought he would go first.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 12th, 2022 at 12:49:57 PM
permalink
Alan's posts reflected his passion and energy. I thought he would be here forever.
R.I.P.
tuttigym
R.I.P.
tuttigym
November 12th, 2022 at 3:54:22 PM
permalink
Quote: WizardI recall him saying his wife was extremely ill and he spent a lot of time caring for her. Who would have thought he would go first.
link to original post
He was caring for his ex-wife Janet, who was sick with leukemia. Alan said that she had beaten lung cancer when they were married about five years ago, but she succumbed to the leukemia on July 14th.
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
November 12th, 2022 at 5:15:39 PM
permalink
Quote: MDawg
He was caring for his ex-wife Janet, who was sick with leukemia. Alan said that she had beaten lung cancer when they were married about five years ago, but she succumbed to the leukemia on July 14th.
link to original post
I've been away from the forum all day, and I am just now learning all this. I am very sorry to hear this news. RIP, Alan. I am also sad to hear the news about his wife's death earlier this year for the first time.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
November 12th, 2022 at 6:44:57 PM
permalink
Quote: MDawgAlan said that she had beaten lung cancer when they were married about five years ago, but she succumbed to the leukemia on July 14th.
link to original post
I didn't know his wife died already. Thanks for letting me know.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 12th, 2022 at 11:25:14 PM
permalink
Likewise, I knew he was taking care of Janet and was making trips from Vegas to Utah but was unaware she actually predeceased him.
November 13th, 2022 at 6:09:16 AM
permalink
Quote: ChumpChangeSeems more like an election day witness protection program death to me. Not sure which mob boss he's running from, but in Vegas, who knows?
I watched Bad Times At The El Royale last night, so excuse me for losing my composure.
link to original post
Alan Mendelson claimed to have links to the mafia through his father or grandpa.To honor him, I'll tell a joke about it.
Alan's family had mafia ties. His grandfather, his father and himself are like The Godfather triology: the third installment was gambling.
RIP Alan Mendelson.
Last edited by: Quadriga on Nov 13, 2022
November 13th, 2022 at 6:59:25 AM
permalink
Also sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed reading his posts.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
November 13th, 2022 at 7:48:07 AM
permalink
not trying to derail and im probably a worst person than most people but the last thread he was in ... yall roasted him... i guess in the spirit of factual information
i kind of want to cry picturing this old man sitting at a computer who probably lived a more fulfilling and fruitful life than most of us here have to deal with us in his own mind as old as it was and now hes dead
jesus
RIP
i kind of want to cry picturing this old man sitting at a computer who probably lived a more fulfilling and fruitful life than most of us here have to deal with us in his own mind as old as it was and now hes dead
jesus
RIP
November 13th, 2022 at 10:21:05 AM
permalink
My wife, who is a registered nurse, says that cancer medications and physiological effects of cancer can make a person wacky -that is, they can sometimes affect the cognitive processes and cause a person to "not be at their best" from a mental processing point of view. Maybe soopoo or other medical professionals can elaborate further if I am not correctly representing this.
Alan's posts for the last few months were often exasperating for almost all of us. But you know, there are times in life when all you can do is to do the best you can. With perfect hindsight, I suspect that Alan was just doing the best he could. Here and elsewhere, Alan left his mark in trails of unsettled dust and cobwebs torn asunder. Let's all grieve for him and for the pain he was surely in. And just maybe we can all take a lesson to show a bit more grace toward each other in the future because we rarely understand what each other is going through at any given moment.
Alan's posts for the last few months were often exasperating for almost all of us. But you know, there are times in life when all you can do is to do the best you can. With perfect hindsight, I suspect that Alan was just doing the best he could. Here and elsewhere, Alan left his mark in trails of unsettled dust and cobwebs torn asunder. Let's all grieve for him and for the pain he was surely in. And just maybe we can all take a lesson to show a bit more grace toward each other in the future because we rarely understand what each other is going through at any given moment.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
November 13th, 2022 at 11:06:24 AM
permalink
Quote: gordonm888My wife, who is a registered nurse, says that cancer medications and physiological effects of cancer can make a person wacky -that is, they can sometimes affect the cognitive processes and cause a person to "not be at their best" from a mental processing point of view. Maybe soopoo or other medical professionals can elaborate further if I am not correctly representing this.
Alan's posts for the last few months were often exasperating for almost all of us. But you know, there are times in life when all you can do is to do the best you can. With perfect hindsight, I suspect that Alan was just doing the best he could. Here and elsewhere, Alan left his mark in trails of unsettled dust and cobwebs torn asunder. Let's all grieve for him and for the pain he was surely in. And just maybe we can all take a lesson to show a bit more grace toward each other in the future because we rarely understand what each other is going through at any given moment.
link to original post
There is no reason to think he was in any physical pain. If he was suffering from kidney failure, that certainly can affect your mentation. Who knows what causes the final event in our lives? Unless someone actually knows, all we can do is guess.
By all accounts Alan lived a life HE was happy with. He must have enjoyed making his claims, and defending them!
Seems like a life well lived to me.
November 13th, 2022 at 7:59:37 PM
permalink
Quote: SOOPOOBy all accounts Alan lived a life HE was happy with. He must have enjoyed making his claims, and defending them!
Seems like a life well lived to me.
link to original post
Yes. I hope he enjoyed arguing the 1/6 side of the "two dice problem" and the 18 yo's over thousands of posts. You have to give him marks for consistency and persistence. I agreed with Alan about almost nothing, but through it all he was polite and a gentleman, most of the time. RIP Alan.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 15th, 2022 at 12:25:32 AM
permalink
God has answered my prayer! This guy was very rude to me and just won't let the "ploppie" thing go. Hijacking my threads and insulting me. I prayed to God that that he would stop doing it, and never do it again. God has answered my prayers and ensured indeed that he will never do it again.
My faith in God has reached a all new record high.
Glory to God!
My faith in God has reached a all new record high.
Glory to God!
Admin note: This post has been hidden in spoiler tags out of respect for Alan. However, we don't delete it completely to preserve the evidence as to what kind of person ViennaPizza is.
Last edited by: unnamed administrator on Nov 15, 2022
November 15th, 2022 at 3:12:09 AM
permalink
Quote: ViennaPizzaGod has answered my prayer! This guy was very rude to me and just won't let the "ploppie" thing go. Hijacking my threads and insulting me. I prayed to God that that he would stop doing it, and never do it again. God has answered my prayers and ensured indeed that he will never do it again.
My faith in God has reached a all new record high.
Glory to God!
link to original post
ViennaPizza,
This post is both incredibly immature and insensitive towards the board, as well as an insult to religion. If it was intended as humor, you missed the mark entirely.
I suggest you remove the post before it offends anyone else.
Dog Hand
P.S. Moderators, if ViennaPizza's post is removed, please remove mine as well.
Last edited by: unnamed administrator on Nov 16, 2022
November 15th, 2022 at 4:44:56 AM
permalink
Quote: ViennaPizzaGod has answered my prayer! This guy was very rude to me and just won't let the "ploppie" thing go. Hijacking my threads and insulting me. I prayed to God that that he would stop doing it, and never do it again. God has answered my prayers and ensured indeed that he will never do it again.
My faith in God has reached a all new record high.
Glory to God!
Note: Post hidden by moderator, out of respect to Alan
link to original post
That was one of the most disgusting posts I have ever seen. I think I previously ruled that one loses insult protection after death. However, moderators reserve the right to use their discretion in situations like which break no posted rules to do whatever they want. Ultimately, this is a dictatorship, although I don't like to play that card.
Seven days.
Last edited by: Wizard on Nov 17, 2022
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 15th, 2022 at 6:37:54 AM
permalink
wow.. i dont check the forum for a few days and i come back to Alan dead? :(
RIP Alan!
i am surprised he came back (and stayed) a 2nd time after he resigned the 1st time for the abuse he took.
Do we have a list of notable members that have died?
SteelCo
PaigowDan
RIP Alan!
i am surprised he came back (and stayed) a 2nd time after he resigned the 1st time for the abuse he took.
Do we have a list of notable members that have died?
SteelCo
PaigowDan
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
November 15th, 2022 at 9:11:23 AM
permalink
Quote: 100xOddswow.. i dont check the forum for a few days and i come back to Alan dead? :(
RIP Alan!
i am surprised he came back (and stayed) a 2nd time after he resigned the 1st time for the abuse he took.
Do we have a list of notable members that have died?
SteelCo
PaigowDan
link to original post
While we don't have absolute certainty, I think we all believe that FleaStiff has died?
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:05:13 AM
permalink
Quote: 100xOddsDo we have a list of notable members that have died?
SteelCo
PaigowDan
link to original post
Here is what immediately comes to my mind:
AlanMendelson
SteelCo
PaigowDan
Perdition
Fleastiff (likely)
Moses
Anyone I'm forgetting?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 15th, 2022 at 4:58:30 PM
permalink
So sad, I liked Alan's posts. This is also a sad reminder, not to hijack, about Dan...
November 15th, 2022 at 5:09:54 PM
permalink
Yes. I think the site should remove it to help preserve the good reputation of this site.Quote: DogHandI suggest you remove the post before it offends anyone else.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
November 15th, 2022 at 5:15:53 PM
permalink
Quote: JohnnyQYes. I think the site should remove it to help preserve the good reputation of this site.Quote: DogHandI suggest you remove the post before it offends anyone else.
link to original post
The words spoken disparage the speaker of those words not Allen.
November 15th, 2022 at 5:41:58 PM
permalink
I think you could spoiler quote the text so that it can’t be easily seen.
November 15th, 2022 at 6:20:24 PM
permalink
Quote: calwatchI think you could spoiler quote the text so that it can’t be easily seen.
link to original post
That's a good compromise. I believe strongly members should own their posts and retaining evidence of bad behavior. At conflict with that is respect for Alan.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 15th, 2022 at 6:29:17 PM
permalink
Quote: WizardQuote: calwatchI think you could spoiler quote the text so that it can’t be easily seen.
link to original post
That's a good compromise. I believe strongly members should own their posts and retaining evidence of bad behavior. At conflict with that is respect for Alan.
link to original post
Might I suggest that somebody also adds spoiler tags to the versions of the original post that appear in replies?
November 15th, 2022 at 7:57:34 PM
permalink
Quote: ThatDonGuyMight I suggest that somebody also adds spoiler tags to the versions of the original post that appear in replies?
link to original post
I really don't like to mess with other member's posts without permission. I'd like to request anyone who quoted VP, please hide his post in spoiler tags or remove the bulk of the wording. If the window has closed to edit your own posts, please give me permission to do it myself.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
November 15th, 2022 at 8:48:03 PM
permalink
I'm hoping it was an ill-conceived attempt at humor, and the OP will express such when he returns.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
November 16th, 2022 at 12:07:04 AM
permalink
Quote: WizardQuote: ThatDonGuyMight I suggest that somebody also adds spoiler tags to the versions of the original post that appear in replies?
link to original post
I really don't like to mess with other member's posts without permission. I'd like to request anyone who quoted VP, please hide his post in spoiler tags or remove the bulk of the wording. If the window has closed to edit your own posts, please give me permission to do it myself.
link to original post
Wiz,
Please edit my post as you have indicated.
Dog Hand
November 16th, 2022 at 4:58:15 AM
permalink
Quote: WizardQuote: calwatchI think you could spoiler quote the text so that it can’t be easily seen.
link to original post
That's a good compromise. I believe strongly members should own their posts and retaining evidence of bad behavior. At conflict with that is respect for Alan.
link to original post
I think a good compromise would be to leave the offending posts but have a moderator add a note that the content earned a suspension for the poster.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
November 16th, 2022 at 7:45:45 AM
permalink
The offender might come back and claim it was a sort of joke, but I'm not buying that. Who is this ViennaPizza anyway, isn't he a former banned member? seems to have gotten too comfortable too quickly with offensive posts.
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
November 16th, 2022 at 8:46:27 AM
permalink
Quote: MDawgThe offender might come back and claim it was a sort of joke, but I'm not buying that. Who is this ViennaPizza anyway, isn't he a former banned member? seems to have gotten too comfortable too quickly with offensive posts.
link to original post
ViennaPizza is the member formerly known as VladPutin. It is very unusual, perhaps unprecedented, for a WOV forum member's name to be changed but the moderator team believed there was a sound basis to do that in this specific instance.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
