Discussion about the Suspension List
Quote: 1BBJeez, Face. PM me an address and I'll drop a Benjamin in the mail. I'm not kidding. I know you'd be the last to ask but I am serious.
Can I have $100 please? Since we offer donations to the rich, people who don't want them, and just for going on a yo-yo diet, I am seriously requesting you, and anyone interested, give money to someone who wants it and falls into none of the above categories: myself. If necessary, I will go on a yo-yo diet and post proof as a condition for mass-donations.
Quote: FaceEasy question. Since others have supplied their answer, I'll supply mine.
Gratitude.
BS. A hypothetical mod, let's call him Fishin256, would probably say the same thing. And blatantly play favorites, arbitrarily apply his "power", and capriciously taunt people he suspends. I think that hypothetical mod's actions would depict why he likes being a moderator, that and the lack of other commitments. Maybe you like to feel like a leader, I don't know. But your pure altruism disagrees with social psychology 101, and I find it misleading and irrelevant.
Quote: SonuvabishCan I have $100 please? Since we offer donations to the rich, people who don't want them, and just for going on a yo-yo diet, I am seriously requesting you, and anyone interested, give money to someone who wants it and falls into none of the above categories: myself. If necessary, I will go on a yo-yo diet and post proof as a condition for mass-donations.
I'll give you $100 if you eat a yo-yo (full video necessary, no "out of screen" business). To collect, next time you're in LV and/or we're in the same location, I'll give you $100.
Quote: RSI'll give you $100 if you eat a yo-yo (full video necessary, no "out of screen" business).
http://tastythailand.com/united-foods-yoyo-gelatin-candy-snack-now-in-cola-flavor/
Easier than 6 dozen nuggets, that's for sure.
Some conditions may apply. For example, you can't chop the yo-yo up into a damn-near powder-like substance and eat that.Quote: RSI'll give you $100 if you eat a yo-yo (full video necessary, no "out of screen" business). To collect, next time you're in LV and/or we're in the same location, I'll give you $100.
Some conditions may apply. For example, you can't chop the yo-yo up into a damn-near powder-like substance and eat that.
That's worth $100 to see
Quote: RSI'll give you $100 if you eat a yo-yo (full video necessary, no "out of screen" business). To collect, next time you're in LV and/or we're in the same location, I'll give you $100.
Some conditions may apply. For example, you can't chop the yo-yo up into a damn-near powder-like substance and eat that.
You would win. The yoyo would come back up.
Quote: SonuvabishCan I have $100 please? Since we offer donations to the rich, people who don't want them, and just for going on a yo-yo diet, I am seriously requesting you, and anyone interested, give money to someone who wants it and falls into none of the above categories: myself. If necessary, I will go on a yo-yo diet and post proof as a condition for mass-donations.
A bartender once pissed me off. The swamper (janitor) came along sweeping something up next to me. I pulled out a hundred dollar bill, looked at the swamper, and said "good job, my man" and tipped him the hundred dollars right in front of the bartender. Yes, she threw me out. But it was worth the hundred dollars and the 86'ing to see the look in that bitches face when I tipped the swamper off.
bish, you piss me off.
Quote: Mosca
You would win. The yoyo would come back up.
Now that is funny.
Quote: MoscaQuote: RSI'll give you $100 if you eat a yo-yo (full video necessary, no "out of screen" business). To collect, next time you're in LV and/or we're in the same location, I'll give you $100.
Some conditions may apply. For example, you can't chop the yo-yo up into a damn-near powder-like substance and eat that.
You would win. The yoyo would come back up.
Comedy gold.
Quote: SonuvabishBS. A hypothetical mod, let's call him Fishin256, would probably say the same thing. And blatantly play favorites, arbitrarily apply his "power", and capriciously taunt people he suspends. I think that hypothetical mod's actions would depict why he likes being a moderator, that and the lack of other commitments. Maybe you like to feel like a leader, I don't know. But your pure altruism disagrees with social psychology 101, and I find it misleading and irrelevant.
So figure me out. I could use the help.
Quote: EvenBobHow do they figure out who's gifted and
who rides the Blue Bus, good guessing?
Of course they still us IQ tests.
More like bad guessing, if we're talking about public schools? But, really, grades? Observation? Standardized tests that do not result in an IQ score? (CAT, Iowa Basic...)
Quote: SonuvabishCan I have $100 please? Since we offer donations to the rich, people who don't want them, and just for going on a yo-yo diet, I am seriously requesting you, and anyone interested, give money to someone who wants it and falls into none of the above categories: myself. If necessary, I will go on a yo-yo diet and post proof as a condition for mass-donations.
No can do. That offer expired at midnight on 12-31-14. You snooze you lose. :-)
Quote: mickeycrimmA bartender once pissed me off. The swamper (janitor) came along sweeping something up next to me. I pulled out a hundred dollar bill, looked at the swamper, and said "good job, my man" and tipped him the hundred dollars right in front of the bartender. Yes, she threw me out. But it was worth the hundred dollars and the 86'ing to see the look in that bitches face when I tipped the swamper off.
bish, you piss me off.
I was drinking one time [if you can believe that] and the guy next to me put a cue ball in his mouth from the pool table. It was difficult to get it out, he never did it again. But it was really funny for the rest of us while he turned blue.
Good day, mate.
Quote: DeMangoSo when are mods gonna split off the hundreds of posts not germane to the Discussion about the Suspension list?
That is now nearly impossible task. So the real question is when are members gonna stop derailing topics?
[/end of derail]
Like Buzzard, a reverse Martingale was used in imposing a 7 day suspension rather than the next step of 30 days. Less than two months ago he was given 14 days for using a word for that begins with the letter A and is slang for a body part. This latest 7 days is for using MF. I certainly don't want this colorful character to be banned and I would like to thank the anonymous moderator who made the decision to disregard the Martindale.
Because he is a colorful character and storyteller extraordinaire, I think that occasional "profane" words become a part of the story just as they do in books, movies and TV. If a profane word was used in a personal insult, that would be a different story.
Do all profane words carry the same weight? Are there different punishments for different profane words? Does a mild one get less punishment than a stronger one. Based on this latest example it would appear not.
Like him or not, Mickey is a good addition to this forum. He seems honest and sincere in his shoot from the hip style. There's no telling how many people he has attracted to this forum. It would be a shame to muzzle him or do something worse. Let's find a happy medium because, well, he's Mickey and he ain't gonna change.
Quote: 1BBLike Buzzard, a reverse Martingale was used in imposing a 7 day suspension rather than the next step of 30 days. Less than two months ago he was given 14 days for using a word for that begins with the letter A and is slang for a body part. This latest 7 days is for using MF. I certainly don't want this colorful character to be banned and I would like to thank the anonymous moderator who made the decision to disregard the Martindale.
I was the one who popped Mickey. It pained me to do so. I knew it was his seventh offense, but I also look at the overall behavior of the member and his/her value to the forum. Mickey is a valuable member, good guy (as far as I can tell), and profanity is one of the lesser sins on the list of rules. Weighing everything, I felt seven days was about right.
Quote: AxelWolfI assume that someone's intentions are a factor. It's not like he was cursing at another member.
Of course, intentions are a factor. However, one's other misdemeanors and/or achievements bear no witness in any civilized court of law. A judge will tell you, "No slam dunks in my court." Should the OJ's and Cosby's get off because they did something which a minority of the population feels is redeeming?
Furthermore, "People will hang themselves given enough rope." I for one didn't believe the majority of mc's stories; and his constant rants call into question the rest.
Protect him/her from him/herself to try to save the presumed collective "want to believe", but do so at great cost to where this board was/is heading... another form of entitlement.
Nor is distinguishing between the AP's and the ploppies or squares the route to go. The worst thing you can do is to wise up the suckers, if it's your misguided intent to avail yourself of them.
Quote: AxelWolfI assume that someone's intentions are a factor. It's not like he was cursing at another member.
I agree its like swearing on TV. You can say "ass" but not attached to "hole". You can say "pussy"cat but not the first word by itself. As this is a gambling forum (a 21+ community) we should be able to say bad words unless it is stated to call someone a bad name.
But then again the wizard is in charge of rules so I don't mind either way.
Quote: djatcI agree its like swearing on TV. You can say "ass" but not attached to "hole". You can say "pussy"cat but not the first word by itself. As this is a gambling forum (a 21+ community) we should be able to say bad words unless it is stated to call someone a bad name.
But then again the wizard is in charge of rules so I don't mind either way.
Many people feel that way about swearing in a casino as well but they have sort of the same policy (with special exceptions, just like here.)
Quote: djatcI agree its like swearing on TV. You can say "ass" but not attached to "hole". You can say "pussy"cat but not the first word by itself. As this is a gambling forum (a 21+ community) we should be able to say bad words unless it is stated to call someone a bad name.
But then again the wizard is in charge of rules so I don't mind either way.
People that use blue language IMHO often use it because they cannot develop and push a thought otherwise. This is true in either verbal or written form. While say in life or death on the battlefield it is called for, here on an internet forum it is not. Challenge yourself to make you point without profanity, you will be surprised how much better your thought process.
Quote: AxelWolfI assume that someone's intentions are a factor. It's not like he was cursing at another member.
He's a tough guy to ban, you have to get your laughter under control first or you might hit the wrong button.
Quote: AZDuffmanPeople that use blue language IMHO often use it because they cannot develop and push a thought otherwise. This is true in either verbal or written form. While say in life or death on the battlefield it is called for, here on an internet forum it is not. Challenge yourself to make you point without profanity, you will be surprised how much better your thought process.
Or use asterisks, that's what I do, on occasion. Sometimes, you don't want to lose the written force (i.e. emphasis) that comes with the use of profanity.
I can't explain it well, but in some cases I think freely cursing during conversations can mean you feel comfortable with that person, like when your talking with you buddies or friends, its telling that person your cool with them, or their cool with you.Quote: AZDuffmanPeople that use blue language IMHO often use it because they cannot develop and push a thought otherwise. This is true in either verbal or written form. While say in life or death on the battlefield it is called for, here on an internet forum it is not. Challenge yourself to make you point without profanity, you will be surprised how much better your thought process.
I honesty think its just part of our culture. When I was younger, I had a few bosses that I was friendly with, and it wasn't unusual to have conversations with them that involved a few bad words. There were other bosses that I wouldn't dream about using inappropriate language.
Knowing when its appropriate and not, is the key. You can usually tell instantly if someone you just meet is good with cursing or what topics are inappropriate.
My Mom, and shes no prude, never heard a bad word from me until my late 20's. My dad often heard me swear.
There's some people who don't have a filter and everything they say contains foul language.
I'm not sure why MC decides to use extreme language here, since he obviously knows better. My only guess is, he gets so blitz he doesn't know what hes saying or doesn't care at the time what the consequences are. Perhaps at the time he wants to punish himself.
I've seen some different characterizations about him, but my belief based on actually meeting him is that he's someone who knows the low limit gaming in his state well, he's a chain smoker, he holds his liquor well and does use profanity freely, and he tells more stories in limited time than Shirley Temple could come up with. He's very entertaining.
Quote: beachbumbabsAnewgirl is banned nuclear option multiple id. (The others were male so you're not missing anything Djatc )
Confused
Do you not tell us who's name it matched with? (you have in the past)
What's the rule on that aspect, if the member it matches with, is a non nuked member? Does the other name(s) have any repercussions. Or is it open season and just the new ID gets nuked?
If I ever start resorting to multiple IDs, please send an intervention crew over.At least a better computer tech.
PS. Assuming its not MC it sounds like Buzz however I have no clue who has meet with MC.
Quote: AxelWolfConfused
Do you not tell us who's name it matched with? (you have in the past)
RunningMan & PrinceofPawns, not that either were ever terribly relevant. All three are the same person as TournamentKing, though the IP's don't match TK's...
I actually thought TK was somewhat amusing, of course, I ended up Nuking him (after a few previous bans, as I recall) for tossing out homophobic slurs. PrinceofPawns did come back with a pretty good insult about my job and to the effect that I'm otherwise arrogant. It was pretty amusing.
Quote: princeofpawnsWhat a bunch of total tools. I get suspended for violating Mission's personal anti-homo policy. An Obama boy, big wonder. So he thinks he'll someday be some big-ass hot-shot gambler who's smarter than the casinos. Good luck moron. Smart money says you'll always be the same embarrassment to your family.
Quote: princeofpawnsBINGO! Now you can let that super smart, super duper detective Mission take credit for something else. I wonder if his kids have pride in their father for having such a brutish high- paying job, aside from managing some jerkoff motel.
Those were a couple of pretty funny jabs, at least the jerk-off motel, super-duper detective and hot-shot gambler parts. I was unmoved either way by the rest of it.
Although, while not my, "Personal Policy," I should clarify that the policy would be pro-homo (I didn't use that word) rather than anti-homo. However, you can't expect a moron not to blatantly contradict himself at times. I've certainly done it, and I'm considerably less of a moron than TK.
Quote:What's the rule on that aspect, if the member it matches with, is a non nuked member? Does the other name(s) have any repercussions. Or is it open season and just the new ID gets nuked?
That would be case-by-case, someone could sign up (or access) the site at someone's house, for instance. If we didn't do it case-by-case, I'd have to nuke Wizard and JB for being the same person.
Quote:If I ever start resorting to multiple IDs, please send an intervention crew over.At least a better computer tech.
PS. Assuming its not MC it sounds like Buzz however I have no clue who has meet with MC.
None of the above. TournamentKing. He was really jacked about me Nuking him, must have hurt his feelings.
Quote: Mission146Or use asterisks, that's what I do, on occasion. Sometimes, you don't want to lose the written force (i.e. emphasis) that comes with the use of profanity.
Correct, even then I limit it. There was a sketch comedy show in the 1980s called "Bizarre." They made it for cable but syndicated it to TV. When there was a foul word it would be bleeped with a funny-sounding horn. Now, to me this made the thing even funnier because you knew what was said or at least had a good idea. But the cutoff made it better. This would not work for every show, but the point is that it can.
Sticking on comedy, some stand-ups just let off a string of expletives. One was Andrew Dice Clay. This kind of thing is funny when you are 19 years old, but after that an intelligent person wants some thought to their humor. As a side note, some local guys played Dice loud at the park. Cop gave them a ticket under some nuisance statute. Ticket said they were playing loud, profane items. It said "Example: **********." But the ticket had it written out.
Like you said, isn't that easy on the forum?
Quote: AxelWolfI can't explain it well, but in some cases I think freely cursing during conversations can mean you feel comfortable with that person, like when your talking with you buddies or friends, its telling that person your cool with them, or their cool with you.
I honesty think its just part of our culture. When I was younger, I had a few bosses that I was friendly with, and it wasn't unusual to have conversations with them that involved a few bad words. There were other bosses that I wouldn't dream about using inappropriate language.
You do not have to explain it, I know what you are saying. One advantage of limiting yourself, however, is that whey you drop a word to make a point people really listen. I didn't realize how much I had cleaned up my language (not by any actual effort I thought I was making, it just kind of happened) and at a buddy's house with him, his wife, and me. Dropped the f-bomb and she couldn't believe I said that.
Same house and people, she was upstairs and we were downstairs playing one of those bubble-hockey games like you see in a bar. After we come up she is sitting there, white as a ghost. Looks at us and says, "you two really need to hear the language that comes out of your mouths when you play that game!"
Quote:There's some people who don't have a filter and everything they say contains foul language.
Yes, and if it is guy I rarely take him seriously and if it is a woman I consider her a tramp. I have a philosophy on women who have potty mouths. It is similar to what was said on "Rocky" but a little more direct.
Quote: onenickelmiracleI know some really slow women who don't use profanity and wouldn't even say aloud the last name of Joe Cocker.
What country are they from?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
This is all very American, as you may not be aware of.Quote: djatcI agree its like swearing on TV. You can say "ass" but not attached to "hole". You can say "pussy"cat but not the first word by itself. As this is a gambling forum (a 21+ community) we should be able to say bad words unless it is stated to call someone a bad name.
But then again the wizard is in charge of rules so I don't mind either way.
Once I was listening to a radio program here in Belgium. An American rock band was invited in the studio. At one moment the interviewer said they had to take a break for "the fucking publicity" (= commercials , or publicité in French). The Americans were appalled... then as they were told that it was absolutely no problem here to use profanity on the waves, they spent the rest of the program swearing and laughing, and this was most funny. Actually they seemed liberated. They even made a comment about America being wrongly called the land of the free.
I'm being told that the American press is hiding the frontpages of Charlie Hebdo, considerd too offensive. That kind of free speech press could not exist in the USA.
On the other hand, we have laws against nazism, racism or negationism, which would be unthinkable infringements on free speech in America. Go figure.
IIRC, the WIZ has stated that "if it's in the bible" it's ok. So, in order to comply with the language rules, all the other religions and agnostics as well as atheists need to procure a bible to find the words that are allowed on a web site that promotes free speech. That sounds simple enough. On a web site that promotes gambling, which is a "sin" according to the bible, we need to go to a bible to find the allowable words which are acceptable adjectives to describe and act which is forbidden in the bible? Oy Vey. Personally I don't have to understand it to comply, and there has been times I did understand it but still refused.
I don't think it is that MC wants to swear, I think it just doesn't register in his thought process that he is cursing? I believe it is an occupational hazard in Mickey's case and under the rules stated in the ADA, it is a language disability brought on by a particular lifestyle. Over 99% of us would agree that he means no harm to anyone by speaking freely, unawares of the more easily offended.
It [forbidden language] also seems to appear more often after a certain BAC and although a keyboard "breathalyzer" has been mentioned his insurance may not cover such devices. Maybe Mickey Crimm fans could take up a collection and figure out how to adapt this device to his keyboard? http://www.engadget.com/2005/05/30/steering-wheel-alcohol-lock/
Quote: petroglyphMaybe Mickey Crimm fans could take up a collection and figure out how to adapt this device to his keyboard? http://www.engadget.com/2005/05/30/steering-wheel-alcohol-lock/
Maybe they could get together and order him a pizza or something to the address he gave out in the Foxy Knoxy thread? Or bake him a particular cake.
People talk.
This has come up before with this gang. Nowhere in the bible does it say gambling is a sin. It's inferred y judgmental Christians but not forbidden. But perhaps better guidance would be, if you wouldn't say it in a business meeting to your boss, it probably doesn't work here either.
I'm not changing mikes standard. Just trying to illustrate it.
Quote: petroglyphSo, in order to comply with the language rules, all the other religions and agnostics as well as atheists need to procure a bible to find the words that are allowed on a web site that promotes free speech.
Or you could just use obvious common sense.
Quote:... On a web site that promotes gambling, which is a "sin" according to the bible,
Book, chapter, and verse please.
Quote: petroglyph
It [forbidden language] also seems to appear more often after a certain BAC and although a keyboard "breathalyzer" has been mentioned his insurance may not cover such devices. Maybe Mickey Crimm fans could take up a collection and figure out how to adapt this device to his keyboard? http://www.engadget.com/2005/05/30/steering-wheel-alcohol-lock/
I tend to be a little more blunt when I am drunk. But the worst I used to get was when I was really drunk and tired but still had by eyeballs and hands in front of the computer and keyboards.
Then chat loolkas lika thazkts...or things like gkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkdx...lol
No problem here Wizard, that was not a complaint but more of what I considered a plausible deniability. I am glad you granted him partial immunity and he is only doing a week's time. Although I don't drink, I have been around those that do since birth and watched the progression. Some don't get hung up and some do.Quote: WizardOr you could just use obvious common sense.
Gambling per se isn't mentioned, but I considered it under a broader heading of lust for money.Quote:Book, chapter, and verse please.
(1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches.
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/gambling-sin.html#ixzz3ONXg6wJI
I am not even coming close to claiming some holier attitude here, I am a gambler for sure.
Quote: beachbumbabsNowhere in the bible does it say gambling is a sin. It's inferred y judgmental Christians but not forbidden.
Any answer may follow w/o being judgmental, etc. A dislike for some or all of the answers provided doesn't necessitate or even imply a religious or other judgment, anger, or attempt at victimization, on the part of providers. Furthermore, the fact that many religious beliefs don't explicitly mention gambling in modern terms doesn't preclude a general unwritten rule of a time which still applies to the modern day. One need not be very imaginative to read between the lines of the ten commandments, and thereby realize that religion isn't about legal loopholes, and Simon says.
"Clearly, all the world’s great religious faiths hold gambling to be wasteful at the least, and at the worst to be an action that harms human society and offends God, i.e., a sin." http://www.gambleonline.co/religious-views-of-gambling/
"What would the Bible say about casinos and lotteries?" http://www.gotquestions.org/gambling-sin.html
Quote: WizardMakes me miss the HotBlonde challenge.
Not me.
That was my point. MC was using language completely acceptable to his boss.Quote: beachbumbabsBut perhaps better guidance would be, if you wouldn't say it in a business meeting to your boss,
It surprises me sometimes. I have been out of the bush for nearly a decade, so my course vernacular has mellowed. When a friend visits fresh out of the wilds, it seems the only descriptor they use is the f-bomb, several times per minute. They don't even realize they are doing it.
Although there are things that I object to here at the wov, I realize that it is my problem, and my participation is totally voluntary. As far as I know I have stayed within acceptable language parameters, although some of my views are less than popular.Quote:it probably doesn't work here either.
Understood. Fav Elvis song, http://youtu.be/MMmljYkdr-w or http://youtu.be/PU5xxh5UX4UQuote:I'm not changing mikes standard. Just trying to illustrate it.
Quote: tringlomaneQuote: petroglyph
It [forbidden language] also seems to appear more often after a certain BAC and although a keyboard "breathalyzer" has been mentioned his insurance may not cover such devices. Maybe Mickey Crimm fans could take up a collection and figure out how to adapt this device to his keyboard? http://www.engadget.com/2005/05/30/steering-wheel-alcohol-lock/
I tend to be a little more blunt when I am drunk. But the worst I used to get was when I was really drunk and tired but still had by eyeballs and hands in front of the computer and keyboards.
Then chat loolkas lika thazkts...or things like gkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkdx...lol
Most of my life I would never have believed that one day I would become a designated driver, but now I are one. And a darn good one, if I say so myself. lol
Quote: Kerkebet
"Clearly, all the world’s great religious faiths hold gambling to be wasteful at the least, and at the worst to be an action that harms human society and offends God, i.e., a sin." http://www.gambleonline.co/religious-views-of-gambling/
"What would the Bible say about casinos and lotteries?" http://www.gotquestions.org/gambling-sin.html
DISCLAIMER: I'm an Atheist-leaning Agnostic.
I would say that you have to break down the scriptures to a greater extent than that, though, leaving it a matter strictly for interpretation.
Using some of the Biblical quotes from your link:
Quote: Hebrews 13:5Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
This could be applied to anything, even so far as owning/operating a business. The question for the Theist is not one of accumulating money or not accumulating money, because even the Bible says money can be gathered little-by-little:
Quote: Proverbs 13:11Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
I don't know where you would draw the line at, "Money gained hastily," but if you have an Advantage Player, such players do not typically play with a tremendous edge...and even when they do...there are considerations of bankroll v. risk-of-ruin. Therefore, it could be argued that such people (ex. card-counters) are gathering money little-by-little by way of achieving the long-term expectation of their total action. Such attempts would seem to not only be not forbidden by the Bible, but rather, expressly encouraged.
Further:
Quote: Timothy6:10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
AND:
Quote: Ecclesiastes 5:10He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
Both of these quotes refer to the, "Love," of money, which is essentially a Christian putting money before God, as indicated by:
Quote: Matthew 6:24No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
This quote obviously refers to choosing money over choosing God, which again, does not inherently have anything to do with gambling. An individual can gamble, (or do anything else involving money) provided that God comes first to that person, that God is the person's Master and not money.
This would not only apply to gambling and money, but would actually apply to anything, whether or not it be a vice. That would be covered by the Commandment, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me." That doesn't necessarily refer to other, literal, Gods, it just refers to putting anything before God as one's Master.
Simply put, there is something of an attempt to apply general Christian principles in such a way as to make gambling a sin...and maybe some would interpret it that way...but it's no more a sin than anything else. You could make an argument for, "Wealth gained hastily," depending on the form of gambling in question, I guess. Even then, it wouldn't apply to all forms of gambling, because they don't all involve the potential to gain wealth hastily. That would also be subject to one's interpretation of, "Wealth," and, "Hastily."
Finally, it's no surprise that a book either translated, written, or both, directly by or needing the approval of individuals solidly in the First Order (royalty, for example) would attempt to place a stigma on acquiring wealth hastily, or not being satisfied with one's financial lot. That's an easy way to eliminate any competition from those in Lower Orders of society and to further perpetuate the self-replication of society enabling the descendants (direct, or otherwise) of those in the First Order to retain their positions.
Quote: Mission146This quote obviously refers to choosing money over choosing God, which again, does not inherently have anything to do with gambling. An individual can gamble, (or do anything else involving money) provided that God comes first to that person, that God is the person's Master and not money.
Which leads us to the crux of the matter. What of our mortal sins leads to immortality? No mortal is perfect is a given.
It's not enough to merely claim to put a god, or not a god, first. What does gambling say of immortality? Or, a religion say which doesn't address gambling at all?
Add on: Perhaps atheists necessarily share in the immortality, so it would be wise for them to have a say in that too.
Quote: KerkebetWhich leads us to the crux of the matter. What of our mortal sins leads to immortality? No mortal is perfect is a given.
It's not enough to merely claim to put a god, or not a god, first. What does gambling say of immortality? Or, a religion say which doesn't address gambling at all?
Add on: Perhaps atheists necessarily share in the immortality, so it would be wise for them to have a say in that too.
I was making the argument that gambling is not expressly a sin, and is, in fact, interpreted by some Christians (particularly Catholics) as not a sin if done in moderation.
Furthermore, I would also argue that most affairs pertaining to money could constitute gambling, in the loosest sense, with the only disparity between the common definition being that they are not delivered in the context of a game.
However, 'The context of a game,' is not a requirement for every definition of gambling, which can also be defined as, "Behavior committed to achieve a desired result."
Let's first look beyond obvious examples such as stocks & bonds which would constitute a long-term gamble and-more or less-directly involve cash:
I work under a contract with certain stipulations that are irrelevant to the conversation, but the most immediately relevant stipulation (as is the stipulation with most employees, anywhere) is that I work first and get paid later. I work from the 1st-15th of every month and then I get paid for that a couple of days after the 15th. This is a gamble. I have a very high probability of achieving the Expected Return of this gamble (getting paid according to my contract) once I have worked the required days, or, if not, used paid time off pursuant to the terms of the contract. However, there exists a remote possibility that I will work the entire time (including a few days into the following pay period, and not be compensated. That's a risk and therefore a gamble.
Granted, it's a minimal risk, but there is a certain opportunity cost that I would be losing if I did not get paid. There are ways that I could independently earn (presumably less) money spending my time somewhere other than work, or I could spend that time looking for a different (and, perhaps, higher-paying) job. I work the job that I have now fo the proscribed length of time and get paid because I believe that I have a high probability of being paid, but I would lose 120-140 hours of, "Opportunity time," in a half-month period if I were not paid.
If you buy a food product from the store, there is a certain expectation that the product will be reasonably fresh, that failing, there is an expectation that the store will refund your money if the product is not reasonably fresh. However, there does exist a remote possibility that the product will not be fresh, even edible, and the store will NOT refund your money. This degree of uncertainty makes this a gamble.
Now, you might argue: But, merchants offer products an services, so what is taking place is not a gamble, but rather, a transaction. Also, your first example is a contract.
This is where things get really interesting because (many) casinos provide products and they all provide services, it's just that these products/services come at an Expected Cost (i.e. the House Edge) rather than a fixed cost. However, over enough trials, the Expected Cost and Fixed Cost would be one and the same.
The product that the casino provides is beverages (whether or not they be alcohol) and perhaps food and other items (i.e. comps) and in exchange for these products, you play games at which you may or may not lose money. The casino also provides a service in the form of various means of entertainment (which can also be enjoyed 100% free without gambling, in many cases, such as musical performances at the casino bar) including the gaming devices, tables, sports books, keno rooms or bingo rooms.
Casino gambling, further, takes place in the form of a contract. The casino stipulates a contract to the player, "If you want to play Triple-Double Bonus," the contract effectively reads, "Then a result of Three-of-a-Kind shall only pay two-for-one." The player, then, may accept the terms of this contract by making a bet, or may reject the contract by playing a different game, or none at all.
When the player loses, he loses the wager which completes that individual contract. When the player wins, the casino pays according to the pay schedule, which also completes that individual contract.
The only difference between casino gambling and life, in terms of monetary expectancy, is that gambling takes place in the form of a game which is often not true of life. This makes casino gambling excellent, as dictated by the King:
Quote: The Book of Shining 3:16All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
And work is just that, a gamble, but not as fun as Video Keno. Should I switch jobs? Will I have as much job security? Do I like the way this company is going? If I stick around, might I get a raise sometime soon?
We all gamble, some just enjoy it more than others and want to do it for fun.
