Discussion about the Suspension List
Quote: EvenBobI don't understand this conversation. Bribery at all levels of Mexican gov't and bureaucracy has been a way of life for how many hundreds of years? Is somebody denying this?
Not even a little.
But corruption is, in some levels, less now than it used to be. I've obtained and renewed my driver's license at elast five times since the 80s and paid not one cent in bribes, even when once I missed some papers.
However mkl wasn't talking about govenrment or bureaucracy, but of private parties in a regular transaction. Corruption there is just about non-existent. That makes it a bigotted statement. But if he wants to rationalize it and keep hanging himself with his own words, he's most welcome to keep at it.
And thanks to rdw4potus, thecesspit and Mosca for your support. It's just not worth going to war against an unarmed opponent.
I'm sure a $20 bribe to a (possibly not) border guard is different than all the other things I'm reading about here, but it does seem to indicate pervasiveness in the culture. If I had to guess, I would say it's more of a "take advantage of rich Americans" thing rather than a "Mexicans are inherently corrupt" thing. Hell, there's a "take advantage of rich Americans" subculture right here in the USA.
Quote: WizardQuote: NareedTry this. Last post. You are referring to a transaction between private parties, in other words Mexican people, and you kick the entire culture while you're at it.
Did you mean this post?
I think we're both sending it to the same thread. I meant the last post.
Soaking the gringos for all they have is common on border towns. The term gringo is another matter. I prefer to say American, as it is not a slur, but if an American uses it on himself that's his business, woulnd't you agree?
Anyway, the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, and it applies to anyone inside the country. In Reynosa, near to McAllen, TX, you see an awful lot of American teens cross the broder to get drunk, especially on the weekends. Bars and clubs charge a lot of money for drinks, too. Back then, late 90s, there wasn't much gambling avaialble in Texas, either, so the dog track did a lot of business from American day trippers.
Quote: Nareed
In Reynosa, near to McAllen, TX, you see an awful lot of American teens cross the broder to get drunk, especially on the weekends. Bars and clubs charge a lot of money for drinks, too.
You don't see them anymore. Since the mid 80s I have spent a lot of time in Nuevo Laredo eating at now-defunct restaurants such as El Rincon del Viejo, La Unica and Mexico Tipico and drinking cheaply at the now-defunct Cadillac Bar and others that used to ring the now-defunct Mercado area. No more - no sane American tourist crosses into a border town nowadays except for hunters who might have cheap deer or dove hunting leases.
Quote: NareedBack then, late 90s, there wasn't much gambling avaialble in Texas, either, so the dog track did a lot of business from American day trippers.
Texas still doesn't have any gambling, just struggling horse tracks.
Quote: allenwalker
Texas still doesn't have any gambling, just struggling horse tracks.
Did the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle close? If not, shame on you for passing on an opportunity to discuss the Kickapoo tribe at length...
Quote: allenwalkerTexas still doesn't have any gambling, just struggling horse tracks.
Sounds like you live in Texas, so do I.
When the last Dallas mayor left office, she said that the land formerly used for Reunion Arena (where the Mavs and Stars played before their current home) should be set aside for casino gambling. Now, she wasn't particuarly well-connected or influential, but if she's saying stuff like that, she either 1) knows something, or b) is talking out of her ass (which is entirely possible).
I think there's been some momentum for gambling here outside of the lottery, but I also think it would take a constitutional amendment to happen. Given that the same thing needed to happen for the lottery way back when, it's entirely possible that one would pass, so long as it was put to the state voters and not just the legislature. Weirdly, Texas seems to work like that.
Anyway, can you imagine if Texas allowed gambling in the same way that Nevada does now? All that land in West Texas, and the fact that Texas has 3 of the top 10 largest cities (by population), similar state income tax situation, still growing crazily (+4 congressional seats), etc. Wonder how big of a bite it would take out of Nevada and Vegas?
Quote: allenwalkerYou don't see them anymore. Since the mid 80s I have spent a lot of time in Nuevo Laredo eating at now-defunct restaurants such as El Rincon del Viejo, La Unica and Mexico Tipico and drinking cheaply at the now-defunct Cadillac Bar and others that used to ring the now-defunct Mercado area. No more - no sane American tourist crosses into a border town nowadays except for hunters who might have cheap deer or dove hunting leases.
Well, I was at the border last in 97, and the bars were packed with American teens on the weekends. Convenience stores, too, sold a lot of beer and hard liquor. I suppose that has changed since.
Quote: rdw4potusDid the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle close? If not, shame on you for passing on an opportunity to discuss the Kickapoo tribe at length...
The Lucky Eagle is still open and I admit I've never visited it nor know anything about the Kickapoo tribe. I thought it was a slots/bingo-only operation and assumed that restrictions on gambling being equivalent to those offered in the state of Texas meant that the slots were bingo-based. Not even like the "Happy Wampum" casinos I see mentioned on this forum.
I have been a willing hostage on the Port Aransas-based Texas Treasure cruise boat which had ostensibly random slot/poker games and regular table games. That was the best I could do without traveling to Louisiana or New Mexico or further. I think the Treasure one day declined to return to Port Aransas, but it could still be sailing.
So more gambling options than horse tracks (no more dogs, I think) in Texas, but still mighty slim pickins.
Quote: ItsCalledSoccerSounds like you live in Texas, so do I.
When the last Dallas mayor left office, she said that the land formerly used for Reunion Arena (where the Mavs and Stars played before their current home) should be set aside for casino gambling. Now, she wasn't particuarly well-connected or influential, but if she's saying stuff like that, she either 1) knows something, or b) is talking out of her ass (which is entirely possible).
I think there's been some momentum for gambling here outside of the lottery, but I also think it would take a constitutional amendment to happen. Given that the same thing needed to happen for the lottery way back when, it's entirely possible that one would pass, so long as it was put to the state voters and not just the legislature. Weirdly, Texas seems to work like that.
Anyway, can you imagine if Texas allowed gambling in the same way that Nevada does now? All that land in West Texas, and the fact that Texas has 3 of the top 10 largest cities (by population), similar state income tax situation, still growing crazily (+4 congressional seats), etc. Wonder how big of a bite it would take out of Nevada and Vegas?
The horse tracks here are lobbying for slots on premises. Joe Straus is a principal in the Retama Park Racetrack in San Antonio and is the current Texas Speaker of the House and thus has some political clout.
I agree that a constitutional amendment is required and believe there will be strong rural opposition to such an amendment.
While I support the expansion of gambling in Texas, I'm afraid the first step would be just Video Lottery Terminals in racinos - "9/6 Lotto Texas". I'd rather see full Nevada-style gaming even if it was partitioned into "red-light" gambling districts as you describe for the Reunion Arena area. But a large, new, gambling regulatory agency would likely be decried as too much gubmint and I don't hold out hope for it in my lifetime. I don't know what it would do to Vegas (until it's mature) but it would eat a chunk out of Louisiana.
Quote: MoscaLOL, this cuts right to the nut.
Or it would, if it had anything to do with what was actually said. But what was actually said seems to have shrunk into irrelevance.
Quote: NareedNot even a little.
But corruption is, in some levels, less now than it used to be. I've obtained and renewed my driver's license at elast five times since the 80s and paid not one cent in bribes, even when once I missed some papers.
However mkl wasn't talking about govenrment or bureaucracy, but of private parties in a regular transaction. Corruption there is just about non-existent. That makes it a bigotted statement. But if he wants to rationalize it and keep hanging himself with his own words, he's most welcome to keep at it.
And thanks to rdw4potus, thecesspit and Mosca for your support. It's just not worth going to war against an unarmed opponent.
Nareed, I know from your posting history that you won't acknowledge when you're wrong. So I have no hope in that regard. I also perceive that you are hypersensitive about certain things. Your recent postings on this thread are emblematic.
The Mexican culture not only revolves around bribery, it embraces it. I don't pretend to know the reasons or the history behind it, except that a fairly weak rule of law, widespread poverty, and a highly stratified class structure are common to most countries that have a corruption problem. Certainly, the situation can improve, and there are signs that it IS improving in Mexico. But to pretend that corruption doesn't exist there is ludicrous, and to get offended because a person says that such corruption does exist is a waste of high blood pressure.
But feel free to get as indignant as you feel is necessary, nonetheless.
Quote: WizardQuote: NareedTry this. Last post. You are referring to a transaction between private parties, in other words Mexican people, and you kick the entire culture while you're at it.
Did you mean this post?
If any person would view that post as being "racist" or "bigoted", I suppose so. But I don't see how a reasonable person could do that. Travel to the Mexican Riviera or Cancun and you get charged as much for your hotel rooms and meals as you would in Miami or Honolulu. Given the relative strengths of the dollar and the peso, and the average wage in Mexico, the prices there should be about a fifth of what they are here (especially given the recent devaluation of the peso). But the resorts charge the prices that they do because the Americans who pay those prices don't know any better.
Quote: mkl654321Nareed,
There. You got one thing right.
You're back on the blocked list. Pity it didn't last.
Quote: NareedThere. You got one thing right.
You're back on the blocked list. Pity it didn't last.
Not "the" blocked list. YOUR blocked list. An honor, IMHO. I don't dialogue well with the hyper-indignant.
Quote: NareedI've obtained and renewed my driver's license at least five times since the 80s and paid not one cent in bribes
I got my first DL in 1965 and if I ever even tried to bribe somebody at the DMV, they would call the police. Thats how its supposed to be in civilized society, not being shook down by every low level bureaucrat at every level of gov't. Ask yourself this, Nareed. How did Mexico get the way it is and why are they so set on not changing.
Quote: mkl654321Not "the" blocked list. YOUR blocked list. An honor, IMHO. I don't dialogue well with the hyper-indignant.
After the last few days I think I will remove MKL from *my* blocked list. Good work making a point of conversation and not apologizing because someone decided to get offended.
Quote: mkl654321Or it would, if it had anything to do with what was actually said. But what was actually said seems to have shrunk into irrelevance.
He was offended by what you wrote. You'd rather try to win the internet than apologize. That is what I mean when I said it gets right to the nut.
Quote: EvenBobI got my first DL in 1965 and if I ever even tried to bribe somebody at the DMV, they would call the police. Thats how its supposed to be in civilized society, not being shook down by every low level bureaucrat at every level of gov't.
Absolutely. But the fact that around 1982 you were expected to bribe the clerk and the doctor when getting a license and now you're not, surely that is a sign of preogress. Likewise that the Mex City police will issue fines more often than they'll ask for a bribe (the Mexico State police are another matter; I don't think they'd know a fine if they saw one).
Quote:Ask yourself this, Nareed. How did Mexico get the way it is and why are they so set on not changing.
I don't know how it got that way. There are numerous theories. But I deny there's been no change.
Quote: NareedAbsolutely. But the fact that around 1982 you were expected to bribe the clerk and the doctor
You have a doctor at the DMV? What on earth for?
Quote: EvenBobYou have a doctor at the DMV? What on earth for?
Could be for a physical requirement like the eye exam here in the states.
Quote: MoscaHe was offended by what you wrote. You'd rather try to win the internet than apologize. That is what I mean when I said it gets right to the nut.
Strange as it may seem to you, I only have the urge to apologize for something when I've actually done that something for which someone expects I should apologize. I said nothing racist or bigoted. I criticized a country; more specifically, I criticized one of its social institutions, one that just about everyone in the world agrees is harmful to that country. In return, I was accused of racism and bigotry by a person who apparently inhabits that country.
I cannot be responsible for someone being unreasonably offended by something I said; that is not under my control. I don't know what on earth you mean by "winning the internet", but I doubt I can do that; Al Gore holds the patent.
Manufactured indignation cheapens real, justified indignation when the latter becomes appropriate. The PC Person Who Cries "Wolf" makes it harder, in the long run, to oppose genuine bigotry, hate speech, and racism. There's plenty of that in the world to get exercised about, rather than hunting down every single solitary human utterance that could POSSIBLY be construed, or misconstrued, as politically incorrect.
Quote: mkl654321Strange as it may seem to you, I only have the urge to apologize for something when I've actually done that something for which someone expects I should apologize. I said nothing racist or bigoted. I criticized a country; more specifically, I criticized one of its social institutions, one that just about everyone in the world agrees is harmful to that country. In return, I was accused of racism and bigotry by a person who apparently inhabits that country.
I cannot be responsible for someone being unreasonably offended by something I said; that is not under my control. I don't know what on earth you mean by "winning the internet", but I doubt I can do that; Al Gore holds the patent.
Manufactured indignation cheapens real, justified indignation when the latter becomes appropriate. The PC Person Who Cries "Wolf" makes it harder, in the long run, to oppose genuine bigotry, hate speech, and racism. There's plenty of that in the world to get exercised about, rather than hunting down every single solitary human utterance that could POSSIBLY be construed, or misconstrued, as politically incorrect.
I'm not going to JerryLogan you. We see it differently, and it will end there.
Quote: EvenBobYou have a doctor at the DMV? What on earth for?
An ophtalmologist, or allegedly so, who adminsiters eye tests.
I don't know if that's the case any longer in mex City. I got my last two licenses (10 years all told) in Mexico State (not the same thing, though they're next to each other), and the eye test is gone. They just ask whether you need glasses.
Quote: NareedAn ophtalmologist, or allegedly so, who adminsiters eye tests..
What a scam, somebody with a 6th grade education can give a DMV eye test, its not a doctors office. Read the eye chart and check peripheral vision, its not rocket science.
Quote: EvenBobWhat a scam, somebody with a 6th grade education can give a DMV eye test, its not a doctors office. Read the eye chart and check peripheral vision, its not rocket science.
Be careful, he may demand you apologize for bigoted remarks to DMV workers everywhere!
(For those of you in Rio Linda, that is demonstrating absurdity by being absurd.)
Quote: mkl654321An honor, IMHO.
IMHO? really, H? c'mon now...we know you better than that;-)
Quote: rdw4potusIMHO? really, H? c'mon now...we know you better than that;-)
H="Honkin' terrific"
I think we haven't heard the last of JL.
He's either checking to see if the suspension is over, or is taking notes....
Admin note: removed image www.djteddybear.com/images/jl.png
Quote: WizardI have decided to lift bruski's suspension early. He wrote to me personally expressing regret for getting off to a bad start, which he attributed to not knowing the rules and the general tone of the forum. I think he is sincere, so I lifted his suspension, effective immediately.
Huzzah, O benevolent one! I am curious to see how this one pans out. Welcome back, bruski.
Kudos to both of you.Quote: WizardI have decided to lift bruski's suspension early. He wrote to me personally expressing regret for getting off to a bad start, which he attributed to not knowing the rules and the general tone of the forum. I think he is sincere, so I lifted his suspension, effective immediately.
Quote: MalaruSo- if a life- suspension member had as verified claim of having been clinicly dead and brought back to life- will that end the suspension? (Yes, I had to ask it- and yes I am being a smart___)
He was suspended life for because he resigned. Resignations can be overturned upon request. If Rob Singer ever asks me, I'll lift his suspension.
A little about myself, which may shed some better light on the validity of certain comments made towards me in the "Martingale" thread. I am a very casual, unprofessional gambler. I play some poker (2/4, 3/6, 1/2 no limit), craps, and blackjack. Being a casual gambler, I've never really studied any of these "systems", nor worried about something like -EV. Now that I came up with this "system" idea and saw all of the holes blasted in it, I've learned quite a bit in a short amount of time about odds, -EV, etc.
In regards to the comments suggesting that I'm a hopeless "system" believer, that I'm just like all the other "system" people who've come along before, etc... this is about as far from the truth as can possibly be. I'm a pretty decent math guy - probably not near the level of many of you, but no slouch - and I can completely comprehend the data presented. I really appreciated the valid responses to the questions I asked.
The reason I decided to ask to rejoin the forum was because once I resigned, I was amazed at the responses to the original responder. I've been on several forums, and these days it seems that many people like to ridicule, badger or annoy rather than help. When the first response I received was of this nature, I wasn't surprised. But when several people came to the defense of the "ignorant" rather than pile on, I WAS surprised.
So I'm happy to be back, and I'll try to contribute where I can.
Regards,
Bruce "can't lose with my Martingale" Herrin
Quote: bruski
Bruce "can't lose with my Martingale" Herrin
Welcome back. And loving your new nickname.
Quote: bruskiThe reason I decided to ask to rejoin the forum was because once I resigned, I was amazed at the responses to the original responder. I've been on several forums, and these days it seems that many people like to ridicule, badger or annoy rather than help. When the first response I received was of this nature, I wasn't surprised. But when several people came to the defense of the "ignorant" rather than pile on, I WAS surprised.
Welcome back.
I'll repeat myself: I'm sure you'll be a fine addition to our group. I think the wrong member got banned.
Damn. Here I am thinking your handle is your way of telling everyone that you enjoy beverages from Milwaukee!Quote: bruskiRegards,
Bruce ....
Quote: DJTeddyBearDamn. Here I am thinking your handle is your way of telling everyone that you enjoy beverages from Milwaukee!
Oh I do! That's where the nickname originated....my name and the fact that I enjoy beer made it a good fit.
Quote: bruskiOh I do! That's where the nickname originated....my name and the fact that I enjoy beer made it a good fit.
I thought you might have been a Teddy Bruschi fan...
Quote: dmI think he's back.
Jerry? Oh, he's back all right. Not too tough to figure out..
Quote: DJTeddyBear
I think the wrong member got banned.
Don't be so hard on yourself, DJ.
Quote: bruskiSo I'm happy to be back, and I'll try to contribute where I can.
Please don't try too hard. I supported you because I figure you will help take the heat off me and my craps 'ideas'. {:-D
Seriously though, there are some amazing math minds on this board, and I have learned much from them. Even some of the surly ones have great input at times. This board has remained amazingly free of trolls, and at times people get over zealous trying to keep it that way. Glad you changed your mind and Welcome back!
Quote: bruskiIn regards to the comments suggesting that I'm a hopeless "system" believer, that I'm just like all the other "system" people who've come along before, etc... this is about as far from the truth as can possibly be. I'm a pretty decent math guy - probably not near the level of many of you, but no slouch - and I can completely comprehend the data presented. I really appreciated the valid responses to the questions I asked.
The reason I decided to ask to rejoin the forum was because once I resigned, I was amazed at the responses to the original responder. I've been on several forums, and these days it seems that many people like to ridicule, badger or annoy rather than help. When the first response I received was of this nature, I wasn't surprised. But when several people came to the defense of the "ignorant" rather than pile on, I WAS surprised.
As the "original responder" you are referring to, I'd like to apologize for any ill will I engendered. I made an assumption that wasn't warranted, which was that you were just another in a seemingly endless parade of goofballs who had done a Google search on "gambling systems" and wound up here. It seems that you are truly interested in the logic and the mathematics of gambling, and again, my sincere apologies for assuming otherwise.
And by the way, the forum members DID "pile on"--just on me rather than you :)
As you might see if you go through the utter tedium of reading some of my other posts, I do like to help people. The backstory is that there has been a long and bruising fight with one of the most prolific and ubiquitous purveyors of a nonsensical gambling system, who in addition to using this and other boards to seek converts (and customers), has posted as an avatar who is not only a staunch defender of his doppelganger, but is one of the nastiest and most poisonous people ever to infect this or any other internet forum. Also, we had a 500+ post thread about a futile "challenge" to a "craps system". So we've had a lot of fruitless discussion lately about "gambling systems", and I admit, my first reaction to your post was. "oh, no, not again".
I'd like to join you in welcoming you to this forum, and would invite you, if you get tired of gambling discussions, to browse our other threads about boob sizes, selling your soul, and the nature of infinity.
Quote: mkl654321As the "original responder" you are referring to, I'd like to apologize for any ill will I engendered.
Kudos mkl for offering the olive branch. Well done
Quote: mkl654321As the "original responder" you are referring to, I'd like to apologize for any ill will I engendered. I made an assumption that wasn't warranted, which was that you were just another in a seemingly endless parade of goofballs who had done a Google search on "gambling systems" and wound up here. It seems that you are truly interested in the logic and the mathematics of gambling, and again, my sincere apologies for assuming otherwise.
And by the way, the forum members DID "pile on"--just on me rather than you :)
As you might see if you go through the utter tedium of reading some of my other posts, I do like to help people. The backstory is that there has been a long and bruising fight with one of the most prolific and ubiquitous purveyors of a nonsensical gambling system, who in addition to using this and other boards to seek converts (and customers), has posted as an avatar who is not only a staunch defender of his doppelganger, but is one of the nastiest and most poisonous people ever to infect this or any other internet forum. Also, we had a 500+ post thread about a futile "challenge" to a "craps system". So we've had a lot of fruitless discussion lately about "gambling systems", and I admit, my first reaction to your post was. "oh, no, not again".
I'd like to join you in welcoming you to this forum, and would invite you, if you get tired of gambling discussions, to browse our other threads about boob sizes, selling your soul, and the nature of infinity.
I accept the apology and I also understand the source of your frustration. I think the best choice under the circumstances would have been to just leave the thread alone and let others respond. But I also understand human nature well enough to know that if 99 people lie to your face, that 100th person who's telling you the truth often fails to receive the normal benefit of the doubt.
Also, what are boobs? I only play no bust blackjack.
Onward!
Apparently, you haven't played in the 6:5 Party Pit.Quote: bruskiAlso, what are boobs? I only play no bust blackjack.
But seriously, it IS kinda simple what is tolerated here and what is not.
There IS a thread / poll about boob size and real/fake, that generated some interesting comments.
There IS a thread asking for opinions regarding a contract to purchase a soul (started by the Wiz himself!)
There IS a current thread that started as another Martingale discussion, and has evolved into questions about the nature of infinity and the universe.
Comments that [casino]'s player's program are F'd up are well tollerated.
Comments that 6:5 sucks are also well tollerated.
You just can't tell another member "FU".
Go figure.
