James Grosjean Blog
December 30th, 2013 at 11:33:15 PM
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Grosjean has a new blog at the Las Vegas Advisor. He
mentions the Wiz in his very first article. If you're an
AP, don't announce you read the Wizard of Odds when
you're playing. Average dopey players don't know the
Wiz is even alive, and you're signalling to the pit that
you might be an AP. He has a lot of other words to
never use also. http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2013/10/23/stop-using-words-that-hurt/
mentions the Wiz in his very first article. If you're an
AP, don't announce you read the Wizard of Odds when
you're playing. Average dopey players don't know the
Wiz is even alive, and you're signalling to the pit that
you might be an AP. He has a lot of other words to
never use also. http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2013/10/23/stop-using-words-that-hurt/
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 30th, 2013 at 11:44:02 PM
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Wow, I'm a little disappointed.
December 30th, 2013 at 11:48:27 PM
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Quote: AxiomOfChoiceWow, I'm a little disappointed.
In Grosjean? Why.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 30th, 2013 at 11:55:24 PM
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Quote: EvenBobIn Grosjean? Why.
Because (IMO, of course) those blog posts aren't particularly good. They aren't even funny.
I'm not expecting the same level of insight as you'd find in his books, obviously. But, as well as not being about anything particularly useful (which I'm fine with), they are missing the clarity and humor that I've come to expect from his writing. The blog posts don't look like they were even written by the same person who wrote the books.
Maybe it has something to do with the time spent (I'm sure that more time was spent on a page of Beyond Counting than was spent on a single blog post)
December 31st, 2013 at 12:07:45 AM
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Quote: AxiomOfChoiceBecause (IMO, of course) those blog posts aren't particularly good. They aren't even funny.
Sure they are. They have the same smart assed attitude
his books have. Give the guy a break, he just got started
with the blog. He has to find his way.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 31st, 2013 at 1:02:31 AM
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This was on my mind wondering about the lingo accidentally used in the casino as on the forum because the word ploppy is the first word you learn.
I am a robot.
December 31st, 2013 at 1:17:33 AM
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I disagree with words like Stuck, set and a few others they are just silly.
Penetration, seriously AP's use that word in a casino?
Penetration, seriously AP's use that word in a casino?
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
December 31st, 2013 at 1:32:01 AM
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Quote: AxelWolfI disagree with words like Stuck, set and a few others they are just silly.
Yeah, I agree. Spend some time in a poker room and you will see lots of "degenerate gamblers" shuffling chips and talking about how "stuck" they are. Trust me, these are no pros -- there is a reason that they use the word "stuck" so much :)
Quote:Penetration, seriously AP's use that word in a casino?
Yup, I also agree. That one is just too obvious.
Funny side note: I've had a dealer tell me that there was this great site called the wizard of odds that shows the right way to play all these games. So I disagree that "normal" people don't know about these sites.
December 31st, 2013 at 1:43:17 AM
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I still would not be talking about it at the tables.Quote: AxiomOfChoiceYeah, I agree. Spend some time in a poker room and you will see lots of "degenerate gamblers" shuffling chips and talking about how "stuck" they are. Trust me, these are no pros -- there is a reason that they use the word "stuck" so much :)
Yup, I also agree. That one is just too obvious.
Funny side note: I've had a dealer tell me that there was this great site called the wizard of odds that shows the right way to play all these games. So I disagree that "normal" people don't know about these sites.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
December 31st, 2013 at 3:26:30 AM
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The Wizard of Odds site is routinely pulled up by pit personnel at more than one casino that I frequent. It has answered many questions and settled a few bets. It may be us against them at the tables but everyone trusts the Wizard. I refer people to the site all the time and occasionally pass out basic strategy charts that I've printed from it.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
December 31st, 2013 at 6:04:20 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
December 31st, 2013 at 6:07:22 AM
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Yes you are probably right. I have a feeling this information is directed at newbs, if not its almost insulting.Quote: IbeatyouracesI think his point though is to just dummy up and play.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
December 31st, 2013 at 6:14:27 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
December 31st, 2013 at 7:03:56 AM
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Quote: EvenBobGrosjean has a new blog at the Las Vegas Advisor. He
mentions the Wiz in his very first article. If you're an
AP, don't announce you read the Wizard of Odds when
you're playing. Average dopey players don't know the
Wiz is even alive, and you're signalling to the pit that
you might be an AP. He has a lot of other words to
never use also. http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2013/10/23/stop-using-words-that-hurt/
I've passed out the WoO/WoV business cards to dealers and pit people, all over the country. Except for one dealer, no one has ever heard of either Wizard, or WoO or WoV.
It helps that no one would think a 3 Card or LiR player would be an AP, and I'm not.
A falling knife has no handle.
December 31st, 2013 at 7:04:30 AM
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In every casino there's usually one pit person
savvy enough to pick up on insider gambler
talk. The rest are mostly clueless about their
own industry, they just punch a clock and
collect a paycheck. But if you're an AP who
actually wins, you'd have to be an idiot to
advertise you're knowledge. Especially with
talk about EV or variance. Listen to the average
table talk and you never hear any of the words
Grosjean mentioned. Neither does the pit.
savvy enough to pick up on insider gambler
talk. The rest are mostly clueless about their
own industry, they just punch a clock and
collect a paycheck. But if you're an AP who
actually wins, you'd have to be an idiot to
advertise you're knowledge. Especially with
talk about EV or variance. Listen to the average
table talk and you never hear any of the words
Grosjean mentioned. Neither does the pit.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 31st, 2013 at 7:14:24 AM
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After reading the article, I'm going to stop doing that.
A falling knife has no handle.
December 31st, 2013 at 7:40:29 AM
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I agree with most of the words. However SET and STUCK are common.Quote: EvenBobyou never hear any of the words
Grosjean mentioned. Neither does the pit.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
December 31st, 2013 at 7:46:18 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
December 31st, 2013 at 7:52:37 AM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesSomewhat related, but these are reasons why I don't give advice anymore either.
I stopped wising up the chumps years ago, tho
I'm tempted all the time. It never goes well, they
resent it and it's a waste of time. People who are
betting with their own money are already convinced
they know what they're doing, even if they're totally
clueless. When you try and set them straight, it
throws them off balance and they get mad sometimes.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 31st, 2013 at 7:54:15 AM
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Interesting article.
I agree, STUCK is a very common term. The poker terms are all commonplace at a real poker table, but not as much in poker based casino table games.
Other terms to avoid are shuffle terms like stripping, riff, turn, the average gambler just calls it a shuffle.
And if you want to act just like a ploppy, call any casino employee in a suit a "pitboss".
I agree, STUCK is a very common term. The poker terms are all commonplace at a real poker table, but not as much in poker based casino table games.
Other terms to avoid are shuffle terms like stripping, riff, turn, the average gambler just calls it a shuffle.
And if you want to act just like a ploppy, call any casino employee in a suit a "pitboss".
December 31st, 2013 at 7:54:43 AM
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Quote: MoscaI've passed out the WoO/WoV business cards to dealers and pit people, all over the country. Except for one dealer, no one has ever heard of either Wizard, or WoO or WoV.
That has not been my experience at all. Many have visited the WoO site that I have mentioned it to. Perhaps mike has better penetration here in Buffalo...
December 31st, 2013 at 7:55:39 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
December 31st, 2013 at 8:01:19 AM
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Quote: SOOPOOThat has not been my experience at all. Many have visited the WoO site that I have mentioned it to..
The players I've mentioned it to never know
what I'm talking about. Most players really
are clueless, Grosjean is right.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 31st, 2013 at 9:11:34 AM
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Quote: SOOPOOThat has not been my experience at all. Many have visited the WoO site that I have mentioned it to. Perhaps mike has better penetration here in Buffalo...
Agree. I never bring up WoO when gambling but other players and dealers have mentioned it frequently. On my last Vegas trip my wife and I were playing UTH using the strategy from Grosjean's card. Another player noticed we were raising 4x with hands like JT or Q7s. She says to her friend: "look they are playing the Wizard of Odds strategy like me."
When I first played UTH at the Mandalay Bay the dealer taught me the game and he claimed to be a big fan of the Wizard. He also told me that correct strategy according to the Wizard was to raise 3x with KT or better and 4x with aces or kings. That is completely wrong of course but he tried to use the credibility of the Wizard to make me comfortable with my play (and take my money.) Actually he was pretty entertaining in kind of an old time carney huckster way. Maybe he ran three card monte before becoming a legit dealer. In case he recognized me as a potential thoughtful gambler and brought up the Wizard on his own.
I think any casino employee who actually has an interest in the game must have come across the WoO site. There are lots of people in any job who don't care at all and just punch the clock. Those are the ones who haven't heard of it.
On the original topic I agree with the blog post. It's just common sense for an AP to act ignorant. The true pros probably do. It's the same at the poker tables. The real pros mostly know that their job is to take the money from the fish while keeping them entertained and thinking they are just gambling. The wannabe pros would rather talk poker strategy and try to impress the other players with their knowledge.
December 31st, 2013 at 12:36:47 PM
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I like what Grosjean said about being a numbers guy instead of a mathematician. I always called myself an amateur mathematician. But I've been a numbers guy all along, albeit, not as good as him. Crunching numbers, and staying on the right side of them has always worked for me.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
December 31st, 2013 at 12:54:49 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmI like what Grosjean said about being a numbers guy instead of a mathematician. I always called myself an amateur mathematician. But I've been a numbers guy all along, albeit, not as good as him. Crunching numbers, and staying on the right side of them has always worked for me.
I don't buy it. Grosjean is a mathematician. Once he starts describing things as linear programming problems, he's a mathematician.
The guy is truly brilliant. That became clear to me VERY quickly while reading his writing.
December 31st, 2013 at 1:34:12 PM
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"Grosjean, in his early forties, has a degree in applied mathematics from Harvard. He codes in half a dozen computer languages, describes himself as a statistician and says he has a mid-six-figure dollar income."
http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2011/01/features/casino-killers
http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2011/01/features/casino-killers
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 31st, 2013 at 1:47:34 PM
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Quote: grosjean“set” on a paired flop: If the flop shows a pair, and you hold the third card in your hand to create Three of a Kind, refer to it as a “set” to throw off an experienced dealer. Most experienced players would consider a “set” to describe the case where you hold the pocket pair, not when the flop shows the pair.
I don’t understand why you’d want to confuse a poker dealer into thinking you’re a moron. The house doesn’t care how good you are at poker, and there are plenty enough great poker players who are actual degenerates in the pit that I don’t think they would immediately phone the casino manager and say “watch out on the 21 tables, this poker player knows what a set is.
Edit: just realized he might be referring to AP opportunities at poker-based table games. Nevermind.
December 31st, 2013 at 2:21:49 PM
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Speaking of taboo words in a casino, once I said "correlated" in my usual loud nasal voice in a sports book and an advantage player who I was with was aghast and sternly rebuked me saying, "Never say that word in a sports book!.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 31st, 2013 at 2:29:28 PM
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Quote: Wizard"Never say that word in a sports book!.
I don't talk about tech stuff when I play,
but I do sometimes talk too much about
game history. Things a regular player
shouldn't know. But I'm old, they really
don't take you seriously once you get past
about 55 or so. You don't fit the demographic
of an AP, which is 25-40. Young and hungry.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 31st, 2013 at 2:50:15 PM
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Quote: EvenBobhttp://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2011/01/features/casino-killers
Great read.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
December 31st, 2013 at 3:03:39 PM
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Since 95% of my casino play is craps, I have no problem wearing my WOO shirt (with apologies to Wiz for playing craps while advertising WOO).
It has been pretty amazing the number of floors and pit people who comment on the shirt, and have obviously been on the site.
Some craps dealers know about the site, but I would say most have no clue.
It has been pretty amazing the number of floors and pit people who comment on the shirt, and have obviously been on the site.
Some craps dealers know about the site, but I would say most have no clue.
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
December 31st, 2013 at 3:12:02 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmGreat read.
This is even better, even if you've read it before.
http://www.blackjackforumonline.com/content/funnything.htm
"The great irony of casino countermeasures and intimidation tactics is that they often backfire and lead to innovations by players. As a player, I am so much more dangerous now. As a teacher, perhaps I’m more dangerous still."
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
January 9th, 2014 at 9:40:02 PM
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Grosjean has a new entry about casino jokes. I
think he would choose the I Am a Bigot in our
polls.
http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2014/01/09/the-club-calling-the-spade-black/
think he would choose the I Am a Bigot in our
polls.
http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2014/01/09/the-club-calling-the-spade-black/
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
January 10th, 2014 at 12:35:18 AM
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Quote: EvenBobGrosjean has a new entry about casino jokes. I
think he would choose the I Am a Bigot in our
polls.
http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2014/01/09/the-club-calling-the-spade-black/
I love this post. Grosjean is so awesome and bitter. One day I want to be as successful and bitter.
January 10th, 2014 at 1:06:12 AM
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Quote: EvenBobThis is even better, even if you've read it before.
http://www.blackjackforumonline.com/content/funnything.htm
"The great irony of casino countermeasures and intimidation tactics is that they often backfire and lead to innovations by players. As a player, I am so much more dangerous now. As a teacher, perhaps I’m more dangerous still."
I am the greatest machine pro that God has ever produced on this planet, EvenBoB. No matter how fierce my competition. Mickey Crimm is the greatest machine pro of all time. You got it,Bob? No fear, brother. I'll knock you're punk ass clean into next week.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
January 10th, 2014 at 2:14:26 AM
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I thought this was his worst post so far.
January 10th, 2014 at 6:58:56 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
January 10th, 2014 at 10:47:37 AM
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Quote: mcallister3200I thought this was his worst post so far.
Yeah. Honestly, I have to say, so far, this blog is total crap. Which is really, really sad, because Grosjean is brilliant, funny, a good writer, and has a lot of insightful stuff to share. I never thought that it would be possible to read something that he wrote and not learn anything!
January 10th, 2014 at 11:08:29 AM
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Quote: EvenBobGrosjean has a new entry about casino jokes. I
think he would choose the I Am a Bigot in our
polls.
http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2014/01/09/the-club-calling-the-spade-black/
He should be embarrassed for that blog entry.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
January 10th, 2014 at 11:15:45 AM
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This is somewhat embarrassing, isn’t it?Quote: DRichHe should be embarrassed for that blog entry.
It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for. Perhaps searching can help.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
January 10th, 2014 at 11:19:46 AM
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The url in the quoted link is broken. Get rid of the html garbage at the end.
January 10th, 2014 at 11:24:25 AM
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http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2014/01/09/the-club-calling-the-spade-black/
This blog is indeed "beyond numbers."
This blog is indeed "beyond numbers."
Climate Casino: https://climatecasino.net/climate-casino/
January 10th, 2014 at 12:04:32 PM
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It'd like he agreed to do the blog, and now
regrets it. A post like his last one does nothing
for Vegas and certainly nothing for him. Makes
him sound cranky and bitter.
regrets it. A post like his last one does nothing
for Vegas and certainly nothing for him. Makes
him sound cranky and bitter.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
January 10th, 2014 at 12:12:05 PM
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In the story where the guy interviews him in AC, he describes the guy as not having a tooth or teeth. Does he put on disguises before he heads to these places or did he get rolled?
He said how he got "sold out to hustlers" before so didn't know if something else happened to him.
He said how he got "sold out to hustlers" before so didn't know if something else happened to him.
February 5th, 2014 at 12:19:29 PM
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Great new post by Grosjean. He says in part:
Nevadans have a mentality that is similar to the mentality in the Bahamas: “we locals” vs. “American tourists.” Nevadans deride the very tourists who are their lifeblood! It’s actually quite hypocritical, since many of the Nevadans are the lamest of the lame–they were so deluded or so addicted to the Vegas experience that they decided to move there! Of course, now they’re not just locals, they’re “savvy locals.” I’ve lived in Vegas for I don’t know how many years now, and it still isn’t home, or even homey.
http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2014/01/26/the-best-gambling-movie-of-all-time-not/
I totally get this, it's exactly how I feel and
I wrote about it here last week. Vegas would
never feel like home to me, there's something
fundamentally wrong about it, it's not a 'homey'
place. Every time I go there I think about moving
and am repulsed at the idea of living in Vegas.
Nevadans have a mentality that is similar to the mentality in the Bahamas: “we locals” vs. “American tourists.” Nevadans deride the very tourists who are their lifeblood! It’s actually quite hypocritical, since many of the Nevadans are the lamest of the lame–they were so deluded or so addicted to the Vegas experience that they decided to move there! Of course, now they’re not just locals, they’re “savvy locals.” I’ve lived in Vegas for I don’t know how many years now, and it still isn’t home, or even homey.
http://beyondnumbers.lvablog.com/2014/01/26/the-best-gambling-movie-of-all-time-not/
I totally get this, it's exactly how I feel and
I wrote about it here last week. Vegas would
never feel like home to me, there's something
fundamentally wrong about it, it's not a 'homey'
place. Every time I go there I think about moving
and am repulsed at the idea of living in Vegas.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 5th, 2014 at 12:24:46 PM
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The post about dealer jokes is still there.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
February 5th, 2014 at 12:24:49 PM
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Delete
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
February 5th, 2014 at 12:24:51 PM
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Delete
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
February 5th, 2014 at 1:19:55 PM
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EvenBob " Vegas would
never feel like home to me "
At last, something for Las Vegas residents to celebrate.
never feel like home to me "
At last, something for Las Vegas residents to celebrate.
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
