Miscellaneous Discussion Thread
I'm not sure what they called that. I had heard rumors but I didn't know if it was true or just a myth, until later. From my understanding, they even made something they could keep in their pockets. That had to scare the crap out of the casinos.Quote: IbeatyouracesWhat about the guys that had those light wands they stuck in the bill acceptor to add credits to the machines then just cash out.
I believe the one guy who got caught said he only made one million over manny years using both devices.
Heck, for some marriages its important once the honeymoon ends or as Johnny Cash says 'once the fire went out'. Even if a man is only a few slot machines away he can at least feel he is off the leash.Quote: EvenBobOld people go because it gets them away from the spouse.
Mindless, no strategy? As opposed to Baccarat or something like that? Ain't much strategy to plunging a heroin filled needle into your veins either. Press the hypodermic needle, press the little red button ... is there really a difference?
Note: Slot cheats do not have to be super successful to cost the casino money. Once a machine may have been tampered with, it has to be taken out of service and examined by a slot technician even if the method of tampering is amateurish and ineffective.
Quote: FleaStiffI'm only aware of light wands being used to defeat coin interrupter mechanisms that detected the paying out of coins by counting the shadows as the falling coins briefly blocked a light beam. Since the false light source kept the count down, the quartes kept dropping into the tray.
Obviously this was back in the days of coins and coint trays, not TITO and electronic credits.
Me too. We called those Monkey Paws. The were small tubes with a light bulb on the end. When slipped up into the hopper mechanism they shined they light into the optical sensor. The way the sensor worked was as a coin came out it interupted the light beam between the hopper and the receptor. When the machine saw that the light was interrupted it knew a coin came out. When the monkey paw shined in there the machine always saw the light so it assumed no coins came out and it just kept running and dispensing coins.
Quote: PalladiumIAnd is it just me or slot machines are always played by (clueless) senior citizens? I don't think my generation of 20-30s with at least a basic education in math would want to touch a insanely fast >8% house edge game with a ten-foot pole.
This is purely anecdotal of course, but slot machines are easily the most popular game with people I know (30's-40's). Granted, that takes into account people of that age who are casual gamblers as well as more "serious" gamblers. People who are more into gambling obviously prefer table games, but for every serious gambler I know, there are easily 5-10 people who are more casual and prefer the slots. Even when I was in my 20's that seemed to be the case.
The casinos have what we want.
Yes, its true. Gambling has an allure and some people are particularly drawn to the risk component just as drug users, nicotine addiction seems common in gamblers, alcohol is generally freely available in all but Indian casinos, no one but the casino's public relations people deny this. And we are ALL subject to the illusion created by the "almost" phenomenon whether it be a set of dice or a reel on a slot machine or a keno game. "Almost" and the slot machine's use of the term 'win' despite it being a net loss keep us going. Constant reinforcement would be boring but oh the allure of a few 'extra' coins dropping even if its just a sound recording as lights flash in the digital display.Quote: MrVHello, "intermittent reinforcement." The casinos have what we want.
So slots, Blackjack, dice, carnival games,,,, whatever, we are all customers of the casino there to obtain our 'fix' but prefer to focus on the bottom line rather than our addiction.
"Saul, I have some good news, and I have some bad news."
The art collector replied, "I've had an awful day. Give me the good news first."
The lawyer said, "Well, I met with your wife today, and she informed me that she just invested $5,000 in two pictures that she thinks will bring a minimum of $15 million to $20 million, and I think she could be right."
Saul replied enthusiastically, "Well done! My wife is a brilliant businesswoman! You've just made my day. Now I know I can handle the bad news. What is it?"
The lawyer replied, "The pictures are of you and your secretary."
My question is more theoretical, anyway... regardless of chip availability, is it better to buy in all at once or over time?
tbQuote: TigerWuThey wouldn't give you $1000 in red chips... Usually at a $5 table, at least from what I've seen, they give maybe the first hundred in reds, and the rest in a combination of green and black, depending on how much it was. If you bought in for $1000 at a $5 table, you might even get a purple chip.
But my question is more theoretical anyway... Even assuming they gave you $1000 in red chips, would it be better to buy in all at once or over time?
Buy over time. If you buy $200 at a time and the pitboss keeps seeing you rebuy, he may feel sorry for you and might give you a free breakfast buffet.
I once was buying in at a $10 table and asked for $10 in whites( dollars). The dealer was rather snooty and pointed at the sign, saying this is a ten dollar table, why would you need whites? I told him he was right, why would I want to tip him.
The days of buying in for $5,000 in chips at the cage and expecting something for it are long gone.
I do believe the term monkey paw was a term originally used for a device used to pry open the machine.Quote: DRichMe too. We called those Monkey Paws. The were small tubes with a light bulb on the end. When slipped up into the hopper mechanism they shined they light into the optical sensor. The way the sensor worked was as a coin came out it interupted the light beam between the hopper and the receptor. When the machine saw that the light was interrupted it knew a coin came out. When the monkey paw shined in there the machine always saw the light so it assumed no coins came out and it just kept running and dispensing coins.
Anyways,even though I am benefiting from it I think it is ridiculous in the amount of money these companies spend on a convention. Currently I am in the MGM arena for a dinner. Maybe 15k people here. Free food and a few drinks and now 38 special is performing. I can not imagine how much this night is costing.
We have been to two dinners so far and we still have 2 more to go to and a show. Could have gone to Celine for free as well but we had other plans.
This money could go to raises or better yet product cost reductions.
A friend worked for Phizer and a few years ago had his whole team out there for a convention, with their spouses. They had a private show with the Eagles and a private dinner at The Wynn steakhouse. A couple weeks later, they laid off almost his entire department.
Quote: billryanIf they didn't spend it on trips to Vegas and booking washed up bands, they'd end up blowing it.
A friend worked for Phizer and a few years ago had his whole team out there for a convention, with their spouses. They had a private show with the Eagles and a private dinner at The Wynn steakhouse. A couple weeks later, they laid off almost his entire department.
Oh that's rough.
While I am being a curmudgeon, let me complain about live bands. Why the hell do they do encores. They did like 3 encores tonight. The funny thing is, it's not like fans were going crazy where they should have done one. But anyways, what's the point? They say thanks and good night, lights go off, and they leave the stage except for the drummer. So obviously when they come running back out it was planned since the drunmet stayed put. Besides, with all the lighting, graphics, and fog machines they obviously have all that planned to play some more. Why not just keep playing, unless it is a way for them to get a quick break without an intermission.
I know I sound like I am complaining, but really I am not. I enjoyed the show and the night. This is more of just a discussion.
Quote: onenickelmiracleThey're old, need breaks between songs. It's all harder than it looks.
Oh I don't doubt that. I think drummers are amazing. He did a 3 or 4 minute solo, you could see the strain in his face. I don't go to many concerts and was kinda hoping for an intermission but maybe that doesn't happen with concerts.they played for 2 hours. I bet is was exhausting.
Quote: onenickelmiracleThey're old, need breaks between songs. It's all harder than it looks.
I saw The Boss in concert on TV. While I'm not really a fan, it was incredible. When his backing band took a break, he would just do solo numbers. After that, I'm not willing to listen to excuses.
Quote: GWAEWell we all know how cheap I am and all. I am in vegas because a family member is a high ranking official in a very large company and we are here for the fun stuff they have at a convention.
Anyways,even though I am benefiting from it I think it is ridiculous in the amount of money these companies spend on a convention. Currently I am in the MGM arena for a dinner. Maybe 15k people here. Free food and a few drinks and now 38 special is performing. I can not imagine how much this night is costing.
We have been to two dinners so far and we still have 2 more to go to and a show. Could have gone to Celine for free as well but we had other plans.
This money could go to raises or better yet product cost reductions.
I think this sort of thing is just a part of our culture of corruption. The higher up you go, the worse it gets. I know someone who was a big shot at a huge insurance company. They spent $1 million on a Christmas party for themselves. He was the only one who saw anything wrong with it.
They have to allow middle management types a taste with events like this, but they are screwing shareholders and whoever cleans the offices lives in poverty.
Quote: onenickelmiracleThey're old, need breaks between songs. It's all harder than it looks.
What did GWAE say, .38 Special, was it?
Probably have to have their vitals checked every fifteen minutes, or so.
Quote: GWAEOh that's rough.
While I am being a curmudgeon, let me complain about live bands. Why the hell do they do encores.
It's just tradition. I'm sure centuries ago back in opera and chamber orchestra days, it was a lot more spontaneous. Over the years it just became more and more rooted in performances, and then nowadays it's just part of the act. They don't NEED to leave the stage, because everyone knows they're going to come back and do 1-3 more songs, usually some big hits, but that's just part of the fun.
Ok so wtf, I have heard how big pancakes are at hash house a go go, but wtf. I am here now and have eaten 1/3 of a pancake and feel like I am going to be sick.
Quote: GWAEOk so wtf, I have heard how big pancakes are at hash house a go go, but wtf. I am here now and have eaten 1/3 of a pancake and feel like I am going to be sick.
The "full stack" at the diner in MCC is 2 pancakes about an inch thick and the diameter of the plate (about 10").
Quote: IbeatyouracesThe "full stack" at the diner in MCC is 2 pancakes about an inch thick and the diameter of the plate (about 10").
What is mcc, motor city?
Quote: GWAEYes mission, it was 38 special. They were good and look younger than I expected.
I know, I just like to joke about the 60+ singers/bands that are still going. Many of those acts have still got it, Rod Stewart and Kansas are other really good examples.
EDIT: Steve Walsh retired from Kansas a few years ago, though, and I've not seen them since.
Quote: Mission146I know, I just like to joke about the 60+ singers/bands that are still going. Many of those acts have still got it, Rod Stewart and Kansas are other really good examples.
EDIT: Steve Walsh retired from Kansas a few years ago, though, and I've not seen them since.
I was looking at 38 special wiki and noticed there is only 1 original member. They have had about 40 members throughout the years. For people who are fans and pay to go wouldn't having no originals make you not want to go.
Quote: GWAEI was looking at 38 special wiki and noticed there is only 1 original member. They have had about 40 members throughout the years. For people who are fans and pay to go wouldn't having no originals make you not want to go.
I'll put it this way: I wouldn't go as far as to say I wouldn't want to go, but I wouldn't pay one dime more than I would to see a .38 Special cover band (which, in the case of .38 Special specifically, would be zero dimes) because that is basically what you are watching.
For example, I would probably pay $5 to see a really good Bad Religion cover band if I had nothing better to do that day. Therefore, $5 is how much I would pay to see, 'Bad Religion,' if Greg Graffin ever leaves the band and they tour with a different singer.
I don't know how concerned I would be with the other band members, but I would definitely only pay as if it were the full band if the original singer was still in the band.
One was pancakes and the other a giant donut.
I'm guessing it could be harder to dislodge than a solid food. Like air pressure will pop something solid like a cork during a Heimlich maneuver.
Quote: Mission146I'll put it this way: I wouldn't go as far as to say I wouldn't want to go, but I wouldn't pay one dime more than I would to see a .38 Special cover band (which, in the case of .38 Special specifically, would be zero dimes) because that is basically what you are watching.
For example, I would probably pay $5 to see a really good Bad Religion cover band if I had nothing better to do that day. Therefore, $5 is how much I would pay to see, 'Bad Religion,' if Greg Graffin ever leaves the band and they tour with a different singer.
I don't know how concerned I would be with the other band members, but I would definitely only pay as if it were the full band if the original singer was still in the band.
Never thought there were any other (former?) punk rockers on the board.
We saw Rancid a while back. I saw them open for Bad Religion in about 1994. Was great then, but this time I just felt old.
The did play "Rejected" though, which was all I had hoped for.
Quote: RigondeauxNever thought there were any other (former?) punk rockers on the board.
We saw Rancid a while back. I saw them open for Bad Religion in about 1994. Was great then, but this time I just felt old.
The did play "Rejected" though, which was all I had hoped for.
38 special waited until the very end to play their known songs. I never heard some of these songs that were being sung.
Quote: GWAEWhat is mcc, motor city?
Yes. The Lodge Diner. Just ate there.
Quote: RigondeauxNever thought there were any other (former?) punk rockers on the board.
We saw Rancid a while back. I saw them open for Bad Religion in about 1994. Was great then, but this time I just felt old.
The did play "Rejected" though, which was all I had hoped for.
Great song!
No, 'Former,' about it, here. As far as the music goes, always was a Punk/Metalhead and always will be. As far as the fashion goes, never was and never will be.
It seems that the bands get older, but the fans are always about the same age. I'd probably feel out of place at a Bad Religion concert, as well. I don't really go to concerts anymore though, anyway, I may only be 33 but I think they are too damn loud.
Quote: GWAE38 special waited until the very end to play their known songs...
There's more than one?
"A binaural beat is an auditory illusion perceived when two different pure-tone sine waves, both with frequencies lower than 1500 Hz, with less than a 40 Hz difference between them, are presented to a listener dichotically (one through each ear). For example, if a 530 Hz pure tone is presented to a subject's right ear, while a 520 Hz pure tone is presented to the subject's left ear, the listener will perceive the auditory illusion of a third tone, in addition to the two pure-tones presented to each ear. The third sound is called a binaural beat,"
Does it work? For me yes to some extent. It depends on your susceptibility. You have to submit to it. iDoser is the brand name of binaural beats. They want you to download through their site which I haven't done. I use the youtube sample which they claim is only 3% as effective as the downloaded version. I suspect that this is not true, that they are saying this to sell their download. What I do when watching and listening to the youtube version is make the wild graphics big with my fingers in a way that blots out their advertising.
In case you're wondering, no I'm not a druggy. I was a stoner way, way in my past. Nothing now and for decades.
These are my 2 favorites: "Opium" and "Lucid Dream Healing" before I sleep.
My rating: 5 star. It's absolutely wild. They've been around for a few years but this is the first I've ever heard of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLjPxeG2jlM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REcVZSwynwk
"Hold on Loosely" and "Caught Up in You"Quote: Mission146There's more than one?
Don't know what they could have played for their 3rd encore! ;)
I saw them when I was in college -- it was a free* show on campus. I thought they were old news at the time. That was 25 years ago.
* -- I'm pretty sure the University used a small portion of my tuition to bring the band in.
Some tinnitus is muscular but much is tonal confusion.
or none of the above?
Quote:Two cowboys on the prairie, bored out of their skulls, one of whom says to the other: “Bill, I’ll bet you a hundred bucks that you won’t eat a buffalo turd.” Bill promptly eats it, and gets $100. Being just as bored, though, he says “Joe, I’ll bet you a hundred bucks that you won’t eat a buffalo turd.” Joe chews it right up, and gets his hundred back.
A little while later, Joe turns to Bill, and says “Y’know… we’ve both got the same amount of money we had before… what did we eat those turds for, anyhow?”
Quote: rxwineWisdom, joke, betting advice,
or none of the above?
That was pretty funny. +1
Quote: FleaStiffYou see. Reverting to consuming Pepsi brought you your bad luck. Go back on the wagon, your luck will change.
Haha, I have been doing pretty decent. I have only had maybe 5 pepsis in 5 days. I have had about 44 beers though
Quote: GWAEI think I am giving up VP. I am on such a bad run right now that it is ridiculous. In played 2800 single line hands last night and didn't have a single 4oak or 4 to a royal. So frustrating.
i can top that or know someone that can top that
