WoVCon ][ Definite Date
Of course there are no requirements to attend. Bring whomever you please.
The plan is for lunch, with or without a trivia contest, followed by a gambling activity yet to be determined. Or, if we can muster enough interest, a short visit to the train tracks nearby to try to settle the question of what happnes to coins run over by a train; and then gambling.
FYI I'll be in Vegas from May 7th til the 16th or 17th. My schedule is wide open, should anyone want to meet but can't make it to WoVCon on the 12th.
I'm open to suggestions for gambling. Being Downtown, the logical choice is craps at 20X at MSS, or at 10X at El Cortez, or even at 5X at 4 Queens. Good alternatives are EZ PaiGow Poker at, I believe, the Golden Nugget, and poker at Binion's. Naturally that will also depend on how crowded things are. The decision should be amde that day, I expect.
That's about it. Should someone need or want something from Mexico, do PM me about it. I'll try to acommodate reasonable requests.
PS I will be bumping this thread a lot. I hope you like light bulb jokes and Star Trek ;)
That's assuming I make it at all. Still don't know.
If I come, I'll try to remember to bring my collection of train-flattened coins, some of which were stacked and now fused together, although the bond is rather fragile.
How about the single-deck blackjack at the El Cortez for the gambling?
I'm also willing to lead a Red Rock hike, probably on a different day, if there is sufficient interest. My hikes are off trail and involve some steep climbing, so only those in good shape should apply. So far Aragov and DorthyGale have survived my hikes.
Quote: WizardI will host another trivia contest.
Good!
Quote:If you think you might win you should bring a fairly large suitcase. In the case of Doc, who won last year, I had to buy it back from him because it wouldn't fit in his luggage.
Perhaps you can offer a cash alternative?
Quote:How about the single-deck blackjack at the El Cortez for the gambling?
I've no objections, even though I don't play BJ. I assume the rest of you already have memorized the right strategy, right? But can you keep up small talk while counting? I can't keep up small talk while trying to decide what my cards add up to...
Quote: WizardI'm also willing to lead a Red Rock hike, probably on a different day, if there is sufficient interest. My hikes are off trail and involve some steep climbing, so only those in good shape should apply. So far Aragov and DorthyGale have survived my hikes.
That's almost worth coming out for.... I might check my schedule.
I am hopeful but not very confident that I will eventually be able to convince my wife to join me at WoVCon ][. Last year she preferred to shop one of the malls during our WoVCon gathering and only joined me for dinner with the Wizard and gofaster87 after the gambling was finished. One thing that I am confident about is that I will not be able to convince her to join us at the El Cortez, based on an unpleasant experience with some of the elite clientele the first and only time we were there. If the decision is to go there, I will drop the idea of trying to drag her to WoVCon ][.
My preferred game is craps, which swings my vote toward MSS, but my style of play doesn't distinguish between offerings of 3-4-5x odds and 20x odds. I can and will play blackjack, and I would be willing to join a WoV contingent at the El Cortez without my wife. I am not a card counter at all, if that was the idea for seeking the single-deck game. Hey, I even participated in poker last year, with no relevant skills at all.
I think my success at the trivia game last year had something to do with the number of questions that fit the general knowledge base of my generation. Once the questions slipped into the realm of pop culture (Michael Jackson?), I left a lot of blanks on the answer sheet. At the time, I was not aware of teddys's Jeopardy background, so I attributed my success to the absence of pacomartin, who seems to know and post the most obscure info on this forum.
Those of you who have seen the photos of me on this forum will understand why I will not be participating in any strenuous hikes involving steep climbing.
Quote: DocUnless there is some catastrophe on a scale that would convince me to forgo my already-paid-for plane tickets (very unlikely), I will definitely be there at the Four Queens.
Glad to have you onboard.
Quote:Doesn't that name refer to the original owner's daughters or something?
That's the story I keep hearing.
Quote:I am hopeful but not very confident that I will eventually be able to convince my wife to join me at WoVCon ][.
See my new signature. The more the merrier.
As to gambling, it's far from settled. However, a guest of honor does enjoy privileges, or should. To be honest, I was afraid the Wizard would suggets tiles at some remote casino...
Quote:[..]so I attributed my success to the absence of pacomartin, who seems to know and post the most obscure info on this forum.
I think Paco has a knack for finding out relevant information online quickly, and he's a fast reader. I do something like that from time to time, too. One time I found out the price per kilo of chicken breast in Brazil. It took me 17 minutes. I never found out why the boss wanted that info.
According to Wikipedia:Quote: Doc... the Four Queens. Doesn't that name refer to the original owner's daughters or something? I don't think it has anything to do with a deck of cards, and I don't think it is an in-your-face reference to part of society.
Additionally, was "queen" a gay reference in 1966? I think not.Quote:Construction began on November 16, 1964, opening in 1966. The casino is named after the builder Ben Goffstein's four daughters, Faith, Hope, Benita, and Michele.
Me too. But I love walking - particularly in flat walking towns like downtown or the strip. If I'm there, I may arrange a wimp walk.Quote: DocThose of you who have seen the photos of me on this forum will understand why I will not be participating in any strenuous hikes involving steep climbing.
I just got done mapping out a potential route.Quote: DJTeddyBearIf I'm there, I may arrange a wimp walk.
Start at Four Queens, walk West to Main Street, South to Spinetti's and Gamblers Super Store, East to Gold & Silver (Pawn Stars), North to Insert Coins, West to Four Queens. It's only 2 miles, but, with time killed at the stops, figure a 2 hour walk.
Here's a Google Map of the POIs mentioned.
Nareed, the Four Queens used to have pai gow. Perhaps if we promised a full table they would whip out their tiles and deal it to us. You might ask them about it.
Quote: DJTeddyBearI think Nareed was saying that she was glad you DIDN'T suggest tiles....
Indeed.
Oh, I'd play, provided someone were kind enough to set my tiles :)
Quote: DJTeddyBearI think Nareed was saying that she was glad you DIDN'T suggest tiles....
Sorry, but when it comes to gambling with the Wizard tiles always gets suggested.
About the requests from Mexico, how about a simple Spanish dictionary? Just a paperback student version will be fine. I know about one at http://buscon.rae.es/draeI/, but I think an actual physical book would be helpful to me.
Regarding other entertainment ideas, I would like to propose Caliente (latin night) at Jerry's Nugget.
Quote: WizardSorry, but when it comes to gambling with the Wizard tiles always gets suggested.
I'll PM you about it, maybe...
Quote:About the requests from Mexico, how about a simple Spanish dictionary? Just a paperback student version will be fine. I know about one at http://buscon.rae.es/draeI/, but I think an actual physical book would be helpful to me.
I should have thought of that myself. I don't know if I can get you the Diccionario Real de al Academia Española, but I can get you one for sure. Consider it done.
Quote:Regarding other entertainment ideas, I would like to propose Caliente (latin night) at Jerry's Nugget.
You've got an interesting sense of humor ;)
I don't want to speak for the Wiz, but...Quote: DocIf the game is to be tiles, I might have to be a spectator.
Rules allow you to ask for assistance from any of the other players, as long as you wait until after they set their hands before exposing yours.
When the wedding comes around you have a schedule conflict, family obligation, or illness.
Quote: AcesAndEightsSo, a question of etiquette...is it appropriate to attend a bachelor party but forgo attending the actual wedding? In this case, the bachelor part is on April 1st, in Vegas, and the wedding is on May 12....in Peoria, IL. :/
I was in that situation about two years ago. The bachelor party was here, the wedding party in Pennsylvania, and the actual wedding in Hawaii. I was invited to all three but only did the bachelor party, due to the long distance of the other two, and as far as I know I didn't break any rules of etiquette.
At least you attended the wedding out of the three. The entire reason for the existence of a bachelor party is the wedding.
Going to the bachelor party Only is an obvious advantage play in this case.
Quote: AcesAndEightsSo, a question of etiquette...is it appropriate to attend a bachelor party but forgo attending the actual wedding? In this case, the bachelor part is on April 1st, in Vegas, and the wedding is on May 12....in Peoria, IL. :/
I used to live in Peoria, IL, and I can tell you right now, there's no shame in saying you have a conflict for the wedding...
If you like the smell of yeast permeating the air (especially during spring), you'd love Peoria. They do have the Par-a-Dice owned by Boyd, but that place is kind of a dump, though I did like a lot of the dealers there.
As far as etiquette, you probably shouldn't attend the party if you're not going to the wedding, but the reverse is not true. I couldn't attend my brother-in-law's bachelor party, but I was in the wedding, so I kind of had to go to it.
Uh..., I'm having a little problem with the geography here. Hawaii was close enough for the Wizard, but PA and "here" were too long-distance? I can understand other justifications but not the long-distance issue. (I am assuming that for the Wizard two years ago, "here" means Las Vegas.Quote: WizardI was in that situation about two years ago. The bachelor party was here, the wedding party in Pennsylvania, and the actual wedding in Hawaii. I was invited to all three but only did the wedding, due to the long distance of the other two....
Quote: DocUh..., I'm having a little problem with the geography here. Hawaii was close enough for the Wizard, but PA and "here" were too long-distance? I can understand other justifications but not the long-distance issue. (I am assuming that for the Wizard two years ago, "here" means Las Vegas.
Sorry, I meant I only did the Bachelor Party.
Doh! That should have been obvious, but I just accepted what you said and assumed I had confused something.Quote: WizardSorry, I meant I only did the Bachelor Party.
---
Often, wedding ceremonies are in the morning with the reception in the afternoon or evening. I.E. There are several hours between them giving guests that have to travel nothing to do in-between. As a result, guests often skip the ceremony. I think that is not only bad ettiquite, but downright rude. Of course, I also think it's inconsiderate of the bride & groom to schedule it in that manner, and to not also schedule some activity inbetween.
Because of this, I often advise my wedding guests to have their wedding ceremony at the reception venue's own chappel. The wedding will then be immediately followed by cocktail hour, so nobody has any excuse to skip the ceremony other than tardiness. And that's no excuse.
If they insist on having the wedding ceremony off-site, schedule it later in the day, so it ends about 1/2 hour before the reception begins.
Different dates and different cities? You've got to expect that people will pick and choose.
50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce.
Quote: DJTeddyBearOften, wedding ceremonies are in the morning with the reception in the afternoon or evening. I.E. There are several hours between them giving guests that have to travel nothing to do in-between. As a result, guests often skip the ceremony. I think that is not only bad ettiquite, but downright rude. Of course, I also think it's inconsiderate of the bride & groom to schedule it in that manner, and to not also schedule some activity inbetween.
Because of this, I often advise my wedding guests to have their wedding ceremony at the reception venue's own chappel. The wedding will then be immediately followed by cocktail hour, so nobody has any excuse to skip the ceremony other than tardiness. And that's no excuse.
If they insist on having the wedding ceremony off-site, schedule it later in the day, so it ends about 1/2 hour before the reception begins.
One of my friends had a similar setup, where the wedding and the reception were about 3 or 4 hours apart. The reception was in a hotel where almost everyone was staying. Now, the bride and groom were both members of a sorority and a fraternity, respectively, and most of the wedding party and a large portion of the guests were made up of their brothers/sisters. We therefore spent the interim getting shitfaced in our hotel rooms playing drinking games. The reception got a bit sloppy.
(I should really apologize to my brothers for reinforcing negative stereotypes. Frats aren't all about getting shitfaced. Only about 49% I think :) )
Back to the original question, I think I'm going to go to the wedding too. It will be chance to see a lot of college buddies I haven't seen in a while. I already have my tickets booked for the bachelor party, and originally wasn't planning on even thinking about the wedding with the added expense, travel headaches, etc., but my girlfriend informed me that it would be in poor form to skip it (hence the question here). I'll check out the Pair-a-dice, for sure.
Your hikes are great fun ... and beautiful surroundings ... but for sure it's important to feel comfortable off trail and with some scrambling and to be in very good shape ...Quote: WizardSo far Aragov and DorthyGale have survived my hikes.
Can't wait till the next hike, but I'll not make WovCon this time ... I have to water some dirt ...
--Ms. D.
Quote: AcesAndEightsBack to the original question, I think I'm going to go to the wedding too. It will be chance to see a lot of college buddies I haven't seen in a while. I already have my tickets booked for the bachelor party, and originally wasn't planning on even thinking about the wedding with the added expense, travel headaches, etc., but my girlfriend informed me that it would be in poor form to skip it (hence the question here). I'll check out the Pair-a-dice, for sure.
I'm guessing your girlfriend has never been to Peoria. If she had, she would help you come up with an excuse to miss the wedding. Although most women do seem to love weddings.
Although Wikipedia is not always the best authority, their page on the band Queen has a remark that when Freddie Mercury named the band, he knew of the gay connotations. That was in 1970.
Q How many Borg does it take to screw-in a light bulb?
A Light bulbs are irrelevant. You will be assimilated.
The winner of the trivia contest will win this lovely framed picture of Dogs Playing Poker, or another similar one, or a cash option. Click on the image for a larger version. You can see it is 23" long, so choose your suitcase accordingly.
But seriously, there are a number of different scenes in the series. This one, "Poker Sympathy" shows the dog in the foreground with quad aces, losing to a 6 high straight flush. The odd thing is, none of the dogs seem to be showing any sympathy.
Yes and no.Quote: teddysBut wasn't the bulldog the one who was cheating in the last print? So maybe he was getting his just deserts...
It's a different game in a different room.
"A Friend In Need"
If this thread is the one to stay active until WoVCon ][, may I make a suggestion? Why not edit your original post of the thread to include a list of those members (and guests) who say they will definitely be there, will try to be there, still have not decided, won't make it this time, etc. If you kept that first post updated, we could perhaps know who to expect and could possibly plan better some side ventures for sub-groups during that period.
Quote: DocIf this thread is the one to stay active until WoVCon ][, may I make a suggestion? Why not edit your original post of the thread to include a list of those members (and guests) who say they will definitely be there, will try to be there, still have not decided, won't make it this time, etc. If you kept that first post updated, we could perhaps know who to expect and could possibly plan better some side ventures for sub-groups during that period.
While that makes sense, I make it a practice not to revise or edit my posts except for typos, or only shortly after I've made them. You know, the moving finger and all that... But I can set a new thread with a list of atendees. It would be ok if I state at the outset the opening post will be in constant revision.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Quote: Wizard
The winner of the trivia contest will win this lovely framed picture of Dogs Playing Poker, or another similar one, or a cash option. Click on the image for a larger version. You can see it is 23" long, so choose your suitcase accordingly.
Is there a prize for furthest traveled? From the list I might have it being from CT.
First off, it depends a bit on whether you actually attend. Will you be there? Have you made note of it in the "WoVCon ][ Attendees" (misspelled in some manner) thread? I hadn't seen your name the last time I looked there.Quote: Wavy70Is there a prize for furthest traveled? From the list I might have it being from CT.
Last June, we had Croupier and his lovely wife join in from Great Britain, so being from CT doesn't necessarily make you a lock.
Quote: Wavy70Is there a prize for furthest traveled? From the list I might have it being from CT.
I haven't contemplated one, sorry. But considering the numbers likely to show up, it would be best to keep things simple.
On the other hand, given the quality of the company expected, I'm sure no one will walk away disappointed.
Quote: Wizard
The winner of the trivia contest will win this lovely framed picture of Dogs Playing Poker, or another similar one, or a cash option. Click on the image for a larger version. You can see it is 23" long, so choose your suitcase accordingly.
Is the picture autographed by the artist ? I know it is not a Picasso, but it appeared to be by one of the other great masters.
Quote: buzzpaffIs the picture autographed by the artist ? I know it is not a Picasso, but it appeared to be by one of the other great masters.
Quote: WikipediaDogs Playing Poker refers collectively to a series of sixteen oil paintings by C. M. Coolidge, commissioned in 1903 by Brown & Bigelow to advertise cigars. ... These were followed in 1910 by a similar painting, Looks Like Four of a Kind. Some of the compositions in the series are modeled on paintings of human card-players by such artists as Caravaggio, Georges de La Tour, and Paul Cézanne.
Q Why did the Minbari cross the road?
A Understanding is not necessary. Only obedience.
I can't think of a joke right now. So, any suggestions on what and where to gamble after lunch?
Quote: NareedI can't think of a joke right now.
So here's a stolen fill-in for you.
Quote:An 80 year old man was having his annual checkup and the doctor asked him how he was feeling. "I've never been better!" he boasted. "I've got an eighteen year old bride who's pregnant and having my child! What do you think about that?"
The doctor considered this for a moment, then said, "Let me tell you a story. I knew a guy who was an avid hunter. He never missed a season.
But one day went out in a bit of a hurry and he accidentally grabbed his umbrella instead of his gun."
The doctor continued, "So he was in the woods and suddenly a grizzly bear appeared in front of him! He raised up his umbrella, pointed it at the bear and squeezed the handle." "And do you know what happened?" the doctor queried.
Dumbfounded, the old man replied "No."
The doctor continued, "The bear dropped dead in front of him!"
"That's impossible!" exclaimed the old man. "Someone else must have shot that bear."
"That's kind of what I'm getting at..." replied the doctor.
As for "suggestions on what and where to gamble after lunch", I have already express my preference for craps, an interest in participating in other games, and a willingness to watch tiles. Don't know what else I can offer.
