Heading up Niagara way next month
September 21st, 2016 at 4:18:49 PM
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Booked a short stay at Fallsview. I don't like the lottery games in New York, plus we are non smokers. Staying in the Fallsview Hilton, we have Hilton Honors points.
Who has the lowdown on dining and attractions there? Is there anything worth seeing? (I guess I should say anything ELSE worth seeing!) We enjoy dining, what is the "must visit" place?
Who has the lowdown on dining and attractions there? Is there anything worth seeing? (I guess I should say anything ELSE worth seeing!) We enjoy dining, what is the "must visit" place?
A falling knife has no handle.
September 21st, 2016 at 4:49:19 PM
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Quote: MoscaBooked a short stay at Fallsview. I don't like the lottery games in New York, plus we are non smokers. Staying in the Fallsview Hilton, we have Hilton Honors points.
Who has the lowdown on dining and attractions there? Is there anything worth seeing? (I guess I should say anything ELSE worth seeing!) We enjoy dining, what is the "must visit" place?
Your local host, SOOPOO (me), has a few ideas...... I'll pm you.....
September 21st, 2016 at 5:24:04 PM
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Quote: MoscaBooked a short stay at Fallsview. I don't like the lottery games in New York, plus we are non smokers. Staying in the Fallsview Hilton, we have Hilton Honors points.
Who has the lowdown on dining and attractions there? Is there anything worth seeing? (I guess I should say anything ELSE worth seeing!) We enjoy dining, what is the "must visit" place?
Have you dined at the tOP of the tower thing?
Be prepared for the 26% sales tax on all sales within the tourist district.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 21st, 2016 at 5:48:59 PM
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Quote: GWAEHave you dined at the tOP of the tower thing?[/q
The spinning thing? Anyone going there be careful if you get motion sickness. I know a guy had to walk it like a treadmill. Waiter told his group it happens fairly often.All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
September 21st, 2016 at 6:51:26 PM
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A forum member, appistappis, deals in a casino up there: he'd know.
"What, me worry?"
September 21st, 2016 at 6:58:15 PM
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Also Ontariodealer is in Fallsview you might pm him.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
September 21st, 2016 at 7:17:43 PM
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LOL
Ontariodealer=appistappis.
My bad.
Ontariodealer=appistappis.
My bad.
"What, me worry?"
September 21st, 2016 at 8:40:04 PM
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I stayed at the Fallsview Hilton about a month ago. Nice enough hotel. Rooms were adequate size for our purpose - sleeping. Didn't bother paying extra a room with a view of the falls as we weren't there to look out the window. Excellent indoor pool area complete with waterslide. Kept me more than happy.
There's a Brazilian BBQ restaurant attached to the hotel which looked great. Unfortunately they were too busy to accomodate us the night we were there. Go across the road to the casino and you will find plenty of dining options. We ended up at a steak place (name escapes me) which was quite good. Came to like CAD100 for two people for entree, main and a couple of drinks each.
Didn't play in the casino but walked through. Looked quite large and a nice venue. Good variety of games and limits.
IMO there's not much else to see other than the falls. If you like over the top tacky tourist strips then you'll find something else to do for sure because that seems to be all that Fallsview is.
There's a Brazilian BBQ restaurant attached to the hotel which looked great. Unfortunately they were too busy to accomodate us the night we were there. Go across the road to the casino and you will find plenty of dining options. We ended up at a steak place (name escapes me) which was quite good. Came to like CAD100 for two people for entree, main and a couple of drinks each.
Didn't play in the casino but walked through. Looked quite large and a nice venue. Good variety of games and limits.
IMO there's not much else to see other than the falls. If you like over the top tacky tourist strips then you'll find something else to do for sure because that seems to be all that Fallsview is.
September 21st, 2016 at 11:24:54 PM
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Word of advice. We stayed at 4 points right next to you. On the other side of us there was a little restaurant that advertises a $6 breakfast buffet. We ate there and for 3 people our bill was $43. They charge $4.50 for drinks and do not offer free water. Only bottled. Plus of course the 24% tax or whatever it was.
One trick that we used for cheap dining. If you go out the back not sure where you park for that hotel and make a right. Go to I think the second light and make a left. About 2 miles down the road there is a business district with grocery stores and chain restaurants. We ate dinner there 3 nights. The food is normal prices and you don't pay the extra tourist tax. You can gps pizza hut and it will get you there.
One trick that we used for cheap dining. If you go out the back not sure where you park for that hotel and make a right. Go to I think the second light and make a left. About 2 miles down the road there is a business district with grocery stores and chain restaurants. We ate dinner there 3 nights. The food is normal prices and you don't pay the extra tourist tax. You can gps pizza hut and it will get you there.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 22nd, 2016 at 6:36:29 AM
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My wife and I had our anniversary dinner at the top of the Skylon Tower early last month. (Free dessert for the celebration!) My plan had been to do some after-dinner photography to get some night views of the scenes I had photographed some years ago. I have previously posted these two images in this forum:
We have a 16x20 print of that first one hanging in our condo, and the second one is the desktop image on my computer.
Unfortunately, even though the falls are "lighted" with changing colored lights, they are not really lighted well enough for nighttime photography, at least not from up high. I was told that there are plans for a major upgrade to the lighting. Maybe someday....
I played craps in the Fallsview Casino, and the most distinctive memory (other than the loss) was a player who persistently complained about the "radio-controlled dice" that the house was using to take our money. I think the guy really believed that! He even complained to the pit supervisor. Others at the table said he was a regular there, that he was always a nuisance, and that they think he might be completely bonkers. Then, again, I did lose money there, so ....
We have a 16x20 print of that first one hanging in our condo, and the second one is the desktop image on my computer.
Unfortunately, even though the falls are "lighted" with changing colored lights, they are not really lighted well enough for nighttime photography, at least not from up high. I was told that there are plans for a major upgrade to the lighting. Maybe someday....
I played craps in the Fallsview Casino, and the most distinctive memory (other than the loss) was a player who persistently complained about the "radio-controlled dice" that the house was using to take our money. I think the guy really believed that! He even complained to the pit supervisor. Others at the table said he was a regular there, that he was always a nuisance, and that they think he might be completely bonkers. Then, again, I did lose money there, so ....
September 22nd, 2016 at 7:25:26 AM
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The Keg located in Embassy suites over looks the falls
https://www.kegsteakhouse.com/menu/#!/locations/fallsviewembassy-suites-keg/#siteContent
Short trip out of town to the Welland canal to see the huge boat locks in action
http://www.niagarawellandcanal.com/
https://www.kegsteakhouse.com/menu/#!/locations/fallsviewembassy-suites-keg/#siteContent
Short trip out of town to the Welland canal to see the huge boat locks in action
http://www.niagarawellandcanal.com/
September 22nd, 2016 at 1:06:37 PM
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Month from now? The leaves might be full color. It's certainly a country drive as opposed to the quick thruway jaunt, but if you dig that stuff, hit up Letchworth SP on your way in or out. It's 2 hrs from the Falls, but might be sort of on your way home, assuming you don't live in WPA.
It's a pretty place. Plan for a bit of walking, but most everything can be just about driven to (you just need walk for better views). If you're into rail fanning at all, it WILL be your last opportunity to see and walk upon the Portageville bridge (c. 1895). Absolutely stunning views from atop, assuming they haven't imploded it yet. One memorable acid trip found me planted on that bridge for 5 hours. It's a VERY cool place to be.
You could see most of the "big attractions", pictured above, in an hour or two.
If you DO live in WPA and are taking the I-90 in and out, hop off in my neck o' the woods and take Rt's 5 or 20 between Dunkirk/Fredonia and Silver Creek before hopping back on (approx 15mi). I believe I read that it's the third biggest wine country, behind Champaigne and Napa Valley. Pretty country drive with Eire on one side and a skillion acres of grapes on the other. The entire county goes sweet. You get an Indian Summer day with Fall hues and fresh air that smells of vaporized grapes, and you'll be just about ready to die as it simply gets no better.
PS. If you look into the gorge and see a lonesome fisherman in a 2-man kayak, toss me a Molson! ;)
It's a pretty place. Plan for a bit of walking, but most everything can be just about driven to (you just need walk for better views). If you're into rail fanning at all, it WILL be your last opportunity to see and walk upon the Portageville bridge (c. 1895). Absolutely stunning views from atop, assuming they haven't imploded it yet. One memorable acid trip found me planted on that bridge for 5 hours. It's a VERY cool place to be.
You could see most of the "big attractions", pictured above, in an hour or two.
If you DO live in WPA and are taking the I-90 in and out, hop off in my neck o' the woods and take Rt's 5 or 20 between Dunkirk/Fredonia and Silver Creek before hopping back on (approx 15mi). I believe I read that it's the third biggest wine country, behind Champaigne and Napa Valley. Pretty country drive with Eire on one side and a skillion acres of grapes on the other. The entire county goes sweet. You get an Indian Summer day with Fall hues and fresh air that smells of vaporized grapes, and you'll be just about ready to die as it simply gets no better.
PS. If you look into the gorge and see a lonesome fisherman in a 2-man kayak, toss me a Molson! ;)
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
September 22nd, 2016 at 3:06:07 PM
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September 22nd, 2016 at 3:18:01 PM
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Quote: MrVGot a kayak?
Niagara rapids
Uh... no kayaking for the Moscas. Maybe 40 years ago, but not now.
We live in NE PA, the foliage here is pretty good. And actually, the foliage in our home town of Mountain Top has been called some of the most beautiful in PA, but we don't have a waterfall. We're more into dining and looking at things, and maybe seeing shows.
Got some pretty good recommendations, though! Maid of the Mist is active the dates we are there. We might walk that bridge, but I'm not much for heights. Maybe if I was tripping, but Mrs Mosca wouldn't like that.
A falling knife has no handle.
September 22nd, 2016 at 4:38:49 PM
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Fyi, maid of the most is on the US side. On the Canadian side it is called the hornblower. Figured I would let you know in case you were buying tickets online.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 22nd, 2016 at 4:42:54 PM
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There is a groupon for Greg Ferwin magic show and dinner. It is something like $29 a person. I haven't seen the show but have wanted to.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 22nd, 2016 at 11:42:21 PM
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ask any casino questions here and I'll answer them for you....as for eating the falls has two tourist area's....fallsview and clifton hill....both are known for ripping off tourists and adding the extra tax...like previously posted go west up the hill on lundys lane and when you get to the top (niagara falls is built on a small mountain) you will be on the motel strip which is full of good reasonalbe places to eat and shop.
get second you pig
September 23rd, 2016 at 6:58:38 AM
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Speaking of the tax - This may have changed since I last visited Canada perhaps 20 years ago but at that time if you could produce receipts of tax paid as a U.S. citizen you could get the tax amount rebated upon leaving the country. A kiosk was in the duty-free shop at the border. We had been unaware of this, but we were able to scrounge up some of our receipts and did get a small refund. Keep all of your receipts until you see whether or not this policy still exists.
September 23rd, 2016 at 7:14:05 AM
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We won't do any shopping, there isn't anything you can get anywhere that isn't available already near home, or through Amazon. It's the dining we're interested in, and things to see.
Lots of good suggestions! We'll start planning!
Lots of good suggestions! We'll start planning!
A falling knife has no handle.
September 23rd, 2016 at 7:52:11 AM
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Quote: DTRobersSpeaking of the tax - This may have changed since I last visited Canada perhaps 20 years ago but at that time if you could produce receipts of tax paid as a U.S. citizen you could get the tax amount rebated upon leaving the country. A kiosk was in the duty-free shop at the border. We had been unaware of this, but we were able to scrounge up some of our receipts and did get a small refund. Keep all of your receipts until you see whether or not this policy still exists.
you are referring to the tourist tax. That used to be an optional tax that was supposed to help the local economy. The store actually gets to keep a percentage of that tax. On our last trip this summer I was told that tax is no longer optional. I am very salty about the tax. Our hotel was free with points but had to pay for parking. They charged $18 a day for parking plus $4.20 a day in tax. I guess someone has to pay for their free healthcare.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 23rd, 2016 at 8:22:46 PM
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the regular tax on everything here is 13%....any additional is the tourist rip off tax.
get second you pig
September 24th, 2016 at 4:56:30 AM
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Quote: GWAEFyi, maid of the most is on the US side. On the Canadian side it is called the hornblower. Figured I would let you know in case you were buying tickets online.
I STRONGLY recommend the Maid of the Mist over the Hornblower. The Hornblower has newer style boats that don't give you as much a 'feel' of the falls. I've done both.
September 24th, 2016 at 4:59:02 AM
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Quote: ontariodealerthe regular tax on everything here is 13%....any additional is the tourist rip off tax.
When did this new tax start? I guess I have not eaten in a restaurant near the falls in a few years. I have eaten in the casino and did not pay any attention to the bill.
Also, how much is this new tax?
September 24th, 2016 at 5:20:59 AM
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Quote: SOOPOOWhen did this new tax start? I guess I have not eaten in a restaurant near the falls in a few years. I have eaten in the casino and did not pay any attention to the bill.
Also, how much is this new tax?
It has been a while. Maybe 2004? We bought shirts at a shop on Clift on hill from a small place next to the upside down house. The owner was telling me how he thinks this tax is ridiculous. He explained how it is an optional tax and customers can have it removed. He has signs up that they do not charge the tax. The tax is an additonal 10% so that makes the total tax for buying stuff and eating at 23% in the tourist district.
Supposedly it is optional and you can have it removed from bills upon request. I tried twice over the summer and both times was told that it is no longer optional. I didn't look into it any further since it was only a few dollars. If I were paying 1k for my room and the difference was larger I would have called the tax authority.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 24th, 2016 at 9:40:45 PM
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the business's legally can charge you for it and you can legally refuse to pay it.
get second you pig
September 24th, 2016 at 9:43:27 PM
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http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2016/03/31/dmf-the-hidden-fee-part-2
get second you pig
September 25th, 2016 at 5:25:46 AM
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The hotel person told me that in June they made it non optional. I put off finding out if that was true. Talking about it makes me angry again. This week I will call the tax authority and find out for sure.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 25th, 2016 at 6:19:04 AM
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Doesn't get much better than some good paddling porn. That one is a little dated, though. My how the boats have evolved....Quote: MrVGot a kayak?
Niagara rapids
Reminds me of the time I, as finish line judge, disqualified one of Erik Jackson's runs at the Nationals.
Surprised I got out of town alive ;-)
Wishing a great trip to the Mosca's.
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
September 25th, 2016 at 6:29:20 AM
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Quote: GWAEThe hotel person told me that in June they made it non optional. I put off finding out if that was true. Talking about it makes me angry again. This week I will call the tax authority and find out for sure.
The most recent Google result is dated June 16th and still calls it optional. I would think that if it had been changed to mandatory there would be something, ANYTHING, in a Google search. But there isn't.
A falling knife has no handle.
September 25th, 2016 at 7:07:32 AM
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Just remember this..... if you win big its TAX FREE IN CANADA
WIN BIG
WIN BIG
September 25th, 2016 at 8:15:02 AM
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Quote: coilmanJust remember this..... if you win big its TAX FREE IN CANADA
WIN BIG
Until you cross back over here with it. It's still, technically, subject to U.S. taxes.
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
September 25th, 2016 at 9:06:03 AM
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Just don't get too excited about a 1k royal dice 1k CAD is only worth about $96 usd (sarcasm).
I think the exchange rate over the summer was 1 to .72. So a royal is only $720 but I guess your bet is only .96
I think the exchange rate over the summer was 1 to .72. So a royal is only $720 but I guess your bet is only .96
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 25th, 2016 at 10:22:50 AM
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Right now 1 US dollar is worth 1.32 Canadian dollars. About .76 the other direction.
We're going to have some fun. Since we are staying in The Hilton (using Hilton Honors points) there is no reason to gamble for room comps, so we're going to take our time and see some sights. Never been to Canada.
SOOPOO, you're the first to recommend MoM over Hornblower. Everything else says that the lines for MoM are awful, and the boats are old and crowded; just google "maid of mist or Hornblower?" Since you are a trusted local voice, can you elaborate?
We're going to have some fun. Since we are staying in The Hilton (using Hilton Honors points) there is no reason to gamble for room comps, so we're going to take our time and see some sights. Never been to Canada.
SOOPOO, you're the first to recommend MoM over Hornblower. Everything else says that the lines for MoM are awful, and the boats are old and crowded; just google "maid of mist or Hornblower?" Since you are a trusted local voice, can you elaborate?
A falling knife has no handle.
September 25th, 2016 at 3:18:54 PM
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September 25th, 2016 at 3:22:30 PM
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The jet boats are great fun too. We have done it three times and sat in front row each time. They are a little vicious though.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 25th, 2016 at 3:40:59 PM
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Quote: GWAEThe jet boats are great fun too. We have done it three times and sat in front row each time. They are a little vicious though.
burrrrrrrr too cold for that in October
September 25th, 2016 at 5:12:56 PM
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Quote: coilmanburrrrrrrr too cold for that in October
Welllllllll I guess so.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 25th, 2016 at 6:04:07 PM
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Quote: coilmanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewhb_g9oDlA
Oh man, not a chance. I'm deadly afraid of heights, I'd have a heart attack.
A falling knife has no handle.
September 25th, 2016 at 7:30:02 PM
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Quote: MoscaOh man, not a chance. I'm deadly afraid of heights, I'd have a heart attack.
same here no chance but its only a little ways from the falls if you are out for a ride...the guys fishing down on the American side looked like ants from the place that ride departs from
Butterfly place is near there too if I remember correct
walk behind the falls is boring from behind the falls you see water ...the outside landing halfway down to the river is alright youtube has video of that too
fuel up the car before coming over in Buffalo...... gas is a bit more expensive here LOL
duty free if before crossing over too
guns weapons pepper spray are not allowed you would be amazed how many Americans get arrested coming over with them
http://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/border-guards-seize-guns-throwing-stars-and-knifed-throwing-cards
September 26th, 2016 at 12:10:27 AM
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Do the Canandian authorities notify the IRS of any taxable hits in a Canadian casino by a resident of the USA?
"What, me worry?"
September 26th, 2016 at 4:55:11 AM
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Quote: MoscaRight now 1 US dollar is worth 1.32 Canadian dollars. About .76 the other direction.
We're going to have some fun. Since we are staying in The Hilton (using Hilton Honors points) there is no reason to gamble for room comps, so we're going to take our time and see some sights. Never been to Canada.
SOOPOO, you're the first to recommend MoM over Hornblower. Everything else says that the lines for MoM are awful, and the boats are old and crowded; just google "maid of mist or Hornblower?" Since you are a trusted local voice, can you elaborate?
It's all about the experience. On the MoM it felt like "you were going too far" and were going to be directly under the falls. You could feel the engine struggling. On the Hornblower I felt like I was on a much smoother ride, not experiencing the direct power of the falls as much. I've been on the MoM at least a dozen times, and was disappointed on my solo Hornblower ride. You will be going essentially after the season. I don't think either will be overcrowded.
September 26th, 2016 at 6:07:47 AM
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Quote: MrVDo the Canandian authorities notify the IRS of any taxable hits in a Canadian casino by a resident of the USA?
Since you don't even have to give your name if you win a jackpot, they can't really give your info to the Irs.
If you're playing rated,they would probably turn over your info if it was requested by the IRS,but otherwise i doubt it.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
September 26th, 2016 at 6:29:13 AM
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Perhaps that was because on that Hornblower ride you were with my wife and me.Quote: SOOPOOI've been on the MoM at least a dozen times, and was disappointed on my solo Hornblower ride.
;-)
September 26th, 2016 at 7:54:39 AM
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Quote: DocPerhaps that was because on that Hornblower ride you were with my wife and me.
;-)
I now know what the problem was.... You two were such spectacular conversationalists that I wasn't paying attention to the surroundings.....
September 26th, 2016 at 10:55:44 AM
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I think it's getting deep around here.
September 26th, 2016 at 10:02:10 PM
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Quote: HunterhillSince you don't even have to give your name if you win a jackpot, they can't really give your info to the Irs.
If you're playing rated,they would probably turn over your info if it was requested by the IRS,but otherwise i doubt it.
$10.000 or over requires I'd
September 27th, 2016 at 3:51:35 AM
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Quote: coilman$10.000 or over requires I'd
Maybe it's changed, because I hit a royal flush for 20k on vp and a teamate hit a royal flush on UTH for 12,500
And we didn't show id.One was at Casino Rama,the other at Falls view. This was 4 years ago.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
October 6th, 2016 at 10:14:58 AM
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Monday October 17 there will be a dinner get together somewhere near the Fallsview Casino sometime early evening. Details to be determined depending on who is interested and their desires. Mr. and Mrs. Mosca and I are in, and hope some other locals can join us. If anyone is interested, chime in!
October 7th, 2016 at 5:47:40 AM
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Quote: SOOPOOMonday October 17 there will be a dinner get together somewhere near the Fallsview Casino sometime early evening. Details to be determined depending on who is interested and their desires. Mr. and Mrs. Mosca and I are in, and hope some other locals can join us. If anyone is interested, chime in!
There used to be a rule that if you were going to bump a thread with no new information you had to include a joke.....
What did the alcoholic say when the neurosurgeon was recommending surgery?
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
October 10th, 2016 at 11:02:45 AM
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Quote: SOOPOOMonday October 17 there will be a dinner get together somewhere near the Fallsview Casino sometime early evening. Details to be determined depending on who is interested and their desires. Mr. and Mrs. Mosca and I are in, and hope some other locals can join us. If anyone is interested, chime in!
A falling knife has no handle.
