Should I adopt a highway?
Poll
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51 members have voted
As this image shows, the cost is $175 a month plus $300 for the sign. It is more expensive in Nevada, for some reason. As I am gearing up to do my taxes, I realize I've been rather stingy with charity lately and could stand to earn some more karma points.
By the way, unlike on Seinfeld, I don't have to clean it myself but my fees pay for the program to send crews out to clean it.
What do you think about the idea? The question for the poll is should I do it?
Quote: WizardI'm thinking of doing the Adopt a Highway program. I've exchanged some Emails about it with adoptahighway.net and am considering a stretch in California on the northbound I-15, just south of Primm. So everybody coming up to Vegas from southern California would see my sign, which I plan to say "Sponsored by WizardOfOdds.com."
As this image shows, the cost is $175 a month plus $300 for the sign. It is more expensive in Nevada, for some reason. As I am gearing up to do my taxes, I realize I've been rather stingy with charity lately and could stand to earn some more karma points.
By the way, unlike on Seinfeld, I don't have to clean it myself but my fees pay for the program to send crews out to clean it.
What do you think about the idea? The question for the poll is should I do it?
Yes. Let those traveling in from California KNOW that someone cares about good gambling, and that one is the one and only Mike Shackleford. Make it something memorable. Call the stretch:
1. Good Gamblin' Highway
2. Mike's Pike.
3. Wizard Of Odds Smart Gambling Road.
Quote: PaigowdanQuote: WizardI'm thinking of doing the Adopt a Highway program. I've exchanged some Emails about it with adoptahighway.net and am considering a stretch in California on the northbound I-15, just south of Primm. So everybody coming up to Vegas from southern California would see my sign, which I plan to say "Sponsored by WizardOfOdds.com."
As this image shows, the cost is $175 a month plus $300 for the sign. It is more expensive in Nevada, for some reason. As I am gearing up to do my taxes, I realize I've been rather stingy with charity lately and could stand to earn some more karma points.
By the way, unlike on Seinfeld, I don't have to clean it myself but my fees pay for the program to send crews out to clean it.
What do you think about the idea? The question for the poll is should I do it?
Yes. Let those traveling in from California KNOW that someone cares about good gambling, and that one is the one and only Mike Shackleford. Make it something memorable. Call the stretch:
1. Good Gamblin' Highway
2. Mike's Pike.
3. Wizard Of Odds Smart Gambling Road.
I saw a movie called Mike's Pike once. The titular character went on a rather interesting quest where his 'pike' got caught inside several rather well endowed females.
But may he make it something that Drives gambling traffic on the Internet superhighway. #3 may be good.
Quote: WizardI'm thinking of doing the Adopt a Highway program. I've exchanged some Emails about it with adoptahighway.net and am considering a stretch in California on the northbound I-15, just south of Primm. So everybody coming up to Vegas from southern California would see my sign, which I plan to say "Sponsored by WizardOfOdds.com."
As this image shows, the cost is $175 a month plus $300 for the sign. It is more expensive in Nevada, for some reason. As I am gearing up to do my taxes, I realize I've been rather stingy with charity lately and could stand to earn some more karma points.
By the way, unlike on Seinfeld, I don't have to clean it myself but my fees pay for the program to send crews out to clean it.
What do you think about the idea? The question for the poll is should I do it?
Mike:
Actually, it would be considered advertising and deducted against the income from WoO and WoV. Not as a charitable expense. Also, If you are trying to drive traffic to WoV and WoO, then there are better places to fish. JMVHO.
Can hurt to do it for a year. See what happens.
SFB
Quote: SFB
Mike:
Actually, it would be considered advertising and deducted against the income from WoO and WoV.
Ah, but corporate sponsorship is a good thing. A business expense then.....
Quote: SFBAlso, If you are trying to drive traffic to WoV and WoO, then there are better places to fish. JMVHO.
I think it's good - on the highway TO Vegas. A Gazillion will see the sign, it may even become a curio. You have not arrived until you do a selfie at Mike's WOO sign......
Quote: odiousgambitwhy do you have to pay anything except for the sign? Isn't it volunteering?
Quote: WizardBy the way, unlike on Seinfeld, I don't have to clean it myself but my fees pay for the program to send crews out to clean it.
Quote: odiousgambitwhy do you have to pay anything except for the sign? Isn't it volunteering?
To pay for the crew to pick up the trash. I suppose I could pick it up myself, but fat chance of that happening.
Can your highway sign also include a warning against playing 6-5 blackjack? That would make it a true humanitarian effort.
Quote: WizardTo pay for the crew to pick up the trash. I suppose I could pick it up myself, but fat chance of that happening.
We could make the highway pick up part of the annual Vegas WoV meetup. And Doc can take a picture of everybody posed in front of the sign while curious drivers from LA fly past at 70mph.
Quote: michael99000I think it's a great idea.
Can your highway sign also include a warning against playing 6-5 blackjack? That would make it a true humanitarian effort.
Thanks. I don't think the sign can say too much. Maybe I can just put 6-5, with a circle and slash through it, like they have at http://www.blackjackinfo.com/no6to5.php.
Quote: michael99000Can your highway sign also include a warning against playing 6-5 blackjack?
If they allowed a slogan on the sign, I would recommend, "If it doesn't pay 3-2, then the game isn't really blackjack."
Quote: WizardI'm thinking of doing the Adopt a Highway program. I've exchanged some Emails about it with adoptahighway.net and am considering a stretch in California on the northbound I-15, just south of Primm. So everybody coming up to Vegas from southern California would see my sign, which I plan to say "Sponsored by WizardOfOdds.com."
As this image shows, the cost is $175 a month plus $300 for the sign. It is more expensive in Nevada, for some reason. As I am gearing up to do my taxes, I realize I've been rather stingy with charity lately and could stand to earn some more karma points.
By the way, unlike on Seinfeld, I don't have to clean it myself but my fees pay for the program to send crews out to clean it.
What do you think about the idea? The question for the poll is should I do it?
I answered No you shouldn't do it. In my opinion if you are wanting to be charitable, there are many other things to use that money on. Your local Humane Society, Children's Hospital, Boys/Girls Club, Red Cross, would be ecstatic to have that kind of money every month. If you are doing it for the advertising, that's a different story. Obviously, you won't get any exposure, but I'm thinking you might feel a lot better about what you're doing than having a sign on the highway???
ZCore13
Quote: WizardThanks. I don't think the sign can say too much. Maybe I can just put 6-5, with a circle and slash through it, like they have at http://www.blackjackinfo.com/no6to5.php.
That works. As long as people don't think you are advising them to not adhere to the speed limit .
Their eyes will catch "Wizard of Odds" on the way to Vegas, if just that alone. That'll say it all. They'll get it. They'll discuss it in the car on the way in.
I will be voting "yes" but please write me in as a bigot as well.......
I can give advice that you are better off just paying the fee than to clean it up yourself. Here in PA most of the "better" miles were adopted 20 years ago. What happens here is that stronger civic groups adopted them way back, and they pay a more up-and-coming group to do the work. This outraged a certain kind of person who felt it was not in the "spirit" of the program. I felt it is no issue and the more I see of how so many "charity" groups operate I see some are money-farms and some struggle so why not.
Additionally, in Rochester I was in a group that didn't clean but adopted a flowerbed along the highway (the one by the Old Erie Canal Lock for Face and any other locals.) Organizing it is a pain. You need lots of people, perhaps 20+, to make it work. You have to park cars along the highway. Safety is huge. Someone needs a truck-like vehicle to carry stuff. And last but not least you need to hope the weather cooperates.
But when you and Buzzard make the wide lanes, let me know, might be worth the trip for a wide, relaxing drive.
Quote: WizardIt is more expensive in Nevada, for some reason.
Maybe it's a longer stretch of road and/or both directions in Nevada. I'm fairly sure that here in NJ it's both directions.
Quote: WizardAs I am gearing up to do my taxes, I realize I've been rather stingy with charity lately and could stand to earn some more karma points.
Are you doing this for charity points? It would be an advertising expense, not charity.
Of course, if you expect no ROI, and just want the feel good karma, and like this concept, then go for it.
If you're really expecting some type of return, then I question your odds of success. But I could be wrong.
Note that I like the 6:5 slash idea, but I doubt they'd let you put anything more than you name (or website).
Quote: PaigowdanI think simply Wizard of Odds.
Their eyes will catch "Wizard of Odds" on the way to Vegas, if just that alone. That'll say it all. They'll get it. They'll discuss it in the car on the way in.
Unfortunately, I'm not the only one using that moniker. Also, if I don't put the ".com" then people wont' associate the name to the web site. Then again, Occam's Razor would suggest that it refers to me.
Quote: bigfoot66As someone who has made this drive many many times I would encourage you to make sure the sign is at the earliest posted location in your map. After driving 3-4 hours to get to Vegas the sight of Primm and the casinos there is a real relief. You don't want to compete with that. I would suggest you be up in the big mountain pass just before the big drop into the valley.
I agree. I was thinking of that spot 10 miles south of the border, on the northbound side. I think that is the part is uphill and a bit curvy. It can get snow in winter sometimes.
The clean up crews, at least on the Nevada side were prisoners. I remember the case of a girl in a van who ran off the road and killed like a half dozen prisoners. She had been smoking marijuana just a few hours before. I don't know what the outcome of her case was.
Otherwsie, governments have a legal monopoly on building and operating roads. Governments charge large amounts of money as taxes (and fees, and tariffs and all else). Let them maintain the roads they do not allow anyone else to build or operate. It would be like "adopting" AT&T's cell towers and paying to keep them clean. If you want to donate to charity, there are lots of charities to choose from.
Quote: s2dbakerOne wonders how many complaints you'll get from people who hit a pothole in your mile.
I would bet very few. California takes good care of their roads.
Quote: WizardI would bet very few. California takes good care of their roads.
lol!!!!
Quote: BuzzardLet me know if you need help painting over those stripes to made one lane extra wide.
Kramer style
Quote: JohnzimboI suggest you sponsor the stairwell in the Stratosphere. Then you can clean it yearly when you make the climb.
Better yet, adopt a WoV member and pay their way to WoVCon. Have said member wear a WoV T-shirt the entire time they spend in Vegas.
Inbound: "Heading to Vegas? Play smart with free help at WizardOfOdds.com!"
Outbound: "Busted? Play smarter with free help at WizardOfOdds.com!"
Quote: ncfatcatPick a piece of highway with good data reception so passengers can look you up on smartphones tablets
That's extremely good advice, nc.
Quote: beachbumbabsOur group did this 20 years ago in Oregon. We had to pledge $30/year and 4 cleanup dates/year for a 2 mile stretch of I-5, both ways. We had 200 active members, so it didn't take long, and it was a fun outing, mostly. There was this garbage-picking-up thing that got in the way. Plus we had to buy a bunch of orange vests to be legal doing it. So I say, yes, go for it, especially since they're willing to find you a crew.
Inbound: "Heading to Vegas? Play smart with free help at WizardOfOdds.com!"
Outbound: "Busted? Play smarter with free help at WizardOfOdds.com!"
So you had to wear prisoner vests and clean up trash off the roadside. And you paid someone to let you do this. And it was fun?
I don't know much about Oregon, but I have to think there's better ways to spend a group outing
Beside acts of charity are a double blessing - to those you help and to yourself.
Quote: michael99000So you had to wear prisoner vests and clean up trash off the roadside. And you paid someone to let you do this. And it was fun?
I don't know much about Oregon, but I have to think there's better ways to spend a group outing
Could be a lot of fun, actually. As long as a young lady high on MJ doesn't take a turn thru your ranks....
SFB
Quote: beachbumbabsThat's extremely good advice, nc.
I like this advice as well, however, you may not get much leeway on placement...
But it is important to consider if they ask you: Where do you want the sign on your section of the highway?
SFB
She got a porn contract ;) She was already a stripper. I think i remember her THC levels were insignificant and it was more likely she fell asleep. (no doubt from to much partying) However, I remember thinking, they railroaded her and used her as an example.Quote: mickeycrimmI think it's a great idea. There are radio stations out there that cater just to the I-15 traffic. It's the only stretch of interstate I've ever seen with bumper to bumper traffic out in the middle of nowhere. I once caught a ride on that stretch by a tow truck driver. He told me that the north bound traffic is in a good mood and can't wait to get to Vegas. The southbound traffic is all drunk and pissed off.
The clean up crews, at least on the Nevada side were prisoners. I remember the case of a girl in a van who ran off the road and killed like a half dozen prisoners. She had been smoking marijuana just a few hours before. I don't know what the outcome of her case was.
prisoners? In that case, she was just trying to save us taxpayer money.
Seriously tho, she got bad press and was a evil person because it was TEEN's that got killed and it was a pot smoking stripper who did it.
Quote: AxelWolfShe got a porn contract ;) She was already a stripper. I think i remember her THC levels were insignificant and it was more likely she fell asleep. (no doubt from to much partying) However, I remember thinking, they railroaded her and used her as an example. prisoners? In that case, she was just trying to save us taxpayer money. Seriously tho, she got bad press and was a evil person because it was TEEN's that got killed and it was a pot smoking stripper who did it.
I just googled it. Her name was Jessica Williams. 5 were killed, two injured. They were juvenile offenders doing community service picking up trash.
Where is she now?Quote: mickeycrimmI just googled it. Her name was Jessica Williams. 5 were killed, two injured. They were juvenile offenders doing community service picking up trash.
Quote: AxelWolfWhere is she now?
She's still in prison. If you google Jessica Williams Nevada there is an article 8 years after the accident. She received six consecutive sentences totaling 48 years. The jury ruled she wasn't impaired but rather fell asleep. But they convicted her anyway. She spent the first few years at Clark County Detention Center, then the Las Vegas Women's Prison. She's now in a minimum risk conservation camp somewhere in Northern Nevada.
There is an ongoing controvery about how harsh her sentence was because she was ruled not impaired. And an ongoing controversy about the garbage trucks with garbage blowing out up on I-15 past the speedway. I've been by there. The garbage was a real ugly sight....and the reason those kids were there in the first place.
but you are doing your bit for charity. The second one should be the overriding reason if nothing else!
Good job Mike!
Quote: NareedBetter yet, adopt a WoV member and pay their way to WoVCon. Have said member wear a WoV T-shirt the entire time they spend in Vegas.
Or something like this: Wizard of ODDs . com
Quote: mickeycrimmShe's still in prison. If you google Jessica Williams Nevada there is an article 8 years after the accident. She received six consecutive sentences totaling 48 years. The jury ruled she wasn't impaired but rather fell asleep. But they convicted her anyway. She spent the first few years at Clark County Detention Center, then the Las Vegas Women's Prison. She's now in a minimum risk conservation camp somewhere in Northern Nevada.
There is an ongoing controvery about how harsh her sentence was because she was ruled not impaired. And an ongoing controversy about the garbage trucks with garbage blowing out up on I-15 past the speedway. I've been by there. The garbage was a real ugly sight....and the reason those kids were there in the first place.
I wonder if they send her out to pick up trash?
SFB
Quote: michael99000So you had to wear prisoner vests and clean up trash off the roadside. And you paid someone to let you do this. And it was fun?
I don't know much about Oregon, but I have to think there's better ways to spend a group outing
Well, we would get about 40-50 single men and women per outing, on average, and a couple of married couples, there was a keg on ice in the back of the pickup truck along with snacks, frequent breaks, people would buddy up, get exercise together, and at the end of the day we'd accomplished something worth doing, which can be very satisfying. The money was to pay for the signage creation and upkeep, along with the administrative costs of the program. So, yeah, I would say it was a better-than-average group outing.
from what i heard he was not only a exotic dancer but also liked hiking and math. I wonder if anyone on here likes that sort of thing ;)Quote: mickeycrimmI just googled it. Her name was Jessica Williams. 5 were killed, two injured. They were juvenile offenders doing community service picking up trash.
Edit: spelling
Quote: beachbumbabsWell, we would get about 40-50 single men and women per outing, on average, and a couple of married couples, there was a keg on ice in the back of the pickup truck along with snacks, frequent breaks, people would buddy up, get exercise together, and at the end of the day we'd accomplished something worth doing, which can be very satisfying. The money was to pay for the signage creation and upkeep, along with the administrative costs of the program. So, yeah, I would say it was a better-than-average group outing.
I could understand wanting to do something charitable or helpful, I'd just feel that the taxes I pay should go toward paying people to keep the highway clean of trash.
Quote: BleedingChipsSlowlyI don't think adopting a highway is a good way to get business exposure nor a good way to make a charitable donation.
Hear, hear!
Though it may be good business exposure depending on several other factors (like the size of the sign and such).
Quote:You wold be doing business with the government.
The governemnt, it bears repeating, which prohibits any kind of road but their own, and already collects taxes to maintain said roads.
