Gambler Celebrating 21 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogamblerr
Black Hawk, Central City casinos offer fun, cash, prizes Pages 4, 8 and 9
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See Cover Story on Page 7
GEMSTONES & MINERALS The magic color of opals Page 6
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May 7 - 20, 2013
Check Out Valuable Coupons on page 5
CASINO PROMOS
Volu m
MOTHER’S DAY
Colorado’s mothers give early support to national Mother’s Day Page 10
TRAIL’S END
Colorado Springs’ Gen. William Jackson Palmer Page 13
COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CASINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTER TAINMENT
The Last Hand
History marches forward Gambling towns continue to grow
time friendships are established. Some enjoy the Vegas lifestyle Currently, new steel girdand others enjoy ers are going up at Golden the smaller casiGate complex in the center nos, but most of of Black Hawk as new gamall, people love to ing expansions continue. play where they Amazing how those steel- By Bob Sweeney can win. workers bend that solid Large, or iron and make a bow on the north small casinos, patrons like great side of the building. service, fabulous food and beverThe Riviera Casino has new age, and of course good luck at the Reno owners who are going to table games and slot machines. shake up the local scene with a Many metro folks are shocked new 500 plus hotel facility built when they come up to the mounwhere the present parking lot is tain towns for the first time and now. The Riviera has always en- behold the growth and developjoyed the very best location right ment of these two cities. Done at the entrance to Black Hawk. so well, the historical elements New hotels mean people will be of these two towns still exist and spending the night and exploring gold mines operate within city the wonderful city nightlife found limits of these two pioneer cities. in both Black Hawk and Central Driving in the on the Central City. City Parkway, the view of the The larger casinos offer many mining town in the gold rich valamenities while the smaller ley – under snow capped mounones offer intimacy where own- tains is worth a day trip for those ers mix with patrons and long who have never wagered a nickel
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and don’t plan on any games of chance. The historic nostalgia is fabulous and visitors need to read the many historic books and newspapers about early day life in the mining boomtowns. These brave immigrants had a rough life but found the time, energy and funds to build an opera house in Central City as the Civil War came to a conclusion. Railroads were reaching the mining areas to haul the rich ore to Golden and beyond. Teams of horses were carrying minerals up and down the “Oh My God” road crisscrossing the mountains to reach Idaho Springs stamping mills. The railroad carried supplies, bricks and lumber to build many of the buildings still standing around these historic towns. Unfortunately, major fires destroyed much of the early wooden homes that were heated by wood and coal stoves. As populations grew, brick homes were found to be safer and warmer, so early day craftsmen built many of these splendid houses that still stand in both cities.
How times have changed; there were no ambulances, maybe a frontier doctor or two, very little medicines, whisky plentiful, and no refrigeration. Beef was slaughtered daily by butchers and vegetables were of the root variety that could stay edible for months. Most fruit was dried and came in barrels preserved with sulphur. How do I know this stuff? My grandfather was a miner in Colorado when all this was transpiring. My other grandfather was a miner in Leadville living in String Town with all of the newly arrived immigrants who did the heavy labor of blasting and digging with picks and shovels. My Leadville grandmother had 16 children, which is still hard to believe. Food stamps didn’t exist in those days so you either worked or went hungry. Gold fever was widespread and poker, horse racing, skating, baseball and dancing occupied the locals as the sun went down and the 12- hour workday ended. If you listen carefully, you might hear the sound of a piano playing through the chilly night air. www.coloradogambler.com
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
Gambler
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May 7 - 20, 2013
Gaming Top 3 ‘do’s’ and ‘do not’s’ at a poker table poker talk The way we play the game of poker, otherwise known as “poker etiquette,” is important. It’s above knowing the rules of BY the game - that is exLARRY pected. It’s about the JOHNSON way we play the game hand after hand, session after session. A good poker player can gain an advantage by picking up on the slightest error by a player - you do not want to be the player who gives that advantage. That is why it is all important to really pay attention and follow the traditional precedents that have been set over decades of developing the game of poker.
Top 3 Do’s
First, be ready to play. When your seat becomes available – sit, jump in and play some poker. Seats are a commodity and should be treated as such. There is usually
a list and if you are not ready to play pass your seat to the next player. In the $30 - $60 Hold em game, it costs $180 an hour just in blinds to play in a full game (2 rounds at $45 in big and small blinds every ½ hour.) If players are missing, it costs those players remaining at the table more. Get your chips, sit down – and play. Second, play speedy (up to a point and when possible.) Observe where the action is, plan out your decision, and act. Now – when a difficult decision needs to be made take your time / that’s the time to evaluate. But, not every decision (in fact only a few) needs that kind of time. Players come to play so be one of the ones that keep the game moving. Third, be prepared and pay attention. Being prepared will keep the game moving. Also, when a player is paying attention they
Public health has a Mother’s Day gift for everyone Free kits available to quit smoking The Gilpin County Tobacco Education Program invites residents to take a step toward a healthier lifestyle on Mother’s Day, May 12. Free kits designed to provide information and tools to make the path toward breaking free from tobacco easier will be available at the Gilpin County Public Health Office, 101 Norton Drive, in Black Hawk during business hours Monday through Friday. “Mother’s Day is a day to share and express love for others. Whether it’s a mother who wants to stop smoking because of her children, a person who wants to stop using chew tobacco for themself or someone who wants to support a person they love in their effort to quit using tobacco, the kits are available to them. Residents are encouraged to pick one up, even if they have just started thinking about quitting,” said Tobacco Education Specialist George Laumeyer. “Quitting is a process and a journey that’s unique for everyone – and so are the tools that make that journey possible – the hope is that the kits provide valuable resources and ideas to help raise May 7 - 20, 2013
awareness and access to the supports that work.” The tobacco quit kits contain items to help keep hands busy and reduce the urge to light up, as well as a selfhelp booklet and information about support resources for anyone who wants to become tobacco-free. It also includes information about how pregnant moms can get rewards that can be used to purchase items for herself and her baby by completing the Colorado Quitline’s cessation program. The Colorado Quitline offers free phone coaching and resources for those desiring to become tobaccofree. Ann Marie Bailey, RN with Gilpin County Public Health, said, “We’re happy to provide these kits and the important educational facts about the harms of tobacco and secondhand smoke. We also encourage people to explore the many resources and approaches out there to help with quitting and to keep trying. Most people don’t quit all at once. This is a journey, and we want people to know it is a journey worth taking.” For more information, call George Laumeyer at 303-275-7565 or visit www.tobaccofreegilpin.com.
will see things that will make them money. Examples of things missed if a player is not paying attention include players folding out of turn, players preparing to raise, or other betting activity. Who knows – someone may even flip a card up by accident – you won’t know if you don’t pay attention.
Top 3 Do not’s
First, do not play out of turn. It gives away information and affects the way the hand is played. For example: If a player with early action has a middle of the road hand (maybe J - Q suited) and players fold behind that player out of turn that player may raise due to the decreased chance a better hand is behind him. All because a player did not show the patience required. A good player will identify a player who is lazy on his folds, using that information when needed to limit the field. Do not give that information. Second, do not berate the other players – especially the one who just beat you with a long shot draw. There are a few reasons for this but the most important is you want that player making that call every time. If you berate them and let them know was a bad play, they will change the behavior – thus costing you and the table money. Those type of players who go for the long shots are the ones who add value in almost every pot due to their calling. Also, courtesy is a good thing at a pok-
er table. A player needs to demonstrate they have been there before and take a beat in stride. As Mike Damone says in the cult classic 1980’s movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, “I mean whatever happens your toes are still tapping. Now, when you get that, you got the attitude.” Be courteous and the other players will be courteous back. And, by demonstrating you can face whatever comes you are showing your strength. Third, do not read at the table. When I see this I am totally flabbergasted. Simply put - a player who is staring at a tablet or book while playing is not paying attention to the game or thinks they are so good they don’t need to gather information. If that player misses one player’s tell – that is too much. It also shows contempt for your fellow players. Finally, no matter how good you are, it will slow down the game at some point simply because that player will not be looking. This is the key – it will eventually slow down the game. If a player wants to read – hit the couch, or the park bench. If a player wants to play poker – play attention and play poker. The key is to make money while playing. This means you must be the one who is observing the mistakes of others, using that information to your advantage – and thus winning at the end of the day. Remember – play your game.
HARD? YES. IMPOSSIBLE? NO. Find a pathway to a healthier Gilpin County When you’re ready, we can help. TobaccoFreeGilpin.com Or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21Years
PAGE 3
Table Games
The Isle has all your favorite table games including blackjack, craps with 10 times odds and roulette! Also available at the Isle, Three Card Poker, Bonus 6, Buffalo Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, and 21+3. Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and Let-It-Ride are all linked to one progressive jackpot that as of April 22 is $31,021. Three Card Poker has its own progressive jackpot and is at $4,116. And now exclusively at the Isle you can play “Craps-Free Craps” with 10 times odds.
www.bullwhackerscasino.com Fiat 500 POP Giveaway
Pop in and drive away a winner on Saturday, May 18, during the grand finale drawing. Earn entries now thru May 18, with up to 20X entries on Wednesdays in May. Plus, $500 in free Slotplay drawings every Friday and Saturday.
Mother’s Day Giveaway
On Sunday, May 12, earn 100 unadjusted points and you’ll receive a pearl necklace and one entry into the Diamond Jewelry drawings at 6 p.m. One necklace and entry per day
per player.
Mother’s Day Hot Seats
On Sunday, May 12, from noon – 5 p.m., 20 hot seat winners will take home $75 in free Slotplay. May win once per day.
www.theisleblackhawk.com Win 1 of 3 Ford F-150 trucks
Win one of three Ford F-150 trucks May 25 and 26 in the Keep on Truckin F-150 Giveaway. Receive one free entry daily and receive additional for every 20 unadjusted points earned. Play each Tuesday to receive 25X entries. Earned entries really add up on Friday, May 24 with 100X entries.
Spinnin’ & Winnin’ Giveaway
Win cash or prizes on Fridays, May 10, 17 and 24 in the Spinnin’ & Winnin’ Giveaway. Receive one free swipe each promotion day and earn additional with each set of 10 unadjusted points. Two lucky winners will be called every half hour between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to spin the prize wheel.
Mother’s Day Buffet
On Sunday, May 12, Calypso’s Buffet will celebrate all moms with a very special buffet from 11 a.m. until close. Brunch items will be available until 2 p.m..
Memorial Day Weekend Giveaway
Saturday through Monday, May 25-27, receive a Memorial Day T-shirt or Bullwhackers Commemorative Coin. Yours with just 50 points earned on promotion days. May redeem two times per day.
Memorial Day BBQ
On Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, receive a meal ticket to the Big Kahuna BBQ from noon – 5 p.m. Just earn 250 points. While supplies last.
Senior Double Days
Every Tuesday in May, Lucky Bull Club members age 55+ will receive 2X points all day! Must be present to win. Video poker excluded from this promotion.
Gas up and Play
Receive $10 in free Slotplay when you show a $10 or more same day receipt from the Bullwhackers Shell Station. Redeem your receipt any Thursday in May. Limit one redemption per day.
Progressive Fill ‘er Up!
Earn points and receive a gas coupon! 500 points=$10 in gas. Must be at the Lucky Bull Players Club before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 19 and 26 for points to count. One redemption per day. Limit $40 gas voucher.
Bus Fare Refund
Get bus reimbursement any time, any day! Just show your round-trip ticket to guest services and receive $20 in free Slotplay. Yours with just 100 base points earned.
Disclaimer
Must be 21. Visit the Guest Services Center for more details. Lucky Bull Club Points and Comps expire after 90 days of play inactivity. Gambling problem? Call 1-800522-4700.
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Fantastic 40+
All guests age 40 or better can participate in the Fantastic 40 Plus club on Thursdays. Guests will receive 4X points on their favorite slots, 2X points on video poker, a free buffet after earning five unadjusted points or earn 50 unadjusted points and receive $40 to Farraddays, and free soft serve ice cream. For complete details, visit the player’s club.
Paradise 50 Plus
All guests age 50 or better can join the Paradise 50 Plus club on Sundays and Mondays. You will receive 3X points on all slots, 2X points on video poker, a free ice cream and a Free Calypso’s Buffet after earning five unadjusted points. For complete details, please visit the player’s club.
Bus Fare Refund
Do you ride the bus to Black Hawk? The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $20. Simply earn 35 unadjusted points on your player’s card and present your return bus ticket to the player’s club or cashier services. Table games and poker players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play.
Player’s Club
All new members of the IsleOne player’s club will find a Gateway to Winning with their new membership. Begin earning cash and comps the very same day you sign up.
Play and Stay at The Isle
Play 30 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club card Sundays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and stay the night on us. Check with the Player’s Club or Cashier Services once you have earned your points to receive your hotel offer. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days may apply...
Enjoy May in the Poker Room
New Player’s Receive $50 – New poker players earn $10 per hour up to a max of $50 for five consecutive hours played. Play must be in a Live poker game. $1,500 Crazy Cash Giveaway – Earn one entry for each hour of play in a LIVE action seated poker game May 1 through 26. Drawings will take place on May 25 and 26. $100 will be awarded at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $250 will be awarded at 11 p.m. Bad Beat – The Isle has the EASIEST BAD BEAT TO WIN in Black Hawk. The Bad Beat Jackpot Pool as of May 1 is $147,263. That means Aces full of 10’s through Kings beaten would pay over $14,500 or 10% of the total jackpot pool. With 3 Aces on the board still qualifying, this is the easiest way to win a bad beat around. Quad 2’s through 7’s beaten would pay more than $73,000 or 50% and Quad 8’s or better beaten would pay over $110,000 or 75%! For complete rules, contact the Poker Room at 303-998-7905. “Get Paid to Play” Poker Coupons – Don’t miss out on valuable “Get Paid to Play” coupon offers by signing up today for our weekly Poker Emails and monthly Mail offers exclusively for Poker Players! Visit the Poker Room for details and to get signed up. Free Food – The Isle provides free food for poker players seated in a live cash game or tournament including: Hot & Fresh Pizza, hot dogs, brats, two
varieties of soup, nacho’s and cheese, chili, as well as vanilla, strawberry or chocolate milkshakes made to order! Early Bird Special – Poker player’s earn $5 per hour up to a max of $30, daily from 6 a.m. – noon. Available to anyone seated in a LIVE action poker game with a minimum of two hours play required to participate. Omaha $25 Cash Bonus – Earn $5 per hour of rated play up to $25. Friday and Saturday nights play Pot Limit Omaha. Tournaments – Monday through Thursday, there will be two tournaments each day in May at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Friday at 11 a.m. Every Thursday is Omaha Day at the Isle with two weekly Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo Tournaments to choose from. For complete information, contact the Poker room at 303-998-7905.
Tradewinds
Tradewinds at the Isle has a new menu that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, a green chili and chipotle, the black & blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds even offers a mouthwatering cheeseburger burrito! So the next time you are hungry for a great burger, visit Tradewinds@ at the Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk
Pet Friendly Hotel
The Isle Hotel has Pet Friendly rooms available for a small fee. Furry friends less than 50 pounds can enjoy a stay at the Isle with you. Pet friendly rooms will offer your pet use of a doggie bed, food and water bowls, and a fenced doggie area. Disposable litter boxes will be available for feline guests. For reservations in a pet friendly room please call 303-998-7777. Rooms are subject to availability.
What’s Rockin’ Your guide to live entertainment and events at Colorado’s casinos
Enjoy Live Entertainment at The Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk Enjoy live entertainment on the bar stage Saturdays from 8 p.m. – midnight and Sundays from 3 – 7 p.m. May 11 – 12: Hip Pocket (Today’s Hits, Variety) May 18 – 19: Pocketful of Soul (R & B, Funk) May 27: Tumbling Dice (Country), 2 – 6 p.m. May 31: Clone (Rock, Variety), 8 p.m. – midnight June 1- 2: Counterfeit Music Co. (Today’s Hits, Variety)
Raising Cain
www.black-hawk.isleofcapricasinos.com
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
May, 7 - 20, 2013
Why they put solitaire on computers on hold because when the going My productivity dropped like gets tough, the tough can play a laptop into the lake when I got Free Cell. (That’s one version of my fancy, new PC. That’s partly computer solitaire, for those of because, for non-geeks like me, you who still use cards.) I can the only thing worse than a dead play Free Cell happily for hours, computer is the learning curve on which is lucky because that’s how a new one. long I was on hold before the Besides that, my new computer has a wide screen, covered By Dorothy Rosby technician picked up and told drosby@rushmore.com me he couldn’t help me anyway. with time-wasting temptations, Next, I called the dealer who like the news, Facebook, Google Earth, and many others that would be even had downloaded the software. A polite more tempting if I knew what they were recording informed me they were “expefor. It also features twice as many solitaire riencing a high volume of calls.” No probgames as my old computer did. And it has lem. I put my cordless phone on speaker, the latest version of the software I use for set it down, and played Pyramid while it actual work, which can be a big distraction alternately blasted classical music and the not-so-reassuring message, “Your call is from solitaire. But the worst threat to my productivity important to us. Please play solitaire while comes from a certain flaw my marvelous you wait for the next available technician.” new software has in its email function. Nat- Maybe I don’t have that quite right. Days later, someone answered. I picked urally, I assumed it was user error, which is what anyone who knows me would suspect up the phone, and in the process, hung up first. on them. I sought help from my Internet service Oh well. (Though that’s not what I said provider. I didn’t mind that they put me when I realized I’d hung up.) During my
Humor
sixth game of Pyramid, I had decided that maybe I should be calling the software company instead. So I tried that next. I played nine games of Klondike while I waited for a representative to answer and give me his version of “I’m sorry. We can’t help you.” He did, however, give me the website address for online tech support. That meant creating a password, getting an account, and waiting for a confirmation email. I played four more games while I waited. The confirmation led me to a page of photos from which I could choose the tech person I wanted to chat with online. That’s how I met Joseph, the latest in a long line of people who couldn’t help me. I never did feel good about meeting men online. Joseph told me that his help might actually void my warranty. I asked him if putting my foot through the monitor might also void my warranty, because that was looking like my only other option. He suggested that before I did that, I call the computer manufacturer. I did, and after agreeing to pay a large sum of money, playing several games of Tri-Peaks, and bump-
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ing my head on my desk while looking for my computer’s serial number, I was told by a representative from the computer manufacturer, that he too was unable to solve my problem. I was just about to chuck my career and live out my days playing solitaire. But then he told me he could give me what he called a “work-around.” And that was good enough for me. In fact, I was ecstatic! I would have asked him to marry me except my husband might not approve. So I asked him if he would just move in. And I meant it! I need an IT person in my house! As computers get fancier, the tools I have at my disposal are no longer sufficient. (The tools I have being a hammer and a screwdriver.) All’s well that ends. I’m making do with the “work-around.” I’m getting used to my new computer. And I’m thinking of taking up Microsoft Mahjong. (Contact drosby@rushhmore.com or see www.dorothyrosby.com if you’re an IT person who wants to move in.)
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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21Years
PAGE 5
Gemstones & Minerals
O
pal is the only gemstone that changes colors and patterns right in your hand; every opal is different, with its pinfire flashes of iridescent pinks and greens, blues, and turquoises that emanates a very special attraction and fascination. But what causes this stunning phenomenon? It’s in the water. Only 40 or so years ago, a team of Australian scientists analyzed opals with an electron microscope and discovered that the origin of the play-of-color in opal is the arrangement of spheres of hydrated silica. These spheres serve as a source for refracted and reflected light. The finer the quality of opal (those exhibiting intense color), the more water is in the spheres. The spheres succeed in dissecting the waves of light on its passage through the gemstone and turning it into mesmerizing colors, always new and always different. In 1849 the first Australian opals were accidentally found on a cattle station. In 1890 opal prospectors started mining opal at White Cliffs. Eyes of opal lovers light up when somebody mentions places like White Cliffs, Lightning Ridge, Andamooka or Coober Peddy: for these are the legendary sites of the Australian opal fields. The most famous is Lightning
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The magic color of pals
Ridge, the place where mainly the coveted black opal is found. Andamooka, where crystal opal and light opal are brought to the light of day, is the place where probably the largest opal was found, with a weight of 6,843 kilograms, called the “Andamooka Desert Flame.” (Your author has mined opal in the Andamooka opal fields.) Coober Peddy, by the way, is a word from the Aborigine language meaning “white man in a hole.” This clearly describes how opal was in fact mined: many miners made their homes in deep holes or caves in the ground (carved out of white clay) to protect themselves from the burning heat of daytime. Australia is the classical opal country and today is the most important supplier of fine opals. Almost 95 percent of all opals come from the Australian mines. The remaining 5 percent are mined in Mexico and Brazil; also, in the U.S., opal is mined in Idaho and Nevada. The name of the opal species comes from the Latin “opalios,” from the Greek word “opalios,” which itself comes from the Sanskrit word “upala,” meaning “precious stone.” The Roman scholar, Pliny, described opal as having “the fire of the carbuncle, the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea-green color of the emerald, all shining together in an
incredible union.” Numerous legends and tales surround this colorful gemstone, which can be traced back in its origins to a time long before our memory, to the ancient dreamtime of the Australian aborigines. It is reported in their legends that the creator came down to earth on a rainbow, in order to bring the message of peace to all humans. And at that very spot where his foot touched the ground, the stones became alive and started sparkling in all the colors of the rainbow. That was the birth of the opals. The artist, Du Ble, offered this poetic description: “When nature had finished painting the flowers, coloring the rainbows, and dyeing the plumage of the birds, she swept the colors from her palette and molded them into opals.” The Romans called opal “cupid paederos (child beautiful as love),” and revered it as the symbol of hope and purity. At that, opals were beloved of God and man, and the stones were thought to preserve the wearer from diseases. Eastern peoples placed the gem in a highly es-
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teemed position, regarding it as a sacred stone embodying the spirit of truth. The opal, Orpheus wrote, “fills the hearts of the gods with delight.” In ancient Greece they were supposed to possess the power of giving foresight and prophecy to their owners. The Empress Josephine owned a gem that was called “The Burning of Troy,” because of its dazzling play of colors. Mexican Fire Opals – Fire opals are transparent to translucent opals with warm body colors of yellow, orange, orange-yellow or red. The most famous source of fire opals is in the state of Queretaro in Mexico. It was believed that a gem that bubbled over with color and beauty to such an extent as the fire opal could only have been created in the waters of paradise. The Mayas and Aztecs loved this gemstone and liked to use it in mosaics and for ritualistic purposes. They called it quetzalitzlipyollitli, the “stone of the bird of paradise.” The fire opal is now known as the national gemstone of Mexico. Sometimes, these orange-red gemstones are also found in other countries: in Honduras or Guatemala, in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ethiopia, and Turkey, but these are mostly sites of little or no economic significance. The opal is the birthstone for the month of October.
Robert won $1,587.50 playing a Black Ties machine at Century Casino.
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
May 7 - 20, 2013
Cover Story
Colorado’s mothers give early support to national Mother’s Day
S
By Rosemary Fetter
ince Colorado women were the second in the nation to win the vote, they were naturally among the earliest supporters of a national Mother’s Day. In 1911, just four years after the original observance in 1907, Denverites held one of the first celebrations in the country, with a day filled with songs and religious services. Here are just a few “mothers” who played an important role in Colorado history and the making of the West.
Mary Cawker
Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini
The first American to be canonized a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, Mary Francesca Cabrini came from a farming family in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy. The youngest of 13 children born to a 52 year-old mother, she was in frail health all her life. After spending her early years caring for her elderly parents, she took religious vows in 1877. Three years later, along with six other nuns, she founded the order of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During its first five years, her small group of nuns established seven homes for orphans, a school and a nursery. Impressed by the gentle, yet determined woman, Pope Leo XIII sent Mother Cabrini to New York City in 1889, where she built the first of 67 orphanages around the country. She came to Denver in 1902 and 1906 to establish Mount Carmel School, the Queen of Heaven Orphanage and the Cabrini Shrine in Mount Vernon along I-70. Mother Cabrini has been called the patron saint of immigrants because of her great compassion for the courageous people who leave their native land in the hope of a better life. After touring Colorado mining towns, she wrote with great feeling of Italians who “slaved away at this labor, uninterruptedly year after year, until the weakness of old age crept over them or until someday a cavein, explosion or accident of some kind cuts their life short, leaving their wives widowed and their children fatherless. They did not even need a grave, having been buried in the tomb in which they spent their whole lives.” Mother Cabrini, whose feast day is Dec. 22, was canonized in 1946.
Mother Cawker
As prospectors rushed to the fledgling Cherry Creek settlement that became Denver, the Cherokee Trail experienced a considerable increase in traffic, with covered wagons, cattle and freight wagon trains
May 7 - 20, 2013
wonderful cooking, she made an arrangement with the Colorado School of Mines to serve students in the hotel ñ cafeteria style. Mines students eventually comprised the majority of boarders, a tradition that continued until the family sold the property in the late 1950s. By 1972, Astor House was slated for demolition, to be recycled as the ubiquitous parking lot. The community came to the rescue and saved the old hotel, which was designated an historic landmark and reborn as a museum in 1973.
Mother Jones pouring into town daily. With a stage stop in mind, pioneers Samuel and Elizabeth Brantner built a twostory log house outside the settlement in late summer 1859, which they called Four Mile House. Within a year, a 47-year-old widow named Mary Cawker took over the property. With the help of her teenage children Samuel, 19, and Elizabeth, 17, she developed the site into a stage stop. Cawker was a spirited woman who knew how to deal with the rough and tumble clientele who frequented Four Mile House. As her business flourished, she opened a tavern downstairs. She sometimes used the second floor for dances or to bed overnight guests. Her holdings eventually included most of the Cherry Creek Valley between Colorado Boulevard and Holly Street. Unfortunately, the Cherry Creek Flood of 1864 inundated most of her land and put her out of business. Mary moved on to other real estate pursuits, at one time operating a theatrical boarding house in Denver. She was clever enough to deed most of her considerable estate to her family before she died in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 1906.
Mother Goetze
In 1892, Ida Goetze, a young German widow with two sons, purchased for back taxes one of the first hand-cut stone hotels west of St Louis, which has since become Golden’s historic Astor House and Museum. Mother Goetze renamed the hotel Boston House and made several improvements to the property, including a ìmodernî 1890s kitchen and the town’s first bathtub, charging 25 cents for a hot bath. The enterprising businesswoman was among the first to have water and gas piped in, and reputedly boasted one of the first radios in the community. A master gardener, she planted shade trees and built a summerhouse with a lattice of climbing roses and beautiful gardens. Also known for her
Labor organizer Mary Harris Jones, known as “The Miner’s Angel,” was an immigrant born in 1837 in Cork City, Ireland. Her parents moved to Michigan and she subsequently studied to become a teacher in Toronto. In 1862, she moved to Memphis, Tenn., to marry George Jones, a member of the Iron Workers’ Union. In 1867, her husband and their four children (all younger than age 5) died during a yellow fever epidemic. She began a new life in Chicago, where she started her own business as a dressmaker, but she lost everything in the Great Fire of 1871. She subsequently joined the Knights of Labor and became an influential organizer, inciting the wives and children of striking workers to demonstrate in their support. Once called “the most dangerous woman in America,” she was a passionate and fiery speaker, arrested several times. She came to southern Colorado to organize the coal miners, was arrested and served time in prison being thrown out of the state just before the Ludlow Massacre. After Ludlow, she met with John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and convinced him to visit the Colorado mines and introduce long-sought reforms. She died in November 1930.
Mother of Charity
A Jewish woman born in Kentucky in 1843, Frances Wisebart Jacobs moved with her husband to Central City in 1865 and then to Denver in 1874. She quickly became active in charity work, personally visiting the sick along the Platte River bottoms, where most people feared to go. Frances was elected president of the Hebrew Benevolent Ladies Aid Society and became one of the original officers of the nonsectarian Ladies Relief Society. She was the only woman, and the only Jewish member of the five founders of the forerunner of the Community Chest, subsequently known as the United Way. While ministering to the sick, she became ill herself, and died of pneumonia in 1874 at age 49.
The Astor House in Golden, circa 1860s, was later operated by Mother Goetze. Photo courtesy of Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, X-10060
Mother of Rivers
One nickname for Colorado, along with the Switzerland of the Rockies and the Mile High State, is the Mother of Rivers. The highest peaks of our state give birth to North and South Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande and the powerful Colorado rivers. Also, many of the Colorado River’s principal tributaries begin in our mountains. Although less than 20 percent of the land area of the Colorado River Basin lies within Colorado, nearly 75 percent of the river’s flow originates here. This anomaly surrounding one of the most important water sources in the country, has led to a battle for water rights that still goes on today. The main stem of the Colorado River begins in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows southwest until it merges with the Gunnison River at Grand Junction and continues into Utah. The Yampa and White rivers flow across the northwest corner of the Colorado to the Utah border where they join the Green River, subsequently meeting the Colorado River in the canyons of Utah. The San Miguel and Dolores rivers begin in the southwest corner of the state, and flow northwest, eventually meeting the Colorado River in Utah. Although the San Juan River, which joins the Colorado River at Lake Powell in Utah, originates in New Mexico, its principal tributaries, the Animas and La Plata rivers, also originate in Colorado.
Mother Lode
The principal vein or zone of veins of gold or silver ore is commonly referred to as the mother lode. The term probably came from the Spanish veta madre, common in old Mexican mining. Veta madre was the name of to a 7-mile long silver vein discovered in 1548 in Mexico. In the United States, the Mother Lode usually refers to hard rock gold deposits stretching northwest to southeast in the Sierra Nevada of California. Although the term was applied to
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
strikes in Gregory Gulch and Pikes Peak, the Cripple Creek “mother lode” was probably Colorado’s most productive, having produced more than $430 million in gold. Maximum production at Cripple Creek occurred at the turn of the century, but a second peak was reached in 1915 with discovery of the Cresson pipe “mother lode,” 20 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 40 feet high.
The Madonna of the Trail is one of 12 statues commissioned by the D.A.R. along the old Santa Fe Trail.
Photo courtesy of Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, X-11981
Madonna of the Trail
The Madonna of the Trail in Lamar, which is situated on the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado, honors the pioneer mothers in the early days of the Santa Fe Trail. The monument that stands in Lamar in the Santa Fe Railway Park was dedicated Sept. 24, 1928 by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Lamar was chosen for a statue because it was located on the Old Santa Fe Trail highway. The D.A.R. erected a monument in each of the 12 states through which the trail passed.
PAGE 7
Central City Nuggets Slot Tournament Wednesdays
www.famousbonanza.com Spring into Cash Sweepstakes
$3,500 in cash drawings every Saturday between May 4 and June 22 and $17,500 in cash prizes during our Sweepstakes giveaway drawings on June 22. Earn entries now.
2X Mondays
Earn 2X points all day on all machines, including video poker. $1 = 1 Point
99¢ Breakfast on Tuesdays and Fridays
Enjoy the Gambler’s Special Tuesday and Friday mornings at Millie’s Restaurant for just 99¢. Just show your Miner’s Club card to receive this offer. Dine in only*
3X Points on Penny Machines
Every Tuesday earn triple points on all penny machines. Come check out some of our new games.
FREE Slot Tournament every Wednesday at The Famous Bonanza. Come play between 1 – 5 p.m. Pays the top 8 scores.
99¢ Breakfast on Tuesdays and Fridays
New Players Earn just 250 points on your first trip and receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.
Double points on Video Poker
The Parlour
Black Jack Bonanza
We’ve moved. Join us on the lower level of The Famous Bonanza Casino where we offer 2 Deck pitch blackjack, roulette and 3-card poker. $5 minimum to $50 maximum on 2 Deck pitch Blackjack and $3 minimum and all shoe games. *For complete details on any of our promoti
Thursdays enjoy 2X Points on all video poker machines. Every Friday night come play in The Parlour for cash drawings from 8 p.m. – midnight, building to a $250 drawing at midnight. Ask your dealer for details.
Bonanza Baseball
Join us every Friday from 8 p.m. – midnight for cash drawings and good old-fashioned fun at the Bonanza Ballpark. Over $2,000 in cash prizes every Friday.
Join us on your Birthday
Come celebrate your birthday with the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points.
Spring into Cash Sweepstakes
$3,500 in cash drawings every Saturday between May 4 and June 22 and $17,500 in cash prizes during our Sweepstakes giveaway drawings on June 22. Begin earning entries April 29.
2X Mondays
Earn 2X points all day on all machines, including video poker. $1 = 1 Point
Enjoy the Gambler’s Special Tuesday and Friday mornings at Millie’s Restaurant for just 99¢. Just show your Miner’s Club card to receive this offer. Dine in only*
3X Points on Penny Machines
Every Tuesday earn triple points on all penny machines. Come check out some of our new games.
Double points on Video Poker
Thursdays in March enjoy 2X Points on all video poker machines.
Join us on your Birthday
Come celebrate your birthday with the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points.
New Players
Earn just 250 points on your first trip and receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.
Fun for Kids
Bring your children to the lower level of the casino to enjoy a wide variety of arcade games for our younger than 21 guests. *For complete details on any of our promotions see the Miner’s Club.
107 Main Street Central City, CO 80427 (303)582-5914
Cash drawings every Saturday between May 4th and June 22nd
Sweepstakes giveaways Saturday, June 22nd! Start earning entries Monday, April 29th!
$3,500 in cash every Saturday! PAGE 8
$17,500 in cash for sweepstakes giveaways!
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
120 Main Street Central City, CO 80427 (303)582-5914
See Miners’ Club for complete details May 7 - 20, 2013
3X Entries Wednesdays
Get 3X entries for weekend cash or a 2013 Toyota Rav 4 with all your play from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Wednesdays in May.
central-city.cnty.com Get Ravved Up
Win a 2013 Toyota Rav 4, plus up to $500 weekends in May. Earn weekly entries for cash drawings for just 150 base points each everyday through Monday, May 27. Fridays and Saturdays from 4-11 p.m. through May 25 we’ll hold drawings for cash prize and bonus entry combos. Keep your combo or trade it in to try and get more. Win up to 20 bonus entries each drawing, plus up to $250 cash. Or win the $500 cash prize at 11 p.m. Sunday, May 26 – Combo drawings from 4-10 p.m., $500 at 11 p.m. Memorial Day, May 28 - Combo drawings from 4 – 8 p.m. and Grand Prize drawing at 10 p.m. All entries go in the giant barrel for the Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Grand Prize drawing for a brand new 2013 Toyota Rav 4 courtesy of Stevinson Toyota. Five winners will try keys to see if they’ve won one of four $500 first prizes, or the RAV 4 Grand Prize.
May 7 - 20, 2013
ALSO DROPPED A GRAPHIC THEY SENT. NOT SURE IF IT WILL FIT THOUGH
Central City Nuggets Sunday Cash Blast
Enjoy $200 drawings every half hour, 2 – 6 p.m. Every player with a Century Casino Player’s Card can get one entry to the drawing per drawing day, additional entries are available to players who receive our mailer. We’ll pick a $200 cash winner every half hour.
Just earn 150 base points on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, to receive a Travel Mug, “covered with Bling,” free as our gift to you. This gift will turn out to be incredibly useful, while sparkling with brilliance, just like Mom. Don’t wait, supplies are limited.
Make My Multiplier Tuesday
Join us on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and enjoy a mystery multiplier on all your slot play. Starting at 10:45 a.m., we will select an hourly Hot Seat winner to spin the “Make My Multiplier Wheel” to find their cash prize and earn everyone in the casino up to 5X points on slot play for the next hour. Each hour we find a new winner and a new multiplier.
Birthdays
Guests who sign up at our Player‘s Club for a free club card will get a free spin, where they could win up to $1,500. New Members also receive $10 in Insta-Comp after earning 250 base points on their account on the day of signup.
Guests with a birthday coupon from our mailer redeem it at the Player’s Club for a gift of a single bonus of 10X their age in points. All guests can come in on the day of their birthday and get 2X points plus a free T-shirt. Guests who come in on the day of their 21st birthday receive the 2X points and the T-Shirt, plus $10 in comp added to their account, plus a $5 chip to use at the tables.
Thursday Bingo
New Games
New Members Mother’s Day Giveaway
cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including the $7.99 prime rib special.
Enjoy free Bingo every Thursday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., with a $100 prize for each game. Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.
Senior Celebration
Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play on Wednesday and Thursday all day, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., plus 50% off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50% food discount
having the high hand of the hour. Each Sunday, qualifiers can win cash by having the highest hourly hand on Sunday. Prizes are determined and paid at 6 p.m.: 1St Prize: $100, 2nd Prize: $50, 3rd Prize $25.
Sunlight Poker Bonus $10 cash back for 3 hours play if seated between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
Food specials
Try all of these new games in the Century Pit this May. Bet the Set “21” Progressive - Spice up your blackjack game with this progressive poker side bet. Super Front-Line Winner - Start a streak of 7’s or 11’s going and win big on our exciting new side bet for craps.
We now offer three choices of lunch/dinners specials for $7.99 with Player’s Card. Enjoy an 8 oz. slow-roasted prime rib accompanied by choice of potato with seasonal vegetables ($14.99 without card), or a half-rack of BBQ ribs accompanied by choice of potato and coleslaw ($12.99 without card), or a halfpound of steam shrimp accompanied by hushpuppies and coleslaw ($14.99 without card). Available in the Mid City Grill after 11 a.m.
Sunday Poker Shootout
Monday $7.99 Spaghetti Special
Poker players at Century can earn a chance for a High Hand Shootout worth up to $100 every Sunday. Players can qualify Thursday – Saturday during live play by
Enjoy spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, and included salad bar at the Mid City Grill after 11 a.m. every Monday, for just $7.99 with your Player’s Card.
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
PAGE 9
Casino•Guide Casino
Games
Slots
Ameristar - 24/7
BJ, P, C, R, VP
Black Hawk Station
Lodging
Food
Parking
Contact
over 1400 536 rooms
B, D, SD, Starbucks
free valet and self parking
720-946-4000/.ameristar.com/Black_Hawk.aspx
VP
120
No
SD,SB
city lot
303-582-5582/ blackhawkstationcasino.net
Bull Durham
VP
188
No
SB
city lot
303-582-0810/.bulldurhamcasino.com
Bullwhackers 9am-1am all week
VP
400
No
SD
free valet and self parking
1-800-GAM-BULL/bullwhackers.com
Canyon - 24/7 Fri/Sat
BJ, C, R, VP
415
No
SD, SB
free valet and self parking
303-777-1111/canyoncasino.com
Fitzgeralds - 24/7 Fri/Sat
BJ, C, R, VP
585
No
SD, SB on weekends free covered valet
303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/fitzgeraldsbh.com
Gilpin - 24/7
BJ, C, R, P, VP
460
No
SD
free valet across the street
303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com
Golden Gates - 24/7
BJ, P, C, VP
280
No
D
free valet and covered self parking
303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com
Golden Gulch
VP
140
No
V
free self/free valet
303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com
Golden Mardi Gras - 24/7
BJ, C, R, VP
680
No
SD,SB,D
free valet and covered self parking
303-582-5600/goldenmardigras.com
Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP
1308
238
B,D,SD
free valet and self parking
1-800-The-Isle/theisleblackhawk.com
Lady Luck - 24/7
BJ, P,C, R, VP
500
164
SD,SB
free covered valet and self parking
1-888-Lady-Luck/ladyluckblackhawk.com
Lodge - 24/7
BJ, C, R, P, VP
975
50
B, D, SD, SB
free valet parking
303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com
Red Dolly
VP
149
No
SD
free self parking
303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net
Riviera - 24/7
BJ, C, R, VP
766
No
B
free valet and self parking
303-582-1000/rivierablackhawk.com
Sasquatch
No
70
No
D
No
720-880-1616
Wildcard
VP
220
No
D
city lot
303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com
Century Casino - 24/7
BJ, P, C, R, VP
520
26
SD,D
free covered self parking
303-582-5050/cnty.com
Crystal Palace
VP
101
No
D
free city lot
720-253-1669
Doc Holliday
VP
178
No
SD
free city lot
303-582-1400/dochollidaycasino.net
Dostal Alley - 24/7
VP
64
No
SD
free self parking
303-582-1610/dostalalley.net
Easy Street
VP
205
No
SD
free self parking
303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com
Famous Bonanza
BJ, P, R, VP
244
No
SD , D
free self parking
303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com
Johnny Z’s - 24/7
BJ, C, R, VP
288
No
SD, D
free covered parking
303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com
Reserve Casino Hotel - 24/7
BJ, P, C, R, VP
700
119
SD, D, B, SB, V
free valet and self parking
1-800-924-6646/reservecasinohotel.com
The Brass Ass - 24/7
BJ, P, C, R, VP
250
No
SD
free covered self parking
800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasino.com
Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7
BJ, P, C, R, VP
750
23
SD
free self parking
877-989-2142/broncobillyscasino.com
Century Casino - 24/7
BJ, R,
448
18
SD
free self parking
719-689-0333/cripple-creek.cnty.com
Colorado Grande - 24/7
BJ, R, VP
211
5
SD, SB
free self parking
877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com
Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7
BJ, P ,C, R, VP
700+
158
SD, SB
free valet and covered self parking
800-711-7234/decasino.com
Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7
VP
255
No
SD
free self parking w/validation
719-689-2080/johnnynolons.com
J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat
VP
300
40
SD
validated self parking
800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com
Midnight Rose - 24/7
P, VP
400
19
SD, B
validated self parking
800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com
Wildwood Casino- 24/7
BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530
68
SD, D, B
Climate controlled self parking
877-945-3963/playwildwood.com
Games Key
Food Key
BJ - Blackjack, P - Poker, C - Craps, R - Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker
B-Buffet, D-Deli, SD-Sitdown, SB-Snackbar, V-Vending Machine
This information is subject to change without notice.
PAGE 10
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
May 7 - 20, 2013
Gaming
When and why buying beats placing at craps
Most craps players wisely “buy” rather than “place” fours and 10s when they’re betting big bucks on the numbers. If not, dealers usually – and rightly – suggest it. Few solid citizens use this option on the five or nine. Fewer dealers recommend it. But it’s legal. Sometimes it’s even smart. I’ll review place and buy bets in case you’re hazy about them. You place the four or 10 in multiples of $5. If the number rolls, you win in the ratio of 9-to-5 -- for instance $9 on $5, $18 on $10, $27 on $15 -- and keep your original wager. If the seven appears, you lose whatever you bet. Likewise when placing the five or nine, except that the payoff is 7-to-5. You can buy the four or 10 for
any amount, usually starting at $20. Steps of $5 are typical, but not mandatory. You pay an up-front commission or “vigorish” in addition to your bet. The fee is 5 percent, rounded down to the nearest whole dollar; that is, $1 for bets from $20 to $39, $2 from $40 to $59, and so on. If the number rolls, you win 2-to-1 and keep the original wager, but the house retains the commission. A seven costs you both your bet and the vigorish. Buying the five and nine are analogous, except that the bet must be an even amount and the payoff is 3-to-2. So much for wherefore. Here’s why. Say you want to risk $25 on a four. If you place the bet and win,
you’re paid $45 and keep your $25 -- $70 in all; lose and you’re out $25. Alternately, buy the four for $24. The fee is $1.20, rounded down to $1, so your outlay is $25. This buy bet pays $48 and you keep your $24 – $72 in all; a seven still costs you $25. The sole change is that buying earns you $2 more than placing. Because the commission is rounded downward, you’ll do proportionately better if your bet is just under a breakpoint. To see this, consider a $40 outlay on the four. Winning such a place bet pays $72 and you keep your $40, leaving you with $112. A $39 buy bet with a $1 fee returns $78 and you still have your $39 -- $117 in all. Buying puts $5 extra in your rack for the same $40 at risk. The five and nine are a little trickier. Picture a $25 outlay. Place it
on the five. If you win, you’re paid $35 and keep your $25 -- $60 in all. Now, buy the five for $24 and give the dealer $1 commission. Win and get $36, keeping your $24, for a total of $60. Lose, and you’re out $25 either way. Buying and placing are identical at this level. Look what happens at $35, though. Placing a five wins $49 and you still have your $35, a total of $84. Instead, buy the five for $34 and pay $1 commission. Lose and you’re out $35 either way. Win and pick up $51, keeping your $34, a total of $85 -- $1 more.
What’s the bottom line?
• Buy bets are best closest to the commission breakpoints. • On four and 10, buying always beats placing at or above $20. • On five and nine, buying only beats placing for outlays -- bets plus commissions -- from $(26+1)
Why blackjack players need to remain annonymous The stories are legion - that is, the cautionary tales I hear demonstrating loudly and clearly why blackjack players must remain anonymous, at all costs…in this day and age where most casinos in most locations can bar us from ever playing there (or elsewhere sometimes) for any reason (including, for instance, they don’t like how much you win). One elderly guy who took one of my seminars in the Southwest listened to everything I said except how not to get barred. He - a nonplayer before he took my seminar - told me later how he went out the night following the seminar and promptly won $3,000. But it stopped there because they threw him out and barred him from playing there ever again. So he won the battle and lost the war. In my book, a Pyrrhic victory like that is not worth winning. What did he do wrong? I’ll talk about that in a moment - but I have a whole section on it in Blackjack The Smart Way called “Passing The Bar Test.” Another player (who’d not yet read my books) told me how he’d been winning at a Santa Fe, New Mexico area casino one time and winning (he was the son of a woman who’d played on one of Ken UsPAGE 12
hardly anywhere else. Yes, he got notoriety but he also lost a lucrative career. Not what I recommend. Along these lines, years ago I used to think the dealer was praising me when he or she would By Richard Harvey shout, “Black action!” when I played with hundred-dollar chips ton’s infamous blackjack teams!), - that is, until I realized that what when the pit boss approached his the dealer was doing was alerting wife. He said she must be proud of his bosses that some guy using her husband and that she should high-denomination chips (for the fill out a form with his name, adtable, that is) was winning more dress and phone number so he than they would like and that could be entered into a drawing they should do something about for some giveaway they were havit (namely use countermeasures ing. She did. And five minutes lat- that hurt your game). I also took some comp cards in er, the pit boss came back to the Atlantic City when I first started player and said, “Congratulations! You’ve just been barred!” And that out before I realized how stupid was the end of his ability to play that was. Comps are nice but they at that casino (and perhaps else- are a pittance compared to what you can win at the table and they where). What did he do wrong? I’ll tell only get you in trouble in the long run. When you have a comp card, you in a moment. Years ago, though it seems they watch you like a hawk and crazy now, some expert players often take countermeasures when actually thought it was a badge of you’re winning. And they have honor to get barred. Ken Uston your name and address - identi(not his real name; a Japanese- fication that is necessary to the American from Connecticut) went process of being barred. Without out of his way to get thrown out identification all they have is a face of every casino he went to until and you can often change your aphe couldn’t play anywhere in the pearance and get around that. U.S. anymore - nor could he play The worst kind of mistake is
becoming familiar with employees at the casino. That means you’re not just overplaying one “pond” so to speak but also getting overly friendly with the same people who are likely to get you barred if you do well. In fact, that can lead to another kind of trouble. One player told me he’d gotten very friendly with one dealer at a casino he went to frequently and was winning a lot one day when the floor manager knocked into him, dropped a card on the floor and claimed the player had been mucking or hiding the card up his sleeve to cheat. They then took him into a back room and threatened to bring charges against him. It turns out they thought he was in cahoots with the dealer (because they were so friendly with each other) and was cheating the casino (which wasn’t true). But that’s another cautionary tale. The point is: If you want a long, successful, profitable blackjack career you have to remain anonymous. The first guy I told you about (who won $3,000 after my seminar) should have paid attention to his surroundings and left before the casino bosses got too upset with how much he was winning.
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
to $(38+1), $(50+2) to $(58+2), and $(74+3) to $(78+3), as well as $(98+4). • On six and eight, buying never beats placing. One more thing. Many dealers will grimace at weirdly-sized buy bets. Some may simply think you’re a jerk because they won’t know you’re exploiting a loophole in the rounding-down rule. Others may resent having to figure out the payoff when you win something like a $34, $56, or $78 buy bet on a five or nine. Don’t let this deter you. Unless, of course, you think your destiny is to delight the dealers in your favorite dice den. But don’t get obnoxious about it either. Just ponder the plea for politesse proposed by the punter’s poet, Sumner A Ingmark: Play to win, but keep a sense of Acting pleasant, not offensive. Every casino has its comfort zone and if you know what to look for, you can get out before they decide to bar you. Don’t be greedy - leave when you see they’re getting upset. You can then come back and play another day. The guy whose wife filled out a coupon for a giveaway...that’s an example of why you shouldn’t fill out any forms - for giveaways or comps or anything else - because, with your identification in hand, you’re much more likely to get barred. Also, then you’ll be in some computer file that gets promulgated with your photo to a lot of casinos where you might find you are no longer welcome. Computer technology has increased the need for player anonymity. And that’s just scratching the surface. Word to the wise: Stay anonymous. And you can take that to the bank. Richard Harvey is a nationallyacclaimed blackjack strategies innovator, expert player, blackjack coach and bestselling author of Blackjack The SMART Way, Cutting Edge Blackjack, NEW Ways To Win MORE at Blackjack and Richard Harvey’s Blackjack PowerPrep Session. Have blackjack questions? Send them to rharvey 2121@netscape.net. For more info see http://www.blackjack today.com. May 7 - 20, 2013
Trail’s End
You can’t keep a good man down – even if he is paralyzed Colorado Springs’ Gen. William Jackson Palmer
O
ct. 27, 1906, was a bleak Three doctors were summoned day for Colorado Springs to Glen Eyrie castle and one ordered citizens, who had always the patient laid on a primitive waterbeen close to their founder, bed to guard against bedsores. PalmGen. William Jackson Palmer. Sud- er complained about the “mushy” denly this man, so energetic and full thing but would sleep on it the rest of of life, was injured, paralyzed from the his days and never suffer from bedneck down and lay helpsores. Dr. H. C. Watt less in his bed at the age was hired to live in the of 70. house and Watt insisted Palmer’s personal on aseptic conditions, exploits in the Civil War only allowing gloved had brought him the and gowned nurses to honor of being the sechandle the patient. ond-youngest general Palmer had been to come out of the war; unusually active for 70 he had been impris- By Linda Jones years and his spirit reoned by the South for covered quickly. Soon jones.128@live.com spying (he was a spy). he was wheeled outside He was still a young man of 35 when daily and lifted into an automobile he founded the showpiece town on for long rides, attending social functhe Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in tions in “his” town, and actively conthe early 1870s and built his manor ducting his business. Palmer had house, and later his castle Glen Ey- always hated the noise and stench rie, in a nearby canyon. He loved of autos and had openly stated he this town, sharing his estate and its would never buy one, but when cirgrounds with the people. cumstances changed, he purchased Palmer, an expert horseman from an enormous White electric car, his youth, had somehow fallen from which made less noise and stench. his horse on an ordinary ride, landed He hired the best mechanic in town on his head and broken three cervi- to drive for him and by pure coincical vertebrae in his neck – the fourth, dence that man’s mother idolized the fifth and sixth – which injured his general and had named her son Glen spinal cord. The active outdoorsman Eyrie Martin. lost complete motor and sensory Martin drove wherever Palmer feeling below his neck but he never directed – on treacherous mounlost consciousness and directed his tain hiking trails, precipitous canyon rescuers in how to carry and load his shelf trails, rutted prairie trails and lifeless body into a wagon. The only often across landscapes that had no movements he could master were to trails. Palmer’s love for the outdoors created many roads in the Colorado move his head, neck and shoulders.
Gen. Palmer’s Glen Eyrie castle in Colorado Springs
May 7 - 20, 2013
Gen. William Jackson Palmer
Photo courtesy of Denver Public Library
Springs area that had once been bridle paths or just open prairie or mountainsides. Once when the general wanted to go up to Austin Bluffs, an area he had given to the city for a park, Martin told him it would tear
all the tires to pieces. Palmer said go. The tires were indeed ruined by the trip. New tires cost $95 apiece (when the average wage was 22 cents an hour), and they had to be pumped up by hand. As soon as he returned to the castle, Palmer ordered his road superintendent, Perley Nichols, to take 30 men and equipment and go to Grand View Point immediately, although night was falling, camp there and build roads in that area, roads which are still the byways in the city’s park system. When a guest wanted to see Blair Athol, a canyon north of Glen Eyrie, Martin managed to drive up the steep horse trail to the end of the canon, but there the trail quit. The mountainside was nearly vertical. When Martin asked how to go down, the general breezily said, “We’ll just back out.” The three guests in the huge auto all chose to walk down. The general’s three daughters were alarmed when they discovered their father had gone up that trail and told the faithful chauffeur to never drive him up there again. The very next evening as they headed out for their daily drive, Palmer said to drive up
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
that horse trail again. Since it was Palmer who signed his paychecks, the chauffeur complied. The duo repeated that drive every day for over three weeks, and the mammoth auto by then had worn a semblance of an auto road to the top. Palmer had always returned to Philadelphia for the annual reunions of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, which he had formed. Now that he was unable to go there, he chartered a special train of Pullmans to transport the men west and brought the entire unit to Colorado Springs for a week. Palmer paid for every expense for the 280 men from the moment they left home until they returned two weeks later. Colorado Springs rolled out the welcome mat for their founder’s guests. The general eventually became able to write and feed himself with a spoon in his right hand and move his legs some, but he could never stand or sit alone or change positions in bed without help. Nevertheless, he planned a grand trip to England in late 1908 to attend his daughter Marjorie’s wedding to an English navy officer. In addition to his daughters - his wife Queen had died many years before - two grandnieces, two doctors, two nurses, two governesses and 14 employees accompanied them. Martin was sent ahead in order to assemble the White and have it ready for travel. As they sailed across the Atlantic, Marjorie announced there would be no English wedding because she had fallen in love with Dr. Watts, Palmer’s personal doctor. Palmer treated the entire entourage to a six-month vacation in Europe before returning, and Marjorie and the doctor wed at Glen Eyrie. On the journey home, the general received the injury that Martin believed eventually killed him. Going up the gangway to the highest deck, which Palmer insisted on doing, one of the loops on his special blanket broke and he rolled to one side, hitting his head on a brass rail. Despite his diminishing vigor, he continued riding daily with Martin until two days before his death on March 13, 1909. He had lived nearly 2 1/2 years after an injury thought fatal at that time. The revered founder of Colorado Springs is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, and a statue in downtown Colorado Springs commemorates him. Glen Eyrie castle is open for public tours.
PAGE 13
Rollin’ Dough Send us your recipes! To be featured in Rollin’ in the Dough: Send us a recipe, your name, a little about yourself, why you chose that recipe, a little about your cooking style, and of course your phone number in case we have questions. Email gambler@villagerpublishing. com or mail to 8933 E Union Ave., Suite 230, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Questions? Call Sharon at 303-5031388.
Treat your mom
this Mother’s Day with some great recipes from our readers.
Cheese & Mushroom Brunch
¼ Cup Thinly sliced green onions ¼ Cup Grated Parmesan 2 Tablespoons Butter 1 Tablespoon Butter 1/8 teaspoon Salt 2 Tablespoons Flour 12 Beaten eggs 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg 1-1/3 Cup Milk Tomatoes Slices cut in half ½ Cup (2 oz) Shredded Swiss or 1-1/2 Cup Sliced fresh mushrooms (button or shitaki) Gruyere Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, stir in flour. Cook & stir 1 minute. Add milk all at once. Cook & stir over medium heat til thick/bubbly. Stir in Swiss cheese, Parmesan, salt & nutmeg. Cook/Stir until cheeses melt. Remove from heat. In non-stick skillet, cook mushrooms & green onions til tender in hot butter (1 Tablespoon). Add eggs. Cook over medium heat without stirring until eggs begin to set on bottom and edge. Use spatula to lift & fold eggs so the uncooked portion flows under. Continue cooking til cooked but glossy and moist. Transfer half egg mixture to 2 quart square baking dish. Drizzle half sauce over and top with remaining egg mixture. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Top with tomato slices – let stand 10 minutes.
Salad w/pears, walnuts & pomegranates 8 Cups Romaine lettuce 1 Cup Toasted Walnuts 1 Cup Crumbled blue cheese
1 Cup Pomegranate seeds 2 Ripe pears, cored & thinly sliced
Serve on individual salad plates. When ready to serve, dress with Annie’s organic Pomegranate vinaigrette (available at Whole Foods). If they don’t like blue cheese, substitute Feta cheese. Recipe from Marge Frick
Black Russian Cake Yellow Cake Mix: ½ Cup Sugar 1 Box Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix (6.5 size) 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
4 Eggs ¼ Cup Vodka ¼ Cup Kahlua ¼ Cup Water Pam Spray
Glaze: ½ Cup Powdered Sugar ¼ Cup Kahlua
Pour all liquid ingredients into dry ingredients at one time. Beat for 4 minutes. Pour mixture into sprayed bundt pan. Bake 45-60 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool 10 minutes, then invert pan. Poke holes in the top so that glaze can soak into cake. Glaze: Mix together and let stand while cake is cooling. Pour over cake. Dust with powdered sugar. Note: For high altitude, adjust according to cake mix directions. Instead of glaze, you could frost with chocolate icing. Submitted by Ardie Ball
Horoscope TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) Someone may hit your psychological sore spot, or at least try to, and you may feel a need to defend yourself with a fierce might. Air your grievance. Do not hold in your anger. Creativity is running high, and so is love’s energy. Your earthy loving acts will leave someone charmed and totally surprised. Don’t hold back on this either. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 14, 19, 22, 23 GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) You may be inclined to keep your opinions to yourself, but at the same time you are really in touch with the hidden aspects of yourself and what drives you to do what you do. This is a great time for research and studies. Though you may feel like going off by yourself to accomplish your goals. Do not retreat from confrontation. Move head on.Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 10, 15, 39, 40 CANCER - (June 22 - July 22)
Business and professional concerns come into focus. You may feel like you are being tested in some way, and may find it difficult to hide certain facts about yourself. You can win others over with your emotional sensitivity. Keep a distinction between personal and professional relationships. It will work towards your advantage. Lucky Numbers: 16, 21, 26, 28, 30, 35 LEO - (July 23 - Aug 22) Your career sector is loaded with all sorts of opportunities. Your strength of character and sheer will power will be called to your fore-front. Do so using your dynamic leadership abilities and awesome people skills. If you’ve been looking to expand or experience something new, the opportunity most likely will knock on your door. Mental journeys are recommended as you feel a need to remain in familiar surroundings. Lucky Numbers: 14, 19, 23, 25, 28, 44
VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You may feel intellectually eager for a new experience, as this is a good time for advancing through education. Subjects related to foreign places, law or philosophy may interest you. Look forward to stimulating conversations as now you are more tolerant than usual of different opinions. A wine tasting gathering turns stimulating. Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 12, 22, 40, 41 LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) These past few months you may have found yourself to be lucky in love and money. You can now take what you have been given and start to build a foundation. If a new lover has entered into your life, it may be time for them to meet the family. If you’ve been working hard in your career, recognition is around the corner. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 8, 18, 26, 36 SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) The New Moon this month brings in strong relationship ties. It is even possible you may re-connect with someone from your past. You are more determined than ever to get yourself up and going on a long term project and get it finished. Focus may be on personal space and reorganization around you. Lucky Numbers: 24, 31, 34, 35, 49, 50 SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) It may be hard to conceal your feelings from others. Don’t even try. Feelings run deep and the lover in your life can only benefit from this. Focus turns on efficiency and how effective you are with what you have to work with. You can be very resourceful and talented. Children bring laughter. Lucky Numbers: 7, 26, 36, 41, 45, 60
CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) You can experience true joy with freedom to express yourself and be who you are. Set your own priorities and don’t hold back from achieving what you want. You are given a time to see within yourself and see how habits from the past can show up and interfere with your goals and desires. Set yourself free. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 9, 29, 33, 55 AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You may feel like keeping a low profile. Your mind is full of the past, present and future and focus is tough. Be conscious of your actions. You might try your hand at re-decorating your dwelling. Try different colors and themes. Working with creativity can help sort out an over active mind. Lucky Numbers: 20, 21, 26, 34, 37, 39 PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) Communications with others layered by personal opinions may not leave the conversation with factual truth. You have no desire to deal with shallow people. Keep it real. Your social life picks up enjoying time with friends and neighbors. You are sensitive to beauty around you. Tell someone you love them. Lucky Numbers: 14, 27, 28, 46, 52 57 ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) You may have had moments of impatience and impulsive actions, and lack of concentration at hand. The month unfolds with your wits returning, but there is caution required when it comes to your finances at least through the month. You may feel like retreating. Keep inner peace and a sense of calm to get you through all the drama. Lucky Numbers: 13, 17, 20, 25, 36, 40
Contact Mary Nightstar at marynightstar@yahoo.com and type “horoscope” in the subject line. PAGE 14
THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
May 7 - 20, 2013
Trading Post REAL ESTATE
RED = New locations 1355 KRAMERIA ST 655 PEORIA ST 15109 E COLFAX AVE 18605 GREENVALLEY RANCH BLVD 4850 E 62ND AVE 2810 QUEBEC ST 1045 1ST STREET 825 S COLORADO BLVD 6470 E HAMPDEN AVE 890 S MONACO PKWY 2750 S COLORADO BLVD 4600 LEETSDALE DR. 6350 SHERIDAN BLVD 9731 W 58TH AVE 1575 W 84TH AVE 12350 W 64TH AVE 15200 W 64TH AVE 8055 SHERIDAN BLVD 3400 YOUNGFIELD ST 1555 QUAIL ST 17171 S GOLDEN RD 11747 W KEN CARYL AVE 1927 S WADSWORTH BLVD 12043 W ALAMEDA PKWY 6760 S PIERCE ST 9800 W BELLEVIEW AVE 1545 S KIPLING ST 1173 BERGEN PARK 8126 S WADSWORTH BLVD 25637 CONIFER RD 7984 W ALAMEDA AVE 2205 WILDCAT RESERVE PKWY 9551 S UNIVERSITY BLVD 5050 E ARAPAHOE RD 7575 S UNIVERSITY BLVD 8200 S HOLLY ST 101 ENGLEWOOD PKWY 100 W LITTLETON BLVD 4000 RED CEDAR DR 8673 S QUEBEC ST 7901 S BROADWAY
DENVER AURORA AURORA DENVER COMMERCE CITY DENVER BENNETT DENVER DENVER DENVER DENVER GLENDALE ARVADA ARVADA FEDERAL HEIGHTS ARVADA ARVADA ARVADA WHEAT RIDGE LAKEWOOD GOLDEN LITTLETON LAKEWOOD LAKEWOOD LITTLETON LITTLETON LAKEWOOD EVERGREEN LITTLETON CONIFER LAKEWOOD HIGHLANDS RANCH HIGHLANDS RANCH CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL ENGLEWOOD LITTLETON HIGHLANDS RANCH HIGHLANDS RANCH LITTLETON
80220 80010 80011 80249 80022 80207 80102 80222 80222 80222 80222 80246 80003 80002 80221 80004 80007 80003 80033 80215 80401 80127 80227 80228 80128 80123 80232 80439 80128 80433 80226 80129 80126 80122 80122 80122 80110 80120 80126 80126 80122
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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years
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