March 2007 was when everything changed out in Vegas. The main group left the Monte Carlo after being there for 10 years. I remember when we first stayed at the Monte when it first opened. That was when our daily budget was $100 a day and we would play 12 hours of 4-8 limit hold em. We would go over to the New York New York to get a taste of a nicer casino.
After the 2006 trip, we all made the decision that it was time to leave as the rooms were rough and the gambling was lacking. We all joined Wiz and Micah at the Mirage and have been there for the last 14 years. We had hooked Don and Mike to join as a part of the main group, but for this trip we lost Jay, Laura, and Lee.
We were still at a time where there were no TVs at the tables, so that required us to travel to a sportsbook to watch the basketball games. Maryland was still solid at this point, so we had to go to Caesar's Palace to watch the Maryland game as they had a bar where we could all hang out and drink. Watching basketball games with Eric, Wiz, and Micah back then was pure comedy. So much name calling, emotional outbursts, and side gambling that keeps everyone entertained. Here are a couple of clips from Eric’s and Wiz’s recap from the morning session of games:
“As Wiz has said, there was a lot of nervous moments
in that game, compounded by seeing Louisville up 30 over a weak Stanford team.
I pulled a Khruschev at one point, taking off my loafer and banging it on
the bar at Caesar's.”
“But as the Terps started to break away, we broke out in celebration. I distinctly remember a free
throw with about 1 min to play to put the Terps up 10; Micah was just about to do a strip tease on the
bar; Derek and Wiz were hurting each other doing high-fives;
and I was playing the coach, nervously pacing back and forth behind the bar,
hoping the clock would tick faster than ever before.”
“During the game Derek was playing video poker
but Eric and myself somehow took over the machine from him, while playing with
his money we decided to play the “double down” bet which means you have a
chance to double your winnings if you pick a card higher than the dealers. We
hit a straight and decide to go for the “double down” bet. Dealer’s card is a
King, we are dejected. Somehow Eric picks the Ace and again we celebrate like
we won a million dollars when in reality it was $2.25”
That was one of Eric’s most memorable traits. His ability
to plan for the group and then being so creative on making any moment fun for
all of us. His excitement, energy and
emotions were contagious. That’s why so
many people loved him and he was just so much fun to be around.
How does this play into week 2 picks? Well one of my most memorable traits is to over react. Usually with anger. But in terms of the NFL, I tend to overreact to week 1 games. I’m going to try and not do that here as I tend to do poorly in week 2. Onto the picks
Giants 17 at Redskins 20 (-3.5): Why is this 3.5? Giants weren’t that bad and Fitz is
gone. Line doesn’t make sense. I’m
staying away.
Broncos 21 at Jags 20 (+6):
Not going to read too much into the Jags Houston game as I didn’t like
them on the road for their first game. Broncos
traveling for the second week in a row and didn’t look great against the
Giants. I really like the Jags here and
can’t believe they are getting 6 points at home.
Texans 10 at Browns 28 (-12.5): Browns looked great, except for the 4th
quarter. This is a must win game at home
against a team riding high.
Bills 17 at Dolphins 21 (+3.5): Need to make as much money as possible on the
Dolphins D before Vegas catches on. Dolphins
will be able to move the ball. I know
that the Bills own the Dolphins, and this could be a let down game for the
Dolphins after that huge win against the Pats.
Will tread
Rams 24 at Colts 21 (+3.5): This is a trap if I ever seen
one and I would of fallen for this in years past. Everyone
is talking about the Rams and how dominate they are and Stafford is a MVP
candidate and the Colts didn’t look great last week. That Bears game was closer than one would
think with fucking Andy Daulton as QB has me a little cautious.
49ers 17 at Eagles 20 (+3.5): 49ers banged up and second week on the
road. What an amazing back door cover by
the Lions last week. Eagles looked dominate
mainly on D. Everyone is still healthy. Looks like Hurts has some weapons. I love the Eagles here to win outright.
Bengals 17 at Bears 24 (-2.5): Bengals coach is horrific. Now put them on the road getting less than 3
points? I’ll take the Bears, even with
Daulton who shouldn’t be starting.
Saints 14 at Panthers 21 (+3): Why are the Panthers underdogs? Division game with a home team as a dog. I’ll take it.
Plus
Raiders 10 at Steelers 31 (-5.5): Raiders at home last week, opening up that
stadium, in a crazy game will be going on the road against a top rated D. Big Ben looks solid, nothing special. I think this will be a huge blowout.
Pats 24 at Jets 17 (+6): In division games I like to take
home dogs. But I just can’t. I watched that Jets game and I can’t imagine
the Pats D letting Wilson do what he did in the second half. Plus the Pats own the Jets.
Vikings 24 at Cards 27 (-3.5):
Both teams are heading in the opposite directions after week 1. The Bengals game shouldn’t of been that
close, but the Bengals have a horrible coach that let the Vikings back in. I think the Vikings will get their offense
moving, but I also think Murray is finally healthy. Have we all of a sudden forgot how back
Kingsbury is? I’m taking the Vikings
here.
Falcons 21 at Bucs 28 (-12.5): I believe this is the first time ever a team
was favored in week 1 and then is a double digit dog in week 2. This is such an over reaction in my
eyes. Falcons should be able to pass
the ball and keep the back door open.
Titans 17 at Seahawks 35 (-5.5): I have a 50-1 superbowl
ticket on the Seahawks. I thought all
offseason the Titans were in big trouble and faded them in week 1. I think this line is too low.
Cowboys 28 at Chargers 35 (-3): Chargers have a real coach and a healthy
D. Cowboys are banged up and have a horrible
coach.
KC 31 at Ravens 28 (+3.5):
This is the Ravens superbowl. They will be able to run the ball. Jackson will be amped up after costing the
Ravens the game. So much hype about
Mahommes never losing in September and that might still be the case, but the
Ravens are still getting 3.5 points at home in primetime.
Lions 10 at Packers 28 (-11): I have no clue on this one. Lions are bad. Packers should be better, but Rodgers attitude
has me very very concerned. Gun to my
head I’m going with the Packers, mainly because I need them to be good for
fantasy football purposes.
SuperContest 1-3-1 (not a good start)
Eagles
Ravens
Jaguars
Bears
Steelers
Top Picks (7-6-1)
Panthers
Bears
Dolphins
Eagles
Jags
Atl
Ravens
Chargers
Steelers
Vikings
Vikings Over
Browns
Dolphins Under
Seahawks
Seahawks over
Pats Under
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