NFL Week 12: Luxor

We had a bad week last week. Our Supercontest picks are 0-9-1 over the last two weeks. (That is probably statistically impossible if we were picking 10 games at random). So - to change our luck, let's review the casino that I seem to always win at over the years.

That's right, the Luxor. Everyone's favorite gimmick casino. It is amazing to walk into the lobby, look up, and see the inside of a pyramid with the hallways facing out. And the light at the top - the most visible item on earth when viewed from space.

But the casino, and my history there, is what stands out. I think I got my first tip from a high roller at the craps table. (I was rolling, some guy was betting blue chips ($1000!) on the BIG RED every roll - and I was ice cold, and kept rolling sevens. He tossed me a $100 chip after a while. I was amazed!) That was in 2003, I think. Then there was Layup's bachelor party, when I had a very good blackjack run to end the trip.

The casino, of course, is nothing spectacular. It is overly-lit, laid out in a weird floor plan (because of the shape of the building, obviously). The dealers are unremarkable, and one entrance to the casino is the people-mover to the Excalibur. And the tram that one has to take to the Mandalay is odd.

But I don't ever recall losing much there. It has a warm place in my heart as a safe haven from the gambling waters. And if ever I need a safe haven, it's this week.

About the Browns - I'm pulling a Ben Crenshaw out here...."Mark my words, I've got a very good feeling about this...."

To the games:

Az 20, StL 10. It's amazing that we actaully lost to this Rams team.

NYJ 27, Buf 10. Are we one week too late on the Bills collapse? Or are the Jets worse than everyone thinks- and this will be a close game?

Hou 23, Jax 10. Schaub is out - so what? The Jags can't score, and the Houston defense is pretty good. How will the Jags score more than 10 points?

Ind 28, Car 24. This is it - the last stand for the Colts. A loss here and it is 0-16.

Ten 24, TB 10. I like what I see in Locker. Tampa's last stand was last week at Lambeau.

Atl 27, Min 17. I have Ryan in the playoffs (already? -ed) in one of my leagues- the 300 yd, 4 TD game just isn't going to come this year.

Oak 20, Chi 17. The Bears defense is still good, and will hold down the Raiders - but I don't have faith in the Bears without Cutler.

Sea 23, Was 10. Last week was an aberration- the Skins always play the Boys tough. Back to reality for Shanahan.

NE 27, Phi 20. I think Belicheck is a better coach (and has better players) than Coughlin, and will gameplan well for Vince Young.

SD 20, Den 14. Staying away from this game. Anything can happen here - a 30 point Charger win, or a 20 point Denver upset.

Pit 24, KC 10. Speaking of teams that can't move the ball - the Chiefs!

NO 28, NYG 27. The Giants are a perfect example of a zig-zag team. Just when you think you can write them off (last week), they will have a big showing.

Best bets: 14 of them. Last week: 5-9-1; overall: 91-73-8
Az +3
Az/Stl Under 39
NYJ -9.5
Hou -6.5
Ind +3.5
Car/Ind over 46.5
Ten -3
TB/Ten under 43
Sea -3
NE +3.5
Den/SD under 41.5
Pit -10.5
Pit/KC under 40
NYG +7

Supercontest picks:
Az +3
NYJ -8.5
Ten -3
Sea -3.5
NYG +7

NFL Week 11: Binion's

It's getting to that point in the NFL season where I feel like the picking becomes routine and less exciting. Over the first few weeks, the process to put together the picks is pure excitement. Another week! There's only 17 of them! Weeks 6-9 or so become an adrenaline rush, as we think we know some things about teams that Vegas (and others) haven't caught up on.

But now, the rush is gone, the reviews feel like work, and there's not a ton of effort that goes into these picks. It doesn't help that I spent all last week in India, where I didn't have a solid bowel movement for 5 days and we got delayed getting to the plant one day because a oil truck hit a motorcycle and killed two people. There's only one two-lane road to the manufacturing area near Bhopal - and that's an adventourous ride in itself; but then you have to avoid the cows, boars, and elephants on the road.

So there's not a lot of analysis in this week's review. Kind of like going downtown during our Vegas trip. Someone always suggests we do it one of the days - it's usually the third day, where tiredness creeps in. The intent to go downtown is -what? It's not the excitement of gambling; it's not the high stakes - what is it? I find myself not caring too much one way or another when I gamble downtown. So I lose $300 playing craps....that's fine for 4 hours of entertainment at Binions where the players are worse than in central Indiana, and the constant ringing of the drink "clicker" will be in your ears for days. The smoke will too.

It's fun, it's gambling, yes.....but I'm not a big fan of the downtown experience.

Let's get back to fun in the NFL this week. Maybe if we don't botch a snap on a 22 yard field goal to take the lead with 2:00 to go, some of the fun will come back.

Dal 23, Was 10. How, again, will Washington score? (ed- isn't it time for a Romo Pick 6? I think so. )

Min 27, Oak 17. Let's remind ourselves - Oakland is not good; they lost to Denver and Kansas City the two weeks prior. So they beat an imploding Chargers team. And Minnesota ran into a buzzsaw.

Buf 23, Mia 20. Miami's wins recently are against the Skins and the Chiefs. I'm not going to believe in them until they actually beat someone decent.

GB 31, TB 21. Something tells me the Bucs will keep it close.

Det 27, Car 20. You couldn't have two worse showings last week than those from these two teams.

Bal 27, Cin 24. I think the Bengals will stay in this, as the Bal defense is just not good enough to shut down teams like they used to. But I can't see the Ravens losing here.

SF 26, Az 17. The magical ride for the 49ers continues....

StL 23, Sea 10. The Seahawks are a different team away from home. And Jackson is a better runner at home.

SD 31, Chi 24. A purely irrational pick. Cutler can't have 3 great games in a row, can he?

Atl 30, Ten 20. This is the Falcons' season here. They will get up early and pile it on.

Phi 27, NYG 24. The Giants are due for an illogical loss right about now. And the Eagles will find something to pull this out (do I say that every week???)

NE 31, KC 14. Will anyone outside of Boston watch this game?

Best bets: 15 of them. Last week: 10-8-1; overall: 86-64-7
Dal -7
Dal/Was under 41.5
Min -1.5
Buf +3
TB +14
Cin +7
Cin/Bal over 40.5
StL -3
Sea/StL under 39.5
SD +3.5
SD/Chi over 45
Atl -6.5
Ten/Atl over 44
Phi +5.5
Phi/NYG over 45

We will switch it up this week; here are the 5 Supercontest picks.
By the way, I need to calculate the odds of me going 10-8-1......and 5 of the 8 losses were the 5 entries for the Supercontest.....

Min +1
Buf +2
Atl -6
StL -2
SD +3.5

Week 10 Picks

Maybe Felix Gordo will help us....

SD -7
Car -3
Buf +5
Det +2 1/2
Min +13

NFL Week 10: Belterra

It’s going to be a weird Sunday/Monday for me this week. I am flying to India and will be staying overnight in Delhi. I have not yet firmed up any sleeping plans for tonight, so I could be watching the games in a lonely corner of the Delhi airport bumming off the free wireless. Or, I could be in a “sleeping pod” they have at the airport, where overnight travelers can stay in and get a few hours of sleep. But with the arcane airport access rules that Indian airports have, I may be paying $300 for an overpriced hotel room that I will use for 5-6 hours.

So we need to think of a comfort of home this week, and what better comforting memory to have than the Belterra casino between Cincinnati and Louisville. It’s the only casino with UTH in the area, and was the most popular stop for me, Don, Mike, and others for the past 3-4 years. The limits are cheap – they still are! – there usually is a $5 craps table open all the time. The UTH is always $5 as well. The high limit room is expensive - $25 a hand for BJ in the room! Who can afford those stakes?

The clientele? Of course, not the best. That’s the only downside if you can handle it. The UTH table is particularly bad, if I remember correctly. I think I got yelled at for going 4x on A-Q; I know Don had plenty of strange looks with his card and going all in on K-7.

But it’s home, it’s comfortable. It’s like meat loaf. Yeah, it’s not flashy, and there are more elegant casinos in the area, but Belterra makes you feel all warm inside. I don’t ever recall getting killed there – I’ve lost money, sure, but not a complete outing disaster unlike other casinos.
And the Jeff Ruby steakhouse is a plus.

The Browns will hopefully have some meat loaf home cooking this week with the Rams coming to town. I remember Steve inviting me to a home game in 1991 to watch the Rams; I had to back out at the last minute due to some events that I won’t rehash here at this time. 99 was our expansion season, and the Rams were on our schedule; I thought that would be a game we could possibly win, playing on the road and the Rams starting QB, trent Green, went down in week 1!

Of course, that was the Rams’ magical season.

The first Monday night game in Cleveland since 99 was vs. the Rams in 2003; another disappointing loss, and that game spelled the end of the Couch-Holcomb merry go round. However, in 2007, we won in St Louis in the middle of the season as we realized that maybe this Derek Anderson was going to be a good QB……

When are we ever going to get a decent quarterback?????

On to the games:

SD 31, Oak 13. Uh, not so much.

Hou 24, TB 20. Tampa is a good home team, but how are they going to score
here?

Phi 31, Az 10. I have to believe that the Eagles will take out their frustrations on someone. And the Cardinals are terrible – Skelton on the road?

Mia 20, Was 10. Browns vs Redskins, neutral field…..over/under is 15? Who ya got? I am a little surprised that the Dolphins are still playing for Sparano. And I picked up Reggie Bush in one my league –a nice surprise.

Den 21, KC 20. Just a hunch. I continue to believe that Kansas City is no good.

Ind 17, Jax 14. Another rhunch. If there’s ever a game the Colts will win tis year, it has to be this one. How does Jacksonville move the ball?

Dal 30, Buf 28. Another sol crushing loss for the Bills. However, I don’t see the Cowboys stopping Buffalo like the Jets did last week – unless the Ryan borthers compare notes.

Atl 30, NO 24. I think the Saints have proven themselves to be a poor road team, and Atlanta is moving into high gear.

Car 27, Ten 13. Carolina off a bye ? They will figure out how to contain the Titans and score at home.

Pit 27, Cin 23, The Steelers are a trap pick, and I am staying away. But really, I am biased and I just can’t force myself to see the Bwengals winning here.

Bal 23, Sea 20. Seattle is a good home team, and this is a trap game for the Ravens. Steelers last week, and the Bengals next week?

Det 27, Chi 14. A letdown game for the Bears after the big win Monday night. I think the Lions will be ready to go after the bye.

SF 24, NYG 17. A game between two teams that I still don’t think are all that good. However, the Giants are on the road, and I think the 49ers wear them down with Gore.

NE 24, NYJ 20. This should be a great game, and I still have faithin Belicheck and Brady to not lose 3 in a row.

GB 27, Min 20. The Packers’ defense have a lot of holes in it. I think Ponder and the Vikings will score some garbage time points to cover the spread.

Best bets: 19 (!) of them, 0-1 already this week. Last week: 7-9; overall: 76-56-7
SD -7 (loss)
Phi -13.5
Mia -4
Was/Mia under 37
Den +3
Ind +3
Jax/Ind under 37.5
Buf +5.5
Buf/Dal over 48
Car -3.5
Ten/Car under 47
Atl -1
Pit/Cin over 41
Det +2.5
Det/Chi over 43.5
Sea +6.5
SF -3.5
NE +2
Min +13.5

The life of an ex-pat child, part 361

Last week, we dropped off the kids at school - and we noticed that all the teachers were in formal dress - women in dresses, men in suits. The boy scouts arrived ( the middle / high school campus is 30 km away; they are not usually at the elementary school) in their uniform and the American flag.

We learned that the US Ambassador to China visited the school that day to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the school. The ambassador talked to the kids in an assembly that day.

We talked about this over dinner - we got out the internet and showed the boys this picture.

Do you know who is in the picture?

"Yes - that's Gary Locke! He is the ambassador from the US that came to the school today!"

And who is the other person in the picture?

"I don't know....he hasn't come to the school yet."

Hungry?

Are  you hungry?
Can I interest you in a hot dog with lettuce - for breakfast?

What about this as an afternoon snack?

I owe this blog a lot of posts

Yes, yes, yes, I am way behind in regular posts of updates of our life in China. I've got about 6 posts all lined up and ready to go - I just need the time to go ahead and type them up.

While you wait, please enjoy some more Dancing on the Square videos by our apartment. As usual, this is taken on the public square right by our apartment (with the Pearl River in the background).

I love the fact that the leader is counting in English.

Week 9 Picks

NO -8
Dal -11.5
NE -8.5
Pit -3
Chi +8

NFL Week 9: Monte Carlo

The Browns head to Houston this week to play the favored Texans. If maybe, somehow, the Browns can get out of there with a win - they would be 4-4 at the halfway mark of the season. Yes, it is unlikely, but it is possible. There is a very small chance - like hitting a 6 way parlay or a $100 hard 8 - but stilla chance.

It reminds me of the old days at the Monte Carlo. It would be Saturday afternoon - we had a bad, but not horrid, Friday night - and you are within sight of break even (.500). Just one good run is needed! One big parlay, one nice craps run, or one good shoe at blackjack....

...but it never comes. You sink deeper and deeper, and by the end of the day,you're just trying to hang on for dear life. I have a feeling, at 3-5, the Browns will be hanging on for life after Sunday.

What to say about the Monte Carlo? It's the scene of my first serious gambling multi-day trips (starting in 03). So many good memories, good and bad....and none of them invovled being "up" for a long period of time. I always felt that I was chasing losses....from Black Friday to the International Craps scene, and yes - of course - banking Pai Gow against my friends. But even though it's the scene of so many losses, there are some many good memories that it's impossible to frown when thinking of this place.

On to the games:

Atl 23, Ind 13: Where is Indy's mind? I have to think that Atlanta realizes they can't afford to slip up here, especially after a bye.

NO 31, TB 16: The Saints have to be pissed after the loss to the Rams. They will be hungry for revenge at home.

Buf 27, NYJ 20: The home field advantage for the Bills is worth 3 points alone. I think they will be able to score when needed, unlike the Jets.

Mia 20, KC 17. A total gut feel game. KC is not that good, and will suffer from a letdown after the Mon night gift.

SF 23, Was 20. When is the run going to end for the 49ers? Are they really going to go 4-0 on the east coast? (It's against the Skins, so yes)

Dal 27, Sea 13. Does anyone know who the Seahawks QB is? Rob Ryan and the Cowboys are out to prove something.

Oak 20, Den 10. We all know how bad Den's offense is. What about the Raiders? They scored 10 vs. the Browns and 0 vs. the Chiefs. Who says the will run all over the Broncos?

Ten 27, Cin 17. The Bengals, a 5 game winning streak? Please God, no.

Az 31, StL 17. One win vs. the Saints and we think the Rams are off the bottom 3? No. Rams are still in the bottom 3 of the league. They should not be favored on the road (until next week......)

NE 34, NYG 20. Going with the anger theme again - the Pats will take care of business after the loss to the Steelers.

GB 31, SD 24. I will not hazard a guess on where the Chargers' minds are at.

Pit 27, Bal 17. There's no way the Steelers will let themselves get swept by Flacco - at home. No way.

Phi 31, Chi 27. After a bye, the Bears will keep this close. I don't think we can be confident in the Eagles just yet.

Best bets: 16 of them. Last week: 8-6. Overall: 69-47-7.

Atl -6.5
Atl/Ind under 45
NO -8.5
Buf -2.5
Mia +4
SF/Was over 37
Dal -11.5
Ten -2.5
Oak -7
Den/Oak under 42
Az -3
StL/Az over 41
NE -9
Pit -3
Chi +8
Chi/Phi over 47

Week 8

I agree, Gigante!

Baltimore -12.5
Houston -9.5
Buffalo -6
Dallas +3.5
Kansas City +3.5

NFL Week 8 :Palazzo

The Browns this week play at San Francisco - a team they have not lost in 20 years! I remember a Monday night game in Cleveland in 1993 that I attended - Joe Montana came to town, and we were big underdogs. Belicheck had a great game plan to shut down (or, rather, contain) the Niners and Michael Dyson (he was Michael Jackson, if you recall) had 2 touchdowns in the big win.

This is a test - believe it or not, the Browns are 3-3. Are they for real? Many will answer no, but we shall see. If they win - or even keep it close - it is a good sign for the team.

It's very much like our annual $25 craps run we have in Vegas - usually done at the Palazzo. The Palazzo is an upscale casino, and it's nice to try to test your skills at the high-roller place. The dealers are awesome, as they are sincerely rooting for you. If you can survive for more than an hour at the $25 craps table at the Palazzo, that is a stripe on your uniform.

Let's see if the Browns can get that stripe today.

To the games:

Bal 31, Arz 10. The Ravens are as mad as hornet's nest, and will take it out on a horrible road team.

Min 27, Car 20. Just a hunch. I think Ponder will continue to impress, and the Viking defense is just good enough to win.

Hou 24, Jax 10. I think we see just how bad the Jag's offense is - I think the Texans will be able to score in the 20s.

Ten 20, Ind 13. Have the Colts now officially given up for the season?

NO 30, StL 10. Should we ask the same question about the Rams?

NYG 24, Mia 20. Something about this game is fishy. I think the Giants' D is awful - see the loss to Seattle - and Miami's defense is halfway decent. I think the Dolphins keep it close.

Buf 31, Was 17. I don't see how the Redskins can keep up with the Bills' offense.

Det 23, Den 20. I have no idea on this game. Let's wait a few weeks to really evaluate Tebow.

Pit 34, NE 31. Yes, yes, I know, NE dominates Pit at Heinz field. But the Steelers match up well.

Cin 17, Sea 13. Ugh. My eyeballs still hurt watching Seattle try to move the ball last week.

Dal 27, Phi 24. I think the Cowboys are balanced enough to win this. And I believe Rob Ryan will be able to contain Vick.

KC 24, SD 23. Another blown game by Rivers, Turner and co.

Best bets: 14 of them. Last week: 8-6; overall: 61-41-7.
Bal -12.5
Min +3.5
Hou -9.5
Jax/Hou under 41
Ind/Ten under 44
NO -13
NO/StL under 48
Mia +9.5
Buf -6
Pit +2.5
NE/Pit over 52.5
Dal +3
KC +3

Picks for week 7

What is with that hair?

Detroit -3
Tampa Bay +1
Houston+3
San Diego -2
Kansas City +4

NFL Week 7: Venetian Macao

Hello - we are typing this week's preview live from - the Venetina Macao! The boys have school off on Monday and Tuesday for parent conferences, so we decided to take a long weekend and head here for 2 days. Actually, I was here last week to see a college friend who was in town (the immortal Ken from the golf team), so this is my second consecutive Sunday at the Venetian.

The Venetian is the biggest casino in the world, although it doesn't seem like it. It's all in one big room, unlike the MGM, which has its floor space broken up into multiple areas. The main game is baccarat, which is played very much like poker....the cards are dealt down to the player, who then pulls up a corner (like he's shielding the cards from....I'm not sure who), bends then back, puts a crease in the cards, studies them - and then flings them in anger at the dealer. It's like Steve and I playing gin back in the 90s. ("You have gin, sir? Well F you" - as I throw my ten cards in his face).

The cards are only used once, and then disposed.

A new came is here - I'm not sure what it is called, but it is a 10-foot diameter ring with a super model. SHe is flipping a coin - and the bettors around the ring bet on either green (phoenix) or red (dragon). I'm not sure where the commission comes in....but all it looks like is people better on the flip of a coin by Miss Macau 2012.

I've talked about craps before - but it is still fascinating that everyone plays the numbers and only about 30-40% of the people play the pass line. I was rolling, and in the middle of my roll I rolled a 3...no big deal, no harm done.....the guy next to me turned his numbers off.

After I hit the point, and established another, I did the same thing...and he turned his numbers off again.....and then, on another roller, someelse else joined him. The different superstitions that they have on this game fascinate me.

Speaking of "3", the winner of the Browns-Seahawks game will (believe it or not) be 3-3 on the season. Let's not lose a 1 pm home game to the worst road team in the league....

On to the games....

Hou 27, Ten 21. I believe this is a desperate time for Houston -they can't lose 3 in a row, especially to a division opponent. Desperate times call for desperate measures...

SD 24, NYJ 16. A big test for both teams - are the Jets still a good team? If so, they will win. If the Chargers are elite, they will win here.

Det 27, Atl 13. The Falcons are overrated, and the Lions won't lose 2 straight at home.

Was 19, Car 16. I don't really have a good idea. Why do I think Shanahan will get this team ready to play, after last week's performance? Maybe Beck will provide some magic.

TB 23, Chi 17. The Bears overperformed last week, and they will prove this week they are an average offensive team.

Mia 17, Den 13. Miami's offense - even with Moore - will move the ball vs. Denver's weak defense. And Miami will be pissed that they are honoring Tebow at halftime.

KC 23, Oak 20, OT. Boller will start? He looked awful last week.

Pit 31, Az 20. The Cardinals have a bad pass defense - and Pittsburgh (make no mistake) is a passing team.

Dal 23, StL 10. I see the Rams putting up a little fight - this is a letdown game in a way for the Cowboys - but they won't be able to last with Feeley at the helm.

GB 27, Min 17. Yeah, this should be a 24-point thrashing by the Pack. Maybe Peterson will give some spark here.

NO 34, Ind 16. The COlts are in a horrible position....losing motivation just as they go to New Orleans, who needs a win to keep pace in the division. The Saints will be up 20 at half.

Bal 24, Jax 16. I think this will be a Monday night stinkfest. Hope Ray Rice can get me some yards and TDs.

Best bets: 14 of them. Last week: 7-7-1; overall: 53-35-7.

Hou +3
SD +1
Det -4
Atl/Det under 47
Was +2.5
Was/Car under 43.5
TB +2
Mia +1
Den/Mia under 41.5
KC +4
Pit -3.5
Pit/Az over 44
StL/Dal under 43
NO -13.5

Eric's Culinary History

Last week on Yahoo, I saw a link that was a list of "America's Disappearing Restaurant Chains". I thought that would be good for 2 minutes of entertainment - I thought York's Steak House or Bill Knapp (that was then, this is WOW) would be 1 and 2.....

.... 30 minutes later, I was sad, depressed, with a tear in my eye. This list brings back so many memories! I have personal experiences with 8 out of the top 10!

1. Bennigan's
There was one mall in Iowa when we lived there in 2004-05, the Coralville mall. Attached to the mall was a Target, where we (of course) made 5,215 stops at over 2 years. Next to the Target, accesible through the mall and through Target, was Bennigan's. We spent countless winter nights at Bennigan's, watching god-awful Big Ten basketball (Penn St. vs Minnesota, anyone?) and trying to make a 4-year old Freddie eat one piece of honey-mustard drenched lettuce and a 18-month-old Warren just eat one piece of hot dog (and no, not the piece that just fell on the floor).

2. Ground Round
Wow, this alone makes me cry. What a treat for Layup and me growing up when Dad would come home on a Friday and say: "it's payday! Let's go to Ground Round!" We'd either go to the one in Timonium (there was one there, right?) or up in York...and I would have the Salisbury steak. I'm a grown man- I'm 14! No hamburger for me! Give me the Salisbury steak - and then I would drench it with A1. MMMmmmmmmmmmmmm......
(There was a Ground Round in Iowa - I tried to take Janice there, she wanted no part of it....)

3. Baker's Square
Well, this is a must for any college student in NE Ohio. How many locations of Bakers' Square were there in Cleveland in the eatly 90s? 40? 50? There was one near every Finast, that's for sure. A slice of French Silk pie to go, please!

4.Damon's
Bakers' Square was college food....but you aspired to graduate from college to eat and watch sports at Damon's! I disticntly remember driving by a Damon's in March, 1994 in Solon (or Mayfield - somewhere on the east side) saying to myself: "I can't wait to have a job and money, so I can blow 2 days just sitting at Damon's, eating the Big Onion Loaf and watching the NCAA tournament......."

and when I got my first job in Dayton, that's exactly what I did in 1996!!!!My friend Paul and I spent 10 hours at the Damon's on Dorothy Lane watching the games. My first car - a brown Toyota Celica hand me down from Mom and Dad - turned 100,000 miles as I was driving to Damon's.

And that's where I watched this game - a game that brings a smile to any ACC fan......

5. Don Pablo's
How in the hell is this place on the list? I went here for lunchat least once a week for 3 years. Find a warehouse, serve cheap Mexican food, overcharge for it, serve expensive and fruity Margaritas.....profit! How do you screw that up?
Don Pablo's was one of only like 4 restaurants near her apartment in 1996-7 in Springdale, near Tri County mall. It was packed at 4:30 pm every day. There was a 20 minute wait every time we went - and we went often. How did they screw this up so badly??

7. Big Boy
If you have stepped foot in Ohio, then you must have eaten here at some point. What's your favorite thing? I was not a regular customer, but several friends kept trying to take us to the Big Boy's breakfast buffet on the weekend. Sorry, I prefer Shoney's.

8. Tony Roma's
Ah, another restaurant which you only aspired to go to when you were in college. There was a Tony Roma's on Mayfield on Birch in Beachwood/Mayfield Village (Kermit, is that right??) that we would drive past every day to and from golf practice. Ribs.....is there anything better to eat after a round of golf? 2 or three times in our career,we would get our $8 meal money for dinner after a tournament, and then grab some more money from the ATM and head to Tony Roma's......for completeyly average ribs that seemed at the time to be worth a million dollars.

9. Country Kitchen
Ah, another Iowa speciality. I think I went to a few of these on my travels around the state for golf....taking my 15-year old caddy with me into the restaurant. A lower-quality Bob Evans, with good breakfast.


So many memories.....all about to disappear.....

Week 6

This week's picks:

Car +4
Ind +7
Pit -12
Chi -2.5
NYJ -7

NFL Week 6: The (Late) New Frontier

The Browns are coming off a bye this week, going to Oakland – and facing the Raiders in the first home game since Al Davis died. I have many good memories about the Browns going to Oakland and winning –there was the classic game in 2005 where we won 9-7 (three Dawson field goals); who can forget a game in 1993 when Eric Metcalf returned a punt for a TD in the 2nd half to win.
Of course, there was a big loss in 2007 – the year we went 10-6 – when we were down 2 in the last seconds; Dawson kicked a 40 yard field goal to win – except Oakland called time out right before the snap. After the time out, the kick was blocked; that loss cost us a division titie and a playoff spot.

I had a 5 year bye myself with casino gambling from 1994-99. When I returned to Vegas for the 2nd time ever with Layup in 99, we stayed at one of the old classic casinos that is no longer there – the Frontier. They made low rollers feel right at home. $5 craps player? Great! Have a buffet coupon! To a young gambler, that was heaven – we felt like Sally Field. “They like us! They really like us!”

It had all the basics for a low budget, serious gambler – low limit blackjack, crpas tables, and roulette table. I think the dealers were actually friendly, too – they talked to you, not lke that pompous joint across the street (the Desert Inn). If you wanted a break from gambling at the Frontier, they had Keno; they also had the manual, whiteboard sportsbook. That huge whiteboard was mesmerizing during an NFL weekend.

We were able to overlook the cigarette burns in the bedsheets and the worn out carpet throughout the casino. Also,you had to get through the picketers out front – but if you never left the casino, you didn’t have to worry about it! I think Layup had his first major craps run here during this trip.

On to the games for week 6:

Car 27, Atl 23 – I just don’t like what I see rom Atlanta. You can’t take that big lead against GB, at home, in a primetime game, and then come out flat. And Carolina is rady to win a road game now. Us Browns fans would be very happy to see the Falcons keep losing.

Cin 20, Ind 17 – I know, I can’t help myself. I just don’t see the Bengals blowing anybody out.

Det 31, SF 23 – I think this Lion team is the real deal – they have the QB, WR and some running game, and the front seven of the defense is solid. And the 49ers now have injuries at the WR position.

GB 34, StL 17 – I can see the Rams scoring some points, but how is anyone going to stop the Packers?

Buf 30, NYG 27, OT – I was able to watch the Giants/Seahawks game last night; I can’t get the vision of Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst tearing up the NYG D out of my head. If those Seatt;e QB’s can do it, I think Fitzpatrick can.

Pit 28, Jax 10 – Believe me, I’ve seen plenty of bad offenses go into Heiz field over the years. I don’t see the Jags scoring more than 10-13.

Was 23, Phi 17 – All right, I’m sick of waiting for the Eagles to show up. I believe in Shananhan after a bye.

Bal 27, Hou 23 – I think Houston will figure a way to keep it close – but lose, of course.

NE 31, Dal 27 – Speaking of keeping it close…. And then losing….we have Tony Romo! Dallas will be within 4 down the stretch – will he lead the Cowboys to a TD and the win, or fumble, or throw the pick six? You know it’s one of those 3.

NO 23, TB 20 – I just don’t think the Saints are the same team outdoors. And the Bucs need to show something as a bounce back after the debacle in SF.

Chi 24, Min 13 – The Bears are desperate; they have a good enough defense to shut down a one-dimensional offense in the Vikings, and they are at home. Are you telling me that Donovan McNabb will lead this team to victory?

NYJ 30, Mia 13 – Matt Moore on the road, against a Jets team returing home after a 3 game road trip?

Best bets: 15 of them. Last week: 8-5-1; overall: 46-28-6
Car +3.5
Ind +6.5
Det -4
SF/Det over 45.5
GB -14
Buf +3
Buf/NYG over 50
Pit -12.5
Was +3
Phi/Was under 47
Hou +7
TB +6.5
NO/TB under 49.5
Chi -2
NYJ -6.5

Week 5

We continue this week:

KC +2.5
Phi -2.5
Jax -2.5
NYG -9.5
NYJ +9

Vietnam Notes

We just had a week long holiday here in China - so we got out of the country and went to Vietnam. We spent 3 days in Saigon (now called Ho Chi Minh City, or HCMC) and then 4 days at a beach town called Nha Trang.

Some completely random notes on the trip that may be of interest:

1. I know it's a sample size of 1, but our tour guide in Saigon was very complementary of Americans and disliked the people from the North. Yeah, I guess it is the spoils of war and all - the North "reunified" the country, and they are in the seat of government - but she talked openly of how the government and the "North" took everything over commerce-wise from Saigon in the past 10-20 years, and no one likes it. I guess I'm shocked that she was so open about it, and from her impression, the South part of Vietnam is still very much pro-American.

2. Went to the Cu Chi tunnels one day - that was interesting. The main attraction are the network of tunnels that the Viet Cong built underground. Freddie, Warren and I went in one and traveled about 40 meters - Freddie complained about them being too small. Warren was fine; he stands just under 4 feet. I was on my hands and knees the whole way.

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And they say they have been enlarged for the tourists.

Of course, there were some disturbing images. There was a display of the man-made traps that the Viet cong built in the jungle. The picture here was the backdrop from the display. That was disturbing


3. A lot of French influence in Saigon. Here is a picture of the main Saigon post office - designed by a French architect. It was undisturbed during the war.

4. Tons - and tons - of motorbikes all over the place. Tons.

5. We also took a tour of the War Museum - yes, the propaganda was in full force there. There was a room called "Historical Truths". In it, charts outlined the American support for the "puppet" government in Sotuh Vietnam from 1954-75. There was a wing solely dedicated to the damage caused by Agent Orange. (The room was orange, by the way). And there were a few American tanks outside on display.

6. The beach town, Nha Trang, was unique. One of the attractions was a resort island called VinPearl. It is kind of like HersheyPark, Sea World, and Chuck E Cheese's all rolled into one, contained in a 5-star luxury resort.

We went on a Wednesday in what is the offseason. The admission fee was about $18 each. The park was open; there were maybe 50 people - maybe - in the whole park. The boys went on water slides for 2 hours and went to the wave pool for another 1 1/2 hours. No lines, no crowds. Just then it started to pour; there was an attraction called "Indoor Games"; in there were bumper cars, a kids play area, and 30 or so video games. All were free.

The play area had about 25% of the safety features of a normal Burger King play area. A sign was present saying the park had no liability for any "severy injuries or fatalities caused by this area". I did not doubt for one second that there mayhave been a fatality there in the past.

The kids corner also had a room for toddlers, with those kids' cars, whiteboards, and toddler beds (for napping). About half the beds had dirty sheets on them.

I'm still in amazement on how this place is still open. Oh - the picture we took is from a cable car that you must take to get to the island. The cable car was built too low; now cruise ships can not come in and dock in the city. This resort apparently has not made many friends in the town.

NFL Week 5: MGM Grand

It's bye week for the Browns after laying a stink bomb last week vs. the Titans. 60 passes for Colt for 350 yards - 60! - breaking the franchise record. We dominated time of possession, but trading FGs for TDs early, and key defensive breakdowns bring us to 2-2 at the break.

Talking about breaks, the one Vegas casino that I take a relative break in is the MGM grand. Many years, we have a dinner at this casino, and we spend the hours before and after the dinner gambling at that casino. Most of the time, I don't gamble as much as other casinos. I hate the layout and the warehouse-like feel of the place. It's impossible to find an afforable craps game - I think there are more craps tables at the Monte Carlo than the MGM.

The dealers are excellent, but the limits are just too high. I just don't want to put in a long session on a Saturday night at the MGM. The one exception, of course, is if they bring back the "Card Sharks" game.....then maybe I will ask for the limits to be raised to $100.....

I've played BJ there for a limited bankroll; played higher-limit Pai Gow Poker ($50) for little risk - but nothing major. It's a nice place for taking a breather, for people watching (especially the people in this group), for light sports wagering - and not much more. A bye week during a typical Vegas trip.

On to the games:

Phi 31, Buf 24. OK, one last game to think that the Eagles will turn it around. And how good are the Bills, really? They beat an imploding KC team, won in a shootout vs. the Raiders, beat the Pats, but lost to the Bengals. So if they play a team with any semblance of defense, they will lose.

Pit 24, Ten 17. I think the Steelers are out to prove something here.

NYG 31, Sea 10. Seattle, on the road, in a 1pm game.....vs the Giants with a good pash rush. Hmmmmmm......Seems too obvious.

Min 20, Az 17. Two teams that can't close. No idea here - except that there will be a lot of mistakes.

Jax 23, Cin 13. Gut feeling - Jax's offense is slowly getting better with Gabbard, and Cincy's offense hasn't done much.

KC 24, Ind 17. I think Painter comes a bit back to earth here for this game.

Car 27, NO 24. All right, yes, I am a sucker for the Panthers.

Hou 27, Oak 24. This one should be decided by a field goal.

SF 24, TB 13. I don't think Tampa is all that good. They can't score if they play a semi-tough defense.

SD 30, Den 23. Denver's defense is the worst in the league. The question is - will the Chargers play down to the competition, again?

NE 30, NYJ 27. The Jets are struggling on offense - and that's fine here, since the Pats have no defense! I think this will be a shootout, and the Jets will stop the Pats just enough to make it close.

GB 30, Atl 28. Atlanta's stand here. They have got to show something here to give them confidence going forward.

Det 28, Chi 16. I think the Lions will come out firing immediately and get a huge lead on the Bears right away.

Best bets: 14 of them. Last week: 11-6; overall: 38-23-5

Phi -3
Pit -3
NYG -10
Az/Min under 45
Jax -1
KC +2
Car +6.5
SF -3
SD -3.5
Den/SD over 45.5
NYJ +7
NYJ/NE over 51
Atl +5.5
Det -5

Week 4

This week's picks:

NO -6.5
NE -4
Arz pk
SD -7
Ind +10