Tag Archives: gambling

Stocking Stuffer No-Nos

I don’t parent a teenager… it just seems like I do, sometimes. Fortunately, my daughter is young enough that her Christmas wish list wraps around the block, and I’m not forced to rack my brain trying to come up with stocking stuffers I know she will enjoy. This is not the case with my friends who have tweens and teens at home. According to one of my pals, with each passing year she is tempted to pull the plug on the stocking stuffing tradition because she simply can’t come up with worthwhile gifts to cram into her kids’ oversized Christmas … Continue reading →

The Greatest Sports Gambling Scandals – Pete Rose

I have not doubt that a young Pete Rose heard the story of the Chicago Black Sox when he was growing up. However, it apparently had no effect on him at all. Pete Rose was a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds for twenty-three years. He played with them his entire major league baseball career – something you don’t see much of now days. Right before he retired as a player (and for three years afterwards), Rose served as the manager of the Reds. But, I guess all the fame and glory of his baseball days wasn’t enough because Rose bet … Continue reading →

Avoid Greed

Too often, when we are dealing with money, we lose to greed. What exactly is greed and how can it hurt? Greed is an emotion that surfaces almost unknowingly. It is an exciting feeling that can overtake us, influencing our ability to be practical and logical. If you have ever played a slot machine, you most likely have experienced greed. Once you hit that first jackpot, the rush you feel, as those coins fall into the bin, is greed raising its ugly head. If you could collect your winnings and walk away… you have fought the evil greed monster. Most … Continue reading →

A Hole in the Earth – Robert Bausch

I really went back and forth with myself on whether I should review “A Hole in the Earth.” It had some interesting themes and I found the overall concept intriguing, but it does have some language in it. Back and forth I went, trying to decide, and then I said to myself (I really do talk to myself) “Tristi, present the book to them and then they’ll decide for themselves.” So that’s what I’m going to do. Our main character is Henry Porter, and the book is written from his point of view. He starts by telling us that because … Continue reading →

Guys and Dolls (1955)

They say you haven’t lived until you’ve seen “Guys and Dolls.” They say you’re uneducated and sheltered. So I decided to come out of my shell and see it. I guess I’m now educated, but I confess, I’m not sure what all the hubbub’s about. Frank Sinatra is Nathan Detroit, a professional gambler who runs a floating crap game. The police are on to him and he’s got to find a new location. He’s found a place that will work, but he’s got to come up with some cash. Running into an old friend, Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) he bets … Continue reading →

Riding High (1950)

This predictable Bing Crosby movie had a lot of build-up and a whole lot of let-down. I don’t know about you, but when I hear that a movie has a big name in it, like, oh, I don’t know – Bing Crosby, I tend to think that it’s going to be a decent film. I also think that I’m going to hear some really good singing. Oh, I’m so naïve. Hollywood sometimes misses the mark, and when the actors are under contract to star in whatever movie they’re told to take, there is no guarantee. Bing plays Dan Brooks, a … Continue reading →

Show Boat (1951)

I’ve been on a bit of a Howard Keel kick lately, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, and no Howard Keel kick would be complete without “Show Boat.” Nollie Hawkes (Kathryn Grayson) lives on a riverboat with her mother and father. They travel up and down the Mississipi River with a full complement of actors and actresses on board. Whenever they come to a town, they put on a show and invite everyone in the town to come. Each season brings a new show, and the townsfolk look forward to the arrival of the showboat. Julie and Bill are the stars … Continue reading →