Monday, August 23, 2010

Regrets

I've worked a total of 21 hours in two days at the PNE, and I haven't had so much fun in a long time. If I'd only known how enjoyable working at the Fair would have been, I would have done it a long time ago, instead of waiting 21 years between stints. Yes, it was one find day in August, 1989 when I started my career at GCC at the PNE. That day I worked 8 hours on Blackjack and 4 hours on the wheel.

But fast forward to 2010. The first day I was dealing roulette (rather slowly at first but it all came back pretty quickly). It was a blast from the past to see old friends such as Lubna and Garry back with GCC (even if for a short time). Today started on roulette again, and then, as if I knew it would happen, I went to a game that I last dealt probably 15 years ago.... Red Dog. Who would have believed it? And it was fun, although four hours of it wasn't what I'd expected.

I have my one day off now and then it's back to the grind. And I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Michael Buble

Wow.... that's all I can say about the Michael Buble concert I saw tonight. The guy definitely is a great showman who not only sings but also entertains the crowd. There were a lot of great surprises, so don't read on if you're seeing the show on Saturday.

Just when I was expecting him to sing a lot of his songs and maybe other classic tunes, he tells a story of how when he was growing up he idolized one Michael Jackson. Then out of nowhere he starts singing AND DANCING to Billy Jean, complete with Moonwalk. He's one cool guy.

For Vancouver Canuck fans, the highlight was probably when he introduced John Shorthouse (yes, the play-by-play guy) and the two of them did a tribute to Tom Larsheid, the color guy who was retiring after 30 years. I may not be a big Canuck fan, but it was a nice touch to an already great concert.

Thank you Mr. Buble.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Thought for the Day

How long would you wait in line for a heavily discounted meal, such as a buffet? One hour? 2? 3? 4? 5? 6?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

At First I Was Afraid, I Was Petrified....

I had another great time at Pondok, channeling the spirit of Frank Sinatra and the disco era to sing my two "signature" songs. It was a welcome release for me and it was great to let loose, although maybe a bit over the top. But as I've said countless times before, karaoke is my guilty pleasure, my "anytime anyplace" activity that just makes me feel good. Maybe one day I'll get to perform live in front of people other than my friends.

And now, the time for PNE is near, my little break from the other place. I'm starting to look forward to it. I will hear the sound of the ball once again....

Saturday, August 07, 2010

PNE Rumors

Yes, it's true, I'm working at the PNE. No, it's false, I'm not managing, and no I'm not supervising (unless I am needed for those jobs which is unlikely). I've been dying to do something I haven't done full time since about 2004 when I came back to GCC. Yes, I'm dealing roulette. I haven't had the chance to say those wonderful three words... "Place your bets"... and "No more bets". Yes I'm taking a pay cut but with the long hours it will be the same. I have my reasons, mostly to have a little break from that other place. It's only for two weeks, I'm sure River Rock will survive. And no, I won't ask for EO.

I leave you with the first and last lines of the best casino movie of all time, "Croupier"

"Now he had become the still centre of that spinning wheel of misfortune. The world turned round him... leaving him miraculously untouched. The croupier had reached his goal. He no longer heard the sound of the ball".....

.... "Now he had reached the point where he no longer heard the sound of the ball... the spin of the wheel had brought him home to the place where he was born. The croupier's mission was accomplished. At last he was Master of the Game. He had the power... to make you lose.

I remember when I first saw the movie how incredibly real the movie imitated my life. Well, I get to hear the sound of the ball again.

Monday, August 02, 2010

Kooza

My one precious day off was spent watching the Cirque du Soleil production of Kooza. While it was obviously not as much of a spectacle as the Vegas shows, I had a good time. The acrobatic performances were just as amazing as the Vegas performers, and in some cases even better. If you have never seen a Cirque show, I would recommend this one before it's too late.