Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Goodnight Liz

A handful of celebrities are known by one name (Madonna, Cher, etc.). But there was one celebrity who was simply known by her shortened three-letter name. Liz. In the acting world, there was and will only be one Liz. But Liz left us this morning, and Hollywood lost perhaps the last icon of the Golden era. The days of Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Vivian Leigh, Ingrid Bergman and others are now of the past.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Priorities

Even though right now I'm a difficult time, I guess it's part of my nature that I'm worried more about other people and events The devastation in Japan has almost made me forget that I have to look for a job in the short term. I guess that's the way I've been brought up, to think about others before thinking about yourself. Even closer to home I think I'm more worried about how the employees (OK, ex-employees) are rather than how I am. Shouldn't I be panicking now (is that how you spell panicking?). Stay calm I guess.

That being said, it's scary and sad watching the news regarding Japan. I know the country itself will eventually rebound but all these reports of tsunamis and nuclear explosions makes everybody nervous. And to think it happened so soon after the disaster in New Zealand. Who's next?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Don't Worry Be Happy

I don't want to hear about people crying and sad, because then I start feeling the same. I've been very blessed and fortunate to read such wonderful words in the matter of 24 hours. I'm man enough to say that there have been tears in my eyes. I'm sorry I did what I did but let's just remember the good, happy, and fun times.

Tell you what, I see these kind of posts before so if you want to play, post your favorite memory of me or something about me that made you happy. I hope it's more than just "I got EO a lot", although I know I may have been the King of Handing Out EO's (especially Pit 11). Gordon, you get to pick between "Delilah" and "FINGA". And even if you are one of my "non casino" friends, you can participate.

Goodbye (long version)

I won't go into detail, but suffice to say I am no longer working for River Rock or Great Canadian Casinos. It was sudden but it's happened. I'll leave it at that.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people I met and knew through the years. People such as Albert and Ron I knew before I even started in the casino industry in 1989. It's hard to imagine that was 22 years ago. I spent many years at the Holiday Inn on Broadway later known as Casino on Broadway. It's ironic that a few days ago I was reminiscing about the HIB and those memories still remain.

I spent a year at Fraser Downs and I met some great people as well. Some people came over with me when the COB closed down but I met others when I went to Cloverdale. And not just the tables department, but also the security, cage, and slot departments were very welcome (sorry Deryck, I guess we won't be doing cards anymore).

The River Rock was where my career ended. Sorry guys, I can't help you with EO's and cancelled shifts anymore. Enjoy the 10am shifts though. Les is still morning EO king and Fred can stay the 8pm king. And when Dancing Queen or Beat It plays on the stereo, do a little dance if no one is watching. Mamma, somebody else has to get coffee now. And for whoever does: Albert (1 and 1), Danny (1 cream), Oscar (hot chocolate), Chris (3 and 3), Ann (3 and 3), Dan (double double) and Wanda (double double). Sorry graveyard, never did buy coffee for you guys...

To Albert, Danny, Oscar, Chris, Ann, Sina, Dan (I'm putting you in the midshift section), Howard, Sylvia, Lenny, Wanda, Bo and Eva, you are one fine team and it was my pleasure to work with you. To Rick, Deborah, Daniel, Jim and Ray, I'm sorry for what happened but keep up the fine work you do. Take care everyone.

That being said, OTHER than the casino industry, Facebook me (is that a verb now?) if there are any job opportunities that a Michael Jackson dancing tall Chinese guy may be qualified for....