Gambling: Part 2

2 lessons learned:

Lesson 1
If you are at the casino, like I was, and am also asian, like I am, and therefore will have a strong, undeniable compulsion to gamble, then do yourself a favor and play a game that you like and are good at. 

Don't sit around and hope to get on a table that you want, like I did, and then go and lose money at a crappy game like video roulette, because you got bored and wanted to gamble just cause.

Lesson 2
If you have a friend that you know is either very lucky, or skilled, or you just know that he/she is going to win.  Stick to them like glue and bet on the same things they've betting on. 

My friend Tom with whom I've been to the casino twice now is one such individual.  On his first hand in Harrah's in New Orleans he won $300 playing blackjack.  I think he was up over a thousand that weekend.  On our last trip a couple weeks ago, he played a $5 slot machine and won $1100 on one pull. 

SOOO....lesson learned.  Don't play crappy games just to play.  And bet on Tom.

FACT: Asians like to gamble.

It's true.  My dad likes to.  I like to.  I'm not just talking about Chinese folks, ALL Asians like to gamble.  Slots, Bingo, Baccarat, Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Sports betting....you name, we do it. 

Personally, I really enjoy Poker, Craps, and sports betting.  Craps is something that I've really gotten into in recent years.  Unlike poker and sports, however, you can really only play it at the casino which is why I play it the most whenever I'm at one.  Also in Craps, much like Blackjack, many times if you win, everyone wins.  Besides, the wait is generally outrageous for a seat at a poker table anyways, unless your willing to rock the real high stakes.

I definitely enjoy the more interactive games.  Slots and Bingo are pretty boring in my mind.  Poker is the ultimate game.  You can bluff, strategize, and your playing against other people, not the casino.  The casino will still take its rake, but I guess I feel better if I lose to someone rather than the casino. 

Have you ever walked into a casino and noticed that there are an inordinate amount of Asian people.  Usually with a beer in one hand and a cig in the other.  There's a reason why they've built the Las Vegas of the East in Macao (island within ferry distance of Hong Kong).  Many of the same casinos are there are even there, i.e. MGM Macao.

This saturday I'll get my casino fix along with many of my brethren and hopefully win a little bit.

Things I've done that would go on my Chicago Bucket List

As I was writing the previous post about my Chicago Bucket List.  I came to the realization by asking people what might be on there list that people reading this wouldn't have a frame of reference.  They would have no idea what I've already done that would originally be put on the list so here goes again...

In no particular order:

• Cubs game (bleachers, 1st come 1st served)  (Rooftop)
• Sox game (was actually a Cubs/Sox game down at the Cell)
• Bulls game
• Chicago Fire game (Bridgeview)
• South Side Irish Parade - discontinued.  RIP
• Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science of Industry, etc...
• Chinatown
• Multiple festivals - Love summer Chi fests - Mayfest, Oktoberfest, Burger Fest, Sheffield Garden Walk, Belmont Sheffield, and many, many more
• Hancock Building
• Sears deck - yes Sears, not Willis - although I haven't been there since they opened the outdoor see through deck
• Trump Tower - been to the bar a few times.  Ate at the restaurant Sixteen for our engagement dinner.
• Went on a boat on the Lake - caught 311 and Matisyahu at Northerly Island from the lake, very cool
• Mag mile shopping
• Great America
• Arlington Race Track
• Lincoln Park Zoo - free, fun, and easy
• North Ave Beach - one of if not the most popular beach.  Pretty cool restaurant/bar on the beach thats shaped like a ship.  Been playing in a beach volleyball league in the summer for a few years now.
• Millennium Park - sculptures, etc.
• Off Broadway play - saw Mary Poppins

Food is coming next.  Oh baby!

Chicago Bucket List

I saw a local mag the other day that had an article about a Chicago Bucket List.  I didn't get a chance to read the article, but it inspired me to make my own nonetheless.  So here's a loose list of what I'd want to do in Chi and the surrounding areas...

In no particular order:

• Lollapalooza (Grant Park) - probably just 1 day.  Don't need to spend $200 on 3 days.  Sweaty, nasty, and expensive.
• Ravinia (Highland Park)- so many good concerts every year.  Missed the Counting Crows last year and Gipsy Kings the previous year.
• River dye (anywhere along the river downtown)- I've seen it a few days after, but I've never seen it during.  I miss the South Side Irish Parade
• Blackhawks game (United Center)
• Medieval Times (Schaumburg/Palatine) - cheesy, but I think I'd enjoy it
• Run a race - I've been talking about running a half marathon forever.  There are other cool races like Race to Wrigley and one that runs into Soldier Field.  I'm sure there are other themed/dress up in costume races as well that would be fun.
• Air and Water Show (lakefront) - I've heard many planes and even seen 1 or two, but I've never gotten the whole experience.
• Dinner cruise (Navy Pier) - this could be done in most cities probably.
• Blue Man Group (Lakeview) - I know that its not only in Chicago, but it does only play in a few cities.  Also, I've worked 2 blocks away for 5 years now.
• Tours (city) - Architecture Tour (water tour), Gangter Tour,  Ghost Tour, etc...
• Second City, Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatres (Lincoln Park/Old Town)
• Neighborhoods known for specific dining - examples include Greektown, Little Italy, Devon (Rogers Park - Indian Food).
• Metra- yes, kind of silly, but I've never ridden it.
• Segway Tour (loop)
• Art Musem (loop)
• Kingston Mines (Lincoln Park) - I've been to BLUES across the street.  The other Blues clubs on the southside are intriguing also.

I'm sure that I'm missing a ton of things for now that I'll have to edit in later.  My next 2 posts will be about the things I've already done that would make the bucket list and also a whole food section.  I couldn't figure out how to add that in without going on and on about it.

Tell me what's on your bucket list.  Thoughts Melissa (since your the only one who ever comments)?