Gamblin' Ramblin$

One more Derby chip

Just received word that the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City has a $100 chip again this year.

Love to see at least one more casino continuing to give the Derby its due. What happened to you...Vegas...hmmmmmmmm???

Back from the Windy City

Somehow I got "volunteered" into chaperoning a group of 7th Graders on trip to Chicago.

Actually, my fears were proven unfounded as they behaved in a respectable manner. In fact, I give them credit for coping with some of the last minute changes that occurred.

We visited the Field Museum, the Navy Pier, the Musuem of Science and Industry, and Medieval Times.

We were supposed to visit the Hancock Building but the schedule was so tight that we skipped it to spend more time at the pier. I think that was better for the kids as they had much more fun wandering, eating, and shopping.

On day 2 we had an unplanned stop...to Chinatown! What fun! I was in charge(?) of Conor and Will...it was tough keeping up with them as they darted in and out of the shops. We all tried some pastries and bought lots of ummmmm.....stuff. Actually Conor came home with a boken, a practice sword, and I bought chopsticks for the family as well as some mystery gifts. I think all the kids enjoyed themselves during that particular stop.

While we went non-stop for a day and a half, I had blast with the kids. Next year? Maybe, depends on where we go...Vegas?? Hahahahahahahaha!

Chipping is good

Well d'uh...of course it is!

I've come under fire for my game play (addiction). Granted I have spent a lot of time playing the game, and it's something I enjoy. Due to the constant badgering about my play time, I've tried (and succeeded in) reducing the amount of time I'm online. To no avail though, even the mere viewing the forums creates tension...it's really quite childish. I made concessions and drastically cut my time down...to the point of playing at very odd hours so there would be no conflict with family plans.

So I'm taking a complete break from the game...for awhile anyway.

That brings me back to casino chips...real tangible stuff not mere pixels. My $100 Palms Smarty Jones chip is on the way along with a new binder for my Derby chips...finally I'll have them all in one place.

I've received several inquiries regarding chips lately and that has rekindled my interest. One collector sent a ton of scans with all kinds of chips from common traders to some very sweet pieces. We'll see what he has in mind.

I updated my website and will soon add all the new Derby chips...booyah!

And down the stretch they come!

New Acquisition

Palms Derby 2005 Giacomo Set
$2.50, 5, 10, 25, and 100
05-05-06
Limited to:
$2.50- 1500
$5- 1500
$10- 1000
$25- 500
$100- 500

Yeah, yeah...I'm back. Man, the Derby chip selection was very puny but once again the Palms cranks out a super set of chips. This year featuring 2005 winner Giacomo.

Check out the Garland of Roses on the $10 chip. That was made at the Middletown Kroger store. This year, I worked at that same store during Derby Week and was able to view the assembly of both the Lillies for the Fillies and the Garland of Roses. How cool!

Anyway, this is an awesome set of chips that is now in my possession. I'm going after the $100 from last year and that will complete the Derby chips, except for the evil Hard Rock chips that are hopelessly out of my reach.

I guess I'm official now

I just finished my first day of being an actual co-manager at Kroger's. The classroom stuff is all done and now it's really time to go out there and make a difference. The store I'm in is somewhat small and has lots of challenges but I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.

The rest of the management staff seems quite nice and willing to help this "newb". My schedule for the next month has been made and I have to say...it rocks! Yeah...several 10pm closing shifts but that's not such a big deal. Toss in every other weekend off and some 7-4 shifts and I'm a happy guy!

And YES! I still collect casino chips and have been able to pick up a few recently. Increased income never sucks. The Derby releases were kinda sad this year...only the Palms, Hard Rock, and Caesars Indiana had chips and the Hard Rock pulled the same crap as last year by requiring you to place bets to get their chips...argh!

I'm in the process of re-cataloguing my Derby chips with the help of a new binder that will will hold them all, so that means new scans and posts...hell, I might even update my website!

As we say in World of Warcraft when something good happens...wOOt!!