Over on the Laughlin group Hamstockman brought up the subject of Sam
Kinison's death. I had to reflect back myself to the moment.
It brought up some monumental reflections for me, personal, gambling,
technology and history.
Here is the original post and my response (without permission):
In a message dated 4/10/06 12:09:07 PM US Mountain Standard Time,
ab6pq@aol.com writes:
···
Today- April 10 marks the 14th anniversary of the death of Sam Kinison.
Sam was on his way to Laughlin to perform that night at the Riverside,
when a drunk teenager crossed over the line on the Needles highway, and
hit Sam's Trans Am. He was traveling with his wife of only 6 days, and
she survived the crash. What an interesting person Sam Kinison was. A
former Evangelical Minister to a hell raising fowl mouthed comedian. He
had changed his ways at the time of his death, and had been sober and
drug free for several months.I always think of him every time I drive the Needles Highway on the way
into town. RIP Sam.
******
Well I had to go look. The number one Google is:
http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/k/kinison/samkinison.htm
I also had to break out my old Nevada notes.
My first steps in Nevada happened during spring break March 1992. One night
in Laughlin, where I first sat down at a nickel VP machine, just a curiosity.
My first steps in Vegas happened May 1992, stayed at the El Rancho on a
weekend LV bowling league package I bought from a league member. Worked
part-time there.
So Sam expired between my first and second visits to Nevada, what ever that
means. Just a reference point for me.
*****
More comments-
Technology- what was state-of-the-art computers in 1992? It wasn't
pixel/graphics driven yet. Intel 486 chip at best in the PCs?
VP- I don't have a clue how good it was. My first hand of VP occured at
Harrahs Laughlin in March/1992 on a nickel game in the now non-smoking area. I
got hooked.
Vegas-
Tried to learn Basic Strategy for BJ before my May 1992 visit. I remember
sitting down at the El Rancho, stone cold sober in the early afternoon, with my
boss playing at the table. Bought in for $40- $3 min? Boss was playing green.
My buy-in lasted 15 minutes. Did not play blackjack for ten years.
Played Craps for the first time at the "outdoor" table at Slots-O-Fun until
4am. Won $74. Was hooked.
****
Came back the following year...I drove the bus this time. A bunch of
bowlers/drunks before noon on the bus. Stayed at the Royal. Hit my first royal
flush, about my 5000th lifetime hand for $1,332 playing the Jacks, at Westward Ho!
This was before the sun went down on Friday. Didn't tell a soul all weekend.
****
Anyway does Hanstockman's reference of Spring 1992 bring out any fond or
wacky memories for you? Or even a Sam K. story?
BS
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