Casino Rama is a gambling joint in Orillia. My mother goes there once a month to play the slot machines. It's a social outing for her. She's a conservative player though. She usually sets her limit at $20. When she spends that, she walks away. But not so her friends, some of whom go to the casino as often as once a week, and they put down anywhere from $200 to $500 playing various games each time.
The casino provides a bussing service to pick up and drive back all the seniors who go the casino. To entice their participation, the casino also issues vouchers for free meals and free hotel stays, depending on how much you've spent. And while you are playing, wait staff bring you food and drink, free. The casino still makes money despite giving these services away, or more accurately, they make money because they give away these freebies. Let's say they give someone a bus ride ($20), a free meal ($20), a free show ($30), free snacks ($10) and a bed ($100). That's $150 of freebies. But to earn that, a player needs to have spent over $2000, tracked on a members card the casino issues.
It's easy to spend $200 or more in one night. I was at the casino last night, and in 5 minutes, I blew $20 on a slot machine. Imagine those people who sit in front of a machine for three hours. I've stood there and watched as people plunk down a $50 bill a go at Black Jacks. I bet it's easy to spend a few of thousand in a night. Those free services the casino offers? Insignificant grains of sand on a coastal beach.
But the enticing thing about this casino for me is their entertainment centre. They bring in big name acts from yesterday, at very reasonable prices. I've seen Herman's Hermits there. Last night, I went to see Engelbert Humperdinck.
Engelbert is a true showman. He looks marvelous. No doubt, the good life, face lifts, tummy tucks and a large support team help keep him well-preserved. But the things he needs to work at himself to keep in shape are his voice and physical fitness. At 70 (he was born May 2, 1936), he still belts out songs in a strong, clear baritone. He can also gyrate and spin on stage like he did years ago. You have no doubt he is still a sex symbol. Wow. And when he sings those corny love songs, he makes me swoon like I never did when I listened to him on the radio years ago.
I have come to appreciate crooners much more in the last few years. I also listen to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Bobby Darin, Eddie Arnold, Elvis Presley. Even Skeeter Davis. They are all gone now. The way they sang captured a simpler time, spontaneous sentiments, and honourable intentions - a way of life we've forgotten could exist. No wonder Michel Buble, Harry Connick Jr., and Matt Dusk have become so popular.
I am making it my mission to see as many old time crooners as I can before they croak. I have Paul Anka, Wayne Newton and Tom Jones on my list.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment