Many times while gambling, I’ve found myself searching for
subtle signs to assist me in making my next bet. For example, if
I’m playing roulette and a person in a red blouse stands next to
me, then I’ll place an outside bet on red. If I’m experiencing
very good luck at Blackjack and a less friendly dealer takes
over the table, then I’ll take it as a sign to move onto another
table because my luck is about to change. Superstition and myth
have always played a small part in the gambling area. From the
common practice of blowing on a set of dice before rolling them,
to the not so common practice of carrying a toenail from a
horned toad, many gamblers believe that they can actually give
their game play an edge by following irrational beliefs that
have long been associated with gambling. While most gamblers
have adopted their own set of superstitious beliefs and
practices, there still remains a common set of beliefs that many
gamblers have at one time or another adopted.
Some of the superstitions which are believed to bring good luck
include:
- Carrying a four leaf clover. - Carrying a rabbit’s foot. -
Carrying a horseshoe. - Carrying a personal lucky charm. -
Wearing a lucky item of clothing. - Blowing on the dice before
rolling them. - Being well dressed. - Crossing one’s fingers. -
Stacking the gambling chips neatly. - The color red.
Some of the superstitions which are believed to bring bad luck
include:
- Breaking a mirror. - A black cat crossing one’s path. -
Walking under a ladder. - Dogs near a gambling table. - The
color black.
While most of us at one stage or another have given way to the
occasional superstitious belief, when it comes to the practice
of gambling, it would seem to make more sense for a player to
invest more time in the study and practice of various playing
strategies and less time in the practice of irrational
superstitious beliefs which may or may not work.
As sure as May comes after April Showers, barbecue grills across the world are heating up and sending out their aromatic smoke signals.
Grilling is a fun family activity except when something turns out to be a “burnt offering to the gods” of ancient times.
There are flavored wood chips and bottled seasonings to take you to far-away places and exotic destinations right there in your own backyard.
You can start with simple ideas like hot dogs, and hamburgers, take the next step to chicken, steaks and ribs. and when you get really good take on kabobs and a whole roasted pig.
Oh, the heavenly aroma and the endless possibilities. You can have your doggies plain, with cheese, wrapped, and even put on a raft and sent to sail onto your dinner table.
Never heard of dogs on a raft, well now -
Slit your favorite type of hot dog lengthwise, but not all the way through. Grill over hot coals. Taking pieces of foil large enough to hold a sandwich, arrange two pieces of bacon on the bottom of your foil. Turn the edges up to catch any drippings so your messages to neighbors far and near wait a while. Cook the bacon in the foil on the grill. In your slit
hot dog place a strip of pickle (not round), and cheese strips. Place your hot dog on another sheet of foil and grill until cheese melts. Place these dogs on a toasted coney bun but crosswise, not lengthwise. Place the two pieces of bacon across the top of your hot dogs and viola! you have your dogs setting sail on a raft into gourmet heaven.
Serve chilled cantaloupe wedges, fruit punch as a beverage, and your favorite brownies.
Now for the burger lovers - Using a 1/3 cup scoop, divide your ground beef into mounds.
Flatten each mound between pieces of waxed paper, creating a 4″ patty. Place half of your patties aside. These are your “toppers”. Sprinkle the other burgers with salt and pepper, prepared mustard or ketchup, onion slices, and shredded cheese. Now take your toppers and place them over your burgers. Press together the edges all around to seal in all those
burger fixins inside. Grill over hot coals about 10-15 minutes, flipping very carefully.
When done to your liking, place on grilled buns and enjoy.
Maple flavored baked beans, potato salad, and hot fudge sundaes and you have a meal fit for a Backyard Grill Fest.
I’d like to give you more recipes but my neighbors are sending conflicting smoke messages. Got to go - have fun and enjoy!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 April
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arleen has written numerous articles, e-books, and the novel SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.rusticliving.info
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/index.html
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving