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Gambler Celebrating 23 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community y www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogamblerr

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February 4 - 17, 2014

See Cover Story on page 8

Check Out Valuable Coupons On Page 15

PROMOTIONS

Black Hawk, Central City February promos Pages 4-5, 10-11

ENTERTAINMENT Chuck Pyle, A Colorado Treasure Page 7

COLORADO HISTORY The avalanche that wouldn’t stop running & running &…

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TRAIL’S END

Colorado’s Gold King builds an agricultural community Page 17

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CASINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTER TAINMENT

The Last Hand

Gambler

Just some simple economic advice less than 1 perI’ve given up cent. Something on social issues, is wrong with this let people do what picture. they want to do, So seniors like put a tax on it, and to gamble, why let people enjoy not – there is cerdoing their thing.

It is not up to me tainly no incento become judge tive to save up a and jury, so each bunch of money to his own. that pays almost I would like to no interest, and bring the troops By Bob Sweeney then pass on leavhome, and reduce ing the money to the national debt. the kids.

Also get savings accounts back Look around the casino up to at to least an 8 percent and you’ll see plenty of gray return. For years, savings ac- hair, maybe no hair at all, but counts paid anywhere from 4 generally people having fun, percent to a whopping 15 per- standing in line to get a new cent in the early 1980s. It would customer card, cash in chips or seem that somewhere around ask where the restroom might 8 percent would be wonder- be, which is usually located by ful and once again folks would the slot machines. I haven’t have some incentive to put spotted any in the actual bathmoney away for a rainy day. rooms yet.

It should be illegal that Gambling is really about credit cards can charge huge money, how to win some, lose interest rates on accounts while as little as possible, and still banks and treasury notes pay have a good time.

The bus companies are certainly heroes to face the elements and rising traffic to bring customers back and forth to casino towns. We hope you enjoy reading this newspaper while you ride along and find some good deals and promotions. Make sure you use the coupons.

Any entertainment costs a certain amount of money; go to a Broncos game and it’s several hundred dollars for two tickets, have a beer and dog and add another fifty bucks.

At a movie, the popcorn and coke are more than the ticket to the show.

Just go slow when you approach a gaming machine or table game. Don’t pounce on it too quickly; take your time like you’re sipping scotch or drinking a fine glass of wine.

Enjoy the experience and don’t take it too seriously or drink too much.

The key to being a good gambler is lots of discipline and being able to set some winning and losing philosophies.

Know how much to want to win or how much you’re willing to lose and stick to your rules.

Remember, “He who runs away will live to fight another day.” www.coloradogambler.com

Tony Thorpe Maverick Sharp coloradogambler

cogambler

LadiesNight T

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Mardi Gras, Golden Gates & Golden Gulch

Where gals gather for a night of drinks, food and winning!

An arrow from this bow means bucks!

More than 80 participants will win cash and prizes!

Drawings are every Friday, starting at 5pm and Saturday, starting at 3pm.

The final drawing will be held Saturday, February 22.

Every 10 base points on slots or 30 minutes of tracked table game play earns one entry.

Free entries may be awarded based on play level or through kiosk promotions.

300 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 303-582-5600 • GoldenMardiGras.com Must be at least 21. Must be an A-Play Club® Member. Management reserves all rights. See A-Play Club for rules. Gambling problem? Call 800-522-4700.

PAGE 2

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

February 4 - 17, 2014

eSCape to romanCe! Exclusive hotel and dining packages available Valentine’s Day only!

February 14 Cupid paCkage, $199

• One-night stay in a standard room • Special Valentine’s Day menu for two at Otis and Henry’s

®

Sweetheart paCkage, $209

• One-night stay in a standard room • Two free meals at Calypso’s Buffet ®

romanCe paCkage, $279

• One-night stay in a standard room • Dinner for two from our special Valentine’s Day menu at Farraddays

®

Limited space is available so reserve your romantic getaway today!

For more information, please call 1-800-THE-ISLE and mention the Preferred Valentine’s Day hotel package*.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:00am – 8:00pm Surprise that special someone with a sparkling gift and get a chance at cash too!

Earn 20 unadjusted points to receive your gift. One in five gifts will have a cash surprise of up to $100 inside**.

Valid only at Isle Black Hawk. While supplies last.

1-800-THE-ISLE • www.theisleblackhawk.com ®

© 2014 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Otis and Henry’s, Farraddays, Calypso’s Buffet, Isle Lady Luck and Get Winning are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 or older. Promotions subject to change or cancellation without notice. Suites available with a $50 upgrade fee. * Reservations are required for hotel packages and are based on availability. Call 1-800-THE-ISLE for reservations. Please request the Isle or Lady Luck Tower at time of booking. A credit card is required to make a reservation and upon check-in.

Must call to cancel your reservation 24 hours prior to arrival to avoid a $ 40.00 cancellation fee. Arrival time is 4:00pm. ** Please visit players club or cashier services for details.

Management reserves all rights. Gambling a problem? There is help. And hope. Call 1-800-522-4700.

Earn 5X Points on Pennies

Lady Luck Player’s card starting at 10 a.m.

Valentine’s Day promotion

black-hawk-ladyluck.isleof capricasinos.com

Breakfast is Back

Stop into Otis and Henry’s for breakfast specials now served all day long. Whet your appetite with our house specialty spinach and artichoke dip or appetizer sampler platter. Try a delicious milkshake. Otis & Henry’s offers great food at great prices, Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m. – midnight and Saturday, 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Moolah Monday

Sign up for Lady Luck’s FREE slot tournament Monday mornings from 9 – 10:45 a.m. Starting at 11 a.m., play for the Moolah. After the conclusion of the first round, players who earn 5 points on their players club account can play in the newly added redemption round for a second chance at the top score. The top five high scorers will be awarded a cash prize. Top prize $250! Two bonus drawings for $100 will be held at 2 p.m. for all tournament players. Guests must be present to win cash drawing. See guest services for rules and additional details on all promotions.

Mystery Point Multiplier Thursdays

Every Thursday in February, starting at noon until 8 p.m., guests will swipe their player’s card at the SCA Kiosks and choose one symbol to reveal their point multiplier for the promotional day. Point multipliers can be 2X, 3X, 5X, 7X, 10X or 20X. Guests must redeem voucher at the promotions area with a marketing representative prior to playing to receive points. Point multiplier is valid from time of registration until midnight on Thursdays in February.

Medal Money

Bring home the gold, silver or bronze.

Come in for Medal Money every Tuesday in February. One winner will be selected every half hour from noon to 8 p.m. to play for their chance to earn some Medal Money. Top prize $250! Guests will receive one free entry and will earn additional entries for every 50 unadjusted points. Guests can swipe their

PAGE 4

Flag of Nations Scratcher Every Saturday in February, earn a Flag of Nations scratch play for every 200 unadjusted points. Scratch plays can be redeemed between 2 – 10 p.m. at SCA kiosks. Guests must swipe their player’s card and scratch their champion’s flag to reveal a prize. Guests can then redeem prize vouchers at the promotions area with a marketing representative. Cash prizes will range from $5 all the way up to $500. Otis & Henry food voucher prizes will range from $10 to $30. Limit 10 scratch plays per player each promotional day.

Poker

Bad Beat Top Award is currently $36,820 (as of Jan. 28) with qualifiers of Aces Full of Jack’s beaten. Be in a game Sunday – Friday by 10 a.m. and receive 2 - $10 Bounce Back Coupons after 4 hours of play. Be in a game Sunday – Friday by 11 a.m. and receive a $10 Bounce Back Coupon after 3 hours of play. Earn $2 in comp for every hour of live play. Play 3 hours and have your bus ticket reimbursed up to $18. Play 6 hours of live action Sunday’s – Wednesday’s and earn a Free Night Stay (Excludes Holidays and Blackout Dates). Earn an entry to Blizzard of Cash Poker promotion for every hour of Live Play.

Club 40 Club 40 is now twice as nice. Join us twice a week, Wednesdays and Fridays, for Club 40. All guests age 40 or better will receive 4X points on slots and 2X points on video poker.

Guests will also receive a free entrée at Otis & Henry’s once they earn 50 unadjusted points on their Lady Luck Player’s Card. Make sure to check out Otis & Henry’s brand new menu.

You can eat the most important meal of the day, breakfast, all day long!

Receive $5 Did you know your email is worth $5?

Guests who provide a new email address will receive $5 cash. Stay up to date with Lady Luck promotions and receive special offers via email.

Play and Stay Sundays through Thursdays in February earn a free room in the Lady Luck Hotel Tower.

To Earn play 500 unadjusted points on Lady Luck Player’s Card. Poker and table games guests can earn too. Play 4 hours at table games or play 6 hours in a live poker game.

Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays and blackout dates.

Table Games We always have multiple $5 games. Play $2 craps Monday through Thursday with 10 X’s odds daily. We Offer Craps, Roulette, Buffalo Blackjack Bonus, and 21 + 3 Xtreme.

Club 40 – Play 2 hours and receive a $10 Meal at Otis & Henry’s every Friday. Play 4 hours Sunday’s – Thursday’s and earn a free night Stay (Excludes Holidays and Blackout Dates). Play 3 hours and have your bus ticket reimbursed up to $18. Earn Cash Offers, Match Play Coupons, Food Comps and other Great Offers based on play.

www.theisleblackhawk.com

Play 30 – Play 60

Mondays in February, receive a free buffet or $50 to Farraddays’. Play 30 minutes on your Players Card and receive a free Calypsos’ Buffet. Play 60 minutes and receive $50 at Farraddays’. Must visit the Players Club or Cashier Services prior to playing to register.

Sizzlin’ Progressive Hot Seats

Guests can earn $100 or more instantly simply by playing their favorite machine or table game. Random hot seat drawings will take place Tuesday, Feb. 4, 18 and 25 from 3 – 7 p.m. If a winner is not present, the cash will roll to the next drawing

Sparkling Surprise Giveaway

On Tuesday Feb. 11, earn 20 unadjusted points between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and receive a necklace in celebration of Valentine’s Day. One in five gifts will contain a BONUS cash prize up to $100! Necklaces available while supplies last.

Heartbreak Giveaway

Win your share of $20,000. Drawings will take place every Friday in February from 5:30 – 10 p.m. Winners will break a heart to win $200, $400 or $600. Guests will receive one free entry on promotion days and additional entries with each set of 20 unadjusted points earned.

Each Thursdays, 8 a.m. – midnight in February, earn 5X Points on all Penny slot machines. Point multiplier is not valid on video poker and you must register at the players club or cashier services prior to playing.

Paradise 50 Plus

Each Sunday, all guests age 50 or better can join the Paradise 50 Plus club. You will receive 3X points on all slots, 2X points on video poker, a free ice cream and a Free Calypso’s Buffet after earning five unadjusted points. For complete details, visit the player’s club.

Bus Fare Refund

Do you ride the bus to Black Hawk? The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $20. Simply earn 35 unadjusted points on your player’s card and present your return bus ticket to the player’s club or cashier services. Table Games and Poker players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play.

Sign Up to Win up to $500

would pay more than $57,725 or 50% and Quad 8’s or better beaten would pay over $86,587 or 75%! For complete rules, please contact the Poker Room at 303-998-7905.

Free Food – The Isle provides free food for poker players seated in a live cash game or tournament including: Hot & Fresh Pizza, hot dogs, brats, 2 varieties of soup, nacho’s & cheese, chili, as well as vanilla, strawberry or chocolate milkshakes made to order!

Tournaments – Monday through Friday, there will be two tournaments each day at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Every Thursday is Omaha Day at the Isle with 2 weekly Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo Tournaments to choose from.

For complete information, please contact the Poker room at 303-998-7905.

Tradewinds

Tradewinds at the Isle has a new menu that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, a green chili and chipotle, the black & blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds® even offers a mouthwatering cheeseburger burrito.

All new members of the IsleOne player’s club will receive a scratch ticket after playing 30 minutes on their new Players card.

Play And Stay

Play 30 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club card Sundays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and midnight and stay the night on us! Check with the Player’s Club or Cashier Services once you have earned your points to receive your hotel offer. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days may apply.

Table Games

The Isle has all your favorite table games including blackjack, craps with 10 times odds and roulette! Also available at the Isle, Three Card Poker, Bonus 6, Buffalo blackjack, Double Deck blackjack, and 21+3. Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and Let-It-Ride are all linked to one progressive jackpot that as of Jan. 28 is $95,575. Three Card Poker has its own progressive jackpot and is at $1,013.

And now exclusively at the Isle you can play “Craps-Free Craps” with 10 times odds.

Poker Room

Bad Beat – The Isle has the easiest bad beat to win in Black Hawk. The Bad Beat Jackpot Pool as of Jan. 28 is $115,450.

That means Aces full of 10’s through Kings beaten would pay over $11,545 or 10% of the total jackpot pool. With 3 Aces on the board still qualifying, this is the easiest way to win a bad beat around. Quad 2’s through 7’s beaten

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

www.goldenmardigras.com

$100,000 Cupid’s Arrow Giveaway

An arrow from this bow means bucks. Every 10 base points on slots or 30 minutes of tracked table game play earns one entry. More than 80 participants will win cash and prizes. Drawings are every Friday, starting at 5 p.m. and Saturday, starting at 3 p.m. The final drawing will be held Saturday, Feb. 22.

Sweetheart Swipe Kiosk Giveaway

Sweetheart Swipe, the first swipe is on us. Swipe your A-Play Club Card at any promotion kiosk. Win free slot QuickPlay or other prizes every Wednesday in February.

Earn an additional swipe after earning 200 base points on slots.

$16,000 Sweet Sunday Giveaway

Win your share of more than $16,000 in cash and prizes with our Sweet Sunday Giveaway. You have a chance to win whether you have an A-Play Card or not with this Continued on page 5

February 4 - 17, 2014

Continued from Page 4

sweet drawing. Drawings are every Sunday in February from 1-4 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Multiplier We are making Feb. 14 extra sweet with our Valentine’s Day multiplier. Get 5X points on slots and 2X points on video poker, all day Friday, Feb. 14.

Date Night Enjoy a romantic dinner for two with entrees like prime rib or the catch of the day and a bottle of house red or white wine for only $29.99 at the Bourbon Street Café & Buffet.

Fat Tuesday Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday at Mardi Gras Casino. Earn and purchase festive gifts for mega Mardi Gras Fun. And, don’t forget to stop by Bourbon Street Café & Buffet for delicious LouisianaBH_feb4_GamberAd_halfpg.pdf 1 style dishes, every Tuesday.

February 4 - 17, 2014

www.bullwhackerscasino.com

$40,000 CruZin’ to Cash

Thursdays noon – 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, noon – midnight, and Sundays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Win up to $250 in Free Slot Play during our February daily drawings.

6X Points

Bullwhackers is the place for the most points. 6X points on slots every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lucky Bull Club

New Members can get up to $15 in Free Slot Play when signing up for a Bullwhackers Lucky Bull Club card. Membership is free. $10 for signing up, an additional $5 for your email address and receive 4X Points all day.

Take a ride on us

Bullwhackers offers free shuttle service 1/28/2014 9:53:23 directly to Johnny Z’s AM Casino. Shuttle runs

hours on the day you park. Must present current day valet parking stub and earn 20 base points on the day you park.

$5 Promo Play for email

Gift Giveaway

Provide a new email address in February to Guest Services and receive $5 Promo Play.

10X & 4X Points

Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 and Presidents Day, Feb. 17, earn 10X points on slots and 4X points on video poker.

award one winner $5,000 cash, plus an additional $2,500 to share with a loved one!

Earn entries all month.

www.saratogacasinoBH.com

$100,000 Cupid’s Pick

Fridays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28 and Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15, play with your Club card from 5 – 10 p.m. for your chance to play our new digital scratch and win. The Cupid Prize Patrol will locate five winners a day right at their slot machine or table game for a chance to win up to $100,000 in cash!

$15,000 Share the Love

From noon – 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 guests will each win $500 Promo Play, plus an extra $250 Promo Play to give to someone special. At 10 p.m., Cupid will

Saratoga 50+: Bigger and Better

Mondays and Tuesdays guests 50 and over reap the rewards! 5X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Earn 50 base points for a free meal in the Garden Buffet or pay only $4.99. Discount in The Café during select hours. $20 bus refund with 200 base points.

Play on Feb. 23 to receive your Saratoga Casino Black Hawk long sleeve shirt. Please see Guest Services for point earning qualifications.

Valentine’s Day Prime Rib and Shrimp Special

Friday, Feb. 14, noon – 9 p.m. Enjoy a Prime Rib and Shrimp buffet featuring delicious desserts. Only $10.99 for Club members.

10X Penny Points

Receive 10X points on penny slot machines every Thursday in February.

Park, Play, Free Buffet

Every Wednesday-Sunday earn 20 base points on the day you valet park at Saratoga Casino and receive a free meal at the Garden buffet. Not valid on holidays.

Offers must be redeemed during buffet

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

Valentine’s Day prizes and giveaways

Be sure to bring your Sweetheart in all Valentine’s weekend for your chance to win beautiful jewelry and cash prizes.

PAGE 5

Gaming

Splitting pairs in blackjack

W

Casino Blackjack

ith the only 2.

Defensiveexception Splitting: This takes to surrenplace when you reder, all pair ceive a pair that would splitting options take produce a negative precedence over any expected value regardother Basic Strategy less how you play the play. Many unknowl- By Maverick Sharp hand, but by splitting it would ultimately replayers edgeable grossly abuse this option because duce your losses.

A good example of an offensive they do not fully understand the objectives in the splitting of pairs. split scenario is 9, 9 vs. Dealer’s Again, this is no different than any 6. In blackjack it’s all about maxiother play that we make in Black- mizing your EV. In this particular jack, which ultimately becomes a situation you basically have two function of our overall expected options. One is to “Stand” and value. There are primarily only the second option is to “Split.” two distinct purposes for splitting According to Basic Strategy the any hand that is composed with proper play is to split the 9, 9 vs the same point values. dealer’s 6. Here is why. If you 1. Offensive-Splitting: This stand then your EV is approxitakes place when you receive a mately 22.0 percent of your inipair that would result in an overall tial bet. If you were betting $25 higher expected value by splitting units then standing is worth about them, than what could have been $5.50. However, if you were to achieved by utilizing any other op- split the nines against the dealer’s tion.

6 then your EV would be roughly

45.3 percent of your initial $25 bet for an average result of $11.33.

Bottom line, in this particular situation you are $5.83 better off splitting over standing.

The best example I like to give some of my private students for the defensive split is the 8, 8 vs. dealer’s 10 up card. Here you are faced with three options. Hit, stand or split. If you were to “hit” then on average you can expect to lose 53.5 percent of your initial bet. If you were to “stand” then on average you can expect to lose 53.7 percent of your initial bet. However, if you were to split your pair of 8’s vs. dealer’s 10 then you can expect to lose, on average, 47.5 percent of your initial bet. Can you see what is going on here? No matter what you do here any play you make will yield a negative expectation. The best option in this case would be to perform a “defensive” split to minimize your losses. Again, if

you were betting $25 units then you would be about $0.04 better off hitting over standing, $1.49 better off splitting over hitting and $1.53 better off splitting over standing. I know… it seems like splitting hairs and quite frankly it is. All your plays are cumulative and playing hands at a rate of 100 per hour these miniscule figures can add up quickly.

In a lot of my commentaries, I like to continually go through some of the mathematical gymnastics of Basic Strategy in an attempt to convince my readers, outside of counting cards, that this is the most optimum approach in Blackjack.

In conclusion, I hope that I have clarified the logistics behind the splitting of pairs. I am confident that my readers fully understand that we do not split pairs because they are pairs and have the same point value. We are all blackjack aficionados, each

and every play that we make is all about maximizing our EV! Until then…I do not believe in luck but Maverick Sharp wishes you nothing but the “Best of Cards!”

Maverick Sharp is an expert high stakes Blackjack player and author of Dynamic Blackjack-The Professional Approach To learn more about Maverick Sharp and the largest Blackjack book in print visit diamondbackpublishing.com or email any questions or comments at mavericksharp@ diamondbackpublishing.com

20% Off on All ♠ Gambling Books ♠ Blackjack, Craps, Poker, Roulette, Video Poker, and Slots diamondbackpublishing.com

In the midst of a losing ‘bad’ streak

I

t has occurred to me through observing my bankroll shrink and examining my poker results over the past six months, that I am in the midst of a losing streak. Worst of all, it’s not BY an ordinary losing streak but LARRY a protracted drought of imJOHNSON mense proportions – becoming the worst I have had in my poker-playing career.

Well, as I have been looking at Here are the facts and figures: my play and results, it’s clear that The streak has extended to eight does apply to me. consecutive losing sessions and And - I am not talking basic 12 of 14 overall. My bankroll has poker strategies learned over the shrunk by a little more than half years / those stay in place as the of what it was in September and odds will swing back in my favor you know what - it’s just not as fun at some point; but my attitude playing when losing consistently. must change.

The New Year brought no relief Let’s examine my last session starting with three straight losses just a few days ago. I chose a $2 and even worse, an almost “accep- - 5 / $100 Hold’em game to prep tance” that I was going to lose. for the $30 - $60 Big Game and Remember the famous line, sat down with $500.

“The definition of insanity is doThe first hand (and yep, I waiting the same thing over and over ed for the button to pass) I looked and expecting different results?” down to was the Ah - Qh and I

PAGE 6

poker talk

re-raised a $15 bet to $45 attempting to get it heads up.

Even though I was just sitting down, I knew the player who had raised and his style, and felt I had the best hand.

If not, I thought I would get a re-raise and could get out of the hand now.

The flop came Qs - Jh 7h / outstanding flop for me with top pair and the nut flush draw. The player who had raised bet $30 out of the box and, while I thought this was a small bet for the pot so was a bit wary, raised to $75 to see where the player was.

I assumed if he had a higher pair (A’s or K’s) he would have raised or been very firm with his call.

As he thought for a moment and hesitatingly called, I felt I had the best hand thinking he may have an A - K or K - Q. The turn card was a 7s, pairing the board - only helping my hand I believed. My opponent checked, and I bet out $100 assuming I

would find out very quickly if he had outplayed me and had a full house of some kind.

The river brought the 10d, giving a board of Qs - Jh - 7h - 7s 10d. As I thought this was a safe card I was very surprised when my opponent bet out $100 with a slight grin tossed my way.

So - I thought about it and figured he must have the A - K and caught the straight / reasonable play as I would have made the calls that he did.

I almost folded but in the end called as the pot size dictated it and, as he was an experienced player who knew my play, this could be a last ditch effort to steal the pot with a bet, causing me to fold.

As I tossed my four green chips in the pot, he turned over the Kh - 9d for the 2nd nut straight and won the pot / he had caught the gut shot draw for the win (he did have 7 outs with the possibility of catching a King.)

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

As I examine this hand, the missed play on my part was not having the confidence to raise the pot the full $100 at the beginning.

This would have provided a better opportunity to fold but also would have maximized the amount in the pot. But at the same time, he was a 70/30 dog to win the pot so didn’t I want his money in?

Hmmmm – what a quandary, and this is why we love poker.

Per the quote on “insanity” above, it’s time to break the pattern. I am going to go with maximizing the win, and will raise the entire amount the next time making any opponent pay for his cards.

This addresses the “attitude” part of the losing streak. By putting my money in when ahead and with gusto, I will beat this losing streak and come out the other side a better player, a better money manager, and winning again!

Remember … play your game!

February 4 - 17, 2014

Chuck Pyle,

By Cathleen Norman

C

huck Pyle, the “Zen Cowboy,” has been playing, recording and writing music for more than 40 years. He’s known for his strong smooth vocals, nimble guitar playing, distinctive story songs and ironic wit. He has gathered a following from New England and New York to the Pacific Northwest and California, as well as Midwestern states, the South and all over Texas. He plays numerous shows and events in Colorado as well, where he makes his home in Palmer Lake, 20 miles north of Colorado Springs Chuck’s long-time music career evolved in stages, impacted by various influences and incidents.

Growing up in the small town of Newton, Iowa, he sang in the town chorus; and then in the junior high chorus where his instructor urged him to form a trio with two of his classmates. So they did, and the three 13-year-olds performed their first show for an Iowa Farm Bureau gathering in Newton.

“The three of us had shirts alike,” he said smiling. “We were imitating the Kingston Trio, so of course we performed ‘Tom Dooley’... and we played ‘Froggy Went A’Courtin.’”

As a young adult, Chuck moved to Colorado in 1965. Within a few years, he discovered that he could make more money singing and playing country rock than working as an inspector for Routt County Engineering in Steamboat Springs.

He laughs and admits, “It helped that I could play ‘If You Could Read My Mind, Love,’ note

Entertainment A Colorado Treasure Chuck Pyle plays at a summer raft trip tour.

Photo by Terri Watson

Chuck Pyle and fiddler Gordon Burt perform at a concert at the Pinecliff Grange.

Photo by Terri Watson

for note, riff for riff, tone for tone.

Gordon Lighfoot was very popular in those days.”

A turning point in his career was learning that he could write songs, which also led to his signature music style. He went to hear Michael Martin Murphey play at the York Café in Denver around 1970.

“Michael was talking about his songs, why he wrote them and how he wrote them,” Chuck said. “They were simple story songs about what people saw all around them. They sounded like conversation and I thought ‘I could do that.’ And so I did.”

Coincidentally, Chuck also

heard Jerry Jeff Walker – a popular musician from Austin, Texas – play at the York Café. Just a couple years later, Chuck wrote one of Jerry Jeff’s most popular songs, “Jaded Lover.” Chuck Pyle’s songs have been recorded by John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Suzy Bogguss. Country music fans also know him well for “Cadillac Cowboy” recorded by the late Chris LeDoux.

A couple decades ago, a journalist bestowed Chuck with the nickname “Zen Cowboy” because of his western style music and his philosophical spiritual outlook. Chuck describes his music as Southwestern Acoustic Folk, and says his style is “slow twitch.”

Fiddle player Gordon Burt often appears with Chuck for Colorado shows and on some of Chuck’s recordings. The two musicians met the Telluride Bluegrass Festival when Chuck was playing there in 1986.

Chuck has played at many music festivals, including Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kan., Michael Hearne’s Big Barndance at Taos and the Mayville Bluegrass Festival in the Chautauqua

Lake region of New York.

He said, “My songs are basically slow. They’re a perfect contrast to bluegrass. It’s like putting the goats in with the high-strung horses. Keeps ‘em calm.”

Nowadays, Chuck anchors his music career at his historic cabin in Palmer Lake, a cabin that is located a one-mile hike from a pretty good fishing reservoir. Each year, he drives nearly 50,000 miles and flies at least 30,000 miles playing 100 shows around the country.

Numerous steady gigs and regular venues include music events, coffee houses, songwriter conferences, cowboy poetry gatherings, churches and assorted house concerts.

He performs sold out shows as Swallow Hill Music, the revered acoustic music venue in south Denver. A favorite summertime gig is playing aboard the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad concert train that runs between Alamosa and La Veta. He also indulges his passion for fly fishing with a summer river raft trip accompanied by some of his music fans.

The Zen Cowboy covers a few traditional and country songs, but he also performs a wealth of selfwritten numbers – hummable

Chuck Pyle has been singing, playing, writing music and touring nationally for more than 40 years. His Colorado home is the source of much of his inspiration. Pyle plays here at the Secret Garden concert in Colorado Springs

Photo by Bill Patterson

February 4 - 17, 2014

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

melodies with catchy, witty, sometimes nostalgic lyrics: the forgetfulness that comes with maturing years, romantic break ups, the wacky things you read on bumper stickers. Chuck’s on-stage deadpan humor has been compared to Will Rogers. He makes you smile or laugh or groan or just nod your head.

Much of Chuck’s music has been inspired by Colorado. “Little Town Tour” lists Colorado’s burgs, villages, hamlets, towns and small cities. “Spirit of Colorado” is the long-time theme for the PBS program, Colorado Experience. He wrote “Here Comes the Water” after the Big Thompson Flood in 1976, “Over the San Luis” about flying in a hang glider over the valley and “My Grandpa’s Hands” inspired by the Comanche Grasslands in southeastern Colorado.

In the Pikes Peak region, Chuck has performed at the Wet Mountain Western Jubilee in Westcliffe, Mountain Acoustic Music Association in Woodland Park, Cañon Rose in Cañon City and outdoor summer shows in Colorado Springs and Monument. This summer, he opened for the Charlie Daniels Band at a music festival in Monument.

Chuck just finished recording his 11th CD, The Spaces Between, on his Zen Cowboy Records label.

Others include Higher Ground – Songs of Colorado, Keeping Time on the River and Affected by the Moon. He also teachers fingerstyle workshops at least a couple times a year around the country.

You can view his 2014 performance schedule or order a CD at www.chuckpyle.com.

PAGE 7

Cover Story Happy Valentine’s Day, Walt!

Happy Valentine’s Day

Our love is forever!

May our lives be filled Let’s Celebrate… with love and happiness Love, Terri

Happy Valentine’s Day to my two loves, Kyle and Abigail!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Kathy (my little Smurf)! Since meeting you at Harvey’s, it’s really been quite a ride, but every day’s been very special having you right by my side. Thanks for putting up with me, sometimes I’m not so sweet, and for giving us our little girl, making both our lives complete! Thank you for being my wife and making the past 19 years so wonderful!

Love always, Hal

I love you two with all my heart!

Love, Elizabeth

PAGE 8

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

Happy Valentine’s Day to sweethearts Micki and Joe Moss, Century Casino Craps Dealers, who have been married for 18 years!

Happy Valentine’s Day to my beautiful wife of 56 wonderful years. I love you now and forever.

Love, Harvey

February 4 - 17, 2014

Crossword Puzzle 1

8

or visit www.coloradogambler.com for our full distribution list

RED = New locations 1355 KRAMERIA ST 655 PEORIA ST 15109 E COLFAX AVE 18605 GREENVALLEY RANCH BLVD 4850 E 62ND AVE 2810 QUEBEC ST 1045 1ST STREET 825 S COLORADO BLVD 6470 E HAMPDEN AVE 890 S MONACO PKWY 2750 S COLORADO BLVD 4600 LEETSDALE DR. 6350 SHERIDAN BLVD 9731 W 58TH AVE 1575 W 84TH AVE 12350 W 64TH AVE 15200 W 64TH AVE 8055 SHERIDAN BLVD 3400 YOUNGFIELD ST 1555 QUAIL ST 17171 S GOLDEN RD 11747 W KEN CARYL AVE 1927 S WADSWORTH BLVD 12043 W ALAMEDA PKWY 6760 S PIERCE ST 9800 W BELLEVIEW AVE 1545 S KIPLING ST 1173 BERGEN PARK 8126 S WADSWORTH BLVD 25637 CONIFER RD 7984 W ALAMEDA AVE 2205 WILDCAT RESERVE PKWY 9551 S UNIVERSITY BLVD 5050 E ARAPAHOE RD 7575 S UNIVERSITY BLVD 8200 S HOLLY ST 101 ENGLEWOOD PKWY 100 W LITTLETON BLVD 4000 RED CEDAR DR 8673 S QUEBEC ST 7901 S BROADWAY

DENVER AURORA AURORA DENVER COMMERCE CITY DENVER BENNETT DENVER DENVER DENVER DENVER GLENDALE ARVADA ARVADA FEDERAL HEIGHTS ARVADA ARVADA ARVADA WHEAT RIDGE LAKEWOOD GOLDEN LITTLETON LAKEWOOD LAKEWOOD LITTLETON LITTLETON LAKEWOOD EVERGREEN LITTLETON CONIFER LAKEWOOD HIGHLANDS RANCH HIGHLANDS RANCH CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL ENGLEWOOD LITTLETON HIGHLANDS RANCH HIGHLANDS RANCH LITTLETON

80220 80010 80011 80249 80022 80207 80102 80222 80222 80222 80222 80246 80003 80002 80221 80004 80007 80003 80033 80215 80401 80127 80227 80228 80128 80123 80232 80439 80128 80433 80226 80129 80126 80122 80122 80122 80110 80120 80126 80126 80122

15

19

2

32

37

9

4

10

11

16

20

30

29

27

ACROSS:

1. NJ casino and business magnate (6, 5) 8. Former fastball pitcher now Rangers CEO (5, 4) 12. Other half of a scoreless soccer game (3) 13. Singular for of the 13th or 15th day of the month (3) 14. Computer person at the casino (2) 15. In the ball park or near enough (13) 19. They came from space to amusement arcades (8) 22. Dad from Pennsylvania (2) 23. Avocado, in short (3) 24. Something the allies had but the Germans didn’t (5) 26. Giant ocean fish (3) 27. Another word for Christmas (4) 28. Slang for dishonest (4) 29. Yoko’s last name (3) 31. Could be Jim or Whitman (4) 32. Musical interval (7) 33. Come out roll winner (6) 35. French king (3) 37. Dieters wish to become or paint a new body (7) 38. Best month to take an army for a long walk (5)

18

6

7

12

14

17

21

22 25

28

33

24

31

35

5

13

3

23

26

38

34 36

DOWN:

1. Legendary Miami QB (3, 6) 2 & 12 across. Scoreless soccer game (3) 3. Goalscoring LA Galaxy and team USA soccer star (6, 7) 4. Touchdown in rugby (3) 5. Vase for storing ashes (3) 6. Someone who makes a wager or 4th down kick specialist (6) 7. Buxom Tennessee country singer (5, 6) 9. In basketball, comes bofore Jordan or Canada (3) 10. Latin king (3) 12. 8 Across had a good one (3) 14. Information technology (2) 16. The biggest of the three tenors (9) 17. Middle East country partitioned from Palestine in 1948 (6) 18. Before 47, automatic rifle (2) 20. Audio visual (2) 21. Snatch or steal (3) 22. One way to find gold (3) 25. John Deutschendorf’s adopted name (6) 30. Not applicable (2) 33. Dealers sign this list if they want to go home (2) 34. So on and so forth (3) 36. Close Encounters star (2)

Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe Answers on page 18 February 4 - 17, 2014

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 9

Central City Nuggets just $5.99 from 11 a.m., just by having a player’s card. Prime Rib special is also available for $14.99 with no card.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate

www.central-city.cnty.com Love That Cash

Fridays, 4-11 p.m. and Saturdays, 2-11 p.m., Feb. 7 through March 1. $250 guaranteed winners on the hour. $100 Progressive Prizes on the half-hour. $300 + Progressive awarded at 11 p.m. Earn entries with every 150 base points played on your Player’s Club card starting Feb. 2. Earn 4X entries on slots and 2X entries on video poker with all your play on Wednesdays.

On-the-hour we will draw for a guaranteed $250 winner. On-the-half-hour we will draw one name for a $100 prize. If our winner is here they collect the prize, if not, it gets added to the 11 p.m. prize, which could be up to $1,200.

$5.99 Prime Rib Every Day

One month special for February. Enjoy our 8 oz. slow-roasted Prime Rib Special, accompanied by choice of potato with seasonal vegetables, for

PAGE 10

Just earn 25 base points on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, and get a Century Casino chocolate bar. Sweet.

Presidents Day – $100 Hot Seats

Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 18, be all about the “Benjamins” and win $100 Hot Seat drawings every 20 minutes from 3 – 8 p.m.

Make My Multiplier Tuesday

Join us on Tuesdays in February from 11 a.m.

– 7 p.m. and enjoy a mystery multiplier on all your play. Starting at 10:45 a.m. we will select an hourly $100 Hot Seat winner to spin the “Make My Multiplier Wheel” and earn everyone in the casino up to 5X points on slot play for the next hour. Each hour we find a new winner and a new multiplier to benefit our players until 8 p.m.

BINGO –Thursday Bingo

Enjoy FREE Bingo every Thursday from 11 a.m.

to 9 p.m., with a $100 PRIZE for each game. Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.

4X Entries on Slots & 2X Entries on Video Poker on Wednesdays

Get 4X entries on slots and 2X entries on video poker every Wednesday for Friday and Saturday Love That Cash prizes from $100, $250… up to $1,200.

Sunday Cash Blast

Sundays Feb. 9, 16 and 23 at Century feature $200 drawings every half hour from 2 – 6 p.m. Every player with a Century Casino Player’s Card can get one entry to the drawing per drawing day, additional entries are available to players who receive our mail. The cash is flowing fast and furious every Sunday Afternoon.

Century ‘Lucky’ Club

Players can text “LUCKY” to 313131 to receive an immediate offer for three free entries for that weekend’s drawings or a Free Spin to win up to $1,500. By joining the “Lucky” Club players will receive surprise LUCKY offers via text message. Messaging and text rates may apply.

Facebook Contest

Win $100, plus a free hotel stay and dinner for two good Sunday – Thursday just by liking our Facebook page and winning our monthly drawing from all of our fans.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

Senior Celebration on Wednesday and Thursday

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play ALL DAY from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus 50 percent off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50 percent food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including the $8.99 daily food specials.

Doubledown Casino

Players can sign up and enjoy DoubleDown Casino gaming right from central-city.cnty.com

Dazzling Doubles

Win bonus payouts on blackjack, craps and roulette when the lights are flashing. Ceiling lights will flash at random times through out the day. Bonuses will be paid in chips if the following occurs while the lights are flashing; $5 for a blackjack, double the doubles in the craps field and pay 4X the amount bet on the 2 and 12 and double the 1st dollar bet for a direct number hit on Roulette. Join us on the weekend (Friday 6 p.m. to Saturday close) when we will dazzle the blackjack bonus by doubling the amount paid to $10.

Sunlight Bonus

Get $10 cash back for three hours play of live poker, if seated between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

February 4 - 17, 2014

Central City Nuggets

What’s Rockin’

Your guide to live entertainment and events at Colorado’s casinos

Golden Mardi Gras Casino

www.bullwhackers.com $60,000 Hawaiian Getaway Drawings

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up to $200 at each drawing. Daily drawings from 1 – 9 p.m. every other hour. Every day in February.

Every Monday – Thursday, win up to $250 at each drawing and five finalist entries into the grand prize drawing March 1.

10X & 4X Points

Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 and Presidents Day, Feb. 17, earn 10X points on slots and 4X points on video poker. Just one more way to win at Johnny Z’s.

Progressive drawings

Weekend progressive drawings Friday-Sunday, win up to $1,000 and five finalist entries into grand prize drawing March 1 at 9:30 p.m. win a trip for two to Hawaii or be one our four $500 cash winners. Stick around for our $250 drawings at 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and midnight.

Club Z

New Members can get up to $15 in Free Slot Play when signing up for a Club Z card. Membership is free.

Receive $10 for signing up and an additional $5 for your email address. In Addition new members will receive $1 off a Starbucks and 4X points on slots.

$10,000 Lucky 21

Head to the Z-Spot Pit and win

Go BONKERS with Bonkerz Comedy Club every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. at Bourbon Street Café and Buffet. Loads of laughter and the show is free so join us.

Feb. 7-8: Marc Ryan as seen on CMT, TBS and The Outdoor Channel with special guest Spencer James Feb. 14-15: Cal Verduchi from Comedy Central and Sirius/XM with special guest Curt Fletcher

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PAGE 11

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BJ, C, R, VP

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SD, SB

free valet and self parking

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Saratoga - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

585

No

SD, B

free covered valet

303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/saratogacasinobh.com

Gilpin - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

460

No

SD

free valet across the street

303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com

Golden Gates - 24/7

BJ, P, C, VP

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No

D

free valet and covered self parking

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Golden Gulch

VP

140

No

V

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BJ, C, R, VP

680

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SD,SB,D

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Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP

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B,D,SD

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BJ, P,C, R, VP

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B, D, SD, SB

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303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com

Red Dolly

VP

149

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net

Monarch - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

766

No

B

free valet and self parking

303-582-1000/monarchblackhawk.com

Sasquatch

No

70

No

D

No

720-880-1616

Wildcard

VP

220

No

D

city lot

303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

520

26

SD,D

free covered self parking

303-582-5050/cnty.com

Crystal Palace

VP

101

No

D

free city lot

720-253-1669

Dostal Alley - 24/7

VP

64

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1610/dostalalley.net

Easy Street

VP

205

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Famous Bonanza

BJ, P, R, VP

244

No

SD , D

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Johnny Z’s - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

367

No

SD, D

free covered parking

303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com

Reserve Casino Hotel - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

700

119

SD, D, B, SB, V

free valet and self parking

1-800-924-6646/reservecasinohotel.com

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BJ, P, C, R, VP

250

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SD

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Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

750

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SD

free self parking

877-989-2142/broncobillyscasino.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, R,

448

18

SD

free self parking

719-689-0333/cripple-creek.cnty.com

Colorado Grande - 24/7

BJ, R, VP

211

5

SD, SB

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877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com

Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7

BJ, P ,C, R, VP

700+

158

SD, SB

free valet and covered self parking

800-711-7234/decasino.com

Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7

VP

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No

SD

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719-689-2080/johnnynolons.com

J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat

VP

300

40

SD

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Midnight Rose - 24/7

P, VP

400

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SD, B

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Wildwood Casino- 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530

68

SD, D, B

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877-945-3963/playwildwood.com

Closed

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Food Key

BJ - Blackjack, P - Poker, C - Craps, R - Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker

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This information is subject to change without notice.

January 7 - 20, 2014

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

Kevin won $1,581 playing penny slots at Century Casino in Central City.

Grace was a $4,500 Jackpot Winner at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Maria was a $16,768 Jackpot Winner at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Paul won $31,000 and Charles won $41,595 in the Lady Luck Poker Room when the Bad Beat went off on Jan. 26.

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PAGE 15

Colorado History

The avalanche that wouldn’t stop running & running &… this particular slope in Currently CH 550 hundreds of years. As an is closed between extra precaution, heavy Ouray and Silverton timbers were used in because of an avathe boardinghouse conlanche between mile struction and wire rope markers 87 – 92. The connected the structure snow slide occurred shortly after noon on to bolts driven into solid rock.

Jan. 13 and as of this

By Linda Jones But historically heavy writing, Jan. 27, the jones.128@live.com snowfall fell in the winroad is still closed to ter of 1901-02. Although all traffic.

The San Juan Range in south- Telluride was completely isolated, western Colorado produces the the largest mines – the Pandora, most avalanches in Colorado and Smuggler-Union, Tomboy and ranks high among the most ava- Liberty Bell – were still working. lanche-prone mountains on earth. On Feb. 28, shortly after 7 a.m., an Several factors account for this pre- avalanche tore through the Liberty eminence in avalanches: the im- Bell boardinghouse. The old-growth mense annual snowfall, the sheer trees, three feet in diameter, were number of precipices in this range easily uprooted and carried down and the extreme height of the San into the valley. Smaller trees were Juan Range. Thirteen of our state’s ground into splinters, and huge 54 “Fourteeners” (mountains higher boulders were carried lightly down than 14,000 feet high) are located the hillside to the valley below. The here. By comparison the entire carefully planned and built boardSwiss Alps can boast only nine Four- inghouse lay in pieces on the valley teeners.

In the 19th century, the A snow slide closes Otto Liberty Bell mine was a top Mears’ toll road between producer of both gold and Ouray & Silverton on July 6, silver ore; it was situated 1898. high in Cornet Basin near Photo courtesy of Denver Telluride. A tram connected Public Library, Western History the large mine and mill to Collection Telluride down in the valley and the unusually large mine complex contained stamp mills, Wilfley Tables and cyanide bleaching vats.

Knowing the miners would prefer staying at the mine to walking three miles daily over a steep, avalancheprone trail, the mine owners chose the location for the boardinghouse carefully because they wanted it to outlast anything the steep mountain could throw at it. They interviewed old-timers about the avalanche history of the area, conducted extensive surveys and finally chose a level piece of ground close to the mine tunnel because the old-growth trees above the site proved that no avalanche had ever come down

PAGE 16

floor after the avalanche passed.

As always, volunteer searchers quickly arrived and began digging.

They saved many buried miners before a second avalanche roared down the mountainside and buried 24 rescuers. Search efforts began again for even more victims, when a third slide ran. An hour later, as volunteers doggedly kept digging to find survivors, a fourth avalanche buried yet more volunteers. The heroic miner-volunteers from other mines and the town stayed and continued digging and trenching after each slide.

The final tally of dead searchers came to seven. In an odd twist of fate, a miner at the Sheridan mine stepped out of his boardinghouse on his way to help the rescue effort at the Liberty Bell when an avalanche carried him to his death. At one of the stations along the Liberty Bell tram route, yet another slide killed five men. The series of avalanches surrounding the Liberty Bell was

ultimately responsible for 26 deaths.

Many of the deadliest historic avalanches in the San Juan range have occurred in the Silverton area.

Even today the town of Silverton has a unique planning map; it has six avalanche runs sketched in where any building is prohibited. One storm in late 1905 produced 12 feet of snow in the San Juans and not surprisingly, a record avalanche. This one ran at the Shenandoah mine near Howardsville, five miles north of Silverton, on March 19, 1906. After killing 12 miners at the mine, the “white death” ran to the valley floor and killed an operator at the Green Mountain Mill.

Many famous historical avalanches occurred in the winter of 1898-99 because of the record storm that lasted from Jan. 27 to mid-March in that famous winter.

For those six weeks the temperature never rose above freezing and snow fell every day. Telegraph lines collapsed, trains were marooned

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 22 Years

between avalanches covering the tracks, and deep snow on the passes isolated towns and mining camps, making starvation a real possibility. Ward was snowed in for three months. Breckenridge residents faced starvation because no supplies could be brought in by any method.

Kokomo, already destroyed once by an avalanche, in 1880, was isolated by avalanches.

Even areas that had never experienced deadly avalanches suffered from them during this terrible winter. One of these unfortunate towns was Tomichi, not far from Twin Lakes. An avalanche wiped out Tomichi on March 2, 1899, filling the meadow where the town had been with snow 200 feet deep. Fortunately the rescuers were able to save most of the residents, despite the fact every building was flattened and only a sea of snow could be seen where 1,500 inhabitants had lived.

Tomichi was never rebuilt.

Today any adventurer heading into the back country in winter has only to check the Colorado Avalanche Center website to see up-to-theminute snow reports on each range and mountain in our state. The 10 reporting stations list data on recent avalanches, the predicted danger on each peak, based on elevation and which direction the slopes face, snow conditions, weather forecasts and a map of probability. Yet despite the information and safety products available in the 21st century, Colorado still tallies the most avalanche deaths in America every year, probably because we are the highest state in the continental union.

Continental America boasts only 68 “Fourteeners,” one in Washington, 13 in California and 54 in Colorado. Almost all avalanche deaths today occur outside ski area boundaries and in the immense backcountry Colorado offers winter sports enthusiasts.

February 4 - 17, 2014

Trail’s End

C olorado ’ s G old K ing builds an agricultural community Spencer Penrose was born into a wealthy, affluent Pennsylvania family. He attended Harvard and earned an undergraduate degree.

While his five brothers all chose careers in the East, Penrose chose the adventure of the West. Twenty-seven-year-old Penrose arrived in Colorado Springs at the invitation of his childhood friend, Charles L. Tutt, in 1892.

A year before he had met his old friend at the Colorado Springs rail station, Tutt had located a promising mine in the new gold camp of Cripple Creek. With the help of Bob Womack, the mine was located approximately a half-mile north of Womack’s El Paso Mine above the gulch Womack had named “Poverty Gulch.” Tutt filed a mining claim in Colorado Springs on Dec. 29, 1891, naming his mining claim the C.O.D. Mine. (Cash on Delivery) Although the C.O.D. Mine had produced very little ore since Tutt had staked the claim, Tutt was sure it was only a matter of development and patience.

He had invited his old friend Penrose to the area in the hopes the two could form a partnership.

Penrose readily agreed and moved to Cripple Creek in January 1893, where he took over the operation of the C.O.D. Mine. Within two years, the C.O.D. Mine was one of the richest mines in the area.

With Penrose’s financial fortune, he went on to invest in real estate, banking, copper mines and agriculture. In 1900 Penrose bought land in the Beaver Creek area, southwest of Canon City.

Shortly after Colorado statehood, pioneers flocked to the area, settling along Beaver Creek with its lush grass, plentiful game and wild fruit. The Schaeffer Dam had been built some years previously to collect water for agricultural growth.

One of the earliest settlers was Margaret Baldridge, who filed for a homestead and registered her own cattle brand.

Soon, a small settlement was established when John McClure built the Glendale House and Stagecoach Inn, which accommodated stagecoach passengers from Colorado Springs and Pueblo. A school

February 4 - 17, 2014

was built which also served as the church on Sundays.

Penrose organized the Beaver Land and Irrigation Company and began buying water rights along Beaver Creek.

In 1907, his company built the Schaeffer Dam and Lake MacNeill, named for his copper mining partner, Charles MacNeill. In 1909, Penrose, along with his Beaver, Land and Irrigation Company, built a railroad, to the area, the “Beaver, Penrose, and Northern Railroad.”

The Beaver Creek Rail Station was built north of the new town under construction. Although never incorporated, the new town was named Penrose for the great benefactor. The new railroad, although small and consisting of one locomotive engine and only one passenger car, provided an enormous economic boost to the area. With the railroad, produce and livestock could be shipped to markets such as Denver or Pueblo. Travel for local residents now became a simple matter of convenience when a branch of the railroad was built, connecting with the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad that ran along the Arkansas River.

Penrose and one of his partners, Charles McNeil, built a fine hotel that served as their local business headquarters. The Pen-Mac Hotel had a fine restaurant, along with rooming accommodations, and also contained offices, including that of the local newspaper, the Penrose Pioneer.

Spencer Penrose and wife Julie helped establish the Penrose School District in 1908. Miss Louch, the first teacher in the original school building, earned $50 a month.

The main commerce street of Broadway included several businesses such as a lumber mill, a pharmacy and the Penrose Mercantile. The Kirkwood Memorial Presbyterian Church was erected in 1908 only to suffer severe wind damage. This first church in the new community was rebuilt and rededicated in May 1909. That was also the year a post office was erected in the agricultural thriving community. From then on the town was officially known as Penrose. Spencer and Julia Penrose, so pleased with the pleasant

Life in Penrose

Photos courtesy of Denver Public Library, Western History Collection

community, presented the citizens entirely different matter. On the of Penrose with a statue of a little morning of June 5, 1921, the dam boy in 1915. gave way, with a wall of water rushNew settlers arrived to build ing downstream. The floodwaters homes, farms and ranches. Irrigafrom Beaver Creek crashed down tion ditches were dug to provide water for farmers and ranchers. Farmers planted fruit orchards and raised beans, beets, tomatoes, melons, pumpkins, beets, spinach, squash, and peas. Ranchers raised cattle that were shipped by rail car to the Denver markets.

The spring of 1921 was an unusually wet season.

Heavy rains continued to fall during the first two days of June. On June 3, cracks were noticed in the Schaeffer Dam. Farmers and ranchers mounted their horses and spread the word to all of the settlers in the area along Beaver Creek: evacuate.

Due to this community outreach, every family in the area heeded the call.

Families fled to higher ground and ranchers were able to get their livestock out of harms way.

As a result, there were no human casualties and no livestock were lost.

As for the land, homes and ranches, that was an Julie and Spencer Penrose

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

the Arkansas River, reaching the town of Pueblo, where much of that town was also flooded.

At Penrose, the once fertile topsoil was washed away along with many homes along Beaver Creek. Many settlers did not return to the area. The June 1921 flood marked the end of the short-lived thriving community of Penrose.

Today Penrose remains the pleasant community Spencer and Julie Penrose enjoyed all those many years ago. The century old Glendale House and Stagecoach Inn is visible at the top of east 5th Street and the Kirkwood Memorial Presbyterian Church still stands on the same street. The original Penrose School is there as well, located at 100 Illinois St. Perhaps most fitting, Spencer Penrose’s Pen-Mac Hotel remains a proud community structure on Broadway Street in his name-sake town of Penrose, Colorado.

Linda Wommack is the great-greatgrandniece of Robert “Bob” Miller Womack, the founder of Cripple Creek’s gold.

PAGE 17

Humor

AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You are lucky at this time. Romance is highlighted as well. You may even initiate a new and exciting relationship. If in a relationship this will be a very romantic period. Lucky Numbers: 1, 11, 12, 15, 31, 53

PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) Any games that involve mental skill you will be successful. You are also lucky in financial speculation. You may even be competitive in some intellectual skill. Lucky Numbers: 4, 17, 24, 25, 35, 62

ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) This is a great time to follow though with an exercise regime. You are energetic and need to express this energy in a positive way.

Otherwise this energy could come out in ways that do not support those around you. You Lucky Numbers: 17, 22, 31, 33, 44, 47

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) Your creative juices are flowing. Those around you are open to your ideas as well. Lucky times for you in general. Relationships are going well. Your happy disposition is contagious. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 39, 40, 52, 64

thermostat again and I’ll trade you in for an electric blanket.

Cool Valentine, No, I don’t think it’s chilly in here. But I do think you look lovely in wool.

Sweetie Pie! We make such a cute couple.

I bet we’d look great in a duplex!

My Altruistic Valentine, I admire your generosity. I just wish you’d stop giving my stuff away.

My Sentimental Valentine, It’s so cute how you get attached to your belongings.

But shouldn’t you give your old clothes to someone who can fit into them?

Love of My Life, After all the wonderful years we’ve had together, I feel like I can almost read your mind. Now if I could just read your handwriting in

Horoscopes

the checkbook.

My Love, Of course I agree that our home should be clean.

But I’d rather my vehicle be clean.

Dearest, You make me gloriously happy—some of the time.

To my favorite traveling companion, How I value your wisdom and support—except when I’m driving.

To my companion on life’s highway, Of course I think you’re a good driver. And with some coaching, you could be a GREAT driver.

My Cute Little Couch Potato, I could sit and stare at you cuddled up in front of the television all day, but one of us has to do the laundry.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Honey! See I DO NOT always forget!

(Send your Valentines wishes or other comments to Dorothy Rosby at drosby@ rushmore.com.)

email her at navamsa9@q.com LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Any projects you do on your own, or that you have control over can be successful at this time. If you haven’t been working on that holiday weight this is a good time to start your membership at the gym or your own exercise regime. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 21, 23, 40, 43

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Although you may have been focused on your exercise regime, this is a great time for that promotion. Luck is with you in approaching those in authority at this time. Put in your application for that job you want, you’ll get it. Lucky Numbers: 15, 16, 32, 39, 47, 57

SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Your feelings tell you more than your thoughts at this time. If you feel uncomfortable walking into a room or with certain people at this time, listen to your feelings. Same is true if you feel good around someone. Lucky Numbers: 5, 12, 16, 17, 29, 47

CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) You can be very lucky in romance at this time. Think through your actions before you act to be most fortunate. Your thoughts and ides are inspired and will bring success.

Lucky Numbers: 20, 22, 39, 42, 44, 59

GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) You are inspired in many ways at this time. This is a great time for your exercise regime. You will be successful. Also a good time for romance and taking the lead. This is a good time for a promotion as you appear to be a leader. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 18, 30, 49, 58

CANCER - (June 22 - July 22) This is a good time for romance. You are more eloquent than usual.

There is a but in this, be careful of being too impulsive as this is not the time to impulsively jump into anything. In general think before you speak or act and all will go well for you. Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 8, 27, 42, 48

LEO - (July 23 – Aug 22) Keep working on your exercise regime as this is a great time for romance. You have great presence and energy that is attractive to others. Relationships are your forte in general. People around you are impressed with your positive energy. Lucky Numbers: 4, 10, 13, 21, 39, 56

VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) This is an important time to see the other guy’s point of view.

People around you only want to help. You are lucky in financial transactions. When you are in happy mood you are especially lucky at this time. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 24, 31, 32, 47

23. Avo 24. Radar 26. Oar 27. Noel 28. Bent

29. Ono 31. Slim 32. Octave 33. Eleven 35. Roi

37. Thinner 38. March

1. Dan Marino 2. Nil 3. Landon DOWN

Donovan 4. Try 5. Urn 6. Punter 7. Dolly Parton

9. Air 10. Rex 12. Arm 14. IT 16. Pavarotti

17. Israel 18. AK 20. AV 21. Nab 22. Pan

Contact Mary Nightstar at marynihtstar@yahoo.com and type “horoscope” in the subject line.

ACROSS

Horoscopes by Teelok

talking when you’re reading the newspaper—if you promise to stop reading it at the dinner table.

My Fascinating Valentine, I do listen when you talk.

And talk And talk.

To my big, strong husband, If anyone is tough enough to lift his dirty clothes off the floor and toss them into the hamper, it should be you.

Gorgeous, You look STUNNING in everything you wear.

Why on earth would you need MORE CLOTHES? You’re right dear—as usual.

Cuddle Bug, I promise to stop elbowing you in the ribs when you snore—if you promise to stop snoring.

Oh Baby, You’re HOT! And I’m FREEZING! Touch that

13. Ide 14. IT 15. Approximately 19. Invaders 22. PA

Nothing could make Struggling to say you look fat. Now just the right thing to don’t ask me again. your spouse on ValTo my very fit entine’s Day? Try one spouse, From this of the following clever Valentine’s Day forand sentimental versward, I promise to go es I’ve come up with. the extra mile in our Use more than one—if relationship if you you think your relawill just go the extionship can take it.

Just clip out the By Dorothy Rosby tra foot. That’s all it drosby@rushmore.com would take for you verses that are most to carry your dirty appropriate to your marriage, glue them to a piece dishes from the sink to the dishof red construction paper, and washer.

My Fashionably Late Love, sign your name. Your spouse is sure to treasure your simple, You look fine. The house looks homemade card as much as fine. Now could we GO ALchocolates or flowers. But to be READY? on the safe side, you might want Sweetheart, I’m so glad that to give those too. we never let little things like whether the seat is up or down Verses for your Valentine: Darling, Love is a mystery! spoil our bliss. But if you forget And so is the reason you put to reload the toilet paper disempty cereal boxes back into penser one more time, you can start going next door to use the the cupboard.

Sugar Dumpling, No that bathroom.

Beloved, I promise to stop outfit doesn’t make you look fat.

1. Donald Trump 8. Nolan Ryan 12. Nil

Valentine Verses

25. Denver 30. NA 33. EO 34. Etc 36. ET

Crossword puzzle answers from page 9

PAGE 18

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 15

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