From: "BOB" Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2013 23:53:20 -0400 Subject: [BARGE] Bob_)'sTrip Report First thing: congratulations to the organizers and the BOD. Despite, and possibly because of all the changes, BARGE was simply fantastic. Every event went well; all I saw were smiles, heard laughter, and other sounds of enjoyment. And the many unofficial events were also great. Of course, my pre-BARGE event set the tone for the rest of BARGE - and Bob Lauria's second place was sweet too. My BARGE trip this year started early an picked up speed at the Milligan's. Thanks for hosting the pre BARGE home game and chili. I introduced "Throw One Back" which quickly was renamed as "Crazy Bob's" by Eileen the hostess with the mostest. Another important point: A giant shout out and thank you to the staff, dealers, waitresses, everyone at Binion's. And a special thank you to all of you who extended me every courtesy and assistance as I wheeled around on my walker. Thanks much! Poker was better than at most of my previous BARGE's. Placing at one final table for a BARGE event, second at an Orleans O8 tourney, and (second time this trip) getting a Royal versus some poor unnamed unfortunates' FOUR ACES was way cool. As were the reindeer games where I table hopped and was a winner for the evening. The Egg and I was once again great even though as it turned out I only "had to" buy breakfast for ten of my BARGE friends. Sooper secret it was that I was buying! Dinner at Oscar's was "more food" than great food; however, the company was fantastic. The dealer's tournament was great. Thanks David. As was the Bourbon bash and the after party at Dan's and Sharon's. The Symposium was okay...the speaker was interesting and (I think) better there than at the banquet. I started with a thank you to the organizers and the BOD. I also want to thank you to all of you who organized unofficial events that are so much a part of the BARGE experience. BARGE was the best evah...I look forward to EMBARGO ~150 days and counting