Back to basics

[FloridaPhil]

Yes. There are more churches than casinos in Florida. God is big here. Probably because we have a lot of retirees that are studying for their final exam. I was raised in a family where going to church was what everyone did. My great grandfather was a Pentecostal minister. My real father abandoned me and my mother when I was a baby. My stepfather married my mother and adopted me when I was three years old. I am very grateful for my religious upbringing. It taught me how to live my life happy and kept me out of trouble.

Lots of people think the Bible is a big book of rules. It's not. The Bible is a book of real stories that describe how to live and what happens when you live contrary to God's plan. It shows that no human is perfect. It also shows how much God loves us and wants us to be happy. He loved us so much he sent part of himself to be nailed to a tree and die.

I am a Presbyterian. I believe it's OK to have fun as long as you keep God's commandments. At last count, there are only 10 of them. Nothing in those 10 commandments says anything about video poker. My Bible says doing anything to excess is harmful. If you let yourself get too fat, your health will suffer. If you drink to much, you will do harm to your family and most likely die young. If you gamble your money away in a casino, you will be depressed. That is not what God wants for you.

I don't talk about religion on this forum. I try not to. When someone asks me about it or brings it up, I tell them what I believe.

[olds442jetaway]

Just like in school, I would be the one to light the spark, then sit back and watch the fireworks! One mistake though. Thought I was a hot s.... as one who could throw the shotput a mile. Made the mistake of joshing a big Polish kid with a 19 inch neck. He picked up the shotput then threw it 3 feet past mine. Then we had a mini skirmish after school. Yep, I was on the losing end of that one. Guess I better get back to vp. Running up tonite to Mohegan. Double points and status points. It will be a zoo. Timberlake is there. Overdue for a really good hand. See what happens I guess. I will chill out with a Peroni first. Still reeling from mailing the taxes and paying the damage control from the tax law changes and my greedy wasteful state stealing 6 percent plus from my gross winnings

[FloridaPhil]

Guess I better get back to vp.

I think we should stay away from personal topics on this forum. Politics and religion are at the top of that list. I am not going to apologize for my response. Billy asked about the number of churches in Florida and I answered it. I am also not going to preach a sermon or say what I think of some politicians. That's not what this forum is about.

[billryan]

A few years ago, a lot of sharp players relied on video poker as a major source of revenue.
Now, they chase promos, and vulture instead. As Willie Sutton said, that's where the money is.

[billryan]

Just like in school, I would be the one to light the spark, then sit back and watch the fireworks! One mistake though. Thought I was a hot s.... as one who could throw the shotput a mile. Made the mistake of joshing a big Polish kid with a 19 inch neck. He picked up the shotput then threw it 3 feet past mine. Then we had a mini skirmish after school. Yep, I was on the losing end of that one. Guess I better get back to vp. Running up tonite to Mohegan. Double points and status points. It will be a zoo. Timberlake is there. Overdue for a really good hand. See what happens I guess. I will chill out with a Peroni first. Still reeling from mailing the taxes and paying the damage control from the tax law changes and my greedy wasteful state stealing 6 percent plus from my gross winnings

My shot put/ discus coach in high school was an immigrant from Czechoslovakia who represented his native land in the 1956 Olympics and got friendly with Al Oerter, who won the Gold at Four straight Olympics. He'd get Mr Oerter to work with us a few times a year, and tell us stories from his past.
He attended college with Wilt Chamberlin, who ran hurdles and was also a champion high umper.
One spring, they are practicing when a shot put gets loose and ended up over near the high jump pit.
Wilt picked it up and casually tossed it back. Al estimated he threw in 55 feet on the fly. At the time no one had throw 60 feet in competition.

[Vman96]

Guess I better get back to vp.

I think we should stay away from personal topics on this forum. Politics and religion are at the top of that list. I am not going to apologize for my response. Billy asked about the number of churches in Florida and I answered it. I am also not going to preach a sermon or say what I think of some politicians. That's not what this forum is about.

Honestly, i didn't have a problem with your beliefs based on your religious background. The everything in moderation point also transcends religion.

I agree we should keep politics and religion to a minimum, otherwise it will turn into another forum bill and I post at. Wizard of Vegas, where it's nearly Trump discussion all the time. Blah.

[FloridaPhil]

I don't mind going off topic, but I agree we should not talk religion or politics. Those subjects tend to turn into tirades. Unless I am in church, I don't discuss religion unless someone asks me about it. These days, political discussions are almost guaranteed to start an argument. Tolerance is something we have lost in this country. I wish it would come back.

[billryan]

Is there any state in the Union that doesn't have more churches than casinos? What a ridiculous point to bring up. Not only once either.

[FloridaPhil]

There are also more hospitals than casinos. Churches are hospitals as well. If you're not sick, you don't think you need to go. I go to church to thank God for the blessings he has given me in my life, of which there were many. Jesus told a story about a man who thought he was so smart he didn't need God. It's at Luke 12:16-21. It's worth the time to read it.