Dateline Dayton – For 16 hours last Wednesday and Thursday, I was a Californian, traveling from Las Vegas to Culver City, spending a night in Barstow.

The purpose of this road trip: To visit my friend Ari Noonan.

Both of us are from Piqua, Ohio, a great community, much like Culver City, except that it can get very cold, as it is now, whereas your city enjoys a much milder climate. I didn’t have a lot of time in your town, but what I did see was impressive. I can see why Ari is proud of his city.

I did have the opportunity to visit Ari’s office, Sony’s headquarters and a drug store to purchase postcards, all this after a tasty breakfast at a local eatery. Most importantly, Ari and I, along with my brother-in-law, Willie, were able to discuss the past, present and Ari’s current cause, rent control.

Turns out, the lady sitting behind us in the restaurant was a landlord. On the way out, she stopped at our table and gave us her views on the subject, with her many years of experience. She told us about being hit, shot at and called nasty names while trying to collect rent and evict non-paying tenants.

Her philosophy was being fair and not increasing rents excessively, as some landlords do. She also told us that the courts usually side with the tenant, making it difficult for the good landlords. Interesting conversation.

Gambler’s Luck

Shortly after noon, we were on our way back to Las Vegas. Once in Nevada, we did make a few stops along the way since I am still collecting player’s cards. Stops also make the trip less tiring.

Since I was returning the car on Friday morning, we took the opportunity to visit Sam’s Town early that day. Once I had won a blue cap strike from their Silver Strike machine and cashed in my duplicates, we were headed back downtown. We did drive over to American Restoration, but it was only 8 a.m., and they didn’t open until 9. Same was true for the Pawn Shop. I dropped off Willie at the hotel and returned the car to the airport.

Once at the hotel, I told Willie that I was going to the Pawn Shop. From there I walked over to American Restoration, a few long blocks away. On the way back to the hotel, I stopped at Gamblers Paradise, where you can buy anything you need for gambling.

It appears the excitement of these two places is wearing off. I did not enjoy them as much as I have in the past.

Friday evening was our tournament dinner, and when we received our playing times. After that event, we walked over to the new casino/hotel downtown, the Grand, which is where Lady Luck formerly was. I did manage to win $100 playing Wheel of Fortune.

After cashing in my winnings, Willie and I headed over to the El Cortez so I could play their Silver Strike machine. I won three strikes, not that good, and they were also ones I already had. Kept them to give to friends for when they ask, what are Silver Strikes?

(To be continued)

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net