[bolgenmod]

NOTE: I wasn't sure where to put this: no forum seemed quite appropriate.

There's a moderately interesting article in today's (Monday February 6) New York Times about the explosion of charity poker tournaments.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/06/na...gewanted=print

Personally, I love this: "But Arnie Wexler, a recovering gambling addict, said it was not that simple. "If you opened up a house of prostitution in downtown Chicago, people who never cheated on their wives would eventually go there because all of a sudden it's legal," he said. "You now have a new breed of people gambling who never gambled before because of these charity things that are right in their neighborhood.""

Yeah Arnie, it's exactly the same thing...

[Slagar]

Lol, that's hillarious.

[Strange]

Its an interesting article, although I'm not sure it clarifies anything. I run (ran actually) charity tournaments here in the UK where 50% of the pot goes to good causes (cancer research mainly).

That hasn't stopped a big problem with finding a suitable venue, given the unclear legal standing of these tournaments.

I never really like the idea of recovering addicts being used as spokes people. you will always get people that over do any activity, that doesn't de-value the activity for the many that use moderation.

'Brenda, a recovering spend-aholic was horrified a the extent of the new year sales. "With these prices being so low, you'll get people buying things when they wouldn't have done so otherwise, its disgusting. They are just preying on people's weakness. All sales should be banned. Better yet, close all shops immediately!!!" '

[dad604]

There are a few charity holdem tournaments in the local area around Vancouver. It seems they are ok as the operator have check with the local law enforcement office and got the green light to go ahead as long as all the profit go to charity.

[OnTheButton]

Originally Posted by Strange

I never really like the idea of recovering addicts being used as spokes people. you will always get people that over do any activity, that doesn't de-value the activity for the many that use moderation.

Ahhh, then you don't know the "great American way..."

Some people just have way too much time on their hands, and if they have no restraint within their own lives, they try to do everything they can to keep you from having fun too. There is a common belief that "it's not my responsibility" and everyone should have to adapt to my shortcomings so that I am not tempted.

At the height of it, I am reminded of the hypocrisy of the people that kill Doctors that perform abortions to stop them from killing people...
"Stop killing or I will kill you."