And I'm sure the economy hasn't impacted gambling revenues either

I thought the smoking ban was going to cause most of the bars and restaurants to go out of business. It seems they are doing just fine, but nort won't mention that.

Stories about who gets into the R&R Hall of Fame seem to be a staple on the MNMS news going back to the Anne Maxfield days. That allows Mike to go into one of his rants about how all music after about 1968 sucks and display his comedic genius and cultural insight.

Your expectation that the news headline selection on North's show should follow that of 780, 890, or 720 is utterly unfounded.

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"It's not exactly a rocket surgery." D.J.

Coach, they should be able to give us the (serious) headlines every so often. If I want News of the Weird I'll pick up the Reader.

There was a noticeable decline. I wish it went back to how it was before.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

It's hard to smoke or gamble away any money when there's nothing left after you buy gas and groceries.
This is all about the economy, and has nothing to do with the smoking ban.

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"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

I haven't seen any data, but I would think an easy way to tell would be to compare the Chicago area casinos in Illinois vs. Indiana. I've read where the downstate Casino's are blaming a drop in profits this year, in part, to players going outside for extended periods for a smoke (time away from the machines = money lost). Based upon personal observation, I would imagine that Casinos & bars are much more likely to be negatively affected by a smoking ban than restaurants. (For the record I am a non-smoker who is enjoying the ban).

I feel sorry for anyone that is so addicted to smoking that they would not be willing to step into a casino because they couldn't light up. On the other hand, if you are addicted to smoking, it's probably a good idea to avoid casinos if possible as to not pick up another addiction.

You used to be able smoke in movie theaters too. Do these same people refuse to go to the movies?

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Used to be able to smoke on planes too. Do smokers refuse to fly?

_________________
"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

I think their concern is that a smoker would choose to go to another casino where they can enjoy both vices simultaneously.

Of course it's all about the economy. Plenty of restaurants are doing brisk business..maybe even better because of the smoking ban. Also, two other factors are that Elgin is a depressed economic area and other gambling options have sprung up that draw people from Chicago. I'd rather drive 75 minutes to the new casino in New Buffalo, Michigan (and have) than take the same time to go to that dump in Elgin.

You also used to be able to smoke in hospitals

Yeah. From 1900-1940 it was common for the Doc to have a cigarette dangling from his mouth as he delivered babies. "Dats when dis country was great Fred. Da liberals ruined everything."

Or fly?

I feel bad for people addicted to message boards

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“What's the difference between a 3-week-old puppy and a sportswriter? In 6 weeks, the puppy will stop whining.”
Mike Ditka

Bingo! Full agreement

and the Elgin Casino is a dumpy crime ridden area, I have no interest in going back to.

Actually, I have never felt safe at any of these places in the parking lots. You know people showin gup have cash, the place is empty. Not so good.

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""I am now done at the Score."
Mike North, June 24, 2008

If you think that's bad, trying going to Harrahs in East Chicago. I think it's called "Resorts" now. It's literally out in the middle of nowhere in a US Steel plant and the people that frequent the place can only be described as the bottom rung of society. Myself excepted, of course.

My mother in law is a big gambler, once she dragged my wife and I to that place. Not sure if this happens all the time, but the boat actually goes out on the water and trapped us on the boat for several hours, couldn't leave. Actually not that bad of an idea on their end. It was a nightmare for me as I can only take so much of that crap