check holiday bingo games! january 2019 see the gaming...

Check Holiday Bingo Games! See the Gaming & Bingo Guide

for Special Dates & Times!Pages 8 & 9

January 2019CENTRAL CALIFORNIA EDITION

VOL. 36 NO. 4 FREE

Gaming

MACAU. Owners of several large gaming complexes in Macau say they are taking a page from the “Las Vegas notebook” and are starting to look for secondary revenue streams. Macau, once a possession of Portugal, is now part of China. It has, for years, been the gambling capital of the world. But, leaders are now saying that it’s not safe to put all their financial eggs in one basket.

INDIANA. Two decades ago, a Las Vegas company spent a third-of-a-billion dollars to build a riverboat casino downriver from Louisville. New reports show that the facility, that just celebrated its 20th birthday, has REALLY paid off. One area report notes that now that the former Caesars riverboat has turned 20, there are few questions among community leaders, casino executives and industry analysts that the bet has paid off in spades. The profits have not only been realized by the owners—the venue has become a shot-in-the-arm for rural Harrison County, Indiana. For many, the facility has been a win-win proposition. DETROIT. Media in the Motor City are reporting that billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert has reached an agreement to sell his Greektown Casino in downtown Detroit for one billion dollars. The buyers are two casino-related firms … Penn National Gaming and VICI Properties. Currently, it is estimated that the Detroit casino is about $400-million in debt. The sale marks the largest by Gilbert of any of the dozens of properties he and his partners acquired in downtown Detroit after he moved his Quicken Loans headquarters downtown eight years ago.

BRITAIN. The British government is bowing to increased pressure from lawmakers by bringing forward a planned reform of gambling regulations, six months ahead of schedule. Culture minister Jeremy Wright said a previously announced cut to the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) would now take place next April. Last month,

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the government announced in its budget that the cut, from 100 pounds to just two pounds, would take place in October, 2019. Several lawmakers have called for curbs on FOBTs, which have been widely blamed for allowing gamblers to rack up large losses in a short space of time.

ARIZONA. Phoenix media are reporting that when a slot machine at the Talking Stick Casino in suburban Scottsdale suddenly

Bingo Bugle World Championshipn Congratulations to Bingo’s Newest Grand Champion!By Jeffrey Charboneau

Following retirement, Robin Cannon and her husband, Bob, wanted to take a vacation filled with interesting sights and experiences. The trick was finding one they were confident they would both enjoy.

“I had never been on a cruise before, and a friend of mine who had been on three Bingo cruises was putting a group together,” Robin says. “I loved the idea; I play Bingo three times a week and it seemed like a lot of fun to combine a Bingo Tournament

with a cruise to the Caribbean. But my husband had been in the navy, so a vacation on a ship wasn’t quite the same for him as it would be for me.”

In the end, Bob agreed to join Robin for the 30th Annual World Championship Bingo Tournament & Gaming Cruise after she sweetened the deal with one of the ship’s drink packages. “I think it was something like 15 drinks a day, whatever and wherever he wanted,” Robin laughs. “All I know is he liked it and the trip

Continued on page 6.

stopped with three red double-sevens in the windows, the man playing the machine assumed he had won something. As music blared from the machine, 47-year-old Ryan Sherry, checked the prize chart and found he had won the $50,000 jackpot. The problem was, the machine said he only won $4,000. His case is being heard by tribal leaders (the state has only a small amount oversight at the casino).

was a go.”Departing from New Orleans,

the Tournament Cruise visited the Caribbean ports of Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and the Cannons made sure to take advantage of every stop. “The tours were wonderful,” Robin says. “We swam with dolphins, saw the reefs in a submarine and visited Mayan ruins. It was a great experience.”

The experience got even greater when Robin joined her fellow Bingo fans for the World Championship Bingo Tournament. “It was exciting,” she says. “I loved the idea that

Robin Cannon of Twenty Nine Palms, California is Bingo’s Newest Grand Champ. Robin set sail with her husband Bob from New Orleans this past November and was crowned Grand Champ while sailing the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. Robin is pictured here with Tournament Director Dennis Conroy. Robin won games in three sessions of the Bingo Bugle World Championship, putting her to atop the leader board and netting the top prize of $5,000 cash and a free World Championship cruise package to defend her title in 2019. Robin also played in the Bingo Bugle’s special 30th Anniversary games, and won another $5,000 cash prize. If you think you’d like to try your luck in the Bingo Bugle’s 31st World Championship Cruise, and rub elbows with a true Bingo Champion like Robin, go to bingo-bugle.com/cruise or phone the Bingo Bugle Cruise Hotline at (888) 352-2464.

BINGO BUGLE JANUARY 2019 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Lucky Predictions for January 2019ARIES: March 21 to April 191st thru 6th…Sure, yr right 2nd-3rd!7th thru 12th…Born to win 12th-13th$$ 13th thru 18th…Good on GREEN 17th$19th thru 24th…Super RED hot the 21st!25th thru 31st…Someplace new 29th-30th

TAURUS: April 20 to May 201st thru 6th…U got the beat 4th-5th$7th thru 12th…Cha-CHING 9th-10th$$13th thru 18th…Must play 2 win 14th-15th!19th thru 24th…Sensibility wins 23rd$25th thru 31st…Late the 31st, oh yeahGEMINI: May 21 to June 211st thru 6th…A needed break7th thru 12th…U got da right stuff 7th-8th 13th thru 18th…Dang good week$$

19th thru 24th…See & believe 21st$25th thru 31st…Unique chances 25th-26th!

CANCER: June 22 to July 221st thru 6th…OK if early the 1st7th thru 12th…Dream materializes 9th-10th$13th thru 18th…Money likes U 14th-15th$$19th thru 24th…GREEN goes it 23rd 25th thru 31st…Blowout wins 27th-28th!

LEO: July 23 to Aug. 221st thru 6th…Ready, set, WIN 2nd-3rd!7th thru 12th…All about the 12th$13th thru 18th…Play hard 13th!19th thru 24th…Best luck the 21st 25th thru 31st…RED calls it 29th-30th$$

VIRGO: Aug. 23 to Sept. 221st thru 6th…Sure 2win 4th-5th$$7th thru 12th…Step away from the game 13th thru 18th…$$ keeps coming 14th-15th!19th thru 24th…Startin’ it right 19th$$25th thru 31st…Big surprise 27th-28th$!

LIBRA: Sept. 23 to Oct. 231st thru 6th…In rare form 2nd-3rd$7th thru 12th…You got this, 7th-8th13th thru 18th…Many choices 17th$$19th thru 24th…Get it done the 21st 25th thru 31st…Multiple wins 25th/29th-30th!

SCORPIO: Oct. 24 to Nov. 211st thru 6th…Big bet luck the 5th$$7th thru 12th…BLUE brings $$ 9th-10th 13th thru 18th…Sit it out19th thru 24th…Good times 19th & 23rd$!$25th thru 31st…Your call the 27th-28th

SAGITTARIUS: Nov. 22 to Dec. 211st thru 6th…Odds in yr favor 2nd-3rd$$7th thru 12th…Electrifying! 7th-8th 13th thru 18th…Super choices the 13th$19th thru 24th…Lookin’ good 21st!25th thru 31st…Right on da $ 29th-30th!

CAPRICORN: Dec. 22 to Jan. 191st thru 6th…Determination wins the 6th 7th thru 12th…As U fancy it 9th-10th$13th thru 18th…Hunch turns out 14th-15th!19th thru 24th…It’s a snap 23rd!25th thru 31st…See it through 27th-28th$$

AQUARIUS: Jan. 20 to Feb. 181st thru 6th…A leg up 2nd-3rd$7th thru 12th…Holy smokes! 7th & 12th$$13th thru 18th…Luckiest the 13th$19th thru 24th…Great thinking 25th-26th 25th thru 31st…Within yr grasp 29th-30th!$

PISCES: Feb. 19 to March 201st thru 6th…Hard cards excel 4th-5th$7th thru 12th…Lay low13th thru 18th…Ahead of the game 14th-15th19th thru 24th…Path to winning 19th$$25th thru 31st…Look at YOU 27th-28th!

Color associations refer to lucky objects, daubers, cards, machines, clothing/jewels you wear, or a dominant color in the room.

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Mini MarathonSUNDAYS | JANUARY 6, 20 | 1PM

$66/$104 Buy-in with 40 regular session games paying $1,199.

Haku Special SundaySUNDAY | JANUARY 27 | 1PM

$10,000 MUST GO! If not won sooner, it will definitely go today. $29/$52 Buy-in with 15 regular session games paying $1,000.

Bingo SundaySUNDAY | JANUARY 13 | 1PM

$29/$48 Buy-in with 12 regular session games paying $500/$1,000.

Monday 2KMONDAY | JANUARY 7 | 6PM

$40/$70 Buy-in with 12 regular session games paying $2,000!

Bingo MondaysJANUARY 14, 28 | 6PM

$29/$48 Super Pack Buy-in with 12 regular session games paying $500/$1,000.

Martin Luther King Day!MONDAY | JANUARY 21 | 1PM

$29/$48 Super Pack Buy-in with 12 regular session games paying $500/$1,000. Play a special game for a chance to win Casino Free Play!

New Year’s Day!TUESDAY | JANUARY 1 | 1PM

$29/$48 Super Pack Buy-in with 12 regular session games paying $500/$1,000. 2-for-1 floor sales, applies to specials only, excludes buy-in and Lucky 8s. Play a special to have a chance to win Casino Free Play!

Bingo TuesdaysJANUARY 8, 15, 22, 29 | 6PM

$29/$48 Super Pack Buy-in with 12 regular session games paying $500/$1,000. 2-for-1 floor sales, applies to specials only, excludes buy-in and Lucky 8s.

Bingo WednesdaysJANUARY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 6PM


Bingo ThursdaysJANUARY 3, 24, 31 | 6PM


Neon Nights BingoSATURDAY | JANUARY 5 | 8PM

$26 Machine buy-in with 8 regular session games paying $250, 4 specials paying $200, and 4 party games paying $150! This is no ordinary game! Get loud, get lucky! Play bingo while you enjoy a live action DJ Orlando, black lights, glow-in-the-dark paper and dauber as well as full drink service! FREE glow-in-the-dark necklace, while supplies last. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 8pm.

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What’s NeWs iN NevadaIS VEGAS STILL A UFO HOTSPOT?According to a long-time “UFO watcher” in Nevada, new figures show the Las Vegas area is number two in the nation in UFO sightings. Investigative reporter George Knapp teamed up with a group of reporters from a local television station in compiling the data. During a recent period, there were nearly 640 thought-to-be-credible sightings reported to authorities in the Las Vegas area. By the way, Phoenix was number one, with over 900 sightings.

ARENA ON TRACKA check of the ongoing construction on the planned massive Raiders’ Stadium in Las Vegas shows it’s about one-quarter finished, but on schedule. To date, nearly half-a-billion dollars have been spent on Phase One of the construction. The state-of-the-art glass-domed stadium is being built across the Interstate from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino; it will also be close to McCarran International Airport.

STEVE WYNN BACK IN THE NEWSYes, controversial entrepreneur Steve Wynn is back in the news, but not for the reason you might think. There are reports that Wynn and his wife of seven years, Andrea Hissom, have purchased the most expensive residence in Las Vegas. It’s more than 13,000-square-feet in size, boasts six bedrooms and sits in the Country Club Hills subdivision of Summerlin, Nevada. The Wynns apparently forked over about $22-million for the property. The estate was built in 2001 and has been remodeled twice over the years.

VEGAS HOSTS BIG THANKSGIVINGSome interesting figures have been released that show the number of people who came to Las Vegas over Thanksgiving week equals the population of Pittsburgh or Cincinnati. That’s more than a third of a million people. The always-busy McCarran International Airport handled the brunt of the short-term invasion of tourists. Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 140,000 hotel rooms were filled and the numbers look good for a two-percent (or so) increase in tourism.

GREENER BUSESThe Regional Transportation Commission that oversees surface transportation in the Las Vegas area is in the final stages of preparing for the rollout of 55 new environmentally friendly buses throughout the area in a few months. They will replace part of the fleet of diesel vehicles. The 40- and 60-foot-long buses are powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The rollout is part of a plan to change all of the city’s 400 buses to CNG to reduce exhaust emissions.

VEGAS VENUE GETS NEW NAMEMedia are reporting that the e-sports gaming area at the Luxor has sold its naming rights to a California-based company. The company is Kingston Technology. The new name is HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas. Kingston is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of computer memory products, including SD cards and USB flash drives. HyperX is Kingston’s gaming division. It has been in the high-tech arena for over 30 years. No word on the price-tag for the naming

Callers Are Only Human

I hope you all had a great holiday season. My holidays were busy. I relocated back to Las Vegas. It’s not worth going into the reasons here, however, let’s just say, I’m happy to be back in a city where they play Bingo around-the-clock.

My column about Bingo games becoming increasingly dull in some areas got me a lot of e-mail, to [email protected]. Most of those writing agree with me that in many halls things have become too cut-and-dried. I know that some of this may be due to state laws, but, too many Bingo managers are afraid to allow the callers to have any fun, for fear they will be fired.

Among the letters in e-mail was one from a person identified only as “Keleka.” So, here is what Keleka said: “Hi, Bob. I enjoy reading your stories. A lot of them hit home. It’s really interesting to know that other people think the same way or feel the same way about certain things when it comes to Bingo. My story is a quick one about things that happened very

quickly.“I have been calling Bingo in

northern California for roughly seven years. In the very beginning of one of the sessions one night, I was calling a rather high-paying game. At one point, the equipment malfunctioned and no balls were coming through the chute. I stared at the crowd. What I saw was a bunch of ‘statues.’ For 15 seconds no one said anything. All I got was stares.

“I soon realized that the malfunction was MY fault. I had forgotten to start over with the entire set of Bingo balls. The ones from the previous game had never been dropped (recycled). With a tear in my eye, I told the crowd what had happened and admitted that it was my fault. Some people clapped. Many came up at the end of the evening to thank me for being so honest and noting that ‘mistakes DO happen.’

“The manager came forward with new cards (special for that game). I guess the moral of my story is that Bingo can be amazing and exciting…and, it can be a little humbling.”

Thanks, Keleka! There is an additional morale here: remember that the callers and runners are only human. I have always said that I can’t add two and two together and could never handle the money at Bingo. I would slit my throat if there were more than two winners in any game.

Next month I am going to tell you about a very large Bingo hall where it is STILL fun to play, in spite of one of my columns last year where I said that that was not possible. Keep the e-mails coming. Let’s support Bingo this year and keep our favorite game alive.

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Bingo in the New YearNew Year’s Day is very important

to Kate and she has some strict rules to follow. She believes that everything you do on this day will predict what will happen in the year to follow. Therefore you must be very careful what you eat and drink, who you choose to associate with and most of all, what you do. So I was not very hopeful when I suggested we spend the day at the nearby casino. But I was wrong.

“Great idea,” said Kate. “Let’s get going right now.”

We started with the buffet, which always puts her in a great mood, then on to Breakfast Bingo.

They had a new game that they called “The Snake,” although I have never seen a snake with such sharp bends. It was the entire top row, the diagonal from upper left to lower right and then the entire bottom row. It felt sort of backwards to me but Kate loved it and even more so when she was on. Someone else won, however, and we were back to regular

games.She won once on an on-the-way

game which barely covered our buy-in, but we went away happy, looking for some diversion to keep us busy until the next session started at one or until we got hungry which wasn’t likely to happen until evening.

Kate found the slots. She loves them—especially the penny ones—and could play for hours. I spent time in the gift shops and had to drag her out for our second Bingo session.

“Look,” she said. “I won all this.” She gave me several slips of paper, all of which amounted to one dollar and thirty-two cents.

“And just how much did you invest to win all this?” I asked.

“Oh, only two or three dollars,” she said.

I didn’t say anything about her math, but concentrated on the game. Later we played the snake again and this time I was on and won! I was terribly excited to have a good-sized win and on New Year’s Day! Oh, happiness.

Our tablemates were a gener-ous couple, very happy for me, so I bought them each a doughnut at break. They were named Jake and Joan and pleased to talk about their “two J’s.” “I think that’s what origi-nally got us together,” said Joan. “We were at a high school dance and we won the best couple contest, then discovered we were two J’s. It seemed predestined after that. We’ve been very happy.”

“And we’ve got two kids to prove it,” said Jake.

Kate was restless, eager to finish the games so she could return to the penny slots. I thought about all this restlessness on New Year’s Day and what it could predict for the year

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ahead, but said nothing, hoping it would all go away.

Jake won the final game and was terribly excited. He insisted on buying us dinner for which I could not drum up much appetite, but he was so ex-

cited we just couldn’t turn him down. Even Kate gave up her new addiction, penny slots, to join in the celebration.

Jake lifted his glass in a merry toast. “To us,” he proclaimed. “And to a wonderful New Year’s Day.”


There’s a Bingo for Every PlayerHi Guy,

There are two Bingo halls in my area I avoid because the callers there are too “social.” By this I mean that while they are supposed to be calling the numbers and keeping the games moving along, instead they are trading quips with their player “pals” and coworkers.

If I were looking to be entertained by a jokester I would go to a nightclub or stay home and watch TV. With Bingo I’m there to focus on the game and be entertained by the excitement of getting close to and/or winning money. Period. I don’t need to wait five minutes between numbers while the caller makes fun of some guy’s hat. That’s stupid and a complete waste of my time.

I hope you will publish this letter as a reminder to those who run Bingo that not everyone is there for the workers’ amusement and that lots of us would prefer that the Bingo is run in a normal fashion so that we can play the game, get our winnings and go home.VC, via email

Hi VC,Personally, I like it when Bingo halls

have different types of personalities so

that I can pick and choose the hall to head to, depending on my mood.

If I’ve had a good day and am feeling upbeat, I might head to a hall with a caller just like the one you describe, with a big personality who likes to joke around and have fun with his coworkers and players. In such a case, I’m getting my fill of Bingo plus a bit of a floorshow—at no added cost. And I might pick up a joke or two to take to work the next day.

(If you ever want a real show, I suggest you try out a drag Bingo, bar Bingo or other “alternative” venue. The callers and other workers can be hilarious, the games promise to be a little crazy, and you are guaranteed more than one hearty laugh at some unsuspecting patron’s expense—and hopefully not your own.)

Other times I may be looking for a Bingo that is more sedate, all business, so that I can enjoy my Bingo in peace, get out at decent hour, and move on with my life.

Not every player is going to enjoy every kind of Bingo hall. Some folks like casino gaming, while others prefer neighborhood church hall charity games. Some like big, roomy halls with lots of people and lots of activity, while others are more comfortable in a smaller facility with fewer players and more elbowroom. And of course, some players like a jovial, friendly, familiar caller running their games, while others will opt for a quiet, efficient no-nonsense person at the console who will keep things moving and wrap it all up ahead of schedule.

Fortunately, it’s a great big world out there with plenty of room for everyone to have interests and activities that are offered in a way that best suits them.

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If a particular Bingo hall doesn’t operate to your liking, just flip through the pages of this Bingo Bugle and you’re sure to find an ad for another venue that suits you perfectly. —Guy

Congratulations to Bingo’s Newest Grand Champion!

Continued from page 1.

everyone was playing even—we all had the same number of cards and had an equal chance to win.”

The Tournament ran for three days, and Robin Bingoed in all three sessions. “On day one I split a pot and won $600,” she says. “On day two I won alone and got $1,200. Th

at’s when they told me I was in the lead for the grand prize, which was very exciting. But then another player won two games and passed me. So I told myself: ‘Well, that’s it. I have to win again on day three and be the champ and that’s all there is to it.”

Day three arrived and Robin stuck to her plan—and surpassed it—winning two more $1,200 jackpots and becoming Bingo Grand Champion. As the Tournament winner, Robin was awarded an additional $5,000 cash and free passage for two on the 2019 Tournament Cruise.

But her winning ways didn’t stop there. “This was the 30th anniversary of the cruise and along with the Tournament they played special anniversary games with really big prizes,” she says. “I won one of those games, too, and another $5,000!”

Are you up for a week of pampered ocean cruising, tropical sunshine, Caribbean adventure, a shot at $80,000 in cash prizes, and more? Then join us for the 31st Annual World Championship Bingo Tournament & Gaming Cruise.

Setting sail November 9 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the 2019 Cruise will travel the southern Caribbean for eight fun-filled days and visit the beautiful ports of Grand Turk, La Romana, Curaçao and Aruba.

Between ports, you will join your fellow travelers for marathon Bingo and optional Sizzling Slots, and Bingo Bugle Blackjack tournaments—which together will be awarding more than $80,000 in cash prizes. On top of that, the top winner of the Bingo Tournament will be named Bingo Grand Champion and win free passage for two on the following year’s Bingo Tournament Cruise.

The Bingo Bugle is thrilled to offer this incredible gaming vacation for Bingo fans that want to add some action and adventure to their gaming. Visit bingobugle.com/cruise or phone the Bingo Bugle Cruise Hotline (888-352-2464) for more information.

Hey guys! (And gals!) Write to: Guy’s Turn c/o The Bingo Bugle, P.O. Box 527, Vashon, WA 98070, or email Guy directly at [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and address (you may request that your name not be published), as typically Guy will not include anonymous letters in his columns.

P

Page 8 BINGO BUGLE - JANUARY 2019 - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA CENTRAL CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 2019 - BINGO BUGLE Page 9

Your GAMING and BINGO Guide JANUARY 2019TUESDAY

CHUMASH CASINO3400 Hwy. 246, SANTA YNEZCasino open 24 hours6 PM 1-800-728-9997

FFA CLOVISClovis Hall, 80 W. Bullard, #111, S.W. corner Bullard & Minnewawa, CLOVIS6:15 PM game hall, 559-299-1143Play January 1st at Noon.www.clovisbingohall.info

RASMUSSEN SENIOR CENTER BINGO115 E Roberts Lane, BAKERSFIELD1 PM EB 661-392-2030Plays January 8th & 15th.

TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO8184 Table Mountain Road, FRIANTCasino Open, No Bingo on Tuesdays. 1-800-541-3637 or 559-822-7777

TACHI PALACE Hotel & Casino18th & Jersey Avenues, LEMOORECasino open 24 hours 6:30 PM Bingo 1-866-4PALACE or 1-800-942-6886

VALLEY BINGO2801 F Street, BAKERSFIELD6 PM EB 661-378-5483Plays January 1st at 11 AM.

WEDNESDAYCASTLE BINGO3119 S. Central Ave., CERES 6:30 PM 209-538-9801

CHUMASH CASINO3400 Hwy. 246, SANTA YNEZCasino open 24hours6 PM 1-800-728-9997

FRESNO FEDERAL 509 BINGO, INC. American Legion Hall, 3509 N. First, FRESNO6:30 PM 559-224-0522

TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO8184 Table Mountain Road, FRIANTCasino open 24 hours 6:20 PM EB 1-800-541-3637 or 559-822-7777

TACHI PALACE Hotel & Casno18th & Jersey Avenues, LEMOORECasino open 24 hours 6:30 PM Bingo 1-866-4PALACE or 1-800-942-6886

THURSDAYCASTLE BINGO3119 S. Central Ave., CERES 6:30 PM 209-538-9801

CHUMASH CASINO3400 Hwy. 246, SANTA YNEZCasino open 24 hours, No Bingo on Thursdays. Plays January 3rd, 24th & 31st at 6 PM. 1-800-728-9997

TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO8184 Table Mountain Road, FRIANTCasino open 24 hours 6:20 PM EB. 1-800-541-3637 or 559-822-7777

TACHI PALACE Hotel & Casino17225 Jersey Avenue, LEMOORECasino open 24 hours 6:30 PM Bingo. No Bingo January 10th. 1-866-4PALACE or 1-800-942-6886

FRIDAYCHUMASH CASINO3400 Hwy. 246, SANTA YNEZCasino open 24 hours, No Bingo on Fridays, 1-800-728-9997

CLOVIS HALLClovis Hall, 80 W. Bullard, #111S.W. corner Bullard & Minnewawa, CLOVIS6:15 PM game hall, 559-299-1143www.clovisbingohall.com

RASMUSSEN SENIOR CENTER BINGO115 E Roberts Lane, BAKERSFIELD1 PM EB 661-392-2030

TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO8184 Table Mountain Road, FRIANTCasino open 24 hours 6:20 PM EB 1-800-541-3637 or 559-822-7777

TACHI PALACE Hotel & Casino17225 Jersey Avenue, LEMOORECasino open 24 hours 6:30 PM Bingo No Bingo January 18th. 1-866-4PALACE or 1-800-942-6886

SATURDAYCHUMASH CASINO3400 Hwy. 246, SANTA YNEZCasino open 24 hours, No Bingo on Saturdays.Plays January 5th at 8 PM. 1-800-728-9997

CLOVIS JUNIOR SOCCER LEAGUEClovis Hall, 80 W. Bullard, #111S.W. corner Bullard & Minnewawa, CLOVIS6:15 PM game hall, 559-299-1143www.clovisbingohall.com

SENIOR PRIDE BINGOVisalia Senior Center310 N. Locust, VISALIA12:45 PM EB 559-732-0829


TACHI PALACE Hotel & Casino17225 Jersey Ave., LEMOORECasino open 24 hours 6:30 PM Bingo. 1-866-4PALACE or 1-800-942-6886

SUNDAYCASTLE BINGO3119 S. Central Ave., CERES 6:30 PM

CHUMASH CASINO3400 Hwy. 246, SANTA YNEZCasino open 24 hours1 PM 1-800-728-9997

GARCES BINGO2800 Loma Linda Drive, BAKERSFIELD12:15 PM Game day only, 661-323-4868

MERCED MARCHING 100 BINGO205 W. Olive Ave., Mer cedMerced High School Cafeteria1 PM EB 209-600-5910

ST. LA SALLE SCHOOL BINGO St. La Salle School Cafeteria 404 E. Manning, REEDLEY5 PM EB M-F days, 559-638-2621


TACHI PALACE Hotel & Casino 17225 Jersey Avenue, LEMOORECasino open 24 hours 1PM Bingo 1-866-4PALACE or 1-800-942-6886No Bingo January 20th. TIMBERWOLVES FOUNDATION BINGOClovis Hall, 80 West Bullard #111S.W. corner Bullard/Minnewawa, CLOVIS4 PM game hall, 559-299-1143www.clovisbingohall.com

MONDAY

CASTLE BINGO3119 S. Central Ave., CERES 6:30 PM 209-538-9801

CHUMASH CASINO3400 Hwy. 246, SANTA YNEZCasino open 24 hours6 PM 1-800-728-9997January 21st, Play at 1 PM GOLDEN VALLEY CARDINAL REGIME BINGOGolden Valley HS Cafeteria2121 E Childs Ave., MERCED6:30 PM EB

PHS BINGO BOOSTERS CLUBPorterville High School Cafeteria465 W. Olive Ave, PORTERVILLE6:30 PM

TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO8184 Table Mountain Road, FRIANTCasino Open, No Bingo on Mondays. 1-800-541-3637 or 559-822-777

TACHI PALACE Hotel & Casino18th & Jersey Avenues, LEMOORECasino open 24 hours6:30 PM Bingo. 1-866-4PALACE or 1-800-942-6888

For Advertising Information

Call 559-907-7215

All Other Inquiries Call 559-281-5301

Circulation:15,000

Central California EditionEstablished 1983

Phone (559) 907-72155145 N. GreenwoodClovis, CA 93619

COVERAGE AREA:In the Valley, from Modesto, Manteca, Stockton to Bakersfield, Taft, Lake Isabella, Tehachapi, etc. On the Coast, from Santa Maria to Morro Bay, Paso Robles, and points in between, Kettleman City & Los Banos.

Publisher: Dawn Adams Advertising/Distribution: Bob FlemmingCIRCULATION STATEMENTS ARE PROVIDED TO STANDARD RATE & DATA SERVICE on a monthly basis. The BINGO BUGLE is published monthly. All contents copyright 2017 by Bingo Bugle Inc. All rights reserved. Bingo is an international trademark of Bingo Bugle Inc. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents, withouth the written permission of the publisers and copyright owners, is prohibited. The opinions expressed by the authors and contributors to the Bingo Bugle are not necessarily those for the editor or publisher. The Bingo Bugle is not responsible for delivery of merchandise ordered from advertisers. Publishers do not endorse copy contents of ads. The publishers do not assume and herby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by error or omission in the Bingo Bugle, wheter such error or omission results from negligence, accident or any other cause.

www.bingobugle.comwww.bingobuglecencal.com

Zany Zora

Riddle Answer:

Tomorrow

Finally... Zora finds a pillow that

makes her feel small!

It just happens to be a body pillow.


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Spaghetti Pie SurpriseDear Annie,

I have a crazy request. Have you ever heard of a spaghetti pie? My 10-year-old son, Jimmy, was served a spaghetti pie at a friend’s house. Do you have a recipe for this? I want to surprise him with it on his birthday? Thanks.Georgie from Macon, Georgia

Dear Georgie,It took a little research, but I found

a recipe that looks delicious. It is in a cookbook that has superb recipes. I hope Jimmy likes his spaghetti pie birthday surprise. If I were you, I would make two pies (double the recipe) and freeze one for next time. According to the recipe, the spaghetti

pie freezes well. —Annie

SPAGHETTI PIE

6 ounces spaghetti2 eggs, beaten¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese2 tablespoons butter1/3 cup chopped onion1 cup sour cream1 pound Italian sausage1 6-ounce can tomato paste1 cup water6 ounces Mozzarella cheese, sliced

Break the spaghetti in half. Cook in a pot of boiling water until done. Drain. While warm combine the spaghetti with the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Pour into a well greased 10 inch pie plate and pat the mixture and around the sides with a spoon. In a small fry plan, melt the butter and sauté until limp. Stir in the sour cream and spoon over the spaghetti. Remove the sausage from the casing, crumble and cook in a skillet until done. Drain. Add the tomato paste and water. Simmer 10 minutes. Spoon the sausage on top of the sour cream mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Arrange the mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven the cheese melts. Serves 4-6.Your comments and questions about cooking and entertaining will be addressed in this monthly column. Write to “Ask Annie” c/o Annie Ennis, 8312 SE 168th Trinity Place, The Villages, FL 32162. So Ask Annie. Don’t forget you can E-mail me at [email protected]. And let’s get cooking.

Let’s Start All Over Again

From my earliest memories, I was always excited about new things in life like the new brother or sister that arrived every year or two, new teachers every September, starting a new ballet dance or moving up to a more advanced class, new privileges and responsibilities as I grew older.

As a third grader we were allowed to start writing with ink. That was a big milestone in my young life. There was a hole in the upper right corner of the desk that held a bottle of ink, which Sister Mary filled from time to time. The ink pen in those days was sort of a stick that held a pointed metal pen. My clumsy little hands trembled when I was finally allowed to stick that pen into the ink well for the very first time, and it resulted in a big blot of ink on that nice clean sheet of paper. I expected to be scolded, but Sister Mary handed me a clean sheet of paper and said gently, “Let’s start all over.”

Each year I had a new birthday and certain of those meant new and exciting milestones. I knew that

when I was twelve I could stay up an hour later than the “little” kids. At fourteen, I could get a working permit and a job at the root beer stand. By fifteen I could wear a little lipstick on weekends, but not to church. I knew that when I was seventeen I could take driver’s training and start dating. By the time I reached twenty I felt I had done it all and stopped reminding everyone that my birthday was coming soon and I started planning out my own exciting events.

I still do look forward to every new day, however. The minute I open my eyes each morning I thank God for another chance to start over with a clean sheet of paper. When nighttime comes I speak with God again about all the blots I made each day. He understands that I need a clean sheet of paper.

I wish each of you a blessed and happy new year and a clean sheet of paper. For our country, I wish unity in love for each other and our fellow man and a respect for the freedom we have to differ in our choices and opinions.

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Mister Mis-DaubsDear Aunt Bingo:

There is nothing like Bingo to demonstrate the superiority of the female mind. Sure, my wife and mom always invited me to go with them, but I always declined in favor of the more challenging game of chess. They just smiled when I told them I would rather play a difficult game like chess.

And then it happened…My Wednesday chess club meeting

was cancelled. My wife felt sorry and invited me to join her and her mom for a fun-evening of “daubing.” I didn’t want to go, but I was an altar boy as a kid, and St. Amelia’s needed the money.

It was a mind-numbing experience. There were 1,000 people packed into the church hall, each heavily armed with Bingo supplies. I didn’t know there were Bingo supplies. There was pizza and donuts and soft drinks and coffee. There were scoreboards like in a football stadium. There were numbered ping-pong balls bouncing around like popcorn in a big fish aquarium. There was a Grand

Knight of the Knights of Columbus announcing numbers into the public address system. There was excitement in the air! I couldn’t wait to tell my chess club buddies about this grand spectacle.

My wife and her mom each bought nine cards for each game. I confidently handed the lady a hundred-dollar bill and asked for 20 cards for each game. My wife intervened and told her to give me only four.

We took our seats and lined up our cards in front of us. I was in the middle between the two of them. Ellen had nine cards in front of her and her mom had nine in front of her. I had four lonely cards in front of me. It was sort of embarrassing.

My wife gave me a package of Bingo daubers. I spent most of the evening trying to use the word “daub” in a sentence. Then I just started playing with the daubers. I was daubing everything I could–my bingo card, my forearm, a hot dog, a piece of pizza, and the forehead of a sweet old lady sitting across from me. I gave her the measles with my red dauber. I spent the first 15 minutes figuring out which color dauber to use–there were so many choices! I devised a daubing system–I would use red for even numbers, blue for odd numbers. I would show them what a chess player could do! I would even daub with both hands!

I got so distracted by the daubers that I didn’t notice the Grand Knight announcing the numbers. The hall quieted down. His voice was soothing as he announced an unending sequence of letters and numbers: “B-13, G-55, O-70…”

It felt like a concert hall, listening to a symphony. I started to dream about how many possible combinations of letters and numbers there were on all

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the cards. Just as I figured out that there were X number of combinations, I was jolted by hands and daubers flying in front of my face from my right and my left. Blue, green, pink, yellow and red daubers, all the colors of the rainbow–flying in like jet planes with pinpoint accuracy to daub my cards. It was a thing of beauty to behold–sort of like robotic arms in an automobile assembly line. They daubed their own nine cards and all four of mine at the same time! All this time I was searching my cards for B-9. I couldn’t find it anywhere. My friend with the measles gently whispered, “Top left card, dear, first column, two numbers from the top!” She found it reading upside down! I would not want to play chess against that lady!

By the third game, I got the hang of it. I was daubing like a veteran. I was holding pizza in my left hand, sipping a Coke through a straw, and daubing with my right hand at the same time. I was “On the Bubble” when the hallucination hit me. I got so excited I yelled, “Bingo!” with the confidence of a chess player delivering checkmate. Sighs of disappointment murmured through the hall as my family members looked over my cards. It only took a few

seconds for my wife to give me the, “I am sorry for the embarrassment you are about to experience,” look. I had mis-daubed. I didn’t even know that was a word. My wife apologized to the Grand Knight, “He was just practicing!”

He started to announce again. No one seemed to notice as I excused myself and headed for the restroom. I called an Uber and headed home. I dreamt that night about fianchettoing my bishop in the Sicilian Defense. I would never play Bingo again. That game was just too damn hard!

Robert Simpson, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Dear Robert:Don’t quit now. The embarrassment is

behind you! —Aunt Bingo

Share your views! Write to Aunt Bingo c/o the Bingo Bugle, P.O. Box 527, Vashon, WA 98070, or email her at [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and address (you can request that your name not be published), as typically she will not include anonymous letters in her columns


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How to Avoid Medicare Mistakes When You’re Still WorkingDear Savvy Senior,

Should I enroll in Medicare at age 65 if I’m still working and have coverage through my employer? —Almost 65

Dear Almost,The rules for enrolling in Medicare

can be very confusing with all the different choices available today. But when you postpone retirement past age 65, as many people are doing, it becomes even more complicated.

First, let’s review the basics. Remember that original Medicare has two parts: Part A, which provides hospital coverage and is free for most people. And Part B, which covers doctor’s bills, lab tests and outpatient care. Part B also has a monthly premium of $104.90 in 2016 (though it’s higher for individuals earning $85,000 or more a year).

If you are receiving Social Security, you will be enrolled automatically in parts A and B when you turn 65. If you aren’t yet receiving Social Security, you will have to apply, which you can do online at SSA.gov/medicare, over the phone at 800-772-1213 or through your local Social Security office.

If you plan to continue working past the age of 65 and have health

insurance from your job, your first step is to ask your benefits manager or human resources department how your employer insurance works with Medicare. In most cases, you should at least take Medicare Part A because it’s free. But to decide whether to take Part B or not will depend on the size of your employer.

Small employer: If your current employer (or spouse’s employer if it’s providing your coverage) has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare will be your primary insurer and you should enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period. This is a seven-month period that includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday.

If you miss the seven-month sign-up window, you’ll have to wait until the next general enrollment period, which runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 with benefits beginning the following July 1. You’ll also incur a 10 percent penalty for each year you wait beyond your initial enrollment period, which will be tacked on to your monthly Part B premium.

Large employer: If your employer has 20 or more employees, your employer’s group health plan will be your primary insurer as long as you (or your spouse if the coverage is from his/her employer) remain an active employee. If this is the case, you don’t need to enroll in Part B when you turn 65 if you’re satisfied with the coverage you are getting through your job. But if you do decide to enroll in Medicare, it will supplement your employer insurance by paying secondary on all of your claims.

Once your employment (or group health coverage) ends, you will then have eight months to sign up for Part

B without a penalty. This is known as the Special Enrollment Period.

Drug coverage: You also need to verify your prescription drug coverage. Call your benefits manager or insurance company to find out if your employer’s prescription drug coverage is considered “creditable.” (Creditable prescription drug coverage is one that is considered to be as good as or better than the Medicare prescription drug benefit.) If it is, you don’t need to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. If it isn’t, you should purchase a plan during your initial enrollment period or you’ll incur a premium penalty (1 percent of the average national premium for every month you don’t have coverage) if you enroll later.

For additional help, visit Medicare.gov or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). The Medicare Rights Center also offers a free helpline at 800-333-4114.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

Call Laurel Boylan

at 559-321-5368

* Bring back the life of a washable marker that’s been dried out. Run the tip under a slow stream of tap water for 60 seconds, then wrap the tip in plastic and cap it. Let sit for an hour.

* “With two preschoolers, I have a rather large collection of artwork. I save papers that are decorated on only one side and use them to write letters to family members. I try to write which child drew the picture and the month and year, but even when I can’t, the papers make very unusual and appreciated stationary.” — M.F. in Oregon

* Snow flurries got kids down unexpectedly? Give them a little extra traction on their bike tires with the addition of well-spaced zip ties. About 30 per tire, a couple inches apart. Just be sure they’re not too tight.

* Here’s a wonderful tip received via e-mail: “If you have a panic button for your car alarm, keep your keys by the bedside. If you experience a problem during the night, trip the panic alarm. Let your trusted neighbors know about your intention, and they’ll be able to assist you.”

* Wear and wash? Not necessarily. Before you toss that sweater or pair of corduroys in the wash, take the time to check if it’s actually soiled. Many garments can be reworn after airing rather than washing and drying, which takes a toll on the fabric, and your water and electric bills.

Send your tips to: Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

© 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.


Answers found on Your Gaming and Bingo Guide.

JANUARY’S Riddle:What does everyone wait for, but when it

comes, you still have to wait?

Sponsored by:

44 Vast expanse46 Celery unit50 “The Grapes of Wrath” author55 Heavy weight56 Frogs’ hangout57 Needle case58 Japanese sash59 Church section60 Mend a sock61 Witticism

DOWN1 Secular2 Western state3 Heavy reading4 Set off on a journey5 Six-gun, e.g.6 “The Greatest”7 Cellulite, e.g.8 Bleach9 Flute’s cousin10 Press11 Sawbucks

19 Gym class (Abbr.)21 “Eureka!”24 Cover25 Luau musicmaker26 String around your finger28 Geological period29 Merchant30 Hearty quaff31 Firmament36 Hateful37 Inmate38 Snapshots41 Baseball position (Abbr.)42 Not working43 Bleak, in Hollywood44 Verbal abuse46 Skeletal47 Picnic invaders48 Laugh-a-minute51 Carnival city© 2018 King Features Synd.

ACROSS1 Request4 Blunder8 Weapon handle12 Island neckwear13 Sandwich cookie14 Exile isle15 Spelling contest16 “West Side Story” composer18 Tiny ear bone20 Ball prop21 Office part-timer24 Stuffs tightly28 “E = mc2” man32 Not procrastinating33 Chowed down34 Precipitous36 Historic time37 Wound cover39 Piano name41 Pitched43 2012 Ben Affleck movie


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