Ladies and Gentleman, Here They Are: The Beatles!

The music world was forever changed on February 9th, 1964, the day the Beatles performed on the Ed Sullivan Show. The young lads from Liverpool, England, rocked the house, performing early classics such as "I Saw Her Standing There," "I Want To Hold Your Hand," "All My Loving," and "She Loves You." Anyone who was alive during this time knew exactly what they were doing and where they were at on that day.

Unfortunately, for me, I was conceived 16 years, one day late from the event, never witnessing the true birth of Beatlemania. As an avid fan, I re-live Beatles music and history through my scratched CD's, discontinued iPods, chronicle timeline books, corporate magazines, unauthorized YouTube videos, and late-night documentaries. In addition, much of my wardrobe consists of the Fab Four. So, when I pick out my clothes for the day, it is second nature that John, Paul, George, and Ringo will appear smiling, tired, or stoned on my chest.

On a recent trip to a casino out of town, I wore a black and white Beatles sweater with the same images that appear on their Rubber Soul LP. As I observed the craps table, I noticed my spot was open, SL1 [Editor's note: SL1 is right next to the stickman on his left side]. When the shooter's roll ended, I placed my players card and cash on the felt.

But as the pit boss proceeded to pick up the items, he noticed the sixth studio album cover garment. Unfortunately, from then on, the pit boss repeatedly asked me random Beatles questions, as if it were a category on Jeopardy.

"What was their name before they became the Beatles?" the pit boss asked. I informed him that the band was first formed by John Lennon, who named the group the Quarrymen, which later became the Silver Beatles, which then transformed into the famous household name.

"That's wrong. They were the Crickets," Mr. Pit Boss said. I took a long, deep breath and assured him that the Crickets were Buddy Holly's band.

"They were Buddy Holly fans," replied Mr. Pit Boss, "that's why they were named the Crickets before the Beatles." During my 32 years on this earth and over 15 years of extensive research on the Beatles, I never came across such a "fact." I knew he was full of misinformation, but I wasn't there to debate about the Beatles; I was there to become a more knowledgeable Golden Touch advantage craps player.

As the dice rotated around the table, they finally reached my hands. I quickly set my dice, aimed, and, right before my backswing, Mr. Pit Boss launched across the table, pointed a skinny finger, and shouted, "What was the name of the guitarist who quit the band before they became famous?"

Without blinking an eye, I kindly replied, "Pete Best, and he was the drummer, not guitarist," and I continued my throw. Under any other circumstances, I wouldn't have acted so graciously, especially when I am tested at Beatles trivia. Yet, this wasn't the time for me to get emotional or prove my case. Instead, I kept my cool.

After finishing my session and leaving the craps table, I thought about the situation that just occurred. Was the pit boss purposely attempting to distract me? Was he just trying to start a friendly conversation? Was he illiterate or dyslexic? Does he have trouble retaining proper information? Did he lack social skills in high school, which now transferred over to his adulthood?

I honestly don't know the answers to my questions and wonder what other crap players might think about my encounter with "Mr. Pit Boss."

I did, however, gain the experience of becoming more aware of casino and craps table conditions. As an advantage craps player, this was one of my goals for this trip.

A few things I learned were these:

• Wear plain clothing to the craps table. It won't allow pit bosses or other personnel to spark conversation.
• Be cordial to the pit boss, even if he's a blithering idiot. There were a few times when both dice didn't hit the back wall and he turned the other cheek.
• Keep emotions intact. Attention won't be drawn to you, and you can continue to stay under the radar.

"I can't deal with the press; I hate all those Beatles questions." - Paul McCartney