1 7 14 gambler combo

GamblerCelebrating 23 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Communitywww.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogambler

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Volume 21 • Number 45

C O U P O N S • C O L O R A D O H I S T O R Y • C A S I N O G U I D E • G A M I N G • M A P • E N T E R T A I N M E N T

January 7 - 20, 2014

PROMOTIONSBlack Hawk, Central City

promos, parties & giveawaysPages 4-5, 9-11

COLORADO HISTORYNew History Colorado exhibit explores Colorado’s people and the landscape

Page 16

TRAIL’S ENDA female breaks the male barriers of

National Western Stock ShowPage 17

GOING GREEN10 popular herbs that heal

the green wayPage 18

Check Out Valuable

Coupons OnPage 13

PAGE 2 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years January 7 - 20, 2014

www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogambler

GamblerThe Last Hand

The National Western Stock Show is a welcome event coming back to the Queen City of The Plains.

Plans are to have a redo of the National West-ern Event Center facility and some needed remodel-ing and physical and educational improvements in this historic Den-ver event.

Stock Show officials will be making some an-n o u n c e m e n t s soon and Denver

voters may have to give their nod to some of the proposals.

We’re all hold-ing our breath over the football situation and the fortune of our be-loved team.

Are the Bron-cos the 2013-14

team of destiny with the greatest quarterback of all time at their helm? Not to be forgotten is the owner Pat Bowlen who has been such a dedicated team owner. He has given the

Broncos every thing they could ever want along with Hall of Fame player, and VP John Elway.

The stage is set, let the play unfold. It is not enough to just be good, a team must also be lucky. May good fortune in 2014 descend upon our Denver Bron-cos and the readers of the Colorado Gambler.

By Bob Sweeney

Tony ThorpeMaverick Sharp

January is all about the Stock Show and our Denver Broncos

1-800-THE-ISLE • www.theisleblackhawk.com © 2013 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 years of age or older. Promotions subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please visit the players club or cashier services for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. www.theisleblackhawk.com

Earn up to 10X points

Every MondaySwipe your card at one of three gold kiosks to reveal

your multiplier.Plus, receive one free buffet after earning five unadjusted points.Redeem your ticket at the players club or cashier services prior to playing to

activate your multiplier. Not valid on video poker.

Win a 60” tV or Cash!Friday, January 10, 17, 24 and 31

5:30pm – 10:00pmFive Drawings Each Day!

Those selected will win $100 CASH or a new 60” TV.Receive one free entry each promotional day and earn additional

entries with every 20 unadjusted points.

Win your sharE of $15,000!

Tuesday, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Cash prizes are hidden behind snowflakes and icicles.Grab all the cash you can until you “freeze”!

10 winners selected each night. Receive one free entry per promotion day and earn additional entries with every 10 unadjusted points.

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Jackets in JanuaryGuests may earn or win January

jackets, Wednesdays – Tuesdays, Jan. 1-28, 2000 base points – 1 per week, maximum 4 jackets. 15 hours of tracked table play with a $10 average bet – 1 per week, maximum 4 jackets. Jackpots(taxable) of $1200 or more – no limit on jackets

Ladies NightEvery Tuesday in January, 5 – 9 p.m.

Includes specialty drinks, drawings and hors d’oeuvres.

Fat TuesdaysEvery Tuesday in January - Earn 100

base points and receive Fat Tuesday Beads (Classic). Earn 250 base points and receive Fat Tuesday Premium Beads. Enjoy Louisiana-style food specials every Tuesday at Bourbon Street Café & Buffet.

$400,000 Winter Wheel of Cash

172 winners will have a chance to win their share of up to $400,000! Drawings every Friday and Saturday in January from 1 – 9 p.m. Two winners will be randomly selected at each drawing time to spin the wheel for their chance at up to $2,500 cash. One spin per winner – the prize that the wheel lands on is theirs to keep. Wheel MUST make at least one full revolution to be considered valid. Ten base slot point or 30 minutes of tracked table or live poker play to get an entry. 25X entries on penny machines every Tuesday.

DisclaimerMust be 21 years old or older. Must

be an A-Play Member. Guests may win one regular drawing per day. Prizes less than $1,000 will be awarded in QuickPlay, $1000+ will be awarded in QuickPlay or cash. Activation required to receive entry multiplier. Activation required on drawing day to be eligible to win. Management reserves all rights. See A-Play Club for rules. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

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$40,000 Cozumel Getaway

Win up to $250 in Free Slot Play during our January daily drawings. Grand prize drawing Feb. 1 at 9:30 p.m. win a trip for two to Cozumel or be one our four $500 in Free Slot Play winners. Stick around for our $250 drawings at 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and midnight.

MLK DayJoin us Martin Luther King Day Monday,

Jan. 20th for 10X Points on all Slots and 4X Points on Video Poker.

Most pointsBullwhackers is the place for the most

points. 6X points on slots every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lucky Bull Club New Members can get up to $15 in Free

Slot Play when signing up for a Bullwhackers Lucky Bull Club card. Membership is free. $10 for signing up, an additional $5 for your email address and receive 4X Points all day.

Take a ride on usBullwhackers offers convenient free

shuttle service directly to Johnny Z’s Casino in Central City. Shuttle runs Thursdays, noon – 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, noon – midnight, and Sundays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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$200,000 Flurries of CashWin a share of over $200,000 Fridays,

January 10, 17, 24 and 31 and Saturdays, January 11 and 18. Between 4 – 11 p.m., six guests will each win up to $4,600 in cash and Promo Play prizes. Plus, earn 25X entries every Wednesday.

Saratoga 50+: Bigger and Better

Mondays and Tuesdays guests 50 and over reap the rewards.• 5X points on slots and 2X points on video

poker.• Earn 50 base points for a free meal in the Garden Buffet or pay only $4.99.• Discount in The Café during select hours.• $20 bus refund with 250 base points.

$20,000 Snow Me the Money Grand Prize

A blizzard of cash is blowing in on Saturday, Jan. 25 From noon – 9 p.m., 15 winners will have the choice to take $500 cash or $1,000 Promo Play. Then, the big storm hits at 10 pm with one winner of $5,000 cash. Earn 25X entries on Wednesdays. Bonus. Play on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26 to carryover all of your January Grand Prize entries into the February Grand Prize Drawing.

$5 Promo Play for EmailProvide a new email address in January

to Guest Services and receive $5 Promo Play.

10X Penny PointsReceive 10X points on penny slot

machines Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9 a.m. – midnight.

Park, Play, Free BuffetEvery Wednesday-Sunday earn 20 base

points on the day you valet park at Saratoga Casino and receive a free meal at the Garden buffet. Not valid on holidays. Offers must be redeemed during buffet hours on the day you park. Must present current day valet parking stub and earn 20 base points on the day you park.

Spin and WinWin up to 10X points every Thursday

from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Spin the wheel before you play to receive your point multiplier for the day. Not valid on video poker or keno.

Sunday Gift GiveawayEarn 50 base points on slots or average

a $5 bet for 30 minutes on table games each Sunday in January to receive your Saratoga Casino gift from noon – 8 p.m. Limit one per guest, while supplies lasts.

Facebook TriviaLike us on Facebook for your chance to win $50 Promo Play and a free buffet for two. A new trivia question will be posted and a new winner drawn each week.

Birthday BonusDo you have a birthday in January? Join

us on Sunday, Jan. 26 to be one of three $100 winners at 7 p.m. Swipe your Club card

at Guest Services any time before 6:30 p.m. to be eligible to win.

black-hawk-ladyluck.isleofcapricasinos.com

Mystery Point Multiplier Thursdays

It’s a point multiplier mystery! Stop into Lady Luck for mysterious fun Thursdays in January. Starting at noon until 8 p.m. guests will swipe their player’s card at the SCA Kiosks and choose one symbol to reveal their point multiplier for the promotional day. Point multipliers can be 2X, 3X, 5X, 7X, 10X or 20X. Guests must redeem voucher at the promotions area prior to playing to receive points. Point multiplier is valid from time of registration until midnight on Thursdays in January. See guest services for rules and additional details for all promos.

Cold Cash ScratcherCome warm your wallet with cold cash

Saturdays in January. Earn a cold cash scratch ticket for every 200 unadjusted points earned, 2 – 10 p.m., up to TEN scratch tickets per player each promotional day. Guests must swipe their player’s card at the SCA Kiosks and redeem their voucher at the promotions area. Players will scratch their cold cash scratch ticket with the marketing representatives to receive a cash prize. Prizes will range from $10 all the way up to $500.

Rolling Cash ProgressiveJoin your friends at Lady Luck Tuesdays in

January, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for a Rolling Cash Progressive. One winner will be chosen every half-hour for their chance at the progressive prize. The cash prize will start at $50 at 10 a.m. and all unclaimed prizes will rollover into the next drawing time, increasing by $50 until the prize is claimed. Once claimed the prize resets at $50. The final 6pm cash prize is guaranteed to go. Guests will receive one free entry and additional entries for every 50 unadjusted points played, starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Moolah Monday Free Slot Tournaments

We’re giving out the Moolah every Monday morning in January. Sign up for our FREE slot tournament Monday mornings

from 9 – 10:45 a.m. Then starting at 11 a.m. play for the Moolah. The top five high scorers will be awarded a cash prize at the conclusion of the tournament, top prize $250. After, join us for a bonus drawing at 2 p.m. when two tournament player names will be drawn for $100. Guests must be present to win cash drawing.

Club 40 Club 40 is now twice as nice. Join us

twice a week, Wednesdays and Fridays, for Club 40. All guests age 40 or better will receive 4X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Guests will also receive a free entrée at Otis & Henry’s once they earn 50 unadjusted points on their Lady Luck Player’s Card.

Play And StayPlay and Stay with your friends at Lady

Luck! Sundays through Thursdays in January earn a free room in the Lady Luck Hotel Tower. To Earn play 500 unadjusted points on Lady Luck Player’s Card.

Poker and Table Games guests can earn too! Play 4 hours at table games or play 6 hours in a live poker game. Visit guest services or speak to a table games supervisor to redeem offer. Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays and blackout dates.

Table GamesWe always have multiple $5 games.

Play $2 craps Monday through Thursday with 10 X’s odds daily. We Offer Craps, Roulette, Buffalo Blackjack Bonus, Three Card Poker and 21 + 3 Xtreme. Club 40 – Play 2 hours and receive a $10 Meal at Otis & Henry’s every Friday. Play 4 hours Sunday’s – Thursday’s and earn a free night Stay (Excludes Holidays and Blackout Dates). Play 3 hours and have your bus ticket reimbursed up to $18. Earn Cash Offers, Match Play Coupons, Food Comps and other Great Offers based on play.

PokerBad Beat Top Award is currently

$93,631 (as of Dec. 26) with qualifiers of Aces Full of Jack’s beaten. Be in a game Sunday – Friday by 10 a.m. and receive 2 - $10 Bounce Back Coupons after 4 hours of play. Be in a game Sunday – Friday by 11 a.m. and receive a $10 Bounce Back Coupon after 3 hours of play. Earn $2 in comp for every hour of live play. Play 3 hours and have your bus ticket reimbursed up to $18. Play 6 hours of live action Sunday’s – Thursday’s and earn a Free Night Stay (Excludes Holidays and Blackout Dates). Earn an entry to Blizzard of Cash Poker promotion for every hour of Live Play.


Continued on page 5

January 7 - 20, 2014 THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years PAGE 5

www.theisleblackhawk.com

Mystery Point MultiplierReceive up to 10X points Mon-

days, Jan. 13, 20 and 27. Swipe your card at any of the three gold kiosks to reveal your point multiplier. Bring your slip to the Players Club or Ca-shier Services prior to playing. Point multiplier not valid on video poker.

Snow Bank GiveawayWin cash Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and

28 from 3 – 7 p.m. Grab all the snowflakes you can until you “freeze.” Each snowflake and icicle as a cash value hidden behind it and you get to keep all the cash you collect

until you choose the one that says “freeze.” Receive one free swipe each promotional day and earn one additional swipe with 20 unadjusted points.

Gear up for the Big GameGet ready for the big game when you

have a chance to win a 60” TV or a cash prize. Drawings will take place Friday, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 5:30 – 10 p.m. Two guests will win $100 cash and one will be given a new 60” TV! Guests will receive one free entry on promotion day and additional en-tries with each set of 10 unadjusted points earned. Five drawings held each night.

5X Points On PenniesEach Thursdays, 8 a.m. – midnight,

earn 5X Points on all Penny slot machines. Point multiplier is not valid on video poker and you must register at the players club or cashier services prior to playing.

Paradise 50 Plus Each Sunday, all guests age 50 or better

can join the Paradise 50 Plus club. You will

receive 3X points on all slots, 2X points on video poker, a free ice cream and a Free Ca-lypso’s Buffet after earning five unadjusted points. For complete details, please visit the player’s club.

Bus Fare RefundDo you ride the bus to Black Hawk?

The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $20. Simply earn 35 unadjusted points on your player’s card and present your return bus ticket to the player’s club or cashier services. Table Games and Poker players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play.

Play 10 Points, Receive $10All new members of the IsleOne®

player’s club will receive $10 after playing 10 unadjusted points on their new players card.

Play and Stay Play 30 unadjusted points on your Isle-

One club card Sundays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and midnight and stay the

night on us! Check with the Player’s Club or Cashier Services once you have earned your points to receive your hotel offer. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days may apply...

Table GamesThe Isle has all your favorite table games

including blackjack, craps with 10 times odds and roulette! Also available at the Isle, Three Card Poker, Bonus 6, Buffalo blackjack, Double Deck blackjack, and 21+3. Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and Let-It-Ride are all linked to one progressive jackpot that as of Dec. 31 is $97,262. Three Card Poker has its own progressive jackpot and is at $1,097. And now exclusively at the Isle you can play “Craps-Free Craps” with 10 times odds.

Poker RoomBad Beat – The Isle has the EASI-

EST BAD BEAT TO WIN in Black Hawk! The Bad Beat Jackpot Pool as of Dec. 31, 2013, is $90,649. That means Aces full of 10’s through Kings beaten would pay over $9,064 or 10% of the total jackpot pool.

With 3 Aces on the board still qualifying, this is the easiest way to win a bad beat around. Quad 2’s through 7’s beaten would pay more than $45,324 or 50% and Quad 8’s or bet-ter beaten would pay over $67,986 or 75%! For complete rules, please contact the Poker Room at 303-998-7905.

Free Food – The Isle provides free food for poker players seated in a live cash game or tournament including: Hot & Fresh Pizza, hot dogs, brats, 2 varieties of soup, nacho’s & cheese, chili, as well as vanilla, strawber-ry or chocolate milkshakes made to order!

Tournaments – Monday through Fri-day, there will be two tournaments each day in September at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Every Thursday is Omaha Day at the Isle with 2 weekly Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo Tournaments to choose from. For complete information, please contact the Poker room at 303-998-7905.

TradewindsTradewinds at the Isle has a new menu

that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, a green chili and chipotle, the black & blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds® even offers a mouthwatering cheeseburger burrito.

Continued from Page 4

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“Insurance any-one?” Benevolently enquired by the dealer whenever he or she exposes an Ace as their up card. In my opinion the Insurance bet is probably the most misunderstood and misconceived bet in the game of blackjack. One thing you must understand is that the casinos are not in the business of philanthropy, therefore, they are not going to offer a player an op-tion which yields a positive expec-tation.

It is imperative to understand when it comes to Insurance is that you are “not” insuring anything. The insurance bet is nothing more than a side bet you are making with the house as to whether the dealer has a 10-value card in the hole, (as their down card).

Let’s go ahead and break down the Insurance bet. To make an in-surance bet, a player is required to place an additional bet which is one-half the value of their original bet. For example, if the player’s original bet is $10 then the insur-

ance bet would be $5, whenever the dealer reveals an Ace up card. Insurance pays off at odds of 2-to-1. In the event the dealer does not have a natural (blackjack) then the player would lose the $5 Insurance bet and the hand will

merely be played out. If the dealer happens to have a ten-value card in the hole then player would lose their original $10 bet but win the $5 insurance bet, at odds of 2-to-1, thus, winning $10 and breaking even.

Let’s go through some of the mathematical gymnastics as to why the Insurance bet is a “Bad” bet. To keep things relatively sim-ple I will use the single-deck for my illustration. In a single-deck of cards there are 36 non-tens and 16 ten-value cards, therefore, this gives us a ratio of 2.25-to-1 of non-tens to tens. But wait a min-ute here…The casinos are offering the player a 2-to-1 payout on the Insurance bet when the true odds against the dealer having a ten-val-ue card in the hole is 2.25-to-1. Do

you see what’s going on here? The casino is shorting the players’ pay-off on the Insurance bet as to what the actual true odds really are.

The real question to be ask-ing is, “How much does it hinder the unknowledgeable player who makes the Insurance bet?” This can be quantified from the follow-ing expression.

Insurance Expected Value (2/1 x 16/52) + (-1/1 x 36/52) =

-7.69 percent

What this is saying is that the player can expect to lose, on av-erage, 7.69 percent of their In-surance bet long-term. This is unequivocally not a good betting proposition especially when it’s more the 146 percent worse off than betting Black-or-Red on the American Roulette wheel. And in my opinion that is a horrible bet!

OK, now the question arises, “Should you only insure your win-ning hands?” As logical as this might sound the results are even grimmer. Suppose at the top of a freshly shuffled deck you were just dealt 10,10 verses a dealer’s Ace up card. Remember that there

are a total of three cards exposed, your 10,10 and the dealer’s Ace in which we needed to factor in from the beginning amount of 52 cards, leaving us a balance of 49 unseen cards. Our expected value in this particular case, would be roughly -14.29 percent of our insurance bet of $5, thus, costing you rough-ly $0.72 on each bet long-term.

Insurance Expected Value(2/1 x 14/49) + (-1/1 x 35/49) =

-14.29 percent

Please understand that the val-ue of your hand should have abso-lutely nothing to do with deciding whether or not to make the insur-ance bet. The only thing that mat-ters when making the insurance bet is whether the ratio of non-tens to tens are less than 2-to-1.

Another bad play many neo-phytes make at the blackjack tables is to take “Even-Money” on their blackjacks whenever the dealer exposes an Ace up card. Keep in mind that taking Even-Money is the same thing as tak-ing Insurance. What’s that? I hear some objections…permit me to explain. Whenever you have a Blackjack and the dealer has an Ace up card a player can opt to take even-money, a 1-to-1 pay out. In the event the player

did not take even-money and chose to make the insurance bet of one-half of their original bet, in the case where the dealer also has a natural, the player would “tie” with the dealer and win the insurance bet at 2-to-1 in which would be equivalent to 1-to-1 pay off on their original bet.

Can the insurance bet be ex-ploited? You better believe it can! Via counting cards! In my book Dynamic Blackjack-The Profes-sional Approach I reveal a very powerful card counting strategy that suggests when to make the Insurance bet and assures you, with an accurate count of course, it “Always” will yield a positive expectation.

In conclusion, I hope that I have clarified the Insurance bet for you and until then…I do not believe in luck but Maverick Sharp wishes you nothing but the “Best of Cards!”

Maverick Sharp is an expert high stakes Blackjack player and author of Dynamic Blackjack-The Professional Approach. To learn more about Maverick Sharp and the largest Blackjack book in print visit diamondbackpublish-ing.com or email any questions or comments at [email protected]

Poker is getting tougher up in the mountains. It used to be a “soft” table could be found; now the level of play has gone up and those tables are few and far be-tween - at almost any level. Darn it.

With that said - there are lots of new faces at the tables and this is good to see. Cheers to all those players who are moving up in stakes - that’s what it’s all about / play within your budget and within your skill level, then move up to the next level.

And, as in skiing, if you don’t fall a bit you won’t learn. So, stretch your skills and fall a bit - it will lead to ultimate future suc-cess.

Tournament poker is back. With the large World Series of Poker Circuit Events coming to Colorado, The Heartland Poker Tour’s multiple stops, and the numerous local tournaments throughout the mountain towns,

the tournament trail is back. Per-sonally, I will be jumping in with both feet in 2014 - ready to get back into the tournament mode with my eye on a seat at the World Series.

Call ahead. Many poker rooms take call in’s - it’s nice when you get there and don’t have to wait. Along those same lines take ad-vantage of all the perks the rooms have to offer going into 2014 / there are bunches - just ask.

My personal poker results this year included a total of 385 hours played and ending the year posi-tive $3,544 - for an hourly rate of $9.21. This included a full month

off over the summer and having the privilege of playing in 3 states and a few different rooms.

While it is always good news to end the year positive, I am ac-tually disappointed in this per-formance. Why? Simply put I left money on the table through playing a sub-par game over the final few months of the year, end-ing the year with a tough loss of $980 in the big game last week-end. My goal at the beginning of

2013 was to win $50,000. While I missed that (by just a bit) - it was a positive year and I think I learned a bit that will make me a better player.

New tactic for 2014 - no goal set financially / just to play my best game every day. Let’s see how that works.

As the fictional Star Trek Cap-tain Jean Luc Picard says on nu-merous occasions, “This stops HERE.” Discipline is the name of my game in 2014. If I can’t be dis-ciplined, I will not play.

My “Best Beat” of the year: Winning 6 hands in a row in the

$30 - $60 with a ½ kill Hold em game for a tune of $3,300 in 15 minutes / then getting up and leaving.

My “Bad Beat” of the year: Was down $2,200 one late weekend night and climbed back to within $70 of being even - then in a push to get back above even lost $2,000 back over the next 12 hours. Les-son here: Take what the cards give, don’t try to force.

Check out the recently remod-eled Poker Room at the Lodge Ca-sino - a bit smaller but definitely cozy, staying full, and still with the best views of any poker room in the country.

Know where the “free” bever-age machines are located near your favorite poker room - almost every room has one nearby. Usu-ally lots of choices and saves more than you would think in tips daily (of course tip if ordering, but is a way to get a soda and take a walk).

Earlier this year the Black Hawk poker community lost one of its favorite players on the tour-nament circuit - Rest in Peace

Kammi, you and your upbeat atti-tude while playing will be remem-bered.

Finally, I am lucky enough to have had my first book published late in 2013. It is titled A Century of Change in Colorado and takes a reader to 80 different locations throughout Colorado through photographs from more than a Century ago and compares them with the same locations today - along with a story of the spot from its historical beginnings to today. Lots of fun to put together and I did much of the planning while playing poker this year. The book is available at all 3 Tattered Cover bookstore locations throughout the Denver area; at Fiocchi’s Res-taurant in the DTC; at The Ameri-star Gift shop Bookstore; and on Amazon.com.

Finally, I look forward to play-ing a bit more varied game in 2014 with many more tournaments on the agenda, a few more poker trips out of town, and the best year of my poker career.

Remember, play your game.

Understanding the Insurance BetGaming

By Maverick Sharp

CasinoBlackjackCasino

Blackjack

pokertalk

BYLARRY

JOHNSON

Random thoughts from 2013


Tanzania is a coun-try in east Africa. This country’s eastern bor-der is formed by the Indian Ocean. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is in northeastern Tanzania. The name Tanzania is derived from two states, Tanganyika and Zanzi-bar, which were united in 1964. The tiny coun-try of Tanzania is known for a special gem called Tanzanite, which has become one of the world’s most coveted gemstones. Found in one remote place on earth (in Tan-zania’s Merelani Hills, in the shad-ow of Mount Kilimanjaro), the pre-cious stone is 1,000 times more rare than diamonds. It is rare because once this last purple gem is mined from Tanzania, that’s it, no more tanzanite.

The actual discovery of tanza-nite remains something of a mys-tery. The mineral is believed to be born about 500 million years ago

as the eruption of Mount Kilimanjaro created a unique set of conditions deep within the earth that led to formation of tanzanite crystals. High heat and pressure in the presence of a rare chemi-cal, vanadium, allowed for this fascinating stone to form.

According to some sources, tanzanite was

first discovered in 1967 when an enormous grass fire swept the land below Kiliman-jaro. As tanzanite is a brown-ish color in its rough state, the crystals lying on the surface were never no-ticed. After the grass fire had burned the land and heated the stones, they turned a bright, glittering violet-blue. A magical carpet of tiny gemstones glit-tering in the sunlight attracted the attention

of some Maasai tribesmen. They were mesmerized by the stones and picked them up becoming the first humans to ever hold tanzanite in their hands.

Tanzanite is the blue-purple vari-ety of the mineral zoisite. Tanzanite is noted for its remarkably strong ability of showing three different colors in the three different direc-tions when viewed under alternat-ing lighting conditions. The colors appear alternately sapphire blue, violet and burgundy depending on the crystal’s orientation. After heat treatment, only two hues, purple and blue, are apparent when viewed under incandescent light. The blues

appear more evident when sub-jected to fluorescent light

and the violet hues can be seen read-

ily when viewed under incan-

descent light. Tanzanite in

its rough state is usually a reddish-

brown col-or. It requires

heat treatment in an

oven to bring out the blue-violet of the stone. The gemstone was named by Tiffany’s after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered. Because of relatively softness, tanzanite is most commonly set in necklaces and earrings.

From 1967 to 1972, an estimated 2 million carats of tanzanite were mined in Tanzania before the mines were nationalized by the govern-ment. The world’s largest faceted tanzanite is 737.81 carats. One of the most famous large tanzanite gems (242 carats) is called the Queen of Kilimanjaro. It is set in a tiara and accented with 803 brilliant garnets and 913 diamonds. The piece is part of the private collection of Michael Scott, the first CEO of Apple Com-puters. In 2005, the largest-ever tanzanite crystal was found in one of the mines. It weighs 16,839 carats.

A related story from a Staurer

catalog goes as follows: Two years after

the discovery of tanzanite in

1967, a Maasai tribesman knocked on

the door of a gem cutter’s of-fice in Nairobi. The Maasai had brought along an enor-mous chunk of tanzanite

that he was looking to sell. His asking price was $50.

But the gem cutter was suspicious and assumed that a stone so large could only be glass. The cutter told the tribesman, “No thanks,” and sent him on his way. Big mistake! It turns out that the gem was genuine and could have produced a dazzling stone that would have dwarfed the world’s largest cut tanzanite at that time. Based on common pricing, that “chunk” could have been worth close to $3,000,000. The Tanzanian gem cutter missed his chance to hit the jeweler’s “jackpot”... and make history.

(Author’s note: Tanzanite was added to the birthstones for Decem-ber in 2002.)

The story of Tanzanite

Gemstone & Minerals


By Linda Jones

The biggest casino sale of 2013 was an-nounced very early in the year - the entire Ameristar chain sold to Pin-

nacle Entertainment. The Black Hawk Ameristar Casino will keep its name, along with its dedi-cated clientele and drawing power. The nego-tiations of 2012 produced several other casino sales, and often a name change, in 2013 in Black Hawk

Bullwhackers Casino, situated along Greg-ory Street and Hwy 119 since 1992, also sold but is keeping its original name at this time. Penn National Gaming sold the casino to JZ Gaming, owner of Johnny Z’s Casino in Cen-tral City. John Zimpel, managing member of JZ Gaming and developer of Johnny Z’s, sees advantages to owning a casino in each city and running a shuttle bus between the two. The new owners also acquired the gas station along Hwy 119, two buildings behind the ca-sino, one a former indoor playground for chil-dren now housing offices and the other the former Gold Mine Ca-sino/Silver Hawk building, now vacant.

The Golden Mardi Gras, Gold-en Gates and Golden Gulch casi-nos were sold to Affinity Gaming and two of their casino names survived the sale; only the Mardi Gras dropped the “Gold-en.” After the official Grand Opening on Aug. 3, Mardi Gras sports an expanded gaming area, a remodeled signature restaurant and new games. (Golden Gulch continues to be the only 100 percent all-coin casino in Black Hawk.)

The familiar Riviera sign at the Hwy 119 entrance to Black Hawk has been re-placed by a Monarch sign. The official change-of-branding date was April 26 and big changes are coming for the casino. Monarch’s master plan calls for doubling the existing casino space, adding a 22-story hotel tower with 507 guest rooms and suites, an upscale spa and pool, four restaurants, additional bars, and a new 10-story parking structure, for a to-

tal of 1,551 parking spaces.Fitzgeralds, a familiar sign on Main Street

in Black Hawk, was replaced by the Saratoga Casino logo. The owner of the Saratoga Casino & Raceway in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., now owns

the casino and the historic buildings front-ing Gregory Street, the parking lot and some of the open space behind the structures for future additions. A $7.5 million renovation of the casino moved the table games area, up-graded games, added Diamond Jim’s Bar and a 120-seat Garden Buffet restaurant on the third floor, with a new escalator to serve the new buffet.

Saratoga’s General Manager Andrew Gentile said, “In 2013 we could hardly imagine a more ambi-tious goal than becoming the NEW place to play in Black Hawk. We owe the success of our transformation to the very core of our casino, which has remained unchanged,

the dedication of our talented team members and the loyalty of our patrons.”

These additions and renova-tions bring more and more enter-tainment seekers to Black Hawk, and Horizon Coach Lines is ready

to serve them with more than 80 round-trips from the Denver area to the gambling towns daily. The year 2013 was the first full year of operation for the new owners of the former Coach USA and the year was outstanding for the coach company.

Jim Vondreele of Horizon said “We can-not thank the gamblers and em-ployees enough who continue to trust us in providing them with safe and comfortable transporta-tion to the gaming towns of Black Hawk and Central City.”

The continued success of Black Hawk’s ca-sinos dovetails well with the city’s plans to become a des-tination resort.

T o w a r d

that goal, the City of Black Hawk took several steps this year. One is declaring Maryland Mountain a History Appreciation Destination District; the city plans to create trails on the mountain showcasing the historic mining and milling properties in that area. Another new district, the History Appreciation and Preser-vation District, was created to encompass the 1877 City Hall and the historic church and school above City Hall.

The most obvious change will be in the new GOLD District – Gaming, Outstanding Lodging & Dining District – along Gregory

Street. GOLD was designed to cre-ate a destination area encompassing

gaming, entertainment, retail, lodging, services, restaurants, bars, indoor

recreation, and amusement and parking. The most obvious

change to occur in 2014 will be the relocation of Gregory Street in

order to create space for a pedestrian plaza area alongside the street.

Other business news includes the closure of Bevie Sue’s Emporium on Main Street in Central City, as well as the demise of Doc

Holliday’s Casino and Crystal Palace. Annie Oakley’s Liquor & Grocery, the popular con-venience store in Central City, sold in 2013 to a group of three purchasers, one of whom is Craig Ramirez, well-known in the gambling community as a successful general manager, currently at the Red Dolly.

Small businesses are gradually return-ing to both gambling towns. In

Central City, the Gilpin Market opened in late 2013 at 430 Law-rence Street. Gilpin Market is an

infusion of fresh air for Gilpinites, as it offers “Fresh, Organic & Local”

food products. A second coffee shop, Cholua, opened in Black Hawk, but it is only open on Saturdays because wholesaling is their priority. The other coffee shop in Black Hawk – Mountain Mocha on Hwy 119 - also is a successful wholesaler of coffee, but this shop is open daily and is a preferred meeting site with its comfortable furniture and WiFi.

Lastly, don’t miss a chance to look over the Batmobile on display now at The Reserve Ca-sino in Central City. It’s not often the chance to gaze at a $6.4 million auto comes along.

The new City of Black Hawk Public Works Building on Miners Mesa. Photos by Linda Jones

2013 roared in Colorado’s gaming townsCover Story

Don’t miss a chance to look over the Batmobile on display now at The Reserve Ca-sino in Central City. It’s not often you get the chance to gaze at a $6.4 million auto.

The most obvious change to occur in 2014 will be the relocation of Gregory Street in order to create space for a pedestrian plaza area alongside the street.


Crossword Puzzle

Your guide to live entertainment and events at Colorado’s casinosWhat’s Rockin’

New Year’s EveDJ Mario

DJ Mario of Sounds Unlimited

8 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Saratoga Casino Black Hawk

Golden Mardi Gras Casino

www.goldenmardigras.com

Go BONKERS with Bonkerz Comedy Club every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. at Bourbon Street Café and Buffet. Loads of laughter and the show is free so join us.

Jan. 10-11: John Hilder as seen on Fox Network with special guest Nathan Lund

www.saratogacainsobh.com

Must be 21 years old or older. Free Admission with a two item minimum purchase.

Central City Nuggets

John Hilder

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9

10 11 12 13

14

15 16

17

18 19

20

21 22

ACROSS:1. Colorado Springs rock band with all the right

friends (3, 8)7. They have this on the frozen lake in Evergreen

(3, 7)9. They make Madden NFL (2)10. Holiday drink with eggs, milk, and cream (6)12. A light went on in your head (4)15. One of the most painful things to break (3)16. Miley Cyrus is telling us she’s all this (5, 2)17. Govt agency responsible for monitoring

fracking (3)18. Thorpe, Aussie swimmer (3)19. Popular crop from Boulder to Greeley (5)20. Guinness size (4)21. Popular gin mixer (5)22. Wise man or mint family herb (4)

DOWN:1. He said “Please sir, can I have some more?”

(6, 5)2. The town that brought down Denver’s Winter

Olympics (9)3. Rocky Mountain mammal (3)4. National Governing body for tennis (4)5. Popular form of bodily movement among

country folk (4. 7)6. Replaced the cassette tape (2)8. Firm that hired Conrad Murray to look after

MJ (3)11. Type of farming, GMO free (7)13. Ghost town in Chaffee County, CO (7)14. Mechanical agents that build cars (6)20. Helps you calculate the circumference of a

circle (2)

www.bullwhackers.com

$50,000 E-Z Win Drawings every Monday - Thursday – win

up to $250 at each drawing. Friday-Sunday, we have weekend progressive drawings, win up to $1,000.

$10,000 Doublin’ DiceRoll your way to big winnings in the Z-

Spot Pit and win up to $200. Daily draw-

ings, 1 – 9 p.m. every other hour. Every day in January.

MLK DayJoin us Martin Luther King Day Monday,

Jan. 20 for 10X Points on all Slots and 4X

Points on Video Poker.

New membersNew Members can get up to $15 in Free

Slot Play when signing up for a Club Z card. Membership is free. $10 for signing up and an additional $5 for your email address. In Addition new members will receive 1 free entry into our daily drawings, $1 off a Star-bucks and 4X Points on Slots.

Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe Answers on page 18

Looking to advertise in the

Colorado Ga?Call Sharon Sweeney today!

303-503-1388 • [email protected]

Gambler


www.central-city.cnty.com

Tropical Treasure Pair-A-DiceFridays and Saturdays through Feb. 1, 5

– 10 p.m. Three winners chosen each hour. Winners take turns rolling the Tropical Pair-A-Dice to climb their tropical tree. First winner to reach the top of their tree wins $250. The second place and third place winners win $100. Earn entries with every 150 base points played on your Player’s Club card starting Dec. 29. Earn 4X entries on slots and 2X entries on video poker with all your play on Wednesdays. Our three chosen winners will take turns rolling our Tropical Treasure Pair-A-Dice to try to be the first to climb 21 spaces up their Tropical Tree. Each dice roll climbs closer to the prize, unless the player rolls a 7 or an 11, which sends them back to start again at the bottom of the tree. First player to the top wins $250, while the two runner-ups each win $100.

Make My Multiplier TuesdayJoin us on Tuesdays in January from 11 a.m.

– 7 p.m. and enjoy a mystery multiplier on all your play. Starting at 10:45 a.m., we will select an hourly $100 Hot Seat winner to spin the “Make My Multiplier Wheel” and earn ev-eryone in the casino up to 5X points on slot play for the next hour. Each hour we find a new winner and a new multiplier to benefit our play-ers until 8 p.m.

BINGO –Thursday BingoEnjoy FREE Bingo every Thursday from

11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a $100 PRIZE for each game. Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour be-fore each game.

4X Entries On Slots & 2X Entries On Video Poker On Wednesdays

Get 4X entries on slots and 2X entries on video poker every Wednesday for Tropical Treasure Pair-A-Dice Drawings for $100, $150, or $200 every hour Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday Football Score BoardScore a touchdown and $700. Sundays

at Century feature drawings every half hour

from 2 – 6 p.m. Every player with a Century Casino Player’s Card can get one entry to the drawing per drawing day, additional entries are available to players who receive our mail. Winners punch out spots on our game board to find out how many “yards” they earned on that “down.” Gain a total of ten yards or more for a First Down to win $100 instantly. Score a Field Goal to win a total of $300. And score a Touchdown to win $700. Everyone playing the board wins at least a $50 prize

WIN PLAYOFF TICKETS!Friday, January 10th at 10pm we will draw

for a pair of Denver home game playoff tickets! Earn entries with every 150 base points played on your Player’s Club, entries are also good for Tropical Treasure Pair-A-Dice! Must be present to win!

Senior Celebration on Wednesday and Thursday

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play ALL DAY from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus 50 percent off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50 percent food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including the $8.99 daily food specials.

Dazzling DoublesWin bonus payouts on blackjack, craps and

roulette when the lights are flashing. Ceiling lights will flash at random times through out the day. Bonuses will be paid in chips if the fol-lowing occurs while the lights are flashing; $5 for a blackjack, double the doubles in the craps field and pay 4X the amount bet on the 2 and 12 and double the 1st dollar bet for a direct number hit on Roulette. Join us on the week-end (Friday 6 p.m. to Saturday close) when we will dazzle the blackjack bonus by doubling the amount paid to $10.

Sunlight BonusGet $10 cash back for 3 hours play if seated

between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.

Quad of the DayGet the specified 4 of a kind on its matching day

and win the progressive payout. Payouts have been as high as $12,000.

Bad Beat Have a chance to win our bad beat. Quad 8’s or

better beaten will win our bad beat which is ap-proaching $42,000 (as of late December).



www.famousbonanza.com

2X MondaysEarn 2X points all day on all machines

3X Points on Quarter MachinesEvery Tuesday earn 3x points on all quarter

machines.

Slot Tournament WednesdaysFREE Slot Tournament every Wednesday

at The Famous Bonanza. Come play between 1-5 PM. Pays the top 8 scores!

Double points on Video PokerEnjoy 2X Points on all video poker ma-

chines every Thursday!

Blackjack BonanzaEvery Friday night play in The Parlour for

cash drawings from 8pm-Midnight, build-ing to a $200 drawing at midnight! Ask your dealer for details.

Match 12Join us every Friday night from 7PM –

11:30PM for Match 12! Over $2,500 in cash prizes every Friday.

Join us on your BirthdayCome celebrate your birthday with the

Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points.

New PlayersEarn just 250 points on your first trip and

receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.

The ParlourThe Parlour at the Famous Bonanza Casino

offers the best in table games, featuring 2 Deck pitch Blackjack, Buffalo Blackjack, Rou-lette and 3-Card Poker. $5 minimum to $50 maximum on 2 Deck pitch Blackjack and $3 minimum and all shoe games.

*For complete details on any of our pro-motions see the Miner’s Club.

2X MondaysEarn 2X points all

day on all machines.

3X Points on Quarter Machines

Every Tuesday earn 3x points on all quarter machines.

Double points on Video PokerEnjoy 2X Points on all video poker ma-

chines every Thursday!

Join us on your BirthdayCome celebrate your birthday with the

Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points.

New PlayersEarn just 250 points on your first trip and

receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.

Fun for KidsBring your children to the lower level of

the casino to enjoy a wide variety of arcade games for our under 21 guests.

*For complete details on any of our pro-motions see the Miner’s Club.



Casino•Guide

This information is subject to change without notice.

Closed

Ameristar - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP over 1400 536 rooms B, D, SD, Starbucks free valet and self parking 720-946-4000/.ameristar.com/Black_Hawk.aspx

Black Hawk Station VP 120 No SD,SB city lot 303-582-5582/ blackhawkstationcasino.net

Bull Durham VP 188 No SB city lot 303-582-0810/.bulldurhamcasino.com

Bullwhackers Sun-Thur 8am-1am/Fri-Sat 8am- 3am VP 400 No SD free valet and self parking 1-800-GAM-BULL/bullwhackers.com

Canyon - 24/7 Fri/Sat BJ, C, R, VP 415 No SD, SB free valet and self parking 303-777-1111/canyoncasino.com

Saratoga - 24/7 Fri/Sat BJ, C, R, VP 585 No SD, B free covered valet 303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/saratogacasinobh.com

Gilpin - 24/7 BJ, C, R, P, VP 460 No SD free valet across the street 303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com

Golden Gates - 24/7 BJ, P, C, VP 280 No D free valet and covered self parking 303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Gulch VP 140 No V free self/free valet 303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Mardi Gras - 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP 680 No SD,SB,D free valet and covered self parking 303-582-5600/goldenmardigras.com

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP 1308 238 B,D,SD free valet and self parking 1-800-The-Isle/theisleblackhawk.com

Lady Luck - 24/7 BJ, P,C, R, VP 500 164 SD,SB free covered valet and self parking 1-888-Lady-Luck/ladyluckblackhawk.com

Lodge - 24/7 BJ, C, R, P, VP 975 50 B, D, SD, SB free valet parking 303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com

Red Dolly VP 149 No SD free self parking 303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net

Monarch - 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP 766 No B free valet and self parking 303-582-1000/monarchblackhawk.com

Sasquatch No 70 No D No 720-880-1616

Wildcard VP 220 No D city lot 303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com

Century Casino - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 520 26 SD,D free covered self parking 303-582-5050/cnty.com

Crystal Palace VP 101 No D free city lot 720-253-1669

Dostal Alley - 24/7 VP 64 No SD free self parking 303-582-1610/dostalalley.net

Easy Street VP 205 No SD free self parking 303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Famous Bonanza BJ, P, R, VP 244 No SD , D free self parking 303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Johnny Z’s - 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP 367 No SD, D free covered parking 303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com

Reserve Casino Hotel - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 700 119 SD, D, B, SB, V free valet and self parking 1-800-924-6646/reservecasinohotel.com

The Brass Ass - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 250 No SD free covered self parking 800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasino.com

Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP 750 23 SD free self parking 877-989-2142/broncobillyscasino.com

Century Casino - 24/7 BJ, R, 448 18 SD free self parking 719-689-0333/cripple-creek.cnty.com

Colorado Grande - 24/7 BJ, R, VP 211 5 SD, SB free self parking 877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com

Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7 BJ, P ,C, R, VP 700+ 158 SD, SB free valet and covered self parking 800-711-7234/decasino.com

Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7 VP 255 No SD free self parking w/validation 719-689-2080/johnnynolons.com

J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat VP 300 40 SD validated self parking 800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Midnight Rose - 24/7 P, VP 400 19 SD, B validated self parking 800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Wildwood Casino- 24/7 BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530 68 SD, D, B Climate controlled self parking 877-945-3963/playwildwood.com

Casino Games Slots Lodging Food Parking Contact

Games Key

BJ - Blackjack, P - Poker, C - Craps, R - Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker

Food Key

B-Buffet, D-Deli, SD-Sitdown, SB-Snackbar, V-Vending Machine


Phi was a $23,800 Jackpot Winner at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Victoria won $4,500 playing a Triple Double Stars machine at Mardi Gras Casino.

Clinton won $4,500 at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Danny won $9,619.66 playing 3 Card Poker at Mardi Gras Casino.

Ramon won $10,000 at Saratoga Casino.Deborah won $3,000 playing a penny Pompeii machine at Saratoga Casino.


Here are somevaluable coupons with exciting savings – compliments of theseleading Colorado casinos!

Millie s ̓

FREE APPETIZER{wITh ThE PuRchAsE oF onE mEAl}

simply join the miner’s club ... It’s Free Too!

Find millie's Restauraunt on the upper level of the Easy street casino

in historic central city. A $6 vAluE!

Limit one coupon per table. Not valid with other offers. Gratuity not included.

Restaurant(inside Easy Street Casino)

One Coupon per guest, per day, Mon.- Fri. only - Expires 4/15/13

for readers of The Gambler

One Coupon per guest, per day, Mon.-Fri. only - Expires 1/20/14

realDEALS

FREE BUFFETWednesday - Sunday

Earn 20 base points on the day you valet park at Saratoga Casino

Black Hawk and receive a free meal at the Garden Bu�et.

BLACK HAWKCASINO

TM

Excludes holidays. O�er expires January 31, 2014.

formerly FITZGERALDS

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Colorado History

By Rosemary FetterDespite its beauty and breath-

taking scenery, Colorado was never an easy place to settle. In 1820, ex-plorer Stephen Long described the high plains as “The Great American Desert, unfit for human habitation.” Although the New Hampshire-born engineer never considered the Na-tive Americans “human” and un-derestimated the determination of future gold seekers and pioneers, his opinion was not entirely un-founded. As the Long expedition crossed the dry, dusty plains only to reach the imposing grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, the environment must have seemed hostile and for-bidding. Sometimes, it still does.

The relationship between Colo-rado’s people and its landscape is examined through History Colo-rado Center’s new Living West ex-hibit, a 7,000 square foot exhibition and the second of three phases at the museum. Through three sto-ries, Mesa Verde, The Dust Bowl and The Mountains Today, visitors examine how people have struggled and survived over the centuries, what the problems have been and what solutions evolved. Not only has Colorado’s fragile environment shaped human history, human choices have reshaped the land, sometimes with devastating results. According to B. Erin Cole, assistant State Historian, the exhibit aims to get people thinking about the inter-connectivity between man and the landscape, how our actions have impact the environment, and how the choices we make will affect gen-erations to come.

Mesa VerdeThe first section exhibit travels

back in time to explore the Mesa Verde of 800 years ago, featuring nearly 200 artifacts, assembled with the assistance of tribal repre-sentatives from the Santa Clara, Zia, Acoma, Zuni and Hopi Tribe. Most of the artifacts come from the muse-um’s renowned Mesa Verde Collec-tion, collected nearly a century ago.

With several interactive stations, this entertaining and unusual mu-seum experience includes with both visual and hands-on exhibits, such as the opportunity to paint a pot or weave yucca fibers. A diorama of Mesa Verde during the Anasazi pe-riod, originally created by the WPA during the 1930s, has been recently refurbished for the display. Living West Activity Books can be down-loaded with art projects and experi-ments kids can do at home.

The Dust BowlThe second section deals with

the nation’s landmark ecological di-saster, the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Due to over-cultivation and a long drought period, between 1934 and 1941, hundreds of dust storms blew loose topsoil in great black clouds across the Great Plains. Both a man-made and a natural calamity, the damage done by these storms would be exacerbated by the Great Depression. Many lost their farm-ers, like the Joad family in Stein-beck’s Grapes of Wrath. With no money for medication and no hos-pitals nearby to treat them, people

died or suffered irreparable lung damage from dust-related pneu-monia. Besides the dust storms and drought, grasshopper infestations destroyed what was left of the crops. Although the situation improved due to federal assistance, the gov-ernment relocation program, better agricultural methods and the end of the drought, some previously suc-cessful farming lands, like those in Baca County, never fully recovered.

This part of the exhibit is illus-trated by a particularly well-done multimedia presentation that al-lows guests to vicariously experi-ence the terrible “Black Sunday,” April 14, 1935, when more than

300,000 tons of topsoil blew from eastern Colorado, Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma to the East Coast. From the howling wind to the encroaching black cloud, firsthand accounts detail the ter-ror recalled by survivors and the desolation left behind. At the end of the program, President Roos-evelt’s encouraging speech plays over an old-fashioned radio, reas-suring the beleaguered farmers. After Black Sunday, Congress es-tablished the Soil Conservation Service to provide guidance in re-ducing soil erosion, improving for-est and field land and conserving natural resources.

The Mountains Today

The last section focuses on the mountains, which have great im-pact on the state’s economy both as a tourist attraction and the main source of water. Among the exhibits are a small replica of the westbound Eisenhower tunnel and a video of a drive from Denver to Breckenridge, where the historic mountain town has become a recreational ski resort. An interactive feature demonstrates just how many feet of snowpack are needed to get a just a small amount of water.

Another interactive section, a small pine forest, details the infesta-tion of the pine beetle and the dam-age it’s doing to our forested areas. The mountain section ends at the Summit Cafe, an interactive space designed to replicate a small res-taurant in a town like Breckenridge, with skis and vintage ski resort posters hanging on the walls. Visi-tors can measure their carbon foot-print and even provide suggestions for solutions to mountain traffic is-sues, and there’s a play area for kids.

For information on the many programs and presentations related to the exhibit, visit www.historycol-orado.org.

New History Colorado exhibit exploresColorado’s people and the landscape

‘The Living West’Location:

History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.,

Sunday noon - 5 p.m.Admission:

Adults: $12, Seniors 65 and older: $10, Students (13-22) with student ID: $10,

children 6-12, $8, 5 and under free. Members also are admitted free.

Tickets: Online at www.HistoryColoradoCenter.org.

Parking:Available at the Civic Center Cultural

Garage across the street at 12th Avenue and Broadway and at the garage adjacent to

the Center at 1255 Broadway. Metered spaces are also available

FAR LEFT: This youngster paints her own clay pot.

LEFT: Jackrabbits multiply during times of drought. Photos courtesy History Colorado Center

Visitors examine a diorama of Mesa Verde, recently restored for the exhibit. Photo courtesy Science Museum of Minnesota


Trail’s End

Mildred Montigue Genevieve “Tweet” Kimball

In the spring 1954, a young divorcee with two young sons, Mildred Mon-tague Genevieve Kimball, was looking to purchase land in the West. Her ex-husband had offered to buy her any-thing she wanted west of the Missis-sippi River as part of the divorce set-tlement. Kimball, a vibrant, energetic and independent woman accepted the offer.

“When I divorced him, he said I’d probably go back to Tennessee and talk about him. He said, ‘If you’ll buy property west of the Mississippi, I’ll help you. And that’s what I did.”

She was born at Fort Oglethorpe in Catoosa County, Georgia, on June 18, 1914. Her father, a graduate of West Point, became a career soldier, eventually earning the rank of colo-nel. Thus, the family moved often. Young Mildred adjusted to the many moves with ease and her proud father gave her the endearing nickname of “Tweet,” a name she cherished and would proudly carry the rest of her life.

With this proud heritage and in-dependence, Tweet moved on with her life; a new independent life in the West. As Kimball set out on an adventure in the West, she spent time in several states before visit-ing Colorado. A Realtor took her to a place in a valley close to the Rocky Mountains, but not too close, with plenty of sprawling land, yet less than an hour’s drive to Denver. It was the old Johnson ranch and his Charlford mansion in Douglas County. Exactly what Tweet had been looking for.

After negotiations with Johnson, Jr., Tweet purchased Charlford and the Johnson’s family landholdings, along with the adjacent land of the Sunflower Ranch, from Ray Blunt, in May 1954. Tweet owned more than 3,000 acres, becoming one of the largest land owners in the county. The Rocky Mountain News of June 8, 1954 covered the story with this headline, “Charlford Now Cherokee.”

The old homesteads, along with the Charlford castle, appealed to Tweet for a variety of reasons. With her Scottish ancestry, she was par-ticularly intrigued with the 15th cen-tury Scottish style castle. Yet, it was the land, the buildings and the barns

that brought a sparkle to her eye. It was here she could fi-nally fulfill a life-long dream, a vision of a mighty cattle ranch. Tweet later recalled the time and the place when the dream of a cattle ranch first entered her mind. In 1938, she and her father attended a livestock sale at the King Ranch, near Kingsville, Texas. It was

the magnificent Santa Gertrudis cat-tle that caught the eye of Tweet.

“We thought they looked marvel-ous,’’ she recalled.

This breed was the first distinctive American breed ever produced and was developed on the King Ranch. Named for the Santa Gertrudis Creek that ran through the King Ranch land, the cattle were a crossbreed of a Brahman bull and a Texas Shorthorn cow. The result was a quality animal that garnered the attention of ranch-ers all over the South. In 1940, this new breed of cattle was recognized by Texas cattlemen as the only breed solely of American origin.

Tweet began work on her plan for to make her cattle ranch a reality. She renamed her land Cherokee Ranch, in honor of the original Cherokee Trail and the Indian tribe that had once inhabited the land. She then re-named the Charlford castle Cherokee Castle.

When Tweet began to inquire

about the purchase of Santa Gertrudis cattle, she was met with resistance by cattle ranchers all over the South. The reasons for this lack of coopera-tion were two-fold. First, she was a woman, dealing in a man’s world. Sec-ond, she was told that Santa Gertru-dis cattle were ac-customed to warm weather, and could not survive the cold climate of Colo-rado. The ever-persistent Tweet eventually found a Texas rancher who agreed to sell to her. With the purchase of two bulls and 29 cows, Tweet began her herd of Santa Gertrudis cattle.

However, her battles were just beginning. Rumors spread quickly among the Douglas County ranch-ers that Tweet was bringing “those damned red Bremmers,” into the county. Once the Texas animals ar-rived at Cherokee Ranch, Kimball’s ranch foreman refused to unload the cattle. According to Tweet’s own ac-count of the incident, the foreman was immediately fired, but because he had a family and was their only

means of support, she allowed him to stay at the ranch for two weeks.

“But he was to have nothing to do with the cattle,” she said.

Evidently the foreman did not fully grasp the kindness extended by his former boss, as he later inten-tionally left the pasture gate wide open. Fortunately it was early in the morning when

Tweet discovered her cattle wandering along the road lead-

ing to her ranch. After gathering the cattle and returning them to the pas-ture, she then ordered the foreman immediately off her property. The man refused to leave.

Kimball later stated, “Things were different then. I called the sheriff and he came out and got the man off the ranch. Today, you’d have to give the man 30 days notice and probably take him to court, and all the while he’d be wreaking havoc on the ranch.”

Tweet would not be deterred from developing quality cattle ranch.

“I’m an optimist and a planner, and I was always really interested in

animals,” she said. After years studying this superior

breed, she set out to prove her theory by a series of public events, showcas-ing the Santa Gertrudis bulls. She even provided an essay contest, with a first-class bull being awarded to the winner. It took time, yet eventually the ranchers of Douglas County were persuaded.

“People changed their minds when they saw what that bull could produce,” Tweet said.

She gained recognition as the first rancher, not to mention female rancher, to introduce the breed into Colorado. Next, Kimball approached the National Western Stock Show, in an effort to show her Santa Gertrudis cattle.

She later recalled, “They were very narrow-minded. They claimed the cattle weren’t purebred.”

In 1961, she established the Rocky Mountain Santa Gertrudis Associa-tion and entered her bulls in the Na-tional Western Stock Show , win-ning several prizes. By 1981, her bulls were still winning top prizes, includ-ing the Grand Champion Bull award.

After years of in-fighting, she was finally accepted as a respectable rancher and eventually served on the board of directors of the National Western Stock Show, the first woman ever to do so. This year’s National Western Stock Show runs Jan. 11 – 26.

A female breaks the male barriers of National Western Stock Show

The amazing Tweet Kimball Photos courtesy of Denver Public Library, Western History Collection

Tweet Kimball bought the historic Charlford

Castle and renamed it Cherokee Ranch.

What do you sup-pose people in past ages did when they couldn’t phone or visit a doc-tor every time they got sick? They learned to take advantage of what nature had to offer and healed themselves the green way.

Now that the cold and flu season is here, we can choose to live simply green and use herbs (many of which are in our kitchens) for healings instead of expensive over-the-counter medi-cines. Herbs have powerful plant compounds to help fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, while working to relieve pain and dis-comforts associated with seasonal bouts of colds and flu.

Try herbs in new and differ-ent ways in addition to cooking. Herbal teas are a great way to en-hance your health. James Duke, PhD, recommends drinking two cups daily of antioxidant-rich herb teas, (using herbs such as basil, oregano, peppermint, rose-mary, sage, and thyme) to help

slow the aging pro-cess.

Ten Healing Herbs 1. Basil: Basil has

been used for thou-sands of years as medicine in India. Today’s health pro-fessionals recom-mend drinking basil

tea to combat the nausea associ-ated with chemotherapy and ra-diation treatments.

2. Chamomile: This popular herb relieves stress and promotes sleep. It also fights menstrual cramps and helps alleviate diges-tive ailment. Drink chamomile tea or infuse the yellow flowers in a warm bath to relieve stress.

3. Echinacea: There are dozens of biochemical compounds that act in therapeutic synergy in this com-plex plant to support the immune system. It is most effective when taken at the first onset of cold or sinus infections. However, taking echinacea when a cold or infection has already become serious may be fighting a losing battle.

4. Oregano: Oregano is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. It is effective against food-borne pathogens, even those resistant to antibiot-ics. With 20 times the antioxidant power of many other herbs, it may help in fighting cancer.

5. Parsley: Originating in the Mediterrean countries, this herb has been credited for curing many ailments, from asthma to plague to jaundice. Parsley leaves are high in iron content and rich in vitamins A, B, C and trace minerals. Parsley adds color, aids digestion of the foods, and acts to prevent gas and bloating.

6. Peppermint: Peppermint tea soothes stomachaches, relieves gas and helps dissolve gallstones. Ap-plied topically as oil, it is cooling and analgesic, relieving heat and inflammation while it increases blood flow to the painful area.

7. Rosemary: This herb combats food poisoning and is a natural preservative. Rosemary has long been used to aid digestion and help memory. Recent research in Japan

indicates that rosemary’s active ingredients and antioxidants may protect the brain from the ravages of harmful free radicals that can cause strokes and Alzheimer’s.

8. Sage: Sage has long been as-sociated with immortality. The ancient Chinese drank sage tea every day to increase their longev-ity. When used in tea or in cooking, sage can help upset stomachs and may enhance memory. Externally, it can be rubbed in for upper re-spiratory inflammation. Sage is a well-regarded herb for relieving hot flashes of menopause.

9. Thyme: Fights against a va-riety of bacteria and fungi, dates

back to the ancient Greeks. Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy because it helps clear the lungs of congestion. It is used topically for minor ar-thritis and in sweet-smelling per-sonal care products. During World War I, its oil served as a battlefield antiseptic.

10. Turmeric: A major ingredi-ent in curry, this herb has grabbed serious attention as a potentially powerful cancer fighter. Cur-cumin, the chemical responsible for turmeric’s golden color, is con-sidered a top anti-cancer agent, helping to quell the inflammation that contributes to tumor growth. Research suggests that it may pro-tect against colon cancer as well as melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. It’s used topically in lotions for dry or inflamed skin, sores, and wounds. Researchers at Rutgers University are investi-gating a combination of curcumin and other anti-cancer compounds as possible treatments for prostate cancer.

Have a happy, healthy and green New Year!


Horoscopes

Contact Mary Nightstar at [email protected] and type “horoscope” in the subject line.

CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)This is a good time for art, entertainment, writing, and financial speculation. Not the best time for family or romance. You want to avoid petty ego confrontations with those you love at this time. Lucky Numbers: 3, 15, 21, 23, 29, 42 AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19)Although you can be reserved around people this is a time where you will feel more outgoing. You may be collecting more friends by attending group activities at this time. Seeds of romance mayb found there as well. Lucky Numbers: 1, 4, 13, 17, 40, 53 PISCES (Feb. 20 - March 20)Starting a new health regime? Perhaps you are planning that big trip of a lifetime this year? This is all possible for you at this time. That trip is most likely with a special romanctic partner. Lucky Numbers: 12, 17, 25, 31, 44, 47 ARIES - (March 21 - April 20)Seems like either you are inviting people for get togethers or they are inviting you. You are working on your home for your guests. What you need is a rest. Lucky Numbers: 27, 31, 39, 40, 53, 59

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21)Although you are looking to start the new year as everybody with a new fitness plan, You have other ideas that are more inspired. People want to hear what you have to say as your expression of your ideas inspires others. Lucky Numbers: 6, 13, 25, 33, 47, 51 GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21)Don’t be surprised if you meet somebody at the gym. You have more energy than usual and looking to set up your health regime. This is the time to meet that romantic somebody. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 6, 12, 21, 42 CANCER - (June 22 - July 22)You don’t feel understood by others at this time. You feel out of step with activities around you. Tired from the seasonal activities you should give yourself downtime. Lucky Numbers: 17, 18, 28, 31, 47, 51 LEO - (July 23 – Aug 22)A romantic by nature this is the time to do what you do best. In general culinary efforts, reasonable speculation, business affairs and family dealings are good at this time. Lucky Numbers: 7, 8, 12, 18, 24, 33

VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23)If you are a student, teacher, lecturer, writer or performing artist this is a great time for you. Others can find themselves at the gym or spas having great success there. In general a good time to look into your intellectual side. Lucky Numbers: 7, 20, 21, 35, 42, 47 LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23)You have a great deal of energy at this time. You want to avoid to communicate to groups of people as not likely to go well. Many disagreements at this time in general. Watch your health as well. Lucky Numbers: 7, 22, 37, 39, 40, 52 SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)This is a great time for communications whether in speech, writing, bodily expression or artistic media. You have greater confidence in the expression of your ideas and people accept what you have to say. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 6, 29, 33, 39 SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)Romance is in the stars for you. Although you are likely to make your own opportunities in that are at this time. That’s okay as you will be successful.Lucky Numbers: 17, 21, 25, 29, 47, 50

Crossword puzzle answers from page 9

Horoscopes by Teelok email her at [email protected]

ACROSS:1. One Republic2. Ice skating9. EA10. Eggnog12. Idea

15. Toe16. Grown up17. EPA18. Ian19. Onion20. Pint

21. Tonic22. Sage

DOWN:1. Oliver Twist2. Evergreen3. Elk4. USTA5. Line dancing

6. CD8. AEG11. Organic13. Alpine14. Robots20. PI

By Linda [email protected]

Going Green

10 popular herbs that heal the green way

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