This post brought to you by our new sponsor Plans Unfolding.  Ron has done a fantastic job on his recent paper planner software release.  I have been utilizing a similar planner for a number of years now and basically take it with me everywhere I go.  This new release provides a graphical front end for data entry (previously I had to use a powerpoint template which required writing upside down in certain situations) and extremely configurable and downright crisp output due to the LaTeX engine underneath.  If you want to get organized, want to carry a large amount of data without having to reboot or like to have the ability to take notes on the fly — you know… like jotting down an observation you might want to blog on later that day… well, look no further and head on over to the Plans Unfolding website.  Here’s a partial cap of my organizer:

(no animals were harmed in the making of this promotion)

Now on to today’s post.  As mentioned previously, we were heading through Council Bluffs Iowa on our way back from South Dakota when we decided to visit the local casino (Ameristar) and try our luck in the den of the devil.  My wife and I actually do like to gamble (in moderation) and quite frankly if you want a good people watching opportunity… go to a casino – especially in Vegas.  As detailed in the Rath Inn entry, we were up early and out of there as fast as possible, leaving us pretty hungry.  To satisfy this craving, we decided to catch some breakfast in their restaurant.  While we were waiting for the food to arrive, a couple with another man came in and sat at a booth next near us.  I am not sure if they were simply holdovers from the night before or just arriving, but it struck me odd that the solo dude ordered a beer while the other two stuck with water.  I do not drink very much at all (social only) and never for breakfast so it seemed a little interesting, but when the food arrived for the couple it was replaced with a sense of confusion.  Before they dug into their feed, they made the sign of the cross and took a few minutes to say a prayer.  This is not exactly the place I expected to see such conviction seeing as I am not aware of many religions that really endorse such sinful behavior as gambling (and potential lifestyles that can be found in such places).  I didn’t stick around to see if they actually went into the gambling area, but chalked it up as something I really hadn’t witnessed before – don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to people wanting to follow their faith –  as long as it isn’t directed at me, an attempt to influence me, or used to justify violence on your fellow man). 

Plates empty, glass drained… time to hit the tables