When people ask me about this hobby, they do so with an expectation that it is only for "high rollers", etc. I always explain to them about the memories I have of being a child in Las Vegas in the 1960s on vacation with my family. We always stayed at the Thunderbird. My dad taught me to play cards, and Las Vegas was his favorite destination (and from LA an easy ride). I started collecting as a way to keep some of those memories. In the next few days I will be heading to LA as dad is gravely ill in the hospital. The one thing I can say is that when I speak at his funeral, I am mentioning Las Vegas and there will be a Thunderbird chip put in his casket from me. I know mom will love it. My sister will think I'm nuts (but that's okay). So those of you with kids - take them early and often. I might have been a youngster, but I will never forget sitting by the pool of the Thunderbird, looking up at the Sahara clock tower (30 min minimum after lunch until swimming again), and being taken to the shows: Sammy Davis Jr, Totie Fields, etc. And of course, dad letting pull the handle to a slot machine.