Independent Contractor Spotlight:Kelly Hernandez

This week's post is dedicated to our multi-talented independent contractor Kelly Hernandez.

Kelly has worked as a dealer with D&E Casino Service for several years. His dealing skills are enhanced by a winning personality and intellect that he refined in business school. We are thankful to have on our dealing team.

One skill that Kelly possesses, which sets him apart from others on other staff, is his interest and ability in performing magic. He performs magic at private parties when he is not working with D&E Casino Services. He comments that hi interest in magic began as a child and never left.

Check out his webpage kellyspades.com and myspace profile http://www.myspace.com/kellyspades

Thanks for being part of our team Kelly!

Haiti Disaster: Fundraise and Help!

As everyone is aware, Haiti experienced a traumatic earthquake that killed an estimated 50 to 200,000 and left countless others injured, homeless, or orphaned. The Red Cross is providing much needed support in Haiti. At this time they need monetary donations to continue their relief efforts.

Quoted from redcross.org "You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org"

D&E Casino Services fully supports the Redcross efforts and would like to encourage everyone to do their part. We can help you plan and coordinate a casino fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the relief efforts taking place in Haiti.

Jennifer and Ellie will walk you through the entire event process. Call them at 562-925-1957.

Up in the Air and D&E Casino Parallels

The 2009 movie Up In the Air, starring George Clooney, was brought to my attention earlier today. The film possesses some interesting parallels to our company D&E Casino Services.

First of which the main character shares the surname Bingham. Ryan Bingham is the films protagonist, who travels around America firing employees for various companies. Unlike the Binghams I know( Ellie, Dan, Jennifer, and myself), Ryan Bingham does not value relationships and connections in life. Which is a major point of contrast within out company. Whereas Ryan tries to minimize personal connections, our company does our best to maximize personalization and increase relationships amongst independent contractors and with clients. We believe that a healthy company is full-bodied; possessing a brain, body, and HEART!

Our company, like Ryan, is accustomed to non-stop travel. in the last 11 days we have visited many Sheratons and other venues in the cities of:

Cerritos, Tarzana, Universal City, Fontana, Huntington Beach, Culver City, Irvine, Temecula, and more...

Company Jr. Partner, Jennifer Bingham, is currently in Belize vacationing with key independent contractor and her boyfriend Ken Miranda. We are excited that she has the chance to refresh and bring home some Belizian sugar.

My point in writing this piece is to reemphasize the message imparted by Up In the Air. There is more to life than work, work, work. If you spend your whole life running away from relationships and commitments, then what do you have except a bare wall and empty refrigerator. Enjoy life and be merry!

Celebrate National Trivia Day: Casino Fun Facts

January 4th, 2010 is National Trivia Day. I sought out some interesting trivia facts related to casino gaming tables and Las Vegas. Fun Stuff!

• Worldwide there are about 4800 casinos, with about 1790 in North America, 1670 in the United States and 26 in Michigan.
• The word "Casino" originally meant a small villa, summerhouse or pavilion built for pleasure, usually on the grounds of a larger Italian villa or palazzo. During the 19th century, the word "Casino" came to include other public buildings where pleasurable activities, including gambling and sports, took place.
• "Playing with House Money" refers to the situation where a winning player is placing bets with money that has been won from the casino.
• When it opened in 1989, The Mirage, in Las Vegas, was the first casino to use security cameras full time on all table games to catch cheaters.
• Dice have been made from wood, clay, stone, peach pits, animal horns, teeth, ivory, bronze, porcelain, even jewels. The oldest known dice with regular sides were found in northern Iraq. They're made of baked clay and date to about 3,000 B.C.
• The kings in decks of playing cards represent real leaders and conquerors from history, although not all had the title of king. The deck we use today is based on cards designed in 15th-century France. The king of spades represents the Biblical King David, the king of clubs represents Alexander the Great, the king of hearts represents Charlemagne and the king of diamonds represents Julius Caesar.
• Horizontal gaming wheels, such as those used in roulette, were invented in England in 1720 for a game called roly-poly. Roly-poly was similar to roulette, except there were no numbers on the wheel. There were alternating white spaces and black spaces, along with a "bar black" space and a "bar white" space. The "bar" spaces were the equivalents of zero and double-zero -- if the ball landed in either space, bets on black or white lost.
• In the Chinese culture, the number four is considered bad luck. High-rolling whales from China are very important to the gambling industry in Vegas. With this in mind, Wynn Las Vegas and Rio have no tower floors that start with four. The elevators count 38, 39, 50, 51 etc.
• Former President Richard Nixon won $6,000 playing poker n his first two months in the U.S. Navy during WWll. That is roughly equal to $42,640 in 2004 dollars. He used that money as well as more poker winnings to finance his run for the U.S. Congress in 1946, which he won.

I really enjoy the fact that casino gaming has had a place in society since ancient times and remains such a strong presence.

There is a plethora of these type of facts. Do you know any? Leave us a comment below:)

Hope everyone is enjoying 2010!!!!!!!!!

Spotlight on 2009 and New Year's Eve Cocktail Party Menu

Over the course of 2009, the USA and the remainder of the world experienced a plethora of interesting events. The most notable year trend, which affected most everyone, was the economic recession that swept over businesses( small to huge) and individuals( poor to wealthy). The recession has significantly impacted the the lifestyle choices of all Americans. Not only has American consumerism culture suffered, but our ability to fulfill basic needs was complicated. Before you stop reading and think to yourself " well duh of course the economy sucks," I want to comment on some novel significance of the past year's events.....

In my opinion, the economic turmoil of the last year, provided the impetus, which invigorated American creativity. All forms of business-people found themselves in need of innovative strategies of securing and maintaining business. Social Media experienced a huge influx of business-users, who realized that the benefit of imparting potential customers with detailed glimpse of their products and company. The general public discovered the utility of social-networking sites in job-searches and service/product selection. The very same social media sites( Facebook, blogger, twitter, ect) provided Americans with an economical means of communication and socialization. D&E Casino, like other Americans, began our social media during 2009. We our quite pleased with development of a blog, Facebook, and Myspace presence. We hope that all of our customers, independent contractors, and employees have enjoyed learning about our company foundations and activities.

New Year's Eve and the classical ball-dropping cocktail parties will occur within the next week! Of course the biggest party takes place in Las Vegas, where brings thousands of Americans to blackjack and roulette games. For those that will not travel to Nevada, D&E Casino can create the same Vegas experience in your living-room. With the entertainment covered the last details to handle are the food and cocktails.....

As a cooking and entertaining aficionado, I am really excited to reveal a New Beginnings Cocktail Party Menu. In many cultures, New Years celebrations are meant to bring good luck and new-life/trends, I chose a multicultural array of Hors D'oeuvres that emphasizes good health and fresh exciting flavors enjoy!

Cultural Influence

Italian- Rustic Pesto Tart http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/rustic_pesto_tart.html

Asian- Roasted Chile-Spiced Edamame http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=407506

Mediterranean- Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/lemon_garlic_marinated_shrimp.html

Middle Eastern- Babaganoush http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/babaganoush-recipe/index.html with whole-wheat pita bread

Mexican- Pomegranate margaritas http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pomegranate-margaritas-roden

French- Blackberry-Chambord Royales http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1185425

American- Whole-Wheat Chocolate Cupcakes http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/8269?section=

Leave us a comment about your New Year's Event or 2010 Plans.

Happy New Years to Everyone!

Thank You for an Awesome December!!!

The month's end has tiptoed up upon us and delivered a sneak attack....

The crazy busyness of December preoccupied all of us at D&E Casino and now Christmas is 4 days away!!!!!!!!!! I have failed to complete any holiday shopping and am suddenly realizing that it is almost 2010. With more events scheduled for this week, it appears that scheduling in holiday time is somewhat analogous to a rubix cube.

I want to spend a couple sentences thanking our fabulous independent contractors, employees, and clients that have made the last month happen. Its been a wonderful coordination of efforts that has resulted in a rewarding experience for all of us. An experience that is significant this month and for many to follow.

In modern America Christmas is oftentimes reduced to a commercial charade that imposes demands of perfection and extravagant gift giving. As Christmas is traditionally a holiday of altruistic giving, we were so excited to see holiday giving in full-effect. Employers treating their employees. Families expressing their love through orchestrated events and well-thought out presents. Independent contractors surprising management with tokens of their affection. In a very fun display the CEO of Westfield Malls ( Peter Lowy ) took over the blackjack game and

entertained his employees for several minutes.

In closing D&E Casino Services would like to thank everyone once again and wish you all a Happy Holidays. May you spend it with loved ones and relish in the joy that is integral to the holiday season.

The Holidays are Here!!!!!

Halfway into the month and D&E Casino Services is in a full blown tornado of activity. we are experiencing a rapid influx of event bookings from Hanukkah celebrations, employee appreciations parties, Birthdays, Fundraisers, and a software trade-show. We are popppppinnnn! All the events have us trapsing about California--- Granada Hills one day Dana Point the following day and Ontario the next. There have been unexpected twists; such as four flights of stairs that a client failed to mention and transferred the equipment from event venues in a rainstorm. Our dedicated personnel have worked double events in one day and even pulled 24 hour days. We are so thankful for the business and find some sick enjoyment in the crazy hours and nonstop travel.

Like everyone we have holiday shopping and decorations to do, so I wanted to impart a tale that might inspire us all with a bit of yuletiede joy....

'Twas the night before Christmas.

I hit the casino.

I went there to play,

More than just Keno.

The dealers were assigned to their tables with care.

Chatting with patrons who were gambling there.

I walked to the Slots and started to Play.

I had a feeling this would be my Day

I put in my coins and gave the handle a yank.

As the coins started dropping I heard them go "Clank."

The wheels started spinning, they whirled and they glowed.

Alas! I saw three 7's, lined up in a row.

The lights started flashing, the bells all were ringing,

Out came the Jackpot with that old familiar jingling.

I reached down and scooped up all of my winnings.

I headed for the tables.. I couldn't stop grinning.

A table was open so I sat for Blackjack,

Put down money for chips and purchased a stack.

The Dealer was smiling, I was having such fun.

Drew a Jack then an Ace, I had Twenty One!

Now off to Roulette but which numbers to choose?

The way things were going I just couldn't lose.

I watched the ball spinning, it clicked and it Popped.

Right into my number, that little ball dropped.

"Thirty five to One", the dealer pushed me my chips.

Then she said, "Thanks!" for the toke that I flipped.

Then out on the floor, I heard such a clatter.

I rushed to the Craps Table, to see what was the matter.

There was this Fat Guy so lively and quick,

I thought to myself, he looks like Saint Nick.

I watched the dice as they flew from his hand.

He made his point, ever time they'd land.

"Place the six and the eight and a dollar on YO!

"He blew on the dice before letting them go.

"To some these dice are more fun than toys.

I almost forgot, hard six for the girls and the boys!"

He handled the bones so smooth and so swift.

The timing was right, to ask for a gift.

"Oh Santa please share some of your lucky charm."

He whispered to me, as he took my arm. "If you want to keep winning when rolling the dice,

Just listen to Santa and heed my advice.

""I've learned from the Experts, Scoblete, Burton, Bingham's and Wong.

The secret of winning is PRACTICE hard and long."

"You MUST use your head and this is no fable.

If your Luck starts to turn, You must leave the table"

In the Blink of an eye he was headed for the door.

I pleaded with Santa, "Please, Tell me more!"

He called back to me

as he flew out of sight.

"Every day will be Christmas.

If you learn to play the game right