June 29th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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In these terrible times in the world today with so many countries at odds, the USBF once again has made a stalwart effort to avoid any ugly situations at the world bridge championship in the Netherlands this October. EACH MEMBER AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE USBF MUST SIGN THE FOLLOWING to avoid another Shanghai Witches Incident which occurred at the Closing ceremony a few years ago. All participants are to sign and date and send to Jan Martel.
As a condition of USBF qualification to represent the United States, I agree to abide by all regulations of the USBF, ACBL, WBF and other sponsoring organizations regarding international competition, including the Olympic Rules adopted by the WBF. I recognize that it is a privilege to represent my country as a member of both the USBF and the ACBL. For the duration of the competition I will adhere to the regulations of proper dress and deportment at all times including tournament play and any related events and ceremonies.
International bridge events are not the time or place for any type of planned or spontaneous personal statements, demonstrations or public displays. I agree that they are intended as a respite from politics, with all nations welcome to participate. Without permission from the USBF, only the winners and their official captain and coach are to appear on the podium to receive medals at the award ceremonies where full respect is to be given to the US and the USBF through absence of all non-bridge related activity.
I understand that the USBF reserves the right to sanction any participant who violates the Code of Conduct.
I hereby agree to these conditions, as a representative of the USBF.
Name (printed): ________________________
Signature: ____________________________
Date: ________________________________
June 28th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Some time ago (about a year or so) I heard from District 4 Representative (now President of the ACBL) that he made a motion to have the prestigious award above (held at the Spring Nationals) renamed THE NORMAN KAY PLATINUM PAIRS. Over a year lapsed, and I disappointedly questioned Craig, assuming nothing had been done, and learned (though I have not been to a national in three years and rarely keep up with the Bulletins) – the following article appeared on the front page of the March 11, 2011 Kentucky Daily Bulletin (unbeknownst to me):
PLATINUM PAIRS RENAMED
The ACBL Board of Directors has unanimously approved the naming of the Platinum Pairs to the Norman Kay Platinum Pairs. The three-day event will be played starting today for the second time.
The decision means that the names of both members of one of the best known-pairs in bridge – Edgar Kaplan and Norman Kay – are now on two of the ACBL’S premier pair events. The Blue Ribbon Pairs was renamed The Edgar Kaplan Blue Ribbon Pairs several years ago.
Norman died January 17, 2002. They were a bit tardy in recognizing one of the most stellar pillars of the bridge community for over forty years – both in the areas of bridge talent, victorious accomplishments, ethics, worldwide popularity and respect. But — better late than never.
June 23rd, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Although no hotel I have seen in Vegas has better bridge playing facilities than the Riviera, we have had some zany personal experiences here. Let’s start with the heating and air conditioning unit which is self regulating. Suddenly it shuts off and a while later it turns back on with a sound like a tornado warning or air raid siren. This continues all through the day and night. Classy!
Oh, yes – it appears there may be a shortage of toilet paper with one roll to two customers for twenty four hours (and no reserve) – and when you leave a burned out light bulb on the table, they remove it – but don’t replace it. I left a note and a ten dollar bill and amazing … when we returned we had three rolls of toilet paper and a torchier with a working light.
I had two dining experiences not to be believed: I called room service and asked (instead of toast) for an English muffin and was told it was $3.95 extra I countered it was only 35 cents more at the coffee shop to which she replied, ‘THIS IS NOT THE COFFEE SHOP. This is ROOM SERVICE’ (BFD) … for which we waited an hour and a half the first morning – but they don’t warn you. Then, we just learned (on our fifth day) that if you present your players card, you get a discount. Lest I forgot, we ate at the coffee shop again today. Bobby paid the bill and commented that our breakfast omelets though almost identical had a $2.00 discrepancy. He learned (with no pre-alert) that egg whites separated by some brain surgeon were two bucks more than plain eggs cracked by some lackey.
Apparently, there is new management and ownership and most of the stores are vacant (with dark panels covering the barren insides). Looks like a huge alteration in progress. My favorite shoe store, Norman Kaplan, is history but thank heavens (not for Bobby) that the jewelry store is still in full bloom (with big advertised discounts). The casino is practically empty though there is a new Single Deck BJ game we patronized where BJ pays 3/2, though there are other prohibitions not present in any of the other casinos (can only double down on 10 or 11), no surrender or hitting again after splitting, etc. Times have really changed.
However, as I mentioned in the introduction to this blog, the playing space is great and the numbers, according to TC Tom Shulman were fantastic. The section tops are adorable, many choices and plentiful sized shirts as well. Guess good attendance and enthusiastic players is what it is really all about. Time to get movin’!
June 17th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
1 Comment
Here I am – adrift on Cloud Nine
With yesterday’s memories –all so divine
You pulled the wool – right over my eyes
‘Till I heard you — shout “SURPRISE.”
‘From poetic verses – to R.S.V.P.s.
No detail omitted – Yet done with great ease
Norm made his best play — on Board Number One
Drafting Essie and Joan – to get the job done
Plus Dene and Janey – who added so much
You marveled at – their clever touch!
A labor of love – from Norm was ambitious
To make that album – replete with good wishes
From Krystal and Blake – Sue Ellen, J R.
Came photos and greetings – signed by each star
Then Rickles and Shecky – and Carson and Hope
(The only thing missing, it seemed, was the Pope).
Thornburgh and Specter and Rizzo came through
(And even Judge Wapner – believe me – it’s true)
Name-dropping is tacky – so I won’t go on
(But did you see the note – from Nancy and Ron?)
The bridge world responded – indignant with rage
(Sure Norman had lied – concerning my age)
But nevertheless – they honored his call
(Trying to hide – their sense of appall)
Their names would fit – on a convention card
Like Truscott and Stayman – and Kaplan (his pard)
Too many to list – though mighty impressive
(Their masterpoint total – would be sooooo excessive)
Suffice it to say – I’m still walking on air
How lucky I was – to have you all there!
/S/ Judy
P.S. Remember our date – MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1994
(P.S.S.) and damned if Norman didn’t host a 60th as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
June 16th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Back in June of 1984, I celebrated a momentous birthday (my 50th) and Norman (I later learned) had a coterie of my friends stealthily help him arrange a grand luncheon with about 60 guests. It was a conglomerate of family, business chums, buddies from our trotting and pacing interests and friends (both normal ones and the bridge variety). Besides keeping the big secret, he wrote to all my favorites and presented me with an album containing photos, notes, letters, etc. which I came upon quite by accident the day we returned from Detroit’s Senior Trials and it seemed so appropriate because my 77th birthday was that very day. Perhaps it is fate that caused me to happen upon it that day and hyped me up to share some of the enclosures from the bulging scrapbook. Here goes (in the order they were placed in the album):
1. An autographed photo of the cast of “Dynasty” (John Forsythe, Linda Evans, Heather Locklear, et al.); 2. A similar one from the show “Dallas” with Larry Hagman, Barbara Bel Geddes, Patrick Duffy, etc.; 3. An autographed note from our neighbor, ex Philly catcher Tim McCarver; 4. Happy Birthday Greetings from the one and only Bob Hope; 5/6 . Two individual personalized 8 x 10’s from Larry Hagman (calling me Judy Darlin’) and one from Linda Gray; 7. A letter signed by Tom Brokaw; 8. A personalized 8 x 10 from Don Rickles; 9. Another from the famous “Judge Wapner; 10. An adorable autographed photo from Johnny Carson; 11 A typewritten letter from the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting with the monogram of Buckingham Palace’ ; 12. A note and photo from Wayne (Newton) – with “Love and Best Wishes”; 13. A typewritten letter and personally autographed photo from Paul Owens, then manager of my beloved Phillies; 14. “Greetings” and a lovely 4 x 6 from Helen Hayes; 15. Short note from Eagles head coach, Marion Campbell, another one of my favorites; 16. A personal letter from Jim Mora, Head Coach of The Philadelphia Stars (USFL); 17. Autographed photo signed Love, Larry King (headphones and all); 18. Birthday Card signed by Philadelphia then-Mayor Frank Rizzo. 19 A photo of THE POPE and accompanying letter from the Secretariat of State of the Vatican. 20. A typewritten letter of congratulations from then Pa. Governor Dick Thornburgh; 21. A photo of Frank Sinatra; 22. An adorable handwritten note from Shecky Greene apologizing for not being able to attend, but inviting us to the Tropicana in A.C. as his guest in August .. and the beat goes on…. more …………….
23. Letter from Gerald R. Ford; 24. Personalized letter from Senator (and basketball player) Bill Bradley; 25. Letter from George Bush, office of the VP.; 26. Typewritten letter from Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Spector; 27. And from another U. S. Senator (and astronaut) John Glenn; 28. A note from Ed Koch, then Mayor of New York; 29. Secretary of the Treasury, Donald T. Regan’s personal note to me as he was Norman’s boss as Philly ML Manager and then ML Chairman of the Board – and a modest delightful man; 30. A typewritten note from the Reverend Jesse Jackson; 31; another one from the then-mayor of Philadelphia W. Wilson Goode; 32. From one of my heroes (#1) Philly Richie Ashburn; 33. A note from Jane Pauley saying since she couldn’t’ surprise me for lunch, this will have to do. 34. A handwritten note of birthday greetings from Howard Cosell; 35. A double handwritten note from Phil Ford and Mimi Hines; 36: Presidential greetings from Nancy and Ronald Reagan; 37. A handwritten note from Gabe Kaplan ( Remember Welcome Back Kotter?); 38. A long handwritten letter from Eagles Football coach Dick Vermeil; 39. A typewritten note from Senator Edward M. Kennedy plus …. notes from lots of my real heroes … Al Roth, Eddie Kantar, Dorothy and Alan Truscott; George Rapee; B. J. Becker, Sam Stayman, Eric Murray, Dick Frey, Sami Kehela, Ralph Cohen and more ….
To the ‘younger set,’ many of the names will mean little to you, but to my contemporaries and even younger, the names will strike lots of chords. And … since I am exhausted from typing and I imagine your eyes are bleary from reading, I will send you my poetic thank you to all those who were in attendance within the next day or two. Hope you enjoyed the name dropping. Go blame it on Norman who spent days upon days (maybe even weeks) contacting all the above world renown celebrities.
June 10th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
7 Comments
In the USA1 Seniors, Schwartz who was down by 52 to Lynch, had an amazing comeback and is now ahead by 6 In the USA2 Seniors bracket O’Rourke is leading Kasle by a small margin (amounts were not posted this morning). In the Women’s — Sprung was ahead of Westheimer by 5. The Winners of USA1 and USA2 will be determined after these next thirty boards, starting play at 11 a.m. (two 15 board matches). The two defeated ones will go back into the losers bracket and play off for USA 2 Seniors and Women’s.
Later ……
June 8th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
1 Comment
will be determined tomorrow when Lynch (who beat Milner 127/93) will play Schwartz (who bested O’Rourke (143/109). The Women’s match up will be Moss (who won over Joel 92/86) against Sprung who beat Westheimer (127/119)– both really close matches. We left before the two winners from the round robin for USA 2 was determined who will joining the losing semi-finalists of today to determine SENIORS USA 2. The same format will be used for the Women to determine Women’s USA 2.
The directors and USBF staff are to be commended for the efficient operation of this event despite the gigantic physical areas (two floors) used most of the time. Tomorrow will be condensed and begin at 11 o’clock on the 66th floor. Should be much easier to find your nook and cranny tomorrow as the field has been quite narrowed down. Good luck to all.
June 8th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
1 Comment
I would be remiss if we overlooked reporting the fabulous food and warm hospitality provided for the contestants and their companions. The room is open from eight a.m. till midnight so you can partake in breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, pastries, hot and cold drinks. Their is a welcome aura and the reigning (but retiring) hostess/worker bee is Nadine Wood (with Detroit’s own Sandy and Bill Arlinghaus doing a bang-up job in advance of Nadine’s arrival and still on duty). Besides the comfort of the spacious huge double rooms, there are several long sofas, chairs, tables and two large television sets at either end where you can watch one of the BBO matches in living color. Most people take refuge there between rounds and there is always something good to nosh on or an exciting match to view and lots of bridge conversation, to say the least.
Detroit hospitality at its finest – because of the generosity and courtesy of the Michigan Bridge Unit and USBF! All of us here appreciate the pains taken to have such a lovely suite available and making everyone feel so welcome. Thank you.
June 8th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
Comments Off on Wednesday’s update from Detroit
After a six board playoff to break a tie at the end of the regulation 60 boards, Lynch beat Deutsch in the USA1 bracket and will face Milner this morning. In the other USA 1 match, O’Rourke will take on Schwartz. Kraynyak beat Eisenstein in the USA 2 match and re-enters the event, joining the other four losing teams (Deutsch, Levine, Kasle and Woolsey). It’s not over by a long way folks. Today, the Women’s will feature Moss opposing Joel and Sprung playing Westheimer.
They will also be using the double elimination process and will produce Women’s USA I AND USA 2.
June 7th, 2011 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
1 Comment
At the half-way mark (after 60 boards), here’s how the winner’s bracket (USA I) looks: Lynch ahead of Deutsch 69/46; Schwartz (Bobby’s team) is leading Levine 69/44; O’Rourke over Kasle 68/54; and Woolsey behind Milner 79/42. In the ‘losers’ bracket’ (USA2) Eisenstein beat Cappelli 100/47 and Kranyak won over Jacobs 85/63. The winner of tonight’s match will join the losing four from the Winner’s Bracket and so on. At the end of this evening, there will be nine teams still alive for the two winning USA spots, with three teams already meeting their maker. Will keep you posted tomorrow.
I have not been following the Women’s carefully, but at this point the standings are 1. Moss; 2. Sprung; 3. Westheimer; 4. Joel; with Mancuso (5); Bales (6); Dinkin (7) and Lewis (8).
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