A NAUSEATING BRIDGE RETORT – BORROWED from EDGAR

January 28th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  6 Comments 

For forty years I had the unique pleasure of watching Norman and Edgar give their all to the game.  I, myself, have never professed to be anywhere near an expert, but derived great joy when not playing to have watched K/K and now my husband Bobby Wolff.   I remember coming back to Edgar’s suite almost in tears.   Norman always taught me to explore all the possibilities before playing to the first trick and then proceed.   I was in the “process of analyzing” my choices when this lady growled, “what could you possibly be thinking about that long?”  I got the belated answer from Edgar. The next time I had a complaint for giving my first play some cogitation,  I snarled back, “Something that would never have occurred to you.”  That stopped traffic for a bit!  People can be nasty and impolite, but it is no longer within my temperament to sit back and tolerate abuse as you can see from my blogs.

I know they are ‘working on’ slow play now but there are many issues to be considered and I hope they come up with a fair and tolerable solution.   Chess clocks are certainly not the answer.

THE GLITTER GULCH TOURNAMENT

January 25th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  11 Comments 

Another ‘exciting’ Las Vegas Tournament is almost upon us – the February Sectional from the 7th to the 11th being held at Bally’s on the Strip – a far cry from it’s original setting at The Union Plaza Hotel downtown.

Not being a native Nevadan, I was always curious why it was called the Glitter Gulch Tournament, certainly a catchy name and not hard to remember.   I did a bit of research, starting of course with my cyberspace resources   According to the many articles, I gleaned a lot of information.   Specifically from Wikipedia:

Glitter Gulch may refer to:  Girls of Glitter Gulch

• Glitter Gulch, nickname for the casino area along Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas
• Glitter Gulch, specific strip club on Glitter Gulch, in the area under the Fremont Street Experience light-show-and-music canopy.

Out of curiosity, I checked around to see how our tournament got its name.   I learned that the two gals who co-chaired the ultra successful events from the mid eighties until the late nineties, Martha Beecher and Grace Matthews, appropriately named it The Glitter Gulch Tournament because the site of the game, The Union Plaza, was at the head of Fremont Street – the area referred to for decades as Glitter Gulch.

However, now that we have moved far South toward the Strip using both the Riviera (at Sahara) and now breaking ground at Bally’s (at Flamingo) it is time we found a more appropriate name for the relocated venues.

Bobby and I did a “dry run” to check out the site.   Because we did not plan to stay long, just have lunch (at the Mexican restaurant which was terrific/Tequila Bar and Grille), scout the variety of blackjack games (and they do have BJ Switch), we used Valet Parking which presented no problem.   Because of the ‘schlep’ back and forth at all hours of the morning and night, we often stay at the hotel a few nights and find enough dining facilities in the hotel in which to enjoy snacks and meals, not necessitating moving the car.   However, for those driving back and forth, I suggest you check out the parking facilities as there are a couple of options (none of which are great) – but the Strip is very congested with lots of travelers and loads of vehicles and not as convenient to navigate around as was the Riviera.  

I am sure it will be a welcome change.   It is a stone’s throw from The Paris (which I actually believe is adjoining).  So, it should be a lovely change of venue and hopefully it will draw lots of locals as well as out-of-towners.   Vegas is always a wonderful treat to visitors.  

In the meantime, let’s put our thinking caps on to appropriately re-name the non Glitter Gulch tournament as it is miles and years passed its prime!!

MARATHON MAN – Craig Robinson ACBL PRESIDENT

January 23rd, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  4 Comments 

In the current ACBL Monthly Bulletin, I enjoyed reading about my old Philadelphia friend, Craig Robinson, whom I have known for well over four decades – together with his wife, Elaine Landow.   In fact, I knew Lainie.  her parents  and her sister Gloria Rabinowitz when the girls were knee-high to grasshoppers.   Perhaps that it is why I was so proud to see Craig ascend to the throne – but not without reservations.

Because of half a century of experience,  I have observed the growth of political agendas of the Board Members which benefit the individual personalities more so than the game itself.  Many are elected by attrition or what they can do for their individual unit or district – via sectionals, regionals and even nationals.  In fact, they are often like the old television series, “The Untouchables.”   They are unto themselves, carry twenty five sets of handcuffs which makes the CEO subservient to them for fear of his job.   They criticize situations they are advised about, but sit on their hands and not try to rectify the problems.   I have seen stark examples of these twice recently (the October 22nd LV fiasco where ACBL rules were violated by the directors one after another but rather than investigate the truth, they, as usual, sat on their hands not wanting to make trouble for their directorial flock despite flagrant bias).   The other involved the Peter Pender Issue where they were in violation (for sixteen years over one ignored grant) and are now playing dumb and refusing to respond to the misused money totaling about $25,000 not used properly for the continuation of the Pendergraph or the presentation of another important vehicle to honor Peter whose intention was to have his name perpetuated.   Enough about the Board of Directors … back to Craig .. a breath of fresh air, I pray!

Because the duplicate clubs are the base level of the entire hobby, Craig has committed himself to visit 100 bridge clubs in 100 days (50 clubs East of the Mississippi starting in May) and the balance after the Summer Toronto Nationals by continuing on to 50 clubs West of the Mississippi.   I hope it is not just a case of Mr. President dropping in to see the rank and file.   I prefer to view it as Craig getting to meet the owners, directors and managers as well as their faithful players and explain to them that they are the future of bridge as many are newcomers, green as can be and know very little about the protocol of the game – because no one has bothered to explain the concept to them.

The  majority are experienced diehards who play daily and also frequent Sectionals, Regionals, Nationals, Trials and even world championships.   Regardless of their level of play, the protocol of the game should be a time-honored procedure where everyone plays by the same rules.  FIRST AND FOREMOST, NO FAVORITISM IS SHOWN TO ‘REGULAR’, DAILY CUSTOMERS – and everyone is treated the same – with no exceptions.   Many of the proprietors and their emissaries have been known to show partiality to their ‘regulars’ for their fear of switching allegiance to a competing club.  

The areas to which I allude are long huddles/passes with ensuing action by partner (and no strictures on their partners unless in the case of a forcing auction); failure to alert; alerts to remind partner of what they are playing; using unacceptable systems with the intent to confuse where the system is used for that very purpose (especially against the novice or not-so-good players); filling out erroneous and incomplete convention cards, omitting upper and lower ranges, gloating and high fives; talking at the table as if the opponents were not present; craning one’s neck to see an opponent’s hand, copping boards from an opponent’s open score card; when asked — not offering a full explanation of a bid  and last but not least, CONVENTION DISRUPTION and UNAUTHORIZED INFORMATION.  I could go ON AND ON AND ON.  To me, the above is what should be made abundantly clear to every player at every club so that we are all playing on a level playing field which is ethical and pleasant.   It would be a great beginning …..

To me, in addition to shaking hands with all the participants, Craig could be doing the once-great game of bridge a tremendous service by, in his gentle way (for which Craig is known) imparting this information to an impressed and attentive audience because of the honor of a personal visit to their club by THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE.   If any person has the savoir faire to do it, it is Craig Robinson, a terrific player in his own right and a perfectly ethical gentleman at all times.

Just as the jungle beasts learn the laws of survival, as we were all growing up, our natural instincts were to do what was best for ourselves.   However, that concept does not apply at the bridge table.  Ethics and morals are tied for first place and it is a difficult concept to preach.  Good luck, Marathon Man!   You have your work cut out for you!

THANKS FOR THE EMAILS …

January 22nd, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  6 Comments 

I was very touched by the dozens and dozens of private emails from concerned friends who are loyal readers and often make comments.  Having the site down was like being bound and gagged for five or so days – which proves there is nothing in the world like blogging.   Perhaps it made us all appreciate The Lees and Master Point Press even more for their kindness by affording us a venue to keep you informed and vent our spleens simultaneously.

SOMETHING IS AWRY SOMEWHERE ….

January 22nd, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  5 Comments 

In every phase of life, there seem to be some paradoxes.   Bobby and I were discussing the recent one alluded to by Ben Stein …

FATHOM THE ODD HYPOCRISY THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERMENT WANTS EVERY CITIZEN TO PROVE THEY ARE HEALTH INSURED, BUT THOSE SAME PEOPLE DON’T HAVE TO PROVE THEY ARE CITIZENS.

Incongruous, outrageous and against all the equitable principles our country was founded upon.

Yet, there is one subject that strikes even closer to home, namely the recent intro addressed to all Bridge Hall of Fame electors.  After a welcome greeting, it states,

“YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS (S) WHO HAVE ACHIEVED PROMINENCE IN THE GAME OF BRIDGE, HAVE AN OUTSTANDING TOURNAMENT RECORD AND ARE HELD IN HIGH REGARD FOR THEIR ETHICS, DEPORTMENT AND SPORTSMANSHIP.”

How true .. and no doubt should be considered, BUT STARKLY ABSENT is the mandatory King Penguin necessity of “AND, ABOVE ALL, THEIR PLAY RECOGNIZED AT A LEVEL OF WORLD CLASS BRIDGE.”  WITHOUT THAT ADMONITION AND QUALIFICATION, THE ABOVE PROVISOS ARE TOTALLY MUTE AND HOLLOW.  There are lots of terrific bridge players around but the The Hall of Fame Selections should be destined for Mt. Olympus – the home of the true bridge gods.

PETER PENDER HAD HIS POCKETS PICKED … while not in search of pickled peppers!

January 16th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  9 Comments 

This has been an ongoing issue with the Educational Foundation and the ACBL, the two bodies responsible for the protection of two separate endowments from Peter Pender around 1990 when he died of aids.  The following facts should allow you to track the use (wrongful in many ways) of a total of $77,500 (a total of two separate donations to be used to honor his name and perpetuate his memory which was his primary intention).

Donation #1.   Peter donated $27,500 for the purpose of establishing the Peter Pender Junior Trials Trophy.  The event was to be held every two years and at the conclusion of the event, eight trophies (six for the players and one each for the coach and captain) were to be produced, engraved and presented to the recipients.   I learned six months ago (though the money was handed over in 1990) that only one — or at best two — were followed through, ending in 1994.  THAT IS CALLED SLOTH, MISMANAGEMENT and NOT MINDING THE STORE.  FEEL FREE TO CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT   How dare the money managers not honor their responsibilities to these upcoming, avid juniors and Peter’s desires???   Explain that!

I immediately contacted Jay Baum, CEO, who took care of them up until five years ago — but I have no idea if the responsibility to these youngsters has been made current.   I have not heard the term PETER PENDER JUNIOR TRIALS TROPHY in years — except on my blog sites.  HAVE YOU?????   Also, with all that unused money, should most of it not been compounded from 1994 to 2010 where it sat in an account adjudged, I am guessing, about $28,000.   Where was all the accrued interest?

Donation #2. The above was only a smidgeon of the problem.   The disrespected generosity of Peter’s second donation — $50,000 — was much more disgusting and the ACBL/EF (who keep passing the buck) I feel are jointly responsible.

Allow me to give you the background;  My late husband Norman Kay and I were close friends of Peter back in Philadelphia until he moved to California and eventually opened a resort, of which he was very proud.   Bobby was not only a friend and teammate of Peter but had intimate discussions about his impending death and Peter was very up front that he wanted to be remembered by the bridge world.   I might add that he was not only a brilliant player but a wonderfully ethical competitor and popular figure in the bridge world.  The ACBL/EF were bound to honor the wishes of this unique gentleman.

One of the possibilities came to fruition in 1992 (two years after his death — and why they waited so long I haven’t any clue) with the hiring of Fred Gitelman (later to become BBO Genius) to develop a vugraph program for the showing of the major team event on a huge screen which was changed from the Vugraph to THE PENDERGRAPH.  The vugraph had been in existence, it seems forever, as I remember watching Norman’s team on it in Bal Harbour in the mid sixties.   However, the Pendergraph (thanks to Fred and Co.) became a very refined program and Peter finally got his way — having his name perpetuated — until about the year 2000 (could be 2001).   No one can seem to pinpoint it.

Soon as I caught wind of this, I was referred to Dr. Gene Kales,  Secretary of the EF (now replaced by Linda Mamula).  He was very helpful but all he could do was provide me with minutes of the EF (which apparently was the recipient — transferred by the ACBL to avoid tax consequences).   However, someone should have immediately been appointed to monitor the expenditure of the money., i.e., minding the shop, and seen to it that the vugraph was recognized as THE PENDERGRAPH as Peter had intended (as a lasting memory).

However, at the turn of the century we surmise, The Pendergraph was cast aside and what was recognized as The Pendergraph became known as BBO (Bridge Base on Line) — the most phenomenal bridge invention ever as it allows people all over the world to watch major matches at their computers and to play and practice on line.   THAT IS IMMATERIAL.   When the change took over, all monies from Peter’s donation should have stopped SIMULTANEOUSLY and the ACBL HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO FULFILL PETER’S WISHES IN SOME OTHER GRAND MANNER.   WHEN THE PENDERGRAPH CEASED,  THE MONEY FLOW SHOULD HAVE STOPPED AS WELL.

However, I almost blew a gasket when I saw EF expenditures from 10/07/04 to 10/27/05 (five years after the disappearance of the Pendergraph) in the amount of $11,410.70.   Had Peter signed up to play their sugar daddy?   Don’t think so.  That money should be returned to the pot (plus accrued interest until the present day) and add it to the estimated $10,716.58 we are told shows on the books as of 12/31/09.

Since Jay took care of the Junior issue, he could not help about the EF and dropped from the scene.

My next step was to contact Peter Rank (not only a VERY CLOSE friend and partner of Peter Pender) but presently attorney for the ACBL.   We had also talked on the phone and he explained to me that the ACBL and EF are totally separate entities, neither responsible for the actions of the others.  SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG HERE.  SOMEONE MUST ASSUME THE BLAME FOR MISPENDING MONEY THEY WERE NOT ENTITLED TO (AFTER THE PENDERGRAPH FOLDED).

Take a gander at these figures and dates:

One of my latest correspondences to Peter Rank (whom I think will eventually be handling this entire matter as ACBL attorney) was when I asked the question:   CAN YOU TELL ME WHO MAKES THE  DECISION AND APPROVES THE EXPENDITURES?”   I think it is high time this gets straightened out!   I received the following response:

“Judy

I think that the main issue is that records (and memory) of things so far past are not very good.  In addition, government agencies (like IRS and state bar associations) only require records to go back (usually) seven years.   It is clear that the Foundation had and has the responsibility over the donated funds, but my guess is that they relied on the ACBL to designate their use.

Peter”

When I asked who was responsible for the decision to outlay the money, I got Peter’s reply:

” ….  As you, I have spent many hours researching the matter and have determined that there is nothing that can be done by the League or is legally required to be done by the League.   I have provided my

attorney-client report to the proper entity within the League.”

Enough of this B.S. — Let’s find out who was authorizing these expenditures and return the money to its rightful owner — the PETER PENDER ESTATE.   Either it should go back to Peter’s residuary estate or IMMEDIATELY ESTABLISH SOME MAJOR EVENT NAMED AFTER PETER, OR SOMETHING SIMILAR, and add the misspent monies to the total which now are shown in the account. IT IS TIME FOR THIS SHAMEFUL SHAM TO STOP.   LET’S FIND THE CULPRIT/S AND REPLACE THE MONEY TO THE RIGHTFUL ACCOUNT — THE DONATED FUNDS OF PETER PENDER TO PERPETUATE HIS NAME, ALBEIT A BIT LATE!

The mishandling of Peter’s endowments is a disgrace!  No wonder no one wants to talk about it!

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS …

January 9th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  24 Comments 

Ever since the disgusting handling of the October 22nd Las Vegas Regional Swiss Team Incident (ten weeks ago) where the results of the second and third place teams were reversed because of directors’ flagrant misjudgment, we have been trying to learn from someone in Horn Lake what transpired and who was on the Senior Directors’ Committee which reviewed the decision.   We received the following from Jeff Johnston (written, in my opinion, in legal jargon UNLIKE Jeff’s style) on December 22nd (exactly two months after the incident and our ensuing request) which went round in circles but said nothing other than the matter was closed.  End of issue as far as they were concerned.  Below is Jeff Johnston’s letter.

After an extensive review of what happened during the Swiss Team event at the Las Vegas Sectional, the following are my findings.  (THE WORDS IN CAPS ARE MY CURRENT REACTIONS  JKW).

During discussion with the senior tournament directors in Orlando, we feel that everything that was done by the floor directors and the Director in Charge was reasonable and according to established guidelines. (YOU MUST BE KIDDING.  PATTY HOLMES HAD HER OBEDIENT RUNNER. JEAN MOLNAR PULLING BOARDS FROM EVERY WHICH WAY WITH NO RHYME OR REASON OR PROOF OF GUILT and the DIC SEEMED TO BE UNINVOLVED).  We determined that there was not a single ACBL-wide policy for such occurrences and will take steps to establish a policy and ensure it is disseminated to all directors for uniform enforcement. The slow play motion passed by the ACBL Board of Directors at their Orlando meeting will be the basis for this policy. (GREAT IT IS A WONDERFUL IDEA BUT DID NOT EXHONERATE THE  FLAGRANT RULINGS THAT WERE IN PLACE AND VIOLATED ON OCTOBER 22ND — AND WHY ONLY NABCs)???????   Notwithstanding this lack of consistent policy at the time of the Las Vegas Sectional, we do not feel any inappropriate decisions were made by the directors involved. (NO INAPPROPRIATE DECISIONS?   YOU’RE PULLING MY LEG.   ASK YOUR DIC, BILL MICHAEL IF HE DID NOT ADMIT TO PAUL IVASKA ERRORS HAD BEEN MADE ALL DURING THE EVENT).  

It should be noted that neither the directors nor the ACBL Bridge Administrators go back and make changes after the fact in situations such as these. Time restrictions apply even to last rounds and even to leading teams. (THEN PERHAPS IT IS TIME THEY ADOPT A NEW POLICY WHEN YOUR TWO DIRECTORS DISAPPEAR SOON AS THE GAME IS NEARING ITS END.   THE ACBL WAS SOLELY AT FAULT SINCE PATTY HOLMES AND JEAN MOLNAR, THE TWO INDIVIDUALS SPECIFICALLY INVOLVED , WITH PATTY GIVING THE ORDERS AND JEAN ACTING AS HER LACKEY PULLING BOARDS NILLY-WILLY. HIGHTAILED IT OUT OF THE PLAYING SITE AS JEAN HAD TO MAKE A PLANE AND THE ‘GIRLS’ HAD DINNER PLANS).

The thought that there was any bias against particular players involved was dismissed as highly unlikely – the director primarily involved in the issuance of the penalty has absolutely no history of any biased behavior towards any players.  (AS FAR AS BIAS, TRY CHECKING YOUR DOSSIERS AS TO HOW MANY COMPLAINTS OUR TEAMMATES PAUL IVASKA AND CAROL STEWART HAVE FILED AGAINST PATTY HOLMES FOR INAPPROPRIATE ACTION AND ALSO HER DEMOTION AS A DIC). Upon review of the actions of the floor director, the Field Supervisors agreed unanimously that there was no impropriety and the actions were justified in light of facts in evidence.  (IF YOU THINK HEARSAY EVIDENCE AND KANGAROO COURTS ARE THE NEW WAY OF DECIDING ISSUES  YOU BETTER SEARCH YOUR SOUL FOR A BETTER SOLUTION.   IT IS INSULTING TO THE BRIDGE WORLD AT LARGE FOR YOU TO BASE YOUR DECISIONS ON THE WORDS OF ‘YOUR’ PEOPLE’ WITHOUT GIVING THE PLAINTIFFS A CHANCE TO TELL THEIR SIDE OF THE STORY.   [WHAT WAS THE ACBL ASHAMED OF?]  OBVIOUSLY THE ONE SIDED ACCCOUNTING OF THE INCIDENT?  SINCE WHEN HAS THE ACBL BECOME A SECRET SOCIETY WHERE IT TAKES TEN WEEKS TO LEARN THE NAMES OF THE COMMITTEE AND DISREGARD REPEATED EMAILS AND CALLS.    PERHAPS THEY THOUGHT IF THEY CLOSED THEIR EYES, IT WOULD GO AWAY.  IT DOESN’T WORK THAT WAY WITH ME)!

We consider this particular investigation closed and stand by the decisions made both at the table and following the completion of the event.  (PERHAPS YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT THE PRINCPLES OF JUSTICE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ARE BASED ON DUE PROCESS OF LAW — WHICH THE COMPLAINANTS NEVER RECEIVED.   YOU HELD A CLOSED MEETING AND LISTENED ONLY TO THE VERSIONS OF YOUR ABERRANT DIRECTORS WHO WERE TRYING TO SAVE THEIR SKIN AND YOU BOUGHT IT HOOK, LINE AND SINKER,!  SHAME ON YOU AND THE ACBL FOR YOUR BIASED PROCESS TO SAVE YOU THE EMBARRASSMENT FOR HAVING SKEWED THE FINAL RESULTS OF 2ND AND 3RD).

(INCIDENTALLY, FOR THOSE OF YOU HEARING THIS NIGHTMARE FOR THE FIRST TIME, OUR TEAM, composed of Carol Stewart, Paul Ivaska, Bobby and me, WON THE EVENT OUTRIGHT.   HOWEVER, THOUGH IT MATTERED NOT TO US, FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER THE STAFF (Jean Molnar) REMOVED OUR LAST BOARD BEFORE THE ARRANGED TIME AND ALSO TOOK AWAY THREE IMPS AND GAVE IT TO OUR OPPONENTS WHICH VAULTED THEM UNDESERVINGLY INTO SECOND PLACE OVER THE REAL 2nd PLACE FINISHERS). 

(WE ARE ONLY FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE AND TRYING TO MAKE THE ACBL REALIZE THEIR DIRECTORS ARE CAPABLE OF CATASTROPHIC MISTAKES AND IT IS TIME THEY LEARNED THE RULES OF LATE PLAYS, TIME ALLOWED, ARBITRARILY REMOVING BOARDS, ADJUSTING SCORES, AWARDING UNDESERVED IMPS, ETC.   THESE ARE NOT ROOKIE DIRECTORS!)

An offshoot of the investigation, as mentioned above, will be establishment of a more concrete, ACBL-wide policy based on decisions made by the ACBL Board of Directors in Orlando regarding slow play in general. The Field Supervisors are currently working on this policy and it will soon be sent to all Tournament Directors as part of our on-going desire to be uniform in all areas requiring this type of consistency while allowing for local interpretations in some areas of game management. (A LOT OF GOOD THAT WILL DO FOR THE REAL SECOND PLACE FINISHER!   FURTHERMORE, THE PEOPLE MAKING THE DECISIONS HAVE TO NOT BE ‘LAY’ PEOPLE BUT EXPERTS IN THE AREA OF RULES AND REGULATIONS OR ELSE WE WILL BE BACK TO SQUARE ONE).  THE ACBL NEEDS ALL THE HELP IT CAN GET AND A LESS BIASED AND MORE ACCURATE APPROACH IS  MANDATORY).

In summation, the investigation is complete, the actions of the directors at the Las Vegas Sectional are upheld, the results stand and there will be a better defined slow play policy sent to all directors with encouragement to discuss interpretations, mechanics and detail on the director web board to ensure understanding and consistency at all events.   (YOUR INVESTIGATION MAY BE COMPLETE, BUT YOU WERE IGNORANT OR NAIVE AS TO EXACTLY WHAT WENT ON, ESPECIALLY WITH PATTY GIVING THE ORDERS FROM THE DESK AND JEAN, THE LACKEY, TRYING TO CARRY THEM OUT.   INCIDENTLY, BOBBY SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE WORST DIRECTORIAL SITUATIONS HE HAS SEEN IN SIXTY YEARS ON THE SCENE AND HIS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WHAT IS BEST FOR THE GAME — NOT THE INDIVIDUAL, THE GROUP, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ETC.  — JUST THE GAME – AND ONLY THE GAME).

————————————————————————————————–

Bobby and I have been in contact with Jay Baum, CEO, on several occasions and obviously he does not want  to get involved and mix into the business of the secret committee, whose names we have been pleading for since the episode ten weeks ago.  He finally referred me to Tom Whitesides, who sent a lovely letter (long overdue) which you will find below.   Again, the letters in CAPS ARE MY COMMENTS) and Tom, a good friend,  does not know all the ramifications of the 22nd –  only via hearsay.  JKW

Hi Judy and Bobby,

Checked with Jeff and while he considers the matter closed he had no problem with me telling you who was at the directors meeting. (A BIT TARDY, YOU MUST ADMIT! ALSO, HOW CAN THE SENIOR DIRECTORS COMMITTEE BE SO DOGMATIC WHEN THEY HAVE NOT BEEN APPRISED BY BOTH SIDES OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, 10 WEEKS LATER AFTER OUR PLEADING FOR THE NAMES OF THE COMMITTEE, HE PROVIDES US WITH IT.   WHAT WAS THE HOLDUP?)  The meeting was not secret it was the regularly scheduled field rep meeting held over two consecutive mornings at Orlando NABC. (IF IT WAS NOT A SECRET, AND EVERYONE KNEW WE WANTED TO KNOW THEIR IDENTITIES, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TYPE AND EMAIL THEIR NAMES????   TELL ME THAT.   I WILL ADMIT, FOR THE MOST PART, IT IS AN IMPRESSIVE LIST OF INDIVIDUALS BUT I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND (1) WHY STALLING TO REVEAL THEIR NAMES; AND (2) WITHOUT HEARING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY FROM THE HORSES’ MOUTHS, HOW THEY COULD STAND UP FOR THE LV DIRECTORS WHO WERE SO IRRATIONAL IN THEIR DECISIONS)

Present were
Jeff Johnston
Sol Weinstein
Chris Patrias
Matt Smith
Patty Johnson
Charlie Mac Cracken
Millard Nachtwey
Tom Whitesides

I told everyone about the situation in LV and we discussed to see if we could learn something from this.  I believe we will totally revamp our approach to swiss timing for the NABCs. (YOUR TELLING EVERYONE ABOUT THE SITUATION IN LV DOESN’T BEGIN TO CUT IT.   YOU WERE NOT THERE AND IT WAS A BIASED VERSION COMING FROM OUR ADVERSARIAL DIRECTORS WHO COULDN’T SEEM TO GET ANYTHING RIGHT THAT DAY.  HOWEVER THE ONLY POSITIVE RESULT THAT EMERGED WAS YOUR CHANGING THE TIMING OF THE RIDICULOUS SCHEDULING BY SOME BRAIN SURGEON WHO COULD NOT FORESEE ALL THE TIME PROBLEMS — WHICH PROVED TO BE RIGHT ON TARGET AS PREDICTED).

When Bobby Wolff speaks everyone listens and I for one have only the most respect for you two.  I don’t believe you have been ignored as you think, I actually believe some good things will come out of it.  (THAT IS VERY KIND AND SINCERE AND I BELIEVE YOU, BUT WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THE TEAM THAT FINISHED SECOND (WHO WERE ACTUALLY THIRD) AND THE TEAM WHO ACTUALLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN SECOND BUT YOUR DIRECTORS SAW FIT TO PUT THEM IN THIRD)?   HOW CAN YOU OVERLOOK WHAT YOUR TEAM OF DIRECTORS CAUSED TO HAPPEN.  THEY ARE GUILTY AS SIN FOR ALLOWING THIS TO OCCUR BUT YOU ALL SEEM TO DISMISS IT AS JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE.   THE DIRECTORS MUST ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENED AND IT DID NOT JUST COME OUT OF THE BLUE).  THEY DID NOT KNOW THE RULES AND PENALIZED US THREE VPS FOR NOTHING AS THE OPPONENTS TOOK ABOUT 60% OF THE TIME AND WE TOOK 40% — BUT THE LAST BOARD WAS PULLED BY JEAN MOLNAR (BEFORE THE TIME FOR PULLING A BOARD).   THE WHOLE DAY WAS SIMPLY A COMEDY OF ERRORS COMMITTED BY THOSE IN CHARGE.   I PRAY FOR THE SAKE OF BRIDGE NO ONE ELSE HAS TO UNDERGO THE ABUSE THAT OUR TEAM WAS SUBJECTED TO THOUGH TOTALLY INNOCENT – MERELY THE TARGET OF BIAS AND PROFILING.)
 

Hope all is well with you two.  Randy says hi.
Tom

———————————————————————————————-

Oh, yes, – the last straw!  This morning Bobby and I were criticized by Board Member Joan Gerard to ‘cut the ACBL some slack.’   WHY????  What have they done to deserve it by burying their heads in the sand and refusing to admit their ‘perfect’ directorial swiss team staff of 10/22 was capable of  making a series of blunders which resulted in disgracefully incorrect final standings?  Nobody’s perfect.  At least own up to it.

The organization should recognize the errant handling of the situation and perhaps directors will be more careful about putting their own egos, individual agendas and personal grievances ahead of the game itself.

There you have it … the ACBL in all its glory.   Shame on them for protecting their own flock rather than the people paying the dues and cards fees.   It was a clear case of malfeasance on the part of the erring directors and we felt the world of bridge was entitled to know what went on behind closed doors — WITHOUT DUE PROCESS.

Steroids in Sports likened to Cheating in Bridge

January 6th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  3 Comments 

I was fascinated by an article I just read in the LVRJ which covered the election of Alomar and Blyleven to the coveted Baseball Hall of Fame with "Steroids Era sluggers gain minimal support" as a sub-caption in this Associated Press release.

"New York — After a narrow miss last year, Bert Blyleven told voters they finally got it right by sending him into the Hall of Fame with Roberto Alomar."

"All-star sluggers Rafael Palmeiro, Jeff Bagwell, Mark McGwire and Juan  Gonzalez didn’t come close in Wednesday’s election.   No telling if they ever will, either, after Hall voters sent a message:   The drug cloud isn’t going to cover Cooperstown."

"… The writers are saying that this was the Steroids Era, like they have done Mark McGwire," Blyleven said after finally making it into the Hall of Fame on his 14th try.  "They’ve made their point."

"… Guys cheated," Blyleven said.   The game of baseball is to be played clean   We went through a Steroid Era and it’s up to the writers to decide when and who should go in through that era."  A lot of them have decided.

An interesting remark by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle (in an email) stated, "I will not vote for any player connected with steroid use because I believe cheaters shouldn’t be rewarded with the sport’s highest honor."

Baseball, like bridge, has had its trying moments.  My hometown hero, Pete Rose, got only three write in votes which goes to show you that the voters have taken a strong stand about violations of the rules.  Perhaps it is time our own organization cleans up its act (not only about past miscreants) but about rules, laws, alerts, unauthorized information, etc.   If any institution as momentous as the National Baseball Hall of Fame can defiantly uphold the ethics of the sport they represent, perhaps the ACBL should review some of its policies and be more open about the problems within the organization and protecting those whose salaries come from loyal dues-paying members who want to take pride in the way situations are handled.   Time for Horn Lake to stop pussyfooting and face the problems as was admirably done in Cooperstown.

GRANT BAZE — and what could have been!

January 4th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  6 Comments 

I enjoyed reading the beautiful tribute to the late Grant Baze,   The accolades were magnificent and the speakers at his memorial were impressive.   However, the one thing that would have allowed Grant to go to his early grave a happy man would have been had he been enshrined into the ACBL Hall of fame DURING HIS LIFETIME.  In  his early days he partnered  the great Peter Pender and other celebrated names and always did very well.   After Peter’s death, per force, I suppose, Grant turned to professionalism and I understand he played a lot of successful rubber bridge.   Sadly, for some unexplainable reason (certainly not lack of talent nor ethics), he never garnered enough votes to make the Hall.   There were many lesser players that made it into the elite group who were not nearly as worthy.  Grant was a perfect gentleman and it would have been an honor to the Hall to have him included while he could have enjoyed the glory.

No doubt he will eventually make it into the ‘deceased column,’” but a lot of good it will do him.   We often spoke at the Nationals of his great disappointment but I guess he was a fatalist, saying “well, maybe next year.”  But, there will be no next year as he is no longer with us.  It makes me sad that other players certainly no more worthy than Grant have their names emblazoned there, but Grant never had the thrill of being recognized in his lifetime!

LEW MATHE (Of Mice and Men)

January 4th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  1 Comment 

Other than an occasional nod or smile at the Nationals as we passed each other, I hardly knew Mr. Mathe.   However, in 1971 Norman and Edgar were invited to join the team of Lew Mathe/Don Krauss and John Swanson/Dickie Walsh at a world championship held in Taiwan.  Lew was a tough hombre and opponent.   In the thirties, Johnny Gerber and Lew Mathe were thought to be the two leading bridge players in the country.  Years later he partnered Meyer Schleiffer and Bob Hamman but Lew had been known to do things his way.   His partners were barred from leading from a jack or opening a NT without all four suits fully stopped.   Simply put, he was intimidating, a tough critter and a hard taskmaster. 

Lew liked to call the shots and enjoyed being in the limelight.   Two famous incidents come to mind. 

In Bermuda in 1975 Bobby had a sting operation in place ready to corner Zuchelli and Facchini, proving their foot contact signaling  (before the footboards were employed) and had everything in place when Lew got wind of the operation and blew the whistle before the plan went into effect.  They did finish the tournament but never again played for Italy.  However, they will go down in history as “The Foot Soldiers” with no doubt as to their identity.  It was covered amusingly in The Lone Wolff in Chapter 9 (The Agony of De-Feet) along with Eric Murray’s famous telegram.

Another jumping the gun incident occurred in 1977 where Lew was present.   A pair was accused of cheating, ACBL attorney Lee Hazen flew to the site, the accused hired an attorney and it was agreed they resign from the league with no prosecution or publicity AND  the terms of the agreement were to be kept confidential.    However, Lew let the cat out of the bag, contacting the New York Times , naming names, and caused this too to come to a screeching halt.   Lew did like to be in the middle of the fray and get the lead story – but it was not always in the best interest of  the honor of the game.

Forgive my digressing.   Back to 1971 and our Taiwanese trip.  Returning from the world championship, I got to know the ‘other’ Lew.   Our journey was a rather circuitous one – via L. A., Tokyo and eventually arriving in Taipei and coming back via Hawaii for a two day visit.   To me, Pearl Harbor represented a sad event I studied in history class as a child and hard to envision as I had never been to the actual site.   Genie (Lew’s bright, fun-loving wife) and I were anxious to visit the remains of the historic battleship Arizona – a huge tourist attraction still entrenched in the harbor.   So, Norman and I spent an entire day with the Mathes and Lew was absolutely delightful, entertaining and a different person away from the table.   It was a treat to be with them and Genie and I remained friends for many years, even after Lew passed on.

My favorite Mathe story took place at the old Traymore Hotel in Atlantic City before it was imploded.  It was the site of a trials.  Lew became very ornery and suddenly, there was a shrieking call for the DIRECTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   When the gentleman arrived at Mathe’s table, he was flabbergasted by the following request:   “Can’t you do something about those damn mice???? They are running back and forth across the floor and they disrupt my concentration.”   True story.   I was an eye witness.