Shocking news: I’m publicizing a book signing and for once it’s not one of my own. I’ve helped to bring in a very astute author on gaming, Burt Dragin, to read from his book Six to Five Against (which I’ve reviewed here) and talk about it. Here’s the press release:
WHAT: Burt Dragin, author of SIX TO FIVE AGAINST: A GAMBLER’S ODYSSEY will speak, answer questions, and sign copies of his biographical examination of gambling and problem gambling.
WHEN: Friday, June 22, from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: UNLV Lied Library, Extended Study Lounge, first floor
DETAILS: Dragin will speak about his initial attractions to, and eventual absorption in, gambling. A journalism professor at Laney College in Oakland, Calif. and investigative journalist as well as a lifelong gambler, Dragin writes about gambling with a rare passion and understanding.
INTERVIEWS: In addition to the author, UNLV professors and gaming experts
Bo Bernhard, International Gaming Institute, and Dave Schwartz, Center for Gaming Research, will be available for interviews.This event is co-sponsored by the University Libraries’ Center for Gaming Research and the International Gaming Institute.
Refreshments will be served.
Excerpt from Six to Five Against:
On our first Vegas family pilgrimage in 1950, we were ensconced at the Rancho Anita, a nondescript motel off The Strip…. We made our way to the newly minted Flamingo Hotel. The exterior a riot of neon; the garish façade had pink bubbles rising toward the desert sky. The scorching heat was dry and unforgiving. But inside the Flamingo it was air conditioned! The contrast worked its magic. Unbeknownst to me, a habit had taken root.
We’re paying for parking, too, so if you’re in Vegas that afternoon, it’d be a great place to stop by for an hour or so and hear some talk about gambling. You can also get a great book signed and meet the author. That’s a win/win/win in my book.
I hope to make this the first of a regular series, so if you are a gambling author or publicist for one and might be interested in an event in September, contact me.