Who Are Candy Wright and Kevin Lewis

Who are Candy Wright and Kevin Lewis? I always look forward to their comments.

We do too! Thanks for the recognition of two of our most frequent and colorful contributors. It was fun reaching out to both to hear what they have to say about themselves.

Here you go.

Candy:

I'm a retired RN from Arkansas and have been a Las Vegas visitor since 1987, first staying at the original Aladdin. Around that time, I saw an ad for the Las Vegas Advisor while playing slots at the Sands. A friend and I split the cost of a subscription, only the paper version being available at the time (and six pages at that!).

I also recall being able to hit every casino on the Strip in one afternoon, walking, from Vegas World to the Hacienda, once in a heavy sandstorm! That was when max coin for slots was five for nickels, three for quarters. Only Little Caesars had a penny machine, with 80 pennies being the jackpot. My first handpay jackpot occurred at the Dunes, $300 -- a fortune!

A favorite tour memory is of an airship (blimp) flight over Las Vegas, October 14, 2000, a birthday gift for my husband. Shortly afterward, this was discontinued, and as far as I know never reinstated. I still have the commemorative certificate (Airship Tours). Glad I caught it while it ran. Hoover Dam and the raft trip down Black Canyon come in a close second.

A favorite Vegas celeb sighting occurred while playing blackjack at Bellagio. A sudden hubbub of voices arose. I didn't see it (my back to it), but the dealer said, "James Woods just walked through." OK. Well, next day at a video poker bank, the guy next to me was being a little chatty, nothing big, just friendly conversation. I finally noticed it was James Woods! I didn't go all crazed-fan on him, though. He wasn't having luck on his machine, so I suggested he switch to DB. He immediately hit four aces for $800. He jumped up and hugged me big time. I didn't tell him that I recognized him. I should have said I liked him as the sleazy Lester Diamond in Casino.

Speaking of movies, my favorite gambling-themed movie (of many), is A Big Hand for the Little Lady.

I admit that I'm a confirmed Strip snob, which I blame on my husband, who dragged me from the video poker pit at Harrah’s to “come and see” Lake Como being hulled out for the new Bellagio. In addition to slots and VP, I like blackjack. I also love to read everyone’s Trip Reports and enjoy lively "conversations" in response to QODs, the forums, and blogs.

Regarding the kitchen sink, I'm not much of a political animal and don't claim a position on either side of the aisle, though like driving by a wreck on the highway, I just have to look and occasionally comment. I enjoy the lighter side of things, because life is too short to be mad all the time.

Which brings us to Kevin:

I was an advantage player in the late '80s and all of the '90s: first blackjack, then video poker. I lived in Vegas for most of that time. I sold my house and left Vegas in 2005, when I perceived that advantage play was drying up (especially video poker), the housing market in Vegas (and everywhere else) was about to implode, and the Dubya recession was coming. All that came to pass, unfortunately.

I'm now a seasonal visitor to Vegas rather than a resident. Many people have remarked how "negative" I am about Vegas. Well, that's because I was here when Vegas was a fantastic place to live in and visit. It's now turned into one giant ripoff -- but the skills I learned during my advantage-play years can still be used to sniff out bargains and make my time here essentially free of charge. LVA definitely helps with that!

My politics are also well known and I'm similarly unapologetic about them. I believe in universal health care, aggressive initiatives to mitigate climate change, and a restructuring of the system to address rampant economic inequality. (And yeah, I loathe Trump, but who doesn't?) That makes me a moderate on most of the West Coast, but a flaming leftist in Vegas, which is yet another reason why I no longer live there. But I still like to go to buffets. :)

Who are Candy Wright and Kevin Lewis? I always look forward to their comments.

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Comments

thebeachbum Oct-11-2019

Candy Is Right

Quote - life is too short to be mad all the time.

Thanks for the reminder.

Adam Cohen Oct-11-2019

Kevin you are right about where you live

Kevin, you hit the nail on the head about how left or how right you are depending on where you live. I am actually the president of my town city council in Indiana (not a full-time job for that I coach at DePauw University) and I am very much a left-facing Dem. I agree with you on your stands above but here in Indiana, you would think I am left of the left. When I get back to Cleveland to visit family they all think I am a conservative by there standards. This is why I hate the labels I am who I am and believe what I believe but I am more complex than a one size label. Anyway I enjoy reading both of your comments

Stewart Ethier Oct-11-2019

Keep QoD apolitical

Comments like "I loathe Trump, but who doesn't?" belong on Facebook or Twitter, but not QoD.  Thank you.

Roger Sulkowski Oct-11-2019

Pittsburgh Roger

The one thing Candy is spot on with is: VEGAS HAS BECOME A BIG RIP OFF!!! As for Trump... he has done more for the country than the last 4 presidents!!!

Kathy Oct-11-2019

political bashing

Kevin-I hate to be labeled, labels don't always fit. I agree lots of things about Vegas sucks, but it is still a lot of fun. Enjoy it as you would any other vacation you take!

The Dr Oct-11-2019

Social Media

First, it was nice to understand their background.  Something all people should attempt to do.  Thank you both for sharing.
The Trump statement - I'm sure Kevin was looking for someone to bite. LOL
Social Media - Has turned nice people into crazed, angry ones.  I have my opinion of Trump, and although I don't understand how anyone can not think like me :), for the most part, I keep my comments to myself.  For friends with open minds, and can accept my thoughts, and me theirs' we talk.
Your not going to change Roger's or Kevin's mind.  And social media does nothing but anger people.

Reno Faoro Oct-11-2019

Chopped liver

Very enjoyable  reading  about. these two  Vegas types.  The old timers have fond memories of PRE  RESORT FEES , ETC. Our group of eight are Down Town Folks. We love it. And, .In one hour we can visit All  eleven.On the strip, it takes one hour to go to each mega resort, ie  caesars, mandala bay, etc. GO FORDSON .     rf

David Miller Oct-11-2019

Nice "poof" piece...

 Any one who has read comments from Kevin the past few months knows a different side to him than this "poof" piece describes. He is foul mouthed, rude and crude with any and all who do not agree with his viewpoints. He has run off most who used to post in the free for all section and continues to this day to insult and name call all who don't agree with his thinking. Read his comments today if you don't believe me.

O2bnVegas Oct-11-2019

Humbled

That anyone should inquire about me in a QOD...very humbling!  Thank you.

I must correct Roger's post:  I didn't say "Vegas has become a big rip off"...those were Kevin's words.  

I still like Vegas enough to take the bad with the good, adjust, adapt, change tactics, etc.  Like the Marines. LOL

Kevin Lewis Oct-11-2019

Stalker

David Miller has been posting on the LV Forums since their inception. He is a rabid Trumper and attacks and belittles anyone who posts info and/or opinions that disagree with his worldview. I call him "Stalker" because he made a solemn pledge to respond to every single one of my posts with an insult (really!). So far, he's pretty much done exactly that. It's kind of an obsession with him.

So I'm not at all surprised that he couldn't resist befouling this QoD response with his presence--and more insults.

For everyone else, thank you for sharing your opinions!

David Miller Oct-11-2019

HAHAHA!

 Read Kevin's past postings. I rest my case.

Eileen Oct-11-2019

CW and KL

REALLY? Did I miss a readers' poll that confirmed all of the negative comments are enjoyed by the majority of LVA readers?

Kevin Lewis Oct-11-2019

Blimp ride!

Candy, I envy you. I saw that company offering the rides way back when and never could convince myself to fork over the cash. But I love flying, and should have done it. Now, I believe that because of extended airspace restrictions near McCarran, such tours aren't even possible any more. Rats!

It IS possible, however, to get high in Vegas and do an imaginary aerial tour, thanks to the many cannabis dispensaries in town. So it's not all bad.

PackerBackerAZ Oct-11-2019

Wright IS Right

Life is too short to be mad all the Time. Are you listening Kevin Lewis? Probably not since Bernie or Elizabeth didn't say it! By the way, before you slander me, I voted for Hillary. May the royals be with all.

Annie Oct-12-2019

Hating on Kevin is the problem, not Kevin.

I haven't noticed Kevin Lewis indulge in any ad hominem attacks against fellow commenters to the QoD. If anything, it's been the other way around. I thoroughly enjoy Kevin's contributions.

Kevin's stalker reminded me of the old "Alt.Vacation-Las-Vegas" which used to be a useful and enjoyable discussion group accessed with a "news reader" rather than a browser. For years, the forum attracted a large group of friendly regulars who posted trip reports and tips on all things Vegas. They even held meet-ups in Vegas during the WSOP. 

Eventually, it was destroyed by a couple of trolls who were not interested in sharing info and good cheer, but only in conducting vicious feuds including publishing personal info about their "enemies." The trolls overwhelmed the group with their venom driving the normal people away.

That group was not moderated. This page is moderated, so that couldn't happen here, although, as far as I can tell, deletion of comments is virtually never required.

David Miller Oct-13-2019

Annie

 For the truth, go to the forums - then click on the "kitchen sink". Read a few of Kevin's postings, then decide.

Question of the Day - 11 October 2019

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