I’ve always been fortunate enough to find and maintain solid employment throughout most of my life. A good upbringing included 7 years of classical piano training. This ended up having more of an impact on my life than my parents or I had anticipated. Being able to transfer my learning to several different instruments I am now entering my 5th decade supplementing my income as a professional musician in neighborhood pubs and Honky Tonks, mingling with a sometimes unsavory yet extremely entertaining side of society.

    After a sound check at a Baltimore Tavern I was enjoying a couple of beers with a fellow musician before going to a friends house to rest for the show. The bar was lined with patrons, up and down the bar were betting slips with pencils. Maryland has Keno implemented in it’s State Lottery. A new game every 3 minutes!

    Some people were betting on the numbers, including myself. I noticed one gentleman becoming a bit upset after losing his money. He finished his beer with a little grumbling then got up and left.

    The bartender said to me and my friend, ” I try to discourage him, he’s got the betting bug”.

    My friends eyes widened just a bit crazed looking and exclaimed,”If he has a gambling problem you don’t want to stop him from coming in for his Keno Therapy!”