Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.

In honor of the day, be sure to be a sweetheart to everyone you encounter at the card table.

Card Talk

Playing cards have been around since the 14th century and are generally thought to have been an invention created in Italy. Card playing as a pastime then spread throughout the world.

Bridge has a firm hold on all of you reading this, but card-playing as a pastime has an equally firm hold on folks in general. Consider how many metaphors in common usage describe life by alluding to playing with cards:

play your cards close to your chest�

house of cards�

in spades� (meaning more than expected)

strong suit� for talent

following suit� (for going along with the crowd)

play your cards above board� (honesty)

one card short of a full deck�

the cards are stacked against….�

have a card up your sleeve

hold all the aces� or hold all the cards�

lay your cards on the table�

play your cards right�

play your trump card�

ace� (for the absolute tops, as in flying-ace)� or ace the test�

stack the deck�

And here's one in honor of Valentines Day:

lucky at cards, unlucky at love�

Here' s hoping that one doesn't apply to you!

By the way, how many more card metaphors can you think of that I missed including?

McCord Trophy Standings for 2011

This masterpoint race is for Unit 223 Players compiling the most points in Unit 223 Sectionals. The winning player™s name is engraved each year on a handsome traveling trophy which is presented at the Sectional at Kentucky Dam in March.

1. Dalton Darnell Murray KY  73.07

2. Ron Brockman, Paducah KY  58.34

3. Judy Eaton, Carbondale IL  43.47

4. Marcia Darnell, Murray KY  38.12

5. Dennis Rose, Paducah KY  31.07

6. Robert Cundall, Collinsville IL  29.23

7. Karen Coe, Ewing IL  29.04

8. Carol Warner, Fairview Heights  27.23

9/10 Doug Edwards, Hardin KY  25.06

9/10 Gayle Edwards, Hardin KY

11. Susan Pensoneau, Collinsville IL  24.87

12. Susan Davis, Marion IL  24.19

13. Mary File, Edwardsville IL  24.13

14. Donald Klingsick, Edwardsville  24.00

15. James Reid Brazier, Moro IL  23.17

16. Richard Brummer, Effingham IL  22.14

17. Gayle Baughman, Noble IL  21.02

18. John Coe, Ewing IL  20.56

19/20 Sandra Lemon, Mayfield KY  20.48

19/20 Larry Lemon, Mayfield KY

21. Linda Brazier, Moro IL  20.41

22. David Drennan, Granite City IL 20.18

23/24 Sandy Linn, Paducah KY  18.91

23/24 Larry Thompson, Paducah KY

25. Doug McQuaid, Lebanon IL  18.64

Rise in Rank

Congratulations to the following Unit 223 members who have advanced in rank.

New Junior Masters:

Carolyn Anderson, Carbondale IL

Michael Andesilich, Herrin IL

Vicki Valley, Edwardsville IL

Judith Wagner, Belleville IL
 

New Club Masters:

Joyce Kirby, Glen Carbon IL
 

New Sectional Masters:

Kadie Davis, Edwardsville IL

Jo Grissom, Hickman KY

Glenda Klingsick, Edwardsville IL

Josh Rich, Alton IL

Jay D Winter, Highland IL
 

New Regional Masters:

William Riley, Alton IL

Scott Weber, Edwardsville IL
 

Special Congratulations to New Life Masters:

James Reid Brazier, Moro IL

Phillip Fultz, Benton KY

Sectional Tournament Coming Up!

Kentucky Dam Village Sectional

Gilbertsville KY

March 2, 3, and 4, 2012

Make plans now to welcome spring at this hospitable sectional, located on a beautiful lake in a state resort.

Chairs are Doug Edwards and Sandra Lemon ((270) 247 7828. Partnership Chair is Gayle Edwards (270) 759 9335 or (270) 753 4821.

Hotel reservations may be made by calling KY Dam Village State Park Hotel at 800 325 0146 and be sure to ask for the bridge rate�.