This Sunday, July 15 we set sail for the Annual Euchre Club of Chicago Anniversary Party at Sea! RSVP's are now closed, so thank you to the dozens of members who will be joining us. If you've RSVP'd but know that you can't make it, please let us know ASAP so we don't have to pay for your meal!. Conversely, if you wanted to play, but couldn't find a partner or just didn't sign up in time, we may still need some alternates in case the tables don't even out. Either way, please send an email to euchrechicago@yahoo.com and let us know.

A reminder -- sign up begins at 1:00pm at the Shoreline Ogden Dock at Navy Pier (click here for a map. Parking, for a fee, is available at Navy Pier.

At 2pm we'll board the ship, lunch will be served shortly thereafter, and at 3pm, the tournament will begin. At 5:30pm we'll award prizes, hold our annual membership meeting (see the article below), and a few other surprises.

A reminder about tournament play: There is NO table talk allowed -- or even any comments that could be interpreted as table talk. Also, all score sheets need to remain on the table (in plain view) at all times, score sheets need to be turned in at the end of the play, and most important -- all hands must be played out, so no throwing both the right and left bowers at the same time, and you have to play out each of the five tricks.

So for those of you joining us, see you there!

At the upcoming anniversary cruise/annual meeting on 7/15/07, the ECC BOD will be proposing two amendments to our bylaws. The changes are in italics:

We believe that this change will encourage further social engagement of our membership at regular play venues. Additionally, this will generate more revenues to help defray the costs of our tournaments and other social events.

Addition of an 8th Board Position (4th evening director)
In anticipation and preparation of the addition of a 4th night of Euchre, the motion below will be voted on by the full membership during the annual meeeting:

"We, the ECC Board of Directors, make a motion to the full membership that the ECC bylaws be amended as follows: Article VIII, Section 1: The BOD Shall consist of eight (8) Active Members; Article X: The officers of ECC shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and four (4) Directors.

The ECC BOD would like to encourage the members to vote FOR the amendments. You'll receive the proposed amendments as you board, and voting will take place prior to our return.

If you have any questions, please check with a board member prior to Sunday.

Your weather for the week, provided by the meteorologists at WFLD-TV Fox Chicago.

TUESDAY - 88 / 67 Thunderstorms
WEDNESDAY - 79 / 60 Partly Cloudy
THURSDAY - 78 / 57 Sunny
FRIDAY - 81 / 62 Partly Cloudy
SATURDAY - 76 / 59 Sunny
SUNDAY - 80 / 60 Partly Cloudy

Interested in cheap tickets to the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, the Phantom of the Opera? ECC member Phil Forbes has a collection of $50 tickets for Thursday, November 1 at 7:30pm, Cadillac Palace Theatre. If you'd like to reserve one of those tickets, send Phil and e-mail at pforbes@marcrealty.com. And watch out for that chandelier.

Sunday, July 15 -- Annual ECC Anniversary Party at Sea!

Wednesday, August 15 - Variation Night

We're a little behind in congratulating some of our winners, so here's a list of folks who deserve some applause:

Wed May 9 - Paul Zehren with a 53
Sat May 12 - David Rothen with a 53
Sun May 13 - Paul Zehren with a 53
Wed May 16 - Eric Hodel with a 52
Sat May 19 - Paul Zehren with a 53
Sun May 20 - Fester Hugunine with a 50
Wed May 23 - David Rothen with a 53
Sat May 26 - Larry Smith with a 55
Sun May 27 - Jason Buskel with a 51
Wed May 30 - John Romalis with a 54
Sat Jun 2 - Kevin Jackson with a 53
Sun Jun 3 - Kevin Jackson with a 51
Wed Jun 6 - Paul Zehren with a 54
Sat Jun 9 - Walter Labhart with a 54
Sun Jun 10 - Paul Zehren with a 52
Wed Jun 13 - Tom Augspurger with a 52
Sat Jun 16 - Greg Hahn with a 54
Sun Jun 17 - Ron Hall with a 61
Wed Jun 20 - Dan Miracle with a 55
Sat Jun 23 - Dan Miracle with a 51
Wed Jun 27 - Mark Woodward with a 52
Sat Jun 30 - Scott Baum with a 53
Sun Jul 1 - Dave Judy with a 51!
Wed Jul 4 - Tom Augspurger with a 54!
Sat Jul 7 - Dan Miracle with a 53!
Sun Jul 8 - Karen Forbes with a 54!

Dear Readers,

I asked you for advice on how to answer a member whose one night stand (and probable source of some serious itching down below) has now joined the club and has started dating one of the members. Should our letter writer give warning, or let the buyer beware? Here's what you said (and forgive me -- letters have been edited for space):

I don't know about you NBFOS, but my mama taught me to always inspect my meat before purchase. I say you keep your nose clean, and mind your own. A lady never discusses past indiscretions you know. - noname

How LONG ago was that initial hook up?? If was months ago, one would hope the "carrier" (Q) would by now realize he had them and do something about them. In which case the writer of the letter (X) should just let it alone. Also, is X bitter that Q possibly didn't want more than a fling, and is this his way of trying to malign or get back at him for that? - Happy Hands

No way should you say that. Everyone is responsible for their own sexual health. If your old trick is willing to participate in sex with someone he hardly knows, that's the risk he has chosen to take, and he is responsible for any consequences. Are you sure that your not just tempted to somehow break them up out of jealousy? - Grrrrr

I hope they're talking about me. In any case, mind their own business. No question. - MYOB.

So there you have it. Thanks for your help, and keep those letters coming.

If you have a question about Euchre strategy, ECC club rules, relationships or just life in general, send an e-mail to resident expert Hoyle at euchrechicago@yahoo.com. We promise all e- mails are anonymous, and the answers may just surprise you.