Who's the greatest con man ?

In the 19th century it could be said that Soapy Smith was the greatest con man of his time. His life history can be read at: www.soapysmith.net/index.html

So if Soapy Smith filled the bill back then who would you vote for as the greatest con man of the 21st century ?

My vote goes to none other than Al (the internet inventor) Gore for his babble regarding carbon offsets (is he making money on this ? ) and the sky is falling (earth is warming) notion. He sure has conned a bunch of people into believing the end is near but he can save the day. Can you say Dudley Doright ? No wait, that was West Side Story, wasn't it? Ah hell, I can't remember.

Old West Saloon

Dreaming of the Old West and my own saloon...

With title in hand, I would be on the road to fulfilling a lifelong dream. The Saloon would be called," The Palace Royal Gambling Hall ".

Riding down the dusty street towards my place you can hear the piano music flowing out the front entrance. Slowing to a stop as you pull up reins and dismount you now hear all the chatter of people inside. The sounds of laughter and music, coins clanging together along with glasses and bottles. A huge thirst hits you as you walk through the batwing doors while knocking the dust from your cloths with your hat. Your eyes feast on the sights inside through a haze of smoke. In one corner you see a barber hard at work. The girls all dressed in the latest fashions catch your eyes as you continue to survey the sights. You next notice the highly polished bar with the fancy back bar and huge mirrors. Looking into the mirrors you can now see the poker tables and beyond that a pool table, all busy with customers laughing and having a good time.

It's a typical Friday night as the crowd begins to swell and people are jammed elbow to elbow. But this night is different in that Lilly Langtree has come to town and will be putting on a performance shortly. She is truly the Queen of the cowtowns and the biggest name to come to these parts, ever!

I hear my name being called out and begin to make my way towards the gambling tables. As I pass the Kino and Chuck-A-Luck I notice a large crowd of cowboys cutting up and think to myself its going to be a wild night tonight. As I approach the poker table the boys gathered around it open a pathway for me and I now see my old buddies gathered at the table. To my left is Ol' Doc and to his left is Bat. On my right is Wyatt and beyond him is my nemesis Jim Courtright. Directly in front of me is an open seat. The boys all greet me as I slide into the chair. As I reach into my breast pocket to pull out my money I think to myself, it doesn't get any better then this.

Before my money hits the table I hear, "Luke", "the trash needs taken out". My dream has come to a screeching halt as I am jolted back to reality and the first hand hasn't even been dealt.

Check out the Saloon items listed at: Old West Antiques