I know it's still almost three months until the convention, but since convention-envy may already be setting in for a few...

This announcement is for all members who will not be able to attend this year's convention in Las Vegas.

For those who don't remember the first Un-Convention-al Ziploc Drawing, here's how it works:

I remember how miserable I was my first year as a chipper when I couldn't attend the convention. So, for those club members who cannot attend this year, I'm taking along the ZIPLOC bag you see below. That's right....

I will drop extras of whatever I come across into the ZIPLOC... chips, slot cards, room keys, bungees, matches, Terry Shaffer's old cigarette butts, etc. If I run out of room in the ZIPLOC, I'll borrow one of the many bags my wife will be collecting at the Fashion Show Mall during convention week.

I can't guarantee what will be in the ZIPLOC when I get back, except for the few items I've added ahead of time to get it started.

When I get back home, I'll hold a drawing and 5 lucky winners will get the contents of the ZIPLOC. If I get more than one of something, I'll draw additional names for the extra stuff.

The rules are simple.

The contest is only open to MEMBERS OF THE WHO ARE NOT ATTENDING THIS YEARS CONVENTION

And all you have to do to enter is POST YOUR NAME AND MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AS A RESPONSE TO THIS THREAD.

Don't e-mail me to enter. My mail box will fill up before I get back and I might miss an important message from some people in Nigeria who I'm helping transfer millions of dollars into the U.S.

I'll post the names of the winner(s) when I get back and contact you for a shipping address.

If any of this years attendees are reading this, I encourage you to pick up an item or two and have your own drawing for those left at home this year. You'll be sharing the excitement you feel when you pick up your own "goodie bag" at the registration desk.

Other donated items are welcome from those fortunate enough to attend Since I'm doing five bags this year, I welcome your help.