LOTTERY WINNER HAS LUCKY CHARM.Byline: Naush Boghossian Staff Writer GLENDALE - Haidi Kassamanian almost shrugs off a recent $40,000 win on ``The Big Spin.'' The self-professed lucky gambler had the same reaction after she won $70,000 on the same California California (kăl'ĭfôr`nyə), most populous state in the United States, located in the Far West; bordered by Oregon (N), Nevada and, across the Colorado River, Arizona (E), Mexico (S), and the Pacific Ocean (W). Lottery lottery, scheme for distributing prizes by lot or other method of chance selection to persons who have paid for the opportunity to win. The term is not applicable when lots are drawn without payment by the interested parties to determine some matter, e.g. show four years ago. While it's great to win, Kassamanian said, she knows one immutable IMMUTABLE. What cannot be removed, what is unchangeable. The laws of God being perfect, are immutable, but no human law can be so considered. reality that keeps any excessive displays of joy in check: She knows she's going to end up spending the money. ``I give to everybody - I help all my family and anybody who asks me for something, I give,'' the Glendale resident said. She even contributed some of her winnings to her school back home in Lebanon because she received a free education there and feels she's obligated ob·li·gate tr.v. ob·li·gat·ed, ob·li·gat·ing, ob·li·gates 1. To bind, compel, or constrain by a social, legal, or moral tie. See Synonyms at force. 2. To cause to be grateful or indebted; oblige. to help. ``At the end of the month, I'm flat broke,'' she said. ``But I think God rewards me for all the good I do.'' Because of the timing of her win this year, the money means a great Christmas for all those near and dear to her. ``Everybody is going to have a good Christmas; anyone who was going to get a Christmas gift of $100 is going to get $1,000,'' said the 50-something Kassamanian. ``What's money? Nothing.'' Sister Vartoug Kassamanian, who purchased the winning ticket for her sister from a Vons in Montrose, takes some of the credit for Kassamanian's lucky streak. ``When I'm next to her, she always wins. I'm her lucky charm. That's what she calls me,'' Vartoug said with a chuckle chuck·le intr.v. chuck·led, chuck·ling, chuck·les 1. To laugh quietly or to oneself. 2. To cluck or chuck, as a hen. n. A quiet laugh of mild amusement or satisfaction. . ``But she shares it all with the family. That's how she is all the time. She's just like that.'' The first time she won at the Fantasy 5 Dream Machine in 2000, she bought her sister Vartoug her dream car: a brand new BMW BMW in full Bayerische Motoren Werke AG German automaker. Founded as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916, the company assumed the name Bayerische Motoren Werke and became known for its high-speed motorcycles in the 1920s. . It was only when she won on Dec. 11 that it became her turn and she said she would spend the money on paying off her own car. During her latest shot at big bucks - winners who appear on the California Lottery's television show can win no less than $1,750 - out of 10 players, she got to the final elimination round, where two players go head to head at ``Aces High'' to see who gets to spin the wheel. The 20-year poker poker, card game, believed to have originated in Asia and first played in the United States in the 19th cent. A traditional cutthroat gambling game at first, it is now also an internationally popular social pastime. player knew that if she got to that round, she would win, since the game is similar to poker - and she was right. ``I figured if I am one of the two playing that poker hand, I will beat her,'' she said. California Lottery spokesman Simeon Aguirre said it's not rare to have players appear twice on a show, citing a Tarzana resident who has appeared on the show four times and won a total of $250,000. But while those who appear more than once are usually regular players, there needs to be a heavy dose of luck involved to win, Aguirre said. ``If you don't play, you're not going to win, so if you keep on playing, sooner or later you're going to win,'' Aguirre said. ``But a lot of it is luck. I've heard of people playing regularly, but they just are not as lucky.'' And what's unusual is how Kassamanian got herself on the show both times, he said. For example, with Fantasy 5, only about four names are pulled out of about 180,000 submissions. ``The chances to get on the show via that route are rare,'' Aguirre said. How do the lucky sisters plan to celebrate their good fortune? Kassamanian - who also has a home in Las Vegas Las Vegas (läs vā`gəs), city (1990 pop. 258,295), seat of Clark co., S Nev.; inc. 1911. It is the largest city in Nevada and the center of one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. and visits at least once a month - and her sister are planning to make a day-trip to a casino casino or cassino (both: kəsē`nō). 1 Card game played with a full deck by two to four players. Its origins are obscure though it probably traces back to the Italian game of Scopa. in Cabazon this week to spend some of that money. Naush Boghossian, (818) 546-3306 naush.boghossian(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Paralegal paralegal n. a non-lawyer who performs routine tasks requiring some knowledge of the law and procedures, employed by a law office or who works free-lance as an independent for various lawyers. Haidi Kassamanian is no stranger to luck, having won twice on the California Lottery TV show. Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer |
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