Phreddread's wisdom (or lack thereof)

No Mas

2011-03-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

Greatful it's over. No more posting, no more reading, no more blogs. Thanks be to Zeus!!

Not Surviving

2011-03-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

Some twenty plus years ago I met a man who was destined to become one of my best friends in the world. He was very outgoing, talented, generous and humble. He got dealt a somewhat difficult hand in that he had an illness that affected his digestive system. The treatment twenty-five years ago was to cut his esophagus and shorten it. This also cut the portion of the Vagus nerve in half that controlled his stomach digestion. Ever since, the basic eating and digesting that we take for granted, was the source of disabling pain and discomfort for Tony.

At first, the bad days were limited to a couple of days a month. While keeping weight on was a struggle that would never go away, he was still able to remain active in life. Tennis, Golf, Bowling, Poker. . .he enjoyed all and he was better than most.

Over the course of the years there were lots and lots of doctor visits, hospital stays, specialists, MUSC digestive center, Mayo Clinic as things got worse. The last few years the tables completely turned. The good days became the exception to the rule. He was always in a lot of pain. Bowling, Golf, Poker, Tennis fell by the wayside. . .all afterthoughts. Leaving home was almost impossible.

We spoke on the phone often-he rarely complained. I wondered many times if I could live with the pain I saw him live with daily. I am afraid I don't have that much courage. Well, Tony doesn't have to fight that battle any more. Last night he died. He was 54 years old and he put a gun to his head.

I think my words are quite powerless to express the sorrow in my heart. I lay no blame, but this kind of stuff always screws up my head and hurts my heart. I know if anyone ever had a good reason, it was Tony. . . still it hits me in a tender spot.

I hope his family can come together and remember what a really good soul he was. I have a lot of grief today, but I know there will come a time where the grief will be able to share space with the somber joy of having been fortunate to have known such a fine friend. Rest in peace my friend, you are loved and missed.

I don't know if I will leave this up or not. ..I feel kind of selfish posting it. It does help to type it out though. Thanks for indulging me.

Lite imitates obscurity

2011-03-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

Surviving

2011-03-11T04:39:00.003-08:00

I feel have done everything for poker blogging that Marv Thornberry has done for Baseball. For those of you who do not know, or do not remember Marv Thornberry, he appeared in several star laden Miller light commercials where jocks, comedians, actors, etc. would be pitted against each other debating whether Miller Light were less filling or tasted great. meh. . . Marv Thornberry, who loosely fit in the category of former jock, was no star, but he was probably brought in for the ordinary man appeal. Anyhow, at the end of one commercial showing the typical mele that generally ensued in these commercials, he makes the comment from the side: "I still don't know why they wanted me to make this commercial." At that point, 999 people out of 999 people probably had no idea either. Eventually he explained who he was, thus the below commercial.

I sit alive in a Survivor tourney, where I have been asking myself from the beginning, "What am I doing here?" My poker skills, if I dare call them that, are marginal. My blogging (I dare not even use the word skill) has become an afterthought of an after thought. I have never seen an episode of survivor, but I gather that this is about making allies.. . friends might not be the right word, but what the hey, lets say making friends. I have spoken to people and made friends with some people I would not have made friends with before or without this. Yet, it is the very nature of this game, that those same friends will turn and put the vote in your back if it gives them the opportunity to make it one more tourney, one more week, with fantasies of a final four or three or two. Me, each tourney I make it without being voted off, I am like Marv.-- I don't know why I am still here. But I am kind of having fun watching the mele.

Publish Post

A Big Thank You to All for the pot sweetener earlier. And Thanks to Goat, Buddy Dank and the crew, too.

Amazing

2011-02-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have yet to watch an episode of Survivor, and I often have made fun of the Survivor geek that works in my office. However, survivor poker has been fun. It definitely brings out the donk in people. I was knocked out Sunday by a K4 v. AQ, when the 4 made a straight on the river., knocked out on Wednesday by a K7 v. my pocket Q's, and the Sunday before KJs hit a flush v. my pocket K's. Get your money in bad. . .you'll go a long way, eh Rakewell? Turtle? High on Poker? Rakewell actually cashed, and Jordan won, but Turtle faded--better luck next time my friend. Not that I am in anyway half these poker playing masters are, but getting your chips in the middle ahead is a sure suicidal act. Oh well, I suck, but I survived. and two out of three people who knock me out--win.

And remember--Go team Donkey, I can ride coattails like the best. Thanks to High on Poker and Heffmike!!

A Fish is a Fish is a Fish. . .or is it?

2010-04-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a friend the other day who was showing me some magnificent pictures of the Sea Bass and Trout he has been reeling in lately off shore and in the waterways around Charleston. I started telling him about my total lack of hand selection discipline and general poor play and the predictable results therefrom, and this led me to query as to whether some one was showing off pictures of me. My friend pointed out that people do not generally show off pictures of fish that they shot in a barrel.. . Very astute of him.

Merry Xmas

2009-12-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

I love the term merry "xmas." Anything that gets the religious "right" up in arms can't be all bad. OK, I admit it is a character defect, but I get a perverse pleasure at making people feel uncomfortable by challenging the arbitrary lines of myth and truth, right and wrong, black and white. There is a local group of so called Christians who are taking a perverse joy in calling a local atheist group and harassing them with christian greetings--you know. . ."Merry Christmas, it is my constitutional right to brow beat you with my religious beliefs, so don't hang up on me." One of the local yocal right wing radio hooligans was giving out phone numbers to the "Freedom from religion" group. The so called Christians were bombarding the number and pridefully telling of the guerrilla tactics--basically proving the point for the group--of calling the group and hassling them because they do not wish to be hassled by religious groups. I find it kind of humorous when "Christians" become the persecutors. Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson seemed to be extremely well versed at this type of activity. They must be very proud!

Joy and Sorrow

2009-12-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

I have observed many moments in life where I can hold seeming opposing emotional responses at the same moment. From the mundane, to the profound, there are many that come to mind. Mundane can be as simple as losing a heated contest among friends. For example a fantasy football league: I am saddened by losing when coming so close, yet at the same time I am very happy to spend the time and energy competing with my friends. I can hold both feelings at the same time. We always have choices in the way we look at things. There does not have to be a right or a wrong way, but it generally takes an ability to look at something in more than one way for me to enjoy any kind of satisfaction or understanding as to what is really important in life.

The profound can vary from times when we overcome great difficulties and turn them into triumphs or even the ultimate life and death struggles where we lose loved ones in all kinds of situations. For example the alcoholic drug addict who overcomes his addiction to become a useful member of society. There is generally great destruction and heartbreak in the wake of an active addict or alcoholic. There is also much joy and happiness to be found in one who has passed through that abyss and is able to begin to repair the damage one has caused while under the influence. Many times that is a life long adventure. It can also be a fulfilling and worthwhile adventure.

This topic came to me from reading a post by Lightning about the child of a friend who died young in an auto accident where booze was involved. Parents had to bury their child. This is the ultimate sorrow, and perhaps the most difficult to find peace with. My brother died in 1988. He was a victim of his own actions. He jumped off the Cooper River Bridge. I remember getting the phone call from the chaplain of the Mt. Pleasant Police department. The words he used were meant to be comforting but they brought about the most violent reaction inside my body and soul. He was sorry to have to inform us. . . .there was no mistake. . .he was very sorry. My stomach tried to wrap itself around the stones that thudded into the cavern that opened. There was not enough oxygen in the room, and I my eyes bled so much water as if a river poured out from within. My father was across the table from me. I asked the man if he could possibly tell my father, because I did not know the words to use to tell him. He graciously agreed. . .

The next few days went by in a fog. People coming, going, calling, staying, crying, food being dropped off, relatives from out of town, neighbors, teachers, all reaching out to console, to soothe, to share in grief and help to make the journey through the sorrow. Fear, anger, resentment, confusion--all of these feelings battled to take the main seat within my being. But, somewhere inside I knew that this was forever. I would not see my brother again and there was not one thing that me or anyone else could do to reverse what he had done. What about my mother and father, what about his wife, his children. . . .what the fuck was he thinking?? That was not the point of view that I could let form my focus. I was not going to spend the rest of my life in a self pitiful miasma of anger, resentment and fear. This was not about me, and I was certainly not the only one affected by this.

After some consideration, the only way I saw out of it was to try to forgive. The prospect of forgiving was made a little more difficult by the fact that he could not come back and ask to be forgiven. This in itself was a kind of dilemma, but in the end, a valuable lesson. We all make mistakes. We all need to ask forgiveness and we all need to forgive at various points in life. They really go hand in hand--can't do one without the other. The old saying about there being good in the worst of us and bad in the best of us is true. We all have hurt some one at sometime, or done something that we were less than proud of for which we needed in the end to say we were sorry, and we needed to do something to make some sort of amend. It helps if the other person forgives, but it is not always possible. Sometimes they can't get by their own resentments or they are no longer around to forgive. In my case I had to forgive some one who could not ask to be forgiven. It was not for him. . .it was for me. I could not carry the burden of resentment, of embarrassment, fear, anger. . .whatever you want to call it, for the uncounted days of the rest of my life.

We, I, my family, were helped along by so many friends and loving well wishers. To this day this was the largest funeral I ever saw. It helped, and helps, me to remember how much I loved my brother. It helps to be grateful for the time we did get to spend together. . . to know how many others he touched. I began to search for some joy that I could take with me to help to lighten the load. There were other family members who were there, other friends who were there, to help me carry and even lighten my load.

It has been twenty years and, to greater and lesser extent and success, I have forgiven my brother. I miss him still, and tears are still shed. But there is so much more to the story. My brother was an alcoholic. He tried to get sober and made it for a small amount of time. He fell off of the wagon and went on a binge that was the precursor to the eventful day. We are of Anglo-Irish stock, and the alcohol gene runs deep in our roots. Mostly, we are functional - but alcoholics dot our pool. My father was an alcoholic. He spent his last 17 years on this earth sober, starting 2 months after my brother died. This was a direct result of my brother's actions. Tommy's death always weighed heavily on my father. There was a spring that was sprung that never came back, but he was able to put aside the sorrow and find some meaning and joy in his remaining days. When he died in 2005, it was at the end of a journey well traveled. I truly felt the sorrow of losing him. But even more I felt the pride and the joy and the gratitude of having had such a wonderful father. I did a lot of things in life to disappoint him, hurt him. . .at times I was not a very good person, much less good son. I always knew I was loved, and no matter what I had done, I was always forgiven.

I also had an uncle who was like a second father to us. He was a catholic priest, and one of the kindest, most generous and loving souls I ever knew. Upon reading, hearing, seeing some of the abusive acts that priests have committed, I almost feel like I was raised in a sheltered life. He was quick to speak for the poor, the under privileged, the sick, the old and the imprisoned. He wrote letters to the newspaper which invited people to look at the issues of poverty, humanity, racism, social justice. He got blasted on a regular basis by people who had opposing views- people who were made to feel uncomfortable by his invitation to look at those who are less fortunate as human beings-- just like us. I never once heard him say anything derogatory about
anyone who held an opposing view, and he never took the bate to attack anyone personally, no matter how ill they spoke of him. He was the glue that held us together.

I am truly greatful for these three men in my life. They are gone, and I miss them, but I can, and do hold joy in my heart for each of them. Each has taught me things that have helped make me who I am today. I am a lucky man--maybe the luckiest that ever lived.

BDR FF Playoffs

2009-12-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

As a first time fantasy football player, I feel kind of lucky to have made the playoffs. I won a lot of close games--more than my share. The most memorable was the Monday night that New Orleans played Atlanta. New Orleans is my defense. With 36 seconds left on the clock Atlanta scored a touchdown and I was down by 1.5 points to my opponent. It should have been over for me. . . .However, the Falcons recovered the onside kick then threw an interception on the last play--2 points for me. Lucky bastard I win by .5 with no time left in the last game of the week.

Anyhow, I have a bye this week, and will prolly bow out in the first round of the playoffs next week. Not a problem though, if I do win, I'll crow like I deserved it. If I lose, I'll whine like the best of them. Either way, it has been a blast!

Still Old, no longer Undefeated

2009-09-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

WooHoo!! I got crushed in Fantasy Football last week. My no one receiver was scratched before the game and I missed it. Duh! Then my number one running back went out with an injury in the first series. K Sarah, Sarah It was fun as hell to brag about being undefeated, somethig I can't do anymore. But. . .I am still old bitches!!! and there aint nobody can take that away from me- injury or not. Ha ha!

Congrats, Best Wishes, and Happy Nuptials

2009-09-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Our good friends, Ben and Joanne got married today. I want to be one of many who wish them the best of love and life. It has been my fine privilege to be able to get to know and be able to call these two fine people my friends. I had hoped to travel to IA for the celebration, however, I could not quite justify the expense as this has not been the best year, economically. My thoughts and hopes are there as they begin their wonderful journey together. Best wishes, my friends!!

Old(er), but Undefeated

2009-09-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted I have passed a couple of milestones. On September 14--I reached the ripe old age of 49. I never thought I would live that long. Man, there was a time in life when 49 wasn't old. . . not because it was not old, but because it wasn't even on the horizon after birthdays that I considered to be old. Then, there was the mythological age of 49: wisdom would have been attained; unmet desires and heartbreaks would no longer haunt the soul; pain would be a distant memory; the world would have long been conquered; and perfect balance in life and love would have been reached. How these mythological states where to be accomplished are even more cloudy now than they were then- and I don't even partake in the cloud enhancement program anymore. Anyhow, I am 49, alive, unburdened by fairy tale existence (other than being married to the most wonderful lady in the whole world), and not feeling nearly as old as I imagined a younger me would have suffered through.

Second, I have played in my first two Fantasy Football Games. I can say now--something I will never, ever (probably) be able to say about anything else in my life: I am undefeated. . . for life. Never in my life has anyone ever beat me in fantasy football. I may never, ever win another game (a fate I may have sealed by typing this), but as of today, I am undefeated, Bitches. Even tongue in cheek, that's kind of fun to say.

We had no tourney last week, and probably not this week either, since Ben and Jo are preparing for blissful nuptials. We will probably resume in October. Though, I will sign in for Friday night, just in case.

Tourney: Benjover
Place/time: FT 10 pm eastern
pw: talkinggoat
game: $1 rebuy

Friday night tourney: second installation

2009-09-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

NAME: BenJover

TIME: 10:00 pm Eastern

PLACE: Full Tilt

GAME: 1 +1 rebuy (unlimited for 1st hour) w/ 1 addon

PW: Talkinggoat

Last weeks champion is none other than the Talking Goat himself, Mr. Julius Goat. Now, I have a question that I think every one is dying to know, but afraid to ask. Is Mr. Goat a Mountain Goat, or a Billy Goat?? I have no idea whether our clove hoofed friend will be joining us tonight to answer such questions, but please, stop by and see for yourself. Bring dollars, bring a smart ass attitude, bring curiosity, but mostly bring and take some fun. I have said before, and will say again, I suspect we will have anywhere from 5 to 15 people on any given Friday night, and probably no one will show up any given Friday of the month. No big deal either way.

Brain washing experiment

2009-09-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Kids, stay in school, help your peers to stay in school, take full advantage of your educational opportunities. Parents, tell your kids to go to school and take full advantage of your educational opportunities. Just checking to see if anyone is paying attention.

BenJover: Inaugural Success

2009-09-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

Friday Night was the inaugural Benjover. There were eight runners for a $1 rebuy format. The format was borrowed from my dear friend Kat. While I did not speak to her before ( an unintended slight to which I have sought to make amends), I have spoken to Kat since, and we shall continue for now. I do foresee rotating the format monthly. I would love to get a horse game and a razz game in there, a PLO8/ rebuy, maybe a Stud8. Hmmm, I will wait and see what those who play will want.

The initial winner: None other than the Julius Goat himself. Very nicely done, sir. Skidoo came in second, and Joanada came in third. We had a new runner, BMF420, who finished on the bubble. He fit right, with BuddyDank, Pushmonkey72, Turtle(iaatg) and yours truly. I didn't pull in any cash, but I pulled in some fun. ( ok, ok. . .I was surfing sights which shall remain un-named to fill the void, but we won't go there.) It was nice hanging out with friends on Friday night again.

Anyhow, the name of the game is:

TheBenjover
PW: Talkinggoat
Time: 10pm Eastern, Friday nights.
Format (for now): $1 rebuy
Objective: Fun

Next months format: PLO8 (unless it is not)

A First

2009-09-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yes! This is my very first attempt to participate in a fantasy sports league. (Well, if you don't include any BBT games--certainly a fantasy on my part, heh) That is right though.. . .no fantasy football, no fantasy baseball. . .oops I almost forgot. Hell I obviously forgot, I did sign up for a fantasy British Soccer League, but I gotta be honst, I aint got a clue there. Apologies to my good friend, Wes.

Anyhow, my first draft is tonight, and I might not even be there. I put a bunch of players over on my list, and from what I understand, those players will be drafted first--so long as they have not been chosen by anyone else. Hmmm, maybe I oughta try a little harder to show up. I understand, and love American football, but fantasy--I think I am in for the school of hard knocks. Ah well, mostly fun with friends. More humiliation to follow.

I also am attempting to start a $1 rebuy on FT called "TheBenjover" at 10 pm eastern on Friday nights, PW TalkingGoat. Don't care who comes or doesn't come, but at least once or twice a month I hope to get enough people to have a good time. Over the past year or so there were a few of us who played in Kat's Donkament (A moment of silence please. . .thank you) and at least once a month, sometimes twice, we got to hang out in teamspeak and cut up while playing. Unfortunately, my dear friend Kat lost the desire to continue that little gem, and I am making an attempt to fill the void. More later.

A Crips Weekend with the Bloods

2009-08-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

No, not gangs and certainly not bad people. Let us have no confusion here (other than the natural type that is caused by my pre-alzheimic mind set and my poor typing skill-thus establishing who the crip is).

I got to play some cards with Mr. Bad Blood and a few other friends at the Blood household on Saturday. A portion of the bounty went for the fine cause of breast cancer research.. . .and the breasts were grateful! I certainly had a good time and the camaraderie in itself was well worth the three hour trip from Charleston.

I picked up my good friend the Big Pirate in Columbia and we drove to Greer where we met with 19 other friendly card players. . . some of whom I recognized from my New Year's day sojourn to the same venue. I met some others who were old hats to the venue, but new friends to me. As the tourney wound down, Wes found his way to some cash. Your truly, being very short-stacked, found that AKs was no match for a gigantically stacked 10 7 when a 7 hit the flop. I never caught up and bowed out to finish 6th. I settled in for a little cash game in the kitchen, til finally had to give up the ghost and drive back to Columbia.

Wes was kind enough to allow me to sleep on the sofa, as it was after 1 by the time we arrived in the capital city. My tired old eyes were grateful. I was pleasantly awakened by Hank and Jackson who told me, among other things, they were just about ready to start kindergarten and first grade-respectively, I believe. I believe it was also Hank's birthday, so I am sure they had quite the festive day ahead planned. Either way, they were determined to show me how most of their toys worked. . .you know the kind of toys that bring grumbles from the bear cave that parents like to sleep in until a decent hour has arrived. So, rather than have the boys get into further trouble on my account, I made my graceful exit, and continued my trek home to the holy city. It was there in my home sweet home where my lovely bride awaited with loving and satisfied arms, having had a rare night (without the bastard) to spend with her BF. All I had to do was extend the courtesy of a warning call home before i got there. . .it always embarrasses him when I walk in on them.. . .and after all, he is only taking pressure off of me. hehe.

I think I shall stop for now, for my twisted humor may yet get me into trouble with those who do not understand. . .ahhh wtf, joke 'em if the can't take a f. . .

Til next time. . . Ya'll come back now, ya hear!

Five Months??

2009-08-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

I was visiting the blog of a friend who shall remain nameless, and I noticed that he had a list of blogs which he follows that has a meter that tells you when that person last posted. I noticed it said that I had not posted in five months. This can't be true. I believe it to be much longer, for I have forgotten what it is like to post on the internet. I do not know what it is to type out little things about ones life and love and family and work and put them out there for others to read. Therefore, I shall post today so that I will not have the dreaded "Last Post: Five Months ago!!!" sign next to my name. I will also be playing cards in Cemfred's Skillz game tonight and hopefully I will see some friends.

Further Musings of a Slacker

2009-03-04T06:10:00.001-08:00

Sometimes words on a page do not convey the intended effect that they have in the mind when they are written. To the extent that one is able to convey ideas, emotions, humor, humility, hubris, etc., when intended, he is successful at his endeavor. Yesterday, I sought to shed hubris, embrace humility, and give grateful homage to friends who are appreciated while enjoying a little self effacing humor. There was not one inkling of self pity in what I wrote. As much as anything, I was attempting to motivate myself to make a renewed effort to write.

It is the season of the BBT, but you won't read about that here. I will suffer my bad beats in silence, and you will suffer my donkey suckouts however you wish. In the end there will be only one winner. My goal is to make the best decision I can-not go out on stupid plays. If I am successful at that, it does not eliminate the problems caused by not catching cards or (the much worse problem) catching second best cards. If some one pays for all seven, they get to play all seven. We all vote with our chips. Sometimes our candidate is the set that falls to the straight, and sometimes we back the dark horse pair of 7's that hold out against all odds. Either way, my goal is to have fun, make friends, and win more than I lose. The first two goals I know I can achieve.

Thanks for stoppin by. . .

Come back and see us now, ya hear.

Life in the Slack Lane

2009-03-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

Over the past month I have been a slack, lazy degenerate. If you don't believe me, ask my wife. The dear soul puts up with a lot. So much so that when she dies, she gets to by-pass the traffic lane and go directly to the front of the line. Well, that is if she is going somewhere that the front of the line is the kind of place one would like to be. On the other hand, if she is going to one of those "other" places, she will be allowed to lollygag in the back of the line for as long as is necessary for the powers that be to forget about her and send her to the other line out of shear bureaucratic inefficiency. Such are the advantages of loving a slack ass, as she loves me.

I must say there is really no one area in my life where I have excelled more than any other in slackatude. I have not written, I have not read. I have no idea what is going on in the lives of the writers of more than a few of the blogs that I used to happily follow. There are lots of people out there that really write marvelously talented musings almost every week, if not several times a week. I have been lucky enough to make friends with a few of them. And while there are others who I can't quite call friend yet. . .yet being the key word. . ., it is only a matter of time before friendship will break out. To paraphrase Will Rogers- I haven't met a poker blogger I didn't like. Either way, I have read almost nothing for the last month, left no comments, made no new friends. . .Truly, If I had a conscience, I'd feel guilty about now.

I have no delusions. If I stopped blogging and playing poker tomorrow, there would be few if any who would miss me. Other than my nominal contributions to whatever tourney I am playing at the moment, I just aint that important. However I do write something so that I can be, or at leasr feel, a part of. . a friend among. . .a player in the company of. . .this nice little community of poker players who like to read and write and play. It allows me at it's best to not take myself so damn seriously, while I get to put faces and names and personalities and lives. At it's worst, I get to expound a little self indulgent ignorance for the world to ignore.

There are several folks who write regularly that I am very grateful to read. I am mentioning a few because they pop to mind as I type. . .there are more. . I promise. If I forget to name you, please realize that early onset Alzheimer's is not a pretty thing. If you have read anything I ever typed, you know how fond I am of the Tuck Fards (true and honorary), Bam Bam, Lee, Suzy, Don Baywolf, Memphis Mojo, Cemfredmd and all the others who take time to show up there even once in a while. They are a friendly group.. . . Who has not played there and not felt welcome? It really is refreshing. There is also the crew at BDR, not least of which is Buddy himself. Witty, entertaining, not a bad poker player, humble, and always fun to listen to. Joanada, Numbbono, Rambler, Scotty Mc, OhCaptin, Katitude, Pushmonkey, Brainmc among the others I have met there, are all nice folks, all add up to give these faceless on line tourney's the feel of a home game.

Who hasn't read read Julius Goat and split their sides laughing from time to time, or been able to take a step back when needed to realize how not to take ourselves too seriously- sometimes all in the same post. If you want to read some one with some genuine insight into the game and an art for putting it down in a way that is fun to read, there are more than enough true poker bloggers out there, but Emptyman is as good or better than most. Then there are the genuinely nice people, really talented writers or just plain interesting reads whether they write about poker or not, like Katitude, Oh Captain, Big Pirate and Lightning.

I write because you folks make my life a little nicer when when I get to read what you have to say. I write to give back in some small little way. Hell, let's face it. I'm the guy who writes and makes most people say, "Jeez, what a load of crap. I can do way better than that without even trying." Thus, inspiration is served!!!

I haven't had the chance to say this lately but. . .

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, ya hear.

WOW, Check it out

2009-02-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

Royal frush, eh?? My only comment was "Thank you sir, may I have another?" As much as I hate O8, I love 7hl. Not that I play 7hl any better, but I tolerate the variances a little better. I can't play it for cash. I get killed. But I do like playing it in tourneys. And now, the TFII is featuring 7hl as it's game in the second hour. I ended up finishing third. My attention span was severely hampered by the return of heroes. Admittedly the show is lacking from it's past glory, but I keep hoping . . .

Equal Opportunity H8

2009-01-27T06:20:00.000-08:00

The opportunity to H8 O8 presented itself once again last evening. And while I was enjoying the TF crew's hospitality, I actually finished 2d in the O8 portion. Whilst over in the nlhe section, I struggled with a variety of decent starting cards that mostly never connected. I did have the luck to hang in while mostly nursing a small sized stack, and I did eventually catch AA, ran it into Carson's 66, and can only presume I lost. The O8 screen popped up, I made my play while the nlhe screen disappeared, as it is apt to do when the wrong buttons are chosen and a tourney ends for this participant. I figured out how to fix that problem though. Now, I could concentrate on a game I really dislike. heh. I waltzed into a 2d place finish in O8, winning with hands that had no right to win, and losing with hands that had no right to lose, but as is the case every week, having a better time than I deserved to have. Thanks everybody!!! (And yes, I still h8 O8)

I h8 O8

2009-01-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

The game kills me. I am not much (any) better am OH. It does not seem to matter what the flop is, you can never be comfortably ahead. Even worse, you can have a scooping hand that gets scooped. I am pathetic at it. I fold top two pair to watch bottom two pair take the pot. I call with A2346, and trip 6's to watch A2345 put me on the rail. I h8 the game, but on Monday nights at the Tuckfard I and the Tuckfard II, I love the the company. Anyhow, I plead with the poker gods to convince Carson to change the format of the TFII back to HORSE, but however my plea is received, it shall not stop me from showing up. I was the bubble boy in the TFI, and the bitch boy in the TFII. I still didn't have a better time playing anywhere else on the net. Next week, I shall return!

Soooper Bowl

2009-01-19T13:48:00.002-08:00

The Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl. Unbelievable. The list of teams who have never been to the Super Bowl is shrinking. Hmm, that would be: New Orleans, Detroit, Cleveland Browns (more on that) Jacksonville and Houston. Considering that the Cardinals have been the most inept franchise over the past 60 years, well, I would have picked anyone else on the list to have made it to the Super Bowl before the Cardinals.

New Orleans has been pretty bad, but they have been to the playoffs quite a few times over the last 20 years. They don't quite seem to be the hapless franchise they were when Archie Manning was their QB. Their lack of success was by no means a slight on Archie. He made a couple of Pro Bowls, despite the miasma of the rest of the team.

While Detroit has made it to the record books for over more nefarious reasons of late, they do have some history. Ancient history, but history none the less. They played in four championship games and won three in the 50's. Interesting enough, all four of those games were played against the Cleveland Browns. The real Cleveland Browns-more on that in a moment. Anyhow, they have made the playoffs nine times since their last championship season (1957). However, they only have one playoff victory, and no Super Bowl.

Cleveland/Baltimore has some history too. They had some great success in the late 40's though early 60's. Cleveland Browns--you know, the team that resides in Baltimore now and calls itself the Ravens. The present Cleveland Browns are an expansion team and like Jacksonville and Houston, don't have enough history behind them to worry yet.

I did not think the Cardinals had a chance against Atlanta or Carolina, and they handled them both pretty easily. I think if Philly had woken up a little earlier yesterday, they might be in the big game themselves. However, when my teams are staying home, it is nice to have a decided underdog to pull for. It will be nice if the game is close along the nature of the past ten years, and not a boring rout, ala the Super Bowls of the late 80's through the 90's.

In the 1970's, when Pittsburgh first made the playoffs, much less the big game, hey had a track record for futility much like that of the Cardinals, maybe even worse. They beat the Vikings in their first Superbowl, and have never looked back since. No way the Cardinals win. . .but if they did, it would kind of be poetic to do against a team that was once as inept as they.

Where slot machines and poker meet

2009-01-13T14:37:00.001-08:00

What the hey?? It might be fun again. Not many better ways to try to dump a hundred dimes in an hour. Gonna be a turbo this time, so it wont take til dawn. CYA there!

2009-01-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

This is where I ended up last night in a $10 mtt on ft. It is actually the third final table I have made in the last three weeks, so I cannot complain. This is my first experiment with screen capture software, so bare with me here. Anyhow, it seemed to be a nice roi, and I did have fun. Hell, who doesn't have fun when they are winning. there was one notable hand when I went AI with QQ. I got called by KQ who had me covered. K on the flop, case Q on the river. He had the nerve to call me lucky, lol. Ya think??? WTF was doing calling off most of his stack with a KQ? This little tard never does anything like that, lol. No, but my carcass rests on the floor of many an mtt or sng where I did just that. I actually finished in 3d. I highlighted the name of the man who would most likely have been my father, lol.

Warrior Stock

2009-01-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

This one is for the family. My nephew, Conor, played football this past fall in Germany. No-not soccer, but football. He was the starting linebacker, and the second string quarterback, for is team. I have mentioned before that he does not yet know the limitations of being from a stock of warriors who rarely reach the upside of 5'6", so he, along with probably half of his team mates, is one day going to play major college football for the USC Gamecocks, the Florida Gators, Texas Longhorns, or whatever college team -fill in the blank- savvy enough to request his services. They also have plans to play pro-football after going high in the draft, and to lead their team to Superbowl glory. Ahhh, the exuberant enthusiasm and optimism of youth. Above, the young field general is behind center and ready to march his team to pay dirt.

Conor is on the left in the above picture. He and his team mate, Kyle, are obviously deep in discussions over how to motivate their fellow warriors and coming up with strategies to defeat the weekly foe that stands in their path.

By the way, they finished with only one loss, and would have won the championship if such an award was given. So congrats to the Heidelberg football team, and congrats to Conor and his team mates!!!

Interesting Hand

2009-01-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

I try not to post about things that I am not qualified to talk about, but I had an interesting hand the other night in the Midnight Madness on FT. In the BB I have A3. There is a min raise in early position with three callers, so I jump on board for the ride. Flop comes 533, so i decide to slow play and, check. UTG (low stack) goes AI, next guy call, the other two fold, and I shove.
Number two calls. UTG has KQ s, but number two has pocket 55. I feel sunk. Turn arrives and a 3 hits the board. Lots of WTF's from number two, but I am amazed.. . in shock. I have a heart attack, fall on the floor, die, and now I play and post from a different realm. I have had this type of thing happen to me, but very rarely for me. I had a fair stack at that point, immediately went card dead, and limped to the cash. Would have been a shame not to at least cash with after all that.

Blind Donkey Finds a Carrot

2008-12-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

Well last night I played in the Skillz razz game. For those of y0u who are somewhat a follower of this series, I have suggested that Chip change the name to the Pirate Lawyer Open. He obviously runs goot there. Of course Lightning36 is there to make a case for anything that PL leaves unclaimed. Which leads me to last nights little miracle. I signed up for the razz game and, lo and behold, I too it down. I am not by any means extolling my skill in the Skillz series or any other tourney, game or facsimile thereof. However, last week I was lucky enough to finish third to the esteemed gentlemen that I have aforementioned, and this week in their absence I also was able to finish ahead of the rest of the very worthy field of runners. Winning is nice. Carrots taste good. Thanks for hosting, Chip. And if PL and Lightning want to take off a few more weeks. . .nah, I wont even say that in jest.

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, ya hear!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-12-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

There are presents to be exchanged, rib roast to be eaten, and naps to be taken. The Solstice has occurred and the Sun returns. The tree is in the corner and the wood spirits are warmed. Santa has been here and joy is being spread in the Mitchum household. From our house to yours, Merry Christmas!!!

Pokerslut

2008-12-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

Last night I was a poker slut, as I am apt to be from time to time, and tonight you will find me donking with friends. . . and friends don't let friends donk alone. So join us, if your stuck in the snow, with no where to go. And don't use the excuse that the bankroll is low, for it's only $3.50 + .50, don't you know. There'll be lots of good friends, and lots of good cheer, so pull up a seat and grab you a beer.

Now I have been reading lots of blogs about people being stuck in lots of places due to extreme cold, snow, and general bad weather. I feel your pain. I can relate. It was so cold at my house on Friday, I had to turn the air conditioning up a couple a degrees. 78 degrees in the middle of December. Damn, that's tough weather, but somebody has to put up with it. I am gonna be a trooper, put out the stiff upper lip, and face this thing with stoic resolve, with my friends at the TFI and TFII.

Day Two

2008-12-16T15:44:00.000-08:00

Day two started with breakfast at the IP, not great, not bad. . .it is kind of hard to screw up bacon, eggs and toast. I made my way back to my room, and was pleasantly pleased to be introduced to Maudie by Kat as they went out to explore the various sites that they had planned. At 2 several of us met at the IP and headed of to this place. That's Pirate Lawyer in the foreground. The little round munchkin in the background would be some one to avoid. The pinball machines and the videos were definitely a reminder of my misspent youth. But, eventually it was time to leave and make our way toward the events of our misspent present. . .mixed games at the MGM. Before the festivities began, I had a nice dinner with Zeem and CaApril. Once the mixed games started, The Doc, Alan, and Fallstaff where in rare form. Every street was capped just for grins and giggles for at least the first three orbits. I don't think I got involved in a hand for 30 minutes. I just sat back and watched. My patience was rewarded, as by the time I left the the table I was up almost two fifty to the positive. I also got to meet Linda, the godmother of bloggers, and Drizz, in addition to Fallstaff and some other fine players and bloggers.

What A Blast: day 1

2008-12-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

A great time was had by this blogger in V.mecca. I met some fun people, nice people. I figure the only friends I did not make were the ones I did not have the opportunity to meet or to talk to more than just a cursory hello. I have a special place in my heart from this weekend for Kat. She was my roomie and my intro to this my first blogger event. We met at the airport and shared a cab to the IP. After checking in, we made our way down to the Geisha bar where I was delighted to meet the likes of OhCaptain and OhCountess, who were the nicest people you would ever want to meet anywhere at anytime,; Buddy Dank and Joanada were just as much fun in person as they are on the radio. I got to speak with Pauly, who was holding court with Derek, Rooster, and Iggy, which was definitely a treat for me.

I then made my way over to the poker room for poker schizophrenia, or as some people call it, 8 game. It's all the HORSE games, plus baduggi, 2-7 triple draw, and O high. Even the dealers were confused. But I met some more nice folk, the least of which was not the good Dr. Chako, Zeem, PokerPrincess, CK, and Alan. I knew better than to sit down, but I could not resist the opportunity to meet over our shared hobby. Now, it was 3 in the morning east coast, and I was tired in addition to my normal stupidity at mixed games, but mission was accomplished, and a good time ensued. The high light hand: Zeem hit quad 7's in Razz--like that shit is only supposed to happen on line. The highlight event: just meeting everyone. After some fun and my innitial donation was spent, I made my way to bed. (about 5:30 eastern). . .more later.

2008-12-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

Sometomes I feel like a 10 watt bulb in a 60 watt world....Now, my friend BamBam has has shed a little "light" on my situation, and it is all becoming a little bit clearer. I am tired and am just getting back into the swing of things, so I am just putting out a few words for the moment to invite any and all who happen to stumble through this blogomorphic post to the Tuckfard I and/or Tuckfard II, it is the funnest home game on the net. Please stop by and join us. If you cant make it this week, stop by any time. You cannot have more fun for less money, or even more money for more fun, or no fun for no money, or all money for all fun.. .this light speed thing is really making me dizzy right now. . .I'm gonna stop typing and hit post, But I sure hope to see you at:

Tuckfards I and Tuckfards II, starting at 7pm and 8pm eastern tonight (Monday). The first game id NLHE, the 2d is O8. The PW to each is my middle name: donkey. If you tell them I sent you, it will only cost you $3.50 to enter, Other than that you will have to pay the full price, which includes laughter and fun. Being a smart ass is not required, but it does get you points. See you there!

2008-12-10T12:25:00.001-08:00

On Mercy, Justice and Luck

2008-12-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

The range of Luck says anyone can win at anytime. This is the case most anytime I win. Justice, a concept which has little to do with poker, nonetheless makes me believe if I get my cards in good more times that not, I will win more times that not- Bwaaahhhaaahhhaa to that BS. I need to develop way more game to even begin to think about that concept.

Mercy, though, that is a concept that I seem to be running on of late. I absolutely love playing cards with the Tuckfards on Monday nights. If I had to give up all other play, I could begrudgingly do so, as long as I could play with the Tuckfardian knights of the land up north. Recently, the TFII was changed from a HORSE format, to an O8 format. Personally, I miss the HORSE, and hate the O8. Just don't care for O8, personal preference. On that note, I would probably play Old Maid if that were the Tuckfardian choice for a tournament format. It is always that much fun to hang out with BamBam, Carson, Suzy-Q, TGL, Memphis Mojo, Cemfredmd, DonK, RedneckTF, Baywolfe, and anyone else I am missing which I beg your pardon for not mentioning. This is a fun group. No two ways about it.

Now back to the mercy concept. Mercy- basically giving some one grace when they don't deserve it. Certainly, like justice, a concept that should be foreign to the poker table. But it is the only thing I can think of that allowed me to pull out a win in the TFII, O8 tourney last night knowing that I hate the game and really don't feel comfortable playing it.

Either that, or the poker gods do what they do only to torture me later.:

Devil on my left shoulder: You can win this anytime, you did it once, you can do it again. It is your natural born right to be good at something.
Angel on my right shoulder: Stay humble don't set yourself up for disappointment tilt.

D: Don't listen to that dipshit. Don't worry that you don't know shit about O8, or most other online poker tourneys for that matter. . .you are a natural, push, push, push.
A: Oh this is not gonna be pretty.. . .
(bet, raise, pot, call, get all chips in with a turned nut straight, and a nut low draw, only to see it pair the 3 on the board giving a boat to the opponent and no low split)
D: Bwahahaha, Gigli is not good enough for you, fool, you knew you hated this game before you started listening to me, bwahahaha.

Bounty Obtained

2008-12-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

I have my bounty for the Saturday tourney, and I have lots of little knick-knack gifts for the friends I have made over the past year and even a few in anticipation of those I will meet when I get there. It is in the spirit of the event. The only thing left to do is get on the plane and go. So. . .Vmecca here I come. Every card player has to make the pilgrimage once in his life, and this is mine. This is really kind of wild on one end, I remember a time before the internet, a time before computers, a time before meeting all of these people would have been possible. I was speaking to another on line friend tonight. We both came to the conclusion that we are pretty lucky people, we bloggers. To my current friends, and my future friends, salude. Win lose or draw, you have again made me the luckiest man I know.

Next Week

2008-12-04T13:47:00.002-08:00

At this time next week, I like many other people a/k/a poker bloggers, will be in Vegas. I look forward to putting faces to friends that I either only know from reading their blogs or seeing them accross the table, or having talked to them on line. There is quite the variety of personalities out there. Me, I am basically along for the ride, and am enjoying every moment of it.

While I dont play or write particularly well, I do have fun. Every once in a while I string together enough cards to put together a decent enough run to keep my bankroll funded. Extreemly low stakes with the occassional step up into the next level, with varying degrees of success. As for my writing ability, well. . .I occassionally can say something humorous enough to bring a chuckle, or at least a smile. Even more rarely I can convey an idea that might actually have some meaning beyond the mundane sentence and word structure that occupies this space. I really try to stay away from blogging about any particular poker stratagy or hand as I feel like people should probably not talk about things they aren't qualified to. To be quite honest the on line game still leaves me cluless a lot of times, and my writing skills, well. . .no one is ever gonna pay me to put word to paper.

That being said, by simply attempting to participate in both of these activities over the last year I have received way more than I have given. I have had the pleasure to meet some nice people, interesting people, arrogant people, sweet people, cynical people, genuine people, assholes, reprobates, soldiers and saints over the last year of playing poker and trying to maintain this blog. Each one of them have their own special charm. And I look forward to meeting all and any of them of them next week.

Yoga Anyone?

2008-11-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

No comment. She just reminds me of a ballet dancer I once dated. On the first date she told me she could put her ankles behind her ears.. . .and very shortly thereafter she showed me. We did not date long. I promise she had more snakes in her head than Spielberg used in the first Indiana Jones movie. Then again, I don't remeber being very intereted in her head that night...at least not snakes that were aleady in it already in it.

Gratitude

2008-11-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, in the US, we celebrated Thanksgiving. Today (friday) we celebrate sloth and lethargy. The American myth goes back to 1621, but the roots could probably be traced back to the earliest farming communities. A good harvest brought in was always good cause for thanks and celebration. There was always some god to show gratitude to and another excuse to get naked and run through the woods. Those festivals were generally celebrated somewhere shortly after the vernal equinox, after the harvest had been brought in. Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be a national day of thanksgiving in the US, and it became an official national holiday in 1941. Kind of ironic in that this was the very eve of Pearl Harbor.

When I was a small child I remember all of my uncles and aunts, and my mother's uncles and aunts, and my cousins being around at so many different holidays, I can't attribute a specific memory to Thanksgiving.. . .but it was a good time in our family. As I have gotten older, I like to reflect on some of the things that I have to be grateful for.

Always number one on the list is my family. I couldn't have hand picked better. I certainly miss those who are no longer here, but I am grateful that they were in my life. The thing about getting older, is that thee are more and more that leave each year. I seem to have been given a gift to be able to hold them in my heart with an ounce of sorrow for the loss, and an ounce of joy for the times shared. I miss my brother, my father, my uncles Tommy, Jerry, and Willie. My aunts Annie and Catherine. I am sad that they are not here, but so happy for the loving part that they played in my life.

The part of family that I had a hand in choosing (my lovely bride Cameron) is just as special. She is the pot to my top. I love her dearly and am very happy with the life we share. . .and lucky me, she loves me too. I may not be the best at anything I do, but I maintain that I am the luckiest man I know. Happy Thanksgiving all!!

2008-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

I have been reading OhCaptain's posts about a run of bad luck. I think it is catching, for during the same time have had pocket K's 4 times they have held up exactly 0 times. I did witness cowboys hold up once. Unfortunately, it was when I ran my AA into KK, of course K on the river.. . .so, It kinda made me want to sing a song. . .

Mamas dont let your babies grow up to play cowboys . . make 'em play dueces and presto and such, or Ace with crappy kicker, isn't too much (with appologies to Willie Nelson).

It was funnier to be there. . .but not in a fun kind of way.

Too late for Holloween. . .

2008-11-18T03:56:00.000-08:00

. . .Too early for April Fools Day. I watched a horror show on Saturday. It was called Florida Gators vs. South Carolina Gamecocks. Back when I was in school a/k/a Sparky Woods and Brad Scott regimes, this was a recurring matinee. And you could count on end of the year shellackings from Florida and Tennessee and whatever other SEC west fill in the blank team we were playing (Auburn, LSU, Alabama). It didn't matter, 40 and 50 point losses were common place and the mantra of "wait til next year" was nonexistent in the ever hopeful vocabulary most Gamecock fans. We were just hopeful of putting a team out there that could compete.
However, with the arrival of the most recent saviors, Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier, we have been delivered from the ridiculous back to the mediocre. Hey, there's over 100 years of history here, trust me, mediocrity is as good as it gets. All the way back to the late 1930's when Rex Enright came to town, there have been savior coaches that have either descended from the hallowed grounds of the elite (Notre Dame, LSU), or been lured from other half baked programs they had resurrected (I will not insult those programs by naming names--this is my cynical rant, not theirs) to this one in hopes of doing what has never been done. . .win in Columbia South Carolina. As yet, the miracle remains unperformed.
Reading this, you might think that I am not a fan of the feathered fighters, and you would be wrong. Nothing would make me happier than to see my Gamecocks consistently at the top of the college food chain in some type of sport. However, I have harbored this hope for the better part of my 48 years on this earth, and I shall continue to harbor such hope for many more years. The Gamecocks have extended this fantastic Odyssey to it's faithful for even longer. It is a birthright, a burden of love that is generally reserved for a parent to a ne'er to do well child. For I am a son of the South-land of the lost cause. How dreadfully symbolic, or would a better word be bucolic??

2008-11-13T06:38:00.001-08:00

Might this be a bit of an oxymoron? I mean, damn, wouldn't some one need a drink to touch some of those lips?? Who thought this poster was a good way to promote prohibition?? I always thought the gods created liquor to help ugly people (like me) get a little lovin' every now and again.

good week at the table, but TF King for a day

2008-11-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

I have had a nice week of play starting with the pokersluts on Sunday a PLO (more affectionately known to me as the lemming race) that I won, woohoo. I next finished in the cash at the Mookie and the Dookie on Wednesday, and I finished 2d to NumbBono at the Donkament. Numb and I played in a $5 HORSE tourney after that and we both final tabled again. He finished 2d, me 3d. The poker gods have been kind to me this week. We wont mention the donk moves I made at the Tuckfard I & II when I finished first& second Gigli, and I go home on the bubble feeling rather sheepish and dumb--rightfully earned, lol. Win, lose or draw, you gotta love the Tuckfards. My biggest regret there is I went out too early to enjoy the conversation.

I Booked Vegas plane tickets today. I think this is gonna be fun. I look forward to meeting some folks, as the only blogger I have met in person is BigPirate. We went to school together long before either of us knew the other had a love of poker, and blogging was not even on the horizon.

Either way I find myself a little bit excited about the trip to Vmecca. I find myself in the lotus position facing the west, six times a day making the sign of the cross with spades, diamonds, hearts and clubs being at each directional point while tantrically reciting. . . .o money card gods. . . while burning a deck of cards in sacrifice to the poker gods.

Is there any other mythological or religious symbol or ritual that I can bring into the mix??? Hmmm, the wife says a Bacchic ritual is out of the question. I don't drink, but I heard the orgy part could be fun. You gotta love a god who wants you to have fun while following his rituals.

TuckFard Day!!!

2008-11-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

While the rest of the industrial world hates Mondays ( and not without some modicum of reason), I have found a way to overcome that prejudice. I am not saying that playing in the tuckfards will make Monday the favorite day of the week for everybody, however, it would do a lot to improve the negative press ratings in most households. I am an honorary Tuckfard, and I approve this message.

I did have some luck this weekend playing in a lemming race (some call it PLO). No, not Dr. Pauly's, I was disposed of there before the final table was formed. I signed up for the Pokerslut tourney, and the format was none other that poker on crack. So, fully equipped with my new set of thumbscrews and hairshirt, I partook in poker's answer to self mutilation. Almost two hours later I came out with a win. Only the poker gods know how that happened.

2008-10-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

You are The Hierophant

Divine Wisdom. Manifestation. Explanation. Teaching.

All things relating to education, patience, help from superiors.The Hierophant is often considered to be a Guardian Angel.

The Hierophant's purpose is to bring the spiritual down to Earth. Where the High Priestess between her two pillars deals with realms beyond this Earth, the Hierophant (or High Priest) deals with worldly problems. He is well suited to do this because he strives to create harmony and peace in the midst of a crisis. The Hierophant's only problem is that he can be stubborn and hidebound. At his best, he is wise and soothing, at his worst, he is an unbending traditionalist.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Do not let it be said that I can not follow others' lead. For what that is worth.

2008-10-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon on Pokerstars has become a recent favorite for me. I get there about once or twice a month. PLO has come to reminds me of the plight of the lemming. Others have compared it to cards on crack or like a driven rail spikes to the brain. All entertaining metaphors that are rightfully earned. If you've played, you know. I have ordered a hair shirt and a set of thumb screws to enhance my masochistic experience. In all seriousness, it really is fun, and Pauly is always a gracious host. Stop by, enjoy an afternoon with the Doc.

2008-10-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well it is official. I have signed up for the Nanowrimo. Something, never in my wildest dreams, I never expected, aspired or intended to do. But, it looks interesting. No where in the rules does it say this has to be a legible, readable, or even stomachable piece of literature. I give literature a very liberal definition here. Punctuation, spelling, plot lines (what the F... is a plot line anyway) are beyond my comprehension, ability or intent. Not that these are bad things, mind you. They are merely literary devices that are better left for those properly adept and or trained to use them.

Now, I promise to write whatever gibberish that finds itself spewing from my fingertips via my keyboard until I can no longer spew. That may be 5 words, 50 words, 5,000 words, but I gotta be honest, if 50,000 words, or even anything close, come from me in thirty days, I'm gonna be shocked. And should you get the least bit curious enough to attempt to read something I type, do not think that just because I use sentences and paragraphs that one paragraph will necessarily have anything to do with the paragraph either proceeding or following. However, I do hope to be of some encouragement to my friend, the BigPirate.

A New Generation of Anguish Approaches

2008-10-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

I spoke with my brother today. He is retired from the Army after 25 years of service. About half of that time was spent in Germany. Lucky man, smart man too. He now works for the US Army as a civil servant in Germany. He has two daughters (Asliegh and Rachael) and one son (Conner).

It seems that Conner is quite the young athlete, taking after his father and uncles as a fairly co-ordinated competitor. He does not yet know the limitations of coming from a stock of midget warriors who rarely reach the towering height of 5'6".At the age of 12, it does not matter yet, and he will not be daunted. He plays line backer and is the 2nd string QB on his local team. My brother sent a photo of him behind center. . .It looked like he was about half the size of the center, which created its own set of comedic impressions, but still quite an accomplishment. Conner has been starting the whole year at LB, but has recently had a start at QB. While he is no threat to become an all star (at QB), he has still been able to move the team with some consistency.

All of this is good stuff, and we here are quite proud of him. The anguish comes in where Conner has decided that he, like his father and uncles before him, shall carry on the family tradition of self induced concussions, i.e. being a Gamecock fan. Like the road less traveled, this choice is the one that is likely to build the most character, develop the most humility, and produce the shortest of chewed off fingernails. He will learn the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory as if it were second hand. He will come to know and cherish the words "wait til next year" as if it were a religious tantra. For it is easy to be a fan of the Crimson Tide, or the Bulldogs, or the Tarheels, or any of another dozen or so tradition rich storied programs; whereas, the fan of the Gamecocks is continually baptized in the hot fire of humiliating defeats, moral victory (any defeat that is not humiliating) and eternal hope. Good luck young Gamecock fan, and may the farce be with you.

Oleadnder Tea

2008-10-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

for our anniversary I directed my wife to visit this site. Now she meets me with a soothing cup of oleander tea and my favorite slippers every night when I come home.

a day late and $6.60 short

2008-10-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

What a great time the Numbblowme was. For the first 30 minutes, I don't think I could tell you who was at my table, I was so busy shoving without even looking at my cards. Actually a couple of times I saw my cards, but it didn't matter. I did eventually end the first hour with 100,000 chips, but never seriously improved that stack. With 2A.M. approaching I shoved AJ into AA, and I failed to suck out. What's up with that?

I was reading Bam Bam's write up and he said we were on the same table for a while, but I never saw him until after he was out. I had my donk blinders on. Yesterday was a crazy one at work, my anniversary, and my HS reunion (man, I went to school with some old phuckers), so this is the first chance I have had to report that I had *66 rebuys. I can't tell you how many 53, 94, 52 os's dis not hit for me. I was robbed. I did work my way over 30k in chips twice only to fall back down to zero.

I also donked off about 3 buy is at a blogger cash game, low stakes, big fun though.
All in all it was an A- night. An earlier start, or a turbo structure would be the only thing that could make it better. Many thanks to NumbBono and the crew at Buddy Dank Radio. Good job mi amigos.

Gamecocks. . . .who????

2008-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

As I type, my illustrious Gamecocks are 5-3. Which puts them at 500 over the entire life of the program. Well, actually if you go back to the first game which was long before it was actually called football, we would still be 1 game under .500.

Let's see that was almost a thousand years ago. We had a quarteback named Harold and we were playing these kids from accross the channel. Their quarterback was some young tough named William. As South Carolina had not been founded yet, much less a University of chicken fighters dedicated to the prospect of mediocrity in field generalship, we went by the name of the Saxons. William and his crew were known as the Normans- and they were french. How ghey is that? The big bad Saxons lose to a bunch frenchie Norman people.

We were fresh off of a victory over some Vikings, where of course, we had been underdogs. So feeling full of ourselves we took to the field against these Normans. Who the devil is this Norman guy anyway and why would an entire team name themselves after him??? I think they were at sea too long crossing the english channel and Norman was the guy who spent the most time in the barrel. Or Maybe William was Norman's bitch. Either way, they beat the crap out of us, killed our quarteback and set us back almost 900 years before we could put a team together again. Now look what kind of team we got.

However, they did set a precedent. Everytime we put together a victory, or even a string of victories, where we beat some one we weren't supposed beat, you can bet your bottom dollar we will get a swelled head and lose to some french fry fag team who will beat us senseless and kill our quarteback.

Discretionary Spending

2008-10-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

My lovely bride and I went to Asheville this past weekend to visit the Biltmore House/mansion/castle. Take your choice, but. . WOW!!! What a piece of impressive architecture. It kind of reminded me of Neuschwanstien. I saw Neuschwanstien Castle in Germany back in the early 90's. . .more impressive architecture, but that was built by a King. Vanderbilt was not a king in the traditional sense, though his grandfather was certainly a king of railroads and shipping. Either way, it took quite a bit of discretionary moolah to be able to fund the day to day upkeep, much less the construction costs, the landscaping costs, the shipping fees, the labor. . . .Ah, to have that bankroll for a month. . .a week. . .even a day!! Whew, more than I am worth, or foresee myself being worth (unless the inflation that is headed our way brings minimum wage close to a million dollars a year, ha ha).

While up there, I learned of Harah's in Cherokee. I looked them up on line, but did not see much about their poker room, if they have one. Does anybody know??? It might be worth another, better planned trip. The only casinos here in South Carolina (that I know of) are on the boats that dock at Little River. I have been there once so far, and threatened to go again, but the Cherokee thing might be worth a longer vacation type of thing. There are lots of nice little things to see in the mountains that would interest my bride, as she loves the mountains, but is not so much for the casinos.

Pricey Pimpage

2008-10-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

NumbBlowMe Invitational
Tournament # 6382019510/23/2008
8:30 pm CSTNLHE - 0.10 + 1.00
Unlimited dime rebuys until first break
Dime add-on of 1500 chips at first break
password = bdankradio

Potentially gives new meaning to the phrase, "Brother can you spare a dime?" or in some cases "Can I borrow $5?" Please do not try these jests at home, as you may find that a sense of humor is not something that will be tollerated in some quarters. As will be attested by one jokeless bastard's response. They don't break appendages, but they will handicap keyboards.

Horseshoe up my. . . (or Trifecta II)

2008-10-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

As I understand it, the term Trifecta originated in the horse racing world for the person who was able to "predict" the 1st, 2d and 3d place finishers. In modern slang it can indicate a favorable multiple phenomenon. I believe that it is a term that lends itself to donkey racing, or online tournament poker as it is more commonly known. That being said, I do believe this donkey found a horseshoe over this past weekend:

Donkament 2d
Tuckfard I 3d
Tuckfard II 1st

WooHoo!! to quote that great American philosopher Homer Simpson. A repeat performance from the bottom of the poker world (I had a similar run in June), but in the top of the land of fun. I am now the self proclaimed: Donkey of the week!!!

Ironically, in the TFI, Carson finished 1st, I was 3rd, we traded spots in the TFII. For my part, it was the luck of not zigging when I shoulda zagged, insteaded of any particular skill. I started out lucky when my pocket q's found a third on the river of an AKx flop- actually I was lucky twice in that no one raised me out of the pot before the river. I also took a hit when my Kx soooted, found a flush where I lost to the nut flush in the same sooot. Shortly thereafter, I was almost out of chips in TFI, suckin wind bad, when I went AI w/ 2 high clubs in the sb and luckily hit. Still in last place I went AI w/ Q 10 in my next BB. This is when I suspected I may have been carrying a little extra lead in my butt as I sucked out again. By this time the TFII had started, and unlike many of my on line brethren, who seem to have the talent to play 2 or 3 or 4 if not billions of games at the same time, I have quite the difficult time keeping up with playing one tourney--particularly a TF tourney where the chat box is always full of good humor, friendly banter, and witty quips.

As for the Tuckfard II, I can't say what happened. Generally, whenever I think for the slightest moment that I have horse figured out, I follow that thought up with big losses and early outs in sngs and small stake tables. A humbling game. . .with the potential to cause pain when I find myself staying in hands I should have folded one, two, or three streets earlier. Anyhow, the cards gods were smiling on me the past few days. Fun tourneys, good friends, and a good time, what more can one ask for??

Hey--It's Tuckfard Night.

2008-10-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

This one I can apply to my own life. It is artificial inteligance (supposedly) that deals the cards and allows us to play games and tournaments where we get to spend time with our friends on line. It is my natural stupidity that makes me think my set of 8's is a good push when there are 3 spades on the board. You know this fits with Carson's definition of a Tuckfard, too. Where else can you have more fun for $3.50??? Not saying you can't, but, please clue me in if you find it.

Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2008-10-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

You know there are some things in life that just don't have to be said. . . .some rules that don't have to be written. Some one emailed me a whole list of such things and this was at the top. I guess there are times that a good night sleep can be a shitty experience!!

Now, I can say, because I followed this rule tonight, I was able to finish second in the Donkament to bdiddie. There are actually three things that I did which I can attest positively affected my play tonight:

1) I took no laxatives. and
2) I took no sleeping pills, and last but not least,
3) I listened to BuddyDank Radio

a Tuckfardian good time

2008-10-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

I played in my two favorite tournaments in the whole wide world on Monday evening. The Tuck Fard I and the Tuck Fard II. After 8pm though, I could barely stay connected. However, lady luck was on my side. I won the TF!, only being connected 1/2 the time I was playing. That might be the key--I didn't get the chance to donk my chips away during my disconnect time. I was the chip leader after the first hour and with 8 runners left. (I was in TFII at same time with a set of 10's) when my connection fritz started. By the time I got back there were 3 runners left in TF I: BamBam, Mojo and yours truly. I was in third, but had a competitive stack, I lost connection again and reappeared dangerously low with the antes moving up. I caught a lucky run and WTH, I won!! Do miracles never cease? I never caught any traction at the TFII, but I guess I can't complain about bad luck for another day or two now. Anyhow, win lose or draw, the TuckFards are the best. Nice company to keep. I'll keep showin up as long as they will have me.

Values, Politics, and the Mother Lode

2008-09-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made. Life is a whim of several billion cells to be you for a while. -Groucho Marx.

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others. - Groucho Marx

The national myth is that we Americans pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, work hard and become successful. for the last 20 years the mythos has been that the Government is only here to get in the way. "Handouts" that help working class people are taboo, and it seems that this work ethic mythos is only for working class stiffs. If, on the other hand, you are a corporation and having difficulties through your own mismanagement, internal strife, or malfeasance, well then the the US government is there to bail you out, pay off your deadbeat CEO a hefty sum and bring in new execs at the tax payers' teat. I have had my doubt about where we were or are headed, but I believe it has been confirmed. We are officially a corporate-communist economic state. Socialism for the rich, that's us.(See Freddie and Fannie). So much for the Reagan myth. There is a lot in that statement. Now, for me to actually know what I am talking about in making this comment, or to even give a fuck, I'd have to regain the use of a few of the brain cells that I killed during the 70's and 80's. Then again, if I realized that this is the insane shit I had to look forward to, I might have just checked in for the full frontal lobotomy.

I am so fucking confused, I do not even know where to start. First of we elect the "conservatives" because they say they won't (1)tax and (2)spend like the liberals. And I know this is true, why??? Because they keep telling us it's true ad nauseum!!! The low tax thing still seems to a conservative value. Who wants to pay high taxes?? They don't tax high incomes or capital gains, or corporations, like the liberals before them. Lower and middle class incomes not so much --at least not mine. This evidently for "conservatives" is ok. To tell you the truth, it doesn't bother me either way. It's not like my opinion really matters anyway.

What does bother me is that they seem to have missed the spend part though, which makes the first part useless. Theses "conservatives" are big time into spending, and this baffles me senseless. I thought conservatives were big on living with in their means, being frugal. or at least fiscally responsible. It is bad to spend it like it is going out of style while cutting the amount of money that is coming in. How the fuck is driving the debt up so high that the next administration or generation has to pay for it a good conservative value? Of course it has been the recipe for the last the "conservative" adinistrations. . . silly fuckin me for thinking this is not a good concept.

If I had it to do over again, I'd run my life and business this new "conservative" way, not the frugal conservative way. I wouldn't have to bring in more income, all I have to do is borrow a bunch of money from the banks and let them sell the debt to the Chinese, have some kids and leave the business to them to pay off the debt. Better yet, I should become a CEO, steal a bunch of money from people who don't know anybetter, donate a goodly portion of the money to a good conservative politician, give myself an outrageous salary, then let the government bail me out when I go broke. Now that would be the mother lode.

Nah, I'll stick with my way. Pay as I go, and If I don't have it, I don't spend it.

Schtupp me now, or schtupp me later

2008-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my favorite two baseball teams were the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Redsox. From 1970 to 1978 were my formative years in becoming a sports fan. The Braves plain sucked, and the Redsox were further perfecting the ultimate in ways to visit heartbreak upon their loyal fans. I won't go into how many times the Braves finished in last place vs. how many times they were grateful that San Diego was in the same division. Nor will I recreate the '75 Redsox loss to the Reds or the 78 collapse.

No, what I have here is a philosophical question from two divergent backgrounds in futility:

The Braves, for the most part, were very honorable in their incompetence. They had the common decency to put their fans on notice very early in the year that they were not going be competing for division titles, playoff spots or World Series championships. It allowed a fan to get over the disappointment early in the year. It also allowed the fan to enjoy the 2 or 3 weeks when they invariably won 14 out of 16 or 18 out of 24 as a sign of better things to come next year. Small things, like Ralph Garr chasing a batting title and big things, like Hank Aaron chasing down Babe Ruth, and absurd things, like how many times could Sonny King throw the ball into the stands on routine grounders to short, were the moral victories that we fans followed while we could not follow a pennant chase.

The Redsox, on the other hand, went about business in such a way that showed their fans that they were very capable of competing for championships. They approached such heights again and again, only to fall short in ways that left their fans hungover and emotionally drained. They would take their fans to the brink, only to turn their backs as if to say, "Nah, no thanks, not interested, just kidding."

Now the question is simple. It's a fan question for a real fan, not a sunny day fan, who only shows up when the team is winning, but a fan who wears the hat even when the team can't seem to get it going, and even when they have blown it once again. Is it better for them to drop into the cellar with a long losing streak at the beginning of the year (Braves of that era), or is it better for them to hold your attention, build up your hopes, then blow it in some gut wrenching exposition that makes the fan want to swear off all sports like an alcoholic fresh off a bender?

Football, Carolina, and Humble Pie.

2008-09-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

As a life long Gamecock fan, I have learned humility and the true meaning of being humble from a very young age. In over 100 years of football at the State's flagship university, it is interesting to note:

*only one team has won a double digit amount of games. 1984 the team went 10-2. The first loss was to a 4 win Navy team in November when Carolina had risen to # 2 in the country. The second loss was in the Gator bowl to Oklahoma State coached by Jimmy Johnson, pre-Miami Hurricane and Dallas Cowboy days.

* for many years we have been known as the graveyard of coaches. Many a savior has entered the hallowed grounds of Williams Brice Stadium only to leave or be forced out after posting unsavory results. It started with Rex Enright (the Notre Dame connection and former Georgia assistant) in the 30's and 40's. Not a whole lot of success, but he hung around longer because he beat Clemson with some regularity.

*Paul Dietzel won a national title at LSU before coming to Carolina as the savior of the 60's. He did coach the team to their only conference title ever (1969 ACC), but resigned a few seasons later (1973) after an 0-5 start. He never coached again.

*Jim Carlen was successful in West Virginia and at Texas Tech had some very successful teams, and coached George Rogers (1980 Heisman Trophy winner). He was fired after the 1981 season. His record at USC was 45-36-1, but he left never to coach again. I am informed and believe, he fell in love with a young former cheer leader who he left his wife for. He eventually made the cheerleader his new wife and I am informed that they have had a happy life together. Nonetheless, while the record was by no means a bad one as coaches in Columbia go, I do not think the board, the president, or the alumni were too impressed with the latter fact. This, coupled with the fact that he could not beat Clemson (not that anyone else has since Enright) led to the ultimate demise.

*1983 brought Joe Morrison to town. His teams were very exciting and very competitive, some were very highly rated. Alas, He died after the 1987 season leaving behind a big steroid scandal, probation, and disenchantment.

*the 90's brought Sparky Woods and Brad Scott. . .enough said, haha. Anybody remember the last time Carolina played the Citadel? How about the 20 game losing streak at the turn of the century? Sparky has been toiling as an assistant and just landed a head coaching job at VMI. Brad is coaching at. . .Clemson, as an offensive assistant coach.

You know, after all is said and done, the overall record in the entire history of the program is almost .500. Look up college football mediocrity. We might be tops at something after all. I am a realist, I love my team not one less bit because they happen to lack success. Somebody has to be the homecoming opponent. I guess that is a little cold, but. . . Enough for now. I'll cover more later when I am not feeling so cynical.

Thanks for stoppin by. Ya'll come back now, ya hear.

Playing a little and enjoying it more.

2008-09-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

I have played in the Brit Blogger the past 2 weeks. Yesterday it was like being in a Tuck Fard Tourney. All my Canadian friends were there. I'll be playing in the weekly Tuck Fard tourney this evening. My friend BamBam has threatened to pay my entry if I don't show up, haha.

Whatever disenchantment I am feeling for online poker these, it is not a money problem. I have not spent more money than the entertainment value for the games I play. On the other hand, I do seem to be spending more time than the allotted entertainment value for the games I play. In other words, I am spending too much fawkin time on the computer.

For those of us who are predisposed to a self destructive fondness for drugs and alcohol, gambling can too have its dark side. When I first started playing in a local home game in college, the idea was that there was a certain amount of money that I would have spent out in a bar, or on a date, etc. I took the minimum amount and set that aside each week for poker nite. This was the late 70's early 80's, and $20 to $30 a week was no small sum for me. I was in college for the first time then. (six years at the College of Charleston- almost 3 semester's worth of credit before I threw in the towel). I never missed a rent check, never missed a bill, etc. I always have had the discipline to pay the obligations before playing with what was left. Though I did have a room-mate who lost his tuition money playing Acey-Ducey (a game I learned quickly to avoid). Even during my drug induced, drunken, debauched, and degenerate days in my mid to late 20's, I always paid my bills. I didn't always dress so nice, but I paid my bills.

I did not have anyone to account to for my time. . .other than my boss, and he got my allotted weekly quota. I still played cards and gambled in those days, but Budweiser, cocaine and tequila were my main family, friends, and acquaintances. Cards was a time killer. I did have a penchant for the parley cards, but anything I won went to dope and booze. Now that I am older, mature (I hesitate to claim this character flaw), and married, the time factors into quality time with my spouse. Now that I run my own small business, the time runs into time spent making the business run. Now that my father has passed and my mother is on her own, the time runs into the things that she needs help from me.

I might not be lucky at cards, but in life, I am the luckiest man I know. I have a life that is second to none. . . a great family that I could not have hand chosen better, a wonderful wife, who hand chose me, and a job where the only drawback is I work for a prick (I only have myself to blame). Hell, on further review I might be the luckiest bastard in the world at cards, too. As stupid as I play sometimes, I still find joy and friendship at a card table.

Thanks for stoppin by. Ya'll come back now, ya hear.

Playing more and enjoying it less

2008-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

I am on at least a one month hiatus from playing Full Tilt Poker (other than the Tuckfard). . . In fact, I did not play last two week at all other than Tuck Fards I & II which I played the last two Mondays. As always, there is a nice crowd there. My on line game plain sucks, which is not unsuaual. My attitude really sucks too, and there is no one to blame but me. I guess that is life sometimes. The poker gods willing, and the computer battery working, I'll play TF again next week, but my heart aint quite in it. Maybe I'll even post a decent post again, haha, or even once. It is football season and between USC and Clemsonsome of the best tragi-comedy theater goes on right here in my home state. If there aint some fine material there before the second kickoff, it'll be a first.

Best Olympic Memmory

2008-08-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

Winter 1980--Hockey--need I say more. My friend the Captain told me that it was his first memory of Olympic competition. . . that being from Minnesota, hockey was king. Well for a few special days in the winter of 1980, hockey was king in Charleston, South Carolina, too. I dare say it was king all over the USA. . . Hell, in Charleston we couldn't spell hockey prior those days. What did I know about icing? Well, it had to do with cakes, not sport.

But everybody loves an underdog, especially when it is your own underdog. What a great Olympic time. I don't have the words, the phrases, the blogogasmic talent to do justice to what we watched and the exhilaration we experienced. The emotions that the country felt. . .it was like a national spiritual experience. It brought us together for that very special few days. It didn't seem to matter where people came from or who their people were: tall, short, rich, poor, gay, straight, black, white, rock-rib republican redneck, liberal yellow dog democrat, christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Wicca, agnostic, or any other individual identification--We were all proud countrymen; we were all hockey fans. The USSR was so talented, so experienced in international competition. Our rag tag group of college kids pulled the upset of the century ( in our eyes). This was the days before the real pros were allowed to compete in the Olympics. Ad it was a joyful and unifying moment.

Thanks for stoppin by. Ya'll com back now, ya hear!

Olympic memmories

2008-08-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

The first Olympics I remember watching with interest were the 1972 Summer Games from Munich. Now there are several noteworthy events that happened there, the least of which not being the kidnapping/murder of the Israeli athletes. On the lighter side there was Mark Spitz--the Michael Phelps of his day, scoring 7 golds; Olga Korbut, the Russian gymnast who captured every one's heart and imagination; and there was the unthinkable loss of the US basketball team to the USSR.

It was kind of like mini lessons about life wrapped up in two weeks. I had no idea about terrorism and politics and the tragic consequences when extremists took out their frustrations on innocent parties, but I learned about real tragedy. There were real live young men and women who were killed. . . died when all they wanted to do was compete.

There was the nationalistic pride brought on when US Swimmer, Mark Spitz put on an heroic performance. he was actually sent home early because he was Jewish and there was fear of other terror attacks.

Prior to 1972, the USA had never lost an Olympic basketball game. It was as if it was deemed that just being American gave us a birthright to the gold in basketball every four years. I believed it in my heart of hearts. There was some injustice, it seems, in the way that the soviets dethroned our cagers, but in light of what happened to the Israelis, tragedy is just not a fitting word. A lot of pride was swallowed, but not one person died. In the bigger scheme of life, where disappointments are meted out to us all by the bucket load on a daily basis, this was a lesson in humility. It really did not matter how wronged or indignant, I felt about the results or how they were obtained, they weren't gonna be changed. There was not one thing I could do about it. Time spent begrudging the facts was time wasted, life goes on. We were going to lose sooner or later anyway--and did, more and more often as the years moved on. And it wasn't because we were bad, the rest rest of the world just caught up. More over the soviets were our arch enemies. I really believed we were the good guys back then, that we always did right. They were the evil empire, and always did bad. . .more history and politics I did not understand.

Even at 11 years old, I had the common sense to realize that the basketball teams of neither country were out there for world political or military domination. They were there to compete. And even despite this slight at the hands of our rivals, it seemed the whole country indeed put aside political differences when we all cheered for Olga Korbut with heartfelt enthusiasm. It did not matter that she was from the Soviet Union. She was a special athlete and through her performance she earned the respect and the cheers of everyone from what I could observe. Nationalism was put aside, and for few glorious days a little gymnast conquered the world.

Oh well enough for now. . .

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, ya hear!

Inaugural LPR Tour

2008-08-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

. . .and I was there!! Though nothing in particular good happened. in my hand, I did run my set of 10's into a set of J's in what I felt was a masterful move to get my opponent AI. lol. That is before I was so rudely shown the error of my ways. Later (with barely more than the blinds) I was shown the door and said good night when my AK sooooted lost to AK os on a spade, spade, spade flop, spade turn. (My AK was clubs.) It was a good game for some one, just not for me. My only consolation is that this was the first and I got to say I was there amongst the real players rubbing elbows and tossing chips for the very first Live Poker Radio Tour.

I really have only one question. . .How many of these things do you have to cash in to get an intro to Annabelle the sheep. You know she looks pretty hot dancing around in those high heels and pink wool. . . . Now you're talkin' live poker radio celebrity!!!

Poker and Roller Coasters: who woulda thunk it

2008-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Remember the thrill of the roller-coaster or whatever other gut gripping, death defying ride that made your adrenaline pump at the county fair or amusement park? Now think about the thrill of poker. What if you learned that it is possible to combine these two events into one tragi-comic event. . .and that there are casinos out there that are in the process of perfecting it.

Well last weekend, I found myself in Little River, South Carolina along with my good friend Wes (Big Pirate) where we hopped on a casino boat for some live poker entertainment. Little did we know that we were truly in for a WEEEEEEEE ride. If you happened to look at the weather for the south east U.S. that weekend, you would have noticed that there was a tropical storm off the coast of South Carolina- a fact that deterred neither of us one bit. In fact, while none of our other friends showed, mostly due to the weather conditions, (though I did have one friend who cancelled because he conveniently remembered that it was his wedding anniversary. . .I guess a year in the dog house is a bit too much to pay for a gambling good time), we didn't even discuss the possibility of not going out.

The boat left the dock at 12 pm. After about 45 minutes the tables opened up, and I settled into 2/5 nlhe game that in the end left me healthier in the end than I started. Financially-that is-I bought in for the 100 minimum and cashed out 225. My trips held, my two pairs worked and I was able get away from some trouble before I was hurt. Uneventful, but profitable.

The adventure though was by far in the boat ride. Six to eight foot seas left quite a few people searching for Dramamine, trashcans, deck rails and toilets. My stomach had several out of body experiences, though it was able to avoid spilling any inner body fluids. The ride kind of reminded me of Space Mountain at Disney World. By the second hour, and after a Dramamine supplement, I was counting the minutes til we were going to be back in port as little beads of sweat continuously appeared on my forehead. I haven't seen that many people puking in so many different places since I was a freshman in college and partying at a beer bash. I had to get up from the table once when I thought I was a goner, but somehow I held it in. I watched a lady run from her seat at the slots and empty her contents into a trashcan, which surprisingly brought no sympathetic like/kind act from me. I made my way down to the bathroom where I heard some pretty scary sounds. Somehow, I never got sick. Hey, I'm not complaining. . .I am grateful.

I'd kind of like to make this a quarterly event, but I promise, if there is a low pressure system off the coast, I'll be typing about the weekend plans that didn't materialize.

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, ya hear!

Like watching popcorn pop

2008-07-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

I played 4- 10 man $3.4 turbo PLO HL SNG's on Sunday on Poker Stars and I cashed in them all- 3-2d's and 1-3d. It was kind of like watching popcorn pop, or better yet lemmings throwing themselves off of the edge. Mass migrations of chips made their way to the center of the table, some went back where they started with interest while others left their former owners out in the cold seatless and wondering wtf happened. Anyhow, the last one I played in was funny for the above annalogy plus this. I won the first hand outright with 4 A's. Then I sat and watched as the person on my right hits a streak and wipes out the rest of the table in like ten hands. We are down to just the two of us. We play a couple of hands when all of a sudden a light bulb comes on and she says "I thought this was Hi/Lo" You know. . .I paused. . .I looked, and I had to admit "So dod I." We were playing PLO. I fell out of my chair, collected $9.00, and have not stopped laughing since. Go figure

postage and donkatrotomy

2008-06-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of months I have been doing well on my posts (clearly a perspective thing) If you consider the frequency of posting a good thing, as opposed to the quality of a post. . .(something I am not about to touch.)

Anyhow, I missed the Donkament last night when I took my lovely bride out to dinner and to a movie. The company was wonderful, but I still missed the donketrotomy. Donketrotomy shall be defined as that good time had by friends turning cards and chips with other friends and compatriots while good humor, laughs and good times are generally are shared by all despite the appearance of a good hand, bad hand, good flop, bad flop, suckout, suck job, blow job or hand job, or any other poker, or non-poker happening. The main objective being the sharing of a good time, poker prowess, on such an occasion is purely secondary.

That being said, I do look forward to the Tuckfard events on Monday. Come join us for a doo time, a yabba doo time, a yabba dabba doo time.. . . enough, don't want to step on anybody's lines here.

Event: Tuckfard ! (NLHE 7pm) and Tuckfard II (HORSE 8pm)
password (with reminder hint): muhctim is a (fill in the blank).

If you said Donkey, and have $3.50 in your bankroll, well then, you can pull up a chair at maybe not the most prestigious events to be found, but certainly two of the top three good times you will have anywhere in the cyberworld of donketrotomy!!! Good time guaranteed or all laughs will be refunded!!!

The more I do this. . .

2008-06-24T03:42:00.000-07:00

The more I do this the more I realize the less I know. That is to say, I kind of feel silly writing anything at all most of the time. I think there is a parallel between my poker acumen ( poor choice of word) and these blogomorphic spasms that I call posts.. . .I am not really that good at either. However, I persevere at both. And every once in a while, I stumble upon a phrase, or I put together a couple of hands. . .the stars and the moon fall into line, and. . .MEDIOCRITY prevails!!! I approach good only in the eyes of Hunter and Callie. They greet me each evening with big yelps and kisses knowing that their supper dishes will soon be full. The only thing they ask in return is to share a few of their fleas with me. To be quite honest, sometimes that is good enough.

Thanks for stoppin by, Ya'll come back now, ya hear!

WTF

2008-06-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Discipline experiment 4--I run my JJ into an A9. fucking 2 9's hit the board-the second on the river. I should know better than to play that shit. I am a fuckin loser. Nobody in his right mind plays JJ against A9--just assholes like me. . .and to beat all, it was the same person who caught the 8:1 shot and put me out w/ hi pocket JJ v. my pocket AA. I remained disciplined--not splashing chips around on donkey shit, but wtf. . .this one hurts. Again with the fuckin JJ==bain of my exisence. I surrender.. .put a fork in me, I am done. JJ is not in my range, even when the flop comes 973. No whining or disrespect aimed at TBA, but whoever is in charge of the card gods this month--fuck you, I do not appreciate your sense of humor.

Thanks for stoppin by, (unless you are a card god) ya'll come back now, ya hear.

Trifecta

2008-06-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Donkament--2d
Tuckfard I--1st
Tuckfard II -- 2d

A real accomplishment of donkorific heights. I can see it now: Guest appearance on Hee Haw; All expenses trip down the Chattahotchie river with Ned Beattie, Honorary Donk of the month. Sometimes life is good on the bottom of the heap... and don't be fooled, you don't get much more bottomer than me of late. Here's lookin up atcha. In all reality, I always have such a good time playing in these events, I have to thank the hosts and the participants. Great conversation, humor and fun. Till next time. . .

Thanks for stoppin by, Ya'll come back now, ya hear.

Donk of the Week (runner-up)

2008-06-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

WooHoo. I finnished second in the Donkament. I am the Runner-up Donkey of the week. Now you may not realize it, but this is a very important spot in the world of donketrotamy. If for any reason the Donk of the week should not be able to carry out the duties of the crown, well then, those duties would fall to the RUD. Just how likely is that to happen, you may ask. Remember, it wasn't too long ago where a donkey of the week (who shall remain nameless) had to step down when it was revealed that he had spent the night in the stables of a horse that belonged to another rider. Oh the shame. Then there was that donkey who in a moment of indiscretion had posed for Horseboy in those compromising positions with that cow. I hear there may have been some monkeys involved. . that was really embarassing. You know, if I am not mistaken, in order to avoid all of the bad publicity, I think they may have moved to Youranus. Then again, you'd have to ask mayor BamBam about that. I am sure their names have been changed to protect the, well you know. . . . So what I am saying is, should Bay falter. . .I'll be there.

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, you hear!

the Fawkin Card Gods are Fawkin Maniacs

2008-06-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Experiments in discipline game 2: Riverchasers. Very light turn out, I hang around very patiently only playing top starting hands as I am required by my self imposed lesson in discipline. Discipline be damned, second hour, I catch h AA, and, what else, IGH. Do not pass go, do not collect the double up. Nope, give up all of your chips and get the fuck out of here; gg and thanks for donating, sucker!!! Some one else has JJ. The same JJ that I got to go home with at the MATH on Monday. Only this time the fuckin cards gods give up the 8:1 shot when the jacks are against me. My fuckin JJ wasn't even stacked against higher pockets in my first race; the other A was flopped. I suck. I suck. I suck, but I don't suck out. . . .any how, I am, and was actually, over this about 5 mins after it happened. My mission is to learn discipline, even when taking or giving bad beats. . . make the right choices--which I did both times, though I came up short. I just think this is kind of funny... My vitriolic tantrum.

If you are ever involved in a hand with me and you have pocket JJ--take it to the bank. If you suspect me of having JJ, shoot me in the head, and make it painful.

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, ya hear!

First Tourney Experiment

2008-06-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

I played in the MATH last night. I did have to adjust my starting hand requirements to account for the six handed format. But I was able to play disciplined according to my goal for the most part. I did eventually finish 5 out of 15. I was low man, hovering at about 10 BBs when I woke up with JJ. Not a bad hand for my position and relative low stack. As it turned out I got all my chips in with the best hand in a classic race situation. Kat called with AQo there was an A somewhere in the flop, so IGH. Not altogether happy, but not altogether disappointed either.

I will play one more blogger event this week. Probably the Skills or Riverchasers, as they start earlier, but with the number of entrants being low right now the 10:00 pm start in the Mookie should allow me to get to bed by midnight. Same strategy--not necessarily to win, but to remain disciplined though the whole tourney. This is, for me, a lesson in self patience and discipline.

As always, thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, you hear!

Humbling Sports: an exercise in ego deflation

2008-06-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Golf is a humbling sport. Poker, on the other hand is a humiliating sport. I started playing in the blogger tournaments to see how I stood. I can confidently say after six months, I stand in muck!!! Not the good kind of muck where I might have had the common sense to fold a hand I knew to be beat. No the nasty, smelly muck that filled mid-evil streets and burns the nostrils and makes children hide under the covers and on lookers cringe when I pay off that hand that I never had a shot at.

I am going to try an experiment in my next ten tourneys. I will not enter a hand unless I have a top 10% starting hand (blinds excepted). I will make myself be patient, I will attempt to learn discipline, to the extent that I will allow myself to blind out before I will enter with a less than what I am allowed to. I will not donk off with top pair, and I will not put my chips in a pot if I do not absolutley believe I am ahead. I will loosin up the starting requirements only when I have >7 bbs. I will also cut down my play to 1 or 2 per week.

I have been playing in the 90/3.3/mtt. It can be a donkfest, and for a long time I avoided it because I am susceptible to following the bad plays I see with bad plays of my own. However, in my past ten (which I will not attempt to analyze here) I have cashed in 5 (1-2d, 1-3d, 1-5th, 1- 8th , 1-9th). The last twenty 3.3s I have attempted to instill somewhat of the discipline I describe above, to varying degrees of success. There are a lot of good hands that get beat by better hands, suckout or no suckout. If someone wants to pay for all seven cards, they get to play all seven cards, no matter what kind of crap they start with. I always try to keep that in the back of my mind. Sometimes it stops me from tilting so fast.

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, ya hear!

Games 9, 10, and 11

2008-06-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Well, what the hell do results have to do with making the right decisions?? I haven't the foggiest. But looking back the one thing this exercise has pointed me toward doing is trying to make the right decisions each time. I was fairly consistent about getting my money in with the best cards. They just didn't hold up all the time. Some of those times, my stack was so short that the would be caller was getting the event odds of knocking me out. I can pretty consistently get to the booobulous table. I gotta have some chips when I get there, or I'm mostly chum.

Anyhow:

Game 9 saw me as chip leader while there were still well over 50 players. My pocket A's got help, and I beat out pocket k's and pocket 9's (which also got help). I finished in 9th position. . .cha ching, ha ha. There were some hands I coulda played that as it turned, I woulda held. However, I got super tight, if for no other reason, to make the final table. I got there with the second lowest amount of chips and was quickly put into an all or nothing situation. I lost, but it was certainly a moral victory to cash.

Game 10 (5th place) The highlight play was when my Ah, 10h saw a two hearts on the flop with a 7h, 3h, 9x. 3 people are in with me, and I am faced with pushing in most of my stack. (over 9k in pot, I have 2.5 k and needing to call 1k to stay in. I push, two go away, the 1k calls and shows Q9 os. I hit an A on the river and get a lecture from the caller about chasing an A. I told him I was chasing the heart, because I had a nut flush draw and I thought the pot odds were right, not to mention I had a gutshot straight. Anyhow, I played it tight and aggressive from there and worked my way to 5th, Incidentally, I was knocked out when my AA lost to chip leader's kk that got help on the flop. At that point I was well below the rest of the field. If I had doubled up, I would still been in 5th, though only a few thousand chips woulda separated the 2nd through 5th.

So 5.62 + 18.00 = 23.62. That makes me a loser with a small "l". Practice it with me now: Go to the mirror. Put your hand on you forehead palm toward you. Bring your fingers into a fist and leave the single center finger up. There you have it. Loser with a "small L". You know I have noticed people making this gesture in my honor in all kinds of places. . .traffic jams, Family Court buildings (mostly by the "losing" party toward the prevailing party), teenagers (toward their parents, when they think they are not looking), and President Bush toward the entire US population (oh well, not gonna go into that any further, I think Rupert Murdoch and that Chaney kid mighta been egging him on).

Game 11 (3.3) Feeling confident from the cash roll that I have been experiencing, I decide to play a bonus game. Damn if I don't finish in 6th place. I gotta be honest, it seemed easier than any of the others, maybe because I was not feeling the pressure of being 0 for 8. I played fairly tight. Didot go to war with anything less than trips, my QQ held up twice, my KK was beaten by a stack that was being blinded out, so it didnt hurt too much. My sooted connectors, and my A, Face, and my medium pair hole cards made me some chips in the booobulous zone. It was actually kind of fun.

So, thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, ya hear!

poker 10 continued

2008-06-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

Monday night I was able to attempt to continue the 10 90 person sng experiment. This is taking longer than expected because I have to pay penance for being on vacation for two weeks. Ah well, work is kind of fun right now. The two weeks off was just what I needed.

Anyhow, Monday night I played in a $1.25 sng. I lasted almost 3 hours. I started at 5:45. TF ! started at 7, I was still in, and so were 40 0f my brethren. At that point I had doubled my stack. While it took a while I was able to coast in for a $1.98 win. Let me Tell you what I am gonna do with that bounty. . . . Actually, part of my deal with this is to take it serious and not play more than one at a time--for good or bad, so this one, I am not counting this one.

Game 5: I just got the opportunity to play another 3.3 ko this morning. As I type I am on break 21st out of 29 remaining. . .oh, oh break over. no hands bring me to 16 out of 16 22 in the sb held up, kind of, I suck out 4 hearts to go with my 2 of hearts, now 13 out of 14, and not looking good. as I lose my connection. Screw it!!! am going to work. Oops connection is back. . . and I went out in 12th without a whimper. . .actually got to play an AJ Soooted for my last 2700 chips, woohoo.--I am beginning to believe I suck at this. So far 4 x 3.3 + 1.25 spent/ Big goose eggs coming back.

Game 6: (3.3)fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck fuck, shit, fuck, fuck. 41 players left (I am 20th). I am in bb w/Q10h, 5 players call, K93h flop. I bet pot. all fold but 1, he raises, I jump all in. he calls and shows 33 (fucking idiot knew he needed a miracle) K on turn, fuck me good bye. I only played 4 hands, to that point--tight, played them all strong when I had the chance. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, ouch, fuck!!!!!!

Game 7: (3.3) am starting this game right after the last fiasco. . .new fiasco AA knocks out my KK Did I mention that I suck. the AA slow played it masterfully though, I am jealous (the best compliment I know). The flop gave me top pair and four flush I thought I got me chips in with the best hand. I never even had a sniff. Did I mention that I suck. Not in a homosexual way. No, at least then I could enjoy the fact that I suck. No, I suck in the miserable little way that only a hopeless wanna be a better on line poker player but can't even turn the computer on. Hell, it aint even that good, I should be so lucky as to not be able to turn the computer on.

Game 8: (3.3) this is becoming silly. just after first hour break, I get my chips in with pocket 6's flop comes 6d 10d x. I get called next card is no help to either I go AI, .. my opponent comes in shows 7d8d and river brings 9 d for straight fluck (a hybrid of the words Flush and fuck--meaning more specifically, fuck me)

Poker--just a sick thought

2008-05-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

I think I have it figured out. Maybe poker is a game that was created by sadists to be played by masochists. Where else can we have such fun wallowing in our misery?? Just a thought. Is it that only those who can stand the most pain can actually survive?? Not many people want to talk about that great hand or session that went their way. That could be interpreted as hubris, or bring the wrath of the poker gods, or worse (if there be such a thing). But everyone has a story or a memory that still stings with the thought or the retelling. No one else really wants to hear it, because they have their own. But, even the winners remember the pain of losing. Like my dear old dad used to say, it's kinda like gettin phucked without a kiss. Here's hopin you find a few kisses out there!!

Thanks for stoppin by, ya'll come back now, you hear.

10 games ala Bam Bam (first 4)

2008-05-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, inspired by my bedrock brethren, I am playing ten 90 seat sng's to see if I am able to overcome some of my own donkery. I am starting at the lowest level and my goal is to see where I stand. Nothing fancy. It will take me at least 5 days, maybe even 10 to complete. I have a couple of ground rules. No playing more than one table at a time. No giving stupid odds, no stupid plays when I know they are stupid.

Game 1: (1+.25)In the first hour I worked my way to 20 out of 46 without having to put my stack at risk or finding it necessary to enter into any races. I had a run of kk, AJ, 66, and JT s, wich allowed me to doubl up. No one follwed me to the show down, and I feel like I was able to extract the most I could out of each hand. I lost a quarter of my stack shortly after the first break when my 2 pair lost to a higher rivered 2 pair. My opponent had top pair with A kicker and was short stacked I had top pair, bottom pair, and A fell on the river. Don't know that I could have avoided that one. I lost another big chunk when my trip K's were out kicked. I fianlly said good night (23rd) when my A7 on the button brought an A7x flop. BB and cut off checked - I raised pot, got called by both. Turn brough Q, BB checked followed by cut off's AI. I was left with 800 chips and was getting a little better than 7:1 odds, I called. BB turns AA (nice play) cutoff turn QQ, meaningless river brings 7. No cash, no final table. But I am not disappointed by my play.

Game 2: (3.30)--Looked at 1 flop through first 20 hands-small pp, out of position, got to see it cheap, but no help- three overs on flop---bye. Patience brings jj in the sb, modest raise 3 players, 99j flop (sweet), pot bet all fold. . .ah well, perhaps I was too agressive. I make it to the booobulous arena, only to run out of steam and be sent packing in 14th. I made my way to 14th without a single bounty.

Game 3: (3.3) AA cracked early, bye, bye.

Game 4: (3.3) Picked up two bounties early. Caught pocket J's, jqx flop, ended up AI v (what else) pocket q's. I am left with 450 chips. With a little luck I work my way back to 10,000 chips, but run out of steam again in the booobulous zone. 14th again. I hope this is not an omen.

Meanwhile, I have been steady playing 1/2 and 2/4 lhe, and doing fair. My monthly allowance is in the positive as I type. Haha, I know how to take care of that, my precious. There's a no limit cash game out there just one notch above our comfort zone. . . wait, the nasty bagginses is there, waiting for us to do something foolish so he can takes the precious and bag it up with the rest of our foolishly lost preciouses. . . . On second thought, I'll enter another 90 sng, maybe a $1.25 this time. Then I can really show off my donkish figure at the Tuckfards, I and II, hope to see you there. . . I'll be back

Belen II

2008-05-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

No time pressures. . . no special place to be. . this really has been a nice vacation. In my week there, I have played as much live poker as I could have hoped to play. Mostly 2/4 limit, but I played a couple of hours of 2/6 before I left. Saturday I played 2/4 limit for about 9 hours at the Isleta Casino. I felt like I was poker drunk by the end there. I actually played at least two hours every day except Friday and Tuesday. It was a winning venture for me, which was nice; but mostly I was thrilled to meet some really nice people, local and visiting. The regulars were all pretty nice. I sat next to a man on my right (Gilbert) who hit a straight flush. The casino gave him a shirt for that feat. . .he gave it to me. I am going to send it to my friend Wes as a souvenir. The lady on my left (Sarah) comes to South Carolina a couple times a year with her husband to play golf and visit with friends. One of those friends gives them all a place to stay at her condo in Myrtle Beach. There was another couple at the table (Tom and Paula) that I did not get to talk to as much, but they were regulars and added to the general conviviality at the table. It was almost as if they were all having a friendly home game and I was invited.

Sunday we spent time at my brother-in-law's house (David) where he gave his daughter (Jaime) a graduation party. All in all it was a top notch affair. When it was all over the kids went bowling, and the adults went off to the casino. This time it was the Sandia. While the Isleta has that nice "homey" atmosphere, Sandia is spacious with much more variety. The smoke is not quite as oppressive, the lights are brighter, the ceiling is higher, and and the food is a little better. It really is a nicely run poker room.

Enough about cards. I actually have two brother-in-laws who live in the Albuquerque area. David works for the railroad. He has raised three girls and seems to have a nice life with his wife (Karen) and kids (though Jaime is the youngest and the others have moved out and actually live in North Dakota) The other brother-in law has had a slew of miscellaneous jobs throughout his life. . .mostly he has battled his own booze and dope demons. The most exciting thing about this trip thus far has been seeing him (Tom). He has turned a corner, or pulled himself together, or just plain gotten it. Either way, he is working at his job, and he is a fine father to his two boys. He had a truly humble attitude that leads me to believe he is genuine.

I have seen drunks and addicts clean up long enough to keep the heat off only to turn around and dig themselves a deeper hole. It can be a painful cycle to watch. Tom's turn around was quite the pleasant surprise for us. It brought joyful tears to my wife's eyes. She does not understand a lot about addicts and alcoholics, but she is definitely not an enabler. She is quick to forgive and has no problem giving second chances when they are merited. By the same token, she has very little problem telling some one to get it together or pack their shit. She did this to Tom several years ago when he was living in Charleston. He eventually found his bottom (his own words) when the rest of the family stopped taking care of him. He spent a couple of months in jail and no came running to bail him out. I am leaving out a lot of the other painful details, but suffice it to say Tom did some pretty hard bottom dwelling in the past few years. I know there are no guarantees, but it did my heart and soul a lot of good to see him doing so well.

Heroes II

2008-05-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

You know, I did not plan to write about a hero every day, nor every week, not even every month, but just whenever the mood strikes and the "hero" has done something that I find heroic. However, my own choice of this subject matter has had an affect on me wherein I am finding heroes everywhere I look, whether I look for them or not. Personally, this has been a good thing.

That being said, today I have found two more heroes: First, there is Kat of Kattitude fame. Her glass half full posts have made a positive impression on at least one person. It is not always easy to find the positive in life, nor is it always gratifying to invite those around you to do the same. But Kat's efforts are heroic to me. The posts help me pause and reflect every time I see one and they make me think of something that I have to be grateful for, which is not a bad thing. I gotta be honest here. I have a lot of stuff in my life to be grateful for. I just forget sometimes until someone or something reminds me.... then I get to add that someone or something to the list. If I am really lucky, I get to add them to both lists, the hero list and the gratitude list.

Second, and no less important, is Donkette. Her series of posts on her recovery are well worth the read. I understand, appreciate, and relate to every word. . .Her adventures before and after have helped, and will continue to help, allot of other addicts and alcoholics to find their chance at recovery. Keep up the good work, one day at a time!!!

Youthful Millionaires

2008-05-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Every time I read about an athlete or actor or other famous who has fallen off of his or her pedestal I wonder at the public outcry. I realize that part the public ire is rooted in plain old jealousy. If I were 18 to 25 years old and someone wanted to give me an ungodly amount of money to act in a movie, sing a song, toss, kick, hit, or catch a ball, I wonder if I would have been the role model for what we strive to be, or the role model for what we strive not to be.

More than likely, I would have been the Steve Howe kind of role model. For those of you who do not remember, Mr. Howe was quite a talented reliever in the 80's, but cocaine got in the way. His exta-ordinary talent at throwing a baseball made the powers that be more than willing to take a chance on him time after time. And after each failure, we stood aghast that he could throw it all away again and again. Like Mr. Howe, I loved to drink and party throughout the 80's too. But unlike Mr. Howe, I had no particular athletic talent that made anyone think I should be paid life changing money. Nor did the general public think I should be a role model for anyone. Truth be told, I am probably luckier that I lacked such talent and/or scrutiny in my youth. I may not have lived to tell my own tale.

Very rarely are me heroes public figures, but I do not exclude them. This brings me to today's hero: Josh Hamilton. He was the number one pick of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and he was sent to Charleston when their class A franchise was here. He, very publicly, and very painfully dismantled, decomposed and destroyed his career and his life with booze and dope in a way that made me wince and cringe more than once as I followed his demise. I have equally cheered as he has battled back from a front row seat seat on skid row to a spot in the starting lineup for the Texas Rangers. The Reds gave him a shot at redemption last year and he made the most of it.

It is not because he can knock the cover off of the ball with a talent that has and will command more money that I will see in my lifetime, that he is my hero. Nope, it is because he has had the grace and humility to face his demons and that he has had the courage to overcome what was taken from him by his own doings. And he has the gratitude to try to give something back. He did not have the option melt down in the private, anonymous way that most people live their lives. He has had to do it in the public eye and for good or for ill, under a scrutiny that would crush the spirit of many a human being better than I.

He may never be HOF material talent wise, but he is exhibiting HOF character, at least for today.

Heroes

2008-05-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

My heroes don't have super powers. They don't walk on water or leap tall buildings in a single bound. They don't make millions of dollars, or run countries, or states, or cities. They don't fight wars, or lead great battles, or huge armies. They don't win MVP awards or lead their teams to championships or colossal upsets. They don't write, they don't play cards, they don't do anything that the world judges as being financially, intellectually or athletically better than anyone else.

My heroes are real life human beings with real human faults, who somehow make the lives of the people they touch each day a little bit better. Sometimes the know it, sometimes they don't. But they are not going to toot their own horn to tell you or me what wonderful people they are or things they are doing. We have to look, listen, and notice. Really they are just plain people who go out there and do what it takes to live their lives each day without trying to draw any special attention to themselves for doing so.

Yes, I have a lot of heroes. and I am going to write about one or two of them every chance I get. Sometimes it will be an individual, sometimes it will be a trait that I find to be heroic, sometimes it will be both. Today's heroes are those men and women, step mothers and step fathers, who make a child's life a little bit better. Those who give a safe home, shelter, clothing, guidance, love to children who are not of their blood for no other reason than that the child needs it. All we ever hear in the news is the bad stuff. But there are millions of heroes out there who we never read about on the front page of the paper or on CNN.

My brother married his lovely wife and she was a single mom. He adopted Ashliegh and she is his daughter, just like Rachael and Conner, her younger siblings. There is no favoritism that I have ever observed, but I notice a lot of love in that family. My brother in law has a similar situation. His first wife had a daughter prior to their getting married. Her natural father remained somewhat in the picture, but aloof, never spent a lot of time with the child. When b-i-l and first wife split up (she actually left--abandoned her children, from what I understand), oldest child stayed with b-i-l. He had no legal obligation there, and little moral obligation, but her prospects were bleak without him. He gave her a home, kept her safe, warm, and got her through to adulthood along with her two younger sisters. She is an adult and has child of her own, he is still more of a parent/ grandparent to her than either her bio mother or father.

Look around yourself. We all know someone who fits the mold. To me these are the real heroes in that they make a difference-not necessarily a perfect difference, but a positive difference in the lives of those who need them not out of obligation, but out of love.

Belen

2008-05-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

I sit in a Holiday Inn Express in Belen, NM. Belen is a small RR town about 25 miles south of Albuquerque. It is home to my lovely bride's brother and his family. There are countless casinos within an hours drive. I played cards in the Sandia (Wednesday) and Isleta (Thursday) and enjoyed the experience very much. Sandia is a little roomier, about twice as many tables, but Isleta was friendlier. I noticed they go out of their way to learn and use people's names. . . the dealers and the management.

These were my first excursions into real life casino poker rooms. While I limited my exposure to 2/4 limit he, I am no longer a casino virgin, and I enjoyed the experience. Yes, it was good for me. Nothing beats holding the cards in your hands. Looking at your opponents, talking, commincating, enjoying a laugh.

Friday we drove to Sante Fe . What a nice drive. The landscape is nothing like what I am used. Kind of like being at the beach withut the water. Then there are those huge mountains. We really don't have anything to compare in the low country of South Carolina. The air is so dry it is taking some adjustments for my body to work right. . .sore sinuses and nose bleeds have been the irritation thus far. I am told that my body should adjust about two hours before we leave for home.

Donkey of the week (honorable mention)

2008-05-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo, I cashed 3d place in my most favorite tourney, Kat's Donkament. Alway a nice, small crowd, so when I get the chance to play it I am thrilled. I won a couple of weeks ago and Kat was kind enough to allow me to crown myself as Donkey of the Week. . . so this time ( with permission) I will claim an honorable mention to that honorable title. HaHa. Thanks Kat.

Where can you have more fun????

2008-05-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Blogger tourneys really are fun. There is a wealth of talent there that I can appreciate, and the entry fees are downright reasonable. I do notice that I, like most people, tend to remember my beats more than my wins-regardless of where they occur. . . Then again, I have more of the former, and the latter seems non-existent of late. I certainly have too many holes in my own game to start moaning about any particular loss. . . .Not a problem, I am still having fun. Actually, I seem to be enjoying this more than I ever have. The act of reading and writing about it seems to add to the pleasure of playing. It gives me some place to start now that I am wanting to address some weaknesses in my game.

In my tourney play of late, I have regularly been able to make it to that area that I like to call pre-boobulous with a decent amount of chips. Pre-boobulous is the area where I am not quite on the bubble, and I have not quite made a boob out of myself--but the potential for both or either wafts through the air. Finding myself on this sea, where all players must pass through should they wish to reach the shores of nirvana (a win) or even just splash around on the beach (a cash), I have managed to puncture my life raft and lose myself in the swells of the ocean of despair. In the past this has sent me back to making stupid choices earlier in the tourney. My choices there have been somewhat questionable- though I seem to be able to rationalize them in my own sick head. I should like to learn from where I am--with some self examination and a kick in the pants, i will endeavor to explain.

Two recent examples-Monday in the MATH, there are less than 20 of my brethren remaining in this most hallowed event, and I find myself with a stack between 20 and 30 times the blinds. First, I blow off a little better than half on a AK sooooted in the cutoff, that I don't quite have the courage to call AI with after I miss the flop. I then find myself with about 5,000 chips with a bb of 500. Out of position I catch a KQ and push in 1000, I get pushed back and end up moving AI where I face and am eventually sunk by JJ. Now, I was certainly not favored, and did not overly expect to be, but I was in a position to be bullied, so I was making a stand where I could hope to get a reasonable return on my investment in this particular hand. In other words, I wanted to be in good enough shape to make a run at the final table, or I was willing to go home. I was also not in a great position with my chips, so I figured that as long as I wasn't facing AA, KK , QQ or AK, AQ I had a chance that was worth the risk. Needles to say, I did not pass go, I went straight to jail, where I was denied bail until another tourney should come along. At least my cell mate was none other than my lovely bride.

Well, Thursday nights RiverChasers, I find me in similar position at the end. I donk off chips with decent enough starting cards that either catch no help, or I fear have been outdrawn, and I eventually am faced with playing an AK aggressively into a missed flop which included a Q. I called an AL, for the same reason as above. If I hit, I am in good position, if I miss, I get to go to bed. . . . . This time I run into an AQ and I get that familiar feeling while watching my stack go away like I suck at this. I wish everyone GL, and go to bed. The call before the flop was fine, but I knew I was in trouble when I missed. I was praying for a lower pair and a miracle. Of the two--this is the one where I think I was most stooopid in looking back, but it is where I had the most "feel" that my opponent was trying to make a move with less than what I he eventually showed. I figured him for A9 or AJ.

In both cases, I know I was behind when I went AI. In both cases I was crippled pretty severely before I was pushed back into the AI choice. I chose not to fold because I did not want to face the possibility of playing the next 2 or 3 rounds before being swallowed up by the blinds, or not having enough chips for it to make a difference if I did catch a hand. Also, even though I was behind, I had respectable hands that could have sucked out if they were behind, and even had a chance of standing on their own- goddess knows, it is not the kind of place I like to play. It seems like the pre-boobulous area of a tourney lends itself to this type of situation. It just seems that in tourney play with the blinds jumping, there is a bit of skill in managing a stack that I seem to be missing.

It may be beyond this tuckfard to overcome, but I am open to insults, commiseration, or, goddess forbid, constructive criticism. . .or even a reference to an author or a blog.

Thanks for reading

New Mexico, Here I come

2008-05-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Next week my lovely bride, Cameron, and I are off to New Mexico. . .the Albaquerque area. My forvorite brother in law lives there and we are going to visit. Now, being from a part of the country where casinos are not part of the everyday environment, or any day environment for that matter, I am excited to have the chance to visit some of the local establishments and possibly partake in some on sight gaming. I hope to check out the poker rooms there. I have looked at several on line. And from a reliable source, I hear the Sandia is nice. My brother in law has a couple of other places scoped out for me. Anyhow, I am looking forward to the adventure.

a Tourney of my own (kind of)

2008-05-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have slowed down my poker play of late. I found a couple of Monday evening Tourney's that are pretty fun. Nice folks, nice time, and cheap. lol. . . not to mention they use my middle name for the password. How can I not play where they know my name, haha. If I knew how to flag it here, I would. Eventually I will learn, I suppose, but in the mean time:

TuckfardI & II
A starting at 7:00pm and 8:00pm, Mondays
Password: Donkey

Fun people, nice set up, and it's over at a decent time. It doesnt keep me up past my bed time. What more can a donkey ask for?

Perspective

2008-04-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Evy for a post she made the other day about attitude. We all want to win. We all want our pockets to hold up, our flopped straight to beat the position trips. It doesn't always happen. It's about making the right decisions, and first right decision (for me) is to have fun. Good runs, bad runs, in the end, it's really a problem of privilege. I have a few extra dollars that allow me to play the great game at varying levels, with varying talent. The blogger games bring a general amount of good cheer and friendly banter. I dont have the right to bitch about any particular play. No one ever forced me to make a bad play, or a bad call, but I have done it. And for every bad beat that I have taken, I have given at least one in return. I am not immune from the ups and downs. BUT there are times I find myself being the BUTT....Hopefully I will do that less.

I started this blog when I started playing on line poker again. I played back in 2003 and 2004 on Party Poker. While there were some very big swings, I was genuinely a break-even player. . . except for this: the hours I spent on line playing. I eventually could not justify it. I was spending too much time, as opposed to too much money. I hoped, in one element, to be able to monitor the time I was spending in getting back into this. I hope the blog gives me a chance to read and write about aspects other than particular play on a particular day.

I have played enough to know I am not the most patient, most strategically sound, most disciplined, best stack or bankroll manager all of the time. However, I am not bad at any of these particular aspect either. Mentally, I am much better at riding the ups and downs, and I feel like I am becoming a more fundamentally sound player. I can put together longer periods of good play than I ever have before. I am faster to walk away when I am not running well, and quicker to shake of a bad session.

Really, I think it is the blogger aspect that is making the most difference ( what I read, not what I write). To all of you ladies and gents who host the tourneys and write about your play and your attitude, thanks.

Life

2008-04-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Life is like a big jigsaw puzzle. . . . Only the edge pieces aren't so even. Sometimes it falls together pretty easily, other times you just have to walk away and get a new perspective.

Now here's the rub, I love life, but fawkin hate jigsaw puzzles. . .even the ones with smooth edges and big easy pieces.

Sometimes I'm the bug, some times u'r the windshield. Then again, sometimes I'm the bug and u'r the sole of a shoe, or a lizard, or a frog, or the Orkin man. And sometimes I am a pocket AA bug and you are a 7, 4 frog waiting to slurp me up me up. Either way, I am the fawkin bug

Home Games

2008-04-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

I have not had a drink or a drug in over 18 years. Big whoop de do. It certainly is not a moral decision. I just can't handle the stuff. Actually, I am allergic to it. I'd get drunk and stoned, next thing you know, I'd be breaking out in spots. I break out in Savannah, or Columbia, or Charlotte, or jail. Damn if I'd know how I got there. I exaggerate. . .but not by much. By a grace which I am not quite certain of, I never went to jail. Not that I was not eligible, 18 years ago I was a much better candidate to be needing a lawyer. . .not to be one. Personally, I think booze, dope, sex and gambling should be legal--or at least decriminalized. We already have enough people in jail for drug offenses. To be quite honest, I think it is a waste of time, space and money.

On the other hand, I don't count. Our elected officials, and our law enforcement officials are hell bent on legislating and enforcing the right wing view of morality on we the people. As I type, they are trying to crack down on the rash of in home poker games in my part of the country. It is actually against the law to play games involving cards and dice in this here gulag that we call a state. It appears that this law makes playing Parchesi and Monopoly illegal, too. I guess it follows that Parker Brothers and other game manufacturers are akin to the meth labs, and Wallmart, Toys R Us and other retailers are like the local pushers. What about parents who buy these illegal games for their children, does this make them unfit? Will DSS be stepping in to take those children out of that obviously abusive and dangerous situation?

Maybe I jest; maybe I exaggerate. Our local law officers aren't joking though. It would seem that law enforcement would have enough to do, but know this, the local sheriff compares this law against card playing to the law against murder. If it is as serious as he claims, people who violate the law and help others to violate the law should be wary. . . parents and retailers, beware. Big Brother has you in his sights.

Tribute: Happy Birthday, Pop

2008-04-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

He was born on April 7, 1933. His birth certificate said his name was John Long. My brother, sister, mother and I never knew this until after he was gone. He was born to a single mother. She was about 35 at the time. He would not meet his father until he was 17 - the same age his father was when he was conceived.

As it was told to me when I was older, his mother's first husband died leaving her a widow. She went to the country to stay with friends. She was neither educated, nor of means. There was a young man there helping out with work needed around the farm. One thing led to another. It doesn't take rocket science to figure it out. He was born in an old house at the foot of the original Cooper River bridge. It was not a nice area of town.

His mother was a bit unsettled. She would leave him with friends or relatives while she took off for weeks or months at a time. One woman his mother left him with took it upon herself to tell his mother enough was enough. While there was no blood relation, he would come to affectionately refer to her as his grandmother ("Mrs. M"). If mom left him with her and took off like she had been doing, Mrs. M was going to do what she could to look out for the boy. Mrs. M was not a young woman. She had raised 10 children of her own and those children had children of their own. In his words, she needed him like she needed a hole in her head. But She went to the Judge because she thought it was in his best interest. At that time it was the Master in Equity who decided such issues- there was no Family Court.

The boy was 5 years old when it started. He was confused. That his mother loved him, he had no doubt. What her circumstances were, he neither knew, nor should he have known. But he was confused, and he was scared. Some of the places she had left him were not so nice. He was an extra mouth to feed for people living at subsistence level in the depths of the depression and barely had enough to eat themselves. Mrs M wanted to adopt him. At 6 years old a judge took him into chambers and asked him where he wanted to live. The weight of the world--his world-- was on his shoulders. He knew his mother loved him, but there was no stability. He knew Mrs. M loved him, and she was always there. . . .

His name became "M"- after he was officially adopted. His brothers and sisters were the age of his parents and his mother/grandmother was an old woman. (These surrounding facts caused my siblings and I much confusion in later years.) He wore the same ragged jeans for a year. Shoes that did not match. Rice and beans made up many a breakfast lunch and supper. If he complained he was whipped. If he did not do his chores, he was whipped. It was a different life . . .a different time. She was as poor as the proverbial church mouse. Yet she provided all of the food and shelter she possessed to protect and feed him. She had next to nothing, yet she shared what she had. And she taught him by example to do the same. She kept a pallet in the back room where many a homeless person looking for a little shelter from the elements came to stay. He did not know how they found her home, but he watched as she share generously from her meager stores with others who were down on their luck.

When he was old enough he took a paper route. He bought clothes and he bought the necessities that he had been deprived of earlier in life. Throughout the rest of his life he would always be known as a sharp dresser. He even worked in Men's clothing his whole adult life. Sorry, I digress.

When Mrs M died he was a young teenager. He stayed with others who were generous enough to put him up. He made it through high school. Somewhere in there-around sixteen or seventeen--he attended a funeral where he was introduced to a man who was about 34 or 35. This man was his father. Both his mother and his father were known to me as grandparents as I grew up. And let me tell you. . .I was confused until my grandmother died. That was the night he explained these things to me. . .in his words. She died when I was in my early 20's. my grandfather died while I was in Law School. (my mid 30's).

I had the best father that anyone could have ever chosen. Not perfect. . .by no means. . .but damn good. He was principled and honest. He went to work every day. He fed, clothed, loved and raised his family. We never knew hunger or want or fear of uncertainty. He came a long way. . .not without scars, but without bitterness. In 1988 he buried his son. . .my brother. That was and is a tragedy that no parent should have to go through. It broke him for a while. It broke us all. Personally I learned some great lessons in that sorrowful time. And it took more than a few years to get through it. but the lessons made me appreciate just what I had been given, just what I did have. This tragedy could have torn my family apart. I think it brought us closer together. I am grateful to and for my father for that fact. When I was 17, I could tell you how rotten my parents were. At 35, I knew I could not have hand picked a better family.

He died on March 17, 2005. He is respected, missed and loved. And even now whatever I do, I want to make him proud.

There was no big brother looking out in those days when he was conceived and growing up. Most human actions were still self governed. No Fox News to spread shock and lay blame at the foot of the "evil liberals." No Nancy Grace to convict a poor woman in the court of popular opinion. No, these events took place in the "good old days" before the big brother decided to poke his nose into every nook and cranny to root out the evil events that occur in the private lives of it's citizens. Before the Nixon's war on drugs, Reagan's war on the poor, and Bush II's war on our civil rights, poor people still had problems, and life was hard, but they weren't put on trial or in jail for simple human shortcomings. Thank goodness.

Just playing. . .praying

2008-04-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

No foolish gibberish to put down. Just enjoying a nice little tourney at the Mookie. I have not posted for a while, and I am trying to be more diligent. I am a little happier with my game this week. My concentration and my patience seems to be improving. . . .lol, just means my pocket J's and pocket Q's held up. I'll probably get knocked out on some silly, self imposed donkomatic play 30 seconds after ending this post. . . let's hope not. I

Dear poker gods : please help me to play tonight like I have half a brain, have half a courageous heart, and all the luck at the time it is needed. and don't let me forget to have fun. amen

I am a Donkey

2008-03-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

I finally cashed in a Blogger event again. It has been an almost 3 month hiatus from such a blessed event. I won Kat's Donkament. . . So I guess that makes me. . . .Donkey of the Week. LOL. I have played in this event about a half dozen times in the past 4 months and never cashed. It's a lot of fun, and I enjoy reading the comments as the conversation and banter are usually lively and humorous.

I generally take the loose donkey approach the first hour (doesn't everybody) and try to tighten up the second (if I make it to the second, haha). Last night I went in with a different approach. . . tight from the start. I never bought more than 1000 chips, and I only re-bought 3 times, plus the add on. I don't know if it was sound strategy, or total lack of confidence. Either way, it worked out to my lucky, donkey benefit, and I remain humble to think that I actually won.

Thanks to Kat for hosting this event.

Honesty

2008-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Honesty: the quality of dealing truthfully with ones self and others.

We can BS others--to a certain extent. And the game of poker lends itself to the best liar, only we call it the bluff. There is one absolute. The poker player who wants to be successful has got to have a degree of self honesty. If I am steady leaking and trying to blame it on bad beats, I am probably lying to myself. Even in executing a bluff, there has to be the self realization that if it may not work.

At the end of November I began playing poker in blogger events hoping to honestly assess my ability to play this game in a tournament structure with others who either knew what they were doing or at least seriously wanted to learn the game and apply that learning. Right now, I think I should attempt an honest assessment of my game.

On the positive side: I do love the game, I still love the game, and I am the best player at my weekly home game. (there are a lot of best players at their weekly home games that fill the cemeteries of wannabe poker players. ) For the first month I did well. I cashed a couple of times and felt generally good about my game. I quadrupled my modest initial investment in the first six weeks. I moved up in my limits and quickly shared my good fortune with others who were oh so happy to relieve me of my gains. Yet, I have maintained control over my bankroll. In fact, that has always been a strength. I have played in a home game for over twenty five years. I have gone years without leaking. That was not always the case, and there were some years where I leaked steady. I have never missed a mortgage payment, never missed any payment or lost sight of what was important in life.

I began reading other blogs and I began the exercise of attempting to write a blog myself. The honest fact is I am no writer. Ha! I can barely type.

In the 4 months plus that I have been doing this, I have put in more money than I have taken out. Not a lot, but nonetheless, I am not building a bankroll as I wished or envisioned when I started. Therefore I must decide if what I am putting in is a worthwhile tuition fee. It has taken a bit of adjustment to get comfortable with which tournaments, and which cash games I am most comfortable and competent. I have found a ton of weaknesses in my game. I had almost recouped what I put in in January and February, however I played stupid on Saturday and put back a little more than I wished to. I went into a tilt cycle, but I got out faster than I have in the past.

Mostly I have found that my mental aspect (tilt factor??) is not where I would like it to be. I have taken to following some advise that I have seen in more than one book and more than one blog. When playing on line, I try to limit the boredom, the distractions, and the fatigue.

I played in the MATH last Monday night, and I did not do partcularly well. However, I really never caught any cards. I tried a few plays when I had good starting cards but my flops totally missed me. A, Face in my hand brought low sooted flops. medium pairs brought A Face flops. I invariably took shots at the pot, but more than once was shot down by strong raises. I know I was pushed off of some winners, but I let go of some losers. Basically, as I read back over what I have written, what I seem to be experiencig is a lack of confidence.

I P\played in the Skillz on Tuesday. RAZZ was the game. I think I had pocket pairs over 30% in the first hour. I know for the first two hours I had to bring in almost twice as much as anyone else at my table. Despite this, I made it to 41st. I take a little pride in what I believe was making the most out of what I was dealt-or not dealt, lol.

I played in the MOOKIE on Wednesday. I was in third early in the second hour, but I could not maintain and went out again in the 40's. I do not think I played very well, but it was the first time in a few months that I found myself with any chips. I did not manage them well, but hopefully I learned something I can apply later.

I have observed some very talented play, talented writers, and friendly banter. In Poker I give myself a C-. In Blogging I give myself a D. There is room for improvement in the poker. The blogging my be hopeless.

MATH night

2008-03-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

And what a difference a week does make. I feel a little more confident in my game. Of course this "confidence" doesn't particlarly guarantee a result, but it is something to build on.
My new mantra:
patience.. .ommm. . . .patience. . . .ommm. . . patience

Bubble out

2008-03-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

My last two blogger tourneys have seen me go out from 1 to 4 seats before cashing. Saturday I signed up at Pokerstarz so I could play in Dr. Pauly's tourney. I finished one place out of the cash. The game was PLO. The good of it is it took some patience to get there.

In the past couple of months, I have found myself in a myriad of situations that have led to early exits in blogger events. Either it was too late, and I should not have signed up to start with; or I have been playing in cash games at the same time and doing well enough not to want leave the table. Either way, I have not had the concentration necessary, nor have I had the patience to keep myself out of the less than optimal positions in the tournament play.

I have read in more than one place--If you want to throw money away, play on multiple tables at the same time. There are those who can do this, however, I am not one of them. I am not the exception to the rule, I am the rule.

patience. . .patience. . . . . . . .patience

2008-03-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

I try not to be serious and anyone reading my goop should not take me too seriously. I am serious when I say I have had a bit of an epiphany about poker and patience. Sometimes I got it . . . sometimes I don't. There is a direct correlation between patience and my poker play. Not only having the patience to wait for optimal cards, but the patience to shake off a bad beat without putting myself on tilt. . . .the patience to get up and walk away fro a bad run before it becomes a disastrous run. The patience to be disciplined enough not to play on line when I am distracted, bored, or tired.

I have had some very good luck with PLO H/L of late. For the longest time the game confused me. Then I came to understand good starting hands, and position, but after the flop I was lost. Bad beats put me on tilt and I did not have a clue. However, all of a sudden (or maybe not so suddenly) it is like the blinders have been lifted and I see.

For the longest time I have had an empty knowledge. It was like I knew the principals, but I could not apply the principals. It has definitely made a difference in my bankroll. Very small as it is by most of the standards I see and read about, but it is growing and more importantly I am managing it. I know I still have a lot to learn about the game, but I feel like I am starting to have a clue.

Words and Cards and Fools Gold

2008-03-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have two new goals today:

1. I am gonna get some cards--not just any cards either. I am gonna get some good cards. Then I am gonna play them smart. I am gonna play them crafty. I am gonna turn them into gold.

2. I am gonna get some words-not just any words, but some good words. I am gonna make sentences out of those words; then I am gonna make some paragraphs out of those sentences-- not just gibberish paragraphs-- but good paragraphs. Paragraphs that people want to read. Paragraphs that actually describe ideas that people can relate to and maybe even bring a smile to some ones face. I am gonna write ideas that makes the world a better place for some one else who is having a difficult time. I am gonna put those ideas in a book, and I am gonna turn them into gold.

Then again, sometimes I think I am a fool, other times I have to write it out so I can know for sure.