Happy Holidays to everyone.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
This Is Crap
Shutout: EA Sports corners NFL video market
I used to be a Madden junkie. It was the only football game I would play. Until this year. I bought the NFL 2K5 from ESPN and loved it. It is better than Madden. Unfortunately, this will be the last year for this game. Stupid bullshit from EA Sports to eliminate competition. Now what really sucks is that I will have to go back to the $49.99 price to play a good football game. The $19.99 price tag for this game was too great and the gameplay was incredible. EA and Madden couldn't stand the competition. I may not buy another Madden football game because of this now.
EA's motto: Don't join'em. Don't beat'em. Just buy'em.
I used to be a Madden junkie. It was the only football game I would play. Until this year. I bought the NFL 2K5 from ESPN and loved it. It is better than Madden. Unfortunately, this will be the last year for this game. Stupid bullshit from EA Sports to eliminate competition. Now what really sucks is that I will have to go back to the $49.99 price to play a good football game. The $19.99 price tag for this game was too great and the gameplay was incredible. EA and Madden couldn't stand the competition. I may not buy another Madden football game because of this now.
EA's motto: Don't join'em. Don't beat'em. Just buy'em.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Holy Shit!?!?!
Local Woman Diagnosed With 66-Pound Tumor
She had this removed over the weekend.
How did she not know this was causing her pain? Did she not realize that this growth was unnatural?
Glad to see she is ok though.
She had this removed over the weekend.
Grace Radtke said she knew something was wrong, but had no idea it was a 66-pound tumor that was causing her pain.
How did she not know this was causing her pain? Did she not realize that this growth was unnatural?
Glad to see she is ok though.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Reaching a New Low
From the Akron Beacon Journal...not sure if you need to subscribe or not so I posted below.
Rock, Paper, Scissors Comes to TV
FSN Ohio has old game in its grasp
By R.D. Heldenfels
A new show on FSN Ohio has everything you need for a modern sports event.
There's a controversial call, and a slow-motion replay to see if it was right.
The crowd often boos one of the best players because of his questionable tactics.
There's plenty of jargon.
You can bet on the game.
You can drink -- a lot -- while watching. Probably while playing, too.
And there's a fat, loud guy screaming a lot.
OK, that guy is Tom Arnold, who is co-hosting the telecast.
But as you can see, it's now possible to make anything look sort of like a major sport. Even a Rock Paper Scissors competition.
Yes, Rock Paper Scissors -- that game you played as a kid -- has come to television. At 8 tonight (with a replay at 11), FSN Ohio will carry an hour of highlights from the five-hour, 600-player, 2004 RPS International World Championships. The tournament took place in Toronto in October, with a top prize of 10,000 Canadian dollars (about $8,100). You can find out more about it, including the winners, at www.rpschamps.com.
You might think it's impossible to turn two people waving their arms into compelling television.
You would be right.
FSN coverage of the tournament walks the tightrope between straight presentation of matches and mockery. Arnold is crucial to the latter, although the show is pretty much self-mocking.
Some players wore the cheesiest hand-made costumes to be found outside a Star Trek convention, and the quality of the video is almost as high as what you see on public-access programs.
Making this a bit sad is RPS's determination to be seen as a legitimate sport. Players sport colorful names (Bonecrusher, Bloody Knuckles, Supergirl). RPS has its own terminology -- like ``prime,'' referring to a pump of the fist before you throw your rock, paper or scissors -- and strategies like the ``toolbox,'' when you repeatedly throw scissors.
One of the longer segments in the telecast involves a player's repeatedly engaging in an ``illegal prime,'' which antagonizes the crowd but also disorients his opponent.
But I'm sure the people behind RPS think they deserve to be in the big leagues -- to have contract disputes, drug scandals, lockouts and brawls leading to felony charges.
No doubt they looked at the TV poker phenomenon and thought, ``Hey, at least our guys have to stand up when they play!''
So the FSN telecast is less of a test of the people who play the game than of the people who might actually watch it.
I flunked the test. Even knowing who won -- since I had checked out the results on the Internet -- I managed to get through the entire hour of RPS without dozing off or running away.
Of course, I also went through a bad period when I more than once watched an infomercial promising to teach me how to play the piano in a few easy lessons.
Never bought the lessons. Still can't play the piano. But I watched the show. The TV was on, and there it was.
And the people behind RPS can find plenty of evidence that people will watch -- and like -- any sport, no matter how odd.
Poker has indeed become a phenomenon through television, with local stores peddling lots of chips, cards and other gear to holiday shoppers. (Yes, I watch poker, too.)
Before ESPN got rights to major sports, it tried to woo viewers with tractor pulls and darts. ``Ever do replays on darts?'' ESPN's Chris Berman once lamented. ``Ooh, nice wrist action.''
There are still nostalgic tributes to the short-lived XFL on the Internet.
So RPS has scored a hands-down victory just by getting on TV. No matter how long or short its video run, years from now, someone will have a Web site celebrating it.
-----------------
Somebody please tell me this isn't real.
-----------------
Also, a small write up coming about my play with the blogger community on Party Poker earlier this week. Most of them are in Vegas this weekend. Glad they could have a little of my money.
Rock, Paper, Scissors Comes to TV
FSN Ohio has old game in its grasp
By R.D. Heldenfels
A new show on FSN Ohio has everything you need for a modern sports event.
There's a controversial call, and a slow-motion replay to see if it was right.
The crowd often boos one of the best players because of his questionable tactics.
There's plenty of jargon.
You can bet on the game.
You can drink -- a lot -- while watching. Probably while playing, too.
And there's a fat, loud guy screaming a lot.
OK, that guy is Tom Arnold, who is co-hosting the telecast.
But as you can see, it's now possible to make anything look sort of like a major sport. Even a Rock Paper Scissors competition.
Yes, Rock Paper Scissors -- that game you played as a kid -- has come to television. At 8 tonight (with a replay at 11), FSN Ohio will carry an hour of highlights from the five-hour, 600-player, 2004 RPS International World Championships. The tournament took place in Toronto in October, with a top prize of 10,000 Canadian dollars (about $8,100). You can find out more about it, including the winners, at www.rpschamps.com.
You might think it's impossible to turn two people waving their arms into compelling television.
You would be right.
FSN coverage of the tournament walks the tightrope between straight presentation of matches and mockery. Arnold is crucial to the latter, although the show is pretty much self-mocking.
Some players wore the cheesiest hand-made costumes to be found outside a Star Trek convention, and the quality of the video is almost as high as what you see on public-access programs.
Making this a bit sad is RPS's determination to be seen as a legitimate sport. Players sport colorful names (Bonecrusher, Bloody Knuckles, Supergirl). RPS has its own terminology -- like ``prime,'' referring to a pump of the fist before you throw your rock, paper or scissors -- and strategies like the ``toolbox,'' when you repeatedly throw scissors.
One of the longer segments in the telecast involves a player's repeatedly engaging in an ``illegal prime,'' which antagonizes the crowd but also disorients his opponent.
But I'm sure the people behind RPS think they deserve to be in the big leagues -- to have contract disputes, drug scandals, lockouts and brawls leading to felony charges.
No doubt they looked at the TV poker phenomenon and thought, ``Hey, at least our guys have to stand up when they play!''
So the FSN telecast is less of a test of the people who play the game than of the people who might actually watch it.
I flunked the test. Even knowing who won -- since I had checked out the results on the Internet -- I managed to get through the entire hour of RPS without dozing off or running away.
Of course, I also went through a bad period when I more than once watched an infomercial promising to teach me how to play the piano in a few easy lessons.
Never bought the lessons. Still can't play the piano. But I watched the show. The TV was on, and there it was.
And the people behind RPS can find plenty of evidence that people will watch -- and like -- any sport, no matter how odd.
Poker has indeed become a phenomenon through television, with local stores peddling lots of chips, cards and other gear to holiday shoppers. (Yes, I watch poker, too.)
Before ESPN got rights to major sports, it tried to woo viewers with tractor pulls and darts. ``Ever do replays on darts?'' ESPN's Chris Berman once lamented. ``Ooh, nice wrist action.''
There are still nostalgic tributes to the short-lived XFL on the Internet.
So RPS has scored a hands-down victory just by getting on TV. No matter how long or short its video run, years from now, someone will have a Web site celebrating it.
-----------------
Somebody please tell me this isn't real.
-----------------
Also, a small write up coming about my play with the blogger community on Party Poker earlier this week. Most of them are in Vegas this weekend. Glad they could have a little of my money.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
No Really?
While I'm sure that most MLB players aren't on the juice, there are plenty out there who are. Again, this gets to the root of the problem I have with MLB. The MLBPA (Players Association for those following along at home) refuses to do anything. Giambi finally admits to something that we all knew for a long time.
Oh well, guess I will continue to focus on the only professional sport that matters to me...NFL. Thank God College Basketball is on now too!
Oh well, guess I will continue to focus on the only professional sport that matters to me...NFL. Thank God College Basketball is on now too!
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
My Post of Substance - Debatable
Finally Proof That You Are No Better Than Any Other School in the Country
“In a lot of ways this program hasn't been this healthy in a long time.”
“From Sunday through Friday our football program has exceeded all expectations, in every way. But on Saturday, we struggled. We've been up and down and sideways a little bit.”
“We simply have not made the progress on the field that we need to make. Nor have we been able to create the positive momentum necessary in our efforts to return the Notre Dame program to the elite level of the college football world.”
The three quotes above are from Notre Dame Athletic Director Kevin White. With that, thank you Kevin for finally exposing what Notre Dame truly stands for. You are just trying to be a football factory like everyone else, so stop proclaiming the bullshit about academics and history. It is all bullshit.
For anyone that knows me, I absolutely despise Notre Dame and revel in their misery. I take great pride in revving up my Notre Dame friends because they still “believe” that Notre Dame will “Return to Glory.” I’m sorry ND fans, you are sadly mistaken, as long as you continue to play the game you do. You want to sit on your high horse and chant things about class, dignity, institution of higher learning, academics are important for our athletes, and all the other crap. If that were true, then you wouldn’t have fired Ty Willingham. And oh yeah, if football weren’t that important, why in the fuck are you the only school in the country with a national television contract (that forces me to watch your shitty teams) and doesn’t share any bowl money with the other schools? Fuck off!
Fuck – I remember stirring up shit for ND fans when they hired Willingham. Hell, you would have thought he was the next coming of Christ! One good fucking year at Stanford was all he had under his belt. People were predicting National Championships and undefeated seasons. What a bunch of shit. Do you even know what Notre Dame is anymore?
I’m not taking away the history…can’t do that. Notre Dame does have a proud tradition. But face it, that is long over. Now all the talk is on Urban Meyer at Utah. Another great coach out there yes. Is he ready for Notre Dame? Absolutely not. No coach is. Hell you eat your young out there. Three seasons for this guy and he’s done? He didn’t even get one recruiting class through the university you schmucks!
Talking with my friends last night about all the talent that is at Notre Dame and with Urban Meyer, they’ll win a National Title in the next five years. Keep dreaming dumbasses. Face it…Notre Dame will never compete on the level they once stood. They will never compete with the USC’s, Oklahoma’s, Auburn’s, Miami’s, and Texas’ of College Football. Not with the standards you “believe in.”
Go ahead and hire Urban Meyer. At the same time, show what your school “stands for” and reduce your requirements. That is the only way ND will ever compete again.
Courtesy of Ivan Maisel of ESPN.com:
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, on to other matters.
Sirius Satellite is Kicking XM's Ass
Sirius Satellite Radio to Air Men’s NCAA Tournament
As if I need any more reason to stop listening to regular radio. Given the landscape of satellite radio, I am leaning more towards Sirius than XM. Could be some of the Howard Stern stuff, but mostly now for the NCAA Tournament and NFL games, maybe a little because of Eminem’s station and Radio Bam (Bam Margera from Viva La Bam on MTV) too. XM took baseball --- ok you can have it. Can’t listen to baseball on the radio anyways. I’m sure Iggy would disagree. Maybe that is my ADD coming out.
I would love to buy Sirius right now, but until we get back to generating two incomes, it will just have to wait.
Bill Simmon's At It Again
There are plenty of great writers out there, but I’m not sure any of the top Bill Simmon’s. He is simply the best. After the BoSox World Series victory, I feared that Bill wouldn’t be able to summon up the demon’s of the past for future stories and essentially, his aura would be no more. Luckily for us, over Thanksgiving, he threw his back out again, and we were treated with a nice write-up of crappy television. Enjoy if you haven’t already read it.
Finally
HALO 2 will receive it’s own post. Sadly, I haven’t been able to play much lately. Quickly though, the graphics are incredible and the gameplay/on-line play is awesome. Doubt I will beat this game anytime soon either. I like to play on the hard levels from the get-go.
I do have much more to say and will prolly finish my rants tomorrow night.
“In a lot of ways this program hasn't been this healthy in a long time.”
“From Sunday through Friday our football program has exceeded all expectations, in every way. But on Saturday, we struggled. We've been up and down and sideways a little bit.”
“We simply have not made the progress on the field that we need to make. Nor have we been able to create the positive momentum necessary in our efforts to return the Notre Dame program to the elite level of the college football world.”
The three quotes above are from Notre Dame Athletic Director Kevin White. With that, thank you Kevin for finally exposing what Notre Dame truly stands for. You are just trying to be a football factory like everyone else, so stop proclaiming the bullshit about academics and history. It is all bullshit.
For anyone that knows me, I absolutely despise Notre Dame and revel in their misery. I take great pride in revving up my Notre Dame friends because they still “believe” that Notre Dame will “Return to Glory.” I’m sorry ND fans, you are sadly mistaken, as long as you continue to play the game you do. You want to sit on your high horse and chant things about class, dignity, institution of higher learning, academics are important for our athletes, and all the other crap. If that were true, then you wouldn’t have fired Ty Willingham. And oh yeah, if football weren’t that important, why in the fuck are you the only school in the country with a national television contract (that forces me to watch your shitty teams) and doesn’t share any bowl money with the other schools? Fuck off!
Fuck – I remember stirring up shit for ND fans when they hired Willingham. Hell, you would have thought he was the next coming of Christ! One good fucking year at Stanford was all he had under his belt. People were predicting National Championships and undefeated seasons. What a bunch of shit. Do you even know what Notre Dame is anymore?
I’m not taking away the history…can’t do that. Notre Dame does have a proud tradition. But face it, that is long over. Now all the talk is on Urban Meyer at Utah. Another great coach out there yes. Is he ready for Notre Dame? Absolutely not. No coach is. Hell you eat your young out there. Three seasons for this guy and he’s done? He didn’t even get one recruiting class through the university you schmucks!
Talking with my friends last night about all the talent that is at Notre Dame and with Urban Meyer, they’ll win a National Title in the next five years. Keep dreaming dumbasses. Face it…Notre Dame will never compete on the level they once stood. They will never compete with the USC’s, Oklahoma’s, Auburn’s, Miami’s, and Texas’ of College Football. Not with the standards you “believe in.”
Go ahead and hire Urban Meyer. At the same time, show what your school “stands for” and reduce your requirements. That is the only way ND will ever compete again.
Courtesy of Ivan Maisel of ESPN.com:
The unique quality of which Notre Dame has been so proud of for so many years -- that it doesn't do things the way the typical “football factory” does -- became a lot less visible around 1:15 ET Tuesday afternoon. Sending a coach on his way three years into a contract is what any school would do. Florida and Stanford come immediately to mind.
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, on to other matters.
Sirius Satellite is Kicking XM's Ass
Sirius Satellite Radio to Air Men’s NCAA Tournament
As if I need any more reason to stop listening to regular radio. Given the landscape of satellite radio, I am leaning more towards Sirius than XM. Could be some of the Howard Stern stuff, but mostly now for the NCAA Tournament and NFL games, maybe a little because of Eminem’s station and Radio Bam (Bam Margera from Viva La Bam on MTV) too. XM took baseball --- ok you can have it. Can’t listen to baseball on the radio anyways. I’m sure Iggy would disagree. Maybe that is my ADD coming out.
I would love to buy Sirius right now, but until we get back to generating two incomes, it will just have to wait.
Bill Simmon's At It Again
There are plenty of great writers out there, but I’m not sure any of the top Bill Simmon’s. He is simply the best. After the BoSox World Series victory, I feared that Bill wouldn’t be able to summon up the demon’s of the past for future stories and essentially, his aura would be no more. Luckily for us, over Thanksgiving, he threw his back out again, and we were treated with a nice write-up of crappy television. Enjoy if you haven’t already read it.
Last Tuesday was a new low: The nympho (Sarah) was so horny and frustrated, she ended up seducing one of the gay friends of one of her two gay roommates -- that's right, two -- then complained afterwards because he "wasn't that into it." Throw in a set of male genitals and she would have been right back in that thing. I may have hallucinated this show because of the Percocets, but I'm at least 70 percent sure it actually happened.
(How can MTV save this show? They can't. It's a train wreck. Why hasn't HBO ripped off the idea, thrown seven wannabe actors in a Hollywood Hills house and pushed the nudity/partying/swearing envelope? How many times do I have to keep floating this out there?)
Finally
HALO 2 will receive it’s own post. Sadly, I haven’t been able to play much lately. Quickly though, the graphics are incredible and the gameplay/on-line play is awesome. Doubt I will beat this game anytime soon either. I like to play on the hard levels from the get-go.
I do have much more to say and will prolly finish my rants tomorrow night.
I've Been A Bad Blogger
I realize I haven't posted anything of substance in a while. I will have a big post in another day or two. Will cover plenty of stuff.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Blog Maverick
I tend to read Mark Cuban's blog every once in a while. Some of his posts are quite longwinded, but always insightful. The guy isn't all that bad. Hell, I wish he would come to Cincinnati and buy the Cincinnati Reds. I respect him as an owner because he will do what it takes to win.
Got on there this morning and he had an incredible post on the latest FCC b.s. regarding MNF's T.O. & Desperate Housewive's skit. Is it just me or are we spending way too much effing time on a skit? WTF? Anyway, Cuban has a good take on what we can to appease the FCC. Introducing the new reality show - Apologevents.
Oh yeah, sidebar on why the NBA sucks. So Cuban makes a legit point about the decision to start the NBA season on Election night wasn't the brightest idea because 99% of America was more interested in the Presidential election. The NBA's reaction...that's right...LET'S FINE HIM FOR HAVING AN OPINION! Fuck David Stern and his worthless league of "potential." Hey David, thanks for ruining basketball on all levels.
Damn, what a way to start a Friday?
Also, HALO 2 evaluation is on the way. Wanted to get enough playing time into it and also try out the XBox Live stuff.
Poker news is on the way also. I have given serious thought to my play the past couple weeks, although, my play has been focused entirely on Omaha Hi and not Hold'em. I haven't read anything regarding Omaha ever, just trying to spend time at the tables to get the science of that game down. Overall, the bankroll has improved steadily with my Omaha play.
Does anyone know out there if PokerTracker analyzes Omaha stats. I just haven't played with it enough to figure that out. Hell, I still struggle trying to analyze all the info from Hold'em. I need a "How to Read PokerTracker for Dummies" book :-).
Got on there this morning and he had an incredible post on the latest FCC b.s. regarding MNF's T.O. & Desperate Housewive's skit. Is it just me or are we spending way too much effing time on a skit? WTF? Anyway, Cuban has a good take on what we can to appease the FCC. Introducing the new reality show - Apologevents.
Oh yeah, sidebar on why the NBA sucks. So Cuban makes a legit point about the decision to start the NBA season on Election night wasn't the brightest idea because 99% of America was more interested in the Presidential election. The NBA's reaction...that's right...LET'S FINE HIM FOR HAVING AN OPINION! Fuck David Stern and his worthless league of "potential." Hey David, thanks for ruining basketball on all levels.
Damn, what a way to start a Friday?
Also, HALO 2 evaluation is on the way. Wanted to get enough playing time into it and also try out the XBox Live stuff.
Poker news is on the way also. I have given serious thought to my play the past couple weeks, although, my play has been focused entirely on Omaha Hi and not Hold'em. I haven't read anything regarding Omaha ever, just trying to spend time at the tables to get the science of that game down. Overall, the bankroll has improved steadily with my Omaha play.
Does anyone know out there if PokerTracker analyzes Omaha stats. I just haven't played with it enough to figure that out. Hell, I still struggle trying to analyze all the info from Hold'em. I need a "How to Read PokerTracker for Dummies" book :-).
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Great Daily Czabe
I make it a priority to read the Daily Czabe every morning. Steve Czaban is one of my favorite sports radio personalities. Today's Daily Czabe is one of the best I've read in quite some time. He has a great opinion on the whole NFL Monday Night Football "fiasco" and lashes out against "our team (Repubs)" and the crap they're pulling with Nipplegate, etc.
Seriously, how can people get upset about that scene when we are inundated with hours of commercials about how much better my sex life will be by taking one of the mulitiple penis pills...gimme a break.
If you have a hard time explaining about an "inferred" naked woman jumping into a man's arms, but don't have a problem explaining why you can't get your dick hard, you need to reevaluate yourself.
Seriously, how can people get upset about that scene when we are inundated with hours of commercials about how much better my sex life will be by taking one of the mulitiple penis pills...gimme a break.
If you have a hard time explaining about an "inferred" naked woman jumping into a man's arms, but don't have a problem explaining why you can't get your dick hard, you need to reevaluate yourself.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
For Christ's Sake
Why is there a fuss about the Monday Night Football and Desperate Housewives segment at the beginning. This country is becoming too damn PC about this crap. I can't understand why this is such a big deal. Cool it with all this "don't want my kids seeing that" crap. Half the shit on television these days deals with sex of some sort or violence of any sort.
Here is an article to check out.
Here is an article to check out.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
HALO 2 DAY
This really should be a day off for me. This is the most exciting day I've had in quite some time. HALO: Combat Evolved was the first game I bought for my XBox a few years back. I've been anxiously awaiting it for years now!
I'm scheduled to pick it up today...preordered it several months back. As much as I wanted to go pick it up last night at midnight, my wife would've killed me.
I'll play it for a while and post my review later.
I'm scheduled to pick it up today...preordered it several months back. As much as I wanted to go pick it up last night at midnight, my wife would've killed me.
I'll play it for a while and post my review later.
Free IPods?
I know the subject sounds too good to be true right? After some research, I have verified that this website www.freeipods.com is a legit website and they do offer a free 20GB IPod. There are only a couple things you have to do.
All I need is 5 people to sign up and participate in the free trial of one of several offers, and I get MY free IPod. You then pass your information on to 5 other people and you get YOUR free IPod.
After taking their survey (which took about 5 minutes) I have to sign up for one of their offers, ranging from 2 free weeks of Blockbuster Online, New York Times subscription, BMG Music Service, etc...(I'm picking the two weeks of Blockbuster Online), and complete the time period. I also have to refer 5 people who will do that same thing and honor the free trial commitment to any of these offers. After your trial period is over, simply cancel. Now, by you doing this, you help me get a free IPod. This is where you come in and try to get your own. Do you know 5 people who would be willing to go through the offer period, etc. to get your free IPod for you. That is the small catch. You have to refer 5 people who complete the requirements and then you get your free IPod.
To help prove that this is legit: http://www.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,64614,00.html
----------------
Hey-
Check out this great site that is giving away totally free iPods! I've joined and I think you should as well. It's a completely legitimate offer, and this company has already given away $4 million in free stuff!
All you have to do is join, complete and online offer, and refer friends to do the same. That's it!
Here is my referral link. To help me get my iPod, click this exact link to join, or copy and paste it into a browser: http://www.freeiPods.com/?r=11515411
-----------------
If you do sign up...thanks.
All I need is 5 people to sign up and participate in the free trial of one of several offers, and I get MY free IPod. You then pass your information on to 5 other people and you get YOUR free IPod.
After taking their survey (which took about 5 minutes) I have to sign up for one of their offers, ranging from 2 free weeks of Blockbuster Online, New York Times subscription, BMG Music Service, etc...(I'm picking the two weeks of Blockbuster Online), and complete the time period. I also have to refer 5 people who will do that same thing and honor the free trial commitment to any of these offers. After your trial period is over, simply cancel. Now, by you doing this, you help me get a free IPod. This is where you come in and try to get your own. Do you know 5 people who would be willing to go through the offer period, etc. to get your free IPod for you. That is the small catch. You have to refer 5 people who complete the requirements and then you get your free IPod.
To help prove that this is legit: http://www.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,64614,00.html
----------------
Hey-
Check out this great site that is giving away totally free iPods! I've joined and I think you should as well. It's a completely legitimate offer, and this company has already given away $4 million in free stuff!
All you have to do is join, complete and online offer, and refer friends to do the same. That's it!
Here is my referral link. To help me get my iPod, click this exact link to join, or copy and paste it into a browser: http://www.freeiPods.com/?r=11515411
-----------------
If you do sign up...thanks.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Four More Years
"I actually voted for John Kerry, before I voted against him!"
I apologize up front for those who are offended with the political talk. I won't say too much, but I am extremely happy to have four more years of W. I have heard so much crap from the extreme left the past few weeks/months that it made me sick. If you truly believe that John Kerry was the man to "lead" America, I'm sorry. The man doesn't have a bone in his body. He clearly wouldn't have had the backbone to stand up for America.
-------
I played a home game on election night to try to help take the mind off how crucial the state I live in was for this election. It was with nearly the same group ofassholes friends. After a little advice from Iggy I decided to change my game up a bit for this group. I normally play the cards and only wait for proper position and good starting hands. I have had my moments with this group, but haven't had much success lately.
I wanted to see a few more flops on Tuesday night. Most of the flops were pretty cheap to see and if I didn't hit anything, I tended to get out of the hand. One particular hand was my downfall and basically took me out of the rest of the night. Short story is that I had the top pair and allowed a guy to chase his four flush rather cheaply - TWICE. I knew my top pair was strong enough and I put him on a flush draw. I thought my two bets were significant enough to force him out of the hand, but I was wrong. Needless to say, he hit his flush on the river and I had nothing. Like an idiot, I paid off the final bet, leaving me shortstacked, to make sure I was right. I was. Didn't mean much to me at that point.
I was able to maneuver my short stack for quite some time to make the final 6 out of 15 considering how early in the game that had happened. I ended up getting knocked out on what I feel was a bad beat. Pocket Ks, all-in preflop. One caller. Both flip over, KK vs. A2o. Didn't like the overcard at all, but thought I might be ok. Flop comes out with J82o. Fourth street, blank. River brought the mighty 2.
I was extremely pissed because the guy that beat, this was his first time playing. He truly didn't know what hands beat what. He called simply because he had an A in his hand. He caught more flops and river cards than I thought humanly possible. He ended up finsihing second. Much to my amazement.
Although I battled my way back to at least finish sixth, I was less than impressed with my play. Although I told myself to see more flops (which I did), I still played the cards 99% of the time. I never played the guys (which I should be doing at this point because we play together so often). I'm not too sure what it is going to take for me to improve my game and improve my playing of people instead of hands/cards.
-----------------
Kentucky basketball! Man was I impressed last night. Although it was a Division II basketball team, it was great to see this freshman class. I expect huge things from them. I will have much more on this later.
I apologize up front for those who are offended with the political talk. I won't say too much, but I am extremely happy to have four more years of W. I have heard so much crap from the extreme left the past few weeks/months that it made me sick. If you truly believe that John Kerry was the man to "lead" America, I'm sorry. The man doesn't have a bone in his body. He clearly wouldn't have had the backbone to stand up for America.
-------
I played a home game on election night to try to help take the mind off how crucial the state I live in was for this election. It was with nearly the same group of
I wanted to see a few more flops on Tuesday night. Most of the flops were pretty cheap to see and if I didn't hit anything, I tended to get out of the hand. One particular hand was my downfall and basically took me out of the rest of the night. Short story is that I had the top pair and allowed a guy to chase his four flush rather cheaply - TWICE. I knew my top pair was strong enough and I put him on a flush draw. I thought my two bets were significant enough to force him out of the hand, but I was wrong. Needless to say, he hit his flush on the river and I had nothing. Like an idiot, I paid off the final bet, leaving me shortstacked, to make sure I was right. I was. Didn't mean much to me at that point.
I was able to maneuver my short stack for quite some time to make the final 6 out of 15 considering how early in the game that had happened. I ended up getting knocked out on what I feel was a bad beat. Pocket Ks, all-in preflop. One caller. Both flip over, KK vs. A2o. Didn't like the overcard at all, but thought I might be ok. Flop comes out with J82o. Fourth street, blank. River brought the mighty 2.
I was extremely pissed because the guy that beat, this was his first time playing. He truly didn't know what hands beat what. He called simply because he had an A in his hand. He caught more flops and river cards than I thought humanly possible. He ended up finsihing second. Much to my amazement.
Although I battled my way back to at least finish sixth, I was less than impressed with my play. Although I told myself to see more flops (which I did), I still played the cards 99% of the time. I never played the guys (which I should be doing at this point because we play together so often). I'm not too sure what it is going to take for me to improve my game and improve my playing of people instead of hands/cards.
-----------------
Kentucky basketball! Man was I impressed last night. Although it was a Division II basketball team, it was great to see this freshman class. I expect huge things from them. I will have much more on this later.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Election Day
Regardless of your political views, today is a very important day. We as Americans have the ability to express our views freely and elect whomever we want. Other countries are not as lucky. Don't sit on your ass today because it is raining (at least here in the 'Nati) or for any other reason. If you don't vote, you have no right to complain/bitch.
VOTE!
VOTE!
Friday, October 29, 2004
The Sweet Smell of College Basketball Season
While the NFL is still dominant and baseball has now finished, my favorite sport is just getting started - College Basketball.
If you go back and check the archives, you will find out quickly the two teams that I root for - Xavier University and University of Kentucky. Now, I know what most people think when they think of UK fans - we're obnoxious, loud, etc. While, yes many fans are that way - I consider myself to be normal. Do I expect UK to win a National Championship every year, NO. Do I at least expect for them to make a run at the title, YES. Have I been happy with the past two seasons (even though they were bounced from the tourney early), ABSOLUTELY!
I'm especially excited about UK basketball this year. Could this be like the Syracuse-Carmelo year, maybe. The talent is there. Hopefully, the frosh can understand Tubby's system early enough in the season, but if not, Tubby like always will have the team at top form in the late stages of the season.
The media believe that UK is the team to beat again in the SEC, regardless of who they lost and what they gained. I hope they are right.
Now, my beloved Musketeers are having some bad times right now. The number one return player from last year suffered a sprained knee this week and XU lost another player for the season. Under first-year coach Sean Miller, I still expect XU to be one of the top teams in the A-10. Will they continue on the magical Elite Eight run from last year, that is still to be seen. I truly believe that this team as much talent as they have ever had. I look for Justin Doellman to be THE MAN this year for XU. He has moments that compare him to Larry Bird, but I'm not comparing him to LB, with his ability to shoot the ball, dribble, pass, and his knack for making big plays.
The USA Today/ESPN Poll was released today. Kansas #1? Wake Forest #2? I think Wake Forest should be the Preseason #1. Skip Prosser (and I'm not floating his boat because he is a former XU coach) has all the pieces this year to run for the National Title. Chris Paul is by far the best player in CB this year. Kansas is my #2. Wayne Simien returning for his senior year, I'm sure he wants to fill that void from the Syracuse game in 2003, will be a force this year.
I anticipate a much longer version of this at another time. Preseason polls aren't really worth paying attention too, but, the excitement is there and I can't wait.
If you go back and check the archives, you will find out quickly the two teams that I root for - Xavier University and University of Kentucky. Now, I know what most people think when they think of UK fans - we're obnoxious, loud, etc. While, yes many fans are that way - I consider myself to be normal. Do I expect UK to win a National Championship every year, NO. Do I at least expect for them to make a run at the title, YES. Have I been happy with the past two seasons (even though they were bounced from the tourney early), ABSOLUTELY!
I'm especially excited about UK basketball this year. Could this be like the Syracuse-Carmelo year, maybe. The talent is there. Hopefully, the frosh can understand Tubby's system early enough in the season, but if not, Tubby like always will have the team at top form in the late stages of the season.
The media believe that UK is the team to beat again in the SEC, regardless of who they lost and what they gained. I hope they are right.
Now, my beloved Musketeers are having some bad times right now. The number one return player from last year suffered a sprained knee this week and XU lost another player for the season. Under first-year coach Sean Miller, I still expect XU to be one of the top teams in the A-10. Will they continue on the magical Elite Eight run from last year, that is still to be seen. I truly believe that this team as much talent as they have ever had. I look for Justin Doellman to be THE MAN this year for XU. He has moments that compare him to Larry Bird, but I'm not comparing him to LB, with his ability to shoot the ball, dribble, pass, and his knack for making big plays.
The USA Today/ESPN Poll was released today. Kansas #1? Wake Forest #2? I think Wake Forest should be the Preseason #1. Skip Prosser (and I'm not floating his boat because he is a former XU coach) has all the pieces this year to run for the National Title. Chris Paul is by far the best player in CB this year. Kansas is my #2. Wayne Simien returning for his senior year, I'm sure he wants to fill that void from the Syracuse game in 2003, will be a force this year.
I anticipate a much longer version of this at another time. Preseason polls aren't really worth paying attention too, but, the excitement is there and I can't wait.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Could This Be The Real Thing?
Found this on one of my favorite sports sites.
For once, this doesn't appear to be a fake.
Check out Steve Czaban for more snicky's.
For once, this doesn't appear to be a fake.
Check out Steve Czaban for more snicky's.
WHO DEY!!!
I can't say enough about the game last night. That was an incredible environment to be a part of. I can't believe the Bengals actually pulled it off, but that was one hell of an effort they put on last night.
I was furious at my boss this past week after I had asked for a half day for Monday, had it granted only to be taken away. But, I couldn't get quite that pissed because it wasn't like she didn't have a good reason to take off Monday. Her husband decided they needed to go to the World Series.
Turned out that it wasn't a bad thing that I wasn't able to tailgate so early. Most the great places were full from business people still parked in the area. As soon as work was out, I busted my ass down there and opened the cooler and got out the dogs/brats/metts for the grill. It was a great time to be had with thousands of Bengals fans.
Inside the stadium, it was electric. Never seen anything like that before. The closest that I ever came to that was running out on the field for my high school football rivalry. 35,000 fans show up for that game every year. That was cool, but this was 10x better than that.
Let's just hope that this is the turning point for the Bengals. This city truly needs a team to be proud of. The other "pro" team in the area isn't too much to help their cause. Iggy prolly agrees with me on that note.
WHO DEY!!
I was furious at my boss this past week after I had asked for a half day for Monday, had it granted only to be taken away. But, I couldn't get quite that pissed because it wasn't like she didn't have a good reason to take off Monday. Her husband decided they needed to go to the World Series.
Turned out that it wasn't a bad thing that I wasn't able to tailgate so early. Most the great places were full from business people still parked in the area. As soon as work was out, I busted my ass down there and opened the cooler and got out the dogs/brats/metts for the grill. It was a great time to be had with thousands of Bengals fans.
Inside the stadium, it was electric. Never seen anything like that before. The closest that I ever came to that was running out on the field for my high school football rivalry. 35,000 fans show up for that game every year. That was cool, but this was 10x better than that.
Let's just hope that this is the turning point for the Bengals. This city truly needs a team to be proud of. The other "pro" team in the area isn't too much to help their cause. Iggy prolly agrees with me on that note.
WHO DEY!!
Thursday, October 21, 2004
I Was Wrong
The Rocket had the inning. Congrats to St. Louis! Looking forward to the BoSox - Cards matchup. I have thought these were the best two teams this year, so only fitting that they meet for all the marbles.
Prediction - BoSox in 6.
Prediction - BoSox in 6.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Predictions for NLCS Game 7
After watching the way St. Louis pulled off Game 6 tonight, I cannot fathom them taking the game with The Rocket on the mound.
I would love nothing more than a St. Louis-BoSox World Series, but I don't know if the Cardinals will pull another rabbit out of the hat.
Sidebar...since Yanks-BoSox game isn't quite "over" yet. Yankee fans throwing shit out on the field. Show some freaking class. Don't aim whatever you're throwing at The Passion of the Center Fielder....throw it at your own team which has just made history as having the biggest effing collapse in sports history.
I'm predicting that Boston fans will burn down the city tonight. I hope that they don't since there are still four more games to be played. Also, how tough is Curt Schilling? I don't think I have seen anything like that ever. MJ playing with the flu was tough, but dude had staples in his foot to hold a tendon in place. Eff that man. Shill is the shit as far as I'm concerned. The only thing missing from last night's game was the music from The Natural everytime the camera zoomed in on the bloody ankle.
Cue the music
Well, back on topic now...if anyone would care to make any predictions about tomorrow night's game...feel free. I think the final will be Stros 7 Cards 4.
UPDATE: Game over...What, no handshake between teams? Ah, who cares. Screw the Yankees...yet another year that you can't buy a championship.
I would love nothing more than a St. Louis-BoSox World Series, but I don't know if the Cardinals will pull another rabbit out of the hat.
Sidebar...since Yanks-BoSox game isn't quite "over" yet. Yankee fans throwing shit out on the field. Show some freaking class. Don't aim whatever you're throwing at The Passion of the Center Fielder....throw it at your own team which has just made history as having the biggest effing collapse in sports history.
I'm predicting that Boston fans will burn down the city tonight. I hope that they don't since there are still four more games to be played. Also, how tough is Curt Schilling? I don't think I have seen anything like that ever. MJ playing with the flu was tough, but dude had staples in his foot to hold a tendon in place. Eff that man. Shill is the shit as far as I'm concerned. The only thing missing from last night's game was the music from The Natural everytime the camera zoomed in on the bloody ankle.
Cue the music
Well, back on topic now...if anyone would care to make any predictions about tomorrow night's game...feel free. I think the final will be Stros 7 Cards 4.
UPDATE: Game over...What, no handshake between teams? Ah, who cares. Screw the Yankees...yet another year that you can't buy a championship.
Why
In the name of all that is holy...would you put Pedro on the mound when Lowe has been nothing less than magnificent tonight?
Effing BoSox must want to continue the curse. I understand the theory of bringing Pedro (your ace) into the game, but for fucks sake - the crowd was dead before bringing him into the lineup. Yeah, give them a reason to get into the game! Stoopid effing BoSox.
Already gave up two runs in this inning...nice work Pedro! Must have forgotten to rub his midget.
Hey, I spent $10 and all I got was this picture?
UPDATE: Pedro got his act together, but still gave up some big shots. Come on man...get your head out of your ass!
Sweet, another homer for the BoSox! I'm not so much pulling for the BoSox as I am rooting against the Yankees! Thanks to Scott for that one.
Effing BoSox must want to continue the curse. I understand the theory of bringing Pedro (your ace) into the game, but for fucks sake - the crowd was dead before bringing him into the lineup. Yeah, give them a reason to get into the game! Stoopid effing BoSox.
Already gave up two runs in this inning...nice work Pedro! Must have forgotten to rub his midget.
Hey, I spent $10 and all I got was this picture?
UPDATE: Pedro got his act together, but still gave up some big shots. Come on man...get your head out of your ass!
Sweet, another homer for the BoSox! I'm not so much pulling for the BoSox as I am rooting against the Yankees! Thanks to Scott for that one.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Another Reason Why The Cincinnati Reds Suck
Reds decline to offer Larkin a contract
Look, I'm not a huge Barry Larkin fan, but for fuck's sake...how to you not offer a guy who has been with you for 19 years, and had as productive year as anyone who will replace him (because you are too fucking stupid to have thought that Barry was getting old and haven't groomed anyone to replace him), how do you not offer him a one-year contract deal and then a coacking position?
Fuck the Reds. This is another reason why I'm just about through with Major League Baseball. That and the fact that my other team cannot fucking win in the postseason. Bobby Cox is one of the best manager's ever in MLB, but WTF? Can't you win more than once in 13 straight division titles?
I wish everyone could hear this bumbling fucking idiot of a general manager, Dan O'Brien, the Reds have talk right now. "Barry didn't have much to say." NO SHIT! BECAUSE YOU TREATED HIM LIKE SHIT. I HOPE HE GAVE YOU A GREAT BIG FUCK YOU!
Fuck the Reds! Fuck you Carl Linder for spending more money on a fucking festival that happens once every few years (Tall Stacks) than wanting to increase payroll and put some pitching and talent out on the ball field.
Look, I'm not a huge Barry Larkin fan, but for fuck's sake...how to you not offer a guy who has been with you for 19 years, and had as productive year as anyone who will replace him (because you are too fucking stupid to have thought that Barry was getting old and haven't groomed anyone to replace him), how do you not offer him a one-year contract deal and then a coacking position?
Fuck the Reds. This is another reason why I'm just about through with Major League Baseball. That and the fact that my other team cannot fucking win in the postseason. Bobby Cox is one of the best manager's ever in MLB, but WTF? Can't you win more than once in 13 straight division titles?
I wish everyone could hear this bumbling fucking idiot of a general manager, Dan O'Brien, the Reds have talk right now. "Barry didn't have much to say." NO SHIT! BECAUSE YOU TREATED HIM LIKE SHIT. I HOPE HE GAVE YOU A GREAT BIG FUCK YOU!
Fuck the Reds! Fuck you Carl Linder for spending more money on a fucking festival that happens once every few years (Tall Stacks) than wanting to increase payroll and put some pitching and talent out on the ball field.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
I'm Sorry It Has Been A While
No better way to start this off. It has been quite a while and I do apologize for that. Truth of the matter is, I really haven't had much to talk about lately. At least not in the way of poker. I haven't played online for the past three or four weeks and haven't played in any home games for about the same amount of time.
I have been more or less caught up in the football season, some of the end of the MLB season and now the playoffs, and quite a bit of fantasy football. I am quite the geek when it comes to that stuff. I have three leagues that require constant attention. So far, I'm good, middle, and bad in the respective leagues.
I spoke a week or so back about an interesting conversation I had with Iggy. We were talking about a local radio host and the status of Major League Baseball. Speaking of how things are different these days (these days since the last MLB strike). Since that last strike, MLB has lost quite a few fans of the game and haven't truly been able to resurrect our attention spans.
I personally cannot stand George S. and the Yankee nation. That he continually buys players year after year, I guess I'm growing tired of it. Frankly, my aggression is towards the lowly Cincinnati Reds and Carl effing Linder. That asshole is worth more than George S. by about 100 times, yet that old shithead refuses to spend one fucking dime on pitching. He goes out and gets the Reds absolutely no talent. That is the part that Iggy had to "explain" to me. I think that many of the players are grossly overpaid, and that is the inherent problem. If the market will pay it, why shouldn't the players take full advantage? The salary cap is all kinds of fucked in baseball. This much we agreed on. I will stop boring everyone about this. It was nice to have a sports conversation with someone for a change. Most of the people that I work with would prefer to talk politics instead. I love talking politics, but I eat, sleep, and shit sports.
Highlight of the night:
iggy: you dont EVER here people bitching about jim carrey making $20 fucking million for one movie but if it is arod he's evil. Which one is harder?
me: baseball, although, some of those faces jim makes can't be easy
I will try to do a much better job with this thing. I am planning on playing some Party this weekend and I think I will start posting some of my strategies/theories and get more feedback on this stuff. I am trying to learn the interworkings of Poker Tracker, but I don't believe I have enough hands involved yet.
Thanks for stopping by. Sorry for the absence.
I have been more or less caught up in the football season, some of the end of the MLB season and now the playoffs, and quite a bit of fantasy football. I am quite the geek when it comes to that stuff. I have three leagues that require constant attention. So far, I'm good, middle, and bad in the respective leagues.
I spoke a week or so back about an interesting conversation I had with Iggy. We were talking about a local radio host and the status of Major League Baseball. Speaking of how things are different these days (these days since the last MLB strike). Since that last strike, MLB has lost quite a few fans of the game and haven't truly been able to resurrect our attention spans.
I personally cannot stand George S. and the Yankee nation. That he continually buys players year after year, I guess I'm growing tired of it. Frankly, my aggression is towards the lowly Cincinnati Reds and Carl effing Linder. That asshole is worth more than George S. by about 100 times, yet that old shithead refuses to spend one fucking dime on pitching. He goes out and gets the Reds absolutely no talent. That is the part that Iggy had to "explain" to me. I think that many of the players are grossly overpaid, and that is the inherent problem. If the market will pay it, why shouldn't the players take full advantage? The salary cap is all kinds of fucked in baseball. This much we agreed on. I will stop boring everyone about this. It was nice to have a sports conversation with someone for a change. Most of the people that I work with would prefer to talk politics instead. I love talking politics, but I eat, sleep, and shit sports.
Highlight of the night:
iggy: you dont EVER here people bitching about jim carrey making $20 fucking million for one movie but if it is arod he's evil. Which one is harder?
me: baseball, although, some of those faces jim makes can't be easy
I will try to do a much better job with this thing. I am planning on playing some Party this weekend and I think I will start posting some of my strategies/theories and get more feedback on this stuff. I am trying to learn the interworkings of Poker Tracker, but I don't believe I have enough hands involved yet.
Thanks for stopping by. Sorry for the absence.
Monday, September 27, 2004
New Post Coming Soon
I actually do have quite a bit to talk about. Just had a great conversation with Iggy about sports among other things.
I apologize for being MIA the past few weeks. My dedication level has waned lately.
I will leave you with this just to get your attention...my view from Sunday's Bengals v. Ravens game.
In Good Hands...with Carson Palmer.
I apologize for being MIA the past few weeks. My dedication level has waned lately.
I will leave you with this just to get your attention...my view from Sunday's Bengals v. Ravens game.
In Good Hands...with Carson Palmer.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
One of the Last Things I'm Worried About
Interesting article on MSNBC about Poker Bots playing online. Honestly, I'm not worried about a Poker Bot. Mainly because the bots wouldn't spend any time at the tables I'm at the majority of the time.
I would imagine others out there have more to say on the issue than I do. I play online enough to build up my bankroll, but I'm not on there every single night grinding away.
This article was humorous about the writers first experience with Party Poker.
I would imagine others out there have more to say on the issue than I do. I play online enough to build up my bankroll, but I'm not on there every single night grinding away.
This article was humorous about the writers first experience with Party Poker.
Monday, September 13, 2004
My New Favorite Casino Game
Well, I know it has been quite some time since my last post. My life really hasn't been that interesting except for my friend's bachelor party this past weekend, while also driving to
For starters, my buddy's bachelor party was another four-day binge (luckily for me, I only had 2 days). Last Thursday night, we partied at the Belterra Casino for a little gambling and golf. The night started off at the craps tables (who now offer 10x odds) but for some reason, the craps gods have not looked down nicely at me the last few times. This was no exception. Within ten minutes, I'm down $50 bucks. Well, let’s go try my hand at blackjack...that always works, right? Usually, but not tonight. I really can't stand when people hit their 12 with the dealer showing a 3 and I couldn't keep track of the number of times that happened. I watched another $5o go by the wayside within minutes.
Since we didn't arrive that early, and I knew we were playing golf in the morning, I didn't take a very large bankroll with me to gamble on. Also, since there aren't any poker tables around, I didn't see much reason. I guess that is my optimism coming out. Ended up hitting the ATM for a little more cash. I never lose when I go to the machine!
Sat down at 3 Card Poker. I hadn't played it before and Let It Ride was already closed down for the night. Figured I would give it a try. The dealer was nice enough to explain it to me and away we went. Basically, there are two bets to play. The "Pairs Plus" bet and the Ante/Play bet. The only way to make any money in the game is to always play the "Pairs Plus" bet. This is also how the casino is profitable at this game. Needless to say, since this was my first time playing, the cards fell my way. Within 20 hands, I was dealt the 9TJ spades. Hit the straight flush! $10 "Pairs Plus" bet on the table and I play the hand hoping for the dealer to qualify with a Q (not that I needed that - no matter what, my "Pairs Plus" bet was going to pay out). She qualifies with an AKx and I'm rewarded handsomely. 40-1 on the PP bet for a straight flush. Another $10 for the ante and $10 for playing the hand. I'm immediately up for the night. $450 in chips in front of me and I get to rake them all. I'm feeling great, that is until my friends decide to buy-in. Hey, this was my game...just me and the dealer.
I pocket those chips to make sure for once, that the alcohol racing through my system doesn't talk me into playing those too. All in all, I'm up $200+ for the night and I've paid for my whole weekend with that. Got to bed very late and woke late for golf. Played a little
Next time I'm at any casino, I'm looking for 3 Card Poker. It was fun to play and didn't require very many brain cells. That was an especially good thing for me at that point.
Awoke on Saturday morning (even before the asscrack of dawn) to drive to the in-laws place then to
Other than that, I have not been up to too much. I haven't logged any sessions on Party or Pacific since the Monty Memorial Tournament. I finally finished Positively Fifth Street by James McManus. I know what you are thinking..."Didn't you start that book like three or four months ago?" Well, yes. I never proclaimed to be the world's most disciplined reader. I can get started and then put a book down with no problem. It was slow for me to start with. Once he finally started the poker talk, I wasn't able to put it down. I will eventually type up my review on it, but I'm not sure when that will happen. I have picked up another book and I needed to give the brain a break from poker reading. Who's Your Caddy by Rick Reilly is absolutely hilarious. It is actually a welcomed relief from the constant poker reading I've been doing. I'm also looking forward to reading Championship No Limit & Pot Limit Hold 'Em by T.J. Cloutier.
This has been quite longwinded and I'm not sure I wrote anything that anyone would want to ready. With that said, go check out the greatest poker trip report ever written by Iggy. I'm sure that must have been some freaky shit playing poker while Hurricane Ivan was ripping through the country.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Local Poker Article
I know Dayton is roughly 40 minutes north, but "local" enough. Here was an article in the Dayton Daily News today. You have to sign up for it, so I've posted the article below.
IN THE CHIPS
Who knew? Professional players agree: Gem City a
hot spot for gamers
By Dan Cox
DAYTON The Wright Brothers
aren't the only thing the Gem City is known for, but you might have to travel to Las Vegas to really appreciate what the Miami Valley has to offer.
"Dayton Ohio, for some reason, has produced some of the best poker players in the world," said Mike Sexton, the host of the World Poker Tour on the Bravo channel.
Sexton, who grew up in Kettering and graduated from Fairmont East in 1965, started playing poker professionally in North Carolina and later moved to Las Vegas when he felt more comfortable with his skills.
"I always figured if I went broke, I'd get another job," Sexton said. "Turns out I haven't gotten a paycheck in over 20 years."
David "Chip" Reese, who graduated from Centerville High School in 1969, is a professional poker player who has played on the World Poker Tour, and he also believes Dayton has a strong poker reputation.
"What Dayton was a hot spot for was the most skillful game in poker, seven-card stud," Reese said. More betting and decision making are involved with seven-card stud than in any other type of poker, according to Reese.
"Any game where there's more decisions to make is a more skillful game," Reese said. "If someone can master seven-card stud, then they can master any poker game."
Reese is one of the only living members of the poker hall of fame and has been voted by other professional poker players as the best all-around player on eight separate occasions.
"(Reese) is the best in the world to me," said Dale Rockwell of Reece's Las Vegas Supplies in Dayton. Rockwell played poker professionally for 10 years before settling in Dayton. He organizes charity poker tournaments around Ohio through the store.
Since poker's recent surge in popularity, rentals for poker tables and chips have risen sharply, Rockwell said. Sales of poker tables have also risen; only 15 tables were sold a year before the poker boom, but now Rockwell sells 15-20 tables a month to people eager to turn their basement into a makeshift casino.
More organizations are contacting Rockwell to hold tournaments than in the past as well."We've got so many charities lined up, that we're turning people away," he said. "We're that busy."
The last event Rockwell helped organize was for Springfield Catholic Schools. The tournament lasted eight days and had 3,400 participants. Rockwell said the schools made around $105,000 after expenses.
Players have different theories as to why poker has become so popular. Some believe the free online games that allow novice players to learn about different games without investing any of their own money have taught a lot of people the basics.
But all three men believe the shows on television that allow viewers to see what kind of cards each player has while the game is going has played a huge role in popularizing poker.
"You will become a better poker player by watching the World Poker Tour every week," Sexton said. "It's reality TV at it's finest."
Reese agrees with Sexton that allowing viewers to see the cards of the players has made a huge difference in the way people look at poker.
"If players are bluffing, then viewers get to see what they're going to do," he said.
Along with the greater understanding, fans of poker are learning who the celebrities are in the game, and some players are uncomfortable with their celebrity status.
Reese said in the past he wouldn't tell people about his profession because he was afraid that they would treat him unfairly.
"Now, I don't want to tell them because I feel like such a celebrity," Reese said. "Thanks to TV, it's a sport now. It's not a seedy back-room thing anymore."
Sexton agrees with Reese on how the public views poker.
"It's not considered an evil thing anymore. It's considered a sport," he said. "The public accepts poker as not being a bad thing anymore."
Monday, August 30, 2004
Party Poker Bad Beat Jackpot
As of right now, the Party Poker Bad Beat Jackpot is worth over $216,000! Damn that is sweet.
The smallest table they are allowing to hit it is $2/4. That's a bummer for me because I'm not quite established enough to move up right now. I'm sure one of these days I will build my bankroll up enough to be able to handle a long session at the $2/4 tables, but right now is not the time.
I couldn't imagine hitting it, especially with the qualifications needed to hit it.
The smallest table they are allowing to hit it is $2/4. That's a bummer for me because I'm not quite established enough to move up right now. I'm sure one of these days I will build my bankroll up enough to be able to handle a long session at the $2/4 tables, but right now is not the time.
I couldn't imagine hitting it, especially with the qualifications needed to hit it.
One Hand Typing - What the Hell??
I'm sure some of you are wondering what the hell that means huh? Why would he go and change is name like that? Well, several good reasons.
Last night during the Monty Memorial Poker Tournament, congrats Iggy for winning your own tournament, I had to apologize for all the typos I was making in the chat room. Reason being that my hand was still in the cast from breaking my fifth metacarpal. So, I was typing everything with my left hand and I'm not very good at that. So after I apologized...of course there had to be some joking making involved.
I believe it was Otis that said, "One Hand Typing is like your Indian name." Or something to that effect. Then Scott came up with the best 21st Century line there was, "I used to think in the way that that would make a great band name. Now, that would make a great BLOG name."
Hank also had quite a lot to do with the name change too. And so it was written.
Sorry to confuse everyone.
By the way, the cast came off today and it only took me roughly ten minutes to type this. Man my pinkie is weak right now. Thankfully I do not have to do any physical therapy to make it any better.
Last night during the Monty Memorial Poker Tournament, congrats Iggy for winning your own tournament, I had to apologize for all the typos I was making in the chat room. Reason being that my hand was still in the cast from breaking my fifth metacarpal. So, I was typing everything with my left hand and I'm not very good at that. So after I apologized...of course there had to be some joking making involved.
I believe it was Otis that said, "One Hand Typing is like your Indian name." Or something to that effect. Then Scott came up with the best 21st Century line there was, "I used to think in the way that that would make a great band name. Now, that would make a great BLOG name."
Hank also had quite a lot to do with the name change too. And so it was written.
Sorry to confuse everyone.
By the way, the cast came off today and it only took me roughly ten minutes to type this. Man my pinkie is weak right now. Thankfully I do not have to do any physical therapy to make it any better.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
47th
Not quite where I pictured myself finishing up in the Monty Memorial Tournament, but hey, it was fun anyways. Plus, what better way to go out than to the man who did the whole thing, IGGY. He busted my AK with his KQ with a Q on the river. That's alright, I made him really think about the call because I doubled up earlier in the tourney thanks to Iggy when my AA held up to JJ.
It was fun...I look forward to reading everyone's write ups!
It was fun...I look forward to reading everyone's write ups!
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Alice Cooper - Who Would've Thought He made Any Sense
Anti-Bush acts treasonous morons
I try not to get into too much politics on this site, but I must agree with Alice Cooper on this front.
Best part:
I try not to get into too much politics on this site, but I must agree with Alice Cooper on this front.
Best part:
"If you're listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you're a bigger moron than they are. Why are we rock stars? Because we're morons. We sleep all day, we play music at night and very rarely do we sit around reading the Washington Journal."
Must Be Television's Fault
Corvette Ad With Young Driver Taken Off Air
Are we really afraid that young kids are going to steals their dad's Corvettes and take them for joy rides? They can't even reach the pedals! I saw and loved this commercial because it is true. I finally realized my dream of driving my Dad's 1990 6-speed Vette a couple weeks ago -- only because these past few months I learned how to drive a stick -- I know I'm pathetic.
Are we really afraid that young kids are going to steals their dad's Corvettes and take them for joy rides? They can't even reach the pedals! I saw and loved this commercial because it is true. I finally realized my dream of driving my Dad's 1990 6-speed Vette a couple weeks ago -- only because these past few months I learned how to drive a stick -- I know I'm pathetic.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Interesting Poker Article
Today on ESPN Page 2, there was an interesting article regarding youth and poker/gambling. I certainly do think this is a delicate slippery slope with the phenomenon of poker. All the attention that has been brought to this wonderful game, you certainly have to be aware of how impressionable youth are.
Looking at this year's WSOP, we saw several winners under the age of 25. That is not what I'm worried about, since I'm the same age range. The concern that I have is when my 13-year-old cousin starts talking to me about poker. That is what recently happened on my family vacation. Personally, I'm not too worried about him because all he knows is what he has seen on ESPN and the WPT. Now, he was talking about wanting to play me for money and I had to try and make sense to him that he is too young (way too young) to begin thinking he can play that way. Hell, I've only got a little more than 2 years experience myself and I have a hell of a lot of improving to do. But for this kid to think he is ready to play for some money freaks me out.
Also, if there is a problem out there, it isn't the fault of ESPN or the WPT, etc. The kids that are playing have to be monitored by their parents. The case of the kid in the article, he was playing 14 hours a day, with his parents downstairs and presumably their money. How they let the situation spiral out of control like that is their fault. People have to be responsible for their own actions and not blame television for everything.
I'm curious to what you all think about what this will do on today's youth. It could be nothing more than more money to our bankrolls.
Sean at Anisotropy 2 also had a few takes on the matter.
Looking at this year's WSOP, we saw several winners under the age of 25. That is not what I'm worried about, since I'm the same age range. The concern that I have is when my 13-year-old cousin starts talking to me about poker. That is what recently happened on my family vacation. Personally, I'm not too worried about him because all he knows is what he has seen on ESPN and the WPT. Now, he was talking about wanting to play me for money and I had to try and make sense to him that he is too young (way too young) to begin thinking he can play that way. Hell, I've only got a little more than 2 years experience myself and I have a hell of a lot of improving to do. But for this kid to think he is ready to play for some money freaks me out.
Also, if there is a problem out there, it isn't the fault of ESPN or the WPT, etc. The kids that are playing have to be monitored by their parents. The case of the kid in the article, he was playing 14 hours a day, with his parents downstairs and presumably their money. How they let the situation spiral out of control like that is their fault. People have to be responsible for their own actions and not blame television for everything.
I'm curious to what you all think about what this will do on today's youth. It could be nothing more than more money to our bankrolls.
Sean at Anisotropy 2 also had a few takes on the matter.
The Mouth Matusow v. Fossilman Raymer
Overall, watching the WSOP has been entertaining, but nothing as much as what I saw for a few moments last night. Mike “The Mouth” Matusow started to trash talk Greg Raymer at the tables regarding his play, etc.
Unfortunately, we were unable to see the cards because they were not at the featured table, thus without the nifty pocket cam. Since Matusow is nothing more than a loud mouth, whom I cannot stand, the cameras came running over. Now, I only watched this once, so I may have some of the details wrong, but this is what I saw.
Raymer apparently made a bet of $20K after the flop to Matusow, who after a while decided to re-raise to $40K. Raymer, sitting there for a minute with Matusow talking all the trash he could, finally folded. Matusow continued to berate Raymer saying, “You’re playing with the big dogs and I will kill you in this game” blah, blah, blah.
Raymer pulls out his notebook and writes down some notes in it, presumable “Punch Him Next Time!” Matusow tries to offer a handshake saying he didn’t mean anything and Raymer just stared at him and said NO. How sweet was that?!
I bet Matusow thinks a little different about Raymer’s play after he won the big one for a cool $5 million.
Unfortunately, we were unable to see the cards because they were not at the featured table, thus without the nifty pocket cam. Since Matusow is nothing more than a loud mouth, whom I cannot stand, the cameras came running over. Now, I only watched this once, so I may have some of the details wrong, but this is what I saw.
Raymer apparently made a bet of $20K after the flop to Matusow, who after a while decided to re-raise to $40K. Raymer, sitting there for a minute with Matusow talking all the trash he could, finally folded. Matusow continued to berate Raymer saying, “You’re playing with the big dogs and I will kill you in this game” blah, blah, blah.
Raymer pulls out his notebook and writes down some notes in it, presumable “Punch Him Next Time!” Matusow tries to offer a handshake saying he didn’t mean anything and Raymer just stared at him and said NO. How sweet was that?!
I bet Matusow thinks a little different about Raymer’s play after he won the big one for a cool $5 million.
How About Some Sports?
It’s been a while since I have talked about any sports on this blog. Not that I don’t have plenty of opinions, just that I haven’t focused on that lately. Well, I will get back to it more regularly, especially with football season around the corner and plenty of money to be made gambling.
NCAA v. USC’s Mike Williams
Seriously, how can it take this long to reinstate this kid? He has done absolutely nothing wrong and the NCAA won’t rule on his reinstatement. He simply followed the courts ruling when he entered the NFL draft (following the buffoon Maurice Clarrett). After the Courts granted the stay and it was clear he could no longer be in the NFL Draft, he fired his agent and gave back all the money. He quickly re-enrolled back into USC and began taking the proper classes to become eligible and filed all the necessary papers. How can it take this long for the NCAA to do the right thing and let the kid play. The NCAA is the most hypocritical institution and are doing their best to ruin college sports.
NCAA v. CU’s Jeremy Bloom
Talk about a royal fuck-up! Denying his final appeal and effectively ending his college football career, the NCAA told Bloom that he cannot do two sports at the same time! Really, again I must ask how could the NCAA fuck this up? Bloom is a tremendous athlete and wants to follow his dream of making the Winter Olympics in skiing. Well, he can’t do it all on his own and was going to take sponsorship money to help with his training. He even agreed to turn all the money over to the Olympic Committee to handle, yet the NCAA can’t get their head out of their ass. With all the problems Colorado had had this past offseason, it would have been nice to see a great kid like Bloom on the team. Jeremy, I hope you represent the United States well in the next Winter Olympics and while on the medal stand whisper, “Fuck You NCAA!”
Athens Olympics
This won’t be long because way too much to recap. I love the Olympics and love to watch them. I get a thrill watching our athletes dominate the games. I think Mike Phelps is the best story of the Olympics…I mean 8 MEDALS!!! Damn that is good. Come to think of it, I can’t wait until the 2008 games and seeing him swim when he is only 23 and stronger! Great story and I don’t care that he didn’t win eight gold’s. He won eight medals, seven in which he competed in the finals, and medalled every time he swam! This is particularly amazing:
Beach Volleyball is great. I can watch that all day, everyday. Yes, some of it has to do with the outfits, but these women are ripped and extremely athletic. Also, my wife is a big beach volleyball player and I have grown to love the game. Misty May and Kerri Walsh were amazing! The amount of ground they cover and ability to make some of the digs they do, wow! I suck at volleyball, but I’m in training to eventually play for my wife’s co-ed teams, so I feel like I’m allowed to comment.
Paul Hamm won the gold. That is where the controversy should end. He won. He did what he needed to do to win. It is not his fault the judges fucked up! He shouldn’t hand over any medal to anyone. He shouldn’t share it with anyone either. This doesn’t make his unethical or immoral. I’m tired of everyone saying he should give up his medal or share. You spend your entire life for that moment and tell me that you would do that. I don’t think so. Let me point out that several things are already screwed up with this anyways. First, you are not allowed to review the tape to re-judge…which they did and found the mistake. Second, even if the judges award the correct difficulty – the South Korean guy still made a mistake that would have cost him gold anyways! This whole thing is as ridiculous as me talking about gymnastics.
USA Basketball – what a joke. This unfortunately is the only event where I’m rooting for someone other than the USA. NBA basketball is a farce and so are most of the players. The only guy I like on this team is Tim Duncan. He is old-school and fundamentals. He is what is right with basketball. Not the crap you see every time you turn on the NBA. Another example of how the NBA is a joke…Erik Dampier signs for $73 Million. Why? Is he really worth $73 million…I don’t think so.
USA Softball – Jennie Finch is beautiful. Great for them winning. Wish they could have had the Olympics Shutout, but hey, one run isn’t that bad. Great story too about the coach. Very sad too.
Fantasy Football and NFL Football
This will receive a post all to itself sometime this weekend. My fantasy drafts are coming up in the next couple weeks and I will ask for some analysis on my team and impending drafts for those who are as addicted as I am.
Well, I hope that is enough for you. It has just wetted my appetite for more sports.
NCAA v. USC’s Mike Williams
Seriously, how can it take this long to reinstate this kid? He has done absolutely nothing wrong and the NCAA won’t rule on his reinstatement. He simply followed the courts ruling when he entered the NFL draft (following the buffoon Maurice Clarrett). After the Courts granted the stay and it was clear he could no longer be in the NFL Draft, he fired his agent and gave back all the money. He quickly re-enrolled back into USC and began taking the proper classes to become eligible and filed all the necessary papers. How can it take this long for the NCAA to do the right thing and let the kid play. The NCAA is the most hypocritical institution and are doing their best to ruin college sports.
NCAA v. CU’s Jeremy Bloom
Talk about a royal fuck-up! Denying his final appeal and effectively ending his college football career, the NCAA told Bloom that he cannot do two sports at the same time! Really, again I must ask how could the NCAA fuck this up? Bloom is a tremendous athlete and wants to follow his dream of making the Winter Olympics in skiing. Well, he can’t do it all on his own and was going to take sponsorship money to help with his training. He even agreed to turn all the money over to the Olympic Committee to handle, yet the NCAA can’t get their head out of their ass. With all the problems Colorado had had this past offseason, it would have been nice to see a great kid like Bloom on the team. Jeremy, I hope you represent the United States well in the next Winter Olympics and while on the medal stand whisper, “Fuck You NCAA!”
Athens Olympics
This won’t be long because way too much to recap. I love the Olympics and love to watch them. I get a thrill watching our athletes dominate the games. I think Mike Phelps is the best story of the Olympics…I mean 8 MEDALS!!! Damn that is good. Come to think of it, I can’t wait until the 2008 games and seeing him swim when he is only 23 and stronger! Great story and I don’t care that he didn’t win eight gold’s. He won eight medals, seven in which he competed in the finals, and medalled every time he swam! This is particularly amazing:
Phelps swam roughly 70,000 meters over the past eight days. That's around 40 miles. Didn't Philippides die after running only 26 miles? Didn't they name an event after him? No such luck for Phelps. Nobody else can swim 70,000 meters in a week and then giggle and say, "It's McDonald's time!" Fellow American Erik Vendt, who won silver earlier in the week, says he needs two or three days to recover from his races. And he only swims 400 meters.
Beach Volleyball is great. I can watch that all day, everyday. Yes, some of it has to do with the outfits, but these women are ripped and extremely athletic. Also, my wife is a big beach volleyball player and I have grown to love the game. Misty May and Kerri Walsh were amazing! The amount of ground they cover and ability to make some of the digs they do, wow! I suck at volleyball, but I’m in training to eventually play for my wife’s co-ed teams, so I feel like I’m allowed to comment.
Paul Hamm won the gold. That is where the controversy should end. He won. He did what he needed to do to win. It is not his fault the judges fucked up! He shouldn’t hand over any medal to anyone. He shouldn’t share it with anyone either. This doesn’t make his unethical or immoral. I’m tired of everyone saying he should give up his medal or share. You spend your entire life for that moment and tell me that you would do that. I don’t think so. Let me point out that several things are already screwed up with this anyways. First, you are not allowed to review the tape to re-judge…which they did and found the mistake. Second, even if the judges award the correct difficulty – the South Korean guy still made a mistake that would have cost him gold anyways! This whole thing is as ridiculous as me talking about gymnastics.
USA Basketball – what a joke. This unfortunately is the only event where I’m rooting for someone other than the USA. NBA basketball is a farce and so are most of the players. The only guy I like on this team is Tim Duncan. He is old-school and fundamentals. He is what is right with basketball. Not the crap you see every time you turn on the NBA. Another example of how the NBA is a joke…Erik Dampier signs for $73 Million. Why? Is he really worth $73 million…I don’t think so.
USA Softball – Jennie Finch is beautiful. Great for them winning. Wish they could have had the Olympics Shutout, but hey, one run isn’t that bad. Great story too about the coach. Very sad too.
Fantasy Football and NFL Football
This will receive a post all to itself sometime this weekend. My fantasy drafts are coming up in the next couple weeks and I will ask for some analysis on my team and impending drafts for those who are as addicted as I am.
Well, I hope that is enough for you. It has just wetted my appetite for more sports.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Getting Their Stuff Together
Pacific Poker has done a very nice job handling the screw up last night for the Monty Memorial Tournament. Good to see that they realize the negative press they were about to have fall on them. For more info, check out Iggy's site.
Looking forward to a $2300 freeroll. Hell, if we make the buy-in their $25 and our original $20, plus their extra $500 - wow = $3875...imagine all that loot!
Looking forward to a $2300 freeroll. Hell, if we make the buy-in their $25 and our original $20, plus their extra $500 - wow = $3875...imagine all that loot!
This Was In My E-mail This Morning
Woke up this morning, checked my e-mail and found this...I'm sure this is the standard reply they sent everyone. Personally, I don't care what their excuse is. Iggy has been talking about this for three weeks and put it all together. They screwed up and will lose quite a bit of business because of this.
I will finish off my bonus details and pull my money from their site. Iggy, thanks for the attempt to set this up. Hopefully we can set something up in the next two weeks at Pokerstars and have the tournament.
Dear Member/Blogger,
Please accept our sincerest apologies for the non-start of the Monty
Memorial Tournament as organized by “Iggster”.
I can assure you that this matter is being fully reviewed by our
technical department, and you will be contacted by our Promotional
department regarding this matter as soon as possible. We do appreciate
that this has caused great inconvenience to yourself and the other
players, and will be taking this into account.
Your satisfaction is our top priority and we are always willing to
listen and understand our member's needs and concerns. We value your
time and thank you for your patience.
Regards,
Kim
Member Support Representative
Pacific Poker
I will finish off my bonus details and pull my money from their site. Iggy, thanks for the attempt to set this up. Hopefully we can set something up in the next two weeks at Pokerstars and have the tournament.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Monty Memorial Poker Blogger Tournament
I will be making my debut on the poker blogger tournament scene this weekend. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm sure there will be some great competition and will take most my evening, either playing or watching --- hopefully playing.
Go check out Iggy's site since he is the incredible host of the tourney. Please, the more people, the more fun and obviously more money. I may be one of the first to actually pimp Iggy's link to go sign up on --- so go sign up for Ig's sake!
Go check out Iggy's site since he is the incredible host of the tourney. Please, the more people, the more fun and obviously more money. I may be one of the first to actually pimp Iggy's link to go sign up on --- so go sign up for Ig's sake!
Sorry For the Lack of Posts
Last week I know I said I would repost, but what you didn't know, is that it is more difficult than normal. Unfortunately, on my vacation, I broke my right (dominant) hand and I now have a splint on -- which limits my typing ability. Luckily I have developed a technique that works quite well for me -- holding a pencil in my right hand that now acts as my entire hand. Hey, it works better than trying to hunt and peck and having to go back and erase all the errant keystrokes.
Anyways, typing is very tiresome and I will conclude this one now. BTW - other than breaking my hand, my vacation was a blast. I was very lucky to be in the Indian Shore (FL) area one week before Hurricane Charley. The weather was rather tough while I was there, but my heart goes out to the millions of people affected by Charley.
Anyways, typing is very tiresome and I will conclude this one now. BTW - other than breaking my hand, my vacation was a blast. I was very lucky to be in the Indian Shore (FL) area one week before Hurricane Charley. The weather was rather tough while I was there, but my heart goes out to the millions of people affected by Charley.
Monday, August 09, 2004
I Hate This New Blogger!
Just had a post ready to go and lost the whole thing somehow. Tried to highlight and change font and lost whole thing. Sorry for delay...will retry tomorrow. Too pissed to type that up again.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Off For Vacation
I'm off for one week while vacationing with the family in Indian Shores, Florida. I will have a post trip report when I return. All two of you who frequent the page...hope you don't miss me too much!
Monday, July 26, 2004
The Fate of the LPGA Rests On Her Shoulders
Natalie Gulbis Wants To Get Wet
I posted a couple weeks ago about the SI.com comparison between Natalie and Anna K. Now ESPN has picked up on how hot Natalie is. It is a shame she doesn't see herself as a sex symbol. I know I do!
I think it is a toss up. I'm not kicking either one out of bed for eating crackers.
Remembering A Great Man and Priest
This post is a little delayed, but as a Xavier University Alumni, we have lost a truly great person. Last Friday, the former president of XU, Fr. James Hoff, S.J., lost his battle with cancer. He truly was a remarkable man. His vision is what has made Xavier what it is today. He took the school from being unnoticed to a top 10 school in the Midwest.
As president of the Student Government Association, I had the privilege to work with Fr. Hoff on many projects that affected the student body. He always found time for his students, no matter what your concern was. I truly believe that there are not enough ways to remember him on XU’s campus. Statues and buildings remembering his legacy will do for now.
Thank you Fr. Hoff for making such an incredible impact on my life during college and for always caring about the University and its greater good.
Several articles were written over the weekend regarding his legacy. I encourage you to take the time and read what he did for this (once) tiny Mid-Western school.
Xavier's Fr. Hoff Dies
Hoff Leaves Legacy of Inspiration
James Hoff Led Xavier's Rebirth
As president of the Student Government Association, I had the privilege to work with Fr. Hoff on many projects that affected the student body. He always found time for his students, no matter what your concern was. I truly believe that there are not enough ways to remember him on XU’s campus. Statues and buildings remembering his legacy will do for now.
Thank you Fr. Hoff for making such an incredible impact on my life during college and for always caring about the University and its greater good.
Several articles were written over the weekend regarding his legacy. I encourage you to take the time and read what he did for this (once) tiny Mid-Western school.
Xavier's Fr. Hoff Dies
Hoff Leaves Legacy of Inspiration
James Hoff Led Xavier's Rebirth
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
I Should Be In Detox
Wow, what a weekend! I went on a golf trip with my brother and 14 of his fraternity brothers for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We went to Pine Valley Country Club in Elizabethtown, KY. The game plan was 18 holes Friday morning, then 18 holes Friday afternoon. Same thing for Saturday, and 18 on Sunday morning. Of course, there cannot be that much golf without drinking.
I wasn't too pleased with my golfing this weekend. I am rougly a 18-20 handicap, but I certainly did not play that way this weekend. Now some of it may have been the booze, but most of it was in my head. For those who do not think golf is a sport, I suggest you go out there and swing a club almost 300 times and tell me how you feel. In my head, I could not get myself to focus on my shots and make good, solid contact. Everything I hit I either pushed it or pulled it. I went this way for most of the weekend. I only got things going for about nine holes all weekend, but I played those nine holes incredibly well. The golf course was incredible. Absolutely beautiful.
At night, we sat at the bar and drank quite a bit and then retired to the condos to play a little poker. Friday night we played a little game. Saturday night I was not able to partake in because I got alittle lot too wasted. Friday was plenty of fun and I finished in third position. My brother of all people finally put me out of the game. I tried to make a more in LP and my brother, the BB, called my bluff with KK. Oh well. What can ya do, right?
Now, on Saturday afternoon, before I was too bombed, we played a four-man scramble. I was able to draft my team and win the thing. It was a nice $40 for not playing to well.
The nightlife at this place wasn't anything to write home about. There was plenty of karoke, not that I'm any good at it, and a few good looking females here and there.
Overall, it was an incredible weekend. Had plenty of fun and should have spent Monday in detox rather than work. I'm sure at some point in time this weekend, my blood alcohol content was probably .25.
Alright then, I'm off to go watch Nip/Tuck. Julie finally came home from volleyball and I was nice enough to wait to watch it with her. If I play on this any longer she may disown me.
I wasn't too pleased with my golfing this weekend. I am rougly a 18-20 handicap, but I certainly did not play that way this weekend. Now some of it may have been the booze, but most of it was in my head. For those who do not think golf is a sport, I suggest you go out there and swing a club almost 300 times and tell me how you feel. In my head, I could not get myself to focus on my shots and make good, solid contact. Everything I hit I either pushed it or pulled it. I went this way for most of the weekend. I only got things going for about nine holes all weekend, but I played those nine holes incredibly well. The golf course was incredible. Absolutely beautiful.
At night, we sat at the bar and drank quite a bit and then retired to the condos to play a little poker. Friday night we played a little game. Saturday night I was not able to partake in because I got a
Now, on Saturday afternoon, before I was too bombed, we played a four-man scramble. I was able to draft my team and win the thing. It was a nice $40 for not playing to well.
The nightlife at this place wasn't anything to write home about. There was plenty of karoke, not that I'm any good at it, and a few good looking females here and there.
Overall, it was an incredible weekend. Had plenty of fun and should have spent Monday in detox rather than work. I'm sure at some point in time this weekend, my blood alcohol content was probably .25.
Alright then, I'm off to go watch Nip/Tuck. Julie finally came home from volleyball and I was nice enough to wait to watch it with her. If I play on this any longer she may disown me.
Monday, July 19, 2004
New Post Soon
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Nothing happened recently with poker and I haven't really been around much. Played a lot of golf this weekend with my brother and his fraternity brothers. Drank way too much and my body should be going through detox right now.
This is the first time I've logged into blogger in a week I think and they have changed things around quite a bit. I will look forward to messing around with this a little more.
Talk to everyone soon.
This is the first time I've logged into blogger in a week I think and they have changed things around quite a bit. I will look forward to messing around with this a little more.
Talk to everyone soon.
Monday, July 12, 2004
Pocket A's Busted
Playing a SNG last night before the wife came home and I was doing very well. Second in chips with 5 guys left and then, SHE RETURNED. The kiss of death happened as soon as she walked in the door.
This is the exact hand...(Sorry for those who hate hand histories)
Pocket aces were cracked. Three aces were cracked. That makes it rather hard to swallow. Of course with Party Poker, when you are all-in, the action happens so fast that you tend to miss it. All I know is I was feeling good and all the sudden "You finished in 5th position" came on my screen. I couldn't believe it.
Oh well...more games to play I assume.
This is the exact hand...(Sorry for those who hate hand histories)
***** Hand History for Game 744277705 *****
300/600 TourneyTexasHTGameTable (NL) (Tournament 4633143) - Sun Jul 11 18:25:21 EDT 2004
Table Table 12130 (Real Money) -- Seat 1 is the button
Total number of players : 5
Seat 1: run_table (1430)
Seat 2: cobblestones (2010)
Seat 6: bote1 (2045)
Seat 8: ALLIN_72OFF (1760)
Seat 9: xupugh (755)
cobblestones posts small blind (150)
bote1 posts big blind (300)
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to xupugh [ As, Ac ]
ALLIN_72OFF folds.
xupugh calls (300)
run_table folds.
cobblestones folds.
bote1 raises (500) to 800
xupugh calls (455)
xupugh is all-In.
** Dealing Flop ** : [ 4s, Qd, Kc ]
** Dealing Turn ** : [ Ts ]
** Dealing River ** : [ Ad ]
Creating Main Pot with $1660 with xupugh
** Summary **
Main Pot: 1660 | Side Pot 1: 45
Board: [ 4s Qd Kc Ts Ad ]
run_table balance 1430, didn't bet (folded)
cobblestones balance 1860, lost 150 (folded)
bote1 balance 2950, bet 800, collected 1705, net +905 [ Jc Jd ] [ a straight, ten to ace -- Ad,Kc,Qd,Jc,Ts ]
ALLIN_72OFF balance 1760, didn't bet (folded)
xupugh balance 0, lost 755 [ As Ac ] [ three of a kind, aces -- As,Ac,Ad,Kc,Qd ]
Pocket aces were cracked. Three aces were cracked. That makes it rather hard to swallow. Of course with Party Poker, when you are all-in, the action happens so fast that you tend to miss it. All I know is I was feeling good and all the sudden "You finished in 5th position" came on my screen. I couldn't believe it.
Oh well...more games to play I assume.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
American Casino
This show just cracks me up! This guy David has to be the biggest goofball I have ever seen. In the last episode I watched (Playboy Mansion), David decided to turn his apartment into an Ultra Lounge. That had to be the dumbest idea I have ever seen. Although, everyone who attended his "Grand Opening" of the JC1K Ultra Lounge, appeared to have a good time.
My favorite person on this show is Wayne, the director of marketing. This dude is hilarious. Everytime he sees water, he has to jump into it. He was great at the Playboy Mansion too. I cannot begin to imagine how much fun that would be. His supervisors decided to make a trip down to the mansion to keep an eye on him because he has a tendency to have too much fun.
The women on this show are absolutely beautiful too!
Sidebar - is it just me, or does the staff seem to be young? Several of the staff are in their late 20s to early 30s. Man, I knew I should have went out to Vegas and taken a gig out there.
UPDATE
Wow, while playing around on the Staff Bio site, I noticed Michael Tata was missing. I didn't realize he suddenly passed away this past week. He was only 33. I will follow this to find out what happened. There wasn't any suspicion of foul play.
Another link - This one from Green Valley Ranch
My favorite person on this show is Wayne, the director of marketing. This dude is hilarious. Everytime he sees water, he has to jump into it. He was great at the Playboy Mansion too. I cannot begin to imagine how much fun that would be. His supervisors decided to make a trip down to the mansion to keep an eye on him because he has a tendency to have too much fun.
The women on this show are absolutely beautiful too!
Sidebar - is it just me, or does the staff seem to be young? Several of the staff are in their late 20s to early 30s. Man, I knew I should have went out to Vegas and taken a gig out there.
UPDATE
Wow, while playing around on the Staff Bio site, I noticed Michael Tata was missing. I didn't realize he suddenly passed away this past week. He was only 33. I will follow this to find out what happened. There wasn't any suspicion of foul play.
Another link - This one from Green Valley Ranch
Friday, July 09, 2004
Nip/Tuck
Does anyone out there watch Nip/Tuck? This could be one of the most original shows ever made. Seriously, who ever made a show about two plastic surgeons? One is a player and the other struggling to make his relationship work. This could be one of the best shows out there. I'm surprised that I haven't seen more about it.
Now, I have been watching since episode 1 in season 1 and I have loved this show from the get go. Now it is a little extreme (like last week's gang bang episode) but the storylines are completly engaging. Just like The Shield.
As for the rest of my shows, I haven't been watching much television lately. There are a couple new shows that I like, but nothing that I have really sunk my teeth into.
The Poker/Gambling television circuit had a great write up on Chris Halverson's site. It's a good one, so if you haven't been reading it...you need to check it out.
Now, I have been watching since episode 1 in season 1 and I have loved this show from the get go. Now it is a little extreme (like last week's gang bang episode) but the storylines are completly engaging. Just like The Shield.
As for the rest of my shows, I haven't been watching much television lately. There are a couple new shows that I like, but nothing that I have really sunk my teeth into.
The Poker/Gambling television circuit had a great write up on Chris Halverson's site. It's a good one, so if you haven't been reading it...you need to check it out.
My Bankroll Isn't Getting Big
I don't really know what it is about my playing that isn't allowing the bankroll to grow. Maybe I am not spending enough time watching tables before I sit down, maybe I'm not playing right, or I might be trying too many SNGs. Not sure, but my bankroll is not where I would have expected it to be right now. I have finally been able to download PokerTracker (not sure what was wrong with my PC, but downloading things lately has been a struggle), and hopefully after I spend some time analyzing what everything means, I will be able to figure out what I have been doing wrong.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Does This Officially Make Me A Geek?
The Fat Guy would be proud (at the same time disappointed). I have finally gone wireless in my house. Bought the wife a new Dell laptop - Inspiron 8600 and did a lot of upgrading on it. Spent a pretty penny on the thing since it will get plenty of use the next three years while she attends law school. But, since I have it for the time being (and I will be getting my own laptop soon) I wanted to be able to use this thing anywhere I pleased in my house.
I must say, this is pretty cool to be downstairs, watching American Casino on my TiVo and typing into my blog at the same time. This could really be a great thing.
I must say, this is pretty cool to be downstairs, watching American Casino on my TiVo and typing into my blog at the same time. This could really be a great thing.
Reason to Watch the LPGA
Wow, I found this on SI.com and have found a reason to watch the LPGA. Natalie Gulbis is the hottest thing on the tour. Check out her website. She is downright hot. I do find it upsetting that the LPGA cancelled her signing portion because of her calendar release. She looks great and if the LPGA can learn anything from the World Tennis Association (Anna Kournikova) they will learn to market this young girl and sell the sex. What else are they going to market? Dykes on Tour? Michelle Wie is only 14 or 15...can put the Tour on her shoulders just yet.
Whirlwind 48 hours
Well, my beloved Musketeers have lost their coach and named a new one in less than 24 hours. I have had a chance to fully process the situation and I really don't feel the same as I did when it first happened. To start off, I was pissed off about Thad telling the City and fans that he was in it to win it at XU. I believe the quote he gave was "I'm not a candidate. It's that plain and that simple." Now, this should piss off any XU fan out there.
My outrage at first was merely this comment. But after really thinking about it, I truly believe he was looking out for the program. XU is trying to land a top tier recruit right now, and the last thing needed is to have the coaching change talk going on. Now, don't get me wrong, I truly believe that he has lost an incredible amount of credibility in the coaching ranks.
On the flip side, I am extremely thrilled with the selection of Sean Miller as the new Head Coach of the Xavier Musketeers. I'm very surprised that XU has been able to keep him as long as they have. He is a great talent and I don't expect XU to miss a beat.
Here is to hoping that Matta will schedule a home & home with XU v. Ohio St. Right now, I would predict a super ass-beating by the Musketeers. Best of luck to The Ohio State University. You have landed yourself a great coach who will do great things. Xavier University will continue on the path of success by Coach Miller. I look forward to next year's season tickets.
My outrage at first was merely this comment. But after really thinking about it, I truly believe he was looking out for the program. XU is trying to land a top tier recruit right now, and the last thing needed is to have the coaching change talk going on. Now, don't get me wrong, I truly believe that he has lost an incredible amount of credibility in the coaching ranks.
On the flip side, I am extremely thrilled with the selection of Sean Miller as the new Head Coach of the Xavier Musketeers. I'm very surprised that XU has been able to keep him as long as they have. He is a great talent and I don't expect XU to miss a beat.
Here is to hoping that Matta will schedule a home & home with XU v. Ohio St. Right now, I would predict a super ass-beating by the Musketeers. Best of luck to The Ohio State University. You have landed yourself a great coach who will do great things. Xavier University will continue on the path of success by Coach Miller. I look forward to next year's season tickets.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Another Local Game
This was sent to me in an e-mail from Texas Hold'em Events
I will probably enter this one. The wife will be at her lakehouse with the girls that weekend. I can't get into too much trouble that way, right?
Hello!
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
We had a great turnout for the June event. The United Way and Ducks Unlimited were the big winners! They along with us at Texasholdemevents.com thank you for coming out!
We wanted to invite you to our next event in Milford, Ohio.
Join us for the Milford Community Firefighters Club's No Limit Texas HoldEm Tournament, July 9th, 10th, and 11th at the Milford Firefighters Community Hall located at 1005 Lila Avenue in Milford, Ohio. (In the Milford Shopping Center near the Milford Greenhouse.)
Buy in is $80 per session. Unlimited rebuys of $50 during first 90 minutes (must have $1500 or less in chips). Also available: $1-$2 to $15-$30 Holdem, Stud, and Omaha during and after each tournament.
Lunch and Dinner catered by Texas Roadhouse. Did we mention the $25,000 in prize money?! Plus 5 entries into the Milford Firefighters Invitational, October 22nd, 23rd, and 24th!
Proceeds benefit the Milford Community Firefighters Club.
You can register now at texasholdemevents.com. For further details you can call me at 937-272-3378.
Also, look for our Texas Hold'em Championship to be held October 7th-10th at the Roberts Convention Centre with a $25,000 GRAND PRIZE!!
Details will be sent to you soon!!!
God Bless America and have a GREAT 4th of July!!!!
I will probably enter this one. The wife will be at her lakehouse with the girls that weekend. I can't get into too much trouble that way, right?
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Hold'em Tournament in Cincinnati
For any local readers:
$10,000 No Limit Hold'em Tournament
July 9, 2004 at St. Rita School for the Deaf
300 players max. $200/ticket. No refunds.
Payout
If 200 players
1st - $6,800
2nd - $4,000
3rd - $2,200
...
11th - 15th - $200
If 300 players
1st - $10,200
2nd - $6,000
3rd - $3,300
...
11th-15th - $300
Registration deadline is Friday, July 2nd.
I don't think I will be participating because $200/ticket and beating 299 players are a little steep for me right now. But, if you are interested...there it is.
$10,000 No Limit Hold'em Tournament
July 9, 2004 at St. Rita School for the Deaf
300 players max. $200/ticket. No refunds.
Payout
If 200 players
1st - $6,800
2nd - $4,000
3rd - $2,200
...
11th - 15th - $200
If 300 players
1st - $10,200
2nd - $6,000
3rd - $3,300
...
11th-15th - $300
Registration deadline is Friday, July 2nd.
I don't think I will be participating because $200/ticket and beating 299 players are a little steep for me right now. But, if you are interested...there it is.
I Think I'm A Little Bitter Today...
Alright, how is everyone out there doing today/tonight? I’ve been debating if I should post numerous times a day or just wait and post one long one every few days. This particular post will be more like the latter, but I think I will get back to my regular small blurbs in a day or two. It is often difficult to find the time to do this, but all it takes is a little commitment.
The NBA Draft last Thursday was a joke. That is what the NBA has become. I cannot stand the NBA because of the influx of high school kids and unproven foreigners playing in the league. It has ruined the game. I have never been excited about a basketball game where a team can shoot 30% for the game and that be considered a good performance.
On that note, I will give some perspectives on the Draft. How in the hell do you not draft Emeka Okafor first? I don’t give a rat’s ass about potential. I want to draft players that I know will help my team in the immediate future. That is what a draft is about. Selecting talent that will improve your team the next year, not four years down the road. Dwight Howard, the third HS #1 pick in the last four years, is not ready for the NBA. Truly looking at HS kids, only one genetic freak of nature, was prepared to play the NBA straight out of HS --- Lebron James. Somebody tell me how Kwame Brown is doing. Has the kid learned how to iron clothes yet?
Personally, I’d prefer to draft those players that I know have made themselves into something and proven themselves as winners. Not winners in high school. That is not truly great competition….not that all college ballplayers are great competition either. That is why I like Emeka and teammate Ben Gordon. Kudos to Bernie Bickerstaff for his work with the Bobcats draft. Take the best players on a proven winner – the National Champion University of Connecticut Huskies. Great picks at 2 & 3!
Then you have the Clippers…congratulations for keeping yourselves in the lower class of the NBA for at least another couple years. Oh wait, that’s right, they are drafting on potential! Drafting a skinny kid to run the point guard position in Shaun Livingston. I especially don’t give a fuck about this kid’s potential even if he was a Duke Blue Devil* recruit. (BTW – I fucking hate the Duke Blue Devils. They can have five walk-ons starting and everyone {media dumbasses} believe they should be ranked number one and receive the national title.) Does anyone remember the last great Duke point guard – Chris Duhon? I’m predicting right now, he doesn’t make the Bulls squad. I have to ask this question of the Bulls --- Why do you draft two PGs (Ben Gordon can play the point) in when you have Kirk Hinrich, Jay Williams, and Jamal Crawford? Obviously, they will probably trade Crawford now with the addition of Gordon, and Williams is still out from being an idiot.
The next pick that I actually liked was the Cleveland Cavaliers selection of Luke Jackson from Oregon. He is a proven scorer and will give incredible help to Lebron. Think of it this way…all the attention Lebron gets from the defense should leave plenty of open shots available for Jackson. A career 40% three-point shooter, he should have no problem providing the Cavs with a scoring threat.
Next we have the most overrated kid in the draft. Sebastian “Bassy” Telfair. I’m sorry, but if people called me “Bassy”, I would probably kill myself. Can you sound anymore like a homo? Now, I have seen the kid play. Hell we were forced to because he was the “Next Lebron” and ESPN forced us to watch his games. Sorry…wasn’t impressed. The kid was eaten alive in the McDonald’s All-American games. He’s short and don’t believe he will be making an impact anytime soon. REACT – the next six years.
Whew, I don’t know how much more I can spew about the draft. I will finish this up with the last two picks I liked in the first round…both are proven winners from St. Joe’s. Without them last year, St. Joe’s wins six games. Jameer Nelson, the best PG in the draft (For the record – I consider Gordon a SG) and Delonte West. Both will provide immediate assistance to their teams.
Congrats to my fellow Xavier alums, Romain Sato and Lionel Chalmers and former XU player David Young. Chalmers played his way into the NBA from the last two months of the NCAA. I was happy for David because of how he left XU. You could tell the kid had talent, but he lacked the motivation to prove himself. I’m sure that was hard being behind Romain, but either way, I’m glad he got his act together and was drafted.
There, that’s it. No more talk on the draft.
-------------------------
Next, in my hometown of Louisville, KY, the ACLU is suing the 4th Street Live Nightclub District on a bias in dress code. Fucking great. This is ridiculous. I can’t stand the ACLU. The Rev. Louis Coleman is a piece of shit and will do anything to keep his Rhyming Revrum status.
Here is the article from the Louisville Courier-Journal.
And this just in…the fucking ACLU and protestors won. The Cordish Co. has decided to let up on the dress code status.
Hell, I’m deciding that I have already dropped enough f-bombs, that I don’t need to continue on my rant of this. Instead, I defer to Brian, from Tomfoolery of the Highest Order, with his thoughts on this.
This is the most accurate representation of this: From Brian -
-----------------------
Finally, being from the Cincinnati-area, I cannot help but feel remorse for the family of Matt Maupin. I hope and pray he was not killed and is simply of POW at this point. I have had a candle in my window since the day we found out he was missing. This situation pisses me off to no end. The beheading of Americans and Koreans, and now the possible shooting of Matt Maupin, it is all unacceptable. I don’t give a fuck about these militant Iraqi people. I hope our soldiers get them all.
The NBA Draft last Thursday was a joke. That is what the NBA has become. I cannot stand the NBA because of the influx of high school kids and unproven foreigners playing in the league. It has ruined the game. I have never been excited about a basketball game where a team can shoot 30% for the game and that be considered a good performance.
On that note, I will give some perspectives on the Draft. How in the hell do you not draft Emeka Okafor first? I don’t give a rat’s ass about potential. I want to draft players that I know will help my team in the immediate future. That is what a draft is about. Selecting talent that will improve your team the next year, not four years down the road. Dwight Howard, the third HS #1 pick in the last four years, is not ready for the NBA. Truly looking at HS kids, only one genetic freak of nature, was prepared to play the NBA straight out of HS --- Lebron James. Somebody tell me how Kwame Brown is doing. Has the kid learned how to iron clothes yet?
Personally, I’d prefer to draft those players that I know have made themselves into something and proven themselves as winners. Not winners in high school. That is not truly great competition….not that all college ballplayers are great competition either. That is why I like Emeka and teammate Ben Gordon. Kudos to Bernie Bickerstaff for his work with the Bobcats draft. Take the best players on a proven winner – the National Champion University of Connecticut Huskies. Great picks at 2 & 3!
Then you have the Clippers…congratulations for keeping yourselves in the lower class of the NBA for at least another couple years. Oh wait, that’s right, they are drafting on potential! Drafting a skinny kid to run the point guard position in Shaun Livingston. I especially don’t give a fuck about this kid’s potential even if he was a Duke Blue Devil* recruit. (BTW – I fucking hate the Duke Blue Devils. They can have five walk-ons starting and everyone {media dumbasses} believe they should be ranked number one and receive the national title.) Does anyone remember the last great Duke point guard – Chris Duhon? I’m predicting right now, he doesn’t make the Bulls squad. I have to ask this question of the Bulls --- Why do you draft two PGs (Ben Gordon can play the point) in when you have Kirk Hinrich, Jay Williams, and Jamal Crawford? Obviously, they will probably trade Crawford now with the addition of Gordon, and Williams is still out from being an idiot.
The next pick that I actually liked was the Cleveland Cavaliers selection of Luke Jackson from Oregon. He is a proven scorer and will give incredible help to Lebron. Think of it this way…all the attention Lebron gets from the defense should leave plenty of open shots available for Jackson. A career 40% three-point shooter, he should have no problem providing the Cavs with a scoring threat.
Next we have the most overrated kid in the draft. Sebastian “Bassy” Telfair. I’m sorry, but if people called me “Bassy”, I would probably kill myself. Can you sound anymore like a homo? Now, I have seen the kid play. Hell we were forced to because he was the “Next Lebron” and ESPN forced us to watch his games. Sorry…wasn’t impressed. The kid was eaten alive in the McDonald’s All-American games. He’s short and don’t believe he will be making an impact anytime soon. REACT – the next six years.
Whew, I don’t know how much more I can spew about the draft. I will finish this up with the last two picks I liked in the first round…both are proven winners from St. Joe’s. Without them last year, St. Joe’s wins six games. Jameer Nelson, the best PG in the draft (For the record – I consider Gordon a SG) and Delonte West. Both will provide immediate assistance to their teams.
Congrats to my fellow Xavier alums, Romain Sato and Lionel Chalmers and former XU player David Young. Chalmers played his way into the NBA from the last two months of the NCAA. I was happy for David because of how he left XU. You could tell the kid had talent, but he lacked the motivation to prove himself. I’m sure that was hard being behind Romain, but either way, I’m glad he got his act together and was drafted.
There, that’s it. No more talk on the draft.
-------------------------
Next, in my hometown of Louisville, KY, the ACLU is suing the 4th Street Live Nightclub District on a bias in dress code. Fucking great. This is ridiculous. I can’t stand the ACLU. The Rev. Louis Coleman is a piece of shit and will do anything to keep his Rhyming Revrum status.
Here is the article from the Louisville Courier-Journal.
And this just in…the fucking ACLU and protestors won. The Cordish Co. has decided to let up on the dress code status.
Hell, I’m deciding that I have already dropped enough f-bombs, that I don’t need to continue on my rant of this. Instead, I defer to Brian, from Tomfoolery of the Highest Order, with his thoughts on this.
This is the most accurate representation of this: From Brian -
As for the ACLU, this isn't about civil rights, it is about them and money. They want to "get a settlement" and then recover huge legal fees, like they always do. Lousiville needs to tell pull a Cheney on them, and tell them to go F themselves.
-----------------------
Finally, being from the Cincinnati-area, I cannot help but feel remorse for the family of Matt Maupin. I hope and pray he was not killed and is simply of POW at this point. I have had a candle in my window since the day we found out he was missing. This situation pisses me off to no end. The beheading of Americans and Koreans, and now the possible shooting of Matt Maupin, it is all unacceptable. I don’t give a fuck about these militant Iraqi people. I hope our soldiers get them all.
Friday, June 25, 2004
Simply Outdrawn
Quick post tonight about my home game. I played beautifully tonight, but only ended up in third. Simply a case of being outdrawn. I can't be mad about it because I was the huge favorite going in and I baited the guy perfectly. I was holding AQh in a three-handed game and was on the BB. Folded to me and I said, "Do you feel like playing?" Got the guy to call me with a Qs9d. I was loving my lead at that point. Flop comes out 47Qd...obviously I was not thrilled with that flop. Fourth street gives me the As and finally the river comes 5d. Nothing I could do about that. Just unlucky on the flop. I had the cards and made the play I wanted, but it didn't work out the way I wanted it to. Oh well.
Other than that, there weren't too many exciting hands tonight. I decided to play the crazy nights, like Daniel Negraneu (if I misspelled that it is b/c I'm drunk right now) talks about playing once in a while. The guys I play with know me pretty well, so I needed to mix it up tonight. I did that and made it into the money (no longer a bubble guy) for the first time in a long time. Tomorrow night I will probably play a little Party Poker and try to make a little money.
I will give some thoughts on the NBA Draft (that did happen tonight right?) sometime tomorrow.
Other than that, there weren't too many exciting hands tonight. I decided to play the crazy nights, like Daniel Negraneu (if I misspelled that it is b/c I'm drunk right now) talks about playing once in a while. The guys I play with know me pretty well, so I needed to mix it up tonight. I did that and made it into the money (no longer a bubble guy) for the first time in a long time. Tomorrow night I will probably play a little Party Poker and try to make a little money.
I will give some thoughts on the NBA Draft (that did happen tonight right?) sometime tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Post Weekend Update
Well, not too much to report here today. Watched the US Open over the weekend and my heart sank for Phil Mickelson when he caught the "yips" on 17. No excuse for that, but I couldn't believe it. Goosen didn't deserve to lose that Championship. He was clutch.
Duval didn't shoot under 80, but it was good to see him back on the course.
Played a little Party Poker on Saturday night. It was quite profitable. I was also finally able to download Poker Tracker (not sure why my computer wasn't allowing me to download before) and I have a lot to learn on it. Not quite sure how to read everything yet, but I will study it and study my game. For the time being, I am giving up on SNGs for a while. After a couple crushing defeats (4th) in the $10 tables, I have decided to take a break. Each time, I went all-in against the next stack and was crushed on the river. Can't really blame it all the time. Sometimes I tried to bluff and ran into nothing and the other times, the cards feel and that was that.
Jay Lovinger has posted yet another column. It is worth a read.
Page 2 has several poker columns right now. Bill Simmons rants about the Celebrity Poker shows we've been forced to watch lately. Nice shot of Mena Suvari though. Jeff Merron compares Reel Life to Real Life from Rounders. Finally Andrew Glazer, the Poker Pundit, ponders if Poker Superstars are possible.
Not much else to report. I have a home game tomorrow night after Beer League Softball. We had to pick up a player because we lost our first baseman to a torn tendon in the foot. Goes to show that big folks shouldn't try to leg triples out of doubles. Now I am the permanent first baseman, giving up my five-tool role in the lineup.
I let everyone know (all 2 of you) how my home game goes tomorrow night. I'm due for a win finally. Tired of finishing on the bubble.
Duval didn't shoot under 80, but it was good to see him back on the course.
Played a little Party Poker on Saturday night. It was quite profitable. I was also finally able to download Poker Tracker (not sure why my computer wasn't allowing me to download before) and I have a lot to learn on it. Not quite sure how to read everything yet, but I will study it and study my game. For the time being, I am giving up on SNGs for a while. After a couple crushing defeats (4th) in the $10 tables, I have decided to take a break. Each time, I went all-in against the next stack and was crushed on the river. Can't really blame it all the time. Sometimes I tried to bluff and ran into nothing and the other times, the cards feel and that was that.
Jay Lovinger has posted yet another column. It is worth a read.
Page 2 has several poker columns right now. Bill Simmons rants about the Celebrity Poker shows we've been forced to watch lately. Nice shot of Mena Suvari though. Jeff Merron compares Reel Life to Real Life from Rounders. Finally Andrew Glazer, the Poker Pundit, ponders if Poker Superstars are possible.
Not much else to report. I have a home game tomorrow night after Beer League Softball. We had to pick up a player because we lost our first baseman to a torn tendon in the foot. Goes to show that big folks shouldn't try to leg triples out of doubles. Now I am the permanent first baseman, giving up my five-tool role in the lineup.
I let everyone know (all 2 of you) how my home game goes tomorrow night. I'm due for a win finally. Tired of finishing on the bubble.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Hoping He Shoots Under 80
My man David Duval is going to try to make a comeback. Out of action for seven months and is going to take on the U.S. Open...the toughest major in all of golf. Shinnecock Hills is a brutal course. I hope he keeps his head up and realizes he is just starting to make the long trip back.
I wish he would have been paired with Jim Furyk, who suffered from vertigo also and is making his return from wrist surgery, but Duval will be playing with Scott Hoch and Phillip Price when he tees off at 7:40 a.m. Thursday.
I loved this optimism from Duval:
I love the U.S. Open. It is great golf. I am putting my money on Phil Mickelson again. Now that the pressure is off, I think he will go out there and stick to business.
I'm setting my TiVo machine to capture all the great action.
I wish he would have been paired with Jim Furyk, who suffered from vertigo also and is making his return from wrist surgery, but Duval will be playing with Scott Hoch and Phillip Price when he tees off at 7:40 a.m. Thursday.
I loved this optimism from Duval:
"It is going to be hard. It's going to be windy. I'm looking forward to having fun," Duval said. "There is 156 players there, and I guarantee I'll be having the most fun."
I love the U.S. Open. It is great golf. I am putting my money on Phil Mickelson again. Now that the pressure is off, I think he will go out there and stick to business.
I'm setting my TiVo machine to capture all the great action.
Poker = Sport?
Jay ponders the great question...Is Poker A Sport?
This column strays from his usual gripes of actually playing poker and focuses on the phenomenon that is poker. I don't think poker is a sport, rather entertainment. At least poker on television.
People watch sports for one reason: to see who won, to see who can exhibit the most grace under the most intense pressure, and then to celebrate the winners, often by cashing a bet. (Yes, football fans, I'm talking 'bout you. Be honest now -- would you rather see a week's worth of incredible physical feats, or collect on one meaningful wager from your local bookie?) And the reality is that big-time poker provides just about the most intense pressure the fertile mind of man can create -- not to mention an endless stream of meaningful wagers.
I don't disagree with this statement at all, but I still don't think this qualifies poker as sport. Put it this way, I watched Survivor All-Stars (and all the other Survivors too...I know, I'm a dork) to see who won. There were elements of sport involved in the show through challenges, etc., but I would not consider Survivor All-Stars a sport either. It was entertainment. That is what the WPT, WSOP, and the Celebrity Poker Letdown (as Pauly calls it) simply is.
Please let me know if you disagree.
Saturday, June 12, 2004
HAMMER TIME!!
Woo Hoo! I won with the Hammer! Hand posted below.
Granted...I had two pair, but stayed with it even after the King flopped! Little bummed I didn't get called for more money.
***** Hand History for Game 670555185 *****
Table Table 12673 (Real Money)
Seat 4 is the button
Total number of players : 8
Seat 3: xupugh ( $17.75 )
Seat 8: kizzie2 ( $40 )
Seat 9: jasonpugh ( $38.5 )
Seat 2: Lederer24 ( $33.25 )
Seat 6: cw_foster ( $18.5 )
Seat 1: vandyfan98 ( $12.75 )
Seat 4: dwestphal ( $13.5 )
Seat 7: mjoli99 ( $31.5 )
cw_foster posts small blind [$0.25].
mjoli99 posts big blind [$0.5].
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to xupugh [ 7c 2h ]
kizzie2 calls [$0.5].
vandyfan98 calls [$0.5].
Lederer24 folds.
zbarch has joined the table.
xupugh calls [$0.5].
dwestphal calls [$0.5].
cw_foster calls [$0.25].
mjoli99 checks.
** Dealing Flop ** [ 3s, 2c, 3d ]
cw_foster checks.
mjoli99 checks.
kizzie2 checks.
vandyfan98 checks.
xupugh bets [$0.5].
dwestphal folds.
cw_foster folds.
mjoli99 folds.
kizzie2 folds.
vandyfan98 calls [$0.5].
** Dealing Turn ** [ Kh ]
vandyfan98 checks.
TimmM57 has joined the table.
xupugh bets [$1].
Congratulations to player vene59 for winning tournament Three Table
vandyfan98 folds.
xupugh does not show cards.
xupugh wins $5
HAMMER!
Congratulations to player Obwan for winning tournament Three Table
Granted...I had two pair, but stayed with it even after the King flopped! Little bummed I didn't get called for more money.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Bob tHuggins At It Again!
This is so great that I cannot even put it into words. This explains everything at the University of Cincinnati (UC). As an XU fan I take great enjoyment in this and just hope that it doesn't get dismissed.
UC's Huggins charged with DUI
After really thinking about this yesterday, I want to say that I do not think "this is so great." We saw this headline at work and as an XU fan, we dismissed it for what it really was and made fun of the situation. This is the last thing to make fun of. Driving drunk is no matter to take lightly and I hope that whatever demons Bob has that he takes care of them. I am not a fan of Huggins, but I do not wish anything bad to happen to him. I hope he gets his life in order, returns to the UC program (although, I still don't know how I feel about that) and get everything fixed.
UC's Huggins charged with DUI
UPDATE
After really thinking about this yesterday, I want to say that I do not think "this is so great." We saw this headline at work and as an XU fan, we dismissed it for what it really was and made fun of the situation. This is the last thing to make fun of. Driving drunk is no matter to take lightly and I hope that whatever demons Bob has that he takes care of them. I am not a fan of Huggins, but I do not wish anything bad to happen to him. I hope he gets his life in order, returns to the UC program (although, I still don't know how I feel about that) and get everything fixed.
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