I can’t even begin to count the number of times I about threw this computer through a wall or window this past week and a half. I hate computers sometimes. I haven’t been able to get online for the past week and have had the cable company out here several times to look at the “problem.” I have a router in the house to have my computer and Xbox connected at all times. I play online video games, mostly football, against other people across the country…and I haven’t even been able to do that for a week or so.
Turns out that the “problem” was a combination of the route and cable feed. Apparently the signal coming into my house was not strong enough to support both being on-line at the same time any longer. Why it picked now to stop working, I do not know. So the frustration of not being able to surf anything at home was coming a boiling point when I finally just checked to see if I only had one plugged in at time. Now everything is working perfectly, and I even have a couple months free Internet from the cable company because they couldn’t diagnose the problem!
Also to make this even more frustrating, my work has this Websense program that blocks anything that isn’t work related. I used to look at some of the blogs online at work, but I can’t even do that now. My internet usage has gone down dramatically over the past couple weeks at work and overall for the entire organization. Damn technology!
Well after that and a week or so passing…I have plenty to talk about, so bare with me.
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Now, the last time I checked, I am a grown man capable of making my own decisions of what to listen to or what to watch. This Indecency Act crap is exactly that – crap! It is bullshit that the FCC and Congress can tell me what is obscene and what is not. Howard Stern should not be pulled off the airwaves as far as I’m concerned. If I don’t like his show a particular morning, then I turn the station to another airwave! Now I am no longer allowed to determine what offends me and what doesn’t.
The other thing that really pisses me off is that all this talk about being offensive is geared around sexual topics. Have you watched the shitty soap operas on television during the day? Nobody is putting a stop to them for their simulated sex scenes! Sex sells. It certainly sells to me. I am the target audience that the FCC is affecting. This is all incredible bullshit and I wish Clear Channel had the fucking balls to stand up to the government and tell them to fuck off – we will air whatever the hell we want to air.
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Played poker last Thursday night, Feb. 19th and came in fourth again. Only thing disappointing about this one was only the top three were paid out. I had a bad beat that killed 98% of my stack and then was forced out on the next hand. Sitting on JTs and the flops comes 8s 9h Qc, I moved all in and the guy called me. He called me with a straight draw on the table with three clubs. You can see where this is going. Fourth street was 4c and the River was the Kc. I was immensely pissed off. I couldn’t believe he called be with three clubs with the possible straight on the table. Talk about a real kick in the nuts. The next hand deal me an 89s, and I moved all in preflop. Didn’t really have much choice since the blinds were so high. Of course the guy who just kicked me in the nuts calls me again. Flop was 7T2 and I began to get a little excited. Fourth street was 5 and River was T. He won with three of a kind and I retired to the kitchen for some food.
I really didn’t have very good hands to start with all night. I was getting crap and having to play K3 just to see some flops. I had a small run of five hands without anyone calling me and that was about the end of my excitement for the night. I don’t remember the number of hands that were dealt, but I never once had pocket pairs that night.
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2003 WSOP has been on ESPN2 all week. I love it. No matter how many times it airs, I find myself sitting in front of the TV amazed at some of the shit that Moneymaker did. I am beginning to wonder if the WPT or the WSOP are coming out on DVD soon. For some reason I think I read someone on another blog mention that the WPT was already on DVD, but I don’t remember. If it is, I wonder what it is selling like and if I can get a copy of it.
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Since I was without computer at home and work for the week, I was able to catch up on the shows I TiVo’ed recently. I am now firmly convinced the best show on television is The Shield. It is amazing. The show is brutal at times and the writing is spectacular. I was one of those people pissed off that James Gandolfini didn’t receive the Best Actor award for Tony Soprano, but I think Michael Chiklis earned that thing. He is awesome! I used be so excited about The Sopranos debut, but right now the date marked on my calendar is March 9 for the third season of The Shield. I have already asked my wife for the Season One and Season Two on DVD of The Shield. My birthday isn’t for another month and a half.
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“The Passion of The Christ” is receiving much airplay and attention. As a Catholic, I will most likely go see this movie. I am curious to see it mainly because of all the media attention it has received. I have been trying to compare this movie to “The Last Temptation of Christ” from years ago. I don’t ever remember “TLToC” receiving as much negative media attention as “TPoTC” has received. I will wait until the lines die down and the misses and I can catch it on a Sunday morning matinee (I’m cheap) before I see it. I doubt I will be coming out of the theater with tears running down my face, but I will certainly give my review of it whenever I do see it.
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I had to read the archives to get the updates on the World Poker Blogger Tour. Congrats to all those who participated. It sounded like it was a lot of fun. The Fat Guy’s take on it was the best. I look forward to reading all about the future games and maybe one day will think about signing up to play in it. I know that I am not good enough to play with the caliber players in the past one yet.
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I apologize for being so long winded, but since this is the first time I have had a chance to post in over a week, I had plenty to get off my chest.
Friday, February 27, 2004
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
I'm Back Baby!
Alright, I have finally returned from San Francisco! Man what a town! It was the first time I had ever been there and it truly is a beautiful city. The misses and I took a long weekend trip out there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I tell you one thing though...that is the hilliest damn city I have ever been to! Eff those hills man. Training for this marathon certainly didn't happen out there...no way in hell I was going to run seven miles up and down those hills. I might not have ran the city, but we certainly walked it about five times. Fisherman's Wharf was a great time. All those funky little shops and whatnot, no place like it on earth. Union Square was a blast at night with the nightlife and bars...plenty of those to get drunk in. The Financial District, Chinatown, Embarcadaro, etc...how could so many different neighborhoods/districts be in a city and merely blocks apart? My two favorite parts of this trip had to be Alacatraz and Twin Peaks!
Alcatraz was amazing! It was truly the most frightening place I have ever been. I thought about taking the night trip back to Alcatraz, but the wife was already a little freaked out. I have never been one to feel sorry about inmates, but it must have sucked to been in Alcatraz. I walked into "The Hole" and could never imagine being in there. Dark, cold, small...they would have to make you go crazy. There was a story of one inmate who was in the hole for an extended period of time and had an interesting way of passing the time. He would rip off a button on his shirt and flip it up in the air. He kept his eyes closed and would let it hit the ground then would crawl on the ground to find it. After he found it, he would do it all over again until he fell asleep and do it the whole next day. I would flip out!
Twin Peaks was amazing. There isn't any better view of the city than there. A full 360 degrees of San Francisco! You could see everything. This was much better than Coit Tower for two reasons. You could see everything without obstruction and it was free. Not too many things in SF is free, so you take advantage of that wherever you can. It was a lot of fun out there and I suggest everyone making it out there to see. Be prepared to spend a little money, but it is definely worth it.
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I am also happy to be back because I can start to think about poker again. I have given it a lot of thought over the past couple weeks and I really want to put forth effort to my poker playing. I prefer to play live games because I think I am better at that. Now, I only say that because I haven't played online yet. According to Iggy it is a virtual money playland with all the fish out there playing. I completely trust you Iggy, but I'm skeptical of my play out there. I think I may still be a fish when it comes to you guys online. That is essentially where I am going with this thought. I know that I am not a good player yet. I think that my instincts are very good and my intelligence is up there too, but my poker skills must improve. The only way I can do that is by playing the game. I have been reading books and taking notes from other poker sites, but that can only get you so far. I know the one way I can get better is through coaching, but that would most likely cost me money that I would rather spend learning at the tables. I don't know. I haven't decided if I want to take my money and run from my online betting account, which I have done very well at and deposit it into Party Poker and try my luck there. Don't worry Iggy, if and when I sign up, I will use the bonus code. I have a game this Thursday and depending on my outcome there, I will try to determine what the near future holds in poker. I know one thing for sure, I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon.
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Not sure if anyone has read "Bringing Down the House: The Story of Six MIT Student Who Took Vegas for Millions." If you haven't, then stop reading right now because the rest of this might be a spoiler. This is an incredible book. A quick read (I finished it in four hours - the flight back from SF) and great story. I love playing blackjack out in Vegas, but I never thought it was possible to count six decks, but these guys did it and did it well. Truly a system that Vegas was never prepared for. It really was unfortunate that the team was sold out. It is amazing how quickly their fortunes changes too. Not fortunes in the money sense, but fortunes about playing in the casinos. Whoever Kevin Lewis is, and if you are out there reading this ever, you are the man! You life at 24 and 25 years old was amazing, but I don't think I could have done what you did. I hope you don't have to live the rest of your life looking behind your back and I hope you find out one day the asshole(s) who sold you out and put that chip on your counter!
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Alright, I have to get to bed. Still catching up on work that I missed on Friday and I'm going in early tomorrow.
Alcatraz was amazing! It was truly the most frightening place I have ever been. I thought about taking the night trip back to Alcatraz, but the wife was already a little freaked out. I have never been one to feel sorry about inmates, but it must have sucked to been in Alcatraz. I walked into "The Hole" and could never imagine being in there. Dark, cold, small...they would have to make you go crazy. There was a story of one inmate who was in the hole for an extended period of time and had an interesting way of passing the time. He would rip off a button on his shirt and flip it up in the air. He kept his eyes closed and would let it hit the ground then would crawl on the ground to find it. After he found it, he would do it all over again until he fell asleep and do it the whole next day. I would flip out!
Twin Peaks was amazing. There isn't any better view of the city than there. A full 360 degrees of San Francisco! You could see everything. This was much better than Coit Tower for two reasons. You could see everything without obstruction and it was free. Not too many things in SF is free, so you take advantage of that wherever you can. It was a lot of fun out there and I suggest everyone making it out there to see. Be prepared to spend a little money, but it is definely worth it.
--------------------
I am also happy to be back because I can start to think about poker again. I have given it a lot of thought over the past couple weeks and I really want to put forth effort to my poker playing. I prefer to play live games because I think I am better at that. Now, I only say that because I haven't played online yet. According to Iggy it is a virtual money playland with all the fish out there playing. I completely trust you Iggy, but I'm skeptical of my play out there. I think I may still be a fish when it comes to you guys online. That is essentially where I am going with this thought. I know that I am not a good player yet. I think that my instincts are very good and my intelligence is up there too, but my poker skills must improve. The only way I can do that is by playing the game. I have been reading books and taking notes from other poker sites, but that can only get you so far. I know the one way I can get better is through coaching, but that would most likely cost me money that I would rather spend learning at the tables. I don't know. I haven't decided if I want to take my money and run from my online betting account, which I have done very well at and deposit it into Party Poker and try my luck there. Don't worry Iggy, if and when I sign up, I will use the bonus code. I have a game this Thursday and depending on my outcome there, I will try to determine what the near future holds in poker. I know one thing for sure, I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon.
--------------------
Not sure if anyone has read "Bringing Down the House: The Story of Six MIT Student Who Took Vegas for Millions." If you haven't, then stop reading right now because the rest of this might be a spoiler. This is an incredible book. A quick read (I finished it in four hours - the flight back from SF) and great story. I love playing blackjack out in Vegas, but I never thought it was possible to count six decks, but these guys did it and did it well. Truly a system that Vegas was never prepared for. It really was unfortunate that the team was sold out. It is amazing how quickly their fortunes changes too. Not fortunes in the money sense, but fortunes about playing in the casinos. Whoever Kevin Lewis is, and if you are out there reading this ever, you are the man! You life at 24 and 25 years old was amazing, but I don't think I could have done what you did. I hope you don't have to live the rest of your life looking behind your back and I hope you find out one day the asshole(s) who sold you out and put that chip on your counter!
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Alright, I have to get to bed. Still catching up on work that I missed on Friday and I'm going in early tomorrow.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Off to San Francisco
I will be back on Monday night with a post about my SF trip. Have a good weekend to all.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Way to Go Muskies! And Wildcats!
A big night for both my favorite teams. There really isn't anything I enjoy more than watching XU stick it to Richmond. For those who don't know, over the past few years, there has been some bad blood between the two schools. Glad that Romain kinda got going in the second half. Big win for the Muskies tonight. They keep this up and they still might make the NCAA Tourney (with a very strong showing in the A-10 tournament). Now have to keep this up and get the win against Dayton and repay some of their losses.
The UK Wildcats played another strong game without Gerald Fitch. That is huge right now. Extremely happy to see that Antwain Barbour is finally playing like he was supposed to for the past season and a half! Great game tonight! 23 points is what I think he ended up with. Also happy to see that this game didn't have to come down to the last possession.
Very proud of both teams tonight and look forward to many more good games! I love this time of year. My betmaker account is loving this time of year also! Jut might end up making enough to get started on Party Poker (at least that is the stipulation the wife is putting on me!)!
The UK Wildcats played another strong game without Gerald Fitch. That is huge right now. Extremely happy to see that Antwain Barbour is finally playing like he was supposed to for the past season and a half! Great game tonight! 23 points is what I think he ended up with. Also happy to see that this game didn't have to come down to the last possession.
Very proud of both teams tonight and look forward to many more good games! I love this time of year. My betmaker account is loving this time of year also! Jut might end up making enough to get started on Party Poker (at least that is the stipulation the wife is putting on me!)!
Monday, February 09, 2004
Another Local Tournament
There is going to be a No Limit Tournament at LaSalle High School here in the Nati in March. The event is a fundraiser for the Golf and Baseball teams. They are looking for 300 participants at $100.00 each. Paying out roughly 31% to the top 8. First place ends up with $3K and eighth gets $400. $9200.00 total in prize money.
I haven't decided if I want to enter this tournament or not. I understand it is a fundraiser, but really, over $20,000 for two high school sports teams? I played high school sports (football, basketball, and golf) and I don't think any of our bugdets were in need of $20K. Anyways, that is just me bitching that more money isn't going to paying out the contestents.
Unfortunately, there aren't any rules posted yet regarding the tourney. I'm not sure how the blinds are set up or even what your starting amount of money is. I guess I could always call the contact people and ask, huh?
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Looking forward to Thursday this week...no, not because of Survivor: All-Stars (although I must admit I am a fan), but traveling to San Francisco for the weekend. Taking the wife for Valentine's Day and hopefully meeting up with an old college roommate out there. I've never been to SF and really want to see the town. Between Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, I am really looking forward to it. Only bummer is that the Giants aren't playing.
I haven't decided if I want to enter this tournament or not. I understand it is a fundraiser, but really, over $20,000 for two high school sports teams? I played high school sports (football, basketball, and golf) and I don't think any of our bugdets were in need of $20K. Anyways, that is just me bitching that more money isn't going to paying out the contestents.
Unfortunately, there aren't any rules posted yet regarding the tourney. I'm not sure how the blinds are set up or even what your starting amount of money is. I guess I could always call the contact people and ask, huh?
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Looking forward to Thursday this week...no, not because of Survivor: All-Stars (although I must admit I am a fan), but traveling to San Francisco for the weekend. Taking the wife for Valentine's Day and hopefully meeting up with an old college roommate out there. I've never been to SF and really want to see the town. Between Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, I am really looking forward to it. Only bummer is that the Giants aren't playing.
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Finally Recovered
What a weekend and beyond. From my big poker tournament to the Super Bowl to Rivalry Week in College Basketball...I have finally found a few minutes to post to the blog again. I can't wait to get started.
Saturday was a great day. I ended up with 25 people playing. Only one hitch and that was starting about an hour late because one guy was stuck behind a wreck and couldn't get here. Unfortunate enough that he was also the first guy out and had to wear the "Beer Delivery Guy" shirt!
Actually ended up having some pretty good card players involved. When we first got started, I certainly didn't anticipate the tourny going as long as it did. Started at 2 pm and finished around 10 pm. I thought there were enough inexperienced guys playing that it would go quickly. The table I started at was a very tight game and it took a while to figure out everyone. I finally decided to make a move on the table when dealt wired 8's. Got several guys to go with me into the flop. Flop was 83T. I slowplayed it and checked and simply called their bets and raises. Fourth street came up with a 4h. I bet a little just to keep them in the pot. River card was 3d. I decided to move all in and actually got one guy to call me and the other folded. Pot was worth about $400. I was the chip leader at the table and then had to move tables to even up numbers.
Long story short, I finished 4th out of 25. Pretty pleased with the showing, but I played too tight at the final table. Should have called some bets when I knew they didn't have it, but didn't want to risk doubling them up. Shows some of my inexperience too I guess. First place took $730, I ended up with $50.
I didn't go to bed until 5 am on Saturday because my after party got a little crazy with beer drinking and playing some more poker into the night. Glad there were some ladies there later to keep the games interesting, if you get what I'm saying!
Super Bowl was incredible! What a game. Only bummer was betting the Panthers straight up and losing. I thought I should have taken the points, but I went greedy. The whole halftime show was blown out of proportion, but I did find it funny that within five minutes, five friends called and asked if I TiVo'ed it! Hilarious!
I along with the Fat Guy would love to get my hands on the Ford GT. I don't think my salary will permit one though.
Rivalry Week has been very good to me. My beloved Musketeers beat those Bearcats once again! Fourth time in five years! I really didn't expect that and somewhat wish I wouldn't have sold my tickets now. But, I would rather have the cold hard cash. Finally, those UK Wildcats beat dem Gators in FLA again! I love watching UK beat Billy Donovan and all those McDonald's All-Americans.
I apologize for taking so long to update about the game, but lack of sleep and so much going on sports wise, I just couldn't convince myself to sit in front of the computer long enough. I think I need to get a laptop and wireless internet in my house...then I will have the best of everything.
I look forward to my next poker game and am seriously thinking of opening a real money account on Party Poker. Just have to make sure the wife doesn't find out! HA!
Saturday was a great day. I ended up with 25 people playing. Only one hitch and that was starting about an hour late because one guy was stuck behind a wreck and couldn't get here. Unfortunate enough that he was also the first guy out and had to wear the "Beer Delivery Guy" shirt!
Actually ended up having some pretty good card players involved. When we first got started, I certainly didn't anticipate the tourny going as long as it did. Started at 2 pm and finished around 10 pm. I thought there were enough inexperienced guys playing that it would go quickly. The table I started at was a very tight game and it took a while to figure out everyone. I finally decided to make a move on the table when dealt wired 8's. Got several guys to go with me into the flop. Flop was 83T. I slowplayed it and checked and simply called their bets and raises. Fourth street came up with a 4h. I bet a little just to keep them in the pot. River card was 3d. I decided to move all in and actually got one guy to call me and the other folded. Pot was worth about $400. I was the chip leader at the table and then had to move tables to even up numbers.
Long story short, I finished 4th out of 25. Pretty pleased with the showing, but I played too tight at the final table. Should have called some bets when I knew they didn't have it, but didn't want to risk doubling them up. Shows some of my inexperience too I guess. First place took $730, I ended up with $50.
I didn't go to bed until 5 am on Saturday because my after party got a little crazy with beer drinking and playing some more poker into the night. Glad there were some ladies there later to keep the games interesting, if you get what I'm saying!
Super Bowl was incredible! What a game. Only bummer was betting the Panthers straight up and losing. I thought I should have taken the points, but I went greedy. The whole halftime show was blown out of proportion, but I did find it funny that within five minutes, five friends called and asked if I TiVo'ed it! Hilarious!
I along with the Fat Guy would love to get my hands on the Ford GT. I don't think my salary will permit one though.
Rivalry Week has been very good to me. My beloved Musketeers beat those Bearcats once again! Fourth time in five years! I really didn't expect that and somewhat wish I wouldn't have sold my tickets now. But, I would rather have the cold hard cash. Finally, those UK Wildcats beat dem Gators in FLA again! I love watching UK beat Billy Donovan and all those McDonald's All-Americans.
I apologize for taking so long to update about the game, but lack of sleep and so much going on sports wise, I just couldn't convince myself to sit in front of the computer long enough. I think I need to get a laptop and wireless internet in my house...then I will have the best of everything.
I look forward to my next poker game and am seriously thinking of opening a real money account on Party Poker. Just have to make sure the wife doesn't find out! HA!
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