Lola just called me to give the news that she was in a car accident. My natural reaction was "are you ok?" She replied with a confident "yes" and we discussed what happened. As she was pulling into the parking lot of a local shopping centre her van decided to disobey and slid right into the parked car to her right. It is extremely icy in our parts right now.
The front left side of the ladies car is messed up. As Lola was leaving the car a detailed note, the lady came out from the shopping area. They exchanged information and away they went.
Lola said she felt helpless. I am sure you can all relate. That lost sense of control when everything around you is happening in slow motion and you know there is no way you can stop the inevitable. Scary really.
So yeah, a good way to ring in the new year is to know you are going to have to pay your deductible and buck up for an unavoidable accident waiting to happen. I am sure there was a dozen of them happening at the same time in all different areas of my part of town.
Be safe out there tonight kids. Plan your ride, don't be a statistic.
This message is brought to you by the drunk guitar hero world tour playing, foosball whacking, dart throwing, midnight singing, champagne slugging Schaubs.
----
One last Mookie for Mookie and Hoy... can I win my bet with Instant Tragedy? I don't like my chances... but I do like the fact that it starts at 6pm pacific tonight instead of the usual 7pm. That will allow many more east coasters to get in on the action... hopefully Hoy and Mook show up and make it heads up and guarantee my victory!
Happy New Year everyone.
31.12.08
29.12.08
Help Jeff Out
I don't know this guy. In fact, I've never met Vinnay either.
I felt compelled to pitch in. I can't explain why. I just did.
Check it out and if you feel the same way I did when I read it, then ship what you can.
Good luck Jeff.
I felt compelled to pitch in. I can't explain why. I just did.
Check it out and if you feel the same way I did when I read it, then ship what you can.
Good luck Jeff.
27.12.08
Poker Content - MTT question
I decided to jump into a tiny little $2 tournament yesterday to kill some time while Lola went to a movie (the one with Jennifer Aniston and a dog). I was cruising along not really paying too much attention, playing my usual too tight of a game. After it was all said and done I finished 11th:
Full Tilt Poker Tournament Summary $2 + $0.25 Tournament (73780885) Hold'em No LimitBuy-In: $2 + $0.25
Buy-In Chips: 1500
425 Entries
Total Prize Pool: $850
Still Playing - Roy L Shaft
Still Playing - Jim Mt
Still Playing - scgamac
Still Playing - BennyTheBrik
Still Playing - cyruskash
Still Playing - RedJake777
Still Playing - Glyper
Still Playing - verypo
Still Playing - AceRound
Still Playing - redpoker10
11: Schaubs, $9.78 - what a return on my investment!
So with first place worth over $200 I thought I had a good chance to take this thing down.
Here is where I would like your opinion. What would you do?
Seat 1: BennyTheBrik (119,752)
Seat 2: Schaubs (50,432)
Seat 5: cyruskash (69,511)
Seat 6: RedJake777 (47,788)
Seat 7: redpoker10 (31,938)
Seat 8: Glyper (26,724)
BennyTheBrik antes 400
Schaubs antes 400
cyruskash antes 400
RedJake777 antes 400
redpoker10 antes 400
Glyper antes 400
RedJake777 posts the small blind of 1,500
redpoker10 posts the big blind of 3,000
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to Schaubs [Kd Qs]
Glyper folds
BennyTheBrik folds
Schaubs raises to 9,000
cyruskash folds
RedJake777 raises to 47,388, and is all in
redpoker10 folds
Schaubs???
I don't want to be results oriented here and maybe this is the wrong place to be posting a poker question as I usually don't get the feedback I need in this space. I've been going elsewhere for my poker feedback, but I thought I would give it another try and ask all of my valued readers their opinion on what they would do.
I'll post the results either in the comments or in a seperate post next week when everyone has had a chance to catch up on their reading and has recovered from their turkey comatose.
I can't wait for NFL Sunday tomorrow. It's gonna be a good one! Go Chargers, Go Dolphins!
Two posts in one day?? Who is this guy...
Full Tilt Poker Tournament Summary $2 + $0.25 Tournament (73780885) Hold'em No LimitBuy-In: $2 + $0.25
Buy-In Chips: 1500
425 Entries
Total Prize Pool: $850
Still Playing - Roy L Shaft
Still Playing - Jim Mt
Still Playing - scgamac
Still Playing - BennyTheBrik
Still Playing - cyruskash
Still Playing - RedJake777
Still Playing - Glyper
Still Playing - verypo
Still Playing - AceRound
Still Playing - redpoker10
11: Schaubs, $9.78 - what a return on my investment!
So with first place worth over $200 I thought I had a good chance to take this thing down.
Here is where I would like your opinion. What would you do?
Seat 1: BennyTheBrik (119,752)
Seat 2: Schaubs (50,432)
Seat 5: cyruskash (69,511)
Seat 6: RedJake777 (47,788)
Seat 7: redpoker10 (31,938)
Seat 8: Glyper (26,724)
BennyTheBrik antes 400
Schaubs antes 400
cyruskash antes 400
RedJake777 antes 400
redpoker10 antes 400
Glyper antes 400
RedJake777 posts the small blind of 1,500
redpoker10 posts the big blind of 3,000
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to Schaubs [Kd Qs]
Glyper folds
BennyTheBrik folds
Schaubs raises to 9,000
cyruskash folds
RedJake777 raises to 47,388, and is all in
redpoker10 folds
Schaubs???
I don't want to be results oriented here and maybe this is the wrong place to be posting a poker question as I usually don't get the feedback I need in this space. I've been going elsewhere for my poker feedback, but I thought I would give it another try and ask all of my valued readers their opinion on what they would do.
I'll post the results either in the comments or in a seperate post next week when everyone has had a chance to catch up on their reading and has recovered from their turkey comatose.
I can't wait for NFL Sunday tomorrow. It's gonna be a good one! Go Chargers, Go Dolphins!
Two posts in one day?? Who is this guy...
FSL Follow up
Don't do this:
Ensure you give yourself enough time to make your picks... I decided to get my fix with about 7 minutes before the contest started... Well I got side tracked and distracted with a poker tournament that I was playing in and when the clock struck 4pm (eastern games get started) my teams was locked at its curent selections. The results speak for themself. Notice how I only have 5 players of the allowable 9 selected on my team? I had about 180 of the 575 point cap left to use and all of the sudden all player selections were locked and I wasn't able to complete my team.
I'm not saying I would have won, but I am pretty confident I could have come second. I'm down to my last buck on FSL. Looks like my FSL career will be in semi retirement soon...
It would be great if FSL would take it another step and allow you to still take players from games that have not actually started, and won't start for another 3 hours (the west coast games). All they would have to do is lock the players where their games have already started, and allow you to select players that are still available. FSL still has work to do, and they need to start thinking like a true fantasy league if they don't want to fall behind.
Think of it this way, when you are playing in your fantasy football league and there are Thursday games, Sunday morningm, afternoon and evening games, as well as a MNF game or two, you are typically allowed to adjust your roster before game time. As each game starts, those players are locked. However if you want to make a last minute change... that opportunity is still available.
Make sense?
I really hope FSL continues to work on their product and make improvements to stay ahead of the curve.
24.12.08
FantasySportsLive.com vs. Snapdraft on Fanball.com
I wouldn't be doing the fantasy junkies justice if I didn't give my take on the two sites. I wanted to wait until I had a better understanding of Snapdraft before I commented on whether I liked it or not. I haven't really spent a whole lot of time using snapdraft but I feel that based on what I have read from others, and what I have seen with my own two eyes, I now feel comfortable giving my opinion.
First off, let's talk about the little guy who came up with this brilliant idea (I think he has a couple of partners?) When FSL first came online I wasn't able to sign up or register an account - because I am Canadian. One quick email to Blinders and he had my account set up with a few bonus bucks to get me started. I was quite impressed and began my FSL career over a year ago on his site. I'm a small time player and I really don't spend a whole lot of effort or thought into picking my teams. My results speak for themself. Sure I've had 67 wins and sit somewhere in the middle of the leaderboard, but I've never taken it seriously. A few times I have given it my best efforts in hockey and I have been successful. It's all about picking the correct matchups and being proficient at finding those value gems. Picking the winning goalie is a must. In fact, I know that if I put in the effort I could make some good money on that site because frankly - there are a lot of FSL donkey's out there who have money to spew.
Speaking of donkeys... there are even more of them on Snapdraft (no link for you, sorry but I just don't know you that well yet... ever?). I'll admit, I made a deposit of $20 and got the bonus $5 into my account. The first contest I signed up for was a $2, 25 man hockey contest. It didn't even fill up! I was refunded my money and I went on to play in a NFL pool this past Sunday instead. It was a $10 pool. Do these guys really think they can get 25 daily contestants into a hockey pool? Why not start small? I'll tell you why... because they are greedy!
The rake at Snapdraft is brutal, we know this already. The contests are a bit different. For example you don't HAVE to select 3 WR's in NFL. There is a spot for a flex player instead. I elected to take a second QB as I assumed that they would produce the most fantasy points. I was correct, and almost every other team selected a second QB as well. If I had taken Cassels instead of Warner I would have done much better. I didn't cash and the streak continues as I have yet to cash in a fantasy weekly football pool yet this year.
The one thing I do like about snapdraft NFL is the fact that you can select players from multiple days. Specifically, Monday night football. I can't tell you how many times I've had my eye on a player or two when assembling my team at FSL and then realize that they are playing on MNF and I don't have the option to select any of the studs. I will say, it is a bit frustrating.
So I am yet to post a win at snapdraft, and I am having trouble with "table selection" once again. What I hate the most about snapdraft is the lag time. For example if you log on right now, you won't be able to join a match for tonight's games. The cutoff is actually the following day. This makes it hard to select a team because often I am always basing my decisions on how a team did on a back to back night. Or who they are plaing and what information I have heard or read during my breaks at work.
I want the quick fix. If I am signing in, it is to play that day. Not the next. I am joining because I have a gut feeling on a few players based on game day news and notes. I am finding that gem of a goalie that will win my match for me. I can't tell you how many times at FSL I've selected a sleeper goalie that has won me the cash. I usually use a site like goaliepost to seek out my winner.
Overall I have to say that FSL is still the place to be (so go there and sign up! click on that banner down the right side - an unpaid avertisement I might add... the only one of its kind here at UPP!).
The rake and the game selection far exceed the level of competition. Don't get me wrong, there are a few studs (ok more than a few) but if you pick the right matchups you can make some good coin. I usually check out the heads up matches and look for the ones that already have 1 player. That way, you control your matchup and can avoid the sharks and prey on the fantasy donkeys.
GLGLGL.
First off, let's talk about the little guy who came up with this brilliant idea (I think he has a couple of partners?) When FSL first came online I wasn't able to sign up or register an account - because I am Canadian. One quick email to Blinders and he had my account set up with a few bonus bucks to get me started. I was quite impressed and began my FSL career over a year ago on his site. I'm a small time player and I really don't spend a whole lot of effort or thought into picking my teams. My results speak for themself. Sure I've had 67 wins and sit somewhere in the middle of the leaderboard, but I've never taken it seriously. A few times I have given it my best efforts in hockey and I have been successful. It's all about picking the correct matchups and being proficient at finding those value gems. Picking the winning goalie is a must. In fact, I know that if I put in the effort I could make some good money on that site because frankly - there are a lot of FSL donkey's out there who have money to spew.
Speaking of donkeys... there are even more of them on Snapdraft (no link for you, sorry but I just don't know you that well yet... ever?). I'll admit, I made a deposit of $20 and got the bonus $5 into my account. The first contest I signed up for was a $2, 25 man hockey contest. It didn't even fill up! I was refunded my money and I went on to play in a NFL pool this past Sunday instead. It was a $10 pool. Do these guys really think they can get 25 daily contestants into a hockey pool? Why not start small? I'll tell you why... because they are greedy!
The rake at Snapdraft is brutal, we know this already. The contests are a bit different. For example you don't HAVE to select 3 WR's in NFL. There is a spot for a flex player instead. I elected to take a second QB as I assumed that they would produce the most fantasy points. I was correct, and almost every other team selected a second QB as well. If I had taken Cassels instead of Warner I would have done much better. I didn't cash and the streak continues as I have yet to cash in a fantasy weekly football pool yet this year.
Thankfully, I won my keeper league this year. Ship $300, boom. Ironically, our FFL is hosted at Fanball.com and has been for the last three years. Joining Snapdraft was sooooo easy. I basically just made one click and then shipped my buyin via paypal.
As I said, being Canadian does have its disadvantages. If I ever want to send more money to FSL or make a withdrawal (I've only done that once after last years NFL season) then I take the lazy route and send Blinders an email and we ship the $ back and forth through Full Tilt. So in one sense there is a benefit because Blinders is very accomodating in that way, the downside is that I have to then make a withdrawal from Full Tilt if I want the cold hard cash. The rake at FSL is much more reasonable, and the speed of the whole site is improving on a consistent basis.
If you want to read an excellent rake analysis, go here. Very well done.
The one thing I do like about snapdraft NFL is the fact that you can select players from multiple days. Specifically, Monday night football. I can't tell you how many times I've had my eye on a player or two when assembling my team at FSL and then realize that they are playing on MNF and I don't have the option to select any of the studs. I will say, it is a bit frustrating.
So I am yet to post a win at snapdraft, and I am having trouble with "table selection" once again. What I hate the most about snapdraft is the lag time. For example if you log on right now, you won't be able to join a match for tonight's games. The cutoff is actually the following day. This makes it hard to select a team because often I am always basing my decisions on how a team did on a back to back night. Or who they are plaing and what information I have heard or read during my breaks at work.
I want the quick fix. If I am signing in, it is to play that day. Not the next. I am joining because I have a gut feeling on a few players based on game day news and notes. I am finding that gem of a goalie that will win my match for me. I can't tell you how many times at FSL I've selected a sleeper goalie that has won me the cash. I usually use a site like goaliepost to seek out my winner.
Overall I have to say that FSL is still the place to be (so go there and sign up! click on that banner down the right side - an unpaid avertisement I might add... the only one of its kind here at UPP!).
The rake and the game selection far exceed the level of competition. Don't get me wrong, there are a few studs (ok more than a few) but if you pick the right matchups you can make some good coin. I usually check out the heads up matches and look for the ones that already have 1 player. That way, you control your matchup and can avoid the sharks and prey on the fantasy donkeys.
GLGLGL.
19.12.08
Tweet
I caved. I had been avoiding it because I didn't want another distraction. I've got too many already and now with this tweeting business only time will tell what gives first.
Feel free to add me. I have no idea what I am doing yet, but it seems pretty basic.
Is it me or is twitter just the same as writing an update like on facebook?
I think I like it better. Much more annonymous and no high school friends are stalking me... yet.*
Have a good weekend everyone. I hope you are done your shopping. I managed to finish mine last night... in one night!
That's like flopping quads baby!
*(If you are reading this and you went to high school with me, then you are exempt from the above comment)
Feel free to add me. I have no idea what I am doing yet, but it seems pretty basic.
Is it me or is twitter just the same as writing an update like on facebook?
I think I like it better. Much more annonymous and no high school friends are stalking me... yet.*
Have a good weekend everyone. I hope you are done your shopping. I managed to finish mine last night... in one night!
That's like flopping quads baby!
*(If you are reading this and you went to high school with me, then you are exempt from the above comment)
17.12.08
Not a WPBT weekend Recap, and then some
Just like this guy, I too had a weekend. Didn't everyone?
Friday - Company Christmas party. Lots of food, great views, very short speeches, wine, grand prize winning, more wine, and of course, lots of laughs. Lola's number was plucked in a fundraiser draw for needy families. It was the second place prize... then two minutes later her number was plucked again and she won the big grand prize. When I went up to collect (she was shyishly shy) we gave back the second place prize so it could be redrawn. We raised $740 in raffle tickets and gave it away to those less fortunate. We all should do that more often, I feel.
Saturday - Hung over just a tad. Went to work for a few, napped a few and had a few. Then the snow started to fall... only 2-3 inches though. We didn't even consider going for a walk in it as we both knew there would be more to come. Much more tonight I hear.
Sunday - more of that work stuff and then over to an open house/christmas party where I watched football and sweated my FF semi finals in my keeper league. I won. Barely, all thanks to my opponent who is known for his historically bad coaching. It was offical on Monday, and I won by a measly 4 points.
Hard work pays off.
All the while, I was thinking of the great times that all the wonderful bloggers were having. I truly did miss out on a great time from what I've read so far. I look forward to reading many more recaps and am sure I will once again, regret not going. Next time...
----
Monday was a riot. I went to the club and played some cards. The hand of the night was one of those "whooooaaaa!!!" moments. Two guys in a blind raised pot totalling about $7-8 ($.50 chips).
The flop comes out 5-5-5.
Wow. Not too often you see that, right? So the first guy bets $5 blind. The other guy calls.
The turn is an 8. The first guy bets another blind $5, the other guy min-raises $5 blind, the first guy calls. They are still playing blind.
The river is an irrelevent card, let's call it a 10. The first guy bets $10 blind, and the other guys calls again.
The first guy flips over Q8o for the turned boat.
The second guy goes "Imagine if this card was the case 5..."
Flips over the first card and it is the last five in the deck. Sick! So crazy. Lots of laughs and donkey name calling by me obv. If either of them looked on the turn, I think they get it all in ($100 each or so), but only because they are both feeble-minded gamblers.
Good times.
Friday - Company Christmas party. Lots of food, great views, very short speeches, wine, grand prize winning, more wine, and of course, lots of laughs. Lola's number was plucked in a fundraiser draw for needy families. It was the second place prize... then two minutes later her number was plucked again and she won the big grand prize. When I went up to collect (she was shyishly shy) we gave back the second place prize so it could be redrawn. We raised $740 in raffle tickets and gave it away to those less fortunate. We all should do that more often, I feel.
Saturday - Hung over just a tad. Went to work for a few, napped a few and had a few. Then the snow started to fall... only 2-3 inches though. We didn't even consider going for a walk in it as we both knew there would be more to come. Much more tonight I hear.
Sunday - more of that work stuff and then over to an open house/christmas party where I watched football and sweated my FF semi finals in my keeper league. I won. Barely, all thanks to my opponent who is known for his historically bad coaching. It was offical on Monday, and I won by a measly 4 points.
Hard work pays off.
All the while, I was thinking of the great times that all the wonderful bloggers were having. I truly did miss out on a great time from what I've read so far. I look forward to reading many more recaps and am sure I will once again, regret not going. Next time...
----
Monday was a riot. I went to the club and played some cards. The hand of the night was one of those "whooooaaaa!!!" moments. Two guys in a blind raised pot totalling about $7-8 ($.50 chips).
The flop comes out 5-5-5.
Wow. Not too often you see that, right? So the first guy bets $5 blind. The other guy calls.
The turn is an 8. The first guy bets another blind $5, the other guy min-raises $5 blind, the first guy calls. They are still playing blind.
The river is an irrelevent card, let's call it a 10. The first guy bets $10 blind, and the other guys calls again.
The first guy flips over Q8o for the turned boat.
The second guy goes "Imagine if this card was the case 5..."
Flips over the first card and it is the last five in the deck. Sick! So crazy. Lots of laughs and donkey name calling by me obv. If either of them looked on the turn, I think they get it all in ($100 each or so), but only because they are both feeble-minded gamblers.
Good times.
10.12.08
Instant Reminder...
Instant Tragedy reminded me of a bet we once made back near the beginning of 2008.
The bet was as follows (although the details are a bit fuzzy, I'll go with it):
$10 (I do remember making fun of him for only betting $10, but now I am pretty happy that he convinced me to keep it small!)
I bet that Mookie or Hoyazo would win the Mookie before 2008 was over.
I remember being on BDR when making the bet... sort of.
Instant Tragedy took the bet and so far he is looking like he is going to take this sucker down.
Then for a moment I thought about playing tomorrow and just dumping my chips to Mookie or Hoy... and then realized that $10 would cover my bet payment... so what would be the point. Not smrt sometimes I know. But hey, at least I'm honest.
So yeah, I'll be pulling for Hoy and Mookie over the next month... if I am in the tournament, then I still might have to knock them out if I want to win my own first Mookie... I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it (very unlikely).
Do you think either of them will show up to play on December 31st? I know I won't be there, but I'll be sending all the good vibes I can!
Cuz IT money is gold baby!
Have fun in Vegas blogheads.
The bet was as follows (although the details are a bit fuzzy, I'll go with it):
$10 (I do remember making fun of him for only betting $10, but now I am pretty happy that he convinced me to keep it small!)
I bet that Mookie or Hoyazo would win the Mookie before 2008 was over.
I remember being on BDR when making the bet... sort of.
Instant Tragedy took the bet and so far he is looking like he is going to take this sucker down.
Then for a moment I thought about playing tomorrow and just dumping my chips to Mookie or Hoy... and then realized that $10 would cover my bet payment... so what would be the point. Not smrt sometimes I know. But hey, at least I'm honest.
So yeah, I'll be pulling for Hoy and Mookie over the next month... if I am in the tournament, then I still might have to knock them out if I want to win my own first Mookie... I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it (very unlikely).
Do you think either of them will show up to play on December 31st? I know I won't be there, but I'll be sending all the good vibes I can!
Cuz IT money is gold baby!
Have fun in Vegas blogheads.
9.12.08
Blogger sucks sometimes
I just spent a disgusting amount of time trying to figure out some of this code for the banner you see there on the right. Is it worth it? I doubt it. I didn't even end up doing much in the end. Which is just as frustrating as trying to respace and edit relentlessly, and then just giving in and keeping it as a banner instead.
Jordan might be on to something here. I mean am I really going to play in these freerolls? I'll probably give one or two a try and then get bored and donate my chips as I did last year. Either that, or just not show up at all. I mean it's Christmas time, and I'm trying to take a break from poker...
So far... not so good.
Jordan might be on to something here. I mean am I really going to play in these freerolls? I'll probably give one or two a try and then get bored and donate my chips as I did last year. Either that, or just not show up at all. I mean it's Christmas time, and I'm trying to take a break from poker...
So far... not so good.
5.12.08
Time to start saving...
I'm a Porsche 911!
You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Lola and I would look damn good flying around town in this thing...
Hmmmmm kids or a Porsche, kids or a Porsche??
4.12.08
Momma's make the world go 'round
A quick update.
My mom is doing a heck of a lot better. In fact, she was released from the stinky hospital on Monday night. She didn't call me until the next afternoon, which is no surprise. She needed her rest. I don't think she got more than 2 hours of solid sleep per night. Having 3 other people who are in the same boat as you are can do that to a person...
I knew she was going to get released shortly after I saw her on Sunday. I could see it in her eyes and in her complextion. She even gave me a fist pump like she had just won a coin flip for all her chips... She wanted out badly and I am glad she is now home safely and resting.
Anyway, I appreciate all of the kind comments and emails. Every little bit helps. So thank you, thank you, and thank YOU.
I'm still on a poker break. No Mookie two weeks in a row... sometimes I amaze myself.
I've been looking for some good books to purchase. I'm having trouble finding an online bookstore that takes paypal and won't over charge me (sometimes double - B&N) for a book I could get at Amazon.com for dirt cheap. I figure if I am going to play less, then I should spend some of that time studying more. It can only help, and when I come back I will be refreshed and ready to start 2009 with a bang.
I can't believe Christmas is only 3 weeks away... and Vegas is only 1 week away for all those who are lucky enough to make it happen.
I remember final tabling the Mookie last year the night before I left for Vegas. I got in a bit of trouble from Lola because we were in the process of moving (way behind on packing) and I was sitting there playing the Mookie the night before I was leaving. Jerkstore big time. I also remember how drunk Don was on BDR. Maybe he will make another appearance on air?
GL at the tables everyone.
My mom is doing a heck of a lot better. In fact, she was released from the stinky hospital on Monday night. She didn't call me until the next afternoon, which is no surprise. She needed her rest. I don't think she got more than 2 hours of solid sleep per night. Having 3 other people who are in the same boat as you are can do that to a person...
I knew she was going to get released shortly after I saw her on Sunday. I could see it in her eyes and in her complextion. She even gave me a fist pump like she had just won a coin flip for all her chips... She wanted out badly and I am glad she is now home safely and resting.
Anyway, I appreciate all of the kind comments and emails. Every little bit helps. So thank you, thank you, and thank YOU.
I'm still on a poker break. No Mookie two weeks in a row... sometimes I amaze myself.
I've been looking for some good books to purchase. I'm having trouble finding an online bookstore that takes paypal and won't over charge me (sometimes double - B&N) for a book I could get at Amazon.com for dirt cheap. I figure if I am going to play less, then I should spend some of that time studying more. It can only help, and when I come back I will be refreshed and ready to start 2009 with a bang.
I can't believe Christmas is only 3 weeks away... and Vegas is only 1 week away for all those who are lucky enough to make it happen.
I remember final tabling the Mookie last year the night before I left for Vegas. I got in a bit of trouble from Lola because we were in the process of moving (way behind on packing) and I was sitting there playing the Mookie the night before I was leaving. Jerkstore big time. I also remember how drunk Don was on BDR. Maybe he will make another appearance on air?
GL at the tables everyone.
1.12.08
Unfortunately, It's not gonna happen...
Long story, short - I'm not going to the December gathering. There, I said it.
And it sucks.
About 6 months ago I had this great vision of a blogger golf tournament that would include beers, gambling and of course, a ton of laughs. As each month passed I began to stress about where to play, and if anyone would commit in time to get something confirmed with a few of the bloggers who have shown interest in golf. I originally thought I could get 4-5 groups together, we would play in the morning (most likely Friday) and then let the rest of the day work itself out. I even had Mookie create a banner (he rocks) that myself, Dr. Chako, Miami Don and Bammer were going to pimp. I feel bad that I am leaving Dr. Chako hangin' and that we won't be able to meet. I remember signing that guitar that The Wife and Instant Tragedy arranged and had hoped to meet the man himself. I know there will be other opportunities, and that's just the way it will have to be.
As time progressed it became more and more clear that BamBam and a few others were not going to be heading out to Vegas and I began to question how serious I truly was about going this December. I really really wanted to go, because I knew I would have an even better time this year (almost tough to imagine, really) knowing all the great people that were going, that much better.
There is so much that I wanted to do, so many things that I said I would try. I wanted to be more outgoing and not so shy as I was the first time around. I mean don't get me wrong, that was the real Schaubs, but when you get to know me... or should I say, when I let myself get to know you, it opens up a whole different level of conversation and laughs. It's just the way I am.
I'm not proud of it sometimes, but it's me. I wanted to play in the mixed game at the MGM, something I never did the first time I was there. I just hung out in the background and played 1/2NL for way too long. I wanted to learn Pai Gow, even though I again, sat in the background last time and watched BWOP, F-train and HighonPoker grind out a late night session that first night I was there.
Maybe I was just wandering and reflecting?
I just read BWOP's latest post, which is partially responsible for this post. I felt obligated to make this long overdue announcement. I just wish I could be writing about the game of golf that I was looking forward to playing...
Raging with RecessRampage would have definitely been a highlight. Going for a couple of wicked dinners and slingin' some chips in a mixed game or even just pounding some beers would have been great. Hopefully he'll make a trip out my way in 2009 (anyone else??). Do it.
All these people were very excepting and extremely kind. I really wish I would have gotten more involved in those little activites like craps (why not eh) and some overdrinking at the IP Hooker bar. That is where you can meet a bunch of people you read on a daily basis. Astin, GCox, Kat, Iggy... there are so many other beauties that I can't even list them all.
I wanted to hang out with Dr. Paul, even if just for a bit. He's actually one of the few bloggers that I've met on more than one occasion. Both times in Vegas, of course. Change100, Derek, Al etc all great people to shoot the shit with. I wanted to buy Al a shot and talk about nothing.
Playing in the Venetian tournament is a must if you are there. It's such a good time and the table banter is worth the buyin alone. Make sure you bring some sort of an orignal bounty prize. It doesn't have to be expensive, just something from you.
Sports betting (I'd guess at the IP) is also a must if you are a football fan. Being Canadian, it cracks me up to see all of the bloggers in their NFL gear cheering for their home team. Grinding out those parlays and overhearing the discussions of who to pick in the afternoon games while downing another beer and slice of IP pizza.
It's a shame, really. I didn't think there was any chance that I'd miss out. But it's now a reality. I'll blame part of it on myself, no doubt. I didn't book anything in advance, or commit like so many others did a few months back. Looking at the flights, they just keep getting cheaper and cheaper... except the Canadian dollar keeps taking a beating. Tag on another 15%. Super sweet. So if you are there, just think of me, because I know I will be thinking of all of you. Damn, now I am making myself jealous... sniff*.
Ok so there are other reasons. The most important one being my mother's health. Apparantly she had one of those serious things called a heart attack about a year ago and didn't know it at the time. It happened right after a surgery, and she chalked it up as a chest pain. I guess it's not as obvious for woman as it is for men. Needless to say, this past week has been kinda stressful and has got me thinking.
Thinking a lot.
There is so much to say, yet I'm not sure what the point is. I need to make some changes in my life, I need to get things straight. I need to spend more time with the ones that matter most. This thing with my mom has put some perspective on my life. Her worrying about my health is not something she should be doing. Now that she is sitting in a hospital bed she has a lot of time to think. I know I need to go to the doctor and get my heart checked again and confirm that everything is ok.
Not for me, for her, for Lola, for my sister and the rest.
Poker is on the backburner until further notice. Last night was the last straw. I'm not playing well, and even if I do I am not being rewarded. It happens, it's part of the life session blah blah blah. I need a break and I need one bad. So me not going to Vegas is actually a good thing at this point and that is the way I am going to accept it. I'm playing poker at the worst possible times. After drinking, usually with little focus and very little game plan. Not even close to the correct frame of mind to show any sort of positive results, that's a guarantee.
Instead of just talking about it, it's time do something about it. Starting tonight.
Anyway, I really am feeling shitty about not making it to the Vegas gathering. It was never my intention to pull a no show. I hate no shows. I always thought it would work out. I was wrong.
Or should I just say, things change.
I need to be part of that change, and that is what I am taking care of over the last month of 2008.
So have a blast without me, and be lucky that I'm not gunning for your bounty prize or kicking your ass in RPS side bets.
Cheers!
And it sucks.
About 6 months ago I had this great vision of a blogger golf tournament that would include beers, gambling and of course, a ton of laughs. As each month passed I began to stress about where to play, and if anyone would commit in time to get something confirmed with a few of the bloggers who have shown interest in golf. I originally thought I could get 4-5 groups together, we would play in the morning (most likely Friday) and then let the rest of the day work itself out. I even had Mookie create a banner (he rocks) that myself, Dr. Chako, Miami Don and Bammer were going to pimp. I feel bad that I am leaving Dr. Chako hangin' and that we won't be able to meet. I remember signing that guitar that The Wife and Instant Tragedy arranged and had hoped to meet the man himself. I know there will be other opportunities, and that's just the way it will have to be.
As time progressed it became more and more clear that BamBam and a few others were not going to be heading out to Vegas and I began to question how serious I truly was about going this December. I really really wanted to go, because I knew I would have an even better time this year (almost tough to imagine, really) knowing all the great people that were going, that much better.
There is so much that I wanted to do, so many things that I said I would try. I wanted to be more outgoing and not so shy as I was the first time around. I mean don't get me wrong, that was the real Schaubs, but when you get to know me... or should I say, when I let myself get to know you, it opens up a whole different level of conversation and laughs. It's just the way I am.
I'm not proud of it sometimes, but it's me. I wanted to play in the mixed game at the MGM, something I never did the first time I was there. I just hung out in the background and played 1/2NL for way too long. I wanted to learn Pai Gow, even though I again, sat in the background last time and watched BWOP, F-train and HighonPoker grind out a late night session that first night I was there.
Maybe I was just wandering and reflecting?
I just read BWOP's latest post, which is partially responsible for this post. I felt obligated to make this long overdue announcement. I just wish I could be writing about the game of golf that I was looking forward to playing...
Raging with RecessRampage would have definitely been a highlight. Going for a couple of wicked dinners and slingin' some chips in a mixed game or even just pounding some beers would have been great. Hopefully he'll make a trip out my way in 2009 (anyone else??). Do it.
All these people were very excepting and extremely kind. I really wish I would have gotten more involved in those little activites like craps (why not eh) and some overdrinking at the IP Hooker bar. That is where you can meet a bunch of people you read on a daily basis. Astin, GCox, Kat, Iggy... there are so many other beauties that I can't even list them all.
I wanted to hang out with Dr. Paul, even if just for a bit. He's actually one of the few bloggers that I've met on more than one occasion. Both times in Vegas, of course. Change100, Derek, Al etc all great people to shoot the shit with. I wanted to buy Al a shot and talk about nothing.
Playing in the Venetian tournament is a must if you are there. It's such a good time and the table banter is worth the buyin alone. Make sure you bring some sort of an orignal bounty prize. It doesn't have to be expensive, just something from you.
Sports betting (I'd guess at the IP) is also a must if you are a football fan. Being Canadian, it cracks me up to see all of the bloggers in their NFL gear cheering for their home team. Grinding out those parlays and overhearing the discussions of who to pick in the afternoon games while downing another beer and slice of IP pizza.
It's a shame, really. I didn't think there was any chance that I'd miss out. But it's now a reality. I'll blame part of it on myself, no doubt. I didn't book anything in advance, or commit like so many others did a few months back. Looking at the flights, they just keep getting cheaper and cheaper... except the Canadian dollar keeps taking a beating. Tag on another 15%. Super sweet. So if you are there, just think of me, because I know I will be thinking of all of you. Damn, now I am making myself jealous... sniff*.
Ok so there are other reasons. The most important one being my mother's health. Apparantly she had one of those serious things called a heart attack about a year ago and didn't know it at the time. It happened right after a surgery, and she chalked it up as a chest pain. I guess it's not as obvious for woman as it is for men. Needless to say, this past week has been kinda stressful and has got me thinking.
Thinking a lot.
There is so much to say, yet I'm not sure what the point is. I need to make some changes in my life, I need to get things straight. I need to spend more time with the ones that matter most. This thing with my mom has put some perspective on my life. Her worrying about my health is not something she should be doing. Now that she is sitting in a hospital bed she has a lot of time to think. I know I need to go to the doctor and get my heart checked again and confirm that everything is ok.
Not for me, for her, for Lola, for my sister and the rest.
Poker is on the backburner until further notice. Last night was the last straw. I'm not playing well, and even if I do I am not being rewarded. It happens, it's part of the life session blah blah blah. I need a break and I need one bad. So me not going to Vegas is actually a good thing at this point and that is the way I am going to accept it. I'm playing poker at the worst possible times. After drinking, usually with little focus and very little game plan. Not even close to the correct frame of mind to show any sort of positive results, that's a guarantee.
Instead of just talking about it, it's time do something about it. Starting tonight.
Anyway, I really am feeling shitty about not making it to the Vegas gathering. It was never my intention to pull a no show. I hate no shows. I always thought it would work out. I was wrong.
Or should I just say, things change.
I need to be part of that change, and that is what I am taking care of over the last month of 2008.
So have a blast without me, and be lucky that I'm not gunning for your bounty prize or kicking your ass in RPS side bets.
Cheers!
26.11.08
I aint no hypocrite
No Mookie for me tonight, dare I say next week as well?
I doubt it, but tonight will be a good start in taking that break that I so badly need. No poker either live or online until at least this Saturday where I will be obligated to play for a buddies stag party. We are actually planning a little indoor go-karting as well. I'm not a big racing type of a guy, but I have to say that when you are out on that track with 11 of your closest buddies it creates quit a rush. I mean I suck at the racing part, but I just do my thing and stay out of the way of the real keener types. You know the ones, they are all about the stats and will try and matchup against guys like me who they know are weak tights when it comes to racing.
So anyway, no Mookie. It's break time and that is that.
I need to reset my mindset. HighonPoker always seems to spell it out a lot better than I do and his post about the measures he has taken to reset seem to be working for him. Which is great.
Everyone is different. Maybe next time I need a reset I'll give something else a try. Until then, I'll just stick with the guarantee - no poker equals no suckouts, no poor plays on my part and no dwindling bankroll.
Done and done.
I doubt it, but tonight will be a good start in taking that break that I so badly need. No poker either live or online until at least this Saturday where I will be obligated to play for a buddies stag party. We are actually planning a little indoor go-karting as well. I'm not a big racing type of a guy, but I have to say that when you are out on that track with 11 of your closest buddies it creates quit a rush. I mean I suck at the racing part, but I just do my thing and stay out of the way of the real keener types. You know the ones, they are all about the stats and will try and matchup against guys like me who they know are weak tights when it comes to racing.
So anyway, no Mookie. It's break time and that is that.
I need to reset my mindset. HighonPoker always seems to spell it out a lot better than I do and his post about the measures he has taken to reset seem to be working for him. Which is great.
Everyone is different. Maybe next time I need a reset I'll give something else a try. Until then, I'll just stick with the guarantee - no poker equals no suckouts, no poor plays on my part and no dwindling bankroll.
Done and done.
25.11.08
Poker'd out, Golf is still my game
I need to take a break. That is the only solution I can come up with. I am in one of those ruts where nothing seems to be going my way. I won’t get into the details here, but basically I am just getting fed up with the way I am playing (poorly) and the luck I am getting (none). I know it happens to everyone, and I usually tell those people to take a break.
So I will take my own advice and take it easy for a while. Especially in live games, where the majority of this frustration stems from.
I played over at the FCPC with an old skool friend of mine, his brother, and another buddy. It was a $120 superstack tournament with a great structure. 75K starting stack and 40 minute levels. The only real hand I had all night (pocket kings) got taken down by pocket aces, which were held by Will. I avoided not going broke, which I was somewhat proud of, but it left me short stacked and when I shoved my 17BB in with pocket 5’s I was called by A-10, which was also held by Willy and an Ace spikes the flop and IGH. I guess he wanted my bounty… and bad. $20 bounties makes it interesting because it always makes people want to call “just for the bounty.” It is a frustrating thing to be a part of when you know you should just be taking a pot down pre-flop and then get called anyway.
The best hand of the night was a beauty (see Simon's take over at the FCPC blog). It involved Fuel, so you know it was a good one. He had been folding his above average stack for what seemed like an eternity (I’d guess at least an hour) while the bubble was quickly approaching and everyone was tightening up. Then it happened. Fuel was dealt KK and raised it from the button. The SB pushed his stack and Will’s bro had already limped with AA. He re-raises and Fuel pushes. Fuel freaks when he finds out the cooler he is now involved in, and the fact that he had been folding for so long didn’t help either. It’s a three way all in flop with two bounties on the line. The flop comes A-4-A. Flopped quads take out both players. It was pretty sick and well worth the wait as I had been sticking around to see a big hand go down (I was a rail bird for longer than I played). Good times nonetheless, especially since I got to see Will and his brother chop first and second place for about $500 each.
But man poker has got me all fucked up. I just don’t have a positive feeling heading into games right now. This is where my head is at these days. It’s in the wrong frame of mind and I can’t do much about it, except take a break. So it’s on.
I played golf on Sunday, and it was exactly what I needed. It was a very very sunny day out, and I couldn’t help but play in the snowman and test myself once again. This time, I actually arrived with some time to spare so I hit a warm up bucket and also hit a few practice putts. I finished the round 3 under and won low gross. I also made a deuce for a bit more cake.
It’s just another reminder of how much more I love playing golf than I do poker. You just can’t beat being out on a nice sunny day with a couple of beers on the back nine, knocking down pins and converting birdie putts for cash. It’s completely within your control, there is no river card.
Sure there are nerves, and that is the biggest thing for me. In fact, early on in the round I managed to drive the green (well I was green side, pin high) and then followed that up by three putting my birdie putt from less than two feet for bogie! It happens, but it was completely my fault. Which is actually comforting at this point.
That is the big difference between golf and poker for me. There is no one, and nothing to blame. There is some luck to golf, I will admit. But nothing like poker. I’ve written about this before, and this weekend was just another confirmation.
I’ve come to the conclusion that the poker gods, and the golf gods are not related.
Hopefully I can stay away from the mookie, but it’s the one tournament a week that I actually enjoy. I guess I will just see how it goes…
I’m such a hypocrite sometimes…
So I will take my own advice and take it easy for a while. Especially in live games, where the majority of this frustration stems from.
I played over at the FCPC with an old skool friend of mine, his brother, and another buddy. It was a $120 superstack tournament with a great structure. 75K starting stack and 40 minute levels. The only real hand I had all night (pocket kings) got taken down by pocket aces, which were held by Will. I avoided not going broke, which I was somewhat proud of, but it left me short stacked and when I shoved my 17BB in with pocket 5’s I was called by A-10, which was also held by Willy and an Ace spikes the flop and IGH. I guess he wanted my bounty… and bad. $20 bounties makes it interesting because it always makes people want to call “just for the bounty.” It is a frustrating thing to be a part of when you know you should just be taking a pot down pre-flop and then get called anyway.
The best hand of the night was a beauty (see Simon's take over at the FCPC blog). It involved Fuel, so you know it was a good one. He had been folding his above average stack for what seemed like an eternity (I’d guess at least an hour) while the bubble was quickly approaching and everyone was tightening up. Then it happened. Fuel was dealt KK and raised it from the button. The SB pushed his stack and Will’s bro had already limped with AA. He re-raises and Fuel pushes. Fuel freaks when he finds out the cooler he is now involved in, and the fact that he had been folding for so long didn’t help either. It’s a three way all in flop with two bounties on the line. The flop comes A-4-A. Flopped quads take out both players. It was pretty sick and well worth the wait as I had been sticking around to see a big hand go down (I was a rail bird for longer than I played). Good times nonetheless, especially since I got to see Will and his brother chop first and second place for about $500 each.
But man poker has got me all fucked up. I just don’t have a positive feeling heading into games right now. This is where my head is at these days. It’s in the wrong frame of mind and I can’t do much about it, except take a break. So it’s on.
I played golf on Sunday, and it was exactly what I needed. It was a very very sunny day out, and I couldn’t help but play in the snowman and test myself once again. This time, I actually arrived with some time to spare so I hit a warm up bucket and also hit a few practice putts. I finished the round 3 under and won low gross. I also made a deuce for a bit more cake.
It’s just another reminder of how much more I love playing golf than I do poker. You just can’t beat being out on a nice sunny day with a couple of beers on the back nine, knocking down pins and converting birdie putts for cash. It’s completely within your control, there is no river card.
Sure there are nerves, and that is the biggest thing for me. In fact, early on in the round I managed to drive the green (well I was green side, pin high) and then followed that up by three putting my birdie putt from less than two feet for bogie! It happens, but it was completely my fault. Which is actually comforting at this point.
That is the big difference between golf and poker for me. There is no one, and nothing to blame. There is some luck to golf, I will admit. But nothing like poker. I’ve written about this before, and this weekend was just another confirmation.
I’ve come to the conclusion that the poker gods, and the golf gods are not related.
Hopefully I can stay away from the mookie, but it’s the one tournament a week that I actually enjoy. I guess I will just see how it goes…
I’m such a hypocrite sometimes…
17.11.08
BCPC
I played in the BCPC $500+50 donkament today at the Rock today. The plan was to write about how I took it down, spread the sixty grand all over my bed and rolled around it continuously as I screamed like a school girl... but of course, that is not the case.
That whole saying that goes something like "you've gotta win the races to go deep" is not a saying, it's a fact of poker.
With a 6k starting stack and blinds starting at 25/50, 30 minute levels, I knew that I was going to have to double up within the first two hours if I wanted to go deep, let alone make the money. Just over $1,100 for 54th place with 550 runners to start the day.
My last hand before the first break, 2 hours into the tournament, I looked down at AKo. This was the second time I was dealt this hand. The first timeI had to fold to a flop bet when I whiffed. The guy showed his set of ducks. My read felt on, and I was well focused.
I was actually feeling great heading into the tournament. Usually I get a bit nervous, my heart starts racing and I start doubting myself, wondering why I decided to sign up in the first place.
This time it was different.
UTG limped and I was in the cutoff with AKo as mentioned. Two limpers and there was already 900 in the pot before it got to me. I thought about putting in a raise of about 1000 chips but then realized it equaled over 20% of my stack. Raise folding would have been weak, so I decided to shove my 24 BB's. UTG thought for about a minute as I stared off into space.
He called and flipped over pocket 10's.
Let me say that again. He limp called with 10's for his whole stack (I had 300 more chips than he did). We were off to the races and I couldn't catch.
It was depressing and I beat myself up about it all the way home. Shove with AKo that early in the tournament? 24BB shove, was that an overshove? Did I really just do that? I kept kicking myself and wondering if it was the right play.
The more I think about it (and talk it out), the more I know I made the right decision. Sure I could have just raised preflop, seen the flop and folded (I guess shoving is the other option, and the flop did have a Queen on it). I feel like I have progressed beyond that though. At the time I knew that I needed to get some chips, and fast. The structure becomes such a crap shoot that you need to just take a chance sooner rather than later.
When I sat down I didn't recognize anyone at my table. I am not that up to date on the "who's who" of poker fame. A couple of guys started to talk to this one guy who was wearing a jacket with his name on the sleeve. He was one of those guys you could tell was a pro, just based on his table mannerisms. He arrived about 5 minutes late and got respect from some other players right away. He had a routine, and he was very well polished. It's something that I have been working on lately, so I was paying attention to how he was protecting his hand, how he was putting in raises etc. In that sense, I learned a few new things, which is always nice.
So anyway, his name is Marc Karam and he was still wearing his jacket. The jacket had a Canadian Flag on the sleeve and below that his name was spelled "Mark Karam." I wonder which one is a typo... I also wondered, at the time, if it was poker related or not. I mean really, who wears a jacket with there full name listed on the sleeve. I really hope it was a gift.
He limped from the SB and there were four players to the flop. The flop came out 6-Q-2 rainbow. Marc checks his SB and the BB leads out for 500 chips (almost a pot size bet). One fold, and the cutoff calls 500. Marc, took his time, thought about his options, and min-raised to 1000. The BB folds and the cutoff re-raises to 3000.
Marc pushes all in and the CO insta-calls! Marc flips over pocket 6's for middle set. The CO flips over pocket 2's for bottom set. Two cards to come and the CO shouts out "come on deuce!"
Deuce on the river. A one outter on the river and Marc jumps out of his chair in disgust. He was covered and left immediately without saying anything to anyone. It was pretty gross to see that happen live, but I'm sure he's had his share of suckouts as well.
The same guy in the CO later hits a one outter to take another guy out 20 minutes later. Maybe it is destiny.
At the break I remember the one outter dude say to his buddy that he had about 26K in chips. The average was about 7500 after the first break and the blinds were at 150/300. My final hand I threw in my scraps when I was dealt KJc... which lost to pocket tens (of course lol).
You've gotta win the races if you want to go deep...
And hit one outters... those are always nice.
That whole saying that goes something like "you've gotta win the races to go deep" is not a saying, it's a fact of poker.
With a 6k starting stack and blinds starting at 25/50, 30 minute levels, I knew that I was going to have to double up within the first two hours if I wanted to go deep, let alone make the money. Just over $1,100 for 54th place with 550 runners to start the day.
My last hand before the first break, 2 hours into the tournament, I looked down at AKo. This was the second time I was dealt this hand. The first timeI had to fold to a flop bet when I whiffed. The guy showed his set of ducks. My read felt on, and I was well focused.
I was actually feeling great heading into the tournament. Usually I get a bit nervous, my heart starts racing and I start doubting myself, wondering why I decided to sign up in the first place.
This time it was different.
UTG limped and I was in the cutoff with AKo as mentioned. Two limpers and there was already 900 in the pot before it got to me. I thought about putting in a raise of about 1000 chips but then realized it equaled over 20% of my stack. Raise folding would have been weak, so I decided to shove my 24 BB's. UTG thought for about a minute as I stared off into space.
He called and flipped over pocket 10's.
Let me say that again. He limp called with 10's for his whole stack (I had 300 more chips than he did). We were off to the races and I couldn't catch.
It was depressing and I beat myself up about it all the way home. Shove with AKo that early in the tournament? 24BB shove, was that an overshove? Did I really just do that? I kept kicking myself and wondering if it was the right play.
The more I think about it (and talk it out), the more I know I made the right decision. Sure I could have just raised preflop, seen the flop and folded (I guess shoving is the other option, and the flop did have a Queen on it). I feel like I have progressed beyond that though. At the time I knew that I needed to get some chips, and fast. The structure becomes such a crap shoot that you need to just take a chance sooner rather than later.
When I sat down I didn't recognize anyone at my table. I am not that up to date on the "who's who" of poker fame. A couple of guys started to talk to this one guy who was wearing a jacket with his name on the sleeve. He was one of those guys you could tell was a pro, just based on his table mannerisms. He arrived about 5 minutes late and got respect from some other players right away. He had a routine, and he was very well polished. It's something that I have been working on lately, so I was paying attention to how he was protecting his hand, how he was putting in raises etc. In that sense, I learned a few new things, which is always nice.
So anyway, his name is Marc Karam and he was still wearing his jacket. The jacket had a Canadian Flag on the sleeve and below that his name was spelled "Mark Karam." I wonder which one is a typo... I also wondered, at the time, if it was poker related or not. I mean really, who wears a jacket with there full name listed on the sleeve. I really hope it was a gift.
He limped from the SB and there were four players to the flop. The flop came out 6-Q-2 rainbow. Marc checks his SB and the BB leads out for 500 chips (almost a pot size bet). One fold, and the cutoff calls 500. Marc, took his time, thought about his options, and min-raised to 1000. The BB folds and the cutoff re-raises to 3000.
Marc pushes all in and the CO insta-calls! Marc flips over pocket 6's for middle set. The CO flips over pocket 2's for bottom set. Two cards to come and the CO shouts out "come on deuce!"
Deuce on the river. A one outter on the river and Marc jumps out of his chair in disgust. He was covered and left immediately without saying anything to anyone. It was pretty gross to see that happen live, but I'm sure he's had his share of suckouts as well.
The same guy in the CO later hits a one outter to take another guy out 20 minutes later. Maybe it is destiny.
At the break I remember the one outter dude say to his buddy that he had about 26K in chips. The average was about 7500 after the first break and the blinds were at 150/300. My final hand I threw in my scraps when I was dealt KJc... which lost to pocket tens (of course lol).
You've gotta win the races if you want to go deep...
And hit one outters... those are always nice.
13.11.08
The haircut, the fundraiser and the mookie
My hair was in need of a cut and the original plan was for my friend Autumn to come over at 5pm and get it done before the two tournaments I had registered for started. Actually, the first plan was to get it cut yesterday, but she had to postpone. I called her on my way home and left her a message. I expected to meet her at my place as planned. She called me back and wanted to reschedule to 8pm instead.
No problem… what problem?
I mean really, I had the fund raiser tournament starting at 6pm and the mookie starting at 7. The new plan was to play both and do well. Unexpectedly, I got lucky at the weirdest times. For example, before my cut (which started at about 8:45) we hung out with Lola and watched the Canucks game for a bit (they lost 2-1 in an overtime shootout – yet another distraction) and I continued to play poker at both tables.
I ran very well, and felt like I was playing tight, solid poker. After all, I was two tabling and about to get my hair cut. I had mega patience going on.
Before I knew what was happening, I was sitting in a chair with a cape on. I had the wireless mouse underneath and I was really focused on both tournaments. The charity tournament had Andy Bloch playing in it (as well as three other Full Tilt Pros) and he was hitting flops and had the chip lead every time I would look up… I will still getting my hairs trimmed etc. (In fact, as I write some of this tonight, I realize that I have not even looked in a mirror yet and it...)
Anyway, apparently it is hard to play to final tables at once. At least it was for me. Not too often that Schaubs does that, let me tell ya…
Did I mention I was also getting my hair cut during both money bubbles? I haven’t even looked at the hand history, and for the first time in a long time I didn’t turn on Holdem Manager. All I kept saying to myself (and the girls) was “I can’t believe I am playing at two final tables while getting a hair cut!”
It was surreal, it felt so weird yet I was so focused. It felt great.
There were some recognizable bloggers at the charity final table with me. I had a blast, but to tell you the truth it was hard to give my full attention near the end. No excuses though, I am happy with the way it worked out. By the time I realized there were five left in the charity game, Andy Bloch had been eliminated. Screen shot shows that when you highlight a pro, his name turns red…
I did not know that.
I kept grinding the mookie and got lucky a few more times I’m sure. I had some good cards which is the main reason for my double final table night, but also made some nice plays that I was proud of. My bad plays were too magnified and I obviously have a lot more to learn.
I always will.
Eventually we got down to heads up. The cut had ended about 10 minutes earlier and Autumn had to run as it was getting late (did I mention her middle name is leaf? If I told you her last name you would laugh your ass off, but I just can’t do that here and now, maybe if you ask me in person). I pulled my hairy self up to the kitchen table and tried to concentrate on winning my first Mookie… It felt like I was in a dream world. It was as if I didn’t even realized that I was playing heads up. So many things were going on, and now all of the sudden I had the opportunity to fully focus on the heads up match and it just felt different. It was like I couldn’t focus, even though it was the quietest it had been in hours.
Then something happened.
I lost my connection. It wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time in about an hour. I quickly did the usual which was to restart the poker program and log in again. It disconnected one more time and then I was back. I think I had lost my connection after trying to bluff the river for the third time… smart.
Losing focus quickly, I logged back in and noticed that my opponent had raised my BB and wondered if he was waiting for me or trying to steal my blinds… Or, did he noticed that I clicked the “I’m back button” in time. I’m not really sure when I clicked it but I suppose I could check.
No excuses. He raised 2.5x and I held A8o. I just called and the flop had an ace. I check raised and he re-raised. I called, and I know I should have folded, but I called. 25K more and the blinds were still very small in relation to my stack. I wish I could take it back, but I can’t. He had AQo and he played it well.
Just like that I was drawing to three outs and I couldn’t catch one last time.
It’s all such a blur though. It was such a rush and still such a blur.
I'll get that Mookie one of these days, as long as I can get a hair cut while playing heads up...
No problem… what problem?
I mean really, I had the fund raiser tournament starting at 6pm and the mookie starting at 7. The new plan was to play both and do well. Unexpectedly, I got lucky at the weirdest times. For example, before my cut (which started at about 8:45) we hung out with Lola and watched the Canucks game for a bit (they lost 2-1 in an overtime shootout – yet another distraction) and I continued to play poker at both tables.
I ran very well, and felt like I was playing tight, solid poker. After all, I was two tabling and about to get my hair cut. I had mega patience going on.
Before I knew what was happening, I was sitting in a chair with a cape on. I had the wireless mouse underneath and I was really focused on both tournaments. The charity tournament had Andy Bloch playing in it (as well as three other Full Tilt Pros) and he was hitting flops and had the chip lead every time I would look up… I will still getting my hairs trimmed etc. (In fact, as I write some of this tonight, I realize that I have not even looked in a mirror yet and it...)
Anyway, apparently it is hard to play to final tables at once. At least it was for me. Not too often that Schaubs does that, let me tell ya…
Did I mention I was also getting my hair cut during both money bubbles? I haven’t even looked at the hand history, and for the first time in a long time I didn’t turn on Holdem Manager. All I kept saying to myself (and the girls) was “I can’t believe I am playing at two final tables while getting a hair cut!”
It was surreal, it felt so weird yet I was so focused. It felt great.
There were some recognizable bloggers at the charity final table with me. I had a blast, but to tell you the truth it was hard to give my full attention near the end. No excuses though, I am happy with the way it worked out. By the time I realized there were five left in the charity game, Andy Bloch had been eliminated. Screen shot shows that when you highlight a pro, his name turns red…
I did not know that.
I kept grinding the mookie and got lucky a few more times I’m sure. I had some good cards which is the main reason for my double final table night, but also made some nice plays that I was proud of. My bad plays were too magnified and I obviously have a lot more to learn.
I always will.
Eventually we got down to heads up. The cut had ended about 10 minutes earlier and Autumn had to run as it was getting late (did I mention her middle name is leaf? If I told you her last name you would laugh your ass off, but I just can’t do that here and now, maybe if you ask me in person). I pulled my hairy self up to the kitchen table and tried to concentrate on winning my first Mookie… It felt like I was in a dream world. It was as if I didn’t even realized that I was playing heads up. So many things were going on, and now all of the sudden I had the opportunity to fully focus on the heads up match and it just felt different. It was like I couldn’t focus, even though it was the quietest it had been in hours.
Then something happened.
I lost my connection. It wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time in about an hour. I quickly did the usual which was to restart the poker program and log in again. It disconnected one more time and then I was back. I think I had lost my connection after trying to bluff the river for the third time… smart.
Losing focus quickly, I logged back in and noticed that my opponent had raised my BB and wondered if he was waiting for me or trying to steal my blinds… Or, did he noticed that I clicked the “I’m back button” in time. I’m not really sure when I clicked it but I suppose I could check.
No excuses. He raised 2.5x and I held A8o. I just called and the flop had an ace. I check raised and he re-raised. I called, and I know I should have folded, but I called. 25K more and the blinds were still very small in relation to my stack. I wish I could take it back, but I can’t. He had AQo and he played it well.
Just like that I was drawing to three outs and I couldn’t catch one last time.
It’s all such a blur though. It was such a rush and still such a blur.
I'll get that Mookie one of these days, as long as I can get a hair cut while playing heads up...
12.11.08
An unimpressive Final WSOP Table
Did they just jam the final table of 9 players into a a 1.5 hour tv show? Is that what all the hype was about? It took me longer to follow it on Tao on early Sunday morning then it did to watch it on the boob tube.
Congrats to Peter Eastgate, he ran well which is mandatory. I am glad he beat hellmuth's 19 year old record as the youngest ever, it makes Eastgate's victory that much sweeter.
I'm still in shock that they jammed all this hype into a one night tv show... I really think they could have gotten more out of it if they had the time to edit it a bit more.... say... 4 extra months maybe? It will be interesting to read everyone's opinion and whether the WSOP and the Harrah's group consider it a success...
Is more to come later? Highlights? Out takes? Additional back ground stories?
I doubt it.
I enjoyed reading about it much more than I did watching it that is for sure... but maybe that is because I already knew the outcome?
Congrats to Peter Eastgate, he ran well which is mandatory. I am glad he beat hellmuth's 19 year old record as the youngest ever, it makes Eastgate's victory that much sweeter.
I'm still in shock that they jammed all this hype into a one night tv show... I really think they could have gotten more out of it if they had the time to edit it a bit more.... say... 4 extra months maybe? It will be interesting to read everyone's opinion and whether the WSOP and the Harrah's group consider it a success...
Is more to come later? Highlights? Out takes? Additional back ground stories?
I doubt it.
I enjoyed reading about it much more than I did watching it that is for sure... but maybe that is because I already knew the outcome?
7.11.08
Bodog can suck my Trophy
I can't truly express how deeply frustrated I am to not be granted the opportunity to play in the Bodog Series that is going on right now. I mean seriously Bodog... get it together!
Why can't Canadian's play at Bodog? It makes no sense whatsoever. They must know that there is a demand for it. They must know that Canadians have their finger on the pulse and know that Bodog is one of the top sites around right now. Maybe Nadia can explain.
It makes my blood boil I tell ya! I am constantly reminded of this fun little series because I have numerous blogger friends that are playing this series each Tuesday and Thursday. It pains be to know I could be donating each and every week, and yet no one wants my money.
I'd also surely dump hundreds of dollars in online betting there too. I woulda taken Obama to win in a heartbeat I know that much. Football bets, hockey, you name it I would bet on it.
But nooooooooooooooooooo, I am Canadian, I am screwed. It's only been a year now... can you tell I am bitter?
I won't stop linking them though, that would just be down right mean!
----
Having said that, tonight is trophy night. Or should I say I am going to the "Champions Dinner" tonight. Yep, Lola and I will be heading to the club this evening where the membership will recognize all of the winners over the past year and hand out the long awaited hardware (and golf bag).
There are also awards for hole in ones (none for me in my lifetime remember) and other fun stuff like "shoot your age" trophies. I'd really like to win one of those one day, but I am probably a good 40 years away for that... and even then I would have to shoot even par. I look forward to pulling it off though, hopefully more than a few times.
Trophy night is one of the reasons I play in so many club events - to get to trophy night, to get the free meal and most of all - the hardware!
My buddy and I always say "If you don't get to trophy night then you've had a shitty year."
And it's true. Making trophy night is a must each year, and tonight will be even more special because I will be taking home the big one. The Championship.
Why can't Canadian's play at Bodog? It makes no sense whatsoever. They must know that there is a demand for it. They must know that Canadians have their finger on the pulse and know that Bodog is one of the top sites around right now. Maybe Nadia can explain.
It makes my blood boil I tell ya! I am constantly reminded of this fun little series because I have numerous blogger friends that are playing this series each Tuesday and Thursday. It pains be to know I could be donating each and every week, and yet no one wants my money.
I'd also surely dump hundreds of dollars in online betting there too. I woulda taken Obama to win in a heartbeat I know that much. Football bets, hockey, you name it I would bet on it.
But nooooooooooooooooooo, I am Canadian, I am screwed. It's only been a year now... can you tell I am bitter?
I won't stop linking them though, that would just be down right mean!
----
Having said that, tonight is trophy night. Or should I say I am going to the "Champions Dinner" tonight. Yep, Lola and I will be heading to the club this evening where the membership will recognize all of the winners over the past year and hand out the long awaited hardware (and golf bag).
There are also awards for hole in ones (none for me in my lifetime remember) and other fun stuff like "shoot your age" trophies. I'd really like to win one of those one day, but I am probably a good 40 years away for that... and even then I would have to shoot even par. I look forward to pulling it off though, hopefully more than a few times.
Trophy night is one of the reasons I play in so many club events - to get to trophy night, to get the free meal and most of all - the hardware!
My buddy and I always say "If you don't get to trophy night then you've had a shitty year."
And it's true. Making trophy night is a must each year, and tonight will be even more special because I will be taking home the big one. The Championship.
6.11.08
I am glad Tiffany Michelle is not at the WSOP final table
I can't stand her. Not only is she ugly, she is stupid. Seriously. How annoying would it be to have to listen to her during the November 9.
I guess I could cut her some slack, but I won't. How the heck did she make it that far?
Obviously I am partially joking here because what she did was great for poker, but seriously do you have to be such a bitch about it? Oh and let's start a bunch of sponsorship drama while we are at it. Poor Tony G, I feel for ya bud.
Why wasn't she CHEERING for the other lady to make it deep instead of hoping that she busted as soon as possible. She would run over with the hopes of seeing this other girl go busto so she could be the "last girl standing."
So stupid. Eat another french fry.
So selfish, so childish. I remember reading all about it at Tao of Poker's live blog but I didn't think that it was THAT BAD.
I don't normally rant like this about someone so you gotta know that I was really EXTREMLY annoyed with her. When she busted out I screamed and cheered, I couldn't have been happier.
Oh, and what about when she called CLOCK on the guy to her right... and she wasn't even involved in the hand. What a look he gave her. I wish I could have read his mind there and then, it would have been classic stuff.
Ok fine, she is a little bit hot. But that is it, she still sucks.
I guess I could cut her some slack, but I won't. How the heck did she make it that far?
Obviously I am partially joking here because what she did was great for poker, but seriously do you have to be such a bitch about it? Oh and let's start a bunch of sponsorship drama while we are at it. Poor Tony G, I feel for ya bud.
Why wasn't she CHEERING for the other lady to make it deep instead of hoping that she busted as soon as possible. She would run over with the hopes of seeing this other girl go busto so she could be the "last girl standing."
So stupid. Eat another french fry.
So selfish, so childish. I remember reading all about it at Tao of Poker's live blog but I didn't think that it was THAT BAD.
I don't normally rant like this about someone so you gotta know that I was really EXTREMLY annoyed with her. When she busted out I screamed and cheered, I couldn't have been happier.
Oh, and what about when she called CLOCK on the guy to her right... and she wasn't even involved in the hand. What a look he gave her. I wish I could have read his mind there and then, it would have been classic stuff.
Ok fine, she is a little bit hot. But that is it, she still sucks.
4.11.08
I play at FantansySportsLive.com
It's been a frustrating adventure this year at FSL... until I went back to my roots - Hockey.
I haven't cashed once this year in Football and my bankroll over at FSL was suffering big time. So much so that I was down to my last $11 buyin and only had about 7 bucks left in my account. I needed to make enough to play in the following week so I decided to take on FSL Hockey and grind out a few bucks to finance my Fantasy Football quest.
Well it's been a pretty good week and my bankroll is now back up over $50 in one 4 day session.
There are a lot of regulars that play these hockey ones, but none of them seem to win at hockey like they do at Football, Nascar, or even Baseball... which gives me even better odds of winning.
If you know anything at all about Fantasy Hockey then you should be able to make money at these things consistently. I've basically got two strategies for these. The first one is the "all my eggs in one basket"strategy where I try to pick one or two games and just load up on the players I know will do well. Of course, that is the tricky part. The second is the "don't pick my favorite teams cuz I'll jinx them" strategy. This one is often tough. For example Luongo had a shutout last night... but I took another goalie even though I knew Luongo would have a great night... I still managed to finish in a tie for second with Buffalo66.
Anyway, boring stuff for sure.
But here is how my Sunday went:
Heads up win against an unknown
Heads up win against a very well known
Buffalo66 is a Fantasy machine. How he plays over 50 contests on a Sunday seems crazy to me.
2nd place ouch
First place in a 6 max
So the key is winning is picking your goalie first. You want to make sure you have the right goalie in place as points for a win (essential) and a shutout are huge. After that you want to try and pick up as many studs with a "plus/minus" in the plus side of things.
Needless to say I have found a new passion for FSL. If I can't win any money in Football, then I might as well keep pouncing on the Hockey donks. I always seem to pick the toughest tables in the FSL football and it seems to have an affect on the way I make my picks... I just can't seem to get the right combination of players and the right table selection to make some cash. I'm still near the top of the Blinder's leaderboard but not making money really is starting to take its toll.
----
Poker? yeah I still play poker. I actually started playing those Pokerstars double or nothing SnG's on the weekend. I went 3 for 4 which is great for me. I also stepped into the $20 turbo variety and man it is much softer than I thought. Any blogger should be able to make money there if I am.
----
Politics? Ummmmm no. I don't talk politics. However I do love to gamble... so I wonder if there is actually a line out there on when the first attempt on Prez O's life will be? I mean seriously people, someone is going to try and assasinate him in my opinion. It's just a matter of when, not if. I really hope it doesn't happen, but I just have this feeling that some drunk redneck is going to make a big mistake and give it a try. I say he fails, I say they all fail.
I think that most of you made the right choice. Although the popular vote is closer than the electoral vote (as usual)... not sure what to make of that, but time will tell as always.
I haven't cashed once this year in Football and my bankroll over at FSL was suffering big time. So much so that I was down to my last $11 buyin and only had about 7 bucks left in my account. I needed to make enough to play in the following week so I decided to take on FSL Hockey and grind out a few bucks to finance my Fantasy Football quest.
Well it's been a pretty good week and my bankroll is now back up over $50 in one 4 day session.
There are a lot of regulars that play these hockey ones, but none of them seem to win at hockey like they do at Football, Nascar, or even Baseball... which gives me even better odds of winning.
If you know anything at all about Fantasy Hockey then you should be able to make money at these things consistently. I've basically got two strategies for these. The first one is the "all my eggs in one basket"strategy where I try to pick one or two games and just load up on the players I know will do well. Of course, that is the tricky part. The second is the "don't pick my favorite teams cuz I'll jinx them" strategy. This one is often tough. For example Luongo had a shutout last night... but I took another goalie even though I knew Luongo would have a great night... I still managed to finish in a tie for second with Buffalo66.
Anyway, boring stuff for sure.
But here is how my Sunday went:
Heads up win against an unknown
Heads up win against a very well known
Buffalo66 is a Fantasy machine. How he plays over 50 contests on a Sunday seems crazy to me.
2nd place ouch
First place in a 6 max
So the key is winning is picking your goalie first. You want to make sure you have the right goalie in place as points for a win (essential) and a shutout are huge. After that you want to try and pick up as many studs with a "plus/minus" in the plus side of things.
Needless to say I have found a new passion for FSL. If I can't win any money in Football, then I might as well keep pouncing on the Hockey donks. I always seem to pick the toughest tables in the FSL football and it seems to have an affect on the way I make my picks... I just can't seem to get the right combination of players and the right table selection to make some cash. I'm still near the top of the Blinder's leaderboard but not making money really is starting to take its toll.
----
Poker? yeah I still play poker. I actually started playing those Pokerstars double or nothing SnG's on the weekend. I went 3 for 4 which is great for me. I also stepped into the $20 turbo variety and man it is much softer than I thought. Any blogger should be able to make money there if I am.
----
Politics? Ummmmm no. I don't talk politics. However I do love to gamble... so I wonder if there is actually a line out there on when the first attempt on Prez O's life will be? I mean seriously people, someone is going to try and assasinate him in my opinion. It's just a matter of when, not if. I really hope it doesn't happen, but I just have this feeling that some drunk redneck is going to make a big mistake and give it a try. I say he fails, I say they all fail.
I think that most of you made the right choice. Although the popular vote is closer than the electoral vote (as usual)... not sure what to make of that, but time will tell as always.
31.10.08
Happy Halloween Bitches
In about 5 hours people will be arriving in their costumes with booze in hand. Various appies will be spread and my newly purchased smoke machine will be in full effect. I had to google how to make "fog juice" because the stupid thing didn't come with any. The first seach I picked up had a you tube video on exactly how to make it and what to buy. I tested it last night and it worked perfectly.
I swear we have about 3 times more Halloween stuff than we do Christmas gear. Masks, wigs, makeup, costumes, lighting, fake tombstones and witches, black lights, blue lights, big spiders, little spiders, cob webs, big webs, severed arms, chains, plastic pumpkins, spider goblets, pumpkin goblets, bloody feet, more cob webs (we never seem to throw them out, but always buy more each year!) and more spiders.
My costume this year pretty much sucks. It's a throw together using various items listed above to put together an "80's rocker dude." It's pretty weak, but since we are throwing this scary bash I figured I would be spending my time and money on getting the house ready. And we did. Not much left to do, but I figure I'll sneak out of work early to get the little things done like picking up ice, vacuuming the house etc.
Of course, having the party at home means I can change my costume numerous times. I plan on changing it at least once, maybe twice throughout the night. It's fun to see people's reaction when this guy comes out of nowhere and no one can tell who he is because he is wearing a mask and some different clothes. Stupid guests... get it together.
My best costume of late was a few years back when I was Mike Weir. The only part that made it so funny was the golf ball that was stuck in my forehead. I cut one in half and used some fake skin and blood, attached it and it turned out really well. It was a Nike golf ball with the name "Tiger" written on it. Green jacket, black pants and shirt and I was done.
I hope you all have a great Halloween. Play safe.
I swear we have about 3 times more Halloween stuff than we do Christmas gear. Masks, wigs, makeup, costumes, lighting, fake tombstones and witches, black lights, blue lights, big spiders, little spiders, cob webs, big webs, severed arms, chains, plastic pumpkins, spider goblets, pumpkin goblets, bloody feet, more cob webs (we never seem to throw them out, but always buy more each year!) and more spiders.
My costume this year pretty much sucks. It's a throw together using various items listed above to put together an "80's rocker dude." It's pretty weak, but since we are throwing this scary bash I figured I would be spending my time and money on getting the house ready. And we did. Not much left to do, but I figure I'll sneak out of work early to get the little things done like picking up ice, vacuuming the house etc.
Of course, having the party at home means I can change my costume numerous times. I plan on changing it at least once, maybe twice throughout the night. It's fun to see people's reaction when this guy comes out of nowhere and no one can tell who he is because he is wearing a mask and some different clothes. Stupid guests... get it together.
My best costume of late was a few years back when I was Mike Weir. The only part that made it so funny was the golf ball that was stuck in my forehead. I cut one in half and used some fake skin and blood, attached it and it turned out really well. It was a Nike golf ball with the name "Tiger" written on it. Green jacket, black pants and shirt and I was done.
I hope you all have a great Halloween. Play safe.
28.10.08
Lost and now found
Before I get into the details that support the title of this post let me just say I am not that impressed with the bloggers and their whinning right now.
That's right, whinning. There are at least 5 or 6 blogs that I read this morning and all of them had the same theme about the World Series... waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Suck it up! You have a strangle hold on the series if you are a Philly fan and should be jumping for joy that you are only 3 innings away from your second championship ever. Seems like a time to be excited if you ask me. Quit analyzing what happened last night and just be glad you weren't losing when they called it instead. Babies.
I think I am feeling what Astin had to say about it. It would be great to see Tampa come back purely for the entainment alone (not a hatter, I just love good drama). I can't imagine the tears that will be shed if the Phillies some how manage to screw this up and lose... boo hoo. If Tampa wins tonight, I am sure all of Philly will be collectively trying to figure out the latest way to avoid a meltdown in game 6 (dare I say game 7?). GLGLGL.
----
So I played some live poker, as I had mentioned in my last post, over at the FCPC with Fuel and Simon. It was a $40 plus $10 bounty tournament with 15 players.
I went out 14th on the following hand:
I picked up pocket 10's (yes, here we go again) in MP and raise it to 1200 (3x) and get one caller - the big stack out of the small blind.
The flop comes Qc-10c-5h. SB checks and I bet out 1500.
SB min raises me! WTF. I call. The turn is the Ac. I figure him for something like a Q and a good kicker, maybe ever AQo.
He bets 6,000.
I have 16,000 behind so I can't exactly call. It's either fold or push time and I had not won a single hand in the 90 minutes we had been playing (not that it should matter right!).
I push for 10K more, he grumbles and then finally calls thinking I might have already hit my flush and he turns over QQ. I never even considered QQ there. I am done. Plus I have to fork over another $5 to Fuel for a last longer bet. Fawkin' sweet.
----
Lola called me that night at about 2am from the club she was at for a gf's bday party. She had lost her purse... with our camera in it... along with her cell phone, ID and bank card (no visa thankfully). As I'm still trying to wake up, she is all upset and super drunk and borderline crying (gee I wonder why she lost it?). Anyway she had half the bar looking for it at 1am and seemed to remember last seeing it before she went to the bathroom.
"Some skank probably kept it." she stated (can you tell she was a bit angry?)
So I tell her to go back in the morning (she had a hotel room with some gf's of hers) and sure enough the place is closed. She calls and leaves messages and no one calls her back.
Finally, she decides to head down there yesterday evening to see if it somehow got turned in or overlooked in the search and sure enough the bouncer comes out from the back and hands her the purse fully intact, with nothing missing! What a luckbox, gimme some of that karma action baby!
Good things happen to good people. Lola finally got paid back a little. Phew.
That's right, whinning. There are at least 5 or 6 blogs that I read this morning and all of them had the same theme about the World Series... waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Suck it up! You have a strangle hold on the series if you are a Philly fan and should be jumping for joy that you are only 3 innings away from your second championship ever. Seems like a time to be excited if you ask me. Quit analyzing what happened last night and just be glad you weren't losing when they called it instead. Babies.
I think I am feeling what Astin had to say about it. It would be great to see Tampa come back purely for the entainment alone (not a hatter, I just love good drama). I can't imagine the tears that will be shed if the Phillies some how manage to screw this up and lose... boo hoo. If Tampa wins tonight, I am sure all of Philly will be collectively trying to figure out the latest way to avoid a meltdown in game 6 (dare I say game 7?). GLGLGL.
----
So I played some live poker, as I had mentioned in my last post, over at the FCPC with Fuel and Simon. It was a $40 plus $10 bounty tournament with 15 players.
I went out 14th on the following hand:
I picked up pocket 10's (yes, here we go again) in MP and raise it to 1200 (3x) and get one caller - the big stack out of the small blind.
The flop comes Qc-10c-5h. SB checks and I bet out 1500.
SB min raises me! WTF. I call. The turn is the Ac. I figure him for something like a Q and a good kicker, maybe ever AQo.
He bets 6,000.
I have 16,000 behind so I can't exactly call. It's either fold or push time and I had not won a single hand in the 90 minutes we had been playing (not that it should matter right!).
I push for 10K more, he grumbles and then finally calls thinking I might have already hit my flush and he turns over QQ. I never even considered QQ there. I am done. Plus I have to fork over another $5 to Fuel for a last longer bet. Fawkin' sweet.
----
Lola called me that night at about 2am from the club she was at for a gf's bday party. She had lost her purse... with our camera in it... along with her cell phone, ID and bank card (no visa thankfully). As I'm still trying to wake up, she is all upset and super drunk and borderline crying (gee I wonder why she lost it?). Anyway she had half the bar looking for it at 1am and seemed to remember last seeing it before she went to the bathroom.
"Some skank probably kept it." she stated (can you tell she was a bit angry?)
So I tell her to go back in the morning (she had a hotel room with some gf's of hers) and sure enough the place is closed. She calls and leaves messages and no one calls her back.
Finally, she decides to head down there yesterday evening to see if it somehow got turned in or overlooked in the search and sure enough the bouncer comes out from the back and hands her the purse fully intact, with nothing missing! What a luckbox, gimme some of that karma action baby!
Good things happen to good people. Lola finally got paid back a little. Phew.
24.10.08
Rebuy Madness and then some
Well that was interesting. Something like 4,417 rebuys is a lot for a 99 person tournament... I had a blast when it first started, then handed over the laptop to my sister and another couple of buddies. They had a blast, but couldn't really grasp why everyone was pushing with every single hand.
I had to laugh at some of the folders. I mean why were you people folding after your stack grew and there was still 45 minutes left in the rebuy period? No heart I tell ya. My stack got to a high of about 70K but we saw that crash and burn over the next 2-3 hands. Meanwhile there were others with over 150K in about 15-20 minutes.
It really is a great indicator of who the luckboxes really are. ScottMc, Pvanharibo to name a couple...
Lucko was at my table and couldn't catch anything, he was at the 2,000 chip mark for almost the entire time I was there.
Yes that's right, I didn't make it to the end of the first hour.
Stupid internet.
I should have known better when I latched onto some random unsecured wireless in the area (I wasn't at home) but decided against better judgement and took the risk. I even had a 100 foot cable that I decided not to hook up.
Stupid me.
So yeah anyway we are all in for the 20th time in a row and then poof - disconnected. Well by the time I get it back up and running we got the boot... no more rebuys for you! Next!!!
Either way it was a total blast, I wasn't planning on grinding it out until the end anyway. Who in their right mind would want to play that deep and that long for hours and hours just to win $136 or whatever it turned out to be. I'm not even sure who won because when I logged in three hours later to see who won... there were still 18 people left and the big stack had over 500K with blinds of 1/2K.
Maybe they are still playing this morning?
I'm off to play in a bounty tournament tonight. Live poker baby! Real chips!
Golf this Sunday, might be my last fair weather round of the year. Gotta make some of my money back. It's Super Snowman Sunday!
Have a good one.
I had to laugh at some of the folders. I mean why were you people folding after your stack grew and there was still 45 minutes left in the rebuy period? No heart I tell ya. My stack got to a high of about 70K but we saw that crash and burn over the next 2-3 hands. Meanwhile there were others with over 150K in about 15-20 minutes.
It really is a great indicator of who the luckboxes really are. ScottMc, Pvanharibo to name a couple...
Lucko was at my table and couldn't catch anything, he was at the 2,000 chip mark for almost the entire time I was there.
Yes that's right, I didn't make it to the end of the first hour.
Stupid internet.
I should have known better when I latched onto some random unsecured wireless in the area (I wasn't at home) but decided against better judgement and took the risk. I even had a 100 foot cable that I decided not to hook up.
Stupid me.
So yeah anyway we are all in for the 20th time in a row and then poof - disconnected. Well by the time I get it back up and running we got the boot... no more rebuys for you! Next!!!
Either way it was a total blast, I wasn't planning on grinding it out until the end anyway. Who in their right mind would want to play that deep and that long for hours and hours just to win $136 or whatever it turned out to be. I'm not even sure who won because when I logged in three hours later to see who won... there were still 18 people left and the big stack had over 500K with blinds of 1/2K.
Maybe they are still playing this morning?
I'm off to play in a bounty tournament tonight. Live poker baby! Real chips!
Golf this Sunday, might be my last fair weather round of the year. Gotta make some of my money back. It's Super Snowman Sunday!
Have a good one.
23.10.08
Pocket Tens live blog
Pocket tens early on in the Mookie and I decided to play them like aces. Not smart. No patience. I even told myself before it started that I would play tight and focused. Mookie had pocket queens and gave me the warning signs early on, I just didn't listen.
As I type, I am still in the Dookie, with 5 to play. Lightning, Rambler, Numblowme and DoubleDave are left.
Speaking of Numblowme, I'm already registered for his tourney tomorrow... are you? It's on Survivor Thursday night... and of course I am having some grub with some close friends as usual. World Series playoffs are the focus, but I'll be letting various people push every hand for me for the first hour... can't wait.
Pushfest #1 - everyone went out on the first hand except Drizz. That might be a first actually... and Drizz winning, well that's a first too. Congrats, I ship it as soon as I confirm your Full Tilt name.
BDR radio is pretty classic. Apparantly Joanada finds BuddyDank hot...
Joanada has done a lot of stuff...
Pushfest #2 - I get down to the final three pooshers after doubling up once. Then lose and have 1 chip left. I win the next hand and get 6 chips total. Finally go out on the next hand.
What is with everyone changing domains, deleting blogs and upgrading their shit?
I'm all about small changes.
I just won the Dookie in a marathon heads up match against DoubleDave.
Good night now.
As I type, I am still in the Dookie, with 5 to play. Lightning, Rambler, Numblowme and DoubleDave are left.
Speaking of Numblowme, I'm already registered for his tourney tomorrow... are you? It's on Survivor Thursday night... and of course I am having some grub with some close friends as usual. World Series playoffs are the focus, but I'll be letting various people push every hand for me for the first hour... can't wait.
Pushfest #1 - everyone went out on the first hand except Drizz. That might be a first actually... and Drizz winning, well that's a first too. Congrats, I ship it as soon as I confirm your Full Tilt name.
BDR radio is pretty classic. Apparantly Joanada finds BuddyDank hot...
Joanada has done a lot of stuff...
Pushfest #2 - I get down to the final three pooshers after doubling up once. Then lose and have 1 chip left. I win the next hand and get 6 chips total. Finally go out on the next hand.
What is with everyone changing domains, deleting blogs and upgrading their shit?
I'm all about small changes.
I just won the Dookie in a marathon heads up match against DoubleDave.
Good night now.
19.10.08
SnG win
This helps the bankroll...
Decided to play in this while watching the stinkin' Leafs take on the Penguins, but really I'm just waiting for Tampa to take down Boston...
TV is saying "technical difficulties" so instead I am forced to watch the Hooters magazine swimsuit competition while they resolve...
I hope everyone is winning their share. Have a good one.
16.10.08
DQAB
Dems Quad Aces Bitches!
I gave one of those Matrix tournaments a try. Since it was my first attempt, and I don't usually multi-table, let alone quad table... I opted for the $6 version. I have to say it was a bit of a challenge trying to fit all four tables on my laptop along with a Dookie. Not much to report really. I finished third in two of the tables, but I just kept having to click the "I'm back" button on various tables. I either need to get a better set up, or forget the whole quad tabling idea all together.
I played golf on the weekend, actually it was a tournament called the snowman. Finished 2 over and nothing to show for it. Next Sunday should be a better showing.
I'm playing in the LeTune challenge tomorrow. Free rolls rule.
Fantasy football & hockey are in full effect, and I'm doing ok in most of my leagues. I'm probably in too many, but whatever it keeps me out of trouble.
Blogger gathering is just around the corner, less than two months away. Anyone else still waiting to book their trip like me? It sucks that I'll be missing my company Christmas party, but I'm sure I will get over it quickly.
Is anyone interested in playing golf? I'm counting on this guy to help me organize it, except... he's only 20% sure he'll even be going! Everyone needs to put the pressure on him and make sure he goes... screw work! If he's out, then I'm not sure this golf tournament/outting will get off the ground... especially with this group of degenerate drunks.
Regardless, I think I'll bring my sticks and see if I can sneak in a round with Don or CK or whoever. Let mek now what you think oh loyal readers of mine.
Later.
I gave one of those Matrix tournaments a try. Since it was my first attempt, and I don't usually multi-table, let alone quad table... I opted for the $6 version. I have to say it was a bit of a challenge trying to fit all four tables on my laptop along with a Dookie. Not much to report really. I finished third in two of the tables, but I just kept having to click the "I'm back" button on various tables. I either need to get a better set up, or forget the whole quad tabling idea all together.
I played golf on the weekend, actually it was a tournament called the snowman. Finished 2 over and nothing to show for it. Next Sunday should be a better showing.
I'm playing in the LeTune challenge tomorrow. Free rolls rule.
Fantasy football & hockey are in full effect, and I'm doing ok in most of my leagues. I'm probably in too many, but whatever it keeps me out of trouble.
Blogger gathering is just around the corner, less than two months away. Anyone else still waiting to book their trip like me? It sucks that I'll be missing my company Christmas party, but I'm sure I will get over it quickly.
Is anyone interested in playing golf? I'm counting on this guy to help me organize it, except... he's only 20% sure he'll even be going! Everyone needs to put the pressure on him and make sure he goes... screw work! If he's out, then I'm not sure this golf tournament/outting will get off the ground... especially with this group of degenerate drunks.
Regardless, I think I'll bring my sticks and see if I can sneak in a round with Don or CK or whoever. Let mek now what you think oh loyal readers of mine.
Later.
12.10.08
Hammer
I was catching up on a couple more episodes of the WSOP08 and Lola asked me a question as the second show was ending...
It went something like: "What's that hand called when it's 72? Hammer? Why would you play that?"
Odd, somewhat, out of nowhere type of question really, because the hammer didn't appear in any part of the show while she was watching it with me... well sort of watching it as she put together a little table we purchased today...
So I responded "Ummmmm, that's a good question actually. It's the worst hand in poker*, not sure why people play it... Oh, and it's called "THE hammer" not just "hammer""
we laughed.
Times like those remind of why I enjoy poker so much. I'm thankful for being able to play so freely, in whatever setting I so choose. Anytime.
I played a bit of cash last night. 2 tabled it after about 6 beers and some great rib roast with my closest buds. A couple of them watched as I donked off at oen table and played well at another. Netted a few bucks and had some laughs.
I might play a bit more after tonight's Canucks game. If you're not watching the NHL, you should be. It's fast paced, physical and mental all in one.
*some argue not true
It went something like: "What's that hand called when it's 72? Hammer? Why would you play that?"
Odd, somewhat, out of nowhere type of question really, because the hammer didn't appear in any part of the show while she was watching it with me... well sort of watching it as she put together a little table we purchased today...
So I responded "Ummmmm, that's a good question actually. It's the worst hand in poker*, not sure why people play it... Oh, and it's called "THE hammer" not just "hammer""
we laughed.
Times like those remind of why I enjoy poker so much. I'm thankful for being able to play so freely, in whatever setting I so choose. Anytime.
I played a bit of cash last night. 2 tabled it after about 6 beers and some great rib roast with my closest buds. A couple of them watched as I donked off at oen table and played well at another. Netted a few bucks and had some laughs.
I might play a bit more after tonight's Canucks game. If you're not watching the NHL, you should be. It's fast paced, physical and mental all in one.
*some argue not true
10.10.08
Titty Nipple
I remember reading, I think it was Loretta's blog, about the third episode of the WSOP main event and how this one guy who was sponsored by Moneymaker was talking about his life threatening accident. He talked about the burns he suffered and how this one burn went from his "right titty nipple" down to his knee. Something like that.
Anyway, if you haven't seen it, it is pretty funny. I was finally able to watch a couple of episodes and so far I am liking it. I wasn't sure how I would feel, but they have had some pretty good coverage so far.
Watching Ivy make a guy fold trip kings was pretty nuts. Seeing Hellmuth arrive late with his entourage was totally dumb and pointless. Watching the Mouth and the rest of the pros has been entertaining for the most part.
I still did not see Iggy though... I'm not even sure what episodes he is supposed to be on... anyone? Was he really there?
10 cent rebuy in a couple of weeks should be pretty fun... hopefully I can make it.
The Canucks got off to a kick ass start, winning their season opener last night 6-zip against Calgary.
Suckers.
only 97 more wins straight for the perfect season!!
Have a good weekend degen's.
Anyway, if you haven't seen it, it is pretty funny. I was finally able to watch a couple of episodes and so far I am liking it. I wasn't sure how I would feel, but they have had some pretty good coverage so far.
Watching Ivy make a guy fold trip kings was pretty nuts. Seeing Hellmuth arrive late with his entourage was totally dumb and pointless. Watching the Mouth and the rest of the pros has been entertaining for the most part.
I still did not see Iggy though... I'm not even sure what episodes he is supposed to be on... anyone? Was he really there?
10 cent rebuy in a couple of weeks should be pretty fun... hopefully I can make it.
The Canucks got off to a kick ass start, winning their season opener last night 6-zip against Calgary.
Suckers.
only 97 more wins straight for the perfect season!!
Have a good weekend degen's.
3.10.08
Hockey Pools Prep & Canadiana Hockey Brilliance...
I am in total hockey pool prep. mode right now. I have one draft pool tonight, and another tomorrow morning. Crazy. 24 hours of pools basically.
I love hockey, I love this time of year for all sports, but when hockey kicks off next week things will begin to get a bit crazy for my sports watching world. I signed up for Dave's hockey pool as well. I auto drafted because I couldn't attend last night.
The Canucks are undefeated in the preseason (6-0). If they win the next 99 straight games they will have achieved the unheard of... THE PERFECT SEASON...
yeah right eh...
Anyway, for all you hockey players out there... I am sure you can relate to some of these:
Some pure Canadiana hockey brilliance…
It's a well-known fact that there are only two seasons in Canada: summer and hockey.
According to long-standing tradition, the former starts with the hoisting of the Stanley Cup, as fans in an American city celebrate.The latter officially kicks off after Labour Day weekend. In fact, there are hundreds, possibly thousands, of managers across Canada who will spend the long weekend making personnel decisions in time for the September dawn of a new season. Granted, the majority of these managers are in charge of teams with names like "Old Puckers", "Rusty Blades","Just the Tips" and "Nine-Inch Males," but don't be fooled; beer-league hockey squads can be down right tricky to put together. As with any successful organization, you need the right mix, and that means drafting from the following beer-league player categories: Which one are you???
The Ringer
Some teams wait until the playoffs to unveil this option. Others go withit right from the opening face-off. Either way, without a ringer, your team is done. The challenge for managers is convincing a good player to suitup for a bad side. This can be accomplished a number of ways, including promises of goal-scoring glory and awe-inspired teammates. Most effective, however, is let him play for free. It's simple math, really. Everyone else pays an extra $50 and everyone else gets a shot at the "DD" Division title.
The Young Guy
At first glance, he can easily be mistaken for a ringer, since the young guy still wears the shorts and socks of his junior or college team. But it's time for the next phase of life now, and that means an office job.The young guy stays in shape for the first half of the year. Sadly, an increasingly sedentary existence and late night partying catches up to him by Christmas. 15 to 20 pounds later, he's just another player, huffing and puffing with the rest. Welcome aboard, kid.
The Old Guy
Forget the 50-and-over league; that's not for him...even though his gloves reach up to his armpits, and he still uses a wood stick. To be fair, the old guy can be an effective player, especially if he's a wily old guy --a hook here and a chop there, because that's how they did it when professional athletes were real men. "Eddie Shore -- now there was a hockey player! Lost an ear against the Maroons. Sewed it back on himself. Never missed a shift."
The Tardy Goalie
Hey, thanks for showing up. Only five minutes gone in the first. Not like you play a crucial position or anything. Take your time, dickhead.
The Beginner
Required only for cheap laughs. On the one hand, you have to admire the beginner. It takes a lot of courage to buy all brand new equipment, and take up hockey in your 40's. On the other hand, learn to take a pass,man. It's right on your stick, for Christ's sake. How does that knock you over? And now you're friggin offside! Not to mention the Beginner shows up at every game, no matter what time or what day. Sunday night playoff game at 11PM - no worries, Mr Beginner will be there.
The Complete Psycho
Also good for a few giggles . . . from afar. Most likely a cop or fireman. The complete psycho is capable of anything: running the goalie, challenging an entire bench, a tomahawk chop -- all in the repertoire. Do not feed the complete psycho. He doesn't want to be fed. He wants to hunt. And, look to him to carry on his act in the bar after the game.
The Naked Guy
Bane of the dressing room. Most players have the courtesy to stretch their hamstrings while sporting, at the very least, a bit of underwear. Not the naked guy. He'll carry on full conversations, and you had better maintain eye contact like your life depended on it....or come face to face with the swinging sausage.
The Guy with the New Girlfriend
An excellent way to lower everyone else's fees is to load up on a few of these. The guy with the new girlfriend will show up to three games,tops, so his payment will contribute to everyone else's and it's not like you'll lose ice time by putting him on the roster. That said, beware that the guy with the new girlfriend might very well turn into the guy with the new wife...at which point he'll never miss another game.
The Organizer
This guy is absolutely brutal but since nobody else could be bothered to do all the paperwork and collect the money he gets to play. Is frustrating to play with because they can barely skate let alone take a pass but nobody gets mad at him cuz he's a really nice guy. Is often heard in the dressing room saying 'Sorry guys, that one was my fault'and if he's lucky somebody will chip in something like 'No worries Donny, it's a team effort.' What everybody is really thinking is 'Hey Donny, my grandmother is a better player than you and yes you are right,that was your fault.' If you are lucky the Organizer is usually smart enough to take himself off the ice in critical situations.
The Minor Hockey Allstar
Looks promising at a glance as they fool you with reasonably good skills but after you get zero passes you'll get the picture. This guy topped out at 'AA' Midget and can be spotted by the huge blinders attached to his helmet. Play is characterized by energetic rushes down the wing,(no passing), then into the corner (still no pass), behind the net (hey dickhead I've been open for the past 5 minutes),then into the next corner (everybody has gone back to the bench to watch) followed by a blind give away pass to the high slot / break out pass for the other team. Cut this guy.
The Johnny Try Hard
Great to have on your team but they suck to play against because theyhave somehow managed to keep themselves in ridiculously good shape.They were probably the star on their high school hockey team and won athlete of the year because they played hockey, volleyball and track allin the same year. Guaranteed they have a membership at the 'RunningRoom'. Play is characterized by constant hustle which if caught offguard can embarrass the more talented yet fatter player.
The Stanley Cup Champion
This player will raise their hands and cheer when they score. If this is an opposing player you must nip this behaviour in the bud by catching him off guard with a sickening open ice hit that causes him to blow snotbubbles. If this player is on your team quickly chastise him in front of the other team to let them know that this is not how the rest of your team rolls. Remind him how much of a loser he is by retrieving the puck from the net the next time he scores and presenting it to him in front of the other team.
The Tough Guy
This guy maxed out at the house-league level, has never been in a fight and is characterized by antagonizing behaviour on the ice. In extreme cases he will 'cheap shot' another player. The fact that your beer league does not allow fighting has given this guy a false sense of courage. What this guy does not realize is that this will not prevent someone from knocking his teeth out if he cheap shots the wrong guy. There is a number of fun ways to handle this player which all end with him lying on the ice bleeding, looking for his teeth and crying.
The Wrong Guy
Not to be confused with 'The Complete Psycho'. This guy shows up, doesn't say much and pretty much flies under the radar screen. The kid that gave him the cheap shot him will eventually look his name up on Hockey DB after his facial surgery and realize he had 355 pims in the East Coast 3 years ago.
The Gary Roberts
Can be described as being way too intense. This guy is one of your better players but is unable to adjust to the lower level of play. At the best of times he will try to coach players on the fly and at the worst of times he will snap and call his entire team a bunch of house-leaguers. He believes the game should be played a certain way and despises 'pond hockey' style play with no back checking or positional assignments. Most likely is suffering from a complex of 'unfinished business' from his previous hockey career and is looking to capture some shred of glory via the rec-league championship. This guy is probably better off playing with his own kind in a senior-A league.
Have a good weekend everyone, I'll be poolie grinding for the next 24 hours...
I love hockey, I love this time of year for all sports, but when hockey kicks off next week things will begin to get a bit crazy for my sports watching world. I signed up for Dave's hockey pool as well. I auto drafted because I couldn't attend last night.
The Canucks are undefeated in the preseason (6-0). If they win the next 99 straight games they will have achieved the unheard of... THE PERFECT SEASON...
yeah right eh...
Anyway, for all you hockey players out there... I am sure you can relate to some of these:
Some pure Canadiana hockey brilliance…
It's a well-known fact that there are only two seasons in Canada: summer and hockey.
According to long-standing tradition, the former starts with the hoisting of the Stanley Cup, as fans in an American city celebrate.The latter officially kicks off after Labour Day weekend. In fact, there are hundreds, possibly thousands, of managers across Canada who will spend the long weekend making personnel decisions in time for the September dawn of a new season. Granted, the majority of these managers are in charge of teams with names like "Old Puckers", "Rusty Blades","Just the Tips" and "Nine-Inch Males," but don't be fooled; beer-league hockey squads can be down right tricky to put together. As with any successful organization, you need the right mix, and that means drafting from the following beer-league player categories: Which one are you???
The Ringer
Some teams wait until the playoffs to unveil this option. Others go withit right from the opening face-off. Either way, without a ringer, your team is done. The challenge for managers is convincing a good player to suitup for a bad side. This can be accomplished a number of ways, including promises of goal-scoring glory and awe-inspired teammates. Most effective, however, is let him play for free. It's simple math, really. Everyone else pays an extra $50 and everyone else gets a shot at the "DD" Division title.
The Young Guy
At first glance, he can easily be mistaken for a ringer, since the young guy still wears the shorts and socks of his junior or college team. But it's time for the next phase of life now, and that means an office job.The young guy stays in shape for the first half of the year. Sadly, an increasingly sedentary existence and late night partying catches up to him by Christmas. 15 to 20 pounds later, he's just another player, huffing and puffing with the rest. Welcome aboard, kid.
The Old Guy
Forget the 50-and-over league; that's not for him...even though his gloves reach up to his armpits, and he still uses a wood stick. To be fair, the old guy can be an effective player, especially if he's a wily old guy --a hook here and a chop there, because that's how they did it when professional athletes were real men. "Eddie Shore -- now there was a hockey player! Lost an ear against the Maroons. Sewed it back on himself. Never missed a shift."
The Tardy Goalie
Hey, thanks for showing up. Only five minutes gone in the first. Not like you play a crucial position or anything. Take your time, dickhead.
The Beginner
Required only for cheap laughs. On the one hand, you have to admire the beginner. It takes a lot of courage to buy all brand new equipment, and take up hockey in your 40's. On the other hand, learn to take a pass,man. It's right on your stick, for Christ's sake. How does that knock you over? And now you're friggin offside! Not to mention the Beginner shows up at every game, no matter what time or what day. Sunday night playoff game at 11PM - no worries, Mr Beginner will be there.
The Complete Psycho
Also good for a few giggles . . . from afar. Most likely a cop or fireman. The complete psycho is capable of anything: running the goalie, challenging an entire bench, a tomahawk chop -- all in the repertoire. Do not feed the complete psycho. He doesn't want to be fed. He wants to hunt. And, look to him to carry on his act in the bar after the game.
The Naked Guy
Bane of the dressing room. Most players have the courtesy to stretch their hamstrings while sporting, at the very least, a bit of underwear. Not the naked guy. He'll carry on full conversations, and you had better maintain eye contact like your life depended on it....or come face to face with the swinging sausage.
The Guy with the New Girlfriend
An excellent way to lower everyone else's fees is to load up on a few of these. The guy with the new girlfriend will show up to three games,tops, so his payment will contribute to everyone else's and it's not like you'll lose ice time by putting him on the roster. That said, beware that the guy with the new girlfriend might very well turn into the guy with the new wife...at which point he'll never miss another game.
The Organizer
This guy is absolutely brutal but since nobody else could be bothered to do all the paperwork and collect the money he gets to play. Is frustrating to play with because they can barely skate let alone take a pass but nobody gets mad at him cuz he's a really nice guy. Is often heard in the dressing room saying 'Sorry guys, that one was my fault'and if he's lucky somebody will chip in something like 'No worries Donny, it's a team effort.' What everybody is really thinking is 'Hey Donny, my grandmother is a better player than you and yes you are right,that was your fault.' If you are lucky the Organizer is usually smart enough to take himself off the ice in critical situations.
The Minor Hockey Allstar
Looks promising at a glance as they fool you with reasonably good skills but after you get zero passes you'll get the picture. This guy topped out at 'AA' Midget and can be spotted by the huge blinders attached to his helmet. Play is characterized by energetic rushes down the wing,(no passing), then into the corner (still no pass), behind the net (hey dickhead I've been open for the past 5 minutes),then into the next corner (everybody has gone back to the bench to watch) followed by a blind give away pass to the high slot / break out pass for the other team. Cut this guy.
The Johnny Try Hard
Great to have on your team but they suck to play against because theyhave somehow managed to keep themselves in ridiculously good shape.They were probably the star on their high school hockey team and won athlete of the year because they played hockey, volleyball and track allin the same year. Guaranteed they have a membership at the 'RunningRoom'. Play is characterized by constant hustle which if caught offguard can embarrass the more talented yet fatter player.
The Stanley Cup Champion
This player will raise their hands and cheer when they score. If this is an opposing player you must nip this behaviour in the bud by catching him off guard with a sickening open ice hit that causes him to blow snotbubbles. If this player is on your team quickly chastise him in front of the other team to let them know that this is not how the rest of your team rolls. Remind him how much of a loser he is by retrieving the puck from the net the next time he scores and presenting it to him in front of the other team.
The Tough Guy
This guy maxed out at the house-league level, has never been in a fight and is characterized by antagonizing behaviour on the ice. In extreme cases he will 'cheap shot' another player. The fact that your beer league does not allow fighting has given this guy a false sense of courage. What this guy does not realize is that this will not prevent someone from knocking his teeth out if he cheap shots the wrong guy. There is a number of fun ways to handle this player which all end with him lying on the ice bleeding, looking for his teeth and crying.
The Wrong Guy
Not to be confused with 'The Complete Psycho'. This guy shows up, doesn't say much and pretty much flies under the radar screen. The kid that gave him the cheap shot him will eventually look his name up on Hockey DB after his facial surgery and realize he had 355 pims in the East Coast 3 years ago.
The Gary Roberts
Can be described as being way too intense. This guy is one of your better players but is unable to adjust to the lower level of play. At the best of times he will try to coach players on the fly and at the worst of times he will snap and call his entire team a bunch of house-leaguers. He believes the game should be played a certain way and despises 'pond hockey' style play with no back checking or positional assignments. Most likely is suffering from a complex of 'unfinished business' from his previous hockey career and is looking to capture some shred of glory via the rec-league championship. This guy is probably better off playing with his own kind in a senior-A league.
Have a good weekend everyone, I'll be poolie grinding for the next 24 hours...
29.9.08
Golf, Poker and the Miami Don fundraiser
Golf season has officially coming to an end for me. Not that I won’t be playing over the next few months. It’s just that there isn’t much more to play for this year. All of my competition golf is done, and I don’t see myself making the trip across the border for a tri-cities tournament that I have played in the past. I’m saving that last trip for the December gathering instead.
So yeah, serious golf is done. Beers & cart golf… I can always make time for.
Now that the Bash is over, I will be talking with Bam Bam (any other volunteers?) about organizing a golf tournament/boozefest in December. It will most likely take place on the Friday to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any sort of blogger tournament that someone might organize (step up; it’s not that hard is it?). I’ll need to place a call to Don and get a course lined up as well.
Bash updates please. I assume that everyone is still in recovery and the stories will begin to trickle in as the days pass. Questions that need answering:
1. Did RecessRampage (Ken) get any action? Forced boobie shots do not count.
2. Did Al actually leave the bar at any point during the weekend?
3. Did BamBam drink anything other than scotch?
4. Did BaconMary turn down the Rooster?
5. Who is the shuffleboard champ?
6. Which team won the Bash Olympics?
I’m sure there are plenty more, but I’ll leave it at that for now.
The weekend was great, thanks for asking. It started off with a deepstacks game over at the FCPC. I played well, then sloppy, then well again, then sloppy again. My stack never really climbed to any amount that was useable. It finally got down to 5 handed (started 11) and I was still at my starting stack. I pushed ATC, they folded. I pushed again, they folded. They pushed, I folded. I finally got a hand… I pushed KK and was reshoved by Simon. He had AK. The dealer flopped over 4 community cards. Of course, the first card was an ace so I wondered if the dealer burned one. We confirmed that he had, and I was basically done. I called shenanigans, but of course I was joking.
Saturday was my final serious golf tournament of the year. It was the Zone 4 Champion of Champions tournament. This is where each club sends their four champions (mens, senior, junior & ladies) to participate in a team event. It was total gross score so we got to play the course we normally would. Not many prizes were handed out as the theme of the day was to “have fun”. I bubbled (not fun) in 3rd shooting a 73. I doubled a par 5 when I hit it out of bounds from 230 yards on my second shot. Other than that I played well and just hung in there. Putting was on, and it saved me a few times.
After the round I went into the infamous “bull pen” (aka the men’s lounge) to have a few pints with a couple of guys I knew from the home course (Marine Drive). They had poker chips sitting on the table so I wondered if a game would break out soon. I waited, and then waited some more. I finally had to ask. Sure enough they were going to play a game - $20, 100 chips, 15 minute levels. The blinds started out at 1-2. With only 5 players I knew that I could wait it out and get it in with a big hand. I managed to double up when I flopped trip kings and rivered quads. I didn’t even have to lead out once, the guy just kept betting his chips with Ace high. Good stuff. So yeah, ship that $100 win to me and I was even for the weekend again.
I went home and jumped into a $24, 90 man SnG and finished 11th. Damn it I need work on bubble play (still).
Sunday was Lola’s bday. We had two unbelievable meals. The dinner involved crab legs, jumbo prawns and scallops. All made in the comfort of her parent’s house. So good.
----
The survivor pool that Miami Don is running now has two people left in it. A big weekend of upsets shook out the remaining 14 other contestants. I fucked it up when I decided to change my pick from Buffalo to Denver at 2am on Sunday. No excuses, I really didn’t listen to my own advice. Don’t bet on divisional games! It’s so simple, yet I didn’t follow that golden rule, and it cost me.
So yeah, Miami Don needs to survive one more fish and he takes home all of our $20 bills. Nice one. I must say I am pretty impressed with his picks so far. I think almost every week he has had a pick that no one else has taken… which is great if you keep winning, and he has.
So that’s one pool I don’t have to stress about anymore. It was tough to cheer for teams I really didn’t care about. But that is the life of a fantasy football junkie...
I hope everyone survived the Bash and had a blast as expected. Trip reports please.
25.9.08
Pushmaster MC
Yeah, I won a pushfest... but not in the fashion I am proud of. Schlepp571 took the chip lead from me when his 68o sucked out on my unlucky AKs. We were down to the final two pushaholics and seated at the same table. From there I only had about 300 chips when out of nowhere I hear BDR talking about how he folded. His mistake was my gain.
There always seems to be a bunch of whining after something like that happens. I've never been there, but every week someone seems to mess up and ruin their chances of being a pushfest champ.
A part of me was like "too bad so sad" and another part of me chalked it up to just bad luck. It happens. I mean its all luck anyway. There are so many factors involved. First off, it begins with who is at your starting table. The more bloggers, the less chance you have of moving on.
I only had Breeze81 at my table. So right there I am ahead of the game.
Then there are the donkey callers. Breeze pushes UTG, I push... and then you get guys calling with Q-10d etc. It is pretty funny. It makes it that much more fun when you river a deuce to take them out.
Good times.
Anyway, I shipped schlepp571 a few bucks cuz I was feeling saucy.
Later.
There always seems to be a bunch of whining after something like that happens. I've never been there, but every week someone seems to mess up and ruin their chances of being a pushfest champ.
A part of me was like "too bad so sad" and another part of me chalked it up to just bad luck. It happens. I mean its all luck anyway. There are so many factors involved. First off, it begins with who is at your starting table. The more bloggers, the less chance you have of moving on.
I only had Breeze81 at my table. So right there I am ahead of the game.
Then there are the donkey callers. Breeze pushes UTG, I push... and then you get guys calling with Q-10d etc. It is pretty funny. It makes it that much more fun when you river a deuce to take them out.
Good times.
Anyway, I shipped schlepp571 a few bucks cuz I was feeling saucy.
Later.
24.9.08
I saw Fuel lay down Presto in a live game
I'm not sure how long into the tournament it was, but the table was still full.
I never thought I would see the day that Fuel would actually lay down Presto...
UTG - raise 3x
MP - re-raise
Fuel - "I can't beleive I am going to fold this, I know it's going to hit"
Fuel - Fold.
UTG - calls.
Flop: A-A-5
Fuel jumps out of his chair screaming "I knew it! I knew it!" (poor table ettiquette if you ask me LOL)
I can't even remember what the other two had, but I know no one had an ace! Ouch.
See you at the Mookie... will there be enough dead money for a Wawfuls upset?
I never thought I would see the day that Fuel would actually lay down Presto...
UTG - raise 3x
MP - re-raise
Fuel - "I can't beleive I am going to fold this, I know it's going to hit"
Fuel - Fold.
UTG - calls.
Flop: A-A-5
Fuel jumps out of his chair screaming "I knew it! I knew it!" (poor table ettiquette if you ask me LOL)
I can't even remember what the other two had, but I know no one had an ace! Ouch.
See you at the Mookie... will there be enough dead money for a Wawfuls upset?
19.9.08
Ryder Cup Baby
I'm pretty pumped for this weekend's Ryder Cup. Even though it is Tigerless, I still think it will be a good battle. Just the fact that Azinger and Faldo hate each other so much and there is so much history between the two of them makes a good story on its own, and they are not even playing.
I'd say a lot of the pressure is on Phil. He needs to step it up as he has not been a very good team player over the past few. If some of the rookies get hot (look out for Anthony Kim) then the US actually has a shot of making this interesting.
So don't forget to watch all the drama unfold this weekend, especially Sunday. Hopefully it is still close by then and the matches mean something. Of course, it's never over until it's over.
You only have to look as far back as 1999 when Justin Leonard made that bomb of a putt on 17 to send the crowd into a maniac frenzy. Even the US team members couldn't compose themselves as they ran accross the green jumping for joy. I believe Jose Maria Olazabal still had a putt that meant something too. Low class.
So yeah, in between NFL games, make sure you keep an eye on the Ryder Cup, it should be a doozy.
I'd still lay my money on Europe, but you just never know. In fact, now that I look at it, the US leads the Ryder Cup 3 points to 1 after the morning matches. However, it looks like Europe is on the way back already leading 3 of the 4 afternoon matches after about 6 holes.
They might even be tied by the end of the day, which would make for a very exciting weekend.
Have a good one, and good luck at the tables and any sort of NFL related betting.
I'd say a lot of the pressure is on Phil. He needs to step it up as he has not been a very good team player over the past few. If some of the rookies get hot (look out for Anthony Kim) then the US actually has a shot of making this interesting.
So don't forget to watch all the drama unfold this weekend, especially Sunday. Hopefully it is still close by then and the matches mean something. Of course, it's never over until it's over.
You only have to look as far back as 1999 when Justin Leonard made that bomb of a putt on 17 to send the crowd into a maniac frenzy. Even the US team members couldn't compose themselves as they ran accross the green jumping for joy. I believe Jose Maria Olazabal still had a putt that meant something too. Low class.
So yeah, in between NFL games, make sure you keep an eye on the Ryder Cup, it should be a doozy.
I'd still lay my money on Europe, but you just never know. In fact, now that I look at it, the US leads the Ryder Cup 3 points to 1 after the morning matches. However, it looks like Europe is on the way back already leading 3 of the 4 afternoon matches after about 6 holes.
They might even be tied by the end of the day, which would make for a very exciting weekend.
Have a good one, and good luck at the tables and any sort of NFL related betting.
17.9.08
Opportunity After Thoughts
When I hit it in the water in the round of 15 and stepped down from the tee box area it took a minute or two for it to sink in. My best chance ever of winning a car had just slipped through my fingers. So many different emotions ran through my body during that long walk back to my seat to grab my gear. It didn't take me long to get out of there. I really didn't want to see how it turned out and which luckbox would eventually take the big prize.
As we head out I realized that the FCPC poker series was just about to start. The crew that came to watch me were heading for dinner, but there just wasn't time for me to join them if I wanted to give it my best shot at winning the first week's event. Points are everything in this series. If you make the top 6 in points you are guaranteed a nice pay day.
We walked down to the underground parking and I caught a lift to my parking lot accross the street (lazy). I sent a reply to Fuel when he asked if I was a millionaire. When I got out the car and started to walk down to my car in the other lot I realized that I did not have my cell phone with my any longer.
You know the feeling. Panic and immediate hope ran through my mind as I tried to retrace my steps. I remembered sending Fuel a text right before I got out of the car. I thought to myself "It must be in the back seat still." I ran down to my car, paid for my parking on the way out and then I thought to myself "maybe it fell out when I got out of the car?"
Sure enough, as I pulled to the top of the underground parkade, there it was sitting in the gutter. No bad beat laid on Schaubs this time. I spotted it from accross the street and hoped that no one would see it before I could pull over, jump out and grab it. I did just that. My phone was back and things were right again. I called the crew in the car and they had a good laugh at my expense. I felt like it would be a lucky night for me since you know, I found my phone.
I hit up subway on the way over to the FCPC. Bacon and chicken six inch, toasted of course. I arrived about 45 minutes late and took my seat. I had been blinded down, but not much. 50K starting stack, 6 handed. I was ready to roll. I managed to finish in 2nd place and gain some valuable 2nd place points and a bit of cash. I was proud of the way I played considereing I haven't been playing 6 handed so much lately. Fuel finished 1st at his table, so it was a good night over all.
One guy already quit because of the sick beats that this one girl kept giving. He said he couldn't handle it. He stated she was so bad that he was totally turned off of the series because of it. We all told him to suck it up, but I doubt he will be back. FCPC organizer has agreed to give him his money back which I think it is total bullshit.
Have you ever played in a poker tournament where someone actually got a refund? No chance. Suck it up FCPC tournament organizer and put your foot down! No refunds, the money stays in the prize pool. Seat open!
So yeah, now the whole structure of the tournament has gone for shit. We might even change the entire thing and make it a one table, 10 player tournament now. Does it make sense to change the tournament after everyone has paid? I think not, but maybe that is just me.
Edit: The FCPC organizer has done the right thing and cancelled the tournament series. All monies will be refunded to the participants and we will work on something new. We appreciate all of his efforts as I can personally say that doing something like organizing a poker tournament (let alone a series, or any sort of event where it requires the participation of others) is a very thankless job. So THANK YOU Simon, I appreciate what you've done so far, and feel your pain in having to deal with some of the crap that has gone on in the past few days.
----
Saturday I played in a golf tournament that I've played in for over 14 years now. We've won it a couple of times and always have a great day as it usually lands on my birthday weekend. We did some heavy drinking and had a blast. I guess the highlight for me was the $25,000 hole in one chance. Of course, I didn't make it, but I sure gave it my best try. The ball got a nice kick from the right side of the green, headed straight for the pin and finished less than 2 feet behind the hole. In fact, the spotters that were there for insurance purposes jumped right out of their chairs! lol. We finished 2nd with a score of 10 under par. We lost to a team of ringers and we weren't able to defend our title.
So it's official. This was the year of not being able to defend. Sure I had my biggest win ever in golf, but in other team events we just didn't get it done. As the saying goes, "It's always harder to repeat." So true.
Mookie Day, see you there.
As we head out I realized that the FCPC poker series was just about to start. The crew that came to watch me were heading for dinner, but there just wasn't time for me to join them if I wanted to give it my best shot at winning the first week's event. Points are everything in this series. If you make the top 6 in points you are guaranteed a nice pay day.
We walked down to the underground parking and I caught a lift to my parking lot accross the street (lazy). I sent a reply to Fuel when he asked if I was a millionaire. When I got out the car and started to walk down to my car in the other lot I realized that I did not have my cell phone with my any longer.
You know the feeling. Panic and immediate hope ran through my mind as I tried to retrace my steps. I remembered sending Fuel a text right before I got out of the car. I thought to myself "It must be in the back seat still." I ran down to my car, paid for my parking on the way out and then I thought to myself "maybe it fell out when I got out of the car?"
Sure enough, as I pulled to the top of the underground parkade, there it was sitting in the gutter. No bad beat laid on Schaubs this time. I spotted it from accross the street and hoped that no one would see it before I could pull over, jump out and grab it. I did just that. My phone was back and things were right again. I called the crew in the car and they had a good laugh at my expense. I felt like it would be a lucky night for me since you know, I found my phone.
I hit up subway on the way over to the FCPC. Bacon and chicken six inch, toasted of course. I arrived about 45 minutes late and took my seat. I had been blinded down, but not much. 50K starting stack, 6 handed. I was ready to roll. I managed to finish in 2nd place and gain some valuable 2nd place points and a bit of cash. I was proud of the way I played considereing I haven't been playing 6 handed so much lately. Fuel finished 1st at his table, so it was a good night over all.
One guy already quit because of the sick beats that this one girl kept giving. He said he couldn't handle it. He stated she was so bad that he was totally turned off of the series because of it. We all told him to suck it up, but I doubt he will be back. FCPC organizer has agreed to give him his money back which I think it is total bullshit.
Have you ever played in a poker tournament where someone actually got a refund? No chance. Suck it up FCPC tournament organizer and put your foot down! No refunds, the money stays in the prize pool. Seat open!
So yeah, now the whole structure of the tournament has gone for shit. We might even change the entire thing and make it a one table, 10 player tournament now. Does it make sense to change the tournament after everyone has paid? I think not, but maybe that is just me.
Edit: The FCPC organizer has done the right thing and cancelled the tournament series. All monies will be refunded to the participants and we will work on something new. We appreciate all of his efforts as I can personally say that doing something like organizing a poker tournament (let alone a series, or any sort of event where it requires the participation of others) is a very thankless job. So THANK YOU Simon, I appreciate what you've done so far, and feel your pain in having to deal with some of the crap that has gone on in the past few days.
----
Saturday I played in a golf tournament that I've played in for over 14 years now. We've won it a couple of times and always have a great day as it usually lands on my birthday weekend. We did some heavy drinking and had a blast. I guess the highlight for me was the $25,000 hole in one chance. Of course, I didn't make it, but I sure gave it my best try. The ball got a nice kick from the right side of the green, headed straight for the pin and finished less than 2 feet behind the hole. In fact, the spotters that were there for insurance purposes jumped right out of their chairs! lol. We finished 2nd with a score of 10 under par. We lost to a team of ringers and we weren't able to defend our title.
So it's official. This was the year of not being able to defend. Sure I had my biggest win ever in golf, but in other team events we just didn't get it done. As the saying goes, "It's always harder to repeat." So true.
Mookie Day, see you there.
15.9.08
Fifteen(th)
I was so early for the finals it was ridiculous. I have this thing about showing up when I am told… even when I know they are just saying that to make sure we are all there with plenty of time to spare. I left work and made my way to the driving range. I hit about 25-30 balls with my 8 iron trying to visualize the same type of shot I had hit the day before to get me to the finals.
After the range I jumped in my car and made my way downtown. One of those yellow cabs jetted out in front of me and cut me off. The cab number was 15. For some reason or another that number pops up more than any other. I am not sure if I am looking for it more or what. It’s my number in baseball, and most other sports that I have played in the past. Oh, and it’s my birth date, and the month happens to be September.
I park, get my shit together and make my way down and around the back of Canada Place and see the floating green sitting there once again. I really felt like this was going to be a very special day. Either way, I felt very lucky to have a chance like this and wanted to make the best of it.
There were about 35 finalists. The format was a bit different than the first day. We only received two golf balls for the first round and all we had to do was keep hitting the green. Last man standing would win the car. Second place was a trip for two to New York to watch a Rangers game, third place was a full set of Taylor Made sticks, and fourth was a trip for four to Whistler to do some snowmobiling. My focus was obviously winning, and nothing but… sure the other prizes would be nice, but the car was the big one.
My first shot of the two was a bit nerve racking. I was second on the list, so there wasn’t any time to screw around here. I tried to create a routine and be consistent. I figured it was my best shot at being calm and not letting the crowd bother me too much. Once we got going there were probably over one thousand people watching from up top, where the beer and wine were flowing, and laughs and heckles continued to increase as the night went on.
I stuck with the 8 iron the entire time. I hit my first of my two balls into the left water just I had done early on the day before. The crowd groaned because it was the million dollar shot that I had just let slip by... oh well, move on. I was second on the list to hit for the entire competition. So I knew if I was going to go deep in this thing there was a good chance that I would eventually be the first guy to tee off in each round.
I was able to suck it up and hit my second one on the green just right of the pin. The crowd hooted and hollered as anticipated... Lola and the Thordogs led the cheers and things were off and running. 26 guys managed to hit the green in one way or another in the first round and we were on our way.
Except, they stopped the competition right then and there and decided that the team event would go next (as planned I suspect) and get out of the way of the finale. The team event took much longer than they had wished. By the time we started round 2 the sun was starting to fade and the shade was creeping up by the minute. As predicted, the guy who went first in the first round was already out. So that left me to tee off first in every subsequent round. I tried not to let it bother me, but I would be lying if I said it didn’t. That was just another element that I was going to have to deal with and shut out of my zone. I wanted to remain focused no matter what the circumstance.
Round 2 and all rounds after that allowed us only one ball each. That’s it. Hit the green and you stay in, miss the green and you are done.
The TV cameras were out, the music was pumping and the crowd was getting their drink on. I stepped up took dead aim… and then backed off. I just didn’t feel like I was set up right. The crowd groaned and the chatter was continuous. Nothing different, just amplified by the sheer number of people that were now all focused on the competitors… and at this moment they were all focused on me.
Never have I been so nervous. Never have I had that feeling of adrenaline pumping through my body so intensely during a golf shot. We were down to 25 left and I had already backed off the shot once. I took dead aim and of course, pulled it again! It was heading to the left back portion of the green, the wind was still blowing at us and as the ball descended I thought my night was over… but it held on and somehow grabbed some land! I was safe and moving on.
The next round would unfortunately be my last. We were down to 15 (ironic?) and the wind had completely died off. I considered hitting a 9, and right now as I sit here I still wonder if I should have pulled out the 9 and gave it a try. In the end I went with the 8 iron and I, once again, pulled it left. This time I wasn’t so lucky and it eventually hit the water. I was in shock, but at the same time very satisfied with how I did. Of course winning was the only thing that mattered, but this experience was something that I will never forget.
In fact, I’m already planning on finding my way in next year. I know it was there for the taking, I just didn’t get it done.
The final two guys battled it out, and hard. In the final show down neither of them wanted to lose. It took 12 rounds of hitting the green (or both missing) before one guy missed and the other guy didn’t. Nuts. I am not sure I would have been able to withstand that type of pressure, but I know I wouldn’t be backing down… not ever. Next time, there’s always next time.
A buddy of mine was there and took these pictures:
My approach
The backswing
The finish
Oh and I made it into the paper too... so far, no autograph requests LOL.
It was quite the way to start an awesome weekend. More on that later.
Thanks for all the support and good wishes, I appreciate it.
After the range I jumped in my car and made my way downtown. One of those yellow cabs jetted out in front of me and cut me off. The cab number was 15. For some reason or another that number pops up more than any other. I am not sure if I am looking for it more or what. It’s my number in baseball, and most other sports that I have played in the past. Oh, and it’s my birth date, and the month happens to be September.
I park, get my shit together and make my way down and around the back of Canada Place and see the floating green sitting there once again. I really felt like this was going to be a very special day. Either way, I felt very lucky to have a chance like this and wanted to make the best of it.
There were about 35 finalists. The format was a bit different than the first day. We only received two golf balls for the first round and all we had to do was keep hitting the green. Last man standing would win the car. Second place was a trip for two to New York to watch a Rangers game, third place was a full set of Taylor Made sticks, and fourth was a trip for four to Whistler to do some snowmobiling. My focus was obviously winning, and nothing but… sure the other prizes would be nice, but the car was the big one.
My first shot of the two was a bit nerve racking. I was second on the list, so there wasn’t any time to screw around here. I tried to create a routine and be consistent. I figured it was my best shot at being calm and not letting the crowd bother me too much. Once we got going there were probably over one thousand people watching from up top, where the beer and wine were flowing, and laughs and heckles continued to increase as the night went on.
I stuck with the 8 iron the entire time. I hit my first of my two balls into the left water just I had done early on the day before. The crowd groaned because it was the million dollar shot that I had just let slip by... oh well, move on. I was second on the list to hit for the entire competition. So I knew if I was going to go deep in this thing there was a good chance that I would eventually be the first guy to tee off in each round.
I was able to suck it up and hit my second one on the green just right of the pin. The crowd hooted and hollered as anticipated... Lola and the Thordogs led the cheers and things were off and running. 26 guys managed to hit the green in one way or another in the first round and we were on our way.
Except, they stopped the competition right then and there and decided that the team event would go next (as planned I suspect) and get out of the way of the finale. The team event took much longer than they had wished. By the time we started round 2 the sun was starting to fade and the shade was creeping up by the minute. As predicted, the guy who went first in the first round was already out. So that left me to tee off first in every subsequent round. I tried not to let it bother me, but I would be lying if I said it didn’t. That was just another element that I was going to have to deal with and shut out of my zone. I wanted to remain focused no matter what the circumstance.
Round 2 and all rounds after that allowed us only one ball each. That’s it. Hit the green and you stay in, miss the green and you are done.
The TV cameras were out, the music was pumping and the crowd was getting their drink on. I stepped up took dead aim… and then backed off. I just didn’t feel like I was set up right. The crowd groaned and the chatter was continuous. Nothing different, just amplified by the sheer number of people that were now all focused on the competitors… and at this moment they were all focused on me.
Never have I been so nervous. Never have I had that feeling of adrenaline pumping through my body so intensely during a golf shot. We were down to 25 left and I had already backed off the shot once. I took dead aim and of course, pulled it again! It was heading to the left back portion of the green, the wind was still blowing at us and as the ball descended I thought my night was over… but it held on and somehow grabbed some land! I was safe and moving on.
The next round would unfortunately be my last. We were down to 15 (ironic?) and the wind had completely died off. I considered hitting a 9, and right now as I sit here I still wonder if I should have pulled out the 9 and gave it a try. In the end I went with the 8 iron and I, once again, pulled it left. This time I wasn’t so lucky and it eventually hit the water. I was in shock, but at the same time very satisfied with how I did. Of course winning was the only thing that mattered, but this experience was something that I will never forget.
In fact, I’m already planning on finding my way in next year. I know it was there for the taking, I just didn’t get it done.
The final two guys battled it out, and hard. In the final show down neither of them wanted to lose. It took 12 rounds of hitting the green (or both missing) before one guy missed and the other guy didn’t. Nuts. I am not sure I would have been able to withstand that type of pressure, but I know I wouldn’t be backing down… not ever. Next time, there’s always next time.
A buddy of mine was there and took these pictures:
My approach
The backswing
The finish
Oh and I made it into the paper too... so far, no autograph requests LOL.
It was quite the way to start an awesome weekend. More on that later.
Thanks for all the support and good wishes, I appreciate it.
12.9.08
Qualifying Update
What a rush.
When I arrived at Canada place I had minutes to spare. I wanted to arrive on time, but really there was no rush. So I register and they give me a handful of items like food comps, beer comps and a ticket for my choice of sunglasses. I've been looking for a new pair for a while now, so it was a nice surprise to be able to pick out a pair before we got down to business. I don't wear sunglasses while I golf, or even when I practice. That's just me.
So the shot was 164 yards to the pin and there was about a 3 story drop. It looked like more, but I went with it. The wind was coming off the water from left to right. There is a bunker along the front right portion of the floating green. I decided that I would aim right at the corner of that bunker and let the wind and my natural fade bring it back to the pin. If I pulled it long, I would still be ok, and if I bailed out right I might still catch the front portion as well.
The format was simple. The first step was to hit the green with one of my three designated golf balls. If I did that, I would advance to the next round. There were about 45 guys in my "pool b" and they were taking 10 players to the finals from our heat. I thnk there were three heats.
First goal: hit the green. You get one minute to hit all three golf balls. There is actually a buzzer that sounds if you are over the time limit. My first and second shot were hit in the exact same spot... the water. I hit it right where I aimed, but when I pulled it a bit left it just didn't make it. Knowing that I had one last shot to move on, this time, I took dead aim. I hit my 8 iron right at the stick and it drifted off a bit but still managed to land on the green about twenty feet short right. Phase one complete.
Second goal: finish in the top 10. This time the rules were different. I had to place in the top 10 out of the remaining 16 players (yes, only 16 players hit the green out of my pool). A lot of guys were nervous, and shanking it left and right, long and short. I was confident that I could hit the green for a second time and move on to the finals tomorrow.
There was a warm up area just off to the right where I would go and warm up when I was batting in the hole (3rd up). I took that time to focus and do some breathing. It's something that I started using when I read an article about it before the culb championship. It has really helped me calm down and focus solely on the next shot.
So they call my name and I head up to the tee just as I had before. This time I decided to take dead aim once more. I hit my 8 iron and it never left the pin! It landed 5'2" from the pin and I ended up finishing 2nd furthest from the cup in that round. Phase two complete.
Nothing but the pin tomorrow as Bambam put it. There is a million dollar first shot too. That's right, if I hole out on my very first shot tomorrow I will pocket a million. Sick to think about really. I mean I've never had a hole in one. But you just never know.
My focus is actually winning this thing. Sure the million would be super sweet, don't get me wrong... it would change our lives. But really, what are the chances?
Why not? You just never know.
First things first. Take dead aim and try my best.
When I arrived at Canada place I had minutes to spare. I wanted to arrive on time, but really there was no rush. So I register and they give me a handful of items like food comps, beer comps and a ticket for my choice of sunglasses. I've been looking for a new pair for a while now, so it was a nice surprise to be able to pick out a pair before we got down to business. I don't wear sunglasses while I golf, or even when I practice. That's just me.
So the shot was 164 yards to the pin and there was about a 3 story drop. It looked like more, but I went with it. The wind was coming off the water from left to right. There is a bunker along the front right portion of the floating green. I decided that I would aim right at the corner of that bunker and let the wind and my natural fade bring it back to the pin. If I pulled it long, I would still be ok, and if I bailed out right I might still catch the front portion as well.
The format was simple. The first step was to hit the green with one of my three designated golf balls. If I did that, I would advance to the next round. There were about 45 guys in my "pool b" and they were taking 10 players to the finals from our heat. I thnk there were three heats.
First goal: hit the green. You get one minute to hit all three golf balls. There is actually a buzzer that sounds if you are over the time limit. My first and second shot were hit in the exact same spot... the water. I hit it right where I aimed, but when I pulled it a bit left it just didn't make it. Knowing that I had one last shot to move on, this time, I took dead aim. I hit my 8 iron right at the stick and it drifted off a bit but still managed to land on the green about twenty feet short right. Phase one complete.
Second goal: finish in the top 10. This time the rules were different. I had to place in the top 10 out of the remaining 16 players (yes, only 16 players hit the green out of my pool). A lot of guys were nervous, and shanking it left and right, long and short. I was confident that I could hit the green for a second time and move on to the finals tomorrow.
There was a warm up area just off to the right where I would go and warm up when I was batting in the hole (3rd up). I took that time to focus and do some breathing. It's something that I started using when I read an article about it before the culb championship. It has really helped me calm down and focus solely on the next shot.
So they call my name and I head up to the tee just as I had before. This time I decided to take dead aim once more. I hit my 8 iron and it never left the pin! It landed 5'2" from the pin and I ended up finishing 2nd furthest from the cup in that round. Phase two complete.
Nothing but the pin tomorrow as Bambam put it. There is a million dollar first shot too. That's right, if I hole out on my very first shot tomorrow I will pocket a million. Sick to think about really. I mean I've never had a hole in one. But you just never know.
My focus is actually winning this thing. Sure the million would be super sweet, don't get me wrong... it would change our lives. But really, what are the chances?
Why not? You just never know.
First things first. Take dead aim and try my best.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
