I need a title for my column each week and I can't think of one. Go figure. I am going to start holding a contest to see if anyone can come up with a good title for my column. I will keep a running tab for who gets the most used titles. We'll do this for a while until I feel it has lost its fun. Keep in mind it has to be clean, appropriate and relevant. I don't have a prize yet, but I'll come up with something between now and then. Here we go...
This Labor Day Weekend will be a relaxing one for me because I have plans to go to the University of Texas Longhorn football game on Saturday with my mom, uncle and James, a college buddy of mine. Don’t be confused though, not a single one of us have ever attended UT.
Let’s go through the rules of being a fan really quick. To be a fan of a professional sports team, certain things must apply. You must have lived or currently be living in the city of your favorite team. If you do not live in a city with a sports team you must then find the closest team available. An exception to the first rule is if you inherited the love of the team from an immediate family member. If your father was a Packers fan, then it is okay for you to be a Packers fan, only because you grew up watching Lombardi lead the Cheese Heads to five championships. Thus, you are ushered in as an honorary fan.
The only other possible way of being a fan of a team you have no connection with is if you have a family member or close personal friend who is a player or coach on the team. This exempts you from the two previous rules and allows you to have a say in what the fans want during the season.
Now that we have cleared this up, the rules are basically the same for college teams. The only difference is instead of living in the city, you must have attended the college for at least one semester. If you went to more than one college, then it is acceptable to be a fan of both teams. Exemptions to this rule include Catholics are allowed to root for Notre Dame and Mormons can cheer on Brigham Young University.
This said, I should repeat that none of the ones going to the game on Saturday have ever enrolled in a class on the Austin campus. My friend and I attended Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. My mom attended only a semester at a local junior college. The closest any of us came was myself taking an on-line course in journalism made available by the university and my uncle being accepted by UT but then was drafted to Vietnam and was never again given the opportunity to be a Longhorn.
However, all my life I remember burnt orange being all around me, my index finger and pinky extended during “The Eyes of Texas” and a mysterious infatuation with the name Bevo. In fact, I have heard stories about my uncle decorating his wedding reception with burnt orange. Even my cousin named his first child after Major Applewhite. That’s a bit excessive, isn’t it? Where did my family get this innate, uncompromising admiration for the fighting Longhorns?
From my understanding of the family history, my grandfather randomly picked the University of Texas as the college team he was going to root for during football season, but it was my uncle, his son, who took the love of orange much deeper. He is such a fan that he has shattered a television screen from throwing the remote control at it due to a poor play by the offense. No lie.
My mom is also a big fan of the team and my brother is really into college sports and follows the Longhorns religiously. I don’t understand it. We aren’t in compliance with the rules of fandom. We are supposed to cheer for either the Lumberjacks or the Mavericks, which are the mascots of SFA and the University of Texas at Arlington.
Some would consider the University of Texas at Arlington a branch of the UT system, which gives merit to being a fan for the Longhorns. Here is why it wouldn’t. UTA has its own mascot and different colors. The Mavericks are blue and white, not orange and white. Sure, UTA publishes a school paper called the Shorthorn and the students who wish to attend UT someday think they are little Longhorns themselves by enrolling at UTA, but they’re not.
When Saturday rolls around I will be yelling until my lungs bleed to kick Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns’ tail on the field along with everyone else in the stadium, but in the back of my mind I will be wondering why I care so much for a team I have no emotional bond with.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Red River Roundup A Success...
Just not financially though. Sorry for the late post, but most know how I did already. I played very well and made good decisions mostly. I was knocked out on a bad luck draw.
I was sitting with about $11,000 and the average stack was $7,500. I had been hitting a lot of good hands and some were paid off well. Luck had to reverse sides sooner or later. I got pocket nines and raised it to $1,200. Blinds were $200-400 and there were eight of us at the table and four of those had less than $5,000. It folded around to the big blind who went all in. I immediately called, because it was only another $3,600 to call. He flipped over 7-4 suited. That hand can be very dangerous if played out, but I don't know about going all in with it pre-flop. The guy was obviously bluffing and hoping I was just bullying the table. The flop came with a 7 and a 4. I never caught a nine or any other card to give be a better two pair so that knocked me down to $6,200.
The very next hand I was dealt 4-4. I raised again to $1,200. The guy next to me re-raised another $2,500. It folded to me and I was only left with $5,000. With the blinds going as they were and the table being so short stacked anyway, I decided to take my chances and try to win the heads-up battle. I went all in for the other $2,500 and he called with his pocket Aces. How ridiculous. I didn't win and was out of the tournament in 50th place. There were 73 entrants and my play was very good. It gives me a good state of mind to complete the TOC. Before this weekend I was pretty down on poker and I will still need a break after the TOC, but at least I can feel better about my play after this tournament's display.
I was sitting with about $11,000 and the average stack was $7,500. I had been hitting a lot of good hands and some were paid off well. Luck had to reverse sides sooner or later. I got pocket nines and raised it to $1,200. Blinds were $200-400 and there were eight of us at the table and four of those had less than $5,000. It folded around to the big blind who went all in. I immediately called, because it was only another $3,600 to call. He flipped over 7-4 suited. That hand can be very dangerous if played out, but I don't know about going all in with it pre-flop. The guy was obviously bluffing and hoping I was just bullying the table. The flop came with a 7 and a 4. I never caught a nine or any other card to give be a better two pair so that knocked me down to $6,200.
The very next hand I was dealt 4-4. I raised again to $1,200. The guy next to me re-raised another $2,500. It folded to me and I was only left with $5,000. With the blinds going as they were and the table being so short stacked anyway, I decided to take my chances and try to win the heads-up battle. I went all in for the other $2,500 and he called with his pocket Aces. How ridiculous. I didn't win and was out of the tournament in 50th place. There were 73 entrants and my play was very good. It gives me a good state of mind to complete the TOC. Before this weekend I was pretty down on poker and I will still need a break after the TOC, but at least I can feel better about my play after this tournament's display.
Friday, August 26, 2005
A Major Event
WinStar’s Red River Roundup begins tomorrow afternoon. I am shooting to arrive around noon, which is when registration begins. The tournament isn’t supposed to start until 2 o’clock though. This will give me enough time to prepare for whatever the style of the tournament is. I believe it will be a multi-table, two-day event with the final table being played on the second day. If all goes well, then I should be staying at the WinStar tonight.
Advertisements boast two boots full of $150,000 and two bracelets, one gold and one diamond, going to the winner of each tournament, one being for poker and one being in blackjack. I would choose the diamond if I get the option. That’s just me though.
I have to work tomorrow at 9 a.m., but hopefully I will be done in about an hour so I can go through Arlington, pick up the boys and finish the trip out on I-35W. Tonight will be a peaceful night of concentration, relaxation, Turner Classic Movies and poker reading. I want to get in the right state of mind. If any of my friends call and piss me off I will not be a happy camper. That is just a warning to anyone who might try to screw with me this evening.
Wish me luck tomorrow and look for an update on this thing either Sunday morning or Sunday night. If it is Sunday morning then you can probably be sure that I didn’t make it to the final table. I hope to win this thing not for the money, although that would be grand (get it, grand, as in money), but to go to Las Vegas for the Doyle Brunson North American Classic in October. I would really look forward to playing against some world-class poker pros.
Until next time…
Advertisements boast two boots full of $150,000 and two bracelets, one gold and one diamond, going to the winner of each tournament, one being for poker and one being in blackjack. I would choose the diamond if I get the option. That’s just me though.
I have to work tomorrow at 9 a.m., but hopefully I will be done in about an hour so I can go through Arlington, pick up the boys and finish the trip out on I-35W. Tonight will be a peaceful night of concentration, relaxation, Turner Classic Movies and poker reading. I want to get in the right state of mind. If any of my friends call and piss me off I will not be a happy camper. That is just a warning to anyone who might try to screw with me this evening.
Wish me luck tomorrow and look for an update on this thing either Sunday morning or Sunday night. If it is Sunday morning then you can probably be sure that I didn’t make it to the final table. I hope to win this thing not for the money, although that would be grand (get it, grand, as in money), but to go to Las Vegas for the Doyle Brunson North American Classic in October. I would really look forward to playing against some world-class poker pros.
Until next time…
Thursday, August 25, 2005
TOC II - Night 6
Instead of cursing myself and debating driving my car into a ditch on the way home, I let Cassidy calm me down after some pretty poor poker playing last night. I had one great hand against Josh that I played like a thing of beauty, but other than that nothing spectacular on my end. I lost my first all in that was called, as usual. The fifty-fiftys aren't going my way lately, at least when we are all in pre-flop they aren't. I had pocket 8s and Justing was holding K-9 suited. He hit a nine on the flop and I couldn't catch up. Oh well! I need to focus on Saturday and stop thinking about the dreaded letters T.O.C.
Last night results:
1st - Josh - 0 points
2nd - Justin - 4 points
3rd - Mike - 8 points
4th - Clint - 12 points
5th - Nick - 15 points
6th - James - 18 points
7th - Matt - 20 points
8th - Brent - 22 points
9th - Cody - 24 points
10th - Chad - 25 points
Overall:
1st - Josh - 45 points
2nd - Clint - 67 points
3rd - Mike - 76 points
4th - Justin - 76 points
5th - Cody - 84 points
6th - James - 90 points
7th - Chad - 100 points
8th - Nick - 108 points
9th - Matt - 118 points
10th - Brent - 122 points
Last night results:
1st - Josh - 0 points
2nd - Justin - 4 points
3rd - Mike - 8 points
4th - Clint - 12 points
5th - Nick - 15 points
6th - James - 18 points
7th - Matt - 20 points
8th - Brent - 22 points
9th - Cody - 24 points
10th - Chad - 25 points
Overall:
1st - Josh - 45 points
2nd - Clint - 67 points
3rd - Mike - 76 points
4th - Justin - 76 points
5th - Cody - 84 points
6th - James - 90 points
7th - Chad - 100 points
8th - Nick - 108 points
9th - Matt - 118 points
10th - Brent - 122 points
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
If It Couldn't Work For These Two Kids...
Not my best column, but it has humorous moments.
Divorce can be a nasty thing for a couple and breakups aren’t pretty either, but sometimes the separation is harder on others than it is on the actual couple.
At times a divorce doesn’t take its toll until later in life, like with my parents and me. When my mom and dad told my brother and me they were getting a divorce, I asked if it would be basically how it was now, because my dad was already living in Corpus Christi, and once we were reassured that everything would stay the same as it currently was my brother asked if we could go get ice cream. He had chocolate and I got strawberry. Today though I can see certain perspectives of my life were molded into a different perception because of the divorce of my parents than had my parents stayed together.
There are some divorces that don’t bother anyone at anytime or have any lasting affect. In today’s society, celebrity couples that unite and breakup is more interesting to us than Israeli Jews being evicted from their home in the Gaza Strip.
With the parting of Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson or Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the most famous divorce of all time, the world watched and wanted more. Admit it, you stand in line at the grocery store and sneak a peek at the National Inquirer or People Magazine so you can see what new dirt there is on the Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie love triangle.
As ridiculous as this sounds, the most absurd breakup the world has ever had to endure is the split between Mattel dolls Barbie and Ken. The higher-ups actually forced these child’s play things to split up.
On February 12, 2004 it was announced that after 43 years as one of the world’s prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple would be breaking up. According to the couple’s business manager, Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, Barbie and Ken said, “it felt like time to spend some quality time – apart.”
Does Mattel not realize they are talking about two plastic dolls not more than nine inches high? To add more unintentional comedy to the situation, when the breakup was announced, the Cali (as in California) Girl Barbie was being released to the public. To better reflect her single status, Cali Barbie wore board shorts and a bikini top, metal hoop earrings and had a deeper tan. The new, suddenly single Barbie even attracted a new admirer, Blaine the Australian boogie boarder.
The toy makers at Mattel actually created little lives for their little people. Barbie’s full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts. She met Ken on a television commercial in 1961, which is when they began dating.
As if the idea of two dolls “breaking up” wasn’t foolish enough, the media threw gasoline on the fire. Business Weekly Online even came up with conspiracy theories as to why the world’s most famous doll would dump her boyfriend just 48 hours before Valentine’s Day. Just a few speculations were that being single better suit the Cali Girl Barbie doll, Barbie left Ken for Blaine and even the preposterous idea that Ken was gay.
With the divorce rate at around 50 percent in America, isn’t Mattel setting a poor example for young ladies hoping to fall in love someday by breaking up two fictional characters that could have been extremely happy together? Wouldn’t Barbie be better served to show that true love does exist? Shouldn’t we be setting a better example for today’s children so we might decrease the divorce rate instead of promoting it through dolls?
I believe I have made it clearly evident that stupidity bothers me and I consider this a strong point in the category of stupid. We are forced to sit through Tom Cruise jumping on a couch with Oprah declaring his admiration for Katie Holmes. Must we tolerate a fantasy courtship between two inanimate objects? Next thing you know, Ken will be found by the paparazzi at the local tavern with the wrong group of guys, the next Mattel doll on toy store shelves will be Pregnant Barbie and then Mattel will release food stamps as an accessory for Barbie to use for her six kids who she has had with Blaine, Todd, Steve, Josh and maybe Bubba, all out of wedlock.
Divorce can be a nasty thing for a couple and breakups aren’t pretty either, but sometimes the separation is harder on others than it is on the actual couple.
At times a divorce doesn’t take its toll until later in life, like with my parents and me. When my mom and dad told my brother and me they were getting a divorce, I asked if it would be basically how it was now, because my dad was already living in Corpus Christi, and once we were reassured that everything would stay the same as it currently was my brother asked if we could go get ice cream. He had chocolate and I got strawberry. Today though I can see certain perspectives of my life were molded into a different perception because of the divorce of my parents than had my parents stayed together.
There are some divorces that don’t bother anyone at anytime or have any lasting affect. In today’s society, celebrity couples that unite and breakup is more interesting to us than Israeli Jews being evicted from their home in the Gaza Strip.
With the parting of Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson or Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the most famous divorce of all time, the world watched and wanted more. Admit it, you stand in line at the grocery store and sneak a peek at the National Inquirer or People Magazine so you can see what new dirt there is on the Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie love triangle.
As ridiculous as this sounds, the most absurd breakup the world has ever had to endure is the split between Mattel dolls Barbie and Ken. The higher-ups actually forced these child’s play things to split up.
On February 12, 2004 it was announced that after 43 years as one of the world’s prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple would be breaking up. According to the couple’s business manager, Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, Barbie and Ken said, “it felt like time to spend some quality time – apart.”
Does Mattel not realize they are talking about two plastic dolls not more than nine inches high? To add more unintentional comedy to the situation, when the breakup was announced, the Cali (as in California) Girl Barbie was being released to the public. To better reflect her single status, Cali Barbie wore board shorts and a bikini top, metal hoop earrings and had a deeper tan. The new, suddenly single Barbie even attracted a new admirer, Blaine the Australian boogie boarder.
The toy makers at Mattel actually created little lives for their little people. Barbie’s full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts. She met Ken on a television commercial in 1961, which is when they began dating.
As if the idea of two dolls “breaking up” wasn’t foolish enough, the media threw gasoline on the fire. Business Weekly Online even came up with conspiracy theories as to why the world’s most famous doll would dump her boyfriend just 48 hours before Valentine’s Day. Just a few speculations were that being single better suit the Cali Girl Barbie doll, Barbie left Ken for Blaine and even the preposterous idea that Ken was gay.
With the divorce rate at around 50 percent in America, isn’t Mattel setting a poor example for young ladies hoping to fall in love someday by breaking up two fictional characters that could have been extremely happy together? Wouldn’t Barbie be better served to show that true love does exist? Shouldn’t we be setting a better example for today’s children so we might decrease the divorce rate instead of promoting it through dolls?
I believe I have made it clearly evident that stupidity bothers me and I consider this a strong point in the category of stupid. We are forced to sit through Tom Cruise jumping on a couch with Oprah declaring his admiration for Katie Holmes. Must we tolerate a fantasy courtship between two inanimate objects? Next thing you know, Ken will be found by the paparazzi at the local tavern with the wrong group of guys, the next Mattel doll on toy store shelves will be Pregnant Barbie and then Mattel will release food stamps as an accessory for Barbie to use for her six kids who she has had with Blaine, Todd, Steve, Josh and maybe Bubba, all out of wedlock.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
No Poker This Weekend And I Still Had Fun
There is life outside of poker. I found that out this weekend. Went all three days without playing any card games for money. Actually that isn't entirely true.
Friday night I ate dinner with Cassidy, Chad and Randy at Cracker Barrell. Our waiter was on the work release program through the Texas Department of Corrections. He was creepy, a bad waiter and not very smart. He left part of his tip on the table while we were eating and I pocketed the, what I thought was a quarter, dollar coin with every intention of giving it back with my tip. This would make me look very generous and the previous patrons would be remembered as cheapskates.
After a dinner we went to Chad's house and played Phase Ten. Although Cassidy was last, by a lot of points and phases, and I was next to last halfway through the game, she came back to win it and I got second because of points. Who cares who got third or fourth. Those places were reserved for the losers.
During the card game Chad told stories, which led us to watch a tape of some practical jokes we had pulled on each other. They were really funny and it made me remember the good days of college.
Saturday was filled with lunch with my mom at J. Gilligan's, another game of Phase Ten (this time ten cents a point) between Chad, Randy, Jesse and myself, dinner at Ton's with the four of us after watching the end of Garfield, only because I had to know what happened. I understand the movie sucked, but once I saw Jennifer Love Hewitt once and that Odie was missing, I was hooked. The four of us then went to Putt-Putt where I only lost five dollars to Chad, after being down nine from the first game. I only lost it about three times, the other times I simply bottled the anger within. Randy left after the golf game and then the three boys decided to kick Time Crisis 3 in the junk. $35 dollars later Time Crisis 3 was on the floor wincing in pain from the ass kicking we gave it.
Sunday was my Sabbath. I slept in and then joined my family at Campo Verde for lunch. Tonight I will be eating dinner with my mom and maybe Chad and Randy and then heading back to Ennis.
See, no Texas Hold'em. Except online on Saturday. I was practicing multi-table tournaments and entered into a re-buy tournament by mistake. I used the re-buy option five times and did take advantage of the add-on. With 1,270 entries, 2,700 rebuys and over 500 add-ons, I got 373. No money for that.
Friday night I ate dinner with Cassidy, Chad and Randy at Cracker Barrell. Our waiter was on the work release program through the Texas Department of Corrections. He was creepy, a bad waiter and not very smart. He left part of his tip on the table while we were eating and I pocketed the, what I thought was a quarter, dollar coin with every intention of giving it back with my tip. This would make me look very generous and the previous patrons would be remembered as cheapskates.
After a dinner we went to Chad's house and played Phase Ten. Although Cassidy was last, by a lot of points and phases, and I was next to last halfway through the game, she came back to win it and I got second because of points. Who cares who got third or fourth. Those places were reserved for the losers.
During the card game Chad told stories, which led us to watch a tape of some practical jokes we had pulled on each other. They were really funny and it made me remember the good days of college.
Saturday was filled with lunch with my mom at J. Gilligan's, another game of Phase Ten (this time ten cents a point) between Chad, Randy, Jesse and myself, dinner at Ton's with the four of us after watching the end of Garfield, only because I had to know what happened. I understand the movie sucked, but once I saw Jennifer Love Hewitt once and that Odie was missing, I was hooked. The four of us then went to Putt-Putt where I only lost five dollars to Chad, after being down nine from the first game. I only lost it about three times, the other times I simply bottled the anger within. Randy left after the golf game and then the three boys decided to kick Time Crisis 3 in the junk. $35 dollars later Time Crisis 3 was on the floor wincing in pain from the ass kicking we gave it.
Sunday was my Sabbath. I slept in and then joined my family at Campo Verde for lunch. Tonight I will be eating dinner with my mom and maybe Chad and Randy and then heading back to Ennis.
See, no Texas Hold'em. Except online on Saturday. I was practicing multi-table tournaments and entered into a re-buy tournament by mistake. I used the re-buy option five times and did take advantage of the add-on. With 1,270 entries, 2,700 rebuys and over 500 add-ons, I got 373. No money for that.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
It's Amazing What A Good Nights Sleep Can Do
Many probably think my last post won't last and you are probably right. I may play poker again, but not for a while. However, it wasn't because I just overreacted after a bad night of cards, which was completely my fault, that I made that platform statement. I really am going to take a much needed break.
Cassidy took time last night out of saving lives at the hospital to calm me down and then Mike made a very sincere phone call today with the opening line, "Don't hang up on me f'er." He ended the conversation with an uplifting compliment that was very much needed and I appreciate it.
So this goes out to Cassidy and Mike. Thanks for helping me out the last few hours. Cassidy, you made me laugh a lot even though I was saying most of the funny things. Mike, it means a lot what you said. A special shout out goes to Clint for checking up on me last night to make sure I wasn't dead in a ditch along 287.
It's good to know I have such good friends out there who care so much.
Cassidy took time last night out of saving lives at the hospital to calm me down and then Mike made a very sincere phone call today with the opening line, "Don't hang up on me f'er." He ended the conversation with an uplifting compliment that was very much needed and I appreciate it.
So this goes out to Cassidy and Mike. Thanks for helping me out the last few hours. Cassidy, you made me laugh a lot even though I was saying most of the funny things. Mike, it means a lot what you said. A special shout out goes to Clint for checking up on me last night to make sure I wasn't dead in a ditch along 287.
It's good to know I have such good friends out there who care so much.
TOC II Player Bios
There are at least nine guys who have been waiting for this for a while, so here is a rough sketch of each player from this Tournament of Champions.
Mike Steed (aka Master of the House) - Mike is a "gung ho" player who likes to bully and gamble with anything. Be afraid of the all in because it can come when he is holding the nuts or just his piece.
Chad Boase (aka The Storyteller) - Be afraid of his "feelings" when he is limping from under the gun. Chad is usually a slow playing mother that loves the check-raise. He is tyring to mix up his play lately and has caught a few players with their hand in the cookie jar.
Nick Smalls (aka The Overbettor) - Nick has some decisions to make and you better not rush the man. He likes to build a large pot and hates to lay down a draw. Know that if he is in the pot it could be all of your chips going to the middle, or it might not go past the flop.
Cody Ragsdale (aka Alcatraz) - Cody is the newest addition to the TOC, only being put on the roster hours before game one. He is the meekest player at the game, but is coming into his own after five weeks. He has had many solid finishes but quite can't get past the third place hump. Cody has a pair or high cards, so hope that he didn't hit something on the flop.
Matt Cook (aka The Arcade) - This guy sucks. He used to be a force to be reckoned with, but lately he isn't quite sure if he should play the waiting game like those in the top three or be the aggressor at the table. He makes solid plays and has a somewhat crazy and reckless image, but it isn't going to help and he will be close to the bottom of the barrell at the end of the TOC.
Justin Hammond (aka The Burger King) - The Phil Hellmuth of the TOC, this guy loves an entrance. He has been late more than he has been early, but this interesting entrance, with fast food in hand, has served him well. Justin is a tight player but likes to make a bluff occasionally and it serves him well because others aren't going to know when that occasion is.
James Miller (aka Dr. Arithmadick) - Can calculate any odds at any given time and is a meticulous player. James has been on a good run lately with poker and is trying to put that win streak to good use in the TOC. Has a table image of a jerk at times, but usually is only trying to speed up the game. Be prepared to be put all in when up against this titan of poker players and don't think he will let you off cheap.
Clint McWilliams (aka Mr. Outdraw) - Clint is at the top of his game right now. Before last night he had taken home four victories in a row. He used to be very crazy and raise with any hand suited, connected, high carded or paired, but has tightened up his game lately and is playing a more conservative game.
Brent Hale (aka K5) - The "any two will do" guy. Brent likes to play a lot of pots and when I say a lot of pots I mean a lot of stinking pots. He plays more pots before the first break than some players do all night. This style either gives him a quick chip lead or an early exit.
Josh Bishop (aka Three Hand Poker) - What are those three hands you ask? They are A-A, K-K or A-K (preferably suited). Josh has a tight image and doesn't mind waiting for the premium hands. It is going to be hard to knock Josh out because he doesn't like an unsure thing. If you're playing against him you better be sure you can win, otherwise it is going to cost you your tournament life.
Mike Steed (aka Master of the House) - Mike is a "gung ho" player who likes to bully and gamble with anything. Be afraid of the all in because it can come when he is holding the nuts or just his piece.
Chad Boase (aka The Storyteller) - Be afraid of his "feelings" when he is limping from under the gun. Chad is usually a slow playing mother that loves the check-raise. He is tyring to mix up his play lately and has caught a few players with their hand in the cookie jar.
Nick Smalls (aka The Overbettor) - Nick has some decisions to make and you better not rush the man. He likes to build a large pot and hates to lay down a draw. Know that if he is in the pot it could be all of your chips going to the middle, or it might not go past the flop.
Cody Ragsdale (aka Alcatraz) - Cody is the newest addition to the TOC, only being put on the roster hours before game one. He is the meekest player at the game, but is coming into his own after five weeks. He has had many solid finishes but quite can't get past the third place hump. Cody has a pair or high cards, so hope that he didn't hit something on the flop.
Matt Cook (aka The Arcade) - This guy sucks. He used to be a force to be reckoned with, but lately he isn't quite sure if he should play the waiting game like those in the top three or be the aggressor at the table. He makes solid plays and has a somewhat crazy and reckless image, but it isn't going to help and he will be close to the bottom of the barrell at the end of the TOC.
Justin Hammond (aka The Burger King) - The Phil Hellmuth of the TOC, this guy loves an entrance. He has been late more than he has been early, but this interesting entrance, with fast food in hand, has served him well. Justin is a tight player but likes to make a bluff occasionally and it serves him well because others aren't going to know when that occasion is.
James Miller (aka Dr. Arithmadick) - Can calculate any odds at any given time and is a meticulous player. James has been on a good run lately with poker and is trying to put that win streak to good use in the TOC. Has a table image of a jerk at times, but usually is only trying to speed up the game. Be prepared to be put all in when up against this titan of poker players and don't think he will let you off cheap.
Clint McWilliams (aka Mr. Outdraw) - Clint is at the top of his game right now. Before last night he had taken home four victories in a row. He used to be very crazy and raise with any hand suited, connected, high carded or paired, but has tightened up his game lately and is playing a more conservative game.
Brent Hale (aka K5) - The "any two will do" guy. Brent likes to play a lot of pots and when I say a lot of pots I mean a lot of stinking pots. He plays more pots before the first break than some players do all night. This style either gives him a quick chip lead or an early exit.
Josh Bishop (aka Three Hand Poker) - What are those three hands you ask? They are A-A, K-K or A-K (preferably suited). Josh has a tight image and doesn't mind waiting for the premium hands. It is going to be hard to knock Josh out because he doesn't like an unsure thing. If you're playing against him you better be sure you can win, otherwise it is going to cost you your tournament life.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
TOC II Night 5
Here is the great thing about a 45-minute drive home after you suck at cards: it gives you time to consider what your possibilities are.
After lots of thought and much profanity for only me and Coldplay to hear I have decided to quit this f'ing game. I can't take it. I didn't think I was this bad so one of two things is true. I either suck at poker or I am past my prime and it is just not meant to be for me to be a card player.
I used to be good, but those days are over. I am no longer the best and I will never be the best again, not that I ever was. I might have had a week in there that I was considered the best of our group, but no more.
I will finish out my commitment in the TOC and I will play in the tournament at WinStar, not that it will do any good to play at either, and then it is adios Texas Hold'em. I'm done.
I also have one more ammendum to this rant. I refuse to talk poker anymore. This will make many, especially wives and girlfriends, happy because they get bored of us talking poker constantly. If you call me to talk about poker, I will hang up. If I am face to face and you bring up poker, I will walk away. If you are in the car and you utter the terms flop, turn, river, nuts or any other poker related vocabulary word, I will stop the car, pull you out, put you underneath a tire and then peel out on your face. I'm not kidding.
Here are the standings from last night:
1st - Don't Care - 0 points
2nd - Don't Care - 4 points
3rd - Don't Care - 8 points
4th - Don't Care - 12 points
5th - Don't Care - 15 points
6th - Still Don't Care - 18 points
7th - Don't Care - 20 points
8th - Don't Care - 22 points
9th - Matt (aka The Quiter) - 24 points
10th - Brent - 25 points
Overall scores:
1st - Not Me - ? points
2nd - Not Me - ? points
3rd - Not Me - ? points
4th - Still Not Me - ? points
5th - Not Me - ? points
6th - Not Me - ? points
7th - Not Me - ? points
8th - Probably Not Me - ? points
9th - Matt - 98 points
10th - Brent - 100 points
P.S. You might think this is me just ranting and raving, but I am actually much calmer than I was about fifteen minutes ago and I'm a thousand times calmer than thirty minutes ago. This is not a rash decision. I am going out on a low point.
After lots of thought and much profanity for only me and Coldplay to hear I have decided to quit this f'ing game. I can't take it. I didn't think I was this bad so one of two things is true. I either suck at poker or I am past my prime and it is just not meant to be for me to be a card player.
I used to be good, but those days are over. I am no longer the best and I will never be the best again, not that I ever was. I might have had a week in there that I was considered the best of our group, but no more.
I will finish out my commitment in the TOC and I will play in the tournament at WinStar, not that it will do any good to play at either, and then it is adios Texas Hold'em. I'm done.
I also have one more ammendum to this rant. I refuse to talk poker anymore. This will make many, especially wives and girlfriends, happy because they get bored of us talking poker constantly. If you call me to talk about poker, I will hang up. If I am face to face and you bring up poker, I will walk away. If you are in the car and you utter the terms flop, turn, river, nuts or any other poker related vocabulary word, I will stop the car, pull you out, put you underneath a tire and then peel out on your face. I'm not kidding.
Here are the standings from last night:
1st - Don't Care - 0 points
2nd - Don't Care - 4 points
3rd - Don't Care - 8 points
4th - Don't Care - 12 points
5th - Don't Care - 15 points
6th - Still Don't Care - 18 points
7th - Don't Care - 20 points
8th - Don't Care - 22 points
9th - Matt (aka The Quiter) - 24 points
10th - Brent - 25 points
Overall scores:
1st - Not Me - ? points
2nd - Not Me - ? points
3rd - Not Me - ? points
4th - Still Not Me - ? points
5th - Not Me - ? points
6th - Not Me - ? points
7th - Not Me - ? points
8th - Probably Not Me - ? points
9th - Matt - 98 points
10th - Brent - 100 points
P.S. You might think this is me just ranting and raving, but I am actually much calmer than I was about fifteen minutes ago and I'm a thousand times calmer than thirty minutes ago. This is not a rash decision. I am going out on a low point.
Tonight, Tonight
I need a big finish tonight. I'm not saying I'm mathematically out of it if I finish poorly, but there will be a better chance of Chad filing a W-2 for 2005 than me winning this thing. Well, here's to hoping.
Monday, August 15, 2005
My Journalistic Integrity Has Been Questioned
After three-and-a-half months of working for the Ennis Daily News I have finally had a conflict with a reader. The woman came in and met with Micah about the story, invoving an arrest and a domestic disturbance, and as I was walking by she asked if Mr. Cook was available. I made a 180 and asked if I could help. Micah and her asked if I had any notes about the case and I said I would see what I could find.
Luckily I keep my records for about two weeks and I found the case. I took what I had into the conference room (a part of the newsroom with a five-foot divider seperating the two) and showed what I had written down.
After some discussion and her asking me at one point if I was admitting I was wrong (which I sternfully, but politely, said no) we resolved the situation and she said she would not cancel her subscription. I'm not sure how Sandy would take it if when she got back she found out that because of me we are losing readers.
Everything worked out in the end and no harm was done. I am going to have to give Det. Roark a heads-up tomorrow morning before she shows up, just to get him up to speed.
Luckily I keep my records for about two weeks and I found the case. I took what I had into the conference room (a part of the newsroom with a five-foot divider seperating the two) and showed what I had written down.
After some discussion and her asking me at one point if I was admitting I was wrong (which I sternfully, but politely, said no) we resolved the situation and she said she would not cancel her subscription. I'm not sure how Sandy would take it if when she got back she found out that because of me we are losing readers.
Everything worked out in the end and no harm was done. I am going to have to give Det. Roark a heads-up tomorrow morning before she shows up, just to get him up to speed.
Friday, August 12, 2005
I'm 25 And The Counter Hits 2,500
I have been too busy to post this earlier, but my counter hit 2,500 today. I'm a quarter of the way to 10,000. That is huge! Go blog!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
TOC II Night 4
I give up. I don't know what else to do. I played a very solid game last night and still only managed a sixth place finish. I made one bad fold against Justin, but in my defense he played the hand very well. He made me believe he had a better hand than my top pair, top kicker. I haven't changed anything with my game in the last four weeks because I was happy with how things have been going with my game, despite two poor finishes, but I am going to have to do something different to win one of these things. I just don't know what that change needs to be.
Here are the points:
Last night:
1st - Clint - 0 points
2nd - Justin - 4 points
3rd - Cody - 8 points
4th - Nick - 12 points
5th - Josh - 15 points
6th - Matt - 18 points
7th - James - 20 points
8th - Mike - 22 points
9th - Brent - 24 points
10th - Chad - 25 points
Overall:
1st - Clint - 33 points
2nd - Josh - 41 points
3rd - Justin - 54 points
4th - Cody - 54 points
5th - Chad - 55 points
6th - James - 57 points
7th - Mike - 68 points
8th - Matt - 74 points
9th - Brent - 75 points
10th - Nick - 81 points
Here are the points:
Last night:
1st - Clint - 0 points
2nd - Justin - 4 points
3rd - Cody - 8 points
4th - Nick - 12 points
5th - Josh - 15 points
6th - Matt - 18 points
7th - James - 20 points
8th - Mike - 22 points
9th - Brent - 24 points
10th - Chad - 25 points
Overall:
1st - Clint - 33 points
2nd - Josh - 41 points
3rd - Justin - 54 points
4th - Cody - 54 points
5th - Chad - 55 points
6th - James - 57 points
7th - Mike - 68 points
8th - Matt - 74 points
9th - Brent - 75 points
10th - Nick - 81 points
Monday, August 08, 2005
Once A Dork, Always A Dork
I went birthday shopping with my mom yesterday at the mall and while we were there I mentioned checking in to see about our cell phone plan. It was about to expire, so I figured we could see what our options were about splitting the plan and having me go my own way.
Long story short, I got a new phone and I just set my ringtone. You can probably guess what the tune is. Once I downloaded it, I called Clint and said," Hey, do me a favor. Call me back."
He just started laughing at me and said he would. Just a few seconds later I heard the greatness that is the James Bond Theme start belting out of the tiny speaker. I answered the phone, probably sounding like a little kid who just found his lost puppy, and Clint was still laughing as he asked if that was all I needed.
"Yep. Thanks for everything," was my reply.
I am a dork, but I know this. Being a nerd is a little easier to deal with when you welcome it with open arms and a warm smile.
Long story short, I got a new phone and I just set my ringtone. You can probably guess what the tune is. Once I downloaded it, I called Clint and said," Hey, do me a favor. Call me back."
He just started laughing at me and said he would. Just a few seconds later I heard the greatness that is the James Bond Theme start belting out of the tiny speaker. I answered the phone, probably sounding like a little kid who just found his lost puppy, and Clint was still laughing as he asked if that was all I needed.
"Yep. Thanks for everything," was my reply.
I am a dork, but I know this. Being a nerd is a little easier to deal with when you welcome it with open arms and a warm smile.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Possibly The Best Birthday Ever
I am turning 25 on Tuesday and two things are happening that are greatness for me. The first is a small thing, but to me it is a huge deal. The first season of the Muppet Show comes out on DVD. Okay, I understand your confusion. Yes, I am turning 25. Yes, I am a fan of the Muppets.
What you may not realize is the Muppet Show was not only a great variety show series for children, but it also showcased some of the best and funniest talent from the late 70s and early 80s. There are 24 episodes featured on Season 1, with the show basically in the shape fans will remember: a musical introduction followed by backstage chaos, another musical number, a sketch, a scene with the guest star and so on.
Special guest stars include Candice Bergen, Sandy Duncan, Lena Horne, Rita Moreno, Jim Nabors, Vincent Price, Peter Ustinov and more. Among the memorable stars are Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Statler and Waldorf (the two old guys in the balcony) and the Swedish Chef.
The other great thing about my birthday is that Tuesday night is a special screening of one of my favorite movies ever. Most of you know I am a huge James Bond fan. Well, being such a young Bond fan, I am too young to have seen the older movies in the theater. However, thanks to the Lakewood Theater in Dallas, I am going to be lucky enough to see my favorite James Bond movie on the silver screen. That's right, From Russia With Love is premiering and I will be there to see it. Sadly, I will be in a rush because I have to go to an open house at 5:30 for work, but I will have an hour to get to Dallas, find my seat and enjoy the show.
From Russia With Love is the second of 20 James Bond movies, starring Sean Connery as the dashing British spy. Two months ago I saw Dr. No, the one that started it all, at the Lakewood Theater. Hopefully this will be a recurring theme for them and I will be lucky enough to see all of the older Bond movies in a real theater.
I am overly excited about Tuesday and can't wait for both things to happen. I get the first season of the Muppet Show on DVD and I will see my favorite James Bond movie. Oh happy days...
What you may not realize is the Muppet Show was not only a great variety show series for children, but it also showcased some of the best and funniest talent from the late 70s and early 80s. There are 24 episodes featured on Season 1, with the show basically in the shape fans will remember: a musical introduction followed by backstage chaos, another musical number, a sketch, a scene with the guest star and so on.
Special guest stars include Candice Bergen, Sandy Duncan, Lena Horne, Rita Moreno, Jim Nabors, Vincent Price, Peter Ustinov and more. Among the memorable stars are Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Statler and Waldorf (the two old guys in the balcony) and the Swedish Chef.
The other great thing about my birthday is that Tuesday night is a special screening of one of my favorite movies ever. Most of you know I am a huge James Bond fan. Well, being such a young Bond fan, I am too young to have seen the older movies in the theater. However, thanks to the Lakewood Theater in Dallas, I am going to be lucky enough to see my favorite James Bond movie on the silver screen. That's right, From Russia With Love is premiering and I will be there to see it. Sadly, I will be in a rush because I have to go to an open house at 5:30 for work, but I will have an hour to get to Dallas, find my seat and enjoy the show.
From Russia With Love is the second of 20 James Bond movies, starring Sean Connery as the dashing British spy. Two months ago I saw Dr. No, the one that started it all, at the Lakewood Theater. Hopefully this will be a recurring theme for them and I will be lucky enough to see all of the older Bond movies in a real theater.
I am overly excited about Tuesday and can't wait for both things to happen. I get the first season of the Muppet Show on DVD and I will see my favorite James Bond movie. Oh happy days...
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
TOC II Night 3
Despite a terrible score, I really am not too upset about how I am doing. I have been playing okay and I can still win this thing, especially with how people were knocked out last night. It is nobody's game yet. Here are the scores so far:
Last night:
1st - Clint - 0 points
2nd - Mike - 4 points
3rd - Chad - 8 points
4th - Cody - 12 points
5th - Justin - 15 points
6th - Brent - 18 points
7th - Nick - 20 points
8th - Josh - 22 points
9th - Matt - 24 points
10th - James - 25 points
Overall:
1st - Josh - 26 points
2nd - Chad - 30 points
3rd - Clint - 33 points
4th - James - 37 points
5th - Mike - 46 points
6th - Cody - 46 points
7th - Justin - 50 points
8th - Brent - 51 points
9th - Matt - 56 points
10th -Nick - 69 points
Last night:
1st - Clint - 0 points
2nd - Mike - 4 points
3rd - Chad - 8 points
4th - Cody - 12 points
5th - Justin - 15 points
6th - Brent - 18 points
7th - Nick - 20 points
8th - Josh - 22 points
9th - Matt - 24 points
10th - James - 25 points
Overall:
1st - Josh - 26 points
2nd - Chad - 30 points
3rd - Clint - 33 points
4th - James - 37 points
5th - Mike - 46 points
6th - Cody - 46 points
7th - Justin - 50 points
8th - Brent - 51 points
9th - Matt - 56 points
10th -Nick - 69 points
I Wonder Who The Guest Speaker Will Be?
Like my first college experience, my Internet course has come to a close before it ever really got going. I have taken the final test and my final grade is...a 92. I aced it!
I am now officially a lumberjack-longhorn, a new breed in the world. Purple runs through my veings with a hint of an orange mixture. I haven't quite figured out how to do the "Axe 'em Jacks" sign and the longhorn sign with one hand yet. I'll figure it out though.
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through all of this, both emotionally and financially. I don't want to forget all the close friends I made while attending UT. I'll never forget those all-nighters in the Varsity Center waiting for the registers office to open so we could sign up for our classes.
Wait, none of that stuff happened. This college experience sucked. I didn't even get to see the campus. UT Internet classes suck. I hate you and I hate school! I'm never coming back!
I am now officially a lumberjack-longhorn, a new breed in the world. Purple runs through my veings with a hint of an orange mixture. I haven't quite figured out how to do the "Axe 'em Jacks" sign and the longhorn sign with one hand yet. I'll figure it out though.
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through all of this, both emotionally and financially. I don't want to forget all the close friends I made while attending UT. I'll never forget those all-nighters in the Varsity Center waiting for the registers office to open so we could sign up for our classes.
Wait, none of that stuff happened. This college experience sucked. I didn't even get to see the campus. UT Internet classes suck. I hate you and I hate school! I'm never coming back!
Monday, August 01, 2005
I Want To Rock And Roll All Night And Practice Sorcery Everyday
It is amazing what you can find by clicking on the name of a person who left a comment on your blog. I was directed to a girl named Anna who is 18 and will be going off to college soon. Her favorite books include Animal Farm, Jane Eyre and the Communist Manifesto.
While looking through all of this I found an up-and-coming band who is touring the United States right now. I am not lucky enough to live in a city stop for this rocking band, but I can take a road trip.
The brotherly duo, riding the coattails of teenage popularity known as Harry Potter, came together in 2002 as an idea that the Harry Potter of Year 7 and the Harry Potter of Year 4 joined forces and no one can stop the wizard rock. Harry and the Potters stars Paul DeGeorge as Harry Year 7 and Joe DeGeorge as Harry Year 4.
This is their story: Joe was planning to have a rock show in the shed in the backyard. People had been invited, but then all the bands cancelled. So that morning, the time was finally appropriate to bust out an idea that had been incubating in Paul's head for some time: Harry and the Potters. That morning, over the course of an hour, Paul and Joe wrote seven songs. Then, they went out to the shed and practiced them for half an hour. Later in the day, they performed them for a crowd of six. It was awesome. The place went nuts (as nuts as six people can get).
I have e-mailed them to find out when they will be coming into Dallas. When I know, you will know. Until then, visit their website at www.eskimolabs.com/hp.
While looking through all of this I found an up-and-coming band who is touring the United States right now. I am not lucky enough to live in a city stop for this rocking band, but I can take a road trip.
The brotherly duo, riding the coattails of teenage popularity known as Harry Potter, came together in 2002 as an idea that the Harry Potter of Year 7 and the Harry Potter of Year 4 joined forces and no one can stop the wizard rock. Harry and the Potters stars Paul DeGeorge as Harry Year 7 and Joe DeGeorge as Harry Year 4.
This is their story: Joe was planning to have a rock show in the shed in the backyard. People had been invited, but then all the bands cancelled. So that morning, the time was finally appropriate to bust out an idea that had been incubating in Paul's head for some time: Harry and the Potters. That morning, over the course of an hour, Paul and Joe wrote seven songs. Then, they went out to the shed and practiced them for half an hour. Later in the day, they performed them for a crowd of six. It was awesome. The place went nuts (as nuts as six people can get).
I have e-mailed them to find out when they will be coming into Dallas. When I know, you will know. Until then, visit their website at www.eskimolabs.com/hp.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)