What news from the world of men?

The light...it burns... I've been elbow deep in paperwork of the most horrendous kind, more specifically contractual documentation. Ugh! Mufasa! So, I've done little other than wade through terms like interconnection, infrastructure, and "organization a" agrees to (blank) for "organization b." Really mind numbing when you hit the same form sheet for the umpteenth customer. But that's why they pay me the "big bucks." I'm still waiting for them.

It's trick or treat night, and I'm still trying to decide whether or not I'm going to be working over tonight. I'm hoping and leaning toward NOT! Just too many things going on. Last night was a long evening anyway. I did my walk at lunch, then when I got home, I fired up the treadmill, for another 30 minutes. Then, I made dinner and went over Cole's story, for his Reading test the following day. In the midst of dinner (the kids and I) Teresa walks in, it appears that Whitney neglected to tell me what I was supposed to be doing...mowing the lawn. So 'round about 6:30, out I go to "start" the task. I finished the mowing. Couldn't trim, or much else. In fact, I think I'll have to go back and double check the yard for missed patches of grass. It gets really friggin' dark by 7:30. I had to ask Cole to turn on some outside lights, so I could get as far along as I did. I'm sure the neighbors were getting a good laugh at the idiot in the dark with the mower.

I realized that I had not mentioned my online play, or bankroll in a while. Well, I haven't honestly played in a while. I have moved my Bodog account up to the $175 mark. Oh and last night I dabbled at a couple of $1 SNG's on Sportsbook.com. The first, I crippled myself when I hit a boat, and lost to the bigger one. Oops! The second, took a LONG time. The chip leader decides to take a powder when we're down to 5. Me and "Bitsy Bets", polish off the rest of the table and then I think his name was "hix11" finally rejoins us. It took a long time, but I finally caught up to him, and between me and "BB" we finally took him down. So, here I am, looking to come out with more than I put in on the two SNG's. Now I'm focusing on the heads-up game. I'm applying pressure in all the right spots. I'm catching up, in a big way. I started heads up with $2,500. I made it to around $7,200...THEN, the table freezes! I check my connection, and it's okay. I hit Google, and I'm still surfing. I even refresh the tournament listings on Sportbook, and it is responsive. Only too late do I close the table and re-open it, to find my stack has been ravaged down to $150. It's shit like that which makes me wonder what the hell is going on sometimes. But the "what" was..."me losing." Same story...you've read it before.

I've listened to several podcasts lately, and I've listened to some of the "top" online players recap their rise to greatness in the poker world, from lowly beginnings. Annette_15 the winner of the WSOPE, all 19 yrs of her, relayed starting out at freerolls, and finally winning $9. Then maneuvering that into SNG's and then Multi-table tournaments. Over time she took that to around $20,000 before really starting to "move money around." She like many of the other interview-ees, espoused the virtues of Bankroll Management. Not just playing your best, and learning and discussing every day, but they found that time was the best weapon available, and the only way to get it was bankroll management. Enabling yourself to play the long term grind. How it wasn't always fun, but absolutely essential. I actually think I might have been further along had the ban on Internet Poker became a semi-reality. I "flinched" a bit too much when they pulled the plug. I withdrew from some places but continued to play as before. Of course I blackjacked some of it off. And the player base continued to improve, since it was more difficult to get money out there, so only those who had money out there, and knew how to keep it and earn it, were your competition. The fish in the pond, weren't fish, and you were no longer in a pond anymore, my friend.

Well that'll have to bring the post to a close. An alarm went off letting me know it's meeting time, very shortly. Oh goodie, I can feel my fun-factor meter beginning to rise.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Sum up the weekend

Friday after going to see Saw IV, we opted to go play some cards at Shuman's. I know, oh how romantic on our anniversary, but hey after 16 years, you kinda just like hangin' out together and you've developed similar likes and dislikes. And well...we "likes" poker. I lost about $25, not from anything completely reckless, just lotsa nothing cards. I'm still MOST proud of the read I got on Kima. Like I said before, my cash cow! He tried to bluff/steal a pot with a $5 river bet. I made the call with my 7-8os. Which gave me only 2nd or 3rd pair, with a craptacular kicker. To put it simply he had an 8 as well with a 3, for an even worse kicker than even I had. That was between a $15-20 pot to drag over. But I just couldn't get involved with just Kima enough, and so the night trudged on. No harm no foul. We left in the neighborhood of 3:00am. Good night, good times. The following evening we found ourselves childless AGAIN. Cole stayed with my parents again for the night, and Whitney spent the night w/JoJo. We had Jeff and Michele's reception to go to, and pounded down a few Jim Beam, Crown, and beer type drinks, and then made a call or so, and found that JR was hosting some of his family playing cards that night. I guess we were close enough so away we go again. Finally, I had a good night at poker. Let me say it again... I had a good night at poker. I actually dragged more than the occaisional pot. I think I made like $45 bucks. I had some decent hands which held up, including Kings once. More often than not, what I was getting absolutely paid on was the oddball hands. K-3s paid off when the flop came 3-3-K. WOW!!! You really can't go wrong very many ways there. Yes, I know there are some, but hey, flop that boat...you ride it out to sea. I didn't even get to show it despite making tiny bets. Anyway, yet another good night playing cards. I think Frank was correct in a way. I wasn't having much fun, as of late. BUT, then again poker is a lot more fun when you're winning. Sometimes, however, despite your best efforts, you will come out on the short end of things. But not Saturday night anyway. : )

The following day was a rest and recuperate kind of day. I skipped the weekend and didn't run or walk on either Saturday or Sunday. But today, as soon as I dragged myself out of bed, I headed immediately for the treadmill, and did my half hour of run/walk. Listened to another podcast, just can't seem to get enough. More discussion of the Absolute Poker debacle. After showering, Cole and I headed for Wally World, for the week's provisions.

I wanted to get in a post, so I guess I've got that accomplished now, I guess I took a blog break for the weekend as well. But it's back to business now. Poker will be played AGAIN this weekend at the Wolfe house, and yes of course Big Red and I will attend. I don't think we could keep those two ladies apart anyway. Go Red Snappers!

I did hear discussion again about heading north to Wheeling and/or Chester for our upcoming long weekend, for Veteran's Day. Let the debauchery begin. Cross your fingers.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Stuff, and oh yeah Happy Anniversary!

First off, I'm better than my last post implies. I was a little bitter, after Wednesday. I shouldn't have taken it all to heart so much. Teresa was right (of course) it made more sense for me to take Cole home, and honestly was only fair, since I have played more lately anyway. I just didn't like the method, and just felt a little humiliated. BUT, then again...live and learn. I guess the old saying, "love means never having to say your sorry..." should apply here. Or "sometimes you just gotta say...What the fuck..." Tom Cruise said one of those...I always get 'em confused. : ) Song to listen to for this post is now "Love on a Real Train" by Tangerine Dream. "She always did like the Choo-Choos." No JR...John Cusack is NOT in that movie.

Big news for the day, it's OUR ANNIVERSARY! 16 years of marital bliss...well mostly...okay some anyway. : ) I'll not quote Kevin Costner here, "Marriage is a hard, hard gig." I kid, I kid, why you not know joke!!!

Seriously though, Happy Anniversary babe...may there be many more. Thanks for putting up with me all this time, I know it hasn't always been easy. You've made a good life for us, and given us two wonderful children. Life is good.

Aw, I feel all gooey inside now. Time to MAN UP!

Okay, in other news. The mainstream media finally caught up to the Absolute Poker fiasco, which has been getting MAJOR coverage in the poker blogs and forums. See http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21381022/ for the scope, or at least the pseudo scoop. This article is not nearly as insightful as the coverage already out there. I'll let you be the judge, but my opinion is that the msnbc article glosses over it just a bit too much, and trivializes it. The investigative efforts of the forums uncovered more devious/sinister intent, than I think is displayed here. Enter the Spin Doctors. They're not just for politicians anymore. I always visualize George Stephanopoulos, from the 1st Clinton administration. Shudder! Here's a question, if Hillary Clinton were (shudder again) elected as President of the U.S. of A. and the world didn't immediately burst into flames, would we "officially" refer to Bill Clinton as the First Gentleman? And would anyone do it without smirking or laughing hysterically. By the way, how is ole Monica Lewinsky. : 0 But I digress.

Anyway, the missus and I are going to dinner and a movie. My folks are keeping Cole for the night, the Whit-meister is going to a slumber party, so the house'll be sans children. "How U Doin'!" Drop it let it go... You would expect us to go to some Romantic movie, romantic/comedy maybe. But not for my baby. SAW IV!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that's what I'm talking about. Nothing like a little blood and gore to highlight and celebrate our blessed union! AHHHH, good times! You know, I'm in for a good ass-kickin' for this right?! But honey...they all laughed! It was a joke. Then... later when I awake in a pool of my own blood... nuff said!

Who knows, later we might really celebrate it up and show up over at Shuman's for the card game. How much should I bring to lose?!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Neuter...and not just in language

First let me get this out of the way, JR thank you for hosting last night. It's good for friends to get together. I'm tired of my own claims to variance bullshit. Cold cards, cold decked, case after case of second best. I do this thing to myself. I once "played" this game out of exploration, out of entertainment and enjoyment. I would say that now it is about the grind, the profit, but there is NONEof that either, profit or grind. I've become my worst enemy, whether, failing to acknowledge my inferior hands for what they are...inferior. Failing to recognize the less than subtle slow play by my opponent. Taking too far the marginal hand staring me in the face. Push, push, push, raising ever higher. Now, when you're beat, you're beat. The A-A vs K-K scenario played out twice last night within 10-minutes. To those who would say that shit never happens, offline, fuck off. AND it happened in BOTH of its exquisite forms. I appreciate and admire them both. Sally's rockets to Robert's cowboys went down with the rivered king, despite a "turned" boat. True 2-outer hit for all to see. Pained expression from one, regret, BUT delicious surprise from the other.

10-minutes later, a returning Sally limps this time, I push with my Kings, re-raised by Sally of course with her Aces. I can put her only on 1 of 2 hands Q's or A's. The bittersweet realization. Not enough to make me walk, of course, and who would with the Kings. Nice hand...and it played out the "way it should be." The hand in the lead stayed that way. Either way, it played out. Reduced in stack, I then shortly afterward faced Vince, not really reeling from the feeling, but somebody let me know when I'm going to start winning some fucking hands. I mean it'd be nice to know, seriously...I've tried to push out the negativity, really. I had very positive thoughts. But I look down from late position with AJos, to an unraised pot, hell yeah, it's a good opening hand. Folds around to Vince, smooth calls. All others out. A-x-x hits the board, well we have what we wanted, with our any ace, actually a little stronger than average I would say. Minimal raise it, risk draw out, or push now, and end it here. End it here, push with the remaining $6-ish. Immediate call, displays the A-----Queen. Ah, the slow played big lick. Nicely played Vince. Chips please over here. Yes, of course another $20. Drop a few, win a few. Score some big ones. A3h pays big, when I turn the flush. The final river brings a 4th heart, unreal the number of times I've seen this of late. Then, the final beer run, just to the fridge, but Big Red decides for me that's enough, was it 4 or 5. I'm put in my place...and although it is the obvious choice that I leave and let Big Red continue her winning ways. The affront of the remark embarrassed me. The male ego is a fragile thing. In the presence of my friends, our friends, I've become the new JJ. I nod, deal my last hand, ask for cashout, find my son, depart, express my displeasure to the night sky, and then to her as she follows me out the door. Yeah I was embarrassed...and am still. I've been emotionally neutered. Mine are now nailed on the mantle as well.

Maybe I should stay away from poker, at least for a while. Not only is it frustrating me, but continues to put me in other awkward situations.

Regards,

cheer_dad

carpe viam :-)

Dreary day...but despite this fact, I managed to get in my walk up Market Street at lunch. I haven't posted much about this BUT I've actually been giving an honest effort at trying to get "active" again. Decided to work up slowly for a while and walk, instead of jumping right back into the running thing, and frustrating myself. Ticker might have given out on me...and I thought I should spare the world from that much blubber flappin' in the breeze. I read a while back that one of the Bloggers I read frequently was none too pleased with the body staring back at him in the mirror, and was going to get back on a diet and lifestyle change. I started to post a comment to his blog, wishing him well, and tell him we were pulling for him, but then I thought...his decision (like mine) is a very personal one. You're not doing it for anyone but yourself. It's the one time that it might be okay to be selfish. It's yours and no one can force it on you, or want it enough for you. So, I stayed out of it. I didn't even bother to tell him that I've been walking for about the past 3+ weeks. Honest. Around 3-4 times a week, when I started. No it's nearly every work day. AND now in the past week or so, I've also added in a treadmill walk/run for around 30 minutes. I'm working my way back up to where I'll easily be able to run that first mile without being winded, or in pain. I gotta stick to this. Lotsa reasons. I think the mysterious abdominal pain I had a while back was due to carrying around too much tonnage. My cholesterol is still high, despite medication, and the doc already told me that my cholesterol levels were "directly" tied to my weight, and that yes that sucks, but it does empower me to at least do something about it. I just needed to stop living a sedentary life, and get up and fargin' MOVE! I've seen that same type of comment from some of the pro poker players as well. You have to work at your own physical and mental well-being in the same fashion that you would work on your poker game. So, I've been trying to do something about it. I've made some "small" modifications to my diet, trying to limit the overindulgence, but I'll admit, that I still occasionally dive into a little junk food. Sadly, when I used to run ALL the time, so many years ago, I ate just about whatever I wanted. I was burning off the calories quickly and easily. I want that body back again. I want to fell that "good" again. Why did I stop? Life... I don't know, I wish I had an answer. Now I have the "privilege" of going through the long and arduous struggle of getting back to where I was. Feels like a back at zero proposition. I'm also convincing myself that efforts in this physical fitness realm are going to have a very real and profound affect on my poker game. I'll become more happy, more confident, eager and aggressive, or so I'm telling myself at least. I may be fooling myself BUT as with other tricks we play on ourselves, it just might work. Sometimes when you feel lucky, or your confidence level is high, a great many good things happen. I'm tired of moping around about the weight...and for that matter my run of cold cards. It's time to take the bull by the horns. It's time for me to get off my "fat" ass and get moving again. In keeping with the motto of the Dead Runner's Society of which I spent a great deal of time reading and discussing a passion for running it's time to:



-translation from the Latin: 'Seize the Road!' or specifically 'Seize the Way!'





Words to live by, at least for a runner. I wish I'd never lost the passion for the thing. I'm hoping I can get it all back. I think it is absolutely essential at this point to my mental and physical well being. No need to comment, this is about me, for me, and not for any of you. I've gotta do this thing. It's not only going to be healthy for me, but it may lift the "brain-cloud." Now how many of you know what that means? Where it came from? Hell I think I may have even mentioned it one other time, in a past blog post.

Enough about my turning over a new fitness leaf...on to other things.

A few more articles in the press regarding poker in WV:

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Business/2007102213
http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/501292.html

High points (quotes) from these articles:

"Seats in the poker rooms were filled to capacity until at least 5 a.m. Sunday, and even then the rooms remained largely filled, officials said."

"He added that from an operations standpoint, the opening went 'very well.'"

"Neither Marshall nor Mountaineer track officials would say just how much revenue was taken in over the weekend, but West Virginia’s state coffers are awaiting their take."

"The tracks are responsible for paying the state taxes equaling 35 percent of their gross revenue."

“Even during our very busy opening this weekend, guests only experienced a 45-minute wait time," he said. “We are confident players will be able to be accommodated throughout the gaming day at Wheeling Island.”

I wish them all luck, in continued successful operations. May my well wishing, contribute to the "karmic-well" and some of the will flow back to me in spades, or aces, or just some nice friggin' starting hands!

Enough uber posting for the day.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Additional news coverage

Here's a shot of the Wheeling Island Poker Room. Wow, the carpet really was that loud...and not just my beer-goggles! You cannot see the cashcage in this picture, is way in the back, to the right. This picture is from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Also, check out all of the following articles on this past weekend's opening of poker rooms at Wheeling Island & the Mountaineer Racetracks and Gaming Centers...

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/501172.html
http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/501173.html
http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007101924
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07293/827003-336.stm

I'll keep following the story. But it's difficult since the local Parkersburg News and Sentinel doesn't seem interested in providing news about it at all. I think they should probably rethink the mindset that no one is interested.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Buckle up...here we go!

I posted the bulk of the following to the HPT forums as well, with a few modifications, and a little something extra for all you here on the home team!

An early bustout on Saturday night, at my own home game, left me feeling in the words of Teddy KGB, "so unsatisfied," to the point, that with minimal coercion by some of my fellow poker lackeys, a ROAD TRIP was in order! Yup...3 of of piled in the car and headed for Wheeling Island, to behold the newly opened West "by God" Virginia poker room addition to the Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center. We arrived at MIDNIGHT. All 20 tables were FULL! We put our name on the waiting list signup boards. How popular is poker?...well the waiting list for 1/2 NLHE had 94 players on it, and 2/4 Limit had 74! There were 40 on the waiting list for 2/5 NLHE, I couldn't tell you how many there were on the Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo, but I do recall that there were 25 on the waiting list of the 7-card stud game. There was even an "interest list" forming for a 10/20 NLHE table! I'd like to report a winning session, but it just didn't come together for me. Hands of note for me for the night. My first two dragged pots, were lackluster, since I had to split 'em!!! 1.) Late position I look down at AJc. The board comes Kc-Qc-9h. Like I'm EVER gonna get away from this one. The river brought the 10...unfortunately not the elusive 10 of clubs! I've got my straight, and table it proudly, only to watch 2 OTHER GUYS turn over their AJos as well, for a 3-way split! ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! 2.) From late position AGAIN, everyone limping in, I join 'em, with a KJos. Flop K-2-2 feel pretty good about it...the turn is a blank...the river is another KING, and makes a flush possible for someone, but my boat feels really good now! But I get to split it as well with the lady from Florida to my right, who also has a KING...and had me dominated up to the river with her KQ! Splittin' sucks, but I did dodge a bullet there! I dragged a small pot, with a straight, and then proceeded to lose with a set of 5's...a set of 6's...and I got pounded on 2 flopped straights, when the river flushed someone other than me, once by the schmuck with the 72s, who just "had to keep me honest." But hey...I had a great time, and I think they've made a great start with the poker room. The table "features" were very nice, with the LED screens which display for the dealer everyone's name. When you sit, the dealer swipes your players card. When you leave, they press a button for your seat, and it is immediately vacated by the system, and updates the floor and they go to the waiting list. Call buttons for chip runners, another for cocktails, and another for "floor decisions." I give them high marks in that regard. I'm sure they'll be adding some additional waitresses, who were doing their best to keep 'em coming, throughout the night. The bar is just outside of the poker room, and next to it is the restroom, which are both a BIG plus in my book. I expect that the the poker room at Wheeling will continue to be a hot spot, although around the first of the year, when the rest of the table games open people will have additional options at their disposal. Of course, by then the poker room will be running more tournaments, SNG's, etc... If you have the chance, I highly recommend checking it out. We wandered out into the world the next morning, when the sun was coming up, and headed for home. There were a few empty tables at that point, but the room was still very much occupied! I don't think I actually saw an empty table in the room until after 3:00AM.

As soon as I make it to Chester, WV to visit Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Center, I'll report on it as well. And then later on when Cross Lanes, Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center opens it's poker room and table games I'll head there as well. Wow, maybe I've got issues...but until I pass that final judgement, in the meantime I've got OPTIONS!!!

Also, all the results from NDPT #10 and the points race are all updated on the homepage. Visit and enjoy! BIG THANKS and LOVE to BIG RED for allowing me to head to Wheeling on the spur of the moment...and letting me back in the door, despite coming home with fewer dollars than I left with. Next on the conquest list...Chester, WV! What's that about a weekend road trip? Did I hear something...from someone...anyone, anyone, Bueller, Bueller... Oh and eerie similarities were discovered on the drive to Wheeling. John Cusack...that's all I'm sayin'... AND sadly Frank now understands what snoring is all about! JR already knew from Vegas. I'm sure Frank will have things to add as well on his blog, check it out.

Regards,

cheer_dad

There's just so much going on.

West Virginia is truly "Open For Business" with the launch of Poker at two of the state's racetrack and gaming centers. First, at 10am this morning, Wheeling Island opened its poker room to the public, by now I'm sure they've had too many suckouts and bad beats to count. Easy on the hillbillies can't count thing...since we don't wear shoes anyway, we can at least get up to 20. So back off! Second, Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Center will open their poker room at 4:00pm!

Visit both of the following home pages for each of the WV casinos now offering POKER:
http://www.wheelingisland.com
http://www.mtrgaming.com/index2.html

I noted yesterday the passing of Joey Bishop.

And now today, I read that they imploded the SANDS in Atlantic City. It's like overload for the gambler in me. Not to mention the fact that I played last night at Bob's house, tonight at the Yanok's and tomorrow night at my house. Big Red says I better win, tonight if I plan on playing tomorrow. No pressure there, especially after losing $59 last night. Friggin' CARD DEAD!!! I swear, just ask JR!!! I've posted some additional commentary on last night's game on the HPT forums, some of which I suppose bares repeating here:

I attended the Kress game again last night. JR came along too. I asked him to pay attention to my play, and help me to fill some holes in my game, that I might not be aware of. We played for around 6-hours, and for my efforts I finished down $59. UGH... JR bought in for $50, cashed out for $370-ish! Way to go...congratulations! We rode together so on the way home, we had an extended conversation about the game in general and how each of us played specifically. The vast majority of his stack came in the last 10 minutes of play. He was up, most of the evening, and perfectly content, but he made nearly $250 in that last 10 minutes!!! Two hands did it for him. He hit KK on the first one, and was re-re-raised preflop, and got paid off well. Then, the next hand. JR bumps it preflop, and Bob is the next to act, who had also bled off part of his stack in the previous hand. He looks down...and immediately shoves it all-in, for like another $90-ish. The rest of us fold, at what has now dwindled to become a 5-6 player table. It goes back to JR who says whatever it is I have to call you, and shoves all in, and displays his rockets. Bob reluctantly turns over J-9os. ByeBye, see ya...and the rockets hold up in all their glory. Bob had nurtured a stack all night from $50, up to over $250, and donked most of it off in 10 minutes. OOPS. I think JR is still smiling! : )

But enough about him...it's my turn. Like I said we talked on the way home, and again this morning at work. Before I offered up any opinion of my own play, I asked him what he thought. His words, "you were card dead! You had Nothing, all-night-long!" AHHH, I feel vindicated, if nothing else. I was card dead, and the real sad part is, it wasn't even as bad as the last time I'd attended this game. The time before was MUCH worse! This time I actually had a couple of low pocket pairs and even Big Slick once. Granted none of those got me paid, but I didn't lose as much as I could have. I had the good sense to get away from another guy's flopped straight when I had Big Slick, and on each of my low pockets, both times someone else nailed their set. Once unfortunately another someone spanked them (not me) with a straight (hole cards 7-4os!!!) The guy who did that will be referred to as "Call-Station-Carl," he needs a name since I'm VERY focused on his play, for the rest of this post. Call-Station-Carl likes to see the flop...a lot. And when he sees the flop, he really likes to see what's in the river too! I counted the number of times that Call-Station-Carl did not see the flop, in six hours. Despite some hefty preflop raises, I think I counted only 4 or 5 hands that he folded preflop in our 6 hours of play! I'm NOT kidding! I recall seeing him go to "showdown" with a Q-3os, when it was bumped to $15-ish preflop, and he wasn't even one of the blinds! He made a straight on the river with his 3. In fact, I haven't seen as many straights in my entire poker career, as he hit last night. It was absolutely incredible! Absolute junk cards, turning to gold before our eyes. Unreal.
I was proud of myself, in getting away from "Call-Station-Carl" on one hand, when he smooth-called me through the turn, and then decided to go "crazy" and re-raise me on the river. Despite the fact that a healthy pot had materialized, I released my flopped 2-pair. Another guy decided to pay him off, and called, and he showed his hand, a flopped straight! Another 7-4os for "Call-Station-Carl". He was in the zone.

Matt J was there as well...albeit briefly. I talked to him just a little while ago, and he said, "...between how hot it was in the basement and the fuckin' suckouts, I was DONE!" Between Call-Station-Carl and JR...Matt's stack was divied up. Carl was called down a $20 preflop raise from Matt, and basically bent him over. A tilt move or 2 after that and well ...Nuff said...

I opted to play my standard game, like most of you suggested, sticking to reasonable hands only, and only occasionally playing something wacky from late position. I recall only winning 2 pots in 6 hours. A smallish pot when I hit an open-ended straight draw, against "Call-Station-Carl" on the turn. The other hand I was the BB with a J-3os, and turned it into 2-pair, on the river. Not much of a pot there either. When the table began to dwindle in the last hour and a half, to 6 players and then 5, I loosened up and just decided to see most flops, when they weren't raised, with just about anything. There was no point in even trying to steal anything. "Call-Station-Carl" was calling everything, and his sidekick Doug was usually in there too...so like I said you could ONLY win it, when you had it. End of story! You were getting called to the river by somebody, even if they only had bottom pair. I say that since I couldn't get Carl off of his 8-2os, once, against my pocket 3's, despite raising. He paired his 8, which was the lowest card on the board! Nice "2" kicker, sir! And by sir I mean fucker... So, my choice to start seeing most of the flops, was a dim hope of hitting something, and pull off a little hit and run. (The poker gods had their fingers poised over the "SMITE" button.) So, did I play tight yes, early on. Did I loosen up, oh hell yeah, BUT, if I had remained tight, I would have merely reduced the amount of my loss. I could NOT have won money for the night. I never got above my initial buy-in, ever...

So again, like I said earlier, I feel a bit vindicated, when JR told me I was truly card dead. It was a bit of a relief to me. Too much self doubt has been entering in to my game lately, regarding my general ability at playing this accursed game. In closing... (hold the applause, yes, I'm almost done) I'm glad I had a witness.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Joey Bishop dies

The last surviving member of the RAT PACK, Joey Bishop died today at the age of 89. He was preceeded in death by Peter Lawford who died in 1984, Sammy Davis Jr. in 1990, Dean Martin in 1995, and Sinatra in 1998.

The lights of Vegas will dim just a little.

See the article at CNN for the full story: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/18/obit.bishop/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Regards,

cheer_dad

It's official!!!

The Wheeling Island home page http://www.wheelingisland.com/Sites/WIRT/ now states that its POKER ROOM will officially open this Friday, October 19th!!!

Shuffle up and Deal WV!

Regards,
cheer_dad

Additional information

Taken from the following at CardPlayer.com:

http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/article/9933/west-virginia-poker-rooms-may-open-friday

"...The games spread at both rooms will be Texas hold’em, as well as Omaha and stud whenever demand dictates. They will be spreading limit and no-limit games starting as low as $2-$4 for limit and $1-$2 for no-limit. The rake will be 10 percent up to $5 per pot.
Daily tournaments at both rooms will eventually be spread, and World Series of Poker qualifiers will also take place, starting in January.This summer, residents in the two counties where the casinos are located voted to allow the tracks to add casino games and poker. Immediately after the vote, Wheeling Island started building a 20-table poker room and Mountaineer began building a 37-table one..."

These tidbits are very informative. Finally able to read up here at home, free from the bonds of the accursed proxy. In short people...it's GAME ON!

Regards,

cheer_dad

WV, really open for business (poker that is)

Two articles below speak more about the coming of table games (particularly POKER) and 24/7 operations in West Virginia casinos. I copied them here, in there entirety for the proxy challenged:

http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007101128

The Charleston Gazette

October 12, 2007

24/7 racetrack operation OK’d
By Phil Kabler Staff writer
With Thursday’s unanimous vote of the Lottery Commission, the state’s four racetracks can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
However, it could be days, perhaps weeks, before track employees and Lottery personnel are ready to do that, Lottery Director John Musgrave said.
“We have to make sure that they’re ready, and we have to make sure we’re ready, and that everyone is licensed who’s going to work the floor,” he said.
- advertisement -State Racing Association President John Cavacini said Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort in Chester and Wheeling Island Racetrack and Racing Center hope to test the waters with charity table games early next week.
Those test-runs would use tokens or play money instead of chips, and could help determine whether new table game employees at the tracks — as well as on-site Lottery personnel — are sufficiently trained and prepared.
The charity games would also let the tracks and Lottery make sure that surveillance cameras and other security measures work properly.
“Whether that happens Monday or Tuesday will depend on whether we’re ready and they’re ready,” Musgrave said of a test-run.
Commissioners Thursday also approved 292 pages of rules of play and standards of accounting and internal controls for table games — effectively, the Lottery’s handbook for supervising and regulating table games.
The rules cover everything from the proper manner for dealers to cut and shuffle cards to procedures for track personnel to report suspicious activity within the casino areas.
They also included detailed rules of play for seven-card stud poker, hold-’em poker, Omaha poker, five-card draw, five-card stud, three-card poker, four-card poker, pai gow poker, blackjack, craps and mini-craps, roulette, Big Six wheel, Let It Ride poker, Caribbean Stud poker and baccarat. Musgrave said the voluminous rules and regulations were prepared with the assistance of Spectrum Gaming, the international gaming consulting firm hired by the Lottery in August.
He said that once table gaming begins, the tracks will ease into daily operations. The tracks will begin with player-versus-player games such as hold-’em, before initiating games where the players play against the house, such as blackjack.
Eventually, the tracks will expand into more difficult games to supervise, such as craps and roulette.
- advertisement -While Thursday’s vote technically also applies to video lottery, Musgrave said it is likely to be six weeks or more before the Lottery has the technology in place to operate the video slot machines 24 hours a day.
The central computer system that operates the more than 12,000 machines at the tracks has to shut down the machines for about three hours each day to download and tabulate data, he said.
New software on order that would allow 24/7 video slot operations is being tested by the Lottery’s consulting firm, Gaming Labs International. The software will get additional in-house testing, Musgrave said.
“We would want to test it for several weeks to make sure it operates properly on our system,” he said.
Procedurally, the Lottery Commission would have to vote to approve the new software before it could go into use.
The 24/7 operation approved Thursday also applies to Charles Town Races and Slots, the only West Virginia track where county voters rejected table games.
To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.

*******************************

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/501046.html?nav=515&actionAlert=emailcontent

The Intelligencer/ Wheeling News-Register
POSTED: October 16, 2007

Tracks Deal Cards - Charity Poker Games Held at Casinos
By JOSELYN KING
WHEELING — He lives close to The Meadows, but Scott McKinnen of Washington, Pa., made the 35-mile drive Monday to Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center for a few hands of poker.
The racetrack opened the doors to its smoke-free poker room Monday for a charity event that benefited local organizations and served as a dry run training session for dealers and table gambling personnel. A second event is set for 4-8 p.m. today.
If all goes well, poker games for money will start at 10 a.m. Friday, according to Robert Marshall, president and general manager at the track. The track is to open at 7 a.m. that day and to remain open around the clock.
Similar games to benefit charity were held Monday and continue today at Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort in Chester.
McKinnen was one of the first in line at Wheeling Island on Monday and said he came to the track “just to see what was going on.” He added he has been to The Meadows racetrack and video slot machine casino “a couple of times.”
“They don’t have table games,” McKinnen said. “I’m not much of a machine player.
“If The Meadows gets table gambling, I probably will go there,” he added. “It’s closer. But I’d still come down here once in a while.”
Though the dry run opening wasn’t widely publicized, visitors from Blacksburg, Va., and Canton, Ohio, were among the first to sit down at the Island gambling tables.
‘‘We learned about it just by chance,’’ said Julie Hoffman of Canton, who came with a friend. ‘‘We wanted to see the room.’’
Letha Penyak of Powhatan Point said it was curiosity that brought her out for the poker games, while Eric Knierim said the charity aspect was a major reason he came.
“It’s also a lot of fun,’’ Knierim added, saying he ‘‘absolutely’’ would be returning for more poker games at the track.
Proceeds from the poker events are to benefit the Wheeling Island WISH Foundation, Family Services Upper Ohio Valley, Wheeling Health Right, YWCA, The United Way-Upper Ohio Valley and the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling.
Patrons are being asked to contribute $20. In return, they receive $100 in poker chips. Refreshments are provided to them, and their name is entered into a drawing for a door prize.
There are 20 tables in the poker room, and each can seat up to 10 players. This means as many as 200 can be at the poker tables at any given time.
And when the games officially start Friday, they will be non-stop, according to Marshall. Current plans call for the track to open at 7 a.m. Friday and to remain open 24 hours a day.
There will be daily poker tournaments at the track, and it will be a stop on the World Series of Poker Tour beginning Jan. 6.
“We’re not sure if we’ll have television coverage here, but we’d like to have it,” Marshall said. “They start with local tournaments, then it moves on to regionals.”
The poker room is on the lower level at the track, near the non-smoking area for slot machines and the new Jim Beam Sports Grill. Smoking is prohibited in the poker room, which is common in poker rooms in the United States, according to Marshall.
When roulette and blackjack games begin at the track in the coming months, these will be on the upper level of the track in the smoking areas. Smoking will be allowed at those tables, Marshall added.

Photos by Scott McCloskeyPatria Bledsoe of Wheeling, a new card dealer employee at the Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center, deals during the first poker games at the track Monday night. The racetrack opened the doors to its poker room for a charity event that served as practice for its dealers and table gambling personnel, and a similar event is to happen from 4-8 p.m. today. The track is slated to open for actual poker play for money on Friday morning.

******************************

That's right boys and girls...it could be as early as this FRIDAY, October 19th, that the poker room in Wheeling will be in FULL swing. See you all there real soon, as a matter of fact, "some" of us may be headed up on Veteran's Day weekend.

In the meantime, however, there's a game to be played at the Yanok's on Friday...and at my house on Saturday.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Good Monday continues

Just can't stay away. Had to keep on playing, hit some really good hands. Most noteworthy was Pocket Jacks, flopped a set...and then made the boat on the turn. His AQs, never knew what hit 'em. New Bodog total = $161.94

New reason to like Monday's I guess. : )

Regards,

cheer_dad

Monday morning online poker

Historically, Monday's are bad online poker days for me...but since I have more time than sense I play anyway. Went well this morning...and I'm happy to say that the ole Bodog account is up to $137.13 now. I know it's taken quite a while to get there but hey besides playing those 4,300 hands of poker since the Bodog restart, what else would I have been doing? Talk about the grind. Hey I'll never get rich at .05/.10 NLHE, but I think I'm learning a little while I work my way up to the Big Game at the Bellagio. I'm sure they'll keep a seat waiting on me.

Sadly, the Mini Bullets were defeated in the football playoffs. It was one helluva 1st half. But a break away touchdown at the start of the 3rd quarter by the Warhawks sent our enthusiasm packing. A botched play here and there, and a coach's OVER RELIANCE on his own kid, cost us the game. I think Cole actually learned to like the game again as the season went on. He became quite a force on the line, and told me himself that he LOVES defense, "because you can tackle people!" We'll see if he wants to play again next year. Despite the long hours, and the lack of a life outside of football...I enjoyed it as well.

On tap for poker this week--end. Friday night at the Yanok's, a.k.a. the only place I seem capable of winning (on occasion.) Saturday night, right here at the home of the NDPT, it's tournament #10, albeit a smaller field, and without a number of the regulars, due to a WVU game, and for that matter Bridge Day. But hey folks, you gotta have your priorities! Just kidding everyone, hope we ALL enjoy our day of leisure. Missing won't get anyone blackballed. See you next time.

Thanks again to JR for hosting his inaugural poker tournament in his newly built poker room. See Big Red, it's like a told you, it's like Vegas just friggin' exploded in there!!! Great room, great time, despite Frank knockin' me out...and then donating to the cash game cause. But hey, you'd all do the same for me...right?

Anyway, it's time to head out into the world and run some of the errands that Big Red gave me to accomplish on my day off.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Knocked out in 130th...

Did it to myself. SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT! Needed to make something happen. Getting low on chips again...mid position I go all in with A6, in hopes of a steal. Of course the guy to my left, looks down at Friggin' Cowboys. No Ace in sight! Bye Bye cheer_dad.

Yes, I do hate this game. Unfortunately, I do it to myself don't I. Did it last night at JR's game too, against Frank. My AQ vs his Q5s. I just couldn't let it go...and he boated my ass with it. There Frank...I blogged it! : ) Again, cheer_dad hits the rail. Cash game didn't get any better. I'm off it, just can't get my "shtuff" together.

Then again, today's finish 130th out of 1337, I guess, ain't terrible. Still nothing to show for several hours of work.

Regards,

cheer_dad

This one was EVEN BETTER!!!

PokerStars Game #12628574689: Tournament #63028692,
Freeroll Hold'em No Limit - Level XII (1000/2000) - 2007/10/14 - 18:10:07 (ET)
Table '63028692 55' 9-max
Seat #8 is the buttonSeat 1: Roger1960 (25900 in chips)
Seat 2: ridick.de (27550 in chips)
Seat 3: IAMB67 (2568 in chips)
Seat 4: Buffffy (97959 in chips)
Seat 5: cheer_dad_21 (24400 in chips)
Seat 6: tibokart (49502 in chips)
Seat 7: bighair83 (68372 in chips)
Seat 8: xxkatchyxx (111583 in chips)
Seat 9: betoabba (28886 in chips)
Roger1960: posts the ante 200
ridick.de: posts the ante 200
IAMB67: posts the ante 200
Buffffy: posts the ante 200
cheer_dad_21: posts the ante 200
tibokart: posts the ante 200
bighair83: posts the ante 200
xxkatchyxx: posts the ante 200
betoabba: posts the ante 200
betoabba: posts small blind 1000
Roger1960: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to cheer_dad_21 [9s 9d]
ridick.de: folds
IAMB67: folds
Buffffy: folds
cheer_dad_21: raises 2000 to 4000
tibokart: folds
bighair83: folds
xxkatchyxx: folds
betoabba: calls 3000
Roger1960: folds
*** FLOP *** [Ah Jd 9c]
betoabba: bets 4000
cheer_dad_21: raises 4000 to 8000
betoabba: calls 4000
*** TURN *** [Ah Jd 9c] [3h]
betoabba: bets 6000
cheer_dad_21: raises 6200 to 12200 and is all-in
betoabba: calls 6200
*** RIVER *** [Ah Jd 9c 3h] [6h]
*** SHOW DOWN ***betoabba: shows [4s Ad] (a pair of Aces)
cheer_dad_21: shows [9s 9d] (three of a kind, Nines)
cheer_dad_21 collected 52200 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 52200
Board [Ah Jd 9c 3h 6h]

Currently on break AGAIN...and here's where I'm at:

Your current position is 119 out of 188...
Can I at least hold out to 81st, and claim one of the friggin' duffel bags!?

Regards,

cheer_dad

I celebrated this hand!!!

PokerStars Game #12628499520: Tournament #63028692,
Freeroll Hold'em No Limit - Level XII (1000/2000) - 2007/10/14 - 18:06:14 (ET)
Table '63028692 55' 9-max
Seat #5 is the button
Seat 1: Roger1960 (26500 in chips)
Seat 2: ridick.de (28150 in chips)
Seat 3: IAMB67 (3168 in chips)
Seat 4: Buffffy (98559 in chips)
Seat 5: cheer_dad_21 (11200 in chips)
Seat 6: tibokart (51102 in chips)
Seat 7: bighair83 (85972 in chips)
Seat 8: xxkatchyxx (90583 in chips)
Seat 9: betoabba (41486 in chips)
Roger1960: posts the ante 200
ridick.de: posts the ante 200
IAMB67: posts the ante 200
Buffffy: posts the ante 200
cheer_dad_21: posts the ante 200
tibokart: posts the ante 200
bighair83: posts the ante 200
xxkatchyxx: posts the ante 200
betoabba: posts the ante 200
tibokart: posts small blind 1000
bighair83: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to cheer_dad_21 [Qd Qc]
xxkatchyxx: folds
betoabba: folds
Roger1960: folds
ridick.de: folds
IAMB67: folds
Buffffy: folds
cheer_dad_21: raises 9000 to 11000 and is all-in
tibokart: folds
bighair83: calls 9000
*** FLOP *** [2c 5d Ad]
*** TURN *** [2c 5d Ad] [5h]
*** RIVER *** [2c 5d Ad 5h] [Qs]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
bighair83: shows [Ts Ah] (two pair, Aces and Fives)
cheer_dad_21: shows [Qd Qc] (a full house, Queens full of Fives)
cheer_dad_21 collected 24800 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 24800
Board [2c 5d Ad 5h Qs]

WAHOO!!!

This helped, my quickly dwindling stack

PokerStars Game #12627937953: Tournament #63028692, Freeroll Hold'em No Limit - Level X (600/1200) - 2007/10/14 - 17:37:00 (ET)
Table '63028692 55' 9-max
Seat #6 is the button
Seat 1: Roger1960 (25200 in chips)
Seat 2: biobakje (25425 in chips)
Seat 3: IAMB67 (50418 in chips)
Seat 4: Buffffy (63526 in chips)
Seat 5: cheer_dad_21 (10400 in chips)
Seat 6: bbmart60 (79141 in chips)
Seat 7: bighair83 (17686 in chips)
Seat 8: Catalina_Day (24076 in chips)
Seat 9: betoabba (47086 in chips)
Roger1960: posts the ante 100
biobakje: posts the ante 100
IAMB67: posts the ante 100
Buffffy: posts the ante 100
cheer_dad_21: posts the ante 100
bbmart60: posts the ante 100
bighair83: posts the ante 100
Catalina_Day: posts the ante 100
betoabba: posts the ante 100
bighair83: posts small blind 600
Catalina_Day: posts big blind 1200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to cheer_dad_21 [Ad Qc]
betoabba: folds
Roger1960: folds
biobakje: folds
IAMB67: folds
Buffffy: folds
cheer_dad_21: raises 9100 to 10300 and is all-in
bbmart60: folds
bighair83: folds Catalina_Day: calls 9100
*** FLOP *** [2d 5c 6d]
*** TURN *** [2d 5c 6d] [Js]
*** RIVER *** [2d 5c 6d Js] [8d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Catalina_Day: shows [Ts As] (high card Ace)
cheer_dad_21: shows [Ad Qc] (high card Ace - Queen kicker)
cheer_dad_21 collected 22100 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 22100
Board [2d 5c 6d Js 8d]

Whew!!!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Moved up then back down, cards have cooled.

Still in but I'm going to have to make something happen soon, or I'll never make it. Here's where I'm at:

We'll see what happens. On another note...who are these guys from "railbirds.com" Have to check out their little online community. Tourney's starting back up, blinds $500/$1,000 , $75 ante...ugh.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Still in it...

The 2007 World Blogger Championship of Online Poker is underway...currently on break, and here's how things look at the moment:

I'll try to keep updating for awhile, hopefully for a LONG WHILE!!! 1,337 entries...only 81 total prizes to be awarded. I could hopefully be in for a long haul.

Regards,

cheer_dad

You guessed 'er Chester!

Sweet news from fellow blogger and poker enthusiast.
I thought it was worthy of repeating!
I've bolded and italicized the most important part to me.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Poker for Charity
from Rivers Edge Poker Club by wolfe
All below comes directly from MTR Gaming site. They run the track in Chester, WV.
This is posted here directly to help the proxy impaired.
09/03/07
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: TAMARA PETTIT
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
304-387-8335(OFFICE) 304-479-8097(CELL)

CHESTER, WV – Three Hancock County charities will be the recipients of proceeds from two charity nights featuring Texas Hold ‘em poker at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort. The Weirton Area United Way, New Cumberland United Church Social Service and the Upper Hancock United Fund will sponsor two nights of Texas H’ld’em poker on October 15 and 16. For a donation of $25, those attending will enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour before being seated at a $10 to $20 limit Texas Hold’em game for two hours of competitive fun. Each participant will receive $500 in play money which will be exchanged for non-value gaming cheques. Prizes will be awarded every ten minutes.
The event will debut Mountaineer’s newest gaming entertainment as well as its new Poker Room located in the Grandstand Area Trackside. The event will also serve as a practice run for the newly trained dealers in preparation for the soon-to-be – announced official opening of the Poker Room.
The Weirton Area United Way will host the October 15 event which begins with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 7 p.m. with Texas Hold’em from
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. The New Cumberland United Church Social Service and the Upper Hancock United Fund will host the event on October 16 with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 8 p.m. and Texas Hold’em from 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Allow me to paraphrase...

Taken shamelessly (and ridiculously paraphrased) below from the Charleston Gazette are two articles regarding poker and table games at West Virginia's casinos/racetracks.

http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007101022
Employee hopefuls line up at Tri-State Racetrack job fair
Card-dealer class enrollment picks up at community college
By Rusty Marks
Staff writer

The important parts:

• At a job fair on Wednesday, hosted by Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center at the Charleston Civic Center, applications for poker classes were accepted.
• $350 registration fee, for a month-long class to be a poker dealer.
• 80 dealers who will soon be hired at the racetrack.
• In the first few hours, about 1,000 people visited the booths set up by the track.
• By 2 p.m., about 300 people had already signed up.
• Training is no guarantee of employment.
• Classes begin in October/November.
• The track is paying the $350 tuition bill for current track employees. Non-track employees who are hired will have the cost of their tuition refunded by the track after they work one year.
• 80 will be hired toward the end of the year.
• Tri-State track owners plan a $250 million expansion project at the track that includes a hotel, conference center, entertainment complex and casino games like blackjack, poker and roulette. Eventually, the racetrack plans to hire about 1,000 people.

http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007100927
Two racetracks could be open 24/7 next week
By Phil Kabler
Staff writer

The important parts:

• West Virginia Lottery Commission is expected to vote to approve 24/7 operations at all four racetracks.
• The vote could pave the way for the two Northern Panhandle tracks — Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort and Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center — to offer around-the-clock poker and blackjack as early as next week.
• Currently, Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center in Nitro closes at 3 a.m. and reopens at 11 a.m. The state’s other three racetracks close at 4 a.m. and reopen at 7 a.m.
• The central computer system that controls the machines requires downtime each night to download and compile data.
• The Lottery Commission is upgrading software that will allow 24-hour operations of the slot machines.
• Even with 24/7 operations, the tracks will still be subject to state liquor laws, which do not allow establishments to “sell, give or dispense” beer, wine or liquor after 3:30 a.m., or after 2:30 a.m. on Sundays.

My BIGGEST complaint about the media coverage of the table gaming/poker issue here in West Virginia is that several articles have been written, each just re-iterating what's been said in the previous ones. No real content...most of it all could be summed up in a sentence or two. All everyone wants to know is WHEN will they be OPEN!!! All the rest is just meaningless fluff. Hell, even the writers should know it is "journalistic crap."

In the midst of it all, "MUM'S" the word on the websites of each of the WV casinos about it all too. The Lottery Commission is tight lipped. So we all continue to wait (albeit impatiently) for an exact date. It'll probably come off like one of those instances of... "wait for it, wait for it...NOW!" Expect pandemonium for a while after the games begin, but that'll be part of the show, folks. Eventually they'll get it down to a science, and any of the 3 tracks which will offer gaming in the state will be a great destination for a lost poker weekend! Man, I am so due for one of those.

Hurry up...the shuffle up and deal!

Regards,

cheer_dad

A "stain" in my life

From deep within the salt mines I emerge, released from the toil and pain of my past few days of labour. I haven't been at work since last Friday, but I have been hard at work, here on the homefront as it were. Teresa and I started on staining/water sealing the back deck on Monday. The next day, I finished up on that and worked on the picnic table, before going to pick the kids up from school. Today, I got a relatively early start on the front porch, with yeah, you guessed it, more staining/water sealing. I finished that up just before having to get the kids from school again. Now, I'm incredibly sore, and I smell of gasoline, not to mention the fact that I don't think my right hand has fingerprints anymore. Egad, I should have planned the perfect crime, to put this unforeseen side-effect to good use. My grip is absolutely shot, from holding either a brush or wringing the stain out of the rag. Carpal Tunnel should only feel so good. I wish I had poker to report, but NONE, nada, hasn't happened lately. Not since some of the gang came over on Saturday evening. But I'll get my fix this weekend I suppose over at JR's.

As you can see from my last post, that the Bullets are still in the playoffs. So evening practice is still going on 3 nights per week, and a game this Sunday. This one is unfortunely all the way down in Ravenswood, even though we're playing Godbey. So we'll drive over a half an hour for a game against a team that is less than 10 minutes away from us! Neutral field garbage and all. At any rate the boys are looking good, in practice, and I hope their new-found power and agression continues on through to Sunday's game.

I head back to the true grind tomorrow, actually working at the DEBT! Okay, okay work is a bit of a "strong" word. It might even be a nice change of pace. Ahhh, who am I kidding, it'll suck!

Wish I had more to share, but there's been nothing but "stain" in my life lately. Hopefully I'll be able to liven up the ole blog soon.

Going now to pass with Cole...

Regards,

cheer_dad

Bullets WIN!

Final score of Playoff Game Round #1 for the Mini Bullets vs the Mini Patriots... 21 to 0!!! The boys were on FIRE! They played a good clean game...I just wish it had been more than the DeLong show. That really gets old after a while for EVERYONE. Yes, we know Hunter is a good athlete, yes we know Chris is his dad...and the "real" coach of the team, so it's all about increasing that glory and ego. There are a lot of other really talented boys on this team, and I really believe that getting the ball to Hunter time after time is just a big mistake. Everyone, including the other team is looking for the ball to go to him, and other potential ball carriers are left ALL ALONE out there. Hinthinthint...maybe going to one of them when it's least expected would be the BEST thing to do. I also think a good move would be to NOT have him touch the ball for the entire 1st quarter, then the other team might stop looking strictly for him. You just gotta change it up...keep 'em guessing. Not just technical football, but a little psychology on the field. I know, I know lost on the feeble mind. Anyway enough hindsight coaching... boys you played a fantastic game. Stay fired up...take it to the next team.

Card game last night. Chris, Jody, JR, Eric, Robert, Steve, Matt, Frank, and I started things out, and then Teresa and Julie arrived later, after having got back from Bedford, PA and the "craftapalooza." Buy-in for $20, and I cashed out for like $106-ish. Getting better cards than the last time I played with Matt's crew at Bob's. Admittedly, I had one horrific suck-out on JR. He reraised me All-In for another $12, on top of my $4 bet, preflop. I'm staring down at cowboys. I know what he's got...know it felt it, but just said fuckit...only $12 more. Yup...he had the rockets, unfortunately for him they still deal that river card. That's when my 2 outer hit! He left after that...understandable, after losing that and somewhere in the neighborhood of $80 total on the night. I really do mean it...that was sick! I actually picked off a few pots, with the worst hand. Position, position, position, that's it. Once, I did it with the 7-2os! Sorry guys, heehee.

Actually played the night before at Shuman's too, briefly! The most remarkable thing there was I was up quite a bit. Until hitting an Ace high flush and getting beat by the Straight Flush, thank you Mr. Shuman! Hey, you talked me into it. You played me. Kudos! Only down $5 for that night! Saturday got me back in the thick of things.

Remember the online beat down, I'd been feeling, well, it's not a total downer. Yes, I'd been as high as $134, but hey, I'd been playing well and just not having things work out. But I'm back around $108 again, despite a brief dip below the $100 level. Just gotta be patient and ride it out. Play the cards yer dealt, and survive to play another day. Now if I can get that tiny profit thing down!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Quickie post

Not much time...but wanted to drop a line anyway.
We're heading off to Godbey Field for our Game #1 of the playoffs. Tri-C Mini Bullets vs the South Mini Patriots. Let's get it on!!! Keep your fingers crossed that we make it to the next level, where more than likely we will face Ravenswood.
Gotta run.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Holding pattern

I'm in a bit of a holding pattern. Of course I'm talking about whether I'll be playing cards tonight with the Jackson crew. (Recall my recent foray into the depths of pokerdom with the sharks, at Bob and Cassie's home. Coming away down only $20 after 6 hours, was actually nothing to be ashamed of, considering the night's loser walked out $1,500 lighter.) But enough with the recap...the reason for the holding pattern, is I'm waiting on Matt to call me today, to let me know where "tonight's" game is being held, if there will be one. Then, I need to find out when I can be there, and Matt, and maybe even JR this time. Cole has football practice til around 8:00pm or before. Matt said his kids have a game, so it would be about that time for him too. I'm just torn about whether I want to leave after getting home at 8:15pm-ish, to get wherever I'm going, get situated and then be able only to play up until midnight. I do have to work the following day, after all. It would be a truly dismal experience if the cards ran as cold as they did last time. BUT, it is poker and I could be playing it tonight...and well it's rather likely now isn't it. Unless of course Big Red changes my mind.

Several of us met last night at BW3's, with our children all in tow! The Murrays, the Jacksons, the Wolfes, and the Rubles (JR and his mom...who by the way is VERY COOL!) Several 23oz glasses later and the conversation and laughter was reaching new heights. Matt and I continued to discuss and re-analyze the previous "game" from last Friday night. One statement that struck me...and was true was... "Yeah, you were pretty down on yourself on Saturday, after that game." Then, later he added, "Aside from needing to loosen up a little bit, I can only fault your play on that final all-in bet on the turn(speaking here of the hand I busted on versus Carl.)" He went on to say, "The only hand that 'could' call you here, was the one that beat you. He was first to act...and when he checked to you, you should have followed right in behind him, and just see what materialized. Now, that isn't to say that when the river hit, and Carl bet out small or substantially, even to the point of putting you all-in, you might have had to make the call there, but that it was different." Either scenario...got all of my money in the pot, and away from me...but the second approach would have in fact been smarter. It would have at least given me more analysis time, to run it all out in my head. Online, I would have been less-inclined to make that call, because I was staring right at the 'four to a straight' and all he needed was a 6, which he had to torpedo my 9's over 8's. Why online would that have been so much easier for me? Why wouldn't it be just the opposite. At any rate...I want another crack at the game. I learned some things, and I hope I have, and will make some adjustments.

I'm hovering back around $101.xx on Bodog, after getting involved in some miserable hands. A lot of flopped 2-pairs for me, being turned and rivered into losing hands. Many times I've been able to drop them. But it's been expensive in terms of wasted bets. It has also, made me look a little weak. I even had the common sense to drop my cowboys the other night, when the board looked like Q-10-J-Q, and the guy to my left went nuts, and bet out hard. I made him for at least a Q, if not Q-J. Either way, I was behind, despite not starting there. Heck even Big Slick would have crushed me here, but I couldn't put him on that. Don't know why, just couldn't, but I could put him on the other two.

As you can see from the previous Blog Post that I'm signed up to play in the PokerStars' Bloggers Tournament. Hopefully that will pan out for me, and Cole's game will be over in time on Sunday. Notice I'm hopeful that his team will still be "in it, to win it" by then. I'll know after this coming Sunday if they will advance to the next playoff round, which is the following Sunday, and the same day as the Blogger Freeroll. I'm excited and looking forward to it. Wonder how many will sign up?

There's a lot going on in the month of October. The Red Snappers are headed to Bedford, PA, for a craft show extravaganza on Saturday, along with Patty, Libby and Ellen. Not sure but Shuman even mentioned maybe throwing together a cash game, this weekend sometime. Cole's playoff game is Sunday, then Monday (the 8th)is Columbus Day, then the next two days I'm off, and will be "staining" the accursed decks at my house. On the 9th, it's COLE'S B-DAY! The following Thursday the Jackson crew may have another game, depending... The 13th (afternoon,) is Cole's party. That evening JR is hosting his first tournament at his home, in his newly finished poker room...and did I mention there will be a KEG! The following day, Cole's playoffs could continue! Then on the 20th, is NDPT #10, although turnout may be diminished, due to WVU Homecoming Football game, and Bridge Day, etc... for some of my usual suspects. The 26th is our Anniversary! The 27th is Michele and Jeff's wedding reception, which we have to attend. Add all of that up and throw in football practice schedules for 3 nights per week until the bust out of the playoffs, and as you can see I'll be busy for a while. Maybe I'll get lucky, and Wheeling and Chester will have their table game/poker operation up and running by November 1st, and I can treat myself to a "Month-Well-Done."

For those not playing at the Jackson game tonight...wish me luck! Not them, just me! C'mon LUCK ME UP!

How's that for a post?

Regards,

cheer_dad

PokerStars Blogger Freeroll

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker!

This Online Poker Tournament is a No Limit Texas Holdem event exclusive to Bloggers.

Registration code: 6113468

Any 2 will do...

This game is really beginning to tear me down. Somewhere along the line I became a lousy player. Somewhere along the line I've begun to believe that the collected wisdom in every poker book I've ever read is all a lot of horse hockey! Play tight...play top hands...be aggressive...win the pots...be the best. Phooey! The only strategy frankly that I'm seeing win lately is no fold 'em hold 'em. Join the "any two will do club, and we'll show you the fargin' secret handshake!" WTF!!! Let me back track a bit.

Friday night, I went over to Bob and Cassie's house for poker. This was made up mostly of the guys that Matt J plays with all the time. Stakes were theoretically "lower" than what Matt was used to, having only .50/1.00 blinds. After 6 hours of play for me, I lost only $20. Considering that I had been down $120 at one point, I actually didn't feel so bad about it. But then the next day, start talking to Matt, and hear what everyone else was cashing out with. I knew who was donating the vast majority of it. The guy who was in for nearly $1,500.00. Yes at a .50/1.00 NLHE table. He dropped that much! Matt cashed out up over $300. Baker about the same. Bob was several hundred more than them, but he played on and put the biggest loser in a cab that morning at 6:30am. My big loss came on a crappy hand...and I knew it, but after sitting there getting sodomized for around 2 hours, and having not had a playable hand...and having not won a single hand yet, well frankly it's a wonder I didn't go looking for a gun. I had more chance of walking out of there by holding the place up, than playing the shit hands I was seeing. But I decided to play 8-9, since it was like the best hand I had seen for the night. I raised preflop and thought MAYBE someone was actually paying attention and that I hadn't made a move like that all night. Well they had ALL noticed. But didn't friggin' care. Any 2 will do, remember!?! Carl called with A-6, and after the flop, when I had actually hit a pair, I pushed but being the big stack he inst-called. And the 8 on the turn, which gave me 2-pair, sealed my fate, and I pushed the rest of my meager stack into the middle, only to watch him turn over his 6, having met four cards to the straight. What're you going to do. Matt said I was too tight. But I'm not sure what I really should have been playing at all now. I mean, I could play 8-3os, and 9-4os, and any manner of other crap that I was seeing, but that's wrong isn't it? Besides I tried to keep track of what was falling on the board, and in that first hour or two, I would have only hit on one hand, that I would've made a boat on. The Q-2os would've hit...and except for that $10 preflop raise, and me folding to it, well shucks, that pot coulda been mine. What the fuck was I thinkin'!!? But maybe I'll run better on another night. I got my next chance the next night, when a BUNCH of us headed up to the Eagles to hear the band JINX. Some of us started playing cards there. And later on played at my house too. I lost $4 total that night... Low stakes, low expectation. There's always next time. So this morning I find myself (on my day off) at home and firing up Bodog again. The morning session dropped me just under $30. Now I'm hovering around the $100 mark again. As I said before I hate this fuckin' game! It's just never going to pay off is it. I should cash in right now, shouldn't I and just call it an exercise in futility!? I mean, I'm not really even enjoying the game anymore. It used to be lots of fun...I used to make some occasional money at it too. No more though, no more.

I'm in the middle of playing right now...and it's not the big hands which are working at all. The preflop pot size raises aren't working...with my big hands. Everyone calls and I mean everyone. What's paying on the other hand and I just took down I nice size pot, and sent some poor shmoe to the rail, with a starting hand of 5-6os, which I played just because the whole thing is makin' me ill. I made a boat by the TURN. I bet and he raises me, and I take him down, and he's got an Ace with a week kicker. Did he think I was just kidding? But I didn't complain. I needed it. I really feel like I'm playing SLOP POKER. There's no style or finnesse to it. Just limp in on everything including your big hands and get away from 'em if they miss. Then just hope to hit a monster with your crap cards, and pounce, always of course avoiding the guy on the small or big blind, who will invariably hit the absolute nuts by the end of the hand, despite that he entered with the absolute worst with it. It's a given. I've been beaten on AA, by a Q-4os, QQ beaten by K-6, when he hit trip 6's on the flop. There have been other bad ones too, but they just make me cry to talk about. now (keep your fingers crossed, I've made back like $6, but it's not likely to last. I mean I'm playing everything but the kitchen sink, regardless of position. Yeah here it comes...I've got JJ from late position...raise and reraise preflop. I got out, knowing I was beat, but the guy who had me beat with his rockets...just got spanked by the guy who had the pocket 10's. All-In preflop and that's where they ended up, the guy with pocket 10's turning into a set! I do hate this game. Numb nuts at the table says "10's are just FEELING really lucky for me." OHHHH, how wonderful for you DoucheBag! Glad I got out...made the good laydown, but criminy!!!

I'm just going to be really sad when I have to stop playing altogether, when the money finally runs out. What am I going to do with all of this time. I invested a lot of time and effort in to attempting to get good at this game. Wasted effort and time I suppose. Enough of the wallowing in self pity. I'll end this post and promise to post next time about the other happenings of this weekend. One word for you all...CROWN!

Regards,

cheer_dad