http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/29/ricin.hotel/index.html
This story is getting a lot of press and a lot of hallway chat here at the office. According to this latest report from CNN a man who previously stayed in the hotel room where the Ricin was found has been in the hospital in critical condition now since February 14th! The small container of ricin was discovered by "a friend or relative" of the victim who went to the hotel to retrieve his belongings. I'm still a little confused about how "foul play" is not a suspicion, but hopefully as the story continues we'll learn more.
One comment that I'll have to make here, it seems everytime something threatening like this happens that everyone spends their time pointing away from the terror angle, instead of just covering the story. The authorities always have to make the first statement to say that this is not a terrorism incident. The FBI is currently treating it as only a criminal investigation.
Either way there's still a friggin' wacko out there who had the stuff in the first place.
I do sincerely hope that the guy in the hospital, suffering from exposure makes a full recovery.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Friday, February 29, 2008
Ricin found in Vegas hotel...
After reading this article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/29/ricin.hotel/index.html?eref=rss_topstories all I can say is "Party Foul!" According to the authorities an unspecified quantity of "ricin" was found in a hotel room in Las Vegas. Ricin is a deadly toxin. As little as 500 micrograms -- an amount the size of the head of a pin -- can kill an adult. Symptoms of ricin poisoning include anything from difficulty breathing, fever, cough, nausea and sweating to severe vomiting and dehydration. At present it is not being treated as a terrorist incident, but where do these sick bastards come from?
Regards,
cheer_dad
Regards,
cheer_dad
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Happy Hump Day = )
Not much to report on the ole homefront folks, but I will say that I have continued to plug away on the treadmill. I managed to get myself "back" into a real habit while I was Shepherdstown and back into running mode. Now I just have to keep it up, and maybe some of these extra pounds will begin to fade away. Of course the sparetire and the double-chin will be the last to go. Yeah, you all know it too!
I haven't played much poker lately, other than the tournaments at JR's and well I guess there was the one at Yanok's as well. And speaking of Yanok's they'll be hosting again this weekend! Wahoo! We always have a great time over there, the people and the poker make it that way!
I keep thinking about going up to Chester to the Mountaineer. No one from the crew has made it up there yet, I'm ashamed to admit. I'm really curious to go and check out the place. The poker room, the other table games, and even watch the horses run. That's something I've never watched in person and it sounds like it'd be a lot of fun to lose money on! All things are better, when beer is involved! Maybe one day in the not so distant future I'll muster up the time and money, and "gumption" to head north. I doubt seriously that I'll have much trouble trying to convince many of my fellow degenerate NDPT'ers including the lovely Big Red to make the trip. We'll see.
Anyway, Happy Hump Day all, we're on the downhill slide of the week now. As always, workin' for the weekend.
Regards,
cheer_dad
I haven't played much poker lately, other than the tournaments at JR's and well I guess there was the one at Yanok's as well. And speaking of Yanok's they'll be hosting again this weekend! Wahoo! We always have a great time over there, the people and the poker make it that way!
I keep thinking about going up to Chester to the Mountaineer. No one from the crew has made it up there yet, I'm ashamed to admit. I'm really curious to go and check out the place. The poker room, the other table games, and even watch the horses run. That's something I've never watched in person and it sounds like it'd be a lot of fun to lose money on! All things are better, when beer is involved! Maybe one day in the not so distant future I'll muster up the time and money, and "gumption" to head north. I doubt seriously that I'll have much trouble trying to convince many of my fellow degenerate NDPT'ers including the lovely Big Red to make the trip. We'll see.
Anyway, Happy Hump Day all, we're on the downhill slide of the week now. As always, workin' for the weekend.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Book Review, Zen and the Art of Poker
I kept alluding to it, and talking about, but finally I've put fingers to keys and this is what I've come up with as a book review of Larry W. Phillips' Zen and the Art of Poker:
As many of you know, I've been reading Larry W. Phillips' book Zen and the Art of Poker, if you're a regular to this blog, it would have been tough to miss the fact. However only a very few of my closest friends know just how intriguing that I've found the book to be. This review should fill in the gap for the rest of you. As soon as I finished the book, I immediately turned back to page 1 and I've started it over again... but even more slowly than before. I'm a horrifically slow reader in the first place, but I'll confess this pace borders on catatonia. There is an immense amount of wisdom in Mr. Phillips book, and I know there's a great deal that I missed on the first reading. I found myself a number of times pausing to ponder an individual thought expressed by the author and even the innumerable quotations from great Zen masters throughout the book. There were times I was reading a poker book which included some references to Zen, and then at other times I was reading a Zen book which included some references to poker! To say that it was well-crafted is an understatement, it's flow was superb. But enough with opening praise...to borrow from the classic '80's commercial tag line: "Where's the beef?!?"
Well first, this is the first poker book that I've ever picked up that didn't try to tell me how the game is played, or define the terms of poker like "flop" or list out all of the cutesy names for every hole-card hand that you could possibly see in the game. What a beautiful thing! Sold... I'll take two!
Second, the transitions between Zen elements and poker elements was seamless. After a short explanation to the uninitiated to "What is Zen?" Mr. Phillips got right to the business of the topic at hand. A series of 100 Poker Rules begins to unfold on page 14 and doesn't let up until page 151. After each is a discussion of the rule of the game, how Zen fundamentals play into it, a game anecdote or circumstance, and more often than not a direct quotation from a number of the Zen masters. The parallels were very thought-provoking and the provided situational examples frequently made me say out loud, "I never thought about it that way before, but he's right."
Third, how can you go wrong with a book of wisdom that quotes with equal and respectful intensity the works of Zhuge Liang, the movie Caddyshack, Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Kevin Canty's Rounders, and even a smattering of Chuck Norris. If nothing else you have to admit, the author's got flair!
Fourth, the book teaches, it really does. It teaches that there is truly an ebb and flow to the game of poker. One of which at all times we are at its mercy. We must learn to exist within this movement within the game, and not try to struggle against it, but accept it and even more so become a part of it. We must also as a player incorporate failure into our overall system. Many times in poker, we may find ourselves playing our best, and for all intents and purposes being the best player at a given table and still nonetheless...LOSING! I think Mr. Phillips put it best when he compared poker to a game of football, in which the play of two opposing teams was further influenced for good or bad by a sniper/spectator who can directly impact the play on the field. In no other game is luck such an influencing factor, but you cannot rely solely upon it to be successful in the game of poker. You must accept it, just to realize that despite your best efforts, sometimes you will absolutely fail, through no fault of your own. The trick is to minimize the losses associated with this fact and occurrence.
Fifth, the author shook me up beginning at Chapter 16! Up to this point, I'd been lulling myself in to this Zen-like awareness of the world turning under my feet, inner peace and harmony, thinking of chanting some ancient mantra or other, and then he hit me with the Chapter on "Betting." He followed it up with "Aggression," "Warrior Zen," and then even "Playing on Instinct." He did this with "Rule # 62: Good poker is not a gentleman's game, it is a war." I was quickly brought away from the thought that Zen Poker was merely preaching passivity. Instead, Zen's "calming influence to center...before battle...[allows] the perfection of the mechanics of aggression." Make no mistake Zen cannot change events, but it directly impacts a mastery of self. It has been said before, poker is a game of well timed aggression. The instinct to know when the time is right is a skill to be honed over time.
Sixth, some of the rules present were common sense, but I didn't feel cheated but rather felt a kinship with the thoughts the author was expressing. Expressions like "Don't steam" and "Don't be mean-spirited" in particular have always been a part of my approach to the game. Some of you have heard me say before, "make it easy for them to lose to you. Your opponent just lost a chunk of his stack to you, he doesn't need it to sting any more than it already does." I think I now need to include though the thought, "did I take as much of his stack as I possibly could in each situation?" This has been one element of my game that has been lacking and has held me closer to the "breaking even" side than the "truly profitable" side of the scales.
Lastly, and finishing you up with a lucky seventh... Zen and the Art of Poker asks the very probing question of each of us, "Why do we play poker?" The answer may surprise you. The answer that others you routinely play with may provide, might shock and confuse you. But knowing the answers should influence how we play against others.
I want to thank the author, Larry W. Phillips, again for his book, and for the thoughts that it has evoked in me. I also want to thank him for the impact that this has all had on my game, and will continue to have in the future. I encourage each of you to read the book, but I won't do so too loudly though, there's wisdom contained within that I'd just assume have all on my side the next time you're at the table against me.
Regards,
cheer_dad
As many of you know, I've been reading Larry W. Phillips' book Zen and the Art of Poker, if you're a regular to this blog, it would have been tough to miss the fact. However only a very few of my closest friends know just how intriguing that I've found the book to be. This review should fill in the gap for the rest of you. As soon as I finished the book, I immediately turned back to page 1 and I've started it over again... but even more slowly than before. I'm a horrifically slow reader in the first place, but I'll confess this pace borders on catatonia. There is an immense amount of wisdom in Mr. Phillips book, and I know there's a great deal that I missed on the first reading. I found myself a number of times pausing to ponder an individual thought expressed by the author and even the innumerable quotations from great Zen masters throughout the book. There were times I was reading a poker book which included some references to Zen, and then at other times I was reading a Zen book which included some references to poker! To say that it was well-crafted is an understatement, it's flow was superb. But enough with opening praise...to borrow from the classic '80's commercial tag line: "Where's the beef?!?"
Well first, this is the first poker book that I've ever picked up that didn't try to tell me how the game is played, or define the terms of poker like "flop" or list out all of the cutesy names for every hole-card hand that you could possibly see in the game. What a beautiful thing! Sold... I'll take two!
Second, the transitions between Zen elements and poker elements was seamless. After a short explanation to the uninitiated to "What is Zen?" Mr. Phillips got right to the business of the topic at hand. A series of 100 Poker Rules begins to unfold on page 14 and doesn't let up until page 151. After each is a discussion of the rule of the game, how Zen fundamentals play into it, a game anecdote or circumstance, and more often than not a direct quotation from a number of the Zen masters. The parallels were very thought-provoking and the provided situational examples frequently made me say out loud, "I never thought about it that way before, but he's right."
Third, how can you go wrong with a book of wisdom that quotes with equal and respectful intensity the works of Zhuge Liang, the movie Caddyshack, Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Kevin Canty's Rounders, and even a smattering of Chuck Norris. If nothing else you have to admit, the author's got flair!
Fourth, the book teaches, it really does. It teaches that there is truly an ebb and flow to the game of poker. One of which at all times we are at its mercy. We must learn to exist within this movement within the game, and not try to struggle against it, but accept it and even more so become a part of it. We must also as a player incorporate failure into our overall system. Many times in poker, we may find ourselves playing our best, and for all intents and purposes being the best player at a given table and still nonetheless...LOSING! I think Mr. Phillips put it best when he compared poker to a game of football, in which the play of two opposing teams was further influenced for good or bad by a sniper/spectator who can directly impact the play on the field. In no other game is luck such an influencing factor, but you cannot rely solely upon it to be successful in the game of poker. You must accept it, just to realize that despite your best efforts, sometimes you will absolutely fail, through no fault of your own. The trick is to minimize the losses associated with this fact and occurrence.
Fifth, the author shook me up beginning at Chapter 16! Up to this point, I'd been lulling myself in to this Zen-like awareness of the world turning under my feet, inner peace and harmony, thinking of chanting some ancient mantra or other, and then he hit me with the Chapter on "Betting." He followed it up with "Aggression," "Warrior Zen," and then even "Playing on Instinct." He did this with "Rule # 62: Good poker is not a gentleman's game, it is a war." I was quickly brought away from the thought that Zen Poker was merely preaching passivity. Instead, Zen's "calming influence to center...before battle...[allows] the perfection of the mechanics of aggression." Make no mistake Zen cannot change events, but it directly impacts a mastery of self. It has been said before, poker is a game of well timed aggression. The instinct to know when the time is right is a skill to be honed over time.
Sixth, some of the rules present were common sense, but I didn't feel cheated but rather felt a kinship with the thoughts the author was expressing. Expressions like "Don't steam" and "Don't be mean-spirited" in particular have always been a part of my approach to the game. Some of you have heard me say before, "make it easy for them to lose to you. Your opponent just lost a chunk of his stack to you, he doesn't need it to sting any more than it already does." I think I now need to include though the thought, "did I take as much of his stack as I possibly could in each situation?" This has been one element of my game that has been lacking and has held me closer to the "breaking even" side than the "truly profitable" side of the scales.
Lastly, and finishing you up with a lucky seventh... Zen and the Art of Poker asks the very probing question of each of us, "Why do we play poker?" The answer may surprise you. The answer that others you routinely play with may provide, might shock and confuse you. But knowing the answers should influence how we play against others.
I want to thank the author, Larry W. Phillips, again for his book, and for the thoughts that it has evoked in me. I also want to thank him for the impact that this has all had on my game, and will continue to have in the future. I encourage each of you to read the book, but I won't do so too loudly though, there's wisdom contained within that I'd just assume have all on my side the next time you're at the table against me.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Weekend wrapup, and Happy B-Day MEGAN!
Tournament night at JR's last night was once again a lot of fun! I cannot complain at myself for any poker move that I made all night. No mistakes, some good cards when it counted, but all that still was not enough to take it down. You can do everything right in this game...and still lose. And I'm okay with that. Play the game... play it right... hope for the best.
I received further confirmation of my old addage in one hand in particular. When you have a pocket pair at the table, invariably someone else will too. In an uncharacteristic move for me, I limped into a pot from middle position with KK, figuring that someone would raise it up, and it happened. Unfortunately, it was Big Red who raised it up...but then there was more. Robert shoved all in, and it comes back to me. Now I pause. Does he have 'em? The Accursed Bullets? This is gonna leave a mark, is stuck in my mind... but these are the hands for which we wait. I shove, over him... in hopes of isolating to just him, which worked out for me. He tabled his pocket 10's, so I breathed a sigh of relief. I nearly put him on the Aces... I hit a set of Kings, and took it down. Big Red revealed that she'd folded pocket Queens. WOW! That was a phenomenal lay down. I'm really proud of her. Robert... I always end up in situations like this with you...ALWAYS.
In the end I made it only to 7th place... sans a payout. Big Red made it to 4th! The big one... went to Steve "All-In" Allman! Congratulations man!
Some of us ended up at the Eagles. I know, what a shocker! Had a great time as always. Glad to share yet another evening with each and every one of you.
Oh and in today's news, SEVERAL of us headed to Pizza Place today, to wish lil Megan Brothers a Happy 1st Birthday!!! Congratulations and many happy returns. Thanks Chris and Laura for letting us share in the Big Day!!!
And with that, I'll wrap it up.
Regards,
cheer_dad
I received further confirmation of my old addage in one hand in particular. When you have a pocket pair at the table, invariably someone else will too. In an uncharacteristic move for me, I limped into a pot from middle position with KK, figuring that someone would raise it up, and it happened. Unfortunately, it was Big Red who raised it up...but then there was more. Robert shoved all in, and it comes back to me. Now I pause. Does he have 'em? The Accursed Bullets? This is gonna leave a mark, is stuck in my mind... but these are the hands for which we wait. I shove, over him... in hopes of isolating to just him, which worked out for me. He tabled his pocket 10's, so I breathed a sigh of relief. I nearly put him on the Aces... I hit a set of Kings, and took it down. Big Red revealed that she'd folded pocket Queens. WOW! That was a phenomenal lay down. I'm really proud of her. Robert... I always end up in situations like this with you...ALWAYS.
In the end I made it only to 7th place... sans a payout. Big Red made it to 4th! The big one... went to Steve "All-In" Allman! Congratulations man!
Some of us ended up at the Eagles. I know, what a shocker! Had a great time as always. Glad to share yet another evening with each and every one of you.
Oh and in today's news, SEVERAL of us headed to Pizza Place today, to wish lil Megan Brothers a Happy 1st Birthday!!! Congratulations and many happy returns. Thanks Chris and Laura for letting us share in the Big Day!!!
And with that, I'll wrap it up.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Friday, February 22, 2008
Wheeling Island Floor Manager Arrested!
The eye in the sky is always watching...
Michael DiTaranto found that out the hard way.
The article was posted in The Intelligencer/ Wheeling News-Register today: http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/506198.html
To paraphrase; Mr. DiTaranto (a Floor Manager at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack) got caught on video "allegedly" trying to swipe a few $500 chips (13 to be exact, for a $6,500 attempt.) In addition, the story goes on to give the history that the suspect attempted to get cooperation from a West Virginia Lottery Commission Official in the escapade. You can check out the article above by FRED CONNORS Staff Writer for all the juicy/pathetic details. It would appear from the article that the Lottery Official was in on the sting to apprehend Mr. DiTaranto. So, despite a bad incident... the WV Lottery Commission AND Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack are showing their ability to keep a handle on the illegal activity in the casino. Kudos to both!
It's sad when you see a patron of a casino try this...but even worse when it's an employee, and a floor manager no less. He was taken to Moundsville, WV's Northern Regional Jail and charged with grand larceny. Yeah, that's not gonna look good on the ole resume.
I know how oft times these little nuggets of information go unnoticed, so I wanted to make sure to give it a boost and share it with the rest of the blogosphere.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Michael DiTaranto found that out the hard way.
The article was posted in The Intelligencer/ Wheeling News-Register today: http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/506198.html
To paraphrase; Mr. DiTaranto (a Floor Manager at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack) got caught on video "allegedly" trying to swipe a few $500 chips (13 to be exact, for a $6,500 attempt.) In addition, the story goes on to give the history that the suspect attempted to get cooperation from a West Virginia Lottery Commission Official in the escapade. You can check out the article above by FRED CONNORS Staff Writer for all the juicy/pathetic details. It would appear from the article that the Lottery Official was in on the sting to apprehend Mr. DiTaranto. So, despite a bad incident... the WV Lottery Commission AND Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack are showing their ability to keep a handle on the illegal activity in the casino. Kudos to both!
It's sad when you see a patron of a casino try this...but even worse when it's an employee, and a floor manager no less. He was taken to Moundsville, WV's Northern Regional Jail and charged with grand larceny. Yeah, that's not gonna look good on the ole resume.
I know how oft times these little nuggets of information go unnoticed, so I wanted to make sure to give it a boost and share it with the rest of the blogosphere.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Grumblings in Kentucky
Huntington, WV's Herald Dispatch ran the following editorial Ky. must decide how far into the gambling race it is willing to go. According to the article Kenucky's Governor Steve Beshear wants his state to join the likes of Indiana and West Virginia and begin to allow casino style gaming. The Kentucky Legislature is considering a constitutional amendment to permit casino gambling in the state. A proposal by Gov Beshear would allow up to 12 casinos to open up, but some other proposals making their rounds in the House of Representatives would further restrict these numbers.
It is obviously a heated issue, and being hotly debated in the state that brings us the world-famous Kentucky Derby. : ) Some officials have expressed various objections ranging from the ills of gambling and also, questioning the potential benefits and beneficiaries.
BUT, I think the article states it best with the following passage: "...a significant expansion of casinos in Kentucky would be another step in the ongoing arms race that government-sanctioned gambling has become. Each time one state gets more gambling, neighboring states must up the ante." Emphasis added, especially for the line "ongoing arms race" which is what this whole state gambling competition has become. How true...how true... I'd credit the author if it were listed, but the link'll have to do.
I wish the Bluegrass State luck in their endeavors, whichever direction ultimately they decide to go after all the debate ends. I'm not a resident...their's is not my fight...and either way I wouldn't be playing there anyway. I've got way too many options here in the Mountain State.
Regards,
cheer_dad
It is obviously a heated issue, and being hotly debated in the state that brings us the world-famous Kentucky Derby. : ) Some officials have expressed various objections ranging from the ills of gambling and also, questioning the potential benefits and beneficiaries.
BUT, I think the article states it best with the following passage: "...a significant expansion of casinos in Kentucky would be another step in the ongoing arms race that government-sanctioned gambling has become. Each time one state gets more gambling, neighboring states must up the ante." Emphasis added, especially for the line "ongoing arms race" which is what this whole state gambling competition has become. How true...how true... I'd credit the author if it were listed, but the link'll have to do.
I wish the Bluegrass State luck in their endeavors, whichever direction ultimately they decide to go after all the debate ends. I'm not a resident...their's is not my fight...and either way I wouldn't be playing there anyway. I've got way too many options here in the Mountain State.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Back to the grind
Back to the daily grind. Yes, I've returned to work. I managed to get to the bottom of my email Inbox, after sorting sifting and reading 1,001 email messages and meeting invitations. I'm scheduled for 3 meetings already today. Gee thanks guys! I was greeted this morning by cold weather, brisk winds, and about an inch of snow was beginning to fall. Roads were no issue, but I was the first set of tire tracks to touch the road in my development and on over to Martown Road.
It feels a little strange being back to work, or at least feels different not being in Shepherdstown. I miss the comraderie... I miss the interaction... I miss a number of the people with whom I shared a 2 week chunk of life. Those strangers who became valued friends aren't there to chat with over lunch, or run on the treadmill next to, in the fitness room, or to belt out a fractured karaoke song in the hotel bar. I have already placed our class picture here at my desk, so I can at the very least see the smiling faces. I hope all is well with each of them. Would that life causes our paths to cross again.
JR has sent out the next poker tournament seating assignments. I've played twice already since getting back home. Once at the Yanok's where I just broke even and also got qualified for the year end game. Then the following night (Saturday) at JR's house, I officially finished 2nd, to Vince, although we chopped the remaining prize pool. It was a good choice since it could have gone on and on for quite a while. Our styles are very similar. Neither of us is gonna get flustered and do something rash. We would have continued to grind for quite a while unless something crazy happened. Let's see if this weekend I can continue the winning way. I'll confess I've been reading "Zen and the Art of Poker," and I actually think it has helped my game. Not for any element of strategy, but in the calm peaceful approach to the game. Remaining at ease while those around you are on edge and playing with emotion, using the concepts from this book, you will have a decided advantage.
I made it out to Borders yesterday with my 40% coupon. I picked up a couple of titles that I'll share later. I want to start "reviewing" things that I think are worthwhile reading or watching in the case of movies/tv... I'm working on doing just that for the Zen Poker book. I encourage you to pick up a copy of that one right now, but if you must, wait for the review. I'll get something crafted and posted soon.
Everyone try to stay warm out there. I'll continue to struggle with staying awake.
Regards,
cheer_dad
It feels a little strange being back to work, or at least feels different not being in Shepherdstown. I miss the comraderie... I miss the interaction... I miss a number of the people with whom I shared a 2 week chunk of life. Those strangers who became valued friends aren't there to chat with over lunch, or run on the treadmill next to, in the fitness room, or to belt out a fractured karaoke song in the hotel bar. I have already placed our class picture here at my desk, so I can at the very least see the smiling faces. I hope all is well with each of them. Would that life causes our paths to cross again.
JR has sent out the next poker tournament seating assignments. I've played twice already since getting back home. Once at the Yanok's where I just broke even and also got qualified for the year end game. Then the following night (Saturday) at JR's house, I officially finished 2nd, to Vince, although we chopped the remaining prize pool. It was a good choice since it could have gone on and on for quite a while. Our styles are very similar. Neither of us is gonna get flustered and do something rash. We would have continued to grind for quite a while unless something crazy happened. Let's see if this weekend I can continue the winning way. I'll confess I've been reading "Zen and the Art of Poker," and I actually think it has helped my game. Not for any element of strategy, but in the calm peaceful approach to the game. Remaining at ease while those around you are on edge and playing with emotion, using the concepts from this book, you will have a decided advantage.
I made it out to Borders yesterday with my 40% coupon. I picked up a couple of titles that I'll share later. I want to start "reviewing" things that I think are worthwhile reading or watching in the case of movies/tv... I'm working on doing just that for the Zen Poker book. I encourage you to pick up a copy of that one right now, but if you must, wait for the review. I'll get something crafted and posted soon.
Everyone try to stay warm out there. I'll continue to struggle with staying awake.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Return to poker
My return to pokerdom has been good! Friday night at the Yanok's I finished in fourth place, to get my money back... and also qualified for the year end game. Hey, I was lucky on several hands up to that point and was happy to break even. Last night, at JR's (NDPT #2) I made the final table, where honestly the game began for me. In the end Vince Post and I squared off against each other in heads up play. After a half dozen or so hands, we opted for a chop. Since Vince had a chip lead on me at that point, I was happy to let him have the 1st place bragging rights! Remarkably on the trail to the finish, I only took out a total of 3 people. Two of those were on the most memorable hand of the evening to me.
I'm in late position, Sally is all in from the blinds for $600. Julie calls, Dennis makes it $800 (all-in for him.) I look down at the Hilton Sisters QQ. I shove all in for an additional $2,300. Julie goes in the tank and finally calls it down, and flips over AKos. I flip my Queens, then Sally and Dennis each flip over a KJos. My odds have improved, with some of her outs disappearing. I end up flopping my set...which makes me shake for a while, when on the turn, all that is needed is a 10 for me to get screwed beyond belief. I dodge the 10. Take down a monster pot and am able to run over smaller stacks until we get down to heads up. Profit on the night is $140. I'll take it. Also JR reminded me that I'm now the "theoretical" chip leader. A 3rd place cash, and now a 2nd place...I'm good and consistent. Let's keep it that way.
After the game several of us went upstairs and Brady put in a movie for us to enjoy, Jackass 2. I hadn't watched it or the first one before, and although much of it was gut wrenching there were just parts you couldn't turn away from. I laughed so hard I was cryin'. I still can't get over the claymore mine with the rubber beads in it, that they shot off, at the guys. Very brave, very stupid...just WOW!
Now, we're just havin' a quiet evening at home. I'm tired and am glad I'm off tomorrow. Not sure I'll ever get back into the grind of work. We'll see. Time to hang it up.
Regards,
cheer_dad
I'm in late position, Sally is all in from the blinds for $600. Julie calls, Dennis makes it $800 (all-in for him.) I look down at the Hilton Sisters QQ. I shove all in for an additional $2,300. Julie goes in the tank and finally calls it down, and flips over AKos. I flip my Queens, then Sally and Dennis each flip over a KJos. My odds have improved, with some of her outs disappearing. I end up flopping my set...which makes me shake for a while, when on the turn, all that is needed is a 10 for me to get screwed beyond belief. I dodge the 10. Take down a monster pot and am able to run over smaller stacks until we get down to heads up. Profit on the night is $140. I'll take it. Also JR reminded me that I'm now the "theoretical" chip leader. A 3rd place cash, and now a 2nd place...I'm good and consistent. Let's keep it that way.
After the game several of us went upstairs and Brady put in a movie for us to enjoy, Jackass 2. I hadn't watched it or the first one before, and although much of it was gut wrenching there were just parts you couldn't turn away from. I laughed so hard I was cryin'. I still can't get over the claymore mine with the rubber beads in it, that they shot off, at the guys. Very brave, very stupid...just WOW!
Now, we're just havin' a quiet evening at home. I'm tired and am glad I'm off tomorrow. Not sure I'll ever get back into the grind of work. We'll see. Time to hang it up.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Almost done
It's nearing a close. The Leadership Potential Training Seminar is "nearly" over. Tomorrow we have a brief morning session, then our group project presentations, turn in our individual project plans for our organizations and additionally two personal improvement goals. Graduation presentations, and then nothing but a 4+ hour drive home and it's a wrap! Wahoo!
There are some new friends here that I will miss. And I actually hope that I've had an impact on others as well. Some folks that I've met, have had a positive impact on me, and one that I hope to continue to employ back home. Okay everyone just indulge me for a week or so, until I get it out of my system.
I'm a little tired this evening... but there's still the karaoke night to be contended with. Yeah, you heard right, karaoke! My classmates and I...are headed back down to Rumsey Tavern to make complete asses of ourselves, and probably drink just a few too many. Tomorrow could be a very long day indeed.
I did want to mention that I passed the PokerSpace.com IQ test for my sponsorship. However, it was only a $25 sponsorship for Walker Poker, since all I could score was a 70% on the test. Man I really do suck at this game. One of these days I'll figure it all out. Good luck to you all on the test in the future. I did have the sense to hang on to my answers if you're interested! : )
I'll see you all real soon. And in the words of Teddy KGB, "Alright Mr. Son-of-a-Bitch... let's play some cards!"
Regards,
cheer_dad
There are some new friends here that I will miss. And I actually hope that I've had an impact on others as well. Some folks that I've met, have had a positive impact on me, and one that I hope to continue to employ back home. Okay everyone just indulge me for a week or so, until I get it out of my system.
I'm a little tired this evening... but there's still the karaoke night to be contended with. Yeah, you heard right, karaoke! My classmates and I...are headed back down to Rumsey Tavern to make complete asses of ourselves, and probably drink just a few too many. Tomorrow could be a very long day indeed.
I did want to mention that I passed the PokerSpace.com IQ test for my sponsorship. However, it was only a $25 sponsorship for Walker Poker, since all I could score was a 70% on the test. Man I really do suck at this game. One of these days I'll figure it all out. Good luck to you all on the test in the future. I did have the sense to hang on to my answers if you're interested! : )
I'll see you all real soon. And in the words of Teddy KGB, "Alright Mr. Son-of-a-Bitch... let's play some cards!"
Regards,
cheer_dad
Monday, February 11, 2008
Shepherdstown simulation under way...
The ICONS simulation has begun. We met breifly prior to ending our afternoon session, and outlined some of our purposes. The scenario revolves around Shell Oil Company expanding its drilling operations in the African nation of Nigeria. In addition to Shell, the Nigerian government, Nigerian military, the Odoni people, The Women's Group Coalition, the International Monetary Fund, and Human Right Watch, my team and I are representing Greenpeace! See I told you this gathering was about tree hugging, and singin' kumbaya, didn't I!!! Okay, it's not as all bad as that.I'm really please with the team that I'm working on and we will continue in this vein through the remainder of the week, in addition to the many other projects that are coming to fruition as the week draws to a close. I actually may get to finish up with this little training encounter on Thursday afternoon. That'd be cool, would get me home early and I might even get there, barring bad weather by the time LOST is coming on. Now would I actually make it in to work on Friday...hmmm...
Hope all is well on the other side of the "wild and wonderful." JR are you seeing to Big Red's needs? If you drink the last of the beer in the fridge, you damn well better restock!
Chris and Laura I really had a good time on Saturday. Dinner at Logan's was great and I know Teresa had a ball. And the slot machines certainly were hummin' that night. And you ladies were able to easily find the "Cash Out" button. How great is that!!!
Chris... Big Red mentioned "not" going to Wheeling Island after JR's but instead maybe just waiting until the next day, and leaving early. I think she's itchin' for some table game action West by god Virginia style!!! Let It Ride, 3 Card, BlackJack... oh yeah... I'm salivatin' myself.
I'm currently posting to the ole blog here in Rumsey Tavern, (the hotel bar.) I'm sampling the local hops and barley blends, courtesy of the Mountaineer Brewing Company. Just chilling out and unwinding from a long Monday. Although long... and at times exhausting I've enjoyed my time here in Shepherdstown, and I have to commend the training staff and their program. As much as I hate to admit it... I'm sure I'll be back for another round in the near future, since I can see the "+EV" in it. Are they turning me to the dark side? Only time will tell.
And with that...I'll bid you all a good evening, with a special shoutout to my simulated Greenpeace brethren in arms. Oh wait...we're non-violent, so it's just a shoutout. "All we are sayin'... is give TREES a chance!"
Regards,
cheer_dad
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Time well spent
Though I wasn't planning on the trip back to Parkersburg, it was time well spent. I enjoyed being with my baby! : ) It was good to see the family and friends and just unwind from the class. Now, of course I'm back in Shepherdstown, and getting geared up for class in the morning. Tomorrow is gonna be a LONG friggin' day. Starting at 8:30...it'll go to the typical 5:00 as usual, but then after dinner, we return to the grind at 7:00 until 9:00pm!!! I'm "caught up" as far as I can be at this point. I typed up my Leadership Gap Plan upon returning this evening. Filled out some papers that are to be turned in on Thursday, so that's where I'm at.
I again want to say THANKS to Jason, for letting me ride home with him...and then back again. It really did make the trip go a lot more smoothly. We also got to rehash some of the training thus far. It has been a long driving weekend. I'm back here in my temporary home away from home. I hope to get some needed rest tonight.
See you all really soon. Fear not Big Red... it'll be over before you know it!
Regards,
cheer_dad
I again want to say THANKS to Jason, for letting me ride home with him...and then back again. It really did make the trip go a lot more smoothly. We also got to rehash some of the training thus far. It has been a long driving weekend. I'm back here in my temporary home away from home. I hope to get some needed rest tonight.
See you all really soon. Fear not Big Red... it'll be over before you know it!
Regards,
cheer_dad
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Impromptu return home
I'm back in Parkersburg, only briefly at the request of my lovely wife. Aww... she really did miss me. So, with a last minute shuffling of papers and a hasty cramming of the suitcase, I hitched a ride back with fellow BPD'er Jason. He as well was in Shepherdstown, WV for the Leadership Training that I've gone on and on about for the last few posts. He's a great guy and we've (at least I think so) really hit it off. Who knows, I may even turn him into another poker convert. Anyway it was nice travelling back with someone and to have someone to talk about things in general as well as help to digest and put into perspective a lot of the things that are being covered in the classes. We've both come to the same conclusion about one thing though... they're gonna friggin' load us up with work in this 2nd week. The handouts and projects came fast and furious on the last day getting us geared up for a 20 minute-ish class presentation from each of the 5 teams. Then, we were given 3 personal assignments, one 6 month goal for our organizations, which will be monitored and checked upon by our peers, within the class. The other are 2 personal development goals, again to be overseen by our peers. Finally we've been presented with a scenario which has redivided us into teams, which will represent factions in a world issue. The scenario briefly is focused on Shell Oil company expansion operations in Nigeria, add to the mix Human Rights, government, military, corruption, and environmental rights groups. Well you've got a mess that we're gonna play out. I was assigned to represent Greenpeace. UGH, they really are gonna make me a tree-hugger aren't they.
I've kept up with a few of you over the past week, and trust me your emails and text messages have been welcomed by this weary traveler. Life out of a suitcase isn't the best of times all by yourself. So thanks for keeping the ole spirits up. I do appreciate it! I've met a lot of great people in Shepherdstown. People with very different lives and work than my own. They are all much more "metropolitan" than I am, and while some elements of their lives sound very cool, I've come to the conclusion that I like my little life without all the hustle bustle and expense of the greater DC, New York, or Chicago life. They can keep it. It's just not for me I suppose. I'll hang on to my Vegas pilgrimmages to keep on the edge...
Time to wrap up and get back to the family.
Regards,
cheer_dad
I've kept up with a few of you over the past week, and trust me your emails and text messages have been welcomed by this weary traveler. Life out of a suitcase isn't the best of times all by yourself. So thanks for keeping the ole spirits up. I do appreciate it! I've met a lot of great people in Shepherdstown. People with very different lives and work than my own. They are all much more "metropolitan" than I am, and while some elements of their lives sound very cool, I've come to the conclusion that I like my little life without all the hustle bustle and expense of the greater DC, New York, or Chicago life. They can keep it. It's just not for me I suppose. I'll hang on to my Vegas pilgrimmages to keep on the edge...
Time to wrap up and get back to the family.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Still here in the Eastern Panhandle
Hey all...how's it going? I'm still here in Shepherdstown, WV for two fun-filled weeks of training. And I officially decided tonight that I'll be spending the weekend here, instead of the making the 4 -1/2 hours trip back home and then back again, before Monday morning. Call me selfish...whatever!
A large contingent of us in the Leadership Potential class went out to eat this evening. We had a really good time. It's really great meeting all of these folks. Their lives by comparison seem a lot more interesting. Their jobs and some of the things they describe sound intriguing. BUT, the trade off I see is the hustle and bustle of the cities in which they live. There are several from the DC area. One guy from Manhattan, NY. Some from Chicago, IL. I of course find some common ground with the man from Texas. He's grounded... we've got things in common. Earthy types!
Not only geography seperates us...but also ethnic backgrounds, race, creed, generations and even the biggie...orientation. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) : ) Quite the melting pot... this training.
The class is good. I'm enjoying it. Yesterday's session was a little tedious, but I learned everything I'll ever need to know about Meyer's Briggs tests and what their results mean. I am personally classified as: ISTJ. If you wanna know what the hell that means go here: http://www.personalitydesk.com/personality-tests.php?gclid=CPba38nTs5ECFQNisgodhRbQfA. Then, I got to take another test that let me in on another element of my psyche. Apparantly I'm a "Caregiver, Innocent, EveryPerson, Magician." I'm gonna hold off on that one. I'm still digesting it. I can't recommend what I don't even understand myself yet. If you couldn't guess today's instructor for this material was a real flower child type. Oh yeah...in a big way!
Hope all is going well for you all over there on the other side of the state. I'll see you all in a little over a week from now. Stay tuned.
Regards,
cheer_dad
A large contingent of us in the Leadership Potential class went out to eat this evening. We had a really good time. It's really great meeting all of these folks. Their lives by comparison seem a lot more interesting. Their jobs and some of the things they describe sound intriguing. BUT, the trade off I see is the hustle and bustle of the cities in which they live. There are several from the DC area. One guy from Manhattan, NY. Some from Chicago, IL. I of course find some common ground with the man from Texas. He's grounded... we've got things in common. Earthy types!
Not only geography seperates us...but also ethnic backgrounds, race, creed, generations and even the biggie...orientation. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) : ) Quite the melting pot... this training.
The class is good. I'm enjoying it. Yesterday's session was a little tedious, but I learned everything I'll ever need to know about Meyer's Briggs tests and what their results mean. I am personally classified as: ISTJ. If you wanna know what the hell that means go here: http://www.personalitydesk.com/personality-tests.php?gclid=CPba38nTs5ECFQNisgodhRbQfA. Then, I got to take another test that let me in on another element of my psyche. Apparantly I'm a "Caregiver, Innocent, EveryPerson, Magician." I'm gonna hold off on that one. I'm still digesting it. I can't recommend what I don't even understand myself yet. If you couldn't guess today's instructor for this material was a real flower child type. Oh yeah...in a big way!
Hope all is going well for you all over there on the other side of the state. I'll see you all in a little over a week from now. Stay tuned.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Monday, February 04, 2008
Kumbaya...
"How does that make you feel?" "Don't say 'I can't' say instead...together we can." And something about "...and gosh darn it I'm worth it!" Imagine it being stated of course with an overt lisssp. Okay, okay, it's not as bad as all that. But even without the visual aids people I know a tree hugger when I see one. I swear the instructor used both the "warm and fuzzy" and "touchy/feely" phrases today. But luckily she was throwing it out there to say that, "you all probably had pre-conceived notions about how this training would be. Everyone else pretended offense at the remark, while your lowly cheer_dad sitting just left of center chimed in "oh hell yeah!!! The rest of them are just lying to themselves!" Tact is not always one of my strong suits.However, I will withdraw some of what I thought/said. This is a highly efficient course in a VERY NICE facility. The attached hotel to the training center is a Clarion Hotel, and is quite new, well equipped. Wireless internet access available AND free throughout the facility. Refreshments available throughout the day in the lounge area just off the classroom. Each of the numerous classroom, breakout, conference, and technology facilities is a "Facilitator's" dream come true. More dry-erase walls, easels, multicolor markers, office supplies out the yin-yang, and enough audio, visual, and technology equipment, to start a mid-sized war! There is dining, lounges, tavern, top-notch fitness facililty (which I took advantage of thank you very much!)and every amenity you could imagine. I'm still trying to understand why they stuck this facility here in quiet little Shepherdstown, WV, but maybe the point really was to get folks away, out of their hustle/bustle to where they could legitimately focus on the training at hand.
The focus as I've said before is Leadership. I'm hoping at the end to find that this is not a course which advocates a business philosophy of "...the beatings will continue until morale improves." If I find that it doesn't then I'll have to recommend that "some" previous attendees need to re-attend the course. They are definitely in need of a Mulligan!
Some bad news to report today! My daughter texted me today while I was still in training to inform me that the doctor was admitting her to the HOSPITAL! Super...I'm 4 1/2 hours away. I knew she was a bit sick but my wife took her to the doctor on Friday last week and he ordered tests. Those results told an infectious story. My baby girl (okay, she's 15) has MONO, STREP, and TONSILITIS! She got the friggin' HAT TRICK! And here I am...but she and my wife insist there's nothing I can do about it all, and there's no point in my coming home to assist. Still I feel helpless and to a degree guilty for not being there. Rest and get well soon little blonde girl.
I'm going to sign off for now...I actually have "homework" to get accomplished before morning. Read a few chapters...write down my feelings...find a tree and slip it the tongue.
I'm gettin' wood already.
Oh and I'm still mad at Jefferson County for denying the casino gaming initiative for nearby Charles Town Racing and Slots. Miserable, no good, motherless sons a......
Regards,
cheer_dad
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Greetings from Shepherdstown, WV
We find our hero now in exciting Shepherdstown, WV. Okay, I'm neither hero, nor is Shepherdstown in any way particularly exciting. Sorry...no offense to the local residents. It is a sleepy "little" town, with not much in the way of hoppin' night spots and the like, however it is quite picturesque and rich in its historical significance. Not far from my hotel, on the drive in I passed by the Antietam battlefields. Beautiful, pasturefields, low rock walls, barren...haunting. Perhaps it is fitting that the world around this place remains small, quiet, despite the fact that it is actually quite close to the "greater" Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. For additional information on a town that I've just recently arrived in, visit here: http://www.wvescapes.com/shepherds_town/index.aspx and/or here: http://www.shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com/ I'm sure the information therein is much more informed than am I! : ) But as I learn, I'll weigh in!
I find myself here for training. Get ready for this... brace yourself... for "Leadership," of all things. Okay now be nice, don't delete me as a favorite blogspot just yet. I promise not to let it go to my head, and when they try to give me the labatomy to truly assume the role, I swear I'll try to fight the guys in the little white jackets. I will continue to fight the power!
The conference doesn't get under way until 11:00am tomorrow, so I and some of my travelling companions found our way to the hotel bar to check out (as Vegas calls it) the Big Game...yeah, I know imagine that! Now here's a place that knows the meaning of Super Bowl specials! A plate of wings for $3.00, a burger/chips/pickle for $2.00, and Miller Lite draft for 50 friggin' cents a glass!!! And I'm not talkin' a little glass here people. I think I paid more in the tip to my waitress than my bartab amounted to! That's a bar people...
What a game it was. Congratulations to the New York Giants, and frankly I never saw the victory over the Pats coming. Celebrate guys...you earned it! Also, I won an official Miller Lite Super Party Shirt and hat. I may just drive the 4 1/2 hours every year for this joint. Okay maybe that's extreme and just the alcohol talking.
I'll be here for the next 2 weeks (maybe come home briefly for part the weekend) but basically it'll be class, a hotel room, maybe a beer in the evening at the bar, sans the specials, some micro limit poker, and pouring out the soul to the blog, for you...my few minions.
Stay tuned... there will be more in the days to come.
Regards,
cheer_dad
I find myself here for training. Get ready for this... brace yourself... for "Leadership," of all things. Okay now be nice, don't delete me as a favorite blogspot just yet. I promise not to let it go to my head, and when they try to give me the labatomy to truly assume the role, I swear I'll try to fight the guys in the little white jackets. I will continue to fight the power!
The conference doesn't get under way until 11:00am tomorrow, so I and some of my travelling companions found our way to the hotel bar to check out (as Vegas calls it) the Big Game...yeah, I know imagine that! Now here's a place that knows the meaning of Super Bowl specials! A plate of wings for $3.00, a burger/chips/pickle for $2.00, and Miller Lite draft for 50 friggin' cents a glass!!! And I'm not talkin' a little glass here people. I think I paid more in the tip to my waitress than my bartab amounted to! That's a bar people...
What a game it was. Congratulations to the New York Giants, and frankly I never saw the victory over the Pats coming. Celebrate guys...you earned it! Also, I won an official Miller Lite Super Party Shirt and hat. I may just drive the 4 1/2 hours every year for this joint. Okay maybe that's extreme and just the alcohol talking.
I'll be here for the next 2 weeks (maybe come home briefly for part the weekend) but basically it'll be class, a hotel room, maybe a beer in the evening at the bar, sans the specials, some micro limit poker, and pouring out the soul to the blog, for you...my few minions.
Stay tuned... there will be more in the days to come.
Regards,
cheer_dad
Friday, February 01, 2008
Friday uber-posting
At one point last evening, Big Red turned to me and asked, "...so are you winning?" My answer, "...uh no." Short and to the point. Those best laid plans, just ain't gonna pan out there people. Ah but it was fun to pretend. I'd like to be able to say that I've been distracted and too interested in winning and getting the $$$'s to head to Vegas with but I can't say that's been the problem. No really. I honestly can't blame it on... well... anything at all. It is what it is. I can't even particularly say that those others at the tables have been donks or sharks. I can't say that I've been playing badly or well either. In hindsight, I can't even pinpoint anything that I might or might not have done. Most of my reads have been very good, but unfortunately they've been reads which tell me that I'm beat! The reads which are most disturbing are those hands, when I start with an AK or AQ, and big PP, and I get a caller or so, just calling my bets, pre and post flop. All-too-often I've found these guys are "just" calling or "smooth" calling and they got or get the goods. I've had sense and the presence of mind to get away from it, but not without giving away good money on good cards all for naught. Also, lately it's been my experience that when I opt NOT to fire the third bullet on after the Turn card, and the guy to act after me, tosses out a pot or larger than life bet...he really does have it. I've been fortunate in the fact that I've normally had at least one other guy in the hand that invariably makes the call so I've been able to witness the slaughter, and have proof positive that I was in fact beat! Yes, it provides comfort to know that I'm not winning but I'm losing the RIGHT way. (interpret thick layer of sarcasm) I did contribute a bit of extra loss to the affair last night with another $10-spot to the evils of blackjack. Okay, I get it...it's a guilty pleasure. The ring games last night didn't do me any good. I did however hit 3rd in an el cheapo SNG. It was a miracle. I am mystified by how some people severely over value hands. I've watched bets and reraises out there by guys who you can just feel actually believe they have a great hand, and I get to watch from the sidelines as they get butchered. In most cases the hand that I already dropped was superior to the one they are out there gunnin' with...but I had the presence of mind to step away from it knowing that the NUTS hand is there just itchin' to felt me. I've avoided those traps. I've seen guys slow playin' their pocket aces, with 4 and 5 people in the pot. This just floors me. I've had my all-ins called down by J-8s type hands, and I sit in awe. Don't confuse awe for admiration!
I'd like to start shadowing some players at the tables. But picking the players is a bit of a mystery. I've wandered YouTube and found postings of extended virtual table cams, where a player is recording his own session to show how and what they are doing. One I thought was very interesting to say the least was Annette Obrestad's video of her playing a SNG with a post-it note covering her holecards from her own view (in the video you the viewer could see her holecards of course.) I watched her early on fold pocket Kings, unbeknownst to her at the time. She was playing primarily by position...to an extreme, regardless of her cards or stack. I had heard some on the forums attest to how well she played position and that this video was a testament to how important that is, and how truly great annette_15 really is. And while I admire Annette's accomplishments and continued success and repeatability, what I saw in the video was some monstrous good luck. I recall several KEY hands in which she used her position to raise big but should have been clobbered when pushed, but she sucked out! BAD! I'm not saying that we all don't do it from time to time, but man she was runnin' hot at the right times. Not all the time, but just at the right time.
I'm also struck by the fact that my play does typically allow me to win "a little." But NEVER "a lot." I know that's subjective, but here's what I mean. Sure I'm down a few bucks on PokerRewards, but I can drop back and hunker down and over time I'll rebuild back to where I was before. But I'll approach and reach a glass ceiling. And then it'll begin to drop off again. My online and offline sessions are typically punctuated by SLOW starts. No cards, early on, blinding off and giving away 1/4 to 1/2 of my stack in blinds and bets on my good cards, but not connecting. Then I'll hit something...that'll JUST get me back up, just shy of where I started out and I'll just kind of tread water at the table. I never hit big. I never weight my end of the table down with a copious amount of chips. Baby Steps...lotsa baby steps, but never a big or medium profitable run. Reading some guys out there routinely 8-12 tabling at $.50/$1.00 or $1/$2 NLHE tables and turning up profitable sessions nearly all of the time. Now you KNOW 8-12 tabling they're not paying an enormous amount of attention to any one table or any specific players, or taking meaningful notes. They're playing "by the numbers" poker. And I think many of you would classify MY GAME as such. Not a lot of bluffs, very few hands, played, usually no more that 30-35% played preflop, which I don't think anyone would argue that is too many or few, but is probably about right. As of late however, my showdown wins have been under 60%. I would think that number needs to be A LOT higher. Getting rivered, sucked out on, blahblahblah, accounts for some of it, but I would think I need to be closer to around 80+% win rate at showdown. So there's a hole in there somewhere, I just gotta find it. I don't think I'm taking mediocre holdings too far, but it is possible and I'll have to admit it. I need to be tracking progress better. I really do need to get Poker Tracker or some equivalent up and cranking in a useful fashion. Rather than speculation, I need some cold hard facts to point to. So that'll be my next goal on the road to Pokerdom. I need better notes and session tracking information to look back to. I need to pick a style and stick to it exclusively! No mish mash of my method, as it usually just frustrates no one but me.
I also need to pick my poison. Ring Games and levels, SNG's or MTT's.
I need to get some money out on Full Tilt Poker, because I'd really like to try my hand at the Mookie tourneys and some of the other blogger goodness tournements that I keep reading about. Some of my favorite bloggers that I read daily are playing there, and I think I should give that room a shot again. : ) I didn't do so well there once upon a time, but then again it was a very long time ago AND I risked more than a fair share with a really good hand that encountered the nuts and sent me to the rail. At the time I had money on a lot of different sites and I just opted to slink away to one of them instead of redepositing. It made more sense, and it seemed to me that if I'd deposited again, I'd feel like I was playing from behind and I'd be trying too hard and ultimately I'd give way to the forces of TILT! So there was a thought process...and maybe I'm not as all ZEN as all that, but I was at least trying to control my heart beat and rate of breathing, so at least give me the "A" for effort people. Speaking of Zen, I'm currently reading "Zen and the Art of Poker" by Larry Phillips. I know...weirdo, geek, card playerey type shtuff. I'll probably finish it and something else while I'm in Shepherdstown, WV for the next couple of weeks for training. Incidentally, I'm STILL mad at you voters in Jefferson County for not approving "table gaming" at Charles Town Races and Slots, which I'll be within 15 minutes of for this trip. You know where I'd have been every night after class don't you! My prediction in like 3-ish years that you'll be reversing this decision and rolling in the tables and chips. But you know you'll have to wait the full 4 years before putting it back on the ballot now, don't cha! : ) That wasn't a very Zen thing to say now was it! : P
But enough about poker... (pant, pant)
The other topic I wanted to at least give "some" attention to is the SEASON FOUR PREMIERE of LOST!!! Wahoo!!! At least the next 8 episode installments that the writers have decided to grace us with in this mid season/year time to be releasing a series on tv. Whatever it is, I for one am EXTREMEMLY grateful! As always there were more questions than answers in this episode. So much to continue wondering (obsessing about.) The Oceanic 6, Jacob, Charlie, Daniel Faraday, Christian, and a new mystery Matthew Abbadon! I loved the intermingled Oceanic Airlines commercials! THIS is what TV should be! I won't try to cover it for anyone in depth. If you haven't watched it, that's your own fault, go rent it starting from Season 1 and get caught up. For those of you who are avid fans, you know I could spend days out here writing and theorizing about what all is going on on the show. Instead, I'll point you to http://losteastereggs.blogspot.com/ or the homepage proper for it http://darkufo.blogspot.com/. This is a blog/site that I thoroughly enjoy. Visitor participation is great and the Hi Rez screencaptures are fantastic. These guys are workin' hard. Thanks for feeding the addiction and keep up the good work!
And oh there's JR's email announcing NDPT Tourney #2 of the year! February 16th at 6:00pm, this time at his house. I've responded...how about YOU!!!
I've got to wrap this up now...got a few loose ends to deal with before leaving!
Regards,
cheer_dad
I'd like to start shadowing some players at the tables. But picking the players is a bit of a mystery. I've wandered YouTube and found postings of extended virtual table cams, where a player is recording his own session to show how and what they are doing. One I thought was very interesting to say the least was Annette Obrestad's video of her playing a SNG with a post-it note covering her holecards from her own view (in the video you the viewer could see her holecards of course.) I watched her early on fold pocket Kings, unbeknownst to her at the time. She was playing primarily by position...to an extreme, regardless of her cards or stack. I had heard some on the forums attest to how well she played position and that this video was a testament to how important that is, and how truly great annette_15 really is. And while I admire Annette's accomplishments and continued success and repeatability, what I saw in the video was some monstrous good luck. I recall several KEY hands in which she used her position to raise big but should have been clobbered when pushed, but she sucked out! BAD! I'm not saying that we all don't do it from time to time, but man she was runnin' hot at the right times. Not all the time, but just at the right time.
I'm also struck by the fact that my play does typically allow me to win "a little." But NEVER "a lot." I know that's subjective, but here's what I mean. Sure I'm down a few bucks on PokerRewards, but I can drop back and hunker down and over time I'll rebuild back to where I was before. But I'll approach and reach a glass ceiling. And then it'll begin to drop off again. My online and offline sessions are typically punctuated by SLOW starts. No cards, early on, blinding off and giving away 1/4 to 1/2 of my stack in blinds and bets on my good cards, but not connecting. Then I'll hit something...that'll JUST get me back up, just shy of where I started out and I'll just kind of tread water at the table. I never hit big. I never weight my end of the table down with a copious amount of chips. Baby Steps...lotsa baby steps, but never a big or medium profitable run. Reading some guys out there routinely 8-12 tabling at $.50/$1.00 or $1/$2 NLHE tables and turning up profitable sessions nearly all of the time. Now you KNOW 8-12 tabling they're not paying an enormous amount of attention to any one table or any specific players, or taking meaningful notes. They're playing "by the numbers" poker. And I think many of you would classify MY GAME as such. Not a lot of bluffs, very few hands, played, usually no more that 30-35% played preflop, which I don't think anyone would argue that is too many or few, but is probably about right. As of late however, my showdown wins have been under 60%. I would think that number needs to be A LOT higher. Getting rivered, sucked out on, blahblahblah, accounts for some of it, but I would think I need to be closer to around 80+% win rate at showdown. So there's a hole in there somewhere, I just gotta find it. I don't think I'm taking mediocre holdings too far, but it is possible and I'll have to admit it. I need to be tracking progress better. I really do need to get Poker Tracker or some equivalent up and cranking in a useful fashion. Rather than speculation, I need some cold hard facts to point to. So that'll be my next goal on the road to Pokerdom. I need better notes and session tracking information to look back to. I need to pick a style and stick to it exclusively! No mish mash of my method, as it usually just frustrates no one but me.
I also need to pick my poison. Ring Games and levels, SNG's or MTT's.
I need to get some money out on Full Tilt Poker, because I'd really like to try my hand at the Mookie tourneys and some of the other blogger goodness tournements that I keep reading about. Some of my favorite bloggers that I read daily are playing there, and I think I should give that room a shot again. : ) I didn't do so well there once upon a time, but then again it was a very long time ago AND I risked more than a fair share with a really good hand that encountered the nuts and sent me to the rail. At the time I had money on a lot of different sites and I just opted to slink away to one of them instead of redepositing. It made more sense, and it seemed to me that if I'd deposited again, I'd feel like I was playing from behind and I'd be trying too hard and ultimately I'd give way to the forces of TILT! So there was a thought process...and maybe I'm not as all ZEN as all that, but I was at least trying to control my heart beat and rate of breathing, so at least give me the "A" for effort people. Speaking of Zen, I'm currently reading "Zen and the Art of Poker" by Larry Phillips. I know...weirdo, geek, card playerey type shtuff. I'll probably finish it and something else while I'm in Shepherdstown, WV for the next couple of weeks for training. Incidentally, I'm STILL mad at you voters in Jefferson County for not approving "table gaming" at Charles Town Races and Slots, which I'll be within 15 minutes of for this trip. You know where I'd have been every night after class don't you! My prediction in like 3-ish years that you'll be reversing this decision and rolling in the tables and chips. But you know you'll have to wait the full 4 years before putting it back on the ballot now, don't cha! : ) That wasn't a very Zen thing to say now was it! : P
But enough about poker... (pant, pant)
The other topic I wanted to at least give "some" attention to is the SEASON FOUR PREMIERE of LOST!!! Wahoo!!! At least the next 8 episode installments that the writers have decided to grace us with in this mid season/year time to be releasing a series on tv. Whatever it is, I for one am EXTREMEMLY grateful! As always there were more questions than answers in this episode. So much to continue wondering (obsessing about.) The Oceanic 6, Jacob, Charlie, Daniel Faraday, Christian, and a new mystery Matthew Abbadon! I loved the intermingled Oceanic Airlines commercials! THIS is what TV should be! I won't try to cover it for anyone in depth. If you haven't watched it, that's your own fault, go rent it starting from Season 1 and get caught up. For those of you who are avid fans, you know I could spend days out here writing and theorizing about what all is going on on the show. Instead, I'll point you to http://losteastereggs.blogspot.com/ or the homepage proper for it http://darkufo.blogspot.com/. This is a blog/site that I thoroughly enjoy. Visitor participation is great and the Hi Rez screencaptures are fantastic. These guys are workin' hard. Thanks for feeding the addiction and keep up the good work!
And oh there's JR's email announcing NDPT Tourney #2 of the year! February 16th at 6:00pm, this time at his house. I've responded...how about YOU!!!
I've got to wrap this up now...got a few loose ends to deal with before leaving!
Regards,
cheer_dad
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