Let's Go Bullets!

Once more down to the fields again today, as the Tri-C Bullets play host to Ravenswood today. Cole is primed and ready and itching to plow over a quarterback. It's been a long weekend all around and it's nice to be winding it down. But got to keep up the intensity for just a little while. Teresa already headed down to work the gate, I'm going down with Cole at 1:30 and I have to work the chain gang during his game. So, it's a family affair sorta day, not just Cole.

Early morning texts from Uncle June imply that he's been involved in a little offensive/defensive action himself. Love is a battlefield, baby! So, I say when the officials aren't looking, CHEAT! jk

Tomorrow I have to interview for a job that I won't get, at a time that normally finds me already heading for the house, 4:00pm. BUT, that's how it goes. I'm confident I know who's getting it, and honestly he's a good guy and frankly one who I believe has rightly paid his dues. Either I believe all that or I'm a tremendous suckup, since after all he will become my boss. Yes, I applied for the recently vacated position of my own boss. I guess it's time to let 'em know that I'm even interested in moving above the lead spot. Although, I have like another 19 years to go til retirement or something like that. Shudder... all of a sudden I'm depressed.

But that's all for now, I'll see some of you today at the fields, while others tomorrow in the AM at work. Have a nice Sunday gang.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Thought dump...

Great day yesterday! We took in the WVU game with friends here at the house, with some excellent food, and cold beer. Hung out all day and on into the night. Good times! I won't say much more about the Mountaineers except that, "well at least they won..." Oh, and Marshall also won in their season opener. Congrats.

Today, we go to Cole's football game, Our Tri-C Bullets head over to do battle with the Godbey Warhawks. Still not like I have to travel any distance as the field is like 5 minutes from the house. (Okay maybe 10 if I obey the speed limit on Gihon Road.) I'll likely see lots of friends there today on both sides of the field. Well that is up until the opening kickoff!

To all of you who still read the old blog, thanks a bunch. I know it has taken a recent hiatus from all things pokery. But there's just been so little time. I play all the tournaments still, NDPT, Eagles, Yanok's, Stanwick's but there has been very little in the online arena for me. Life's got to have its priorities. Family wins hands down... I don't even need to see a flop!

You've also likely noted some recapping of "turmoil..." Yes, there's been some. Yes, I've been involved (from both sides of the fence.) Yes, I'm still standing. Yes, my gainful employment will continue. Yes, the rumors swirling around about others are GREATLY exaggerated. Yes, some of the folks you think have been affected, in fact have NOT been. Yes, the tactics are shady. Yes, I think the ninth circle of hell is reserved for some of those conducting this witch hunt. Yes, I think the bad karma will eventually come back around and bite 'em in the ass. You find that inappropriate? Offensive? I assure you, not nearly as inappropriate or as offensive as I find the amount of time, effort, and dollars that are being wasted on this frivolous undertaking. Yes, the impact that this "investigation" is having on a lot of GOOD people is very troubling to me. In fact, the plight of others concerns me more than my own. It's wrong folks, and I think you know it. And I think you should start reading the writing on the wall and bring it to an end, quickly... before it's too late.

Regards,

cheer_dad

I can't quite put my finger on it...

The family and I are back from our nation's capital after a fun weekend of doing the tourist thing. We visited the White House at 8:00pm on Friday, for a quick tour. It was great to actually visit... but honestly they really need to spice things up a little on that tour. Not that I expected to see the Prez wander out into the hall in his boxers or something, but I'm just saying... Following the tour we headed down to the Lincoln Memorial, to take in the view of the Reflection Pool, then walked along to see the Korean and Viet Nam War Memorials, which are on either side of the pool. I absolutely love the Korean Memorial. If you've never visited it, I highly recommend it. It is beautiful, eerie, and makes me feel humble and proud all at the same time, every time I visit it. Also, take it all in at night...

The following day we went on a whirlwind tour of a couple of the Smithsonian Museums, the National History and Air and Space Museums. We spent hours in each, and even took in an IMAX movie, which was spectacular. The kids clearly favored Day 2 of the trip. Of course, Cole would have been content to have rode around on the Metro all day and night. I'll remember that on future vacations! CHEAP! I did manage to snap several pictures though, including the one of Cole hamming it up with the Washington Monument.

We got back late and collapsed into bed early Sunday morning. We slept in a little, before heading to the football field at Warren, OH. Our boys played great and won their game 18-6. Cole played on the line offense and defense for the whole first half, and most of the 3rd quarter, when they started subbing in our other players. He did great and I was proud of him... We always check out the new "colors" on his helmet after every practice and game. There was lots and lots of new blue after this one. Those big boys hit big too!

Today, I spent mowing the lawn and catching up on the vacation laundry, ugh... Okay it was a day off from work, spent working nonetheless. Hope all is well with each of you.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Like I said... fish

We went to Yanok's last night. Big Red and I chopped 1st and 2nd in game one! I sucked out somethin' awful on people. I played a huge number of hands and had a ball and drank copious amounts. Good times, good friends... I tripled up on a hand with a J5os, when I got a little cocky with it, when I hit a Jack for 2nd pair. I bet out, got raised and I and another called. My 3rd Jack hit the turn and the rest was history!

Today, we had the Grid-O-Rama! Here's my animal of a tackle!!!














Great job today Cole, and wow was it hot!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Eagles Poker, Friday August 21, 7pm

Mark your calendars now for Friday, August 21st, 7:00pm for the next Texas Hold'em Tournament at the Eagles Aerie 2307. If you haven't attended one of these, please plan to do so. We always have a great time. Registration begins at 6:00pm, gametime 7:00pm. $25 buy-in ($20 - tourney/$5 - all-in chip.) There were a whopping 47 players that showed up to play last time. Eric F, found himself on a roll and took it down once again. Congratulations to him.

The Aerie will be buying additional poker chips so that the 50 person limit will be lifted, and the game will be able to grow. Thank you all for your continued support, and all the great times that we have together!

I also will give reminder/mention of the Yanok's Poker night, which is this Friday night, August 14th. This is always a great night. Hope to see you all there.

I want to apologize for not keeping the dust off of the blog... work has twisted and turned me in a number of ways lately, and add to that Cole's football season, and the "every weekday night" practice schedule. I'm getting off work, driving home, changing getting pads/jersey/equipment ready, and grabbing the boy and heading to the field. We're getting home around 8:30, and maybe having dinner by 9:00. Life's a bit of a blur.

Speaking of football... Cole's team last night was subdivided for some impromptu scrimmaging. Half the team (9 and 10 year olds) moved over to go head-to-head with the 11 and 12 year olds team. While the others remained to play against the 8 and under team. Guess which way Cole went?!? Let's just say that the guy he ended up clashing with for the rest of the evening only out-weighed him by 30-40 pounds. When he would come over to the sideline for a water break, I asked him how he was doing. Between gulps he said "okay... but I'd be doing better, if he'd stop the holding!" Where the hell's an official when you need one, right?

Hope all is well with each of you...

Regards,

cheer_dad

Behold the WALL!

Tremble if you must... but fear would be a good emotion to have. I give you the WALL! The Bullets had their picture day this morning and I took the opportunity to snap this one with the phone to share. Cole is doing great and just tearing up the world.

Regards,

cheer_dad

P.S. Big Red says she loves the jerseys 'cause they remind her of her beloved COWBOYS! : P

Bowling continues...final, and some other sporting event

Day #2 of the City Tournament for Cole found yours truly at work applying OS patches instead of cheering him on to further bling. Instead Big Red took up that duty. I did make it there, to see him win another trophy for 2nd place in the Doubles handicapped score (yes the score not the kids.) He did well, but even he said he was better the day before. Shiny trophies I suppose soften such blows. I've seen enough of the bowling alley for a spell though.

Today there is some other sporting event I believe... oh yeah, the Super Bowl starts really soon! In fact as soon as I can get the wife ready and moving we're going up to the Eagles for the 1st half. Free giveaways, drink specials, food stuffs, drink specials, socialization, and did I mention drink specials. I think the one I had my eye one was "free beer" after each touchdown! May this be the all-time high scoring-est Super DEE-DUPER Bowl ever. That would make me SHHHHOOO happy! I'll confess I'm silently rooting for the Steelers! Shhh, don't tell Big Red. She still wincing from the fact that her beloved Dallas Cowboys won't be trotting out onto the field tonight. Hope to see some of you up there.

I'll also have to get a "trip-report" from JR, Frank, and Erik who headed down to Cross Lanes last night. There's always a story...ALWAYS! Whether it's a bad beat, a great win, or just more sad-sack stories of chucking beer bottles at the interstate signs. Whatever may have happened I'm sorry I missed it guys.

Anyway, it's nearly game time... GOTTA GO!

Regards,

cheer_dad

NDPT #18 Aftermath

Things always look more bleak when you drink.
It's not so bad! : )

Anyway NDPT #18 Matt Hensley wandered back to the game and came out the big winner last night. And as hard as it is for me to type this out. Steve "All-In" Allman is the NDPT Points Champion of 2008. Seriously though, Congratulations!!!

I went back and figured my win/loss from last night, and despite turning belligerent and exiting the cash game post haste, I made a few bucks. Of course I didn't cash in the tournament, but I did pick up 2 bounties for $10, and then cashed out for like $52 in the cash game. So, I paid in $25 + $20 and ended up with $62, for a $17 profit for the evening. Then, I decided to throw caution to the wind and fired up Bodog! I three tabled at $25 buyin, full-ring NLHE, and made another $21. So, like I said it wasn't too bad of a night after all. Yeah, I should prolly drink less when playing huh! : )

Anyway, time to call this a post, I gotta head to the store and pick up supplies for todays football game. Steelers vs. Cowboys! Big Red says I gotta cheer for the Cowboys!!!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Parkersburg South Patriot's End of the Season

Although they battled furiously against the Bridgeport High School Indians, the South Patriots came up short in their football playoff game. The scoreboard which showed Parkersburg South 35 Bridgeport 42 doesn't do the game justice. It was a nail-biter from start to finish! The Patriots were first to get on the board, having shut-down the Indian offense in its first drive and taking over after the punt. They drove the ball even opting to risk a 4th down conversion, which paid off and got us on the board. Unfortunately, the Indians came alive and were able to get a touchdown up on us, and despite a late rally by the Patriots, there simply wasn't enough time left on the clock to make it happen. Going into the 2:00 left in the game mark, it looked like we were headed for an overtime session, but the Indians punched through the line a couple more times and with around 37 seconds remaining got one more TD on the board to break the 35-35 gridlock. The Patriots were unable to bounce back, and the final buzzer sounded, ending the playoff hopes and the season. But, the Patriots have much to be proud of for this football season. They had a great run and have the admiration of us all! Fantastic Job guys! You've made us proud! As always... LET'S GOOOOO PATRIOTS!!!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Broad spectrum of topics

So I started this long, in-depth analysis of the "Final Rule" submitted by the Federal Reserve System and the Department of the Treasury providing policy and regs related to the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act.) I was up to page 30-ish of the document which appears to be like 121 pages long and I've already created my own commentary that's just scrolling off the page, and suddenly it hits me. WTF!?! Why are you bothering!? The Act was crap, it was enacted in a shady fashion, it's been argued, beaten, commented upon, ignored, revised, and now this "final rule" gives us the regs for how to get it done. In short, this is just furtherance of crap. I immediately deleted my diatribe on the finer points of the most recent document. Look folks, we're beatin' this dead horse... and keep giving it new life, somehow. I'm not suggesting ignore it, but it seems the regs are here to stay at least for a while, until someone or something else comes along which renders it impotent or we just find a loophole to work around. I read Shamus comment in which he says he's sorry for the mushroom cloud picture and inciting a panic, but honestly I think we all know he wasn't suggesting that the end is nigh. He went on to cover I. Nelson Rose's comments which I think are spot on. Life will go on for poker and we who play her. However, the economy of the thing will suffer. What I mean to say is that the harder it becomes to "move" money about online for poker purposes, some folks simply won't bother. And a lot of those folks are fish and so you are going to continue to find yourself engaged in tougher and tougher games online. I'm not looking to deposit any time soon, if ever, since I have a comfortable sum online that I play with now. (I'd like it to get bigger, but I don't want it to rely on me depositing money to get there.) But with less new money flowing into the poker community, the skillset of those you will encounter is only going to improve. Only the strong will survive and the weak will not bother with a redeposit if they have to put too much work into it. So, I think Shamus has it right in this respect. The poker boom online owes much of its success to the ease with which you could get money online. There will be an impact, I'm certain, but I have no idea to what degree.

Anyway, I'd like to tell you I've been playing lotsa poker, but that'd be a lie. I did excavate and pour a concrete driveway extension to accommodate a third vehicle in the cheer_dad clan. Recall the yellow volkswagen now sitting out front in the belong of my daughter, Whitney. Two days of back-breaking work and chilly weather now behind me. The muscle aches and pains still bear witness to the feat though.

I'm tired, and now reviewing the log file from my phone it looks like I may have been called by the school (shudder.) Very likely in response to an email that I sent to my daughter's Geometry teacher, telling her that I think some changes are in order in her teaching approach. Okay, maybe I was a little more diplomatic than that. I can do that when I write. Not so much when cornered on the phone or in person. Diplomacy can then take the backseat... an argument will shortly ensue. But we shall see... and I shall blog.

Oh and don't forget... tonight we travel to Bridgeport, WV where the South Patriot Football Juggernaut faces off against Bridgeport High School in the first of our playoff games. Keep those fingers crossed! Let's GOOOOOOO Patriots!!!

Later all, it's just that kinda day.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Let's GOOOO Patriots!

A picture is worth a thousand words...



But sometimes you know, video just does it even better... click the image or the link to visit the Football Frenzy Report from WTAP.com:

http://www.wtap.com/footballfrenzy/headlines/30829044.html#

The Parkersburg South Patriots dominated Parkersburg High Big Reds throughout the game last night and really made the Patriot fans on hand to witness the action VERY PROUD! Final score was South 33 PHS 14!!! The power of the South running game proved too much for PHS along with the ability of the South defense to subdue PHS's ability to effectively move the ball. It should be said that after the half the Big Red's did put together an impressive passing game, that threatened to turn things around. But in the end the deficit and the clock were just too much to overcome. Congratulations on a fantastic, and well-deserved victory!

Regards,

cheer_dad

PHS vs South Tonight

The cross town rivalry football matchup of Parkersburg High School and Parkersburg South High School is tonight! The PHS Big Reds (3-3) play host at Stadium Field to the PSHS Patriots (4-2.) As is always the case excitement is high for this game. Throughout the state of West Virginia this is known as one of the hottest rivalries around. My wife (Big Red) graduated from PHS, while I graduated from PSHS, we live on South Side and our daughter CHEERS for PSHS, so you do the math (and it ain't friggin' geometry) we'll be cheering the Patriots on to night. We leave very shortly so this will have to settle for a post.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Sigh...

I went out first at the Yanok game last night. No love... On the flip side of failure, I was making some good reads, and made moves that I was proud of. Laying down pocket Queens when I knew I was beat... sometimes there is a sense of Nirvana even in defeat. Unfortunately the maniacs do still give me some trouble. If you can't legitimately put them on a hand, unless you're looking at the nuts every time, there's little room for error. I was crippled by Jerry when I hit top pair on the flop from the BB. He called from out of position with a 3-5 and straighted on the river. I would be more critical... BUT there's a lesson here that tells me that in order to really be successful and drag big pots, you've got to blind-side your opposition sometimes. Play the hands that they never see coming. They will tend to make more money than will the big pocket pairs, including the elusive Aces! I didn't play like a NIT, last night, but I just couldn't get it together. I took myself out with an ill-times bluff against Jeff, who had unfortunately hit 2nd pair. No harm, no foul. I headed home and fired up Bodog, played two SNG's and cashed (low) in both of them, but still a few bucks is a few bucks.

South won the football game last night, absolutely creaming Washington High 45-0, and the second half was with out 2nd string playing. Great Job Patriots! It's great to put another one in the "W" column especially for Homecoming. Congrats!

We're headed over to the Rempel's "Fiesta" very shortly. We'll see many of you here very shortly.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Parkersburg South vs McKinley Tech

Tonight the Parkersburg South Patriots played host to McKinley Tech from DC and there was much cause for celebration and laughter. That's my baby with the big smile on her face having a great time during the game. : )












McKinley in white, South in Blue are shown here in play action.






Here's another picture of yet another kickoff by the Patriots. Let's just say we had to do that a lot!!!









Mad Max ran the length of the field more times tonight than I think he cares to remember, as each time a TD hit the scoreboard he got to do his thing and run the flag. When the dust settled and the final gun went off, the scoreboard read Patriots 49 McKinley 0... Lots of points on the board, and what a great start to the season. Keep up the intensity boys, work and play hard.

Congratulations! We'll see you next week at Warren High School.
GO SOUTH!!!

Regards,

cheer_dad

The weekend continues

On Friday at the Yanok's I blew it! Failing to pay attention on one key hand, cost me a cashout in the tournament. I didn't see that Chris was still holding cards, when I pushed all in with a pocket 7's. No one else looked interested in their cards. So I was pushing with my lowly little pair, to take it down right there. Chris's cards were covered by his hands...not on purpose, but face it he's a big guy. At any rate he as well pushed it all in too, with his pocket Jacks, which held, and even improved when he flopped his set. Oops. The good news is that I still have a very good chip stack for the year ending game, which is scheduled for December 21st. I think I'll lighten up on the alcohol consumption for that one. Last night, at JR's I cashed to make a total of like $10 for the night. Wahoo, yippee! Right now were getting ready to leave for Scott and Sally's for the Steelers/Patriots game. And, wow it's time to go now...

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

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