Day 2. Saturday morning. The day after a very fun and memorable Day 1. It was just like old times hanging our with my standard crew. Started out as 7, finished as 3. The usual.
I woke up with a screaming head ache, back ache and arm ache. Couldn't figure it out... and I some of it hit me at different parts of Day 2. Maybe it was the pullout bed or maybe it was the uncountable number of glasses of Heineken I took down. Liquid gold I tell ya.
Lola and I decided to go downtown. Met up with a few others that were already there and basically just walked the city and enjoyed the spirit of the games.
We took the Canada line down and got off at City Center. The streets were shutdown and there was a sea of people cast over Robson Square. People from all nations were wandering the streets.
Then we headed to Yaletown. Maybe a 20 minute walk. But this was no ordinary walk. Nothing about this experience has been ordinary. We had lunch at the Hub restaurant. I had a wicked beef dip and split a jug of 1516 with Dthong. Dthong is Lola's best bud. She's a hoot and holds her own when it comes to drinking. Dthong had an in at the Hub, but surprisingly we didn't need to excercise the option as we lucked out and got a seat right on the patio where we able to soak in more spirit.
After lunch we walked over to David Lam park to watch the band Default. Free concert goodness. The place was pounding out music, which took quite a while to get too. Maybe another 20 minute walk. Broke in the new shoes nicely.
Beer buzz on, we take a left and see the entrance way. Then the lineup started... and kept going... and going, and going around three citl bock lengths. Nuts. We made a pact that we would not line up. Not on Day 2. We wanted to maximize the fun and not kill the buzz (although the line was moving... so I exclaimed) so we agreed that no lineups were to be had unless it was our last resort.
So we hopped in a cab and headed over to Gastown. Another town you say? Not really... it's basically like taking a cab from The MGM Grande to the Venetian. Not worth the walk, that's for sure.
We arrived at the German House and the lineup was big, but tolerable. We still weren't prepared to wait when you could just go next store to Steamworks for a few. We wanted more beer!
Fortunately, Dthong had the in. It was one of those ins that I have only really heard about or read about until now. Or seen in a movie. Yeah, like a move! One of those mob style ones. One of those Goodfellas type moments.
We sat outside while text messages flew back and forth. Our in was in a meeting and we sat tight until we got the word. Skipping this 1000 person lineup was within reach and beer was only moments away. No need for a bracelet. Not even a security check.
I had never even met this girl - the in. She hooked us up and hooked us up good. We basically waited for the exact moment. It wasn't a sneak in either. Like we went through the kitchen type of a move. Over one rope and through the back entrance of the tent and we were ordering beer 5 minutes later.
The place wasn't even jammed. It was not like the Holland house at all. Security was lacking, the design was weak. There was no authentic German type of stuff at all. I wasn't about to complain to the in though as that would just be foolish.
I will say that they did bring in their own food, beer and a band. They lacked the TV coverage although the people space was very limited. The beer was awesome. German Pilsner, your choice of light or dark. I chugged the lighter colored liquid gold and at a medium pace.
We watched the ladies mogules on the big screen and saw one of the Canadians earn our first medal. A Silver medal at that. Well done. I am sure most of you witnessed the one wipe out. Oh and USA taking Gold and Bronze was a plus for my American readers. They are out to an early lead in the Medal count.
14.2.10
Heineken House of liquid GOLD
Friday night, Day 1 of the Olympics in my home city. What an absolute honor. I'll try to highlight my daily activity and bring you a little insight... Schaubs style.
I took off from work early and headed to the Shed for a few beers and the Canucks game. At 6pm we went over to the Ozone / Heineken House. I never did leave the Heineken house (located inside the ozone property) and missed out on the Ozone experience. Good thing this was only day 1.
I took lots of video. If I ever figure it out, I'll put some up.
The Holland Heineken House was awesome. They imported their own beer. My favorite beer. Some ridiculous amount of beer. They also had an ice cold version that was only served up top in the Restaurant. It was cold. Ice cold and delicious.
Most of these houses bring their own band. Usually a cover band/well known band in their own country type of band.
The Dutch also brought their own staff. Nice, friendly, polite, good looking people.
Day 1 was a success.
I took off from work early and headed to the Shed for a few beers and the Canucks game. At 6pm we went over to the Ozone / Heineken House. I never did leave the Heineken house (located inside the ozone property) and missed out on the Ozone experience. Good thing this was only day 1.
I took lots of video. If I ever figure it out, I'll put some up.
The Holland Heineken House was awesome. They imported their own beer. My favorite beer. Some ridiculous amount of beer. They also had an ice cold version that was only served up top in the Restaurant. It was cold. Ice cold and delicious.
Most of these houses bring their own band. Usually a cover band/well known band in their own country type of band.
The Dutch also brought their own staff. Nice, friendly, polite, good looking people.
Day 1 was a success.
12.2.10
Let the Games begin!!
Any other prop betters out there need to post their action before the end of Friday (today).
Here are the bets that have been made:
Dr. Pauly - Canada vs. USA - reluctantly, I gave him even up medals because I wanted the action and it was only one medal. $10.
BWOP - Canada vs. CZR - (20) medals. $10.
PinkyStinky - Canada vs. China - (13) medals. $10.
MHG - Canada Gold Only vs. Finland Gold Only - (7) medals. $5.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CANADA GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Here are the bets that have been made:
Dr. Pauly - Canada vs. USA - reluctantly, I gave him even up medals because I wanted the action and it was only one medal. $10.
BWOP - Canada vs. CZR - (20) medals. $10.
PinkyStinky - Canada vs. China - (13) medals. $10.
MHG - Canada Gold Only vs. Finland Gold Only - (7) medals. $5.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CANADA GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
9.2.10
Olympic Medal Prop Bets - Canada vs.
Anyone interested in betting on the Olympics? Let's make it a simple prop bet involving the medal standings. Here are the 2006 results (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Total) ranked by total gold medals... because we all know that winning the gold is the only thing that matters!
1. Germany 11 12 6 29
2. United States 9 9 7 25
3. Austria 9 7 7 23
4. Russia 8 6 8 22
5. Canada 7 10 7 24
6. Sweden 7 2 5 14
7. South Korea 6 3 2 11
8. Switzerland 5 4 5 14
9. Italy 5 0 6 11
10. France 3 2 4 9
10. Netherlands 3 2 4 9
12. Estonia 3 0 0 3
13. Norway 2 8 9 19
14. China 2 4 5 11
15. Czech Republic 1 2 1 4
16. Croatia 1 2 0 3
17. Australia 1 0 1 2
18. Japan 1 0 0 1
19. Finland 0 6 3 9
20. Poland 0 1 1 2
21. Belarus 0 1 0 1
21. Bulgaria 0 1 0 1
21. United Kingdom 0 1 0 1
21. Slovakia 0 1 0 1
25. Ukraine 0 0 2 2
26. Latvia 0 0 1 1
I will handicap it based on the above standings. If you want Latvia, I will give you a 23 medal spread. If you want Germany, then you give me a 5 medal spread. If you want to bet on gold medals only, then that is cool too. We will use the same structure.
I am open to any and all offers (not saying I will accept every single wager, but I will consider it). Send me an email or post your prop here in the comments and I will confirm whether it is a go. Paypal, FT or PS transfers are acceptable. Pay at the end of the Olympics... who knows maybe the men's gold medal hockey final will be the match that decides our bet!
Go Canada Go!!
1. Germany 11 12 6 29
2. United States 9 9 7 25
3. Austria 9 7 7 23
4. Russia 8 6 8 22
5. Canada 7 10 7 24
6. Sweden 7 2 5 14
7. South Korea 6 3 2 11
8. Switzerland 5 4 5 14
9. Italy 5 0 6 11
10. France 3 2 4 9
10. Netherlands 3 2 4 9
12. Estonia 3 0 0 3
13. Norway 2 8 9 19
14. China 2 4 5 11
15. Czech Republic 1 2 1 4
16. Croatia 1 2 0 3
17. Australia 1 0 1 2
18. Japan 1 0 0 1
19. Finland 0 6 3 9
20. Poland 0 1 1 2
21. Belarus 0 1 0 1
21. Bulgaria 0 1 0 1
21. United Kingdom 0 1 0 1
21. Slovakia 0 1 0 1
25. Ukraine 0 0 2 2
26. Latvia 0 0 1 1
I will handicap it based on the above standings. If you want Latvia, I will give you a 23 medal spread. If you want Germany, then you give me a 5 medal spread. If you want to bet on gold medals only, then that is cool too. We will use the same structure.
I am open to any and all offers (not saying I will accept every single wager, but I will consider it). Send me an email or post your prop here in the comments and I will confirm whether it is a go. Paypal, FT or PS transfers are acceptable. Pay at the end of the Olympics... who knows maybe the men's gold medal hockey final will be the match that decides our bet!
Go Canada Go!!
8.2.10
Olympic Torch Relay
We just stepped outside of our office to witness the torch relay. I gotta say it was pretty cool, even if it did come and go in less than 30 seconds. Which is what I expect of the actual games as well. Before you know it, the games will be over. So soak it in and enjoy. GO Canada GO!!
4.2.10
SCOOP ticket win, live cash game beat
I neglected to mention that I did play in one event during the WBCOOP. In fact, so did Lola. But before I get to that... was it just me or did everyone only get 2 tournament tickets? I am not sure if it was because I am a low limit low level donk or what the deal is but when I went to retrieve my tickets there were only two sitting there.
Knowing that I could only play in one or two events anyway I decided to sign up for the Thursday tournament and the Saturday tournament. I obviously had no clue how all of this was working because had I known there was a main event I would have only signed up for the weekend tournaments. For some reason I thought that the Sunday event was some sort of finals that everyone was trying to qualify for throughout the week (sort of like the BBT).
Little did I know that Sunday was just another tournament classified as the Main Event. In hindsight I should have known and used my second ticket on Sunday's event. I was home but had slept in from the night before. I didn't get home until 5am Sunday morning because I had drunkenly decided to take a run at the 100K bad beat jackpot over at the River Rock.
I did see a bad beat, but it was on myself and it didn't warrant the big 100K table payout. After about an hour of play I limped pocket 6's UTG knowing that there would be a raise somewhere. Guy UTG+1 called the $2 blind and then the button raised it to $12. BB called, I called and so did UTG+1.
The dream flop of 6-8-8 came out and I just flopped a full house. Two checks and UTG+1 leads out for $20. Under bet, but a bet nonetheless. It folds to me and I raise it up another $45. He shoves his remaining stack and I have him covered. It was another $100ish to me and I called hoping I had him beat or he had quads and we could take a run at the 100K bad beat pot. He flips over J-8 for trips and I am in good shape... right?
Turn 9, river 9. FML, I took it very well though. I was calm and just decided that poker was a dirty whore and didn't like me much at all at that point. Screw you poker, even when I get it in ahead you fuck me over.
Anyway, back to the tournament ticket I won on Saturday. I had to work and the tournament started at 12pm my time. I managed to talk Lola into playing the first hour and told her specifically to only play the biggest of big hands (AA, KK, QQ, AK) and that is it. She did, and did very well. When I got home at 1pm she had accumulated 8k in chips already! WTG!!
I kept those chips working for another 3 hours and when it was 4pm the Canucks game was about to start and I was already late for the party over at the shed. I called my buddy and told him I was ITM for an $11 ticket and had a push or fold type of stack of about 16BB's. I live open pushed with him on the phone with AQ and got called by KK and AK. GG me.
So yeah, one free roll tournament, one tournament ticket win to the SCOOP and the other free roll tournament ticket went to waste on Thursday. I had no clue what the SCOOP ticket was for until LJ or someone else told me. I actually thought it was for the finals when I first won it LOL.
I railed Lightning36 in the Main Event while playing in a $3 tourney on Sunday. AA went down to a flopped set of 7's. Just another day of poker in the Schaub's hood.
My name is Schaubs, and I suck at poker!
Knowing that I could only play in one or two events anyway I decided to sign up for the Thursday tournament and the Saturday tournament. I obviously had no clue how all of this was working because had I known there was a main event I would have only signed up for the weekend tournaments. For some reason I thought that the Sunday event was some sort of finals that everyone was trying to qualify for throughout the week (sort of like the BBT).
Little did I know that Sunday was just another tournament classified as the Main Event. In hindsight I should have known and used my second ticket on Sunday's event. I was home but had slept in from the night before. I didn't get home until 5am Sunday morning because I had drunkenly decided to take a run at the 100K bad beat jackpot over at the River Rock.
I did see a bad beat, but it was on myself and it didn't warrant the big 100K table payout. After about an hour of play I limped pocket 6's UTG knowing that there would be a raise somewhere. Guy UTG+1 called the $2 blind and then the button raised it to $12. BB called, I called and so did UTG+1.
The dream flop of 6-8-8 came out and I just flopped a full house. Two checks and UTG+1 leads out for $20. Under bet, but a bet nonetheless. It folds to me and I raise it up another $45. He shoves his remaining stack and I have him covered. It was another $100ish to me and I called hoping I had him beat or he had quads and we could take a run at the 100K bad beat pot. He flips over J-8 for trips and I am in good shape... right?
Turn 9, river 9. FML, I took it very well though. I was calm and just decided that poker was a dirty whore and didn't like me much at all at that point. Screw you poker, even when I get it in ahead you fuck me over.
Anyway, back to the tournament ticket I won on Saturday. I had to work and the tournament started at 12pm my time. I managed to talk Lola into playing the first hour and told her specifically to only play the biggest of big hands (AA, KK, QQ, AK) and that is it. She did, and did very well. When I got home at 1pm she had accumulated 8k in chips already! WTG!!
I kept those chips working for another 3 hours and when it was 4pm the Canucks game was about to start and I was already late for the party over at the shed. I called my buddy and told him I was ITM for an $11 ticket and had a push or fold type of stack of about 16BB's. I live open pushed with him on the phone with AQ and got called by KK and AK. GG me.
So yeah, one free roll tournament, one tournament ticket win to the SCOOP and the other free roll tournament ticket went to waste on Thursday. I had no clue what the SCOOP ticket was for until LJ or someone else told me. I actually thought it was for the finals when I first won it LOL.
I railed Lightning36 in the Main Event while playing in a $3 tourney on Sunday. AA went down to a flopped set of 7's. Just another day of poker in the Schaub's hood.
My name is Schaubs, and I suck at poker!
30.1.10
Rush Observation
More often than not, if you raise from MP/LP (heck even UTG works sometimes) and someone from the SB or BB three bets, slide out a 4th bet and they will most likely fold.
My theory is that they think that you think you can steal their blinds, so they raise. Therefore, you think that they think they can three bet and push you off... so what do you?
Four bet those weak tights!
Oh and guess what, surprise surprise I am a losing player at Rush... LOL
My name is Schaubs and I suck at poker!
...but that won't stop me from playing a few hundred hands tonight! Find me and you "takes the money Lebowski."
My theory is that they think that you think you can steal their blinds, so they raise. Therefore, you think that they think they can three bet and push you off... so what do you?
Four bet those weak tights!
Oh and guess what, surprise surprise I am a losing player at Rush... LOL
My name is Schaubs and I suck at poker!
...but that won't stop me from playing a few hundred hands tonight! Find me and you "takes the money Lebowski."
29.1.10
Vancouver City
Here's a great video I heard about this morning on my way to work. In fact, they were interviewing the creators on Larry & Willy and went into great detail about what it took to make this time lapse video capture... 2 hours of clicking for 8 seconds! Crazy.
Just another reason why you should all be coming to Vancouver at some point in your life. Enjoy.
Just another reason why you should all be coming to Vancouver at some point in your life. Enjoy.
26.1.10
Gotta Love it
Gotta love it when you comment on someone's blog out of sheer boredom.
Gotta love it that I suck at poker.
Gotta love it when someone turns your comment into a post.
Gotta love it that I played my first round of golf of 2010 last Saturday.
Gotta love it that the Colts won the AFC Championship.
Gotta love it when I know poker is just a hobby.
Gotta love it when that comment you made is used for a new post and still no props.
Gotta love it that I started off my round with a double bogey.
Gotta love it that I shot 76.
Gotta love it that my job is going well.
Gotta love it that I just got a hair cut.
Gotta love it when you miss a one foot par putt.
Gotta love it when that hair cut looks and feels good.
Gotta love it that I am done with gotta love it.
Gotta love it that I suck at poker.
Gotta love it when someone turns your comment into a post.
Gotta love it that I played my first round of golf of 2010 last Saturday.
Gotta love it that the Colts won the AFC Championship.
Gotta love it when I know poker is just a hobby.
Gotta love it when that comment you made is used for a new post and still no props.
Gotta love it that I started off my round with a double bogey.
Gotta love it that I shot 76.
Gotta love it that my job is going well.
Gotta love it that I just got a hair cut.
Gotta love it when you miss a one foot par putt.
Gotta love it when that hair cut looks and feels good.
Gotta love it that I am done with gotta love it.
20.1.10
Rushing back to Cash games
Bloglines has been blowing up with a bunch of posts regarding Full Tilt's latest crack version of cash games called Rush Poker. I've gotta say that after only trying it for 15 minutes last night - I love it.
It's got this non-metagame aspect to it that I find extremely desirable when I want to just pound out a few hands in the evening. If I've got 10-30 minutes to spare while I wait for Lola to finish whatever it is she wants to finish before we start up a show on the PVR, then this is where I will be from now on.
Instantly, I came up with my own strategy that seemed to work well. First off, I selected 6 max at the lowest limit. After all, I had 10 bucks and fifteen minutes to either blow it or double it... and double it I did, and then some. I walked (logged) out with $15 profit in 15 minutes and I was itchin' to play more. Having already gone 5 minutes past my self imposed deadline it was difficult to log off, only because I kept getting dealt hands so quickly and didn't want to walk away from a potential monster.
I chose 6 max because I thought it would be easier to steal the blinds with Ace-rag type of hands, and the frequency that I could do that was much higher than when sitting a table with some stat tracking nit whore (ok the whore part I just threw in there for fun). Whore. So far so good.
Flying from table to table (yes, I actually felt like I was really truly flying at some moments) made it easy to raise in position with a wider range of hands. The real money is to be made post flop IMO. If you have any clue how to play post flop positional poker you can really put the pressure on some players depending on how deep the stacks are. Bluffing and cbetting are a must if you want to take down those small raised pots uncontested. If someone pushes back and you don't have the goods - fold and move on! Raise again at your new table!
This aggression will not stand man. (anyone who can name what movie that line came from will get a virtual high five from me, dude.) There will be adjustments made and the novelty might wear off but for now I say join the fun and make some quick cash.
Strike while the iron is hot fellow poker junkies, there is new dead money to be had!
It's got this non-metagame aspect to it that I find extremely desirable when I want to just pound out a few hands in the evening. If I've got 10-30 minutes to spare while I wait for Lola to finish whatever it is she wants to finish before we start up a show on the PVR, then this is where I will be from now on.
Instantly, I came up with my own strategy that seemed to work well. First off, I selected 6 max at the lowest limit. After all, I had 10 bucks and fifteen minutes to either blow it or double it... and double it I did, and then some. I walked (logged) out with $15 profit in 15 minutes and I was itchin' to play more. Having already gone 5 minutes past my self imposed deadline it was difficult to log off, only because I kept getting dealt hands so quickly and didn't want to walk away from a potential monster.
I chose 6 max because I thought it would be easier to steal the blinds with Ace-rag type of hands, and the frequency that I could do that was much higher than when sitting a table with some stat tracking nit whore (ok the whore part I just threw in there for fun). Whore. So far so good.
Flying from table to table (yes, I actually felt like I was really truly flying at some moments) made it easy to raise in position with a wider range of hands. The real money is to be made post flop IMO. If you have any clue how to play post flop positional poker you can really put the pressure on some players depending on how deep the stacks are. Bluffing and cbetting are a must if you want to take down those small raised pots uncontested. If someone pushes back and you don't have the goods - fold and move on! Raise again at your new table!
This aggression will not stand man. (anyone who can name what movie that line came from will get a virtual high five from me, dude.) There will be adjustments made and the novelty might wear off but for now I say join the fun and make some quick cash.
Strike while the iron is hot fellow poker junkies, there is new dead money to be had!
19.1.10
Bloglines unread = 0
There are multiple reasons for this:
1. I am an efficient bloglines reader. If I don't like what you have to say by either the title or by the first few paragraphs - I just move on. Too bad, so sad. If you happen to catch my attention then chances are I am clicking over to your blog and often leaving a comment. Comments are fun and let people know you are reading them without them having to guess via statcounter.
2. You tools aren't writing enough. Get on it... I know I know, I should talk.
3. I don't have all of you on my bloglines. I know this is a fact. Actually, there are a few of you out there who I count on to update their twitter feeds when they have a new blog post because I am too lazy to add them to bloglines (it's a lot of work you know).
I use to have this widget that I could click whenever I wanted to add someone to bloglines. I lost it and now I am also too lazy to go and look for it again...
Laziness plus boredom equals emply bloglines.
Get on it, and so will I.
That includes you as well LURKERS. You know who you are. You are the same type of people who lurk on facebook. Never write an update and never make a comment. You sit back and read everyone else's updates and pretend like you don't exsist. Facebook lurkers are the worst. Especially when you run into them on the street, at a party etc.
They usually start up some sort of conversation about something that you never knew they knew about. Like "Oh hey I saw that you have been playing a lot of golf, how's that going?"
Or "what does all this "FTW" and "AA cracked by KK AIPF"" business mean. You are weird.
Whatever tool, why don't you just make a comment about it and I'll do my best to explain.
Tool.
1. I am an efficient bloglines reader. If I don't like what you have to say by either the title or by the first few paragraphs - I just move on. Too bad, so sad. If you happen to catch my attention then chances are I am clicking over to your blog and often leaving a comment. Comments are fun and let people know you are reading them without them having to guess via statcounter.
2. You tools aren't writing enough. Get on it... I know I know, I should talk.
3. I don't have all of you on my bloglines. I know this is a fact. Actually, there are a few of you out there who I count on to update their twitter feeds when they have a new blog post because I am too lazy to add them to bloglines (it's a lot of work you know).
I use to have this widget that I could click whenever I wanted to add someone to bloglines. I lost it and now I am also too lazy to go and look for it again...
Laziness plus boredom equals emply bloglines.
Get on it, and so will I.
That includes you as well LURKERS. You know who you are. You are the same type of people who lurk on facebook. Never write an update and never make a comment. You sit back and read everyone else's updates and pretend like you don't exsist. Facebook lurkers are the worst. Especially when you run into them on the street, at a party etc.
They usually start up some sort of conversation about something that you never knew they knew about. Like "Oh hey I saw that you have been playing a lot of golf, how's that going?"
Or "what does all this "FTW" and "AA cracked by KK AIPF"" business mean. You are weird.
Whatever tool, why don't you just make a comment about it and I'll do my best to explain.
Tool.
16.1.10
Vancouver Olympics Countdown 2010
With only four weeks to go until the first Saturday of the Olympics, the buzz is a bit overwhelming. It's everywhere, on every channel. You can't run, you can't hide.
Apparantly not a single Canadian has ever won an Olympic Gold Medal on home soil in the history of the games. I hope that changes, specifically with Men's Hockey.
When I planned my ticket attack almost a year ago I thought I had it figured out. My thoughts were that at least one of either team Canada or team USA would be playing on a Saturday (Feb 20th). Of course, being the gambler that I am I was cold decked. Instead, Lola and I are attending two preliminary games on that date:
Latvia vs. Slovakia 2pm
Germany vs. Belarus 9pm
We'll spend the entire day downtown sqeaking in a nice dinner with family in between events.
Bat Beat - Canada AND the USA play their respective games on Sunday... obviously. Stupid random draws without knowing the actual schedule prior to my lottery entry. Probably a blessing in disguise as we can now watch both of those games from the comfort of our own living room (Actually we'll probably head over to a friends for beers and good times - oh and they have a super sized tv...)
However, I am very happy to have received any tickets at all. The Gold Medal game would have been nice... but at almost $1000 a ticket... that's a wsop lottery ticket in itself.
If you're looking for a place to watch the games and are in a jam (i.e. - at work) check out the following options:
CBC Sports : free viewing for Canadian residents, with excellent quality and coverage designed for Canadians.
Watch Olympic Games is a paid subscription channel. It costs $99 for the duration of the Games, and there is a brief pre-games window during which the price will be down to $49.95 until some time tonight. The quality and national bias of the feed are unknown.
NBC Olympics is a state-of-the-art site with excellent and clear statistics, but will not stream live content into Canada. NBC has also placed other restrictions on its coverage; no events scheduled to be televised on normal NBC channels will be available online until after they are seen on TV.
YouTube, a special channel for random clips. The IOC supplies the footage, about 500 to 800 segments over the duration of the Games. You watch for free, but YouTube will sell advertising around the channel, but only be to official Olympic sponsors. Not available in Canada.
Enjoy the games everyone!
Apparantly not a single Canadian has ever won an Olympic Gold Medal on home soil in the history of the games. I hope that changes, specifically with Men's Hockey.
When I planned my ticket attack almost a year ago I thought I had it figured out. My thoughts were that at least one of either team Canada or team USA would be playing on a Saturday (Feb 20th). Of course, being the gambler that I am I was cold decked. Instead, Lola and I are attending two preliminary games on that date:
Latvia vs. Slovakia 2pm
Germany vs. Belarus 9pm
We'll spend the entire day downtown sqeaking in a nice dinner with family in between events.
Bat Beat - Canada AND the USA play their respective games on Sunday... obviously. Stupid random draws without knowing the actual schedule prior to my lottery entry. Probably a blessing in disguise as we can now watch both of those games from the comfort of our own living room (Actually we'll probably head over to a friends for beers and good times - oh and they have a super sized tv...)
However, I am very happy to have received any tickets at all. The Gold Medal game would have been nice... but at almost $1000 a ticket... that's a wsop lottery ticket in itself.
If you're looking for a place to watch the games and are in a jam (i.e. - at work) check out the following options:
CBC Sports : free viewing for Canadian residents, with excellent quality and coverage designed for Canadians.
Watch Olympic Games is a paid subscription channel. It costs $99 for the duration of the Games, and there is a brief pre-games window during which the price will be down to $49.95 until some time tonight. The quality and national bias of the feed are unknown.
NBC Olympics is a state-of-the-art site with excellent and clear statistics, but will not stream live content into Canada. NBC has also placed other restrictions on its coverage; no events scheduled to be televised on normal NBC channels will be available online until after they are seen on TV.
YouTube, a special channel for random clips. The IOC supplies the footage, about 500 to 800 segments over the duration of the Games. You watch for free, but YouTube will sell advertising around the channel, but only be to official Olympic sponsors. Not available in Canada.
Enjoy the games everyone!
14.1.10
Bigger me
Lady at the McDonald's drive thru yesterday morning asked me if I wanted to make my hash brown bigger. I knew what she meant but decided to have a bit of fun and play dumb so I asked her what she meant.
Her: "Bigger, do you want to make your hash brown bigger?"
Me: "You mean the hash browns come in different sizes?"
She didn't find it too funny and final corrected herself and said "super size" (with an underlying tone of "you moron").
Ummmm no I am fine with my one fatty potato patty thank you... even if I am only allowing myself one trip to McDick's per week... breakfast only obv.
Her: "Bigger, do you want to make your hash brown bigger?"
Me: "You mean the hash browns come in different sizes?"
She didn't find it too funny and final corrected herself and said "super size" (with an underlying tone of "you moron").
Ummmm no I am fine with my one fatty potato patty thank you... even if I am only allowing myself one trip to McDick's per week... breakfast only obv.
11.1.10
The Triple Upgrade II
After golf I got a ride back to the IP from F-Train. Pebs, BamBam and JJOK were in the back. Somehow I scored shotgun. Score one for the tall guy. Reccess Rampage was kind enough to take my bag over to upgrade #2. The Palazzo. I had a nice pull out and RR had the other Queen bed. I had my own TV... this was no regular pull out couch. The blinds had a a remote control. There was a shower AND a tub etc etc etc I could go on. Needless to say, RR and I both benefitted from our degenerate friend Bayne being such a baller at the video poker machine a while back that he was able to snag two free nights in a saaawweeeeet suite. He's kind of a big deal.
You stay classy Bayne. You are one generous mofo.
So when we got back to the IP we all went out seperate ways to cleanup, eat, gamble etc. being lazy, I grabbed a cab over to the Venetian. I met RR in the poker room and eventually, the always gleeful LJ showed up. We decided to play poker. I think you might recall that my name is Schaubs and I suck at poker?
Once that torture was over with we went to our rooms. LJ and Bayne went off to get LJ's room booked and RR went up to the Palazzo room. RR took forever to get ready so I grabbed a cab over to the MGM at around 10ish. I met up with a whole bunch of blogger types - new and old, drunk and sober.
A buddy of mine that I've played golf with for about 20 years now was also in Vegas. He plays golf for a living and was in town for a tournament. I met him and his new gf over by the sportsbook and we talked for a while. It was fun to hang out with someone I knew from my own city. It was like old times, he was drinking and he isn't a drinker so he was buzzed and by this time so was I. I grabbed another 32 ounce beer and bought Mr. HighOnPoker a birthday drink.
At this point a lot of people were talking about the Steel Panther Experience. I had already decided that I wasn't going to take part. I hung around and didn't play any poker. Kept drinking.
Now the details get fuzzy. I remember leaving MGM with Bayne. We cabbed it back somewhere. I think the IP. Drank some more and then met up with RR. We went to some place in the V for dinner. I think there are two of the same restaurants, one in each of the Palazzo and the Venitian. I remember having steak and eggs and tweeting about it. I also drunk texted this donkey.
Twitter was a huge advantage this time around. I can't tell you how many times it helped in knowing where people were, what people were doing, winning, losing, laughing, #table16 making fun etc. I don't have an iphone but I did bring my itouch. As long as there was free wireless, I was connected.
I think we finished the night with some $15 craps. Not the best idea for this short rolled craps rookie. I spewed a bit and then called it a night.
You stay classy Bayne. You are one generous mofo.
So when we got back to the IP we all went out seperate ways to cleanup, eat, gamble etc. being lazy, I grabbed a cab over to the Venetian. I met RR in the poker room and eventually, the always gleeful LJ showed up. We decided to play poker. I think you might recall that my name is Schaubs and I suck at poker?
Once that torture was over with we went to our rooms. LJ and Bayne went off to get LJ's room booked and RR went up to the Palazzo room. RR took forever to get ready so I grabbed a cab over to the MGM at around 10ish. I met up with a whole bunch of blogger types - new and old, drunk and sober.
A buddy of mine that I've played golf with for about 20 years now was also in Vegas. He plays golf for a living and was in town for a tournament. I met him and his new gf over by the sportsbook and we talked for a while. It was fun to hang out with someone I knew from my own city. It was like old times, he was drinking and he isn't a drinker so he was buzzed and by this time so was I. I grabbed another 32 ounce beer and bought Mr. HighOnPoker a birthday drink.
At this point a lot of people were talking about the Steel Panther Experience. I had already decided that I wasn't going to take part. I hung around and didn't play any poker. Kept drinking.
Now the details get fuzzy. I remember leaving MGM with Bayne. We cabbed it back somewhere. I think the IP. Drank some more and then met up with RR. We went to some place in the V for dinner. I think there are two of the same restaurants, one in each of the Palazzo and the Venitian. I remember having steak and eggs and tweeting about it. I also drunk texted this donkey.
Twitter was a huge advantage this time around. I can't tell you how many times it helped in knowing where people were, what people were doing, winning, losing, laughing, #table16 making fun etc. I don't have an iphone but I did bring my itouch. As long as there was free wireless, I was connected.
I think we finished the night with some $15 craps. Not the best idea for this short rolled craps rookie. I spewed a bit and then called it a night.
9.1.10
WBCOOP
I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker! This PokerStars tournament is a No Limit Texas Hold’em event exclusive to Bloggers, you too can take part by registering on WBCOOP
Registration code: 741444
2.1.10
The Triple Upgrade
I never get sick of Vegas. If someone mentions that they want to go, I am usually the first one to speak up and say that I am in. Often, my buddies will throw around the idea of a guys trip. I've been to a couple. I've only ever gone to Vegas once with Lola, and that was for a wedding.
This most recent trip did not go as planned, in that I had visions of a similar trip two years ago when I went to my first WPBT with none other than Dr. Fag. For months he guaranteed me that he was going, and for months I held off booking my trip in anticipation of booking some sort of package deal with him as we did two years ago. Yada yada yada, he bailed. No big deal, seriously. There's always next time, Vegas isn't going anywhere and neither is the WPBT from what I can tell.
So I booked my flight two days before I was to leave. I didn't book a room and was a bit worried about where I would stay. I had a few options and as always people were very generous and supportive. Specifically, Recess stepped up and said I could stay with him on night #1 at the IP. LJ said she would offer her place up for night 2 and 3 but then followed that up with "Lucko said no guys." When I mentioned this to Lola... she agreed. Weird. We laughed, obviously it was out of the question, but it was generous nontheless.
Anyway, the IP is not the best place to stay, but it was right in the action and how could I pass up a free night? Recess said it best "the casino is a dump, but the rooms are perfectly fine."
I tried something new this time. The carry on only strategy. At one point I was going to bring my own clubs to the first annual WPBT Invitational Golf Tournament. I really have a problem with using rental clubs. They usually suck. I think I have rented clubs maybe one other time in my life... in twenty years of golf. Heck, I even brought my own golf clubs on my honeymoon to Hawaii three years ago and I only played one round at Wailea (gold course). So yeah, I am a bit of a club snob... if there is even a chance that I can bring my own clubs, I will.
This time was different. I didn't want to have to check my clubs, wait for them on the other side and consequently cut into my drinking time at the IP hooker bar. Not to mention avoid the chance of them getting damaged or lost or stolen. For the $35 rental fee that CK arranged, it was a no brainer. The only downside was that I was going to be without my driver and putter for the big tournament. I knew that this would cost my team a few shots, and evidentally it did.
The upside was that I could stumble off the plane (yeah I had a few warm up vodkas) and walk directly to the cab line. In the cab and over to the IP in less than 30 minutes from landing?
That's like holing out from the fairway.
Writing this recap three weeks later is starting to get difficult. I know there will be key moments that I will miss, and others that will be left out intentionally. Those times are often the best times. The times where you just had to be there. There is no other way to describe it.
When I woke up Friday morning I was working on three hours sleep. Speaker was texting me to get downstairs as he kindly offered to pick me up. I jumped in the shitty IP shower. This shower was one that was either in desperate need of draino or a complete replacement altogether. Again, how can I complain. RR had already been living there for a week and I wasn't about to be ungrateful guest and bitch about something as lame as a clogged bathtub.
I threw on my shorts and brought my rain pants just in case. A big downside of only bringing a carry on bag is that I had to pack effciently. My rain pants were the perfect solution with the pending weather. Being a Canadian and having golfed in ALL types of weather systems (yes, even snow) I was not worried about the cold weather... but I hate the rain.
Thankfully, the rain held off and I sported the shorts partially for the shock value and partially because I really didn't have any other choice. I didn't bring any other pants that weren't jeans! So I sort of forced my own dress code with that plan and sure enough, the rain pants were pulled out and slapped on after the first hole.
My team was a lot of fun. JoeSpeaker is a real character. We drank and laughed and drank some more. Oh and there was golf shots. There were some beauties. Astin's buddy was also on our team. We were a man short, which really sunk our chances. We were a shot short on every single attempt. I am sure you, the educated reader, can understand how that this would be a disadvantage. Only getting to see two putts instead of three was obviously tougher.
We weren't going to let that get to us though. We were all very competitive and wanted to take this thing down, three man style. We started off well (so we thought) when we continuously made pars on the first 3 holes. With the handicapping system that BamBam put in place I knew we would be in tough. Astin's buddy was a decent player, but he just couldn't find the club face early on. Joe and I held us in there and on the fourth hole we had an eagle putt from just off the green. We two putted and we were finally in the red. Astin and April were railing the putt, but unfortunately all three of us left it a bit short.
All three of us needed some aiming juice but there was still no sign of the cart chick. April said she would have brought us all beers but we forgot to arrange that before we got to the course. Usually I am all over that sort of stuff and have the cooler preloaded and ready to go. I guess the foggyness from night #1 had clouded my focus on the important stuff - more drinking.
So we nursed our caesars/bloody mary's until we finally found the cart girl on the 6th hole. Speaker piped one down the middle and we almost hit the group in front of us who were also stopped for some well deserved beverages. They were leading the tournament. In fact I am pretty sure they lead it wire to wire.
Putting is always the key to winning these types of scramble tournaments. If you can't drain the odd 20-30 footer, you have no chance. If you don't make every single par putt inside 10 feet, you have no chance. Sure there are those rare occurances where you miss one and make a bogey. All four (in our case three) putts somehow doen't find the hole and you take your medicine like men. Still winning it usually involves making up for those types of errors with either a chip in or a tight shot to a tough pin.
We pushed on. Loaded our coolers with beer and continued to laugh and drink. Speaker hit some great drives and somehow both of us hit it into the rough on the long drive hole. Congrats to F-train on taking it down.
Wow, I just realized that I am totally rambling about the golf. I tend to do that. Golf is one of those things that I can recall so easily. It's always been that way for me. Ask me about the best round of my life and I can recall every putt, every shot, every decision. It's just that way.
So if you are still reading up til now, congrats. I won't fault you if you have skimmed most of that golf talk.
At the end of the golf tournament we realized we had finished second and paid up our debts. Believe it or not, this would be my first gambling payout of the entire trip. I didn't make a single bet on night #1. Instead I decided to drink and do a lot of people watching. I caught up with Pauly and met Bammer for the first time along with a handful of others like OhCaptain, Peaker and Lightning36 to name a few. LJ and Recess were just as I remembered them and they continued to take there jabs as they always do.
There were many more familiar faces this time and I didn't feel like I need to introduce myself as often. Which was nice., but not always necessary anyway. Bloggers are so easy to approach, and they will often approach you. Many times followed by a round of drinks.
It felt a bit odd to show up to Vegas solo, but I knew when I arrived I would not be alone.
When I first started to write this little recap I thought I would pound it out in one post... but my writing stamina is one that is pretty pathetic and I've decided to take a break!
Come back soon for part two.
Later.
This most recent trip did not go as planned, in that I had visions of a similar trip two years ago when I went to my first WPBT with none other than Dr. Fag. For months he guaranteed me that he was going, and for months I held off booking my trip in anticipation of booking some sort of package deal with him as we did two years ago. Yada yada yada, he bailed. No big deal, seriously. There's always next time, Vegas isn't going anywhere and neither is the WPBT from what I can tell.
So I booked my flight two days before I was to leave. I didn't book a room and was a bit worried about where I would stay. I had a few options and as always people were very generous and supportive. Specifically, Recess stepped up and said I could stay with him on night #1 at the IP. LJ said she would offer her place up for night 2 and 3 but then followed that up with "Lucko said no guys." When I mentioned this to Lola... she agreed. Weird. We laughed, obviously it was out of the question, but it was generous nontheless.
Anyway, the IP is not the best place to stay, but it was right in the action and how could I pass up a free night? Recess said it best "the casino is a dump, but the rooms are perfectly fine."
I tried something new this time. The carry on only strategy. At one point I was going to bring my own clubs to the first annual WPBT Invitational Golf Tournament. I really have a problem with using rental clubs. They usually suck. I think I have rented clubs maybe one other time in my life... in twenty years of golf. Heck, I even brought my own golf clubs on my honeymoon to Hawaii three years ago and I only played one round at Wailea (gold course). So yeah, I am a bit of a club snob... if there is even a chance that I can bring my own clubs, I will.
This time was different. I didn't want to have to check my clubs, wait for them on the other side and consequently cut into my drinking time at the IP hooker bar. Not to mention avoid the chance of them getting damaged or lost or stolen. For the $35 rental fee that CK arranged, it was a no brainer. The only downside was that I was going to be without my driver and putter for the big tournament. I knew that this would cost my team a few shots, and evidentally it did.
The upside was that I could stumble off the plane (yeah I had a few warm up vodkas) and walk directly to the cab line. In the cab and over to the IP in less than 30 minutes from landing?
That's like holing out from the fairway.
Writing this recap three weeks later is starting to get difficult. I know there will be key moments that I will miss, and others that will be left out intentionally. Those times are often the best times. The times where you just had to be there. There is no other way to describe it.
When I woke up Friday morning I was working on three hours sleep. Speaker was texting me to get downstairs as he kindly offered to pick me up. I jumped in the shitty IP shower. This shower was one that was either in desperate need of draino or a complete replacement altogether. Again, how can I complain. RR had already been living there for a week and I wasn't about to be ungrateful guest and bitch about something as lame as a clogged bathtub.
I threw on my shorts and brought my rain pants just in case. A big downside of only bringing a carry on bag is that I had to pack effciently. My rain pants were the perfect solution with the pending weather. Being a Canadian and having golfed in ALL types of weather systems (yes, even snow) I was not worried about the cold weather... but I hate the rain.
Thankfully, the rain held off and I sported the shorts partially for the shock value and partially because I really didn't have any other choice. I didn't bring any other pants that weren't jeans! So I sort of forced my own dress code with that plan and sure enough, the rain pants were pulled out and slapped on after the first hole.
My team was a lot of fun. JoeSpeaker is a real character. We drank and laughed and drank some more. Oh and there was golf shots. There were some beauties. Astin's buddy was also on our team. We were a man short, which really sunk our chances. We were a shot short on every single attempt. I am sure you, the educated reader, can understand how that this would be a disadvantage. Only getting to see two putts instead of three was obviously tougher.
We weren't going to let that get to us though. We were all very competitive and wanted to take this thing down, three man style. We started off well (so we thought) when we continuously made pars on the first 3 holes. With the handicapping system that BamBam put in place I knew we would be in tough. Astin's buddy was a decent player, but he just couldn't find the club face early on. Joe and I held us in there and on the fourth hole we had an eagle putt from just off the green. We two putted and we were finally in the red. Astin and April were railing the putt, but unfortunately all three of us left it a bit short.
All three of us needed some aiming juice but there was still no sign of the cart chick. April said she would have brought us all beers but we forgot to arrange that before we got to the course. Usually I am all over that sort of stuff and have the cooler preloaded and ready to go. I guess the foggyness from night #1 had clouded my focus on the important stuff - more drinking.
So we nursed our caesars/bloody mary's until we finally found the cart girl on the 6th hole. Speaker piped one down the middle and we almost hit the group in front of us who were also stopped for some well deserved beverages. They were leading the tournament. In fact I am pretty sure they lead it wire to wire.
Putting is always the key to winning these types of scramble tournaments. If you can't drain the odd 20-30 footer, you have no chance. If you don't make every single par putt inside 10 feet, you have no chance. Sure there are those rare occurances where you miss one and make a bogey. All four (in our case three) putts somehow doen't find the hole and you take your medicine like men. Still winning it usually involves making up for those types of errors with either a chip in or a tight shot to a tough pin.
We pushed on. Loaded our coolers with beer and continued to laugh and drink. Speaker hit some great drives and somehow both of us hit it into the rough on the long drive hole. Congrats to F-train on taking it down.
Wow, I just realized that I am totally rambling about the golf. I tend to do that. Golf is one of those things that I can recall so easily. It's always been that way for me. Ask me about the best round of my life and I can recall every putt, every shot, every decision. It's just that way.
So if you are still reading up til now, congrats. I won't fault you if you have skimmed most of that golf talk.
At the end of the golf tournament we realized we had finished second and paid up our debts. Believe it or not, this would be my first gambling payout of the entire trip. I didn't make a single bet on night #1. Instead I decided to drink and do a lot of people watching. I caught up with Pauly and met Bammer for the first time along with a handful of others like OhCaptain, Peaker and Lightning36 to name a few. LJ and Recess were just as I remembered them and they continued to take there jabs as they always do.
There were many more familiar faces this time and I didn't feel like I need to introduce myself as often. Which was nice., but not always necessary anyway. Bloggers are so easy to approach, and they will often approach you. Many times followed by a round of drinks.
It felt a bit odd to show up to Vegas solo, but I knew when I arrived I would not be alone.
When I first started to write this little recap I thought I would pound it out in one post... but my writing stamina is one that is pretty pathetic and I've decided to take a break!
Come back soon for part two.
Later.
31.12.09
2010 please hurry up
I really hate you poker. I hate you, I hate you. 2009 can suck it when it comes to Poker. If it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all!
I played in my annual live poker rebuy donkament that a buddy of mine puts on every year. Three years ago I did pretty well. Since then, not so much.
I made it to hour three and then shoved 77 from the BB over the limped SB and he called with J-7 sooted for half his stack. Jack in the door and IGH. I stood up and said "nice call!" like the bitter angry poker donkey that I am. I made my way to the door immediately. No need to stick around and mope right?
That's what the blog is for!
I am hating live poker so much right now, I really am considering quitting the stupid hobby altogether. Why is it that I feel like I am actually getting worse at poker each time I sit down to play now?
2010 is going to be about something other than poker. It's just not fun anymore.
My name is Schaubs, and I suck at Poker!
I played in my annual live poker rebuy donkament that a buddy of mine puts on every year. Three years ago I did pretty well. Since then, not so much.
I made it to hour three and then shoved 77 from the BB over the limped SB and he called with J-7 sooted for half his stack. Jack in the door and IGH. I stood up and said "nice call!" like the bitter angry poker donkey that I am. I made my way to the door immediately. No need to stick around and mope right?
That's what the blog is for!
I am hating live poker so much right now, I really am considering quitting the stupid hobby altogether. Why is it that I feel like I am actually getting worse at poker each time I sit down to play now?
2010 is going to be about something other than poker. It's just not fun anymore.
My name is Schaubs, and I suck at Poker!
25.12.09
24.12.09
Vegas Friday Cash Hand
Alright.
I will attempt to depict the details of my donkish poker playing that RR is referring to in one of his blog posts. I am not going to make ANY excuses about my play. The bottom line is – it was pathetic. My only caveat is that, at the time, my head was just not in the right space and I was not thinking like a poker player. That is it.
From a pure odds perspective, it was probably the worst lay down I have made in over two years in playing cash games. The sad part is it was in Vegas! Where the donkeys go to die a slow and painful death – one stack at a time.
So here we go:
We had just moved to a new table where myself, Recess and LJ were lucky enough to all find a seat (3 seats at the same table, what are the chances!?). We had been playing for about an hour at that point and were basically trying to kill time as we waited for the all mighty BAYNE to arrive on Friday evening. We were all pumped to see him (partly because he held the keys to our limited sleep plans and partly because we missed the bald cuddly degenerate). Either way, we weren’t playing too seriously and for the most part, stayed out of each other’s way. There were some good hands played, some bluffs, and of course some poorly played hands by yours truly.
Still a bit steam from getting my aces cracked at the previous table, I was only playing on a $100 stack and had built it up to about $125. I wasn’t looking to play any big pots, I really didn’t want to get my money in bad and I certainly didn’t want to lose my last $100 (for that session anyway) and have to sit on the sidelines and WATCH. ZZZZZZZ. Besides, if Recess and LJ weren’t at the table then my thought process may have been different. Such that, I would probably give it the “awww fuck it” and just throw my remaining, pot odds calling, stack into the middle without hesitation.
But this situation was different, mentally anyway. I went about it entirely the wrong way. I wasn’t thinking like a poker player, I was thinking like a pathetic little tourist boy who had no clue about poker and what the right decision would have been. In this case, it was call off the remainder of my stack (about $60) when I knew I wasn’t going to rebuy, I knew I still had another hour to kill, and I knew that might actually be beat. Jordan’s mantra even crept into my head a little when I said to myself “if you know you are beat, fold.” In this case, this rule should not apply.
So I look down at AJs in the SB and there are a couple of callers. I am hoping there was a raise, but I can’t recall at this time. The story would sound a lot better if I called a raise from the SB with that hand, so let’s go with that. There was a raise to $8-10 and there were three players in, including the button. Maybe RR or LJ can recall if there was a PFR. Still not sure this early in the morning as I type my ass off when I should be learning work stuff.
The button is some dude that Recess apparently used to spoon with back in high school because they had not seen each other in that amount of time and were very excited to see each other. Ghey. They may have even kissed, I am not sure. LJ was on his right and I was on his left while Recess was across the table gazing deeply into his eyes and gushing about the past 10 years and what he had been up to. Turns out he was a Lawyer who went to Harvard. Uber ghey.
His stack was up, up to about $500 at that point. He had been playing a lot of pots (according to Recess) – see I don’t even pay attention. I was drinking beers and the odd red bull & Vodka as a result of the previous night and the all day golf action.
I flop top pair and wait for some action like a decent player might. He leads out on the jack high flop with a $10 bet (I have TPTK) and I check raise him for another $25. He calls, other person folds.
I lead out on the turn which shows a King for about $45 and he install shoves… ummm whoops, I am thinking to myself. Meanwhile, RR is giving me a dirty stare and I can’t make much of it. I try to get a read on this Ivy League playa who admittedly does not play very much and I still can’t seem to make the call. Did he just turn two pair I think to myself? Am I beat? I must be beat. Who insta shoves?
I tell ya who. A guy that wants me to fold, that’s who. I didn’t pick up on it at the time – because I am bad. I play bad, and I am just an all around shitty fucking poker player. That’s the bottom line!
I still beat myself up over it, and I still wonder why I didn’t chuck in my last remaining measly stack for ~$60. I am in Vegas! It set me up for tilt for the rest of the weekend. Why on earth would I NOT CALL in a situation like that getting something sick like 5 to 1 odds. I didn’t do the math, I didn’t really do much of anything but muck. My last thought was “save the $60.” Like are you KIDDING ME.
I puked that much in two craps hands with Bayne and Recess later that night.
Here is my new tag line:
My name is Schaubs, and I suck at poker!
I will attempt to depict the details of my donkish poker playing that RR is referring to in one of his blog posts. I am not going to make ANY excuses about my play. The bottom line is – it was pathetic. My only caveat is that, at the time, my head was just not in the right space and I was not thinking like a poker player. That is it.
From a pure odds perspective, it was probably the worst lay down I have made in over two years in playing cash games. The sad part is it was in Vegas! Where the donkeys go to die a slow and painful death – one stack at a time.
So here we go:
We had just moved to a new table where myself, Recess and LJ were lucky enough to all find a seat (3 seats at the same table, what are the chances!?). We had been playing for about an hour at that point and were basically trying to kill time as we waited for the all mighty BAYNE to arrive on Friday evening. We were all pumped to see him (partly because he held the keys to our limited sleep plans and partly because we missed the bald cuddly degenerate). Either way, we weren’t playing too seriously and for the most part, stayed out of each other’s way. There were some good hands played, some bluffs, and of course some poorly played hands by yours truly.
Still a bit steam from getting my aces cracked at the previous table, I was only playing on a $100 stack and had built it up to about $125. I wasn’t looking to play any big pots, I really didn’t want to get my money in bad and I certainly didn’t want to lose my last $100 (for that session anyway) and have to sit on the sidelines and WATCH. ZZZZZZZ. Besides, if Recess and LJ weren’t at the table then my thought process may have been different. Such that, I would probably give it the “awww fuck it” and just throw my remaining, pot odds calling, stack into the middle without hesitation.
But this situation was different, mentally anyway. I went about it entirely the wrong way. I wasn’t thinking like a poker player, I was thinking like a pathetic little tourist boy who had no clue about poker and what the right decision would have been. In this case, it was call off the remainder of my stack (about $60) when I knew I wasn’t going to rebuy, I knew I still had another hour to kill, and I knew that might actually be beat. Jordan’s mantra even crept into my head a little when I said to myself “if you know you are beat, fold.” In this case, this rule should not apply.
So I look down at AJs in the SB and there are a couple of callers. I am hoping there was a raise, but I can’t recall at this time. The story would sound a lot better if I called a raise from the SB with that hand, so let’s go with that. There was a raise to $8-10 and there were three players in, including the button. Maybe RR or LJ can recall if there was a PFR. Still not sure this early in the morning as I type my ass off when I should be learning work stuff.
The button is some dude that Recess apparently used to spoon with back in high school because they had not seen each other in that amount of time and were very excited to see each other. Ghey. They may have even kissed, I am not sure. LJ was on his right and I was on his left while Recess was across the table gazing deeply into his eyes and gushing about the past 10 years and what he had been up to. Turns out he was a Lawyer who went to Harvard. Uber ghey.
His stack was up, up to about $500 at that point. He had been playing a lot of pots (according to Recess) – see I don’t even pay attention. I was drinking beers and the odd red bull & Vodka as a result of the previous night and the all day golf action.
I flop top pair and wait for some action like a decent player might. He leads out on the jack high flop with a $10 bet (I have TPTK) and I check raise him for another $25. He calls, other person folds.
I lead out on the turn which shows a King for about $45 and he install shoves… ummm whoops, I am thinking to myself. Meanwhile, RR is giving me a dirty stare and I can’t make much of it. I try to get a read on this Ivy League playa who admittedly does not play very much and I still can’t seem to make the call. Did he just turn two pair I think to myself? Am I beat? I must be beat. Who insta shoves?
I tell ya who. A guy that wants me to fold, that’s who. I didn’t pick up on it at the time – because I am bad. I play bad, and I am just an all around shitty fucking poker player. That’s the bottom line!
I still beat myself up over it, and I still wonder why I didn’t chuck in my last remaining measly stack for ~$60. I am in Vegas! It set me up for tilt for the rest of the weekend. Why on earth would I NOT CALL in a situation like that getting something sick like 5 to 1 odds. I didn’t do the math, I didn’t really do much of anything but muck. My last thought was “save the $60.” Like are you KIDDING ME.
I puked that much in two craps hands with Bayne and Recess later that night.
Here is my new tag line:
My name is Schaubs, and I suck at poker!
16.12.09
Vegas Part 0
No, this is not my Vegas recap.
As the clock ticks past 10pm on a Tuesday and I break open my bloglines for the first time since returning from Los Wages on Sunday evening I realize that I might not have time to do a proper recap until the weekend.... or later?
With the start of my new job yesterday (so far so great btw) and the combination of being on probation (no bloglines or blogging from work ever again... which is a good thing - no time for that stuff anyway!) and not really having time to even think about the past weekend just yet really just means that all of you out there looking for a recap from me will just have to wait a little while longer.
But hey, there are so many great posts out there right now that if you are reading this then you either linked to it from some other great scribbler or you really have a lot of time on your hands... either way, I am flattered that you took the time to check it out.
I've really only had time to read a few so far. The obvious place to start is Pauly's blog and then from there I've worked my way around a few that have been linking via twitter (Joe Speaker was actually the first recap I read last night). It's a nice way to sneak in a read or two on my itouch when I have some time before dinner. Although picking my spots is important for fear that Lola will give me a bit of a stink eye as she prepares another fantastic meal and I sit like a lump with one eye glued to my ipod and the other glued to the pvr.
All I need to say for now is, you all are very very cool peeps. I could not have had a better time if I tried. The best times are the times that I probably won't even write about much because there is really just no chance I can form the words necessary to describe the great memories that will last until we get together next time and reminisce.
Basically, you had to be there... and if you weren't... then you are just as ghey as Fuel.
As the clock ticks past 10pm on a Tuesday and I break open my bloglines for the first time since returning from Los Wages on Sunday evening I realize that I might not have time to do a proper recap until the weekend.... or later?
With the start of my new job yesterday (so far so great btw) and the combination of being on probation (no bloglines or blogging from work ever again... which is a good thing - no time for that stuff anyway!) and not really having time to even think about the past weekend just yet really just means that all of you out there looking for a recap from me will just have to wait a little while longer.
But hey, there are so many great posts out there right now that if you are reading this then you either linked to it from some other great scribbler or you really have a lot of time on your hands... either way, I am flattered that you took the time to check it out.
I've really only had time to read a few so far. The obvious place to start is Pauly's blog and then from there I've worked my way around a few that have been linking via twitter (Joe Speaker was actually the first recap I read last night). It's a nice way to sneak in a read or two on my itouch when I have some time before dinner. Although picking my spots is important for fear that Lola will give me a bit of a stink eye as she prepares another fantastic meal and I sit like a lump with one eye glued to my ipod and the other glued to the pvr.
All I need to say for now is, you all are very very cool peeps. I could not have had a better time if I tried. The best times are the times that I probably won't even write about much because there is really just no chance I can form the words necessary to describe the great memories that will last until we get together next time and reminisce.
Basically, you had to be there... and if you weren't... then you are just as ghey as Fuel.
9.12.09
Booked
Ok, it's officially official now. I am in. Flight is booked, room is arranged, backup plans are in place. Golf clubs are being left at home, rentals will do. This will be my first solo mission to Vegas. In my previous 5 times, there was always someone, usually more than one that I would travel with. The last time I went was with over 50 people for a wedding.
Two years ago I made the trek for my first WPBT gathering. I didn't get the chance to meet everyone and there are those people that I hope to hang with a bit more this time. I also didn't play all the games I wanted to such as Pai Gow! and the mixed games at MGM. I'm in it for the fun. Last time playing in the mixed game seemed like such a waste of money. Now I know better.
Two of the best ways to tip your waitresses are either to drink at a Pai Gow table or to drink at a poker table. I plan on doing both. Beers at the golf course will also be consumed.
I arrive at 10pm on Thursday and leave at a reasonable time Sunday which will allow me to be home by dinner. Sleep lots, and off to my new job on Monday.
Unemployement has been eventful. I've been knocking this off "my list" on a daily basis. the to'do's have been dwindling and relaxation has ensued.
Last weekend we went to Whistler. We hit the icey pactches but never fell once. The Peak to Peak chair was amazing and you can definitely tell that the Olympics are just around the corner.
I played in a live poker tournament yesterday and hit my first ever Royal flush in level 2. I held AQc UTG and limped hoping to see a cheap flop. The CO min-raised and the SB called. I called and the flop came Kc-Jc-Ah
The SB checked and so did I with the intention of shoving any c-bet. The CO bet as expected. What I wasn't expecting was to see the SB shove. I insta-shoved and the CO called.
CO and SB flipped of AK. I was on a huge club draw, outs galore. I didn't wait long as the turn brought a club (fist pump) and then a double take... it was the 10 of clubs! Double fist pump, triple up!! I played well from there on, but these quickaments are so fast that by the time the second break came around there were 14 people left and I only had 10BB's left. Needless to say my A9o got run over by AKd from the chip leading lucksac and I went home with some newly found confidence... just in time!
Golf, I really can't wait to play. Joe Speaker and Astin's buddy ("M") are on my team. I really wish CK could make it, as she has worked so hard to get it organized. We will enjoy her hard work and drink her honor often.
I'm not even bringing my golf shoes! Crazy I know. I see that the forecast might have a bit of rain in store for us? That would suck, but I've done it before. Carts and booze will make me forget the wet stuff instantly. Besides, its not like it will be COLD rain as I used to here in my home town. Rain pants are packed just in case.
See ya soon!!
Two years ago I made the trek for my first WPBT gathering. I didn't get the chance to meet everyone and there are those people that I hope to hang with a bit more this time. I also didn't play all the games I wanted to such as Pai Gow! and the mixed games at MGM. I'm in it for the fun. Last time playing in the mixed game seemed like such a waste of money. Now I know better.
Two of the best ways to tip your waitresses are either to drink at a Pai Gow table or to drink at a poker table. I plan on doing both. Beers at the golf course will also be consumed.
I arrive at 10pm on Thursday and leave at a reasonable time Sunday which will allow me to be home by dinner. Sleep lots, and off to my new job on Monday.
Unemployement has been eventful. I've been knocking this off "my list" on a daily basis. the to'do's have been dwindling and relaxation has ensued.
Last weekend we went to Whistler. We hit the icey pactches but never fell once. The Peak to Peak chair was amazing and you can definitely tell that the Olympics are just around the corner.
I played in a live poker tournament yesterday and hit my first ever Royal flush in level 2. I held AQc UTG and limped hoping to see a cheap flop. The CO min-raised and the SB called. I called and the flop came Kc-Jc-Ah
The SB checked and so did I with the intention of shoving any c-bet. The CO bet as expected. What I wasn't expecting was to see the SB shove. I insta-shoved and the CO called.
CO and SB flipped of AK. I was on a huge club draw, outs galore. I didn't wait long as the turn brought a club (fist pump) and then a double take... it was the 10 of clubs! Double fist pump, triple up!! I played well from there on, but these quickaments are so fast that by the time the second break came around there were 14 people left and I only had 10BB's left. Needless to say my A9o got run over by AKd from the chip leading lucksac and I went home with some newly found confidence... just in time!
Golf, I really can't wait to play. Joe Speaker and Astin's buddy ("M") are on my team. I really wish CK could make it, as she has worked so hard to get it organized. We will enjoy her hard work and drink her honor often.
I'm not even bringing my golf shoes! Crazy I know. I see that the forecast might have a bit of rain in store for us? That would suck, but I've done it before. Carts and booze will make me forget the wet stuff instantly. Besides, its not like it will be COLD rain as I used to here in my home town. Rain pants are packed just in case.
See ya soon!!
4.12.09
How to pay the most possible for Vegas
Wait until the very last minute and watch the prices go up on a daily basis. Fawk me, this is going to be expensive. It's much cheaper to fly out of the US (just a quick 40 minutes accross the border) but then I am dealing with border lineups and the possibility of missing my flight, getting caught up at the border coming back etc. Starting a new job the day after I get back might not have been the best plan after all... but as of now it's my only plan. I guess there is still a chance I might bail on the whole thing... which would really suck and is not my intention at all. When I see the prices now it makes me a bit sick to think I will be paying over double of what it was a few months ago.
3.12.09
A note from Lola - Penis Nightmares
I stumbled upon this yesterday. Written by my lovely lady:
Penis Nightmares
So I get home late last night and I'm putting stuff away in the kitchen. My blinds are a tiny bit open...so you can see in my house, but I can't see out. So I'm doing my thing, when all of a sudden I see this flashlight outside, don't really think anything of it...assume it's someone walking their dog. But, the flashlight doesn't stop...it's like they're trying to annoy me and get my attention or something cause they're flashing it towards my window. I dim the lights so I can actually see outside, go up to the window, and there's a dude out there flashing his light toward me. I stare at him a moment trying to figure out what he's doing, when he whips down his pants and underwear, shines the flashlight on his junk, and starts flinging his dick around...putting a show on for the neighbours!!!!! I couldn't believe it so I yelled up to Schaubie to look out the bedroom window cause there's ugly naked guy putting on a show! Anyway, he missed it, but we did see people peeking out the blinds of the clubhouse...so we're thinking they were partying in there and dared buddy to go flash the neighbours or something. Anyway...thought I'd share that with you guys cause it's pretty damn funny!! And yes, I did have penis nightmares last night!! hahaha
Penis Nightmares
So I get home late last night and I'm putting stuff away in the kitchen. My blinds are a tiny bit open...so you can see in my house, but I can't see out. So I'm doing my thing, when all of a sudden I see this flashlight outside, don't really think anything of it...assume it's someone walking their dog. But, the flashlight doesn't stop...it's like they're trying to annoy me and get my attention or something cause they're flashing it towards my window. I dim the lights so I can actually see outside, go up to the window, and there's a dude out there flashing his light toward me. I stare at him a moment trying to figure out what he's doing, when he whips down his pants and underwear, shines the flashlight on his junk, and starts flinging his dick around...putting a show on for the neighbours!!!!! I couldn't believe it so I yelled up to Schaubie to look out the bedroom window cause there's ugly naked guy putting on a show! Anyway, he missed it, but we did see people peeking out the blinds of the clubhouse...so we're thinking they were partying in there and dared buddy to go flash the neighbours or something. Anyway...thought I'd share that with you guys cause it's pretty damn funny!! And yes, I did have penis nightmares last night!! hahaha
1.12.09
Not to steal Reccess's thunder but...*
I'm a very loyal person when it comes to who I work for as a professional. I've only ever had two jobs in the past TWELVE years... until now.
Patiently, I wait.
I have officially left my current position, however I will not be starting my new opportunity for a couple of weeks. Not by accident, my first day of work is the day after I return from the WPBT weekend. I haven't officially booked my trip yet... but that is a small detail that will be handled during my two week break prior to my start date. Actually, now that I think about it, there are only 9 days left!
This process has taken just about as long as I have been inconsistently blogging and I know it's not a coincidence. There was so much going on, so much to think about, that I didn't really find the time or the interest to keep at it. The obvious answer is - I'm not a writer. The words just don't flow freely. Other reasons such as privacy and anonymity also contributed to my lack of commitment and excitement.
Poker. That is how this (the blog) all started right? I'm not sure. I know it's why it all started, and I am grateful for all the people I have met and the friends I have made. I look forward to meeting with most of you in a very short time.
I started this blog for the freerolls and the chance at some ad dollars to fund my developing poker habits. The ad dollars definitely allowed me to learn the game, and the blog allowed me to play against some very tough competition and learn at a faster pace (mostly from other blogs). At some point I realized that poker was only ever going to be a hobby. Nothing more.
My time at my last job (I can say that now because my last day was yesterday) was very fulfilling and educational. It was a step that was completely necessary in my development both personally and professionally. More often than not, I learned what not to do. Similar to poker.
Playing in those freerolls and small buyin Mookie type tournaments gave me an opportunity to observe and learn. Watching people at work emplode at a rapid pace because of money and greed was definitely eye openning.
*inside joke duh
Patiently, I wait.
I have officially left my current position, however I will not be starting my new opportunity for a couple of weeks. Not by accident, my first day of work is the day after I return from the WPBT weekend. I haven't officially booked my trip yet... but that is a small detail that will be handled during my two week break prior to my start date. Actually, now that I think about it, there are only 9 days left!
This process has taken just about as long as I have been inconsistently blogging and I know it's not a coincidence. There was so much going on, so much to think about, that I didn't really find the time or the interest to keep at it. The obvious answer is - I'm not a writer. The words just don't flow freely. Other reasons such as privacy and anonymity also contributed to my lack of commitment and excitement.
Poker. That is how this (the blog) all started right? I'm not sure. I know it's why it all started, and I am grateful for all the people I have met and the friends I have made. I look forward to meeting with most of you in a very short time.
I started this blog for the freerolls and the chance at some ad dollars to fund my developing poker habits. The ad dollars definitely allowed me to learn the game, and the blog allowed me to play against some very tough competition and learn at a faster pace (mostly from other blogs). At some point I realized that poker was only ever going to be a hobby. Nothing more.
My time at my last job (I can say that now because my last day was yesterday) was very fulfilling and educational. It was a step that was completely necessary in my development both personally and professionally. More often than not, I learned what not to do. Similar to poker.
Playing in those freerolls and small buyin Mookie type tournaments gave me an opportunity to observe and learn. Watching people at work emplode at a rapid pace because of money and greed was definitely eye openning.
*inside joke duh
13.11.09
Fighting to find a reason to blog again...
I'll be back soon, I promise.
In the mean time... check out this fight from last night's hockey game vs. Detroit. Our boy Rypien beat up on an old ex-Canuck.
4 weeks til Vegas!
In the mean time... check out this fight from last night's hockey game vs. Detroit. Our boy Rypien beat up on an old ex-Canuck.
4 weeks til Vegas!
15.7.09
My G10 arrived... just in time for The Open
Heh. If only that was a true statement. I would love to play in The Open... but I know it will never happen. Unless I quit my job today, practice for about 5 years and then win the US Amateur match play event... then I would automatically get the invite.
I caved in the face of my old driver (Ping G2) and when I brought it to the head pro at my course he said he would take care of it. I pushed him each week for about a month. They were taking their sweet ass time with it since it was a warranty replacement. It was on the slow boat snail mail train and I couldn't exactly complain about it since when it arrived I would be one brand new Ping G10 driver richer.
It arrived yesterday and I am heading straight to the range after work... surprised?
What a deal though. I pound the shit out of this thing for 4 years and finally cave in the face. I send it back and they send me a brand new one - two generations newer!
The Open starts tonight at 11pm PST. I'll be setting the PVR and watching it all weekend then heading to the course in the afternoon.
Hey guess who's playing live poker with F.I.G. (fuel is gay) this Friday? Moi. It's a $60 ($10 bounty) tournament. Should be fun filled with rusty moves and fishy suckouts. It's the FCPC motto...
Have a good weekend, and GOOOOOOO TIGER and GOOOOOOO PHIL (Ivey).
I caved in the face of my old driver (Ping G2) and when I brought it to the head pro at my course he said he would take care of it. I pushed him each week for about a month. They were taking their sweet ass time with it since it was a warranty replacement. It was on the slow boat snail mail train and I couldn't exactly complain about it since when it arrived I would be one brand new Ping G10 driver richer.
It arrived yesterday and I am heading straight to the range after work... surprised?
What a deal though. I pound the shit out of this thing for 4 years and finally cave in the face. I send it back and they send me a brand new one - two generations newer!
The Open starts tonight at 11pm PST. I'll be setting the PVR and watching it all weekend then heading to the course in the afternoon.
Hey guess who's playing live poker with F.I.G. (fuel is gay) this Friday? Moi. It's a $60 ($10 bounty) tournament. Should be fun filled with rusty moves and fishy suckouts. It's the FCPC motto...
Have a good weekend, and GOOOOOOO TIGER and GOOOOOOO PHIL (Ivey).
7.7.09
Golf mode... Life mode...
Playing tons of golf... probably too much if that is even possible in my world...
It rained today... it was long overdue...
I've made some decisions recently... most will remain unwritten...
People first, employees second... it seems so obvious to me...
I hit a 340 yard drive last week... it was downhill and I only made par...
I read and cheer about other people playing poker in the WSOP ME... because I am in life mode...
Ball game tomorrow... Golf the day after that...
It rained today... it was long overdue...
I've made some decisions recently... most will remain unwritten...
People first, employees second... it seems so obvious to me...
I hit a 340 yard drive last week... it was downhill and I only made par...
I read and cheer about other people playing poker in the WSOP ME... because I am in life mode...
Ball game tomorrow... Golf the day after that...
30.6.09
Michael Jackson has left the building...
...and so has my mustache.
I did way too many of those Jager Bomb thingys and drank too many Buds way too early in the morning on the golf courses. 72 holes in 2 days takes it's toll.
First round - played well as I didn't crack my first beer until the 6th hole. I shot 74 going 2 under on the back as my inital buzz was in full effect.
Second round - shot 86. super drunk. I even tried (once again) to shot gun a beer and was (once again) unsuccessful. Dry heave on the 33rd hole of the day. LOL
Did I ever tell you that I can't burp?
Woke up on Saturday morning at 6am. The lack of sleep was comparable to a Vegas Trip. 12 homies with mustaches ripped it up for the cup for 72 holes. It was awesome.
Third round - 7:10 was the first time. shot 74 again. We were on the patio drinking and figuring out the final scramble teams by noon and were back on the course at 2:20.
Fourth round - I was teamed with the new guy. The rookie. The same rookie that took $20 off of me in three flips of the coin. Somewhere about the fourth hole I realized how much better I can play if I don't drink many (if not any) beers during a round. Noted.
One poker game broke out late night. It was a $5 game (yes, $5 American) and I didn't show up in time so they didn't let me buy in. There must have been 200 BB's each to start the thing. I laughed. I played one hand for one guy taking a pee break and flopped a straight. Good times.
I flipped coins with one guy (my partner for the tournament 4th round) and he beat me 3 times straight. It was cheaper than the casino I skipped out on when I found out they didn't have a poker room. Probably a good thing.
I returned through the border Sunday morning with $ix dollars American. What a trip.
MJ is dead and will be compared to Elvis for many decades in so many ways. I hear he has over 100 songs recorded for release. I just watched that video that Bayne posted. Memories.
Watch out for Joe Jackson...
Congrats to Hoy for winning 51K. That is pretty cool considering it was a 2 day $560 buyin.
Chopper!
I did way too many of those Jager Bomb thingys and drank too many Buds way too early in the morning on the golf courses. 72 holes in 2 days takes it's toll.
First round - played well as I didn't crack my first beer until the 6th hole. I shot 74 going 2 under on the back as my inital buzz was in full effect.
Second round - shot 86. super drunk. I even tried (once again) to shot gun a beer and was (once again) unsuccessful. Dry heave on the 33rd hole of the day. LOL
Did I ever tell you that I can't burp?
Woke up on Saturday morning at 6am. The lack of sleep was comparable to a Vegas Trip. 12 homies with mustaches ripped it up for the cup for 72 holes. It was awesome.
Third round - 7:10 was the first time. shot 74 again. We were on the patio drinking and figuring out the final scramble teams by noon and were back on the course at 2:20.
Fourth round - I was teamed with the new guy. The rookie. The same rookie that took $20 off of me in three flips of the coin. Somewhere about the fourth hole I realized how much better I can play if I don't drink many (if not any) beers during a round. Noted.
One poker game broke out late night. It was a $5 game (yes, $5 American) and I didn't show up in time so they didn't let me buy in. There must have been 200 BB's each to start the thing. I laughed. I played one hand for one guy taking a pee break and flopped a straight. Good times.
I flipped coins with one guy (my partner for the tournament 4th round) and he beat me 3 times straight. It was cheaper than the casino I skipped out on when I found out they didn't have a poker room. Probably a good thing.
I returned through the border Sunday morning with $ix dollars American. What a trip.
MJ is dead and will be compared to Elvis for many decades in so many ways. I hear he has over 100 songs recorded for release. I just watched that video that Bayne posted. Memories.
Watch out for Joe Jackson...
Congrats to Hoy for winning 51K. That is pretty cool considering it was a 2 day $560 buyin.
Chopper!
24.6.09
The Mustache Cup
I have a beard.
It will become a mustache (moustache) is 48 hours.
We are playing 72 holes in in 2 days.
This is the reason I am not making a trip to Vegas (same weekend, sorta).
We created a new blog to chronicle such events (past and present).
Figure out which pic is me and win a prize.
Hopefully a blogger or two cashes in another WSOP event... GOOD LUCK.
We should be hitting up a local casino in Bellingham... live poker baby!!
It will become a mustache (moustache) is 48 hours.
We are playing 72 holes in in 2 days.
This is the reason I am not making a trip to Vegas (same weekend, sorta).
We created a new blog to chronicle such events (past and present).
Figure out which pic is me and win a prize.
Hopefully a blogger or two cashes in another WSOP event... GOOD LUCK.
We should be hitting up a local casino in Bellingham... live poker baby!!
22.6.09
Go Stoner!!
Stoner has just started Day 3 and has already made his presence felt. How can one of the chip leaders, after making it through 2 tough days and getting down to the final three tables make such a bone head move?
From Pokernews:
Glines Doubles Back
The play is excruciatingly slow to start off the day, with very few big pots being played. We did have one big battle just fought at Table 151 though. Joe Bartholdi raised it up from the cutoff seat, and Shawn Glines three-bet from the small blind. Bartholdi shoved, and Glines called all in for 555,000 total.
Showdown
Bartholdi: two black eights!! LOL are you kidding me? 4B shove?
Glines: AKo
The board ran Ad 3d 10c Ah 2d
giving Glines the winning trips and doubling him up over 1.1 million.
Go Stoner go!!!!
From Pokernews:
Glines Doubles Back
The play is excruciatingly slow to start off the day, with very few big pots being played. We did have one big battle just fought at Table 151 though. Joe Bartholdi raised it up from the cutoff seat, and Shawn Glines three-bet from the small blind. Bartholdi shoved, and Glines called all in for 555,000 total.
Showdown
Bartholdi: two black eights!! LOL are you kidding me? 4B shove?
Glines: AKo
The board ran Ad 3d 10c Ah 2d
giving Glines the winning trips and doubling him up over 1.1 million.
Go Stoner go!!!!
19.6.09
LJ!!!
19.2K!!! I know she is frustrated in not making the final table, but she played her way, and didn't fold to the final table like some other loser might.
What a run!! Day 2 went super late and I basically woke up and checked on whether she was still alive... and of course she was!! She's a tournament player damn it!!! I was so nervous and basically followed all of day 3 until my ball game started. Then I got the text updates from Fuel via Lucko. I can't imagine how he was feeling!! Nervous is probably an understatement. Now he's heading out to meet up with her and is playing in an event this weekend. Take it down dude!! Final table that bitch and then make it happen!
US Open weekend, so I'll be watching golf. I probably won't watch as much as I did the Masters, but I'll be watching the leaderboard via my itouch whenever I get the chance. I hope it doesn't rain here, I want to play some golf!
I shot even par yesterday, so that was nice to get back at it. I chipped in for eagle on the 9th and then had the chance for my second eagle on the 18th but lipped out the putt and lost our match 1 down. My scratch league team sucks! We are 1-4 this season and are getting crushed almost every match. Losing at home is the worst.
Hopefully the US Open doesn't get rained out. If the elements give them trouble then Tiger's chance will be even greater for a repeat.
Go Tiger!
What a run!! Day 2 went super late and I basically woke up and checked on whether she was still alive... and of course she was!! She's a tournament player damn it!!! I was so nervous and basically followed all of day 3 until my ball game started. Then I got the text updates from Fuel via Lucko. I can't imagine how he was feeling!! Nervous is probably an understatement. Now he's heading out to meet up with her and is playing in an event this weekend. Take it down dude!! Final table that bitch and then make it happen!
US Open weekend, so I'll be watching golf. I probably won't watch as much as I did the Masters, but I'll be watching the leaderboard via my itouch whenever I get the chance. I hope it doesn't rain here, I want to play some golf!
I shot even par yesterday, so that was nice to get back at it. I chipped in for eagle on the 9th and then had the chance for my second eagle on the 18th but lipped out the putt and lost our match 1 down. My scratch league team sucks! We are 1-4 this season and are getting crushed almost every match. Losing at home is the worst.
Hopefully the US Open doesn't get rained out. If the elements give them trouble then Tiger's chance will be even greater for a repeat.
Go Tiger!
16.6.09
Quickie Questions
Do you link up your blog on your facebook account?
Do you keep them seperate?
For work purposes or other?
What about twitter/facebook/blog? /other?
Do you keep them seperate?
For work purposes or other?
What about twitter/facebook/blog? /other?
12.6.09
Game 7 Game Day
Further to yesterday's post I stumbled upon a great informative read for you hockey lovers.
Check it out. Pay special attention the to the #1 ranked of all time. I went downtown after game 7 and joined in on the riots. It was nuts! I saw a molotov coctail blow up only 30 yards from me when it was tossed against the side of a bank. My buddy was beside the guy who was shot with a rubber bullet in the head. Ahhh memories of mayhem. I wonder if the losing city will riot tonight?
You want to talk bad beats? I have a baseball game tonight at 6:30... right in the MIDDLE of game 7. Thankfully I have the PVR set, but I know I won't be able to help myself and will find out the results via handheld devices.
I plan on heading straight to the sports bar from work to watch the first period, have a brewski and some grub. Then it's off to play some buzzed baseball.
Maybe the game will go to triple OT as I predicted earlier and I will be able to catch all of the on-the-endge-of-my-seat action after our game is over. Please let it be a quick ball game. One time.
Check it out. Pay special attention the to the #1 ranked of all time. I went downtown after game 7 and joined in on the riots. It was nuts! I saw a molotov coctail blow up only 30 yards from me when it was tossed against the side of a bank. My buddy was beside the guy who was shot with a rubber bullet in the head. Ahhh memories of mayhem. I wonder if the losing city will riot tonight?
You want to talk bad beats? I have a baseball game tonight at 6:30... right in the MIDDLE of game 7. Thankfully I have the PVR set, but I know I won't be able to help myself and will find out the results via handheld devices.
I plan on heading straight to the sports bar from work to watch the first period, have a brewski and some grub. Then it's off to play some buzzed baseball.
Maybe the game will go to triple OT as I predicted earlier and I will be able to catch all of the on-the-endge-of-my-seat action after our game is over. Please let it be a quick ball game. One time.
11.6.09
Game 7 - Season two comes to an end
There is nothing like it in sports. I dare you to compare any other playoff format that demands more respect. Think about it. You have to win 16 games in the playoffs in order be named the world's best team. In the NFL... you have to win 4, ok maybe even just 3 if you are good enough.
Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals takes place tomorrow night. The Penguins are in tough as a team has not won a game 7 as a visitor since something like 1971. Nuts. Says something about playing well during the regular season to earn that President's Trophy. It takes 82 games during season one to ensure you have home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Unlike the MLB where they leave that to be decided by an All Star game...
I believe I actually picked Pittsburg to win the Stanley Cup so I am sticking with it... even though they will be in very tough. This should be a low scoring game and I'm actually hoping for something along the lines of triple overtime please.
That would be an unbelievable way to end a very exciting season two now wouldn't it?
I predict Malkin scores the game winner for Pittsburgh in overtime or Detroit kicks the crap out of them and confirms that they truly are a dynasty and this thing is over by the second period.
It will come down to goaltending. If Fleury can stand on his head and Osgood can be his average self we will have a battle that will last until the final shot rings off the back of the net and the lamp is lite one last time. The Cup will be hoisted in approximately 32 hours and I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals takes place tomorrow night. The Penguins are in tough as a team has not won a game 7 as a visitor since something like 1971. Nuts. Says something about playing well during the regular season to earn that President's Trophy. It takes 82 games during season one to ensure you have home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Unlike the MLB where they leave that to be decided by an All Star game...
I believe I actually picked Pittsburg to win the Stanley Cup so I am sticking with it... even though they will be in very tough. This should be a low scoring game and I'm actually hoping for something along the lines of triple overtime please.
That would be an unbelievable way to end a very exciting season two now wouldn't it?
I predict Malkin scores the game winner for Pittsburgh in overtime or Detroit kicks the crap out of them and confirms that they truly are a dynasty and this thing is over by the second period.
It will come down to goaltending. If Fleury can stand on his head and Osgood can be his average self we will have a battle that will last until the final shot rings off the back of the net and the lamp is lite one last time. The Cup will be hoisted in approximately 32 hours and I can't wait to see how it turns out.
10.6.09
4.6.09
5 more days off
So what do you do when you've just had five days off? Well, in my world you work two days... and then take 5 more off!!
I've tried to put down how the tournament went on Monday and Tuesday... and if you haven't guessed by now... I'm still pretty furious at myself for letting it slip away. So I doubt I will get to it anytime soon, but it has brought up some great golf memories of my past and let's just say it's not the first time I've choked and lost. The bottom line is - I will be a better player because of it. That is all I can keep telling myself... that in order to succeed, I must fail.
Just as in poker, golf is a game that takes time to learn. It takes time to know what to do in certain situations during the round. When to push for it, and when to hang back and wait for your moment to attack. I'll always be learning both, no doubt.
Anyway, I'll keep this short as I still need to get a lot done before I leave for another 5 day holiday in the hot sun of the Okanagan. Chick's ball tournament FTW! I can't really complain about going to a hotel for 4 nights with a girls ball team of 15, drinking as many beers as I can whilst sitting by the pool. Waking up the next day and playing golf and then coming back for another meating on the BBQ (yes, meating, not meeting... get it?). We even have a putting green at our hotel... can it get any better? Ok topless baseball might be better...
Good luck to all those TOC seat holders and I hope to read about a couple of winners that I actually know. People who supported and played in the TOC all season long. Someone like Al would be nice (we all want him to go don't we?), or Chad so he could take the whole mother down since I believe he has the best chance to do so. Or HeffMike, Queeny, LJ or someone else from that crew (you know who you are). Anyone but Fuel... oh no wait... he didn't get a ticket either! All I know is that I want to cheer for the next Iggy... so who's it gonna be?
Whoever it is, they will deserve it because there is some tough competition to get through... and then there are the other people who have TOC seats and still have no idea how they got them. One more lucky tournament for two people and their life could potentially change forever!
Take it down!
I've tried to put down how the tournament went on Monday and Tuesday... and if you haven't guessed by now... I'm still pretty furious at myself for letting it slip away. So I doubt I will get to it anytime soon, but it has brought up some great golf memories of my past and let's just say it's not the first time I've choked and lost. The bottom line is - I will be a better player because of it. That is all I can keep telling myself... that in order to succeed, I must fail.
Just as in poker, golf is a game that takes time to learn. It takes time to know what to do in certain situations during the round. When to push for it, and when to hang back and wait for your moment to attack. I'll always be learning both, no doubt.
Anyway, I'll keep this short as I still need to get a lot done before I leave for another 5 day holiday in the hot sun of the Okanagan. Chick's ball tournament FTW! I can't really complain about going to a hotel for 4 nights with a girls ball team of 15, drinking as many beers as I can whilst sitting by the pool. Waking up the next day and playing golf and then coming back for another meating on the BBQ (yes, meating, not meeting... get it?). We even have a putting green at our hotel... can it get any better? Ok topless baseball might be better...
Good luck to all those TOC seat holders and I hope to read about a couple of winners that I actually know. People who supported and played in the TOC all season long. Someone like Al would be nice (we all want him to go don't we?), or Chad so he could take the whole mother down since I believe he has the best chance to do so. Or HeffMike, Queeny, LJ or someone else from that crew (you know who you are). Anyone but Fuel... oh no wait... he didn't get a ticket either! All I know is that I want to cheer for the next Iggy... so who's it gonna be?
Whoever it is, they will deserve it because there is some tough competition to get through... and then there are the other people who have TOC seats and still have no idea how they got them. One more lucky tournament for two people and their life could potentially change forever!
Take it down!
3.6.09
Finished bogey bogey to lose by one... I hate losing. I need to get tournament tough, and I'm not talking about poker anymore. All about golf now.
Golf only. Live Poker for fun only.
Get serious.
Get serious.
29.5.09
Writing for the sake of writing
I just checked my stats and I gotta say, for the 10 days off of not posting anything... a lot of you still come here to check on me... and I appreciate it. It's either that or they use this space as a port hole to other blogs. I use to do the same until I found bloglines.
The WSOP has started in case you were wondering. To tell you the truth I haven't had that much of a desire to check on things just yet. I know I know, its relatively early and I think the $40K NL tourney is past day 1. Go Moneymaker Go. Make us proud.
I seriously only check Dr. Pauly and Wicked Chops because its all I have time for and I know I will get quality stuff, especially at Pauly's blogs. I've said this before and I'l say it again - Dr. Pauly lays down the best stuff day in and day out, hands down. If you are reading this and think I should add you to my short list... let me know and I will check it out. Often I am soooo out of the loop as to what is going on in the poker world that I just revert back to old faithful. The Doc, not to be confused with The Doc.
I've played two of the nicest courses in Canada this week. Top notch first class all the way. The first one was at Capilano and the second was yesterday at Shaughnessy. Links in previous posts, go and check them out. My game has been less than stellar. In fact I am yet to shoot under par this year! I am not even close either, but still kickin' it around in the mid 70's. I'll make 3-4 birdies and then have a few really bad holes too where I either three putt or knock it O.B. (out of bounds) or in the water and manage to make the all mighty double bogey. It sucks. I feel like I am close, but I really need to just practice more. Short game is where I will save me some strokes and some cash.
I have a two day tournament starting on Monday. Should be a good one. I've finished second in it before so I really would like to take it down. I think this is the last year before they rip the course apart... time to get it done.
Ok gotta go. Later.
The WSOP has started in case you were wondering. To tell you the truth I haven't had that much of a desire to check on things just yet. I know I know, its relatively early and I think the $40K NL tourney is past day 1. Go Moneymaker Go. Make us proud.
I seriously only check Dr. Pauly and Wicked Chops because its all I have time for and I know I will get quality stuff, especially at Pauly's blogs. I've said this before and I'l say it again - Dr. Pauly lays down the best stuff day in and day out, hands down. If you are reading this and think I should add you to my short list... let me know and I will check it out. Often I am soooo out of the loop as to what is going on in the poker world that I just revert back to old faithful. The Doc, not to be confused with The Doc.
I've played two of the nicest courses in Canada this week. Top notch first class all the way. The first one was at Capilano and the second was yesterday at Shaughnessy. Links in previous posts, go and check them out. My game has been less than stellar. In fact I am yet to shoot under par this year! I am not even close either, but still kickin' it around in the mid 70's. I'll make 3-4 birdies and then have a few really bad holes too where I either three putt or knock it O.B. (out of bounds) or in the water and manage to make the all mighty double bogey. It sucks. I feel like I am close, but I really need to just practice more. Short game is where I will save me some strokes and some cash.
I have a two day tournament starting on Monday. Should be a good one. I've finished second in it before so I really would like to take it down. I think this is the last year before they rip the course apart... time to get it done.
Ok gotta go. Later.
20.5.09
Mental Notes and Predictions
In no particular order:
- Complete your own due diligence before hitting the post button
- Think before you act, don't just act
- The Detroit Red Wings might not lose another another game in the playoffs this year
- It's none of my business what other people think of me
- Supportive people will always be supportive
- LeBron is one sick sick athletic powehouse that will be unstoppable for years to come
- I need to continue playing poker with a purpose
- My mother turns sixty in ten days
- Recess Rampage will have rake back at Full Tilt one day
- Tiger Woods will win one of the last three majors this year, which is easier than saying that he won't
- Try and rewatch every L O S T episode you can before season 7 starts
- There is always room for improvement, so keep practicing... take a lesson maybe?
18.5.09
Good call Crackn'
Deep Stack Finale seems so obvious... and it comes as no surprise that the idea came from one of the better players in this crew of donkey's.
Side note: Is Chad in the TOC yet?
I am too lazy to look it up... not that it matters in the discussion... because I think he is being sincere about his opinion, regardless of whether he is already in or not. If he isn't, then I wish him luck (and to be serious, luck is all he really needs) in getting there because it would be great to see him in the Main Event ala Iggy of 08'.
Side ote #2: I've only met Chad once and don't really consider him a friend in the blogging world... not by choice of course, but that's just how it has worked out over time.
As I sit here on Victoria Day (Stat day woot) and catch up on some blogs and other PVR'd stuff I also (once again) contemplate what I want out of this space. I continue to talk less and less about poker and more about golf and baseball and anything NOT poker. Sure I continue to relay my opinions on the current BBT4 and any other poker news I find write worthy, but honestly I really have no time or desire to really give it the effort I once did.
I often wonder what others think of this blog. I mean let's face it, it lacks content, the links are out dated, it often is just a rehash of what you could find in much more depth elsewhere, it's inaccurate in that I am obviously NOT an "Under Par Poker Player" and I when I think back about... I doubt I ever was. I used the ad money to finance my bankroll - specifically the WPBT aka the BBT... I've just never advanced much further as a player... and I have no one to blame but myself.
I am just confused as to where to go next. As my bankroll sits idle and slowly disinigrates with each bad bank roll management decision I realize that I am only delaying the inevitable. As some of my long time readers would know, I have only ever dropped $50 onto Full Tilt when I started up my account in the summer of 2006. This also coincided with when I bought my first laptop. It made sense to be able to play in front of the TV and sit by Lola while we watched her shows together. I quickly realized that this was bad way to go about getting better and instead of making the changes, I just kept playing that way. Obviously there have been times where I have been minorly successful, but nothing to link up here that is for sure. However, I can specifically remember those instances and the fact that I was focused, sober and had the TV off is no coincidence.
Now, as I sit here, I am not sure what makes sense anymore when it comes to playing poker. I mean players are getting younger, smarter and better faster than ever. It is virtually impossible to keep up and think that you are not giving up an edge that someone else is willing to put in the time for. I don't rack up the points, I don't have a rakeback account. I don't win medals and I don't play in private freerolls. I have accepted the fact that I only play for fun, but the competitive spirit inside of me just won't let me quit. I won't, that is not who I am. I still want to win when I sit down at the table. I want all of the chips, that will never change. What I really need to accept is the fact that I won't get any better if I don't put in the work. Do I get better at golf by playing less? I rest my case.
I did, however, sign up for Truly Free Poker Training today... ironic?... no, just supportive.
I really like the BBT. I like what it represents and I like the fact that anyone can play in it. However, my opinion is that when you are giving away a seat to the Main Event, that the seat should be won with skill. Learned skill. Sure there is luck involved, but some of that can be equalized with a better structure... and that is where I can't agree more with Chad.
Let the cream rise to the top Full Tilt. Make it happen Al... you have a knack for pulling it off so I don't see why it couldn't happen in this instance. The blogs continue to pimp Full Tilt for free and I think those who have earned a TOC seat should be rewarded with a final tournament that will best represent the community. If that happens... good luck to those who donked a seat already because the dead money factor will certainly be increased.
GL seat holders.
Side note: Is Chad in the TOC yet?
I am too lazy to look it up... not that it matters in the discussion... because I think he is being sincere about his opinion, regardless of whether he is already in or not. If he isn't, then I wish him luck (and to be serious, luck is all he really needs) in getting there because it would be great to see him in the Main Event ala Iggy of 08'.
Side ote #2: I've only met Chad once and don't really consider him a friend in the blogging world... not by choice of course, but that's just how it has worked out over time.
As I sit here on Victoria Day (Stat day woot) and catch up on some blogs and other PVR'd stuff I also (once again) contemplate what I want out of this space. I continue to talk less and less about poker and more about golf and baseball and anything NOT poker. Sure I continue to relay my opinions on the current BBT4 and any other poker news I find write worthy, but honestly I really have no time or desire to really give it the effort I once did.
I often wonder what others think of this blog. I mean let's face it, it lacks content, the links are out dated, it often is just a rehash of what you could find in much more depth elsewhere, it's inaccurate in that I am obviously NOT an "Under Par Poker Player" and I when I think back about... I doubt I ever was. I used the ad money to finance my bankroll - specifically the WPBT aka the BBT... I've just never advanced much further as a player... and I have no one to blame but myself.
I am just confused as to where to go next. As my bankroll sits idle and slowly disinigrates with each bad bank roll management decision I realize that I am only delaying the inevitable. As some of my long time readers would know, I have only ever dropped $50 onto Full Tilt when I started up my account in the summer of 2006. This also coincided with when I bought my first laptop. It made sense to be able to play in front of the TV and sit by Lola while we watched her shows together. I quickly realized that this was bad way to go about getting better and instead of making the changes, I just kept playing that way. Obviously there have been times where I have been minorly successful, but nothing to link up here that is for sure. However, I can specifically remember those instances and the fact that I was focused, sober and had the TV off is no coincidence.
Now, as I sit here, I am not sure what makes sense anymore when it comes to playing poker. I mean players are getting younger, smarter and better faster than ever. It is virtually impossible to keep up and think that you are not giving up an edge that someone else is willing to put in the time for. I don't rack up the points, I don't have a rakeback account. I don't win medals and I don't play in private freerolls. I have accepted the fact that I only play for fun, but the competitive spirit inside of me just won't let me quit. I won't, that is not who I am. I still want to win when I sit down at the table. I want all of the chips, that will never change. What I really need to accept is the fact that I won't get any better if I don't put in the work. Do I get better at golf by playing less? I rest my case.
I did, however, sign up for Truly Free Poker Training today... ironic?... no, just supportive.
I really like the BBT. I like what it represents and I like the fact that anyone can play in it. However, my opinion is that when you are giving away a seat to the Main Event, that the seat should be won with skill. Learned skill. Sure there is luck involved, but some of that can be equalized with a better structure... and that is where I can't agree more with Chad.
Let the cream rise to the top Full Tilt. Make it happen Al... you have a knack for pulling it off so I don't see why it couldn't happen in this instance. The blogs continue to pimp Full Tilt for free and I think those who have earned a TOC seat should be rewarded with a final tournament that will best represent the community. If that happens... good luck to those who donked a seat already because the dead money factor will certainly be increased.
GL seat holders.
14.5.09
I laugh at...
...those people who still do not know how to chop a tournament. It is so simple it makes my head spin. You ship all of your chips to the person you want to win... make sense?
...those people who think they are better than others because of their occupation or size of their bank account. Random I know, but I still laugh.
...those people who wear big huge ugly sunglasses. They only wear them to cover their ugly faces. The bigger the glasses, the uglier the person is what I always say.
...those people who still come here for poker content. One day I will make up for it... maybe.
...the fact that I have only played in one BBT4 in May.
...myself, because I still think about blogging more than I actually read them or write in my own. If only there were 30 hours in a day I'd have so much more to contribute.
...the fact that I only have a few hours left before I head to the Okanagan to play golf at Talking Rock and Rivershore on Friday and Saturday. Super pumped!
Have a good weekend poker donks.
...those people who think they are better than others because of their occupation or size of their bank account. Random I know, but I still laugh.
...those people who wear big huge ugly sunglasses. They only wear them to cover their ugly faces. The bigger the glasses, the uglier the person is what I always say.
...those people who still come here for poker content. One day I will make up for it... maybe.
...the fact that I have only played in one BBT4 in May.
...myself, because I still think about blogging more than I actually read them or write in my own. If only there were 30 hours in a day I'd have so much more to contribute.
...the fact that I only have a few hours left before I head to the Okanagan to play golf at Talking Rock and Rivershore on Friday and Saturday. Super pumped!
Have a good weekend poker donks.
11.5.09
Randomness
Henrik Stenson - it was only a matter of time. Tiger brought his D game in the final round.
Manny oh Manny - you are screwed.
The Canucks are on the verge of elimination... could be costly. I still have faith that they will pull it off though. Goooooooooooooooooo!
I have three poker books that I have not even cracked yet. It is annoying, but I am so busy with life stuff that I just don't make the effort or the time to sit down and read. I figure if I am not trying to get better (or care about getting better) at poker then what is the point. Dust.
I have a shit ton of golf scheduled for the next month or so. I'll be playing some of the nicest private courses in my area. It helps that I am now the scratch league captain, so I can just pick myself... LOL but seriously, our team sucks and we will struggle all year to get a few wins. Playing the away courses is awesome though, especially at courses like Capilano and Shaughnessy.
My Brutes are finally starting to gain some ground... Level 5 baby! Many of you will laugh at that because I am still so far away from beating some of you its not funny. I think Spstoner is like level 30 or something ridiculous. He crushes just like he crushes satellites.
Have a good week everyone. I'll be golfing, not playing poker...
Manny oh Manny - you are screwed.
The Canucks are on the verge of elimination... could be costly. I still have faith that they will pull it off though. Goooooooooooooooooo!
I have three poker books that I have not even cracked yet. It is annoying, but I am so busy with life stuff that I just don't make the effort or the time to sit down and read. I figure if I am not trying to get better (or care about getting better) at poker then what is the point. Dust.
I have a shit ton of golf scheduled for the next month or so. I'll be playing some of the nicest private courses in my area. It helps that I am now the scratch league captain, so I can just pick myself... LOL but seriously, our team sucks and we will struggle all year to get a few wins. Playing the away courses is awesome though, especially at courses like Capilano and Shaughnessy.
My Brutes are finally starting to gain some ground... Level 5 baby! Many of you will laugh at that because I am still so far away from beating some of you its not funny. I think Spstoner is like level 30 or something ridiculous. He crushes just like he crushes satellites.
Have a good week everyone. I'll be golfing, not playing poker...
6.5.09
Mookie Frog Day, pass it on...
Who doesn't want to participate in Mookie Frogday?
If it rains, I'll be there....
Random pics lifted from Jamy. He came up with idea from what I can remember... I call it pure genius. Who doesn't want 9 Donkavtars with stalking capabilities all at the same table... make that 8 tables.
Good luck. It's been all A-listers for the past while... can you make it happen?
5.5.09
Rusty Seven's
Rust.
I fourbet 7's (just typing that makes me feel sick) and get called by KK (weird) while I am on the phone with Lola. Mistake.
I get deepish in the GutterballChasers and forget about the points and the money bubble and play recklessly after losing a flip (which was also reckless). Finished 16th lol.
Smart.
Little poker in my future unless it rains the next two days. I'll be watching the Canucks instead.
Might see you at the Mookie. Might.
I fourbet 7's (just typing that makes me feel sick) and get called by KK (weird) while I am on the phone with Lola. Mistake.
I get deepish in the GutterballChasers and forget about the points and the money bubble and play recklessly after losing a flip (which was also reckless). Finished 16th lol.
Smart.
Little poker in my future unless it rains the next two days. I'll be watching the Canucks instead.
Might see you at the Mookie. Might.
29.4.09
NHL Season 2 - The Playoffs Round 1 recap & Round 2 Predictions
First off - this is my 300th post! nuts.
Ok so let's recap how I did in the first round:
2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens
Boston in 6 - Boston won in 4.
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers
Washington in 6 -Washington won in 7.
No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina in 6 - Carolina won in an unbelievable game 7.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh in 7 - Pittsburg won in 6.
2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim in 6 - Anaheim won in 6.
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit in 5 - Detroit won in 4.
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 6 St. Louis Blues
Vancouver in 6 - Vancouver won in 4.
No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Calgary Flames
Chicago in 5 - Chicago won in 6.
So overall I did pretty well picking the correct winner in all 8 series. Too bad I didn't lay some money on it... if I did... things would be way different because I am almost as bad as waffles when it comes to coolers of my own bets.
Stanley Cup Predictions: Pittsburgh vs. Vancouver - I will stick with this prediction.
Winner: Vancouver FTW.
Round 2 Predictions:
2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7 Carolina Huricanes
Boston in 6 - well rested and ready to go. If it goes the distance who knows what will happen as we have seen how Carolina can come back and win. Cam Ward will be the difference maker if they take it down... however Tim Thomas looks like he is the real deal, even if he is a rookie.
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh in 5 - Sid, Malkin, Gonchar, Fleury combined with too many weak Russians (Alex the Gr8 not included) on the Capitals makes for a lopsided victory. This one will get very nasty before it is over. Ovechkin fights Crosby?
2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim in 6 - I'm only picking this one because I don't want to see the Red Wings in the Western Finals. I am hoping for a big upset here. Maybe Osgood will get back to his shitty goaltending ways and they will choke.
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks
Vancouver in 6 - this is going to be a much tougher series but I think Vancouver will take them down. It's all on the Sedins and Luongo. If they play as well as they did in the first round I can't see Chicago going the distance. Add in guys like Burrows and Kessler and you've got yourself a great series in the making. Chicago is too young and lack of experience will prove to be the difference.
Ok so let's recap how I did in the first round:
2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens
Boston in 6 - Boston won in 4.
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers
Washington in 6 -Washington won in 7.
No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina in 6 - Carolina won in an unbelievable game 7.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh in 7 - Pittsburg won in 6.
2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim in 6 - Anaheim won in 6.
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit in 5 - Detroit won in 4.
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 6 St. Louis Blues
Vancouver in 6 - Vancouver won in 4.
No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Calgary Flames
Chicago in 5 - Chicago won in 6.
So overall I did pretty well picking the correct winner in all 8 series. Too bad I didn't lay some money on it... if I did... things would be way different because I am almost as bad as waffles when it comes to coolers of my own bets.
Stanley Cup Predictions: Pittsburgh vs. Vancouver - I will stick with this prediction.
Winner: Vancouver FTW.
Round 2 Predictions:
2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7 Carolina Huricanes
Boston in 6 - well rested and ready to go. If it goes the distance who knows what will happen as we have seen how Carolina can come back and win. Cam Ward will be the difference maker if they take it down... however Tim Thomas looks like he is the real deal, even if he is a rookie.
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh in 5 - Sid, Malkin, Gonchar, Fleury combined with too many weak Russians (Alex the Gr8 not included) on the Capitals makes for a lopsided victory. This one will get very nasty before it is over. Ovechkin fights Crosby?
2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim in 6 - I'm only picking this one because I don't want to see the Red Wings in the Western Finals. I am hoping for a big upset here. Maybe Osgood will get back to his shitty goaltending ways and they will choke.
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks
Vancouver in 6 - this is going to be a much tougher series but I think Vancouver will take them down. It's all on the Sedins and Luongo. If they play as well as they did in the first round I can't see Chicago going the distance. Add in guys like Burrows and Kessler and you've got yourself a great series in the making. Chicago is too young and lack of experience will prove to be the difference.
28.4.09
Horse Race, Three Putts and Bayne the Babypants
I really have no reason to write anything today, I am just putting words down here because I feel slightly obligated to keep my minimal readers in the loop as to what has gone on over the past week or so.
Ball season kicked off and we are sitting at 1-1 with a game tonight and Friday. It's all about the beer anyway.
Golf tournament this past weekend. I couldn't putt to save my life but did drain one nice 40 footer for eagle and $17 skin LOL. Shot 77-80 to finish somewhere around 15th and probably had no fewer than 6 three putts during those two rounds combined. I literally blew 2 or 3 putts past the hole a good 10-15 feet and of course missed the ones coming back. I just cound't figure it out. I should have just took my bogey lumps but for some reason tried to make hero pars and knock in long par putts, and it cost me... money! Or should I say stuff. Yeah, it cost me stuff. Like first place was a 40" sony LCD. I only lost by 12-14 shots so yeah, my game needs some serious work.
The best part of the weekend is always the horse race. The horse race is a two man team event where the teams are arranged by handicap. I was the low with an index of 1.4 and drew a guy who had never played in a horse race before with an index of 6.0. It is quite the spectical when you look out onto the first hole and see no less than 25 carts flying around chasing down their next shot. It is basically a last team standing kind of format where each team of two alternates shots until you get it in the hole. Then the next guy tees off and away you go, battling other teams and trying not to fuck up and let your partner down. Usually you drop 2-3 teams each hole until you get down to the final 4 teams. Chip offs are used to determine the losers if there are too many teams that have tied with the same score on the hole. Guys are usually pretty trashed when it gets going because they've been in the clubhouse drinking for up to 4 hours already. It is awesome.
The chip off is fun because the organizer basically chooses the toughest chip on the hole and while you hit your shot the other guys (one from each team) turn around and are not allowed to watch the others chip. Then a measurement takes place and the furthest from the hole is out, see ya, have a nice cart ride back to the clubhouse you donkey.
We never took it down (I donkey chipped it in playoff #3), but I sure did drink my face off. The girls were trashed and managed to drink 3 bottles of booze (one was a 60 ouncer) throughout the weekend. They passed out by 9pm on Saturday so Penski and I hit up the local pub which was just two doors down and we got there by walking along the beach. Good times, but we stayed too late, which surely cost me some shots 8 hours later... The deal was we would stay until we got knocked off the pool table... but being the sharks we are we rode it out until 2am and never lost a game. The pool was free and there was no money on the line, but man was it ever fun pissing off the local dudes who think they are the shit.
My playoff beard is coming along nicely with it almost showing some serious potential. Round two of the playoffs start on Thursday with the Canucks facing the Blackhawks. It's going to be a very exciting series and I can only hope that they win so I can keep growing this sucka.
That's it for now, I'm off to ball tonight so no ghey skills game for me tonight. Oh and that reminds me, I actually made my 3rd final table of the BBT. Made some much needed money but still showed some serious rust when I spewed some ridiculous amounts of chips late and I couldn't avoid getting eliminated in 5th place. Although it was fun pissing off Bayne (or Bayneby last night) with my donkey calling skills and outflopping his AK shove with my AQ SB special. I know he was just being silly and railing me pretty hard there at the end basically letting it be known that he wanted me to fail. I am fine with that, my expectations were very low to begin with and I was chalking it up to another bad bankroll decision that I continue to consistently make week in and week out. I'm still yet to reload since I started blogging though, so at least I've got that going for me...
Later.
Ball season kicked off and we are sitting at 1-1 with a game tonight and Friday. It's all about the beer anyway.
Golf tournament this past weekend. I couldn't putt to save my life but did drain one nice 40 footer for eagle and $17 skin LOL. Shot 77-80 to finish somewhere around 15th and probably had no fewer than 6 three putts during those two rounds combined. I literally blew 2 or 3 putts past the hole a good 10-15 feet and of course missed the ones coming back. I just cound't figure it out. I should have just took my bogey lumps but for some reason tried to make hero pars and knock in long par putts, and it cost me... money! Or should I say stuff. Yeah, it cost me stuff. Like first place was a 40" sony LCD. I only lost by 12-14 shots so yeah, my game needs some serious work.
The best part of the weekend is always the horse race. The horse race is a two man team event where the teams are arranged by handicap. I was the low with an index of 1.4 and drew a guy who had never played in a horse race before with an index of 6.0. It is quite the spectical when you look out onto the first hole and see no less than 25 carts flying around chasing down their next shot. It is basically a last team standing kind of format where each team of two alternates shots until you get it in the hole. Then the next guy tees off and away you go, battling other teams and trying not to fuck up and let your partner down. Usually you drop 2-3 teams each hole until you get down to the final 4 teams. Chip offs are used to determine the losers if there are too many teams that have tied with the same score on the hole. Guys are usually pretty trashed when it gets going because they've been in the clubhouse drinking for up to 4 hours already. It is awesome.
The chip off is fun because the organizer basically chooses the toughest chip on the hole and while you hit your shot the other guys (one from each team) turn around and are not allowed to watch the others chip. Then a measurement takes place and the furthest from the hole is out, see ya, have a nice cart ride back to the clubhouse you donkey.
We never took it down (I donkey chipped it in playoff #3), but I sure did drink my face off. The girls were trashed and managed to drink 3 bottles of booze (one was a 60 ouncer) throughout the weekend. They passed out by 9pm on Saturday so Penski and I hit up the local pub which was just two doors down and we got there by walking along the beach. Good times, but we stayed too late, which surely cost me some shots 8 hours later... The deal was we would stay until we got knocked off the pool table... but being the sharks we are we rode it out until 2am and never lost a game. The pool was free and there was no money on the line, but man was it ever fun pissing off the local dudes who think they are the shit.
My playoff beard is coming along nicely with it almost showing some serious potential. Round two of the playoffs start on Thursday with the Canucks facing the Blackhawks. It's going to be a very exciting series and I can only hope that they win so I can keep growing this sucka.
That's it for now, I'm off to ball tonight so no ghey skills game for me tonight. Oh and that reminds me, I actually made my 3rd final table of the BBT. Made some much needed money but still showed some serious rust when I spewed some ridiculous amounts of chips late and I couldn't avoid getting eliminated in 5th place. Although it was fun pissing off Bayne (or Bayneby last night) with my donkey calling skills and outflopping his AK shove with my AQ SB special. I know he was just being silly and railing me pretty hard there at the end basically letting it be known that he wanted me to fail. I am fine with that, my expectations were very low to begin with and I was chalking it up to another bad bankroll decision that I continue to consistently make week in and week out. I'm still yet to reload since I started blogging though, so at least I've got that going for me...
Later.
20.4.09
Effing Big Game with tiny stacks is ghey dude
That was probably the worst spur of the moment decision I have made in my poker life. The worst bankroll management I have ever displayed. The weakest tightest lamest fucking boringest game I have ever played in my life. No cards, and no chips to play with makes for a dumb combination of gambling and luckboxery. I thought we'd at least get a 3,000 starting stack...
I seriously had 10 effing times more fun playing in a 1,000 person donakament with DoubleDave and Queener (PokerBrian22 in this instance) on Saturday night (barely cashed) then I did playing in that gheyfest called the big game. Don's Big games are supposed to have big stacks, not little tiny stacks that you have to basically shove or fold when you get to the river. Top it off with 2 rebuy periods and you've got yourself a recipe for disaster. Schaubs was not happy. I don't need to explain it any further. If you were there, you understand, if you weren't then you are very very lucky. I'ts 100% my fault for registering in the first place, so I have to accept my bankroll suicidal tendancies... and I do.
Who is cracknKK? He/She sure reminds me of cracknaces... they were both at my table and somehow aces chips were shipped to KK... then KK started playing like aces. Weird. I know it is Chad's wife, I knew this before, so really i am just being silly Schaubs who starts stuff about nothing we didn't already know. If it was me, and my wife and I are playing in the same private tournament and I go out because she has a better hand, then I am probably going to go sit beside her (join her in the other room of course) and help her out as she grinds to the money. Hell, I might even tell her something like "Hey that Schaubs that is raising, he is a nit, so put in a big raise and he will fold... unless he has the nuts" She/He was right, and I played like a total weak tight fanboi.
As the great Ryan Kessler said on the ice this weekend during the Canucks gameso some pussy who wouldn't drop the gloves: "Give your balls a tug!"
Anyway that Queenie is one tightass mofo. He was basically at the same stack I was when I pushed my JQo (tilt) into KK's AQ0 for 10BB's and when I came back an hour later Queenie was still in it with the same size stack! No wonder he accumulates so many final tables and so many points, well done on your second place finish... again.
Probably my last game of poker for a while as I strap on the cleats and spikes and get down for some baseball and golfing action all week and into the weekend. Lake view, golf, beers. Life is good.
Have a good week and GL at the tables everyone.
I seriously had 10 effing times more fun playing in a 1,000 person donakament with DoubleDave and Queener (PokerBrian22 in this instance) on Saturday night (barely cashed) then I did playing in that gheyfest called the big game. Don's Big games are supposed to have big stacks, not little tiny stacks that you have to basically shove or fold when you get to the river. Top it off with 2 rebuy periods and you've got yourself a recipe for disaster. Schaubs was not happy. I don't need to explain it any further. If you were there, you understand, if you weren't then you are very very lucky. I'ts 100% my fault for registering in the first place, so I have to accept my bankroll suicidal tendancies... and I do.
Who is cracknKK? He/She sure reminds me of cracknaces... they were both at my table and somehow aces chips were shipped to KK... then KK started playing like aces. Weird. I know it is Chad's wife, I knew this before, so really i am just being silly Schaubs who starts stuff about nothing we didn't already know. If it was me, and my wife and I are playing in the same private tournament and I go out because she has a better hand, then I am probably going to go sit beside her (join her in the other room of course) and help her out as she grinds to the money. Hell, I might even tell her something like "Hey that Schaubs that is raising, he is a nit, so put in a big raise and he will fold... unless he has the nuts" She/He was right, and I played like a total weak tight fanboi.
As the great Ryan Kessler said on the ice this weekend during the Canucks gameso some pussy who wouldn't drop the gloves: "Give your balls a tug!"
Anyway that Queenie is one tightass mofo. He was basically at the same stack I was when I pushed my JQo (tilt) into KK's AQ0 for 10BB's and when I came back an hour later Queenie was still in it with the same size stack! No wonder he accumulates so many final tables and so many points, well done on your second place finish... again.
Probably my last game of poker for a while as I strap on the cleats and spikes and get down for some baseball and golfing action all week and into the weekend. Lake view, golf, beers. Life is good.
Have a good week and GL at the tables everyone.
17.4.09
My first driving range compliment(s) lol, Happy likes Golf
Ok maybe not my first, but my first in a very long time. You see I was down at the range that is a skip down the hill from my place and was keeping to myself, doing my usual routine.
I start off with the wedges. These are my new CG14 wedges that I picked up off our head pro a couple of weeks ago. I am still in demo mode so I am free rolling these grooves at the moment. Man do they ever make a difference! I am spinning it from inside 75 now and my chip shots are holding much better and I basically just have more control over my golf ball now which is exactly what I was looking for. Anyway, I step on the range and grab the 56 degree wedge and take dead aim for the car… the one where I shattered the window not too long ago. Ahhh memories.
So I'm landing it on the roof once or twice and basically just goofing off as I normally do while I warm up. Then I get serious and start hitting the shots I need to practice. Set up, grip, alignment, tempo. I pick my target and am just doing my thing as always. I get to the driver and some guy passes by and says "wow you are hitting it halfway up the back net, I can only roll it up there" and we laugh and I say "yep, well I've had lots of practice."
I really never know what to say to people when they give me a golf compliment about a shot. I try to be modest and I usually just tell them that I have been golfing for over 20 years and that I have had lots and lots of practice. That is basically it, just keep practicing.
Then when I am done my session and as I am about to leave another dude shouts out at me as I pass by and says "wow that was awesome, you are the best player I have ever seen hit a ball like that."
I am thinking to myself "Buddy, you need to get out more often!" but instead I say "Thanks, I've had lots of practice..." and I just kept walking. I'm still struggling with what the right response is with a compliment like that. I don't often get them, but when I do, I try to just be me and not be the dickwad who thinks he is all that.
"Hey look at me, I'm the amazing golfer guy" - Happy Gilmore.
I tried to find the exact quote but all I could come up with was these beauties:
Shooter McGavin: You're in big trouble though, pal. I eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast!
Happy Gilmore: [laughing] You eat pieces of shit for breakfast?
Shooter McGavin: [long pause] No!
----
Chubbs: Golf's no different from Hockey. It requires talent and self discipline.
Happy Gilmore: Golf requires goofy pants and a fat ass. You should talk to my neighbor, the accountant. Probably a great golfer... huge ass.
Chubbs: Hey, I'll bet your neighbor the accountant can't drive the ball four hundred yards. I'll bet your neighbor the accountant doesn't have a shot to get on the Pro Tour!
Happy Gilmore: And how would I do that?
Chubbs: You win the Open tomorrow, and you're automatically on the Pro Tour. Then who knows? Maybe you'll win the Tour Championship one day. Get that gold jacket that I never got.
Happy Gilmore: Gold jacket, green jacket, who gives a shit?
----
This scene was shot about 45 minutes from my house:
Announcer: We haven't seen Happy Gilmore play this badly since his first day on tour. He and Bob Barker are now dead last.
Bob Barker: I can't believe you're a professional golfer. I think you should be working at the snack bar.
Happy Gilmore: You better relax, Bob.
Bob Barker: There is no way that you could have been as bad at hockey as you are at golf.
Happy Gilmore: All right, let's go. [Happy punches Bob in the face. Bob grunts as he stumbles to the ground]
Happy Gilmore: [after punching Bob Barker to the ground] You like THAT old man? You want a piece of ME?
Bob Barker: [shakes his head as he get up from the ground] I don't want a PIECE of you... I want the whole THING! [Bob punches Happy in the stomach once then punches him in the face ten times. His tenth blow causes happy to fall into a small pond]
Have a good weekend peeps.
I start off with the wedges. These are my new CG14 wedges that I picked up off our head pro a couple of weeks ago. I am still in demo mode so I am free rolling these grooves at the moment. Man do they ever make a difference! I am spinning it from inside 75 now and my chip shots are holding much better and I basically just have more control over my golf ball now which is exactly what I was looking for. Anyway, I step on the range and grab the 56 degree wedge and take dead aim for the car… the one where I shattered the window not too long ago. Ahhh memories.
So I'm landing it on the roof once or twice and basically just goofing off as I normally do while I warm up. Then I get serious and start hitting the shots I need to practice. Set up, grip, alignment, tempo. I pick my target and am just doing my thing as always. I get to the driver and some guy passes by and says "wow you are hitting it halfway up the back net, I can only roll it up there" and we laugh and I say "yep, well I've had lots of practice."
I really never know what to say to people when they give me a golf compliment about a shot. I try to be modest and I usually just tell them that I have been golfing for over 20 years and that I have had lots and lots of practice. That is basically it, just keep practicing.
Then when I am done my session and as I am about to leave another dude shouts out at me as I pass by and says "wow that was awesome, you are the best player I have ever seen hit a ball like that."
I am thinking to myself "Buddy, you need to get out more often!" but instead I say "Thanks, I've had lots of practice..." and I just kept walking. I'm still struggling with what the right response is with a compliment like that. I don't often get them, but when I do, I try to just be me and not be the dickwad who thinks he is all that.
"Hey look at me, I'm the amazing golfer guy" - Happy Gilmore.
I tried to find the exact quote but all I could come up with was these beauties:
Shooter McGavin: You're in big trouble though, pal. I eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast!
Happy Gilmore: [laughing] You eat pieces of shit for breakfast?
Shooter McGavin: [long pause] No!
----
Chubbs: Golf's no different from Hockey. It requires talent and self discipline.
Happy Gilmore: Golf requires goofy pants and a fat ass. You should talk to my neighbor, the accountant. Probably a great golfer... huge ass.
Chubbs: Hey, I'll bet your neighbor the accountant can't drive the ball four hundred yards. I'll bet your neighbor the accountant doesn't have a shot to get on the Pro Tour!
Happy Gilmore: And how would I do that?
Chubbs: You win the Open tomorrow, and you're automatically on the Pro Tour. Then who knows? Maybe you'll win the Tour Championship one day. Get that gold jacket that I never got.
Happy Gilmore: Gold jacket, green jacket, who gives a shit?
----
This scene was shot about 45 minutes from my house:
Announcer: We haven't seen Happy Gilmore play this badly since his first day on tour. He and Bob Barker are now dead last.
Bob Barker: I can't believe you're a professional golfer. I think you should be working at the snack bar.
Happy Gilmore: You better relax, Bob.
Bob Barker: There is no way that you could have been as bad at hockey as you are at golf.
Happy Gilmore: All right, let's go. [Happy punches Bob in the face. Bob grunts as he stumbles to the ground]
Happy Gilmore: [after punching Bob Barker to the ground] You like THAT old man? You want a piece of ME?
Bob Barker: [shakes his head as he get up from the ground] I don't want a PIECE of you... I want the whole THING! [Bob punches Happy in the stomach once then punches him in the face ten times. His tenth blow causes happy to fall into a small pond]
Have a good weekend peeps.
Hockey, Sick par 3 golf hole
Hockey playoffs are well underway and I have to say I am pretty pleased with the way things have turned out so far. I actually didn't go with the picks I listed below for the Astin work hockey pool because of the way he set it up with points being rewarded etc. I still went with the winner below in one of them and picked Chicago in the other. Boston from the East as well as New Jersey in the second one. So far I am running ok in it sitting at about 6th place of 141. First place is a cool $1,250 which would be awesome. I've never won a pool of that magnitude before and with this many people entered it won't be easy. Lots of luck is definitely required.
I have a golf tournament next week that I play in annually now. Lola, Penski and JFTB will be jumping in a van for a 5 day adventure. Stop off at friends lake house for two nights prior to the tournament for some fishing and relaxation. We usually bring a bucket of balls and pound them out into the lake or ocean. Super fun fun super fun.
Ok gotta get at it, so I will leave you with this wicked hole that I would one day love to play... you have to take a helicopter to get there! Double Nuts!!
I have a golf tournament next week that I play in annually now. Lola, Penski and JFTB will be jumping in a van for a 5 day adventure. Stop off at friends lake house for two nights prior to the tournament for some fishing and relaxation. We usually bring a bucket of balls and pound them out into the lake or ocean. Super fun fun super fun.
Ok gotta get at it, so I will leave you with this wicked hole that I would one day love to play... you have to take a helicopter to get there! Double Nuts!!
14.4.09
NHL Season 2 - The Playoffs!
The playoffs are here and the Canucks are up against a red hot St. Louis Blues in the first round. Here are the rest of the matchups and my predictions as usual:
2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens
Boston in 6
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers
Washington in 6
No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina in 6
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh in 7
2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim in 6
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit in 5
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 6 St. Louis Blues
Vancouver in 6
No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Calgary Flames
Chicago in 5
Stanley Cup Predictions:
Pittsburgh vs. Vancouver
Winner: Vancouver
It's all about goaltending and I strongly beleive that Luongo is going to show up this year in full force. I might just be jinxing them by writing this here today (woouldn't be the first and won't be the last) but I really don't like to be supersticious like that so I have always tried to just write what I feel, regardless of what magically effect it may have.
Realistically I could see a Boston vs. Detroit final, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the kid named Crosby is going to be on fire this year along with that other stud centre Malkin.
Anyway, I am just happy that the Canucks are actually IN the playoffs this year. That in itself is a win in my books. Hockey season two is upon us and the Canucks will take part. They've got a great team and I look forward to seeing what damage they can do. Maybe it will be one of those runs where everything just lines up perfectly. Other upsets take place paving the way to a Western final against another team who never thought they could get there.
Hockey every night, baseball games for Lola's team and my team makes for some very non-poker fun filled nights of drinking, laughing and hangin' out in the sun. No kids yet, so we've made a priority to make each night count, each weekend a blast and to book more vacations and trips than ever.
Having the time to do this stuff is definitely a luxury that, when I become a parent, I will look back at and wonder what I use to do with my time. I hear people say it all the time "we never have time to ourselves" and I want to make sure we have a blast this summer.
This is probably just my long winded way of saying you probably won't see me too often at the tables in the near future. Golf tournaments, ball games and out door fun is definitly taking precedence over the BBT4.
GL to all of you in the April race and beyond. If you see me at the table, my chips are available for the taking...
2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens
Boston in 6
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers
Washington in 6
No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina in 6
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh in 7
2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim in 6
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit in 5
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 6 St. Louis Blues
Vancouver in 6
No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Calgary Flames
Chicago in 5
Stanley Cup Predictions:
Pittsburgh vs. Vancouver
Winner: Vancouver
It's all about goaltending and I strongly beleive that Luongo is going to show up this year in full force. I might just be jinxing them by writing this here today (woouldn't be the first and won't be the last) but I really don't like to be supersticious like that so I have always tried to just write what I feel, regardless of what magically effect it may have.
Realistically I could see a Boston vs. Detroit final, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the kid named Crosby is going to be on fire this year along with that other stud centre Malkin.
Anyway, I am just happy that the Canucks are actually IN the playoffs this year. That in itself is a win in my books. Hockey season two is upon us and the Canucks will take part. They've got a great team and I look forward to seeing what damage they can do. Maybe it will be one of those runs where everything just lines up perfectly. Other upsets take place paving the way to a Western final against another team who never thought they could get there.
Hockey every night, baseball games for Lola's team and my team makes for some very non-poker fun filled nights of drinking, laughing and hangin' out in the sun. No kids yet, so we've made a priority to make each night count, each weekend a blast and to book more vacations and trips than ever.
Having the time to do this stuff is definitely a luxury that, when I become a parent, I will look back at and wonder what I use to do with my time. I hear people say it all the time "we never have time to ourselves" and I want to make sure we have a blast this summer.
This is probably just my long winded way of saying you probably won't see me too often at the tables in the near future. Golf tournaments, ball games and out door fun is definitly taking precedence over the BBT4.
GL to all of you in the April race and beyond. If you see me at the table, my chips are available for the taking...
9.4.09
The James Bond Game
FCPC Simon's latest game was a ten man single table $100 buyin super duper mega stacks. We began this slugfest with 1 million chips each and the blinds started out at a meager 100/200. Fuel and I arrived about 30 minutes late and they were just finishing up the first level.
Did I mention we started out with ONE MILLION chips each? Oh and the other requirement I forgot to mention was that you MUST show up wearing a shirt and tie. No exceptions. At first I thought Simon was joking, but he wouldn't budge as I tried to get out of it by threatening a no show. I finally caved and decided to break out the bow tie! One guy kept saying I looked like the kid from the movie "The Problem Child" or was it the Bow Tie Killer? Either way, it was funny to me because everyone else was just wearing the usual black/blue suit, pinstripes, suspenders, sunglasses etc.
The Vodka martini's were flowing and I was already 4 beers deep with a decent buzz. I did partake in this and that, the martini's were good, the poker suffered though. I felt a bit off as we approached the 3rd hour. My throat was drying up and really wasn't feeling that great. No excuses necessary though, I just wasn't playing that well and it eventually caught up with me.
Anyway, I had a blast... but played very poorly. Rust. Bubbled. I suck.
Fuel referenced the 5000 BB pot in his latest post. It was pretty fun to watch these two guys get it all in that early in the tournament. Here is a pic of the hand.
Check out my stack when I arrived:
Did I mention we started out with ONE MILLION chips each? Oh and the other requirement I forgot to mention was that you MUST show up wearing a shirt and tie. No exceptions. At first I thought Simon was joking, but he wouldn't budge as I tried to get out of it by threatening a no show. I finally caved and decided to break out the bow tie! One guy kept saying I looked like the kid from the movie "The Problem Child" or was it the Bow Tie Killer? Either way, it was funny to me because everyone else was just wearing the usual black/blue suit, pinstripes, suspenders, sunglasses etc.
The Vodka martini's were flowing and I was already 4 beers deep with a decent buzz. I did partake in this and that, the martini's were good, the poker suffered though. I felt a bit off as we approached the 3rd hour. My throat was drying up and really wasn't feeling that great. No excuses necessary though, I just wasn't playing that well and it eventually caught up with me.
Anyway, I had a blast... but played very poorly. Rust. Bubbled. I suck.
Fuel referenced the 5000 BB pot in his latest post. It was pretty fun to watch these two guys get it all in that early in the tournament. Here is a pic of the hand.
Check out my stack when I arrived:
5 bundles of 100K each. There were also some green chips worth 25K each either not in the shot, or I spewed them off before I took this shot. After the bubble we introduced the 500K plaques and shortly after that it was over. The tournaments always end at the same time, it's just a matter of how the blinds are structured... 25 minute levels and we were still done at 12:30am. The levels really started to climb (read: double) near the end, which kinda sucked since I was the short stack. I think my high water mark was never above 2 million. My reads were good, except I usually figured it out after I either folded or wasn't in the hand to begin with.
Good times, good guys. We even talked about getting an FCPC golf game going... which I should do a bit better at.
THE MASTERS STARTS TOMORROW!!!
I played my first round of the year yesterday... maybe I'll write more about that next time.
Later.
6.4.09
I am so pumped for the Masters! Time to dust off the green jacket I made in 2003 when Canuck Mike Weir took it down. Can an American take it in 09'?
If you are interested in joining my annual Masters golf pool, send me an email and I will send you the deets. You must be able to pay me by Thursday, no excuses.
Golf Fan Schaubs
Golf Fan Schaubs
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