Joe Sebok Makes his Final Costume Change...
Joe Sebok arrived at 430pm this afternoon at the Main Event dressed as Wonder Woman!!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Dinner Break Day 4 of Day 1 at the WSOP Main Event.
- A player was disqualified when he was caught putting chips in his pocket which is a really big no-no. He claimed he was "transferring" them, but the floorman said it was still cause for disqualification. The first disqualification of the 2006 Event. (Same thing happened in 2005).
- WSOP Main Event Winners were out in force today: Amarillo Slim Preston (1972), Chris Moneymaker (2003), Robert Varkonyi (2002), Johnny Chan (1987 and 1988), Huck Seed (1996).
- Pros and celebs in today's heat include Lennox Lewis, Dean Cain, Marcel Luske, Cecelia Mortensen, Mihn Nguyen* (wonder if he had to re-buy after no-shoing on Day 1A), Kathy Leibert*, Hank Azaria, Freddy Deeb*, Toto Leonidas*, Alan Goehring, Isabelle Mercier, John D'Agostino, Scott Fischman*, Ted Forrest*, Chip Reese*, Susie Isaacs*, Cyndy Violette*, Joe Cassidy, Robert Williamson III*, Sam Grizzle, Eric Lindgren, Erik Seidel*. *Indicates WSOP bracelet winners.
- Early departures include "Sean Sheikhan (I don't like that guy - woo hoo!!), Erik Seidel*, Lyle Berman*, Erick Lindgren, Joe Awada*, Lennox Lewis - he was KO'd by a girl - Cecelia Mortensen, Max Pescatori, Sam Grizzle, Vince Van Patten. *Indicates WSOP bracelet winners.
Day 1C WSOP Main Event Re-Cap
On day 3 of day 1, Penn and Teller threw out the ceremonial first deck and 2,160 folks, all eager to win the gold bracelet - the money means nothing - yeah right, sat down in the Rio's Amazon Room as the dealers shuffled up and dealt. This brings the 3 day total of entries to 6,480 with another 2,000+ expected on Monday, the final day of the first day heats.
By day's end, there were only 867 entries left sitting bringing the 3 day total of entries making the first cut to less than 2,600. And that translates, folks, into $37 million in "dead money" and the will rise another $13 million on Monday. That's a lot of cannolis....nearly $50 million in dead money when round one concludes on Monday. It looks like the total number of entries will be between 8,400 - 8,600 bringing the first prize to at least $11,000,000 - woo hoo!! Sure wish I were there!! Only 361 days to the 2007 WSOP Main Event according to my pokerlogical clock which is ticking loud and clear.
Day 1C seemed to have more premier professional players than the previous two days: Greg Raymer, Steve Dannenmann, Sammy Farha - who has already won a bracelet this year and Josh Ariel. These four all made the final tables in 2003, 2004 and 2005 with Fossilman winning all the cannolis in 2004.
And now to Poker Happens!! re-cap:
On day 3 of day 1, Penn and Teller threw out the ceremonial first deck and 2,160 folks, all eager to win the gold bracelet - the money means nothing - yeah right, sat down in the Rio's Amazon Room as the dealers shuffled up and dealt. This brings the 3 day total of entries to 6,480 with another 2,000+ expected on Monday, the final day of the first day heats.
By day's end, there were only 867 entries left sitting bringing the 3 day total of entries making the first cut to less than 2,600. And that translates, folks, into $37 million in "dead money" and the will rise another $13 million on Monday. That's a lot of cannolis....nearly $50 million in dead money when round one concludes on Monday. It looks like the total number of entries will be between 8,400 - 8,600 bringing the first prize to at least $11,000,000 - woo hoo!! Sure wish I were there!! Only 361 days to the 2007 WSOP Main Event according to my pokerlogical clock which is ticking loud and clear.
Day 1C seemed to have more premier professional players than the previous two days: Greg Raymer, Steve Dannenmann, Sammy Farha - who has already won a bracelet this year and Josh Ariel. These four all made the final tables in 2003, 2004 and 2005 with Fossilman winning all the cannolis in 2004.
And now to Poker Happens!! re-cap:
- Play started at 12:05 with 2,160 players including the internet qualifiers, satellite winners and many pros including: Daniel Negreanu, Liz Lieu, Thunder Keller, Hasan Habib, Jennifer Harman and hubby Marco Traniello, Phil Laak and sexy girl pal, Jennifer Tilly, The Magician, T.J. Cloutier, John Phan, Mike "The Mouth" (my personal choice to win) Matasow, Jeff "Happy" Schulman, Hasan Habib, John Robert Bellande, John Gale, Phil Gordon (probably one of the best who has still not won the big one along with T.J.), Bobby Baldwin, Harry Demetriou (conspiracy on the Rio's part???), Tuan Le, Adam Schoenfeld, Nam Le, Mark Seif.
- Pros who failed to make it to Day 2A included Mike "The Mouth" (be sure and read his e-mail regarding his elimination which is in previous posting here), Thunder Keller, Sammy Farha, both of the Jennifers - actually "Mennifer" and "Pennifer" all failed to make the cut, The Magician's magic was exposed, T.J., Happy Schulman, Steve Dannenmann, Bobby Baldwin (I hope he didn't quit his day job), Mark Seif, Steve Zolotow, Jean-Robert Bellande, Jim Meehan, Karina Jett, Keith Sexton, Barbara Enright.
- Joe Sebok, continuing to pay off his Circuit bet with Gavin Smith, showed up dressed as Spiderman.
- Chips leaders at the end of Day 1C are: Adam Jones - $123K; William Thorsson - $115K; Brendan Lewis - $112K; Dario Minieri - $103K and Danio Minieri - $103K.
- Notable chip counts included: Daniel Negreanu - $78,500; Greg Raymer - $48,900; Adam Schoenfeld - $46,500; Josh Ariel - $35K; Tom McEvoy - $32,000; John Gale - $30K; Aaron Kanter - $16,000.
- Play was called at 2:58 am and will resume at Noon today when many questions will be answered, the most important being - "how much if I win?"
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Just Received This E-mail from Scott Matasow...
From: Mike Matusow
Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 9:08 PM
Subject: Early exit this year for Mike
Called large raise to with kj suited pre flop as well, pretty bad, lol..
Some of you might not like Helmuth, but the guy is right about today’s so called “Poker players”
This is the modern era of large tournament poker, where bad players think they can play and never fold,
Which is the reason the pros have formed their own pro league, which will make its impact beginning next year.
You have to avoid getting unlucky, stay out of big pots against morons unless you got the nuts, and even then, there are more and more “Aaron Kanters” out there every year that will call off all their chips on draws, and a few hit them, which is the reason why we do not expect a top pro to win ever again the main event..
I’d like to add that last years champ, Joe Hachem is NOT A DONKEY and a worthy title holder. He might be the last ever good player to win with the fields not only getting larger, but attracting the worst poker players on the planet, LOL!!
Mike is really not upset, he expected something like this to a degree to happen and cannot complain because last year on day one, he was the donkey putting all his chips in pre flop with 33 against QQ and hitting the 3 on the flop.
Anyways, I am writing for Mike because he is extremely busy, and Mike will also be playing more events, as there are those “ 2nd chance” events during the main event in which they do award Bracelets for, as Phil Helmuth informed us today, which we were not aware of so….
Anyways take care;
Scott
P.S;
To note, notice that Mike rarely gets knocked out of tournaments making bad calls, when he does he rarely sucks out. Mike might be the most unluckiest player on the planet,(playing hands that is, been lucky to have a nice career out of it) and that’s no joke J a bit more luck, Mike would be near 5 to 10 bracelets by now.
Joe Sebok Arrives to Day 1C...
dressed today as Spiderman as he pays off his Circuit bet with Gavin Smith...what will 1D bring - my guess is Superman!!
And who says poker players are no fun...
Trivia: Bobby Baldwin's best-seller "Bobby Baldwin's Winning Poker Secrets" was actually written by Mike Caro.
dressed today as Spiderman as he pays off his Circuit bet with Gavin Smith...what will 1D bring - my guess is Superman!!
And who says poker players are no fun...
Trivia: Bobby Baldwin's best-seller "Bobby Baldwin's Winning Poker Secrets" was actually written by Mike Caro.
Day 1C WSOP Main Event Players "Mini" Update
The Main Event has been underway for nearly five hours today and as of this writing there are 1,860 of the 2,160 who began playing a little after noon.
Just a quick update of the action so far today:
The Main Event has been underway for nearly five hours today and as of this writing there are 1,860 of the 2,160 who began playing a little after noon.
Just a quick update of the action so far today:
- Celebrities and pros in the Amazon Room today include Jennifer Tilly who won a bracelet at the Ladies Only NL Event in 2005, Daniel Negreanu, T.J. Cloutier, Adam Schoenfeld, Harry Demetriou - evidently they let him back in after escorting him out over the Re-Buy/No Re-Buy issue a few events back, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, Mike "The Mouth" Matasow, Aaron Kanter - who made last year's Main Event Final Table, Keith Sexton, Steve Zolotow, Tom McEvoy - Winner of the 1983 WSOP Main Event, Bobby Baldwin - 1978 WSOP Main Event winner before becoming Casino Exec, Steve Dannenmann - last year's Main Event runner-up, Mark Seif- back-to-back bracelets at the 2005 WSOP, Greg "Fossilman" Raymer - 2004 Main Event Winner, Josh Arieh - final table player at the 2003 Main Event - made one of the greatest lay-downs I've ever seen, Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari, Marco Traniello - Jennifer Harman's other half, Jean-Robert Bellande, Phil Gordon, Jennifer Harman - Marco Traniello's other half, Tuan Le, "Minneapolis" Jim Meehan, Card Player's Jeff Schulman, Karina Jett, John Bonetti, Liz Lieu, Sam Farha, Thomas "Thunder" Keller Hasan Habib and John Phan.
- Those already out the door included: John Gale, Jennifer Tilly, Sammy Farha, Thomas Keller, Liz Lieu, Hasan Habib, John Bonetti, John Phan, Jeff Schulman, Tuan Le, Jennifer Harman, Jim Meehan and Mike Matasow - bummer - he was my pick to win the Main Event.
Day 1B - WSOP Main Event Re-cap
Day 2 of Day 1 began with Texas Dolly throwing out the first deck; followed by Commissioner Pollack announcing "Shuffle up and deal". With that 2,182 players began the second heat of the 2006 WSOP Main Event. Combined with Day1 players of 2, 138, the estimated tournament toal now edges toward 9,000.
Early estimates had pegged the entries at 8,000 which would have meant a $10million payday for the last person standing on or about August 12th. With 9,000 entries that number is climbing closer to $11.5 million and the bracelet.
If the winner makes the statement that the money doesn't matter, "I only want the bracelet"; then this humble blogger will be more than happy to relieve him/her/undetermined gender person of the burdens that the money brings...
Registration for the Main Event runs through Monday, July 31st, at which time the prize pool will be announced.
Here are the highlights of Day 1B:
Day 2 of Day 1 began with Texas Dolly throwing out the first deck; followed by Commissioner Pollack announcing "Shuffle up and deal". With that 2,182 players began the second heat of the 2006 WSOP Main Event. Combined with Day1 players of 2, 138, the estimated tournament toal now edges toward 9,000.
Early estimates had pegged the entries at 8,000 which would have meant a $10million payday for the last person standing on or about August 12th. With 9,000 entries that number is climbing closer to $11.5 million and the bracelet.
If the winner makes the statement that the money doesn't matter, "I only want the bracelet"; then this humble blogger will be more than happy to relieve him/her/undetermined gender person of the burdens that the money brings...
Registration for the Main Event runs through Monday, July 31st, at which time the prize pool will be announced.
Here are the highlights of Day 1B:
- First hand of the day brought the first elimination as well with Pocket Aces vs. Pocket Kings. Kings did not crack the Aces.
- In keeping with his own tradition (after all, "it's all about Phil"), Hellmuth who was seated at the ESPN featured table showed up 2 hours late. Three hours later, Hellmuth was gone when his A-Q did not improve against Pokets 7s. And because he was at the featured table, it's all on tape for eternity. I'm sure be bowed out with grace...
- Joe "The Cub" Sebok followed up his Day 1A appearance as Batman's Robin, costumed in a bear suit, complete with a diaper. During Circuit play, he lost a bet to Gavin Smith and it was time to pay off the bet. Wonder what Day 1C will bring. You might recall that Gavin Smith made another huge bet at the A.C. Circuit with another player that could have cost Gavin $100K for 10 years or $70K for the other participant. (Neither won so all "bets were off".) Like Ted Forrest and Robert Williamson, III, evidently Smith will bet on anything.
- Noteworthy players for Day 1B in addition to "The Poker Brat" included Phil Ivey, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Gavin Smith, Med Judah, Everybody Loves Raymond's Brad Garrett - who had roasted Doyle Brunson earlier in the week and continued his poking fun at the table*, Shannon Elizabeth - making her second consectutive appearance, Paul Darden, Mike Caro, David Williams, John Juanda, Annie Duke, Greg Mueller, Howard Lederer, "Miami" John Cernuto, Doyle's daughter Pamela Brunson (is there a Brunson who doesn't play poker?), Humberto Brenes (I wonder how he likes that "all-in" button?), Allen Cunningham, and Card Player CEO, Barry Schulman.
- Among the eliminated pros and celebrities were Brunson, Gavin Smith, Mel Judah, Brad Garrett - who ironically was eliminated by Doyle's grandson (payback is a b***h), Shannon Elizabeth, Dewey Tomko, Phil Hellmuth, Ron Jeremy (porno star?), Tiffany Williamson - had another clock called on her this year; but this time she made the wrong decision, Barry Schulamn, Joe Sebok, Howard Lederer, Todd Brunson, Randy Jensen (was it during the 12 minutes?) and Paul Darden.
- Play was called at 3:12am with about 860 players advancing to Day 2A where they will combine with Day 1A in the next elimination round.
- Chip leaders for Day 1B: Eric Stonstegard - $83K; Theo Tran - $82,950; Al Barbieri - $82K; Allen Cunningham - $81K; Nicholas Montuori - $80K.
- Chip count of other notables: David Williams - $50K; Humberto Brenes - $30K; Annie Duke - $26K; 2004 Omaha H/L bracelet winner Ted Lawson - $24K; Mike Caro - $23K; 2004 Main Event Final Table's Al Krux - $22,700; Bill Gazes - $20K; Phil Ivey - $16K (any news on his perennial "fan club"?); John Juanda - $11,500; Pamela Brunson - $10, 450.
*A smoke alarm went off during play and Brad Garrett shouted "Dolly, turn off your oxygen" getting a laugh in Rio's Amazon room.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
World Politics at the Online Table...
I'm in a NL tournament at Bugsy right now and we are actually having a legitimate discussion about the events in the Middle East. There are 3 of us, all Americans, who believe Israel has a right to defend herself and an Italian living in Switzerland who disagrees. Kimber45 just called the news channels Al-CNN, Al-NBC, Al-ABC, etc. And Devoloman, from Switzerland, hates US Television, especially Fox. Everyone is being polite and defending their positions well - unusual for most poker players...
Just checked cardplayer.com and Phil Hellmuth has been eliminated (hope it's on video.). Actor, Brad Garrett, was eliminated by Doyle Brunson's grandson!!
I'm in a NL tournament at Bugsy right now and we are actually having a legitimate discussion about the events in the Middle East. There are 3 of us, all Americans, who believe Israel has a right to defend herself and an Italian living in Switzerland who disagrees. Kimber45 just called the news channels Al-CNN, Al-NBC, Al-ABC, etc. And Devoloman, from Switzerland, hates US Television, especially Fox. Everyone is being polite and defending their positions well - unusual for most poker players...
Just checked cardplayer.com and Phil Hellmuth has been eliminated (hope it's on video.). Actor, Brad Garrett, was eliminated by Doyle Brunson's grandson!!
Day 1A - WSOP Main Event Recap
My thanks to cardplayer.com , the WSOP official Magazine for live updates,for its coverage and my source for this report.
- 2,138 players began play at 12:10pm. James Garner (Maverick) threw-out the first deck and WSOP Commissioner announced "Shuffle up and deal".
- Main Event introduced new "All-in" button as an alternative to using all that pesky extra energy pushing your chips into the pot. It maybe more efficient; but it's a darn site less dramatic than watching Humberto Brenas shove his chips in with his signature flourish. It's getting a little too close to the "All-in" button at Poker Stars.
- First player was eliminated in less than 7 minutes. That's about $1425.00 per minute of play.
- PokerStars.com had more than 1600 qualifiers; about 500 more than at the 2005 Main Event.
- Day 1A players included Scotty Nguyen (at the ESPN featured table), Mike Sexton, Norm McDonald, Minh Nguyen (not to be confused with Men "The Master") , Carlos "The Matador" Mortensen, Mike "The Grinder" Mizrachi, Clonie Gowen, "All-in Dan" Harrington*, Toby "Spiderman" Maguire, Hoyt Corkin, Layne Flack, Andy Bloch, Barry Greenstein and boxer, Antonio Tarver.
- Marquee players eliminated in day 1a were Dan Harrington* (eliminated by WPT's Mike Sexton in a flush vs. flush situation), Gus Hansen, Dutch Boyd, Chip Jett, Clonie Gowen, Mike "the Grinder", Andy Bloch, Norm MacDonald, Toby Maguire, Wil Wheaton, James Garner, Juha Helppi, Mimi Tran, and Lee Watkinson.
- There were 4 "no shows" and the most-noted was Minh Nguyen - $10K buy-in and you "no show" - what's with that? All 4 had been eliminated by just after midnight and Day 1A ended at 3:12 am with less than 800 players still standing. $13million in dead money was at the tables Day 1A.
- Chip leaders at end of Day 1A: Paul McCaffrey - $111,800; Mark Vos - $93,000 (has already one a bracelet this year); Cuong Do - $86,000; Jeffrey Lisandro - $79,000; and Pete Falk $68,200 (Colombo?)
- Chip count on notable pros: Hoyt Corkin - $50K; Layne Flack - $45K; Mike Sexton - $42K; Barry Greenstein - $34.5K (he's playing for the kids); David Sklansky and Andrew Black - each with $26K (Black made the 2006 Final Table); Scotty Nguyen* - $24K; Jim Bechtel* - $22,000; John Hennigan - $12,400; Kristy Gazes - $9,700; Carlos "The Matador" - $8K.
My thanks to cardplayer.com , the WSOP official Magazine for live updates,for its coverage and my source for this report.
Friday, July 28, 2006
H.R. 4111 - 2006 Online Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act
As many of you know, the US Congress is working to make online gambling illegal for American citizens to gamble and play poker online. The Poker Players Alliance is staging a rally at the WSOP today to show solidarity that online poker is not a game of chance but a game of skill. The argument used in California to get poker rooms approved in the 60s and 70s.
Relying heavily upon Guinnessandpoker.com's "Sample letter", I sent the following letter to Senators Feinstein and Boxer of California:
Open Letter to:
Senators Diane Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer
United States Senate
Washington, DC
Re: Online Gambling
Dear Senators:
Recently the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4111 (PCS) "Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act" and has sent the bill to the Senate to be considered, voted upon and made "the law of the land".
I confess that I do not understand exactly what this bill would mean if it becomes "the law of the land"; but I do believe that the reason Congress is considering passage of this bill because it isn't getting a piece of the action.
That's right, in my humble opinion, the only real reason Congress cares about online gambling is because online gambling is not generating any tax revenue.
I wish just once Congress would be honest with the people and admit "We want money; we want more money; that's all we really care about." Instead, under the guise of " Congress knows what is best for the people, because the people are too darn stupid to know what is best for themselves", our elected Representatives pretend they want to protect us from all things "bad".
If indeed Congress cares about protecting us from all things "bad" then, I suggest the following:
(All statistics cited below are for the United States only.)
1. The Cheeseburger Preparation, Selling and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Americans are getting fatter. According to The American Heart Association 65,000,000 have high blood pressure; 13,000,000 have coronary heart disease; 5,000,000 died from heart failure between 1999-2002 (last statistics available); 5,000,000 had strokes. The AHA concludes cardio vascular disease was the underlying cause of 37.3% of all deaths in 2003; and a contributing cause in 58% of all deaths in 2003. And what causes CVD? High Cholesterol. And what causes high cholesterol? Cheeseburgers.
2. The Tobacco Growing, Manufacturing, Selling and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - According to the CDC more than 400,000 people die every year as a result of smoking. And, by passing this act, you won't need to consider the Second Hand Smoke Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007. Two birds with one stone.
I realize you're worried about the loss of tax revenue you get from tobacco products but if you make H.R. 4111 The Internet Gambling Regulation and Taxation Act, you'll more than cover that deficit.
3. The Sara Lee Purchase and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 (aka The Sugar Prohibition Act of 2007) - Americans are getting fatter. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes contributed to 224,092 deaths in 2002 and the economic cost of diabetes was more than $130 Billion that one year. And what causes diabetes? Sugar. And who manufactures the tastiest sugar? Sara Lee. Of course, Sara Lee will scream foul so you might as well prohibit sugar in all forms; raw, refined, etc. But you know what is best so I, for one, trust you to work it out to be fair to all people who manufacture and/or consume Demon Sugar.
4. The Alcohol Manufacturing, Selling and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - I know, Congress tried it before and it didn't work. Now is the time to get tough; after all, more than 75,000 people in the United States died last year as a result of alcohol consumption.
Also, by passing this act, it would make all those pesky DUI laws obsolete. If they can't drink; they can't drive drunk.
On the negative side, it will eliminate designated drivers and loss of that job market. But, you can pass The Re-Training of Designated Drivers' Act of 2007 enabling them to pursue careers as bath tub inspectors (we wouldn't want any bath tub gin creeping back into society.)
But heck, that's what you're there for - to pass Acts and make our lives better. But I digress...
5. The Automobile Elimination Act of 2007. This one is a biggie. While it would limit our going places whenever we feel like it; it would eliminate our dependence on foreign oil and we could thumb our noses at all those countries that sell it to us. And by using bikes and feet, you would be forcing us to get healthier and we all know Congress knows what's best for us... Much pollution would go away. The benefits from this Act are enormous - you really have to consider this one. By the way, more than 40,000 people died in automobile accidents last year.
Wow, the lives saved yearly by passing these laws are starting to add up and a life saved is a life that can vote!!
6. The ACLU Elimination Act of 2007. Why not? In my constitutionally protected opinion, the ACLU is just a bunch of annoying, pinko Commies. Of course, the ACLU would be forced to protect my right to voice this opinion - ironic, isn't it?
7. The Sex Outside of Marriage Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Recently it has been proven that promiscuous sex causes HPV (human papilloma virus) which causes cervical cancer. Last year alone, thousands of women either died or suffered from cervical cancer. If you prohibit Americans from having "bad" sex, then cervical cancer will go away along with all those other nasty STDs, including AIDS. And, as many in Congress personally know, marital infidelity leads to marital discord which leads to divorce. BAM!! No more divorce.
8. The Illegal Drug Enforcement Act of 2007 (Please note I omitted "Prohibition") - Because Congress is out there fighting the "War on Drugs", complete with a Drug Czar, this Act only needs to address the problem of enforcement. The cascading effect of enforcing the prohibition of illegal drug sales and usage is beyond the comprehension of my humble mind; but I know you can do it.
Let's see; what needs to be done? Stop the importation of illegal drugs might be a place to start. You might consider bombing Columbia off the face of the earth.
And after that, round up all the gangs and give them Hawaii. We won't need it once the Sara Lee/Sugar Prohibition Act is passed.
Carry-on.
Sincerely,
As many of you know, the US Congress is working to make online gambling illegal for American citizens to gamble and play poker online. The Poker Players Alliance is staging a rally at the WSOP today to show solidarity that online poker is not a game of chance but a game of skill. The argument used in California to get poker rooms approved in the 60s and 70s.
Relying heavily upon Guinnessandpoker.com's "Sample letter", I sent the following letter to Senators Feinstein and Boxer of California:
Open Letter to:
Senators Diane Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer
United States Senate
Washington, DC
Re: Online Gambling
Dear Senators:
Recently the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4111 (PCS) "Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act" and has sent the bill to the Senate to be considered, voted upon and made "the law of the land".
I confess that I do not understand exactly what this bill would mean if it becomes "the law of the land"; but I do believe that the reason Congress is considering passage of this bill because it isn't getting a piece of the action.
That's right, in my humble opinion, the only real reason Congress cares about online gambling is because online gambling is not generating any tax revenue.
I wish just once Congress would be honest with the people and admit "We want money; we want more money; that's all we really care about." Instead, under the guise of " Congress knows what is best for the people, because the people are too darn stupid to know what is best for themselves", our elected Representatives pretend they want to protect us from all things "bad".
If indeed Congress cares about protecting us from all things "bad" then, I suggest the following:
(All statistics cited below are for the United States only.)
1. The Cheeseburger Preparation, Selling and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Americans are getting fatter. According to The American Heart Association 65,000,000 have high blood pressure; 13,000,000 have coronary heart disease; 5,000,000 died from heart failure between 1999-2002 (last statistics available); 5,000,000 had strokes. The AHA concludes cardio vascular disease was the underlying cause of 37.3% of all deaths in 2003; and a contributing cause in 58% of all deaths in 2003. And what causes CVD? High Cholesterol. And what causes high cholesterol? Cheeseburgers.
2. The Tobacco Growing, Manufacturing, Selling and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - According to the CDC more than 400,000 people die every year as a result of smoking. And, by passing this act, you won't need to consider the Second Hand Smoke Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007. Two birds with one stone.
I realize you're worried about the loss of tax revenue you get from tobacco products but if you make H.R. 4111 The Internet Gambling Regulation and Taxation Act, you'll more than cover that deficit.
3. The Sara Lee Purchase and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 (aka The Sugar Prohibition Act of 2007) - Americans are getting fatter. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes contributed to 224,092 deaths in 2002 and the economic cost of diabetes was more than $130 Billion that one year. And what causes diabetes? Sugar. And who manufactures the tastiest sugar? Sara Lee. Of course, Sara Lee will scream foul so you might as well prohibit sugar in all forms; raw, refined, etc. But you know what is best so I, for one, trust you to work it out to be fair to all people who manufacture and/or consume Demon Sugar.
4. The Alcohol Manufacturing, Selling and Consumption Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - I know, Congress tried it before and it didn't work. Now is the time to get tough; after all, more than 75,000 people in the United States died last year as a result of alcohol consumption.
Also, by passing this act, it would make all those pesky DUI laws obsolete. If they can't drink; they can't drive drunk.
On the negative side, it will eliminate designated drivers and loss of that job market. But, you can pass The Re-Training of Designated Drivers' Act of 2007 enabling them to pursue careers as bath tub inspectors (we wouldn't want any bath tub gin creeping back into society.)
But heck, that's what you're there for - to pass Acts and make our lives better. But I digress...
5. The Automobile Elimination Act of 2007. This one is a biggie. While it would limit our going places whenever we feel like it; it would eliminate our dependence on foreign oil and we could thumb our noses at all those countries that sell it to us. And by using bikes and feet, you would be forcing us to get healthier and we all know Congress knows what's best for us... Much pollution would go away. The benefits from this Act are enormous - you really have to consider this one. By the way, more than 40,000 people died in automobile accidents last year.
Wow, the lives saved yearly by passing these laws are starting to add up and a life saved is a life that can vote!!
6. The ACLU Elimination Act of 2007. Why not? In my constitutionally protected opinion, the ACLU is just a bunch of annoying, pinko Commies. Of course, the ACLU would be forced to protect my right to voice this opinion - ironic, isn't it?
7. The Sex Outside of Marriage Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Recently it has been proven that promiscuous sex causes HPV (human papilloma virus) which causes cervical cancer. Last year alone, thousands of women either died or suffered from cervical cancer. If you prohibit Americans from having "bad" sex, then cervical cancer will go away along with all those other nasty STDs, including AIDS. And, as many in Congress personally know, marital infidelity leads to marital discord which leads to divorce. BAM!! No more divorce.
8. The Illegal Drug Enforcement Act of 2007 (Please note I omitted "Prohibition") - Because Congress is out there fighting the "War on Drugs", complete with a Drug Czar, this Act only needs to address the problem of enforcement. The cascading effect of enforcing the prohibition of illegal drug sales and usage is beyond the comprehension of my humble mind; but I know you can do it.
Let's see; what needs to be done? Stop the importation of illegal drugs might be a place to start. You might consider bombing Columbia off the face of the earth.
And after that, round up all the gangs and give them Hawaii. We won't need it once the Sara Lee/Sugar Prohibition Act is passed.
Carry-on.
Sincerely,
WSOP Main Event Fever and Full Tilt Poker Tips From the Pros
In case you've been in Outer Mongolia, the 2006 WSOP Main Event tosses the cards in the air and shuffles up and deals at Noon today in Vegas at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino. The "first" day of play is scheduled to run four days with 2000 entries laying down $10K each for a chance at the anticipated first prize of $10 million (based on 8000 total entries). And if the winner happens to be an online qualifier from Full Tilt Poker, then that man/woman/undetermined genderperson will win a bonus of another cool $1 million.
I don't think even Mike Matasow could blow through that money without some serious help. Now don't get me wrong, I happen to be a big fan of Mike and really respect the guy; he's been really up and he's been really down and everyone who knows him loves him. I get his email musings and can tell you he wears his heart on his sleeve and is the first to admit when he has a Mike Matasow meltdown. Also his brother, Scott, has been very generous in answering my questions regarding poker etiquette such as tipping the dealer at the WSOP, etc.
Poker trivia - Mike's first really big poker payday was when he staked (1/3 of the entry fee) Scotty Nguyen in the 1998 WSOP Main Event and collected $333,000 of Scotty's first prize money.
Speaking of cold...each first day of play will end when the 2000 daily entries have been whittled down to 800...now that's a s**tload of all-ins.
If you aren't getting the Full Tilt Poker "Tips From the Pros" newsletter, then you're missing out on a great learning tool. The most recent is "Managing the Short Stack" by Mark Vos who won a 2006 WSOP bracelet in a $2K NL event. He says that most of that event he played from a short stack position and he tells how he managed his way into winning.
My Freeroll NL at Absolute just started...first hand 23 os in the big blind and I stole the pot at the river - go figure...playing with "lilafish" from Ottawa who keeps telling everybody to "gfy" and "Sitter2" from Leiden who calls everyone "B**tard" and then when he sucks out says "nanana" - always really classy folks at Absolute...
My 2007 WSOP Main Event Pokerlogical clock is ticking - only 365 days to go...before my cards are in the air...
In case you've been in Outer Mongolia, the 2006 WSOP Main Event tosses the cards in the air and shuffles up and deals at Noon today in Vegas at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino. The "first" day of play is scheduled to run four days with 2000 entries laying down $10K each for a chance at the anticipated first prize of $10 million (based on 8000 total entries). And if the winner happens to be an online qualifier from Full Tilt Poker, then that man/woman/undetermined genderperson will win a bonus of another cool $1 million.
I don't think even Mike Matasow could blow through that money without some serious help. Now don't get me wrong, I happen to be a big fan of Mike and really respect the guy; he's been really up and he's been really down and everyone who knows him loves him. I get his email musings and can tell you he wears his heart on his sleeve and is the first to admit when he has a Mike Matasow meltdown. Also his brother, Scott, has been very generous in answering my questions regarding poker etiquette such as tipping the dealer at the WSOP, etc.
Poker trivia - Mike's first really big poker payday was when he staked (1/3 of the entry fee) Scotty Nguyen in the 1998 WSOP Main Event and collected $333,000 of Scotty's first prize money.
Speaking of cold...each first day of play will end when the 2000 daily entries have been whittled down to 800...now that's a s**tload of all-ins.
If you aren't getting the Full Tilt Poker "Tips From the Pros" newsletter, then you're missing out on a great learning tool. The most recent is "Managing the Short Stack" by Mark Vos who won a 2006 WSOP bracelet in a $2K NL event. He says that most of that event he played from a short stack position and he tells how he managed his way into winning.
My Freeroll NL at Absolute just started...first hand 23 os in the big blind and I stole the pot at the river - go figure...playing with "lilafish" from Ottawa who keeps telling everybody to "gfy" and "Sitter2" from Leiden who calls everyone "B**tard" and then when he sucks out says "nanana" - always really classy folks at Absolute...
My 2007 WSOP Main Event Pokerlogical clock is ticking - only 365 days to go...before my cards are in the air...
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Third time's the charm as Phil Hellmuth wins record-tying 10th WSOP bracelet!!
Congratulations to Phil Hellmuth for winning his 10th WSOP bracelet in the early hours of today - tying with Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson. This is the 3rd time at this year's WSOP that Phil has gone heads-up trying to win and in the $1,000 w/re-buys NL Holdem, he grabbed the gold and more than $700K!! I'm sure he would have won earlier using his own quote of "If it weren't for luck, I'd win every hand."
My own quest for a WSOP seat in 2007 will be slow-go until escrow closes on our house at the end of August; but I plan to play tonight and will update you on my day at the virtual tables...
Congratulations to Phil Hellmuth for winning his 10th WSOP bracelet in the early hours of today - tying with Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson. This is the 3rd time at this year's WSOP that Phil has gone heads-up trying to win and in the $1,000 w/re-buys NL Holdem, he grabbed the gold and more than $700K!! I'm sure he would have won earlier using his own quote of "If it weren't for luck, I'd win every hand."
My own quest for a WSOP seat in 2007 will be slow-go until escrow closes on our house at the end of August; but I plan to play tonight and will update you on my day at the virtual tables...
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Entourage and poker
The family reunion was a family reunion - three generations - lots of food - lots of conversation... and a lot cooler at the beach than inland SoCal...next year - it's Utah...
Got up early to watch Tiger win the Open Championship. What an emotional ending - so glad to see a man unafraid to cry.
I'm multi-tasking again - watching HBO's Entourage and playing in a NL Holdem at Bugsy while I play NL Holdem.
The way I figure it - another year of online poker; reading, eating and sleeping all things poker - and I'll be ready for the WSOP. Stranger things have happened. Let the games begin!!
We sold our house and are moving to the beach. My husband grew up at the beach; but I've never lived there. The cat has never lived at the beach either; wonder what he'll think...
Before I go...anyone watch HBO's Lucky Louie? Speaking of "pushing the envelope" - I can't decide if I like it or am repulsed - I guess we're back at that train wreck analogy...
More on the flip side of the flop....
M
The family reunion was a family reunion - three generations - lots of food - lots of conversation... and a lot cooler at the beach than inland SoCal...next year - it's Utah...
Got up early to watch Tiger win the Open Championship. What an emotional ending - so glad to see a man unafraid to cry.
I'm multi-tasking again - watching HBO's Entourage and playing in a NL Holdem at Bugsy while I play NL Holdem.
The way I figure it - another year of online poker; reading, eating and sleeping all things poker - and I'll be ready for the WSOP. Stranger things have happened. Let the games begin!!
We sold our house and are moving to the beach. My husband grew up at the beach; but I've never lived there. The cat has never lived at the beach either; wonder what he'll think...
Before I go...anyone watch HBO's Lucky Louie? Speaking of "pushing the envelope" - I can't decide if I like it or am repulsed - I guess we're back at that train wreck analogy...
More on the flip side of the flop....
M
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Breakfast at the Open Championship - 5am
The only sport I like more than poker is golf; so I set my alarm clock for 4am to get up and watch the third round of the 135th Open (British Open for those who don't follow golf). However, unlike poker, with golf I am only a spectator and for good reason. If I can't be good, why bother? With poker, I have a shot; with golf, yeah, right.
And, of course, with spectator golf, you can always play poker online. I just signed up for a NL freeroll at Absolute that starts at 545am. Multi-tasking at its best.
Spaulding is asleep on my desk blotter; he's the tomcat that runs the house and calls most of the shots. "Spaulding Grey" is a grey-striped tuxedo cat that moved in last summer and decided to let us stay and hang around the house with him. Our first encounter (before his taking possession of the house) resulted in a tetanus shot for me. However, fool that I am, continued to feed him. And what a reward, after a year he walked into my office, jumped up on the chair by my desk and went to sleep. The beginning of a great friendship. Spaulding follows in the steps of some great cats...when I know you better, I'll tell you about Mike Tyson, our street fighter, R.I.P.
545am The Freeroll is starting with 1455 players...cards in the air; shuffle up and deal...
Hand 1 - Q3 os - I fold.
Hand 2 - Pocket Js - There are 3 ways to play pocket Jacks and they're all wrong... but this time I got lucky and won 450 chip pot.
There's a guy at the table "McUnanan" from Canberra whose ID pic is Hitler. Another person asked him if he was a Nazi and he started a barrage of Jewish slurs. I chatted that I'm Jewish and he chatted back calling me a "National Zionist, Jew Bas***d" - what a guy. His momma must be proud. Anti-Semitism alive and well in Canberra. I should block his chat; but like a train wreck, I have to look.
6am - the field is already down to 905 - that's a freeroll for you - should be called "all-in holdem".
Nasty table - lots of players calling each other a**es and the Nazi keeps shouting "Sieg Heil"...once more proving that poker happens...
I'm getting lousy cards - haven't played a hand since the pocket Jacks...and almost every hand, someone goes All-in.
The Nazi just got eliminated - went all-in with a 92 os... I know I'll miss him. I do regret that I wasn't the one to put him out.
Sheese...I can't even bluff with these cards...brb...gotta refresh my coffee...
615am - down to 553 players and I still haven't played (even in the blinds) since the Jacks... gonna have to start moving soon. The leader has 29K chips...
OK, I'm the button with a J9 os - raised to 240 and, of course, someone goes allin...I fold...allin had KQ os - got one call - also a KQ - they split the pot and I would have lost.
Cut-off - I have AJ suited - raised again...3 calls - rainbow flop with an Ace - woo hoo!! Someone ahead has gone allin - here we go - I call. Allin had QT os - I won!!
Following Super System, played next hand (in case I'm on a rush) with A2 os - flopped gut straight; turn 3 spades (I have 2 of spades). I bet half the pot - everyone folded. 3 hands - 3 wins. Wish every game was like this.
Called bb with 73s - no help on flop - I folded - rush is over. But I've got 4300 chips...
Meanwhile, back at the Open, almost time for the final pair to tee off - Tiger Woods and Ernie Els.
AQ os under the gun - raised 3 times the BB - two calls. No help flop - for anyone - one call. No help on the turn - bet 1K chips - won the pot.
AJ os - hit A on the river - lost a few chips to a set - another rush comes to a tragic end...
98suited - sb - limped in - flopped middle pair - but there's an allin - I folded.
630am - only 391 players left.
Since the Nazi got knocked out, the table has become civil in terms of chat. Still a lot of allin fools...
Even if I get lucky, I have to leave about 730 - we're going to a Family Reunion at the beach and I forgot to refill my xanax Rx...gonna be a long day...
Open update - nothing exciting yet. Senden Aced 13; but other than that; not much happening - good or bad...Tiger in the fairway on 1. Sergio is having a good day; he made an eagle early and is creeping up the leaderboard...
Funny story. JD Holmes was having dinner on the patio of a local restaurantin Liverpool. In a store window across the street, a woman stripped buck naked and saluted the diners. Evidently she makes a habit of it...JD said, she really shouldn't - not because he's a prude, but because she didn't have the body to make it worth the look.
AJ suited in sb - raised 300 chips - one call. Flopped J - bet pot - won.
Moved tables - a player has his nickname "Lickmyballs" - another class act...
On break and only 291 players left - dropping like flies...
Would love to get a rush and build some chips... then sit out while at the Family reunion and hopefully cash - lol.
Pocket 9s - raised 3 times the bb - guess I'm predictable - gotta mix it up - 2 called - flop K55 - bet - everybody folded - woo hoo!!
74 os - limping in in case I'm on a rush...big raise - I folded...so much for my rush...
Meanwhile back at the Open - Sergio is making a move and is now tied with Tiger and Ernie for the lead at 11 under...Furyk and DiMarco are 1 back. Sergio is 6 under for the day and Furyk is 5 under...
7am - the field have narrowed to 263 - folks are playing more cautiously - after all, 1st place is $10 bucks.
Moved again - at the table with chip leader - he's got 46K and I got 4600.
Pocket As - allin against the leader - lost to River flush - poker happens...
I'll check in after the reunion...stay cool today...
Magpie
The only sport I like more than poker is golf; so I set my alarm clock for 4am to get up and watch the third round of the 135th Open (British Open for those who don't follow golf). However, unlike poker, with golf I am only a spectator and for good reason. If I can't be good, why bother? With poker, I have a shot; with golf, yeah, right.
And, of course, with spectator golf, you can always play poker online. I just signed up for a NL freeroll at Absolute that starts at 545am. Multi-tasking at its best.
Spaulding is asleep on my desk blotter; he's the tomcat that runs the house and calls most of the shots. "Spaulding Grey" is a grey-striped tuxedo cat that moved in last summer and decided to let us stay and hang around the house with him. Our first encounter (before his taking possession of the house) resulted in a tetanus shot for me. However, fool that I am, continued to feed him. And what a reward, after a year he walked into my office, jumped up on the chair by my desk and went to sleep. The beginning of a great friendship. Spaulding follows in the steps of some great cats...when I know you better, I'll tell you about Mike Tyson, our street fighter, R.I.P.
545am The Freeroll is starting with 1455 players...cards in the air; shuffle up and deal...
Hand 1 - Q3 os - I fold.
Hand 2 - Pocket Js - There are 3 ways to play pocket Jacks and they're all wrong... but this time I got lucky and won 450 chip pot.
There's a guy at the table "McUnanan" from Canberra whose ID pic is Hitler. Another person asked him if he was a Nazi and he started a barrage of Jewish slurs. I chatted that I'm Jewish and he chatted back calling me a "National Zionist, Jew Bas***d" - what a guy. His momma must be proud. Anti-Semitism alive and well in Canberra. I should block his chat; but like a train wreck, I have to look.
6am - the field is already down to 905 - that's a freeroll for you - should be called "all-in holdem".
Nasty table - lots of players calling each other a**es and the Nazi keeps shouting "Sieg Heil"...once more proving that poker happens...
I'm getting lousy cards - haven't played a hand since the pocket Jacks...and almost every hand, someone goes All-in.
The Nazi just got eliminated - went all-in with a 92 os... I know I'll miss him. I do regret that I wasn't the one to put him out.
Sheese...I can't even bluff with these cards...brb...gotta refresh my coffee...
615am - down to 553 players and I still haven't played (even in the blinds) since the Jacks... gonna have to start moving soon. The leader has 29K chips...
OK, I'm the button with a J9 os - raised to 240 and, of course, someone goes allin...I fold...allin had KQ os - got one call - also a KQ - they split the pot and I would have lost.
Cut-off - I have AJ suited - raised again...3 calls - rainbow flop with an Ace - woo hoo!! Someone ahead has gone allin - here we go - I call. Allin had QT os - I won!!
Following Super System, played next hand (in case I'm on a rush) with A2 os - flopped gut straight; turn 3 spades (I have 2 of spades). I bet half the pot - everyone folded. 3 hands - 3 wins. Wish every game was like this.
Called bb with 73s - no help on flop - I folded - rush is over. But I've got 4300 chips...
Meanwhile, back at the Open, almost time for the final pair to tee off - Tiger Woods and Ernie Els.
AQ os under the gun - raised 3 times the BB - two calls. No help flop - for anyone - one call. No help on the turn - bet 1K chips - won the pot.
AJ os - hit A on the river - lost a few chips to a set - another rush comes to a tragic end...
98suited - sb - limped in - flopped middle pair - but there's an allin - I folded.
630am - only 391 players left.
Since the Nazi got knocked out, the table has become civil in terms of chat. Still a lot of allin fools...
Even if I get lucky, I have to leave about 730 - we're going to a Family Reunion at the beach and I forgot to refill my xanax Rx...gonna be a long day...
Open update - nothing exciting yet. Senden Aced 13; but other than that; not much happening - good or bad...Tiger in the fairway on 1. Sergio is having a good day; he made an eagle early and is creeping up the leaderboard...
Funny story. JD Holmes was having dinner on the patio of a local restaurantin Liverpool. In a store window across the street, a woman stripped buck naked and saluted the diners. Evidently she makes a habit of it...JD said, she really shouldn't - not because he's a prude, but because she didn't have the body to make it worth the look.
AJ suited in sb - raised 300 chips - one call. Flopped J - bet pot - won.
Moved tables - a player has his nickname "Lickmyballs" - another class act...
On break and only 291 players left - dropping like flies...
Would love to get a rush and build some chips... then sit out while at the Family reunion and hopefully cash - lol.
Pocket 9s - raised 3 times the bb - guess I'm predictable - gotta mix it up - 2 called - flop K55 - bet - everybody folded - woo hoo!!
74 os - limping in in case I'm on a rush...big raise - I folded...so much for my rush...
Meanwhile back at the Open - Sergio is making a move and is now tied with Tiger and Ernie for the lead at 11 under...Furyk and DiMarco are 1 back. Sergio is 6 under for the day and Furyk is 5 under...
7am - the field have narrowed to 263 - folks are playing more cautiously - after all, 1st place is $10 bucks.
Moved again - at the table with chip leader - he's got 46K and I got 4600.
Pocket As - allin against the leader - lost to River flush - poker happens...
I'll check in after the reunion...stay cool today...
Magpie
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Stop whining! Poker happens!
It happens over and over; everyday that you play; the more you play; the more it happens.
Get used to it; Poker happens!!
I love everything about poker; the ups and downs; the players; the suck outs and I even love the bad beats...when I'm the one giving them!! I just gave one in a tourney at Bugsys. Sucked out a straight on the river against two pair. Woo hoo!!
I also hate everything about poker; the ups and downs; the players; the suck outs and I especially hate the bad beats when I'm the one getting them!! I just got one in a tourney at Bugsys. Flopped the nut straight and got sucked out by a river flush - the guy was holding 83 suited. Poker happens!!
In fact, I'm playing in a freeroll while I write my first blog post.
Like most of you, I started playing poker with friends at home. In the early 80s we had a regular Saturday night game and played for pennies, literally. My first casino play was at the old High Sierra at Lake Tahoe. I played in a 3/6 Stud game and won $22.00. I was hooked for life.
Since then, I have played poker, rarely well, all over the United States and in 1996 became a regular at the The Spa Casino in Palm Springs where I learned Texas Holdem from a terrific retired doctor, Nick, and his girlfriend, Sharon. Those may have been my halcyon days; but I'm hoping they're still to come.
Flash: Tournament update: Just flopped two pair, Qs & Js; bet the pot; got one call. Turn made a possible straight. I went all-in. Yep, he hit the straight - I'm done. Turn me over.
I've played in a few live tournaments and my best finish was sixth - my first "final table". Tom McEvoy and Glenn Couzen's (1995 WSOP Main Event runner-up) were at an early table I played and watched me lose down to one $5 chip; a bad beat, of course. What a comeback!! Barbara Enright made the final table also; finishing seventh. She taught me the art of wearing sunglasses; big Dior-style sunglasses.
Now days, I mostly play online and have won a few sitngos and won a few freerolls and made quite a few final tables; but I'm still learning. Last Sunday I finished 404th in the Poker Stars 150 guaranteed seats to the WSOP Main Event. I don't remember the hand that put me out but I'm sure it was a bad beat. Oh well, poker happens!!
I'm not sure where I am going with this blog; but I hope to include humor, irony and lots of sarcasm as I wander blindly through the wonderful, painful world of poker.
After all, it's the jouney and not the destination; unless of course you win the Main Event - then it definitely was the destination.
Hope you'll wander with me.
Magpie
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