I'm gently trying to urge myself to be productive here on my little space in the internets.
As most of you know, once you take some time off from anything it's pretty hard to jump back into the game. Since writing for me is mostly catharsis, I need to push ahead when I'm feeling blogged down or blah.
Right now I'm not particularly motivated to write other than for the sake of writing, so I will just plug away and you folks will just have to bear with me.
I finally got around to downloading Firefox 3, and I've been tweaking it a little here and there. I don't know if it is actually faster. It does feel that way, but possibly that is because I deleted about 6 add-ons that I wasn't really using. I've downloaded my third theme now and can't find one better than the Default so far. I imagine a lot of developers are still tweaking things for FF3. So does anyone have any suggestions for add-ons or themes?
I flung come cards over at PokerStars a good bit last week and luckboxed into some decent sized scores for myself. I'd like to get some $$$ off there and don't want to wait the 15-?? days to get a check, so if anyone wants to trade Paypal or FT $ let me know. It's really weird how I can do so well on one site and burn $ at another. There must be something tied to full moons and the mating rituals of the West African Spotted Drunken Lemur.
Its time to FLY.....
Next week I'll be back in NY. I'm hoping the NYC crew finds the time to get together and sling some cards on Monday or Tuesday. At least you guys know I'm not afraid to donate by now.....
The week after that is OKIE VEGAS. I'm once again very excited for this years festivities not excluding eating a chicken fried steak as big as my head , check-raising locals, and passing out on the nearest chair (doh).
Thanks for stoppng by and see you (you know who you are) soon!!!
Wednesday night I got the perfect opportunity to goof off. I've been stressed to the hilt at work both pre and post oral surgery. I desperately needed a break. Good for me that Dan moved his game from the usual Tuesday slot to Wednesday.
I made myself quit working around 7:45, went by Publix and got myself Terrapin's seasonal All American Imperial Pilsner
YUM!
Anywho I rounded out the small group of 4 which became 5 after awhile. I was having a great time splashing chips around and being my typical fishy self.
Things worked out pretty good for me as I finished up about 4 buy ins. Afterwards, we ambled down to not one but 2 watering holes to relieve me of my winnings. I probably had a bit much to drive, but I made it home ok, got my 3 hours of sleep or so and got it all started again. I'm getting to old for that shit, but damn is it fun. I really enjoy Dan's game and encourage other ATL bloggers to join the fun.
I also had a pretty good run at the Riverchasers tourney, where I played very tight, for me ( %14). We got down to 6 handed and I had just doubled up, putting me in 2nd when lucko made his umpteenth raise to open and I played back at him with my old friend the jackking off. He pushed with A9 and IGH in 6th.
Yes there could have been better spots, but I wanted to play back at him and give myself a chance at the lead. Like it or not, you are going to have to get your chips in behind sometimes to win a tournament like this. Poker stove gives A9 %58 over KJ, so it wasn't horrible, but not a good spot nevertheless.
1. Black 2. Burnt Orange 3. Yellow Ochre 4. Blue Jeans
Four Places I'd Love To Be Right Now
1. Cozumel 2. St. Simons Island 3. The cigar shop 4. In Bed
Four Names I Like But Wouldn't Name My Children
1. Hank 2. Ira 3. The Dude (el duderino if your not into the whole brevity thing) 4. Bones
Four Favorite Books
1. The Illuminatus Trilogy - Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea 2. The Stand - Stephen King 3. Cryptonomicon - Neal Stephenson 4. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - JRR Tolkien
I was a tad bit anxious about playing the Wall Street Game. After all, I had never met most of the people. I wasn't sure about protocol as far as bringing food/drinks, if 7 o'clock meant 6:45 or 7:30, if I was wandering onto a LAG pushfest like the Salami was on occasion, or a relaxed home game with a little direction.
I should have been prepared for an extension of my monthly Neighborhood game, minus all the drinking.
I came in to WSP palace about 15 minutes early. As I was checking in with the doorman, Jamie walked in from the street and introduced himself. I shook his hand and felt a little sheepish about being early.
Jamie took it in stride and showed me up to his place. I gladly helped clean up a bit, then got the chips ready for the tournament as he stocked his cache of cokes, cups and plates.
Other players started strolling in, among them Dawn, Mary, and Jordan.
All in all we had 11 for the tourney. I felt pretty good early, taking a decent pot form Jordan, then played some smallish pairs vs Mary, and she shooed me away like a little nat.
I tried to get a little too creative with the deluge of bad through mediocre cards I was getting and managed to flush away most of my chips on stupid moves with draws or bluffs.
I believe I was the 3rd player out, so I sparked up the laptop and logged into FT. I signed into a 11+1 SNG, and only when it started did I realize it was PLOhi. I stayed out of the way for the first 10-15 hands and found myself with nearly my starting stack and 4 people out already. I decided to start mixing it up a bit, and we got down to 4 fairly quickly.
We sat on the bubble for what seemed like forever. The WSP tourney came to an end and they started up the cash game (.50/1) $100 max. I paid for my chips and asked for my seat to be saved so I could finish the SNG. Jamie and the rest of the crew were OK with that, but then another cash player showed up and I offered her my seat.
I cant say I regret it either. I ended up getting 2nd on 2 redonkulous suckouts in PLOhi. I had a 3:1 chiplead, but could not finish the drill.
So I had to wait for a seat to open in the cash game. I didn't mind at all, I got to eat some food and get a good feel for the players at the table, something I didn't get to do before the tournament.
I got to see how most of the table was playing, and got a good read on the betting structure etc.
Earlier on in the evening I overheard a conversation between 2 of the players concerning another of the cash players. They were commenting on a certain players ability to lose with mediocre hands and paying them off.
Watching the table, it didn't take terribly long to hit my target.
I was dealt KQs in the BB, there were 2 limpers and my target in the CO raised to $10. I called and the limpers dropped. The flop came QJx rainbow and I check raised. She obliged by pushing (~40). I went ahead with my read and had her outkicked. I take her at her word since she never showed, but I was off to a good start.
I took 2 more sizeable pots from her in similar scenarios, and built a decent table image, showing down winners, and betting at the pots I was in.
I had a pretty decent run of cards and had 2 more memorable hands. I called a min raise in the SB with J9 and was called by the BB. I flopped the straight (KQT) and the original bettor put out a feeler bet. It was a scary board, and I didn't want the nut straight coming along cheap. I needed to find out if he had something, so I made a pot sized raise. This really got him thinking, and he attempted to stare me down. Behind my sunglasses I couldn't decide what to do, I tried to act strong, hoping to get a rase from something like AK, KT or KJ. You know, throwing out the whole 'strong is weak' vibe, In the end he broke his stare and smiled, said "you're good" and gave up the pot.
Towards midnight everyone was getting ready to leave, so we played one last hand. I was dealt AK UTG, and made a smallish raise. I really tried to play off the 'its the last hand' vibe and got calls from most of the table. the flop came AAJ with 2 spades, and I had to bet to isolate the draws. Unfortunately no one looked me up and I took the last hand of the night.
I certainly felt better standing up form the cash game than I did the tournament. I covered the tourney entry, dinner, the cab and still had over 120 bucks profit.
After the game I was obliged to help clean up a little and left with a nice little adrenaline rush.
I really like the homegame atmosphere and would absolutely prefer playing at the WSP over an illegal club ala SALAMI. I'd like to thank Jamie again for treating me as a guest and as a regular at the same time and I look forward to the next time I'm in NYC and can play WSP again.
I'm writing this on the lazyboy, in a drug induced stupor after getting my wisdom teeth removed yesterday, so I'm sorry if I forgot some details, names or links.
I had to turn the TV off watching the Vick: Town Forum the other day. Its embarrasing to live in the same city as the people who would stand up and support this guy. Then THIS comes along and I am just befuddled. I honestly can't believe someone could be as ignorant as Michael Vick.
It's truly sad at this point, he has become the next Mike Tyson rather than the man who could redefine the quarterback position. sad sad sad.... You know its reached epic proportions when Terrence Moore has left your corner.
It's a sad state of affairs when you start to agreee with this guy:
Moving along, I'm in the middle of a bad run on FT, and am staying a head on the little play I have at PS. Here's a screenshot of my spreadsheets in case you are interested.
Wednesday and Thursday, I felt the old aggro-donk bug creeping in and taking over. I should have taken a break and didn't. Bad news
I also broke my bankroll limitations for the MOOK. People love calling down crap in the MOOK and I played more aggressively than I should have.
At least recently I'm becoming aware of my mental state when I'm in a tourney, now I just need to adjust my play against my own stupidity sometimes.
I hope you all have a great weekend, we'll see ya soon.
There's a myriad of reasons players get mad at the poker table. What a player does with his/her anger is central to successfully focusing on optimal play.
Mike Gundy had several reasons to be mad, he was protecting his players (a 21 year old 'kid') and lashing out at the media. Gundy accomplished something though. He sent a message to his team and to the media. I believe in the long run Gundy solidified his bond with, or hold over, his team. When playing a team sport, adopting a bunker mentality is key. It has to be US VS THEM. The stronger 'US' is, the more resilient and dominate 'US' can be over 'THEM'. Gundy put himself in front of his team, refocused the attention and built his teams trust all in one brilliantly insane blowup.
DeAngelo Hall is a punk. He has always been a punk and he will always be a punk. He continually blows himself up, just to get beaten or to beat himself. Hall's list of missteps is becoming large, and for all his talent and bravado theres a scared little classroom bully laying beneath his surface. Sunday night the Falcons actually had a chance to win their first game of the season. The defense had broken down a bit from the first 2 games, but Joey Harrington was showing glimpses of a guy who could pass for an actual NFL quarterback.
Hall was playing great, he had covered Steve Smith all game and held him without a catch. One little misstep derailed his entire game, and lost the momentum for his team. Steve Smith finally won, he got into Hall's head and Hall totally lost it. He cost his team an additional 30 yards being an idiot, and turned a long FG kick into a touchdown. Way to go dude, you completely screwed your team.
In most instances, anger does you no good. Anger is the result of a lack of discipline and focus. If you can channel your anger to produce positive results instead of verbal and physical tirades, then it is possible to always think clearly and make the proper decisions.
Yesterday afternoon I stepped a little outside my bankroll requirements and played a 2 table token tourney. I had an opportunity to play the MATH and I wanted to take it.
I got my token fairy easily, then sparked up FT about 9PM. I decided to play a 5.50 t-table to warm up, and took it down. Freeroll!
I played a bit loose as I tend to do in blogger games. I sucked out big time on HOY fairly early on so I decided to take some screenshots.
HOY played this hand perfectly against me. I call a small/medium raise with soooted jackking and flopped a gutshot. He knew my range was wide, he set the trap and I fell right in. Full Tilt RNG had other ideas.
A few hands later I catch him stealing. Standard mook re-raise.
Here I am overplaying mid pairs. I do this way to much and need to recognize the signs. Maloney was screaming top-tier and I couldn't lay em down.
Again, I overplay nines, this time it works out as I put HOY on a pretty wide range.
Joshua (Raising Cayne's roomie) raises 3x in the SB, I call my sooted gappers. I push post flop with oesd - 3rd pair. Thoughts on this one?? I think I was ahead here, the 4x raise may have been a bit risky though.
Fuel raises ~3x preflop, I smoof call, so does Byron. I push the oesd, Byron already had it, IGHN. double bubble.
I managed to make it to the club on time and played a solid tight game. I tripled up on a flopped nut flush, otherwise I was fairly card dead. I've mentioned before that playing in the salami game is akin to playing in the lion's den. These guys really throw their chips around, and I have to dial in my aggression a bit.
So what do you think was going through my head when I went to war with 56h?? Bonehead.
We were down to 8 or 9, blinds are 150/300, I have about 6k in front of me. I'm a little below average since I have played about 5 or 6 hands the whole night.
I limped UTG+1 with 56h. Mistake #1
Two callers and aggrodude #1 in the 9 seat makes it 6. He had been in alot of hands so I don't but him on anything major. Mistake #2
I call then the player in the 5 seat pushes about 1800 more out. Aggrodude calls and I convince myself to go ahead and pay for the flop. Mistake#3
The flop had 6Jx and 2 spades. Aggrodude pushed the rest of his chips in (~2500) I put him on overs or a flush draw and call. Mistake #4
I lose to JT and I'm left with scraps.....ugh I was disgusted with myself.
I took off and blasted back to the Hotel to get some food and enter the Mook, only to commit my chips to a flush draw sometime after the first break. Some donks will never learn.
On the continuing streak front I did get a call from Jordan letting me know he took 2nd. Someone I know made money at least. So, drinks are on him the next time I'm up here.
It was cool to meet LJ as well, I'm only sorry I didn't hang out to chat after the tourney. I will definitely be down for a more social visit the next time I'm up.
I was seated at the all blogger table, Tournament Director randomized all of Gary's buddies on a table with F-train and Jordan....they must have been licking their chops. No offense to Gary's friends, but they had to be out matched (except possibly Mike) by everyone else at the table.
Surf was in seat one, then Kat, George, Maudie, Me, TripJax, and Gracie. I was really glad to be in front to Trip, since I figured him to be the most aggressive player at the table. Everyone immediately took the rebuy, and asked the chip denominations about 12 times apiece, so I chilled in the rocker with the chip cheat sheet on my face for a few minutes.
I was still feeling rough by then and intended on drinking my hangover away, but I decided to wait.
Everyone seemed to be playing a little snug (bloggers are weak/tight) and I splashed some chips around, confronting Maudie on a few occasions and taking a nice bite out of trips chips with a straight. I stayed out of big pots for the most part and picked good spots. I felt real good.
We lost oosssuuu first, and Bill second, both at the other table. I was correct in assuming Jordan and f-train would be playing a lot of pots over there.
Kat crippled Gracie and I took her out ( Where's my PEZ dispenser!!!!)
The other table lost G's buddy Jack and I was corralled to the other table. I really did not want to move, but that's how it worked out.
I moved to table to in the SB, with Mike to my left, then yestbay, f-train and jordan.
I tightened back up a bit and waited to combine tables. I had to fold a lot of hands behind f-train and Jordan, but I maintained my stack until we combined.
Maudie got blitzkrieged by a 4 flush administered by Kat back on the other table and We redrew for seats on the final table.
f-train, jordan, and I essentially stayed put. Surf got the 1 seat followed by Kat, myself, trip, mike, gcox, yestbay, f-train, and jordan
Trip was severely short stacked and went out fairly soon.
I took gary out on a flopped set and doubled up yestbay on the same hand when he rivered a higher boat. Live poker is so rigged. I would have had a nice lead after that hand.
George rode the short stack well, I managed to double him up, but he was taken out (i think by kat) next. The final okie local, Mike went out next.
Yestbay came out of his shell after that and restole a couple pots from me, I believe he was responsible for taking out f-train, but I'm not sure.
The bubble had burst. I outraced Jordan to take him out. 3 handed I was the shorty after another brutal beat that I have erased from my brain. Kat finished me up with IIRC Q6 vs my sooted Jackace.
Heads up didn't take very long as Kat played a really good headsup game, putting tons of pressure on yest. Her 2p beat him in the end.
Overall I think the tourney took a round 7 hours. G-cox's structure was a little slower than I was used to, but I liked it. It allowed for a lot of play.
And that pretty much sums it up, a good time was had by all I think.
I began my journey with the intention of taking notes whenever possible. This worked out great until I actually got on the plane to Oklahoma.
I'll write up what I had noted Thursday morning and will have t0 fabricate the rest from my whiskey and beer addled brain.
10:38AM Thursday
My second beer at the ATL airport. Watching John Daily tear the course up.. he will find a way to blow up I'm sure. I have one more hour till I leave to OKC
Time goes by so slow when the minutes drag (bonus points for recognizing the tune)
I have 500 bucks in my wallet and images of so much more. I want to win, I just need to put myself in position to do so.
11:01
I'm glad I got here early. I got to check in (45 minutes before boarding) and they have moved my gate..into another terminal.
If you have ever been to the ATL airport you know the place is ginourmous, and it takes awhile to get from here to there. Well I hopped on to the monorail and whisked away 2 terminals. I get to my new gate and get my seat assignment (2A SCORE). I still have 30 minutes to board.
So I get beer #3, I make it a Bud Light, y'know since I'm pacing myself.
I just want to get there already....time is fucking crawling.
And those were the last notes I took for the weekend.
I landed in OKC expecting party favors, streamers and a marching band.. .No such luck. I roamed out the terminal and I didn't see anyone. I expected to recognize Surf, but no one was there....shit.
I cruised down the ticketing counters and saw surf's back and the ponytail of who I assume is gcox. So I ninja'd my way behind them and asked casually "Anyone know where I can find a poker game around here?"
And it was on...I gave hugs all around (I'm a hugger too g-cox, its alright) and we were off to the cars.
We headed over to Maudies place and agreed that food was in order. I was anxious to try some of this famous chicken fry of theirs and hope they have greens and black-eyed peas to go with it.
As we were walking in to the place, it didn't look like much. Being from the south I take that as a good sign. In very many cases the best places to eat don't look like much from the outside.
I also noticed this older looking gentleman coming out that bared a very striking resemblance to Barry Switzer. I nearly said something to the group, but it happened too fast and I'm to weak/tight socially to a actually blurt out "Hey that looks like Barry fuckin' Switzer"
Turns out it was....doh.
I ordered the chicken fry plate with corn (no greens :( ) taters, white gravy, and a small salad.
The damn thing came out on two plates and a bowl....geez.
I very nearly scarfed the whole thing down, but I threw in the towel, or napkin as the case was.
I'm officially stuffed.
We rode back over to Maudie's and played a little SNG to get the juices flowing. I managed to take everyone out...except Maudie and offered a chop, I soon found out homie don't play that and she ran me over...
Finally after a few 'stones and an SNG everyone is ready to hit the Riverwind casino and jump in to a 1/2 no limit game. I got kicked in the junk early on (thanks george!) and had to make 2 half rebuys in the first 2 hours or so. Time was irrelevant, like in any casino.
I got back on track by busting Gary's kings with sixes and then flopping another set on the very next hand. I was soon over 3 buy ins and adequately lubed since the waitress was loving my 2 dollar tip per beer. I swear I lost a buy in Toking the dealer and buying beer and shots...all in the name of a good time.
My highlights of the night were the set vs gary, bluffing Maudie and Gary Carson, and Rivering an Ace when I had AK vs KK. I'm pretty sure I donked half a buy in to oosssuuu too, but things are a bit fuzzy by that point.
We all cashed out and I ended up around 150 but had a great time, mixing it up with my new friends.
We hit the taco stand on the way home and totally destroyed a big bag o' tacos when we got back to Gary's house.
George and I headed back to the motel and found I got a queen bed...doh, it was too late to change so George and I cuddled till we fell asleep. (just kidding...keeping you on your toes here)
Believe it or not I didn't sleep well, over exhaustion? excitement? tacos and beer? george the snorebox? who knows, but by 7am I was ready to go, but tried to let G sleep since I knew he had a rough day driving.
Little did I know that would be the last time I'd see my room for the rest of the weekend.
We made our way over to g-cox's house and I wanted some FOOD! I coaxed trip (ok probably didn't take much coaxing) to come to Denny's with me while the others were waking up and getting ready. I also grabbed a Mac power adapter at CompUSA, (85 bucks!)..thieving bastards. But I know I'd want the laptop for Tournament Director and a movie on the way home.
Unfortunately Jordan's flight got cock blocked and we'd have to wait till 2 to pick him up. We couldn't ride jet ski's at the lake but we could certainly bust out some tunes on the karaoke, much to the horror of everyone who had to listen to me 'sing'.
I told Gary, and I hope he knows I mean it, that this weekend was everything I had hoped to be and so much more.
The best way I can describe the feeling here is relaxed. At no point did I feel anxious or out of place amongst my newly visible internet friends. I want to thank Gary and Carrie for showing an openness and hospitality that is a rarity in this day and age.
Just try to imagine opening your home to a dozen people you have never met and not only being pleasant, but being so accommodating and open that your guests might as well have been in their own home. That is the feeling that they provided, and that is very hard to put into words. The gratitude is a hundred fold and I am anxious to return the favor if I can. I was treated, felt, and still feel like extended family in their home. I am damn proud and lucky to experience such a thing.
I'll try to post an update and more pictures later tonight or tomorrow. I'm hungry!
So I managed to play in the MOOK for about 20 minutes last night.
I was doing some work for a friend of mine and ended up having to call Dell support....ugh. 4 hours later I managed to make it home...YAY.
I did log on near the beginning to play a few hands I got KK and no takers then pulled a straight out with A5. I got up to over 2K and had to go... I saw this morning that I ended up in 23rd place....awesome.
I may have to skip Riverchasers as well tonight...Maybe I should just donate my $10 and see how long I last....HMMM
Had a good weekend. I hosted my Tennis team's party, tested out my new grill and managed not to destroy the basement despite the 8 guys vying for spots on the beer pong tournament. Yea, mid thirty and forty year olds still play beer pong.
My wife, the acrobat, managed to break her damn foot at some point in the evening. She was getting a hard to reach glass from the kitchen and missed the dismount. Fortunately she didn't require a hard cast and should be able to get around in a week or so. It will most likely take about 6 weeks to heal.
Sunday I played Don's Big Game. I stayed tight for the most part and played fairly well in my opinion. About 12 handed I missed a steal attempt, and had to wait until 10 handed to push AQo into an unraised pot. I got called by A6 that rivered a straight. I wasn't mad, but disappointed. One would hope to avoid that kind of play in a bigger game, but bloggers are bloggers I suppose.
I popped up the computer on the second hour of 24 and decided to try for a token. I managed to get one despite being down to 100 chips very early on.
My mind was never into the game as my table was fairly rocky. I got bored after the first break and made a dumb move with 3rd pair. I folded despite the fact I was committed and went down a few hands later.
I'm going to NY on Thursday, but have not gotten anyone to meet up with. Maybe I should just get some rest. I sure could use it.
You kids have a good week and I'll see you around.
Friday's festivities started at the office where we celebrated quatro de mayo with margaritas, quervo shots and a little beer. I stuck around the office till seven or so and left with a tasty little buzz.
I had earlier decided to make the trip over to the Westside and play at Kajagugu's home game. He graciously allowed me to invite ex blogger Todd and my big brother to join in the festivites.
We were ushered into his beautiful home to defile the basement. I was very impressed with Kaja's tables and Chips, but homie needs some real cards. I eventually couldn't take it anymore and got some Copags out of the car. I guess I'm a card snob...so be it.
I played my usual brand of drunken-agg donkery and donated 3 buy ins, as well as nearly half my online bankroll while I was waiting on another game.
However, I did have a bunch of fun seeing Brain, my brother, and surf. It reminded me a little of my neighborhood game as it seems some folks will play (and win) with any two cards. It was an interesting mix of drunken noobs, (kaja's female neighbor) drunken bloggers (ahem), and solid players (everyone else).
I'm looking forward to scheduling another APBT this summer so stay tuned. I'm thinking August right now, but I'm really hoping another blogger will make good on their promise to host one before I'm forced to do it again.
Saturday was the real cinco de mayo, and I was graciously allowed to sleep till 9am. Those of you with children will understand.
I took the kids up to the park and we watched my wife play some really excellent tennis and her team won their first playoff match. After tennis, we went home and cleaned up a bit before heading to a party at a friends house. We played horeshoes (undefeated), a little baseball and hoops (no scores), and a few little $5 sngs...(2/4) It was a wonderfully long but relaxing day.
Not much happened on Sunday, as the wife had another match and the girls had a b-day party. I took master P out for lunch, and we threw the ball for a bit. Then I took the kids over the the in-laws to work on their computer and let the kids swim for a bit.
All in all it was another one of those salad-days type weekends that I treasure, a whole lot of fun and sun.
I have a consulting project that I need to get done this week. So I doubt I'll be able to play in the BBT games this week. Not that I'm a big threat to win or anything, but I'm really liking this series and hope to make a strong run in the 2nd half.
You kids have a good week on the tables and we'll see you around!
OK time to pull out the ole stream of consciousness thing and try to noodle through my feeble brain to see whats what.
I stood there on a corner, waiting for the cab I flagged down. It was drizzling a little bit and I have just come off of working 15 hour day. My brain was numb and the light just glistened off the pavement. The red and green light looking like Christmas in the shine of the road, and I dangle my hand out to more lights. The cab pulled up and the suited monkey next to me steps out to the street. I look over to him and think to myself, 'fuck, this guy is stealing my cab, I don't need this.' I pause for a minute and realize i don't want a confrontation I just want to lay down and sleep. Mr ego wakes up though and I stepped over to the gentleman who was about a foot shorter than I. 'This is mine...I flagged him' and I stared into his weasley soul. He knew I was right and meerly stepped back onto the curb. I guess he didn't want a confrontation either, especially with a tired, wet, IT guy who outweighed him by 50 pounds.
-------
Bases loaded, there is one out and your son steps to the plate. He represents the winning run. "Relax" you say loud enough for your son to hear. Though you can barely look. He takes the first pitch. Good boy. "Alright, now your ready...easy swing." Your heart enters your throat and the pitcher releases. You see the most beautiful thing in the world. Your son, a beautiful graceful swing, and the rising arc of the ball. If there's something that can beat that sense of pride, you don't know of it.
------
Reprinted from DIGG - Most of this applies.
Top Ten Reasons it doesn’t pay to be the computer guy:
Reason #10 - Most Of Your Accomplishments Are Invisible
The computer guy never hears anyone tell him, “I just want to let you know … everything is working fine!”
The reality is that people call the computer guy when something is wrong.
As a computer guy, if you work really hard to make everything work the way that it should, and things work fine, then people believe you don’t do anything. Everything you manage to get working correctly or do perfectly will forever remain unnoticed by computer users. They’ll only ever notice that you do anything when something isn’t working correctly, and you are called upon to fix it.
Reason #9 - Every Conversation You Have Is Roughly The Same
When the computer guy dares to mention what he does for a living, the typical response is, “I have a question about my home computer…”
Or when the computer guy first hears about a widespread problem within the computer network he’s responsible for, he can barely begin to assess the problem before a dozen other people call to report the same problem.
Or when the computer guy explains a certain process on a computer to a user who is incapable of retaining the process, he will inevitably need to reinstruct the user of this same process — indefinitely.
Reason #8 - You’re An Expert Of Bleeding-Edge Technology Products, Aren’t You?
The computer guy often finds himself in situations where someone is asking him for advice on a pending investment of the technological variety.
“I heard about (some hardware or software product) that can do (something desirable) for me. I brought you these (advertisements/reviews/printouts) because I wanted your recommendation. Which would you buy?”
Although the inquiring person sincerely trusts the computer guy’s judgment over their own, in almost every instance the real objective of these meetings is to ensure their own immunity from making a risky purchase.
If it turns out to be a bad investment, and they cannot get (the hardware or software product) to do (anything desirable), then you will be their personal scapegoat — “But honey, the computer guy said I should buy it!”
Reason #7 - Your Talents Are Forcibly Undervalued
Thanks to the constantly declining price of new computers, the computer guy cannot charge labor sums without a dispute. If he asks to be paid what he is worth, he will likely be met with the “why not buy new?” argument.
That is, desktop computers are always getting smaller, faster, and cheaper. It’s possible to purchase a new desktop computer for under $400. If the computer guy spends five hours fixing a computer and wants $100/hour for his time, his customer will be outraged, exclaiming “I didn’t even spend this much to BUY the computer, why should I pay this much just to FIX it?”
Reason #6 - You’re Never Allowed A Moment’s Peace
The computer guy is so prone to interruption that he rarely finds an opportunity to work on his own problems. This is because:
1. Computers never sleep.
2. Computer problems aren’t scheduled.
3. Every problem takes time to diagnose.
4. The computer guy can only give one problem his full attention.
5. Each user believes their problem deserves attention now.
Consequently, the computer guy has a 24/7 obligation to keep critical computer systems running, while simultaneously juggling everyone’s problems. He’ll often need to forfeit any opportunities to tend to his own needs for the sake of others — because at any moment, of any day, he can be interrupted by someone who wants to make their problem his problem.
Reason #5 - People Ask You To Perform Miracles
The computer guy is often mistaken for someone who possesses the combined skills of an old priest and a young priest. I’ll sum this up easily by example:
“No, I really can’t recover any files from your thumb drive, even if you did find it after it passed through your dog.”
Reason #4 - Your Assumed “All-Knowing” Status Sets You Up To Let People Down
There is no common understanding that there are smaller divisions within the computer industry, and that the computer guy cannot be an expert in all areas. What makes things worse, is when the computer guy attempts to explain this to someone asking for help, the person will often believe that the computer guy is withholding the desired knowledge to avoid having to help.
This is somewhat related to the next reason:
Reason #3 - You Possess Unlimited Responsibility
The computer guy is expected to solve problems. It is difficult to determine the boundaries of that expectation.
Some of the oddest things that I’ve been asked to do include:
1. Use pirated software to undelete important company files.
2. Create an Intranet, after explaining I didn’t know how to.
3. Teach someone how to hide their pornography collection.
Solving problems can range from replacing batteries in a wireless keyboard to investigating why the entire building loses power at the same time every morning. Resolutions can necessitate weaving a 50-foot cable through a drop ceiling, or wriggling under a house on your belly to add an electrical outlet.
Reasons #4 and #3 boil down to this: no matter how often you want to play the role of a hero, there will always be circumstances that test the limits of your ability to be one. It’s difficult to judge when helping someone means doing something immoral, and it’s even harder to admit you are unable to solve someone’s problem — and chances are, that someone will view you as incompetent because you were unable to help them.
Reason #2 - A Life Of Alienation
People only talk to the computer guy when they need him to fix something. Also, when the computer guy approaches a user, they’ll hop up out of their chair under the presumption that he’s there to fix something — as if it would never be expected that he only wants to strike up a conversation.
The fact that the computer guy never gets a moment’s peace can also practically force him to withdraw into solitude. His co-workers don’t understand that he doesn’t want to hear about their computer problems during his lunch hour — he does that every other hour of the day. That’s why the computer guy eats lunch alone with his door closed, or goes out to eat every day — not because he’s unfriendly, but because he needs to escape the incessant interruptions.
Reason #1 - You Have No Identity
It’s an awful experience when the computer guy shows up at a neighbor’s doorstep with a plate of Christmas cookies, only to have the child who answered the door call out, “Mom, the computer guy is here!” He begs for an identity that is not directly associated with computers, but “the computer guy” label walks ahead of him — it simply cannot be avoided. I was given a name and I’d love to be addressed by it.
Thats it! Im getting a uniform!
-------
What is it with French Canadians??
--------
I got a little full of myself in the Riverchasers tourney last night...The hand went totally my way, except for the fact I didn't have the right cards in my hand. Thats my game though, sometimes I'm gonna swing and miss.
--------
I have 3 invitations for live poker tonight. Pokercats invite came last, so I'll have to pass for this week. Its between meeting up with bloggers Kajagugu and BrainMc and playing lower limits or bringing my "A" (don't laugh so hard) game to a $100 tourney followed by 1/2. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna opt for the more friendly game...but I'm sooo tempted.
What really stinks is I have a company event this afternoon/evening.....ugh. I might not get to play anything other than the fake-nice game.
--------
I guess thats it for now..you kids have a good night and if you're not going out, you'd better be playing Katitude's game!
Just a quick post before bed. I made a mook final table for the first in a very long time, but was severely shortstacked. I went out ninth, but that's 2 blogger final tables in a row, 3rd in MATH and 9th in the MOOOK. I feel pretty good about it.
I would like to note that the river fairy was out early for me, but abandoned me at the end, causing some less than pleasurable beats. I have never seen so many crazy junk kicking turns and rivers in one tournament. Crazy.
I've booked my flight and hotel for Okie Vegas. I'll be arriving at Will Rodgers on Thursday afternoon and staying through Sunday afternoon. I have a room at the Extended Stay near the Airport, hopefully its not a dump. I'm setting the over under at 16 hours of sleep for those three days, I'm thinking its pretty generous. If anyone wants to split the room or whatever, just let me know. It could be arranged.
I got a killer deal from Priceline BTW, less than $500 for the room and direct flights to and fro. So book now!!!
Hi boys and girls, just a little update and miscellaneous post from yours truly.
The Fantasy Baseball league is filling up nicely now, we have 5 in and 5 to go, so if you're on the fence go ahead and join up, theres money to be made here folks.. you like money! I like money, you like money too??
I can't believe you like money too. We should hang out.
Speaking of money, I'm planning on funding some new accounts when I get back from my self imposed hiatus. I'm going to chase some bonuses and get my bankroll back to where it was in December. It will take awhile, starting I think with three or four hundo. I want to focus on SNG's, so I'll try to emulate the smokkee school of bankroll building even though I won't be able to play more than once or twice a week.
I'll be playing some live poker on Friday as it is my monthly poker game in the neighborhood. I found out this morning there is a huge contingent of women who went to Destin for the weekend, so my turnout may not be so hot. BUT ALL IS NOT LOST, CC is organizing a little game at his place and I will do my damnedest to hit that game up if at all possible. Turns out its a who's who of Atlanta poker bloggers with weak, transfish, kurokitty , surf, butchhoward and flagstaff (not an Atlanta blogger, duh). I'd be remiss if I didn't make it, but I have my n'hood responsibilities to think of. In a perfect world my regular game won't have enough players and I can head over to CC's which is only 15 minutes away.
You kids have a safe and fun weekend, and pray the shit does not hit the proverbial fan when half the computers in the world don't know what time it is.
Well, I hit the ground running last night. I took down a a $10 SNG, played in the mook IGH with QQ vs KQ...ugh. Then another $10SNG - 1st. IGH ~100 in the O/8 3k. Won a token, then lost a 2nd Tier 2-table, but got my 3rd tier ticket by winning the mook 2nd chance!! A positive night, and I am going to keep it up.
I will do my best to get in Don's BIG GAME on Sunday. Just depends on getting the wife to comply. Sunday is usually TV nite for us, but we shall see.
I have my monthly game in the Neighborhood tomorrow. I'm looking forward to doing well. I haven't had many positive sessions there as of late as I let the looseness get to me. If any of the ATL folks want to come, drop me a line at 23skidoo AT gmail. The invitation is open.
I'm working on my resolutions and a challenge to myself which could dictate the course of my poker 'career'. Stay tuned.
So imagine my dismay when I discovered there was no mook scheduled tonight. Of course I knew it was off this week, I just forgot that I knew it.
Anywho, I took AL's advice and joined the Riverchasers HORSE event. I didn't imagine I'd go very far, but I soon realized that some of the competition was looser than a two dollar hoe! So I bided my time and took as many hands off in Stud that I could. I still excel in Razz, OH8 and Stud8 (IMHO) and used those orbits to stay afloat. During the early (first 2 hours) of the tourney I was playing my HU4 matches with NewinNov. I won the first two then got shanghai'd in the 3rd when someone got in before newin. The second hand of which i flopped trips, crippling my opponent. Newin and I played the third match for a very long time, changing leads at least 10 times, in the end I whittled him down for a 3-0 match. This brings my current run in HU4 at 6-1.
On to the Riverchasers...I managed to squeek in to the final table and outlast a few players when I found myself with a respectible stack. Also there at the final table was byron and wwonka It was a fun match down to the end, unfortunately my heads up opponent wiggstad could not stand the onslaught of cards I caught during the razz round and was crushered. good times..
Also I managed to take down the Poker Blogger Fantasy Football League that Kelly ran!!! Did I tell you yet how much I rock?
I hope everyone had (and is having) a great Holiday and have a safe and happy new year.
Hi there guys and gals. I'm really trying to supplant my lack of inspiration with something here....sorry for wasting your time, but I need to push myself through something, and this outlet was made for it.
Anywho, I'll flush a few things down the toilet and move on.
WWDN was the usual, seems like I can never make thing happen in this tourney, beats me. I wallowed around 3-6th place for a good bit of time last night, but could never get things going. One hand that still bothers me happened about 30 minutes in. I call a 3x raise from VTepes (Sox wife?) with the dreaded AQ off. The flop comes with queen high and 3 diamonds. My diamond is the ace. I make a continuation bet and am raised. At the time I put VT on pocket pairs, possibly AA-KK. So I call and get a blank. Do I really want to check here??? Well I do, practically announcing my hand. VT puts in a pot sized bet in which pressures me to push or fold.
I fold.
I still think its a good fold against a player I don't really know, and I really wanted to call knowing it was Sox wife. I could imagine him telling her...."he's got nothing but a flush draw, push" But I gave her credit for the Aces and moved on....still bothers me though.
After that I couldn't ramp back up, my raises were no longer respected, and its hard enough to get raises respected in the WWDN as it is. I lasted till around mid pack. But as Kat pointed out, I outlasted Pauly! Weeeee, thanks for small favors.
Kat hit me up in the girly chat to bemoan her end of semester grading. I couldn't imagine wafting through Dozens and Dozens of reports written by 6-12 graders. In fact I think I'd rather eat bleach. Teachers have my utmost respect. It takes a special person.
Newin and I tried to hook up for our 2nd round HU match, but landing in the same $5 table proved impossible on PS. Hopefully we can move to FT as Gracie and I had an easy time getting a table there. I did manage to win the HU game I entered, so that helps.
I also played an 11+1 45 and went home around 15th or so. I'm trying to hit some more MTT's to get some bankroll relief, but it is having the opposite effect.
I'm looking forward to the Mook tonight though I have a feeling my mind won't be on the game. I'm in need of some sleep and don't foresee any anytime soon.
To all the bloggers going to Vegas - I HATE YOU. just kidding. Be safe and travel well. Don't get arrested, rolled, or injured and all is good!
I'll be partying late on Friday and Saturday (N'hood Poker, Christmas Parties) so I'm available for DAS!!!! I BETTER at least get calls from KAT and JO!!! CC and weak have my digits as well, use them.
, check-raising locals, and passing out on the nearest chair (doh).
wo0t!