Caesars--How I missed you!

OK, long time no blog, well get over it, because you are now reading--so mission accomplished. I head down to Elizabeth Indiana with Nater Tater and decide to play some 1/2 NL. $300 cap buy in. So, I sit down with my buy in of $240, after losing $30 in the video slots, and being called for a seat and then sent back to the video slots after the poker room manager had already given my seat away. I was literally 20 feet from the guy. Let's get this in perspective though, I was not even upset, just ready to play some cards. And, since we had arrived around 12:00 PM I was in no real hurry.

So here is the table lay out: Weak player, Strong Player, Super Fat Guy, Strong Player, John from Nashville (horrible player but luckbox central), John from Nashville's buddy--average player but transparent, Australian dude--not great, 10-20 limit player--very tight but decent, and myself. We also had shuffling in throughout my session: Retardo player --actually scouted our table for 15 minutes and set down and burned through 600 in about an hour; Limit Lady--300 donation thank you, NEW Hold'em Dude--not good; and as I was leaving entered another Strong Player. There were a few more but nothing that is noteworthy. Hope that helps because that is the conclusion of this set up.

So I am playing rather tight, building my stack to $350, that is about $110 in an hour, not a bad hourly rate if you ask me. Then comes the confrontation with Super Fat Guy (and pimp daddy hat). SFG just gets blown off of JJ by Stong Player with air (4-7 off). SFG folds his JJ face up and then Strong Player obliges by flipping over the AIR! So, next hand yours truly gets QQ, he open raises to $25 in EP, John from Nashville calls and I smooth call. I don't like the QQ number one, and I figure if I flop a set, SFG is gonna pay me off because he is on steam and has money invested. Flop comes Q98 two clubs. SFG bets this for $25, so I don't want to mess around with the clubs even though I have just hit top set--so I pop it to $100, SFG then pushes all-in; I of course insta call hoping that I have just torn up AA or KK, but nope, he flips over the AK of clubs. Yes sir, a flush draw. Yes, for the fans at home, it is the nut flush draw, and he might have thought his two overs were good, but I hate this play at a cash table, for the simple reason that you might have less than half as many outs as you thought, and be a pretty big dog, which SFG obvisouly was. But, fate would have it that I was playing the role of "Mundo" or "Tough Man" and the turn was the 5 of clubs and no resuck for me. So, I go to rebuy--this time for $220. OK, for those keeping score at home, I got $500 in this game and I have been there for an hour--not a happy camper.

And, did I mention that the table I was at was really COLD. I mean freezing. I finally talked the floorman into moving our table to another part of the room. I didn't want to be cold and get cold decked at the same time. I ordered hot chocolate and drank 0 beers btw!

OK, I have now run my $220 rebuy up to $520, when I turn into a raise calling fold machine. I blow through $150 in no time. Then it happens, what you ask? I will tell ya then. STrong player opens for $8, SFG calls and three other callers. I find AA on the button and pop it up to $40. Why $40, well, I am not totally pissed if I win the pot right there, but I want it to look like a labored squeeze, feigning just a bit of weakness. Then Strong player takes a bit of time to fold (I would later learn he folded JJ), and SFG goes into the mini tank and then flat calls. And, I immediately see my future. SFG has KK and I am going to take a montser pot off of him--I can't wait!!!! Flop comes 224, and I honestly can't remember if SFG bet or not, but I push in $150--yes a pretty big over bet but, but there are two hearts out, and I want again to look weak by overbetting to SFG, and he takes the bait, and pushes all in (with chips that rightly should have been mine 3 hours ago). I insta call--and it happens, OMG, it really happened, SFG had KK, and hold on to your hats here folks--AA holds up and blammo, I have $820 sitting in front of me. I play a few more hands and then go eat. I come back and have about 10 mintues left in the dealer rotation and decide, to hell with it, I am gonna rack out with a $320 win, which aint bad for 6 hours.

Oh, almost forgot, the female dealer coming into our table. I tell the guys next to me that I am getting some chip racks and will be right back, and the dealer lady tells the guy to take money out of my stack for the $6 rake--and I see this happening from a distance. I finally make it back to the table and tell the dealer lady I am racking up give me my $6 back, which she does. The guy who had to get in my stack says, "I told her you were racking out but she told me to get it anyway", and my response--That's what happens when you listen to a woman! I don't think the female dealer and I are going to be friends.

Oh, and if anyone is wondering why there was no Tunica post, here is the reason: I didn't want to write about Tunica!

Tunica Casualty Confirmed

That's right, the TOOL MAN is out. Tuley confirmed with BOLO today that his ankle injury will preclude his participation. Well, I am not sure not working for a couple weeks and ankle surgery actually raise to the necessary level of justification to remove oneself from the line-up, but who am I to question his decision. Well, I will tell you exactly who I am--the questioner of anyone who bows out on the Tunica trip is who I am. I mean its not like he is in ICU. Oh well.

Now, in regards to "Trained Killer in Training" Lee Chesternuts (name is changed to protect his identity, and I think would be a good screen name for an adult vid actor). Apparently there is this little Meth trial happening on the 21st where the above named officer is the key witness. And, apparently he has no pull at all with the prosecutor, so if the trial lasts more than a day, then he may be out as well. I can't help but to theorize that Deputy Dog may be using a small little Meth trial to placate a wife that may not be so in favor of a Tunica trip. Well, I hate to say that, but I think all the angles have to be considered, this is no small matter (Tunica of course).

I have taken the opportunity to share some pictures on my last few posts and believe that they have been appreciated by the legions of readers that certainly must devour this blog at every chance. I saw a nice documentary on Harry Robbins (Ruben) last night and feel like maybe I should model my life after him, considering I am a writer as well. Now that dude was a partying machine and I just felt like I needed to give him a shout out.

Still in question for the Tunica trip is one Danno Grimbstaff. Well, I think the odds are against, but I can't put that final nail in the coffin. He is a poker room junky you know, and if anybody can pull of the zombie look it is Dan the Man. I have him at 4:1 against if anyone wants any action, $10 minimum.

Mrs. Estrabrook still seems to be In like Flynn according to my sources.

Now, if we end up having 7 Tunica participants we can fit in the VAN, but will have to ride 3 across on the back bench seat, that means the captain's chairs will be in high demand. I call the DRIVER spot.

What say you could be the plan when we arrive to Tunica? Well, I have seen Mundus' aka STROKER'S itinerary and feel like it sounds solid. The only problem is that once you enter SAMPSON it is kind of like the Bermuda Triangle and nobody really knows what is going to happen, and that really is kind of nice. Tough Man has a true itinerary down to how many cups of coffee, sleeping schedule, etc. Now, he should really know that there is no chance in hell that his schedule is going to remain intact, but hey I guess the kid can dream. I spoke with the poker room at SAM's PlACE today to but a pulse on the NL action and was assured there is atleast one NL game going everyday. They had one going at 11:oo AM today when I spoke with them. The lady I spoke to said they have 4-5 going on the weekends. Poker tournament at Sammy every day, looks like 6 PM on Wednesday and 11 AM on Thursday, and then the poker tournament at Gold STrik that same evening. I wonder if I will leave Sammy at all. Yeah I will, go to hit up HollyWood and maybe get over to the Grand. I just hate to leave Sam's TOWN for too long as they may put out APB on me.

Until next time; it will be Corona for me.

Bronchitis--Again

OK, doctor's appt. yesterday. Not good news. Started the sneezing, coughing a few days ago, and figured with Tunica on the horizon, that I should take no chances. I arrive at 2:00 PM and get in very promptly with the nurse, we do the temperature and weight thing, and can you believe the nurse attempts to write down my weight at 239--when the scales obviously say 229. I mean what is going on here, is this the kind of treatment we should expect from our health care providers. Is it no too far a stretch to believe that if the weight cannot be charted correctly, then other more heinous errors are being made on a regular basis? But, the nurse handles my ribbing well and we hit it off, you do realize I am a people person, right? I should add that I am using the human interaction opportunities in preparations for the "ASK" from the bartender when we get to Tunica.


So, I have Bronchitis just a month ago, after receiving that wonderful gift from my daughter. I let the DOC know that I am not sure of the standard treatment protocol, but I kind of have something big coming up on the 22nd and I require a more intensive treatment, just to ensure that there is not sickness remaining in 6 days. So I get a shot, prednizone, and antibiotic. Thanks DOC for understanding the importance of Tunica.

My daughters preschool graduation was really nice last night, and she is flat out ready to take on Kindergarten, she is BIG now you know. Family and friends joined in the celebration and my girls loved spending time with "Pig Pen". They are fast friends, and when they get together nobody else much matters. Oh, did I mention the new shoes my daughter got to go with their outfits before heading off to the graduation? Yeah, they don't have any shoes! Bathroom project #2 is heading toward completion. Left to complete is installing the new sink/counter which is supposed to be in tomorrow, and then hanging the towel bar and toilet paper holder. I am impressed with the direction it is headed. And, after 72 BAGS of mulch in the yard the wife has things looking really nice. I still have made zero progress on the landscaping in the front by the mailbox. My wife assures me someone is coming by to take the plants away, but that has not happened. I really think calling the landscapers and just having them rip it out and put something back in is the best way to go on this one. I know that really goes against my personal inclination to not hire out work that I can perform, but I really just don't want to deal with landscaping.

NOW, since there have been some relatively lackluster comments or lack thereof to my last blog post, I feel motivated to do try and deliver.

Let me begin by doing something that should have been done long ago. In honor of the Tough Man:

I give Tough Man a hard time but his game is generally tight, and I will give him his due in that regard. I still don't like the Asian big pot poker side of things but you can't question his gamble when he thinks he has an edge. His RED FISH status has long been overcome, but I just really was having trouble letting him have the pleasure he deserved from a redemption post from yours truly, OK, I'm older but does that really correlate with maturity?

Here are some Sharkscope stats as well.
Username TGTT
Games Played 2081
Av. Profit $2
Av. Stake $17
Av. ROI 14%
Total Profit $3216

Sorry Tough Man, I must have erased the email with the table and your little shark fin.

OH, here is a little something as a precursor for Tunica (Of Things to COME):

Now that is some HAIR there folks. I know that Nate has some limited medical justification for this obvious fashion faux pas, but the fact that he was able to get hooked up with some nice "tail" while sporting the Caucasian AFRO is what really takes the cake. Oh, here is the picture of his "tail"--sorry if that offends any female readers.

And, I know that Mike appreciates her performing arts abilities--nice time to walk into the kitchen, huh Stroker?

And, if this isn't enough for you than I guess you will just have to wait for like 5 days, because when I walk through the door, it will be lights camera action!

Nine Days and then THIS!

With only 9 days remaining before the exciting adventure that is Tunica, I am feeling the pressure. Pressure? Well, let's just say that I have a few things to pull off before I can feel totally at ease. #1 The bathroom project. I have made progress and it appears my I can have it completed, but you never really know. This is important because I do not want to leave the fams with only one function bathroom. #2 The wife has been implying that a win is expected on this trip, as Disney World looms in the not so far distance (wasn't I just there like 8 months ago?). Don't get me wrong, I love Disney, but once every 2-3 years I believe is plenty. #3 I would like to have the landscaping completed in the yard, although this specific task is not paramount. #4 I am waiting on a package that really needs to be delivered before the trip--this is crucial. Just so you have some idea of what I may be waiting for here are a couple of clues,

I hope super Mundus pays close attention to the image above, Heritage NOT HATE. Let's not be narrow minded and minimize the value of Southern Heritage. While I know these images could raise concern for some, I think that Rebel Yell for example is only displaying a love for his home place, not making a political, racial or otherwise offensive statement through his public display of support for the South.

Now for Tough Man, I think he could pull this off well:

Does he give these out to his dates? Or Maybe his Mom is sporting this today, considering it is Mother's Day. Well, maybe this would be better suited for Tough Man:

I am not really sure how to top this. My apologies for not find a midget in this costume, but hey I tried. I do have this link for you however http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1691290/posts --ENJOY!

Well, the sheriff crew that is Lupe' and Lee will be with us, so in honor of them I give you this:

I love the fact that Lupe' wants his own room, and I think we should rig it for video!

OK, who else do we have, OH, Nater the Dominator;
Here ya go:

While Nate's hair is not what it used to be, I sure have'nt forgotten what it was.

Anything else maybe, Oh let's try this one on for size (no pun intended).

Don't tell me we couldn't find a group of these little people who would love to work in a slot machine, you know they would.

OK, gotta run, better have you GAME ON in 9 days, because I sure as &%#$ will!

Stroker--How the Legend was made

Well, here we are again with the creative juices flowing. I guess I am so pumped for SAMpson that I just cannot keep my mind from working. This post goes out to my jolly friend Super Mundus, who thought it necessary to shower the internet with an image of me singing some Gospel music. A picture that was provided to him in good faith, but he obviously felt it necessary to take advantage of the situation. And, let me tell ya, this is what I love about a mis-step like that--sweet sweet revenge. Not that I get any real joy from what I am about to share (yeah right) but I must defend myself in a way that keeps my internet cred intact. Could you imagine the onslaught I would face if I were not to stand up for myself in a way befitting a true competitor. And just a word of caution to any who may feel it necessary to retaliate--I didn't take the first shot, but I have plenty of ammo!!!!

Now, since we have the pleasantries out of the way, we can get to the substance of this post. Circa 1997 in a sleepy little town in Southern Indiana, the flowers were in bloom and a hint of youthful adventure was noticeable as Mundus embarked on his journey. While Mundus was no stranger to carefree leanings of life he was rather calm and thoughtful in his interactions, and could be described as the epitome of correctness. While that could be overstating it a bit, Mundus was not one to act outside socially accepted limits--but as we would all come to understand and alter ego would emerge.

Records are not clear on the predicating events, but it appeared Mundus attended a pre-graduation celebratory function which is not uncommon for a chap in his position. Armed no doubt with some frosty cold libation and a hankering to embrace the buzz that permeated the beings of our youth as they knock on the door of adulthood, SuperMundus has arrived. Not just in the physical sense, but this night would be different and provide the onlookers with a rare glimpse of what may take place in the black box. Of course you are thinking, well, this guy is out to have some fun, no harm no foul, but.......a foul was called indeed. Now before I reveal the trophy of this story, I think we need to put back in perspective the general nature, character and outstanding citizenship that is displayed by Super Mundus, and I think we would all agree that this guy just never gets out of or crosses the line from a norms perspective. OK, here we go. And, I must at this point admit, not being present does impede my ability to accurately relay the specific events, but corroborating with enough sources has left me firmly supplanted with the journalistic feeling of invincibility.

Apparently Super Mundus gets drunked up and decides he is gonna take a little liberty in checking out the "goods" of one Stephanie Abshagen--German Exchange Student. After being dismissed the night proceeds on and the morning brings to life the legend of "STROKER". I believe this moniker was hung by a parent of one of the party goers, and he is still referred to as STROKER to this day by that individual. I have to say, I think that is just about the best nickname I have ever heard of, and I can't believe it has not stuck. I am so pumped about it, I decided to write a song. Yep, that's right, me and Billy Squire have worked on creating a lyrical coup. Please read the lyrics below, I have not yet had to time to record this, but that is in the works. Enjoy!!!!

A tribute To Mundo—AKA Stroker, and a visit from Stephanie Abshagen; your memory never fades…..

“The Stroker” - Frodaddy
Now everybody, have you heard
The courage of, a drunken urge
Stroker takes no caution, he didn’t hesitate
To grab a piece, of some German cake
He put his right hand out, and gave a firm shake
He took a shot at, his one big break
Mundo asks no questions, didn’t wait
gave no time for, Aubshoggin to deliberate

Stroke me, stroke me
I grab my wiener, it moves quite well
Stroke me, stroke me
Stroke me, stroke me
You got her number down
Say you're a winner but man you're just a sinner now

She wouldn’t put out, but it didn’t hold you back
Work your way right into her place
First you try to bed her, before saying Hi
But when you made your move, she slid on by

Stroke me, stroke me
Give me the business all night long...
Stroke me, stroke me
Stroke me, stroke me
You're so together boy...
Say you're a winner but man you're just a sinner now

Better listen now, Mundus is on the prowl
If she is an exchange student, just do the stroke (Woooh)
Don't ya take no chances, keep your eye on top
Do your finger dances, Mundo just can't stop just
Stroke me, stroke me...

Ketchup at Frenchy

OK, so Tough Man and I head up to Frenchy on Saturday evening, getting a bit of a late start, but still during tourist time. We arrive at 8:00 PM and get seated immediately. Tough Man starts by raising 3 or 4 times in the first orbit. Table is playing fairly weak/passive, but almost always someone comes along for the ride. Even had one guy at the end of the table I was sitting say to his buddy, "Hey that guy is aggressive I have seen him before". So I am thinking, OK Tough Man is headed into Asian mode, exactly as I had recommended against. His big pot poker fetish seems to have disillusioned him in regard to variance, so my prescription was to slow down and regain that solid foundation, and get the money in as a big favorite, as opposed to pushing smaller edges. He of course disagrees that he has been "gambling" but he does not shy away from confrontation when he thinks he has the best of it. So Tough Man is quickly adding to his stack 20 here 30 there. AK fails me three times and 77 on the button does not work out well either, and pretty quickly I dig a smallish hole in the 1--150 range. Not good for a nit like me (whatever). So now comes the first player description--REAL ESTATE GUY. He is charismatic, friendly and should be running for office I think after my initial read. He sits with 500, remember the 1-3 at Frenchy allows a bigger buy in than the standard 300 max 1-2 game we are accustomed to playing. First hand real estate guy plays is a big pot, and burns up a flopped set of Kings (OK the guy only had about 24, so I have no problem with it) by turning broadway. It started out as a five way pot, oh did I tell you I was involved as well. Yes, I was on the button and called a raise with the massive 2-5 of hearts, well the raise was to 8, so I figure what the hell, let's throw a sneaky one in on these guys. Then KK pops it up to 24 from sb and real estate guy calls and another, and I feel justified in calling the 15 because of pot odds. I missed obviously.

Next hand Real Estate pops a flop bet of 100, which was a huge overbet. So I am starting to get the picture here, this guy is aggro! So I finally get involved with REal Estate by raising from the button with AK, not a bad hand right? He calls from the small blind and we take a flop of QJ baby, he checks I continuation bet he calls. I have no idea what he is playing at this point, and the turn goes check 2nd bullet by me and he cold calls again. What?????? I still have no idea where I am at and the river is a blank and REAL ESTATE bets out 100 and quickly, and all the bones in my body said call him down with AK, but I lacked the appropriate RSO's (round spherical objects) and go away. I get moved to another table, and don't like it because I know there is money to be made, and do you know what really pissed me off? Tough Man was gone pissing and he was next in line to get moved officially. Well, eventually Tough Man gets moved over and I here that REAL ESTATE is wild and spewing some chips. Finally REAL ESTATE makes it over to our game and proceeds to open raise UTG for $43, wtf? He gets called by Ray who was not a great player by any stretch of the imagination. Flop comes with an Ace, blah blah blah and REAL ESTATE gets all of his money in after checking and letting Ray bet the whole way--with what did REAL ESTATE have you ask? 66--that's right sport fans, he called off a $100 river bet from RAY with 66. OH, forgot, REAL ESTATE bangs the rail after seeing he lost with the all powerful 66--what a ass hat. Now I hate RAY's play here as well, but c'mon. Ray's buddy Ron, John, OK I really don't know, but he has a horse shoe stuck up his ass and takes more of REAL ESTATES money after he rebought for 300, oh he called off with like 3rd pair to send him away and again is upset he lost. REAL ESTATE leaves then shows back up 10 minutes later, and we beg the floor man to put him back at our table, but not happening. They throw him into the feeder game where he dumps another 200, and the large mouth bass is hooked for the night.

OK, here is something for Tough Man. Since I took such a couple shots at him on my last post, I will give him some props. We are sitting at our second table and a big hand comes down. 3 way pot, raised to 18 pre-flop. Flop comes with 2 spades. TGTT is on the button and the chap who was first to act who was the initial pre-flop raiser bets out 50. TGTT thinks then calls. turn card is a Q. Then Pre-flop raiser bets out $100, and TGTT goes into the tank, then says set of 9's and folds his Q10 spades face up, there was another play that as all in already. So instantly everyone on our end of the table (except me of course) is really impressed by Tough Man's play. He gets a lot of respect and even has RAY calling him Tommy, and saying ego pumping shit like, well if Tommy is in then I am out (except for the sic hand that I tell you about in the next paragraph). Well, it was well called and Tough Man does have a strong game. There I gave you a compliment. Happy now??

OK, big hand for TGTT. TGTT makes a set of 5's and Ray, hits a four outter on the river to make a bigger boat. Ray and John, Ron (I don't know) leave shortly thereafter. Oh did I tell you Ron won a hand with 94 off from late position????????? And, I paid off the sneaky A3 boat of Ray's for a smallish pot.

OK, for the bet. TGTT gets into a discussion with another player about the draft, then the question of where did Jason Taylor go to college comes up. TGTT says Univ. of Arizona and then the other guy says no, Alaska. TGTT is adamant he is right and they bet $5. Pinnacle gives TGTT his blackberry to look it up and after a rather time consuming learning period for TGTT we learn University of AKRON. TGTT is the worst prop better in history, according himself.

So we get short at our table around 1:00 AM and go eat. WEll here is where the fun starts. We are served by Cheryl, and she seems to be pleasant. TGTT orders Tuna Salad and I have a problem with that. OK, we are at a restaurant and I just don't like the ordering of a Tuna Salad sandwich. So TGTT and I verbally banter, then we ask about the open face sandwich, which Cheryl attempts to describe. Since we both look at her like she is an alien she is out of answers and struggling for descriptors to help us understand exactly what an "open face" sandwich is. I suggest to Cheryl that she go back in the kitchen and bring one out for us to look at! She looks at me as if I had just pulled my pants down, well she wasn't that happy, more of a shocked look. Then as TGTT states he definitely wants the Tuna, I point out it is "Albacore" Tuna, and he puts on the breaks immediately. So Cheryl at this point has no idea what she has gotten herself into, but finally realizes we are full of it and plays along. So, we finally order after finding out Cheryl is kind of fun. Our food is out so fast, I thought I was at McDonalds. I ask for some ketchup and Cheryl says she will return with some. WEll, Cheryl is the chatty type, and begins to go to her other tables chatting it up, all the time I am watching from a distance. TGTT is shoving TUNA in his mouth like it is his last meal, as I am frozen without ketchup to put on my burger or to eat with my fries. So, actually I get a little irritated, if you can believe that, and go up to the bar where a guy has a big fat bottle of ketchup and ask him if he will share because our waitress must have had a stroke and forgotten to bring mine. So, unlike normal, I am just happy to have the ketchup and let go of the mild irritative type burn that had started building. So Cheryl returns to check on us, and TGTT wants another Miller Lite and I order another coke, and I throw in, "Oh by the way, I don't need any ketchup, I got my own". She looks at me puzzled then remembers I asked for the ketchup. Cheryl then returns with our check and asks how to separate the bill. TGTT and I both have food comps so we hand them over, then she says there is the matter of the alcohol, not covered by comps. TGTT says WOOOOOOOO now wait a minute here, and checks the receipts. He finally pays for the beer when the following conversation took place (I still can't believe this happened). Background info. TGTT had like 4 beers in 30 minutes at dinner. OK, Cheryl tells TGTT that he reminds her of her SON, she figured TGTT for about 27 she said. Then goes on to ask if he is married, and I am thinking where in the fiddle ^%$GF# is this going. She states that her son was a raging drunk until he fell in love and a woman cured him of it, and then I say, oh TGTT WAS married. This seems to interest this lady even more. I then say that TGTT looks like a convicted felon though, and she looks at me kind of puzzled and says why do you say that, because he has been hit? And, I am flat busting at the seems. Wait, this gets better and worse depending on your perspective. Then this brain surgeon turned waitress tells TGTT she has a 21 year old daughter and TGTT says well give her my number, and this crazy woman writes it down, and writes CUTE beside his name and number. Are you kidding me???? I have already told this woman he is divorced, has 3 kids, pays a huge amount in child support and she knows he drinks like Otis on Andy Griffith. And, still this woman is getting this total stranger's number for her 21 year old daughter. I could not believe what was happening, and then I think--the TUNICA magic is coming a little early. I mean what a better primer for SAMSONITE! Nate and Mundus would have loved the dinner conversation, I have not doubt.

So now TOUGH MAN and myself have had a meal, taken a break, and are ready to head back to the tables when we I get to the poker room and see only two tables going, yeah it is like three AM there but I don't care. There were two full NL games going when we left to eat. The two games are3/6 and 10/20 limit. So finally we decide to pack it in and call it night. We did however consider black jack and craps, but I think we made a solid move by staying away from the more -EV table games.

One point, I do really now think that Tough Man might have been able to bang Cheryl on the stainless steel sink in the kitchen. I mean why not, she doesn't mine setting up her daughter on a blind date with Charles Manson.

A fun time was had, and now you know about the KETCHUP.

Go get your GAME ON, mine will be in full effect in 21 days. HOLLLLAAAAAA

Home Sweet Home--A Love Story

GAME ON: July 2006
OK, after reflecting on the most recent Tunica trip, I have decided it was just about great. Well, it is every time, but aside from making a major score it appears I have found my home. Home away from home that is. I have finally made the connection at Sam's Town that has been generously extended on no less than 3 other occasions. Being the guarded type when it comes to deep relationships, I have accepted the benefits of Sammy, without reciprocating on an emotional level, but this time was different. It just didn't feel right pulling in and throwing SAM the figurative high hard one for a few days and driving away after ravaging Sam for the pleasure without another thought. I found myself thinking of Sam, guilt crept in when I spent time with Goldy and the Shoe. Even the glamour of Holly didn't couldn't sway my thoughts of Sammy. And, upon my return, I felt comfortable, welcomed, HOME. I can now say that my lust has changed in a significant way--dare I use the dreaded L word. But it is true, there is a depth that is apparent as the nose on my face. Thanks SAM, I miss you, and will see you soon.

OK, now for the recap sports fan. "You are as cute as a freckled pup in a peppermint patch"--and I don't care who you are, now that is funny. Since Super Mundus has already banged out the pantyhose line, no need to duplicate--but the drunkest guy in Tunica toreD (roy d. mercer reference here) me up, and blue satin dallas cowboy sweatpants were not involved. I want to give my boy Mundus Kudos for his mental strength in not allowing himself to enjoy Roy D. to the fullest. Now what exactly does this say about a fella? Not sure, but I got a real kick out of watching contain laughter on principle (his own misguided principle, but hey, he's got rights). Mega props to Nater the Dominator on a hefty tournament win (no mention of the ridiculous chop here); oh and almost forgot, super props to staying away from the all damaging $1 Wheel. And, I might add, if we counted up the losses of our groups $1 wheel, I betcha it is way over a $1000. Listen boys, that son of a bitch is the devil, forsake it now, and allow the dice table to become your new vice.

Chevy, well what can you say, Eeyore just takes the cake--well done sir, well done (even if you are a terrible card player). And, the poker dealers, well, let me just give ya'll a big thumbs up. Lupe' was terrific, and I think probably always is, and he does have a way with people. Tough man made a good showing, but I believe we may have reinforced that -ev games are not to be engaged--I look for his next trip to really be of the coffee variety. And, Dan, well, if you are trying to impress somebody, count this guy in! 37 hours? REally, I mean I witnessed some of it but still, 37 hours--impressive indeed.

Shout out to action player, and a pat on the ole back for me, because I had a moderate loss and great time, just the way I like it. Until we meet again, Sammy I miss you!

Tough Man Strikes Back!!!!

GAME ON
Yes indeed, our toughman (tgtt, red fish) has not taken my public criticism lying down. He has once again risen from the depths of a kelp creature to show us his skill set. Here is an email I just received.
This, my friend, is how us "red fish" roll!
----- Forwarded Message ----From: tom taylor To: mttsmt@sbcglobal.netSent: Monday, November 20, 2006 3:31:35 AMSubject: Fwd: Results for PokerStars Tournament 36184914Note: forwarded message attached.
Sponsored LinkMortgage rates as low as 4.625% - $150,000 loan for $579 a month. Intro-*Terms
PokerStars Tournament #36184914, No Limit Hold'emSuper SatelliteBuy-In: $12.00/$1.0064 playersTotal Prize Pool: $768.00 Target Tournament #36154288 Buy-In: $530.001 tickets to the target tournamentTournament started - 2006/11/19 - 22:40:00 (ET)Dear tgtt, You finished the tournament in 1st place.You qualified to play in Tournament #36154288 and are automatically registered for it. See Tournament #36154288 Lobby for further details.If you choose to unregister from this tournament your account will be creditedwith $530.00 Tournament dollars. Tournament dollars can be used to buy into any tournament.Visit our web site at http://www.pokerstars.com/tournaments.html for more details.Congratulations!Thank you for participating.

Just as I thought, my comments have propelled tough man back to glory. Now, does he have the gills, I mean balls to play in the big tourney, or has the ticket already been sold. This is the true question?

Sorry Tough Man--The Chum Is UP

OK, we all know our boy TT is a good card player, but in an attmept to help him reach the next level I think a certain amount of public criticism may be just the ticket. So here is my attempt at helping him propel to the next level.

I found this juicy (rhymes with sushi, and that is a fish isn't it?) piece of info. just swimming (I kill myself) around the internet to be caught by anyone who might have a line in the water.

The Unscrew--Sorry Joker STARS

GAME ON
OK, I am delighted to write about one of my best online poker experiences. Did I take down a large MTT score? NOPE. Actually, it was a fold. And, yes you are well aware of my love affair with the fold, but this was no run of the mill fold, it was.....let us say.....divine in nature. Let me set the scene. I am playing $25 NL, as I often do while playing a SNG. I have researched the table on poker-edge and begin playing. I basically fold for an orbit and find myself in 1st position to find AK sooted (hearts). I go to click the mouse for a raise and whammo, it falls to the floor. I begin frantically reaching for the mouse, but then I look up and EL FOLDO. Dammit, fast table, and my first playable hand is history. So, I say to myself is that the sh**, and I insta respond to myself, oh well, probably just saved a bunch of money. Oh how prophetic!! The hand continues to see a raise and a reraise push all in! OK, you're thinking, big whoop, if you can't fold AK to that action then you suck, but what you don't know is that these two ass jacks were donkalicious, and while I probably would have still folded, this may not have been the optimum play. I am generally irritated by ass clowns who push their stack with AK, I just think it is not smart "cash game" poker, but anywho, there were many things going through my mind with this particular AK situation. Now, onto the beautiful ending to this story. The initial raiser insta calls and what to my amazement do I see: That's right sports fans AA and KK!!! I have just avoided a collossal colon crushing at the hands of jokerstars. I can just see Lee Jones and the entire staff watching the monitor at mission control and their resulting dismay that I haven't just dumped my entire stack to their set-up protocol. I mean when they get bored finger waving me with the RNG they resort to this underhanded trick. Well, I say this, HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA, sorry about your luck Joker Stars, I was not your victim yesterday you bunch of ass hats. And, while I am sure to get 1 and 2 outtered for weeks for this public display of happiness, I really don't give a damn because yesterday, your victim slipped away. I hope you all have hunger pains today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, Tunica is only a short time away and the Moose Poker Tournament is coming upon us quickly. Sure to be another fun trip considering Tough Man TT will be cut loose in another state with umlimited alcohol. Can't wait to see him playing roulette.

The Unscrew--Sorry Joker STARS

GAME ON
OK, I am delighted to write about one of my best online poker experiences. Did I take down a large MTT score? NOPE. Actually, it was a fold. And, yes you are well aware of my love affair with the fold, but this was no run of the mill fold, it was.....let us say.....divine in nature. Let me set the scene. I am playing $25 NL, as I often do while playing a SNG. I have researched the table on poker-edge and begin playing. I basically fold for an orbit and find myself in 1st position to find AK sooted (hearts). I go to click the mouse for a raise and whammo, it falls to the floor. I begin frantically reaching for the mouse, but then I look up and EL FOLDO. Dammit, fast table, and my first playable hand is history. So, I say to myself is that the sh**, and I insta respond to myself, oh well, probably just saved a bunch of money. Oh how prophetic!! The hand continues to see a raise and a reraise push all in! OK, you're thinking, big whoop, if you can't fold AK to that action then you suck, but what you don't know is that these two ass jacks were donkalicious, and while I probably would have still folded, this may not have been the optimum play. I am generally irritated by ass clowns who push their stack with AK, I just think it is not smart "cash game" poker, but anywho, there were many things going through my mind with this particular AK situation. Now, onto the beautiful ending to this story. The initial raiser insta calls and what to my amazement do I see: That's right sports fans AA and KK!!! I have just avoided a collossal colon crushing at the hands of jokerstars. I can just see Lee Jones and the entire staff watching the monitor at mission control and their resulting dismay that I haven't just dumped my entire stack to their set-up protocol. I mean when they get bored finger waving me with the RNG they resort to this underhanded trick. Well, I say this, HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA, sorry about your luck Joker Stars, I was not your victim yesterday you bunch of ass hats. And, while I am sure to get 1 and 2 outtered for weeks for this public display of happiness, I really don't give a damn because yesterday, your victim slipped away. I hope you all have hunger pains today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, Tunica is only a short time away and the Moose Poker Tournament is coming upon us quickly. Sure to be another fun trip considering Tough Man TT will be cut loose in another state with umlimited alcohol. Can't wait to see him playing roulette.

The WORM has turned!

GAME ON
OK, I am suddenly a better internet player now. How you might ask, after the continued whining and belly aching that has come from striking these keys? WEll this is how, variance. It turns out that I am possibly the best low limit player in the game and that I have just been catching the royal jelly treatment. That's right, I have no leaks in my game, and any previous thoughts about discipline is now banished from my thoughts. I need to move up in limits, and after I squash the rather weak players I now face, the bankroll will grow, with my ego, and I will become a force. A few things I have noticed--if I could play just 1 table SNG's then I would be the king of the world. And, here is why, they don't take much time, they don't take tremendous focus, you can stack someone ridiculously easy, and I am just better than they are. I cashed in the $3 2500 runner NL Hold'em last night on Stars--yep 2 hours of my time and I earned almost $3 profit. Oh yeah, my AJ got hammered by A5 to put me out but am I pissed, nope, because I no longer get tilted--I am fairly treated by the universally accepted laws of probability and I am not a statistical anomalie. OH, made an Aztar run and played some $5/$10 limit and did OK, won $138 but played fo rlike 8 hours, since we got kicked out of the casino at 5:00 AM, since when do Casinos close. OK, didn't really win any money because my penalty from the Mrs. was to take my winnings. You know the saying, Women are the F***ing rake. What saying? Anyway. Aztar is now running a 1/2 NL game (max buy $300) on Thursday nights, and probably will run it other days of the week as well. That is a good sign, should have had that game long ago. OH, Tunica is approaching what its like 9 weeks now!!! YOOOHOOOO. Yeah, a little pumped that Christmas comes early this year.

Oh yeah, everything I said earlier about my low limit game on the internet, blah blah blah, I didnt' mean any of it, and that RNG, well the next time you see IT let IT know I think IT is a cheatin bastard.

Have a good one, and don't forget to get your GAME ON!

It Continues

GAME ON
Ok, I sit down for some internet poker yesterday evening. I am playing 25 NL with a decent group. I push to almost being up a buy in and do the following. I limp in first position with KK, hoping for a raise, because I really don't like a standard raise from first position with the possibility of several callers. I get the raise from someone who had just posted (first hand) in mp. I reraise approx 3X and they instantly go all in for a full buy in. I call without much hesitation and of course he show AA. OK, I accept. Then I lose my actual buy in when I again try to outplay someone who has top pair and thinks it is gold, and presto, I drop a buy in. Almost simultaneously I am playing a 25 NL shorthanded (both on river stars of course) and have q4 sooted in the small blind, I complete in an unraised pot and see a flop of qq8. I bet get a smooth call from bb and everyone else folds. The turn, yep my money card, the 4, I have filled up, and now I desperately want the bb to have a q. Well they did, but it was q8 and they had flopped a boat. OK, bye bye buy in. I then am just generally frustrated and fire up party poker. I make about 8 bucks quickly and fire up a SNG, but yours truly get in a limit SNG, which I hate, and get Aces and Kings crunched as is my normal plight. But do I let all of that stop me NOPE. I immediately take a hit of the crack pipe (figuratively speaking) and open up the black jack table--a very old friend who made me leave party poker over 18 months ago. Yep dump another 12 bucks and accept defeat for what it is. Yes, this is how I ROLL.

I am still here

GAME ON
OK, apologies for the length delay between posts. I have been on quite a roller coaster and got tired of writing the same things. Poor play, bad beats, good session, blah blah blah. OK, all the things I committed to doing in my game, well I haven't done any of them for any extended period of time. I get bored way too easily on line. The lack of pesonal interaction is stifling, and every second I am on the computer almost feels as time lost. Kids, wife, chores etc. My best results are smaller SNG's, time frame is right, and the low levels I lurk have some fairly poor players. I have made a conscious effort not to donk off chips, but I do sometimes, almost for the hell of it, wow I am internally weak. I am so much a better live game player, as long as I don't over think. Got some 5/10 limit hold'em in at Aztar on Sunday, and had a good time. Lost 87 bucks, but that was probably the rake. First actual losing live session in a long time.

I am now beginning shut down/bankroll growth mode for my Tunica trip in December. Which is no small feat considering that Disney is only 9 days away. But, the up side is that I was able to pay for disney off my entertainment gambling/poker playing over the last year. $3000-not shabby. One of the other main hurdles is that I usually get an infusion of cash around Christmas, and our trip is usually just after Christmas. OK, whatever your thinking, tough shit, yeah I still get some cash as a Christmas present, and I don't feel in any way that minimizes my manhood.

I see alot of folks (bloggers) talking about variance and such during their bad runs, but isn't the biggest issue really the bad decisions that come as a result of getting a crappy run. Tilting off chips, pushing weak hands, playing weak hands, etc. The mental/emotional aspect of the game is definitely huge.

And, to my Tunica boys, just around the corner, and I can't wait to hook my boy Super Mundus up with the goods, that were so well earned. Also wishing the following: Convict does not touch his secret Tunica roll, Nate accepts the disillusionment of the WHEEL and forever vows to never play it again, Mundo doesn't play q4 and get pissed when someone catches a card, Andy get his schedule worked out, Lupe' and Dan stay away from the slots the first night, and well I don't know. Until next time, have a good one, and I will try to have a better one!

Transparency

GAME ON
Do you ever feel like that someone is just too transparent? Well, this has been my impression of the recent blogging lately. I see a war of words that almost instinctively result from an individuals inability to accept honesty. Take Walmart for a second, you know where you stand at all times, so pull a drama queen downer when you get exactly what you have always gotten. Damn! Get a clue! And, if sirfwalgman backs down one inch on any of his recent posts I will discard his blog from regular reading. I appreciate a salty, straightforward, edgy, offensive writer.

NOw to the less blog worthy poker front. I am still pretty bad. I have even reopened my account on party to stop the hemorraghing. The fact is that if there is not structure in place to make me play straight then I will not. I watch myself doing the dumbest things, and making the dumbest basic moves--it is like having an out of body experience with no ability to communicate with the idiot on the other side clicking the mouse. Oh well, I guessI will continue to flush money to enterain myself I suppose. Or I will someday get serious and develop. The latter is looking pretty bad right now.

Poor Internet Play--My Downfall

GAME ON
I am becoming more and more frustrated with my game and the internet game in general. Yep, you're right, things have not gone well. Maybe I should blame it on Stars, since I am down $180 there since moving from party. Although the analysis does not make sense, there are just as bad players both places, and I think I have gotten a little better--wait, I have it. You can not fight stupidity with logic! In developing a learning style, many of the overplayed hands and wrong moves were profitable in the past against the very bad players, and now that I am less likely to push with mediocre holding like tptk or small two pair, etc. then my winnings are significantly reduced. I think it really shouldn't work this way. The draw outs are one thing, but I really am peeved about the loss rate of dominating hands. If I am up against a three outter then I am beat; fact! I also find myself trying to be much more creative than the game really allows; I mean the bottom line is that everyone starts with two cards. I don't like the impersonal/aggressive environment of internet poker, even though the earning potential should be better with a lower rake. Will I quit playing, NO, but do I now think that internet poker could be a supplemental income stream, NO. Earning takes time and effort, and is methodical in many ways, three categories where I am woefully lacking. I have trouble not engaging the game as entertainment, but then furious at the same time for the drunken computer cowboy shredding my KK with 93 off. I think I am now for the internet gaming bill, in so much as I think that regulation will allow for tighter controls on RNG software and other factors that continue to stick in my mind as potential profit making edges for the company. Yes, even if it increases the rake!! Yes, even if it ends up running off the fish, don't forget Lee Jones is feeding them with your raked money by throwing those two outters at them. Just kiddin Lee. Well, enough of the serious and thoughtful, now to a more lighthearted subject like TUNICA is just around the corner. Tunica is like the Las Vegas of the South (accessible to us Midwesterners via a 5 hour drive) and allows for the generally risk aversive to change personalities, sometimes best described as Action Players. Let me reference it in a different way, remember when the straight laced girl in school got drunk, naked and then trained! Well leave out the train, and the naked, and throw in some dice, some Tangaray and maybe a 3-6 limit game. Also add a dose of Vanilla, Big Jim, a lady from Intercouse PA, Jimmy Connors (Ahkbar), The Tortoise, and a few others then there is the recipe for success, OH David will have to be dealing. And, since so many people read my blog, does anyone know how I can get ahold of Trucker Clock by Joel Lindley? I don't want to buy the Greatest Hits on Bob and Tom, which is the only place I can find it. Oh, and I have a smallish (that is a huge lie) surprise for my boy Super Mundus for the Tunica trip. Oh I do Love surprises. I know that he thinks I love to embarrass him, which I do, so I just hope that he can muster the courage to shove it in my face by proudly ____________ my gift as a gesture of deep respect for the way I handle my rig!

Treading Water

GAME ON
Ok, I continue to be frustrated by the lack of positive gains from my game. After careful evaluation I have come to the following conclusion. I play way to many hands online, and need to structure my time better when playing. The little 20-30 minutes sessions I jump in and out of are killing me and producing an action player style that is "Mundo-like". The problem is that it does not seem difficult to get it back, so playing poorly is not that big of a financial consequence. New Resolution: play the game correctly or don't play at all. I think a jump in limits may be the appropriate move to sustain focus. OH, and yes the deck is finished!!

Mundus Strikes Again

GAME ON
OK, could it be possible that one of my card pals has actually entered the blogosphere only to quash my limited but proud authoring of this blog. Super Mundus has again updated his site with none less than a graphics coup that serves (IMO) to minimize the body of work I have been toiling to present. WEll, he updated his address so here is the link if you want to check out his updated blog (solely intended for the purposes of hey Frodaddy, your Game may be On, but I got the juice) http://and-biscuit.blogspot.com/ . All for now.

The blogger effect

GAME ON
OK, as you have been reading, the last few weeks have been a tough pill to swallow. Last night things began to turn around. I find myself playing a few SNGs. Make some bucks there, then I find the blogger cash game, and yes, my game was tighter than a mo fo. Although I have a theory. There were actually a few players that would lay down hands, and a player could actually earn. Well, I am not talking about soft players, but more thoughtful chaps with an obvious leaning toward the love of my life: THE FOLD. Yes it is a thing of Beauty and should be regarded as the classiest play in poker. I also stayed away from TPSK, Waffles is on that like stickum. Luckily I got to bust a guy (yep he played tpsk) with slb at the table which provided the appropriate segue for Walmart to coach steve a little (belly laughing out loud at this point after reading their war of words regarding support or lack there of the past few days). OH, just a tid bit of advice, the $5 wheel of fortune at Aztar last night was a no good whore. My slot Game was OFF.

The Daddy Effect has taken root

July 20th
Yes, my loyal readership it is true. I have spawned my very first blogger. This is not a trivial happening, as I believe you will find this blog to be much better written, factually accurate, and inherently purposeful. And if you are a "Trucker Clock" fan, well, it may be a euphoric experience. Here is the link:http://mundo-folds-well.blogspot.com/ If I knew what I was doing then I would actually link it on my page.