Strike One....

“I’ve only got four bucks left” One girl said to her friend sitting behind our table. ”Wanna make it eight?” I wondered aloud. Matt and I were leaving the scene, a nearly empty dive bar named the X-Wife’s Place. These two were the only things to look at, so I quickly dialed a cab.

We had planned to go to Green Street, but after the kamikaze (65 in a 30) taxi driver dropped us off, we realized that we’d never get in after seeing a hundred or so people standing in line waiting. The X-Wives place was our only hope at getting a beer that night. I hate Utah and that 1AM last call crap. Here’s to 24 hour states like Nevada.

Last week was PHENOMINAL! I had a great week at poker and an even better one with my family. I am so proud of my daughter; she is a great climber, an excellent swimmer and very fun to be around. She almost made it to the top of the wall at the Gateway. I still can't get her to try a backflip off the low dive, but I'm getting there. Thanks for throwing us out of the pool Murray city. There was no lightning. You know it. I think they just wanted the day over with early.

I hope there isn’t too much of a letdown this weekend. If you’re reading my blog, stop. Get your ass to Wendover and make me some dough. I’m going to save as much of it as I can for the next two weeks for the Vegas trip. Most of it will go towards trying to satellite into the main event at the World Series of Poker. And beer. And Shots. Be prepared for Dial a Shots and some impromptu live blogging. At least I'm going to try. Leave a comment here for Dial a Shot requests. I can accomidate requests anytime from the 9th to the 12th.

How far do you think they got on that tire Matt?

J

Vegas Baby!, VEGAS!

Its official, and I can’t wait. We are booked for Vegas. I had to change from the Wynn, because we booked too late, but Fernando found Palace Station for dog dirty cheap – 32 bucks a night. We’ll be arriving Sunday the ninth, just in time for anything goes Sundays at Hogs and Heifers. Come join us….

J

Rainbow Tournament Weekend

The week is halfway through. It has gone like nothing I could have ever imagined. It has been kind of slow. Only one of the tournaments has filled to capacity. But I’m loving it…

I played the Rainbow NL Hold’em tournament after work on Thursday, a $100 event with one optional $100 rebuy. I was pumped up to play because of my success in the tournaments earlier in the week. I had played poker at work for a few hours before, hitting the 20-40 for several hundred. I had budgeted $200 of the $500 I had in my pocket on this tournament. I did exactly nothing in the tournament, finishing quickly before the first break, but I didn’t add on, so I saved $100.

I played the $100 multi rebuy event yesterday afternoon, with much the same result. Stuck $300 and with the whole day off, I decided to buy in the 2-5 limit game and see what I could do. I was hot right off the bat, doubling up in less than 20 minutes. I took my $200 over to the No-Limit game and went wild. I was running over the table and taking down most pots without a showdown. It took just over 2 ½ hours to parlay my $100 initial buy in to $1700.

I left for dinner and a change of clothing and came back later in the evening to hammer a quick $200 more out of the game. I decided to stash everything but my latest $200 in winnings, which I wanted to take to the Wendover Ballet (Southern X-Posure). After calling a taxi, I ran into Stormi and Karma, 2 friends from work. They quickly agreed to join me in my adventure.

After we left Southern X-Posure, we headed to the Nugget for pool, air hockey, and much cheaper booze (free + tip). I had to wrap it up early to get home for work today, but I have had an awesome weekend so far.

Staying in tonight will be the biggest challenge I’ll face all week….

J

The New Crew

Wow. It wasn’t unthinkable, but I didn’t expect it. Khamar won the World Series of Poker seat in the big tournament tonight. Then he helped me with my laundry. Seriously, this is cool. I have some of the best friends in the world, and one of them just gave me the perfect excuse to get out of work and go watch the main event in Las Vegas. Better yet, play in it. I gonna satellite in too. But huge congrats go out to you Khamar. Keep livin’ the dream!

J

Won Another One

I am killing it. I won the Wendover Nugget No Limit Hold’em tournament last night. That’s 2 wins and 3 cashes in the last 3 days.

I worked 9 ½ hours today, the first day of the Summer Spectrum of Poker tournaments at the Rainbow and Montego Bay.

Lots of no limit and 2-5 limit games today. We had Omaha and a 20-40 Hold’em game too. I got two pushes at the Omaha game and never saw the 20-40. Where is the justice from the poker gods? I guess I gotta pay my dues somehow.

The tournament was in full swing as I left, with the field at the Rainbow narrowed to 5 tables and the players just returning from break. The blinds were a little rough, because 10-20, 20-40 and 40-80 use so many $5 chips to make. The dealer I was following was chipping them all up, so I was constantly making change.

Someone’s getting lucky and winning a WSOP seat tonight. I wish it were me.

The action at the billiards bar in the Nugget is still good. There are lots of people out socializing every night, and the foreign population coming out to party in full force. Jose and Jason have something in the works tonight as I write.

Pictures to follow….

J

What a Rush!

Last night has to rank as one of the best in my poker lifetime. I could hit anything I wanted. I played in the Monday night No Limit Tournament at the Rainbow and won the whole damn thing. I had just finished my second reading of the Dan Harrington books on tournament poker, and it gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities. Once it started, I was seeing things go down just as Action Dan scripted. I really put the principle of first in vigorish to the test towards the end of the tournament, and it paid off. I took down a lot of blinds uncontested, which really helped. When I didn’t, I hit what I needed to stay alive. I had three defining hands which made my tournament:

The first hand was right after I had laid down 7-8 off, which eventually made a straight. After kicking myself for not taking the 3-1 odds the pot was offering my short stack, I looked down at AK of spades in my big blind. I wasted no time getting all my chips in. I hit both cards and tripled up. After that, it was on!

I push first with A6 off, called by pocket queens. No problem.

He flopped a set. I flopped the gutshot broadway straight. Spiked a king on the turn to hit. Thanks for the chips buddy.

Lots of chips now, maybe chip leader. My M is still low, about a 7. I gotta keep playing.

Push first with Ks10s. Oh shit. The big stack called. King on the flop. No problem.

Wow. I’ve got 40k in chips, and there is only 48k in play. I think I got this one…. No problem.

After that it was off to the Nugget to party with my new Lithuanian friends. And that’s a whole ‘nuther story….

J

Thanks PokerStars!

Big Sunday Tournament

I wanted to win so badly. I crossed my fingers, but I couldn’t cross paths with the card I needed to win. I finished 21st in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship, in a field of 2200 players. I earned an Ipod Nano 4GB for my trouble. I felt really good about the way I played, but the blinds caught up to me. I was able to maintain my M factor over 20 for most of the tournament.

Happy Fathers Day.

J

Work Hard Play Harder

I’ve got a lot planned in the next few weeks. My Vegas trip will be a nice break after working 7 days straight in the next week. Yes, its tournament time again. We have a big set of tournaments every quarter, starting on Wednesday. The casino is giving away $25,000, so I expect to be busy. After that its Vegas baby, Vegas!

Mitch tried to call me last night for dial a shots, but I guess I was already asleep. I need to get out a little more. I did stay up late enough to see a time life 80’s cd collection. I managed to write a few down and download them for my music collection.

I’ve played in two live tournaments in the past few days after finishing the Dan Harrington on Hold’em books. Good info, but it didn’t get me in the money either time.

Congratulations on the great bunny massacre Matt. At least you finally came to Wendover again.

I got to throw a shout out to Anjesca. (I hope my spelling is remotely close). Thanks for reading.

Happy birthday to Fernando... I hope you're enjoying Tahoe.

I highly recommend you all check out Dane Cook’s Tourgasm on HBO. It is a badass comic reality tour. I laughed my ass off. Sundays, I think. I don’t know…. Just look it up.

J

It’s Vegas time again! The World Series of Poker is just a few weeks away, and I want to play in at least one event. Come join my friends and I for event #17, the $1000 buy in NL Hold‘em event on Monday, July 10th. I found a great deal for the airfare and lodging on the internet. I can get you roundtrip airfare and 2 nights at the Wynn Resort for a great price. I’m planning to hit Club JET at the Mirage, and we’ll definitely go downtown for a stop at Hogs and Heifers (The REAL Coyote Ugly).
Here’s the plan and the price:



Southwest Airlines Flight: 567 - 2 Seats
Departs SLC: 10Jul06 07:10am
Arrives LV: 10Jul06 07:30am
Southwest Airlines Flight: 2113 - 2 Seats
Departs LV: 12Jul06 08:15pm
Arrives SLC: 12Jul06 10:30pm
Wynn Las Vegas - 1 Room
Check-in: 10Jul06 Check-out: 12Jul06
Total price for two: $564.20 ($282.10 each)

If you’re interested, you need to get your own room and flight reserved ASAP. (By the 20th of June for sure) The website offering this deal is www.swavacations.com. I can book it for you if you need. Email me at jrdurham1@yahoo.com with any questions or to RSVP. Everyone’s Invited! Bring your friends!
J

FORE!

After partying the night away with Rick, Kamar and Nykky last night, I spent today golfing and drinking free beer at the employee appreciation tournament for the Rainbow, Peppermill and Montego Bay. It was a blast, even though I had to get up at 7:40 this morning. I was paired with Fernando, my old roommate Peter and Shane, a complete unknown. We drew the 4th hole for the shotgun start, and it was on from there. We met the first beer girl at the sixth hole. I had made a commitment to not drink while golfing this year, trying to improve my game. Today was a major exception to that rule. We took full advantage of the 1 club length rule to improve your lie (it was a best ball tournament). I think we birdied every hole. At least that’s what we wrote down. We came in around 15 under. The winning team claimed they shot a 46 or 48. Yeah right. It didn’t really matter since we were there for fun, not the competition. I was having a great time, playing the part of Stiffler from American Pie for the day. All you need to do to pull off a Stiffler impression is to question everyone’s manhood, pull constant practical jokes and combine regular words with profanity at least every other sentence. Somehow I pulled it off and we ended up having a great time. We finished up around 3 pm. After the awards ceremony Fernando, Peter and I headed to the Nugget to play pool. Actually they played pool while I stuffed my face, eating a foot long Subway Club sandwich and a full order of Mongolian beef from the Chinese joint upstairs. I was starving! I didn’t make it much longer after that, so I stumbled home for a much needed nap. I was supposed to get up for a poker tournament around 7, but that didn’t happen. I did get up around 9 or so and watched the news while playing a 180 player sit n go on PokerStars. I finished 60th, way out of the money. I’m going to try again right after I finish this post.

Hey Rick, sorry if I got you in trouble with your girl, tell her the blog is fiction……

J

Follow the White Rabbit

I won again. Only $30, but I’ve been picking good lately. I bet the under on the Heat-Detroit game. I think it will be a Heat-Dallas Finals, but I’m not sure. Tonight might tell.

Straight home after work last night, I played PokerStars right when I got through the door. I took second in a $5 single table. I played a $5, 27 player multi with Joe afterwards. No money to be found there. I was out 12th or so. I did finish ahead a few dollars for the night.

I’m watching the original Matrix movie. I forgot how badass some of the scenes in this thing are. If any of you listened and rented Grandma’s Boy, watch the Matrix. You’ll get the whole black outfit thing. That programmer does a pretty good imitation. Oh, yeah, take the red pill, not the blue…..

And remember, there is no spoon.

J

Lazy Friday, Woke Up Early for Golf

Man, you gotta see Grandma’s Boy. It just came out on DVD. I watched it last night and almost crapped my pants laughing. The best part has to be the fat kid hanging with the playboy model all night at the house party, rubbing on her generous orbs for 13 hours. Or the lion getting loose. I’m not sure which, but I’m taking a poll. I just wish Adam Sandler wasn’t such a pussy. He could’ve done more than produce. I guess he must be worried about his image. That should tell you right there that it is funny as hell. Definitely not for children.

I am sick of golf tournaments here in Wendover. Every time I try to go out golfing, they’re having some generic “Dave’s Plumbing and Heating” or “Ed’s Outhouse Construction” golf tournament. Goddammit, I’m local. I want priority. I know at least $7 of my sales tax went to the golf course, and I want justice. Or a tee time. Whatever.

I need a taco.

Maybe the gut truck is open…..

Dallas looked good last night putting the Suns away. I picked them to go all the way at the beginning, and it’s starting to look like I might be right.

I work at 5pm tonight, and I’m looking forward to it. I think I have one shirt left for work. If anyone knows a good maid/laundry doer, let me know. Hey, I just am too busy to get around to mundane tasks.

J

Grandma's Boy Rocks

Man, you gotta see Grandma’s Boy. It just came out on DVD. I watched it last night and almost crapped my pants laughing. The best part has to be the fat kid hanging with the playboy model all night at the house party, rubbing on her generous orbs for 13 hours. Or the lion getting loose. I’m not sure which, but I’m taking a poll. I just wish Adam Sandler wasn’t such a pussy. He could’ve done more than produce. I guess he must be worried about his image. That should tell you right there that it is funny as hell. Definitely not for children.

I am sick of golf tournaments here in Wendover. Every time I try to go out golfing, they’re having some generic “Dave’s Plumbing and Heating” or “Ed’s Outhouse Construction” golf tournament. Goddammit, I’m local. I want priority. I know at least $7 of my sales tax went to the golf course, and I want justice. Or a tee time. Whatever.

I need a taco.

Maybe the gut truck is open…..

Dallas looked good last night putting the Suns away. I picked them to go all the way at the beginning, and it’s starting to look like I might be right.

I work at 5pm tonight, and I’m looking forward to it. I think I have one shirt left for work. If anyone knows a good maid/laundry doer, let me know. Hey, I just am too busy to get around to mundane tasks.

J

Wow, a month already?

Ok Matt, here is the post I promised. And you know I keep my promises.

On a positive note, I am working on my games. Poker and golf mostly. I spent some of my cash on the Harrington on Hold’em series. Very good books, I am seeing some differences in my game online already.

I surfed the couch at Matt's place last night. We sat on the porch and drank beer till 2am. That’s pretty late for Utah. We played a $10 sit’n go on PokerStars. Matt was showing me some of his style and all but guaranteed a win. I’ll be damned if we didn’t pull it off. Won the thing heads up with a 5-2 off suit. Caught a deuce on the flop and it was over. Thanks for the good advice Matt.

This weekend is the annual MDA (Muscular Dystrophy) ride here in Wendover. LOTS of cool bikes. It’s usually a good time, so If you haven’t been to Wendover lately (or ever), come on out. Make sure to give a shout to Fernando, Martin and Shawn at the billiards bar downstairs at the Nugget. Come down to the Rainbow and play some poker too. We’ve been having some sick no limit games lately. Big, big, stupid big pots. Lots of $$$ up for grabs. Big swings, but easy money for the patient. We had a good 10-20 with a half kill last weekend too. Maybe we’ll get lucky and spread another this weekend.

Until tomorrow…. (I promise)

J

Pokerstars Blogger Championship

I'm gonna win!

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker!

This Online Poker Tournament is a No Limit Texas Holdem event exclusive to Bloggers.

Registration code: 4720077

The Day We Missed the Mexicans

I thought a lot about Mexicans today. I was disappointed by many of the attitudes of people I talked to today. Some people were very vocal against those that took the day off today. The restaurant was closed, only the buffet was open today. We tried to call Pizza Hut, but they weren’t delivering today because of the sit-out. It was a major inconvenience today; I hope people will realize how much we depend on others for our daily lives running smoothly.

I am psyched for the tournament tonight. I read a very good post by Pauly on his blog. You should check it out. I think it has helped me find some insight in keeping my mind focused. I have been in the money the past two weeks, finishing 7th and 10th. I am definitely ready for a win.

I stocked up on some Sprite and fried chicken from Fred’s Market. Thank god they were open at least…..

Last night was and adventure. It started at the Nugget and ended up at Fernando’s place. We were doing our best to get shitfaced while sitting on opposing couches and taking flash photography in the dark. I think we called it random picture theater. Pictures will post as soon as I get them.

Ok, players. Come out to Wendover and play a little. It’s been too slow lately. I need to make more money. So come play, and tip well.

J

Sunday Ramble

I’m trying to have fun, but sometimes I can’t get myself to sit down and write. Sitting down is no problem; I can do that just fine. Trying to flatulize (is that a word?) my thoughts on the keyboard has been tough lately. I should talk more about the action of the tables at work. Maybe that will get me flowing…

Terry is on fire lately at the NL games at work. I’m not going to give the amounts, but it looks like he is doing well for the past few days. There is almost always a no limit game at the Rainbow lately. We spread a 4-8 Omaha a few days a week. I like dealing it because there is a $37,000 jackpot just waiting to be dealt. Even if the dealer gets screwed, there is almost a guarantee of a $1000 day. I love those days…..

I’m working on my illegal mp3 collection. I’ve got it pretty well stocked while watching vh1 and downloading along. I do love the ‘80’s. I love the 90’s too.

J

Another Week at the Rainbow Casino

This past week was awesome. I spent a few days with my daughter in Salt Lake City and did lots of different things. She is very competitive and tries to win everywhere we go. I wonder where she gets it from.

Poker has been a bust this week. It is so nice outside; nobody is coming out to play lately. I’ve tried prop playing a little, but I haven’t seemed to make any progress. I should wait for awhile to build a bankroll and play NL a little more. There is a lot of money just sitting there on the table waiting for a prepared mind to show up and take it.

I ran into a Salt Lake City player online HERE. He writes pretty regular in his blog, check it out.

I had one of those dreaded nights at Montego Bay last night. I went through $140 without winning a pot. That’s what I get for playing 2-5. I am looking forward to Monday night’s tournament. I took 7^th last week and 10^th the week before. I am feeling a breakthrough here in this week’s tournament. I want to win it badly. I did have a good session last weekend playing 4-8 at the Nugget.

I am continuing the house hunt here in town. This hotel arrangement is good, but I am missing a kitchen big time. A patio with room for a bbq grill would be nice too. If anyone sees a good deal, let me know.

Keep the faith!

J

Flopped the Nuts

This was one of those sweet moments while starting a tournament on PokerStars tonight. It was a hell of a good way to get started.

PokerStars Game #4785658438: Tournament #23938837, $1.00+$0.20 Hold'em No Limit - Level II (15/30) - 2006/04/29 - 23:15:25 (ET)

Table '23938837 4' 9-max Seat #7 is the button

Seat 1: newbiest (1080 in chips)

Seat 2: bitsyboo (1870 in chips)

Seat 3: moe1down (1580 in chips)

Seat 4: jurgermister (1000 in chips)

Seat 5: boofisher (1155 in chips)

Seat 6: CheesySamy (1860 in chips)

Seat 7: gratis (3435 in chips)

Seat 8: WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER (1830 in chips)

Seat 9: cowpokedad (1260 in chips)

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: posts small blind 15

cowpokedad: posts big blind 30

*** HOLE CARDS ***

Dealt to WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER [Jd Qc]

newbiest: raises 30 to 60

bitsyboo: folds

moe1down: folds

jurgermister: folds

boofisher: folds

CheesySamy: folds

gratis: calls 60

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: calls 45

cowpokedad: folds

*** FLOP *** [8c Ts 9h]

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: checks

newbiest: bets 120

gratis: calls 120

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: calls 120

*** TURN *** [8c Ts 9h] [4d]

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: checks

newbiest: bets 900 and is all-in

gratis: calls 900

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: raises 750 to 1650 and is all-in

gratis: calls 750

*** RIVER *** [8c Ts 9h 4d] [Kd]

*** SHOW DOWN ***

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: shows [Jd Qc] (a straight, Nine to King)

gratis: shows [8s 8d] (three of a kind, Eights)

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER collected 1500 from side pot

newbiest: shows [Td Ah] (a pair of Tens)

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER collected 3270 from main pot

cowpokedad said, "nh"

A Little Close to Home

Below is an article for a poker game getting busted. Wow, someone thinks what I do for a living is a felony. Kinda scary. I'm glad I live just on the other side of the border.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3737978

I wonder if I know any of the dealers.......

Drunk And Disorderly

The past weeks Highlights:

-Seeing Mitch and Co. from Las Vegas
-Going on a nice little poker rush
-Working at the Rainbow
-Dealing Omaha again.

Well, I think I have finally recovered. Mitch, Loxsie and Uly (pronounced YOU-lee, short for Ulysses) came to town this week. I celebrated their arrival before they even arrived on Wednesday. A six pack of Fosters was more than enough to get me started while playing poker and waiting their arrival. As soon as they got there it was down to the billiards room for drinks at the bar and a trip to Southern Exposure to see the dancing girls for the millionth time. I have to mention that little Ricky seems to be a little pimp… He’s got the Bill Bellamy look from Fastlane down pat. The girls wouldn’t leave him alone all night. Everyone else from town met us up at the titty bar, and it was on from there. Almost all of my poker dealer friends joined us that night. Props to you all Rick, Ricky, Kamar, Jose and several others I cant seem to sort out of the fog. They must have been in the back getting lap dances…

Following Southern Exposure, some of us went a few doors down in the plaza to the Corner Club. I think I had two more shots there, and then it was over. We had been drinking what we call Crown and Butters, or Jack the Rippers. It’s a simple mixture of Crown Royal and Butterscotch Schnapps. To make one, just pour a shot of Crown and then put a splash of Butter shots in it. About a 90/10 mixture, maybe 95/5. Damn they’re good.

I guess I stole everyone’s cab without saying goodbye. I was walking around outside, cause I REALLY needed the fresh air. I saw the cab, jumped in and was off to McDonalds for 4 Mc Chickens and 4 Double Cheeseburgers. Really. After that it was lala land for me.

We did it again the next night, but on a smaller scale, because we were all in a little pain from the night before. I had to work until midnight so we got a late start. There wasn’t really that much to report.

I had a good end to my workweek at the Rainbow last week. I put myself on the prop player list on both Sunday and Monday. I managed to post hundred dollar wins each day. I finished 10th on Monday nights tournament, good enough for $94. I was only in $65, so I see that as a moral victory anyway. I lost with AK against JJ. I was in the blind, and the JJ guy limped in. I aught an ace, but his third jack finished me off.

Omaha rocks. Not to play, but to deal. Every hand is interesting.

Until next time
J

Whoa! Do I Still Have a Blog?

The text belowwas saved in word labeled 4-13-06, over a week ago... I cant remember that far back, so I Cant finish it. We'll have to trust this historical record.


Highlights from the Past Few Days:
-Spending a full day with my daughter.
-Finding the perfect Driver to replace my broken club.
-Paying less for it new than it would have cost new.
-Finding a new printer very cheap (free).
-Getting approved for a mortgage.
-Putting together my dads new basketball standard.
-Playing basketball with my daughter.
-Being there for my dad when we came home and his house was all fucked up.
-Remembering to buy a bucket of KFC before I left SLC.
-Remembering to bring a pair of shorts so that I can appreciate the perfect weather.
-Finding more work pants at Wal-Mart.

What a weekend! I finished up my first day of work on Monday, which was awesome. I worked with Louis Sr. I was on the day shift from 10-6. There was no game at 10 when we got there, but we were able to get one started within an hour. I had an awesome day with very few mistakes. The most difficult thing for me to remember was keeping track of the bets when it was a kill pot. Rainbow spreads a hybrid 5-10 game for their entry level players. It is called 2-5 with a kill. It starts out as a 2-5 game with $1 and $2 blinds, same as Montego Bay. If a pot is over $50, then the winner of that pot has to post a $5 force bet on the kill button, and the game becomes a 5-10 structured game. Its kind of the same idea as having a 4-8 game with 1 and 2 blinds, and making the firs raise to $6 (+4). Keeps the regulars in cheap with small blinds, but pays them off with big pots. The game at the Rainbow is almost always a kill pot, so it is just a 5-10 in disguise.

J

New Photos

Nykki on her way to 2nd Placein the Tournament.
She is transferring to the Rainbow also.

Partying with random girls at the Corner Club

I gotta turn in the purple for the green...

Tonight is my last night working at Montego Bay. I accepted a transfer to the Rainbow. I start on Monday. My new shift will be Friday through Monday on dayshift. I am told this is one of the most lucrative shifts in town, so that made the decision pretty easy. I am going to miss everyone at Montego Bay a lot. I was thinking that with my new schedule, I won’t see any of the same people anymore. That might just keep me out of the bar this summer a little more.

I have resumed online poker activities, with some limited success on Poker Stars. I can’t seem to get away from certain mistakes, ones that I know I am making while I’m doing it. It’s frustrating and compelling, like watching a car wreck in slow motion. I’m trying though.

I am 0-2 against Khamar at the golf course. I can’t help but compare it to poker, because it seems like I am making the same mistakes in regards to focus and concentration. I am sure enjoying it though. I realized the other day that I am basically laying out $40+ a day to go curse at a bunch of little white balls that I pay way too much for. But it is relaxing, and I do enjoy myself out on the course. I must admit, there are few things better than hitting a perfect drive down the center of a fairway or chipping it in from 30 yards. Exhilarating!

My car is finished and ready to pick up. I am looking forward to another Vegas trip in the near future….

J

Remodeling the Den of Iniquity

I survived one night without poker, and I’ll be going for two today. I think golf is out of the question, we’ve got a pretty good storm rolling in. I am lying low this week, no SLC or Las Vegas for me. I’ll probably stay local this week. I’m too broke to go anywhere, and I still have one more week of dayshift. I’ll be glad when that’s over. I miss dealing tournaments.

Kamar provided the entertainment today while doing laundry. He brought some old school tunes with him to the Laundromat. The music made doing my weekly chores a lot easier.

Speaking of old school, we went to the cabaret last night and listened to the Chazz Band. They were excellent, busting out with old school hits by New Edition, Morris Day and the time and several others. Even the old people were getting into it pretty well, dancing in the aisles for hours. We finished off at the Corner Club. It was slow up there so we only stayed for an hour or so. Whoever was DJ’ing did a fine job, but I expect I would have been pleased with anything as drunk as I was. I did notice lots of building materials outside of Southern Exposure. Rumor has it that the place is being remodeled. I hope so…. Maybe Scott will spring for some carpet. I swear if they raise prices, I’m boycotting the place. I think he’s getting about six dollars for domestic beers and well drinks. Way too much for Wendover. That’s why I carry a flask…..

J

April Fools Memo

Heres a copy of the memo I handed out at work on the first.



Montego Bay Poker
Memo
To: All Poker Room Personnel
From: Ralph McCarthy, Division of Payroll and Taxation
CC:
Date: April 1, 2006
Re: Tax withholding and Reg. 6A training hours.


With many apologies I am required to inform all employees that taxes and training fees were not withheld from any checks from last months training meetings for 6A. There is a $170 fee for this class that is mandated by the Nevada Gaming Commission. The company has decided to pay these fees up front for all employees, then withhold the money from each employees check until the balance is paid. On your next check and for the following 10 weeks you will find a deduction of $17 under the heading of 6A training. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
Ralph McCarthy, Division of Payroll and Taxation


Attached on the following sheet you will find the schedules for next months training sessions, beginning on the 16th of April. These classes will also require a $170 fee, payable at the beginning of class. Please bring cash or money orders, as personal checks will not be accepted. April fools sucker.

Bring on Summer!

What a beautiful day it was today. I called in to work and let Frank and Rick take it today. I told them my eyes hurt – I couldn’t see coming into work today. I went golfing with Khamar instead. We bet lunch playing skins. I didn’t officially lose until the 14th hole, when I was mathematically eliminated. I did have some problems with my swing today. Its gonna be an expensive summer if I keep playing this way.

I am taking a short break from poker lately. I’m just not running good. I am making good reads but not making profits. I need a break, and I think golf is just the thing. That and basketball playoffs coming up. The NBA is looking pretty compelling this season. I am a little pissed there are no games tonight because if the NCAA Championship game. I’m just not that into it. Players come and go too quickly for me to keep track of them all the time. I wait till they really stand out and I can see them year after year in the NBA.


Highlights of the day:
-Golf. Duh.
-Not having to work. I just didn’t feel like it.
-Finding the motivation to write a little.
-Finding cool new DVD’s for my collection at the pawn shop next door.
-Lunch at the Chinese Delight in the Nugget. Best Mongolian beef I’ve ever had. Period.
-Finding some cool new stuff on limewire to download.

April Fools Post.....No Joke!

“Come on funny feeling!” Frank exclaimed as he moved his right hand in a jerk off motion. The entire table almost fell off their respective chairs laughing. It was a 2-5 game and it was before noon. Yes, I am on day shift for two weeks. I actually went straight home after work last night and didn’t go anywhere. I went to bed early and woke up late. I could get used to it, but the money is horrible. I made a whopping $68 yesterday.

I finally broke the tournament money barrier Thursday night. Rick, Jerry and I chopped up the prize money after everyone else was eliminated. I hope no one was too pissed because we were all dealers, but screw 'em if they were. Rick officially won first and had a pretty good chip lead, but we guilted him into chopping. I got second and enough points to guarantee me a spot in the free roll in two weeks.

My car is finished and waiting to be picked up. $780 for a tow and a water pump. I should have asked first. I wouldn’t have paid more than $500. I still need tires, a battery and registration. I’ll get there….

J

A Weak Attempt at Live Blogging Last Tuesday

Note: This post was forgotten, it should have gone up last tuesday.


Today’s Highlights:

7:52 AM
I’m on the way to Salt Lake City as we speak… KC and Marina are my road mates, and it is way too early to be up, but I am anyway. Girls have a funny way of convincing you to do what they want. I just finished looking up the lyrics to “Work it” by Missy Elliot. We all wondered what it was that she was saying backwards, and it turned out that it was really nothing. The rest of the song is pretty crazy, just a bit dirtier than I expected.

I found out that Ray took second and Roland took first in the WSOP seat tournament. I’m glad that regular customers won it. The craziest was when I started dealing at Ray’s table right after the break, He had only 450 in chips left, and the blinds were 75-150. He was severely short stacked. Right before the tournament resumed after the break, I sat at his table and asked everyone if they were happy. Ray responded and said that he’d be happier if I gave him some good cards. I picked a couple of aces out of the deck and tossed them to him. We had a good laugh, but I’ll be damned if he didn’t get pocket aces 3 hands later, then kings right after that. He went on a tear, turning that 450 into four or five thousand chips before I left and that was just half an hour. I guess I feel responsible for sparking his comeback. I’m glad he was able to do something with it.

10:50 AM
KC was right; girls in the dentist’s office are hot. Almost always. He is at the dentist across town, while I’m here with Marina at the other dentist. I am scared to death of them. I think it’s because of the questions the dentist asks. They must get lonely talking to themselves. Have you ever tried to answer a question with pliers or fingers in your mouth? Very difficult. Maybe that’s why I don’t trust them. How can you trust a guy with your health when he’s dumb enough to ask questions you can’t physically answer?

And, the daily recap….
Well, this is my first attempt at live blogging, and it didn’t go to well. I did however have an awesome day. We had a poker dealer party at Rodizio Grill in Trolley Square. It was one of the best meals I've had in a long time, a Brazilian style buffet. They would come around with some of the best meats I’ve ever had. The bacon wrapped turkey had to be my favorite. We finished up the day at the movies, watching V is for Vengeance. It reminded me vaguely of Orwell’s 1984. I tried to discuss that point with everyone, but no one else has read it. Unbelievable.

J