Riggs' Nut Straight

don't blame the jury

2011-07-05T15:47:00.002-04:00

Well there you have it... If you want to get away with a crime, make sure it's big enough and weird enough to catch national coverage and have the media secure your place in history.

First off, I think the verdict of Not Guilty, on all three major counts is an injustice. I firmly believe in our legal system and the benefits it gives the accused. The prosecution has a burden so great as to be sure that the accused is correctly and justly found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

I think in this case, a few things were missed to get to a guilty verdict of guilty in the first.

Before any of you go absolutely nuts... let's look at a few things. First, we as spectators throughout this whole ordeal received more info than the jury had. We also had the opportunity, if you chose to, to read and view opinion of experts that may have swayed your opinion.

What do I think? I think the Prosecution proved it's case, beyond a reasonable doubt, that this bird was guilty of MANSLAUGHTER and AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE. They didn't prove murder 1 since they presented no evidence that proved this gal murdered her child.

I also think that jury selection was terrible. 6 (I think was reported) of the jurors were convicted criminals and two hadn't graduated high school. Also, you had one that stated they needed to leave by July 7th to enjoy a trip to London. That adds a little pressure to a group of folks who might not really give a shit about justice when, from their eyes (my opinion of course), both sides did everything possible to drag this trial out with evidence that help very little weight.

So another criminal gets off and Casey goes free to spin her lies and live the beautiful life. Without her daughter as well.

The media has been up and down for me. Nancy Grace is a joke of a human being if you ask me. She stated on air responding to a comment from a caller that she strived to tell the truth every night on her show. What a joke. she spun more shit that Casey did IMO to gain nothing more than ratings. She also asked what Casey would do now? how would she make a living? She has no job skills, etc...

Of course she doesn't, but what Nancy would do is pay this broad millions in order to get the first interview after acquittal. She's a liar if she denies it. Casey, I will expect will get to enjoy her little Bella Vita with offers of millions for TV interviews, print interviews, playboy (due out by next January I would guess, and of course the book and movie deal.

Is that a travesty? Of course it is. But what the hell are we going to do about it? Nothing. Except by the book, go see the movie, watch the interview on 20/20, soak up the copy of Rolling Stone magazine, AND record with our DVR's the new reality show called BELLA VITA... or, The Anthony's!

Mark my words... It's coming.

I got more to say but finished for the day. RIP Caylee. The only one who was lost in all of this.

It doesn't matter what I know, it's what I can prove

2011-06-30T07:01:00.003-04:00

The defense is supposed to rest their case today in the Casey Anthony saga. I believe the prosecution have some rebuttal witnesses they want to call but this case could go to the jury by Friday.

First, I think having the Jury start their deliberations during a holiday weekend leaves poor miss Anthony at a disadvantage. Who is going to want to work during a holiday after 2 months of sitting in sequestration? I think they might be a little peeved and be more interested in getting the hell out of there rather than going through the piles of testimony that should be considered very carefully when deciding on whether or not to take someone's life.

George Anthony hit the stand yesterday for most of the day. Despite the media's attempt to show a grieving grandfather, and someone so distraught over the loss of his granddaughter and daughter I am a bit perplexed on what to think.

First, the guy doesn't seem very credible to me. You don't visit some cow during an episode of such turmoil in your life to "comfort" her because she has a brain tumor. This guy was layin' pipe with this pig and there's no convincing me otherwise and he flat out lied about it on the stand.

Secondly, he was evasive as ever during the questioning from the defense. He tried his best to avoid answering direct questions and was very evasive to the hard questions, never wanting to answer without qualifying. Many times he answered with a question or request to "eplain himself", or complained that the content of the questioning was "taken out of context". To me it's proof of how Casey learned her craft in becoming such a deceiver and liar.

This guy is a terrible human being and I was truly convinced of his guilt in having abused his daughter. I don't think he sexually abused her... there has been zero proof and he genuinely seems to be a guy who thinks he is a good guy, and convinces himself that his actions are pure, but he also seems to be the type of guy who condones his actions because he truly believes he has best intentions.

However, I have no doubts that this guy beat his daughter down, verbally, throughout her life and that is just as much abuse as anything else. Poor job by Baez in my opinion in not sticking it to this guy in a manner that shows his complexity to be a liar and manipulator. Instead, all he seemed to accomplish was to make the jury think he was more of a victim than anything else.

I still don't know how they convict this chic of murder 1 with the circumstantial evidence they have. I do believe she should be found guilty of the lesser charges. But without a cause of death, not being able to place the body with her beyond a reasonable doubt at the time of death, and the thin evidence they have that the manner of death was a homicide (besides the fact that it is so OBVIOUS), there's no way this chic can be convicted of murder 1 in a death case.

Florida is a pretty fucked up state though, so who the hell knows.

Waffles is still a fag :)

Prima Nocta :)

2011-06-28T14:47:00.002-04:00

Now... on to Casey Anthony...

Is this the most retarded, dysfunctional family ever to inhabit the good state of Florida? Who can you believe?

If you haven't been following then I envy you. Once sucked in, it's over. You can't get away from it. Legally speaking I think the defense is doing a SUPER job, outside of a few ridiculous and obvious blunders. BUT... they are doing the best job they can, and in the end, I don't know how any jury can convict this idiot.

Let me get this out of the way... I don't believe she willfully harmed this child. I think it was an accident, albeit a stupid one and one that is and should be punishable by serving time. I don't think this is a death case, but all the lying and deception from not only the defendant, but the entire FAMILY, just pushed the prosecution over the edge and they decided it was time to lay it down and have her hanged.

I also think that Cindy, the mother, is the end all be all in that family and has orchestrated this whole thing from front to back. Once she realized the truth and what had happened (which I firmly believe she knows everything), she put into place, albeit unethical and probably unnecessary, her plan to free her daughter of any responsibility.

I can't wait to see this thing play out and I won't be satisfied unless this pig (super hot pig mind you) gets on the stand and gives her testimony. Which is highly unlikely. I run good.

Waffles is a fag.

Death has a secret

2011-06-27T07:30:00.002-04:00

Been following the Casey Anthony trial at all? The pig gets off... and her family is in, and has orchestrated the whole thing... Love it! Actually have a lot to say on the whole thing but Waffles caught my attention this morning...

He posted this repost from some other idiot (no offense), and just had to throw in my fifty cents.

It's the ole "what would you do if you knew you were going to die deal... only the dummy puts a bunch of parameters around it which make ZERO FUCKING SENSE... because NO ONE alive falls into that category.

IF you have no wife, no kids, a job, 4-5 years worth of income to support your current lifestyle, YOU AREN'T GETTING SICK!!! You have ZERO stress to become SICK!!! any who...

I like the questions posed, but answering them in a more realistic way with regards to the average human located in this country (or Canada as well you cry baby's).

1) How long would you continue your job or career? Do you love your job so much you would continue as long as possible?

The real answer is as long as you HAVE to. IF you know you are dying (and it's not some ten year retarded guess either) I would reckon you would do anything possible to stop and finally get on livin'.

2) How hard would you pursue a relationship? How important is it for you to NOT die alone?

I suppose that most honest people would answer this in the negative. The very core of human existence is good and knowing you're about to die in a relatively short time would preclude anyone from getting romantically involved with another knowing you were just going to hurt that person. The real answer to the question would be not at all. IF it happens then it happens. But you should be too busy getting your rocks off fulfilling your dreams than trying to find Love as to no be lonely

3) Would you ever consider elective surgery (such as a cosmetic procedure) even though it's likely you will die just a few years later.

Wait... you come up with a scenario about dying, form some questions about what you would do with the rest of your life, and this is the question you come up with? Whoever thought of that question is truly an asshole and probably should die very quickly, for you are most likely the most shallowest person on the planet and furthermore probably hate yourself... enough said.

4) On the other hand, would you spend a significant chunk of your net worth on medical care just to extend your life a year or two?

I think recent history has proven Waffles point correct. They aren't interested in keeping you alive.. they are interested in keeping you breathing. To that point, spending money on traditional healthcare will only serve to keep you in an institution either full time, or so many times back and forth for testing or treatment that you won't be able to live. My answer is no.

5) Would you travel more or less? Would you develop a specific "bucket list" for your remaining years?

I'd go see every nook and cranny of the earth that was available to me via time and cost. and yes, the bucket list would go into full effect. You should already have one.

6) Would you be more likely to use illegal substances or engage in illegal activities, knowing your potential punishment is diminished by your life expectancy?*

This must have been a fucking child who wrote these questions... Short answer... see bucket list.

7) What is the ONE most important thing to accomplish in your remaining years?

Yet another stupid question. I say, and most of you will agree, that after 42 years of life that ONE thing always changes. It changes after accomplishing each one. Of course you can be some queer love hippie (like goat), and say that the ONE thing is living in peace and harmony. That's such a fucking cop out it's not even funny. Look, us CEO's need tangible, attainable results and we want them now! Show me a plan, execute, then start a new one. Fucking Children!

This was the extent of the questions, so I thought that I would add my own last one...

8) After setting out and setting yourself up to finally live the rest of your life because you found out you were about to die... how much regret would you have and how miserable would you be when you are finally on your death bed, AFTER realizing that you could have/ should have lived your whole life that way?

The fact is that we all only have a finite time on this earth. Ten years, A hundred, it doesn't matter. Death does have a secret. That is, it doesn't matter much whether we're here the next day or not. Everyone else is going to go on without much thought of you.

Do what you want to and don't make excuses. I'm divorced with 4 kids under 13... Nothing is going to stop me doing what I want. Sure, you have different levels of responsibility and that is not to be shunned... But LIVE YOUR LIFE. And don't wait for someone to tell you that you only have ten years.... Cause I'm telling you, it might only be 1

Colonel Nathan R Jessup V Jack Skellington

2011-05-25T13:43:00.003-04:00

The battle of 90's movie characters has begun over at FilmChaw. Go check it out and cast your votes for your favorite character.

But first off let me say this... If Colonel Nathan R Jessup loses to some fucking stupid cunt Cartoon Character, I am going to lose my fucking mind. I can't even tell you how on Tilt I am right now...

First, Astin writes that it isn't the character, it's Jack... WRONG!!!! Then he says something stupid about A Few Good Men being some middling movie...

Un FUCKING believable...

TILT!!!!!

Go vote for Jessup or I'm coming over there to rip out your eye sockets and puke down your dead skull....

Well sheeeit NEGRO.... That's all you had to say!

2011-05-03T10:13:00.002-04:00

Getting ready to start the 90's movie character competition... in the meantime...

Clicking through some blogger links on the left I get broken links or another page as if you have all moved your blogs... What gives here people? Are you all hiding from the Feds???

Best Movie Characters of the 90's - Field of 64!

2011-04-26T12:49:00.002-04:00

Goat called me up with an idea about a month ago.... Pick 4 bloggers, choose the best 64 movie characters of the 90's, draft them and then put them up in bracket style, going against each other until a winner was chosen. Those winners would be chosen by the viewing public based on votes....

Now, being that Goat has an affinity for me, of course I was first on the list to be asked to do this. Even though I have not posted in quite some time. But you all know me and movie characters so how can I pass this up?

Goat already posted his intro, and so has Astin. HDouble has not posted as of yet, but I'm sure it's coming. This whole thing will be debated, re-posted, and voted on over at Film Chaw so you must go there to vote.

Now, once you read the brackets and those chosen and where they were chosen, you may have some issues. Some have already responded on Goats post in comments. There is a suspect amount of women chosen. 4 to be exact. There are also some characters left out and some chosen in some really weird places. Doc Holliday for example being chosen in the 9th round may seem like a miracle (or insult for that matter), but remember, I was talking to the competitors during drafting and knew I could get him late.

I also think that some of the early round picks where the most ridiculous picks I've ever heard of and surprised the hell out of me. HOWEVER....

I would request that you, the voter, seriously take into consideration the writers purpose, if it is presented, during the competition before you jump to voting for a character. 'Cause there is no way that Roy McEvoy (A late round pick for me) should ever beat any character. But based on who he is going up against, I would think that I may be able to legitimately persuade you.

Some may write about the eloquence of the character, or its pop culture value... They may try to sugar coat or over inflate the value of that character with silly words, etc... I will present my characters as they were intended by the author. OK, or at least how I valued that character and how I think the character made or carried the film. I won't be using fancy words, silly assumptions, or how they fit within pop culture. It's why they were and how they were in that MOVIE. Most of my characters are badasses as well so I"ll be presenting a lot of "my character can kick your characters ass". :)

If you look at the draft order over on Goats Blog, there are certainly some questionable picks. Most likely some that you would have chosen as well... We drafted via email over the weekend. Most likely through mobile phones, as I did and was running for choices near the end.

In the least I hope your additions to the posts in comments will spur a fun and humorous debate among the best characters of the 90's. I also whole-heartedly assume that I can't lose this competition. So in the spirit of fair play.... If i lose, someone is going to have their throat shown.

You're GODDAMN RIGHT I DID!

What I want is for you too stand there in that faggety white uniform, and with your Harvard mouth, extend me some courtesy

2011-04-18T12:03:00.003-04:00

It happened one day across the great divide of government hypocrisy and jurisdictional servitude. (<-- I made that up). That is, online poker came crumbling down.

I will give you my thoughts in a nutshell, but others, far better equipped than me in the legal, and industry aspect of it, have and are doing so. So go look.

I do see a theme here in comments and on social network sites with sarcasm about how chance is better suited for the stock market, and you can still go bet online lotteries and such. The point is that this has really nothing to do with Poker and really everything to do with revenue. You all know that.

I would also state that the term "chance" has everything to do with the type of game. As CK wrote in the above linked post, the State of PA (a municipal judge) ruled that Texas Hold'em was deemed a game of skill therefore not falling under the "chance" terminology which put them directly in the line of fire of Illegal gaming. See, PA deems illegal gaming as anything that contains these three aspects... Consideration, chance, and reward. Consideration being you PAID to participate, chance meaning the game or event has an element of Chance, and reward, meaning you can win something.

Unfortunately for the bar owners who brought the original suit and received a favorable ruling, the state of PA had just legalized table games in the State, including poker. What they didn't realize is that the casinos who just paid a $15 million dollar license fee to provide Texas holdem in their billion dollar properties weren't going to stand by and let some bar run $20 buy-ins every tuesday night.

Hence the appeal to the state supreme court, and OH, btw.. thank you very much Mr. Lobby.

Anyway... I still believe this is a total raping of the market by the likes of Harrah's and their billion dollar lobbyists so that when this thing is finally sorted out they have an open market to launch into, possibly looking like the good guys. Don't forget, Facebook, Google, and the likes of other social networking sites will be able to provide online poker as well once it's legalized. Don't think a Billion dollar corporation who wants to get in on this once it's legal has any problem with the news about the "top three", let alone be so naive to think they may have had something to do with it.

Got through this nice bottle of scotch I was hinting at. McCallan Sherry Oak 18 year old from a friend who thought I could use it. Drank most of it by myself as well bitches. Doc, Bam... promise I will have another bottle waiting for when we sit again. Haven't researched where to get it or know if it's even hard to find. Given the source, I doubt it will be difficult.

It was kinda like Swingers Vince Vaughn, not Old School Vince Vaughn

2011-04-07T10:04:00.002-04:00

So what's going on in the last 4-6 months? Just gotta come by and read. See If I can catch everyone up on the goings on in Riggsville.

In the meantime... The Phils are rockin', theMasters Start today, Poker has waned (at least interest except for the live game), and I'm getting divorced. Oh, and I'm also starting up a new deal with Goat and some others on some Best Movie character of all time type deal...

Stay tuned for all the details. OH, and I also came across a new Scotch. Which I will detail ever so eloquently at the time I finish the bottle :) DIRECTLY after I finish the bottle :))

Who told you that you could work with men? You fairy!

2010-11-04T09:24:00.002-04:00

I'm back bitches! I was kinda jammed after the epic failure of my Phillies. How do the Pirates lose to a San Fransisco team full of re-treads and stiffs? Yeah, I get Marilyn Manson and his stupid arm, but Cain and whoever else they threw up there?

You're telling me the highest paid player in baseball who puts up Babe Ruth numbers every season can't push a run across the base throughout the whole series? Gotta hit the ball to score runs, and that showed throughout the series. Better skill next season. BAH!

PARX Casino opened their poker room yesterday and from what I hear it was a good experience. That may be due solely from the fact that the players I spoke to were excited that they didn't have to drive 2 hours and spend $10 bucks in tolls and $30 in gas.

They are charging for drinks, and they are raking a bit more than AC does but it seems to have been a good experience. I have plans to hit up Parx this weekend and I will do a mini trip report on Monday.

I would follow you into the Mists of Avalon

2010-10-02T10:33:00.002-04:00

Yeah October! Whatever... Playing poker has been completely absent from my life as I adjust to new surroundings.

I sometimes jump on for a quick sng but usually fall asleep or waffle-ize a gutter ball with 150 bb's into a 2 bb pot. That always makes me laugh and gives me more entertainment than watching a "domestic" lion eat the face off it's loving trainer/ master/ "father". Swear to god, I laugh at that every time.

Things are very busy with the business, the kids and the planning of moving forward. I dig the texts and emails I get from those of you that send. I want a break soon and think December will be it. I have scheduled meetings already and look towards a productive weekend. WORK WORK WORK! play!

PA poker is getting a little bit slower. Parx is getting ready to open their poker room. I know they have big plans and I will write about their opening as well as the first few weeks. It will be fun to see how that place implements their strategy of becoming the premier poker room on the east coast. That's what they said. It's a rather lofty goal with the Borgata and Foxwoods looming. We'll see.

Anyone have any plans on some blogger tourney's on line coming up?

It was Sloane Kettering and Johnny Hopkins... and they used to blaze that shit up all day long

2010-09-12T12:32:00.003-04:00

To say things have been hectic lately is an understatement. My life has been turned on its head and things aren't exactly all peaches.

I continue to push forward however and know that all will be better and for the best in the end. For the best.... what a horsehit cliche' that is. All that implies is that you'll settle for what will most likely be the outcome because, regardless of how shitty it is, so fuck that... Things will end exactly how I want them and will be nothing short of pure glory.

Don't have time to explain everything and I don't know that I ever will in print. It just seems pointless to me because I have my group of close friends that support me with what I need and love all of you for it.

Poker is humming around here with the business, PA opening card rooms and the Borgata in the middle of their Poker Open. The rest of the year is looking pretty cool with the poker line up and I look forward to the rest of it.

Football starts today and I couldn't be more excited. So excited that I will most likely miss all of it while working and getting things lined up for the business. I'm not complaining at all because week 1 is usually so boring.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Earth is on Facebook!

2010-08-19T11:46:00.001-04:00

Doc? bammer? thoughts?

2010-08-13T10:35:00.002-04:00

AP
FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2010 file photo released by Antarctic Heritage Trust on Feb. 8, 2010, one of crates of Scotch whisky and brandy is pictured after they have been recovered by a team restoring an Antarctic hut used more than 100 years ago by famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. One of the crates of the Scotch whisky that was trapped in Antarctic ice for a century was finally opened Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 but the heritage dram won't be tasted by whisky lovers because it's being preserved for its historic significance. (AP Photo/Antarctic Heritage Trust) ** MANDATORY CREDIT, EDITORIAL USE ONLY **

Bangin' it old school

2010-08-12T14:58:00.001-04:00

It shoots through schools

2010-08-07T10:59:00.002-04:00

I wonder if that line from the movie, Johnny Dangerously, would fly in today's world without some misguided mothers group getting their panties all in a bunch.

Anywho, we buried my aunt yesterday. It was an awesome ceremony. Family from all sides showed up and everyone celebrated hard in her honor.

Aunt Sue was a big part of my poker playing upbringing. We spent most holidays at their house growing up and always played some sort of card games on Friday and Saturday nights. I remember being 10 and getting yelled at for chasing a straight in stud from one of my uncles or much older cousins. Fuckin' panzies! HA! The memories~!

I kept a good face throughout the day. You have to realize that my aunt and uncle could never have kids so we (my brothers and sister) were like their kids. My aunt was a mother to me as much as my own.

My older brother did the eulogy and he was all torn up so I supported him by being the wise ass brother he'd always been to me. It worked. He got through it and appreciated the sentiments.

My aunt decided to be cremated, but still buried in the plot next to her husband. The urn was placed in a wreath of flowers beside the grave site and the priest offered everyone the opportunity to walk up and touch the urn at the end of the ceremony to say a last good bye.

My 4 year old (bad ass) son, all dressed up in his little suit, hanging out with his 7 year old cousin had been pestering me to get to Wawa the whole ceremony. He was anxious to leave. When we lined up to say that one last good bye, he walked beside me.

When it was his turn, he walked up to the urn, gave it a fist pump saying, ""'sup aunt Sue" and walked away. Everyone started laughing and the priest held out his hand and the kid high fived him saying again, "sup cuz". My mom looked mortified but everyone else was in tears.

Aaaah, that's the good stuff!

Poker seems to be going well in PA. There's rumblings that Harrah's in Chester may be adding an additional 20 tables at the end of September. I'm guessing that's going to be determined after Parx opens their room on September 1st.

Parx resides 30 minutes away, north of Philadelphia, and Harrah's is south of Philadelphia adding to the high competition factor. I know Harrah's thinks they will win outright because they own the WSOP brand, and after all, invented poker. (swear to god, I've been told that by several Harrah's management. It's their culture).

We'll see how they do going up against an 85 table room 30 minutes away with much better structures and pay outs.

I'll be hitting some of them up in the next coming weeks and will give you a detailed report on all rooms, the conversations I have with the insiders, and what particularly the strategies are shaping up to be as it relates to player retention. Which at this point, seems to have been overlooked. It pretty much has been open the doors and they will come, but any poker room manager will tell you, without a retention program, you aren't going to prosper, or even survive.

MORE poker in PA :)

2010-07-26T08:13:00.006-04:00

I wanted to respond to a comment. I think it's important because I want no assumptions made of why I'm writing these posts. I have no allegiance. I have no bias. If anything, the bias falls on this side of the river because it's closer, and will allow me to play a lot more with less inconvenience.

That being said... This comment was left (fraction)

"I do not think you are giving enough credit to the PA poker rooms and the staff running some of them. Maybe that is the case in the eastern part of PA, and nevertheless, some poker rooms are run by idiots (ever been to Wheeling?)"

OK, fair enough. However, they haven't been open for more than two weeks, so what credit do they deserve? I'm not writing these posts to compare AC versus PA either. The whole question surrounding PA rooms, at least as I have been reading it since the idea of PA offering poker was announced, was what affect it would have on Atlantic City. Remember, this has nothing to do (at least not much to do) with Western PA. Atlantic City did not pull a lot of its daily play from Western PA.

That being said, PA will end up doing a fine job for what their product will be. The poster points to Wheeling, WV.

You have to look at this from the standpoint of the property itself. Wheeling probably has zero interest in growing their room. They opened it up, realized over time and projection that the room could hold x amount of players with the possibility to market to x amount of population and figured this is where their room will be and will always be. They're not looking to host the WSOP any time soon. That being acknowledged, the room will then decide on a budget based on revenues in order to make the room profitable. See where I'm going?

PA casinos will be in this same boat. Their rooms will be catering to a demographic of people that will be based solely on geography. AC never did that. AC went after demographics that spanned the nation. WPT events, WSOP events, income level demos, etc. They marketed to the entire Mid-Atlantic and North England markets.

PA casinos aren't doing that. I suspect most won't. This is part of the reason why AC will ultimately win. If that actually happens. I don't know that Parx won't make a run at being that Poker Paradise. With their announcement that they want 100 tables, it seems pretty clear they do want to make a run. Time will tell if they do, if they can handle it, if they can succeed.

The bottom line here is that these PA casinos are awesome for being able to run out on a whim and only have to drive less than 30 minutes instead of looking at a 2 hour ride with $20 in tolls.

Pa casinos will build a larger player network. More will come to play because it is available. It's a great thing, I love it. I think PA poker rooms are the bees knees. I just think ultimately, they will not have a huge effect at all on AC.

Poker in PA update

2010-07-23T23:58:00.002-04:00

Some good questions last post....

Jordan, I have not been to a room yet. And no, I cannot divulge my sources, but be assured as in most, they are insider sources. I know when Parx opens their room in September they will start with 36 tables, and eventually try to get to 100. That will be a monster room. I'm excited to see what their strategy is.

The other rooms, I will be visiting in the next few weeks for some meetings, and to talk to some people about what their goals and objectives will be as far as their poker products go. That will be interesting as well.

Bam, They aren't really trying to do things half-assed. It just is what it is at this point. Throwing some tables up without a real plan will yield half assed results. I gather that will all come to a point where someone steps up and says, "How can we do this the right way".

More to come...

The Future of Poker in PA

2010-07-23T07:56:00.003-04:00

Poker is in PA: here is what it looks like so far and into the immediate future...

All casinos that offer poker in PA will cap their rooms at around 15 tables, save one. (back to that in a second)
Players all throughout PA will flock to these rooms trying to earn their piece of Poker History. The tables will have wait lists of 20-80 deep and will piss off the "players" who came to see what it was all about, sending them straight back down to AC anyway.
the new players (mostly 21-29 year old retards) will from groups like "DX" and "Rakemakers" and try to play at these establishments in groups, telling everyone that they will have all of their members playing in the WSOP next year and that they will "Take over the poker world" - again... retards
The only casino in PA that will make an actual run at real poker will be Philly Parx. They had released a statement a year ago that they wanted to open a 100 table room. I've heard it will be more like 75, but not for a while. Parx opens their poker room on September 1st.
If Parx does get someone in there to perform like a monster and really understand poker marketing, AND the finance and executive get on board, and realize the business model and rev streams from poker fall within their overall goals and strategies to hit whatever objectives they set, well then they are going to have a war on their hands.
The competition will be Borgata. These two will fight over who is the best card room in the east. The Borgata already holds that moniker and will be less likely to give it up against any casino anywhere. They are after all catering to more than just PA players.
Right now the only advantage PA casinos have is location. That advantage will go away as soon as all the monkeys who are trying this out run out of money, or interest.
The ones that do stick around, build a bank roll, gain some skill, will ultimately head down to AC and points further west to really play in the bigger games, with the better players, and become part of the community.
Parx does have an opportunity. For one, AC is hard to get to. For the traveling player that is. I know of three players who won't go to AC unless the tournament is super mandatory because it is such a pain to get there. You have to fly into Philly, then get an hour limo to the casino, then an hour limo back, etc. Costs add up. They hate it. Parx will be 30 min shuttle from the air port, and will probably offer it for free.

PA poker will not be a poker professionals dream. Most places will keep to 12-15 tables and will provide a very recreational atmosphere for players within their area. All this will do is build a larger database. It will hurt AC in the interim, and in their daily play when it comes to the guy who went down twice a month. But that twice a month guy won't be leaving AC forever. That 2x's a month will turn into 1 every six months, possibly, but he will spend more in that 1 visit.

PA offers poker (YAY!). I haven't been to one yet. I will shortly, and write you up a nice trip report. But offering poker tables and thinking they will compete with AC, or Foxwoods, or Mohegan, is silly. They won't come close to the product offering that these others have (well, OK, maybe Mohegan) and have built over years of catering to the poker community.

PA poker will be fine for a while. I doubt they have any tournament structure that will drive traffic. Tournaments are expensive to run. AC will own that and continue to do so.

OK, I'm done. Trip report at some point soon.

Poker in PA!

2010-07-20T00:35:00.002-04:00

So this weekend started PA's foray into live poker. Most casinos opened with tables and I read some reports and spoke to some who went and tried to play.

I did not get there myself, but let's talk about some numbers.

The Hollywood Casino (Hershey Area) started with about 12 - 15 tables. At 11pm there were 72 people on the waiting list.

The Sands (Bethlehem) opened with 12 maybe 13 tables and people were told about 3 hours in that there would be a 3 hour wait at least. They were spreading 1/2 , 2/4, and 3/6 limit and NL games. No tournament tables were seen offered.

There was a story about people from Delaware Park driving to AC because their list was 90 deep. OH boy, this oughta be fun!

Main Event Mania!

2010-07-17T10:04:00.002-04:00

Last post I tried to spill a bunch of Mojo on the world for Josh Brikis. Josh ended up finishing 55th for $138k giving him his 5th cash of this years series.

He posted that it was the most miserable $138k he ever got. I get that. He was cruising pretty good going into his final day and just couldn't win a pot. When you are playing well (as he does) and running well, and you have 8 million staring at you... well, lets just say anything short of the final table is frustrating.

I know Josh and it is about the money, but we are still talking about the Main Event. The Super Bowl (I friggin' hate cliches') of Poker. Still, it was a great series for him and I'll see him in September at the Borgata for the Poker Open.

While I've covered events for the Borgata I've got to meet a shit ton of players. Some you've heard of, and some you haven't.

I get to watch them play, interact with them, and even spill some booze on some unsuspecting tourist at the B bar. The range is wide. Most play all the time, traveling the circuit and are well past making their bones. These guys are players.

One particular guy caught my attention a few years back. I watched him over a couple of series and was so impressed with his play, his demeanor, that I would tell anyone who would listen about how much I respect his game. The dude is sick. I interviewed him after a final table where he placed eighth in the Borgata Classic way back in 2007. His thoughts about strategy were pretty wild coming from such a young player.

John Racener is part of the final 27 in the Main. He is sitting on over 10 mil in chips and is currently 8th. Looking at the field I gotta put him in the top 10% of winning this thing. He has a favorable table heading into today's play and I'm excited to follow his progress.

John has over a million in winnings to date, which probably escapes most people. He kinda flies under the radar, although his success in the main, and the series has probably erased most of that.

I like the way this year has played out so far. It should make for a great final 9.

This just in!

2010-07-14T15:49:00.002-04:00

TMZ said in a press release today that the audio of a man yelling at his ex wife is in fact NOT Mel Gibson as previously reported. Instead, it is thought to be of a man from Massachusetts going by the name of Waffles.

Rant here

WSOP Main Mojo

2010-07-13T14:03:00.003-04:00

I've met some pretty cool cats the last few years inside poker covering a lot of the Borgata Events and just overall playing around the east coast.

Josh Brikis, one of those cats who took second last year in the 5k 6max is now within the top 20 of chip leaders in the Main.

Send him some love as he prepares for the most important grind of his life to date. Winning the WSOP main goes without saying, but getting yourself into the position to go deep, going a little deeper and possibly hitting the final table, and then playing the final table are all steps to obtain that goal.

We as poker players (I don't include Waffles) understand the stages during any particular tournament pose to perform and overcome. It's this time where focus, luck, and timing come into play more than ever because of what it means.

Send my man some mojo for some good fortune! Josh is a solid dude as well as exceptional player. Even if he is from Pittsburgh!

The strongest woman I know

2010-07-08T00:43:00.003-04:00

I've been on a bit of life tilt lately. I have a lot of shit happening that I'm still trying to process and it's been a bit of a bite in the ass. I really don't even know where to begin. Then I get this little nugget thrown on me tonight.

My aunt was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years back. First it was pancreatic, then lung, then brain. Then I think liver, but can't recall. The point is that she took the chemo, took some radiation, the stuff in the pancreas wasn't cancer, the lungs were but were healing, and the brain wasn't the "serious" kind.

In fact, she handled the whole situation pretty goddamn heroically. In fact the only noticeable part of her battle was the wig. And that wasn't noticeable if you didn't know she was wearing one. She was a trooper. Insisted on living alone, being self sufficient, and was always upbeat.

A few weeks ago she started getting a little iffy in the walking department and was staying tired a lot longer than normal. The Docs thought it was a good decision to stop chemo for a while and see how that went. It didn't go as expected as she only became more exhausted and weary.

My mother finally decided that enough was enough and she went up to see her sister against her wishes of being able to live on her own and found her in a pretty bad state.

She was slurring her words, not keeping her balance at all, and was a little delusional talking about things in the past that no longer were. My mother feared she had a stroke and tried to get her to agree to a visit to the hospital.

She got up from a chair and fell over into the wall beating up her face pretty good. Mom took her to the hospital and that's where she's been since last Thursday. She was dehydrated, but didn't have a stroke. They fixed her up and kept her through the weekend as it was a holiday and had to wait til monday for testing.

After some MRI's the doc's came back with news yesterday. The brain cancer has spread throughout her brain. Numerous tumors have spread around the brain and the prognosis is mortal. This is where the hard part comes.

The strongest woman I ever knew has decided that she has had enough. She doesn't want to fight anymore. She doesn't want to live a life where the only thing that will prove life is a beating heart and active brain function as indicating by a machine.

For that, I can't blame her. I can only admire her. She is coming home tomorrow. My parents are moving in with her until her time comes to an end. The best case scenario is 12 weeks. The worst case is 4. The doctors have prescribed medication to keep the swelling down in her brain so that she can retain her faculties. They also said that when she goes, it will probably be from heart failure because of the meds she will be taking.

Hospice care will be there once a day to help with pain management and to help my mother take care of her. I can't imagine what she must be thinking. I'm struggling thinking about what it would be like to know that your signing your own death sentence by opting out of treatment. I get it. I would do the same thing. But the realization, after you make your decision to not have treatment, that you are going to die real soon... at this point, I have no words.

I've seen death. I've experienced friends, family, and loved ones from all ages pass on. It's just hard to think about it and what she might need.

I love this woman. She has been a huge influence in my life. Now, I have to figure out a way to honor her after she's gone.

Double Yeah!

2010-07-01T12:45:00.001-04:00

Oh Yeah!

2010-06-29T15:53:00.001-04:00

I'm the puppy that ate your back seat

2010-06-23T08:51:00.002-04:00

It's not time yet. Almost. About two weeks maybe. I'll let you know

And so the journey begins....

2010-06-11T08:36:00.003-04:00

It's June and some things are happening in my life right now that make me a) want to laugh b) want to cry, and c) show someone their throat. Anyone. Not anyone in particular. Just the random idiot who somehow will manage to do something stupid in my presence. To me, or to someone where I view it as unjust.

I did get good news however. The man child (who turned 4 in April) will officially start his journey to the NFL hall of fame in July.

The organization has a 5-6 flag team. Several actually. The boy being only 4 was invited to camp based on film I took of him and his workouts since age 3. I didn't want to focus on any one position so I have had him training in core competencies. Run, pass, and catch.

I have good video of him and his results in combine like events as well. I thought it would be important to grab some baseline info to kind of set the expectations moving forward so I have his time in the 40, his vertical leap, and a time in the cones. All very good for a 4 year old. his 40 time was quite impressive at 5.7 secs and his vertical leap is an almost ridiculous 10 inches (for his age of course). Those results were pre-ankle injury (thank god), but the ankle is healing up nice. The doc thinks that with the extra rehab I have him doing, it should actually heal stronger.

Of course with my history and propensity for complete and utter focus and planning on the football field, I've been asked to coach. I agreed to coach but only if I could take over the whole league as director. I want all the kids running through the program to learn the same system from this age all the way through H.S. That was agreed to unanimously by the board so I will be now implementing a new charter as it relates to the organization, the coaches, the players, and the parents' expectations and responsibilities.

Alright, settle down. I didn't run him through any of that. Jeeeezus, whaddya think I am? He will be playing in the fall and I will be coaching and hopefully, we will both have a blast. That's about it. Unless of course he performs below my expectations. Then it will be camp after camp for him. That one I'm serious about. OK, maybe I'm kidding. We'll see.

Have a great weekend everyone.

LIVE GAMING IS RIGGED!

2010-06-07T12:47:00.000-04:00

I wrote about this when it first happened. I thought it was funny because this guy actually used to work with me when I was a golf pro way back in 1993. He and I and a few others would trek down to AC. The Taj had just opened their poker room and I would play stud and he would hit the roulette tables. I saw him win like 20k one time. He truly thought that roulette was a skill game.

Funny funny shit. Right up until you read where he killed a day one employee who had ZERO implications in his losing a mint. Stupid people.

Read today's story here. He was arrested last year, (I wrote a post about it then), and today he plead guilty. This is my 492nd post. Just thought I would mention that because I'll forget when it gets to 500.

Part II

2010-06-04T12:26:00.000-04:00

I almost killed myself driving across the state line into NY. Interstate 90 was nearly empty and I was being careless with the phone. Every time I responded to the vibrations I could hear the voice of my 12 year old scolding me for not paying attention to the road. An accident had occurred just over the horizon and caught me off guard.

I managed to avoid with a swerve but the Trooper on the scene didn't seem to appreciate it much as indicated by the "what an asshole" look on his face.

I continued on about another hour or so and stopped for a refill and some time. I had calls to return and plans to firm up. I was planning on stopping in Oak Orchard for some fly fishing but time was getting scarce. I figured there would be plenty of streams along the journey so I decided to steam ahead and get to where I was going.

I reached Niagra Falls about 4 hours later. It was a relaxing ride with only about a stretch of it through rain. I kept the top down and enjoyed the cool damp mist blowing around the cab.

Crossing the border was uneventful. 40 year old white men never get hassled unless you tell them that you are going to see some people you know from the internet, have lots of cash on you, and can only name them by their blog handles. If that happens you're usually asked to pull over to the side and have your car dismantled like a Lego Castle by a bunch of toddlers. I just explained that I was going to the Casino. The girl said good luck, handed me my credentials, and I was on my way.

Niagra was fun. I stopped at the Casino for a meeting I had planned and played a little poker afterwords. I was looking forward to a fine meal with some friends up north so I skipped the cafeteria at the Casino.

I was getting bored driving along the coast line of lake Ontario and couldn't find anything on the radio, or the Ipod. Nothing sparked my interest. I saw a man up ahead on the side of the road holding a sign that read Toronto. I stopped and picked him up. He looked to be mid thirtyish and was cleaned up. "What's up slick?", I asked. "You heading to Toronto?" "Sure, hop in."

We didn't speak for the first 3 minutes as he settled himself in the seat, carefully placing his only bag between his feet. "You want a water?", I asked. "Yeah, I'd appreciate it." I reached back and grabbed a bottle out of the case and handed it to him. He nodded with a slight smile and opened it. "Your car break down?" He looked at me as if to show some agreement but I knew he wasn't telling the truth, nor did he want to lie.

We continued on for another mile or so and he spoke. "So you're from the U.S.?" "I am" "What brings you up this way?" "Have some business to attend to and seeing some friends while I'm here. You from here yourself?"

He evaded my question, "What business are you in?". "Little bit of this, little bit of that", I responded rather casually. He nodded again and this time smirked. "You know this is the most important ride of your life?" I was caught off guard a little but didn't show it. "Is that right?"

"I think you know already", he said as he pointed to the upcoming exit. "You getting off here?" "That's right." I merged to the right and drove down the ramp to the light. I swayed my index finger asking which way to go and he pointed to the right.

I made the turn and he said to stop right there. I pulled over to the curb and he said "Thanks man". He reached for the roll bar and pulled himself out of the cab, reached down and grabbed his bag and looked at me with a smile. I was going to offer him money, not really knowing his predicament, but he offered it to me first for the ride. "No man, keep your money." He paused for a second and shook his head. "Don't sweat it cuz. You're on the right path." I stared at him trying to place the face. For the first time during the ride it appeared to be familiar. "I didn't catch your name." He slapped the front of the head rest sending me off and said "drive safe", turned, and walked toward a gas station.

I shook my head, smiling, as I put the Jeep in gear and made the u-turn back to the on ramp trying to figure out what the hell that was all about.

So this is Riggs without a plan

2010-06-03T14:01:00.000-04:00

That statement alone has given me new life. I've been swinging harder than I can. I've been swinging faster than I can. I've been swinging at nothing.

I read that line... that one line, and it was as if I was given new life. Funny how the simplest things escape you when you're not looking.

Thanks you!

Look for the continuation of yesterdays story tomorrow.

Tripstadomus part I

2010-06-01T14:33:00.000-04:00

I pulled out of the lot in my 1979 CJ-7. I guess you could say it was an impulse purchase. Once everything started going down I knew it was a possibility. After all, I had nowhere else to go. I was stuck in a place I had never been before, unable to continue the way I knew how, the way I was accustomed to. It was like that for a while and I had finally been awoken to the situation by force.

In the end, or more to the point, the beginning, I was drawn to this vehicle. The choices were limited. Not because of resources but for reasons driven more by circumstance. Those circumstances revolved around nothing more than a three week journey to cleanse the mind, the spirit, and the soul. The vehicle played a major role in that cleansing. To be open, to be free along the roads of America traveling to find answers, or at least where I would get no more questions. Answers were actually the least of my needs. I would hope to find them but wouldn't consider it a failure if I didn't get them.

And so I headed out, north to be exact, on this journey. Some would call it cop out as the first of my stops would have to do with business, but I consider myself in the very least efficient and would not allow business to go neglected. After all it was all I was being left with.

I arrived at my second destination to see a friend I had spent more time online with than in person. The first and only time we actually met was before we even knew each other. It was in Vegas during a gathering. I was there on business and about 2 weeks before my first post ever. We played 1/2 no together and spoke of shared relationships with others. He was cool, but I could never recall what he looked like. At the time it didn't seem as important as stacking the two french boys who insisted on speaking french despite the several warnings from the dealer.

We agreed to meet at a place downtown, with the possibility of another showing up. That never happened as insecurity got the better of them. We shared a brew and conversation on what was what, who was who, and our visions of what was to come. I spoke down to him about his situation. I tried to counsel but found myself being more than direct and stern. I wanted to convey to him what I saw for his future and was sure I was doing the right thing. We spoke some more and shared a meal. When it was time to go we embraced and he said I wasn't actually a frat boy as he patted me on the back, and it seemed that he held on a little longer and a little tighter than I expected. I looked back as I was walking to the Jeep to give one final wave good bye and I noticed something that startled me. His expression. It was stoic, peaceful, and calm. He started to well up, but with a huge smile. He looked as if he would come running to me expecting me to feel the same way he did. "Did you see that?" "See what?", I asked. He stopped and looked a bit confused without really losing the smile. "Never mind. Drive safe. I'll see you there."

I stood there with chills and a certain feeling of unknowing and weirdness. "What are you talking about, see me where?" He waved, turned, and clapped his hands together hard as he walked away. I stood there for a minute. Got into the Jeep and started off west. I thought about that little exchange for a moment for the next 5 miles thinking Bayne was probably right.

Back to Back JACK!

2010-05-28T09:46:00.000-04:00

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! My main man! My Bitches! My..... BLOW!

What can you say about this? Al puts together the invitational for BBT5. He gets some slack because someone releases the initial list (incomplete as well) and starts getting people all jacked up. "I'M NOT INCLUDED??!?!?"

JJ was one of those, which was viewed as bit of a slight because he actually won the championship last time around. Al releases the total list after some undeserved flack, JJ is on the list, and BOOOOOOOOOOM!, earns his TOC seat in the very first event.

Last night was the TOC. It was a very tough tourney. 5k in stacks, some really good players, super structure, and the fact that most were playing super nitty poker because of what was at stake. I think it took over an hour before they lost the first player.

JJ got out to a great start and never looked back. I was off and on and every time I got back to the table, I saw JJ getting action holding AA, KK, and the like. Just a card rackin' night, and some well played poker to boot.

My man rocked out with his cock out and just blew the final table away. It was a sicko run and I'm completely and utterly jazzed for my boy! I wasn't planning on going out to Vegas this year, but now I just may have to.

Much Love for the man of the hour. Back to Back Flack just lost his nickname to Jack! Well played brother!

NYrambler and Adam72x also won their seats. Congrats to those two guys as well as a seat is, for such a low investment, just plain gold! Rambler played very well and hit some nice spots along the way and adam just seemed to kinda be sneaky quiet along the way.

We have to thank Al and FT for once again, making all of this possible. What they have accomplished for our community is retarded in the least. If I could compare it to something I would say it's akin to NASCAR putting up a race team with car, crew, and gas and tire money for a group of guys who sit around and watch NASCAR all day and then blog about it. Well done FT! Well done Al!

Let's be clear

2010-05-27T09:05:00.000-04:00

So, the great Dawn Summers (one big F you to the mets fan, but a great big hug for my friend!) left a reply on my post about L O S T. She stated that she guessed they all died during the nuclear explosion.

No - They did not. Juliette did. Definitely. Charlie died when he died, Echo died when he did, and all the others, Sayid, etc. die when you saw them die.

My contention is that all of this was REAL. The plane crash happened. LOST happened, as they portrayed it through seasons 1-4. As Jack views the plane flying over in the final scene, I'll assume they made it off the Island and back to LA to live long happy and healthy lives. This is why Christian says, "some long after you". I also take it literally that Jack dies right there. Where he started. That's not to suggest that all of this happened in a nanosecond, or didn't happen at all, rather a dream Jack had. That's horseshit. I think it all happened, literally.

Again, Jack's father basically tells you it did when he says, in word's, "it was real." "You are all dead. Some before you, some long after you."

Now, I hear this morning on the radio that the show is releasing a whole series set of DVD's and included is about an hour's worth of coverage that includes the time period from when Hurley was #1 and Ben was his #2.

The show obviously had material to explain to us further all things about the Island. They chose not to. As I stated in the previous post, I think what was told was the greater story. NOT left for interpretation either.

That being said, I am interested in viewing the final, or additional footage between the time Jack dies and the time the last of them dies to finally being them all together to sideways world.

See that's what I'm thinking here. They all died. That was stated. Desmond and Hurley collected them all up in sideways world after realizing that they knew what the deal was. Maybe Hurley was the last to go in real life. The group obviously had to wait for all of them to get there so that they could "move on". Jacks father saying "well, there is no now" kinda helps wraps up the whole, what happens to Jack during the 40 years of separation between his death and Hurley's (just an example)?

Whatever, this is the way I see it, and this is the way I can explain it and buy off on it and say I actually like the show. I went through stages trying to figure it out. I thought the show was horseshit about 3 weeks ago. Now, I get it.

I

Old School

2010-05-26T14:36:00.000-04:00

had to roll with this...

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Well, there is no NOW.....

2010-05-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Having been able to take a few days and re-watch the season finale of L O S T a few times I think I am ready to give you what my thoughts are. I've read the posts, I've chatted with some L O S T "apologists" and I've chatted with some haters.

Based off of all of that I think I'm ready to commit to a conclusion. First, I'll tell you what I saw and what I base the conclusion on.

1) Sideways world is purgatory. Left there after death in a seamless transition from one life to another. It was told by Jacks father (who stated things so unequivocally as to believe that it was all fact) that a) jack died, b) all these people died, c) these people all came here because they were all waiting for each other. They needed each other in death as they needed each other in life. He stated that this was the most important time in Jack's life - the time they spent together, and this is how it works. You move on with those who counted the most. d) some have died before you, and some long after you.

2) This leads me to believe that the crash of oceanic 815 was an actual event that happened. The Island happened. The Dharma initiative happened, and everything you basically watched from the first season until now as it relates to the island was real. It was a real story that they lived their lives through. Someone figured out time travel, Hurtlocker and Jacob were real entities, Hurley won the lottery, and ended up being the next Jacob, and Sayid was one big bad ass.

Man where to start...

How about some facts?

The series itself started out a story about a plane crash and all these things that happened to people who were left on the island. Things were found, people were found, stories started to gel, then it got biblical, then it got mythological, then both, and the story developed.

SO we have the story... and with this story comes back stories of every character, mysteries evolve, new characters, time line, EVERYTHING that does happen in the show always seems to come back to the Island. What is it? Why is it? What does it do?

Alright you get the point. It's all about how and why these particular folks have been brought to this island and that they have to save it. So this final season we get introduced to sideways world. It happens in the first episode when Oceanic 815 doesn't crash and everyone moves on to LA and starts to mingle together, paths start to cross, etc.

Also in the final season we come to understand a little of the history of the island. Jacob and Hurt Locker are brothers, momma cass is the one who killed their real mother, and how one becomes to be the protector and the other to be hurt. I mentioned to Hoy about three episodes ago that the story had been revealed. It was about Hurt and Jacob and who would win. Obviously given the whole 5 1/2 years that the Island was something and that it had to be protected and that it was the shizz dizzle that it came down to Jacobs "candidates" that he was searching for to help defeat his brother!!! But then why the whole story about darma... who cares about widmore... who cares about Faraday? Why would they even matter in this story about a war between Hurt and jacob?

In the finale, sideways world takes center stage, but first.. What happened on the island was weird. OK, let me see if I can sum this up as I think the writers actually wanted us to believe... Hurtlocker needs Desmond to unplug the light. Literally. He does so, but by doing so turns Hurtlocker back to being mortal. Jack and hurt go to the mat and Kate shoots him before he can kill Jack. Jack then goes back to the light to fix it, and tells Hurley that he must be the protector now (or jacob). He accepts, Jack plugs the leak, light comes back on, hurley and linus agree on being number 1 and 2 and the plane gets off the island with kate, claire, sawyer, and the others.... Jack goes back to where it all started and presumably dies as he watches the others fly over the island making their escape.

I believe all that happened. I believe Kate and Sawyer and those on that plane went on to live a full life and became one of those that died "long after" Jack did. Sideways world was explained as that stop over between life and death. It also tried to show that we must wait for those who we shared our most important things in life with. That's it. That was the story of the finale.

How ANY of that answered questions about what where or why regarding the Island is beyond me. I can understand those needing to know those answers. You spent time and treasure on this show. Read blogs, bought season dvd's, listened to commentary and probably had emotional discussion if not argument over it at one point. I get it. You feel you are owed.

See I don't think the story of the Island matters. It was about the characters and WHY the time they spent together was the most important. They survived a plane crash. They came together on that island to come to understand what it was about, and what they had to do to save... the island? Mankind? the universe? Who knows. But as the ending portrayed, it didn't matter. In the end, the larger story was told. The story of what it was all about. WHY it all mattered. Because I can, and will assume that saving that Island saved the possibility of everyone moving on. Not leaving, as in death, but moving on as humans, as spirits, but nonetheless, together.

So here we are... those that hate it and those that liked it or love it. My personal feelings are that I loved it. I thought it was great. I don't care that we didn't get closure on things. and maybe they turned away from the story and put this ending together kinda as a last minuted play.

I rather enjoyed how they chose to wrap it up. Again, it was about the larger story. That's the stance I'm taking, and although a still a little lost, at least I'm reassured.

You know how I know you're gay?

2010-05-24T11:57:00.000-04:00

L O S T finale was on last night. I missed it. As I did the final invitational for reasons that shall remain unspoken. It was a tough weekend, what can I say.

Anyway, I managed to catch it early this morning without any spoilers. I stayed off the internet, pulled it up ON DEMAND, and watched the 1:59 minutes that the screen had said. Funny thing was that only about 1:20 minutes of it was actual show. Lot's of commercials.

My initial thoughts are that it was good. I liked it. I didn't start watching the show until about season 2, missed half of season 3 and most of season 4 so my limited knowledge of back story was filled in by IM'ing the likes of Goat and reading up on some other L O S T blogs.

Honestly, I thought that the show had showed it's intentions of deviating from a story line that was built over 5 years when it came out two episodes ago that the story was really nothing more than Hurt locker (the nemesis, man in black, bad brother) versus Jacob and who would win that battle. They talked about this war coming. They spoke about the Island being destroyed and if that happened, all would cease to exist. The characters really defined and seemingly an integral part of the show turned out to be nothing more than pawns in this contest between Hurt and Jacob. I kept thinking that all would be answered.

Well, the final episode addressed none of this. Partially the light thing, but we come to find out that this was nothing more than Jack's journey. I was chatting with Goat late last night before I watched and told him my theory. That was that this whole show was about one person. I thought that person was Locke. I thought Jacob and Hurt locker didn't really exist. That Locke had a journey to fulfill. I wasn't sure whether or not he was dead. I surmised he most likely was. The show kinda fills it out that this was about Jack. But I tend to lean more towards it being about all of them. I haven't really thought about the ramifications of the writers screwing us out of what most of us felt we were due. I don't know that it matters, or even soils the show. I'm just not sure yet. I will watch it again later tonight and will have something up with final thoughts tomorrow. Most of which will be more towards what the show was telling us (or me rather), not whether or not I think the writers are dooshers.

The Flyers play tonight with a shot at ending the conference finals and getting their first shot at a Stanley Cup since 1997. I'm sure they win tonight. I'm not so sure about the Stanley Cup. Chicago is good. Real Good. But watching and rooting will be fun. Leighton has been playing on his head as of late and if he can manage to accomplish the same level of success throughout the Championship, well, then anything is possible!

The GODDAMN Phillies bet get their friggin' bats in gear. That's all I gotta say. When you let some circus act get the best of you with that stupid 60 mph knuckle ball, it's time to pick your balls up off the pink fluffy bathroom mat and start acting like friggin' men. Complete horse shit.

Muck the Fookie!

2010-05-20T10:15:00.000-04:00

It's really uncanny the amount of shit I go through with this tournament. Over the time I have been playing the mookie I've managed to make about 10 final tables. I think that's over about 3 years. I've taken 2cnd at least twice but have never won it. I even managed to get to the final table one time with a huge chip lead and fell asleep. I think at that point there were 50 entrants and I came to the final table with 37k in chips.

Last night I played the Dookie as well. This is the first time I've played this tournament in over a year and I've managed to win that tournament 3 times. Well, make it 4 now. See I can win the unimportant ones. It helped that we had a spewer at the table who called every single pot bet, even 4 handed, obviously not knowing what the hell he/ she was doing. I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of that.

The Mookie however was weird last night. I've made 5 final tables so far in the BBT5 and I am seriously thinking that this time around I will run well enough to be able to finally win one of these things. Last night started out real slow, then picked up a little when I got aces on the button. There were no limpers. I raised standard and the small shoved for 750. Lightning called the 750 very quickly leaving only 1k left in his stack, and I shoved my remaining 2200. Now, normally I would flat there but it would have only left about 1200 left in my stack and lightning only had 1k left, AND we're 3 handed now so what sense does it make to just flat. If we're deeper, sure maybe I flat to jam the flop but really, whats the point?

Lightning tanks and curses me and folds pre. I just don't get that. If you're willing to call off half your stack and then fold to a shove with really >10bb's left, AND I have seen him get it all in for more, calling off with AQ/ AJ/ smaller pairs... what the heck were you thinking?

Anyway, I won the pot and then went card dead. I stole maybe 4 pots over the next hour but other than that really got nothing going. I was down to 9 bb's and open shoved J9. Loretta was on my left in the sb and over shoved his remaining 13 bb's with QJ. I hit the 9 on the flop and we both rivered a J sending the pot my way. The hand I went out on saw me leading out pre with A9 from the high jack. That raise left me with just about a pot bet left if I was called, which I was from Mondo (I think). The flop came 9 high, I jammed, and he called with QQ.

You know, I'll just never understand that play. The stacks are so short it's not like there's any value to just calling pre. If an A or K hits, what's your plan holding QQ after JUST calling? It's not like you're folding QQ if I jam a K or A high flop, and if the flop comes 99x or whatever I am holding to give me trips... I mean, what's the point? Again, if we're both deeper, I get the play, but seriously, why just call when there is no possible way you will be folding on the flop? I'm not berating the play, I just don't get it at those stack sizes and it seems I am seeing it more and more.

I ran kinda deep last sunday in the invitational going out like 21st or so and I missed Monday's poker from the rail tourney. I'm hoping I can get something going on SUnday and Monday. I'm just relegating myself to the fact that the Mookie will never show me any love. Apparently that's the Dookies Job

Ya load up, ya party!... No, we DRESS up

2010-05-14T13:48:00.000-04:00

This weekend is the celebration of my parents 50th wedding anniversary. To facilitate the celebration we will be having a full blown wedding. They think it's just a quick ceremony of the renewal of their vows and a simple dinner afterwords with family and a few friends.

In reality we're having a huge reception with over 150 invites and will all commence tomorrow at 11am.

I'm excited for them. They never really had a real wedding and after 50 years, finally get to celebrate like it was 1959. Only we'll be celebrating like wild dogs. I'm giving the toast and plan on it to be a total crushing blow to my siblings. Humor and sarcasm runs in the family. Shot after shot... I plan on delivering a number of salvos to insult and denigrate them. I hope I bring tears. Tears of joy that is. This is all sort of ironic really, but that's another story.

So enjoy your weekend and I'll see you all on Sunday night blasting away during the free roll

My man is so cool, when he goes to sleep sheep count him

2010-05-12T13:45:00.002-04:00

It's another Mookie, Dank, whatever you want to call it. I think tonight I'll call it a win. Way too many near misses for it not to happen tonight. See you there. I'll be rawkin' out to these fools....

wanna 'nother ride down the shoot you little piss ant mop?

2010-05-10T12:41:00.004-04:00

It's getting close to ending... the BBT that is. I missed yet another invitational event last night after realizing that I would be late in getting home after Mother's Day celebrations.

I texted Al to unregister me if at all possible so that there wouldn't be a dead stack to deal with, and I don't know if he was successful or not. I gave him ample time of at LEAST 15 minute :)

So around 8pm I ran home and got suited up for hoops. It was a rough night. very physical and very sloppy on everyones part. Good sweat though.

I got home and logged on to find that Goat actually took down the tournament to win his TOC seat. Good for you!

Then I read how Waffles played excellent, sick ass reads poker just owning everyone until his unluckiness came to pass and he lost with AA.

something about a bet with the Very Josie has him jammed up about losing but I'm starting to think Waffles thinks that Josie is singing this song to herself with him in mind.

See everyone tonight!

It's an 80's Friday

2010-05-07T09:56:00.003-04:00

Weekend will be very busy with the eldest spawn turning 12 tomorrow. She wants a cell phone. I want to get it for her, wife doesn't. She will be the last in her class to get one. She goes to an uppety school, so you can imagine the flak she gets not having one, but she is strong and handles it and it is not the reason for me wanting her to have one. I believe she is responsible enough and has earned it. She is starting to travel with friends and I want her to have the capability to stay in touch, AND I don't want her using mine anymore. I may step outside of parental unity here and just get one anyway :)

Sunday is of course Mothers day. Lot's to do. Enjoy your weekend. Be excellent to each other!

DANK it!

2010-05-05T13:02:00.002-04:00

Play the Dank tonight... if you want a shot in playing for free, go to Facebook, "like" the Riverchasers Poker Tour page, and enter in the last comments.

See you all tonight... until then, suck on this classic!

I'll kill you Leonard Nemoy

2010-05-04T09:20:00.003-04:00

I know I should be writing about this over at Film Chaw, but with what has been going on over here as of late, I've decided to go back to the roots of things, and when I started this blog, I titled every post with a movie quote. Most of the time those quotes would be somewhat relevant to the content in the post. I've veered from that over the last year or so with blogger world taking a bit of a hiatus and not really being the fun it used to be.

The fact remains however is that I want it to be fun. I need that fun, so I'm going back to basics.
The last two quotes are from a movie that Goat and I have regarded as a lost gem. It's new so being lost is kinda stupid. Missed, definitely. Overlooked, absolutely. It's stupidity is unmatched yet the lines and scenes are side splitting and and should be held in the highest regard as it relates to comedy and wit.

Will Ferrel is at his best in this movie, as is John C Reilly. If you still don't know which movie I am talking about, let me fill you in. Step Brothers. Run, don't walk... Enjoy.

The clown HAS no penis

2010-05-04T08:30:00.003-04:00

If someone who watched last night could explain to me what happened in the Poker from the Rail tournament, I would be much appreciative.

Last I remember, I had 11k in chips with 16 people left. I was in 10th place in chips. That's all I remember.

I don't know if I fell asleep, dusted off, or forgot about it after the last break.

I remember hitting a break, and Goat IM'ing me that he had T7 that last hand when the flop was 776 and his opponent folding on the turn.

Then I remember getting up to quell some tears over a scratchy blanket. when I got back I saw me timing out with QT, let it go, and got some drink.

But I don't remember anything after that. Seriously, it's possible I dusted off in on particular hand but I don't remember.

I swear I'm losing it. WAY too much shit going on right now to be able to focus.

L O S T

2010-04-30T14:06:00.002-04:00

I have no idea what is going on right now. I can't focus, I can't complain, I can't fight, and I certainly don't have it in me to even research or investigate with what has been brought to light.

In essence, I'm lost. I don't even know which direction to go. I've been advised, but can't accept it yet. I've been counseled but can't come to terms with what consequences that may bring.

I have 3 very big things consuming me right now and for the first time, I don't know how to prioritize. On the one hand, one of these things is of the utmost importance, and should be dealt with head on with as much energy that I have.

But it could also be said that the other, being completed, would help to alleviate the only one I actually care about. I don't know if it is too late.

I have zero support. Once again, I'm on my own, but will work accordingly within the parameters that have always been there for me to fight against.

The third is of the least important as I see it now, but would offer the most enjoyment upon it's completion. Go figure. Something for me to finally achieve after so much time and toil and adversity, yet just seems the most insignificant at this point.

So... Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?

BBT... so far

2010-04-27T08:56:00.002-04:00

The anticipation that filled the air some 4 weeks ago with the impending BBT 5 has come and gone and we are just over 2 full weeks into it.

I was honored to be included in the invitational series but missed the first one due to Confirmation, communion, birthday, and other parties that have to do with my tribe of children and neighbors children.

I played the first poker from the rail and Mookie tourneys last week and final tabled both of them. I did get to play this weeks invitational with a a bit of a caveat. I had basketball at 8:30pm. I figured if I played super aggro I would either give myself the chance to double up or at least chip up really well, or dust off early enough to be able to make basketball.

I raised and re-raised often but without really getting any action. I then picked up AA in the bb with 5 limpers. I potted to 220 or so with blinds at 20/40 and Astin (who limped utg) was the only caller.

The flop came 7 T Q and I am not sure if I bet pot or just about 2/3's. It was at least a 600 bet so I'm figuring it was pot. Astin called, and we saw a blank turn. This time I bet just north of 900 chips and Astin flatted me again.

Now, at this point, I am really thinking I am dead to a set. There are no flush draws and the only straight draw is just unfathomable to me to be even in his range. Astin only plays AA or 72 so I felt pretty confident I was either way ahead or going home. I cannot put him on a shitty two pair either. limping and flatting pre is just not going to happen with the two of what was on that board there; yeah I'm pretty sure I'm going home versus a set.

The river brings a J with me first to act. Set or no set, with my circumstances I'm putting it all in here and it stands to think that I may have even made my broadway if he puts me on AK.

I shove and he thinks for about 3 secs (possibly thinking I made broadway) but calls and shows 8 9 off suit for his ass ended straight made on the river. He called off more than half his stack with 8 9 o.

So I have 250 left, shove and go to basketball and had a an awesome run. We lost the first three games 3 on 3 playing half court waiting for the others to show, then won the last 5 games playing 4 on 4 (small court) the rest of the night. I was exhausted but felt great afterward and got home around midnight. I entered a $10 45 man tourney and took 2nd.

So last night I entered the second Poker from the Rail tourney and doubled up sometime around the second break putting me 3rd in chips. I sat there stagnant for about another 40 minutes and then doubled again to 13k or so. I picked up AK and blasted away pretty good til the river when I aired up and lost a good chunk bringing me to about 11k.

Then, UTG with AA I raised up and got a caller from the bb only (julesk) who had about 4k in her stack. The flop came K high and she checked. I bet, she jammed, and I snapped having her crushed until the board came runner runner giving her broadway and taking me back to 6k.

Now, at this point I am getting tired. I keep dosing off and waking up when the alert booped to tell me it was my turn to act. I woke up (literally) to AhKh and shoved against someone lead and he called with AQ. I miraculously hold and go back to 12k. That put me at 8 out of 25. Unfortunately, that's all I remember.

I fell asleep after that and never woke back up until about 3am. This is the second time this has happened to me in blogger series. I once entered the Mookie final table with a big chip lead and fell asleep there ( I think I had 33k in chips in that one). Several wrote posts about it but that was a long time ago.

So, I have played 4 events out of the five (including the two invitationals). I have final tabled 2 and fell asleep with a top ten stack with 20 or so left in a third and had aces cracked early in the other.

Last BBT was horrible for me. I never got anything going and was probably in the worse stretch of a down swing I have ever seen. I ran absolutely horrible and most likely played like shit trying to play out of it as well.

I've been getting beat up here as well, but it has come at times where I have been able to survive and continue on with the exception of the final tables when I went out both times getting it in best. JJ vs AJ and AQ versus AT - Both times they hit the A and the T

I'm feeling good about this time around though and hopefully an get lucky at a final table to be able to take it down.

Josie asked about Survior poker in comments. This will happen. We put it on hiatus in order to be able to afford everyone the bandwidth to play in the BBT. Once the BBT is over we will revist and schedule.

No one has been casted yet, and the rules and regs haven't been fully vetted out yet either, but it will happen shortly. Stay tuned. We're excited. Mostly I am excited about blogger land being all abuzz again!

FU waffles!

Please discuss... (reads - if I don't get at least 50 comments!)

2010-04-21T12:11:00.003-04:00

Buckle up for a nice little conversation here...

I had conference call this morning with a group I am doing some consulting with. This is a poker related company and are based out of... well, they're global. For this conversation I will only post suppositions, and not reveal any names of products or companies or individuals. I will tell you however that what I am about to discuss is real... and serious. About as serious as dick cancer.

The implications, ramifications, and consequences if you will, shall be far greater than what your initial reaction might be, or maybe they won't. In fact, I want you to be cognizant of your initial reaction and then think more deeply of what may happen.

What I am talking about relates to online poker and a technology, although not ground breaking, but is finally getting closer to becoming a reality. Very close.

ready? Here it is....

The technology has finally been achieved to be able to offer live streaming video and audio of YOU playing online poker. Instead of seeing a Gecko, Pirate, or Monkey, you will be able to see your opponent live, watching him smash his buttons, give you the finger, or curse the idiot who cold called a 5 bet with TJo. You will also be able to hear him, and they you. You will be able to chat with him using verbal language instead of typing.

The technology that has made this possible has to do with the amount of bandwidth and being able to make it real time. I've been informed that has, or is close to being perfected. There are many many steps yet to be taken to actually implement yet, legal issues, regulation, etc... so I won't state that you'll be able to see Waffles rub one out tonight in the Mookie, but the technology is there...

Now, let's pretend that I've been mislead, or misinformed... For this discussion, it doesn't matter. What do you think? What will result in something like this? Obviously it will be up to the player to even have the ability to use it; webcams, etc., but most will be able to use it.

Do you think most will?

Does on-line poker die, and it now becomes Live poker online?

How prevalent will cheating become? wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, sit your doberman in front of the camera licking his nuts while you play?

How about the WSOP Online main event? Imagine the prize pool in that one? Any different than if the technology didn't exist?

How do they regulate it? protect others from watching some dude rubbing money on his titties, or worse? (BLING BLANG BLAU)

what type of scams? where does online go from here?

Is it something you would do? Does the concept gain traction?

Do the porn sites now go crazy with chics in bikinis, or nothing for that matter, take over a whole table with signs in the background showing their url address? and even moreso... being able to transfer FT/ Poker stars points for a 30 minutes session of three chics and a bucket.

Censored tables, women only tables, etc...

There are so many more directions this could go. Of course it could be like anything else and gain zero traction from the public.

Imagine the possibilities, the issues, the advantages, the failings...

* yes this is true. don't ask me how, who or when. I won't divulge until it is allowed to be. I will post updates as I get them. I will tell you that this most likely is not the only product of its kind being developed. It just so happens that this product is the first to break the technological barriers that have held the concept back so far.

discuss

Joe Effen Cada

2010-04-20T11:25:00.002-04:00

Played in the Poker from the Rail Event #1 last night. I think there was close to a 100 players. Paid top 18 and it was a silly ride.

I came in either 5th or 6th place. Don't remember. All I remember is being 2nd in chips to Vinnay's monster stack who had three of us doubled. I was officially second in chips but really only about 4-7k ahead of two others.

Vinnay led out UTG for 3k... I was in the bb with AdKd and made it 14k to go. He flatted. The flop cames all spades and I puked a little. I c-bet some horseshit 9k or so and he flatted again. The turn came a 4th spade, I checked and he shoved... I auto muck and he shows KJ with a spade. I mentioned I had AK and he said I should have bet more.

I'm down to 20k or so now and pick up JJ in the bb. Pinkystinky leads out pre for 6 or so and I shove for 20k or so total. She calls with AJ and binks an A.

The rest of the tourney was ridiculous with AT besting AJ, 22 besting QQ Vinnay getting AQ KK AQ three hands in a row eliminating the remaining two players to win the game outright.

It was a funny turn of events at the end there with the cards that were flying. It reminded me though how fun it was to play these things again and get back to having a blast with bloggers for a shot at some cash and of course WSOP seats.

Can't wait for the Mookie tomorrow. Congrats to Vinnay for taking it (reads mowing it) down and earning a seat in the TOC and about five-hundo FTW.

You're fixin' to get lit up man!

2010-04-15T08:19:00.000-04:00

Hillbilly On Riding Mower Tasered - Watch more Funny Videos

OUT(road) RAGED!

2010-04-12T10:32:00.002-04:00

We had an incident happen in these here parts on Friday that just doesn't make any sense.

Back story: read/ watch here

OK, so rte 422 is a very congested road during rush hour, whether heading in, or home to the city and back for suburbanites who moved way out west for a bigger house. It's an artery that takes you from King of Prussia to as far as Reading, and it is a busy busy road. It also backs up a ton in the morning rush hours heading east into the city.

Imagine driving that road every day, getting caught a little late, and realizing that what should be a 15 minute drive is going to take you an hour. It can be frustrating. Granted.

Here's what happened on Friday.

Two folks, one moron and one broad (you'll see why I use harsh terms) are driving east on 422, obv trying to get to work. Ones is a black fusion, the other a silver Buick Lucerne.

According to witnesses they were playing a game of cat and mouse. Both driving extremely erratic, chasing each other, even driving very fast on the shoulder of the road. One witness stated that he saw the black ford even hit her brakes rather hard. Obviously they are both engaged in unsafe driving practices and just road raging on each other.

What happens next is stunning. The broad feels a vibration in her car, giving her the impression that she was sideswiped. So she starts to pull over thinking the other guy will as well, but he keeps going. She steps on the gas and chases him to obtain the license plate successfully. She then pulls over and calls 911. It's at this point that she realizes that she is injured. Her elbow and leg are bleeding.

Turns out the vibration she felt was from a 9mm round entering the back passenger side of her ford, which then traveled through the car and hit her elbow and leg. (back.... and to the left. BACK.... and to the left).

This guy continues on to work (Center City Philadelphia), obviously not knowing that he actually hit the chic. He parked his car at the Radnor train station and took the train into the city. By 9ish he tells his employer that he's not feeling well and heads home. His boss later told police that he was very red in the face and not looking good. My supposition is that he got to work, fired up the ole internets and saw, as it was making live news, that some broad was shot on 422 and that they were looking for HIS car (the news stations had initially released the tag number but then removed it by request of the police so as not to hinder the investigation).

This guy turns himself into his attorneys office in Norristown and by 2pm is in the custody of police. The gal was choppered into a city hospital and was released that night in stable condition. She has refused to speak to the press and has not released any statements. Some news outlets have reported that her name was not released to protect her anonymity, but others release the name of Elizabeth Cox. One station even reported that they went to her home, a blond woman with bandages on her arm and leg answered the door, but a male said, no comment, and closed the door.

Let me tell you what's wrong with this...

First, the whole thing is a mess, and this guy Yannarell should be locked in a cage for quite some time. He is facing attempted murder charges, aggravated assault, and some other charges. He will be sued civilly and deserves to lose everything. By some accounts, as reported in the papers, he is a known hot head. However, he is also a productive member of society with no record other than some traffic citations. He lives in a very nice home, works as an engineer, and apparently had a moment of insanity. Again, I'm not condoning his behavior, in fact, I am indicting this guy myself. Knucklehead moron should be made to pay for his reckless behavior with time and money. Imagine if the broad has a kid in that car. Something that would be quite possible to not see if the kid is an infant and is in a child seat. I can't imagine what he was thinking being so irresponsible.

Here is my issue with the broad... and unfortunately, the end result here gives her a pass (minus the 9mm round in her thigh). By all accounts they were BOTH driving like maniacs. This traffic is no joke. It's literally a crawl at no more than 10 miles and hour, opening up in spots and then closing down again. There were accounts of them driving extremely fast on the SIDE OF THE ROAD, kicking up stones and rocks at the folks who were taking their medicine and driving responsibly. Obviously this chic played her part in keeping the road rage going and, according to my interpretation, she played as big a role in this as he did. Egging him on, prolonging the event, whatever. What we don't know is who the instigator was. Doesn't matter either. What does matter is that, again, by all accounts, both were culpable in this event.

Imagine if instead of this guy shooting at her car, they collide with some 26 year old father and he dies as a result. The chic is now not looking at a law suit for a few scars, but now looking at jail time herself. So that fact that she gets into it with a psychotic moron and escapes hurting anyone else in the their little cat and mouse game, she comes off looking as a victim. Which, in this instance, she is. Let's not overlook the fact that she played a part in this and what could have happened.

Road rage is a serious thing. It puts peoples lives in danger. This chic is lucky this time. Lucky because she didn't die. She's also lucky that she didn't take part in killing anyone else.

Mr. Douchebag is going to lose everything. His freedom, his assets, essentially his life. As he should. Without a doubt. It is incredulous to me that someone who is seemingly so normal has it in them to think that sending off a round or two into someone who pissed them off because driving slow, being cutoff, or whatever happened, seems logical, or warranted. I want to know what the hell this guy needs a weapon for in the first place IN HIS CAR.

Now, I'm making suppositions here that the chic played a part in this road rage, egging him on, racing with him, hitting her brakes after he pissed her off after she pissed him off. Could be that she was afraid for her life and just took off. I doubt it. It seems quite evident to me that she played a part, and lucky for her, they didn't end up hitting each other and killing some innocent who was sitting in that traffic.

Either way, she's one lucky broad.

Billy Payne press release on Tiger

2010-04-07T16:20:00.003-04:00

Billy Payne - Augusta Club Chairman, speaking on behalf of Augusta and The Master's released this statement:

“He forgot in the process (of becoming the world’s best golfer) that with fame and fortune comes responsibility, not invisibility,” Payne said.

“It is not simply the degree of his conduct that is so egregious here; it is the fact that he disappointed all of us, and more importantly, our kids and our grandkids.

“Our hero did not live up to the expectations of the role model we saw for our children.

“Certainly, his future will never again be measured only by his performance against par, but measured by the sincerity of his efforts to change.

“I hope he now realizes that every kid he passes on the course wants his swing, but would settle for his smile.

“I hope he can come to understand that life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who bring joy to the lives of other people.

“We at Augusta hope and pray that our great champion will begin his new life here tomorrow in a positive, hopeful and constructive manner, but this time with a significant difference from the past. This year, it will not be just for him, but for all of us who believe in second chances.”

Now, I'm not one to judge... normally. But is this the largest pile of crap you have ever heard?
Coming from a guy who is the chair of a club that has fought over and over again to keep minorities and women from not just playing, but even being a member?

Tiger has been the Master's only attraction in the last 10 years and this guy all of a sudden wants to get moral on everyone. I don't know whether to laugh or throw up. This has got to be the best example of hypocrisy I've seen in a very long time.

I'm not giving Tiger a pass here. I'm not defending him against these statements either, but who in the hell does this guy think he is? I hope Tiger wins and then holds his hand out to shake the grandchild of Billy Payne, only to pull it back and out of reach when the kid reaches out. Tiger should be looking at Payne, and say SIKE!

McNabb... OUT!

2010-04-05T10:53:00.002-04:00

I hate making this post on the day that Roy EFFING Halladay makes his debut, and the fact that it is opening day for the Phil's, with none other than the Pres making the opening pitch. In such beautiful weather as well!

There are way too many opinions out there that are just more emotional than they are sensible so let's take the 'ole Riggs spin on things...

First, McNabb is hands down a Hall of Famer, the best QB ever to step foot in Philadelphia, and one of the best in the NFL for years. That being said, let's look at what the future holds.

Oh, and let me say also that all you retards out there making the statement that the fans ran him out of town, are, well... Reh- Tards. Fans haven't had much input on anything this team has done since Reid started. It's quite obvious to anyone who has lived here and been a fan of this team that the organization could give a shit about the fans and what they think about how the team operates. McNabb being picked in the first place (or anyone other than Ricky Williams) is and was the first indication of that. Vick is another. So let's move on and take a look at why McNabb was moved now, shall we?

First, his contract is up NEXT year. The Eagles, and obviously other teams (by the way this whole thing has transpired) don't think that he is worth much. Actions speak louder than words.

Secondly, this is the only place the Eagles can actually get value for a top player and not have to worry about eating any part of his contract. I think it's obvious that the Birds weren't going to pay him next year and if that was the case, they get nothing in return. I also think this years draft will show another QB being taken as insurance or even as the replacement of Donovan. Kolb, I don't think, will be the Eagles answer. He has done nothing. They haven't let him do anything. He had two games with high production against the two worst teams in the league at the time. Other than that, he has had zero chance to contribute. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see it.

Now, McNabb going to the Redskins is a head scratcher. There were three teams I thought had the best chance. Cleveland, Minnesota, and Oakland. Oakland because they are out of conference and would most likely need the help and willing to pay the price. Cleveland and Minnesota for two very distinctive reasons. They both have personnel that came from the Eagles. Reid has shown in the past to work with these guys more and both have a need. All of a sudden Washington??? That tells me three things. They don't recognize him as being a strong player anymore and he won't hurt them, and/or, they wanted that second round pick so bad for something they see as bolstering this organization up for years to come, that it was going to happen no matter what, as long as they could get that pick (or somewhere near it), and/or there is no way they are going to pay him or carry him after his contract and absolutely saw it mandatory to get something out of him NOW.

Also, you have to understand that there is no cap this year, and next year, a lot of analysts are expecting a lock out. No NFL football next year could be a reality. Maybe not, maybe so, so it's quite possible the Birds are hedging their bets as well. Get Value while you can.

My personal thoughts on it? PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT!

One, it doesn't really matter in the short term. What they get for him that is. A second round pick is great. Better than what most people give it credit for. However, at what cost. The second round pick will take time to develop. Who knows if they don't draft a gem in the second round the following year? It's a gamble. This just tells me they want what they want now for a reason. They also just brought in two fantastic receivers. D-Jack and J-Mac will need someone to throw to them. I would have loved to see McNabb get another year to do so.

I can't see the Eagles having a winning season next year. One thing is for sure. This was done with a purpose. They already know who they are going to take with that second pick. The Eagles have been a great organization in that regards. Always enough to get to the playoffs. The issue with the fans is having 5 shots at the NFC championship, and not being able to get the ring. Unfortunately, that problem will always fall on the Coach or QB. It certainly isn't falling on the offensive lineman or Defensive coordinator. It's funny how people don't recognize that.

If they do have a winning season and Kolb turns out to be a monster, I will worship at the Andy Reid alter for the rest of my life. I liked McNabb. I thought he was awesome to watch. He had some issues (or I had some with him), that most outside of Philly didn't get to see. He threw a lot of players under the bus. He seemed non-caring about things. He never accepted responsibility other than the ole company line, but I contributed that to Reid coaching him on how to handle the media.

In the end, he will always be loved here in Philly. I would have loved to see him finish his career here, but something like that is a thing of the past in professional sports. I hope he goes on to prosper. I really do. I doubt he has much more than 3 years left in his career, but I hope he makes the best of them.

Finally, I think I have to approve this trade. If the Eagles think it's what's best for the organization, then so be it. They've been pretty good at those decisions. I would like to see McNabb stay, and I certainly don't understand him going to a division rival, but in the end, change is good. It saddens me, but I understand it.

Yeah, you can check it out now

2010-04-02T19:39:00.001-04:00

Goat posted the vid of an upcoming idea he and I were bouncing around. Buddy and Jo made the Vid and have only enhanced the idea further...

This is going to be fun! Stay tuned for deets!

What the hell does this mean????

2010-04-02T13:58:00.002-04:00

Pennsylvania ruled the other day that Texas Holdem is not a skill game. (thanks Tragedy!).

So what does it mean? Not a whole hell of a lot. I'll tell you why.

PA has been a cavernous pit of hemming and hawing since Texas Hold'em became popular. 5 years ago when I started up Riverchasers, we went to the state and tried to get as much info as possible.

Nothing. They knew nothing. They had no opinions, and they had no clear definitions for us. The LCB was just as vague. But they knew one thing. Rules to constrain the license holders from being able to entice people to drink by way of any medium other than the customer just walking in and spending their dollar.

The reason for the shift all of a sudden is two fold. First, there were some cases within the last three years where some local bar owners started having their own poker games on premise. Pay to play. Walk in, buy-in, play. No rake was taken, but the bars made money selling their wares. They were each busted and fought the charges successfully. All three cases were dismissed. On the local level that is. The state didn't like that.

Why?

Well, let's introduce the states law on games of chance.... Any game that holds these three occurences are considered illegal gaming. Consideration, Chance, Reward. Hold'em was never classified specifically (as every other game is in the statute), so no one could ever really say that it was a game of chance. The point was, it needed to be classified either way.

Now, introduce LEGAL Casinos with the ability to have REAL texas holdem games. Imagine the state ignoring these rulings BEFORE any casino that is spending 15mil to for a license opens it's doors, only to find out it will be competing with Jimmy's Beef and Ale. It was important for the state to recognize where they will be able to control poker parlors.

Texas Hold'em being ruled a game of chance firmly ensconces it into the "illegal" category protecting Casinos who will be paying for those pricey licenses. As one of the county DA's told me, "it doesn't actually mean they think it is" (then smiled).

This doesn't effect my business at all either. We already operate under the guise that it was illegal and follow every single guideline to stay within those limits and operate legally. Always have, always will.

Here's hoping everyone has a great weekend! Happy Easter!

Waffle Pwn

2010-03-30T14:22:00.003-04:00

Now, I might be the last person to have seen this video (since it has 23 million views), but I stumbled upon it and thought WOW! Waffles!

Here is the vid:

Then, while watching the video, I saw a pop ad that says, "go to Ebay and search Wafflepwn for t-shirts"

This can't be coincidence can it?

Phone Book Question

2010-03-26T15:16:00.001-04:00

What does the # sign mean when it is placed in front of any random word or phrase. I don't tweet and I think it has something to do with that.

There... I asked. I'm not afraid to look stupid either.

Explain away. Oh, and have a good weekend.

P.S. any other tweetisms that you think coincide with the # sign should be included as well. :)

L O S T

2010-03-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

For those of you that partake...

Of Adam's first wife, Lilith, it is told
(The witch he loved before the gift of Eve,)
That, ere the snake's, her sweet tongue could deceive,
And her enchanted hair was the first gold.
And still she sits, young while the earth is old,
And, subtly of herself contemplative,
Draws men to watch the bright web she can weave,
Till heart and body and life are in its hold.
The rose and poppy are her flower; for where
Is he not found, O Lilith, whom shed scent
And soft-shed kisses and soft sleep shall snare?
Lo! As that youth's eyes burned at thine, so went
Thy spell through him, and left his straight neck bent
And round his heart one strangling golden hair.

AC Part III

2010-03-23T10:52:00.003-04:00

OK, so not really part III yet. There seems to be some issues with Poker getting up and running in PA as of yet. Some have stated that it may not happen until 2011, possibly 2012.

The real issue is that PA has yet to decided about the regulations for the dealers, the games themselves, and how the rake will be calculated. I'm not sure the casinos are in too big of a hurry as they try to negotiate the states regs for every other table game.

Philly Parx just sent in their first application for somewhere near the first 50 tables of the 250 they are allotted. Poker is not among them.

They did however issue a release that they intend to have at least a 75 table poker room. We'll just have to wait. For those reasons alone... AC will continue to win, at least for the time being. In the least it gives them more time to come up with some fixes. The city better be on board however, cause that is going to be a big piece of it. We're not talking about survival here. We're talking growth and sustainability.

Health Care

2010-03-22T09:18:00.003-04:00

The minimalist in me makes this particularly hard. I've seen posts on Facebook, hundreds of them already covering the gamut. Yeah! Healthcare! Booo Socialism! and some who obviously have zero fucking clue of what it means either way.

The Dems see this as a win. The repubs see it as a loss, although I guarantee someone is thinking up some shit to use it as political ammo to oust as many dems as possible in upcoming elections.

Apparently nothing happens until 2013, except the rise in personal taxes. But for simplistic reasons, let me just throw out what it really means.

- The US Government just took control of 1/6 of the nations economy
- This bill was passed to "help" just around 10% of the population
- The Dems tried (I'm not sure if it was successful yet) to get this legislation passed without ever being able to be overturned or reversed.

We lost today. Democracy literally took a back seat to politics and big business. In a Democracy, the majority is supposed to rule. On this issue, it didn't. The majority of US citizens were against this bill, yet it passed.

Listen, I'm not against affordable health care. I wish it for everyone. I agree it should be a right. I've been convinced. But this is not going to be what everyone thinks it is. Nothing much will change unless you are already a member of the welfare class. The policy you have will stay the same. You will pay more taxes. Your premiums will not go down. Your service will. Doctors will become less available. A new system will be built privately for the wealthy, driven by capitalists who see a need, and demand, for specialized care, afforded by those who want it, and will and can pay for it.

This will only cause more problems as those who don't have will cry bull shit. I really view this as yet another step in separating the classes even further. The middle class is dying. This will only help to widen the divide between classes.

Funny? Maybe AC? Possibly

2010-03-18T09:35:00.004-04:00

You might have heard of Jihad Jane. I'm sure it made national news, but mostly I've been following it via our local media because it happened in these here parts.

To me, without really reading much of the gals background, it seems more of a cry for attention. Boredom and/or stupidity if you will. Someone with nothing else to do, nothing to relate to, so, why not do something where she will be liked and acknowledged.

Taking all things in perspective though, it seems as if most of the people I speak to about it look at it is nothing more than a joke. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! What a dope! What a loser! What a clown!".

I know, you here these snippets and immediately think, "must be talking about waffles"... but alas, no. These remarks are towards some unknown who perpetrated an almost unthinkable act. Along with the fact that it was by someone who doesn't fit, at all, the so called profile of someone you would think would do this. For one, a female. Secondly, a suburban, supposedly middle class female.

Is this really funny. Am I missing something here? This is some serious shit. From a seemingly half hearted attempt to grasp something meaningful in an otherwise meaningless life (reportedly), to conspiring to have someone waxed because they offended an entire religion. Good Lord. Take up knitting or something. Even I poke fun at it, but is it really that funny? Or silly? Someone get this chic some meds. Or better yet, smile at her. Jesus.

I've been gathering some G2 (intel) on the impending card rooms here in PA. AC Part III is in the works but I don't want to just make random statements that are nothing more than supposition. Things have happened here in PA where some of the Casinos have made their first attempts at filing for table licenses. So far the first round of applications haven't included Poker tables. I'm sure that will happen shortly, but some press releases have shown that the PA casinos will initially go after the higher margin table games like black jack and roulette before investing in Poker. Early indications point that there are several reasons for that. First is the fact that regs for poker dealers hasn't been established yet, or are in the works. Second is that the other games obviously offer a higher margin than poker.

As soon as I am done my research, I'll have solid facts to support my thoughts. It's shaping up to be very interesting. That is the approach that these PA casinos are taking and their strategy they have seemingly embraced.

I now must sign off - for the greatest sporting event in the history of the world is about to start. I MUST PREPARE...

P.S. Last night was brutal. Destinations where missed, unexpected, and salty. I hate bad drunks.

Ahhh Politics!

2010-03-07T09:43:00.002-05:00

I get it... I owe the final part of why AC will win. I've been BUSY! (exactly as Luther says it in 48 hours) and will get to it post haste.

But before then, I would like to point out how local politics, MY local politics, are just as corrupt and shallow as federal politics. I can gather that it is most likely this way across our great land. It seems as if those in power generally have the inclination that politics equals personal discretion on how much they get to do whatever the hell they think is apropos for them and their little circle jerk of friends.

Entitlement for achieving such a high level of "prestige" if you will. Check out this little story I found in our local newspaper. For all you national readers out there, and also for the record, County Commissioner James Matthews happens to be Chris Matthews' (of CNN) brother.

There is so much more to this story and if you are local, you probably know it already. If not and wish to choose to understand it a little more, I 'll give you the gist of it...

Montco had a policy of RFP's for service... The Dem's came in and decided to NOT offer RFP's befor awarding contracts for goods and services and just so happens that one of those companies was a heavy donator to the campaigns of those dems. The dems then blame the repubs and so on and so forth. Oh, and one of those commissioners is now running for Governor of the state. Beautiful.

I ask my neighbors about this in casual conversation as we attempt to settle down for the night discussing our children's going on's and quirks. No one really seems to give a shit as it doesn't have an effect on their daily lives. Part of the reason I guess why these idiots get away with what they do. One neighbor stated, I don't even vote anymore because, "What's the point?".

Well, let's think about that... In all honesty, what is the point? I can get all patriotic and American. Voting was always ingrained into our heads growing up as a privilege and right that makes our country what it is. Voting was a duty. However, in today's climate, I can at least understand the apathy. I don't condone it, but I understand it.

Part 3 of why AC will win is coming. Here is part I and Part II if you'd like to catch up. PA will have their share of poker players and the market, but AC will do things to stay not only competitive, but on top of the Mid-Atlantic poker heap.

ahhh... Sandwhiches!

2010-03-05T19:20:00.002-05:00

I don't think that there should be any doubt about my affection for sandwiches. Any kind of sandwich. I love to cook, and I like cooking complicated, but the sandwich is always number one in my heart.

Cuban mufalatto, Italian hoagies, chicken salad on a croissant or bagel, steak sandwich with blue cheese, or whatever you think will make it happen for you at any given time.

But see, living here in the South Eastern part of PA we have a specialty. More precisely, Norristown, PA. Tommy Lasorda, Peter Boyle, Mike Piazza, even Maria Bello hail from this area, and all could tell you about this one sandwich delicacy.

It's called a zep. That's right, a Zep. In Norristown, there were two places to find a zep. Lou's and Eve's. It has been a hot contested battle for years about who's is the best. Recently, there has been a third contender brought to the surface... Sessano's. Sessano's is home to some very good Italian pork, but they also, among my circle of friends, have been entered into the ring of Zep warriors.

OK, so what is a zep? Very simply, provolone cheese, cooked salami, onions, tomatoes, oregano, oil, on a long or round roll. Done and done. It's the simple things, really.

How could something so simple be so different? Why are there only three competitors? Well, actually, you can get a zep at any place that sells sandwiches. It's just that these three are the best. I have found some differences, and have pin pointed why they are different and which one I prefer the most.

Eve's is the grandmother of all things Zeps. when they first opened their shop, it's all the sold. Zeps, potato chips, and sodas. That's it. Lou's has been selling them longer, but he also had a full service shop. Sessano's has only been open for a few years, but man do they do it right.

The differences are quite unique. Lou's cuts his onion much thinner than Eve's. Eve's bread is better. Sessano's uses a slightly different mix of oil that offers a little bit more of a twang, but still keeps it within the "Zep" category.

Why am I pining over Zeps all of a sudden? because it's friday and I can't eat meat. Well, I can, but my son said something about it while I was getting ready to purchase something I had waited for almost two hours (once I made the decision on what I was going to have for lunch).

Of course, Eve's sells tuna zeps, which are just as tasty. Just not the original...

Gift idea... Enjoy

2010-03-03T14:03:00.001-05:00

2010 Olympics

2010-03-01T09:29:00.002-05:00

These Olympics where very weird. Curling took front stage. Hockey was awesome. Tragedy. Entertainment. These Olympics were all about Canada. The most Gold medals ever. Vancouver. Parties in the streets, and awesome awesome hockey.

It was weird to see an awesome game, come to such a climax, first getting into overtime, and then ending on such a soft goal. But such an incredible game.

Norway took a ton of medals. The US set a record for most medals. (although I usually don't recognize silver and bronze medals - that's just me).

Did I mention the Hockey? Congrats to Canada for hosting such a wonderful event, an incredible hockey team, and a wonderful show of spirit throughout the games themselves.

In sports today...

2010-02-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

I apologize for not getting to part three of the AC express. I will have that wrapped up and posted by Friday.

In the meantime...

I would just like to point out a few things in the sports world...

1) The Ravens officially have two murderers on their team now. One on each side of the ball.

2) Tiger Woods is about to confess and apologize on Friday, live from the PGA corporate offices. *sigh... If I were him I'd shut the hell up and let the Grand slam and 14 wins he puts up this year do the apologizing.

3) ESPN had a lead in to the Eagles Kevin Kolb trade rumors. If this is the case expect Kolb to be traded to Cleveland by the end of the month. And scratch your head about what the Eagles plan to do for a Quaterback for the next 10 years.

4) Phil Helmuth wrote a blog post on his cardplayer blog about getting therapy about his issue with handling fame. Apparently there are two Phil's. Then just this week on High Stakes Poker, he blows up, whines about bad luck, and quits the game saying he would get Phil Ivey for TWO million at some point! Epic therapy Fail!

5) Bam wrote a post about the Olympics and the death of the Luge guy. I agree with his points and added a comment myself.

That is all...

OK, WHY Atlantic City will win... Part II

2010-02-10T19:40:00.002-05:00

Consider yesterday's post a set up. I think I made arguments that AC should experience some issues with lost revenues from daily players, have proven that they already have (PA slots rev higher in Dec), and the overall horseshit that players have to get through just to get there.

Bam left a comment with a little sort of disagreement. HOP seems to think he's right in the sense that, of course, properties will offer bargains and incentives in order to keep your business from going elsewhere. Heff also wrote up a very astute point of view. One that comes from personal experience considering his own barriers from where he resides.

People tend to make judgments about business decisions, especially when it's not their business and usually over look many factors. From the outside, it is obvious to most that AC will face an uphill battle. Again, supply and demand dictates that when the supply exceeds the demand, those that do the best job will come out on top. And not only come out on top, but, by the very nature of business, destroy all those others who may try to keep a little taste of the market.

What we have here however is an anomaly which resides in the very product that is being offered. Gambling. See what most people forget is the very fact that gambling breeds demand. With the Sands opening table games in Bethlehem, PA, some might think that those who lived in that area and always traveled to AC might forgo their little $100 trips down south and just play right smack in their hometowns. It makes sense, and will probably happen... to an extent. It's also safe to say that out of the 500,000 players who reside in the A-B-E area of PA (Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton) maybe 20,000 of them actually ever made the jaunt to AC. The point I'm making is that these new properties don't care about AC and taking their players. What they do care about is creating a whole new base of players to cater to. Now, I am making this case with poker being the main focus. So let's see what AC has to do to be sure that they themselves will be able to keep, if not grow, their existing business.

Let me tell you, the conversations I have had with management types down in AC have not all been doom and gloom. Sure, it's easy to panic and say "GOOD CHRIST! what are we going to do?" They all have budgets to maintain. They all see daily play leveling off already. Something that has only happened in the last year. All other previous years were growth years. That leveling off was a sign that poker may have reached maximum density.

From an industry standpoint I will tell you that those execs in AC should be jumping up and down with glee. Am I crazy? Actually I'm quite the friggin' genius. Let's look at Vegas. Vegas is in a bad spot. It's in the middle of the desert, and for most that want to play, they gotta go and spend a few days. Vegas has done a fantastic job building mecca's for debauchery and the good ole American worker, the college kids, and single 30 somethings feel as if they have reached a milestone by getting there and telling their stories of survival as if the have experienced a right of passage. The Vegas marketing machine, writers, and even Hollywood have helped with that.

AC is smack dab in the middle of the most populated section of the country. Hundreds of millions of players are within a 2 hour ride to the place. AC doesn't need what Vegas has. They already provide daily access. Something Vegas does not.

With the advent of new poker rooms being open closer to where those players that may have frequented AC will be, it's easy to recognize that those players no longer have a need to travel to AC. The properties know that. But let's not forget that most of these properties that will be opening in PA, DE, and MD will be owned by those same properties in AC. Foxwoods might be looking at the same issue. Probably why they are opening one smack dab in the middle of center city Philadelphia.

But this eludes my point. I'm not talking about individual properties here being able to lessen the losses. Atlantic City itself is going to have to take ownership. They will have to show some type of commitment to the properties in terms of adding infrastructure, commerce, and development in order to sustain viability in attracting and retaining consumers.

I will reiterate again that these new properties offering table games will grow a consumer base more than any before. Those is the areas where those properties exist that have never played before will certainly take their shots now. Believe me when I tell you there are a contingent of consumers that refuse to travel any distance to play live poker. Not to mention those that don't take it seriously enough because the ride was the very obstacle to even try. With properties being so close, those barriers go away and you will see more and more players attracted to the live tables.

I'm not saying that those who go to AC will stay in AC and the properties in the new states will survive on new players alone. However, in my next post, I will take a step outside the box and look at the possibility of what new properties will do for the poker industry itself. How it will grow playership, and what each property will need to do in order to maximize their market share. Including a plan for AC which will hopefully show you how they will continue to thrive for years to come, without having to give away the farm.

How Atlantic City will win

2010-02-09T09:13:00.002-05:00

The landscape for live poker in the North East/ Mid-Atlantic states is changing. Quickly. As I've written about in the past, PA recently gave the nod to table games in their slot casinos across the state. DE is on board, and now Maryland is on it's way as well.

My man HOP just wrote a post about his thoughts on poker in the east (which include some incredible maps) and how it will effect Atlantic City and even some thoughts on how AC should defend.

In the business arena, when faced with new competition, conventional wisdom tells us that adding incentives to keep your current customers from straying will give you the best chance to retain that market share and keep losses at a minimum. *This means panic.

HOP goes on to suggest that AC should lower room rates, offer better deals, keep the big name talent coming in... All very lucid, intelligent, well thought out points (Ty Judge... OVER RULED!) <-- Herman Munster was the only person that could have played that part IMO.

What we have here is something rather complicated for AC. This isn't the corner McDonald's fighting for business over Burger King across the street. But it will be.

When a company, or organization, or person even, seems to have had a monopoly on something for some time (geographically at least) and then all of sudden, a deluge of new competition is unleashed, common sense tells you a few things. First, you would recognize the 'ole supply and demand rule. Supply has exceeded demand, hence the monopoly will lose a lot of business to competing shops. In this case, most likely, proximity. Players all over PA, DE, and MD traveled to AC to get their live poker (BJ, craps, whatever else) groove on. Now they won't. It makes sense to think that AC will lose a lot of that daily play they were so used to, to something as simple as convenience.

Secondly, If you've been to AC, you would know it's not the nicest, the easiest, or the happiest place to be. To make the hour and thirty minute drive for me costs $30 in gas, $12 in tolls, an extra 30-45 minutes in traffic, and $5 - $15 to park.

In other words, to just go and play your simple 1/2 nl hold'em live action game, or ship about $300 to play $15 max bet Black jack, it will be conducive to stay in state and hit up one of the many casinos that will now offer those same games.

This is all true when it comes to the guy or gal who likes to set out once a month and play recreationally. The ones who the casinos like to cater to. The $500 a month club if you will.

Yes indeed, these players will hurt AC. The Atlantic City press published a story in January that PA actually PASSED Atlantic City for the first time in slot revenues for Dec. '09. Not a good sign. Atlantic City better friggin' panic. If for any other reason than this... Over the years they have spent (all casinos collectively) a shit ton of money building poker rooms. Something that was in the past a loss leader. Casinos don't make money on poker like they do the other table games. It does have it's advantages. First, it became a great marketing tool to bring players to their venues. The popularity of poker throughout the early to mid ott's was a boon to lure people by the masses into a casino room. The hope was that spouses and others would follow to go play the "other games" while pops dusted off at 3/6 limit. It worked. Secondly, it's guaranteed income. There's no whale that can plop down a $300k bet and hit for 35 to 1 on black 20 (if 20 is indeed black). Hwever, that guaranteed income never even came close to the profit margins it expected off of general table games, therefore, almost considered a loss, when you calculate how much space it took away from being able to offer more of the games that actually provide those lucrative profits.

AC did a great job providing poker and saw a lot of value out of it. The Borgata has made itself the premier place to play in the East Coast, and a regular tourney stop for pros alike. Something of a feat considering how difficult is to get to AC (fly to philly, find a car service to get you down there, stay, get back). Trust me, it's an issue with players.

All of the above points to AC having an issue with PA and surrounding states being able to compete. Add to that the intentions of those PA properties. Philly Parx (Bensalem, PA) issued a press release some 3 months ago stating that they would open a 100 table poker room. That would make them the largest poker room on the east coast (Borgata is currently, with 85 tables).

Now, I have since learned that it will most likely be 75, but time will tell. The point is, not only Parx, but the Sands in Bethlehem, Harrah's in Chester, and other properties are making it a point to show everyone, consumers, vendors, and competitors alike, that they will be making a huge push to gain as much market share as possible. All of this, plus previous points, doesn't bode very well for AC and it's properties.

I will tell you however... AC management are no dummies. Let me get back to the original comparison of Burger king versus McDonald's. What we have here are like products against different brands, and each hold their own. Now, let's throw in Wendy's. Wendy's was successful because they catered to a different consumer. Back in the hay day, they catered to yuppies.

Atlantic City is going to take this path. Over the last decade, AC has tried to become more of a Vegas type arena. This wasn't done by the city fathers. This was (and is) attempted by the properties themselves. When I say Vegas, I'm being a little unfair. This would lead you to believe that it's about competing against Vegas, and that's not the point I am trying to make. What I mean is that AC will become more of a destination resort rather than a daily destination.

The history of AC is very important to be able to understand how much of a paradox AC will have to overcome in order to be successful against new competition. In the next post, I will go through the history of AC, how it made it's money, and what steps it will take to overcome the transformation of east coast gambling.

I will end this post by telling you that AC will not lower prices. You will actually be paying more for rooms. You will continue to see the level of talent showing up for shows, and you will see higher limits on their minimum table requirements. No more $10 black jack baby. You may not even see 2/4 limit in the poker rooms. AC will see some drop off initially from those curiosity seekers looking at those new rooms. Their daily play will have issues as well. But overall, I believe AC will overcome this onslaught of competition and, eventually, come out ahead.

Winter Borgata Poker Open - 2010

2010-01-20T12:31:00.001-05:00

It's that time again folks! Borgata' s Winter Poker Open has started today with a Deep stack $350+ $50 NLHE tournament. So far there are 1500 registrants.

Follow along here!

HELP HAITI!

2010-01-14T22:39:00.002-05:00

The following was totally ripped off from LJ's Blog. Word for word. Now go and donate.

help haiti
CR (Card runners) instructor Verneer is organizing donations for Haiti here and has already raised over 6k, and FTP is also doing a bunch of tournaments and fake tournaments. Cribbed from Brian's blog:

1. Aid For Haiti tournaments: Starting tonight and running through Sunday, there will be a number of “Aid For Haiti” tournaments at a range of buyins for players to participate in. The first one is at 2PM ET (under an hour) and it’s a $5 + $5 ($5 from every entry will be donated).

2. Aid For Haiti “no-play” tournaments: These are “fake” tournaments that won’t run. For anyone that wants to make a direct donation, they can enter one of the 10 different tournaments (all “scheduled” for Sunday at 6pm ET, 3pm PT) and not worry about playing a tournament.

3. An “Aid For Haiti” user has been set up for direct P2P transfers. Anyone can transfer any amount greater than $5 to that player ID.

All money raised will be matched by Full Tilt Poker and sent to various charities, so for every dollar you donate, an additional dollar from FTP will be directed toward helping the cause. Personally I will be making a direct donation, as well as possibly playing in some of the tournaments. I urge anyone who can help, even a little, to do so as well.

****************************************

for those who don't want to use poker monies (like me) you can donate directly through red cross here.

edit: apparently pokerstars is matching donations. info on their blog.

You can also TEXT right from your mobile phone. text “Haiti” to 90999 and your phone will be auto billed for $10 and go directly to help efforts.

Pray - hope - send good mojo, karma, whatever

2010-01-13T11:09:00.002-05:00

I'm no sap. Nor am I one to really give a shit about pain and suffering. I have no compassion. just ask my wife, kids, friends, poker pals, golf buddies, parents, siblings... you get the point.

But reading up on this earthquake down in Hatti is very disturbing. I think stuff like this is usually looked upon in amazement and possibly sadness by those on the outside... for about 2 minutes. Then we go on with our daily lives living in a false sense of security that something like that could/ would never happen "here", and how lucky we are to have not been in that place or have friends and relatives in that place. Then drink our coffee, or log on for some cards, or do homework, or wash dishes... you get the idea.

I read a lot last night from different sites. Saw many pictures and many videos. Read many stories about the rescue attempts, and how rebuilding isn't even on their minds yet. How their hospital system isn't set up to handle a catastrophe like this and how people are literally dying on the streets.

I saw a press conference form their ambassador recalling how Haiti helped out those countries in the 1800's and would look for some reciprocation NOW. The dude is recalling something from the 1800's in order to ask for help. Just crazy.

Basically a whole country is in flux. Family from around the world can't get in touch with those who may have been injured or worse been killed. How will they rebuild? how will they handle the loss of infrastructure? Humans figure this stuff out all the time. It's what we do. They will rebuild. The US will be there to help. No doubt other countries will be there to assist.

But for now, the event itself is unprecedented. I can't imagine the mayhem of what has happened. It was their Apocalypse. Imagine being the guy who thought that this must be happening across the whole world. "Oh man! The Mayans got it wrong by two whole years!"

So pray for these people. Send good wishes, or whatever act of spirituality you believe/practice in. All the problems you have are nothing compared to what these people are going through.

The world is ending... I have proof

2010-01-08T11:18:00.001-05:00

That is the world as we know it. Advances in technology are coming much faster and with greater possibility then we know it. This is the origin of the ending of the world.

Dude! He's like a gremlin. Comes with instructions and shit!

2010-01-07T09:59:00.003-05:00

PA has passed table games. Oh man. Stay tuned for some insights. This is going to throw a wrench into some things :)

"The bill calls for upfront license fees of $16.5 million for stand-alone casinos and casinos at horse tracks and $7.5 million for resort licenses.It also changes some of the regulatory language in the state's gaming law by barring anyone convicted of a felony from holding a casino license or acting as a "key employee" at a casino."

Halladay, Eagles, and... Poker! not particularly in that order!

2010-01-04T10:20:00.003-05:00

The Eagles game yesterday was atrocious. When McNabb is bad, he really stinks it up. The Defense didn't do much of anything as Romo picked them apart. Think about that statement... ROMO... picked them apart. Sheesh!

Anyway, yesterday's defeat hurts in a very real way. First, it takes them from a 2 seed to a 6 seed. What that means is three away games to get to the Superbowl. Which also means, in all probability, no Superbowl.

Which now takes me to... 39 days til pitchers and catchers!

Ahhh, the Roy Halladay trade. Now, I know this isn't current but where to begin? It's actually not that all complicated when you get right down to it. Cliff Lee is great, and served us well. There was a statement made by his camp that their first offer was rejected and he was traded on the day of the rejection. I hate to mis-quote but his response went something like this...
"You know we made an initial offer. I don't know of any player who has never gotten a counter offer until now. There was no counter offer, just a message that I was traded."

Apparently this surprised him. Which is likely, and expected I guess. But the Phils reportedly has some sort of indication that he would not sign any deal that didn't have at least 6 years to it. Unfortunately for Mr. Lee, The Phils organization has a philosophy that no pitcher will ever get a deal longer than 3-4 years. One I happen to agree with as a baseball guy.

Now, I can go over all of the moves they have made so far, and what they gave up for Mr. Halladay. Which ultimately looks like something they should have done in July. But July was different. For one, Drabek was untouchable back then. Why then and not now? Because Rubin Amaro is a goddamn genius, that's why. They weren't going to get anything to replace the future prospect of Mr. Drabek. Add to that the assumption of success that Halladay would have had throughout the playoffs, and his deal would be completely different now. In fact, I might even assume that Mr. halladay would be the one being released and Mr. Lee being signed to a 4 year deal had that happened.

However, it went the way it did, and here's what we get...

Two of the Mariners top pitching prospects to replace Drabek. Doc, and who cares after that. Plus, we get Doc for ultimately 4 years and most likely the rest of his career. Which doesn't mean too much because after the next two years, the Phils will be in massive rebuild mode. They won't keep Mr. Howard. The Phils will most likely be unwilling, or even able to pay what his salary demands will be. Mr. Hamels will most likely be out the door as well. If he steps it back up, they won't pay him. If he continues on the way he did this year, they won't want him.

So congrats to the Phils org and their intentions on making another serious run for another WS title in the next 2-3 years. After that, live with what you get I say. And I won't give a shit either.

As for poker and other things... The Borgata Winter Open is coming up shortly. This year it starts a little late. A week late to be exact. I've spoken to the brass over there and there are some compelling reasons for even starting just a little later than usual. I'm keeping them to myself though :)

But check out the schedule. I will expect the usual visits from friends trying to win some cake, or just dusting off some free time. I won't be there the whole time this time around, and most likely very sporadically as I tend to other issues. But when I am there you will see me wearing a, *gulp, Yankees Jersey, as a payment for a lost bet.

I also have some thoughts and info on the PA gaming law amendment to allow table games. it should go to a vote this week (the Gov is strong arming the senate) and expect a mid summer opening of table games in PA. I heard from a friend/ colleague that one of the largest in this area plan on opening a 100 table poker room. I find that hard to believe, but this is going to be very interesting to see.

Quick points on this... Other than an initial hit, AC won't be too affected. AC has become a destination rather than quick jaunt type place. The rest you can read elsewhere as I plan on writing a whole post about this for Bill Rini. I will cross post it here as well but I think the implications of PA allowing poker (among other table games) will have a huge impact on poker nationally. I have many reasons and info from insiders to support this thought. I'm not implying or pointing too the business side of it, although those thoughts will be included. My post will be more focused on how it will effect actual play, the growth (or decline) of "east coast" poker, and how the differentiators will likely be more recognized. I'm talking about the regionalization (<-- new word!) of poker and what it will do to bolster the category.

OK, enough horseshit for now :) Happy New Year to all, and I truly hope that you all get exactly what you wish for. Stick to your resolutions, change whatever you want, etc. etc. No resolutions for me this year as they become nothing more than a distraction and something to base failure on more so than success.

P.S. I love the fact that Jets won the last ever playoff game at GIANT stadium! and the Giants farewell was a 40 point shelling by 40 year old Brett Favre. Anyone see his post game interview from the field? Tell me he isn't still swallowing Vicodyn's like M&M's! BLAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-22T10:13:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted much but wanted to extend my dearest wishes for a Happy Holidays to everyone out there in the Blogger community. I truly missed being in Vegas and regret that I wasn't able to attend.

I've met so many of you and yearn to hang out once again. There are also a pile of you whom I've yet to meet but keep in regular contact with and can't wait for the day where we sit down, break bread, murder hand histories, discuss potential business opportunities, and just revel in each others stories and histories.

We are coming to an end of a decade and I hope you all celebrate responsibly. That is to say, don't run out of booze. Oh, and of course, be careful. The next decade will prove to be very interesting and I doubt anyone would want to miss it!

Here's looking forward to a great 2010 for all of us. Especially the Phils!

I ahve promised a Roy Halladay post and will get to it sometime between xmas and New Year. Other than that, I am signing off until the new year.

God Bless Everyone!

P.S. Goat and I will resume our little virtual friendship/ bantering once the new year starts in anticipation of the new L O S T season!

BAH!

2009-12-09T10:28:00.002-05:00

Does it even seem like Christmas? Jeez man, I have 4 kids and can't even get into the spirit. whatevs, I'm dying a slow death here. I've never been a wait and see kinda guy, but that is the position I have been put in right now. I hate it. Fuck you.

Tiger Woods... um, ok, so the dude likes to get a little freaky deaky with the pimp whores and apparently whoever has a nice set of cans. My prediction? I don't know how it will play out with regards to his image yet, but my guess is without all of these extra marital distractions, and his announced, newly formed dedication to his Elin, he most likely will go out and win every single major this upcoming year, and just go on to own golf. Not like he hasn't up to now, but I mean total domination. He'll need to in order to sway the media away from the fact that he likes to take a string of beads in his ass from a British porn star.

I'm missing Vegas once again and hope you all have a good time. I know it will be tough. I know that you will all be most likely asking yourselves come Monday why you even waste your time. Take solace in the fact that no matter how horrible it is, you will be back next year no matter what. It kinda goes like that.

I look forward to reading trip reports. Be safe all!

All in for Kids Baby!

2009-11-24T10:19:00.002-05:00

Last Wednesday we ran the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia charity event in NYC. This is the second year running and again, it was another huge success. Phil Helmuth was asked to emcee again, and he did. He never fails to disappoint. He is one of the most entertaining guys I have met and truly loves the game of poker and his part in it. Arrogance can be a form of entertainment if you have the stomach for it. He plays the part great!

Again we had Chris and Jeff (gorilla) running the video and interviews like last year. Only this year, no live feed was allowed. I guess some guests got a little too loose last year and the hospital wanted to air on the side of caution.

You can see the videos from the event here. Some really cool shit with Steve Begleiter playing, Roy Winston, and some other celebrities.

Vegas is looking thin for me as of right now. I'm doing my best to free the schedule up but a lot has popped up in recent weeks and I may have to travel elsewhere. I'll know and advise shortly.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving week and enjoys the extra time with your friends and family.

BAD BEAT ON CANCER TOURNEY TOMORROW

2009-11-14T11:53:00.001-05:00

Bad Beat on Cancer Tournament Tomorrow on Full Tilt During FTOPS Event

Tournament Details:

Place: Full Tilt Poker

Date: November 15th, 2009

Time: 6:15PM EST

Cost: $10 ($5 entry plus $5 donation to BBoC)

Tourney ID#: 113220604 Tourney PW: TPTFORBBOC

UM... OK

2009-11-13T14:33:00.002-05:00

So this guy sent this thing to me and was apparently sending it as a joke. I read it and was baffled.

The question was.... Why do men have nipples?

This was the first part of the article:

Why do men have nipples? By Dr. Mehran Sam PhD

Why do men have nipples?

Humans are mammals like cats and monkeys and similar to other
mammalian species only females generally nurse the young through their
nipples with the milk prodcued in their mammary glands. So do men need
nipples? or why men have nipples in the first place?

It's a less known fact that men's breasts and nipples are just as
functional as the female counterparts. If they take or for dietary
reasons produce some extra doses of female hormones, men can also
lactate just like females do. It has been suggested that male
breastfeeding can even lead to emotional bonding between a child and
the father as well.

So why do men have nipples? For the exact same reason they have two ears
and two eyes: because they have been designed and created as such by,
as we Raelians believe, our extraterrestrial scientific creators, the
Elohim.

Um... OK... Let's stop there. WTF is a Raelian?? I think I heard something about these folks on a Stern show many moons ago. I'm thought it was a joke.

Many believe that the similarities among species, like dogs, cats, and
humans, all having mammalian characteristics, are the indication that
all species come from the same ancestor through an evolutionary
process.

Yes indeed we also believe there has been an evolutionary process. But
it was in the minds of the scientists who came to the earth from
another planet. They first created simple life forms and then over
time developed and evolved their techniques to create cats, monkeys
and eventually human beings in their own likeness.

Of course only the creators themselves know the exact reason for their
choices and why they maintained the male form similar to a female's in
the chest area but it's not unreasonable for us to speculate. A team
of scientists who become experts in creating mammalian forms, males
and females, do not reinvent the wheel each time they want to create a
new species. The Elohim scientists perhaps only wanted to improve
their methods without a need for a great genetic modification moving
from one species to another as removing nipples in males would require
such a change.

That's it... I've had enough. This is for real people. There are folks out there that hardheartedly believe and live their lives as if we are a creation of Aliens. I guess it's not so hard to believe considering that there are a host of people who believe we descended from monkeys, or a rib from some dude (or woman... can't remember first grade theology).

never mind... just passing the time.

*and people think 2012 is a joke. **SIGH

Tech issues

2009-11-12T09:45:00.001-05:00

Dear Tech Support:
Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0. I soon noticed that the new program began unexpected child processing that took up a lot of space and valuable resources. In addition, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now monitors all other system>activity. Applications such as Poker Night 10.3, Football 5.0, Hunting and Fishing 7.5, and Racing 3.6 no longer run, crashing the system whenever selected.

I can't seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my favorite applications. I'm thinking about going back to Girlfriend 7.0, but the uninstall doesn't work on Wife 1.0. Please help!
Thanks,
A Troubled User.

Dear Troubled User:

This is a very common problem that men complain about.
Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0, thinking that it is just a Utilities and Entertainment program. Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run EVERYTHING!!! It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 7.0. It is impossible to uninstall, or purge the program files from the system once installed.
You cannot go back to Girlfriend 7.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed to not allow this. Look in your Wife 1.0 manual under Warnings-Alimony-Child Support. I recommend that you keep Wife1.0 and work on improving the situation. I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate software augmentation.... Read More
The best course of action is to enter the command C:\APOLOGIZE because ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before the system will return to normal anyway.
Wife 1.0 is a great program, but it tends to be very high maintenance. Wife 1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean and Sweep 3.0, Cook It 1.5 and Do Bills 4.2. However, be very careful how you use these programs. Improper use will cause the system to launch the program Nag, Nag 9.5. Once this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to purchase additional software. I recommend Flowers 2.1 and Diamonds 5.0! WARNING!!! DO NOT, under any circumstances, install Secretary With Short Skirt 3.3. This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause irreversible damage to the operating system.

Best of luck,
Tech Support

2009 World Series of Poker Champ - Joe Cada

2009-11-11T10:18:00.001-05:00

LOL!!! That is all....

Riggs Reflection

2009-11-06T10:10:00.002-05:00

Well the '09 WS is over and like many Phillie fans, I am disappointed. I didn't see the much sadness from friends and fellow fans however as I did disappointment. See this series the Phil's just didn't have it.

Hoy writes up his recap and makes some points that I just don't agree with. You can read his here. From my perspective, it's just a little different. And more realistic I think. Outcomes are gained by all sorts of things, and when your team loses, frustration can set in and I think you tend to see things a little differently. Blame may take the front seat and make you see things in a way that just aren't true.

Two things that Hoy wrote that I entirely disagree with. 1) The series was a blow out. 2) The Yankees were just that much better of a team.

The first one will take some explaining. The second is as easily dismissed by admitting that the Yankees played much better this series. That is true. But they are not MUCH better than the Phils. I will prove that shortly.

First, let's talk about the Yanks and give them their props. I have never been a Yankee hater. I am in the purest sense a baseball fan. Baseball will always come first for me. That is before any team. Even my Phils (who my grandfather played for way back in the 30's).
Anyone who is a fan of baseball has to appreciate the tradition and history that the Yanks have provided over the years with greats such as DiMaggio, Ruth, and Mantle.

The Mets I hate. I really hate. Their fans might be the most retarded, hateful fans in the world. Comments such as "I knew '08 was a fluke" reeks so much of stupidty and jealousy that those types should be ashamed of themselves. I digress.

All the talk about the Yankees buying a team is moot to me as well. It doesn't matter. It just doesn't. For this is the arena in which you must play, and you must adapt to the rules within that arena. Good for NY for being able to field such talent. Good for their organization for going out and getting the players they want and can to build a team that can win. Winning on less money to field a team of greats doesn't make you a better organization. It just shows you did the best with what you have. The Yanks truly earned this championship and for that they deserve it.

I will also tell you that if the Phils hadn't won last year, this one would have been really hard to take. But the bottom line is, they just didn't show up.

There was one point in this series that changed the tide. It was a defining moment, and it proved to be the moment that would award the Championship to whatever team took advantage.

That moment was when Pedro Felize hit his game tying homer off of Joba Chamberlain in the 8th inning in game 4. With 2 outs then in the 9th and 2 strikes to Damon, Lidge blew up.

IF Lidge gets Damon out to end the inning, the Phils have a huge opportunity to win that game, and imo most likely do and tie the series back at 2-2. The series from there is a whole different series. We win game 5 and go back to NY with a one run game.

The scores of each game were 3-1, 3-1, 8-5, 7-4, 8-6, and 7-3.

Game 4 (7-4) was much closer with the Phils tying it in the 8th. Lidge i mplodes and gives up 3 in the 9th. Game 5 (8-6) was much more of a blow out with the Yanks getting 4 bs runs late in the game but still not coming as close at it seems. Game 6 was a travesty with the Yankee lineup just slamming Pedro who just couldn't get passed Hideki.

Hoy made a comment that the NY pitching was much more dominant than the Phils. Again, I have to disagree. They performed better over all. But dominant? Hardly. Pedro gave up 3 runs in 6 innings of pitching in game 2. The fact is that Philadelphia left 6 runners in scoring position on in that game. In this type of series, with any pitcher facing either of these lineups, it doesn't matter how good they are. You need run support.

Lee out classed the Yankees this whole series. Burnett pitched a gem in game 2, but was his usual self in game 5. CC pitched well but not dominant. He gave up two hits in game 1 (both homeruns) but lost the game against lee. His next start (game 4) wasn't all that great. He gave up 7 hits and 3 earned runs in 6 innings. Same as Pedro in game 2. But the Yanks took advantage of Lidge's explosion in the 9th and scored 3 to make it improbable for another comeback.

You can blame Charlie for not pulling pitchers when he should have. Did he leave Pedro in to long? did he leave Blanton in to long? In hind sight, probably yes. But the most glaring thing I can point to during this whole series was the lack of Philadelphia offense. An offense that we are so accustomed to seeing. It just wasn't there. It doesn't mean they don't have it. They just didn't bring it.

Next to that, the absence of pitcher Cole Hamels' magic has to be pointed at as well. But this should be no surprise as he didn't perform at all throughout the year. Some say his arm died after last years performance. Some say hitters adjusted to his change up. Whatever the reason, the dominance he provided last year just wasn't there this year. It was one of many things lacking that turned out to be to much to overcome.

Howard was brilliant during the divisional and league champ series. He was not to be found during the world series. It's a big spot to take out of the line up when you count so much on his bat in that spot to help produce huge amounts of runs. With his bat stifled, it was going to be an uphill battle.

So yes, the Yankees played better baseball. The Phils, not so much. In my opinion, the Yanks should be disappointed that they didn't get the Phillies best. Philadelphia lost this series more so than the Yankees won it. I'm not saying this as a bitter Philly fan either. I'm saying this as a baseball fan. To think that the Yanks destroyed their opponent is to ignore what the Phils have been most of the year. That is, an offensive Giant. They lost 17 saves throughout the year yet still managed to walk through the NL. They fielded a team that played an extra month and half of baseball last year and had several surgeries in the off season, and still managed to come back to the World Series.

There's a lot to be said about this team winning last year, and getting there again this year. Not to mention what lies ahead. With the addition of some arms this year, possibly bringing Drabek up, and adding a closer, or Lidge figuring out what the hell went wrong an fixing it, (hello slider!!!), The Phils will be a beast next year. It shouldn't be above anyone's expectation to see both of these teams battling again next October.

I want to congratulate the Yankees and their fans. They are a superb team, and yes, a slightly better team than the Phils were. They deserve their props.

Congrats to the 2009 World Series Champs - NY YANKEES

2009-11-05T09:48:00.000-05:00

Fuckers!

Game 6

2009-11-04T13:17:00.002-05:00

Phillies win... that is all.

Ok, I wish it was that easy. But Petite going on 3 days rest, instead of Burnett going on full days rest (because Girardi panic'd and fawked the eff up) is going to be a big obstacle for them to get over.

The Phils are not going to quit. Their bats will be a blaze tonight and if Pedro can keep it together for 7 -8 innings, the Yanks will have issues closing out in 6 games.

If this game is a hitting game, it will be tough for the Phils to overcome the Yanks home field advantage. If Pedro deals, then the Phils should win by a wide margin. If this game is 15-12 type game I gotta give it to the Yanks.

If the game is a 2-1 type game, I gotta give it to the Yanks.

If the game is an 8-2 tpye game, the Phils win and we head back for game 7.

I like the 8-2 type game. Much like game 5.

Now, is we win this game, the best scenario for the Phils is a rain out tomorrow. That way we can bring Lee back to start game 7. If not, it will be all hands on deck as I stated in the previous post.

I don't know what it is but I'm feelin' it. Look for a 7 game WS and the first time since 1985 that a team has had the opportunity to come back down 3-1 in a WS game. SHIP!!

LIFE SUPPORT!

2009-11-03T12:22:00.002-05:00

I don't wish to convey an air of panic here, and I certainly don't want to take anything away from the Phillies, but all things considered, it will take a miracle to win this series.

Not since 1985 has a team come back from a 3-1 deficit in the WS. Only 10 times has it happened in MLB history (4 WS, and 6 AL/NLCS's). In '85 the Royals won both of games 6 and 7 at home. They also came from a 3-1 deficit in the ALCS that year to get to the World Series against the Jays.

Since 2002 the Yanks have been a colossal disappointment in big spots. So we have that going for us. But the fact remains, we need Pedro to pitch lights out tomorrow night AND have the bats working, and then we need "all hands on deck" going for game 7.

Whether it's Hamels or Happ who gets the start for a possible game 7 remains to be seen. My guess is Charlie will have a short leash on Hamels with Happ backing him up as early as the second inning.

After that I gather you will see every arm on the staff be used. But let's talk about game 6 first. Since game 7 depends on winning game 6.

Pedro is set up here perfectly. He loves NY. He's not sick like he was in game 2. He pitched well in game 2 with a little less velo than he is capable of. This could be his last shot as well at another WS title.

The Yanks pitching Burnett on 3 days rest was a huge mistake last night. It seemed desperate. Why, with a 3-1 lead would you think it necessary to pitch him? Gauder wouldn't have done worse, and you would have Burnett at home for a game 6 on full rest. I understand Burnett is 3-0 at three attempts to pitch on short rest, but I see no reason to waste an arm when you know you can use him in game 6, AT HOME, full rested.

For whatever reason Girardi chose that option, it failed, and now they head back to NY for game 6. I'm liking our chances in game 6. Someone mentioned that whoever's big man gets out of their slump first (Howard or Texiera) will win the series. That's a tough statement to make considering the Phils HAVE to win 2 games on the road. It seems an overly simplified statement.

The bottom line here is that pitching is going to win this series from here on out. Both teams can hit. Who pitches better will be the deciding factor. In short, and again, I think it's going to take a miracle.

All in all, I am still excited for baseball. This series has been all it's been cracked up to be. Awesome pitching, exciting endings, and very evenly matched.

I might be heading up to Foxwoods on Friday for some meetings. I'm hoping I can go up representing the back to back World Champions. Nothing would make me happier. Surprised, but happy!

GAME 1 - 2009 World Series Recap

2009-10-29T11:00:00.002-04:00

I told you to watch. I told you this was going to be one of the best WS to be played in a very long time.

Through 7 innings, it was. As I stated in previous posts, this team has owned Sabathia. They have proven that they hit him well. The consensus in the media was that the Phillies predominately left handed line up would struggle against the lefty Sabathia and that this game would be the one that could be the pitchers duel.

It kind of was through 7. The Phils only scored 2 hits. Both coming from Utley and both being solo home runs. But Sabathia struggled being dominate and those mistakes came from what looked like frustration to me.

I said that Utley was thought to be hurting from his hip injury and some in the Philly media may have thought that he would continue to struggle at the plate, and moreso in the field. However, the 6 days off that the Phils had between the NLCS and last night proved to Chase some good.

His first homerun was really an incredible at bat. Sabathia had thrown at least 7 pitches to Utley before serving up the fast ball low and inside. Utley hits that like a bitch and the Phils take a one run lead. The second was almost Broxton like. On an 0-2 count, Sabathia threw another fastball, only this time straight up the middle. A literal meatball. An 0-2 meatball which should just never happen from a great starting pitcher. Utley killed that ball and that brought the lead to 2, and making history by being only the second player in WS history to hit two home runs from the left side of the plate against a left handed pitcher. The other was some cat named George something or another.

Meanwhile, Cliff Lee spent his night just plain dealin'. Never before has a pitcher thrown 10 strike outs, not allowed an earned run, and not allowed a walk in World Series history. Lee was spot on, and he did so with an air of confidence that has never been reached before. This was after all, game 1 of the World Series. Not some rubber match in May against a non divisional opponent.

Lee proved to everyone that he is worthy of his Cy Young last year. This is truly one performance that is more appreciated by watching then by reading about. He gave up 6 hits in total, 3 coming from Jeter, and 1 unearned run when Rollins tried to force a double play.

What was most amusing to me was the banter going back and forth between Yankees fans and Phillies fans via facebook, blogs, twitter, and IM.

There was very little gloating going on from the Phillies fans. The comments I saw were more about the Phils performing well moreso than shots being thrown at the Yankees. But the Yankees fans were hysterical. "Philly gets lucky and they think they are champs". Um... Lucky?? Yeah, Lee's performance was a fluke. Think we are champions? Um... Reigning world fucking champions dumbass.

How is it that Philly fans get the brunt of all insults when morons out there make statements like these??

Anywho, The Yanks never managed to put forth any kind of comeback effort. Lee was just too dominating almost toying with them by basket catching an infield fly and snatching an up the middle shot behind his back as if it were an everyday occurrence, shrugging it off to his team mates as if to say, "whatever". His persona just showed everyone that he knew this game was his, and that there was no way they were losing.

After the Phils put up two more in the 8th I notice the stadium start to get a little empty. I couldn't imagine that happening anywhere. You certainly wouldn't see that in Philadelphia. It's a World Series game. You are supposed to be the most dominate team in the league. You claim to be the best fans anywhere, and everyone else pales in comparison. Yet you bail when your team is down 4 in the 8th with 6 outs left. Have you no hope? Have you no SHAME???!?!

Who are the fraud fans now? Just unfathomable to me.

The last thing I want to make note of about last night is the umpiring. Home plate ump Gerry Davis called a fantastic game. His zone was generous but fair. His calls were even and he even threw some in that made the batters swing. Some questionable calls for strikes only came when the batter was behind in the count and that happened on both sides.

Tonight is a huge game for the Yankees. It's also a huge game for the Phils. Winning tonight will give them their best chance to win the series at home, and really put the Yanks in bind. If Pedro does what he did against LA, the Yanks will be in for it. Make no mistake about Pedro as well. He seems to have a little bit of a chip on his shoulders given recent media interviews. This guy will throw his arm off as well to perform.

With Pedro facing Burnett anything can happen. A pitchers duel is possible but unlikely. I think you'll see a ton of hits and a lot of scoring, although it won't be lopsided. This one will go down to the final innings and if that's the case, I gotta give the edge to the Yanks.

They need Burnett to get into the 7th or 8th inning. If he can do that, Rivera should have an easy 6 outs. If not, the Yanks are in for it.

PHILS IN 5!!!

2009-10-27T18:51:00.002-04:00

Um, no... that's not my prediction. I don't know where to start in predicting this series. That's Jimmy Rollins prediciton. As he stated on the Jay Leno show last night.

You can read it here...

Rollins is good at making predictions though. He called the Muts out last year, the year before, and this year. He also stated that the Phils would play the Yankees in this years WS. So some credit has got to be given to this statement. :)

Realistically however, I think the Yankees will be a little bit tougher than the Dodgers. Texiera has been a huge reason that the Yankees did so well this season. His defense has won them at least 10 of the 103 they did. And stopped a game 7 against the Angels in my opinion. With 2 on and no outs he dove and made an unassisted out off of the first base bag that was nothing short of spectacular.

The post also put up another cover story that had a picture of Shane Victorino wearing a skirt and calling the Phillies the Frillies. Then doing a side by side comparison on several different points, such as Mascots, food, etc.

Here are a few...

Records: Phils - 10,000 losses NY - 26 World Championships (*sigh)

Mascot: The Phanatic NY - Kate Hudson (I don't know which one is crazier)

Best Sandwhich: Phils - Cheesesteak NY - Derek Jeter and a couple of models (Jeter wins!)

Ball Parks: Old stadium had a jail for idiot fans NY - New stadium has a steakhouse and the greatest fans on earth - HAHAHAHAHAHA Greatest FAIR WEATHER FANS on earth maybe.

Best quote - "Yo Adrian" NY - "Give me your tired, your poor, and I'll give you the city with the most hate crime. PHILLY WIN

Ok I made that last one up, but it's close. I bet!

Articles like this come out all the time denegrating the visiting teams city. Most take it personally. We here in Philly laugh it off and see it as pure comedy (as it is intended.)

All kidding aside, this World Series will be the best one in a long time. These two teams will put on a show that even the most jaded fan (Bam, I'm looking at you), should be able to enjoy. Forget the strike, forget steroids, these two teams will please. That I have no doubt about.

So get your pop corn ready Terrel.... and enjoy the ride. I thought about live blogging game 1, but I will be too entrenched watching the game and going crazy with every pitch.

Have fun!

2009 MLB WORLD SERIES - Phils v Yanks!

2009-10-26T09:35:00.002-04:00

Get your asses on the edge of the seats folks because this years World Series should interest even the most casual of baseball fans. The dream has come true.

The New York Yankees, having won 103 games this year and being the best offensive team in all of baseball will face the Philadelphia Phillies. Reigning world champs who have fought and scratched their way back to the series after a very awesome post season.

Think about this...

The Phils gave up 17 saves this year. 17!! That's a ridiculously stupid number for a team to overcome and still dominate the post season.

Some features of this game - Yanks and Phils are each number one in their leagues when it comes to offense. Yanks and Phils stadiums are 1 and 2 in the category of parks that allowed the most home runs. The two most pertinent facts about that is that the Yanks stadium is way above the Phils in HR's allowed, and that the Phils hit more home runs on the road this year.

The Phils have had a remarkable road team this year posting a better record, better hitting average, and a better team ERA while on the road. In comparison, the Yanks have been the best home team this year.

So who wins? In how many? Is it going to be a blood bath? Is each game going to be combined 10 + run games? Who gets the MVP?

It starts on Wednesday baby, and I couldn't be more excited. I think the Phils have proven time and time again that they know how to win. Even in the most dire of situations, they have managed to overcome adversity (horrible pen, no closer, etc.)

So let me start with some thoughts.

Team Defense - The Phillies made only 76 errors this whole season making them the second best team in that category. Right behind the Pirates. The Yanks allowed 86 team errors.

Pitching - Philadelphia had a team ERA of 4.16 for the regular season. The yanks ERA was 4.26

Batting - The Yankees produced 915 runs with 5660 at bats while the Phils produced 820 runs with 5578 at bats. The yankees team Batting average was .283 while the Phils was .258 Of course the Yankees never had to account for a pitcher batting during the regular season. The Phils combined average for pitchers batting was a paultry .101 and accounted for 623 of those at bats.

Bull Pen - Well, I'm not even going to look up numbers for this category. The Yanks certainly own the Phils in this category.

All the numbers in the world mean very little however. This is why they play the game. I think this series will come down to more than just numbers. As a matter of fact, I bet this series becomes a sandlot match. It's very exciting to think about it.

The Yanks are the winningest team in all of professional sports garnering the most trips to the Championship game and winning the most titles. They haven't been there in a while and they are hungry. The Phils are the reigning world champs and play like they want to keep it that way. I've never seen a team with almost zero panic in each and every player. No matter how dire the situation has gotten, they just don't panic. They win.

The yanks are without a doubt the better team right now. If everything matches up pretty solidly, the fact that their bullpen is so much better gives them that designation. But lets stop here for a minute.

I have some bad news for the Phils. Utley is hurt. A story came out in the Philadelphia media that Utley has had some hip pain. He had surgery in the off season and the pain's effect has been noticeable throughout the post season. Utley didn't make a statement. Rather some scouts and "experts" have been watching. His slugging percentage has gone down and he has been relegated to hitting singles (pity), and his throwing errors have been amplified as well during the post season. He can't turn as effectively with that hip. That could prove to be a liability.

Ibanez has also been diagnosed with the same injury as Utley, and has considered the possibility of the same surgery in the off season. Both of these guys have been clutch hitters in important spots in the line up for the Phils.

The Yanks have been smoking. A Rod has been just unstoppable this post season. His hitting has been spot on. He is tied with Jason Werth for the most home runs in the post season at 5. his average is .438, and he is second behind Howard in RBI's with 12. Sabbathia has the most wins in the post season with 3 and Rivera is tied with Lidge for the most saves at 3.

I don't know how to pick this series. Obviously my heart tells me that the Phils win in game 5. I don't know that the Yanks have faced a team that hits like this one, but there is no way of telling if that will effect them at all.

I am not so worried about the Yanks starting pitching. Lee v Sabbathia in game one should really be a Phils win. Even at Yankee stadium. The Phils put up 5 runs in 3 innings last year against him and did even better the year before in interleague play. The numbers prove we just own this guy. Lee has a post season ERA of .074 If the Yanks can topple him and put up like 6 in 4, then we have an issue. But Lee has been lights out to date, so there is no reason (other than they are playing the Yankees) to think that he will collapse like that.

If we win game one, the Yanks will be on their heels. Hamels pitching in game two will be a huge factor for this series. If we win game one, and Hamels goes on to pitch a gem in game 2, the Yanks are cooked. If we lose game 1, Hamels will need to go lights out in game 2 in order to give the Phils any kind of chance to win the whole thing.

I believe this because the Yanks are hot. If we can piss on that fire just a little, we get the edge. If this series is a slug fest, the edge goes to the phils. If the series becomes a pitching duel, I gotta think the Yanks walk away with it.

I just don't know that going toe to toe in the late innings with a 1-2 run lead is the best scenario for the Phils. It worries me. A ton.

Just to pick on Dawn a little more, I liken this series/ season for the Yankees to the Pats perfect season a few years back. Randy Moss, Tom Brady were the best team in Football going undefeated. Right up until the Super Bowl. Hoy said this is the Yanks perfect season. It may be. Right up until the World Series!

It will be fun to watch, that's for sure!

On a side note... for all you Cleveland fans out there, it must be hard to watch two Cy Young Winners who were on your team within the last year and a half starting game one for the World Series this year. Just Sayin' :)

METS v PHILS

2009-10-22T20:22:00.002-04:00

I know, I know... It's Phils v Yank/ Angels in a few days. However...

Hoy put up a post yesterday with some sites he trolled from the Dodgers and the Mets talking about the Phils dominant win against the Dodgers in this years NLCS. I laughed very hard reading the Mets board.

Some of the things posted on there is hysterical. Go read. I promise you won't be disappointed. Talk about people having an inferiority complex. Um, no... We don't talk shit about the Mets. Anymore than they "talk shit on us".

Apparently they just don't get it. Mets fans that is. I'm looking at you Dawn Summers!!! (and I LOVE IT!!)

Here are some hard facts about the Mets and Phils. I got this little post off of the Riverchasers site after I posted the link to the Mets forum. Even in Philadelphia there are Mets fans who we just love to pick on. Especially now.

****

Yes, the Phillies have had long painful slumps as a team but so have the Mets. One thing mentioned often on that Mets forum is that Mets fans didn't really worry much about the Phillies till recently. That shows the age range of most of the posters as 20 somethings.

Yes the Phillies sucked in the late 90s, but so did the Mets for the most part (except for 99, & 2000) The Braves ruled that time period.

So... Facts (just from 1962 on) toss out our 2 other NL championships in 1915 and 1950

Playoff appearances:
Mets 7 (69, 73, 86, 88, 99, 00, 06)
Phils 10 (76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 83, 93, 07, 08, 09)

NL East Titles:
Mets 5 (69, 73, 86, 88, 06)
Phils 9.5 (76, 77, 78, 80, 83, 93, 07, 08, 09) the half is 81 phils won 1st half of a split season

Wild Cards:
Mets 2 (99, 00)
Phils 0 (we dont do second best) ok, ok, a little shot :)

NL Championships
Mets 4 (69, 73, 86, 00)
Phils 5 (80, 83, 93, 08, 09)

World Series Champs:
Mets 2 (69, 86)
Phils 2 (80, 08)

Gee it looks like the Phils look back at the Mets slightly more than they look back at us.

My point for posting all of these facts is for those Mets fans who speak so highly of their own teams dominance and how it should be them every time the Phils are doing well. If for any other reason than they are so much more dominant of a ball club than the Phils. I think the numbers above prove that thinking that way is just pure ignorance. But that should be expected I guess... from a Mets fan :)

YOUR 2009 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPS

2009-10-22T12:00:00.002-04:00

As I predicted here on this blog, and in others comments, the Phils handily dissected the Dodgers and now advance on to the 2009 World Series for a chance to take back to back titles.

This would be a feat that hasn't happened ever in Philadelphia, and not since the 70's in the NL. It looks as if the Yankees will be their opponents as they have just plowed through the Angels, in what has become sort of a disappointment for most baseball fans.

I for one would rather see the Phils play the Yankees because I think their chances are better against them. I just don't see them matching up against the Angels as well, although I do think the Yankees are a better club, if that makes any goddamn sense. (I'll have numbers in the preview post to prove that)

That match is still undecided and the Angels have an opportunity to keep it going tonight.

Most of the media would have you think that the series between the Phils and the Dodgers was a very competitive one with most giving the Dodgers the edge and picking them to win. But as I stated, and as the team proved, LA never really had a chance.

The biggest component of this was their inability to get a scoreless inning after scoring themselves. Time after time throughout the series the Dodgers would score, and the Phils would come right back in the bottom half and either take the lead, or put up at least one more run. This is demoralizing for a team that is clearly over matched, and one that clearly understood that.

One of the matchups highly touted in favor of the Dodgers was Broxton v Lidge. First, Lidge has struggled in the regular season, but has yet failed in his attempts to save a game, even garnishing a win in one. Broxton is a big, hard throwing closer with pitches that get into the 100's. But as I stated before, any major leaguer is capable of hitting a fastball. Fast just doesn't do it. You gotta have movement and placement, a'la Wagner in his prime.

Moving into the World series, I think the biggest thing the Phils have going for them is the fact that they never give up. They are the best at coming back, and very rarely are they giving up a late inning lead.

Assuming the Yanks finish it off tonight, I will have my Phils v Yanks preview tomorrow. This matchup should be a huge lift for Baseball as it will pit two very strong lineups against each other in two parks that have allowed the most home runs this year with NY's park being 1 and Phils being 2.

The funny thing about that stat is that the Phils have hit more home runs on the road this year than in their own park. What does that say about this series? With 7 home runs hit last night alone, and 14 throughout the series (most ever in an NLCS I believe), the Phils bats are primed and ready to go.

Arod is on an unbelievable hot streak right now batting something like .420 and tying Ryan Howard for RBI's in a Championship series. I was disappointed that Ryan couldn't keep that streak up last night walking twice and striking out twice for an 0-2 performance. Aroid probably breaks that stat tonight as well, and if he does, they probably win and move on to the WS.

It is definitely exciting times here in Philadelphia. Haters abound throughout the media, message boards, and even here locally. Some very insecure and low self esteem fans are out there just rather bashing than respecting. If you can't respect this team for what they have accomplished to date, you're just a piss ant of a human being and can't recognize and appreciate greatness for what it is. I also feel sorry for them for not being able to enjoy what has truly been a team effort the whole way through these accomplishments. I don't know that I can recall a time, in any sport, where one TEAM has really been so close and where everyone has done their part to accomplish the greatest in it's arena... Save the US Olympic Hockey Team.

Congrats to the Phils!

BEST CALL TO THE ENDING OF GAME 4 - NLCS

2009-10-21T17:16:00.001-04:00

NLCS GAME 4

2009-10-20T10:29:00.002-04:00

OK, before I start, The Dawn Summers (major three way linkage) got all jammed up and salty in the comments about me not posting about NLCS games anymore, so I will give you a quick recap about game 2 and game 3...

Game 2 - 6 outs away and Pedro gets pulled before starting the 8th (for whatever reasons) after throwing less than 90 pitches and giving up just 2 hits. Charlie puts 6 relievers through the 8th inning and the phils lose having LA tie it up. The only acceptable reason I will take for Pedro's benching would be Pedro's own admission that he told his GM that he just couldn't go anymore. Other than that, It's the weirdest move I've seen in a long time when it comes to playoff baseball. Of course this is why I am writing about it and not playing/ coaching.

Game 3 - 11-0 with Lee on the mound. That is all

After last nights game, the previous two really don't need anymore explanation than that.

It really is crazy to see this whole thing play out. I wrote somewhere that these two teams are really very unmatched with Philly clearly being the much better team. If you compare them on paper, it would be hard for even the staunchest of Dodgers fans to argue how much better the Phils really are. By position, by order in the line up, on the mound.

But this is why they play the game. So lets stop with the belly rubbing and delve into last nights episode.

Both starting pithcers (Wolf v Blanton) knew this was a big game. Obviously a bigger game for Wolf needing to keep his team in this series by not going down 3-1. The Dodgers coming off an 11-0 routing the previous night was something to consider as well. Wolf was probably the best guy to do it as well. His experience, maturity, and general skill was a good fit for last nights situation.

Blanton had some equity as well. This would be his first start in the series and he knew winning this game would be huge. Taking a 3-1 lead, having the opportunity to be the guy who just stepped on the LA's necks and really put the Phils into position to not only win the series, but do it here in Philly on Wednesday.

The behind the plate ump last night must have had a really bad case of the Red Ass before the game, because his strike zone was about the size of a walnut. I'll give him credit because he was at least consistent with it, but Dodgers fans (reads Philly haters) must have been through the roof watching some of the gems Wolf threw be looked off and called a ball.

Blanton suffered as well and it was right about the 4th inning where I said he was done. Get him out. Put him on ice.

My reason for this was simple. When the game started I gave the clear edge to Blanton in this matchup. Blanton has great numbers and he throws hard. Wolf is a fantastic locator of the ball and has one of the nastiest hooks in the league.
However, with that strike zone allowed last night, I gave the advantage back to Wolf right about the third inning.

Blanton is a guy that needs a big strike zone. He throws that nasty fast ball that gets right in there on right handed batters, and if he's not getting that pitch called as a strike, He can forget about it. Once the Dodgers knew they were getting that pitch, they started taking it and getting Blanton behind in counts. Which lead to their big innings in 4 and 5. Not getting that pitch made Blanton force a lot of pitches that were more than hittable. It would have been worse save some superior defense by the Phils (something that is usually taken for granted). It wasn't until the 4th inning that the Dodgers actually had back to back hits within 19 innings. That's a retarded stat in playoff baseball. A death sentence really.

I used to play poker with Wolf, and he is a very centered guy. Almost no ego. I figured the pitches that are normally strikes being called balls wouldn't effect him as much and that proved to be right. He settled in and pitched a very strong 3rd, 4th, and 5th inning. Blanton didn't. He made it through 6 but he was clearly frustrated trying to force pitches in that got him into trouble allowing the Dodgers to take advantage and take the lead.

Once through the middle innings and it being a one run game, all eyes went to the Phils bull pen. How many more would they allow? Turns out none, and it looked to provide a good opportunity for the Phils to at least tie this up and take it into extra innings.

However, Torre did something weird. He allowed Broxton to attempt a 4 out close. Broxton is a big dude. 280lbs or so, and he throws a friggin cannon ball. One pitch (on the third out in the 8th) reached 101mph and just shut down any attempt at a comeback in that inning. He was imposing.

But the issue with Broxton, throwing that hard, is that he can't stay out there long without expecting him to make mistakes. When I saw he was coming back for the 9th, I told my boy who was watching with me that we really had a huge shot to take this game. At least to tie it. He was going to get tired, and make a mistake. It was inevitable.

He gets the first out. Then Stairs comes to the plate. The only guy Broxton has given up a homerun too in like the last million years. It was a big one as well. Remember LAST years NLCS? What does he do? Walks him. Mistake one.
Then he hits Chooch. At this point you gotta figure that he is pitching around the players and is clearly worried about making a game defeating mistake. Why isn't Torre making a switch at this moment?

Torre came to the mound and talked him down, and he managed to get Gregg Dobbs, who pinch hitted in the 9th slot to weakly pop out to 3rd when the inside of his bat pushed the ball in that direction.

Up comes Jimmy Rollins. Jimmy struggled coming into the playoffs and hadn't really done much to change that. He is a solid hitter but hasn't performed the way we would have liked him, or expected him to. But Rollins is also a gamer. He's a spot light guy.

Broxton threw the first two pitches, each exceeding 98mph. The first one was down and inside and Rollings swung and missed. The second was a ball. So here we are Broxton. 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth. 2 on, and your team holds a 1 run lead. The count is 1-1.

At this point, which pitch do you think you need to throw? Every pound of the billions in tension right now should be falling on the hitter. The pitcher almost has it easy. You throw the best pitches to the best spots. If the guy hits it, then fine. He did his job. But you don't offer up a meatball the way he did.

Obv, the third pitch Rollins took it to the gap in right center quickly, and scored the two runners giving them the win. It was such a smash that just got out super quick.

I know Broxton throws 100mph, but there isn't a major league hitter who can't hit a fast ball. Throw it 119 mph. If you put it where Broxton put it, 90% of all major leaguers are going to crush it, assuming their timing is down.

Broxton managed to put that pitch in the spot where you just can't. Rollins took advantage and now we have a 3-1 lead coming into Wednesday with Hamels pitching.

Really, what Broxton did is unforgivable. You are a professional. You gave a very good hitter, a gift. And he took it.

It's not as easy as it was last year for the Phils. On top of the pressure of winning the NLCS and trying to get to the World Series, they have the added pressure of doing it AGAIN. That's huge. They have the same weapons they had last year with a little help, but clearly some of those weapons aren't as potent as they were last year. Hamels was a lock last year. So was Lidge. Hell, so was Madsen. They don't have that luxury this year. Yet they still get it done.

Wednesday will be a fun game. I will expect that Hamels will be in rare form and pitch a gem. He will have help from the Dodger lineup as I don't think they will have their heart in it. They were blown out 11-0 and then gave up the best opportunity they had by Broxton pitching a cantelope to Rollins and losing a heart breaker. I obviously don't expect them to lay down, but I will guess that the Phils will put up another 10 runs WITH Hamels going very deep.

I'll have my thoughts on that game after its conclusion and a World Series Preview once the Yanks finish off the Angels. At least I hope they do, because the Angels scare me more than the Yankees. Plus I don't want to upset Summers! Maybe I'll throw in some met bashing as well just to stir it up a little :)

NLCS GAME 1

2009-10-16T00:24:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a game. And what a friggin' heart attack. I love playoff baseball as you should because of the drama that ensues. No matter the opponents, it's always a game.

My Phil's pulled it off but not without some retardedness cocksuckery from nearly everyone.

First, let me start out by giving props to Kershaw. This kid is wicked stupid with the shit he throws. Just some nasty craziness that will someday win him a Cy Young IMO. But his youth goes against him in playoff baseball and I think he rattled a piece or two.

Second, let's look at the bottom half of the 6th inning after the Phils took a 5-1 lead. The biggest mistake I saw was the AB against Manny. Hamels is still in and obviously frustrated and tired and not feeling himself. Whatever reasons, I don't care... You're a professional. Kid, no kid, cheating wife, failing kidney. Get it the fuck done. The mistake I am referring to is when he gets behind in the count to Manny 2-0 after throwing 2 change ups in the same spot.

See, at this point, you can't throw any pitch RIGHT DOWN THE GODDAMN MIDDLE. Christ, just walk the damn guy, but you can't give him a pumpkin to hit. Which is exactly what Hamels did by throwing a third change right down the middle in the bottom third of the plate. So ghey. Of course Ramirez hits it into the Pacific. Christ Hoy could probably have done so.

The next mistake was Charlies in the 8th. Chan Ho Park came into the bottom of the 7th and just dealt. He was a sicko. Why the hell are you taking him out? I understand he was pinch hit for , but for no real reason at all. I think his arm in the 8th would hold more value than a no one on, 1 out pinch hit.

Lidge comes on in the 9th and gives up a lead off hit holding a 2 run lead. Then, gets gifted a double play, which he is rarely afforded by his pitching style. Regardless of how or why, he gets it done and the Phils take game 1. A very important game for both teams I might add in this series.

The thing that is telling for me is the fact that the Dodgers only scored 6 runs on 14 hits, going 3-14 with men in scoring position. That is just a heartbreaker and motivation killer for a team. They hit well, but couldn't get it done as the Phils scored 8 on 8 hits.

Hamels gets the win and Lidge the save giving him 16 post season saves. I don't understand the hype here with most media outlet talking heads giving the advantage to the Dodgers. Anyone worth their weight in baseball knowledge can look at these lineups and clearly see a huge advantage to Philadelphia. Obv, their bullpen is the sore spot for the team, and I know paper doesn't win championships, but Philadelphia's offense should be able to make up for the holes in their bullpen.

They put 7 of their 11 pitchers on the mound tonight. I'm guessing that's how Charlie is going to continue throughout the series. Last year it was Madson, Lidge, game over. This year, it's a whole new animal.

It's one game and in no way am I saying this is over. Baseball playoffs are a funny monkey and anything can happen, but I'm liking how it is playing out. How about Ibanez? Phillies management is looking pretty goddamn smart right now. How about Chooch (Ruiz)? Possibly the most consistent player at the plate right now, and Mr. Fucking Clutch!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's 4pm start and hopefully heading back home with a 2-0 lead. Pedro will determine that!

World Poker Showdown and KSINO

2009-10-15T14:03:00.003-04:00

Ksino will be hosting World Poker Showdowns event in Costa Rica. World Poker Showdown is a company that provides cruises to poker locations and hosting poker events on ships and at vacation locales.

Check out their link for info. Herb and the crew do a great job with WPS and have been around for over 4 years. I might be heading down myself, so let me know if anyone has any interest.

Check it out!

KSINO.COM

2009-10-14T15:34:00.002-04:00

I've been working with the crew at KSINO as they start to roll out a very cool line of clothing geared specifically for Poker players.

The line is cool and the company is cooler. These guys really know their shit when it comes to clothing.

Lacey Jones has signed on with the company as well. Below is a very cool video. I'll have more info on the group as they launch the line. Stay tuned!

GO PHILLIES

2009-10-12T15:48:00.002-04:00

Cliff Lee pitches tonight. It's time to end this series and move on to the Dodgers.

Last night left me scratching my head. Why would Charlie allow Blanton to hit with 2 on and 1 out when he knew he would have to take him out in the next inning if he got behind. Which he did. I understand the bunt but you're talking about a guy who can't hit ever. Even Bunt, as he proved he couldn't by striking out.

Regardless, Lidge kept up his end of the bargain (Shocker) by closing out the 9th and giving he Phils game three. I think the bottom line here is if Charlie is going to keep using everyone and anyone, Lidge is going to have to be the guy.

Yeah I too saw the Utley foul off his leg and the call at first. That call shouldn't matter since it was clearly fouled off his leg but assuming it wasn't, I'm not so sure he wasn't safe. One angle showed that it could have been an out, and the other showed that it could have been safe. Neither here nor there really because the game is in the books.

The game starts in just about two hours and I'll be parked in front of the tv watching and rooting. So will she :)

Handicapping the November 9 and THE WORLD EFFING CHAMPIONS

2009-10-09T11:25:00.005-04:00

If you don't know already, Alcanthang runs the Full Tilt blog over here. He recently asked Spaceman and myself to handicap the final 9 players in this years WSOP.

Go check it out. We are doing it in three parts which includes three players per part starting with the highest stacks. Part 1 is up now. Go read.

Let's take a look at yesterday's debacle for the Phillies. Yes it was a debacle for two reasons. One, I get that Charlie thinks that the game is winnable, and yes, if they win game two, the series is all but wrapped up. So I give him credit for trying. But what I am referring to is the fact that he used two starters as relief pitchers.

My question is, if you are not going to use Eyres, Durbin, or Condrey, why have them on the roster? This is so unlike Charlie.

The question about Hamels even starting has to be asked as well. It's a tough decision to pull your number 1/2 starter out of the rotation but let's look at two poignant facts. first, he is win less with a +5 ERA in day games. Secondly, the guys wife went into labor yesterday. While he was pitching. Charlie stated he was taking him out anyway because of the performance (which allowed Hamels to leave the ball field immediately). If the guy's head is elsewhere, why even start him?

I understand, professionals and all, I get it. I also get that the phils never really got their bats working until late. A little too late as it were (It wasn't until the 7th inning that they put a runner in scoring position) But the more important fact to look at is why is he sending Happ or Blanton in as relievers? Things like this really sink a season... or playoff run for that matter.

If their bats get hot, they should fly through the NLDS and CS. People also underestimate, or take for granted their defense. Arguably the best in the league. But Hamels and Lee have to win every time they step on the mound. We've already lost one. I'm not worried about Colorado. I still think it's going to be easy to get through at least one game in Denver, if not both. If it does get back here, Lee will be pitching and it should be a cake walk.

Taking 5 games to dispatch a lesser team will take a little of the swagger off of the Phils though, and going against LA (I'm not counting out the Cards yet, but it can't look good for their fans), is going to be a different story. And if it is the Cards, look the hell out. That will be one hot team having won 3 to make it to the NLCS.

I have faith in Charlie though, and certainly the rest of the team. I'm not going to discuss the probabilities of playing in the World Series yet, and who they may face. Let's get through Saturday first.

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2009-10-02T12:58:00.000-04:00

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The best, the worst, and the mundane of what was the Borgata Poker Open

2009-09-29T08:57:00.004-04:00

OK! There's a lot to cover and I don't want to make this a loooong read so I will get straight to the highlights. It was a long 2 weeks. Some pretty cool stuff happened and some pretty stupid stuff happened, but for the most part, it was a pretty standard two weeks.

The Ladies Event:

If you don't already know, A male entered the event and managed to win it. His name... Kortoski. You can find out about the whole shenanigans by googling Man wins ladies tournament, Borgata. But the gist of it was a little bit of an injustice done by the article written in the Philadelphia Daily News. Which consequently was picked up by almost every single media outlet in the nation. Christ, I saw it on the drudge report.

That article was written by a friend of mine. Unfortunately, he doesn't get to pick titles, and the title led the reader to think that Nicole was upset that the guy was allowed to play. Which couldn't have been further from the truth. Heck, she didn't even know that a guy was playing until half way through the tournament. The article also led the reader to believe that she wouldn't chop. Which is also a little misleading. Nicole offered to chop when she got heads up with the guy. He said he would only chop if he got the trophy and first. This irked Nicole a little because, well, as she told me, she's a competitor, and she felt she was playing not only for herself, but for every other woman in the tournament. She had no problem splitting the bulk of the money with some on the side and playing it out. But this guy didn't want to. He said play for it all or I'm not chopping. Now, in the article, he was quoted as saying two things. 1) "If the Borgata had asked me not to play, I wouldn't have" and 2) "I offered her a chop and she refused to take it."

Both of these quotes are horseshit. If he did make those quotes, which I know he did, he lied. Flat out lied. The casino has to allow any person over the age of 21 the opportunity to play in any posted event, regardless of age race or gender. It's a federal mandate. But when no less than 4 men tried to enter the tournament, Borgata staff politely asked them not to. And they didn't. They're men. This guy, sneaks in under late registration, after all personnel is in the tournament room managing the tournament. He walked in and tried to sit down. One of the staff asked him not to play. "It is a ladies event after all." This guy flat out refused to observe the fact that it was a ladies event. He also insisted in playing.

When it got to the chop, exactly how I stated it above is how it happened. He wasn't valiant in his effort to offer a chop. He specifically said, "No trophy, no chop". Again, Nicole had two issues. One was being the competitor she is and standing up for her fellow ladies who tried to go after this guy the whole time. Second, Nicole already had a second place finish in the 2007 ladies event during Borgata's Winter Open, and she really wanted to win. She felt it was her duty to play it out and try to accomplish the win.

Many of the women in the tournament were pissed at the Borgata for allowing this joke of a human being to play. A lot of them made comments that they would never play again. Unfortunately the Borgata has to follow the law like everyone else. And unfortunately, most didn't bother examining the law before passing judgment. As for the future of the ladies event, who knows. imagine every swinging dick trying to enter and win against a field of women. It's unfortunate, but what the hell are you going to do? I can tell you that the Borgata went above and beyond with their treatment of the situation. I can also tell you that Nicole is very happy how things worked out as well. She is a true competitor and no doubt will have success in the future in poker.

The Maven

When covering a tournament, one of the first things you do is find out who the players are and pick a few to cover in the early stages. Especially during the main event when there was 1,018 players. We don't do up to the minute chip counts and such as poker news does. That's not what we are hired for. We do updates, and who's who in the field, but we also tell stories of individual players who we think need to be told. We are hired by the Borgata so we try to bring the best stories that will attract people to that casino.

After doing this for almost 3 years, one thing that is inevitable is random players coming up to us looking for a little mention, or coverage. Most know who we are and will ask for a shout out, or some kind of mention because their friends or family are following. That's a good thing. Especially when it's a no name regular who is grinding his or her way to a career in poker. Of course during the main event, the field is so spattered with professionals that I've never heard of, or seen before, that it's a little hectic running around making sure I don't miss one of them. At least one that people would want to follow. There are also ways to act when alerting someone to your presence. If you think you have a presence. Let's take the Maven for example.

Unfortunately I had no idea who this guy was. Nor have I ever heard of him. I'm walking through the field table by table looking for familiar faces. As I walked around the corner of one table, this guy jumps up and asks, "Are you covering the event?", to which I replied yes. "My name is David Chitcosky." "OK", I said as I continued walking heading for a table with at least 4 players whom I recognized.

He grabbed my arm as I continued walking. Now let's think about that for a moment. Those of you who know me. He... GRABBED.... my arm. Envision that for a moment and think about the look on my face as I came to a dead stop, snapped my head around looking first at his hand on my arm and then my expression as I looked him squarely in the eyes.

"David Chitcosky man... Online player of the year... The MAVEN??" he looked baffled that I obviously had no idea who he was. "I took a breath, smiled, and said "I got it".

Needless to say he never got one mention in the blog. Now, that's as far as the story would go. Except...Lucko and Stoner played in the main and had explained to me that the night before they were at the B bar. The "maven" was there as well and approached Stoner because of something stoner had written on 2+2 or somewhere about this guy and the way he did business (he apparently has started a virtual training company with Bodog Ari). This douchebag approached stoner and basically told him to stop and he shouldn't and blah blah blah. This is something stoner wrote like a year or so ago, and this guy goes on to say he's licensed to carry a concealed weapon, and his body guards are over there, etc. Anyway they got into a slight argument right there and the body guards appeared. Nothing transpired but the story lent itself to this guys character. That of a friggin mouse in my mind.

He made it to day three. I had a post up all ready to go. It talked about Michael "The Raven" chikofsky (all wrong names) and how an unnamed player stated that the guy was doing nothing, and probably just waiting to make the cash. Unfortunately, that post never made it to the blog. He went busto shortly before the cash, and I thought better of ripping someone on someone elses blog where we are being paid to write for. It was a lose lose battle for me, so going unmentioned was the best shot I could do. What a total douche. He did eventually approach Al because he heard Al recounting the Lucko/Stoner story and he thought Al was the guy being harassed by his body guards. He told Al he wanted to apologize for his employees behavior and swore it wouldn't happen again. Too funny... or sad. I haven't figured out which one yet.

Runner UP

The final table went down to heads up pretty quick. It was the heads up match that was epic. And epic only for one reason. The guy who won was down to a million and a half chips. His opponent had 30 million at that point. It's over right then and there no? Here was the problem. Mr. Runner up was drinking. He was a bit of a talker as well. Young kid. Always jawing about busting people and so on. But from the moment he sat down at the final table he was asking for cocktail service. He must have had at least 12 beers while playing, and it was evident that by the time he got down to heads up he was pretty ripped up. At one point, he had ordered shots of Patrone for all his boys. 11 total, including one for himself. During every tape break, he would disappear with one of his buddies and do God knows what.

He started out pretty confident, but as the day wore on he would become evidently overwhelmed. See, the players were mike up. Not so that the crowd could hear them but for the taping of the show. We had a speaker box up on the media perch and could hear ever single word this guy was saying. Every single breath. It was pure comedy. The sighs, the "jeeezus'", the slight belching of being inebriated. I also heard him tell a friend that "he wanted one too", when his friend said he was going to the bathroom to "do something". Oh ya, I heard what that one thing was. Just not appropriate to post here. Not like I haven't :) Don't worry waffles, I'll explain on girly chat.

It came to a point where he just stopped caring about the cards. He certainly wasn't a poker player. Not in the sense you and I think about. He had probably around 5k in cashes over 4 events in the past 4 years. So he does play. But he also stated how he was stuck $150k playing black jack. So obviously a gambler. It was appropriate to give him a nickname. I decided on "asphalt" because his opponent just kept steam rolling him towards the end. The outcome was a no brainer, with exception to when he was down 29 to 1 in chips. But the poker gods intervened with some timely short stack double ups and the right guy won.

Overall the event was a huge success. One Thousand players for a $3500 event is huge. I don't care which poker bitch argues that it wasn't "prestigious" enough because of the low buy-in. They better get used to it, cause that's how things are going. If you want to play in large fields, and have an opportunity at a million for first for less than 5k, that's how it's going. $10k events are seeing less and less players these days with the exception of the big one. The $3500 allows more players access to a huge payday. I'm always amazed at the fields the Borgata gets. Kenna James not only played but sung the National Anthem on both day 1's of the main event to start it off. He asked the Borgata to do that. Apparently it's what he does. Kudos to the Borgata for allowing him to do so. Although I thought it was a little gay before he actually did it, I think most players appreciated it, and it was actually cool. He's a good singer, surprisingly.

Thanks goes out to Al, Gorilla, and Brad Utz for being the crack reporters they are. Brad is from North Carolina and loves poker and writing. He's good at what he does as well. He can talk to anyone, knows everyone, and I mean everyone. Knew their nicknames, their online histories, everything. Gorilla... Jeez man. Al and I joke that this guy could have a threesome every single night if he wanted to. And we're talking Borgata Babes here. Not waffles style beach chics. Anytime I needed something from the bar, I just asked gorilla. It was quicker than hunting down a waitress because they were always fawning over him. He is truly the best at what he does. Al is Al. Truly an insider and brings something else that none of us could. I can tell you that the Borgata was very happy with our performance. They have never had more readership than this time around, and we are looking forward to January. I'm sure more of the same stories will come about, and I'm also sure there will be more of an opportunity for even crazier stories!

Borgata Poker Open thoughts

2009-09-24T20:16:00.002-04:00

We are in the last day here of the WPT Borgata Championship. It is down to 2 players and the one is such a FUCKING douche bag, I can't wait to write about it.

That, the ladies event debacle, and all the other shit that went down here since day 1. All good stuff coming shortly