I didn't call this one because I didn't actually expect to play. I had a live game and was figuring on being home well after the Mook and Dook. but events fell into place and I missed the Mookie by about 30 minutes.
I look it up and there's Al high up on the leader board. I stick around some more and someone mentions the Dookie. Sure, I figure. I 'll play.
A couple of Aces, and Kings against Queens and Jacks, and I'm a Dookie winner yet again. That's two firsts for Dookies, to match my two seconds in the Mookie.
CK asked for a jaguar this time around. I don't know if I granted it yet, but maybe I will. Oh, and not the car either.
Congrats to Al for taking it down. He did so with class and reverence.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Prognostication!!!
Do you need something? A new job? A new car? How about a date? Even a TOC seat?
Just ask. I do favors. Whether it's selling a house, or winning an MTT, my skills are unmatched.
Fuel needed a house sold... BOOOOOM
CK wanted a TOC seat.... SHIP!
Yes, I do favors.
I've come into some opportunities over the last month or so and I wanted to share them here. There is a new online poker magazine launching May 1st. It's a pretty dynamic site and I dig the layout. The guy who started it has an online golf magazine as well and has much success. So I think running with this one is a no brainer.
For the first issue we have had interviews already with Howard Lederer, Jean Robert, and Lacey Jones.
You can view the mag here. I will be running a lot of biz dev stuff on this and writing some articles as well. We will start off a little slow, and then hopefully ramp up with a full version of content and poker related gadgets.
I'll announce the release of the launch and hopefully have the new logo shortly. Let me know what you think.
Oh, an ship me an email if you're dog is dying and you want it to live a little longer. I can square that away for you :)
Just ask. I do favors. Whether it's selling a house, or winning an MTT, my skills are unmatched.
Fuel needed a house sold... BOOOOOM
CK wanted a TOC seat.... SHIP!
Yes, I do favors.
I've come into some opportunities over the last month or so and I wanted to share them here. There is a new online poker magazine launching May 1st. It's a pretty dynamic site and I dig the layout. The guy who started it has an online golf magazine as well and has much success. So I think running with this one is a no brainer.
For the first issue we have had interviews already with Howard Lederer, Jean Robert, and Lacey Jones.
You can view the mag here. I will be running a lot of biz dev stuff on this and writing some articles as well. We will start off a little slow, and then hopefully ramp up with a full version of content and poker related gadgets.
I'll announce the release of the launch and hopefully have the new logo shortly. Let me know what you think.
Oh, an ship me an email if you're dog is dying and you want it to live a little longer. I can square that away for you :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
With the 19th pick the Eagles select, Jeremy Maclin!
This years NFL draft was apparently very speculative. The reports I read (which admittedly wasn't many) had Knowshon Moreno possibly slipping to the eagle with the 21st pick, and some had Maclin going 7th.
Instead, Moreno went earlier to Denver, and Maclin slipped past the top 15 and the Eagles traded down 2 spots to get him at 19.
This seemed to shock most of the ESPN analysts, who in my opinion are really nothing short of backyard draft specialists. The same ones who look at a team and think, "they need this position", and that is who they believe should be drafted. Quality player or not.
Lest anyone think this was a bad move, I will unequivocally state that this move just shows how genius the Eagles front office is when it comes to building winning teams. And a winning team they are.
Maclin led all players last year in all-purpose yards. He scored 13 touchdowns (1+ a game) averaged over 10 receptions a game, and is literally a freak when it comes to yards after catch numbers.
He will fit in quite well with the Eagles offense. Think about Maclin, Jackson, Curtis, Westbrook spread out in the slot, and McCoy (they're second round pick) in the back field. I challenge any defensive back field in the league to stop that combo. That is of course if McNabb can keep the ball from throwing the ball at their feet.
The McCoy pick was more surprising in the sense that he was still there when they got him. Yes, he's small, and yes, he came out a year early, but the kid is a stud. He will certainly take some of the load off Westbrook, and will challenge defense to figure out who to spy and who to double team.
Most fans who don't get it will not like this pick. They will regurgitate the surprise and, some could say disappointment of he ESPN talking heads, and scream that there's another lost opportunity for the birds. But in reality, what else was there to do? Could they have made a better pick?
There was talk about trading with Cleveland for Braylon Edwards, and a pick, but that fell through. Edwards holds the dubious stat of having the most dropped balls of any receiver over the last two seasons (I can't believe it's not Owens, but I read it on the internet, so it HAS to be true). Boldin from AZ was a possibility but being a fan for 30 years, you realize that the organization, especially how Laurie and Banner have shown how they like to run it, probably decided that the $10mil a year he would demand was just not going to happen.
If you have paid attention in the off season, you realize that the trade for Jason Peters from Buffalo started this whole thing. The loss of Runyan, who quite possibly could be one off the top 10 to ever play left tackle in the league, was devastating for McNabb. The question became who would replace him, or moreso, how would they replace him?
Via the draft felt like rebuilding but with the talent still left on the team and the parity in the league, there was still an opportunity to take another shot this year. Acquiring Jason Peters made it obvious that the Eagles were looking for offensive impact players right away. Maclin foots that bill immediately.
He has some downside which is his ability to run routes, but that can be improved on pretty quickly. I don't think Maclin was the type to ever have to worry about route running in college when he was used all over the field. Obviously the NFL is a different place and he will step up or be cut. But a guy with his talent, intelligence, and just the fact that he comes from a winning organization in the NCAA speaks volumes for his potential in the NFL.
I can tell you this. Whether or not you are a fan who likes the pick, you will be waiting with great anticipation for the arrival of J-Mac to camp. July can't get here fast enough! Congrats to the Eagles and their fans. Agree with it or not, we got a stud player.
Start the Hate....
Instead, Moreno went earlier to Denver, and Maclin slipped past the top 15 and the Eagles traded down 2 spots to get him at 19.
This seemed to shock most of the ESPN analysts, who in my opinion are really nothing short of backyard draft specialists. The same ones who look at a team and think, "they need this position", and that is who they believe should be drafted. Quality player or not.
Lest anyone think this was a bad move, I will unequivocally state that this move just shows how genius the Eagles front office is when it comes to building winning teams. And a winning team they are.
Maclin led all players last year in all-purpose yards. He scored 13 touchdowns (1+ a game) averaged over 10 receptions a game, and is literally a freak when it comes to yards after catch numbers.
He will fit in quite well with the Eagles offense. Think about Maclin, Jackson, Curtis, Westbrook spread out in the slot, and McCoy (they're second round pick) in the back field. I challenge any defensive back field in the league to stop that combo. That is of course if McNabb can keep the ball from throwing the ball at their feet.
The McCoy pick was more surprising in the sense that he was still there when they got him. Yes, he's small, and yes, he came out a year early, but the kid is a stud. He will certainly take some of the load off Westbrook, and will challenge defense to figure out who to spy and who to double team.
Most fans who don't get it will not like this pick. They will regurgitate the surprise and, some could say disappointment of he ESPN talking heads, and scream that there's another lost opportunity for the birds. But in reality, what else was there to do? Could they have made a better pick?
There was talk about trading with Cleveland for Braylon Edwards, and a pick, but that fell through. Edwards holds the dubious stat of having the most dropped balls of any receiver over the last two seasons (I can't believe it's not Owens, but I read it on the internet, so it HAS to be true). Boldin from AZ was a possibility but being a fan for 30 years, you realize that the organization, especially how Laurie and Banner have shown how they like to run it, probably decided that the $10mil a year he would demand was just not going to happen.
If you have paid attention in the off season, you realize that the trade for Jason Peters from Buffalo started this whole thing. The loss of Runyan, who quite possibly could be one off the top 10 to ever play left tackle in the league, was devastating for McNabb. The question became who would replace him, or moreso, how would they replace him?
Via the draft felt like rebuilding but with the talent still left on the team and the parity in the league, there was still an opportunity to take another shot this year. Acquiring Jason Peters made it obvious that the Eagles were looking for offensive impact players right away. Maclin foots that bill immediately.
He has some downside which is his ability to run routes, but that can be improved on pretty quickly. I don't think Maclin was the type to ever have to worry about route running in college when he was used all over the field. Obviously the NFL is a different place and he will step up or be cut. But a guy with his talent, intelligence, and just the fact that he comes from a winning organization in the NCAA speaks volumes for his potential in the NFL.
I can tell you this. Whether or not you are a fan who likes the pick, you will be waiting with great anticipation for the arrival of J-Mac to camp. July can't get here fast enough! Congrats to the Eagles and their fans. Agree with it or not, we got a stud player.
Start the Hate....
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Borgata Events!!!
The Borgata has a few things happening over the next two months. The first is yet again, another $500k guarantee in May. This starts on May 17th and is a 3 day event. The buy-in is $1500+$150 and should be as good as any that they have run in the past.
Having covered this event several times, it's amazing to me how many players fly in from across the country to play. It really is a testament to the Borgata and their willingness to put together an awesome structure to cater to the players.
A lot of newcomers also play and it makes for a great field.
In June, the Summer Open starts on June 7th, and wraps up with a $3000 main event that offers a $40k starting stack. Again, another awesome structure that will be sure to attract a very big field and the biggest names in poker.
There is a total of 22 events covering everything from PLO ($350 buy-in) to a $3000 heads up double elimination tourney. You can find the full schedule here.
The Borgata will be competing with the WSOP again for early prelim events, and all indications, as well as past history show that it won't matter. Players flock to these events because of the structure, the atmosphere, and the overall willingness of the Borg and it's staff to cater to them.
If you have the chance, come down and play. You really get a lot of value in these tournies. The fields are much larger than average, the struture is unmatched, and the Borgata room is always packed with lots of ring games.
It's amazing to me the comparison to other casinos and their tournaments and how much better the Borgata fares. Again, I will plan to play the PLO tournament, and will most likely be covering the event as well, so I look foward to a good month before I head out to Vegas for the Main event.
Drop a line if you plan on going down to play in any of them.
Having covered this event several times, it's amazing to me how many players fly in from across the country to play. It really is a testament to the Borgata and their willingness to put together an awesome structure to cater to the players.
A lot of newcomers also play and it makes for a great field.
In June, the Summer Open starts on June 7th, and wraps up with a $3000 main event that offers a $40k starting stack. Again, another awesome structure that will be sure to attract a very big field and the biggest names in poker.
There is a total of 22 events covering everything from PLO ($350 buy-in) to a $3000 heads up double elimination tourney. You can find the full schedule here.
The Borgata will be competing with the WSOP again for early prelim events, and all indications, as well as past history show that it won't matter. Players flock to these events because of the structure, the atmosphere, and the overall willingness of the Borg and it's staff to cater to them.
If you have the chance, come down and play. You really get a lot of value in these tournies. The fields are much larger than average, the struture is unmatched, and the Borgata room is always packed with lots of ring games.
It's amazing to me the comparison to other casinos and their tournaments and how much better the Borgata fares. Again, I will plan to play the PLO tournament, and will most likely be covering the event as well, so I look foward to a good month before I head out to Vegas for the Main event.
Drop a line if you plan on going down to play in any of them.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The, uh, plaque for the alternates is down stairs in the lady's room
The weekend came and went without any real notion of value. It was the boy's 3rd birthday and it seemed more about being everywhere on time more than it was enjoying where we got.
The kitchen and upstairs bathroom are being done so we've been put out a bit for the last week, and all of this week. No biggie, but it makes for some interesting bathing arrangements and dining options.
We took the boy to the zoo for his birthday. Apparently, everyone else brought their kids as well as the place had no parking left. We spent probably 3 hours there and went back to the house for pizza and sandwiches.
Sunday was the party at Mema's house but not until the afternoon. So I decided it was a good time to get the first round of the year in. We played at a muni course, designed by Donald Ross, which is one of my fav's.
The weather was nice and the course was overbooked by some 30 players so it took us an extra hour to tee off. No matter as I was more interested in knocking off the rust more than I was competing.
I started with a triple and ended with a bogey and was still satisfied with the round. I hit some pure shots and snapped hooked a few into the adjacent sycamores, but all in all it was a good round. The short game was the cause of the first triple, but it also bailed me out of a lot of holes as well.
I chipped one in, and got several others close enough to save par. The putter was rock steady and it was fun to drain some stupid 20 footers, and only miss one silly 3 footer. I struck the ball well but scored a little more than I thought I should have. I think I won the foursome by 3 strokes, but that's not saying much. I was the one who's ball didn't ricochet out of bounds after smashing into the huge oak. Instead, mine nestled neatly in the fairway :) Round highlights... If I hit the driver even a little less than average, I would have shot 10 strokes better. The short game is money. Mid iron game needs to be a little crisper. Lots of shots on the green, but too far from the hole. 3 beers at the turn makes it a much easier game :)
I got over to the in-laws for the birthday party and locked up a good weekend, that basically flew by without any real substance. The boys birthday was fun, but not too much hoopla.
I'm getting ready for the Borgata Summer Open in June, and scheduling writers and bloggers for the month. It should be a good field and a great time as usual. Look for more updates with a roster of writers and events that you should play in if you can get there.
The kitchen and upstairs bathroom are being done so we've been put out a bit for the last week, and all of this week. No biggie, but it makes for some interesting bathing arrangements and dining options.
We took the boy to the zoo for his birthday. Apparently, everyone else brought their kids as well as the place had no parking left. We spent probably 3 hours there and went back to the house for pizza and sandwiches.
Sunday was the party at Mema's house but not until the afternoon. So I decided it was a good time to get the first round of the year in. We played at a muni course, designed by Donald Ross, which is one of my fav's.
The weather was nice and the course was overbooked by some 30 players so it took us an extra hour to tee off. No matter as I was more interested in knocking off the rust more than I was competing.
I started with a triple and ended with a bogey and was still satisfied with the round. I hit some pure shots and snapped hooked a few into the adjacent sycamores, but all in all it was a good round. The short game was the cause of the first triple, but it also bailed me out of a lot of holes as well.
I chipped one in, and got several others close enough to save par. The putter was rock steady and it was fun to drain some stupid 20 footers, and only miss one silly 3 footer. I struck the ball well but scored a little more than I thought I should have. I think I won the foursome by 3 strokes, but that's not saying much. I was the one who's ball didn't ricochet out of bounds after smashing into the huge oak. Instead, mine nestled neatly in the fairway :) Round highlights... If I hit the driver even a little less than average, I would have shot 10 strokes better. The short game is money. Mid iron game needs to be a little crisper. Lots of shots on the green, but too far from the hole. 3 beers at the turn makes it a much easier game :)
I got over to the in-laws for the birthday party and locked up a good weekend, that basically flew by without any real substance. The boys birthday was fun, but not too much hoopla.
I'm getting ready for the Borgata Summer Open in June, and scheduling writers and bloggers for the month. It should be a good field and a great time as usual. Look for more updates with a roster of writers and events that you should play in if you can get there.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Charity event!
For those in these thar parts....
Tomorrow we're having a little gathering to help raise funds for Big Mike and his cause for CF.
I believe he has a nephew who has the dreaded affliction, and we will be playing a little pokah to bring awareness, and raise a little cake.
For those that were at the Bash this year, it will be held at the same place, August Moon, in Norristown. We start at noon and go until whenever.
It will certainly be a great time! If you need more info, send me an email
Tomorrow we're having a little gathering to help raise funds for Big Mike and his cause for CF.
I believe he has a nephew who has the dreaded affliction, and we will be playing a little pokah to bring awareness, and raise a little cake.
For those that were at the Bash this year, it will be held at the same place, August Moon, in Norristown. We start at noon and go until whenever.
It will certainly be a great time! If you need more info, send me an email
Thursday, April 16, 2009
HARRY the K Memorial Service
Only once in baseball history has anyone had a public viewing at a major league ball park. That was Babe Ruth. On Saturday, Harry Kalas will make history again as his casket will be placed behind home plate for all the world to come pay their respects before the game.
On Fridays game, the first half of the first inning will be broadcast with no announcing. Nothing but the crack of the bat, the ball hitting the mit, and the white noise of the crowd in the back ground.
Some other things that will happen:
• The television booth in Citizens Bank Park will be named the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth, “That ball’s outta here!” A plaque will be hung to officially name the booth. The neighboring radio booth is named the Richie (“Whitey”) Ashburn Broadcast Booth, “This game’s easy, Harry.”
• The ceremonial first ball will be thrown by Harry’s three sons, Todd, Brad and Kane.
• Prior to the National Anthem, to be sung by Harry’s son Kane, there will be a moment of silence.
• All fans will receive an 8”x10” color photograph of Harry.
• Harry’s signature will be displayed on the field during the seven-game homestand beginning on Friday.
• For the entirety of the seven-game homestand, a black drape will appear in front of the Phillies radio and TV booths and the Phillies flag in Ashburn Alley will be hung at half-mast.
• A video of Harry’s career will be aired on PhanaVision.
• During the seventh-inning stretch, a video of Harry singing “High Hopes” will be shown on PhanaVision.
Additionally, for the rest of the season a billboard honoring Harry will be displayed on the outfield wall, and the legendary, "Outta Here!" home run call will be played over the PA system whenever a Phillie hits a home run.
This is a man who truly was the sound of Philadelphia Sports. Most around here, baseball fans or not know Harry Kalas, and have been impacted by his career with the Phillies and NFL films.
No one in Philadelphia pronounces Mickey Morandini anymore without saying Miickkeee Mooorandiiiniiiii, in Harry's accent and deep base voice.
He truly was iconic in his industry, and players were always stating that they couldn't wait to hear how harry called it after making a play, or hitting in a significant run, or reaching a milestone. He was revered by fans and players alike. Especially by his colleagues.
Most importantly, he was a fan. That escapes most everyone outside of the Philly area. Harry will be remembered most around these parts because he was truly a fan of his and our beloved Phils.
Good Hunting Harry. You will be missed!
On Fridays game, the first half of the first inning will be broadcast with no announcing. Nothing but the crack of the bat, the ball hitting the mit, and the white noise of the crowd in the back ground.
Some other things that will happen:
• The television booth in Citizens Bank Park will be named the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth, “That ball’s outta here!” A plaque will be hung to officially name the booth. The neighboring radio booth is named the Richie (“Whitey”) Ashburn Broadcast Booth, “This game’s easy, Harry.”
• The ceremonial first ball will be thrown by Harry’s three sons, Todd, Brad and Kane.
• Prior to the National Anthem, to be sung by Harry’s son Kane, there will be a moment of silence.
• All fans will receive an 8”x10” color photograph of Harry.
• Harry’s signature will be displayed on the field during the seven-game homestand beginning on Friday.
• For the entirety of the seven-game homestand, a black drape will appear in front of the Phillies radio and TV booths and the Phillies flag in Ashburn Alley will be hung at half-mast.
• A video of Harry’s career will be aired on PhanaVision.
• During the seventh-inning stretch, a video of Harry singing “High Hopes” will be shown on PhanaVision.
Additionally, for the rest of the season a billboard honoring Harry will be displayed on the outfield wall, and the legendary, "Outta Here!" home run call will be played over the PA system whenever a Phillie hits a home run.
This is a man who truly was the sound of Philadelphia Sports. Most around here, baseball fans or not know Harry Kalas, and have been impacted by his career with the Phillies and NFL films.
No one in Philadelphia pronounces Mickey Morandini anymore without saying Miickkeee Mooorandiiiniiiii, in Harry's accent and deep base voice.
He truly was iconic in his industry, and players were always stating that they couldn't wait to hear how harry called it after making a play, or hitting in a significant run, or reaching a milestone. He was revered by fans and players alike. Especially by his colleagues.
Most importantly, he was a fan. That escapes most everyone outside of the Philly area. Harry will be remembered most around these parts because he was truly a fan of his and our beloved Phils.
Good Hunting Harry. You will be missed!
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