steeler247: a blog about nothing

Best X-mas Ever!

2007-12-25T08:35:00.000-06:00

I pwnd these bitches.

Not that I'm bragging...

2007-12-24T14:05:00.000-06:00

but this is a pretty good thing.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I've written about the Farmer's Game for ages and some have asked for directions to the game - so here goes.

First you get on the highway and take a right. Drive for awhile. When you get to the faded red metal building, turn around because you went too far. Get back on the highway and exit the farm-to-market road near the roadside barbecue stand. If you feel so inclined order the #3 with a Big Red. When you come to the fork in the road take a left and drive for about 15-45 minutes. If you see yourself out in the middle of nowhere, don't fret, you are almost there. See the building with all the cars around it? That's the place. Go up to the door and when the guy at the door answers, tell him I sent you. His name is Robert or Joe and we are good friends. He'll remember me.

Best of luck to you. The game starts at 1pm. Or at 4. I'm not quite sure.

No takers

2007-12-17T19:59:00.001-06:00

It was raised preflop in limit poker so I make the call in the BB. I think this is the first time I've ever flopped it. I couldn't get anyone to pay me off on it. Such is life.

I did go on to win this tourney. sfOBV.

Kent, Kent, He's our man...

2007-12-08T20:30:00.000-06:00

I forgot I had this gem. I made this note several months ago and I just so happened to see Kent playing some O8 tonight, so I got this shot.

Poor Thomas

2007-12-08T11:02:00.000-06:00

The worst thing that could ever happen to a kid happened to Thomas. The tooth that just fell out of his mouth fell into the drain in the sink. He cried. I comforted him. He asked if the tooth fairy would still come and being the dad that I am, I told him that Tooth Fairies are unionized now and must have visual proof of any tooth extraction or no payday. He's a bit mad but he'll learn to live with disappointment.

He's lost 3 teeth now. My baby boy is getting big.

He's got another wiggly in the front that I'm sure he'll handle more cautiously.

-247

Happy Chanukkah

2007-12-06T19:34:00.000-06:00

Best wishes to my Jewish buddies. I honestly didn't know that Chanukkah had started until I read the forum the other day. It had me wondering - What do I really know about other religions? I'm a catholic and I don't pretend to know the mysteries of the church of Rome. In fact I didn't even know that catholics believe in purgatory until a few years back. I can honestly say that I've never heard it mention in my cathecism or during mass. Not that I went to either with any regularity. A few things that I think I know about other religions.

Judaism - They're the chosen people. Least that's what I hear. I do know they do wonderful things in Hollywood and the financial markets worldwide.

Lutheran - This is like the black sheep of catholicism. The used to be catholics but Martin Luther wasn't asked to sit at the cool kids table so he, like any good person of faith, decided to start his own thing.

Baptists - The happiest people to see the war on terror. Why? They no longer have to endure the butt of late night jokes. Everything I know about baptists I learned from the movie Footloose. They pretty much hate anything fun. Which has me wondering how there are so many baptists if its a sin to be naked.

Episcopalian - I've never met anyone who has ever episcopaled.

Mormonism - Wow. I could just stop at that, but with all the news of Mitt Romney's run at the big chair there are tons I think I know about Mormon's. I think they believe that Heaven is actually a planet in space and that if we are good people on Earth we can live in paradise near Uranus. Kudos to John Smith who felt the need to start his own religion after he was slighted - ala Luther. And wtf with multiple marriage? I know that it's not standard Mormon belief now but how the hell is having more than one wife ever a good thing? One wife telling me to pick up my shit on the floor and change the channel from sports would be plenty.

Jehovah's Witness - Gold star for coolest name. These guys are out there. I think they don't believe in blood transfusions and that only 144,000 of them are going to heaven. I guess that leaves the rest of us out in the dark. I couldn't be motivated to be religious if i knew I wasn't one of the 144,000 that weren't going to heaven. Having a JW girlfriend wouldn't be bad though. You could tell her you wanted to get her that Jared's* ring, but her religion wouldn't allow the gift.

Muslims - These guys love God so much they'll die 10x over for Allah. Wouldn't you, if you believed you could have 100 virgins waiting for you if you die for Allah? Personally I believe that Muslims get a bad rap in the world but that is a very unpatriotic thing for me to say and I'd have the Homeland Security coppers on my arse.

In all actuality I think that all religions serve an important purpose in life and I really believe that we all pray to the same God. We just have different delivery techniques. My apologies to all those that may be offended by this post. Deal with it. I haven't posted in ages.

Oh yeah, if any of my Jewish friends want to give me a teddy bear for Chanukkah that would be awesome!

I'd name him Mohammed.

Peace and Tranquility in this holiday season my friends.

-247

* special thanks to Huck.

Coach of the Year

2007-12-04T21:19:00.000-06:00

School is going well. I've coached my team to 2 victories with 1 defeat in basketball.

Did I mention I've never coached basketball before?

I really can't wait till the season is over, but in all actuality it is starting to grow on me.

I haven't seen or heard from Deemon in ages and I miss her. I also wonder where Topanga and Fornelli and willw9 and the others have gone.

Is it pathetic that all these people I "know" are internet people i've never actually met in person?

More from me in about 7 months.

-s247

Farmer's Game - New High / New Low

2007-10-22T06:46:00.000-05:00

Last week at the Farmer's game we had a most unusual hand. A hand that we thought could never be topped. At the game we've had several quads vs. boats and even 2 royal flushes but this particular hand came up...

Blinds at 2/5 NL and UTG limps with 22 and guy in LP makes the call with 55. The SB with AhTh makes it $30 to go hoping to take the pot down but both guys call. The flop...

2 2 5.

All three check the flop.

Turn ... 10

Now the SB bets $30 and both the other players just call.

River... 10

SB makes it $40 and the guy with 22 makes it $100 more. The guy with 55 folds but keeps his cards in front of him. The guy with AT just calls the 10 thinking they were gonna chop and the winner shows the quads. We thought we had finally seen it all. Until yesterday.

There is a really obnoxious character who brings his daddy to the game. He's a violent, arrogant drunk and both of em rarely bathe. And now the kicker...their last name is Dick. I kid not. So anyway, I'm at the game and Daddy walks in quickly and blows right past everyone while heading to the bathroom. As he's walking something rolls out of his pants leg and lands near the chip room door. We have no clue what it was but didn't like the prospects. He's in the bathroom for about 10 minutes. He came out and sat down at the coach but not before everyone saw that this old dude had already shitted in his pants and the thing that rolled down the floor was part of his collections. Now here's the worst part... He sat down at the table and played for almost 2 hours before someone pissed off his son and they both left.

We are hoping this hand will never be beat. Ever.

A new high at the Farmer's Game. A new low as well.

s247

WBCOOP

2007-10-06T21:18:00.000-05:00

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

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

Registration code: 8387441

Rags

2007-08-25T23:58:00.000-05:00

Nice hand, wrong game.

New job?

2007-08-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I'm a 6th grade teacher. Initially I was interviewed to take over the high school baseball program but the coach decided not to leave and later I decided to accept just a teaching position. After that, I really thought my chances of coaching were gone. At the end of last year, the new offensive coordinator asked if I would consider coaching at the Jr. high level. I told him that I would consider coaching, but nothing really came of it.

Last week during our teacher workshops the O.C. asked again if I would consider coaching and I said yes. Then another coach asked me the same thing. When I got back to my campus the principal called me in and said he would free up my schedule to allow it to happen. He also said he didn't think he would be able to get a stipend for me because the budget had already been set. Uh. No. I won't do it for free. I really want to be a coach, but I really don't want to do it for free.

Things never go how you want them and this is pry not gonna be any different. I called Lidia (the ex) and asked if I could get our oldest son, Kristian, to come to school with me. He's gonna be a 7th grader and is starting to play Jr. high football. His mom said no. End of conversation.

This sucks 'cause now if I coach, I have to play against my own son. Never a good thing. And with football games on Thursday, I will only be able to see him once this year and that's when we play them. Anyway, the new athletic director called me into his office on Friday and said he had heard good things about me. He offered me a spot on the coaching staff and said he couldn't finalize it till the Aug 27th school board meeting but that he's nearly 90% sure it would happen.

I'm kinda torn now. This is a step that I really need to do in order to become a baseball coach someday, but I also don't want to let my son down by not being there for his football games. I would also have to quit as Thomas' peewee football coach - and he's killing out there. I know i'm his dad and have some biases but Thomas is easily the most aggressive player in our league. Kid is straight up tough and doesn't slow down to make plays - very unusual for a kid his age (8).

Here's a photo of a tackle that Thomas made last year. He's #31 in your program and #1 in my heart.

another photo of Thomas making a tackle. He's tough.

9v Battery

2007-08-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

New me. New look.

I feel as if my batteries are fully charged. I'm ready to make a go at it again but I pry won't post more than 3-4 times a week. Deal with it.

This summer I played tons of poker, played several rounds of golf, had an incident with the emergency room with Allison and made a good run at Little League All-Stars with my oldest son. If you stick around to read, this is what you'll get.

Now i have to go to freaking bed because work starts tomorrow.

My battery just drained.

-247

Where is everyone?

2007-08-15T18:35:00.001-05:00

Gonna see how long it takes for my "fans" to come back. Pry never will.

Last day before I go back to work. I've been playing tons of live poker this summer and this pleases me. I didn't get all the things done that I needed to get done but such is life. I read a few books and spent all day with my kids while their mom was at work. I'm really enjoying them and the time we spend together and I don't regret leaving San Antonio to be closer to them.

Maybe I'll add some new stuff. Lots of things happening to me...some of which would make you laugh.

For now, peace out.

-247

San Antonio X-Mas - Ho's Ho's Ho's

2006-12-23T10:37:00.000-06:00

Few things on my Christmas weekend thus far:

* Note to self: This is my family i'm staying with. Pry shoulda packed SuperSystem II for some light reading. 12 hours in - and i'm bored.

* My brother is buying a weight set today which means i'll pry buy a weight set of some kind.

* Always pack some kind of soap/shampoo when staying with my sister, else you'll smell like Japanese Apple Shower Gel and Ms. Crenik's Foot & Heel Softener all day.

* Never ask in a subtle way "so, you want me to download FullTiltPoker on your computer?" Just do it anyway.

* Make sure you're in charge of pizza ordering...I didn't even know they made a Vegetarian pizza.

* Google the location of the closest home poker game. Going up to a guy in a pool hall seems like you are trying to shark him or ask him out.

* In a .01/.02 NL HE family game, see every river. Folding preflop because my brother makes it .06 to go makes you look like a tool.

More to come... in a month or so.

One month later...

2006-12-22T11:25:00.000-06:00

and I still got nothing.

Ok, my students took a semester exam last week. I'll copy and paste a few questions from it to see how you stack up against 6th graders.

1. List 13 punctuation marks used in English. Special thumbs up to Hrbek who got all 13 without googling it.

DEFINE THE FOLLOWING:

Noun -
Verb -
Adjective -
Pronoun -

SOME WORDS CAN BE NOUNS, ADJECTIVES OR VERBS. SELECT THE ITALICIZED WORD THAT IS BEING USED AS AN ADJECTIVE IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES:

2. The water barrel was full of water.
3. I can make apple pie from cut up apple.

FIND THE ANTECEDENT FOR EACH ITALICIZED PRONOUN:

4. Thomas hit the ball and he ran to first base.
5. The kids saw the girl and they ran to play with her.

IDENTIFY THE ITALICIZED VERB AS AUXILIARY, LINKING, TRANSITIVE OR INTRANSITIVE.

6. Thomas hit the ball.
7. The girl is pretty.
8. I think I will call the girl today.
9. The camper's hid from the bear.

FIND THE SUBJECT FOR EACH ITALICIZED VERB.

10. Watch your step.
11. The little boy ate the candy bar.
12. There are three strawberries in the basket.

Good luck. Keep your eyes on your own test.

Thanksgiving...

2006-11-23T22:06:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving Day. This is my favorite holiday of the entire year next to Cesar Chavez day. Today's menu consisted of turkey (duh), dressing (dbl duh), gravy, dinner rolls (slightly buttered), cranberry sauce and some other crap that I can't remember right now.

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I'm pry going to LA this weekend. Bunch of the Farmer's gang are headed to the casino to try their luck and i'll pry tag along. Been awhile since i've played in a casino.

LA = Lousy-anna

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Had a very interesting date (with a girl, not my cousin) the other night. I enjoyed it immensely, but the conversation moved in a direction not normally associated with 2nd dates. Too damn funny. For those that care, she's very pretty, intelligent, charming and a great conversationalist.

Way out of my league, I know.

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Had a nice conversation with Kent on AIM the other day. Turns out he knows more about grammar than I do.

Haven't seen Deemon in ages. Miss the conversations.

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Things about the 6th grade

2006-11-16T20:37:00.000-06:00

One thing I've learned from the kids is that "dating" can be pretty easy. Take Kristine* for example...

Last Friday was the 6th grade dance. A really big event in their Jr. High days because it was their first school dance. All I heard during the week was 'what are you gonna wear' to 'are you gonna dance?'. Very taxing on these youngster's souls.

The dance started just like I predicted - boys on one side and girls on the other. For the first hour nobody danced. So I asked the DJ if he had the song Cha-Cha by MC Chris. He did and they loved it. Real ice breaker. So, Kristine, who is a very tall girl, wanted me to make some guy dance with her. Any guy. I tried my best but no takers. So she finds a very short 7th grader. This guy is very nice but it's quite obvious he has never seen/participated/heard of a dance move. He gets an 'A' for effort. So... after only one dance, Kristine asks him if he has a girlfriend. He replies "no". She asks if he wants one. He says "yes" and just like that, they are an item.

Is dating really that easy now? I've been out of practice for so long.

-twenty fo seven

* Identity changed to protect the innocent

I'm not here. Go away.

2006-11-04T22:34:00.000-06:00

My little brother Lee just finished in 33rd at the US Amateur Pool Championships in Atlanta, GA. He was disappointed because he was playing well, but ran into some bad luck. Kinda like getting rivered in poker.

Here he is at the US Amateur's on Friday

He's much better at pool than I am at poker.

I have a few pics on my computer that are both crappy and random. Apologies in advanced to all those offended. Especially Hrbek. It was his idea.

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RIP Old Man. You gave em hell.

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One of my favorite pics...

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Hook-em baby girl. Hook em.

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All-in preflop. You have to want it more.

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One last thing: I sent Hrbek an AIM message on Friday and the bastid blocked me.
Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer.

-s247

Home sick

2006-10-10T13:46:00.000-05:00

I'm home sick. I have some crud that's making my chest congested and i'm coughing up some nice stuff.

First time I called in sick for work and I was nervous doing it.

Kids hate subsitutes.

Gambool

2006-10-04T20:33:00.000-05:00

Couple things

1) I teach 6th Grade

2) I play poker

So when a few kids come up to me today in the halls and asked me if I gambled, I honestly thought they must have heard one of the teachers talking about my poker prowess. I told them I don't gamble. Which is kinda true... if you play me poker, then you are gambling. :)

So later I continually see boys running into the bathroom and coming out as if they did something wrong. During the break between 6th and 7th period class I walk into the bathroom and there on the floor are three 6th graders, spread eagle, throwing dice against the wall. These high rollers are even gambling with real money. There were nickles and quarters on the floor.

American Idol 14

2006-09-27T19:24:00.000-05:00

I give you the next American Idol ... in the year 2019.

DEEEEEEEEEEMON!!!!

2006-09-22T16:41:00.000-05:00

Can I have your AIM name?

Well...

2006-09-21T21:11:00.000-05:00

I got my first Teacher paycheck yesterday... Ever heard the expression "something's better than nothing" ? I won't complain. Much.

Couple things have changed since Deemon came back:

* Hrbek stopped posting, so I followed suit

* Fornelli found out he is really a Nigerian Prince. A really light-skinned Nigerian Prince.

* Knighty and Shermy were married.

* Knighty came out of the closet.

* Knighty and Shermy divorced.

* Sly was arrested for peddling vitamin B-12 out of the back of a van to some undercover gray hairs.

* I found out that my contract with the school has no loopholes.

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I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing but today at football practice a boy hit Thomas after the whistle. The boy came from behind running very fast and Thomas fell down. Well Thomas gets up, walks up to the kid and punches him right in the head. The boy grabs Thomas and throws him to the ground and Thomas rolls on top of him just as we were starting to break it up. I was proud/pissed at the same time. I don't want my kids fighting but at the same time I want him to defend himself if some punk kid is gonna deliberately try to hurt him. In hindsight it was pretty funny.

Hey

2006-09-19T17:01:00.000-05:00

What's the over/under on when i'm going to post again?

My Princess

2006-09-02T12:12:00.000-05:00

Washing the truck this morning and Sissy finds some long lost jewelry.

My day...

2006-08-31T20:49:00.000-05:00

Another year and another Fantasty Football season. Last year was my first season and I totally sucked. This year in keeping with tradition I drafted another player who is out for the year. I dropped Koren Robinson and picked up Alstott as a FA afterwards so no biggie.

Here's my roster...

QB Donovan McNabb
QB Vince Young
QB David Carr
RB Reggie Bush
RB DeAngelo Williams
RB Ahman Green
RB Mewelde Moore
RB Mike Alstott
WR Randy Moss
WR Steve Smith
WR Drew Bennett
WR Brandon Lloyd
TE Alge Crumpler
TE Jermaine Wiggins
D Giants
K Jason Elam

I'm waiting on your comments.

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The new gig is pretty sweet. I'm having a good time with the kids, the job, and the other teachers. As for the drive, it's exactly 32.2 miles from my house to my school so no biggie there. This morning I stopped at the store to get my usual 3 Ham & Cheese rolls and chocolate milk and forgot to put gas in my truck.

Did I mention there is absolutely nothing between Edna and El Maton?

So I get about 10 miles out and my gas gauge starts blinking and the overhead reading shows that I have 20 miles left till empty. As i'm watching the overhead, the number starts dropping by 2 miles every 1/2 mile. I stop in the middle of nowhere. I'm 18 miles from Blessing and about 15 miles from the very small town of La Ward (pop. 45). I'm racking my brain trying to remember if there is a gas station in La Ward and decide that I have no choice - I have to risk it. I turn around and go to La Ward. About 3 miles out, my gas gauge is tapped and the overhead number has been on zero for some time. I pass the only store in town and they do not have gas pumps. But down the street I see one of those unmanned gas stations that have a pay at the pump. Sweet. It took awhile for the damn thing to read my credit card and the gas was $2.89 a gallon but no worries. I make it to school on time. Pry woulda got detention if I was late.

View from the front seat. Cotton fields everywhere.

This here is cotton...

Are you ready for some football?

2006-08-29T21:32:00.000-05:00

Neither was Thomas. Shortly after this picture was taken, his team (coached by me), lost to the El Campo Ricebirds 26-0.

gg Thomas.

One more funny

2006-08-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I was having dinner with a friend of mine. Stosh gets on AIM and catches me before I leave..

stosh4654: Sup Steeler
steeler: nada. about to go have dinner with a friend.
stosh4654: Wow. You have a date?
steeler: (typing smugly) Yep!
stosh4654: With a girl?
steeler: Hell yeah.
stosh4654: Human?
steeler: damnit.

Ok. I'm back

2006-08-28T17:55:00.000-05:00

I'm back. Nuff said.

Special thanks to my Aunt Mary who, using her worst judgement, thought I really needed a woman.

Any woman.

She gives my cell number to some girl in town who calls me. Here's a few excerpts from that discussion using my best recollection of the events...

Girl: Hello? Is this steeler?

Steeler: Yes. Who's this?

Girl: You don't know me but i've seen you in town and I've wanted to meet you for some time. (now i'm thinking this may be a call i'm glad I took)

Steeler: Ok. I'm not sure i know you.

Girl: You don't. You've seen me before. Remember at the zoo about 6 months ago? A guy i was with dropped a pen and you picked it up and gave it to me.

Steeler: Sorry. I don't remember.

Girl: Really? You don't remember? You gave me the pen.

Steeler: (looking at watch) Sorry. I don't remember.

3 minutes later the conversation breaks down quickly...

Girl: So anyway I have 4 kids and i'm divorced.

Steeler: 4 kids? You just kept having kids till your uterus fell out huh. (lauging at my own joke)

Girl: (crickets)

then some more funny parts...

Girl: so anyway I really have 5 kids but I gave up my oldest son to his dad. I had him when I was 13 years old. (she's 26)

steeler: uh. wow. (now it's really uncomfortable and i'm trying to bail)

Girl: I work at McDonalds but my ex-husband's girlfriend keeps showing up talking mess to me so i'm pry gonna beat her ass the next time she comes in.

steeler: uh. ok. Listen, i have to go but it was nice talking to you.

Girl: You gonna call me back?

steeler: Uh, sure. You bet.

My aunt is off my christmas card list.

To let you know...

2006-07-31T00:03:00.000-05:00

The Brother's game is no longer happening. Actually it's still happening, it's just not happening with Bill, Steve, Jerry and myself. We are all just so tired of their weekly tirades and quoting of odds...

Brian: "did you know that you were only 16% to win that pot?!?"
steeler247: "really? that good?"

These guys have got a long way to go before I consider them good players. Hell they have a long way to go before I consider them average players. Another reason we aren't playing their game is these bastids never play our new game on Sunday. Too high a stakes for these "professionals".

I say eff em.

Hrbek's Blog is updated for those that stop by my site on the way to his.

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I really need a digital camera. Pry gonna wait till I get a stable income before buying one. I don't like to get electronic equipment on the cheap, which means i'll pry shoot for a very nice one from my first state paycheck.

The crashes I saw two weeks ago were horrendous for my poker bankroll, but the last week i've done really well. I've cashed in the 3 games I played last week. Monday + 160. Thursday +265. Sunday +345. Very nice. I can't ever seem to get the online game going so i've stopped trying. Haven't played online in some time except for the occassional HORSE sng. Played some stud8 $2/4 the other day with Bierria ( <---- name dropping) but that was about it.

The new Thursday night game is super sweet. In about 2 weeks or so they are adding a $5/10 limit mixed game format of stud8 and o8b. For me this is pure money. There will be tons of action from the "lower" limit players who don't like to risk their whole rolls at NLHE. I could pry make a living from this game alone. We shall see.

Here's a picture of me playing online.

I'm awake. Barely.

2006-07-29T15:41:00.000-05:00

I miss Deemon.

Hope she's having more fun than we are. I'm sure she is.

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Khanwoman starts the WSOP Main Event today. Good luck Khan! I would root for you even without a 5% invested interest. But it makes it that much more interesting.

20 mins after the ME starts I get this from IlliniFan, who has a 5% interest as well...

illinifanFTP (12:23:06 PM): you hear?
steeler247 (12:23:28 PM): don't tell me she busted?!?
illinifanFTP (12:23:36 PM): okay, i won't
steeler247 (12:23:39 PM): sigh
illinifanFTP (12:23:51 PM): <-- full of shit
steeler247 (12:23:54 PM): they've only been playing 20 mins
steeler247 (12:23:56 PM): you bastid
illinifanFTP (12:24:03 PM): heh

have a swell day. kick ass Khan!

Blog hiatus

2006-07-14T13:20:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be taking some time off from blogging. There are some things I need to take care of that are very pressing. No i'm not doing jail time, although writting these papers feels like jail. I've been told.

The blog is gonna go in a new direction when I return. With the new job comes new ideas. I think it will make the blog more enjoyable for me as well as my loyal followers.

All 2 of you.

Congrats

2006-07-06T18:22:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to my little brother Lee who just qualified for the National APA 9-Ball Championships in Las Vegas in August!

Two things about most guys:

1) They all think they are good at poker.
2) They all think they are good at pool.

Lee is very good at pool.

He is one of those players that if you give him any chance he will win. I played him Friday night and twice he ran the table on me, which means he broke, then proceeded to knock all the balls in succession. Very hard to do this in 9-ball. I've run the table only once in my entire life in 9-ball and he did it to me twice on Friday. He was rated in the Top 5 while he was living in Corpus Christi and is now one of the highest rated players in San Antonio. He's never been to LV which means I really want to go with him. We'll see.

Howdy.

2006-07-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

Things are getting fast paced around here.

Ok, they really aren't, but i needed an excuse as to why i'm not posting. I have none.

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I've been playing tons of s8 on UB lately. For you non-poker peeps, thats Stud Hi/Low on UltimateBet. Seems the only real game online that i could find. Fulltilt runs the game but it's always empty or only playing microlimits. The UB game i'm playing is $2/4 limit which seems to suit me just fine.

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Ordered some new poker chips for our game. Should be here in a week or so. Bill calls all the time like a damn little kid wondering when they are being shipped.

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There. I'm done.

-247

I'm slacking

2006-06-23T08:06:00.000-05:00

Deal with it.

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Was rummaging through some old boxes at my mom's house yesterday when I found my old High School yearbook. I also found several items that I totally forgot about, including a list of Things-to-do-In-Life. I vaguely remember writing this and its dated April 1989. Here's the list with some commentary.

1) Graduate from college

So far so good. I'm 1 for 1.

2) Play trumpet in an orchestra.

Ok this one is a gray area. I'm sure I meant the NY Phil or Boston Pops but SHSU Orchestra 3rd Chair will have to suffice. Count this one as a 'yes'.

3) Make $50,000 a year.

This made me laugh. I'm sure my friends in school wrote that they wanted to make a million dollars, but I just wanted what I wanted. Another yes. And sadly, its going to be back on my list.

4) Get married and have kids.

Well I did get married. And I did have kids. So we can mark this one down as an accomplishment.

5) Run a marathon.

I have no earthly idea why this would be on the list. I hated running then and I hate running now.

6) Run for public office.

Again I'm not sure why this is here. I have always been active in politics, even at a young age, but I'm a kingsmaker...not a king. Pry will never happen. (i'm not really a kingsmaker)

7) Move out of Edna

Another funny. I moved...then came back. So technically this one is fulfilled.

8) Own a mercedes.

What the eff? I think i'm trying to fill the list now. Is a Dodge Ram extended cab close enough? This one is going down in the 'NOT FULLFILLED' column.

9) Go to Disney World.

Now I think i'm trying to be funny. I have been to both the Anaheim and Orlando parks so a big check mark on this one.

10) Read the bible in its entirety.

This must have been put in by someone else. I've yet to get past Genesis.

So this was funny (for me) and I've actually accomplished 6 of the 10 on the list. Not bad. Here's my new list in no particular order.

1) Play in the World Series of Poker's Main Event.
2) Get a PhD in Literature
3) Make a million dollars :)
4) Buy a boat and fish more than once a year.
5) Buy a bigger house!
6) Tell my kids I love them every single day of their lives
7) Own a Lexus. Mercedes suck.
8) Win a WSOP bracelet (if i do this, then i cross off several items on this list)
9) Run a marathon
10) Find A WOMAN who makes me laugh, is familiar with both Chaucer and Tchaikovsky, loves Democratic Party politics, loves my kids, thinks I walk on water, thinks Karen Carpenter is pretty swell.

I may need to clone myself for the last one.

-247

Playing a satellite

2006-06-17T22:58:00.001-05:00

I played a satellite for the first time in awhile today. It was actually a spontaneous thing - I saw it was about to start in 1 min and it was only $4.40. So now I won a seat into next week's $40,000 GTD tournament which has a $100 buyin. Nice job for me.

My 1st live HU challenge

2006-06-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

I got my first live heads up challenge last night... and its no surprise it was from the father of the Brothers.

If you remember from my past posts, this guy is a real tool. We had a uneventful PLo8b hand where my low was beaten by his...but my pair of 2s won the high and I take half the pot. Granted I got lucky for half a $20 pot. Hardly a windfall, but this tool begins to berate me. He starts by telling me I got lucky, which I knew already.

But he can't let it go.

He's on me about how great he is and how bad I am. I finally have enough and tell him if I was so bad, how come he couldn't beat me consistently. Well he puts out the $10,000 heads up challenge. Then I say "great, why not make it $20,000!" I was kidding but then he gets rude. Tells me that "if we make it $20,000, you'd have to sell everything you own, and it still wouldn't be enough". Hehe. You gotta love this guy. Not only was this getting to be funny, but it was making Brian and John (the brothers) very uncomfortable. So it dies down a little... then he says "god damn internet players, i've been playing cards longer than you have been alive." So I add "and you still haven't learned the game." Then the classic lie of all lies... "have you ever won $30,000 in a casino?" I told him "no, cause i don't play the Incredible Hulk slot machines." I laughed to myself. He was really pissed and added "it was poker you ass, and I walked out of that casino with $200,000".

I'm sorry but that was a huge ass lie and everyone knew it... I sat there for a second or so, then just started laughing. Everyone but his sons were laughing. Old WildBill calls him a damn liar and we start laughing more. This pissed him off, so he pushes his chips in the pot and quits. Then it returned to being uncomfortable again.

I think I may be done with this game. I hate to quit, but Brian and John are so bitchy and critical of other players who win pots that its not even fun to play.

Another thing: when their father leaves, they both let me know that they have won "way more money than I have" at that game. My only response was "congratulations", but Bill tells them they were lying too and we went back to laughing. Gotta love Bill

Horse, Schmorse

2006-06-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

I've been playing tons of HORSE lately. For those that don't know, HORSE is a rotating game of Holdem, Omaha Hi/low, Razz, Stud and Stud8. With more and more "players" entering the online world, these young, up and coming studs all want to specialize in one game. Generally that one game is NL Texas Holdem. They play holdem as if its the only game that matters. Granted the Main Event is a NLHE spread, however, if you can learn all the games, it will make you a much more profitable player.

I played the $20 HORSE tourney on Full Tilt last night to mixed results. I made the final table but still found some very questionable plays and calls late in the game. During the FT chat talk, most of those remaining were only NLHE players who dabbled in a few of the other games and decided to give HORSE a try. I felt I was playing strong but never really amassed a huge amount of chips. Seemed that when I was playing well or had monster draws/hands, someone would come out of nowhere to call me down with a suspect hand and catch on 7th. No worries. In the end I lost a 25k pot in RAZZ that would have put me in 2nd but instead I finished 6th out of 84 for a cash of $64. Hardly what I wanted with first being over $500. I'll give it another try soon. If i get it down to 3 I felt I would win this thing. With all the heads up HORSE i've been playing I felt i woulda pwnd.

I may need to reevaluate my style of play in an MTT setting. There is one game in particular that I try to avoid - stud. For me, this is the most robotic and standard textbook play of the session. I play only split Jacks or wired 9s down. I'll play 3 cards to a flush if i see less than 5 of my cards are gone and I'll steal occassionally in late position if my door card is the highest card showing. I don't get involved with other hands in this section. Far to easy to lose tons of chips to overzealous players who won't give you credit. I think I have to get involved in more hands in this section if i want to finish 1st. I may need to read a book or actually practice in a cash game.

The split games (o8b and s8)are the key in HORSE. But for me the stud8 section is my favorite. To me this is the easiest spot to get some huge chips. I sat at a s8 tournament a few months back and got some advice from rjs162. Bob told me to play only for the low and ditch on the turn if you aren't 4 to the low. Sometimes you will flush or catch a str8 and scoop the whole thing. And unlike o8b, you can raise with only the low in a multi-way pot. I've since added the high with flush draws and wired pairs, but i'm always careful on playing the high only and will fold when I sense danger. Too many chances to get chips in this section so no sense overplaying one or two pair. His advice was simple and i've put it into practice with no variance to good results.

Blogger Tourney

2006-06-14T10:50:00.000-05:00

Pokerstars is having a tourney for bloggers only. Should be a pretty cool thing.

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

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

Registration code: 5748204

Post count...

2006-06-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

Its not quantity, its quality.

And i'm lacking in both.

Funny thing from the backseat:

Thomas called me earlier to pick him up. He wanted to spend the night with me, so I go pick him up. No biggie. On the way back we are listening to some 50 Cent on the radio. Save your "kids shouldn't be listening to gangsta rap" comments... Its dark out, but out of the corner of my eye I see him doing the robot in the back seat. Classic!!! He's just staring out the window and doing the freaking robot. I started laughing and he never saw me. I love that kid.

Los escritores americanos latinos son la bomba:

I may have found a topic for my class. Something along the lines of the Boom writers of Latin America. I'll toss in some magical realism and how narratives are developed from the culture. Should be interesting. At least for me. Jorge Luis Borges and Gabriel Garcia Marquez are my faves and i'm actually looking forward to the research.

Yeah. This is your past calling...

Had a very nice conversation with my former boss. The principle investor in our project asked if we could secure a turn key quote from a "reputable" contractor on the construction. He mentioned a few local General Contractor's he knew. I contacted a few of them and they really had no idea about this niche market, so I turned to my old company. My old compadres were very happy that I thought of them and I think they were sincere in saying there was no ill feelings from our separation. I never had any to begin with, but my leaving was pretty sudden and I thought they would shut me out.

I guess the almighty dollar opens many doors. This thing is moving fast and furious. I have the architectural contract finalized and i'm working on hiring a civil engineer now.

Steeler needs this project to come to fruition. I'm digging deep into my own $$. No supersizing of fries for me for awhile.

That's one Biggie Fry and a coke. Anything else?

I'm certain that i'm now unemployable. I think i'm 0-3 on the job front. I say "i think" because two of the interviewers have yet to contact me to tell me to eff off.

Is not hearing from them a good thing? I doubt it.

Gone Fishin'

My Monday and Wednesday night classes are cutting into my finances. I now have to skip two very lucrative live games and its hurting me. Now WildBill cancelled the Tuesday night game as well due to lack of participation.

I may start selling Amway soon.

-247

Multiple Guess

2006-06-08T09:11:00.000-05:00

I've had a few interviews this week and the theme of each interview seems to be TEKS. TEKS is the standardized test that all school children must pass in order to move to the next grade. The test is administered as early as the 3rd grade in Texas. In order for High School students to graduate they must pass the test in their 11th grade year and then are retested in their 12th grade year if they fail any part of this test.

So basically every principal I met with told me they teach directly from the TEKS. Groovy. gg creativity.

And with the No Child Left Behind Act it makes the gifted and talented students stagnant. I mean, why teach something that isn't on the test! Besides you don't want to leave any child behind. The dumbing down of Americana has begun. And i'm going to be an active participant in it!

Few stories of the past week to catch you all back up...

Thomas lost his first tooth on Wednesday. The tooth had been wiggly for some time now so I got a small towel and yanked it out of his mouth. He said it didn't hurt. He's a trooper. We put it under his pillow last night and the "tooth fairy" left some US currency.

WOULD YOU SAY THE MAIN IDEA IN THE ABOVE PARAGRAPH IS:

A) Thomas lost his first tooth
B) Thomas is a trooper
C) I may have violated Thomas' civil rights in extracting his tooth prematurely.
D) I could be prosecuted by some activist judge for allowing my 6 year old to believe in fairies.

Allison took a crap on the floor yesterday and for the life of me I don't know why. Thing is, she made it to the bathroom but proceeded to poop on the floor. She then covered it with a bath towel so I wouldn't step on it, she would later claim. When I discovered the gift under the towel it made me _____________.

A) sick to my effing stomach
B) curse the genes she inherited from her mother's side of the family
C) Both A and C
D) order a grilled cheese sandwich

Not much online poker for me lately.

-s247

Me

2006-06-06T19:17:00.000-05:00

Been busy. Deal with it.

Three interviews this week. The first went really well.

Confession

2006-06-02T17:01:00.000-05:00

I've never netflix-ed.

Like you care.

Happy Holidays

2006-05-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

Got this interesting e-mail today. I didn't realize it was an actual holiday so i'll be making up for lost time!

Slap Your Co-Worker Day is Coming!!

Tomorrow is the official Slap Your Irritating Co-workers Holiday :Do you have a co-worker who talks nonstop about nothing, working your last nerve with tedious and boring details that you don't give a damn about? Do you have a co-worker who ALWAYS screws up stuff creating MORE work for you? Do you have a co-worker who is SOOO obnoxious,when he/she enters a room, everyone else clears it? Well, on behalf of IkeTurner, I am so very very glad to officially announce tomorrow as SLAP YOUR IRRITATING CO-WORKER DAY! There are the rules you must follow:

* You can only slap one person per hour - no more.
* You can slap the same person again if they irritate you again in the same day.
* You are allowed to hold someone down as other co-workers take their turns slapping the irritant.
* No weapons are allowed...other than going upside somebody's head with a stapler or a hole-puncher.
* CURSING IS MANDATORY! After you have slapped the recipient, your "assault" must be followed with something like "cause I'm sick of your stupid-a$$ always messing up stuff!"
* If questioned by a supervisor or police, (if the supervisor is the irritant), you are allowed to LIE, LIE, LIE! Now, study the rules, break out your list of folks that you want to slap the living day lights out of and get to slapping.....

Have a GREAT DAY!

Your Houston Astros

2006-05-28T10:24:00.000-05:00

have a 25-25 record. How the hell do they expect Clemens to sign with that record?

Watched an 18 inning game till 1am last night and they lost to the freaking Pirates.

The freaking Pittsburg Pirates. And with that...

See you in the Fall Classic Tom. We are right where we want to be.

Ex CEO looking for Love

2006-05-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

Name: Kenneth Lay

Occupation: Former CEO of Fortune 20 company. Currently in Food Distribution, Cell Block C.

Salary: $2 a day

Favorite food: Commissary soups. Grilled cheese made on hot plates.

Favorite pastime: Reading. Writing. Lifting weights. Taking short walks in prison yard.

My ideal mate: I want someone who will hold me after lovemaking. Someone who will want to hear my side of the story. Someone who isn't afraid to be openly romantic in public. Email profile and photo's please to #047865. xoxo.

The Old Man is dead

2006-05-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

Lloyd Millard Bentsen Jr died today at the age of 85. He served in the US House of Representatives, was a four-term US Senator, nominee for Vice President and was a Treasure Secretary under Bill Clinton. Born and raised in Texas, he is the last Democrat to be elected to the Senate from this state. He is perhaps best known for the debate exchange between himself and Dan Quayle in the VP debates...

here's an excerpt of the exchange:

QUAYLE: Three times that I've had this question - and I will try to answer it again for you, as clearly as I can, because the question you are asking is what kind of qualifications does Dan Quayle have to be president, what kind of qualifications do I have and what would I do in this kind of a situation. And what would I do in this situation? I would make sure that the people in the cabinet and the people that are advisors to the president are called in, and I would talk to them, and I will work with them. And I will know them on a firsthand basis, because as vice president I will sit on the National Security Council. And I will know them on a firsthand basis, because I'm going to be coordinating the drug effort. I will know them on a firsthand basis because Vice President George Bush is going to recreate the Space Council, and I will be in charge of that. I will have day-to-day activities with all the people in government. And then, if that unfortunate situation happens - if that situation, which would be very tragic, happens, I will be prepared to carry out the responsibilities of the presidency of the United States of America. And I will be prepared to do that. I will be prepared not only because of my service in the Congress, but because of my ability to communicate and to lead. It is not just age; it's accomplishments, it's experience. I have far more experience than many others that sought the office of vice president of this country. I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency. I will be prepared to deal with the people in the Bush administration, if that unfortunate event would ever occur.
WOODRUFF: Senator Bentsen.

BENTSEN: Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy. (Prolonged shouts and applause) What has to be done in a situation like that is to call in the -

WOODRUFF: Please, please, once again you are only taking time away from your own candidate.

QUAYLE: That was really uncalled for, Senator. (Shouts and applause)

BENTSEN: You are the one that was making the comparison, Senator - and I'm one who knew him well. And frankly I think you are so far apart in the objectives you choose for your country that I did not think the comparison was well-taken.

REST IN PEACE OLD MAN.

An easy laydown...

2006-05-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

During the farmers game I was dealt 99 in the SB. 3 limpers to the pot and the cutoff (Dusty) makes it $12 (4 BBs) to play. I call along with 2 of the limpers. Four to the flop.

Flop: KQ9 with 2 clubs.

Around $50 in the pot and I'm first to act so I bet $35. I didn't like the flush draw/made straight possibilities so I was betting to protect. First guy behind me (Wayne) reraises to $70. Next guy pushes his last $100 into the pot and the original bettor pushes all in and now its to me for the rest of my $140.

It took me 3 seconds to think. I fold.

Wayne has JT for the made straight. Old man has AJ for a str8 draw and Dusty (original raiser) flopped set of Kings.

Turn: Ten - old man makes his str8.

River: Ten - Dusty makes his boat.

What a wild hand. It was an easy fold with that much action. Couple people told me at the table they would have never folded a flopped set.

Well duh, I know that.

Farmer report

2006-05-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Played the farmers and ended +308 for the night. One big hand of note...

I was dealt QQ on the button. The table was playing real tight (i'll get to that later) when Brandon, in early position, makes it $15 to play. Everyone begins to fold and I glance over at the SB/BB. They both have their cards in their hands as if ready to muck, so I decide to just call and not give away my hand strength. Two to the flop.

Flop: JJT

Brandon looks at me and checks and I check behind him.

Turn: Q for a board of JJTQ

Now I have damn near the nuts. Brandon checks again and I have to bet now. I put out $20 and he just calls. Now i'm running over in my head what he could possible have that he would only call. It had to be big. My best guess was AJ or KJ.

River: A for a board of JJTQA

This time Brandon bets out $20. I start putting him on all the hands he would have in EP that he would raise and only call a turn bet. Likely hands are AA, KK, AK, QT, JJ, TT and JT with a few of those hands not very likely (JJ, JT). I decide to reraise $40 more and he only has $12 more after that and pushes all in and I call.

He had TT. He flopped a boat and was setting a trap but I resucked on the turn. I loved it.

Brandon reads this blog now, perhaps he'll give some insight on what he was thinking.

Hows this...

2006-05-22T17:51:00.000-05:00

So last Friday I am told before I even sit down that the Asst. Director of Bands has already been filled. Then on Friday afternoon I see a very good friend of mine from HS at a convenience store. He tells me he is coaching in a small town down the street and asked me to be the Asst Baseball coach and English teacher. Sweet! I call him today and it seems that the Athletic Director has someone in mind already. Not so sweet.

Then i'm hearing rumblings that there may be an opening here for the Asst Director of Bands. This is the gig I wanted when I was still in HS. It was always my dream to be the Band Director in my hometown. Turns out there is a rule in Edna that the district cannot hire someone if they have an immediate family member serving on the board and my dad has been on the school board for nearly 10 years. Long enough I say. I ask him, should the position become vacant, would he consider stepping down so I could take it.

He said no, then went through this long, excuse-ladden speech.

Nothing like family.

Weekend update

2006-05-21T22:32:00.000-05:00

This is gonna be somewhat long. Read. Don't read. I couldn't care less.

Friday

Basically my life now rotates around poker, so much of this update will involve poker. What else is new. Started at the brother's game with a new found attitude. Failed to update last Friday because I took a royal reaming at the game. I was stuck $300 after 2 hrs last week and rallied by 1 AM to only be down $110. Somewhat of a small victory.

NOT!

Anyway. Started the night out getting a few hands cracked and quickly found myself down $60. Luckily for me I was able to take a 2 hr break. My oldest son had a baseball game so I went to cheer him on. (They won!) I called my buddy Knighty81 just to get some quick tips/solace/sarcasm on my play. Got his answering machine. His message is too funny and it seemed to settle me down. When I returned there was tons of chips in play. I had around $40 which represented the $60 I was down.

One side note: We have a new player to the brother's game. Brandon is one of the dealers at the farmer's game and he is 21. He is a very solid and very aggressive player and because of this he wins alot of chips. He's my buddy and so we generally avoid each other. No collusion, just a little space.

When I returned to the game, Brandon had around $400 in chips. He told us he would be leaving around 11:30. I noticed that Brian had around $100, Steve had around $60 and Bill had around $200. I quickly picked up some pots with pure aggression.

A few hands of note:

John started playing really scared. He told me he was stuck $140 and he had around $80 in front of him. He should have never told me that. I was dealt 88 on the button. Brandon was first to act and called the BB of $1. Jerry called. Bill made it his customary $4 raise. I called from the button. John was the SB and made it $8 to go with pocket 10s. He will never understand that min betting does nothing but build pots. And it gives me the odds to call. BB folds. Brandon folds. Jerry and Bill call and I make the call. 4 to the flop. Flop comes J64 rainbow. John checks his 10s. Jerry checks. Bill checks. I make it $16. Now John is pissed that the board has a higher card than his 10s and he says he folds... Jerry folds and Bill calls. Turn was another Jack. Board is J64J and I feel a little better about my 8s. Bill checks and I push all in my last $20 or so. Bill calls with pocket 2s (why, i have no idea) and I take down the pot.

John is pissed. He couldn't believe I would play 8s to a raise. He called me a fish. Whatever. I won the pot and I was on my way.

Very next hand:

I get 10 10 in the cutoff. John is the button now with AKo. Bill makes it $4 to go and I reraise to $10 straight. John calls. Bill actually folds. Flop comes KQ7. I bet $15 hoping to buy the pot right then but John calls with his top pair/top kicker. I'm now about to give up on the put when the turn comes a 3 and I check. This time he hesitates and only bets $5. It wasn't a bet of confidence so I decide to reraise him to $20 straight. He thinks for around 2 minutes or so and shows me AK and mucks. I show him my 10s and he's really pissed. I still can't believe he folded. A few hands later Bill takes all his chips.

Brandon leaves at 11:30 with a profit of $380. I was now ahead of my buy ins and was making a very good run. Was making good plays and getting some nut hands. We decided we would quit at 1:30. Only 4 players left and I was the chip leader. I quickly knock Brian out and he decides he's gonna just deal. Only 3 players left and we decide to quit. Bill says lets play one more hand. Ok.

Last hand was Omaha Hi. I was dealt KJJ3. Bill makes it $4 to go. I call and Jerry calls with only $60 or so left. Flop comes J33. I have the nuts. I'm the first to act and check. Jerry bets the pot and Bill calls so I just smooth call. Turn comes the 8. I check again and Jerry pushes all in. Bill calls. I call. River is a Q. I no longer have the nuts but its damn close. I bet $15 and bill makes it $40 more to go. I think about it and push all in and he calls immediately. He made an 8s full boat on the turn and I take every chip left on the table for a profit of $280. Very nice night.

Saturday

Monthly Farmers Saturday night tourney. Buyin for the tournament was decided on $150 and we only had 14 players. Not a good turnout and I busted in 7th for $0. No worries. Me and Brandon start playing some $20 Heads up NL games and I'm up $80 quickly. By the time the cash game started I was up around $120 in the heads up games. Only 7 people decide to play the cash games. I love the short handed set ups. I quickly double up my buyin and for the night I ended up $310 and Brandon ended up nearly $400 more. We killed the games this weekend.

Sunday

Rode bikes. Ate pizza. Watched Sopranos.

The Interview

2006-05-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

Interviewer: Good Morning. I'm gonna start off by saying that i've already offered a contract to someone else. Have a seat.

Me: (under my breath) Shit.

I have options. no worries.

My day

2006-05-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

My last 3 45 seaters i've gotten 2nd, 2nd and 1st. Nice return. Played the last one with Lillian. She got 3rd.

I took a total ass kicking on Friday night at the brother's game. Can't let that happen again. It was like a nightmare scenario where I had huge hands get busted and each time I had a hand they were making me play for all my chips. I'm wondering if they picked up something on me. Pry not since I've had big hands cracked.

And they aren't that good.

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

Working on a big project with my friend Clinton. We found an investor for a project that we've talked about for some time. I'm working on design and a feasibility now. Next week we are going to San Antonio so I can show him some of the projects i've worked on. Should be fun.

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

I took the training wheels off Thomas' bike on Monday and he learned to ride it solo yesterday! This kid is pumped and i'm a happy poppa.

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

Interview on Friday morning. Don't screw it up Steeler. The kids need to eat.

And soon.

Random 10

2006-05-15T14:34:00.000-05:00

Random play on my iPod...

Big Poppa - Notorious B.I.G.
Everything Happens to Me - Wynton Marsalis
Ave maria (Shubert) - Maria Callas
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
100 years - Five for Fighting
Rock with You - Michael Jackson
Figure Eight - SchoolHouse Rock
Kiss and Say Goodbye - The Manhattans
Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
Selig sind die Toten, die in dem Hern sterben - Johannes Brahms (German Requiem)

I'm all over the map on this one.

Am I....

2006-05-15T10:26:00.000-05:00

...still the uncle to AJ and Aubrey?

Does divorce really mean I have no ties to my nieces and nephews? Funny thing is I have other nieces/nephews from Lidia's side of the family, but those are the only one's I wanna keep. I'm actually glad I have little ties to the inlaws...

I saw a funny link at Khan's site and it reminded me of my EX-mother in law.* My mother-in-law and I never saw eye to eye. She never liked me because, according to her, I always thought I was better than everyone. She was pretty twisted. Here are a few examples of this woman. Some may be exaggerated for pure comic relief.

On leaving Edna for a job in San Antonio - "can't you find work in Edna? If you are as good as you think you are you could.".

On buying a house - "you should just rent and not pay taxes on the house."

On children and seatbelts - "my grandkids are not going to burn up in a car, strapped to their seats."

On children and airbags - "I won't get in a wreck so its ok for them to ride up front. Besides I'll stop them from hitting the dashboard if I see a wreck coming"

On me quitting my job to move back to Edna - "I'm sure you did that to get out of child support"

On me continuing with my education - "Your kids are gonna see that you don't work and think its ok to go to school forever"

On voting - "huh?"

Maybe divorce isn't all that bad after all.

* with the stringent libel lawsuits that exist in this country, the Mother In Law in this story is not representative of actual living or dead mother in laws. My apologies to those who may be offended by this.

Its been awhile...

2006-05-14T17:59:00.000-05:00

Long week.

Against my better judgement, I've decided to sign up for 2 more classes this summer:

Literary Theory :In-depth analysis of literary theory and criticism and its application to literature

Story and Culture : Examines the theory and research on the relationships between story and culture, with emphasis on both organizational and social arenas.

Should be loads of fun. Moon.

(moon = sarcasm for the none poker peeps)

Do I really want/need a Masters?

I'm bored. So yes.

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

Congratulations to my buddy Clinton Tegeler who was elected Mayor of Ganado! Turns out there was a huge turnout because of several contested races. I've known Clinton for 15 years or so and he's one of the most genuinely nice guys I've had the priviledge to know.

Never hurts to suck up to mayors.

Glad I don't live in Ganado.

I kid.

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

Finished two poker tables this weekend. WildBill called every 15 minutes... "alfred, you done yet?"

Delivered Virge's table today. He's as ugly as I thought he'd be. Or maybe he looked ugly because of the really good looking lady he brought with him. I may need to re-evaluate. He's gonna be starting a game soon and I'll find/make time to make it during the summer.

Can I crash at your place Virge?

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

Its about to rain big time.

Farmers need rain.

AMBER ALERT SOLVED!!!!

2006-05-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

I found moster13.

She's hanging with allenray4.

Weekend Wrap

2006-05-08T10:04:00.000-05:00

I had a very long post finished but my damn computer locked up and it disappeared. Here's the abridged version.

FRIDAY

Played cards with the Brothers and won $150. Couple that with my $199 win on Monday and it was a good week for live poker. Coulda/shoulda been alot more. I need to figure out what I'm doing so these numbers can be higher. There is approximately $1500+ in play at the farmers game and around $500+ in the Brother's game. I want a bigger slice of the pie.

SATURDAY

Went to the movies with Thomas to see Mission Impossible 3. Pretty good stuff. Prior to this we were at the Cinco de Mayo Festival in Victoria. Tons of people. I ate tons of mexican food. Thomas had a piece of pizza. Nothing says Cinco de Mayo like a pepperoni slice.

Bought the material to make two poker tables. They are gonna be very nice. WildBill is starting a game in Gonzales, TX and needs one quickly. Virge is buying the other.

SUNDAY

Won a token and tried to parlay that into the 50k HORSE game. Got 21st in the satellite where 8 move on. Typical. Finally won a 45 seater. I was the extreme low stack with 18 to play but the chip leaders played so weakly that I was able to double up. Once I had 600 chips when the BB was 400 and the BB folded to me. Allowed me to hang on for another orbit and I doubled a few times. When I got heads up my opponent continued to fold his button and I knew I was gonna dominate. It lasted around 10 hands heads up after we both started with an even number of chips.

I'll sue.

2006-05-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

This morning I went into the local bakery to get two sausage kolaches with cheese and a Hi-C. El breakfasto of champions-o. When I was leaving I accidentally caught the corner of the mat and damn near busted my ass. It was actually very funny, catching myself in mid-air, all the while trying to act like I meant doing that the whole time to the other patrons in the store. I've never been accused of being soft on my feet.

anyway...

I know people who, while falling, would have said "eff this" and continued to fall just to get paid. Steeler hates those kind of people.

I hate frivolous lawsuits.

I have a cousin that will sue you if you look at him funny. He's been banned from the local grocery for "falling" in there twice. Funny thing... ITS THE ONLY GROCERY STORE IN TOWN!!!! And this fat ass needs at least 5000 calories a day just to get out of bed. Now he has people who have to do the shopping for him, which isn't easy. (see the 5k calorie comment)

Reminded me of a lawsuit I just read in Cali. Hope I don't screw up the details...

Man sues City

A guy in a California city is suing his hometown because a Sanitation truck backed into his car causing several thousand dollars in damage. Sounds legit, right? Well, it would be, but the driver of said Sanitation truck, was also the owner of the car. Yeah. The dumbass backed into his own car and is now suing the city. It gets better.

Initially it was his wife that sued the city cause it was her car. But it turns out there is some law in California that says married couples cannot sue each other over community property damage cause by the other. So the lawsuit was dropped. End of story.

Nope. He decides to sue the city because a city employee (him) caused damage to his car.

The case is still pending.

what. the. eff.

2006-04-29T20:10:00.000-05:00

"With the first pick of the NFL draft, the Texans take Mario Williams".

I put the name "Mario Williams" through an online anagram machine and out popped "Sam Bowie".

Hey Casserly, how the hell do you pass on Reggie Bush!?! If you think Domanick Davis is the man, then get him so help! Trade down and take the big OT, D'Brickashaw! He woulda given Davis the holes he needs and given David Carr some time to think. I'm certainly not taking anything away from Williams but GM Casserly really effed up. And why? Cause Williams seemed to be the easiest to sign!

What an absolute crock. If you are gonna go against the grain on this pick, then take Vince Young. He would have at least sold some seats in that stadium. Casserly could have told the world it was gonna be Bush, trade down to get some extra picks and still have gotten Williams at #3 or #4.

I say fire Casserly now.

gg Texans.
nh New Orleans.

EDIT:

Perhaps I was too quick to judge. Had I known this key bit of info I would have never been so quick to admonish. I'm sure this played into the Texans thinking. Nice job Casserly.

OTmfnJ: did you know..
OTmfnJ: mario williams worked at subway for four years at nc state
OTmfnJ: just a little food for thought
steeler247 : wow. a food artist to boot

These guys kick arse.

2006-04-28T14:52:00.000-05:00

Wish I could be Pinky.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

If the Texans choose anyone but Bush I will kick my neighbor's dog.

Playing against Fish & Donkeys

2006-04-20T16:06:00.000-05:00

Kent made a interesting post on How to play against fish and donkeys. I'll use my Brother's Game and reintroduce the characters and how I approach my game.

Brian (Brother #1): He made the comment "no one knows probabilities at this game better than me." He's arrogant and because of this I use it against him when I have big hands. He hates to lose to me. He uses his "probabilities" to make weak calls preflop cause "the pots too big". Very bad bettor. With pot laying $20 at the flop will continue to make the bet $3 or $4 down to the river giving me odds to chase hands. Thinks I'm a fish because of this. Doesn't like to push people out of pot with big hands.

How I play against Brian: reraise him all the time. call down with draws. I generally avoid bluffing him. he'll make weak and good calls on whims and when he's right he chalks it up to a "good read". he's a donkey.

WildBill: Most aggressive player preflop. Will raise every unopen pot preflop to 3 or 4x the BB. Hates to see small pots and will continue to build pot after the flop. Will call down all the way to the river with any draw including 3 to a flush or straight on flop.

How I play against Bill: reraise him too... and big. I'll overbet the pot all the time if I get him heads up because he will call. I usually commit myself to a hand with my bets so I have to have nut hands. I don't bluff Bill. You can't bluff the unbluffable.

Eric: New guy the last 3 months or so. Weakest player I've ever seen. Weak - in that he will never ever raise preflop/flop/turn or river. Will check/call with a hand. Made the wheel in Hi/Low and checked it all the way down.

How I play against Eric: I generally play weaker hands against Eric. He won't raise so I'll chase down the river, hit my hand and make him call me. Very seldom that I get him heads up. He's the target at the table for everyone and Brian hates to let a hand go to him.

Steve: Will not fold big hands even when he knows he's beat. Will call off all his chips with KK on flops of AQQ with 2 all ins before him. Will call most bets on gutshot draws with one card coming.

How I play against Steve: I'm careful with Steve. I generally don't like to bluff him either. He's gonna make the call on the river with 2nd pair so I usually like to have a big hand to cover him. I make him pay for his draws as well.

Kenny: New player. Plays tight and can be pushed off big draws.

How I play agianst Kenny: If i get Kenny heads up I'll make more bluffs and buy pots. The pots against him allow me freeroll against the other guys.

Rick: (Brian's Dad). He's gotten much better as of late and I consider him the only real player at the table now. He folds when he feel's he's beat and generally doesn't mix it up with me.

How I play against Rick: Reraise him. He's become a tighter player but will overbet the pot on a bluff. I use this to call down with 2nd pair and win. He tilts very badly and isn't above calling someone an asshole. I take it in stride as I count the chips.

MY STYLE:

1.) I fold tons of hands. This game sits around 8-9 people nightly and the flop will see 8 people mostly to $1 limps. If i play a hand out of position I WILL RAISE AT LEAST 4X THE BB TO TRIM THE FIELD. This will generally trim the field to 3 or 4 in my game. If i hit the flop hard (set or 2 pair) I will bet at least 3/4ths the pot. Remember: there are fish at my game and I want to trim the field down to HU or 3 players max. If we see a turn I will commit my entire stack to ending it right there. My pots have plenty of money in them already and I don't mind winning now.

2.) With big hands in LP reraise the raiser to at least the pot. BB's mean nothing at this point so don't get drawn into the table talk that you bet too much. Fish will call anyways and you don't want to give the Brian's of the world the odd's to call. (brian - the pots too big so i have to call now).

3.) Don't worry about raising with middle pairs 8s or lower. I actually don't mind limping with these hands. 8s isn't the kind of hand I want to raise with in or out of position anyway and to a table full of callers I don't need to build a pot for someone else. If i hit the flop hard with a set I'll still get paid off.

4.) Hardest point of friendly games is playing too many hands. I used to get drawn into playing K9 / A2s from UTG but I've avoided this now. Pry not too friendly to fold hands, but I'm there to make money. Losing sucks. If you play hands with big kickers you can always raise/reraise with confidence.

5.) Never show your hands to the table. Eff them.

6.) Be prepared to lose some of your buyin's. Write them off mentally and don't fret over bad beats. If you lose to a bad beat you still have more $$ to rebuy. The play will still be as bad when you re-enter. This was hard for me to learn and it almost cost me a seat in this game. Now I just move on, rebuy and crack their ass next hand.

I'm sure I'll add more as time permits. Dee made some excellence points in her response.

-247

Me and Corey...

2006-04-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

Seems as if Corey and I are the only one's playing HU Horse. I pwned his ass this time.

I love the way he plays the game. He's very aggressive and we generally always 3 bet or cap the HE section.

On this last hand we made 2 bets to go before the flop. You can see that I flopped nicely. I'll post the hand history.

I played it optimally I would say.

Thanks to Khan for railing.

khanwoman: you're still in it steeler?

some of the chat:

steeler247: you're going down Bierria
Corey Bierria: you want your money back?
khanwoman (observer): you're still in it steeler?

Seat 1: Corey Bierria (1,080)
Seat 2: steeler247 (1,920)
Corey Bierria posts the small blind of 50
steeler247 posts the big blind of 100
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to steeler247 [3h 2d]
Corey Bierria raises to 200
steeler247 calls 100 Yes I will call a raise with 32o. Deal with it.
*** FLOP *** [3s 3c 2c]
steeler247 bets 100 I bet my boat. Deal with it.
Corey Bierria calls 100
*** TURN *** [3s 3c 2c] [Qs]
steeler247 bets 200 I bet my boat again. See above.
Corey Bierria raises to 400 He has Panger. He raises his Q.
steeler247 calls 200 Slight pause - then I just call.
*** RIVER *** [3s 3c 2c Qs] [3d]
steeler247 checks He raised the Q so I check the nuts to him.
Corey Bierria bets 200
steeler247 raises to 400 :)
Corey Bierria: 3? Yes sir.
Corey Bierria calls 180, and is all in
Uncalled bet of 20 returned to steeler247
*** SHOW DOWN ***
steeler247 shows [3h 2d] (four of a kind, Threes)
Corey Bierria mucks
steeler247 wins the pot (2,160) with four of a kind, Threes
steeler247: gg
Corey Bierria stands up
steeler247 stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2,160 Rake 0
Board: [3s 3c 2c Qs 3d]
Seat 1: Corey Bierria (small blind) mucked [Qd 9h] - a full house, Threes full of Queens
Seat 2: steeler247 (big blind) showed [3h 2d] and won (2,160) with four of a kind, Threes

Final Hand

Saturday

2006-04-15T21:21:00.000-05:00

Played golf today. Shot a 92. That score sucks to most, but was good for me considering I haven't played the game in awhile. I've got the bug again and I'll pry hit balls weekly now.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Totally pwned the Brother's game. Bought in for $20 and cashed out $325. However last night was exceptionally hard to stomach. Not the play, but the amount of smoke in the room. We play in Brian's garage and he installed a window unit AC. He closed up the doors and it was so thick with smoke that I was about to leave early. I swear I could hear my lungs blackening. He finally turned the AC off and opened the garage door which made it more tolerable. Hard to leave that game early but I really can't stand the smoke. Made me want to smoke a cig just so some of the smoke I was inhaling was filtered.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WildBill found a game in Halletsville thats supposed to be soft. Problem is the game is a $200 buyin with house rules that you play at least another $200 if you lose that. With 9 people at the table that makes for a very big game by the end of the night. Pry gonna make this game this coming Tuesday if Bill feels up to it. I'll play damn near any level of poker if Bill is playing.

Pry.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sat at a Horse SNG with Corey Bierria. He is one of the most approachable Pro's on Fulltilt and I was glad to have had the opportunity to get my ass whipped by him. He even recognized my name.

I had him in the HE and O8b but my 76 low in RAZZ got beat by 75 for tons of chips and I couldn't recover. I gave him a good run. Funny thing is he told me by the time RAZZ comes around he's usually way ahead. I told him me too.

I have nothing...

2006-04-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

ok...

My dog's ______ is so ______ that when I ____ him, he ______ .

-----------------------------------------------------------

Alex's team lost their first game last night 14-3. It was bad.

Real bad.

Hrbek'd

2006-04-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

Today was picture day for the Little League so Thomas, Alex and I dragged our tired asses out to the ballpark at 9am. Right before they call our team, Thomas tells me he needs to go peepee. Great. So I send him on his way... alone. 10mins later he's not back so I send Alex after him. Alex shows up only to tell me that there seemed to be some problems with taking off his pants.

Yep. Thomas pulled a Hrbek. Not a full fledge one mind you, but a Hrbek nonetheless. So I call his mother to tell her to bring BLUE JEANS immediately to the field. 15mins later and still no Lidia. I call her 5x wondering were the hell she is and I see her driving up. She went to Wal-Mart to buy him some new baseball pants and the size was way to big and kept falling down. I was pissed. I swear when I ask for a specific thing I want it that way. Lidia thought differently.

We just get in under the wire and Thomas is crying cause he can't hold his pants up. Its actually very funny thinking of it now.

I'll post the pic when we get em.

-247

2 fer 1

2006-04-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

I was watching willw9 play a $10 MTT when I decided to play a SNG. Will and I will often discuss poker while we are playing (never in the same tourney) and its helped me tons. The tourney starts with me getting AA in middle position about 10 hands in. The Villian (dudry3) of course decides to make it 40 chips (minimum raise). I couldn't allow others to play along with us so I reraised to 220 straight. Everyone folds to him and he reraises to 500. Now I just decide to call with the intent of pushing no matter what hits on the flop. Flop comes K73 and he bets 40 chips and of course I reraise him all in and he calls with KK. Takes me down to 180 chips... then the following conversation ensues...

steeler247: ughh
steeler247: nh
dudry3: haahaha
marley22: thats funny
steeler247: whats funny? that he caught?
marley22: yeah. i hate gooks (i use the Asian avatar)
dudry3: no chit mar. f uck gooks. hahahahahahah
marley22: hahahahah
steeler247: you guys twins?
marley22: u suck
steeler247: i suck cause he caught a K?
steeler247: how does that work
dudry3: you suck cause you are a rice eater. haahahahah

I later rally back to get to 1600 chips when I get heads up with marley22. I get JJ and he had AT. The flop comes 789. He bets and I reraise and he pushes all in and I call. Of course he hits the 6 on the turn and busts me.

marley22: ahahahahahahhaahh
dudry3: bye gook

So I turn them in and get this nice little email.

Hello steeler247,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.We have reviewed these player's chat records and see that they have abused their chat privileges. Their chat abilities have been suspended at this time. We thank you for your feedback; please don't hesitate to contact us if you should see other chat privilege abuses in the future. If there is anything else we can assist you with, please let us know.

Best of luck at the tables.

Regards,
ShenyanTeam Full Tilt

Full tilt should really employ an IQ test to all players.

I won the lottery!!!

2006-04-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

I receieved this email. It sounds legit to me. They are only asking for 15% of the $30.5 million which leaves like, well, alot for me. I can finally move up to the $1/2 NL tables!

Here's a little of the email.

From Dr. Innocent Chukwuka <--- WOW! A Doctor! And his name is Innocent. Karma?!? I think so.
Manager exchange and Foreign Operations Dept. Intercontinental Bank
Nigeria Plc. <--- sounds like a real company!

Dear Rosa, <--- actually it's Mr. Rosa, but they are sending me $$ so I can overlook this.

I am the manager of bill and exchange Foreign Operations Department of Intercontinental Bank Nigeria Plc,

In my department we discovered an abandoned sum of(30.5 million dollars (thirty million five hundred thousand United States Dollars) in an account that belongs to one of our foreign customers, a Mr. Sanja Rosa, (i never heard of this poor bastard, but $30.5 million!!!! i'll cry at his wake!!!) who died along side with his entire family in November 2003 ... unfortunately we learnt that all his immediate family members died along with him at the plane crash leaving nobody with the knowledge of this fund behind for the claim since the account is his private account. It is therefore upon this discovery that I and two other officials in this department now decided to make business with you and release the money to you as the next of kin (suh-wheat!)...We agreed that 25% of this money will be for you as foreign partner 15%has been set aside for every expenses that will come up in the proses, while the balance will be for my colleagues and I.I will visit your country for the disbursement according to the percentages indicated above once this money gets into your account. Please be honest to me. (you can count on me Dr. Innocent. )

Therefore to enable the immediate transfer of the funds to you as arranged, you must apply first to my bank as next of kin of the deceased. Upon receipt of your response I will send to you a text of the application with the name of the deceased and his country and other information about him. Note this transaction is confidential and risk free. (my 2 fave words - confidential & risk-free) As soon as you receive this mail you should contact me immediatelyI will be waithing to receive your quick response through this my private email address[innocent_berryman@yahoo.com ]

Best regard,
Dr. Innocent Chukwuka

The guy even has an official email address from yahoo! and Yahoo is a reputable company. This is too nice. At first I thought this might be a scam, but seeing how its on the internet, it has to be true.

I'll keep you all abreast of the transactions as they progress.

-247

Baseball Saturday

2006-04-01T17:54:00.000-06:00

Today was the official start of baseball in Edna. They have an opening ceremony where all the teams and coaches are introduced on the fields and its actually pretty good. Except that it started at 9am and I didn't get home from the Brother's game till 5:30am. I survived.

Thomas had his game at 11am and the collective team lost interest around 11:06. A very long 50 minutes while the whole time I'm wishing I was with my oldest son's team. Hope that doesn't sound bad, but I'm really pumped with the big kids.

My oldest son Kristian (11 yr's old) is on the Lions. His team colors are purple and yellow so they all have matching yellow socks and belt and they actually look nice. I went and found him a yellow helmut with a yellow Easton bat bag and he is all pumped. He is really getting into baseball big time and this makes the old man proud. He's actually got a knack for the game and his fielding is one of the best on the team. Today he found out that he will be playing 3rd and Shortstop the rest of the season. He was happy.

Shitty thing about the Little League rules states that no one can coach more than one team, which meant that I couldn't participate on the field or coach with the other guys. This really blew and J.B. (head coach) asked if they could allow me to coach since I was at nearly every practice but they wouldn't change their minds. Oh well. I can be in parent mode.

The team they played was Rotary Club and they have what many consider the best pitcher in the league. This kid is huge for his age. He's standing around 5'-8" and 150lbs and can bring the ball. Only thing is, he has no control and we have very disciplined hitters. All the tape ball with broomsticks, hitting off tee's and tons of BP helped. We rock this kid early and by the end of the 1st inning he was pulled and we were off to a 5-0 lead.

For the game, Kristian went 0-1 with 2 BB*. He made a respectable showing at the plate and he certainly was hanging in there and showing good form.

In the end we won 11-1. It was a very, very good game. We had no errors and we walked only 3 batters the whole game. Looks like we are the team to beat now. We still have some things to work on (hotbox situations, some defensive bunting situations) so JB, myself and Coach Roland will work on these on Monday.

TEAM RECORD: 1-0 1st Place

* Not big blinds for you poker geeks. This means base on balls aka walk.

Ugh...

2006-03-31T14:52:00.000-06:00

I hate baseball/football/soccer/theatre/band parents. You know the kind - the fanatics that all think their kid is the 'next-big-thing'.

I just got off the phone with Rachel*. Apparrantely Rachel has a different coaching strategy than the one I'm employing with my kids. Here's the gist of the conversation...

247: Hello?
Rachel: Hi steeler, this is Rachel. I'm XXXX's mom.
247: How are you?
Rachel: (she doesn't answer my question and gets to the point) I wanted to ask if you are planning on making XXXX bat off the Tee everytime?
247: No. What I normally do during practice is toss the kids around 10-15 balls each. If they don't hit it, then I will get the tee as a last resort.
Rachel: I don't want my daughter hitting off a tee.

silence...

Rachel: hello?
247: I'm sorry? If they don't hit the ball when I pitch to them, then I have no choice.
Rachel: Well, she's going into slow-pitch softball next year, and she has to be ready for it.
247: Actually, I am preparing her for it. I've set up different hitting stations showing them how to hit. And...
Rachel: (cuts me off) I don't want her hitting off a tee. Only babies hit off a tee.
247: Thats not true. I've been coaching for along time. I still have the oldest kids I have hit off a tee. In fact its a really good way to see them develop the right mechanics.

silence...

247: hello?
Rachel: So you aren't gonna make her hit off a tee?
247: I'm gonna teach her to play the game the best I can. She'll come around.
Rachel. I do not want her hitting off a tee.
247: You realize in a game she is only given 5 pitches. If she misses them then she has to hit off the tee.
Rachel: Can I pitch to her then.
247: Do you remember the first day of practice when we didn't have a coach? When they gave me this team I asked if I could have another parent help out and no one was willing to help. Including yourself.
Rachel: Well I can now.
247: Great! I am going to need you to fill out an application with the league and once its approved I'd love to have you out there.

silence...

Rachel: Well. I hope you don't make her hit off a tee.
247: I hope she won't have to either. You should work with her from home. Try and...
Rachel: Some of us work steeler. (now I don't know what she's implying, but it aint good)

silence...

247: anyway, Have her at the field on Saturday morning at 8:30. We'll see you there.
Rachel: Yes you will.

She then just hangs up. WTF?!? This is why I don't like coaching kids this age. I don't mind the older kids, but the young ones always have parents that freak out or think they can do better. I called my assistant, who is a Sheriff's deputy, and he starts laughing at me. That bastid. (it was funny in hindsight) He said she won't fill out the application cause she won't pass it.

Baseball is in full swing. Wish I was Kent's coach.

*her real name. i'm not scared of her or her kind.

My fave

2006-03-31T09:55:00.000-06:00

Thought I'd share a favorite poem of mine.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

- Dylan Thomas

Baseball

2006-03-30T19:02:00.000-06:00

Sorry for not posting. Been very busy.

This year I agreed to work with my oldest son's baseball team. I love coaching the 10-11-12 yr olds. These kids are usually grounded in good fundamentals and can take to coaching better. I can be tough with them and they respond well, and the parents generally don't mind.

I've had the priviledge of working with a UT legend at my last job. Brian Cisarik helped me tons with hitting tips and such and I love incorporating his ideas now when I teach my own kids. I never knew he was such a great ball player until he was in the office one day and saw that I was coaching a team and offered to help. If you saw Brian you would not think he played baseball. He doesn't fit the typical baseball build. He's around 5'-10" and around 135lbs, and that's being generous. He used to come in the office 3x a week just to talk baseball and I loved it cause the boss couldn't tell our best client to leave.

Well I also enrolled Thomas in Coach-Pitch* baseball. When I take him to his practice, the head of the league show's up to tell me that 3 parents had backed out of coaching this team and that they were gonna probably disband our team. He then asked if I would coach them. I told him that I was already coaching and he puts this guilt trip on me in front of the parents. Bastid. I then decide I would do it. Ugh. Not that I don't like this age, but these kids don't listen. At all. I can handle my own knuckle-headed kid, but other people's knuckle-headed kids is taxing on the soul. But we will survive.

Anyway our first game is this Saturday at 11am. Our team is the Lakeway Veterinarians. That has a nice ring to it.

Not.

* a variation of T-ball where the coach soft pitches 3-5 pitches to the hitter. If no contact, the T is then brought out for the player.

Oh well...

2006-03-25T19:33:00.000-06:00

I'm actually playing better in big MTTs lately. I feel i'm on the cusp of winning a big one, but lately I need to avoid being unlucky. I saw Deemon playing this, so I joined as well. Over 400 people to start and I busted in 59th. Of course only 45 places paid. I'll eventually get there...

Seat 1: Shermy (6,235) She just got moved to my table.
Seat 2: steeler247 (4,478)
Seat 3: dcross71 (3,310)
Seat 4: whosgotwhat (4,584)
Seat 5: BillyIn4c (6,913)
Seat 6: BIMMER99 (8,961)
Seat 7: enchilada_15 (10,560)
Seat 8: stillrollin300 (14,820), is sitting out
Seat 9: Shostopa (37,673)
steeler247 posts the small blind of 200
dcross71 posts the big blind of 400
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to steeler247 [8h 7d]
whosgotwhat folds
BillyIn4c folds
BIMMER99 folds
enchilada_15 folds
stillrollin300 folds
Shostopa folds
Shermy calls 400 I don't know why she didn't raise preflop. This had me thinking...
steeler247 calls 200 I complete the discount.
dcross71 checks
*** FLOP ***
[6h 4s 5c]
steeler247 bets 400 I flop the nuts but hope to get reraised here with my small bet.
dcross71 calls 400
Shermy raises to 1,600
steeler247 calls 1,200 I thought about pushing here, but I really needed to gamble and let dcross come in too.
dcross71 calls 1,200
*** TURN *** [6h 4s 5c] [Js]
steeler247 bets 1,200
dcross71 raises to 1,260, and is all in
Shermy raises to 3,200
steeler247 calls 1,228, and is all in TD, I get all my chips in with the nuts against 2 people. I'm liking life ...
Shermy shows [6c 6s]
steeler247 shows [8h 7d]
dcross71 shows [Td 7s]
Uncalled bet of 772 returned to Shermy
*** RIVER *** [6h 4s 5c Js] [5d] shermy catches a 10 outer. Not a huge suckout, but i was more than 80% to win on the turn.
Shermy shows a full house, Sixes full of Fives
steeler247 shows a straight, Eight high

afterward I tell her good luck and she replies:

Shermy: thank you. oh, hey, are you the same steeler from FTF?

I should have said no.

even funnier... I start watching Deemon after I bust and shermy stops by her table. She tells her of her suckout and wished Deemon good luck. Just as she says this, Dee gets all her chips in with the best hand she'd seen in awhile [JJ] but runs into [KK]. Nice 54th place.

We were shermied.

Misery loves company.

-247

Virus!

2006-03-23T11:16:00.000-06:00

I have a virus on my computer and it sucks.

I noticed it two days ago, or at least I noticed something odd when I turned on my computer yesterday morning and my Norton Anti-virus told me it has an internal error and that it needed to be removed and reloaded. I tried to run a virus scan and find that Norton 2005 is corrupted. No worries, I removed the program and got the disc and reload but when it reboots it tells me the software is corrupt. Ugh.

Then I tried to log onto AIM and the button wouldn't work. I tried right clicking it to engage the program but it told me that AIM was corrupted. So I removed it and reloaded it and It tells me that it won't reload properly. I reboot again and now several buttons won't work on several websites including this one.

So I go to Norton's homepage, where they can do a remote system check, and it tells me that ActiveX is blocking the check and it sends me to a link that I can fix this. Well I do this and the buttons now work, but when I try and reload Norton 2005 it still doesn't work. And when I'm online, it will suddenly reboot the whole computer. I think I may have to reformat the hard drive. I want to buy an external hard drive to save some personal files and all my music mp3s but i'm worried the virus will jump over there too.

I run Windows XP. Anyone have any suggestions?

Player out!

2006-03-22T11:43:00.000-06:00

That was said last night about 4 minutes into my live Greek Bros. Tourney.

I was talking with Tommy prior to the game. Tommy runs the Farmers game and we were discussing how to get past this big field of goons. I told him I was gonna play aggressively after the flop and make em pay me off. It seemed sound enough at the time.

The dealer starts to deal for the button and viola... I get it! I joked to Ike (co-owner Farmers) that it was gonna be the only thing I won all night. Boy was I right.

I'm on the button and UTG raises to 100. Blinds at 25/50, so this is the standard raise in this game, sadly. Everyone folds to me and I just call with TT. Remember: aggressive POST flop. Both the blinds fold and its me and UTG girl.

FLOP: Qh Th 5h

Freaking TD! I set, but I'm worried about the flush draw. UTG bets 100 again, and I reraise to 500 and she just calls.

TURN: 5c

Another freaking TD! Now I want her to be on the flush. Again she bets 100 and I just call.

River: 7h

Now I'm praying she's on AhQ and made the nut flush. She bets 100 again and I think for around 15 secs or so - wondering if she'll call an all in. I push my last 1800 in the pot. She actually takes like 15 secs deciding to call while she looks back and forth at her hand and the board. She calls and shows me QQ.

gg steeler. guess I could have made a smaller reraise on the river to keep myself in the game.

Dee's notes...

2006-03-19T12:52:00.000-06:00

Ok. I have the opposite effect with Deemon. Yesterday I take a print screen shot of Kent to print his notes and he busts when I finish.

Dee - well she gets AA on this hand and double's up. Sweet.

Sorry Kent...

2006-03-18T12:50:00.000-06:00

I find Kent in the 6k and I still have this funny note on him, so I thought I'd post it on here. Soon as I hit Ctrl+PrntScrn he busts.

My bad.

Welcome to Big D

2006-03-18T11:44:00.000-06:00

Not since Lee Harvey Oswald has there been a more hated person in Dallas. And now the Dallas Cowboys can call him teammate. Yesterday, Jerry Jones proved winning means everything, and signed the most hated player in Dallas Cowboys history. What does this mean for me? Well, I grew up hating the Cowboys. I hated the America's Team mantra. I hated the damn star. I hated the blue and silver. I hated em. Hated em.

I was a huge Oilers fan. I remember as a kid I nearly cried when Bum gave his famous 'next year we are gonna kick the damn door down' speech. I remember the Oilers as 2nd tier talent and the Cowboys were always winning.

But now... I love the Cowboys. Why? Well because it gives me so much ammunition for this upcoming season. This town is filled with Dallas fans and I'm on an island as a Texan fan. Dallas fans will open their arms wide and forgive easily, their new savior.

Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Worst SnG ever...

2006-03-17T10:48:00.001-06:00

I may make this a weekly thing. We'll see how it goes. For this week, this rounder, jayman00, was a true idiot. He actually gets 2 entries on worst played hand...

Seat 1: Sean1077 (1,710)
Seat 2: duecesrmynuts (2,700)
Seat 3: trucker3652 (150) Donkey made bad play and got himself short. I'm gonna raise to isolate just him and knock one out
Seat 4: jayyman00 (1,125)
Seat 5: mouse1 (1,050)
Seat 6: steeler247 (2,265) 6 hands in and i'm doing fine.
jayyman00 posts the small blind of 20
mouse1 posts the big blind of 40
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to steeler247 [5c Ah] I hope these are the cards to do it.
steeler247 raises to 150
Sean1077 folds
duecesrmynuts folds
trucker3652 calls 150, and is all in Like i figured he'd call.
jayyman00 calls 130 The more the merrier. I'm hoping to check this down.
mouse1 calls 110 Mouse played every single hand so far. I'll bust him later.
*** FLOP *** [5s 2s 3d]
jayyman00 bets 40 This pissed me off. Unless he has the nuts, why bet into a dry side pot? I've had a bad run lately and this set me off...plus the guy only minimum bets all the time. i don't want to make bad players good at the table, but this is just stupid.
mouse1 calls 40 Again he calls.
steeler247: come on jay
steeler247: what the hell?
steeler247 raises to 2,115, and is all in So I have top pair and redraw to str8. and I'm pissed.
jayyman00 folds wussy
mouse1 folds
steeler247 shows [5c Ah]
trucker3652 shows [Qc Jd]
Uncalled bet of 2,075 returned to steeler247
jayyman00: wow homo and ironically he's mad at me and calls me a homosapien. well duh.
*** TURN *** [5s 2s 3d] [9c]
*** RIVER ***
[5s 2s 3d 9c] [4h]
steeler247: i woulda checked it down and i woulda.
steeler247 wins the side pot (120)
steeler247 shows a straight, Five high
trucker3652 shows Queen Jack high
steeler247 wins the main pot (600) with a straight, Five high
trucker3652 stands up
jay's mad at me and said he had KTs and thought it was the best hand and that was why he was betting with it. he'll challenge me to a heads up game later...

few hands later...

Seat 1: Sean1077 (1,770)
Seat 2: duecesrmynuts (2,740)
Seat 4: jayyman00 (855)
Seat 5: mouse1 (800)
Seat 6: steeler247 (2,835)
duecesrmynuts posts the small blind of 20
jayyman00 posts the big blind of 40
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to steeler247 [Td 9d]
mouse1 calls 40
steeler247 calls 40
Sean1077 folds
duecesrmynuts calls 20
jayyman00: lets go into a bigger pot, then we will see Here's his internet challenge
jayyman00 checks with 22
*** FLOP *** [Th 2d Js]
steeler247: haha
duecesrmynuts checks
jayyman00 bets 40 He flops the set and decides to keep 2 people in the hand with his minimum bet and the possibility of straight draws.
steeler247: lemme guess...$1000?
mouse1 calls 40
jayyman00: if thats all you got then fine
steeler247 calls 40 I call with middle pair.
duecesrmynuts folds
*** TURN ***
[Th 2d Js] [6d]
jayyman00 bets 80 Now he gets aggressive and makes it 2 bets to go. I now have middle pair and a flush draw. I'm not going anywhere.
mouse1 folds
steeler247 calls 80 i call.
*** RIVER ***
[Th 2d Js 6d] [5d] I make my flush
jayyman00 bets 280 Now that he can be beat, he decides to become aggressive. What a tool.
steeler247: gg jay
steeler247: you played well I'm talking shit now.
steeler247 raises to 2,675, and is all in
jayyman00 has 15 seconds left to act
jayyman00: i guess i let you get me out Duh!
jayyman00 calls 415, and is all in
Uncalled bet of 1,980 returned to steeler247
*** SHOW DOWN ***
steeler247 shows [Td 9d] (a flush, Ten high)
jayyman00 shows [2h 2c] (three of a kind, Twos)

He still insists i sucked out, which i did and that he played the hand correctly. We have an open $1000 HU match "anytime I'm ready for it."

For the record, I won this SnG. Mouse was out on the next hand when I busted him with QQ v A2. And I actually won a huge pot against duecesrmynuts later when he called a bet on the river with Q high. Yes. Q high.

-s247

If i were president...

2006-03-17T09:03:00.000-06:00

Gas prices just went up to $2.50 a gallon. There should be no reason why gas is that high in Texas. No reason. Three weeks ago we were finally seeing some relief at $2.00. I can't help but think, with all the record profits by the big oil companies, that there isn't some type of cronyism going on. But hell if I were president, would I do anything different? Pry not.

Here's my cabinet:

Vice President - Kent Hrbek. We need at least one Ivy Leaguer in the White House and this guy would be the perfect Dick to my Dubya. Now that sounded far worse than what I really meant, but I'll leave it up for the mere shock value of it.

Secretary of Defense - Khanwoman. Even the boogie man is scared of her. She pulls no punches and we'd be nuking Mexico if they decided to raise prices on fake rolex's and pinatas. I'd have to agree with her.

Secretary of Agriculture - SlySelea. This guy knows crops. His pick on corn futures made rao an overnight millionaire.

Secretary of Interior - Tough one. Everyone I know on the forum seldom goes outside so we may have to leave this one blank. Managing parks and such isn't the strong suit of any forumer and we may have to outsource this one. Pry get Chuck Norris.

Secretary of Labor - I don't think anyone on the forum is qualified for this. Most of us are unemployed. Then again, being Labor Secretary would mean one less person unemployed! Tell me my policies don't work and I'll call you a liar! My vote is for allenray4. He just started working and is pry the most qualified.

Secretary of State - Topanga14. She's the most level headed person I know and wouldn't take crap from Checkrayzikstan. Plus she would look hot in those business suits. And I'd love to see her work out videos ala Condy Rice.

Secretary of Transportation - Deemon. She's always traveling and has more frequent flier miles than anyone on the forum. Her office would be located in the Wynn - High rollers suite. If she doesn't want this job, she can always be Director of NASA. She's the only one who would understand all that math. Or the only one who actually cared for all that math.

Secretary of Homeland Security - TomFornelli. He's Italian. No one messes with Italians. Something tells me Big Pussy and Tony Soprano would be on speed dial. That can't be a bad thing.

Secretary of Veteran Affairs - Who's the oldest on the forum?

If i didn't name you as a cabinet position never fear, there are tons of non-Cabinet, yet equally cool positions on the Supreme Court, FEMA, NSA or CIA. Lemme know what works best for you.

- s247

Poker sucks, at times.

2006-03-17T08:11:00.000-06:00

Thursday was the worst run of cards I'd seen in some time. I played (4) 4 seaters and (3) 6 seaters and did not make the money in any of them. Then I got my final divorce papers yesterday which was icing on the cake. I was talking with IlliniFan and decided that the bad run was all in my head and I would play the Tier 3 using my $75 token.

I knew right away it was going to be tough. Not because of the level of play in this high buyin, but because all these people qualified as donkeys in smaller satellites to get there. Very first hand the UTG raises to 100. Button reraises to 400 straight indicating he had a monster. Blinds all fold but the UTG was not phased and smooth called with his monster. The flop came 10 7 3 with 2 spades. UTG checks to button and button pauses, then pushes all in. UTG calls immediately. UTG had K8s in spades and button had AA. Of course the spade fell on the river and the action started. I really hate/love these type of players. For the record no one at the table thought there was anything wrong with the way this guy played this hand. Very next hand the K8 guy was back to 1500 chips when he got in a raising war with someone preflop and pushed all in with pocket 3s to KK with the KK holding up. K8 guy was the first to be busted out.

As for me, I picked up chips early and was making a nice run. Three people were out early and I was sitting with around 1600 chips and in 2nd. I was playing aggressively when I had hands and letting go mediocre's to start. Folded AT twice in early position. Then the hand that did me in. I was dealt KK in the BB. The table folds to the SB who raises to 120. I decide to reraise in this instance and made it 420 to go. The SB was the chip leader by 40 chips or so and I wanted to let him know that it was not wise to tango with me right now. However the SB just calls the bet. The flop came 49T and the SB pushes all in for all his chips. I immediately call and he shows AJo. He had no flush draw or straight draw and was down to catching any of the 3 remaining aces or running straight or running flush. Catching the Ace would be too easy. This guy caught runner runner for the straight and knocked me out in 6th.

Nice read idiot.

I decided that I was done with poker for the night, but instead signed up for Tom's game. I was short stack for the longest time before making a few nice double ups late (thank you Freaky) to get back in it. When Freaky was chip leader he would raise the exact amount of chips I had left. That guy is a tool. Most think he's a good player, but I see him as wild. He's challenged me more than once to million dollar heads up play. Always funny. In the end we get 3 handed and I felt that I was playing against a team. The were avoiding playing each other and seemed to be gunning for me. No problem. In the end I pushed all in with A5s and Freaky called with KJ and caught his Jack and knocked me out in 3rd.

Tough ending to a shitty day.

-steeler

March Madness cont.

2006-03-15T10:34:00.000-06:00

If you want to sign up for the $5 NCAA Bracket its still not too late. The group name is Full Tilt Freaks and the pw is pokerpros.

I'm thinking this year's winner is coming from the Big 12. Pry a homer pick since UT is in the conference, but I don't have UT as my pick. In fact, I went another way: Kansas.

Ok thats not easy to say. In fact I think Texas will make it to the Elite 8 but have a hard game against Duke. They lost big to Duke early in the season and I think Texas still feels that they (UT) are a top team, but not one of the elites, and this may play a factor in this game.

Atlanta region:

Texas A&M over Syracuse: Aggies are coming off a huge high by beating their rivals UT and they are posed to make a good run. I think this 5 v 12 seed matchup is poised for an upset. Syracuse had a good run in their tourney to get in the tourney, but their play prior to this was less than stellar. Should be a good game.

Texas over W. Virginia: A classic Sweet 16 matchup. WVU comes off an Elite 8 from last year so they've been there. Plus they have a guy named Pittsnoggle on their team. That has to count for something. Texas has too many weapons against WVU and beats them handidly.

Duke over LSU: Another great Sweet 16 matchup. LSU is one of those sleeper picks that could go all the way. They have a nice win against WVU this year but lost some very close games against Ohio State and UConn. Then again, who didn't. Winner of this game makes it to the Final Four. Duke is always loaded and they've been there. Anything less than a Title game and their season is a major disappointment.

My pick: Duke
bubbles: UT, LSU
sleeper: WVU

Oakland Region:

Kansas over Pittsburgh. This is one of the key matchups on this side of the bracket if not the whole tournament. Kansas is young but they play D and I'm partial to Big 12 teams since that's what I see all year. Pittsburgh started the season en fuego* but have cooled of late. In the end I think Kansas outruns em.

Kansas over Memphis: This should be a shootout of major proportions. Memphis can't keep up with the Kansas backcourt and become the first #1 seed to fall in this year's tourney.

Gonzaga over UCLA: I think this is the year the Zags have a legit shot at a Final Four appearance. They've done well as low seeds in the past, but when the committee gives them higher seeds they tend to flounder. Adam Morrison has a porno stache. That goes a long way in my book.

My pick: Kansas
bubbles: Gonzaga, UCLA, Memphis
sleeper: Pittsburgh

Washington D.C Region:

The only cut and dried region where I think every higher seed wins their matchup. Some key games...

Illinois over Washington: Illinois made it to the final game last year so its hard to root against them until someone beats em but this could be the game that does it. Washington has a stud in Brandon Roy and he could very well beat the Illini himself.

North Carolina over Tennessee: I'm sold on NC but i'm on the fence with Tennessee. Tenn has some huge wins this year against some tough teams (Texas, Florida) and haven't lost to a team not in the tournament. This could be an upset in the making.

My pick: UConn
bubble: UNC, Illini
sleeper: Tennessee, Michigan State

Minneapolis Region:

Villanova's Region to lose. The best team on this side of the bracket.

Florida over Ohio State: I just don't like Ohio State for insisting everyone call the THE Ohio State University, plus Florida is solid.

Nevada over Boston College: Not a big stretch here but I think Nevada could be the sleeper pick of the whole tourney. Always some team who makes it further than they should and why not Nevada. They got the talent.

My pick: Villanova
bubbles: Florida
sleeper: Nevada, Oklahoma

My pick for 2006 National Champion is Kansas. Its a homer pick (Big 12) but I think they play a very close game against UConn.

I'm sure I'm 100% wrong on all my points.

* en fuego - on fire

The $5 4 seaters pwn

2006-03-13T14:01:00.000-06:00

I own these things. I've won 4 in a row and 6 of my last 7.

I really need to dump some cash on Pokerstars to play their $20 128 person HU tournies. Those rocked when I was on Pstars.

I need to figure out how many of these $5 I've played this week and find my winning %. Guess I can check my hand history.

Deemon Pwns

2006-03-12T18:47:00.000-06:00

Dee kicked arse the entire time! She knows when to hold em, and when to fold em.

Nice job Deemon. I'm glad I decided to accept 51% of all your winnings. Nice payday too, ma'am.

someone is smitten...

2006-03-09T16:14:00.000-06:00

Kent has a new girl...

New game at Greeks

2006-03-08T12:35:00.000-06:00

There's a weekly tournament in El Campo that Tommy and Ike told me about. The game is at Greek Brother's, so you can expect good food/entertainment. The tournament is "free" but the food is $10. The tournament is a weekly point accumulation that gets the Top 20 players for the month into their end of the month freeroll. The first 60 players to sign up play. The 20 player 'freeroll' pays $1k to 1st place.

I sat at a really weak table where, prior to the break, I was the only one to ever raise a pot preflop. After one orbit I was sitting with nearly 5k in chips. I was seeing flops for cheap with connectors and 2 paint and when I hit I would raise and they would fold. Prior to the break I limped with QTo and flopped the nut straight and had 3 callers to the river. Break time and I was sitting at 8k in chips. Not bad, but the blinds now double.

Also, there is some side-action going on. I entered a $10 last longer prop bet. Everyone in the room was in it as well. They pay the top 5 players who entered, so I figured I'd give it a try. My friend Ty also started a $100 last longer bet. I was leary about this one and passed but he still had around 12 takers.

After the break the blinds were raised to 200/400 with 50 ante. I was running good until I ran into KK with my QQ. The KK guy was a really old guy and he limped UTG. I raised to 1200 and he just called. Flop was Jack high and he bets minimum. I raised to 1600 and he calls. Turn was a Ten and he checks. I push him all in for his last 700 and he takes 5 minutes debating. He finally calls and beats me. I couldn't believe how passive he played that and I thought I was good the whole way. I finally became a victim to the blinds and pushed with KJ only to run into AQ and I was out in 20th out of 60. Not too bad for my first time at this game. I'll make adjustments next time. I really want to get in the top 20 in point total for the freeroll.

Tommy and Ike, who run the Farmer's game, have been talking about having a tournament to send a player to the main event at this year's World Series of Poker. We actually started working out the details last night. Seems like sometime in the summer we'll have a $500 buyin tournament with the winner getting $12000 and dividing up the remaining $$ to the 2nd and 3rd place finishers. We've talked to several people and we have solid committments from 30 players so far, so this is more than feasible.

Ike asked me how I would set it up and I told him the only way I would play is if it were a deep stack (10,000 chips) to start and a slower progressive blind structure (45 mins per blind) similar to the WSOP. He agreed and we'll have it on some Saturday in the summer starting around Noon. I'm thinking we can have 50 players. We are even talking about having satellites to the $500 game. Even better.

While we were talking, WildBill shows up. We tell him what we are talking about and he asked if I was going to play in the tournament. I told him I was considering it. He said he would pay half my entry if I split with him. SUH-FREAKING-SWEET! Bill thinks I'm the best thing to tournament poker since sliced bread since he's staked me 3x and I've been in the money all 3 times. I have him fooled. He doesn't know of my bubble record in big MTTs online. And he doesn't need to.

So now I'm going to play in the tournament with only half the entry with the premise that I split any future WSOP winnings (if i make it) with Bill. No problemo.

I'm playing Poker way too much.

don't be jealous.

Omaha 101

2006-03-08T12:13:00.000-06:00

I noticed this guy sitting at a $5 HU Omaha game for awhile. I decided to play. This was really the first time I can remember playing Omaha HU. I am now officially retired. The game is too easy.

Dealer: Hand #485491085
Dealer: steeler247 is feeling angry Putting on my game face
Dealer: You have been dealt [Kc Ts Ad 6s]
steeler247: my first time playing omaha heads up sng
steeler247: lol
Dealer: steeler247 calls 10
Dealer: dtby raises to 60
Dealer: steeler247 calls 40
Dealer: The flop is [Qc 4s Jd] OESD. Yummy.
dtby: you might be in trouble.. I haven't lost one of these yet
Dealer: dtby bets 120
Dealer: steeler247 calls 120
Dealer: The turn is [8c]
Dealer: dtby checks
Dealer: steeler247 checks
Dealer: The river is [Ah]
Dealer: dtby bets 360
Dealer: steeler247 raises to 1,320, and is all in
Dealer: dtby calls 960, and is all in
Dealer: steeler247 shows a straight, Ace high
Dealer: dtby mucks
steeler247: oh well
Dealer: steeler247 wins the pot (3,000) with a straight, Ace high
steeler247: :)
dtby: Now I have!
Dealer: dtby stands up
Dealer: steeler247 stands up

game face

Poker today

2006-03-07T13:50:00.001-06:00

I've been running well in the 6 seater SnGs. This was a commentary from a guy who talked noise all game. He finally busted me later for 4th and let me know that I sucked.

Dealer: btclark posts the small blind of 30
Dealer: steeler247 posts the big blind of 60
Dealer: You have been dealt [6d 4d] Not a bad hand.
Dealer: Uncle Coffee folds
Dealer: HMM162 raises to 120
Dealer: btclark calls 90
Dealer: steeler247 calls 60 El Discounto
Dealer: The flop is [Ah 6s 4c] I flop 2 pair. I'm gonna check raise this tool.
Dealer: btclark checks
Dealer: steeler247 checks
Dealer: HMM162 bets 360
Dealer: btclark folds
Dealer: steeler247 raises to 2,430, and is all in
Dealer: HMM162 calls 670, and is all in
Dealer: steeler247 shows [6d 4d]
Dealer: HMM162 shows [Ac 7s]
Dealer: Uncalled bet of 1,400 returned to steeler247
Dealer: The turn is [7d] He sucks out the better 2 pair. Oh well, it happens.
Dealer: The river is [3c]
Dealer: steeler247 shows two pair, Sixes and Fours
Dealer: HMM162 shows two pair, Aces and Sevens
Dealer: HMM162 wins the pot (2,420) with two pair, Aces and Sevens
steeler247: nh I meant it. I'm trying to be nice now at the tables...
steeler247: boo

so what does the guy say????

HMM162: Use real cards next time

I asked him when A7o became real cards and he said, of course, "they won didn't they?"

How can you question this logic?

The Office

2006-03-05T22:06:00.000-06:00

I found this blog for the Dunden-Mifflin Paper Co. aka The Office. I'm hooked on this show. Hope you likey.

March Madness

2006-03-05T17:20:00.000-06:00

The best time of the year is upon us: March Madness. In my opinion there is no more exciting sporting event then the NCAA Basketball tourney. I started a bracket signup at ESPN.com. I was thinking $5 per entry and we'd pay 3 spots. You can enter up to 5x, I think. However each entry will cost you $5.

Saturday Game report

2006-03-05T09:35:00.000-06:00

Played in the Saturday night Farmer's Tourney. Buy-in is $200+20+20. The extra $20 is a bounty chip, which is a cool idea. I really don't want to buyin full for this and I was glad I got a phone call from WildBill who asked if he could stake me half for this tourney. Well duh!

So I find Bill on Saturday and he gives me a hunny*. Its all about the Benjamins**.

The tourney had 32 entrants and 5 places pay. We start with 5000 chips. A few hands of note:

1st hand

I was playing conservatively early. I had actually decided to play a little more loose early but the cards wouldn't cooperate. First hand of note, I was dealt AKs in the SB. The table was playing very tight and there was 2 limpers. I raised to 200 (4x BB) and only one limper calls. Two of us to the flop...

AA5 rainbow. I knew the guy to play any ace and I was hoping he had the case***. I decided to play the set fast and bet 300. He immediately states his raise and pushes in 1300. Now I knew he had the case Ace. How to play? I think for a few minutes and decided to just call. The turn brought a 4 and a possible flush draw so I pushed all in. Now he thinks about it for awhile. He counts it out and I have him covered by a few chips. He calls and shows AT and I bust him and double up. I was the chip leader after 10 hands or so.

2nd Hand

Blinds at 50/100. I get AJs UTG and raise to 350. I get one caller. The flop...

A73 with 2 hearts.

I bet 400 chips and Lenny raises me 400 more. I think for a minute and reraise 3000 more and the guy just calls. WTF?!? The turn card was a 9. I push all in and Lenny calls me immediately. I remember saying 'if you called me this quickly, I'm beat', but he shows me A5o and I bust him. What a bad play by him. I now have around 17k.

After this I was a pretty big chip leader. I was gonna cruise to the final table. Ty, who is a very good player, was at my right. He just started playing in our Friday night game and I knew he would be a force. At one point he flopped the nuts and had 3 people all in before it got to him. It was a 20k pot and he and I were the chip leaders at the break. So what do we do at the break? We basically decide not to get in each other's way until the final table and lean on the others, which of course we did. By the time we got to 2 tables I had knocked out 4 people and so had he. I had 20k in chips and he was sitting at 22k. This was turning out nicely.

When we get to 2 tables, I couldn't get any hands. I picked up the blinds a few times and made a nice pot with AK but nothing real big. The tourney finally gets to 10 players and we consolidate to one table. I was sitting with 21k and Ty had around 18k. I was currently 2nd in chips and Ty was 3rd. The blinds were now 1000/2000.

First hand at the final table I get TT UTG and raise to 5000 chips. A very old lady to my left pushes all in for 6100. Everyone folds to me and I call. She has A9o and the flop comes A97. That sucked.

A few hands later I get AQs in the BB and everyone folds to the SB who pushes his last 5k in the pot and I call. He has A7 and catches a 7 on the turn. Now this is really sucking. I'm down to 10k or so in chips and cursing my luck when Ty catches the worst luck I've seen in awhile. I was dealt 99 in the BB. Ty was 2 to my left and raised 6000 chips. Another guy goes all in for 12k in chips and another guy calls. Now I'm sitting with 9s and muck. Ty immediately pushes all in and the 2nd caller calls his last 4k or so. Ty has KK vs. QQ and AK. The flop comes with a Q and Ty loses a huge pot. He has around 10k in chips and he's a little pissed. Two hands later, he's dealt AA and pushes all in and gets one caller with, of course, QQ. This time the Q comes on the river and he's busted in 8th.

We finally get to 6 players and I'm sitting in 5th with around 12k in chips. Blinds at 2000/4000 and I'm in 'all in or fold' mold. I get weak aces and push and I get the blinds to keep me afloat. We decide to pay 6th place $200 by taking $100 off of 1st and 2nd. With only 10k in chips I get ATs and push all in. I get called by Qs again by the same guy who busted Ty. I spike an ace on the flop and just like Hollywood, the Q comes on the river and I'm busted in 6th. Boo. When the table gets 4 handed they decided to do a 4-way chop! $1000 apiece and play it out for the remaining $200 or so.

For the night I made $20. That averages to around $6 an hour.

I may go pro.

*gangsta speak for One Hundred Dollar Bill and 00/100.
** more gangsta speak. Kent needs a translation.
*** case- the last card of its kind in the deck.

New games on FTP

2006-03-04T14:58:00.000-06:00

I really like the Heads up SNGs on FTP, so when they came up with the new 4 player shootouts*, I figured this was right up my alley.

I'm 2 for 2. Not bad.

* shootouts - tourney's were you don't advanced till everyone at the table is eliminated. HU shootouts are winner takes all.

What a waste...

2006-03-02T16:55:00.000-06:00

I went to High School with this guy. I remember him as one of the most talented baseball players I have ever met. There were some good players on our HS varsity team and he was the best player on our team as a freshman. I was a sophomore playing shortstop, when Ray, as a freshman, took my spot and moved me over to 2nd. I didn't get back my spot until I was a senior and Ray couldn't pass his classes. Needless to say, I don't think he graduated from HS.

Ray was also a pitcher and could bring it. I grew up playing ball with this guy but I never really considered him a friend. He was just too pushy and I remember him being a bully and taunting other kids all the time.

What a shame. He should get quite an education in the pen.

Online poker

2006-03-02T12:13:00.000-06:00

Haven't played online since the Suckout on Leukemia tourney. Don't miss it at all. I never keep alot of money on the site anyway. I'm usually depositing $50 or so and when I get that to $100 I take out my initial investment and freeroll on the rest. So after the tourney I had $70 or so on FTP and took it all off. Its floating in firepay now. And with all the responses I recieved on FTF on the AK laydown i'm not sure I want to put money online anymore. The laydown makes me feel like i'm not a very good player for folding.

Boo.

Ash Wednesday

2006-03-01T17:55:00.000-06:00

Today marks the start of the Lenten season. Catholics all over the world are flocking to church to get ashes placed on their foreheads. The ashes are a visible sign that we are repenting for prior sins. Lent also marks the time Jesus fasted for 40 days. During the next 40 days leading up to Easter, it's expected of Catholics to give up something as a sign of faith.

I'm not a very good Catholic. Can't remember the last time I gave up something for lent. I also didn't go to church to get the ashes on my forehead.

Not exactly proud of that.

You know that old saying...

2006-02-28T13:58:00.000-06:00

measure twice, cut once.

that is all.

nh- steeler. gg- too short material for poker table.

Two views from the button.

2006-02-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Another Monday and another Farmer's game.

I sat at the kiddie game where poker is actually being played. The control was fine and it was a pretty easy game. For the night I took a suckout that cost me money but ended up +$25 which sucks, but I'm in the money.

There were two hands from the button that were of interest...

1st Hand

I was dealt 9sTs. I like this hand. Most poker players I know like this hand. So when someone in early position raised to $15 and 1 caller I decided to call the bet. The SB decides to raise $15 to $30. With two other callers I call in position. The pot now lays around $120. Four to the flop...

7s 4s Ks

The SB now checks his hand and the other 2 callers also check. I had $140 left and pushed all in and everyone folded with the SB showing me AsKc. Later he asked me if I would have called with his hand. I told him no. The pot was laying $260 and it would cost him $140 to chase, what he had to think, was only 7 good outs. He was roughly 28% to catch but only getting around 2:1 on his money. This would not have been a good call and at this point he would have been gambling.

2nd Hand

Again from the button. This was the 2nd to last hand of the night. Everyone is playing super tight and hoping to just cash out what they have but there are a few that wanted to gamble. I was dealt AhKh and had 2 limpers to me. I raised to $15 and the 2 same limpers suddenly realized the value of their hands and called. The flop...

Ac 3s 9s

Andre, who plays a loose/aggressive game, pushes all in for $100. I was gonna call when the guy to my right reraised all in. He had around $600 and now i'm stuck. What the hell to do? I hadn't played with this guy all night since they condensed the tables a few hands prior. I begrudgingly folded. Andre had As 2s for top pair and the nut flush draw. Other guy had Ad 7c for top pair, seven kicker. The board blanked out and I would have won a huge pot. Still kinda miffed at that but I felt I had to be beat. Sometimes folding the best hand is the best play. Statistically I was a slight dog on that flop.

-s247

Today

2006-02-27T14:04:00.000-06:00

It is absolutely the prettiest day of the year outside. Current temp is 74d with no wind and a few scattered clouds. The sky is very blue and its just too pretty outside. I'm gonna take the kiddo's to the park today when they get off of school. I'm gonna miss this kinda stuff when I start working. Its why i'm leaning to teaching and summers off.

I saw a few sales oppurtunities in this area on Monster.com. Lately i've seen tons of action in this area and I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and diving into the job market again. I'm feeling upbeat about a few things now.

I may play poker tonight at the farmer's game. I had a series of bad plays/beats this weekend and on Friday and I'm still not up to it. I get this way. No worries.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been in a limo only once.

Saturday wrap up

2006-02-27T12:31:00.000-06:00

Saturday was Little League baseball tryouts. Alex hasn't played since we left San Antonio and wasn't really interested in trying out this season - or so I thought. I asked him a few weeks ago if he wanted to play but he didn't seem too interested. I wanted him to play but I wasn't going to force him. So during the week he decided, out of the blue, that he wanted to play now. Great. Hello late fee. I'm kidding.

So at 3pm on Saturday, we go out to the ballpark. It was windy and chilly and not exactly the best field conditions for fielding/running/throwing a baseball. I walked in the room and signed both Alex and Thomas up and asked if they needed help with any coaching spots. They told me that Managers are booked for several years! WTF! When we got to the field I saw the motley lot of "coaches". I knew each of these guys and none of them ever played baseball in HS or beyond. I appreciate their dedication to the sport but they were mainly there to coach/start their own kid, and if other kids learned some valuable baseball info then all the better.

The managers have the 40+ kids line up in the field and each kid was to field 3 ground balls and one fly ball and then throw to 1st base. After this they would rotate over to 1st base and catch the throws of the fielders. This was the extent of the fielding.

When all the kids were done, they each grabbed a bat and took 3 pitches from one of the managers. Whether it was a strike or not, you only got 3 pitches. Nice. Since you can't make a good judgement on talent with this tryout, I heard, more than once, the managers asking each other "who's kid is that?". I love baseball politics.

For the record, Alex was one of the few kids who caught all the ground balls. He muffed the pop up. Two hands son, two hands. He did make all 3 catches at 1st. I was proud. When it came time to hit, he hit two really good shots back at the pitcher. Again I was proud. Had the coach tried a curve it would have been a sad day for Alex. Luckily the coach went with some cheese over the middle. Remember to rotate those hips son!

They'll let us know in a week or so which team he's on.

When I told Thomas he was playing T-Ball he said - "ok". What a sport.

Time to sell my poker advice...

2006-02-26T15:27:00.000-06:00

Since i'm a 7x in the money player at the WSOP events I'm going to start selling my advice on poker*.

And this guy cudd517 thinks he's good cause he flops hands hard. He's a tool. He's the Tiffani Williamson of online poker.

* i'm not really a 7x in the money player.

-s247