Being home for the holidays is certainly nice. My dad's lame jokes, mom's overreactions, and my sister's delusional rambles all keep me entertained for a few days. There is something about family that is truly irreplaceable. With that being said, after a few days it gets really boring. Not that I'm bored of their company per say, but more that I'm bored of sitting at home with nothing interesting to fill my day. I know some of you are thinking "yeah mazin, but you never do anything no matter where you are" and you're probably right, but being around friends (the 1 or 2 that I have) and grinding online is usually enough entertainment for me.
At home, there's nothing. Not much grinding to be done on my tiny laptop, no friends close by, and not enough alcohol to make the day pass. I have had a couple crutches in dealing with this boredom though. My new iPad for one (yes, I know, I'm a sellout) and movies on demand for the second. Who knew you could spend twenty bucks on movies in just a few days without leaving the couch? Especially someone who already has a netflix account. But as time wears on I can't help but see the glimmering light at the end of the tunnel, Vegas! It's the only thing getting me through the boredom right now. The idea that in less than four days, I'll be grinding 2/5 and (hopefully) 5/10 at the venetian and preparing for a wild new years eve. There really is something about that city; the people in charge of marketing are geniuses.
In poker news, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the StandardBull crew has had some really close moments over the last few months. I've had some really deep warmup/million runs that led to pennies on the dollar, Nick took down an 11 rebuy, Zack finished 10th (disgusting) in the two-day mini FTOPS, and Rash has MADE IT OUT OF THE MICROS. We've had some of those "dare to be great" or "life changing" moments that have come up short. But hey, that's why tournament suck right?
Aside from this, not much has changed. The canes still continue their suck-streak, my dad is still running around the house telling me about how "good" the food my mom is cooking is, my mom continues to challenge me to debates, and my sister has run back to her home far far away. Now if only I could get the 10 minutes back from my life to write this and you could take the 2 minutes back to read.
Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year to all 3 you,
Mazin
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Reid Bill Drama and the "Status-Quo" of Online Poker
Unless you've been under a rock the last few days, or you're just not an online poker player, you are well aware of the Harry Reid bill being tossed around the senate.
Nick "2plus2" Hatley did a good job summarizing the bill and the pros/cons in his earlier post so check that out two down for cliffs (or the ones on 2p2 here).
The short version is the bill will give a big edge to the land-based Vegas casinos and "blackout" online poker in the US for 15 months + additional time for stars/ftp + additional time till we are able to play with the international player pool again. Basically, in the short term, scary, scary stuff.
But what's more scary really? The fact that the game we all have held on to as our only source of income for a few years seems to be dying? Or the fear of losing online poker as we know it permanently with a chance for softer games on different sites later on? That question has to be answered for each person individually.
Personally, I've been torn over the last few days figuring out which side I really support. In a selfish way, I care a lot more about poker in the next few years than I care about the state of the game ten years down the road. However for the game I'm really passionate about, I fear what the DOJ is capable of doing in the next few years as far as prosecuting and closing down payment processors to a point where we can't withdraw from sites. It's all pretty horrifying in general that our government is trying to control this industry purely for monetary purposes. Anyone who thinks the government is trying to chase after gambling morality with the UIGEA is clueless. It's a billion dollar industry and one that Vegas casinos want a big piece of.
So where do we go from here? That's the real purpose of my post and I guess the answer is unknown at this time. We have no real timeline on when a final decision will be made about this bill (though people speculate it will be in the next 48 hours) and until then, we don't really know our future. It's pretty scary that thousands of hard working (well, sort of) Americans could lose their job at the flick of a switch by Harrah & MGM lobbyists and the senator they support. The best we can do right now is wait and hope, although I'm not even sure what we're hoping for at this point. Both outcomes have big downsides and the only real solution is to leave the country. This has become a really confusing ramble but the stress of all of this has me flustered.
In other life news I am heading to Vegas for New Years to meet up with the Finnster himself for a night of ecstasy at the Playboy Club. I suppose we will always have Vegas and hell, thats not so bad.
Nick "2plus2" Hatley did a good job summarizing the bill and the pros/cons in his earlier post so check that out two down for cliffs (or the ones on 2p2 here).
The short version is the bill will give a big edge to the land-based Vegas casinos and "blackout" online poker in the US for 15 months + additional time for stars/ftp + additional time till we are able to play with the international player pool again. Basically, in the short term, scary, scary stuff.
But what's more scary really? The fact that the game we all have held on to as our only source of income for a few years seems to be dying? Or the fear of losing online poker as we know it permanently with a chance for softer games on different sites later on? That question has to be answered for each person individually.
Personally, I've been torn over the last few days figuring out which side I really support. In a selfish way, I care a lot more about poker in the next few years than I care about the state of the game ten years down the road. However for the game I'm really passionate about, I fear what the DOJ is capable of doing in the next few years as far as prosecuting and closing down payment processors to a point where we can't withdraw from sites. It's all pretty horrifying in general that our government is trying to control this industry purely for monetary purposes. Anyone who thinks the government is trying to chase after gambling morality with the UIGEA is clueless. It's a billion dollar industry and one that Vegas casinos want a big piece of.
So where do we go from here? That's the real purpose of my post and I guess the answer is unknown at this time. We have no real timeline on when a final decision will be made about this bill (though people speculate it will be in the next 48 hours) and until then, we don't really know our future. It's pretty scary that thousands of hard working (well, sort of) Americans could lose their job at the flick of a switch by Harrah & MGM lobbyists and the senator they support. The best we can do right now is wait and hope, although I'm not even sure what we're hoping for at this point. Both outcomes have big downsides and the only real solution is to leave the country. This has become a really confusing ramble but the stress of all of this has me flustered.
In other life news I am heading to Vegas for New Years to meet up with the Finnster himself for a night of ecstasy at the Playboy Club. I suppose we will always have Vegas and hell, thats not so bad.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Enough is Enough
The world is a funny place sometimes and I often times question why things are the way they are. The topic I'm about to discuss is something that I've given alot of thought and I think with a little insight into my world and my thoughts alot of you will understand why I'm so upset about this. As most of you have probably read Nick's post below, I want to take a dive into the infamous world of online gambling.
To begin, I want to first say that 99% of you don't know enough about the subject to have an educated and well informed opinion, and the 1% of you who do are most likely going to agree with everything I'm about to say. However, I want to make it clear I'm in no way trying to make anyone agree with me, I would just enjoy seeing uninformed people to take a step outside the box and take a look at what online gaming is from another perspective.
As a poker player I have had numerous people tell me I must get a real job and that I must conform to society as they and the rest of their family and peers have. In response to that I would just like to say that I don't tell anyone else how to live their live, what career choices they should make, or give them any other insight into how they should live their lives....so I think it's only fair they not try and pidgeonhold me. Furthermore, everyone deserves to pursue something that makes them happy and do something they love. I know most of you can't possibly understand how people can have a "talent" for poker or for other forms of gambling, but it does exist and it exists on a high level. I, along with alot of my other friends, use our God-given talents and pursue these types of endeavors because we are successful and they suit our personalities. Most of you would be shocked at how intelligent and well spoken alot of people who play poker are, and that's because it's an intellectual game, much like chess. You have to out think, out guess, out smart, and out study your opponents to be successful.
Another thing I'm extremely upset about is the fact that poker is viewed with such a negative connotation and how it has always carried quite an unflattering stereotype. Poker is everywhere now. It's not just in casinos, but rather it is on your television, in your homes, and on your computers. It's so mainstream and there are people of all ages, races, genders, and social backgrounds who partake. Poker is no longer only in the back rooms of our local bars, where it's 9 armed texans who are literally playing for their lives. Poker has so many recreational purposes and can serve as entertainment much like a movie, golf, or a night out on the town would. Everyone is under some weird dillusion that if you play poker you are a bad person or you are an addict, and that could not be further from the truth. To be honest, alot of people who play poker, especially for alot of money or at a high level, are some of the most trustworth people I've ever met, and I believe that alot of that stems from the fact that people who play poker for a living must have a certain disregard for money and so they are not emotionally swayed by financial decisions and problems. I would rather lend a large some of money to a poker player who plays at a high level whom I have never met, than a good friend who I have known for years who works a 9-5 job. It's just such a different dynamic that if you aren't apart of it you can't really understand it. Furthermore, the notion that everyone, or almost everyone, who plays poker is an addict is one of the most idiotic notions I've ever heard. That's like saying everyone that eats is fat, or everyone that has a drink is an alcoholic, or everyone who doesn't go to college is ignorant, or for that matter, people who do go to college aren't ignorant. Just people people act in a certain manner or chose a path off the beaten trail doesn't mean they are obsessed, addicted, wrong, dumb, sinful, or any of the other million issues people unfairly associate them with.
Think about poker players in this light...
Poker players make educated and informed decisions based on analysis of various situations and data they retreive from other players, their opponents tendencies, as well as mathematical probabilities. What poker players do and what people do on Wallstreet is absolutely no different. In fact, I believe poker is 100 times more skillful than investing in the market because the market is closed to insider information, while there is far more information to be gathered in poker to make decisions. It's evident that people don't have much of an edge in the market, the reason they win is simply because the market over the course of history has beared a 10 percent ROI. Any idiot can pick 50 random stocks, invest $50,000 and make money in the long run. Not everyone can put 50k down and win playing poker because it's a skill game. The biggest different between the stock market and poker is people's perception of it. The stock market is gambling last I checked, but people just think that it's a "good investment" and that what they are "suppose to do." The truth is, it is a very good investment, but for people who are skilled at poker, poker is also a very good investment. Alot of times it's an even better investment than the market is because the average return for the market, as I've stated already is 10%, while the top online poker pros can have an ROI over the long term of nearly 100%. If you could invest your money is a risk and earn an average of 10% or 100%, which would you choose? Yeah, me too. And there may be some of you out there saying well what about the rake they take and the fees that are charged to play poker? To that I say what about the broker fees and the trading fees associated with the stock market?
Furthermore, poker is not like craps, roulette, or blackjack where you play against the house and everyone is expected to lose over the long term. In poker you play against other players and if you are more skilled you will win in the long run. The problem with most of society is they cannot or do not distinguish the difference between poker and games like blackjack and craps.
I find it ludicrous and ignorant for people to try and ban online poker. The plain and simple fact is that the government wants to tax it just like they want to tax every little thing they can get their greedy hands on. It's just not right for them to disallow online gambling and then when it goes oversees and thrives, that they then decide they want their piece of the pie. The originally banned it because they believed it to be immoral and troublesome, but as soon as it earns billions of dollars oversees they all of a sudden want to regulate it. Sounds flawed to me. People should not support these greedy and callous government officials. Also, I hate those who say that online gambling is ruining marraiges and families. Credit cards, lies, and lust also ruin marraiges and families. So I guess logically we should say nobody is permitted borrow money, communicate, or associate with the opposite sex. This would be perfect because then nothing would get ruined. I mean come on, wake up and realize that people will be people; their flaws will show and everyone has their vices and that is evident by the fact that we are all sinners. Just because a few people make poor decisions doesn't mean that the majority should be punished, otherwise nobody would be allowed to partake in any endeavours.
I'm offically done with my rant and would like to thank those of you who stuck with me and read this entire blog. It's something I'm very passionate about and I hope that I have opened some eyes to another perspective.
God Bless,
Zack
To begin, I want to first say that 99% of you don't know enough about the subject to have an educated and well informed opinion, and the 1% of you who do are most likely going to agree with everything I'm about to say. However, I want to make it clear I'm in no way trying to make anyone agree with me, I would just enjoy seeing uninformed people to take a step outside the box and take a look at what online gaming is from another perspective.
As a poker player I have had numerous people tell me I must get a real job and that I must conform to society as they and the rest of their family and peers have. In response to that I would just like to say that I don't tell anyone else how to live their live, what career choices they should make, or give them any other insight into how they should live their lives....so I think it's only fair they not try and pidgeonhold me. Furthermore, everyone deserves to pursue something that makes them happy and do something they love. I know most of you can't possibly understand how people can have a "talent" for poker or for other forms of gambling, but it does exist and it exists on a high level. I, along with alot of my other friends, use our God-given talents and pursue these types of endeavors because we are successful and they suit our personalities. Most of you would be shocked at how intelligent and well spoken alot of people who play poker are, and that's because it's an intellectual game, much like chess. You have to out think, out guess, out smart, and out study your opponents to be successful.
Another thing I'm extremely upset about is the fact that poker is viewed with such a negative connotation and how it has always carried quite an unflattering stereotype. Poker is everywhere now. It's not just in casinos, but rather it is on your television, in your homes, and on your computers. It's so mainstream and there are people of all ages, races, genders, and social backgrounds who partake. Poker is no longer only in the back rooms of our local bars, where it's 9 armed texans who are literally playing for their lives. Poker has so many recreational purposes and can serve as entertainment much like a movie, golf, or a night out on the town would. Everyone is under some weird dillusion that if you play poker you are a bad person or you are an addict, and that could not be further from the truth. To be honest, alot of people who play poker, especially for alot of money or at a high level, are some of the most trustworth people I've ever met, and I believe that alot of that stems from the fact that people who play poker for a living must have a certain disregard for money and so they are not emotionally swayed by financial decisions and problems. I would rather lend a large some of money to a poker player who plays at a high level whom I have never met, than a good friend who I have known for years who works a 9-5 job. It's just such a different dynamic that if you aren't apart of it you can't really understand it. Furthermore, the notion that everyone, or almost everyone, who plays poker is an addict is one of the most idiotic notions I've ever heard. That's like saying everyone that eats is fat, or everyone that has a drink is an alcoholic, or everyone who doesn't go to college is ignorant, or for that matter, people who do go to college aren't ignorant. Just people people act in a certain manner or chose a path off the beaten trail doesn't mean they are obsessed, addicted, wrong, dumb, sinful, or any of the other million issues people unfairly associate them with.
Think about poker players in this light...
Poker players make educated and informed decisions based on analysis of various situations and data they retreive from other players, their opponents tendencies, as well as mathematical probabilities. What poker players do and what people do on Wallstreet is absolutely no different. In fact, I believe poker is 100 times more skillful than investing in the market because the market is closed to insider information, while there is far more information to be gathered in poker to make decisions. It's evident that people don't have much of an edge in the market, the reason they win is simply because the market over the course of history has beared a 10 percent ROI. Any idiot can pick 50 random stocks, invest $50,000 and make money in the long run. Not everyone can put 50k down and win playing poker because it's a skill game. The biggest different between the stock market and poker is people's perception of it. The stock market is gambling last I checked, but people just think that it's a "good investment" and that what they are "suppose to do." The truth is, it is a very good investment, but for people who are skilled at poker, poker is also a very good investment. Alot of times it's an even better investment than the market is because the average return for the market, as I've stated already is 10%, while the top online poker pros can have an ROI over the long term of nearly 100%. If you could invest your money is a risk and earn an average of 10% or 100%, which would you choose? Yeah, me too. And there may be some of you out there saying well what about the rake they take and the fees that are charged to play poker? To that I say what about the broker fees and the trading fees associated with the stock market?
Furthermore, poker is not like craps, roulette, or blackjack where you play against the house and everyone is expected to lose over the long term. In poker you play against other players and if you are more skilled you will win in the long run. The problem with most of society is they cannot or do not distinguish the difference between poker and games like blackjack and craps.
I find it ludicrous and ignorant for people to try and ban online poker. The plain and simple fact is that the government wants to tax it just like they want to tax every little thing they can get their greedy hands on. It's just not right for them to disallow online gambling and then when it goes oversees and thrives, that they then decide they want their piece of the pie. The originally banned it because they believed it to be immoral and troublesome, but as soon as it earns billions of dollars oversees they all of a sudden want to regulate it. Sounds flawed to me. People should not support these greedy and callous government officials. Also, I hate those who say that online gambling is ruining marraiges and families. Credit cards, lies, and lust also ruin marraiges and families. So I guess logically we should say nobody is permitted borrow money, communicate, or associate with the opposite sex. This would be perfect because then nothing would get ruined. I mean come on, wake up and realize that people will be people; their flaws will show and everyone has their vices and that is evident by the fact that we are all sinners. Just because a few people make poor decisions doesn't mean that the majority should be punished, otherwise nobody would be allowed to partake in any endeavours.
I'm offically done with my rant and would like to thank those of you who stuck with me and read this entire blog. It's something I'm very passionate about and I hope that I have opened some eyes to another perspective.
God Bless,
Zack
Monday, December 6, 2010
Harry Reid's Poker Regulation Bill
Most of you probably do not follow the details of online poker quite as well as I do so you may not really know what is going on with this Harry Reid poker regulation bill. If you didn't know Harry Reid is senate majority leader from Nevada and is trying to pass a bill that will legalize and regulate online poker. After first hearing about this I obviously was pumped and was ready to get back to the 2004 era of 20/BB win-rates and games more fishy than the Estate circa 2007. But, after reading more into this bill I desperately hope it does not pass. This bill is basically a piece of legislation providing a monopoly of the US online poker market to Harrahs and other land based casinos in the US. This should come as no surprise seeing as Harry Reid is a senator from Nevada. Nevada land based casinos primarily those named Harrahs have contributed greatly to Reid's campaign over the years. The bill states that any site operating in the US has 30 days to stop and return all players money. It also states that there will be a 15 month blackout period of NO online poker being played in the US legally immediateley after the bill passes. The sites that were previously open to US customers can then apply for a license after this 15 month period, but sites not taking bets could apply before then and be ready for business as soon as the blackout ends. Obviously this is a HUGE advantage for companies that do not currently accept US players and will generate enormous revenue for any company that just might be ready to enter the US online poker market (Harrahs). Also the bill states that it is unlawful for any US site to allow a non American to play on that site. So say goodbye to that fish from Estonia or that reg who is terrible from Russia (Flagelattor). On the brighter side the tax implications of the bill are VERY good and lead to a lower rake policy rather than a higher one that has been experienced in other countries that have freshly regulated poker markets such as France and Italy. To be fair the only copy of the bill that has been released publicly is not current at all so hopefully it will be a very different bill that passes.
Also to be fair this bill is probably good for poker in the next 20 years or so. It will lead to a regulated industry as opposed to one now that has cheating problems and a long history of cashout debacles. Also Pokerstars and Full Tilt will most likely be allowed back in the market after the blackout period. It is very scary to think of only playing with US players though, but most speculate that probably will not last either. If this bill passes the consensus seems to be that poker will be in a much better state in 5 years but still will suffer extremely in until then. Selfishly I plead for this bill not to pass. This bill basically eliminates poker next year and will kill almost any chance of a poker career for me (sick run hot Mom and Dad). Those of you who do not know much about the bill really need to look into it as it can effect poker VERY soon.
After reading more into this process I have been left with a really bad taste of how the US government works. I mean this is an obvious example of a congressman passing a bill to hugely benefit a company that finances his campaigns and other financial ventures. Harry Reid is someone is very against online gambling. It is easy to see what his motives are though after the bill is further investigated. The strategy of passing the bill is basically to slide it on the back of the Bush tax cuts or another bill that is scheduled to be voted on soon. This was obviously how the UIGEA bill was passed and is just a very shady process. Instead of putting time into a bill and really analyzing the effects it will almost certainly go unread by most congressman just as UIGEA did. I am just disappointed with the way the government works I guess, nothing new to see here. If you want to know more you can just 2+2 legislation forum or shoot me an email or something.
Good talk
Thursday, November 11, 2010
This Year in the NFL
Football, over the recent years, has evolved into the most highly publicized, entertaining, and fascinating game in the world. It has so many powerful dynamics working for it that it's almost impossible for any other sport to compete. How many people watched the Colts vs. Texans game instead of Game 5 of the world series? ALOT! One of the biggest reasons people love football is that each team plays once a week and this always leaves you wanting more. It's alot more important to watch each game when there are only 16 game for each team in a year instead of 81 or 162. Each game is magnified and we hang on every play because it can change a season. This isn't the case in other sports. I don't know about everyone else, but my Sundays from 1pm-11pm at set aside for football and as soon as the clock runs down on that final game Monday night the countdown until 1pm Sunday begins. Furthermore, the Fantasy Football is sweeping the nation. It's an epedemic, and it's the coolest thing that's happened to sports to date. It gives everyone a chance to be a GM and to be the guy calling the shots and making all the important decisions. It gives you an incredible sense of power, and in addition to that it makes games like the Broncos vs. the Bills meaningful. Whether you care who wins or loses, you have to see if Kyle Orton can get those 12 points that will win you your league. What could possibly be greater? It has expanded interest in the sport so much that it is incredible. Guys who didn't know who Emmitt Smith was now know how many touchdowns Steve Johnson (the 3rd receiver in Bufflo) has. If you stop to think about it, it's mindblowing. Also, the parity of the NFL today is great. This season in particular has been extremely competetive. I love it when there are 6 teams that are 6-2 instead of having 2 teams that are undefeated. Having parity sparks so much interest and debate as to who is the best team, and it feels as though everyone has a shot to win. Anyways, enough about how great football is and onto what's happening in the NFL today.
Mid Season Awards and thoughts....
Best Team-New Orleans Saints. I know this is probably a shock to some of you. So many people think the Ravens, Steelers, Pats, and Giants are the best teams but lets not forget New Orleans is 6-3 and primed to make the playoffs again and they are still the defending champs. When is the last time a defending superbowl champ started 6-3 and got as little respect as these guys do. Plus, they beat the Steelers (who many consider to be the best) convincingly two weeks ago and they were a 24 yard chip shot away (Falcons game) from being 7-2. All this without their best RB in Pierre Thomas, and their best playmaker in Reggie Bush.
Worst Team-Carolina Panthers. As sad as it is for me to admit this, the Panthers are far and away the worst team in the NFL right now. They have the worst 3 QBs in the NFL all playing on the same team and they can't run the ball like they could in the past. The defense has been respectable, but they are always on the field and they always have to defend short fields because the offense is so pitiful. The defense, honestly, doesn't have a chance to succeed. Alot of people think the cowboys are worse, but lets be serious if they played on a neutral field the cowboys would be 4-6 points favorites. At least the cowboys have a little bit of talent.
Biggest Surprise- Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are 5-4 and playing with confidence. Tom Cable is doing a great job and their young talent is flourishing. Richard Seymour has been a difference maker and with Darren McFadden finally living up to the billing, the Raiders look like they will remain a contender in the AFC West.
Most Overrated Team- The most overrated team in the NFL is the New England Patriots and it is not even close. What is there to like about this team? They have a great coach and a great QB, yes, but when is the last time Tom Brady had a good game? Since Moss left he has completing less than 60% of his passes for a barely over 5 yards per attempt. He just got embarassed by the lowly Cleveland Browns and a rookie QB. Furthermore, they have one of the youngest and worst defenses in the NFL. They are in the bottom 5 against the pass and their run D just gave up 189 yards and 2 scores to Peyton Hillis. Oh yeah, and their feature running backs are Benjarvis Green-Ellis (and undrafted free agent a few years ago) and Danny Woodhead (who released by the Jets to start to season). Plus, Wes Welker and Brandon Tate have been invisible since Moss left. I just don't see what other people see in them.
MVP-Phillip Rivers. Name one person who has done more with less than this guy? He loses his best defensive player from a year ago in Antonio Cromatie. Their run game has been less than stellar with Ryan Matthews hurt and inconsistent. He lost his best two WRs and THE BEST TE in the NFL. And oh yeah, he threw 4 touchdowns last week to Seyi Ajrotutu and Randy McMichael!!!!! Are you kidding me? Everybody says Peyton Manning, but I don't buy it. Rivers has a higher completion percentage, 3 more TDs, and 500 more Passing Yards. And as least Peyton still has Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon to throw to....Patrick Cryaton was Phillip Rivers #1 receiever last week. I realize the Chargers are 4-5, but they are still only one game back of first place in their division and if you took Rivers off that team it's very possible they are winless.
Most Improved- Arian Foster. I don't even need to qualify this, but I will anyways. He is leading the league in Rushing and Rushing TDs. He's second in the league in yards per carry and can catch the ball out of the backfield too. He's been a beat all year, plain and simple.
Rookie of the Year- Sam Bradford. I know Suh has been a manchild could easily win this award, but in my mind Bradford could easily be the best rookie QB in the history of the NFL. There have been plently of D linemen come in and make an immediate impact, but what this guy is doing at the QB position is unprecedented. The guy is on pace for over 3300 yards, 22 TDs and 16 INTs. Peyton Manning threw 28 INTs his rookie year and won 3 games...just saying. Bradord's team has won more games this year than the last two combined and 3 of their loses were by a combined 7 points! The Rams could easily be 7-1. Plus, Bradford has done all of this while throwing to a bunch of no named receivers. He made Mark Clayton and Danny Amendola stars...imagine what he could do with an Andre Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald type WR. The guy simply commands the huddle and is a fantasic leader. He is well respected by his teammates and will be a force in this league for years to come.
Coach of the Year- Tom Cable. Is lifing a franchise that has been very poor for almost a decade and bringing back hope and confidence to Raider football. He's got his players respect and they are buying into his system. The results: 5-4 record and a legitimate shot at their first division title since 2002.
Predictions for the rest of the season:
AFC Playoff Teams: Jets win AFC East, Pittsburgh wins AFC North, Chargers win AFC West, Titans win AFC South, Colts and Ravens win Wildcard spots.
NFC Playoff Teams: Saints win NFC South, Packers win NFC North, 49ers win AFC West, Giants win NFC East, Eagles and Falcons win Wildcard spots.
AFC Champs-Pittsbugh Steelers NFC Champions- Philadelphia Eagles
Superbowl Champs-Steelers
Mid Season Awards and thoughts....
Best Team-New Orleans Saints. I know this is probably a shock to some of you. So many people think the Ravens, Steelers, Pats, and Giants are the best teams but lets not forget New Orleans is 6-3 and primed to make the playoffs again and they are still the defending champs. When is the last time a defending superbowl champ started 6-3 and got as little respect as these guys do. Plus, they beat the Steelers (who many consider to be the best) convincingly two weeks ago and they were a 24 yard chip shot away (Falcons game) from being 7-2. All this without their best RB in Pierre Thomas, and their best playmaker in Reggie Bush.
Worst Team-Carolina Panthers. As sad as it is for me to admit this, the Panthers are far and away the worst team in the NFL right now. They have the worst 3 QBs in the NFL all playing on the same team and they can't run the ball like they could in the past. The defense has been respectable, but they are always on the field and they always have to defend short fields because the offense is so pitiful. The defense, honestly, doesn't have a chance to succeed. Alot of people think the cowboys are worse, but lets be serious if they played on a neutral field the cowboys would be 4-6 points favorites. At least the cowboys have a little bit of talent.
Biggest Surprise- Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are 5-4 and playing with confidence. Tom Cable is doing a great job and their young talent is flourishing. Richard Seymour has been a difference maker and with Darren McFadden finally living up to the billing, the Raiders look like they will remain a contender in the AFC West.
Most Overrated Team- The most overrated team in the NFL is the New England Patriots and it is not even close. What is there to like about this team? They have a great coach and a great QB, yes, but when is the last time Tom Brady had a good game? Since Moss left he has completing less than 60% of his passes for a barely over 5 yards per attempt. He just got embarassed by the lowly Cleveland Browns and a rookie QB. Furthermore, they have one of the youngest and worst defenses in the NFL. They are in the bottom 5 against the pass and their run D just gave up 189 yards and 2 scores to Peyton Hillis. Oh yeah, and their feature running backs are Benjarvis Green-Ellis (and undrafted free agent a few years ago) and Danny Woodhead (who released by the Jets to start to season). Plus, Wes Welker and Brandon Tate have been invisible since Moss left. I just don't see what other people see in them.
MVP-Phillip Rivers. Name one person who has done more with less than this guy? He loses his best defensive player from a year ago in Antonio Cromatie. Their run game has been less than stellar with Ryan Matthews hurt and inconsistent. He lost his best two WRs and THE BEST TE in the NFL. And oh yeah, he threw 4 touchdowns last week to Seyi Ajrotutu and Randy McMichael!!!!! Are you kidding me? Everybody says Peyton Manning, but I don't buy it. Rivers has a higher completion percentage, 3 more TDs, and 500 more Passing Yards. And as least Peyton still has Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon to throw to....Patrick Cryaton was Phillip Rivers #1 receiever last week. I realize the Chargers are 4-5, but they are still only one game back of first place in their division and if you took Rivers off that team it's very possible they are winless.
Most Improved- Arian Foster. I don't even need to qualify this, but I will anyways. He is leading the league in Rushing and Rushing TDs. He's second in the league in yards per carry and can catch the ball out of the backfield too. He's been a beat all year, plain and simple.
Rookie of the Year- Sam Bradford. I know Suh has been a manchild could easily win this award, but in my mind Bradford could easily be the best rookie QB in the history of the NFL. There have been plently of D linemen come in and make an immediate impact, but what this guy is doing at the QB position is unprecedented. The guy is on pace for over 3300 yards, 22 TDs and 16 INTs. Peyton Manning threw 28 INTs his rookie year and won 3 games...just saying. Bradord's team has won more games this year than the last two combined and 3 of their loses were by a combined 7 points! The Rams could easily be 7-1. Plus, Bradford has done all of this while throwing to a bunch of no named receivers. He made Mark Clayton and Danny Amendola stars...imagine what he could do with an Andre Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald type WR. The guy simply commands the huddle and is a fantasic leader. He is well respected by his teammates and will be a force in this league for years to come.
Coach of the Year- Tom Cable. Is lifing a franchise that has been very poor for almost a decade and bringing back hope and confidence to Raider football. He's got his players respect and they are buying into his system. The results: 5-4 record and a legitimate shot at their first division title since 2002.
Predictions for the rest of the season:
AFC Playoff Teams: Jets win AFC East, Pittsburgh wins AFC North, Chargers win AFC West, Titans win AFC South, Colts and Ravens win Wildcard spots.
NFC Playoff Teams: Saints win NFC South, Packers win NFC North, 49ers win AFC West, Giants win NFC East, Eagles and Falcons win Wildcard spots.
AFC Champs-Pittsbugh Steelers NFC Champions- Philadelphia Eagles
Superbowl Champs-Steelers
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Give Boise a Shot...
Let me first begin by saying that the BCS is the biggest joke in all of sports. Here is what the BCS has taught us.
1. You can jump an undefeated team that began the season ahead of you in the polls by beating exactly 1 ranked team.
2. The SEC, no matter how down they are, is always going to get the benefit of the doubt and the system is so far skewed in their favor that it's hard to fathom.
3. An undefeated and highly rated team from a non-BCS conference will NEVER get a chance to play for the national championship game.
4. What you've done in the past means nothing, it's all about now and how you played your last game. Which by all accounts means you can squeak by and squeak by and then have one big game and all of a sudden you're #1 (ala Auburn).
Lets look at the BCS as it currently stands.
1. Oregon 2. Auburn 3. TCU 4. Boise St. 5. Utah
Now lets break it down...
Oregon, Auburn, and TCU all began the season rated behind Boise St. and yet now they are all ahead. I can't possibly understand how this is justified. Lets begin by looking at each teams key wins.
Oregon- vs #9 Stanford, @ #24 USC
Auburn- vs #12 SC, vs #12 Arkansas, vs #6 LSU
TCU- vs #24 Oregon St, vs Baylor
Boise St- #10 VT, #24 Oregon St.
Utah- vs #15 Pitt
So based on quality wins and preseason rankings, someone explain to me how and why Oregon and TCU jump Boise St.? Auburn, yes, has some impressive wins, however they were rated outside the top 20 in the preseason and all of their key wins have come at home.
If pollsters considered Boise the 3rd best team in the country preseason, then how could they get jumped by a team with the same number of quality wins (Oregon) and a team with less quality wins (TCU). Furthermore, let me point out that Boise St. BEAT TCU and BEAT Oregon last year and Boise returned 20 of 22 starters!! How on earth can these two teams suddenly be better than Boise? TCU lost by far it's best player from last season's team in DE Jerry Hughes. Let's also not get caught up in Oregon's fancy offense. Oregon's offense is the highest scoring in the nation, yes, but who's number 2? Oh yea, Boise St. And Boise St also rankings 3rd in the defense while Oregon's defense is ranked only 17th.
It's ludacris and unjust to believe that these teams deserve to jump Boise. I understand the strength of schedule argument, but I just demonstrated that the schedules thus far have not been so different. Oregons win have come against some of the worst teams in the country in Washington St., New Mexico, Portland St. They beat Tennessee (the worst team in the SEC), UCLA (one of the worst teams in the PAC 10), they also needed 7 turnovers to beat Arizona St. And lets face it, if USC wasn't USC they wouldn't have been in the top 25 when Oregon beat them either. They are almost a .500 team this year.
And don't even get me started on TCU. They have exactly 1 win against a ranked opponent, and oddly enough it was the same ranked opponent Boise beat. They beat Oregon St. by 10 and Boise beat Oregon St. by 13, just for the record. They also got beat in the bowl game last year by Boise St.!!
All Boise does is beat whoever you put in front of them, whether it's TCU, Oregon, Oklahoma, or Glenn High School, they simply win every game. I just believe they deserve a shot at a national title and it's unfair for them to be so highly rated preseason and then get jumped for no apparent reason other than people living in the moment and not looking at a team for what it really is. I think college football would be a better place if a little guy got a shot. Everyone loves an underdog story and we all root for David vs. Goliath. I know everyone considers Boise David, but with Boise's body of work I'm not sure not if they aren't Goliath...
1. You can jump an undefeated team that began the season ahead of you in the polls by beating exactly 1 ranked team.
2. The SEC, no matter how down they are, is always going to get the benefit of the doubt and the system is so far skewed in their favor that it's hard to fathom.
3. An undefeated and highly rated team from a non-BCS conference will NEVER get a chance to play for the national championship game.
4. What you've done in the past means nothing, it's all about now and how you played your last game. Which by all accounts means you can squeak by and squeak by and then have one big game and all of a sudden you're #1 (ala Auburn).
Lets look at the BCS as it currently stands.
1. Oregon 2. Auburn 3. TCU 4. Boise St. 5. Utah
Now lets break it down...
Oregon, Auburn, and TCU all began the season rated behind Boise St. and yet now they are all ahead. I can't possibly understand how this is justified. Lets begin by looking at each teams key wins.
Oregon- vs #9 Stanford, @ #24 USC
Auburn- vs #12 SC, vs #12 Arkansas, vs #6 LSU
TCU- vs #24 Oregon St, vs Baylor
Boise St- #10 VT, #24 Oregon St.
Utah- vs #15 Pitt
So based on quality wins and preseason rankings, someone explain to me how and why Oregon and TCU jump Boise St.? Auburn, yes, has some impressive wins, however they were rated outside the top 20 in the preseason and all of their key wins have come at home.
If pollsters considered Boise the 3rd best team in the country preseason, then how could they get jumped by a team with the same number of quality wins (Oregon) and a team with less quality wins (TCU). Furthermore, let me point out that Boise St. BEAT TCU and BEAT Oregon last year and Boise returned 20 of 22 starters!! How on earth can these two teams suddenly be better than Boise? TCU lost by far it's best player from last season's team in DE Jerry Hughes. Let's also not get caught up in Oregon's fancy offense. Oregon's offense is the highest scoring in the nation, yes, but who's number 2? Oh yea, Boise St. And Boise St also rankings 3rd in the defense while Oregon's defense is ranked only 17th.
It's ludacris and unjust to believe that these teams deserve to jump Boise. I understand the strength of schedule argument, but I just demonstrated that the schedules thus far have not been so different. Oregons win have come against some of the worst teams in the country in Washington St., New Mexico, Portland St. They beat Tennessee (the worst team in the SEC), UCLA (one of the worst teams in the PAC 10), they also needed 7 turnovers to beat Arizona St. And lets face it, if USC wasn't USC they wouldn't have been in the top 25 when Oregon beat them either. They are almost a .500 team this year.
And don't even get me started on TCU. They have exactly 1 win against a ranked opponent, and oddly enough it was the same ranked opponent Boise beat. They beat Oregon St. by 10 and Boise beat Oregon St. by 13, just for the record. They also got beat in the bowl game last year by Boise St.!!
All Boise does is beat whoever you put in front of them, whether it's TCU, Oregon, Oklahoma, or Glenn High School, they simply win every game. I just believe they deserve a shot at a national title and it's unfair for them to be so highly rated preseason and then get jumped for no apparent reason other than people living in the moment and not looking at a team for what it really is. I think college football would be a better place if a little guy got a shot. Everyone loves an underdog story and we all root for David vs. Goliath. I know everyone considers Boise David, but with Boise's body of work I'm not sure not if they aren't Goliath...
Friday, August 13, 2010
FTOPS Event #26
Full Tilt Poker Game #23057784134: FTOPS Event #26 (167293302), Table 30 - 80/160 - No Limit Hold'em - 15:54:22 ET - 2010/08/13
Seat 1: phatchoy888 (11,225)
Seat 2: RBC123123 (11,048)
Seat 3: Seldoon (9,877)
Seat 4: MarkusG (3,588)
Seat 5: GLightfoot1974 (4,502)
Seat 6: xSeXci-BeBex (1,965)
phatchoy888 posts the small blind of 80
RBC123123 posts the big blind of 160
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to RBC123123 [Kd Kh]
Seldoon folds
MarkusG folds
GLightfoot1974 folds
xSeXci-BeBex folds
phatchoy888 raises to 400
RBC123123 has 15 seconds left to act
RBC123123 has requested TIME
RBC123123 raises to 1,100
phatchoy888 has 15 seconds left to act
phatchoy888 raises to 11,225, and is all in
RBC123123 calls 9,948, and is all in
phatchoy888 shows [Qc As]
RBC123123 shows [Kd Kh]
Uncalled bet of 177 returned to phatchoy888
*** FLOP *** [Jd 3s 3d]
*** TURN *** [Jd 3s 3d] [6h]
*** RIVER *** [Jd 3s 3d 6h] [Ah]
phatchoy888 shows two pair, Aces and Threes
RBC123123 shows two pair, Kings and Threes
phatchoy888 wins the pot (22,096) with two pair, Aces and Threes
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 22,096 | Rake 0
Board: [Jd 3s 3d 6h Ah]
Seat 1: phatchoy888 (small blind) showed [Qc As] and won (22,096) with two pair, Aces and Threes
Seat 2: RBC123123 (big blind) showed [Kd Kh] and lost with two pair, Kings and Threes
Seat 3: Seldoon didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: MarkusG didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: GLightfoot1974 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: xSeXci-BeBex (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 1: phatchoy888 (11,225)
Seat 2: RBC123123 (11,048)
Seat 3: Seldoon (9,877)
Seat 4: MarkusG (3,588)
Seat 5: GLightfoot1974 (4,502)
Seat 6: xSeXci-BeBex (1,965)
phatchoy888 posts the small blind of 80
RBC123123 posts the big blind of 160
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to RBC123123 [Kd Kh]
Seldoon folds
MarkusG folds
GLightfoot1974 folds
xSeXci-BeBex folds
phatchoy888 raises to 400
RBC123123 has 15 seconds left to act
RBC123123 has requested TIME
RBC123123 raises to 1,100
phatchoy888 has 15 seconds left to act
phatchoy888 raises to 11,225, and is all in
RBC123123 calls 9,948, and is all in
phatchoy888 shows [Qc As]
RBC123123 shows [Kd Kh]
Uncalled bet of 177 returned to phatchoy888
*** FLOP *** [Jd 3s 3d]
*** TURN *** [Jd 3s 3d] [6h]
*** RIVER *** [Jd 3s 3d 6h] [Ah]
phatchoy888 shows two pair, Aces and Threes
RBC123123 shows two pair, Kings and Threes
phatchoy888 wins the pot (22,096) with two pair, Aces and Threes
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 22,096 | Rake 0
Board: [Jd 3s 3d 6h Ah]
Seat 1: phatchoy888 (small blind) showed [Qc As] and won (22,096) with two pair, Aces and Threes
Seat 2: RBC123123 (big blind) showed [Kd Kh] and lost with two pair, Kings and Threes
Seat 3: Seldoon didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: MarkusG didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: GLightfoot1974 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: xSeXci-BeBex (button) didn't bet (folded)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
You heard it here first...
Greetings,
I'm going to go through my list of predictions for this coming fantasy year. You heard it here first....
1. Brett Favre plays but has a QB ratings of less than 90 and the Packers win the division.
2. Matt Moore ends the season as a top 15 fantasy QB.
3. DeSean Jackson finishes outside the top 15 fantasy receivers.
4. Michael Turner finished the season with 1300+ yard and 15+ TDs.
5. Larry Fitzgerald has fewer than 10 TDs this season and less than 1200 yards.
6. Miles Austin comes back to reality.
7. Frank Gore finally stays healthy and finishes as a top 5 fantasy RB.
8. Felix Jones doesn't live up to the hype and Marion the Barbarian is still the man in Big D.
9. Matt Ryan finally has his breakout season.
10. Chris Johnson gets hurt and plays less than 12 games.
11. The Falcons win the NFC South and the Saints miss the playoffs.
12. Darrell Revis plays this season and the jets still don't get to the AFC title game.
13. Jay Cutler returns to fantasy relevance this year with Mike Martz.
14. The redskins finish BELOW .500.
15. Matt Staford continues to struggle and isn't a top 20 QB this year.
16. Vincent Jackson doesn't play a single snap for the chargers this year.
17. DeAngelo Williams is a top 10 back this year. 1300+ yard and 10+ TDs
18. Roddy White is a top 5 WR.
19. The Pats miss the playoffs and Randy Moss has his worst year since being in Oakland.
20. Roy E. Williams cracks 1000 yard receiving.
21. Jamaal Charles is a top 10 fantasy back.
22. Thomas Jones backs his bags.
23. The chiefs finish 8-8.
24. Dwayne Bowe is a top 10 fantasy receiver.
25. Steve Slaton leads the texans RBs in fantasy points.
26. Sidney Rice is a top 10 WR...with or without Brett.
27. Darren McFadden is finally labeled as the next Reggie Bush.
28. Mario Williams leads the NFL in sacks.
29. Shonn Greene starts less then 10 games for the Jets.
30. Big Ben plays the highest quality football of his career coming off his suspension.
To be continued....
I'm going to go through my list of predictions for this coming fantasy year. You heard it here first....
1. Brett Favre plays but has a QB ratings of less than 90 and the Packers win the division.
2. Matt Moore ends the season as a top 15 fantasy QB.
3. DeSean Jackson finishes outside the top 15 fantasy receivers.
4. Michael Turner finished the season with 1300+ yard and 15+ TDs.
5. Larry Fitzgerald has fewer than 10 TDs this season and less than 1200 yards.
6. Miles Austin comes back to reality.
7. Frank Gore finally stays healthy and finishes as a top 5 fantasy RB.
8. Felix Jones doesn't live up to the hype and Marion the Barbarian is still the man in Big D.
9. Matt Ryan finally has his breakout season.
10. Chris Johnson gets hurt and plays less than 12 games.
11. The Falcons win the NFC South and the Saints miss the playoffs.
12. Darrell Revis plays this season and the jets still don't get to the AFC title game.
13. Jay Cutler returns to fantasy relevance this year with Mike Martz.
14. The redskins finish BELOW .500.
15. Matt Staford continues to struggle and isn't a top 20 QB this year.
16. Vincent Jackson doesn't play a single snap for the chargers this year.
17. DeAngelo Williams is a top 10 back this year. 1300+ yard and 10+ TDs
18. Roddy White is a top 5 WR.
19. The Pats miss the playoffs and Randy Moss has his worst year since being in Oakland.
20. Roy E. Williams cracks 1000 yard receiving.
21. Jamaal Charles is a top 10 fantasy back.
22. Thomas Jones backs his bags.
23. The chiefs finish 8-8.
24. Dwayne Bowe is a top 10 fantasy receiver.
25. Steve Slaton leads the texans RBs in fantasy points.
26. Sidney Rice is a top 10 WR...with or without Brett.
27. Darren McFadden is finally labeled as the next Reggie Bush.
28. Mario Williams leads the NFL in sacks.
29. Shonn Greene starts less then 10 games for the Jets.
30. Big Ben plays the highest quality football of his career coming off his suspension.
To be continued....
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
FTOPS #18
Full Tilt Poker Game #22987575985: FTOPS Event #18 (167287384), Table 187 - 120/240 Ante 25 - No Limit Hold'em - 18:51:49 ET - 2010/08/10
Seat 1: mossified84 (4,830)
Seat 2: RBC123123 (2,925)
Seat 3: w00t4d0nks (3,380)
Seat 4: saxrud (4,070)
Seat 5: Ram Vaswani (1,525)
Seat 6: das_rektumous (3,210)
Seat 7: RJK1027 (6,235)
Seat 8: Jonesie20 (4,775)
Seat 9: rexamillion (2,395)
mossified84 antes 25
RBC123123 antes 25
w00t4d0nks antes 25
saxrud antes 25
Ram Vaswani antes 25
das_rektumous antes 25
RJK1027 antes 25
Jonesie20 antes 25
rexamillion antes 25
RJK1027 posts the small blind of 120
Jonesie20 posts the big blind of 240
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to RBC123123 [3h 3s]
rexamillion calls 240
mossified84 folds
RBC123123 raises to 2,900, and is all in
w00t4d0nks folds
saxrud folds
Ram Vaswani folds
das_rektumous folds
RJK1027 calls 2,780
Jonesie20 has 15 seconds left to act
Jonesie20 folds
rexamillion folds
RBC123123 shows [3h 3s]
RJK1027 shows [Ks Ac]
*** FLOP *** [Qh 7s Qs]
*** TURN *** [Qh 7s Qs] [5c]
*** RIVER *** [Qh 7s Qs 5c] [Ah]
RBC123123 shows two pair, Queens and Threes
RJK1027 shows two pair, Aces and Queens
RJK1027 wins the pot (6,505) with two pair, Aces and Queens
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 6,505 | Rake 0
Board: [Qh 7s Qs 5c Ah]
Seat 1: mossified84 folded before the Flop
Seat 2: RBC123123 showed [3h 3s] and lost with two pair, Queens and Threes
Seat 3: w00t4d0nks folded before the Flop
Seat 4: saxrud folded before the Flop
Seat 5: Ram Vaswani folded before the Flop
Seat 6: das_rektumous (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 7: RJK1027 (small blind) showed [Ks Ac] and won (6,505) with two pair, Aces and Queens
Seat 8: Jonesie20 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: rexamillion folded before the Flop
Seat 1: mossified84 (4,830)
Seat 2: RBC123123 (2,925)
Seat 3: w00t4d0nks (3,380)
Seat 4: saxrud (4,070)
Seat 5: Ram Vaswani (1,525)
Seat 6: das_rektumous (3,210)
Seat 7: RJK1027 (6,235)
Seat 8: Jonesie20 (4,775)
Seat 9: rexamillion (2,395)
mossified84 antes 25
RBC123123 antes 25
w00t4d0nks antes 25
saxrud antes 25
Ram Vaswani antes 25
das_rektumous antes 25
RJK1027 antes 25
Jonesie20 antes 25
rexamillion antes 25
RJK1027 posts the small blind of 120
Jonesie20 posts the big blind of 240
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to RBC123123 [3h 3s]
rexamillion calls 240
mossified84 folds
RBC123123 raises to 2,900, and is all in
w00t4d0nks folds
saxrud folds
Ram Vaswani folds
das_rektumous folds
RJK1027 calls 2,780
Jonesie20 has 15 seconds left to act
Jonesie20 folds
rexamillion folds
RBC123123 shows [3h 3s]
RJK1027 shows [Ks Ac]
*** FLOP *** [Qh 7s Qs]
*** TURN *** [Qh 7s Qs] [5c]
*** RIVER *** [Qh 7s Qs 5c] [Ah]
RBC123123 shows two pair, Queens and Threes
RJK1027 shows two pair, Aces and Queens
RJK1027 wins the pot (6,505) with two pair, Aces and Queens
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 6,505 | Rake 0
Board: [Qh 7s Qs 5c Ah]
Seat 1: mossified84 folded before the Flop
Seat 2: RBC123123 showed [3h 3s] and lost with two pair, Queens and Threes
Seat 3: w00t4d0nks folded before the Flop
Seat 4: saxrud folded before the Flop
Seat 5: Ram Vaswani folded before the Flop
Seat 6: das_rektumous (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 7: RJK1027 (small blind) showed [Ks Ac] and won (6,505) with two pair, Aces and Queens
Seat 8: Jonesie20 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: rexamillion folded before the Flop
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Fuck FTOPS #13
Full Tilt Poker Game #22939648757: FTOPS Event #13 (167285964), Table 379 - 140/280 Ante 25 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:48:00 ET - 2010/08/08
Seat 1: -Apollo-86 (6,950)
Seat 2: vers (9,775)
Seat 3: SToTheO (8,939)
Seat 4: rrpamin (8,058), is sitting out
Seat 5: quaid the real (6,633)
Seat 6: RBC123123 (9,363)
Seat 7: dab125 (7,323)
Seat 8: Morphismus (5,615)
Seat 9: whoMikeB (5,570)
-Apollo-86 antes 25
vers antes 25
SToTheO antes 25
rrpamin antes 25
quaid the real antes 25
RBC123123 antes 25
dab125 antes 25
Morphismus antes 25
whoMikeB antes 25
whoMikeB posts the small blind of 140
-Apollo-86 posts the big blind of 280
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to RBC123123 [Tc Ts]
vers folds
SToTheO folds
rrpamin folds
quaid the real folds
RBC123123 raises to 560
dab125 folds
Morphismus raises to 5,590, and is all in
whoMikeB folds
-Apollo-86 folds
RBC123123 calls 5,030
Morphismus shows [Kc As]
RBC123123 shows [Tc Ts]
*** FLOP *** [Kh Ah Kd]
rrpamin has returned
*** TURN *** [Kh Ah Kd] [6c]
*** RIVER *** [Kh Ah Kd 6c] [7s]
Morphismus shows a full house, Kings full of Aces
RBC123123 shows two pair, Kings and Tens
Morphismus wins the pot (11,825) with a full house, Kings full of Aces
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 11,825 | Rake 0
Board: [Kh Ah Kd 6c 7s]
Seat 1: -Apollo-86 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: vers folded before the Flop
Seat 3: SToTheO folded before the Flop
Seat 4: rrpamin folded before the Flop
Seat 5: quaid the real folded before the Flop
Seat 6: RBC123123 showed [Tc Ts] and lost with two pair, Kings and Tens
Seat 7: dab125 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Morphismus (button) showed [Kc As] and won (11,825) with a full house, Kings full of Aces
Seat 9: whoMikeB (small blind) folded before the Flop
Story of my ftops thus far. Still alive in it though with 5k. Come backkkkkkkkkkkkkkk one time.
Seat 1: -Apollo-86 (6,950)
Seat 2: vers (9,775)
Seat 3: SToTheO (8,939)
Seat 4: rrpamin (8,058), is sitting out
Seat 5: quaid the real (6,633)
Seat 6: RBC123123 (9,363)
Seat 7: dab125 (7,323)
Seat 8: Morphismus (5,615)
Seat 9: whoMikeB (5,570)
-Apollo-86 antes 25
vers antes 25
SToTheO antes 25
rrpamin antes 25
quaid the real antes 25
RBC123123 antes 25
dab125 antes 25
Morphismus antes 25
whoMikeB antes 25
whoMikeB posts the small blind of 140
-Apollo-86 posts the big blind of 280
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to RBC123123 [Tc Ts]
vers folds
SToTheO folds
rrpamin folds
quaid the real folds
RBC123123 raises to 560
dab125 folds
Morphismus raises to 5,590, and is all in
whoMikeB folds
-Apollo-86 folds
RBC123123 calls 5,030
Morphismus shows [Kc As]
RBC123123 shows [Tc Ts]
*** FLOP *** [Kh Ah Kd]
rrpamin has returned
*** TURN *** [Kh Ah Kd] [6c]
*** RIVER *** [Kh Ah Kd 6c] [7s]
Morphismus shows a full house, Kings full of Aces
RBC123123 shows two pair, Kings and Tens
Morphismus wins the pot (11,825) with a full house, Kings full of Aces
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 11,825 | Rake 0
Board: [Kh Ah Kd 6c 7s]
Seat 1: -Apollo-86 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: vers folded before the Flop
Seat 3: SToTheO folded before the Flop
Seat 4: rrpamin folded before the Flop
Seat 5: quaid the real folded before the Flop
Seat 6: RBC123123 showed [Tc Ts] and lost with two pair, Kings and Tens
Seat 7: dab125 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Morphismus (button) showed [Kc As] and won (11,825) with a full house, Kings full of Aces
Seat 9: whoMikeB (small blind) folded before the Flop
Story of my ftops thus far. Still alive in it though with 5k. Come backkkkkkkkkkkkkkk one time.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Top Ten QBs
I'm going to do a little breakdown of the top ten players in the NFL at every skill position and I thought there was no better place to begin than at QB. Lets get right to it.
1. Peyton Manning- When it comes to consistency the discussion begins and ends with this guy. Based on stats alone he will certainly go down at the NFL record holder in almost every single statistical category for QBs, passing all the marks currently set by Mr. Favre. The guy has throw for at least 26 touchdowns every single year of his career and he has throw for 4000+ yards 10 of the last 11 years. A 95.0 career QB rating ranks second all time to Steve Youngs 96.8. Also name everyone in NFL history with at least 3 MVPs and a Superbowl, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. End of discussion.
2. Tom Brady- Mr. Clutch. I'm not sure if there is anyone in the NFL I'd rather have under center when the game is on the line, he just gets the job done. Brady lacks in the number department a bit, but he makes up for it in poise, leadership, and reliability. Oh yeah, and 50 TDs in one season is pretty good too. Tom Brady is the current day Joe Montana, although not quite as good as Joe in my eyes, he's the closest comparision. He has been slipping a bit as a late with a blowout loss to the Ravens last year and a superbowl loss to the Giants in 07', but if I need a last minutes drive with the game on the line I'm taking this guy.
3. Ben Roethlisberger- With the best ever QB rating for a rookie (over 98) and two superbowl rings in his first 4 years, Ben has made his mark on the NFL early in his career. He's got all the physical tools and leadership ability to put a team on his back and carry them. Last year the Steelers had no line, no running game, and no defense and he still almost lead them to the playoffs. He needs to get his act together off the field, but he still remains an elite talent on the field.
4. Drew Brees- Finally got his ring and showed that he belongs in the discussion with all the great QBs in the game. This guy just does and says all the right things. I find it very difficult to root against Brees because of his character, integrity, and work ethic. The guy was left for dead after a shoulder injury in San Diego and the Saints were the only team willing to take a chance on him, and boy did it pay off. Lead the NFL last year in QB rating at over 109 and was the undisputed physical, emotional, and mental leader of the Saints, a team who formerly had no idea how to win. Drew Brees is a guy who you just root for and he never seems to let you down.
6. Aaron Rodgers- This guy may be the most talented QB in the NFL today. He has a big arm, he's very accurate, his decision making ability is off the charts, and he can run, also. The Packers look smarter every single day by giving him a chance and letting Favre go. This guy, barring injury, will be a top 5 QB in the NFL for the next 10 years. I look for him to get his first playoff win this year and lets face it, he should have won one last year but the D gave up 51!! It's pretty hard to put up 45 points and lose a playoff game.
7. Phillip Rivers- He is the heart and soul of the chargers. The defense was in disaray last year and the running game was average at best and all Rivers did was lead them to a 13-3 record and first round bye. This guy is so close to turning the corner and with a little more help he will win at least one superbowl before his career is over. Lets also not forget how tough his is. This guy played in the AFC championship game a few years ago with a TORN ACL! He's a tough, natural born leader and he's a fierce competitor.
8. Eli Manning- The guy never gets any credit and yet continues to do his thing year in and year out. He's got the same number of rings as his brother and last year he took a group of motley receivers and threw for over 4000 yards. He's improved his decision making alot of the last few years and has proven that he can win big games. I know the giants were 8-8 last year, but lets face it, how can anyone over come a defense giving up almost 40 ppg the last 8 games of the season? There are all the doubters and haters out there but I'll take Eli on my team any day.
9. Tony Romo- Proved he can win in the regular season, now lets see if he can win in the playoffs. Tony has alot of talent and does a good job of spreading the ball and utilizing the abundant talent around him. I always question how bad he wants to win and whether or not he has the "it" factor to win a the big one, but as far as numbers and winning in the regular season you can't argue his value. IF he ever starts winning in the playoffs he could be one of the really elite players in the league.
10. Donovan McNabb- He has slipped as he has aged, but McNabb is one of the great players of the last decade. He's a 6 time pro bowler and a fantastic leader. The only thing that has always been lacking for McNabb is that ever elusive title. Now that he's in Washington and surrounded by inferior talent it saddens me to realize he may never get there, but he still had a great career and should be commended for his achievements and for the class he has always shown in the face of adversity.
1. Peyton Manning- When it comes to consistency the discussion begins and ends with this guy. Based on stats alone he will certainly go down at the NFL record holder in almost every single statistical category for QBs, passing all the marks currently set by Mr. Favre. The guy has throw for at least 26 touchdowns every single year of his career and he has throw for 4000+ yards 10 of the last 11 years. A 95.0 career QB rating ranks second all time to Steve Youngs 96.8. Also name everyone in NFL history with at least 3 MVPs and a Superbowl, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. End of discussion.
2. Tom Brady- Mr. Clutch. I'm not sure if there is anyone in the NFL I'd rather have under center when the game is on the line, he just gets the job done. Brady lacks in the number department a bit, but he makes up for it in poise, leadership, and reliability. Oh yeah, and 50 TDs in one season is pretty good too. Tom Brady is the current day Joe Montana, although not quite as good as Joe in my eyes, he's the closest comparision. He has been slipping a bit as a late with a blowout loss to the Ravens last year and a superbowl loss to the Giants in 07', but if I need a last minutes drive with the game on the line I'm taking this guy.
3. Ben Roethlisberger- With the best ever QB rating for a rookie (over 98) and two superbowl rings in his first 4 years, Ben has made his mark on the NFL early in his career. He's got all the physical tools and leadership ability to put a team on his back and carry them. Last year the Steelers had no line, no running game, and no defense and he still almost lead them to the playoffs. He needs to get his act together off the field, but he still remains an elite talent on the field.
4. Drew Brees- Finally got his ring and showed that he belongs in the discussion with all the great QBs in the game. This guy just does and says all the right things. I find it very difficult to root against Brees because of his character, integrity, and work ethic. The guy was left for dead after a shoulder injury in San Diego and the Saints were the only team willing to take a chance on him, and boy did it pay off. Lead the NFL last year in QB rating at over 109 and was the undisputed physical, emotional, and mental leader of the Saints, a team who formerly had no idea how to win. Drew Brees is a guy who you just root for and he never seems to let you down.
6. Aaron Rodgers- This guy may be the most talented QB in the NFL today. He has a big arm, he's very accurate, his decision making ability is off the charts, and he can run, also. The Packers look smarter every single day by giving him a chance and letting Favre go. This guy, barring injury, will be a top 5 QB in the NFL for the next 10 years. I look for him to get his first playoff win this year and lets face it, he should have won one last year but the D gave up 51!! It's pretty hard to put up 45 points and lose a playoff game.
7. Phillip Rivers- He is the heart and soul of the chargers. The defense was in disaray last year and the running game was average at best and all Rivers did was lead them to a 13-3 record and first round bye. This guy is so close to turning the corner and with a little more help he will win at least one superbowl before his career is over. Lets also not forget how tough his is. This guy played in the AFC championship game a few years ago with a TORN ACL! He's a tough, natural born leader and he's a fierce competitor.
8. Eli Manning- The guy never gets any credit and yet continues to do his thing year in and year out. He's got the same number of rings as his brother and last year he took a group of motley receivers and threw for over 4000 yards. He's improved his decision making alot of the last few years and has proven that he can win big games. I know the giants were 8-8 last year, but lets face it, how can anyone over come a defense giving up almost 40 ppg the last 8 games of the season? There are all the doubters and haters out there but I'll take Eli on my team any day.
9. Tony Romo- Proved he can win in the regular season, now lets see if he can win in the playoffs. Tony has alot of talent and does a good job of spreading the ball and utilizing the abundant talent around him. I always question how bad he wants to win and whether or not he has the "it" factor to win a the big one, but as far as numbers and winning in the regular season you can't argue his value. IF he ever starts winning in the playoffs he could be one of the really elite players in the league.
10. Donovan McNabb- He has slipped as he has aged, but McNabb is one of the great players of the last decade. He's a 6 time pro bowler and a fantastic leader. The only thing that has always been lacking for McNabb is that ever elusive title. Now that he's in Washington and surrounded by inferior talent it saddens me to realize he may never get there, but he still had a great career and should be commended for his achievements and for the class he has always shown in the face of adversity.
GAMBLE
Everyone read the post below me. I am just trying to get the gambling hotline ad to come back up.
GAMBLE GAMBLE POKER POKER BIG MONEY LOST GAMBLE CASINO BLACKJACK ROULETTE ALL MY MONEY IS GONE POKER GAMBLE ADDICTION GAMBLING ADDITION WHAT DO I DO GAMBLE POKER GAMBLE GAMBLE GAMBLE GAMBLE GAMBLE
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
FTOPS Babyyyyyyyyyy
Before you get into this, Zack aka "CZ" aka "Wanna Get Slimed" aka "4 Pitchers" aka "Average Dick" aka "Fuck Money" Caldwell has made an elegant return to StandardBull highlighting his football picks this year. You should check it out, because just like Trey, he really has a feel for it.
Today is the first event of FTOPS action. It is a $216 full ring freezout. You start with 5k in chips and there is 750k in guaranteed prize monaaaay. I'm pretty excited to get into the FTOPS grind because I've never really played a full series before. I fully intend on winning all of the money.
Thanks to anyone dumb enough to still think I'm a winning poker player for investing in me. Let the run good begin...
Today is the first event of FTOPS action. It is a $216 full ring freezout. You start with 5k in chips and there is 750k in guaranteed prize monaaaay. I'm pretty excited to get into the FTOPS grind because I've never really played a full series before. I fully intend on winning all of the money.
Thanks to anyone dumb enough to still think I'm a winning poker player for investing in me. Let the run good begin...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Football Babyyyyy
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...it is excellent to be back blogging. I know it's been a long time but with the arrival of football season and my beloved fantasy football league I felt as though I had to come with a post.
First off, I ran pretty hot to get the 2nd pick in the draft, however, I didn't keep it for long because I've been grinding the trade world hard. The first trade I did was send 19, 22, and 59 to Ryan for 5 and 45....then I traded 2 and 39 to Trey for 3 and 23. So I went from
2, 19, 22, 39, 42, and 59 to 3, 5, 23, 42, and 45
I really feel good about these trades and I think being able to get two elite running backs will be a huge advantage over field because I really don't think there are too many out there, especially in a half point per reception league. Either way, the league should be alot of fun and I really can't wait for the live draft. It's something new we're doing this year and it's gonna be a good chance for everyone to get together, hang, meet each other and have a good time.
Now I'm gonna pull a Matthew Barry and give my rundown of players and teams I love and hate this year....
LOVE:::
DeAngelo Williams- I know this may be a shock to some of you, but it's so quickly how we forget who the number one fantasy running back was two years ago. In 2008 he had over 1500 yards and 18 TDs. Last year through 10 games he had 986 yards and 7 TDs....extrapolate that over 16 games and he was on pace for 1571 yards and 11 TDs. The only thing that held him back was injuries, so if he can stay healthy he should have a big year. I hate how everyone say him and Stewart will split carries and they had the same numbers last year. The only reason Stewarts numbers got even close to DeAngelo's was because he missed the better part of 5 games, and during those games he was out or limited Stewart went nuts. In the first 10 games when Williams was healthy J-Stew had 465 yards and 6 TDs....during the last 5 games when D-Will was limited he had 589 yards and 4 TDs. Enough said.
Frank Gore- 5th rated running back last year and missed almost 3 games. If he stays healthy he has a chance to challenge for top fantasy RB this year.
Brandon Marshall- He's happy now and he has always had all world talent. He finally has a QB with a big arm again and we all see what he did with Jay Cutler 2 years ago. Yea Miami runs the ball alot, but when they decided to throw I think those 8 man fronts will give Marshall quite a bit of room to maneuver. I'll take a guaranteed 100 plus catches and 10 TDs any day.
Joseph Addai- Great guy in PPR leagues. Plays on a great offense and will always get his share of scores. Very consistent and Donald Brown did NOTHING when he had chances last year. Should be another solid and steady year for Addai.
Steve Breaston- Great hands and will get a lot of looks while teams focus on Fitzgerald.
Kevin Kolb- Ryan made a great point....kinda reminds you of Aaron Rodgers a bit doesn't he?
HATE:
Andre Johnson- Let me first say I do actually like him alot and I still think he's clearly the #1 receiver. However, it should be noted when Owen Daniels was healthy Andre averaged 5.4 cathes and 90 yard per game, but when Owen Daniels was out he averaged 7 catches and 109 yard per game.....just sayin. Plus he has a history of injuries and who knows if Matt Schaub will produce the same type of year this year that he had last year.
Larry Fitzgerald- Matt Leinart + Double Covered every play. Sounds kinda like what happened to Steve Smith. No thanks.
Jonathan Stewart- See DeAngelo Williams.
Hines Ward- No big ben for 6 games and another year older.
Vincent Jackson- Great talent, limited brain. Already out 3 games and talking about how he wants out of San Diego....I'll pass.
Steven Jackson- How many years in a row will this guy score single digit TDs and/or get hurt before people will quit wasting a top 5 pick on him. Talent-wise he clearly has it but on that offense even he can only do so much...
Anquan Boldin- Big difference in being single covered with Kurt Warner and double covered with Joe Flacco.
Tom Brady- Going to put up numbers similiar to Romo, Schaub, and Rivers and is going 2 rounds earlier.
Reggie Bush- LOL
Sleeper Teams:
NY Giants- Fell off the map the 2nd half of last year. I look for then to play more like their first half record of 6-2 this season. They have had all off season to correct the issues in the secondary and I think they have too much talent on the D-line to not be better agains the pass.
Panthers- Looked GREAT the last 3 games of the season under Matt Moore. Beat 3 quality teams in the Giants, Vikings, and Saints and if they can get off to a good start they always finish well. Great RBs and O-Line. If the D-line is even close to as good as it was last year the panthers are a playoff team. Plus as we all know, the worse people perceive them in the preseason the better they end up being...
49ers- Have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, a very solid defense, and an offense that is finally set and ready to go. I'm interested to see what Alex Smith can do in a full year with a solid supporting cast like this one.
Tennessee-Finished 6-2 under Vince Young. Have the best running back in the NFL and fixed their defensive problems the second half of last year.
KC- Talent on both sides of the ball and they went out and got a touchdown machine and leader in Thomas Jones. Dwayne Bowe is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL if he can get his head straight and Jamaal Charles might be the next Chris Johnson.
Green Bay- They finally put it all together this year.
Overrated:
New England- Not even Belichick and Brady will be able to pull this one out. No Wes Welker, the defense from the 1992 Pro Bowl, and leading running back with fumblitis.
Saints- Superbowl hangover. Their severely overrated defense lead the NFL in turnover last year and I don't expect that to continue. They will have to win alot of games by outscoring the other team, which they can do....but it won't be a 13-3 superbowl year again.
Baltimore- Everyone's going crazy about Anquan Bolding being in town, but everyone forgets about the loses on the defensive side of the ball. Ed Reed is still the best safety in the NFL and without him the defense suffers alot. Plus, even with Boldin that offense still doesn't particularly excite me.
Washington- Not even a 6-time pro bowl QB has a chance in this offense. Plus their best player, Albert Haynesworth, doesn't even want to be there. People are high on them, but they won't be any better than a .500 team this year.
NY Jets- A second year QB who didn't show me much last year. A couple of knuckle head receivers who can't catch a cold. Got rid of not 1 but 2 high quality running backs....one of which had 1300+ yards and 14+ TDs two years in a two. And oh yeah, their best player, Darrell Reavis, is holding out. Sounds like a superbowl team to me.
I'll be back and posting regularly throughout football season and I'll probably touch on some baseball too as we get near the playoffs.
Zack
First off, I ran pretty hot to get the 2nd pick in the draft, however, I didn't keep it for long because I've been grinding the trade world hard. The first trade I did was send 19, 22, and 59 to Ryan for 5 and 45....then I traded 2 and 39 to Trey for 3 and 23. So I went from
2, 19, 22, 39, 42, and 59 to 3, 5, 23, 42, and 45
I really feel good about these trades and I think being able to get two elite running backs will be a huge advantage over field because I really don't think there are too many out there, especially in a half point per reception league. Either way, the league should be alot of fun and I really can't wait for the live draft. It's something new we're doing this year and it's gonna be a good chance for everyone to get together, hang, meet each other and have a good time.
Now I'm gonna pull a Matthew Barry and give my rundown of players and teams I love and hate this year....
LOVE:::
DeAngelo Williams- I know this may be a shock to some of you, but it's so quickly how we forget who the number one fantasy running back was two years ago. In 2008 he had over 1500 yards and 18 TDs. Last year through 10 games he had 986 yards and 7 TDs....extrapolate that over 16 games and he was on pace for 1571 yards and 11 TDs. The only thing that held him back was injuries, so if he can stay healthy he should have a big year. I hate how everyone say him and Stewart will split carries and they had the same numbers last year. The only reason Stewarts numbers got even close to DeAngelo's was because he missed the better part of 5 games, and during those games he was out or limited Stewart went nuts. In the first 10 games when Williams was healthy J-Stew had 465 yards and 6 TDs....during the last 5 games when D-Will was limited he had 589 yards and 4 TDs. Enough said.
Frank Gore- 5th rated running back last year and missed almost 3 games. If he stays healthy he has a chance to challenge for top fantasy RB this year.
Brandon Marshall- He's happy now and he has always had all world talent. He finally has a QB with a big arm again and we all see what he did with Jay Cutler 2 years ago. Yea Miami runs the ball alot, but when they decided to throw I think those 8 man fronts will give Marshall quite a bit of room to maneuver. I'll take a guaranteed 100 plus catches and 10 TDs any day.
Joseph Addai- Great guy in PPR leagues. Plays on a great offense and will always get his share of scores. Very consistent and Donald Brown did NOTHING when he had chances last year. Should be another solid and steady year for Addai.
Steve Breaston- Great hands and will get a lot of looks while teams focus on Fitzgerald.
Kevin Kolb- Ryan made a great point....kinda reminds you of Aaron Rodgers a bit doesn't he?
HATE:
Andre Johnson- Let me first say I do actually like him alot and I still think he's clearly the #1 receiver. However, it should be noted when Owen Daniels was healthy Andre averaged 5.4 cathes and 90 yard per game, but when Owen Daniels was out he averaged 7 catches and 109 yard per game.....just sayin. Plus he has a history of injuries and who knows if Matt Schaub will produce the same type of year this year that he had last year.
Larry Fitzgerald- Matt Leinart + Double Covered every play. Sounds kinda like what happened to Steve Smith. No thanks.
Jonathan Stewart- See DeAngelo Williams.
Hines Ward- No big ben for 6 games and another year older.
Vincent Jackson- Great talent, limited brain. Already out 3 games and talking about how he wants out of San Diego....I'll pass.
Steven Jackson- How many years in a row will this guy score single digit TDs and/or get hurt before people will quit wasting a top 5 pick on him. Talent-wise he clearly has it but on that offense even he can only do so much...
Anquan Boldin- Big difference in being single covered with Kurt Warner and double covered with Joe Flacco.
Tom Brady- Going to put up numbers similiar to Romo, Schaub, and Rivers and is going 2 rounds earlier.
Reggie Bush- LOL
Sleeper Teams:
NY Giants- Fell off the map the 2nd half of last year. I look for then to play more like their first half record of 6-2 this season. They have had all off season to correct the issues in the secondary and I think they have too much talent on the D-line to not be better agains the pass.
Panthers- Looked GREAT the last 3 games of the season under Matt Moore. Beat 3 quality teams in the Giants, Vikings, and Saints and if they can get off to a good start they always finish well. Great RBs and O-Line. If the D-line is even close to as good as it was last year the panthers are a playoff team. Plus as we all know, the worse people perceive them in the preseason the better they end up being...
49ers- Have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, a very solid defense, and an offense that is finally set and ready to go. I'm interested to see what Alex Smith can do in a full year with a solid supporting cast like this one.
Tennessee-Finished 6-2 under Vince Young. Have the best running back in the NFL and fixed their defensive problems the second half of last year.
KC- Talent on both sides of the ball and they went out and got a touchdown machine and leader in Thomas Jones. Dwayne Bowe is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL if he can get his head straight and Jamaal Charles might be the next Chris Johnson.
Green Bay- They finally put it all together this year.
Overrated:
New England- Not even Belichick and Brady will be able to pull this one out. No Wes Welker, the defense from the 1992 Pro Bowl, and leading running back with fumblitis.
Saints- Superbowl hangover. Their severely overrated defense lead the NFL in turnover last year and I don't expect that to continue. They will have to win alot of games by outscoring the other team, which they can do....but it won't be a 13-3 superbowl year again.
Baltimore- Everyone's going crazy about Anquan Bolding being in town, but everyone forgets about the loses on the defensive side of the ball. Ed Reed is still the best safety in the NFL and without him the defense suffers alot. Plus, even with Boldin that offense still doesn't particularly excite me.
Washington- Not even a 6-time pro bowl QB has a chance in this offense. Plus their best player, Albert Haynesworth, doesn't even want to be there. People are high on them, but they won't be any better than a .500 team this year.
NY Jets- A second year QB who didn't show me much last year. A couple of knuckle head receivers who can't catch a cold. Got rid of not 1 but 2 high quality running backs....one of which had 1300+ yards and 14+ TDs two years in a two. And oh yeah, their best player, Darrell Reavis, is holding out. Sounds like a superbowl team to me.
I'll be back and posting regularly throughout football season and I'll probably touch on some baseball too as we get near the playoffs.
Zack
Thursday, July 29, 2010
FTOPS Schedule
Event #1 - $216 (August 4, 9pm)
Event #3 - $322 Shootout (August 5, 6pm)
Event #6 - $322 Super Turbo (August 6, 6pm)
Event #10 - $216 Rush (August 7, 6pm)
Event #11 - $129 KO (August 8, 2pm)
Event #13 - $322 (August 8, 6pm)
Event #18 - $216 Turbo (August 10, 6pm)
Event #21 - $216 Rush Super Turbo (August 11, 6pm)
Event #24 - $216 Cashout (August 12, 6pm)
Event #26 - $216 6max (August 13, 2pm)
Event #32 - $256 6max KO (August 15, 2pm)
FTOPS Main - $640 (August 15, 6pm)
Event #3 - $322 Shootout (August 5, 6pm)
Event #6 - $322 Super Turbo (August 6, 6pm)
Event #10 - $216 Rush (August 7, 6pm)
Event #11 - $129 KO (August 8, 2pm)
Event #13 - $322 (August 8, 6pm)
Event #18 - $216 Turbo (August 10, 6pm)
Event #21 - $216 Rush Super Turbo (August 11, 6pm)
Event #24 - $216 Cashout (August 12, 6pm)
Event #26 - $216 6max (August 13, 2pm)
Event #32 - $256 6max KO (August 15, 2pm)
FTOPS Main - $640 (August 15, 6pm)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
April 27 Update
I'm pretty convinced that Bryan is the only person who reads these but since apparently his job is worse than my writing, he insisted I post an update.
So far all is going really well with the staking arrangement. I've played 115700 hands now this month and am up ~7k and a little more including rakeback. My winrate for .50/1 is starting to come along which is great and 1/2 is just around the corner. I'm pretty excited about the month, it's always nice to play good and run good for several hands.
I played the $322 FTOPS the other day through satellites and it proved to be the most standard disappointing tournament in history. I chipped up early and kept some momentum going. I had above the average pretty much all the way to the money bubble. On the bubble I heroed someone on the turn with T8 on a 9877 board who ended up having AJo. Everyone has heard similar stories before. The river was a ten and I was crippled. I ran a decent stack back up and then jammed KJ BvB and the sb woke up with QQ. I think everything I did was pretty standard and it's too bad we didn't win that T8 hand because we really had a chance at going deep with that stack.
Anyway, today I'm going to play the FTOPS 216 Turbo but after that its back to the cash grind. I've got another 84k hands to play. I'm assuming about 50k of those will be at 1/2 so hopefully the move up will go well.
Wish me luck kids,
MDaddy
So far all is going really well with the staking arrangement. I've played 115700 hands now this month and am up ~7k and a little more including rakeback. My winrate for .50/1 is starting to come along which is great and 1/2 is just around the corner. I'm pretty excited about the month, it's always nice to play good and run good for several hands.
I played the $322 FTOPS the other day through satellites and it proved to be the most standard disappointing tournament in history. I chipped up early and kept some momentum going. I had above the average pretty much all the way to the money bubble. On the bubble I heroed someone on the turn with T8 on a 9877 board who ended up having AJo. Everyone has heard similar stories before. The river was a ten and I was crippled. I ran a decent stack back up and then jammed KJ BvB and the sb woke up with QQ. I think everything I did was pretty standard and it's too bad we didn't win that T8 hand because we really had a chance at going deep with that stack.
Anyway, today I'm going to play the FTOPS 216 Turbo but after that its back to the cash grind. I've got another 84k hands to play. I'm assuming about 50k of those will be at 1/2 so hopefully the move up will go well.
Wish me luck kids,
MDaddy
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
We Made It
It's been a long (19 day) road but we've made it... I'll go more into details on a later day but for now all I have is the 100k hand graph. Enjoy.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tough Session....
I just had a < 400 hand session in 20 minutes where I won 5 buyins...tough session...
I haven't given you guys the full update in some time so here goes...
So far this month has been going about as good as it could be. I've played close to 89k hands now (sweet bet bryan) and I'm up a little more than 4k. 39k of these hands are at .50/1 and ~50k are at .25/.50. It feels good to have moved up and be winning (and running above EV at 50/1). The games are definitely tougher and there are some really solid thinking regs at 100nl. I've had to tone down my aggression a little bit and I'm only 3betting 5.2% as opposed to the 7.5% at .25/.50. I've also slowed down a bit on my cbetting. The good regs at 50/1 tend to raise flop a lot more with draws/air to balance and it makes betting scary boards a bad bad idea.
I'm really proud with my red line right now. For all the fish who don't know what that is, its non-showdown winnings on holdem manager. Although most say its not that important where your lines are as long as you're winning, it's definitely a good thing to have both lines up in the right direction.
Official tally thus far:
Hands: 88736
Winnings: $4170.75
EV: $3302.04 (tough life)
Enjoy!
I haven't given you guys the full update in some time so here goes...
So far this month has been going about as good as it could be. I've played close to 89k hands now (sweet bet bryan) and I'm up a little more than 4k. 39k of these hands are at .50/1 and ~50k are at .25/.50. It feels good to have moved up and be winning (and running above EV at 50/1). The games are definitely tougher and there are some really solid thinking regs at 100nl. I've had to tone down my aggression a little bit and I'm only 3betting 5.2% as opposed to the 7.5% at .25/.50. I've also slowed down a bit on my cbetting. The good regs at 50/1 tend to raise flop a lot more with draws/air to balance and it makes betting scary boards a bad bad idea.
I'm really proud with my red line right now. For all the fish who don't know what that is, its non-showdown winnings on holdem manager. Although most say its not that important where your lines are as long as you're winning, it's definitely a good thing to have both lines up in the right direction.
Official tally thus far:
Hands: 88736
Winnings: $4170.75
EV: $3302.04 (tough life)
Enjoy!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Swing Swing Baby!
Up big, down big, even and everywhere in between....that's the story on pokerstars for me right now. I'm down tons and tons playing PLO. Today I had the KKxx on the K1010 board....my man obviously had 1010. After that one I decided poker was gay and I decided I'm only going to play 6max NL until my roll is bigger. My account was up to almost 3k and now its down to 1500....it's pretty disappointing but I guess that's poker. The hardest part to deal with is how bad it makes you feel as a player...it makes you feel like you are a huge loser and have no chance to win. PLO is just too swingy to deal with right now and it's also a really tough game to win at when you're playing between 12 and 15 tables at a time. Right now I have no problem at all playing 20 tables of 6 max no limit and I've had several winning sessions in a row. In PLO I'm down almost 25 buy ins over my last 5k hands, which seems ludacris to me, but I guess it's to be expected. Right now I've almost unlocked a $650 bonus which will help alot. My ultimate goal is at least $2/4 by the end of the year an supernova elite....I guess only time will tell. I'll report back with an update in a few days.....Lets up we can ship a nice UPSWING!
Zack
April 1-5 Update
As promised, here is the first update from April 1st through the 5th.
I've played 29,350 hands so far and am way ahead of 100k/month pace (I've been obsessing a little early). So far everything has been pretty great. I'm running good and playing good. I'm up $1604.65 so far and my EV is $1468.58 (tough life).
Here are some of my biggest hands so far: (tough life)
$0.25/$0.50 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 6 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
BB: $50.75
UTG: $127.80
MP: $55.90
Hero (CO): $139.45
BTN: $60.50
SB: $49.70
Pre-Flop: Ts Tc dealt to Hero (CO)
UTG raises to $1.50, MP folds, Hero calls $1.50, 3 folds
Flop: ($3.75) Td 6c 4d (2 Players)
UTG bets $2, Hero raises to $6.75, UTG raises to $16.75, Hero raises to $137.95 and is All-In, UTG calls $109.55 and is All-In
Turn: ($256.35) 5d (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($256.35) Qs (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $256.35 Pot
UTG showed 6d 6s and LOST (-$127.80 NET)
Hero showed Ts Tc and WON $265 (+$137.20 NET)
=================================================
$0.25/$0.50 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
UTG: $61.85
Hero (CO): $60.10
BTN: $98.25
SB: $70.15
BB: $135.35
Pre-Flop: 5s 5h dealt to Hero (CO)
Observer folds, UTG raises to $1.50, Hero calls $1.50, BTN folds, SB calls $1.25, BB folds
Flop: ($5) 7d 2d 5c (3 Players)
SB bets $5, UTG raises to $16.50, Hero raises to $58.60 and is All-In, SB raises to $68.65 and is All-In, UTG calls $43.85 and is All-In
Turn: ($184.30) 4h (3 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($184.30) 9s (3 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $184.30 Pot
UTG showed Td Ad and LOST (-$61.85 NET)
Hero showed 5s 5h and WON $177.80 (+$117.70 NET)
SB showed 4d 3d and WON $11.80 (-$49.80 NET)
=================================================
$0.25/$0.50 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
SB: $50.70
BB: $46.35
UTG: $108.40
CO: $50
Hero (BTN): $103.75
Pre-Flop: Qs Qh dealt to Hero (BTN)
UTG calls $0.50, CO folds, Hero raises to $2.25, SB folds, BB calls $1.75, UTG calls $1.75
Flop: ($7) 7h Jh 4h (3 Players)
BB checks, UTG bets $7, Hero raises to $24, BB folds, UTG raises to $106.15 and is All-In, Hero calls $77.50 and is All-In
Turn: ($210) As (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($210) 4s (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $210 Pot
UTG showed Jd 5d and WON $4.65 (-$99.10 NET)
Hero showed Qs Qh and WON $207 (+$103.25 NET)
=================================================
Mostly standard stuff where I've run pretty good and its played itself out. I'm running like 21/18 and 3betting 7.6% so far which seems to be optimal for this limit. I think I might be cbetting too much so I've been trying to get that fixed. I've also dropped a little over 1.2k in rake so rakeback should be nice this week.
Enjoy!
I've played 29,350 hands so far and am way ahead of 100k/month pace (I've been obsessing a little early). So far everything has been pretty great. I'm running good and playing good. I'm up $1604.65 so far and my EV is $1468.58 (tough life).
Here are some of my biggest hands so far: (tough life)
$0.25/$0.50 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 6 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
BB: $50.75
UTG: $127.80
MP: $55.90
Hero (CO): $139.45
BTN: $60.50
SB: $49.70
Pre-Flop: Ts Tc dealt to Hero (CO)
UTG raises to $1.50, MP folds, Hero calls $1.50, 3 folds
Flop: ($3.75) Td 6c 4d (2 Players)
UTG bets $2, Hero raises to $6.75, UTG raises to $16.75, Hero raises to $137.95 and is All-In, UTG calls $109.55 and is All-In
Turn: ($256.35) 5d (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($256.35) Qs (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $256.35 Pot
UTG showed 6d 6s and LOST (-$127.80 NET)
Hero showed Ts Tc and WON $265 (+$137.20 NET)
=================================================
$0.25/$0.50 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
UTG: $61.85
Hero (CO): $60.10
BTN: $98.25
SB: $70.15
BB: $135.35
Pre-Flop: 5s 5h dealt to Hero (CO)
Observer folds, UTG raises to $1.50, Hero calls $1.50, BTN folds, SB calls $1.25, BB folds
Flop: ($5) 7d 2d 5c (3 Players)
SB bets $5, UTG raises to $16.50, Hero raises to $58.60 and is All-In, SB raises to $68.65 and is All-In, UTG calls $43.85 and is All-In
Turn: ($184.30) 4h (3 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($184.30) 9s (3 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $184.30 Pot
UTG showed Td Ad and LOST (-$61.85 NET)
Hero showed 5s 5h and WON $177.80 (+$117.70 NET)
SB showed 4d 3d and WON $11.80 (-$49.80 NET)
=================================================
$0.25/$0.50 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
SB: $50.70
BB: $46.35
UTG: $108.40
CO: $50
Hero (BTN): $103.75
Pre-Flop: Qs Qh dealt to Hero (BTN)
UTG calls $0.50, CO folds, Hero raises to $2.25, SB folds, BB calls $1.75, UTG calls $1.75
Flop: ($7) 7h Jh 4h (3 Players)
BB checks, UTG bets $7, Hero raises to $24, BB folds, UTG raises to $106.15 and is All-In, Hero calls $77.50 and is All-In
Turn: ($210) As (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($210) 4s (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $210 Pot
UTG showed Jd 5d and WON $4.65 (-$99.10 NET)
Hero showed Qs Qh and WON $207 (+$103.25 NET)
=================================================
Mostly standard stuff where I've run pretty good and its played itself out. I'm running like 21/18 and 3betting 7.6% so far which seems to be optimal for this limit. I think I might be cbetting too much so I've been trying to get that fixed. I've also dropped a little over 1.2k in rake so rakeback should be nice this week.
Enjoy!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Pimpin Ain't Easy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgmbaQv3fCw
Hello world,
Check out that link if you are a hip hop fan. Not usually a huge NAS fan but it is a really good song. I'm planning on writing out a little longer post at some point. I've played a LOT of poker in the last few weeks. I feel like I'm getting really really comfortable at 6m NL. I mean I've played a lot of 6m hands in the past, but 75% of my play has been HU so I've had a few leaks that I had to fix like playing too many hands out of blinds, 3betting to much, calling to many 3bets, standard HU stuff (CR tight is right style FTW). I have a bet with Mazin booked on who can win the most money in the next 50k hands so that should be fun. Also I win a lot of $ if Tiger wins the Masters. I'm convinced I took a -EV bet, but who really cares. The guy is the best athlete this decade and I just feel like this being his first tournament he is just going to play really well. I promise I'll write out a longer posts later. Until then.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Grind on the Mind
Before you read this post make sure you check out CZ's return to StandardBull below.
Ahhh, So it's been a while since I've blogged and thats mainly because my life has been really busy and hectic...Wait...thats definitely not it at all. I've had a light semester so far because I'm changing my major and in a bit of a transition phase. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I couldn't cut it in engineering, it's just that I realized I'm not interested in almost anything I'm doing in any of my classes. Lack of interest with my already less than stellar work ethic can't possibly be a good combination so I had to make a change. Although I'm not 100% sure what major I'm switching into yet I hope it'll be something I can really get into and hell maybe even enjoy.
Not too much else has really been going on in my life here in the boring Raleigh area. I find myself daydreaming about living somewhere nice all the time and keep thinking that eventually, hopefully, I'll be able to move. I think we've worn out this city enough. I've been begging the boys to go play golf (ironic since I'm by far the worst golfer of the group) but they're all too busy grinding to get out of the house. It's sad really.
I have to say though, all their grinding has gotten me a little bit motivated. For the month of April I've decided I'm going to man up and play 100k hands of 50nl 6max. It seems like too many hands for your average reader but most pro poker players play 100k a month without much of a sweat. From some basic calculations I've come up with, I'm going to have to play about 30 hours a week 12 tabling to reach this goal. It is a little bit of work but it is certainly attainable. I needed some help putting up my roll so Finn, Bryan, and a friend from online Kevin, have graciously contributed 500 each (getting 25% of profit + rb) to my account. On the side, I have also bet with Nick that my 100k hands will have a higher winrate than his 100k at the same limit, and I also have a small bet with Bryan that I will be able to play the 100k. Anybody else that would like to put up some money at even money against me playing 100k hands this month is more than welcome. I'll be posting weekly updates here to keep you fiends suckling at the teet and to keep my sanity.
Well that's all I can seem to come up with for now but for all of you who have continued to read this useless ramble for all these months, much love, respect, and apologies for wasting your time.
Yours Truly,
MSauce
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Boom boom pow baby
It's been a while since I posted, but I figured I'd go ahead and try and resurrect this blog. Life's been pretty good since my last post. Family's still great, girlfriend's still great, and everything seems to be on the up and up. Been grinding tons online and although I've been logging long hours I feel as though I've been running badly and playing somewhat suspect. I don't think I've been playing BAD....just not as good as I could or should. I'm grinding stars and trying to get to supernova elite. If I can do it I can make a SICK amount of money in bonuses and rewards. The way I have it figured if I can somehow get there I will make about 120k in bonuses alone....however, this will also require me to move up to at least 1/2 relatively soon and since I'm only at .25/.50 right now I will have to work double time to get there. Kinda sucks too that my account is 1200 below EV since I started this whole thing...oh well. Hopefully we can start winning big and take advantage of this reward system. The system is pretty cool, and although it's back-loaded like crazy it's still really good. It's a pretty sick snowball affect. Nobody thinks it can be done and I'm trying to bet Mazin....we'll see how that goes. All this grinding has definitely taken it's toll on me...it's exhausting to play almost 12 hrs a day, but hopefully it'll be worth it in the end. In other news....I'm on a diet. And yes, I know I've said this millions of times and it normally only last 1 meal, but this time it's for real. Today is day #8 and it's been going really well. I've been eating alot of grilled chicken and special K. I took a sick beat today though...I somehow gained 2 pounds yesterday after losing 7 for the week. The weirdest part about it, though, is the fact that I only ate 1600 calories yesterday so I'm not really sure how that's possible...just water weight I guess. Anways, I weighed in at 199.2 on last Monday and I'm grinding this thing until I'm at least at 175...although ideally I'd like to get to 170. Well, I'm pretty exhausted and I have to be up in 3 hours so I'm heading to bed. Wish me luck at the tables tomorrow.
Zack
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Sunday 4?!!? Million
As a continued effort to shit on any type of FullTilt guarantee, Stars has decided to make this weeks Sunday Million a guaranteed 4 million prizepool in honor of their 40 Billionth hand celebration. First place is a guaranteed mill. An hour from tournament start they've already met their guarantee of 20k players. Tough life stars. I think I'm the only person from the StandardBull crew playing (sick beat for them), but maybe we'll run good for once...
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
"If It Wasn't for Skill....
...You'd win em all" -Nick "Two Plus Two" Hatley talking to me.
A golden quote no doubt, although I'm sure it showed up first somewhere on 2p2, built from one of Hellmuth's famous rants. "If it wasn't for luck, I'd win em all" he said after busting out of another WSOP event. This remake of the quote was based off one of my standard blackjack heaters in Vegas. Obviously blackjack is much less of a skill game than poker and a game that you will always lose at over any large sample but hey, I GUESS I GOT A FEEL FOR IT.
Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on who you are), I don't have much else to talk about today. Enjoy your MLK day breaks and I'll write again soon.
M
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Greetings and Hello from Las Vegas
DISCLAIMER: This is a message from Mike Finn and does not necessarily represent the views/opinions of StandardBull.com.
Greetings and Hello from Las Vegas…If you’re reading this it means you really like me (thanks Mazin) or you’re really really bored (Rash). I don’t know how many guest blogs I’m gonna get on this rag of a website…so if you’re planning on finishing the whole thing…grab a Dr. Pepper, cheese balls, and strap in…because this is doozy of an update…and now without further Apu…
Before I get into what it’s like living in this city, I’d like to point out to anyone attempting the same feat…take every dollar you have…and burn it…pretty much what it takes to move across the country…stick a woman in the passenger seat and take every dollar you have…double it…and burn it…bingo. I have literally started my life over…my IRA, savings, everything is gone. This is without a doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to do. I refuse to fail. PS, I’d like everyone to know that due to the financial constraints of a woman and new residence plus the fore mentioned “refuse to fail” attitude…my gambling has been nearly non-existent. Were it not for the (very) occasional $10 football parlay and two hour session of No Limit Texas Hold’em…I would have done more betting for dollars back in
“You’re moving to Vegas Mike?? I could never do that…I’d die!” The rate of deaths to new residents in Las Vegas in inversely proportional to the intelligence of said new residents…if I have to explain that last sentence to you…I don’t recommend the road trip.
I’ve found that of the 2 million and three people who live here…one million hate it, one million love it, and three are undecided (weirdos). The people who hate it usually have zero dollars due to the 24 hour access of booze, boobs, dice, and boobs. The one million who love it make all their money off the one million who hate it…and the circle of life is complete.
Driving across the country in a Honda Accord Coupe towing a U-Haul only sounds like a barrel of monkeys. In reality it’s an epic journey requiring 18 tanks of gas and touching the speed limit only if you’re going downhill. The trip can be done in three days…but we decided to stretch it out over 3.5 days nearly missing the signing of the lease for the Vegas chapter of The Estate which would have been brutal considering the consequence was sleeping in the car for three nights…no spank you…
The house is nice as Jay, Birch, her Mom, my Mom and Dad, Trey, Laura, Mazin, Rash, and
I started this residence as a transfer at the local Chili’s…literally making $34 a week. After numerous individuals explaining to me there’s no way I could get a job on the strip in Vegas without previous experience…I secured a job as a Race and Sports Book writer at Bally’s/
In an effort to supplement my income, I kept searching for another part time job. Somehow I’ve been hired by two more poker rooms (The M (www.theMresort.com) and The Venetian ß GIANT brag (www.Venetian.com)…which may spell the end of my tenure at Mandalay Bay considering my boss’ attitude on split availability has the approximate texture of stale toast. I’m doing what I can to take advantage of all this now as once dental school starts (Fall 2011?) there won’t be any time to work.
The visits of friends and family have been great. The first acquaintance from home to partake in the new chapter was Mr. Tony Rose…thanks buddy.
The most recent visit was by the Three Caballeros…better known as Jonathan “Legal in
The woman moved home to finish school…so we’ve hit the proverbial “pause” button on the relationship until she’s got the degree and I’ve had the opportunity to financially get back on my feet and can actually afford her (at least in principal)…which of course means that during this break she can do whatever she wants but I can’t…obviously ;-)
To keep in the rhythm of the previous posts…a few comments as well as 2010 “resolutions” of my own:
1 – I am now and forever assuming a piece of anyone selling action (Rash, Mazin,
2 – I will run two marathons by April at a sub 3 hour pace…boom
3 – I will do the P90X in 89 days (aka get back into shape and stay in shape at or above the level of Jon Rash)…I love it…but I HATE it…
4 – Make 10K in poker without playing a hand because I will have bought 10% of the action on Mazin and Rash who’re going to cash for 50K+ each
5 – Rash…I’ve read the bible…it doesn’t get really really good til the end…
6 – Take a giant step towards Dental School (other than leaving my friends, family, and life to move across the country and start from scratch)…meaning acquire Nevada Residency, dominate any classes UNLV can throw my way…and simply crush all “Nay Sayers” (or “haters” in skreet speak) who doubt my ability to succeed…
7 – Be as cool as Mazin and sexy as Zack
8 – Watch the fountains of the Bellagio at least twice a month
9 – Simply eat three meals a day that consist of more than hot dogs and bagels
10 – Have more pennies to spend…and then don’t spend them.
11 – Be that 6 figure score and spread the wealth to all who helped me get where I am…you know who you are…and the spreading of wealth will be epic
12 – My house is always open to you…call me when your plane lands and I’ll be there to pick you up…simple as that…
Call late and call often, 702.556.6293, Mike@Finneran.Biz
143
Mike Finneran
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2009: MEH 2010: OH YEAH
First, everyone (by everyone I mean Finn) please go read Rash's much awaited return post below this one.
I was going to write out a long goal post, but I thought it would make me look like a huge douche. I read rash's posts and most of my suspicions were confirmed but I decided to write a few out anyway. If for nothing else it should make for some good laughs at the end of the year right? I don't have nearly as many goals as my tiny compatriot, but here goes.
1) TRACK EVERY SINGLE KIND OF MONEY EARNED OR LOST IN 2010. This isn't an issue with poker because of Hold em Manager, but to track all the money I lose sports betting (shipped a bet on NEW YEARS DAY THOUGH) and playing props with the run good captains I made myself an excel spreadsheet. I can also track profits from the game (huge lol) or whatever else I do.
2) Make 50k doing whatever in 2010. This will primarily be through poker I assume, but whatever I have to do hopefully I can look back with 50k profit at the end of the year. Like rash, I didn't make near that in 2009, but I've had months that put me on pace for that many times and with my staking arrangement I should be able to put in lots of hours.
3) Continue improving. I've gotten so much better in 2009. I want to start learning the mix games and improve my MTT game. I don't think I'm very far away in the MTT aspect but I will be starting from almost scratch in the mixed game aspect. Hopefully by the end of the year there won't be any mainstream (played on the internet) form of poker that I do not consider myself a favorite in an average lineup.
4) Lose weight. Who doesn't include this in the new years resolution amirite? This actually won't be that hard because of the track record I've set in 2009. If I can manage to literally get up and do anything I should be able to lose a few pounds. With this goes drinking more water. I used to hate water, but I have been drinking more and more water lately. Hopefully I can start by just limiting soft drinks or beers to just dinner. Speaking of this I am thinking about making a prop bet that I can't go one month drinking just water and milk. Hit me up if you want the price, I will be getting huge odds to this LDO.
5) Travel More. I love to travel but due to my financial state I haven't been able to really at all the latter part of 2009. This has to change.
1/2 of the Standard Bull family leaves for Vegas tomorrow. We'll see if my prediction of a HUGE 2010 for us gets off to a good start or not. Oh and in reaction to rash's predictions about us I will be handling all of those by summer. Except for the Ebe one. Well I think I can convince him to quit his job by then, but no promises on the girlfriend part.
Later on
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