New Year's Eve

I never know how to spell New Year's Eve. It really confuses me.

Anyway, I am sitting here trying to decide which casino to celebrate the New Year in.

Last year, I played poker all night for New Year's Eve and actually won an above average amount of money. NYE (that works, I don't have to spell anything) brings out the drunks and they don't play poker too well.

Texas Blizzard!

Wow, I am spending Christmas here in Texas and wake up this morning to a full blizzard!

How am I going to get to the casino???? They are probably closed!!! What am I going to do???

Lauryn Hill

I received a rather odd Christmas present today. It was a Lauryn Hill CD. And it was from this guy who I haven't spoke for about two years. I think there is some kind of hidden meaning. I don't even listen to CDs anymore. If it isn't on satellite radio I don't hear it.

Anyway, it does brink back lots of memories..... When was Lauryn Hill popular? Was she ever?

Kohl's

I have been doing lots of my Christmas shopping at Kohl's this year. First, I really like their selection and low prices. Also, I have never had a single problem with their customer service.

There is something magical happening at my local Kohl's store for everyone to be so nice.

Used Car Sales

I have been casually looking for a new car. In my hunt, I have discovered that I think I could open a used car lot. It really isn't that hard.

Apparently all you have to do is get a bond, which apparently only costs $200. And rent a car lot - how much could that be?

I am wondering how much I can buy used cars for at an auction? I love the idea of buying cars on the cheap.

And I could help others by selling my cars way cheap.

Amazing Race Finale Thoughts

I am glad that Vegas was the last stop on this great season. I really didn't get to enjoy the episode because I love Vegas to much and I thought there were some odd things.

Why in the world did they pick the Monte Carlo poker room?

Why were the staff at the Venetian so rude?

Why didn't the gay brothers win!! They were my favorite

World AIDS Day

I am never sure if I should say "Happy World AIDS Day". Anyway, I celebrate (should I celebrate?) World AIDS Day each year. I celebrate the memories of friends that have passed on. I celebrate the advances we are making in science. I celebrate the advances we are making in politics. We have come a long way since the 80s. We have a long way to go.

I am not wearing a red ribbon this year. Just a simply red cashmere sweater.

Happy World AIDS Day.

Health Care is causing Bankruptcy

My friends at MoveOn.org have discovered that almost 60 percent of bankruptcies are caused by medical bills.

So I did the math.... 5,300 people files bankruptcy each month because of medical bills. Wow, that is kinda alarming.

Random Casino Story

I don't really see stories of people gambling away massive amounts of money that often. Tonight, on my way to the restroom, I spotted a lady laying in the floor, crying at the top of her lungs.

I asked one of the casino slot attendants what was matter with the lady. Had she lost a loved one?

The story that I was told was that the lady had lost $17,000 on one slot machine. She looked like she had lost more.

I have friends that have lost that much on one blackjack hand.

Facebook Poker

Tonight I was eavesdropping on some people playing poker at another table. This guy was bragging about how many chips he had on the facebook poker game.

Now several people claim that online poker isn't real. I totally disagree with them. I think playing online poker makes you a better casino poker player. Playing casino poker makes you a better online player.

However, this facebook poker? No... that is not real poker.

It is fun to watch these people. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Odd Travel Phobia

If I share an odd travel phobia, it will probably no longer become a travel phobia. The act of writing it out will expose the craziness that it is....

So here goes... I have a phobia about taking a flight that has the number 4 in it. How odd is that?

Boycotting the DNC

It is not easy for me to boycott any Democratic organization. However, I firmly believe that the DNC has ignored issues important to me for far too long. I believe they think LGBT issues are not worthy. However, they always want our money.

So for now, I am boycotting the DNC.

Ford County

Oh my.... I just finished reading my first John Grisham book. Actually, this wasn't so much a book but a collection of short stories.

Anyway, I highly recommend Ford County. I loved each story. It was so vivid!

This guy is very talented.

Election Night!

Every election night excites me! Even if I am not even involved in the election at all.

I think it is because of all my great election night memories. Or really the night before the election, election eve. I loved staying up all night putting out campaign signs. Often we were drunk. Such great times. Maybe that is a chapter of my life that is passed. I was always be involved in politics, but now at a higher level. Anyway, memories are good.

Hate Crimes Bill

Wow, I know it is true. I just watched Obama sign the Hate Crimes bill. This means so much to me.

I still remember the terrible of Matthew Shepard like it was yesterday. It really effected me a lot.

I think everyone as their own story about hate. I want to share mine....

I really want to....

Not sure if I am ready....

I want to learn French

I think I have a basic understanding of Spanish, even though I can't speak it as well as I would like.

So now I think I should just move on to French. Is Rosetta Stone the best way?

Poker Distractions

Tonight, I think I could have won this tournament I was playing in.

However, I was terrible distracted. I kept looking at this guy thinking I knew him. I think I missed some great opportunities. This should be a great lesson to me, stay focused.

The March

I am really conflicted if I am going to this big march in DC.

I understand what Barney Frank says, "Work where it matters"

At the same time... I think it could be..... a big statement.

I will probably end up flipping a coin.

Gavin Newsom

I am not attending the HRC big dinner in Dallas tonight. Actually, I am boycotting. These people are totally out of touch.

However, Gavin Newsom, is the keynote speaker so I want to support him. I hope he doesn't expect to get any campaign donations from those people. Most of those uninformed people want even know who he is.

Bicycle Across the US

Today, I was walking out of my local Subway and spotted a bicycler with a big back pack. It was obvious to me that he was biking through the roadways of America.

Later, as I was waiting at the bank, I spotted him in the downtown area. I think this guy probably just randomly explores towns.

I think I could totally do that. I do get to check into a hotel every night right? I can't do like camping. I would have to do it in the summer too. I think I could handle heat more than cold.

Lima, Peru?

I have a random travel idea. I am thinking Lima, Peru. I have never been to Lima or Peru.

I was looking at a big map and it kinda looks interesting to me. I often do this. But something is telling me that I might make it to Lima. Any city with four letters sounds interesting to me.

I wonder if there is a Four Seasons in Lima?

Leaving Las Vegas

I am leaving Las Vegas, not for good. I have to return to Texas for a few weeks.

Leaving Las Vegas is always sad for me. I think I should live here all the time. Why am I still living in Texas?

My Prada Store Story

I was browsing at my favorite random Prada store in Las Vegas today. I really do enjoy the Prada brand. I have been wearing it for decades, it seems.

One of the worst things about shopping at random Prada stores is the other shoppers can be somewhat annoying. Today was a great example.

I was waiting in line behind this lady. She was obviously "pretend rich". Anyway Pretend Rich Patty turns around and spots me wearing a random Obama shirt. She starts to berate me and begins to talk about "the government taking over health care.

I love to just let this people talk. It entertains me.

Anyway, she finally finishes her crazy talk and turns to pay for her items.

Her American Express was denied!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, the eonomy has hit everyone, especially the pretend rich

I want to believe Obama

Well I have to say that was a pretty good speech. I really want to believe him. But I am not sure I do....

I support Labor Day

I have never really had a job. But I support the working people. They are really the backbone of our country. The corporations are not the backbone of our country.

But anyway, I am wondering to really celebrate labor day, do I have to have a job?

Is playing poker a job? Being a professional gambler is not a job, it is a way of life. I love being a pro gambler too much for it be a job.

Anyway, Happy Labor Day.

Public Option Now!

Where do I go to make bumper stickers? I really should know that.

I have an idea for one. No Public Option - No Second Term.

I am not convinced that Obama has provided adequate leadership to make certain that we get a public option.

I want health care for all. I think the public option is really not the best way to deliver this promise, but is a start.

We have to have a public option!

Off To Miami

I am off to Miami (the one in Florida) for a few days.

I have a bit of a travel confession. No city in the world confuses me more than Miami (the one still in Florida). The roads are so confusing to me.

But what is the worst thing that could happen? I end up in Cuba? (The one not in the US)

No More Plastic Bags!

Mexico City has banned all plastic bags why can't the US?

I have been on a crusade of sorts against plastic bags for some time. I think they are the number one cause of litter. They are just so ugly.

I vote to ban them all together!

Random Casino Story

Tonight, I was strolling along at a random casino and a random casino friend told me that I look "older" when I put my hands in my pockets. I am still a bit stumped about what this means.

I really love the crazy and eccentric people that talk to me in these random casino moments. I will always be young....

I support Sheila Jackson-Lee

The tea party people are now attacking Sheila Jackson-Lee because she took a telephone call during a town hall meeting.

I have know Sheila for some time and now that she is dedicated to serving the country. I agree with her all the time. Do these people not realize this is 2009 and we can talk on the phone and listen to others at the same time?

No More Casino Buffets?

I had a terrible buffet for dinner. I told myself I would never eat another casino buffet again as I was driving home. I have told myself this a thousand times before. It was really bad...

Single Payer?

I heard a rumor that there is going to be a "vote" on single payer.

I think this is the only true health care reform. I am smart enough to know that single payer is not going to pass, as much as I want it.

I don't think people really even understand what single payer is. I need to work on explaining it better.

Burn Notice

I am supposed to be at one of my favorite casinos in a few minutes but I am not sure if I can tear myself away from this Burn Notice marathon on tv.

How did I not know this was such a great show? I love anything with secret spies and stuff. And I love his mother.

Professor Gates

Thank you Professor Gates!

Thank you for standing up for everyone!

I am with you 100 percent!

Casino Offers

This economy is bad. There is no other way to say it. Anyone that denies it is obviously out of touch with reality.

On the good side, I am overloaded with casino offers. It is obvious the casino industry is desperate for business. I am spending way too much time EACH DAY looking through the mountain of casino offers I am receiving.

I wonder what my letter carrier thinks?

Miami Social

I know two of the "characters" on Miami Social. I haven't watched any of the episodes, but tonight I am going to be brave and take a deep breath and watch.

I wonder how long it will be before I appear on reality tv?

Google Voice!

I finally got my Google Voice invite. I think I selected the wrong number. I had no clue that I could search by word. I want something that ends in clay. And they want $10 to change my number.

Google is very clever....

Random Hair Business Idea

I think that beauty salons for men and women will always be big business. I have never actually owned one, but I am sure that if I did I would make a lot of money.

I think their should be a website where you can select celebrity hairstyles that you want you hair cut and stlyed like. Then stylists would be paired with you based on their ability to deliver that cut.

I think this would be a great way for independent salons to get new business. Just a thought....

Maybe I should start buying domain names to support this idea. Maybe I shouldn't be sharing this idea with the world...

Mrs. Slocombe has died!!

This is such a tragedy. Mrs Slocombe has died!!!

I can hear you asking now, "Who is Mrs. Slocombe?"

Mrs. Slocombe was one of the stars of one of my favorite British comedies, Are You Being Served?

She was hilarious. Everyone on that show was great. It should be remade by an American television network, but we know that would never work.

Sirius Withdrawl

I have been in Santa Fe, a city I deeply love, for several days now. In certain parts of a city different my Sirius radio reception just vanishes. When it goes out I am all in shock. It is like I have to have Sirius to drive. I once tried to switch over to FM radio and almost went into shock. I think Sirius is the best.

Micheal Jackson is Dead

Wow, Micheal Jackson is dead?

I am not sure if I would classify myself as a huge fan, but still I really liked him. I think everyone did.

I guess I am more of a Janet Jackson fan.

Also sad, why is CNN so far behind the news? They might as well be a newspaper....

NYC or Vegas?

I am having a terrible problem. I have to decide if I want to go to Las Vegas or New York City.

I really like both cities. I haven't been to NYC in forever. Vegas, I am there all the time. It is still a very hard decision for so many reasons.

I think I will flip a coin?

Should Vegas be heads or tails?

Trying to support the Iranian People?

Anytime there is a political protest, I am all interested. Especially, if I agree with them. Then I want to support them. I want to support the people in Iran. But I don't think I can really jump on a plane and fly to Tehran. So I will be trying to wear green.

Walking through my closet, it seems that I have a lot of green shirts. I wonder how many times I can wear green before random casino employees start talking that I haven't changed my shirt.

Google Wave

I am kinda excited about this Google Wave. I am not really sure what all I will be able to do with it, but I am just sure that it will be "changing". Google always delivers the best products. I am amazed in how they do it.

If I believed in buying stocks, I would buy a truckload of Google stock.

Now how do I get a Google Wave invite? Do I have to get wet?

I admire Nancy Pelosi

I really love Nancy Pelosi. She has a lot of endurance. She doesn't really let anything stop her from winning the race.

Would it be wrong to name a race horse Nancy Pelosi? I don't want to be disrespectful at all.

Wolfram Alpha

Wow, this new search engine out today, Wolfram Alpha is really smart.

Almost any math problem it can solve....

I am very impressed.

Is it wrong to be mad at the American Cancer Society?

On the surface, the American Cancer Society seems like a lovely charity. No one could possibly be mad at them. I think I am....

Recently, for the second year, I participated in a Relay for Life thing where you walk all night. It became apparent to me that this group was really only interested in raising large amounts of money. I am not really sure if they want to cure cancer. I think it is all about the dollar for them.

And I do give them money, but I think they are very ungrateful.

I want to end cancer today!

Odd Poker Character

Tonight, a guy who I have been playing poker with for a few months in a weekly tournament asked me for money. This does happen to me, and I assume a lot of other friendly poker players, quite often. Of course, I am a very nosey fellow and always have to ask, "What do you need the money for?". This particular guy began to tell me that he needed 2,000 dollars to get his green card. I am bit perplexed that a green card would cost so much. I think it might have been a big scam. I didn't give him the money and he got really agitated. The odd thing is, this guy is not really a good poker player and has been playing terrible in the cash games for weeks. I think he probably lost a lot of money and was trying to get it back. You have to give it to poker players with their creative stories to get their bankroll back.

Bea Arthur is dead???

I am just stunned by the news that Bea Arthur is dead. I have soo many great Bea Arthur memories, mainly from the Golden Girls.

I was lucky enough to see her show, And Then There was Bea, three times.

Bea Arthur may be dead, but her comedy will live on forever

Random reason why I love casinos

I am not sure if there is anywhere on the planet where I can find a more diverse group of people than in casino. I love diversity in all of its forms.

Only in a casino can you be talking to a billionaire one minute and a homeless person the next minute. Often I am more intellectually stimulated by the homeless person.

Perry wants Texas to be its own country?

Apparently, at the crazy tea parties today the idea of Texas leaving the US was suggested?

Wow, I love Texas, but I would totally leave in a minute if that happened. I can always move to my lovely Oklahoma. I am there enough already with all the casinos.

I suppose I can still visit Texas like a few times a year. Oklahoma doesn't have a Neiman Marcus.

I want to pay more taxes!

I really believe that I want to pay more taxes. Here are my thoughts:

I think that I get a lot of services and stuff for the taxes that I pay. Quite simply, I think taxes are a a huge bargain.

These tea baggers really did a good job of getting organized today. But I still think they are nuts.

Should I eliminate Amazon.com from my online shopping?

I will fully admit that I love online shopping. One of my most frequent online shopping places is Amazon.com. Today, I am hearing about Amazon censoring a lot of gay authors. They claim that is just an accidental error. I am not sure....

I am certain that I do not want to support a business that doesn't support full equality for all. I will have to wait and see on this one and do more investigation / activism....

Clicks for Colons?

I am not sure how to do this, but I want to do it somehow...

I think there has to be a way to do a campaign where clicks from online advertising go to fund free colon screenings. I am sure that if more people were screened for colon cancer there would be less cancer. There has to be someway to give free colon screenings to more people...

Adventure Ecology

Adventure Ecology has to be one the best groups/website that I have found about climate change.

I am excited to read about their Plastiki boat in New Yorker.....

Online WSOP Satellite Tourneys Starting?

I am getting lots of emails promoting WSOP satelitte tournaments already starting.  I haven't heard from PokerStars of FullTilt yet.

Great Night

Tonight was a really great night in casinoland.  I didn't actually win a HUGE amount of money.  However, I did have a great time.

I am not sure what is happening with my poker game lately.  I think I need to do more live play and less tournament play.  I think tournament play is messing everything up.

A More Detailed Prison Workout

A lot of people have been thinking about this prison workout.....

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/prison-workout/

The Prison Workout?

I have never been to prison.  I do know a few people who have been to prison and I guess I know a few people who are still in prison.  Overall, I think the whole prison system is antiquated and needs to be renovated.

However, I have always admired how prisoners get to stay in great shape.  I just came across this The Five Minute Prison Workout

I am going to try it...

Blackjack Dealers Are Terrible Gamblers

I have decided I have to start writing my casino stories. 

Tonight I was strolling through the casino when I spotted a blackjack dealer friend playing at a blackjack table.  She was not working, she was at this other casino.  Anyway, she didn't see me, or at least I don't think she saw me.  As I walked briskly by the table she was playing at I noticed her getting up from the table.  She was getting up from the blackjack table in a way that I spot way too often in the casino world.  It was obvious that she had lost her money.  I assumed that she had just lost a few dollars and didn't think anything of it.

Later in the evening, I bumped into her and I could instantly sense that she was "down".  She didn't say anything at the time really.  It was obvious that she wanted to get away from me.

Later I saw her again and she was obviously out of money.  She said she had been at that casino all day and had lost $900.  She said that was her pay check for two weeks.  Wow, that is sad....

Overall, I think blackjack dealers are terrible gamblers.

Wear White in March

I am sitting here wearing my lovely white polo shirt.  I had been very hesitant to wear it today.  It was my thought that really you should only wear a white shirt in the Spring or Summer.  The first of Spring is not until March 20 or March 21.  I am breaking the rules, which is not a totally new thing for me.  However, I will wait a few more weeks to wear white pants. 

Trust Your Crazy Ideas

Trust your crazy ideas.....

So important.....

Kicking out the ladder

I just saw this great Honda commercial....

Sometimes you get to a certain level....

and you get stale.....

You have to get out the ladder to hang on......ya know.....

I think this is going to apply to my current poker plan/project/philosophy......

P90x

Just heard this was a great product.  I want to try it.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do

Knowing when to shut up

I think a really important poker skill is knowing when to shut up.  A talkative player can either talk himself into winning or talk himself right out the door.

Just an observation...

Spam Email Fun

I just got this email with this subject "Another Notice!" from a John McGowan Jr (jon@telefonica.net). The email's to line said it was to johnmrcgowanj@rediffmail.com.

Anyway the email is obviously a spamster scam. However, I haven't responded to one of these in some time. Sometimes it can be a little fun.

His email says,

"Get Back To Me For More Details.

We wish to notify you again that you were listed as an heir to the total sum of Ten Million Six Hundred Thousand British pounds in the codicil and last testament of the deceased. Name now withheld since this is our second letter to you. We contacted you because you bear the surname identity and therefore can present you as the heir to the inheritance.

We therefore reckoned that you could receive these funds as you are qualified by your name identity. All the legal papers will be processed in your acceptance. In your acceptance of this deal, we request that you kindly forward to us your letter of acceptance; your current telephone and fax numbers and a forwarding address to enable us file necessary documents at our high court probate division for the release of this sum of money.

Please contact me via my private email so that we can get this done immediately.

Kind regards,
John McGowan Jr."



So I respond...

Mr McGowan,

Thank you for writing to me. What a mystery this is! I don't know of any relative that could have possibly had this muh money. However, I am happy to assist you.

I should let you know, I have been convicted of several federal crimes and am awaiting sentencing. I am actually innocent, however, I probably will have to go away to prison for a few days. Is there anyway I could possibly have these funds sent to my attorneys here in New York?


I will wait for his reply..... For the record, I have never been charged or convicted with any crime. Well maybe a speeding ticket...

Sam's Club

Tonight I walked out of Sam's and declared, "I will never go in there again!".  The place is a RIP-OFF!

Who in the right mind would possibly pay such ridiculous prices?

I drove to CVS and got $20 worth of stuff for 25 cents.  I need to write a book about my bargain shopping techniques.

The Chop

I was in a rather interesting poker tournament on Thursday night.  Of course, I made the final table.  I am just that good.

And, of course, we sit down and there is immediate talk of a chop.  I have decided that these chops suck.  I am not dealing.  Play the game.  OR is the chop part of the game?  I am not sure.  But for now, I am not chopping.

What does it take to make an IM?

I am a curious person.  I am curious about everything and everyone.

I want to know, to understand, the technology behind instant messaging.

What is involved?

Tumbleweeds

I am so accustomed to seeing a big tumbleweed blowing across the road as I drive home at night that I don't even really think anything of it.

I was doing some random browsing a stumbled upon lots of website that are selling tumbleweed for hundreds of dollars.

Who is buying tumbleweed????

Wash With Joe Body Wash

Wash With Joe Body Wash
looks like an interesting body wash.  It is a "blend of coffee and mint".  And apparently it "helps revitalize the body and mind.

It's $24 a bottle.

I don't even drink coffee but this looks like something I would buy.

Blackjack Tournaments

Image via Wikipedia

I play in a lot of Blackjack tournaments. I find them to be really fun. I like the human element of it.

I like that people are stupid, Ireally do. They don't put any strategy into it! How dumb can people be?

I think at times they think I am stupid for maybe doing something like hitting on 19. But why not take the dealer's bust card! Hello! It is a competition.

And then they want me to be nice? Why? This isn't social hour. This is a tournament!

Zemanta Firefox Plug in

Image via Wikipedia

I am using Zemanta Firefox plug in as I type this. It automatically suggests pictures to accompany any email or blog post. I have no clue why it is suggest some of these pictures that are popping up on a right sidebar right now, but still it is rather interesting.

Random Rule of Gambling

Think out all the options.

Last night I think I could won a blackjack tournament if I would have only bet half my stack instead of betting it all.  I went all in with a good shot of winning first.  I need to split.

Think out all the options.

I guess I need a heart rate monitor

http://www.sarkproducts.com/index.htm

Resting Heart Rate

I was just watching Doctors TV and I am supposed to determine my resting heart rate.

I think I just did it and it was 64. 

Using the Karvonen formula on this site, http://www.healthchecksystems.com/heart_results.asp

My maximum heart rate is 187
My maximum training heart rate is 162
My Minimum training heart rate is  138

Now I don't exercise as much as I used to.  But I am going to start exercising more.

However, I know that when I win a big pot in poker I feel that my heart rate is way over 187....  Does poker count as exercise?

PokerStove

I am trying to figure out how to use PokerStove.  It looks "too simple".  I hear a lot of people talk about it.  There must be something to it.

Front Page of Dallas Newspaper!

I am loving that Poker is getting tons of attention!  Could Poker become legal in Texas?

I think this would be.....beyond great!  Lots of new players

Random Laws of Gambling

Don't make any casino loans

Don't take any casino loans

Don't tell anyone how much you won

Don't tell anyone how much you lost

Always tip good

Limit your exposure

Be aware of your emotions and how emotions are the key to gambling.

Be nice to everyone, even the cleaning people, they know a lot.

Gambling Rules

I need to make a list of gambling rules.

Like....only focus on one thing at a time.  One tournament at a time, don't try to play in two at once.  Or....don't worry about the bigger tournament associated with a satellite tournament.  Just win the satellite at first.  Focus all your energy on one thing.

Perhaps this is gambling rule #1

Rounder Auction.com

Not sure what to make of this site.

I think I might try to "sponsor" some players in a tournament.  Could be a good way to hedge my bets.

www.rounderauction.com

Finding Change on the ground

I just discovered this blog....

http://changepot.blogspot.com/

I love it.  They find all this change and sometimes a twenty.