Flights of Iakaris

meh-ness and a reassuring affection for the unbearable lightness of my noncorporeal being...aka still fat, almost pokahbroke, and yet a grin.

2007-08-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

satt'd in to the ME for a total expenditure of 350.start by hitting a one outer to save me from set over set - so you have to figure things are looking up for you.not so much...just played meh-ish to crummy.btw...for all you who remember me as a serial commenter and one time blogger, two things have happened to make it hard on me to do either:my 1 y/o Z took fifteen buttons off my keyboard when i

Having is better than wanting...aka Civilization and its Middle Class Contents...aka Home Unalone

2007-08-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

God am I a donkey.To my credit I've never asserted otherwise. And I'm about as arrogant as they come, so you know that's been difficult.The more I've thought over that last hand, the more I dislike all my decisions (trust your first instinct is the real take home point for me) and the more I understand that I am clearly getting worse at the only form of poker I was ever even mediocre at.

The Ones You've Got to Win.

2007-07-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

Been a while no?Lots on my end, but I will start my foray back into the community with the first MTT I have played in about a week. I just have to get this off my chest because I woke up this morning and the wound is just as painful as last night. I am still on tilt. I checked and since I only post once a month, I am officially exempt from prohibitions on Tales From the Darkside. And on

POD! POD!.. aka The Fifty-Fifty and it's discontents.

2007-07-06T18:32:00.000-04:00

Hoy laid claim to this title based on his work at Riverchasers...I would opine that blogger tournies are exempt from POD consideration given the entire field exists as a surreality that defies understanding or a categorization as straightforward as Donk. Lately, in the real world, I am staking at least a respectable claim to POD status. So look upon my works ye mighty and DESPAIR!Damn I played

Dispatch from the Edge of Suburbia. And a quick hand for your consideration.

2007-07-04T09:56:00.001-04:00

Happy belated Canada Day! I spent it like a true patriot - watching the Tragically Hip. Great show, but Gordo has a bad habit of oversinging their ballads live. No clue why, but it's a consistent leak in his game. Nonetheless, great great show. Tonight will be fireworks with my American offspring. Balance, balance, balance...So the house is almost done. It's looking very good. It'll end up around

Stars finally gives it up. Almost. Fuckers.

2007-06-23T15:52:00.000-04:00

How good is it going?My first cash on a Stars deep field MTT. Thanks fer tha girly chat Matt. Always makes it easier to stay patient.Why was this a typical Stars experience? I bust jamming KK into A7 and QTo. QT was a shorty I coulda survived. A7 was making an isolation raise so was priced into call me looking for an A. Yeeeeeeheeeeeeeeeeeeesh. Knew I was dead as soon as I saw two in action

Donkaments and the Donkeys Who Love Them.

2007-06-22T02:52:00.000-04:00

Had the best night of poker I've ever played. Better than winning 12k that one time way back when. This was just good ole fashioned fun. Sucked out. CrackedAces like the master, sucked out seemingly at will and ran the table like the cardrack I get to be every once in a while.Didn't play horribly either.Best part?Not this, actually.Because as much fun as that 1071 bucks was to win, it ended like

In View but not In Hand.

2007-06-18T19:05:00.001-04:00

Congrats to mah roomie! What can you say about a guy who successfully satellites to the WSOP ME in back to back years. That amazing feat speaks for itself. Kuh-huDoze 55, kudos.Wish I was joining you down there, no doubt. Came close too; playing the FT 100 seat guarantee (139 actually). Climbed the ladder in my standard way middle to below middle of the pack the whole way, restealing a couple of

[Vague and Troubled] Remembrances of Things Past

2007-06-13T00:23:00.000-04:00

I want to begin by thanking Falstaff for caring enough about the group to keep the fire burning. I sincerely mean that. Although I thought the Orleans was a hole, and the MTT structure the worst I can recall ever playing (live or online), a fact is a fact: our grinning cherub is a hell of a guy. And here is an undeniable fact: I had a shitload more fun this year than last. In fact, I had a blast.

Bloggah nails WSOP Part 1 (Hopefully)...aka Venus plays hard to get, but I will pin her down...aka I get a Lovable Newfie Roomate

2007-06-08T03:06:00.000-04:00

Highlight of the trip? Hoy made the money in the WSOP 6-max. I talked to him on the phone on as he prepared to leave and I was totally struck by the confidence in his voice. He knew he was going to do it. Amazing stuff.And me? Having a lot of fun fucking around but so far I’m down $400 on Roulette. I think my brief tenure as a semi-pro wheel spinner has reached its end.On the harrowing plane ride

Westbound and down. Eighteen Wheels A Rollin...

2007-06-04T22:29:00.000-04:00

Cya boyz & girls in 24 hours.Vegas Redux. Comin in with a big chunk of change. Come by and outwit me for it.And for fucks sake, think good thoughts for me.Hasta luego fuckers, and for those of you not coming; SHAME!Next stop, final table?

Perhaps I'll Play Through.

2007-04-30T21:39:00.000-04:00

Not much to say [what else is new?]Still mulling over my next move as I get no joy at all (cold decked, looked-up and out-raced when not just fucked-over-harshly) at the tables.I might just reload enough to let me keep trying to do what I know how to do without bankroll pressure. I don't have insane illusions that I am some dominant MTT force, but I do know I play a solid winning game. I just

Thoughts on Impeding Momentum.

2007-04-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

I have surprised myself.No idea why it took this long for a move this obvious to occur to me, but I just had an epiphany about my poker game.Ten minutes ago I read one of those Full Tilt emails from the pros. Yeah, yeah, this one was from Chris Ferguson, a real FT pro, not one of those silicon anorexics we love to read about getting biotch-slapped by this guy and this guy.You've prolly all gotten

A sense of desolation in Aisle 4 and other metaphors for impending ruin.

2007-04-28T17:46:00.000-04:00

I am not exactly great at living on my own. For all you single or divorced guys who have figured this great and secret show out, I am impressed. I am just too lazy on a fundamental around-the-house level to do well without routine surveillance. Left unobserved and to my own devices, I will mostly watch television, play poker (back when I derived some enjoyment and/or sense of accomplishment from

The Unintended Encounter and Remembering to Avoid Trouble.

2007-04-26T21:08:00.000-04:00

Brevity. Or at least a close approximation thereof.A series of three dominated beats and a BB special to end today's endeavours. I am not talking about short stacked desperation plays that got bounced by a large stack. I am talking about getting someone to do what you want them to do, and then wishing you hadn't. I should know better after more than a year with this game, but it's getting to me.

A Year In Review Delivered Over Days: [Early] Winter of our Malcontents

2007-04-25T23:12:00.000-04:00

HAH! 11:16 pm. Fuckers. Thought I was gonna pass tonight? No such luck. I follow-up that last masterpiece with a return to the Flights' Anniversary Extravaganza: Part the Third. Before I do I just want to provide you with an idea of what happened to me today before I got to the part where I decided to keep the streak intact. And before I do that, major props to mah brotha the HammerPlayer for

Toronto and The Center-Seeking Force.

2007-04-24T22:39:00.000-04:00

I should clarify for any who might be labouring under the HammerPlayer's delusions: I am still well on track with my promise to you, O Flights' faithful & devoted (in fact I gave you a freebie on Sunday). My vow was to post every WEEKDAY for the next 30 days. So far so goot.Now that I am at it again, I am struck by how my ring of adoration has shrunk. Fickle bunch, you lot. Still, I am obliged to

A Year in Review Delivered Over Days Part 2: Summah, Summah Summah! Like a Merry-Go-Round...

2007-04-23T20:36:00.000-04:00

Greetings Heathens.Welcome to the lexicographical powerhouse that is Flights. Herein we continue the highly anticpated and morally ambiguous retrospective that the last twelve glorious months have set the stage for. This day's installment covers Flights true ascendency to the very pinnacle of pokerblogging, and I make that assertion with my well-worn (and characteristic) humility. In this

A Year In Review Delivered Over Days In Order to Demolish the Over/Under.

2007-04-22T23:04:00.000-04:00

This time last year I was taking it on the chin at the tables. I had started online to play WWdN, a tournament that I have proved incapable of winning despite 3 or 4 final tables in at least 30 shots. I started a blog I thought to keep track of the money I was spending. I considered it a distant early warning to prevent me from becoming an addict or from reloading. In short order I found I liked

The Unrecorded Magnetic Field of Buffalo, NY

2007-04-20T21:04:00.000-04:00

NYC here I come my ass.One day I will figure out why events (some patient related, but many just strange life entanglements) keep conspiring to make sure I never get anything resembling a vacation again. 5 months now and not a wisp of one.Vegas - no go. Politics.Italy - no go. Viral Pneumonia (well okay, the worst bronchitis you can get before pneumonia)Now NYC - no go it turns out. Patient

Somewhat Cantankerous Thoughts on returning to New York City.

2007-04-19T21:09:00.000-04:00

Fuck is this post wierd. Just read it start to finish. Haven't changed a word. Polemical though. Assuming you know what that word means you can save yourself some wasted time.Bone (-Daddy) tired today. The lab was held up by one stupidity after another thus I didn't finish until 7:3opm. 4 1/2 hours in lead on the last case with the heater way up thanks to an idiot observer. I just want to sleep

My eternal summer fades and loses possession of that fair it ownest. IOW Coolers Continue

2007-04-18T22:20:00.000-04:00

I have Hoy as a witness as to how fucked up things are for me right now. We met in battle at Wolf 359. I was a black starfleet Commander, he was a cyborg made out of the Flagship's Captain and some rubber tubing from Home Depot.Well we met in battle anyway. Sat to the 30k 6-max. AT shorty pushes knowing I have to call. AJd no good to half my stack. Then to bounce me AK gets called by KJo for his

Toronto and The Center-Seeking Force Part Zeroth.

2007-04-17T22:23:00.000-04:00

101. A number that seems older than our ability to name it.And yet this is just a quick promise-keeping missive from the road. So it goes...Kudos to scurvydog for bouncing me from MATH. All blame to me, the credit is yours. Next time I will talk less and focus more. My frustration push with QJ on a Q high board was only

Toronto and The Center-Seeking Force Part I...aka I have stopped starting each post with the letter I which I did for 98 posts, did anyone notice?

2007-04-16T23:01:00.000-04:00

Zuh-Hero Pokah Content Below Boyz and Girlz. Forewarned is forearmed no? Just made my deadline. Was going to send this to 55 first, but have realized anymore delay and I will never get it out. BTW this ends up being number 100, although it's an incomplete pass as you will soon see. Story of this blog to date. First Year Anniversary coming up at which time the omnibus retrospective will begin.

Easter and other Ressurections…aka Running very Poorly but optimistic by default…aka The Once & Future Blog

2007-04-15T14:25:00.000-04:00

In my defense, silence may not be informative but it’s not necessarily the hallmark of a complacent mind. It’s true I’ve been experiencing an inability to complete even a few paragraphs without tremendous effort and that has resulted in me not wanting me to do this thing that is usually a source of genuine satisfaction. The hedgehog would translate that as: I have had writer’s block. A more

In Which at Long Last and Long Overdue I call it quits.

2007-04-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

Just busted from the 400k in a manner befitting how I've been running for over a month.Things just don't seem to work for me anymore. Superior mindset but inferior results.I just realized what many of you have been assuming for weeks/months.This blog is dead.I am done with poker too. I don't mean it in a dismissive way at all, but for me there's nothing left to gain or prove. I just reread my

Illness and Recoveries.

2007-03-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

I am coming up on my 100th post. It took a lot longer to get there than I would've thought when I was unemployed, posting everyday and unaware of the concept of being "too tired to play". Not there yet, but by no means is this spot over and done. As long as I'm reading I still feel like writing (if with less frequency) and as any of your stat counters could tell you, I am definitely still

I have little to say but say it anyway...aka here comes an essay in four parts...aka where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?

2007-03-13T21:52:00.000-04:00

Fair Warning should include: Ahead there be Ramblings of a Madman (no not that one...this is the internet boys and girls, you never need to go far to find one), Introspection deluding Itself it isn't Self-pitying when in fact it may well be, and of course Aggressive References to Attempts to Copulate - ultimately (all too frequently) unsuccessfully.Lay on MacDuff...Not playing well these days and

Invitational Redux...aka how to make your draw and not live to enjoy it...aka Help me Work the Numbers [Station]

2007-02-20T23:11:00.000-05:00

Here's how I busted Wil from WWdN tonight [that's right getting back-to-back naming rights - is that a first?]. This hand illustrates how my mentality has changed somewhat when it comes to our get togethers. I am willing to race for my stack for the early double now. I am also willing to get it in way behind if priced in, IF I have a stack that can afford the hit.I finished 5th in MATH yesterday

I go deep, and in doing so find [stack]size does indeed mattah...

2007-02-19T00:49:00.000-05:00

EDIT: First off congrats to brdweb for a stunning fucking run. Top 40 for a payday upwards of 3k. Interestingly he went out on a hand very similar to the one I did - pushing 55 into preflop raised 99. Just did it about 100 spots higher on the list is all... GREAT WORK. Gotta say: big fan of playing with tha boyz around.Also gotta say: I am definitely happy with how I am approaching the game these

Itch meets Scratch...aka Evolutions you don't need to wait millenia for...aka FTOPS ME here I come!

2007-02-16T01:11:00.000-05:00

Troubles with your game?May I humbly [not my strong suit I agree, but nonetheless...] recommend pokah blogging.I truly don't know how I forgot this key to improvement, but playing without reflecting on what you've seen and done is just plain stupid. Not all of us are going to invest the time and energy in using the online tools the upper tier players we know use and recommend. But if you don't at

Instead of wondering, I just ask...aka Plug my leak, but in a non-Johnnycakes kinda way...

2007-02-14T23:18:00.000-05:00

How should the ATC considerations lucko enigmatically addressed two posts ago, [and then elucidated more recently with an example] be applied when approaching the endgame of a deep field MTT? Say two tables left mid-size stack, full ring NLHE but not seeing premiums for orbits and orbits... M 12 ish...I know, I know HoH2 etc. etc... but don't have mybooks here and I want some easy answers.That's

Inevitability's Appearance - but no didn't win...fuck didn't even final table.

2007-02-13T22:31:00.000-05:00

This is so satisfying it's almost embarassing. Almost, but not. As the Man in the White Shirt once noted, "It's been a long time coming...well worth the wait."I got into NLHE because of Wil's posts on poker and his MTT brought me to Stars. It is no stretch at all to draw a line connecting the good things that have happened to me playing poker, WWdN and the WWdN: Invitational. Now Having may or

In Vivo Veritas?...aka The Man Comes Around...Eh-Vegas - Fawkin A.

2007-02-11T14:51:00.000-05:00

DP, MAH BROTHA: I TOLD YA BEFORETHIS BLOG WILL NEVAH DIE. ME HEART NLHE MTT POKAH. ME HEART ME POKAH BLOG.From Sunday:I just woke up.It's 2:52pm.So I have to give big kudos (whatever those might actually be) to the girl who got me back up to T.O. for something resembling a normal evening. I had to be up anyway to see my Dad and get his cath films for review by a friend, but this happy coincidence

Inevitabilities and not unpleasant incongruities.

2007-01-30T21:14:00.000-05:00

Thanks.This pitstop still makes me feel better. It's still surprising to find my neighbours haven't moved. Nice, that.Wish I could just put a post up saying the cath was clean and everything is cool - wrap it up like an afterschool special. Unfortunately these situations in real-life get complicated quickly. My father's cath demonstrated no danger to his prior stents, but he has progression of

Intervertion made late is still better than never.

2007-01-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

My Dad, a guy I look to as my chief role model as a father and a physician, passed out while exercising Sunday.Scary, scary stuff, agreed, but when you happen to make a living preventing sudden cardiac death, it's the kind of fear that goes all the way through you. I feel a lot of guilt too, some of which is irrational but a good chunk of which is well earned. I go far, far out of my way for

Inching towards a goal line...aka Limited Poker Content and Zero NonPoker Content (You do the Math)...aka this post was too short for a third title

2007-01-14T01:59:00.000-05:00

For those of you who wonder if I am still a bloggah...I direct you to my final hand in the 750k Satellite I played tonight.Bastahd sucked out on me, but what can ya say; she still looks goot tah me.This was good to get under the belt. I've been very busy obviously for the last few weeks but I have been surreptitiously watching all the success my friends are having and am feeling very fucking left

I get screwed...aka Welcome Back, Mistah Kottah...aka Catch-22 and other horror stories

2007-01-09T00:45:00.000-05:00

Well with posting becoming a habit again there was only other requisite piece of the puzzle left to re-establish me as both an online poker player as well as a blogger of some (ill) repute:I needed my junk kicked.Right on cue the guy who has given me some of my best and worst ideas in regards to this little orb of ours came through. Overcoming a reticence well-earned and well-worn, I read the

Inspirations and Exhalations

2007-01-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

Uphill in lead today.The silver lining is that 8 years have done their job. When things go south it amazes me how quiet the inside of my head gets. It seriously feels like time is moving slower.Still, we’ll have to see how things pan out. Job well done strictly speaking, but some things in this arena are not under your control.Like I said: uphill in lead.But that’s not why I’m posting. I’ve been

In Black, Back...aka Postcard from the Edge of the End...aka Winding the Crank Again

2006-12-30T20:27:00.000-05:00

Hallo.Not sure if anyone stops by here anymore and I certainly wouldn’t blame anyone if they’ve given up. This should be an interesting test of whether I truly blog for myself, or instead to be read. I’ve always bet my motivation was the latter, but I guess I will find out as I can ignore Flights no more. I miss it.And the game as well: although my infrequent forays lately have underscored for me

I miss Vegas...aka Wish I Was There...aka New Guy Blues

2006-12-10T14:02:00.000-05:00

In months of changing diapers and pining for a return to my former glory I overlooked one small fact.This job can blow.I’m sorry I’m not in Vegas.As vain as I am, I’m still not vain enough to think anyone went to Vegas specifically to hang with me. Nonetheless, the reason it was on my agenda was to hang with our crew, wash away the worst of the last few months and get revved up for the days to

Intersections and the anticipating eye...aka Civilization and its Malcontents...aka We go but to return, or so we think...

2006-11-30T00:24:00.000-05:00

Long Post with about two lines related to Pokah. Lots of introspective navel-gazing however, so if voyeurism turns your crank – welcome aboard.Apologies for an absence made necessary as I approached the merge point of this truly unique season and that of the life I know better. I actually hesitate to put this up on a Friday when no one will likely be around to read it, but Monday is Day 1 of the

Into a dream of bigger dreams

2006-11-19T02:58:00.000-05:00

EDIT: BIG GAME tonight. Hope you can make it, because I honestly think it's the toughest game our gang plays. I'll be there, and if you're looking for it you can search for me - I'm already enrolled. Sorry I haven't been pimping it enough this week - between feeling ridiculously sorry for myself earlier in the week, then gloating like a mothafuckah, I let this slip. Sunday - 9:30pm Password:

Imperfect but more than acceptable...aka Many Mistakes but The Captain earns his title...aka Finding that Elusive Score

2006-11-17T04:38:00.000-05:00

Quick Edit: Thanks to lucko and smokkee for directing me to this. My final table play is reviewed in CardPlayer! Yeah, ok, not all that favorably, but so the fuck what! I can honestly say my online poker life and pokerblog have far exceeded my wildest expectations. Who knows where (if anywhere) we go from here.I have no real understanding of the perfect storm of suckouts, decent reads and nice

In Memoriam.

2006-11-15T09:24:00.000-05:00

For those of you with RSS, I’d suggest stopping by the store instead of using the binocs to peak in through the front window. Trip has been working his magic again.I might have gone for a eulogy (I’m always up for a good speech), but propriety dictates it be done by someone closer to the departed. Al has taken care of it most admirably and freed the rest of us to stand near the casket of Guinness

In Awe (and more than a little Shock).

2006-11-13T20:25:00.000-05:00

First off: Thanks. I am truly appreciative of the support.The second half of that post has been bubbling just below every word I have spoken aloud for the last few weeks truthfully, and getting it out felt great. I think part of what I miss at work was the ability to talk to people (those of you who’ve met me might agree that I come by the E in ENFJ honestly). In the absence of that

In between days.

2006-11-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

Limited poker content.By limited I mean I played pretty unevenly in the FTOPS (went out 1000th out of 3000th) and no, not happy about it in the least. Got zero action on my big hands and got played back at with everything I tried – started out having to lay down Queens to a flop reraise push – he played it like Aces so there ya go. The few hands I won I actually hated my passive play, despite

Is Waffles the next WSOP champ?

2006-11-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

Amazingly poor showing on my part yesterday on just about every front of poker (heh: of course I mean NLHE) you could think to play. Yet I still went to bed (around 2AM I think) in an excellent mood. The reason?Our boy Waffles.He made a great run at the 25k finishing 33rd out of the 1300+. Very entertaining stuff, and I thought he played it great. It was fascinating to rail the 25k for a change (

Interlocking pieces...aka FTOPS satellite whore...aka The 16k: If you thought A4 was dumb...

2006-11-09T02:20:00.000-05:00

Edit: forgot to mention that cc's MTT is on tonight. I got last minute Cavs tickets, but if I can't find a babysitter (highly likely) I will have to give them to my younger brother - the childless, wifeless, regular workout version of me. It's on Stars, so I have no shot of winning, but cc's a helluva good guy, so I definitely want to support this party. So very, very likely see you

In praise of new ideas...aka What Would Lucko Do?...aka Hoy's blog comes through again.

2006-11-06T23:10:00.000-05:00

To Recap:Big Game: Two words: embarrassing exit. Played pretty good throughout just to cough the fucker up on the 5 yard line. Congrats to sprstoner (and smokkee and guin) for teaching this donkey how to make the money. Despite being a bubble(head), in terms of finishes I gotta be the overall Big Game points leader no? A third and a fourth in two cracks? To paraphrase Denny Green - "if you want

In lieu of my own homework.

2006-11-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

A relatively short list of guys and gals are on a list of people I’ve met through this blog whom I now consider friends.One of them has paid homage to another and it deserves everyone’s attention.File it under Flattery/Sincerest Form.I know I've said it before, but it's been a while: Hacker is one of the funniest writers out in our little duckpond. I speak from painful experience (see July 2 -6).

Invitation to a Gunfighter...aka Big Game Sunday...aka A Kinder Gentler Callout

2006-11-03T21:56:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder that this is Big Game Sunday coming up. We have only have five on board so far, which is a little concerning because we had a bigger head of steam going last time. I’d really like this baby to keep increasing, but as long as it’s offered, I will be there.And yes, I understand the slow enrollment.I blame myself entirely. After bearing witness to the utter devastation I

Is having as sweet as wanting? Actually, yes...aka FT 25K Final Table...aka Why the fuck didn't I request a win?

2006-11-02T03:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I played pretty poorly at the Mookie. Called a push by lucko holding bottom pair and an OESD, figuring he MIGHT have TPTK or just be putting a move on me. Nope - top two. I river my straight. Looked like a total moron. I've said it before, but at blogger-go-rounds in particular I just don't want it if I have to donk my way there. Suckouts happen, but that was just dumb. Captain Lucksac

It could have been worse.

2006-11-01T19:35:00.000-05:00

Heh.Got the itch to try cash games again. What can I say – the idea that I can’t get the hang of it really rubs me the wrong way…aka Your Host is a Stubborn Moron. Bounced around 6max 100 and 200NL single tabling for the most part. Up $400 after 3 hours. 30/22. It’s 1 AM and I am fucking sleepy, and frankly a little bored.Back to exactly zero dollars for the effort by 3AM when set over set and

If I truly wanted to leave, I would have left already...aka I go but to return...aka The Love Elf saves the day

2006-10-30T01:50:00.000-05:00

You know all that stuff I said about outgrowing the FT 20k…that I was better suited to 75s and 109s and would camp there permanently as soon as I could?You all knew that was self-delusional bullshit right?This blog is good for me. In these recent lengthy posts outlining my self-perceived weaknesses and then receiving feedback that highlights other, subtler holes in my game, I have been able to

Idylls of my kings...aka Tennyson never open-limped monsters...aka The unexamined life hand is [probably] not worth [re]living

2006-10-27T16:22:00.000-04:00

Yes Kids, It's Time For Yet Another EDIT: First up: I need 49 more bloglines subscribers in order to drive Jordan nuts. C'mon people, doesn't that sound like a war effort worth making? Thought so. Fuel will run the numbers for us.Next up: Horn tooting 101 [quelle surprise, no?] I have serious doubts hdouble reads this thing - but just in case; thanks, brotha. I clicked over to FT's guest blogger

Impression of an Idiot (and a good impression at that)...aka Through the looking glass for 26 bucks...aka Who says losing isn't entertaining?

2006-10-25T02:06:00.000-04:00

Another poker first for me last night.Anyone who stopped by my table at the FT 20k (yeah she’s that girlfriend I just can’t get ovah, I know) however briefly really got see me put on a clinic. In donkitude.But deliberate donkitude.I had just busted out of the Aussie 75er sat to the 20 seat guarantee when QQ went down to A4 (naturally). I brushed it off and started to focus on the 20k for the

In Excess of Expectations...aka Waffles' out first and none too happy...aka A bubble and its surface tension

2006-10-23T01:15:00.000-04:00

An EDIT Important Enough I want it in front of everything that follows:A guy should not play a great tournament and as L'artiste rightly noted "school the living crap" out of the final table in big stack play, then after winning feel he is being accused of collusion or cheating. Let me state again I honestly don't think lucko played anything but a ball-bustingly strong big stack. Blinders also

I all alone beweep my outcast state - no, wait; that was last post...aka Today's CallOut has nothing to do with Star Trek...aka A broadspectrum appeal

2006-10-20T12:05:00.000-04:00

PLAY DADI! [Best. Banner. Evah. Nice work J. And Congrats to JX3 on his Mookie redux. Nice, brotha. Nice.]PLAY THE BIG GAME!Popularize the word Uberboo – it’s at least as funny as truthiness and look where that wound up!Now quietly mock my inability to properly post graphics on my blog. Blogger hates me, but I still got a chubby for her.The last post may have been the most cathartic thing I’ve

Illness of Mind...aka I trip my AutoDestruct (again)...aka I trip my AutoDestruct (again)

2006-10-18T18:57:00.000-04:00

With less than nine dollars I bought myself a bowl of Tilt Soup hotter than anything I have ever tasted.The meal began when I used those 9 bucks to win a 26 buck token. Yay me. I am a successful token whore, with about a 66% win rate on a small sample size. I took that token and entered the satellite to FT 14k Guaranteed – my first $150+13. Deep stacks, full ring. So far, so good. I used my

I call out the Mammary-phile...aka Why are so many poker bloggers named Wes?...aka Boobie Lovah in Dah house?

2006-10-18T11:14:00.000-04:00

Five Days to The Big Game and with 12 players we're looking at a robust prize pool for the effort. It'll be an interesting beginning because it will start with two short-handed tables. The beauty of the tokens is that for the first time, NonBloggers are funding the tournament prize pool.Not much else new but I've put out more posts in the last three days than all last week so I feel I'm making my

Is this still a poker blog?...aka Read Fuel...aka Does Change100 read this - and more importantly - will she admit it?

2006-10-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome Back. Mmmmm? Where the hell have I been, you ask? Places dark and rainswept within the human heart. But the storm has passed and in passing, cleansed. And by cleansed I mean I had time to brush my teeth this morning before the hamster wheel of diapers and mealtimes began to turn for me.So it turns out I have a few things I’d like to say. I just read this biotch over, and if anyone happens

In late, but hopefully In Time...aka The Ideal Type...aka Profiles in Courage, The MTV Edition

2006-10-15T19:35:00.000-04:00

Edit: Forgot the shoutout to Doc for putting this bean in my head!For every injured and aspiring soul, an avatar exists. Mine, exquisite and fully realized, bore a moniker belying her transcendent nature. Sporty, she was called by the cretins of Fleet. And there was truth in it, although a truth as incomplete as it was refracted. I cannot deny her physique is an ode to the Platonic ideal of

In payment of a debt...aka Oz treats me Rough (just the way I like it)...aka Haiku Made [by a] Simple[ton]

2006-10-09T23:11:00.000-04:00

For any who are wondering, the $75 tokens play no tougher than the lower limit ones. If anything I think my success rate in them is a little higher using the same poorly organized game that I bring everywhere else.Like, MATH for example.Where I went out on Hand Number 5 I think against Jules. Jules is to me like I am to Kat – a walking, talking Eviction Notice. Your glee in my early exit was well

I am a ping pong ball the 20k loves paddling...aka truth is hotter than fiction...aka biting the helping hands

2006-10-06T00:22:00.000-04:00

EDIT:This is teh shit. Don gets ALL the credit, but with his permission I am using ye olde blog to pimp his brainchild: The Blogger Big Game.October 22nd. Sunday. 9:30pm EST. Full Tilt (yes, the Full Tilt of the Brilliant Fuck You Frist Reload Offer). NLHE naturally (FYI: real card games have only two cards in the hand - any more and you resemble Aunt Edna while you play)Deep Stacks...aka Room to

Itemizing a modicum...aka The Record for the record...aka Late Game Dilemnas

2006-10-01T12:16:00.000-04:00

You know how a lot of people will tell you that if you start a blog it should be for yourself? Yeah, I heard that a lot when I started. Yet do you ever stop by here and get the distinct impression I am writing more for a conversation with you? You are almost always right. I like to blog, even if it does oscillate wildly, and even if it is pointless silliness. It is amazing to me over a thousand

Incivility and one other irritation addressed...aka opposite sides of the same wooden nickel...aka Why is it we play these things exactly?

2006-09-28T00:36:00.002-04:00

Don likes to give me shit about being too political with other bloggers. He shouldn’t have that problem with this. There are two issues floating around that I want to get off my chest with no deference to propriety.People tilt over losing. Fine. But just because you lose does not make everyone else a donkey. You know better. Personally I find the play in blogger MTTs to be a good prep for the

In the thick of it again...aka the MWGB delivers the FT 12k (almost)...aka blogger final table dominance

2006-09-24T05:10:00.000-04:00

Hoy, you called it.I say it all the time, but I am reminded of it every time I have success in deep-field MTTs. Your blog has had a big impact on how I play NLHE MTTs. In addition, you are the loudest voice encouraging the bloggers to get off their butts and attack the big payout MTTs. So you were definitely on my mind as I played the FT 12k.As for my stated goal of final tabling the 20k? It was

Impressions of a Battlefield...aka Henceforth I am Your Mookieness...aka I valiantly try blowing a foot off again, but the feet are getting smarter

2006-09-21T09:32:00.000-04:00

Important Edit at bottom of post. Well, ok...not important enough to put up here, but important enough I didn't want it totally missed by the mouth breathers and bottom feeders who might skim by here on their way to a fungokake site. [If you want the ultrasecret definition to that particular fetishism, it's gonna cost ya a dollar. Be warned, if you live to be 90, I doubt you'll get the soul

In Between Days...aka WWdN Final Table Idiocy Redux...aka Bonus Code Iggy of course

2006-09-20T15:46:00.000-04:00

Brevity will direct the hand today. As always, of course.I’m getting somewhat rundown as Mr. Mom (I relinquished my title with this new gig). Are all you women feeling incredibly vindicated out there? Fair enough. Oh bearers of the mighty Y chromosome, I am taking one for the team, but am no longer man enough not to bitch about it. Me sleepy.My MTT downtime is an undulating mobius strip of

Intemperate Fortune Abandons Me Again...aka I blow my own foot off just miles from home...aka Sigh with A Capital 'S'

2006-09-19T02:14:00.000-04:00

Twice in one seven day stretch I get within firing distance. Which means it will be a short aeon or two before the Fates align themselves for me again. Many thanks to Mookie and Joanne for railing me - wish I could have put on a better show at the end. Shortstacked it was 55 Preflop into 88 and KK sequentially. Online poker being what it is [no, not illegal (at least not yet) - I meant "rigged"

Intercepting the Phage...aka 'Cause we're Union Dagnabbit...aka 5 is a Magic Number (or is that Phi?)

2006-09-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

Housecleaning Edit too important to risk putting at bottom of post:cc: I can't comment on your site. WTF? It's eaten comments for about a week and I am sick of being the pigeon who keeps getting shocked while trying to get the peanut. I tried doing all the stuff I did to get to comment on Absinthetics, still no love. You are missin' out brotha - ask around! I await your solution.Drizz: In the

I turn out to be a die on my feet kind of guy...aka FT 20k final table (almost)...aka You Decide (Jordan don't sue me!)

2006-09-14T03:51:00.000-04:00

Openly stated goals for the evening of poker that was last night.Win The Mookie.Final Table the Full Tilt 20kI failed in both attempts, but it’s up to you to decide which was a more spectacular failure.Let me begin by saying I am back in the zone. I took Smokkee and Hoy’s recent return to winning ways as a major inspiration. Somehow I felt I was due for my next final table run very soon, given

Imposter Alert: does anybody actually read this thing?...aka Scared Straight: a look at my personal life...aka the play's the thing

2006-09-13T01:45:00.000-04:00

Well, I’m a little disappointed slash disturbed.Turns out, I’m not as unique as I might have hoped.The last post was actually written by Eric, everyone’s favorite blog-deleting Bone-Daddy. I made a few minor edits, but 99.5% of that opus was ghost written. I figured someone might notice that pale imitation of my singular style, but Nay! Nary a murmur from anyone out there. I would have laughed my

In Rome, do as the Parisians would do…aka Head-butts and Cold Calls are for the developmentally delayed…aka Now for Something Completely Different…

2006-09-08T11:58:00.000-04:00

Renaissance author Francis Bacon wrote in 1597 that “Knowledge is Power”, I wonder how his pansy ass would hold up in a 4 hour marathon MTT and if he would still have the same opinion. Or would he change his mind and state that Mental Stamina and Toughness is Power.Indulge me, and allow me this pontification: I find I have discovered a hole in my game, one that maybe some of you have encountered.

Insecure Borders...aka Local Boy Makes Bad...aka Who would fardels bear?

2006-08-31T09:27:00.000-04:00

I think I broke my poker game.By nature I am an optimist. I am one of those guys who approaches situations with an ordained sense that there is a solution available, and who goes to bed confident tomorrow will be better than today, regardless of how good or bad today was. It is that simple truth that saw me through the voluntarily experienced hell that was a good chunk of my training. It is also

Intellectualizing defeat does not in fact improve the taste...aka 4th is not 1st...aka Rosebud, Rosebud...

2006-08-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

Finished fourth in the Mookie, but I hope the eventual winner would acknowledge I had him dead to rights with four left when he pushed his entire 8k stack preflop with Q9s and I called with Jacks. Yes, Virginia there was a reason I mentioned his cards were suited. Yuck. Up until that point I was very much in the moment and focused on a win. I really thought it was going to happen. After that

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree...aka the person from Porlock ruins my run.

2006-08-19T11:44:00.000-04:00

Do you know that story? It about Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of my favourite poets. Bruce Dickinson must have liked him a lot too, because Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner was an epic before it was reincarnated as a guitar-god fantasy. And in keeping with the circularity of this post, Maiden was the inspiration for the name of the oasis you rest at now.In 1797, Coleridge takes two grains of opium to

In Bidding You Farewell...

2006-08-17T21:41:00.000-04:00

What an unqualified shame, Cheri.So rude to one so sweet and so clearly my friend? Unwise, and just when it was getting interesting!The only reason I didn't respond sooner was I missed your comment entirely, thinking Eric had posted twice, in his own inimitable (albeit belligerant) voice.If you had to lash out, I would have happily laid Waffles or Eric out on an altar for you. The Code would have

Intertwined Indeed...aka my mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun...aka Vegas Redux in Tux

2006-08-17T14:57:00.000-04:00

Who says the internet is depersonalizing things? How else could I have gotten to know my slipstream Muse if not for this confounded fabulosity?How indeed.Well as a lot of you know, Mel met one of my two demands, and ya have to love the title of that post. I’ll give her a pass for not commenting here, having seen the rough reception some of you cads greet her with. To quote Defamer, in turn

Intertwined...aka Mel Baby, can ya hear me?...aka i no likee A K, eh?

2006-08-07T14:45:00.000-04:00

Melinda, my erstwhile Dulcinea, this post is for you. I can remain silent in good conscience no longer. My wife, grown concerned by my depressed affect and binge overeating has insisted I take action. Summoning what little will to live I still possess, I send this plea for help out into the ether, uncertain what response she shall meet, but confident I am acting with a resolve both intricate and

In praise of good results...aka I got jobbed but made some dough anyway...aka I am FTP's abused trophy wife

2006-08-03T02:48:00.000-04:00

Time for today's riddle:Who won this hand?Answer:It took me 45 seconds to figure out why these chips were not heading towards me and, with just 11 people left, guaranteeing my final table appearance in the FTP 20k!45 seconds. In all seriousness, I have made life and death calls in less time than that. So what occurred in the hallowed vault that is my cranium while an Edomite Hell was being

In praise of good decisions...aka I got jobbed, but at least made some dough...aka my life as a $4/hr MTT playah...

2006-08-02T02:59:00.000-04:00

To start: as most of you know, Eric aka Bone-Daddy deleted his blog. I miss it. It was my first link. You are mentioned in my first post. I was stunned to find you had started one at exactly the same time I did. So yeah, it's gone, but he ain't dead. And we'll always have Mel to bind us togethah. soon...soon. Is that why you deleted it? To punish me? Overkill, overkill...On with the show:Let me

Ill at ease with success or its defeat...aka Bankroll Issues and Fyoochah Goals...aka I have met the enemy and he is me - at a cash game.

2006-08-01T00:36:00.000-04:00

Acknowledged once and for all: He did indeed get a great run of cards, and a virgin share of unicorn favor for one halcyon, if snub-nosed, week. Positive Spin Specialist that he is, he takes no small satisfaction in noting he played well enough through that run to create an opportunity to take shots repeatedly for a goodly long time. Loudly and with much gusto then: Yay He! And exhale.By which I

In transition...aka Leaving the Primordial Soup...aka Tidying Up, 'cause we're having company!

2006-07-25T13:44:00.000-04:00

[Edit: Bloggers are good folk. This guy and this guy in particular deserve my thanks today. Thank you both for your help. Much appreciated.]So this will mark a turning point in the blog. And to mark this point I am urinating on the monitor.Done.It’s Potpourri Day at Flights: wherein I try to put down some stuff that’s been rumbling around in my head for a little while. There's no more association

If you were looking for a MWGB, you've come to the right place...aka Holy Shit...aka Holy SHIT!!!!

2006-07-21T23:14:00.000-04:00

Edit: The streak ended when I busted around 350ish out of 1100ish in the 20k on Saturday. slb played better and did slightly better. I'll go out on a limb and say if he gets a rush of cards and breaks like I've gotten lately, he will go deep soon. Tonight, D, slb, John Juanda and Huck Seed and I all took another crack at the 20k. On try number two I made the money.Happy? Ambivalent. After 3 and a

In absence of words. Well, except for the title. And a few thoughts below the picture...but otherwise in absence of words.

2006-07-21T13:58:00.000-04:00

All money in pre-flop.SB likes his hand, has me covered by a hair and proceeds to push. I wake to find to the scariest villains in this Grimm Brothers Book of Poker FairyTales: The Black Kings.No surprise what happens next. 5th of 216. Okay.Silver Lining: 2 of these things entered, 2 final tables. Also more than covers my 1/2 stacking Wednesday.Net Effect? I heart Full Tilt.Still. What could have

I lied to you...aka Melinda baby - next post, I swear...aka Tonight, I'm cleanin' out mah closet...

2006-07-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

Congrats to our boy Donnie, who took down the Not. Congrats to slb who took me out - for a guy who took a ridiculous amount of convincing, he posts with regularity, and he's pretty damn funny. You have joined Wes' blog as another I am growing addicted to serially commenting on. Ask him what a pain in the ass that can become, brotha. Donnie too. Donnie's comment on the divorce post in The Blog of

Into the void, then up the ladder we went...

2006-07-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

For anyone new here today who'd like to read a grown man bitch like a spoiled child about the fact that poker isn't chess, please see the previous post. For anyone who'd like to read about an incurable egomaniac who's feeling pretty fucking smug right about now, please read on.Pretty good 24 hours of MTTing. Popped another cherry this morning. First non-blogger online MTT. $26 well spent. The

It will put the dog in the bucket! It will put the dog in the bucket!...aka As usual, the universe couldn't give a fuck what I want for Christmas...

2006-07-19T01:04:00.000-04:00

Greetings.I want to begin today’s post with a philosophical observation and a daily affirmation.As Renee Descartes once said, “Fuck personal responsibility.”I happen to love me. A Lot. So I sure as shit am not gonna blame myself for that royal screwjob I suffered last night on the way to my coronation.No way.I blame this guy. After all the love I’ve sent him for weeks now (check the comments in

Information you likely already have...aka When do I get to win a G?...aka Maybe it isn't for Escargots after all...

2006-07-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

First time posting on a Sunday? Could be, could be...What's the special occasion?I just want to ensure that anyone who stops by here has heard the great fucking news.Eric, Biggestron, and Wes all had huge scores within hours/days of each other. Eric is in fact now ranked the 3,456th best live tournament player in the U.S. That ranking is just about the weirdest bit of numerology I've seen all

Impressions of Absolute Dominance, and poor impressions at that...

2006-07-14T01:26:00.000-04:00

One day after chump-bubbling The Mookie (10th/57), I won The Not. Only 15 people played, but it is my first MTT win to speak of. So that’s sort of cool.I almost didn’t play the thing. As usual, D gets the nod for timely good advice.I got heads up against a guy that I hold in very high esteem. Wes is the motherfuckin’ man and he’s funny as hell. How funny? Tough_Fish – ‘nuff said.Fortunately, I

Incomplete but concluded, or so I hope...aka Did ya meet anyone interesting?...aka Vegas Baby! Part 2

2006-07-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

So I got the poker play out of the way in Part One, which for anyone new here is found a couple of PageDowns below this. I should point out the disclaimer is still in full effect, as I didn’t hit on Articles 2 and 4 first time out.Now on to what really made Vegas worthwhile.It was not the MGM’s bathtub, which insisted on pitstopping my shower drain for twenty minutes each morning before adding a

If you think it's a bad idea, it likely is...aka QJo=Donkey...aka why play poker for 3 hours just to prove to everyone you are stupid?

2006-07-13T08:27:00.000-04:00

Very quick one. Well, quick for me.Can't blame anyone or anything but myself and my terrible decisons in crunch time for the Mookie bubble. Maybe the dumbest two hands I've played in quite a while. Sorry, I meant CLEARLY the two dumbest hands I've played in quite a while. Surpassed only by the cash game exit 40 minutes later which had me frustration-pushing AKs into Slb's bullets fairly declared

Incompleteness as the inevitability I'll have to live with...aka Stacked and Stacked again (and that's the good news)...aka Vegas Baby!

2006-07-11T23:46:00.000-04:00

Standard Disclaimer with Ammendents, on Advice of Legal Counsel:This shit is long. Although it’s agreed in principal that people are at least vaguely curious as to what the guy whose blog it is has been doing since the last time they stopped by – even I can see you’d have to be pretty fucking curious (ie. morbidly obsessed with me) to find what follows worth the time investment. Just how long is

Is this it?...aka I briefly contemplate deleting the blog...aka certain people should be careful about badmouthing me - my Driver is watching them...

2006-07-06T12:46:00.000-04:00

One last time into the breach as it were, before I learn what 100+ bloggers look like up close and personal - and spend the weekend fending off Waffles salacious double entendres.I’d like to begin by stating the purpose of this post, in order to give it a clear direction. The purpose of this post is to recap some interesting things that have happened to either me, or people I know or read, in

Interrupting the Grind and finding I don't miss it a bit...aka Joy amidst the Wreckage...aka surreptitious movie reviews

2006-07-04T12:10:00.000-04:00

Hope the holiday weekend is treating all of you well. I am also hoping this was the last Canada Day I spend away from Toronto, given I am moving next door soon. Does Benson & Hedges still host the Symphony of Fire? Could even something as iconic as that yearly spectacle have receded into the Toronto of my memories; withdrawn from its place in reality to settle for an honoured residence in the

Illusions of someday, casting a golden light; no dress rehearsal - this is our life

2006-06-30T11:20:00.000-04:00

Alright. Hello there.Fair warning would probably include something like: limited (if any) poker content aheadAnd also: moments of existential wistfulness includedAnd then: subtleties creating important distinctions between narcissistic self-pity and considered introspection transpireThen lastly: unseemly long read ahead with no links first time through since I’m writing with limited time from

Ill communication...aka A week spent beating Waffles like an unloved Persian rug

2006-06-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh.....Blogger finally lets me get a hand under the sweater again. Now if I can just work the clasp...Alright, any hand that results in 20+ comments on the Villain's site, probably deserves a response from that local celebrity and all round good guy: Me. *To start with, I never thought poker bloggers could be so fucking needlessly cruel. Mel is totally fucking right about you chumbobs. I

I amuse myself when a grownup should know better...aka Tribute to My Muse...aka Long Time No Blog v. 3.1

2006-06-23T21:53:00.000-04:00

Irony: iro·ny Pronunciation: 'I-r&-nE also 'I(-&)r-nEFunction: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -niesEtymology: Latin ironia, from Greek eirOnia, from eirOn dissembler1 : a pretense of ignorance and of willingness to learn from another assumed in order to make the other's false conceptions conspicuous by adroit questioning -- called also Socratic irony2 a : the use of words to express something