My Little Poker Blog

The Rooster Has Left The Building!!!

2009-05-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

I'm off! Once again, thank you to all who have made these past years possible. For those of you who remember me when I came to NYC. Well this is the hat that I use to love to wear. I've kept it for all these years but today it is retired. Great memories that I will always hold close. I'm very-very excited about my new home, the move and my new life. I would hope you would be just as happy for me. I bid you a fond farewell friends and NYC.

Good Bye NYC!

2009-05-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

May 18, 2009

New York,

It is not easy to scribe you this letter, then again, saying good-bye has never been easy for me. I sit here in my Fifth Floor walk-up listening to John Coltrane’s famous song, In A Sentimental Mood. How appropriate…because when I’m in need of a New York moment I throw this song on. When Coltrane plays I’m quickly transported to your bustling streets, my quiet morning runs in central park, and to my rooftop overlooking Harlem. So as of today, New York, this is our song. Honestly, how can we not have a song after a 15 year relationship? Wink!

New York, saying good-bye after 15 years makes me rather pensive. You have taught me so much about life, the world, the arts, friendship, and me. Everyday you presented me with something new: a life lesson, a new restaurant, a new friend, an old lost friend, and of course a party for good measure. Yes, New York, you were everything they said you were in the brochures and more. I drank the New York City cool-aid and loved the flavor so much that I kept drinking it year after year.

People have tried to capture you in poems, books, and movies. But between you and me, New York, they never do you justice. The beat of the express train as it races downtown at high speeds to the hustle and bustle of Lower-Manhattan is something you can only understand and enjoy by riding a packed train during rush hour. The games one plays while on that train to pass the time are fun too! I like to play the game, What Stop? A simple game where you pick what stop you think a person is going to get off at. The Suit, he’s going to Wall St. The young 23 year old recent graduate who dresses in the latest fashions in Vogue, she’s going to 42nd Street, The Conde Nast Building.

Yet, New York, as great and fantastic as you have been the New York City experience couldn’t have been possible without my crew. And although this is a good-bye letter to you, New York, I feel I have to give them some shout outs!

Anita (Cucks),
You have been my best friend during this incredible run. To be honest, I never really had a best friend until you came into my life and I thank you for that experience. I lack the proper writing skills and vernacular to express my deepest love and appreciation for your friendship. In the end, what I can say is you have been my rock, my shoulder to lean on, and the one person who has always believed in me. Thank you, Cucks.

Rey (Mush),
Hey, Compadre. If there is someone who embraces the greatness that is New York City it is you. I remember the night we sat on the roof of the library and you pointed to the New York skyline and said, “This is why I came to Columbia…the world is here, Joaquin.” Church!!! You have been a true friend, a roommate, an ear when I’ve needed to vent, a fellow Cowboys fan, a boxing junkie like me, and of course a great person to grab “One Drink” with. Gracias por todo, Compa.

John (The General),
Juanito. Tell Sloan I said, what up? My crime partner in the city…I know you are an atheist and I respect that, bro. But I think my main man upstairs, JC, put you in my life for a reason. I can’t express to you how important your friendship has been to me all these years. You have a heart of gold and I’m always impressed how you are able to navigate between so many circles and to be loved by them all. If anyone ever asks you, Juanito, what is your best characteristic? Make sure to say this, “John Lee is a fiercely loyal friend.” Gracias por todo, General.

Danny (D)
Daniel, Un gran abrazo, Primo. To the man who has pushed me for years to get out of the city. I write to notify you, “I’m finally leaving.” You will of course respond with, “I need to see you on the plane first…send me a picture.” A photo will be sent. LOL! D, you have showed me that life can pass you by very fast and you have to love it everyday. “Sucking the marrow out of the bone of life one day at a time” best describes how you approach life. The last minute trips to Vegas, driving in vicious snowstorms to watch Mana and our famous Sunday margarita fiestas; you truly love life, Bro. I feel blessed to have learned this lesson from you and I’m putting that lesson into action now. Gracias.

Papa, Mami y Elena,
Being away from you three has not been easy. You are my blood and never does a day pass by that I don’t think of you three. And know that not a day passes that I don’t understand and fully appreciate all the sacrifices you three have made for me to be here. Gracias, Familia.

New York, some people have come with the idea that they will beat you, only to go back to their hometowns defeated and humbled. We have had our share of battles with one another along the way…I have won some and lost many. The battle scars inflicted on me by you I don’t see as scars of failure. On the contrary, I see them as scars of growth, resilience, and they’re scars which I needed to acquire in order to grow. It is on this little island that demons from my past have been killed and some have been born. New York, know I leave you fulfilled, happy, and in peace with no traces of bitterness.

In closing, these tears I shed are tears of extreme happiness and of extreme sadness mixed together. I’m not too proud to state; it hurts me deeply to be leaving you and I’m thankful you have let me call you home for so long. Also, know that your are the reason that this boy who arrived 15 years ago on a Tower Air Flight with 100.00 bucks in his pocket has grown into a man who leaves with a wealth of experience in life. Thank you, New York and I will always love you.

Con respecto,
Joaquin Manuel Ochoa

Post Script – I will be having a going away/birthday party this Friday if you want to stop buy and have a drink with me before my departure.

Loreley Bar
7 Rivington Street
9:00pm – till the lights come on.

The Crew

No-Mas Street Cred in Question

2009-01-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

As an avid boxing fan one of the places I go to visit and get great color commentary on the fight game is NoMas. A blog/website based out of NYC. It brings you short films on the grit it takes to make it in boxing; both on the big stage and on the local scene. NoMas also follows some of the local fighters that I enjoy watching.

Yet, the one thing that I've always enjoyed about NoMas is their shirts. They have a great selection of shirts that not many people are wearing around the city. Not to mention, they have a lot of backhanded humor and their shirts also take me back to my childhood.

So I'm a little torn by seeing NoMas shirts at Bloomingdale's this past weekend. I swear I was there for a friend and his girlfriend who were shopping. In any case, I suppose I'm a bit sad that they have gone mainstream. It was bound to happen, they have bills to pay and need to expand their market, and as I said above, they put out a fantastic product. I guess I just enjoyed finding their shirts in small hip-hop boutiques around the city.

I'm not getting paid to pimp NoMas on this site. I know the writers there and they do a kick-ass job of covering the fight game, baseball, and for some reason Philly sports. But Bloomies? The Rooster is confused today.

For those of you that call The Rooster a liar....here is the proof:

Vegas Report

2009-01-05T01:48:00.000-08:00

I'm the last one to put up a Vegas report. There is so much to write about and of course my main man, Derek at at PiTW (Poker in The Weeds) hit the nail on the head again with his trip report.

Thus, for many of us who have been blogging and to these things a few times there are a few things you can count on. Bobby blowing his money at blackjack and trying to get it all back at the ponies.

There were a lot of memorable moments...met some really nice people this time around. I wanted to post all these neat things that happened on this trip. But for those of us who experienced it...Grubby got there late but was there in spirit...this sums up what this community is for me. A group of friends who met through poker thing and this thing called a blog...getting together to wish two of our own the best in their new life and husband and wife.

I wanted to put the picture where they were kissing but Iggy kept popping up in those pictures.

Other note....a new name for you bloggers with twitter accounts. You are now known as "Bl-Itter" people. Joe Speaker's girl thought of that.

Oh, I had to post this picture also. We made our way to Casa Fuente.

Last Post Before Vegas

2008-12-10T00:36:00.001-08:00

This will be my last post before Vegas. Where I will be defending my championship from last year. You know, just in case you didn't know.

I've been playing a lot of poker here at all the different Casinos in Az. Even the one where Granpa Drizz lives near. I'm not sure if he is the old man who checked raised me in the Omaha game.

In any case, got a feel for live play again and not missing the bet here and there. All in all poker can be a bit depressing when you see people playing every hand and they continue to take money out of their pocket. I got to chatting with a man who said he played with his pension check. I saw him go through 400 bucks in about an hour after playing EVERY SINGLE HAND for a while. He must have been about 80 years old it was sad...and yes, I checked raised him on the river.

I've had a fantastic time here in Arizona. But truth be told...I'm a bit bored here. Not in a bad way...just use to the pace of NYC. It is quiet here and cars drive by only once every hour. There are no one legged hookers standing on the corner and old ex-hypes asking me for a dollar at the corner bodega.

People are playing a lot of different tournaments over in Vegas.

Someone came up with the idea of me getting post-its and assigning people A,B,C,D lister blogger status. I will save some the pain from getting that bad report.

In closing, I'm excited to see all of you in a couple of days I can't lie. In some sick way you degenerates have become a constant reminder of what is odd in the world. For the first time attendees...I don't do autographs...sorry.

Poker in the Az.

2008-12-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

This is a poker blog but I wanted to change the topic only for a few lines. My main man, Derek at Poker in The Weeds or PiTW emailed me about the state of the NYKnicks. Needless to say we have written many emails on this topic and we both still want Marcus "Cotton" Camby on the Knicks. In any case, the whole Starbury thing has been a hot button of discussion for us. Yet, this had to be the funniest line I've read in a long time. PiTW stated:

I'm waiting for Marbury to compare himself to Nelson Mandela . . . free Starbury damn it!!

For those of you following the whole Starbury drama. Well The Rooster and PiTW tend to disagree on this topic. I am of the school that from that start of the season the coach says, "You don't fit my plan for the team so you aren't going to play." Fine so Steph stays quiet and sits on the bench in street clothes because he is inactive. Then out of nowhere the trades take place which basically dump all the Knicks good players in hopes of landing L. James in 2010. Which I don't think is fair to the fans...but so be it. Then when they are short handed the coach says, "Steph, I need you to play tonight." What? Should Steph jump when the coach tells him to after annexing Steph before the season even starts. I think not. Steph is the best player on the team from the jump and he plays the run and gun style and you don't want him on your team and you coach the up and down game. In any case, before you jump on Steph's wagon...take note of this interview...guy is a trip. Video sent by PiTW:

CLICK HERE

Been playing at some of the poker rooms here in Arizona. The tables are a mix of rocks and aggressive players. Kind of depends who sits at the table and such. I've hit a few of my big draws and hit some big flops. Yet the person who impressed me the most was a 80 year old lady. Serious. She was a bit of a rock but when she bet she bet her draws hard and when she would hit her flops she would mix it up with slow plays and aggressive betting. We were at the 6/12 table and she walked away a rack and a half up. She even hit a Royal Flush and got an extra 50.00 bucks from the house. Then she got a little cocky when a young gun raised her on this hand. She re-raised and smiled. When she showed her Royal Flush she looked at the young gun and said: "Grandma flopped the nuts." Of course everyone at the table started laughing their asses off.

O.K. I'm off to help my Mom in the kitchen. Have fun and remember that you might be betting into a grandma who flopped the nuts.

Sign-up

2008-12-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't registered for the blogger tournament you should go and let Falstaff know you want to play.

Of course even if you are a reader you are more than welcome to come out and play.

On another note, for the last F'en time...there is no such thing as an A-List and B-List or Z-List amongst bloggers. I got an email asking me about the status of an A-Lister. Dear God. If you are wondering what list we are...how about the F'en Geek list...we are all geeks who write about poker and our boring lives. In the words of Iggy-Cakes: The Humanity.

Moving on. One word: Arsenal. Nuff said...no chirping from the PA.

In closing, not sure if you knew but that blogger tournament I mentioned above...well I'm the defending champion. Here is the trophy and take note of the little Mexican flag in the back. Nuff said:

A Quick Reminder

2008-11-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

I didn't write about it...but a few months ago this blog turned four years old. What can I say, it has been a ride where I have met some very unique people. I can go through all the personalities and what they have meant to me, but the truth is that there are too many characters to count. I am not too prolific via this blog but I just wanted to say thank you to all who have taken me in as a friend over the years.

With that being said, let me remind all you B-Listers of something from about this time last year.

Pauly Drama said it best when he wrote, I hadn't seen The Rooster that happy in a while. It was the truth, I was in a funky part of my life due to work and such. If you go to Pauly Drama's site you can hit his videos and see my falling apart after the all night bender where GCox was nice enough to take care of me.

But the truth is that I won the tournament. I am also the defending A-Lister Champion. Also, there is no real A-List or B-List. The reason being is that for there to be a list there needs to be more than one person...and I'm the only A-Lister. Nuff said. So going back to what my main man, Derek said, To be the man, you have to beat the man. And yes, I am the man.

Notable showings since the last WPBT Championship:

- Saturday's with Pauly Champion
- Final Table at The Bash
- Biggest Cash out at The Summit

On Another Note:

It is funny when people get to Vegas they are excited to see good friends, throw some cards and get caught up. Yet, for some of people the trip is a reflection of self over the year or years. You can see those people who wander off by themselves and are a bit quiet...I call that reflection time. These gatherings do that to some individuals...never take it personal those of you who haven't been to these things before...sometimes people just need some time to reflect. Those who have been bloggers, lurkers and/or both...know that we have seen some rough patches for people and they have written it on their blog for us to look at their pain, depression and sorrow...they have bled in public for us to lurk and for them to heal. Thus, I think sometimes these gatherings hit people a bit hard....the years kind of comes swarming back and lets be honest, these emotions can be a bit overwhelming for anyone. Sorry to be so gloom...it is just something that came to mind.

I'm not sure how many more times I will post here before Vegas but I'm sure everyone will put up some past posts about how to prep for Vegas. Pauly, Al and Otis have a write-up on this stuff so read their old stuff. Also, might want to read about the solo rage...holla!

Searching For

2008-11-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

I will be in Vegas in a couple of weeks. If you kind readers can do me a favor...if you see this lady in Vegas please let me know. Thank you very much...Mrs. Tripjax is my hero.

Iggy Cakes Takes 8th in Costa Ricka

2008-11-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

My main man Iggy-Cakes and some of you know him as the blogfather took 8th place down in Costa Rica. Go give him a shout at his site.

Wow!

2008-11-20T13:43:00.001-08:00

It has been a long while since I posted. The odd thing is that I've been playing a lot of poker and just haven't posted results and such here.

I played in Saturdays with Pauly Drama. Who else better than Pauly Drama to recap my run.

The Rooster jumped out to an early lead and almost had 4K in chips in the first 20 minutes. He turned a Wheel against Chompy and doubled up. Ah, the Rooster would fade out before the first break. Ingoal got most of his chips with a boat over boat. The Rooster was eventually taken out by JPPhilly's Kings. The Rooster was nevermore in 16th place.

Since we are talking hand history and such here these days...cough!cough! This was the odd part...flop was 299. It was PLO so I know I'm a head with my pair of 2's. Ingoal bet and I raised POT. He came over the top with a re-pot. Now I know he has the 9's. He's a good player so I'm thinking he has 9,10,K,Q or something of the sorts. I didn't really put him on the nuts which was two 9's. So I re-pot and put myself all in...he instant called and the turn brought the 10 in his hand. That is poker my friends. But remember, The Rooster always goes in with the best of it.

In other news....The Bash. Some of you may have forgotten about it but I haven't written my report as of yet. Here are some photos which will recap some of it I hope and these are in no particular order. Oh, and I did make the final table...holla!

At the Bash Olympics there can only be one championship team in the Carbomb races. Nuff said. I love Drizz's outfit...see that ladies.

The Rooster flops a monster hand. Full-House over Full-House...read above for I had the Queens. Once again, The Rooster always always goes in ahead.

Dr. Chako and his wife showed up. Here is her blog for all the ladies who read this who love shoes The Wife.

Drizz and another one of his funny faces he makes for the pictures. For all the people in Minn...take note when Drizz is out of Minn he sports the green and yellow.

The Boys in Blue were there right on my arrival. I thought this was my ride and they got caught drinking and driving.

Of course I had to put the hurt on Dawn. On the rare occasion that I go in behind...I always catch up on by the River. Holla!

Me just chilling at the table.

Al, thanks for putting this together...free food, booze and poker...now please get in the back of the SUV.

Another picture of Al being the gracious host and sitting in the back of the truck.

I love food as you know. But this had to be the best stuff I have ever had. I don't remember the name of it...but it is fantastic...thank you Philly for this stuff. Too bad they don't serve it here in Manhattan.

Of course I wanted to thank the fine gent..AlCantHang for the great time. The band was rocking and rolling, man.

Post Script - BamBam can dance all night long...madman!

Tis Been A Long While

2008-10-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in post people. Since my last post a lot has happened and I hope to get you all caught up here in this post.

I spent some time with Pauly and Derek at the Borgata when Pauly was covering the Borgata Open. I can't say enough about these guys. Serious, Pauly was quick to give me a call when I sent them a text that The Rooster had arrived. He got my location and told me to call him upon my arrival at the Borgata. I got in a cab and my 20.00 bucks back at the cage (the bus is like 30 bucks but you get 20 bucks back upon arrival...they do this to try and keep you at their casino) and jumped in a cab and off to the Borgata.

Upon arrival at the Borgata I called Pauly and he was on his way down. I looked to my right and seen this lady putting in 100.00 dollar bills in to the slot machine like if it was raining 100.00's....I'm sure Grubby would have hit on her.

We head off to breakfast (because The Rooster wakes up before the sun comes up and gets on a bus for two hours and it is still breakfast) and of course...Pauly decides to pick up the bill...The Rooster is always in awe of how generous the Pauly Drama and PitW are. I can't tell you how many times they have picked up the tab at The Palms and that place ain't cheap.

So Derek and me walk around the floor of the casino as Pauly Drama is working. We see Eskimo Clark and I say hello...he grumbles back at Derek and I...we can't understand what he's saying.

Good times and then AlCantHang showed up with Riggstad. Then the drinking started. I had to get back to the city and took off. I hear many good stories happened after my departure. I wasn't drinking so I escaped the wrath of Al.

Moving On...

I got an email from Bam-Bam about some of his friends that would be visiting from the North. I figured it was a good sign since Bam-Bam likes a bit of country music and most girls I know from Canada like to Grab Ass.

I want to tell you that if Bam-Bam asks you for a simple email to a friend or help for a friend...do not hesitate to do it. Serious, Sam and her boyfriend were all class. I'm being serious, I exchanged about 8 emails with Sam about places to visit when she came to NYC and such...I have to tell you she and her boyfriend were the kindest people you would ever want to meet. Not only that, they brought me a few gifts from Canada...they weren't needed but like I said, the folks from Canada have some class. I took some photos:

This had to be one of the coolest gifts of all. They put this Rooster on the top of a deck of cards. Just an awesome gift!!!

This is some real maple syrup made from Andrew's parents farm. I've had this a few times on my Eggo Waffles in the morning and it is delicious.

In closing, Bam-Bam you were right on when you said these people were good people. Glad to know that there are kind people in this world that make me believe in humanity again.

Next Post....THE BASH!!!

Bash!!!

2008-09-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here in a while. I'm off to The Bash. See if I come back alive and not in a body bag due to SoCo.

A.C. with PitW and Tao De Poker

2008-09-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

I was planning on making the trip down to AC this weekend then I got word that PitW was going to be visiting Tao of Poker for an uptown reunion of sorts over at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Since Pauly tends to felt me on my bluffs I figure that the 3-6 limit tables for an hour with the boys might be in order. Mostly I'm going to see if PitW and me can get Pauly Drama out for a drink or dinner.

Speaking of which, you can get all the good poker updates on what is going on at the Borgata here: Pauly Drama Blogs Borgata.

This was a great story about hitting the bad beat jackpot: HERE.

My main man Drizzy to da'Izzy is in the mix covering the biggest online tournament to date. Wish him luck.

In other news...go visit Al Can't Hang to see what is up for The Bash. I can't say that this is going to be the biggest and best, because that depends on who brings their A-Game and such. But I think that it is going to leave his little town red (on fire).

BadBlood broke his hand click here for pictures and sad stories. People, if I, The Rooster, have told you once...then I have probably told you twice, but here it is again: Roids makes one fragile and helps the aging process. Heal quick Blood...I have a strong feeling that Al might try and take you over the top like Stallone when he sees you at The Bash. Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Rooster.

Joe Speaker will be listening to Country Music soon enough. I remember growing up we use to go every Friday night to the local dirt track in my home town. Click Here to check out the track. I know a lot of them boys that are running the cars now. Good local boys with a dream and maybe just want to do some racing as a hobby...but I suggest you support you local dirt track in your area for it is a dying sport. Everyone wants to run the asphalt now a days. But the smell of that red clay when the wet it down at the start and when packed in by the end of the night...ummm...brings back great memories of home.

Next post: Canada comes to NYC via a blogger friend.

Notes from AC

2008-08-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

I jumped on the bus that made two stops in AC. First stop at Resorts and the other at the Showboat Casino. I took note that the Showboat moved the poker room downstairs. They were spreading 1-2 NL and 2/4 Limit…not my style as of yet.

The first person to help me at Showboat for my 20.00 dollar return was a Filipino. Grubby would be proud when out of nowhere I asked him if he played slots? He gave me the inner-circle smile.

I see the NO WHAMMIES slot machine. I text Grubby, No Whammies! No Whammies! Stop! I get a prompt response from Grubby (for the record, Grubby doesn’t email or text much), “Are you playing? That’s my voice on the game.” Sorry, The Rooster only plays poker.

Get my 12.00 dollar cab ride to the Borgata and sit at the 10/20 mixed game. Some of the regulars are there. Look down and find A2xx a few times with not much in the way of suited and such to go along with it. I play a few flops and don’t hit. I hit two big hands when I back into a full-house and a straight with the low in the Stud8 game. I’m up about 300 from pushing my hands on big draws and such. The Rooster loves this game because mixed games are easy. Two bad beats later and The Rooster collects his chips and walks away.

Off to the 3/6 game because the other games are a mile long and they aren’t opening up tables for them. I make a quick 100 when two of my flushes hit and I’m happy. Check raise the tourists who are calling stations and I’m good.

This is where the trip gets interesting:

As tradition dictates, The Rooster heads over to NOW (noodles of the world) to get some food in before I start my long second session. Low and behold The Rooster sees this nice little Asian girl sitting alone at the noodle bar. Waiter! The Rooster shouts: Lock Up Seat 4.

I take my seat and try to get a read. She looks tight-aggressive so it is going to take small talk...yes, The Rooster has got a hand to break a hand. Finally we get into chatter about poker, law, and of course all things NYC.

We chat for about 40 minutes and we complete our meal. She mentions that she wants to play Blackjack and if I want to join her. I mention that Bobby Bracelet thinks I’m bad luck. She tells me that I’m her good luck charm and come see her play. I’m thinking, sure twist my arm to see you blow through $100.00 bucks.

So we hit the Blackjack area and I take note that she knows what table she wants to sit at. Then I look and see the limits are 1,000 – 6,000 at that table. I’m like, Sweetie, I’m not staking you. She pulls out a wad of 100.00 notes and the guy counts out 10K. I was somewhat in shock but decided to play it cool. This is how her hands played out.

First Hand: 1K down and she wins.
Second Hand: 2K down and she wins.
Third Hand: PUSH
Fourth Hand: 4K down and dealer busts and she wins.

She grabs her chips and says, “Lets go, I have my shopping money for tomorrow.” The dealer looks up and cracks a smile at me. Just like that, within five minutes she won 7K. The scary part is that it was her shopping money. Did I mention that she was a pretty girl...o.k. I lie, she was fine! Holla! Nuff said...ABC.

But serious, I’ve seen guys go on some runs at the craps table but thye are building up to that size of bet. Her...she just put the foot to the gas and wasn't taking it off. Kudos to her but she made me question my masculinity.

In closing, I ended up only 180.00 bucks after dinner, bus ride and two mochas (one for me and one for my female friend...cough!cough!). As Bobby Bracelet would state: KA KAWWWW!

What Up?

2008-08-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

AC here I come!

So today is the start of some new poker goals. I had taken some time off because my head wasn't right for poker but now I'm ready get back in the mix. I tend to play cash games but I will play a bit online to get the blood flowing again. I like to play tournaments just to play a lot of hands on multiple tables.

So lets get started with some news shall we.

One, you have to go visit my main man DerekatPitW and his write-up about his time in LA. I'm a bit pissed still but I've learned to let cooler heads prevail. But if I'm ever in Bakersfield...look out! Also, I give props to Derek, he took the punch and smiled.

As we all know, Joe Speaker put his blog in the grave. What can I say, just keep visiting here and there he will pop up again. As I like to say about him and Otis, they like to cut their wrist with rusted fish hooks.

Speaking of Otis and the G-Vegas Crew (well not all of them are in G-Vegas anymore) they are back and posting daily!!!Click Here they have long been one of my favorite spots to visit when it comes to poker and they have funny stuff over there. G-Rob's and CJ are on a roll also in contributing which makes this Mexican happy.

Can anyone please tell me what happened to Helixx? Al, can we have a Helixx update?

If you want to get into the day to day aspect of poker and really getting into the whole mind/mental aspect of it...I say you go visit F-Train. He has a good way of looking at his game and it might give you some ways to break your game down.

In closing, I wanted to give big shouts to some people on my blogroll in no particular order.

BG - Congrats on the new gig.
Human Head - Congrats on the new gig and being back on the grid (more pictures of the kid)
Drizz - Congrats on the new gig...remember, The Rooster knows all.
Reslpsa - Poor-Poor Reslpsa...bad beat on the ticket situation.
AlCan'tHang - Can we get some pictures of the ladies please. Thank you!

In closing, donde esta Maudie?

AC This Weekend

2008-08-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

I will be leaving to AC this Friday. Not sure as to where I will be playing but I'm thinking the Taj (I love the dirty chips there) or Borgata.

Starting to play again which I'm a bit confused about. I tend not to play when not feeling good about my game but I need to get back in there and start to get back in the groove. I know, I know, everyone talks about not playing when your aren't feeling it and I totally agree. But I've started to read my books again and go over some hand history of pots I've felt really out played in and such.

In any case, if any of you are around this weekend at any of those casinos hit me up and maybe we will do dinner or lunch.

Tis Been A While

2008-08-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

Of course I feel like an ass for missing Pauly's Tournament yesterday but the computer was acting up. I took it in to get fixed and it wasn't done on time for the tournament which sucked. I heard a lot of people showed and it is just a testament to Pauly's wide audience which I consider myself an old school reader. No, that is not an attempt to say that I'm better or more interesting than you, it just means that I have been reading Pauly's blog since the start. I was a lurker for a while reading about his days on Wall Street and remembering mine. Wow...was it that long ago?

In other news. AlCan'tHang is throwing the bash soon enough and I can't wait. Serious, it seems like last year that I mooched a lift from the McGuire brothers to The Bash. We did AC for a bit and then we went to The Bash.

Side Note: This is when the Sore Loser was noticed.

Good times had by all...there were even a few Italian Girls with Hairy Arms that were cute according to Bobby. I do hope that some people who are on the fence about coming can make it. Serious, it is going to be fun and I'm even taking a day off to get the lay of the golf course the day before. Rumor has it that Drizz will be riding around with the beer girls on the course...ladies, don't let Drizzy drive after Captain and Coke...let's just say I seen him try to steer a wheelchair down the Vegas Strip...by the way, that should rank as a Top 5 Blogger Moments.

Viva Brett Farve!!! Free Brett Farve! Free Brett Farve!

Pauly Drama!!

2008-07-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Vegas has me as the odds on favorite to win this tournament. I hope you can all join in this tournament that has been presented to Pauly's Blog for all the hard work he's done over the last five years. I remember reading Pauly's blog when most of you were still sucking your thumbs. I do think this is going to be an old school mega tournament and hopefully a few of the old school guys will come out of the woodwork for this one.

A few people The Rooster would like to see in this tournament:

1. Cuban Links
2. Urgarte
3. GCox (just so I can raise him)
4. Daddy (just to type Chorizo in the comments)
5. Some of the the G-Vegas Boys

What's In The Name?

2008-07-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

There are times when someone's blog name (Runner-Runner Rebuy) hits them in the face.

With that being said, The Rooster brings you this example and the second bad beat in many postings by none other than, Vinny.

I'm not sure what to say here but your blog name discribes this one and this one hurt my junk so much I'm not going to ask you for the dollar in December. Poor-Poor Vinny...does a great job of waiting to trap and BOOM! Runner-Runner.

A Few Pictures From The Weekend!

2008-07-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

A few of you have been wondering about the prop bet that I took part in. This by far wasn't the worst prop that I have won. Yet, you can read about it HERE! I did this without even flinching, because The Rooster doesn't flinch.

I need not even get into this conversation people.

Beer and Wingman Stuff!!

2008-07-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

I’m starting to come down from my weekend Chicago energy high. There are some points that might have not been mentioned in other posts.

The boys from Minn brought some good beer. Of course they were trying to represent their state well and the beer was quite good. It got a little out of hand when Drizz said that a few of those beers could be auctioned on EBAY for a couple of hundred but I let him run with the story. Chad tried to back him up on this claim but I think they had this pre-planned…unless I see the link where the beer sales for that much. But the Brown Can was much better than the Red Can.

One thing that I took note is that all these guys love beer of different types. Everyone was willing to try everything DP threw at them. What really surprised me is that Drizz liked Belgium Beer. I always put him on Old Milwaukee or PBR. I know that StB loves to try every beer on tap so I knew he would have some new beers to suggest.

The best home brew of the two was Baily’s Special. I really liked the taste but I was trying to mix it up a bit and I was in Chicago so I had to have a lot of Goose Island.

Once we got to the stadium it was Old Town for the Rooster. I think I had about 7 of them give or take a few. Drizz drank the most at 10 but I’m sure StB had just as many but he wasn’t keeping count. I’m sure StB would say that keeping count is for Rookies who just came up to the bigs.

After the game I went to HB brew house and had one of the big boys there. Oh, and I did get a Summer Ale from Goose Island which was nice. DP had these mugs at his pad and I would pour two beers into them and drink.

Grubby and I took off and went to his hood for a beer. Every time I visit Grubby’s hood I like it more and more for they have a good mix of micro-brews and drinking bars.

Speaking of Grubby he is a great wing man. He was willing to go up with me to talk to any of the fine ladies of Chicago.

I think Chad would be a great wing-man also but he’s a bit too blunt. I seen you making the move to talk to that girl, Rooster…she sucked. Yes, yes she did fine Sir…twas like pulling teeth talking to her.

As for Bobby Bracelet…well depends how many beers he has drank for the night. He has too much backhanded humor for many girls to understand. For instance, “you aren’t fat like all the other girls The Rooster talks to.” Nice.

DP…well after all his Rooster-Blocking I got him back and clean. Needless to say, it was such a bomb that the girl told him, you will never get laid with this guy around. I pointed to his ring and said, his wife is much hotter than you and he’s only talking to you for community service hours he owes! Boooooom-Chaka-Laka.

Spreaker, Drizz and StB…well they just shake their head and walk away when they know where I’m going with my comments. Where is the love for The Rooster? No Homo.

Day 1 TILT!!

2008-07-14T09:57:00.001-07:00

TILT - My routine of staying up all night and catching an early flight backfired on me. I missed my flight. What should I do? I call those with more experience flying to see what they thought. They were all calm while I was flipping out but the consensus seemed to be that I should hit the airport and see what they could do for me on the spot.

TILT - I land in Chicago pretty much off tilt. I then proceed to get a cab driver from hell...re-tilt. I needed a beer by this point and this guy is slowing down at every corner looking at property that is for sale.

TILT - We pull out the cards and start drinking. Good smokes and life is good because at the poker table The Rooster doesn't TILT. Yes, I'm at home on the felt. Felt STB and DP. Yes, life is good. I even called DP with a middle pair of 3 to beat his pair of 2. Good hands to push all-in on. Misdeal on a hand I was behind and caught Chad on the turn...but misdeal and I would have felted all but Drizz. I notice I can't push Drizz off a hand and he has all my redbirds before I know it...TILT!! But I didn't show it.

TILT - Lose every prop bet we have going.

TILT - Tango Sur see an old friend of mine from undergrad that I hadn't seen in 10 years. Ouch!

TILT - Said friend tries to set me up with her sister.

TILT - Try to meet up with everyone at bar after spending some time with old friend. Everyone had gone home.

Viva El Senor Iggy-Cakes and Other News

2008-07-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

Iggy is currently at about 90K in chips going into day three.

As you know, The Rooster doesn't like to pimp people sites besides THIS SITE. Go read a tribute to why you should be rooting for everyone's favorite Little Man by clicking HERE

This is a funny story about everyone's favorite numbers guy Vinney. Read the one about the worse beat....haha! TILT!!

I wanted to apologize to Derek over at Poker in the Weeds. I had been giving his site capitol letters: PITW. But I was corrected via email when I seen that Derek abbreviates his site: PitW. In any case, Derek put up a picture of his girlfriend HERE.

GCox is over in Okie Vegas with Maudie for the 3rd annual Okie Vegas.

Human Head is back on the grid and moving to the city. No kidding. He will be very establishment again. I wonder if he will be doing a write-up on Naz's new album?

In closing, I don't even know where to start with this last link. Let me just say that people thought Waffles without a shirt was the scariest thing ever posted by a blogger. Now we have THIS!!. Hey, Cochino...go comb your hair and put some pants on.

Page Rank and File

2008-07-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sending the Little Man Iggy-Cakes good vibes for his Wed. Day 2 of the WSOP.

Page-Rank? Sorry...I'm not sure why everyone is all concerned about their page-rank. Serious, in the big scheme of things does one's page-rank really matter? Maybe I'm missing something about one's page-rank and why it matters. This is my take: You blog because you have something to say or write, not because you want a high page-rank. Yes, even the hand-history people have something to say and I wonder if they care about their page-rank. I think in the end you just love to write and chat about cards or what ever it be. But in all honesty, why do you care what page-rank your blog is? Serious...I'm sitting here laughing at this page-rank non-sense. Page-Rank? Did you say Page-Rank? Write for the love of writing and getting your voice out there...not page-rank! Serious, page-rank? I don't get it. There are people all around the world that are dying for messed up causes and all you can think about is page-rank and that you don't show up on the WWW. I thought people here wrote because of the love, not page-rank. I've always said, The Rooster doesn't shill on his site because he loves being a hack and giving the poeple what they want to read. If I cared about page-rank I would have done some gimmick on my site and sold space. Not me, I write for the purity of it. To shill is to sell out to the man. Plus, all of you are second page-rank to me anyways.

In other news...I'm getting thin and hope to lose another 15 lbs.

I won another home tournament...but then again, what else is new.

Allen Iverson is my friend and he doesn't even Practice...reminds me of The Rooster he just goes out and plays power poker like the greatest player from Indiana taught The Rooster. He said, Rooster, it is all about Power Poker, Baby! Viva Poker Champ!

Another Funny Metro Moment

2008-07-02T08:29:00.001-07:00

Another funny moment in the Blogger-Metro-Sexual archive. In a series of emails I found out why Mrs. DP's blog was never mentioned.

Email Topic: Mrs DP

Rooster: DonkeyPuncher, you never told me your wife had a blog.
DP: You never asked.
Rooster: Dude, why didn't you ever link her?
DP: She never linked me.

Haha! I started laughing at that one. Too funny.

Funny Stuff

2008-07-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Something funny just happend. Derek and I were emailing one another and one of the funniest things in Blogger history came to mind. It took place at The Bash and it went like this.

Derek: Rooster, I think Speaker went to his room and changed.
Rooster: What?
Derek: Yeah, Speaker went to his room and changed his outfit for the tournament.
Rooster: You have to be fucken joking me.
Derek: No look at him over there.
Rooster: Shit, his shirt even looks ironed.
Derek: What a clown.

Haha! Maybe you had to be there but that shit was just too funny.

Poker In The Weeds: Takes It Down

2008-06-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the most feared player in PLO. Although he doesn't look for highlight reel catches, steal everything in sight, or speak in the the third person. In other words, he's not the guy below. But click here and go give him props for taking down his brother's tournament.

Odd Ramblings

2008-06-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

Rooster, I, like you, cut my teeth playing Stud with all those WWII Vets and Korean War guys.
G-MONEY

Well said, G-Money. The Rooster leaves to AC in about four hours to sit with those old men at the Stud table. And The Rooster is not really excited at this point in time. The Rooster doesn't feel like traveling by bus for two hours and to sit at a table for another 10 hours. Maybe The Rooster will go home after work and run some before AC and sleep on the bus on the way there. The Rooster finds that when he's chill that TILT comes less. So wish The Rooster luck and may the cards hit him so damn hard that they cut him. Holla!

DP can't do it like me...

The Rooster sometimes likes to review his game and sit and think and it really does help. Sometimes to get the scoop on a really good player I go HERE. Say what you want about PC but he was the man back in the day and you can learn a thing or two from him.

I said, DP can't do it like me...

Go visit one of the nicest guys in Bloggerville AlCan'tHang. He's got a new job and I remember when I first started to read Al's blog like....a long time ago. My times change. I remember Al when he had short hair and would wear a tie everywhere...haha! Jokes. The Rooster wishes Al well on his new adventure.

DP can't do it like me...

In closing, I leave you with wisdom from my little 7 CardStud inner-poker voice: Never chase when you are behind from the jump. In other words, if a K raises in early position and you have Q's...throw them away.

2008-06-24T12:03:00.001-07:00

This was a great little story for you: CLICK HERE

WPBT Winter Gathering

2008-06-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

It looks like the dates for the WPBT are December 12-14

The Rooster will be arriving on the 11th and staying at the IP. Keeping with Derek and Pauly's tradition...I will be there Rodeo weekend.

In any case, I'm bringing my cowboy hat and spurs. Saddle up and get your ticket now. I wish you all luck in getting there.

And yes, I will be taking the damn hammer trophy home again. Iggy, I would like my name engraved on it please...thank you very much.

Remember, The Rooster never bluffs. Holla.

Please bring all the hot wives...thank you very much. Bloggers always marry up witch still baffles me. Serious, computer geeks get the chicks now. Shaking my head.

I'm helping with the golf tournment...so who will be doing the poker tournament? BG?

Random Crap

2008-06-23T12:18:00.001-07:00

Go over to TripJax and wish him and Chickjax’s family a quick recovery.

Also, Okie-Vegas’ is coming up quickly so you should go hit up Gary and Maudie about the information.

How about Iggy and winning a seat in the WSOP. I'm waiting for G-Money to make it now. That is all we need...those two ex-vagas guys making a return together to Sin City. I sometimes wonder what goes through those guys minds when they fly into Vegas.

How about Giambi and that mustache? Viva 70's porn!

Also, change in the agenda people: Schaubs will be handling the Winter Gathering golf tournament. Holla!

I’m thinking about starting to play online poker again. Yet, I’m not sure if I want to commit to it. I’m much happier playing live games in AC these days. I take off at 7 or 8 and get at the tables for some goodness and catch the next bus back to the city. Goodness and I have started to run good again…finally. No bad beat stories here but when you go on a bad run on Stud or any game for that matter. Well it hurts.

On another poker note…I read StB and I didn’t know that people were getting backed for the blogger tournaments. I don’t understand this to be honest, they buy-ins are like $10.00 bucks. Explain please?

I love it when there are people who talk all different languages at my poker table. I live in NYC so you hear about 10 different languages a day. In any case, there were these two Chinese people at my table who were talking while out of a hand. Someone calls the floor and asks for the all English rule to be in effect. I thought that was funny because those two MOFO’s weren’t even in the hand and the two people in the hang were American born and knew one another. Too funny...I was like welcome to the big experiment known as the USA.

In other news go check out PaulyDrama and his travels. Also, Pauly had a bad car wreck so send him good vibes:

No Mas and Golf

2008-06-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

Although not in my blogroll NO MAS is back and kicking. Large and I-Berg are BACK and writing good content again. I'm not sure what happened to that place but they went AWOL on me. Check out their line of shirts HERE. Funny...sometimes I see people wearing No Mas shirts around the city for they are sold at a lot of the cool B-Boy stores and I'm like, I know that shirt and who made it. I'm not getting paid to pimp their site, but I did want to say that these 2 guys break their ass to run their site and they also have cool films they shoot of local fighters so check it.

On another note. I was trying to figure out who is going to be my GOLF partner for the Winter Gathering in Vegas this year. I went through the list:

Derek - Tons of magic tea on the golf course and if there is girls tons of checking out the ladies...because that is how we roll...don't see many girls on the golf course.

PaulyDrama - Tons of magic tea on the golf course, talking music, and of course Katie Holmes.

Al - I get the free limo ride to the golf course because that is how Al rolls. But then I would have to drink SoCo on the course for 18 holes.

Human Head - Hear about how smart his kid is the whole 18 and how the government is tracking our scores on the course.

BG - Probably food talk and how he's exploited at work.

Kat - Too much ass grabbing....haha!

Blood - Hey, Rooster, tell me how my biceps look when I swing.

Easycure and GCox - I'm so in love with my wife for 18 holes is nice and all...but ummm.

Geek and Proud and BiggestRon - Hey, we should go bowling after this game.

Waffles - Bad beat stories for 18 holes.

Grubby - Threes Company and stories of sitting eating all you can eat sushi for 4 hours then being asked to leave...I might like that.

LuckBox - Don't worry Rooster, we are 12 strokes back...but I'm the LuckBox, Baby! We will make it up on the back 9.

Donkey Puncher - Dude, when I was single I was the man...pifft!

Joe Speaker - AJ, Soccer and ladies over 40...hummm.

Otis - God doesn't like me for 18 holes might be tough.

G-Rob - Hey, how does my hair look when I swing...does if flap to the left or right?

Falstaff - Hey, do I look skinny when I swing? How much do you think we will lose if we walk the course?

F-Train - Listening to: Rooster, you suck at golf, I should have picked my girlfriend for 18 holes might be tough.

Pablo - How do you play soooted connectors, Rooster?

Daddy - CHORIZO!

Bobby Bracelet - Elizabeth for 18 holes will be tough.

Reslpsa - Law talk for 18 holes...ummm...errr.

Stevie The Bull (StB) - Old Milwaukee, Rooster...it doesn't get any better than this.

Fat Guy - Rooster, let me tell you how we do things down in Texas...Dear God.

So I thought and thought who I could shoot 18 with and possibly win. Everyone had their strong points, but when all was said and done I went with this guy:

I figure golfing with a MIDGET named IGGY would make for a good story later in life.

In closing, I don't have all the details for the golf tournament. I think Al is putting that together but I'm sure there is a Public Golf course that The Rooster and the Midget can crush. Also, I hope this is a team event if it's singles I'm going to be a donator.

Random Crap

2008-06-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Of course I visit the best pokerblog daily in hopes of a new post. Yet, there has been no inspiration for The Weeds as of late. As The Weeds often states, "Rooster, I need that perfect mix of magic tea and 80’s re-runs of Welcome Back Carter to get my writing mojo going." Que Paso Con El, White Shadow?

Congrats to everyone’s favorite little man, Iggy-Cakes for winning his way into the WSOP Main Event. I’m not sure if Iggy will be able to get away from his job, The Summit, and MMAJunkie.com. Thus, I might have to take his seat. Why me? As my main man at Poker In The Weeds says, walk that aisle Rooster...because to be the man, you have to beat the man...Woooo!

F-Train cashed in the Razz event and you can read his write-up HERE. If you visit his archive comments and my post...well you can read many times over where I have said that F-Train is the best Razz player in the community. The Rooster knows of what he speaks.

Also, go check out Pauly’s monthly Truckin’ magazine. I love the stuff that is written over there and Drizzy to the Izzy makes his debut in the mag.

Everyone is talking about the flaming war that is going on in the community and asking my opinion. I’m like, PIFFT! Serious, have any of them won the Winter WPBT? I don’t know, I just don’t think that any of them can walk the yard alone. Also, I don’t want to bring the lawyers into it because we all know that there are too many blogger lawyers already. I’m going to close it with this statement: This coming Winter when we are in Las Vegas, I know Randy Couture Fighting School has a gym there. I can call Randy in advance and I'm sure he will be willing to let bloggers who have beef walk into the cage and duel it out.

Speaking of the cage. Iggy-Cakes and I have been having a friendly debate as to the whole topic of UFC v. Boxing. I bet on both sports and I’m probably one of the biggest winners when it comes to betting on these two sports (so if you need some direction of who to bet on write me). But back to my conversations with Iggy-Cakes, I just don’t see one UFC fighter pulling in the PPV numbers that someone like Oscar is pulling. When I see this I will give it up to the UFC. I can say this about the UFC, they are more willing to pit the best against the best...but boxing is following suit now. Your take?

Also, I found this BLOG and it looks like he's back.

I wanted to also post a few pictures that might make you remember some old times in bloggerville.

My Birthday Picture

2008-06-05T10:51:00.001-07:00

Twiiter Me If In Trouble

2008-06-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

If you are in trouble make sure and use Twitter.

Read HERE

You can Twitter "The Rooster" HERE

You can read updates of win I win the WPBT this Winter. I will give you play by play accounts. If I would have had Twitter before I could have done it this past year when I took it down.

For Raising Cain

2008-05-29T06:47:00.001-07:00

A picture of my future wife, P. Yes, I just call her by her first initial. Plus, I knew this picture would tilt, Raising Cain. Holla!

Random Post

2008-05-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

I was going to add more to the weekend with some of the bloggers that came to town but the truth is that Derek did one of his killer posts and I just left it at that. How can The Rooster follow that up?

Moving On.

I went to A.C. a few weeks ago for one of my all night benders. Lost a big hand in the stud game when my boat was out done by a straight flush! Ouch. I would go into hand history here...but I’ve been reading those too much in my books these days. But this is how it played out verbally.

Seventh card face down and old man bets. I’m thinking he hit his flush and my mind starts to sing the Star Spangled Banner...doh!

Old Man: Bet
The Rooster: Raise
Old Man: Re-Raise
The Rooster- Re-Raise
Old Man: Re-Raise
The Rooster: Can you spread your cards out more (I see it!). Yikes. You hit the straight flush on me.
Old Man: Silent
The Rooster: This has happened to me before and it hurt...I’m going to mercy call here knowing you have the straight flush.
Old Man: Here you go.
The Rooster: Thanks.
Another Old Man: Son, I didn’t think you were going to hit the breaks there.
The Rooster: I wasn’t...I had a big full house.
Another Old Man: Shit, everyone could see that.
The Rooster: Thanks.

We all started to laugh at that one a bit. I’m not sure about the odds of that...but it has happened to me before so I wasn’t going to get into a raising war with Gramps who played one out of every 15 hands. I went home down about 300.00 for the night.

I sent High on Poker a text I was already home at the time. In any case, he said he had just won a tournament. I was happy for the guy. Then I read in his blog that he chopped. Sorry, J-Dog, you can’t say you won a tournament if you chopped. Just my take.

Also, I put everyone’s favorite Mid-West Lawyer on the blog-roll, Res Ipsa. What can I say, Res is the man. One of the nicest guys in the poker community and he might seem tight on the poker table, but when you see this guy out in Vegas he has a lot of gamble to him. I’ve seen him playing just about every single game and table in Sin City. I think him and Grubby would get a long because I always see him playing slots. Res, you are going to lose on those things. The Rooster’s Consulting advice and free with no charge.

Maudie and GCox are starting to promote Okie Vegas so you might want to hit their sites.

I got a call from Donkey Puncher the other night saying, I’m rolling to the corner bar alone tonight. I was like...funny because I’m rolling solo also. When a man needs his beer he needs his beer...maybe we have a problem going to a bar alone for a beer...haha!

Poor-Poor Joe Speaker. Sure he will say that we all go to those dark places from time to time. I agree. But I go there when I need to hit a punching bag really hard and I leave those places alone after that. Otis said something to the extent that he wakes up in the morning, looks in the mirror and says, Oh, it's you again. I see Speaker waking up and saying, "Shit, I made it through another day."

Speaking of the OTIS CLAN. I really do suggest you go visit Mrs. Otis. She has to be one of the funniest ladies out there with her Apple Bottom project. They got this game to help them with their health...Fitness Wii.

Falstaff is getting all girly on us and suggesting bags to purchase. I use a lot of man bags myself, but I don’t go suggesting them on my blog. Sure he’s going to tell you that it is a work thing...but I think he’s going the way of Speaker and DP.

In closing, I am still hoping that we can have the winter gathering where I will defend my title as the WPBT Winter Champion. I got an email from someone saying I brag too much about that victory. Maybe. But like my main man at Poker In The Weeds says, to be the man, you have to beat the man. Until then...eat it!!

Pimping

2008-05-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love it when people are like...Rooster, why do you pimp other folks? I'm a nice guy? In any case, here is the skinny.

Did anyone see Phil Ivey court side at the Lakers game last night? He must have taken Jerry Buss for some money.

Is it me or is The Rooster still the defending WPBT Champion? I can say that until next winter.

If you have some time go over to Jamie's at Wall Street Poker and read about his trip to California poker rooms...great tales indeed. A crew of us went to Jamie's pad to get him out for a beer when we were in his hood...to no avail...he was in Cali. StB seemed amused that a game would take place there. I even told him there was a real poker table where the cards were dealt. In any case, this is my favorite line from his trip report and playing cards in South Central:

“It’s daylight on an early Monday Morning. What better time to go to Compton? All the gangstas are sleeping!”.

Once again, I'm glad I'm not a writer/artist type. You have to love this blogger and his love of emotional pain. Dear God the dark places this guy visits. Makes me thank god that I'm not an artist or writer. I love being a hack.

I hate to pimp them again, but they have the best one, two, and three combo in the south Up For Poker is talking poker and ponies. Remember this...read the post CJ put up about Casino Drive. I looked him up on ESPN and they have a clip of him pulling away from that pack. I'm smelling what Luckbox has cooking. No new pictures of the home and Mrs. Luckbox?

Of course you have to go see Tripjax for he put up some cute pictures of his kid.

Also, might want to hit GCox for his write-up about his daughter. GCox is da man!

Some people like Pauly's poker blog which is good. But if you haven't gone HERE to his regular blog you are missing out on funny stuff...Viva White Gold!

Also, besides Change100 is there another blogger who has made two WPBT final tables in Vegas? Someone said CJ but I'm not sure about that. I'm just asking because when I win the trophy next winter I want to be the second or third person to reach a final table more than once.

Mid-West Invades NYC - Part II / Pictures

2008-05-13T06:28:00.001-07:00

Mid-West Invades NYC - Part I

2008-05-09T10:03:00.001-07:00

It is impossible to capture or do justice to Pauly, Iggy, G-Money, Stevie the Bull and Bobby Bracelet’s visit to the Big Apple. Thus, I will give highlights as they come to mind.

Tuesday, April 28th. I get a call from Pauly Hollywood saying that he’s flying in for Iggy’s birthday. The Rooster’s party hat is put on and he’s ready to rock and roll. Can you say, BARN BURNER!

Wednesday 9:30 pm. Home Base for the crew for the weekend (The Rooster’s Crib). The Rooster picks up some Red Stripe (for Hollywood) and Guinness (for the midget...I mean, Little Person).

Pauly Drama arrives and we chat for a bit. Something smells funny in my apartment (magic tea). Nuff said. Iggy and G-Money call and tell me they are on a bus. WTF? Conversation goes something like this.

Iggy: Rooster, we are on a bus leaving the airport.
Rooster: What?
Iggy: This nice old man told us to catch this bus; we aren’t sure where we are going.
Rooster: Are you serious?
Iggy: He was a nice old man.
Rooster: Dude, I told you and G-Money to catch a damn cab…it’s only like 20 bucks!
Iggy: What should I do? What is your address?
Rooster: What bus are you on…The M5?
Iggy: I don’t know?
Rooster: Ask someone there on the bus.
Iggy: They don’t speak English.
(I look at Pauly Hollywood and shake my head…Pauly is either in outer space from the tea or just giggling for the hell of it)
Rooster: Dude, go ask the bus driver
Iggy: I don’t know if he speaks English either.
Rooster: Get up and go ask him!
Iggy: G-Money, ask someone where we are at?
G-Money (in the back ground): Donde esta la biblioteca?
Rooster: Dude, he just asked them where the damn Library was.

Finally Iggy lets out a laugh. Pauly is like, I thought they had you going. Score one for the visiting team.

Next conversation as to where we are going to drink.

Pauly: Rooster, I was thinking somewhere local.
Rooster: I like that idea. Maybe UWS bars (notice the S at the end of bar).
Pauly: Rooster, the boys like to HUNKER down at a bar. They probably aren’t into running and hitting 10 bars in one night like you do.
Rooster: O.K. a few bars then.
Pauly: O.K. I say we hit P&G and Yogi’s.
Rooster: YOGI’S BAR!!!!

The boys arrive and unwind to a few beers. Pauly Drama is all heart and class and that is hard to find people in Hollywood and NYC. He brought a gift for both of our Mid-West guests. Magic Tea for G-Money and a cool painting for Iggy.

There is a story behind the painting that I can’t really go into here because I’m not sure I have permission to discuss it. But let me say this…if you ever get to know Pauly he is an interesting cat. Serious, you read his stuff and you are like, wow…this guy is a crazy MOFO who runs around the world covering poker and hitting magic tea houses. Yet, there is this other side of him that is not so much vulnerable as I would say, sincere. When he explained to us the time in his life when he did the painting it was….raw, pure, unedited, sad, uplifting and in your face. The rawness of that time in his life was there in that painting but his explanation of it blew me away. I’m sure he thought nothing of it, but it is odd for someone to bare their soul as Pauly did and on the spot. Somewhat hard to explain without the background but maybe he will discuss it someday.

Moving on to P&G! I think they have the oldest neon sign on a bar in the city. It is an old bar with wood for the bar, seats and tables. A throwback if you will. This is Pauly Hollywood’s favorite bar on the UWS and we have been here a few times…but this time it was a bit different.

I walk in and I knew this bar in my past. I’ve been to this bar before in my youth. Memories flood my mind of years past. I’ve been to this bar before, well not this bar, but one similar to it.

I sat there with my father for a burger or menudo on the weekends when he was watching the ponies run and catching football games. My parents had a bunch of drama when I was growing up, so as punishment my Mom would make my Dad take me with him. So we would hit the bar and I would watch my father play pool, bet the ponies, and football. It was an all day affair and my second meal of the day there was always tacos. Then before the football games were to start my Dad would give me a few 20’s and some loose change. He would have me walk over to Gustavo and place a bet for him, “Tell Gus 40.00 on the Raiders and the quarters so you can play your game (Space Invaders, baby!).”

I digress.

So this would be the drinking hole for the weekend. Once I seen how happy G-Money and Iggy were at P&G Bar I knew it would be hard to wraaaastle them out of there.

We finally walked out to Yogi’s and that was o.k. We played some pinball and this funny conversation broke out between Iggy and me as Pauly and G-Money are talking music and country/hippie bands they have seen.

Rooster: Let me get the next ball on the machine, Iggy.
Iggy: Yeah, yeah, hold on, I’m trying to figure out this game and how to beat it.
Rooster: O.K. let me get the next ball.
Iggy: Yeah, Yeah, o.k.
(Five minutes later…Yes, Iggy does have pinball skills)
Rooster: O.K. my turn.
Iggy: Rooster, you can get the next game, I promise.

I was sitting there laughing because Iggy takes his pinball serious. He was so into that game…he was locked in…funny stuff. I’ve asked Iggy to cover me for 300.00 bucks and he gives it to me without questions or a payback date. Iggy has let me take over a 500.00 dollar stack in a no-limit game (my weakest game) without thinking twice. But you can’t have one ball in his pinball game…funny stuff.

I spoke to a few of the lady patrons. The boys were happy just sitting there drinking and watching me sing my country songs that played on the box.

Then I see Pauly Hollywood walk over to play some songs. Of course I’m scared because I don’t know Pauly’s taste in Country Music. But low and behold he reeled off a good set of songs. Interesting…a little country in the Pauly Hollywood?

We then went around the corner to drink some more beer. We were asked to leave nicely after a few Mexican jokes went awry. But in all honesty, the jokes were rather funny.

We called it a night at 4:30a.m.

Backing By Rini

2008-04-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

No, Bill hasn't foolishly backed me for the WSOP. I can do that with my own roll these days which is a nice change. In any case, I do have the endorsement of Bill for my future wife. What can I say, I'm touched that Bill would go out on the edge for me. I'm still pissed I can't leave a comment on his blog, it always kicks me out.

But Bill is the only guy that I've seen go on a heater in blackjack for 3G win. Other people such as Bobby Bracelet or Grubby aren't so lucky. But as Grubby says, there is no such thing as luck.

Odd ramblings.

A white guy has joined the Wu Clan. Hit up Daddy's site to the right. I'm not sure if he's spitting lyrics or just writing for the Wu...but it is what it is.

Of course Pauly Hollywood is going strong out in LA and he's always a good read. I tend to pick-up his other blogs for fun.

As I mentioned before, Spaceman is back on the blogger tip which is nice. I guess he is getting all into the music scene down in the dirty-dirty.

AlCan'tHang is still taking a break from blogging which sucks.

There is a good article on calls and what stands in home games by HighonPoker at the Wall Street Game. Myself, as much as I think Jamie (the guy who runs the Wall Street Game) to be a stand-up guy, I think that he can be an angle shooter so the fold stands in my book...haha! Just messing Jamie, but I would hold you to your word so if you say, fold...well fold it is.

Human Head still thinks the government is out to get everyone and those reads are a bit deeper than eye level. So I suggest you take some time to read...or if you are bored just go to the pictures of his new baby girl.

Joe Speaker will take you on a trip where you will be saying, WTF.

Sore Loser/StB is still being a sore loser. Viva Stevie The Bull.

G-Cox is killing innocent animals for joy. I'm really not sure why he's doing this and if he asks himself, WWJD? Buy that guy the bracelet which has those initials.

Change100 is all over the place...Monte Carlo, American Idol, Zuma Beach and almost killing French people.

Donde esta Irish Jim?

Kat continues to bubble. Seems the only thing she can close on these days is grabbing butts.

Speaking of hot butts...might want to go welcome Maudie back. Seems like she is out of her funk and writing again.

These next two blogs are really killing it as of late and make me laugh.

One
Two

Sighting?

2008-04-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Review

2008-04-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

I called Joe Speaker drunk the other night in search of some relationship advice. Sure the guy is batting 0-2 in the love-zone, but who better to call than someone who is 0-2? In any case, I just wanted to thank Speaker for being open to listening to a drunk rant. A true bad beat for Speaker to have to listen to The Rooster drunk.

Speaking of loss and stuff. To be honest, I have never dealt well with loss. There are times when I just break-down with pain when walking down the street. I don't cry, but my heart aches, and it reminds me that life is so damn fragile. I wish I had some of these people around to play spades with, five card draw, and Broken-7 card stud.

With that being said, I shout to my homies who are alive and some beer is to be poured out for those whose time has come and gone too soon on this earth.

With that being said, let us never forget Charlie Tuttle. One of the good guys of poker. I can not say enough about Charlie and what he meant to us in the poker/blogger world. Even if you are a new school blogger and say that the old bloggers are out of touch, that the community changes and we should understand that (and honestly most of us do), and that we are dated and need to understand the new brand of blogger. I totally agree but you should also know the story of Charlie and what he meant to us old school folk and why we hate to hear people from the community berate anyone of the community.

I can go on and on about Charlie and I never met the guy in the flesh. But for some reason, I, like so many others in the community, took to Charlie because he was a good guy who took his lumps like a man. Not only that, he was a good friend of Spaceman (who by the way is blogging again) and I think that Charlie brought out the human in all of us, reminded us the importance of friendship as we watched Spaceman work through his pain as he seen his best friend dying and not being able to alter the course of the end, and what it showed us was how dynamic and special this group of internet dweebs calling themselves bloggers really was. We who remember Charlie rooted for him till he left this earth for a better place. When all of you start to get in a huff over a bad beat remember that Charlie was delt the worse hand you can ever be delt, Cancer. But Charlie pushed on and fought it to the end...he never complained about a bad beat or cards he was dealt. Puts things in perspective doesn't it.

Who Sits Behind The Rooster

2008-04-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love it when a hot shot kid sits down at my table with Shades, Hat, Cool Shirt that Reads: The Nutz and has a girl sitting behind him. If he has some ice on his ears, wrist or neck it is even better. Of course he has brought her along to show her that he's got game can fleece someone at the poker table. Dear God!

Sometimes if I'm lucky enough to fleece someone like this I will say something like...wow, dumb luck!

In any case, this got me thinking...who would The Rooster have sit behind him. Hummm...here are a few of my options:

But when all is said and done...this is the girl who I would have sit next/behind me:

And remember ladies...The Rooster brings home the bacon:

Turning Down The WSOP

2008-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

I was asked by someone who I highly admire and respect in the poker community to cover the WSOP. He wanted me to cover both poker and party life that takes place during the WSOP. I was a bit excited about this proposal to be honest, and I was really touched that this friend thought of me. But the truth of the matter is that it was too much work.

I can't see myself working 15 to 20 hours a day at this point in my life. Not only that, but the job entailed me to party and write about it. See...when The Rooster starts to party he doesn't stop and I wouldn't be able to get up and go to work the next day and cover poker.

I don't see how Pauly, Otis, Change100 and Spaceman do it. Serious, the job seemed rather stressful when explained to me. Not only the hours but also the deadlines that would have to be met and the editing and such that comes with it. Not only was it not in me, but I'm a hack of a writer and I have never really put much time and effort into the craft that it deserves. Sure millions come to this site and such...but you get what I'm saying.

Not only that...but I thought it might be a bit B-Lister of me to follow in the footsteps of those mentioned above. I don't want to be at the WSOP working there and seeing my friends who have made the way for me. I just can't bring myself to it...The Rooster has always walked to his own beat (Think the Wu Tang Clan!!!)

I admit, when the job was explained to me minus the hours and deadlines I was all about it...this seemed like a job for The Rooster. But the truth is that it takes a certain talent to pull this stuff off. Plus, as I said, I want to carve out my own circle and niche. I'm not saying that I might not take another assignment or that there isn't room for me...but I'm just that guy that doesn't like to be a follower.

In closing, I wanted to thank my inter-dweeb friends for the third of many opportunities they have thrown my way. Serious, all you B-Listers have been nice enough to always ask The Rooster Consulting if it wanted some of the pie, the cool-aid, or the bacon you all were eating and I'm touched. But the truth of the matter is that I just belong in the far reaches of the Stud Tables by the Bathrooms at the Borgata. Holla!

Haha!!

2008-04-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

I love that people are tough over the computer. Serious, I hope someone has heard of Vincente Perez and what he did in a live game to a tough guy who mouthed off to him. Nuff said.

Moving on. A blogger friend of mine asked me my take on moving in with a girl. First, I started to laugh that someone would want to move in with this B-Lister. Second, I was surprised that this blogger was able to get a girl. My final take was this, she is too young for you to move in with her. I've seen many an old guy trying to wrestle down a young girl. I've done it, but I'm an A-Lister. Young girls need space, Man. Let her run and go be a coke-head for a while with her friends. Let her get drunk and strip on the pole. It is then, and only then that you can tie her down, and get married and stuff.

I got killed in AC this Saturday. I lost a buy-in ($800). I played some hands horrible. I played some well and got drawn out on. What I don't like is that they put all the 7-card stud players in the 20-40 game way on the end of the room. For those of you who have played at the Borgata I'm talking about by the bathrooms. Like we have some rare disease that can't be cured. All the players in that game are old men...why do you put us way in the corner where these poor guys have to trek to get there?

Also, I have taken to old guys slow-rolling me. Yet, it is not for the reason that I like to do it back. These guys are old and turn them over slowly because they aren't sure they have the winning hand from time to time. Serious, let me give you an example where I had to tell the old guy that he beat me and I had to hand about a 200.00 of my dollars to the old guy.

So I raise with a K showing and it folds around to the old guy. He looks at his cards for the third time and calls with a 3d showing. He's about 80 or so. So I put him on a big pair under or a diamond draw. Not a bad call but not a great one either. To make a long story short...he calls all the way down and backed into two pair which hit on the river...he had Queens hidden under...not a great play but by third exposed card he was also on a diamond flush draw....so...err...on this hand I don't feel too drawn out on. In any case, so I flip over my king and say pair. He's looking at my hand and turning his three down card over slowly and doesn't take note that his 6c paired with his 6d. He looks again and I say...you got it...take it down. He looks...and looks again and is like, Wow! Before I use to get pissed at this type of play, but the truth is that he did that on every hand he played till the end. He was just a bit slow at reading his board...no biggie. Good enough guy when we got to chatting and he chuckled that he won that pot from me.

Question, where do all these old guys get their money? He re-bought like three times. Odd.

FULL-TILT STAFF!!!!

2008-04-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true...The Rooster is moving to Ireland. Something just came over me that made me decide to move to Ireland to try and obtain a job with Full-Tilt Poker (take note, I don't have a job there as of yet, but I know people. I hate to drop names like, Hey, HDOUBLE how you doing? Cough!Cough!

Rooster, how did this happen you ask?

See I visit our good friend, Bill Rini's site pretty often (it is hard to leave a comment there). Then I get a bit pissed that he's traveling the world and having a great time. Thus, I have to see what I'm missing out on so I visit HERE. Yes, we are just cube/office monkey's plowing away while some people travel every damn weekend for fun.

So I was pondering my life and what I wanted out of it and I came across this picture and found my calling:

Yes, this is my mission in life. To work for Full-Tilt to meet this girl. Thus, if anyone at Full-Tilt wants to hire one of the last A-Listers to join their staff please contact me. I will even start out in the mail room. Well actually that will just allow me to see this girl daily while on my mail routes.

Holla!

Good Posts

2008-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

UP FOR POKER is back and running. They have ended their hiatus and decided to come back and reunite one more time for BadBloods Birthday. Strong showing boys. But as G-Rob figured out, a while out of the game and the poker chops get rusted. Go read Bloods question of Quein Es Menos Macho.

Maudie has a quick recap of the movie: 21. Should go give it a read and as you all know Maudie is in semi-retirement for now and I hope to see her back soon enough.

Oh, and if you need humor in your life I suggest you go HERE. CHORIZO CRUSHER!!

As all of you know there are two very metro-sexual guys who are also shutting down their blogs. I'm sad to see HIM and HIM go. What can I say, I'm going to miss you guys. Maybe you will only be semi-retired like Maudie.

Oh, also go check out Derek and a fellow A-Lister's blog for he has a great write up about his last Vegas trip. Key word: stripper!!

In closing, with all the talk of people bad-mouthing everyone can someone say names? Just don't sit there and not say names...that way they won't be invited to all The Rooster's secret A-Lister parties that I throw.

Viva BigMike

2008-04-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

A few days ago a legend in the blogging community won The Big Game. For those of you that don't know BigMike he makes up one-third of the three amigos, the fun bunch, the three Penn-ateers, and so on. You can read about their adventures in limos, chatting-up random blonde girls with big boobs, rock concerts and shots Here.

You ask, why does BigMike get so much street cred from all the bloggers? If you ever shake BigMike's hand you will know why. He is just the nicest guy in the world. I can't really explain the BigMike phenomena...it is hard to put my finger on it to be honest. I guess BigMike is the guy everyone wants to have as a friend or family member. I, The Rooster, am honored to say I know the man.

So I hoist a Cosmo to you BigMike and also I'm going to pump Barry Manilow's greatest hits in your honor all day.

In closing, as much as I hate to say it...and I sat here in front of my computer for an hour before I wrote this....BigMike sets the bar on what an A-Lister is.

Robyn Moreno

2008-04-02T11:39:00.001-07:00

Once again, I try not to promote people I know much. Serious, for I only do know A-Lister's and they get enough air time if you ask me.

In any case, this is one of my old school friends, Robyn Moreno. I met Robyn many moons ago in the city when she was a lone nobody. Now she has three books and is blowing up the spot. I teach the rookies well is all I can say, if you listen young Jedi as Robyn did, well then you too might become an A-Lister. Holla!!

In any case, make sure and click
HERE

RIP Frank

2008-04-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

I sit here a bit sad today due to the passing of my friend, writer, and reader of my humble blog, Frank Walsh. Frank Walsh passed away this past Saturday in his sleep and he will be missed. Frank fought cancer like nobody else and he fought it down to his last days. I suppose I can talk and talk about Frank but in the end he was a good husband, father, and son.

We exchanged many email on the daily and this was an email he sent me on Friday. I have cut some out because we were talking back and forth but this is the main part:

HAPPY EASTER!!

Last year the doctors told me I probably would not make it til this Easter. Well against the medical odds I am still here.

God has more work for me here on earth so he is letting me hang around!

I hope you have a great day ....thanks for being my friend

Frank

You can also read some of Franks articles by clicking
HERE

Please keep Frank's family in your positive thoughts.

Enjoy!

2008-03-27T14:30:00.001-07:00

Little One

2008-03-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

My buddy Human Head had a beautiful little girl. He has some great pictures up of the baby. You should visit. By the way, how can a mofo who wears a chin-strap beard (ala Kevin Love) have such a beautiful babies? Wait, for those of you who have met Mrs. Head you know where the looks come from.

A-List Hating

2008-03-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve been invited by some very cool people to a lot of their events.

1. The Boat
2. Dinner with Dr. Pauly in NYC
3. Okie Vegas
4. Eh-Vegas
5. Florida

I can’t make all these events but I do get invited and I’m touched for the invites.

Heck, The Rooster even gets invited every week to the Wall Street game. The Rooster even puts money in the tip jar and I see a lot of people that don’t. That is just how this A-Lister keeps his role...and although I don’t call many B-Listers out for their lack of table manners...I am here. If a cool Dude hosts a game you should pitch in a bit for him to get sodas and such. I digress.

Sure The Rooster got invited by Al to two of the above events. You know, Al, he who likes rooting for the Mob owned team of Chelsea. In any case, The Rooster attends these events because they are fun. Not to mention, it is bad taste for an A-Lister such as me to skip on a B-Lister events. It kind of keeps my status up there; you know, like some of you play basketball against short people when you’re 6’5. Did I mention taking shots with Al and Big Mike is fun. What about the third part of the three amigos, Louie-Louie warm up drinks...his warm-up consists of a Shot of tequila followed by an Irish Car Bomb followed by chugging a Harp. I've seen it done in the flesh...all within a few seconds. Classic!

I was a bit in shock to read that people were hating on an A-Lister such as myself for getting invited to all these events and they were not (well come to think of it I’m not surprised, next blogger event I will be wearing the shirt that reads he/she hate me!). Look I can’t help it if The Rooster is liked and good at poker. The Rooster can’t help it if he’s an A-Lister. Do you blame Jordan for getting all those fouls called in his favor because he was a great player? No it is not fair, but it is what comes with being at the top of the pecking order.

Also, The Rooster has seen the term A-Lister Blogger being thrown around a lot. Make note people, this all came from Jordan at High on Poker’s article a few years ago, but it was The Rooster who took A-Lister blogging status to a new level. Why? Well because that is what an A-Lister does.

Al and a few people called me a self-appointed A-Lister...there might be some truth to that. But there is no denying that we are all friends here and if you get to know me you will probably get my status as an A-Lister. My email works if you want to email me but please don’t email me wanting me to link your site. Serious, The Rooster gets about 100 of those daily from B-Listers. Bam-Bam...cut back on the emails for you are close, but just a bit not up to snuff as of yet. B-Lister for life???? I don’t know, I’ve seen Bobby Bracelet lurk in that status forever.

In closing, J.C. didn’t ask to be J.C. it was earned by doing cool things like walking on water. Now I’m not saying that The Rooster should be mentioned in the same breath as J.C. but it has been done. See...that is just how this A-Lister roles.

Dr. Chako Is Back!!!

2008-03-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have a long post to put up for Doctor Chako now that he is back from the war. I will have to re-read and edit it a bit because it touches on some sensitive topics and I had to actually think about a post for that one.

But the good news for everyone in bloggerville is that everyone's favorite B-Lister is back from the war. Thus, go over and wish Doctor Chako a welcome back to the states.

Yet, and I say this with much sadness...Doctor Chacko's father passed away upon his return. We here in bloggerville are kind of like a family so I'm not sure how much space Doctor Chako is going to need before he starts to blog again. Yet, I do hope you know you and your family are in our positive thoughts, Chako.

Worse Luck?

2008-03-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

I know that cards and life have a few bad beats in there. Yet, and I say this with a bit of hesitation for I don't want to jinx myself, but I run well in the luck department. Sure there are some rough patches but who doesn't have those.

Oh, so where I was going with this? Oh, I was wondering which blogger has the worst luck? These are my three top candidates:

1. Grubby
2. Drizz
3. Waffles

HDouble

2008-03-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

So many new bloggers and I keep trying to remind everyone of the old school bloggers. It is like BG always telling me that the rappers of today are far better than the rappers of the 80's. Or StB telling me that post-communist are much better that old school communist. In the end, the rappers of today are standing on the shoulders of Cool Moe D, Whodini, Grand Master Flash and such. That also goes with communist of today, they are still standing on the shoulders of communists from the past.

In any case, I thought that you all should go visit one of my favorite Los Angeles B-Listers out there. If you don't know The Cards Speak - Mr. HDouble then go visit his blog and see what he's doing over in Dublin for Full-Tilt Poker and the blogging community.

Also, this guy and Iggy-Cakes wrote a book together on getting to know poker tracker which you should pick-up if possible. Also, go read what HDouble use to write...good stuff in there and it will for sure improve your game. No, I'm not shilling and I'm not getting a full-tilt stretch cap for this promotion nor am I getting a few free tokens....cough!cough!

In closing, do hope you enjoy and speaking of Whodini.

Some Non Poker Pictures

2008-03-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Wall Street Game

2008-03-11T06:57:00.001-07:00

I played the Wall Street Game last night and I have to say, I lost a buy-in. Yes, I suck that much. It was only 100.00 bucks but as odd as it sounds…a lot happened with those 100.00 bucks.

- Everyone brought their A-Game last night. I’m not saying that people don’t always bring it. Yet, more and more people played their cards and not by emotions. I have to say this was the most solid play that I have experienced at the Wall Street Game. People were laying down when they were beat and didn’t just put in a bit of money to see if they could hit. Sure it was low stakes but that type of solid play makes everyone a better player.

- I got some really good starting hands but the started to fall apart when I would pair and such. Since this was a mixed game I had to lay down some big hands when the turn would pair up and such.

- I read the board wrong once which cost me some money. I think this is what I took most from the WSG last night. Show when you are feeling good about playing. I was happy to be around smart people who had friendly banter, but my mind was in a million places and not on playing solid poker. Of all nights not to be there mentally it sucked because good poker was being played.

- It is funny that one person or two people can change the ebb and flow of a game. Mattie Ebbs wasn’t present last night and he always gets an action game going. This time the pots were good size but not Mattie Ebbs pots by any stretch.

- I saw Jordan from HOP was playing solid poker. I do wish to sit with Jordan sometime for he likes to talk hands out and that helps in me seeing someone else’s thought process, especially someone who switches gears as much as Jordan does.

In closing, although a buy-in was lost to be a bunch of B-Lister’s it was a learning process.

Irish Jim and Katitude in AC!

2008-03-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

For you who are new to this whole blogging thing there are some funny stories on how people started their blogs. If you have gone to any blogger gathering (except mine because only A-Listers are invited and so you probably weren't invited) you have found most people are good people that are geeks.

In any case, one of my favorite stories is how Irish Jim started blogging. Irish Jim over the years has become kind of a semi-cult figure for our group. One of the nicest guys you will ever meet and he will be in AC on the 15th rumor has it. If you are in the area give him a shout...cool kid...but still very much a B-Lister.

News Flash! Another famous blogger who likes to grab butts will be in town from the cold tundra up north. Yes, our very own Katitude will be in AC. Wow...Al is going to have to warm up the liver for this visit.

Typical of a B-Lister

2008-03-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

So I go to this .B-Lister's blog to give him some traffic. You know, some of you help old people by taking them in a car to go vote. Me, I go visit B-Lister's blogs so they will get some traffic and feel good about themselves.

But there are times when B-Listers think to themselves. I got a great idea. Let me pretend like I came up with this cool idea for a post. Nuff said. So in this case, Bobby took my idea that I posted way back in December of 06 which basically uses Chinese Astrology.

Once again, nice try...it has been done by The Rooster, and thus why you are a B-Lister, Son.

Crushing and Cruising

2008-03-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

What would you like first...Crushing or Cruising?

Let us start with crushing. So none other than Mrs. Tripjax makes an appearance again on this blog. What can I say, that little computer nerd Tripjax pulled a one outter on the river when he got Mrs. Tripjax...nice play, Donkey. Take the girl out two weeks straight to nice dinners sooner or later she is going to let you give her a kiss on the cheek. Lucky Mofo. So here is the latest photo of Mrs. Tripjax.

So all you B-listers there is a chance for you to land a pretty hot thing like this. For if a C-Lister like Tripjax did...so can you.

Moving on.

Now for the cruising part.

Been building the bankroll in some live games and little visits to AC. Since my computer is broken I haven't been able to play online much and can't play Saturdays with Pauly Drama. Thus, I have been chasing the white line for games. Been fun because winning is fun. I have noticed that there are still some bad players out there and some of them have been watching too much T.V. I just sit there and wait and wait for good cards. I know, I know, that sounds boring and it is...but that is what gets the money.

If you are stuck in your game and need a little break may I suggest something to you. Read the following book:

I don't shill for Johnny Hughes but I do think there are a great deal of nuggets in this book to improve your game. Serious, if you need a good break from poker and another way to improve your game read this book. It really isn't a traditional poker book but it does teach you how to be a better player.

We have these things called dichos in Spanish. They are like...little sayings, little riddles, brain twisters, and comedy of ones self which force you to look at yourself.

There are people that speak in dichos...my great-grandmother is one of those individuals. Not one sentence comes out of their mouth without a dicho. It is hard to understand these people because there are so many riddles in them and their speech. But once you get on board you understand what they are trying to teach you. One of my favorites she taught me was, "Joaquin, they come dressed in velvet but underneath they are wolves."

Read this book and you will learn many little riddles or dichos of the poker world. And just like the dichos my great-grandmother taught me, these will also help with your day to day life and also at the poker table.

Humbling

2008-03-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

“God bless those two little Mexican Men and what they did in the ring.”
Joe Speaker via text after the Vazquez v. Marquez III fight.

When a fanatic of everything sport texts you like that...well you know you did just witness a great fight. As we all know, The Rooster can pontificate when it comes to boxing. In this case, I can only say, I was humbled into silence.

The ebbs and flows of this fight and the brutality were close to heart stopping. Come to think of it, my heart did stop a few times. The purest of boxing fans loved the sweet science on display and the ability of each fighter to impose one’s will and game plan, only to have to readjust it to one’s opponents changes. The changes were small such as double jab as opposed to single and only could be seen by the trained eye. But the brutality of the adjustments could be seen by all.

In closing, I can go on and on about this fight. But like I said, I was humbled by these two men willing to give their life for my entertainment. It is yet to be determined what will become of these warriors. I have seen many of a man come out of that ring never to be the same mentally after a brutal battle. I hope that these two men will have their light shine a little longer for the epic trilogy they gave me and us as boxing/sports fans.

Also, if you want to get a wrap of the fight I send you here:
NOMAS. The boys at No Mas do a great job in following the Sweet Science. I would also visit their shirt shop for they do have some of the dopest shirts around that you can purchase. These bloggers are NY'ers and have a bit of street cred to them so visit their sight and check out their small movies they make about boxing and also check out their art work. What I like about this site is that they are doing their writing and grinding form the ground up...they have no corporate sponsors or don't come from tons of money. So big shouts to the No Mas crew for keeping it real.

Also, if you want to see some brtual pictures of the fight: Click Here

Beauty

2008-02-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

There are those terms that mesh with a certin event that just fit. For instance, when watching soccer one can say, The Beautiful Game.

When two highly skilled boxers battle it out this Saturday on Showtime (not PPV) you will be witness to, Beauty.

Vazquez v. Marquez III

I can't tell you who is going to win. It is too close to call. But I will promise you this...it will be a barn burner.

Running Well

2008-02-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

I've been running rather well in the underground games here in NYC. Not totally great, but I can make a bit here and there. It all adds up. A couple of hundred here and fifty there...like I said it all adds up.

I've started to get a better grip on No Limit since that is all they seem to play. The one thing that I have problems with keeping pots small. When the pot is limped in front of me with a few people in I feel my 7's, 8's or 9's are good so I bump them a bit. The problem with this is that I'm playing the flop more than my starting hand. I think that mixing it up might be the way to go here...sometimes raise and sometimes not to raise.

The thing that I really need to turn up is my non-aggressive play. I sit and wait for too many hands. I call a bit too much with AK and AQ and only raise with pairs...those A-K and such should be raised. I just need to get out of that mind-set. I notice that a lot of people will fold when I raise a pot.

I'm just sitting here thinking.

Bye.

Rambling

2008-02-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

I’m happy to see that Joe Speaker closed his blog down with a picture of me. What can I say, go out on top people…put a picture of the only A-Lister you know on your blog to close it out. That is almost like throwing a no-hitter in your last game as a pitcher.

For some reason I think it is the week that all ghey bloggers close their blog. I think that we are seeing the end of another blogger people...read this post by the second class blogger and citizen, Bobby Bracelet. I’ve been wondering when this no-talent blogger was going to shut down the car. I’ve often wondered if Bobby was the hall monitor in school? You know, he talks the tough guy who looks down on D-Bags...but he has the personality of a hall monitor and crossing guard when you meet him in person. Need we call him Bobby The Rat?

In other notes, Pauly’s tournament this past weekend was a fiasco. My computer was going nuts on me. I was forced to push hard and win a big pot. Then turn off my computer and boot it back-up. We call that Mexican-Rigging it where I’m from. I’m hoping to have my computer fixed and have a better showing this coming Saturday. And congrats to Pauly on his win. What can I say, NYC Bloggers are just slayers.

I was talking to myself the other day and saying...can’t people get it? They come to The Rooster asking, how can I have an A-Lister blog. There is no formula, people. The Rooster says, just keep it real. Write and play like you know how. If that is poker make it poker, if that is life then make it life. Nuff said. The Rooster is deep...no need to tell him.

For instance, Chili writes about raising kids and Otis writes about being inside for months and Blood about not leaving his home because he was sick. Yes, they rock down there in G-Vegas. Might want to go visit Rapid Eye to see how rocking it is down there. So much so that two of the key members of G-Vegas are leaving within a six month period. Need I say more? Poor-Poor G-Rob...Poor-Poor Blood...Poor-Poor Shep...Poor-Poor Chili. Sad day in G-Vegas bloggerville. The Rooster just poured out some of his 40oz. Hope you all still have a gathering every five years to throw cards around.

Moving on to brighter and better things...yes, that does mean all things Canada. You might want to hit Katitude’s blog to get a rap on the gathering up there at Eh-Vegas. Looks like we had some NE representation up in Canada, but we had one person on the IR. Of all things, Bam-Bam comes out with the gloves on. I need to get my trip report in person to look into Al's eyes as he says that Bam-Bam drank him under the table. I have to look into his eyes because I know when Al is bluffing, I can see Al's soul...it's in the eyes, Chico. I’m not sure that Bam-Bam didn’t pay off Al to say that.

Speaking of paying off. I am having my new series start soon. Derek and I are working on the details. But it is with a famous site that you can’t get cheated out of money like Absolute Poker. I’m not sure the prizes we will be able to work out...but we are hoping that it will include a slew of Vegas things such as lap dances and things that matter. I know, I know, some of you want to win seats into the WSOP and that is great...but what about your free time after The Rooster takes your chips? Just saying...keep an eye out for that.

Saturdays PLO with Dr. Pauly

2008-02-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

I will be back at it again this coming week. I'm relaxed and ready. I re-read my own book on PLO and I will also only be playing one tournament this Saturday. Do hope to see all you Donkey MoFo's there.

HOLLA!

2008-02-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

An Old School Blogger who likes the worst team in the NFL is starting to post again. He also just bought a new home. Did I mention he has a hot wife? Holla!

So this is his resume in The Rooster's eyes: Hot wife, hot wife, new home, sort-of-kind-of new job, does his best to battle cancer, cool lic. plates on the blog and of course is one of my favorite B-Listers on the face of the earth.

Yes, The Rooster did say Hot Wife twice. As we all know, Bloggers marry up and Dear God if you ever needed proof....I present to you the Easycure family.

GO HERE

Quick Review

2008-02-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Number of tournaments (online and live) = 9

First place finishes = 4
Final tables (second place finish) = 1
KTFO = 4

Of course the most disappointing of these tournaments is the second place finish. I pride myself on closing the door when I'm there. That one I just couldn't close out on this kid. Nuff said. But it was a nice score none the less.

Since I fancy myself a cash game player I don't play many tournaments. I don't think that I will ever be a good tournament player...just like I don't think that I will ever be a good no-limit player. But I have my own little formula down that has been working and I'm sure I will take stab at tournaments here and there.

What I do know from speaking to many vets is that these things come in cycles. So this good run might end tomorrow and I might not win one for another month or so.

The Rooster wanted to interject here for a second:

The Rooster thinks that this run is o.k. but could have been better. Missed a couple of big draws heads up and lost one that should have been another victory.

The Rooster thinks one of the things that has helped The Rooster is the beats at the final table. Before when The Rooster would take a brutal beat by someone drawing out on him (because The Rooster always goes in with the best of it)The Rooster would tend to push a bit too much in following hands.

The Rooster would like to thank somone other than The Rooster for this improvement. Serious, Pauly Drama has really helped The Rooster with his mental coaching on this. The Rooster has said The Rooster will write a post on this topic. But in all honesty, The Rooster has found that a calm sense of self and only accepting victory is the key to success at final tables in tournament play. May sound odd and lame, but The Rooster stands by his take.

The Rooster would also like to point you to JoeSpeakers blog to catch a cool, dope and fantastic portrait of The Rooster. Sure Speaker is a B-Lister but The Rooster has to do his to perform community service.

The Rooster doesn't like to mix politics with his poker. Thus, if you want to talk politics The Rooster suggest you go here.

OTIS CARES
IGGY CARES

Also, The Rooster has found these two other blogs to be A-Lister material:

HERE
HERE

In closing, The Rooster would like you B-Listers to know that if you aren't having success with your blog or poker game that maybe you might want to take some lessons from The Rooster (20.00 bucks a hand)and read book after book on poker. The Rooster means dedicate your life to poker...at least try and be an A-Lister if you can't play like one.

The Wrong Championship

2008-02-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I wanted to have a better showing in Pauly Drama's PLO Tournament but I was stupid enough to see a buy-in Stud Tournament going to fire up a few hours before Pauly's Tournament so I figured, why not. Well to my surprise (not really, just trying to act humble)I was in the mix early for both tournaments. I think 2nd in the Stud Tournaments and 6th in the PLO tournament.

This is where it got all screwed up. I know it is easy to play two hold'em tournaments at one time...but two multi-card games on-line is a bit crazy. Not to mention that I was on the phone talking to my buddy back home. Well you can see. I ended up being bounced from Saturday's with Pauly in 20th place.

But I ended up winning the Stud Tournament why being railed by Pauly, Derek, JoeSpeaker, Zeem and someone else. All the while keeping an eye on the PLO Tournament and rooting for everyone there.

Then I forgot to say who I would dedicate the victory to. When I'm running deep in a tournament I start playing for someone or something to keep my mind in focus. Then like an angel calling my name from the PA area...I heard a soft voice in my ear (like when Adrian told Rocky to WIN!) that said, do it for Bean. With that little whisper...well I brought it home for Bean.

The Rooster wanted to interject here for a second:

The Rooster wants to tell the readers that next week The Rooster will only be playing Pauly's PLO Tournament and will come back to win The Rooster's Title back.

The Rooster also wanted everyone to know that The Rooster will be giving out lessons to B-Listers on Stud at a very low price....20.00 dollars a hand. Yes, The Rooster does include folded hands in that price.

The Rooster also wants to send a shout to Bean. Although The Rooster doesn't know Bean well The Rooster figures they can spend some time at The Rooster's place in Rio.

The Rooster has spoken and although The Rooster didn't win the PLO Tournament this week...be looking for The Rooster next week.

The Champ Is Ready

2008-02-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

The Rooster is ready to defend his title tomorrow in Saturday PLO with Pauly Drama (Register NOW if you want some of this!!!!). I have yet to see Waffles or BadBlood signed up...F'en B-Listers.

The Rooster is currently re-reading The Rooster's book that The Rooster just finished on PLO. It is a great book and all the pros that have read it have said the same thing. The Rooster highly suggest that you get your hands on it. Send 20.00 bucks to The Rooster's Pokerstars or FullTilt account and The Rooster will send you the book: The Rooster Does PLO.

Name on both sites: Joaquinochoa.

In closing, all you B-Listers...take your beating like men and women. And yes, The Rooster did just do 10 push-ups to show BadBlood that although sick, The Rooster has learned to puke and rally.

Mama Said Knock You Out!!

2008-02-13T11:11:00.001-08:00

The Champ will be back this coming Saturday. Defending the crown as the greatest PLO Tournament and PLO Cash Game player the world has seen.

The Rooster doesn't have to say much about this...The Rooster's live PLO cash and tournament play PLO results speak for themselves. The book, The Rooster Does PLO will be out soon. Holla!

See you B-Listers there!

Screw It...if you KO me I will wire your buy-in to your account.

Need I say More?

2008-02-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I use to be a pretty serious boxer growing up. I need not go into the story of why I stopped. In any case, back home in my neighborhood boxing is a way out of some of the more difficult economic situations. I just wanted to post this little feature of "El Gallito" (the little rooster) from my hometown. He stole the name I had as a kid...haha! Here is the article: CLICK HERE

As you can see...to carry the name you have to be an A-Lister

Game, Set, Match. The Rooster

2008-02-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

I took that from quote from Pauly Drama's post about my tournament win.

It has a hard fought match where I almost lost to On_Thg or the lawyer or everyone's favorite Mid-West Lawyer or B-Lister or The Rooster's new rival from the Midwest. Either name you want you can take and use when you see On_Thg.

It was a great tournament with some great banter. That is why we really play these tournaments. Some of you newbies (c and d Listers) might not know this so let me school you on some of the history of these blogger tournaments and the etiquette that must be used.

Ribbing is allowed
Flaming someone for playing ANY hand isn't
7-2o must always be raised
If you bust someone out a GG is always nice

With that being said, back to the history lesson. Big blogger tournaments back in the day were Da Shanizzle. There were like three people that would throw them: Iggy, Pauly and Otis would have an awesome one with Poker Stars sponsorship. Everyone would bring bounties if you were to knock them out. If someone didn't have a bounty they would send 10.00 bucks to your account.

Wow...writing that just made me think of how we have grown as a community. I think it is great that everyone throws tournaments these days. Some have become little cult games...Riverchasers, TheHoy, and The Big Game...there is a new one making a splash called Skillz series. Amazing!!

The Rooster's skillz can't really take him far in a lot of these so The Rooster stays away. But I'm glad that the tournaments keep popping up and gain some traction. They keep the community going.

Where was I going with this...

Oh! I remember. I'm a cash game player, thus, I find myself donating to these tournaments more than anything. But there were a few tournaments that I always wanted to win more than others. For instance, the blogger tournament in Vegas was a huge win...but I really wanted to win the one in Vegas that Otis got Poker Stars to donate all those prizes to. Gracie knocked me out in 11th...see I still remember. But Gracie did go on to take second and Glyphic took my jacket. Damn, I wanted that Poker Stars jacket. I also always wanted to win one of Iggy-Cakes big tournaments were everyone would show up. To say you won that would get you like a million people to visit your blog...wait, I have that already....haha!

But another tournament that I always wanted to win was one that Pauly would put on. Serious, I've known Pauly for a few years now and I'm proud to call him my friend. In my neck of the woods we call that a mans-man. Basically it breaks down to a guy who will shake your hand and look you in the eye. In my neck of the woods...well country folk always said that spoke volumes.

So I was pretty excited to win the Saturdays with Dr. Pauly PLO Tournament. It was probably one of the most exciting times being a part of the community. That and getting ready to invade Philly for Al's parties. I digress.

So The Rooster knows that everyone is waiting for hand history and all. But you can go visit Pauly's blog for the main points. But there were some brutal swings in the game where I just had to walk away from the computer for a bit.

Here is The Rooster's recap as only he can do...style stolen from Derek.

StB was a pain in my ass as always. The Rooster says those mid-west guys are pushing his last Mexican Nerve. Speaking of the Mid-West...once again, Donde Esta Drizzle?

Donde esta Derek?

Kat said The Rooster would get my ass grabbed if The Rooster went to Canada...A!
Holla! Maple Leafs here comes The Rooster
Maple Leaf syrup on the girls rocks.

Nobody could put The Rooster on a hand

The dealing machine at Poker Stars loves The Rooster

There were a lot of B-Listers in the tournament...pifft!
The Rooster challenges more to show up next week as he defends his title

Speaking of titles...A-Lister's are the real poker champs!

The Rooster had Daddy's soup before the tournament.
Get the recipe HERE

Joe Speaker was on a date so couldn't play...LIAR!

The Rooster didn't play well in last weeks PLO because The Rooster was just excited to be playing with B-Listers and seeing their inferior play. The Rooster felt bad so busto rather quick.

ANOTHER New York Championship! We produce winners here.

Rare sighting...BG at the tables.

Dedicated the victory to my number one fan, Saunter...comments welcome!

In closing, as some of The Rooster's friends in Bloggerville say, FEAR THE ROOSTER! See you B-Listers next Saturday.

ABDUL

2008-02-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've been reading and re-reading Abdul and trying to grasp his concepts and the theory of his play. Serious, it has been rather difficult. It is fun trying though. He has such a different style and I would love to sit with him for two hours and play 10 tables online and go over as many situations as possible. If you have never read Abdul I suggest you get your hands on his stuff.

TILT!!

2008-02-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday PLO With Doctor Pauly

2008-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

First, The Rooster had a great time playing this tournament last Saturday. The Rooster was also very excited to see so many old school folks there. When a bunch of people show to have a good time and play good hands and have good chat then it makes this A-lister happy. So happy that The Rooster was talking at every table to get caught up with his favorite B-Listers.

I thought to myself, Rooster, you should give a re-cap to the tournament. Maybe copy and past a hand history. Maybe tell a bad-beat?

The Rooster isn't sure he wants to go that route (For he doesn't want to tell you about the raise and re-raise pot where his KK22 sooted lost to PITW AAXX sooted, because The Rooster isn't suppose to lose races and that was a race...The Rooster likes to think of himself as Carl Lewis on the felt..closing hard at the end).

Rather, The Rooster wanted to go with the question, Donde Esta Drizzy? Now if Pauly hadn't written a whole post about times and location The Rooster would have been fine with Drizzy missing the sign up. But the truth of the matter is that Drizzy just blew it. Is Drizz not reading Tao of Poker? The Rooster doesn't know, but if The Rooster reads a blog where the author writes about 10 different time zones and what time you can catch the tournament The Rooster figures there should be no problem. Is this a midwest thing?

In any case, The Rooster has to run for now. But The Rooster will see the list of B-listers soon enough.

Online Cheater Or Not?

2008-02-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

Mark A. Seif to me always seemed like a cool guy. The type of guy you could have a beer with on the back of the porch and talk about a ton of things: law, politics, chicks, and grill some burgers at the same time.

Now...well now I'm not so sure I would chill with this guy. I think the MOFO is a cheater. I mean unless he proves different. Right now the company he promotes for has admitted to cheating. So what makes me think this guy didn't have his hand in the cool-aid? I know, I know, he's been a successful cash game player and tournament player. Very true...but that doesn't mean that someone hasn't cheated when playing online. For instance, Zee Justin has had success live but he's still a cheater.

In closing, you can hit Iggy here to read about it.

In closing, I think the guy needs to step up to clear his name. He can't be easy stepping around the issues.

PITW

2008-02-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

I tend to only pimp two blogs here at MY LITTLE POKER BLOG and they are these here: HERE and Here. But I just wanted to pimp a funny post by none other than POKER IN THE WEEDS. This post made me remember how old I'm getting. Serious.

Also, what ever happend to the working class shows. Not sure if you all remember that Mr. Carter use to sleep on this sofa bed with his wife. Now even he's a baller announcing the high limit poker games. But in all seriousness. Everyone has to be a baller now like The Rooster.

Also take notice that no TV show has its own show tune. Serious, give me at least five shows that have their own song now.

Dr. Pauly's Tournament Tomorrow

2008-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, The Rooster will be playing on PokerStars tomorrow. I know, I know, all you B-Listers want to knock The Rooster out of the tournament to have tall tales back to tell back home. Remember two things B-Lister folk.

1. The Rooster doesn't bluff...never has, never will. A-Listers don't need to bluff is my take...they always have the best of it going in.

2. Although I'm probably going to 10 table during the tournament I will be paying most attention to this game.

3. One last thing for you all to think about...this little thing will be sitting next to me:

Hitler Is A Cowboys Fan??

2008-01-31T06:48:00.000-08:00

Click HERE

New Blogger Wife Crush

2008-01-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

I hate to say good-bye to Mrs. Otis. Serious, she has been my blogger wife crush for a few years now. Maybe it is because her and Mr. Otis are so damn happy together and I can't be just the "CRUSH GUY" anymore. I must move on. It hurts, I will move on sometime soon and get over it. I think pain is one of those things that we all must go through when it comes to crushes....the pain will pass.

If you were wondering how this all came about so soon: CLICK HERE Yes, it hurt seeing this.

OK I've moved on.

There were two ladies that were high on the list of who would take Mrs. Otis' place. Mrs. GCox and Mrs. Tripjax. Both are nice Southern ladies (as was Mrs. Otis), they both talked to me in Vegas, and of course both are deeply in love with their husbands which leaves me on the outside looking in...I love to tourture myself.

In any case, here is my latest Blogger-Wife Crush.

Cheaters

2008-01-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

So nobody really wants to talk on this cheating thing. I don’t have every single detail nor do I have every single exact fact. Then again, who does? We get bits and pieces here and there and nobody wants to talk about it.

I was just over at Iggy’s site and read about two buddies logging on UB at the same time from the same account being some 100 miles away from one another.

People are in shock and they should be to an extent. I say to an extent because I remember once when the face of the UB Company, Phil Hellmuth was signing books at a Barnes and Nobel while his friend was playing on his account. I mean I found this to be sick when this broke about a year ago. Why couldn’t Phil just put money in his friends account instead of having people think he was at the table? Let’s be honest, everyone wants to sit at a table and take a shot at a pro once in a while. So if the face of the company is lying there is bound to be many other glitches with the company. Phil did explain what had happened and apologized on a few forums...but in my book he is a cheater and liar to those at the tables where he was logged on.

Then there was the Zee Justin who was playing more than one account in the same tournament. What a douche bag. He went on to admit that he did cheat. Yes, this is cheating no matter how you put it. I don’t care how much success he’s had live since then, I would never let this kid sit at my table. How can players let this guy sit with them?

Josh Field is another cheater like the one above. He was also playing with more than one account and he went on to blame it on his maturity. Pifft!!!

I play an underground game here in Harlem USA...Holla! You know if one of these kids were to sit down at the table at this game...he would get pistol whipped based on the fact that he’s a known cheater and be forced to get off the ground and leave the premise. No questions asked. You know what the other players would do...sit there with a grin on their face. Cheating is cheating and there has to be ramifications.

If I were at a table with these kids when they were playing more than one entry in my online tournament I would be pissed. So much so that if I was to see them at a Casino I would have them step outside rather quickly. If they refused, I would probably be banned from that Casino within a few seconds for laying the smack down. Sorry that is just how I feel about cheaters.

Everyone is talking about bringing this to the forefront and talking about it. I say be an outlaw and take the law into your own hands at the table. If you see one of these kids at your table call them out. You might not lay the smack down like they do here in the Harlem game nor take physical violence...but walk up to them and let them know they are a cheater or ask for a table move and tell the tournament director that you don’t want to play with a known cheater at your table.

New Added B-Listers

2008-01-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

I got the news that SOXLOVER wanted us to take him off our blogroll...so I did as such. And I also got rid of a few people that haven't posted in a year or so. Sucked but I always click on there and get the old post. If some of you come back to posting let me know and I will re-add you.

I also added some new bloggers at the bottom. As the song goes, Kids...its a long way to the top, if you wanna rock and roll.

I added CienCambio-Change100...Iggy calls her one of the best writers in the group period.

I needed some international flava so I added the ever so cool, Katitude.

One guy named TripJax only got on the list because his wife is hot but he's still very much a C-Lister.

I've lurked on Badbloods site for many years. He takes his badbeats like a man so I added him. He also gives good advice and I love it when he has a bad run...the inner frustrations he feels are funny to read about. This just goes to show me that he's a B-Lister still...but that is o.k. the A-Lister always likes to see the B-lister suffer.

Out of my community service I finally added StB. He's been asking for a long time to add him to my blogroll. He drinks girly beer which was hard for me to be o.k. with but the Soreloser Story is worth him being up here.

OK kids...you have your work cut out for you to reach the A-Lister Status...hope you get there.

Random Things Happening

2008-01-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

I will be playing this tournament for a few reasons. I don't play online much and I loved it when we had these tournaments and those big ones that Iggy use to throw. Now that I'm playing in this tournament Pauly will be able to advertise that at least one A-Lister has committed. If Derek commits that might be two. Holla!

Also, go check out GCOX on how he's been able to do well in Razz tournaments and he has some good pointers (for a B-Lister...cough!cough!). Don't feel bad for Gary...there is one A-Lister in his house, his wife. I tell you Mrs. GCox has to be the Sweetest lady in the South. Too bad her husband probably has her rooting for a loser college football team...then again, what would you expect from a B-Lister.

Also, you might want to read and see something.
Joe Speaker is back and bringing in Kool Breeze into his stories. What else is a C-Lister to do but bring in an A-Lister like Kool Breeze. But you should also watch the movie that he has posted up. You can see The Rooster showing his mantle at the punching game.

Johnny Hughes has a new post up on that site or you can catch it Guinness. Also some good articles at Guinness and Poker about cheating.

OK. Enjoy and take care.

Crazy Frank Is Back!

2008-01-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

My good buddy, Frank Walsh writes for the Huntersville Herald "down there" and you can catch his sports articles HERE. Us Yankees like to call the South that..."down there". In any case, Frank is a New Yorker now living in the South.

So he wrote me this after reading my post about Bobby Fischer. In any case, Frank is a funny guy and you might want to pay his articles a visit. In any case, here you go with what he wrote me:

"if you head south for long enough you hit the equator and the begin heading north ..........if you go too far then your original plan of traveling to a warm place heads into the opposite direction and you get cold....if you are too skinny and need to gain weight you can go too far and become FAT the most feminine of males are often gay but when you go all the way to the masculine side you get the prison type of gay guy who is big and strong INTELLIGENCE is just like these things........the least intelligent are called retarded or other things........ but when you go past smart and then to genius and keep going ......you get all sorts of mental problems...... the SMARTEST people often struggle just to live in our world and not be looked at as insane ..........remember "rain man" with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.....how about Hannibal Lector? I think bobby fisher fits right can be described as some one who was just too intelligent to be a normal human being ......"

Funny Stuff

2008-01-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

People often say, Rooster, you are always talking about fellow bloggers being b-c-d-listers and you also have a geek-lister roll. Who are the geek listers?

The list is long from Pablo (who doens't have a blog but buys two of every comic book and is a part of the bloggering brethern) and so on and so on.

But there is one A-Lister in the Geek Club. Dear God. Who the hell brings three bowling balls to Vegas every gathering? Serious, WTF? In any case, here you go...visit his two sites and you will know what I'm talking about. The king of the A-Lister-Geek-Bloggers.

His Flickr Page which scares me when I see the photos on here.

GEEK AND PROUD WTF? Who goes and buys a mini speaker for their IPHONE? I don't get this at all...and the time traveler thing he really wanted to get for his house? I sit here shaking my head. At least my friends get a kick out of it.

Bobby Fischer Dead

2008-01-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

I was very sad to hear the news that Bobby Fischer has passed. As long time readers know I thought that Fischer was one of the greatest minds to ever play chess. I didn't agree with Fischer's view of the world...but God on the board this guy could create...a virtuoso of his craft.

If anyone has played chess seriously they have read something or heard legendary stories about Fischer. But his great battle of 21 games against Spassky has to be the greatest international wins for the United States. I put it right up there with the US Hockey team beating the Russians.

He was the youngest to ever reach the Grand Master title at 15. In the chess world that is like a 15 year old being the head of Microsoft or Apple.

In any case, I wish the man the best and hopefully he will find peace in the after life that he was never able to find here on earth.

Robert James "Bobby" Fischer (March 9, 1943 - January 17, 2008)

My Past Posts on Bobby Fischer: HERE

Improvements

2008-01-17T07:02:00.000-08:00

I'm always laughing at how people evolve in the blogging community. Serious, I love it when I see a B-Lister (read previous post about Drizz) slowly starts to crawl up the food chain.

You know, like when your GAY friend says, I'm starting a blog also and you get happy. Then you read what he/she wrote and you say, D-Lister at the best...then before you know it he's having lunch and dinner with those up the food chain and you are wondering how that happened? Well it probably is that you are just a sore loser for starters.

Where am I going with this. Well we have a graduate. Yes, he has moved from C-Lister to B-Lister so you might want to go pay this guy a visit and read his funny post about wine HERE. For the record, he will continue to be a B-Lister as long as he calls his girl...HIS GIRLFRIEND...pifft..so Jr. High, Kid.

The Rooster has spoken.

To All B-Listers

2008-01-14T21:56:00.000-08:00

Look B-Listers...I don't mind that you want me to blogroll you on my site. I understand. But the truth of the matter is that it takes time to get on the list.

Look at people like RES IPSA POKER that has never asked me for a link and he's not. But look...I've been reading his stuff for a while and the truth of the matter is that when I play with him in tournaments he never gets any traction to get going. He's a hell of a player but what is up with his live tournament showings? We need to talk about this before he's listed. Sure he will kill me in no-limit and online...but live is where the money is at and legends are made...Holla!

Then there are true B-Listers like StB who I've hung with, drank with, talk politic with and sports with and he's not even hooked-up. Why you ask? Because he drinks wussy beer and has never really come to the city to prove his mantel in drinking.

Then there are the B-Listers that have almost made the A-list as of late. Like Dwizzy To Da' Izzy. I mean look at his old posts...dear god. Now look at him...he's a funny guy and formed his own personality online and he has a readership. I can't tell you all the times that Drizzy has pulled The Rooster over to the side and said, "Rooster, thanks for all the encouragement and guidance your blog has provided me over the years." What can I say, the kid has picked up tips from the The Rooster and look where he's at.

Then there is the only and only PIMP in the crew that I know, Zeem Jr. Holla at a brother, Zeem! Zeem is the man and everyone should at the very least holla at Zeem for some good limit advice. Because he's a great limit player and an all-star you don't see him on my blogroll...but I respect the brother and have him on my mental-roll.

Then you say, Rooster...but you also have some C-Listers on there that haven't posted in a LONG WHILE. This is true also and I'm going to have to give them the green light off the blog if they don't start posting.

In closing, what The Rooster is saying is that The Rooster reads all the blogs, Baby. The Rooster just don't have time to put you all on the list. The Rooster will be updating the blogroll in a bit and you can see where you are at on the list. Holla!

Wall Street Game

2008-01-14T11:51:00.001-08:00

Tonight I will be playing in the WSG. Should be a good time and they are having their mixed games. Solid conservative play is what gets the money here. So I will be folding a lot and hopefully getting good starting hands so I can play one hand every half an hour. Holla!

I tried to get these girls invited but the host said it was a full table. Now who would tell these girls they couldn't come play at their home game? Dear God. I guess I can go on a rant about this but I will let it be.

No Need For Words

2008-01-14T06:34:00.001-08:00

Click HERE.

A quick post

2008-01-09T13:14:00.001-08:00

I don't have the following site linked to my blog nor has he asked me to link him (like so many b-listers). Yet, I think with Dr. Chako in a far off place right now this post hit home. I am not trying to get the guy traffic because his girl is hot and all that...but I want you to read his post because I think it will hit home what so many young men and our very own Dr. Chako are going through over seas.

So go visit Ve-Nay and read his x-mas post...and why you are at it go visit Dr Chako and tell both of these B-Listers that I don't have listed on my blogroll that I sent you.

In closing, I read tons and tons of blogs a day and I need to update like Al...but give me time...I'm reading all day.

It is over for Joe Speaker

2008-01-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

I was sad to hear that Joe Speaker pulled the plug on his blog. No need for a long explination as to why...he just ended it with an AJ post. I liked that he went out like that to be honest, no need for him to explain himself to his readers. He knows he is loved.

I'm a bit sad about this to be honest. Speaker was one of my favorite writers in this little community and one of the first B-Listers that I really enjoyed reading day in and out. Not to mention he brought me to read such B-Listers like, Betty.

As Iggy once told me in Vegas a few trips back, "Speaker cut a vain and poured his blood on his blog." We all know what time of life that was for the long time followers of Speaker. I praise you, Joe Speaker for cutting a vain and showing us your blood.

In closing, I wish you the best amigo and remember...a dead blog is sometimes a good blog.

New Shirts

2008-01-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

If you want one of your own click
Here

Jan Truckin

2008-01-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Might want to go check out the new publication of Truckin by none other than Pauly Drama.

Also, you might want to go find out what a back-lash play is by visiting Iggy. Johnny Hughes goes into detail about how he sets this play up in no-limit and is a great write up if you are into No-Limit player. I think that Johnny also has an article in Truckin this month.

Poker Here and There

2008-01-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

I’ve been playing a lot of live poker as of late. Home games, Arizona Casinos, Atlantic City, the Underground Card Games in NYC, and of course Vegas. I wish I could give a nice trip report for all of these sittings but I will just paraphrase the best I can.

Wall Street Poker: This is a great home game that I can travel to rather easy and is in striking distance from many of the faster NYC trains. They tend to play no-limit and no-limit tournaments and neither of which I am good at so I try and skip those. But from time to time they spread a good mixed game. About two weeks ago they had their O8 and Stud8 3/6 game. I love the table, great chips and friendly people. Then my number one tilting machine walked through the door, Stephanie from IHO poker. I need not even talk about that for those of you who have played with her know she is can tilt anyone. I send you love, Steph. Then there is BWOP who played a really solid game of O8 and I learned a lot just watching her on certain hands. J-HOP was there and I can’t really get his rhythm down in a game. There was a lawyer who sat to my left that I thought would me an ATM but he knew the games rather well and was solid. There is our host but you can link to Wall Street Poker to find out more about him. There were some other good players and I don’t know them well enough as of yet.

In any case, the game was great because the dealers were fast and the flow of the game was rather fast which I love in these games. I hate those hands that just take forever and ever. Although it is a friendly game there are some great things I learned about certain hands and how I could play them better next time. At the end of the night is also a good time to practice short handed play because a few people leave for they have to work the next day.

Arizona Casino: My main man Zeem told me in Vegas that these games were rather soft and that I should be killing them. I was happy to hear this but what Zeem didn’t tell me was that the Asians are crazy players there. Dear God. The poker room is rather odd in spreads. 8/16 and such...I got use to round numbers. As F-Train would say, why not just make it 10/20. Serious, I didn’t get the blind structure for a while. One thing I noticed here is that they made the dealers wear their badges when they were playing and there were plenty of dealers playing.

In any case, my sessions there were a lot of up and down. I played in this 3/6 stud game and lost 100.00 bucks there by getting chased down three times by old funny senior citizens. I just smiled, gathered my Roosters and walked to the next game. In the end it was all worth the funny banter between the old men.

The 8/16 limit hold’em game was a Wild West shootout. Dear God. Serious, any two cards can bring a winner was the motto. After losing a rack I thought this might not be my day and that I should come back another time. I was able to get back and walk out with a losing session of 100.00. Forgot to mention the Asian lady who almost tilted me...she was ribbing me into not call her bet and I did...I was ahead but she hit the river and won the huge pot from me. I loved her comment...I told you not call, I always hit river card. Haha! She was a sweet lady though...plus she was a river rat...hit everything there from a flush to three of a kind. God bless her.

Next Day: I’m playing at the 8/16 game again and I’m up a rack and walked out. There was this one kid that couldn’t miss. Dear God he was destroying the table. He was like the Asian lady above and when I would ask him about the miracle river and how he could call with a pair of deuces all the way down he told me something funny...I got Baby Jesus on my side...he was dead serious. Being that it was x-mas I didn’t go on a Bobby Bracelet and Human Head rant.

Final Day: I was playing o.k. poker but I couldn’t get on a rush. I was stuck another rack at the 8/16 and figured there was some major flaws in my game at that time. I re-bought and got my half rack back and was walking to the window when the announcer yelled: We have a seat at the 8/16 Stud 8 or better game. I raised my hand that I would take the seat. So there I am with all these older people who are playing the game. I asked if I had to declare...haha!haha! I kill myself, for those of you that don’t know, that is how Stud 8 use to be played...you had to declare your hand as a Hi/Lo Hand. In any case, I was down close to a rack and a half that I brought to the table. Now I’m like...something is just not right here for The Rooster. I was going on another losing session and that sucked. Then something started to happen...I started catching cards. A,2,4 – A, 2, 5 soooted. Finally I got a good run going...once that happens for me...RAM and JAM baby so that is what I did. I ended up close to losing two racks to winning three big hands and I was back. I ended up cashing up and decided...8/16 O8...why not. Dear God. My junk was getting kicked there all over the place and I went home inking out an 80.00 dollar profit for all whole session. Some of those O8 hands...boy I can’t tell you enough about how bad those beats were...wow!

Atlantic City: I sat down at the 10/20 table to see what would transpire over the next 8 hours. It was a rather fast game with two guys controlling most of the action. I just sat there and watched until I got Aces and that kind of set my image at the table for the rest of the session. There is one flaw that I really need to improve on here...betting that final bet at the end when there is a scary board. Sure there is the rock in me that is content to take the nice pot down...but those missed bets add up in the end. I also need to tighten up a bit in the big and small blind. I got it into my head that I must always defend those two places. Not sure why? But I have. I left a bit up and I went to go eat a nice dinner at NOW (Noodles of the world). I was about to leave but I decided to cruise by the poker room one last time and a seat at the 10/20 mixed game had an open seat. Why not some O8 and Stud 8. The game is beatable and there is a good group of guys who always play together which can cause some problems when they check all the way down to one another. I hate when friends do that…either you are in it to win against everyone or don’t sit at the table. I ended way up here when I was able to scoop on a few O8 full houses and a straight that I hit…they were all high hands only so...SCOOP! By this time it was 6am and I decided to head back to the city.

NYC Card Rooms: The games are good and the players are o.k. with a few bad ones...but they tend to spread only no limit. So after AC I came home to shower and sleep a bit. I woke up and headed to an underground game. Only three tables running and everyone here has cash. There are two 2/5 tables going and one ½ table. I sit at the ½ table because that is more my pace. I leave there up 50.00 bucks and decide that is good dinner money. I’ve off to eat some good grub and a glass of win.

I wasn't up much on all these trips...not much at all. But I think it was good to remember what it is like to chase games. All the fun meeting the old men at the Stud 8 and O8 games was fun. I seen a few old men that I use to play higher stakes stud with and they were just fun to be around. I still laugh that there aren't many young kids playing these games.

Some points of weakness that I am getting back to. Calling that last call even when I know I'm beat. I did that like 8 times on the above trips. I hope to cut that down by four the next time out.

Ve-Nay!!

2007-12-30T01:31:00.000-08:00

I'm not really sure how he keeps all these stats on people or himself. But I'm sure if you are to write him and ask him to crunch your numbers he will. I tend to write my profit v. loss in a book. But for some reason I'm starting to wonder if technology might be the right way to go. In any case, go visit Ven-Ay or Ve-Nay as he's known in these circles.

You Can Change!

2007-12-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not even sure I want to expose you to this photo. But since more people visit THIS SITE than HIS SITE I figured I would post the picture.

Oh, and please don't feel bad that I get more traffic, he's a B-Lister now working hard on becoming an A-Lister and one day he will get the traffic. It is only a matter of time.

So we have a few metro-sexual fools in our group. Fret not if you want to be one of them...there is time for change if you are a long hair rocker and here is the proof.

Please click HERE!!! Yes, that is Joe Speaker.

In the words of everyone's favorite Little Man Oh, The Humanity!!