Rylee Halloween

It's going to take me a bit to figure out all this new technology that I just purchased. So for now, my only advice would be to click stop on the blog player before clicking play to the vids. The sound may interfere.

Making a Comeback Like Pegged Pants

About to be back ASAPaments. Took me a while to figure out this html to make changes and such. New blog recapping my summer coming real soon. (Pics included Mom) C-ya soon.

Gymboree with Rylee (Format not so good)

Life Update

It's about 5:30pm today and I just got off the phone with my sister when I noticed 6 new texts from 6 different numbers. I read the texts and they were all real odd, here they are; "Are you wearing my white tank top", "Hi, it's Ashley can we talk", "Hey, only god can judge me", "Mikaela came up for a good nickname for you". I instantly deleted all of them after I read them. I was playing poker and not really thinking about how weird that was. After about 10 minutes, I got 2 more from 2 seperate numbers (not sure if they were repeats from earlier). I googled both of these numbers to find that one came from Nashville, TN and the other from Lewis Center, Oh (Scarey). So I explain to Leandra and tell her Im about to call both numbers and see wtf is up :) Both calls were answered by a young girl that sounded identical to the other, and they both apologized and said it would stop. VERY ODD. I'm obviously starting to think it was some sort of scam or sting operation...lolz. Think about it, seems all so odd.

In order of occurence:

-talking to sister (10 minute convo), in that time I get 6 texts from 6 different numbers and area codes.

-All texts seem odd and in a sense could or seem to be trying to start a "sexting" convo.

-No texts for 10 minutes.

-2 more texts come in at the same time.

-I call both numbers, both times a young girl answered. Sounded very similar to each other.

-Both callers apologized, after I called back and asked to be left alone.

I definitely should have asked more questions. Like, Where did you get my number? etc etc. Maybe it was all just coincidental, wrong numbers at the same time. Right?

March Madness:

-Sidebet with a friend, I had OSU he has Duke. Must win title. I can only lose :( GO WV!

-I can tie for 2nd in the one and only poll I played if: WV loses in title game :) GO WV!

Blogging about a Blog

www.Clubtrillion.blogspot.com

I should have blogged about this blog much sooner, but with March Madness in 2 days, I figured this would be as good a time as any. Mark Titus is the founder/writer/owner of Club Trill. More or less, Mark is a bench warmer for the buckeyes hoops team who recently had shoulder surgery so he is officially listed as "out for the rest of the season". His blogs are unique and very entertaining, he gives daily encounters about what life is like at the end of the bench. He talks about practices, what its like to be a teammate of the best player in the country, his role on the team, and several other occurences during the season. Be sure to check out his recent blog and the link he provided, he got some airtime behind Thad Matta after the Buckeyes win against Michigan in the BT tourney. It's priceless for sure. He is very, very, very, entertaining and hopefully his blog will continue in the future after he is drafted (lol).

~Good Luck to Mark "the shark" Titus and the Buckeyes against UCSB on Friday~!

Life the last few months have been swell. Taxes got done (F), I won a live WPT tournament in Indy, Rylee is growing and learning amazingly fast, and the best...the weather is changing!
The WPT tourney that I won was a 7card Stud tournament that consisted of 47 entrants. The average age of those entrants was approximately 60 yrs old. That fact led me to believe that I would have a significant edge against this field, even with Stud being these guys best game. After 8 hours or so, it all came down to myself vs the only other young kid in the field (he was 27). After chatting and exchanging online SN's etc, we played a big pot (where he had rolled up 3's to start and I made 2 pair after 4th street). Unfortunately, Staknchips83 (his Pokerstars screename) took down the first big pot and soon after we decided to chop 1st and 2nd. He gave me an extra 400 to cover the taxes and the tourney ended (I got 4800ish and he got 4200ish). Not bad for a few hours of work, let's hope they ship that trophy like they said they would.

I've been so lazy about dl'ing recent pics of Rylee and other nonsense to show. Im trying to get out of this funk and get rededicated to blogging. The weather seems to be changing, hopefully Ill change to.
-Happy Pokering
-Go Buckeyes (I got a sidebet of 5 hundo with a friend, "Must win Title", I got Bucks, he got Dookie Blue Devils)
-Good luck to everyone and their bracket mess.

Boke

Once a month

Seems to be my pattern when it comes to blogging. With the winter being pretty harsh, one would think being stuck indoors would inspire me to write more. Unfortunately that hasn't been the case. I have definitely been the busiest guy with nothing to do as of late. The super bowl, poker, shoveling the driveway, Rylee, etc etc...tough life I know.

I did win a major online tournament this past Sunday, well not completely a win, but close enough. Ultimatebet's version of a major is a $215 buy-in. Being that it was super bowl Sunday, the fields were a bit lighter on entrants. I wouldn't say they are softer, but definitely lighter. The majority of pro's and reg's still played on Sunday, however the occasional players most likely elected to watch the game instead of playing poker. Anyhow, I figured I would play a very few tournaments while the game was on. Five total tournaments to be exact. Normally it would be at least ten on a typical Sunday. I knew my attention would be focused more on the game than on poker. So I decided to save some money and buy-in to the UB 200k guaranteed using my player points. The tournament started at 4pm and before you know it midnight struck. The Saints were Champions and I was busy chopping that tournament for 36k. It was a much needed victory (they all are much needed) and definitely relieves some pressure for the rest of the year. I was looking forward to posting my poker goals for 2010, however it looks like those goals are going to need some changes now :)

Two Oh 1 Zero

--Just another one of my infamous "breaks" from blogging. The holiday's flew by very fast and were enjoyable as usual. Spending time with the family and seeing some of my friends that I don't get to see often is nothing short of priceless. It's crazy to know that I am now 33 years old and my core group of friends somewhere in the range of 20-30 people since my teenage years still have stayed so close. Whether they live in Youngstown, Columbus, San Diego, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle, or anywhere else in the states....we seem to never miss a beat. It is truely remarkable and I feel blessed to have each and everyone of them.
--Twenty-Ten is gonna be a great year. I just have that feeling. Poker is gonna be played like I played it for the past 6 years. Turning a profit and treating it like a business. I have some simple yearly goals that I will share in a later post for online and live poker. Now if the Jets can win the bowl it would be an unbelievable start to the new year.
--I have pictures galore that I want to share. I bought Leandra a new/fancy camera for Christmas and the clarity is amazing. I'm gonna try and download as many as possible, but I don't want to flood the blog. Also, looking to keep steady with 2-3 blogs per month. So stay tuned and if anyone feels the need to write or express themselves to the world, just let me know. I have no problem having a special geust write a few pieces in this blog. Think about it. Enjoy the pics.

Issue 3

Earlier this month Issue 3 was passed with about 53% voting yes. This means that in 4 major cities across Ohio (Cbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Cincy) you will find a casino. Is this the answer to a struggling economy? Not exactly, but it can't hurt that's for sure. Many Ohioans travel to other states to gamble and spend their money, so why not keep that money in state? Our state needs the tax dollars and jobs, so hopefully the commercials stay true to their word and employ as many Ohioans as possible. Dan Gilbert (Owner of the Cavs) stated, "We are going to deliver something really special, and we are goin to work really hard with a lot of people." He also says, "this is not a savoir by any means, but it is another brick in the wall." Casino's in these 4 cities will start construction in 2010 and be ready for opening by 2012.

As a Poker Professional, what does this mean for you?

"Options", I say..."Options". Right now in Ohio as a Poker Pro you have 3 options for work.

1. The Internet: My obvious main source of income. Easily accessible, can still spend time with my wife and daughter, and is surprisingly still very profitable. The downfalls of the internet are the "up in the air issues", meaning that we really have no idea if it is legal or illegal. Maybe our government and law system will eventually catch up, don't hold your breath.

2. Ohio Card Clubs (The Gemini Players Club): I have only heard of these in Columbus and Grove City. Basically these clubs hold poker tournaments and cash games almost 24 hours a day. They only make a buck on door charges and make no profit on the game itself. Which is why they are not shut down by the government. Loop holes in the law FTW...see the last sentence of #1.

--Positives-- Gives another "option", No rake on the cash games, Very Very soft competition (Bingo Players), social aspect is nice, within 10 miles from my house.

--Negatives-- Sketchy neighborhood, safety and security (even though they have great security in the room and in the parking lot), 20 dollar door charge (not really a negative because they don't rake the cash games), Dealers are mehh. ---Bad photo of inside the card club. About 15 tables and 10 flat screens around the room.

3. Casino's in 2012: Again, I consider it an "option". It will be a good one to. Casino's open and everyone get's to try and imitate the poker players they just watched on TV!! It'll be a goldmine on the weekends and a bunch of reg's on the weekdays. I can't see this option as non-profitable.

--Positives-- Safe, Secure, no taxes on cash games, options for employment as a dealer (lol), close in proximity, soft players.

--Negatives--Crime (Hookers and blow could be a huge problem), the fish could dry up faster than expected, rake, rake, rake, rake, rake, rake, rake, and finally rake. Depending on their %, some casino's rake are unreasonable to the point where you shouldn't play.

After all that ranting and jiberish, as a Poker Professional, the passing of the casino's will obviously be another great option as a work place. Am I excited? Ehh, I suppose I will be towards the end of 2011.

Peace and Hair grease,

Boke

Thirty-3

In Honor of my legendary 33rd Birthday, I present you the real legend.....Larry!Not much planned for today. Time to renew the ole' drivers license. That's always a fun time at the DMV. Going out to dinner with some friends tonight, followed by a shopping run with Leandra tomorrow afternoon. Ending with a weekend in Youngstown with friends and family. Always good times.

Pics Galore

* Rylee and Cousins, Sawyer and Juliana *

*Rylee, Mommy, and Rylee's BFF Aubree (Philibin)*

Jay-Z Show w/ Pharrel and N.E.R.D.

Went down to the Schott Center for the Jay concert with a few friends from the poker world that came into town. Usually the pre-concert adventures are frustrating, but everything went smoothly as far as parking etc etc. The crowd was standard, due to Jay-Z being very much mainstream these days. N.E.R.D. opened the show and to my surprise they were pretty damn good. Pharrel basically took over the stage and randomly was picking out people to come up on stage with him. Very entertaining.
Jay came out to "Run This Town" obviously, and there wasn't a second of the show that had a dull moment. The spotlight song of the night went to "Big Pimpin". Jay also did a mix which helped him cover just about every song you can imagine, including "La La La", which I didn't think there was a chance in hell that was getting played. So that was cool. It was an incredible show, and for a rap concert the sound was clear cut. Good times.
Tonight is trick or treat night here in Lewis Center. Parts of Columbus had their night of treats on Thursday and other parts on Friday. Rylee is gonna be a bumble bee, we plan on just taking her to the surrounding neighbors for a quick laugh. I will definitely have pics coming in the next few days. The Philibin's are also making their way down for the night with Aubree. A few other friends are coming over as well, so I geuss you can call it a "party". The Yankee's game will be the center of attraction at 8p.m. tonight. I'll be drinking my usual (White wine /Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc). Quantity of glasses depends on how the game goes :)

Cheers Mates.

Just Tryin to Buy Another Title

I figure that title is appropriate since that's what everyone loves to say about the Yankees. Unfortunately, the Yankee's haven't won or bought a title since 2000. Last night the Yankee's put themselves in position against the Phillies to claim another title. Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday, Sabathia vs Lee.....gonna be an incredible series. GO YANKS!

Yanks Sweep, Rylee Pics, Poker

So the Yankees swept Minnesota in 3 straight games to win the ALDS. They now face a tough opponent in the Anaheim Angels, thanks to a late ninth inning rally by the Angels to sweep the Bosox. I must admit, it was pretty delightful to watch the Bosox choke in the 9th. Should be an outstanding series against the Angels and hopefully we put those historical woes aside and get the job done. Series starts later this week, get it done gentlemen.We took Rylee to a pumpkin patch on Sunday morning. It was bit nippley, but she had a great time and even picked out her own little pumpkin. She will be walking very soon, she has been pushing her baby stroller around the house like a maniac. It is hilarious to watch her grow and learn as each day passes. She has been a bit sad the past 2 days, Junior has been away at the doggy hospital with some sort of stomach problem. With Junior away, she has nobody but a non-interested ziggy to torment. Ahh well...good times for sure, pics....
Poker is back on track. I feel alive like it was 2005 again. As most people know, for the past few years in poker I had a financial backer. A quick explanation..."backers" have become a huge part of the poker business these days. Basically, "backers" finance poker players. Many, many of the top players in the world do not want to put their own money at risk, so they use their "backers" money to play. Compensation of somewhere between 30-50% of the players profits are than returned to the backer, along with the dreaded word "makeup". Makeup is the amount of money at loss and is paid back to the backer upon success. For example: Boke plays 10k worth of buyins on Monday and proceeds to lose all 10k, however on Tuesday Boke wins 20k. Boke than pays back the 10k (Makeup), and splits the other 10k profit with the backer (Being that the backer agrees to a 50/50 deal).

Now that the business part is explained, I will continue...so like I said above, I had decided on trying out the backing business and being a backed player in 2007ish. It wasn't like I was broke at the time, but more so on a huge downswing. During the 1-2 years that I was backed (up until like Mayish of this year), I felt like my game was diminishing. I was a break even player and ended up eventually winning the Stars Million for 200k in August of 2008. I paid the backers and ended up scooping about 90k after all said and done, not including taxes :( . For the following 6-9 months after this big win, I went on a monster down swing and accumulated over 100k in makeup. This sucked more than anything. This meant the next 100k I made went to the backer and that I wasn't gonna see any profit until this monster figure was cleared. Ughhz. As crazy as this seems, it is amazingly common in the poker world for guys to accumulate an astonishing amount of makeup. Anyways, April/May 2008 rolled around and I started hearing rumors that my backer was gonna fire me. I thought no possible way they would just fire me and free me from that figure. Most cases backers will offer buyouts to release a "horse" (backers use the "horse" term for their players they back). An example of this would be, if I had 100k in makeup they would offer me a 20k buyout, meaning I pay them 20k and Im free. Anyhow, the rumors were right, my backers wanted to release me. The great thing for me is, they never once mentioned any buyout and therefore just cut me absolutely free of charge. This may have been my 2nd best acoomplishment of my poker career. HAHA, getting fired and having 100k makeup just vanish. That is right they fired me for free! I would have definitely paid to be released at that point. Lucky me.

So for the past 4 months I have been trying to get that "feel" back for being on my own. The "grind" type of feel, if you will. It's coming back for sure, it's just a slow slow process. I grind the cash games for the most part and mix in a few tourneys here and there. My game has definitely been at it's sharpest point since early 2008, and the checks are on their way. Weeeeee.

Pics from the weekend...OSU game

My parents came down this past weekend for the USC game. My Dad and I decided to go play 18 early Saturday morning before the big game that night. I actually played pretty well, shooting a 42 on the front, and a 47 on the back. I'll take it. My Dad obv beat me as he does everytime we golf. I gotta let him beat me in something I suppose :)

Later that evening my parents watched Rylee and Leandra and I headed down to campus for the game. We stopped at a tailgate lot and downed a few shots of JD and 1 mixed drink before we headed into the game. Thankfully so. Our seats were at the very top, but on the 20 yardline. There was a pole a bit in front of us which blocked our view for about 20 yards wide, but beyond that the seats were great. As far as the game itself, meh, I'm pretty over it and have no desire to write a huge rant about it.

Mommy and Rylee
Incredibly CuteGaga and RyleePrincess

Never Forgetting

It's the day we will never forget. I was student teaching freshman history at Western Reserve High School on 9/11. We quickly got word of what was happening and I put the TV on for all the students to watch. The first plane had all ready hit, however my students and I witnessed the second plane hit on TV. At the time many of my students, as well as myself, were very confused to what was happening. My cooperating teacher came into the classroom to watch what was unfolding, and he instantly said, "my God this has to be terrorism". I will never forget those words he spoke and/or this time in my life. To this day when I look at photographs and pictures of what happened on 9/11 it brings a tear to my eye. The way our country united and came together really makes me put all the negatives behind and makes me proud to be an American. God Bless those who lost lives.

Fun Weekend, No Disappointments Please

First and foremost, I #2 clippered my hair after a poker rage on Saturday. Definitely the shortest my hair has ever been since senior year of high school when I mistakenly let Ryan Philibin cut it. I would say that I look much better with hair than I do right now, but it'll grow back. I feel like in some ways that I shaved off all the bad juju vibes that I've been going threw with poker. New beginnings FTW. If I ever remember, I will post a picture (I need to take one first).

Buckeyes got USC coming in to town on Saturday night. Leandra and I will be in attendance, and I'm looking forward to the game and meeting up with some friends during the pregame festivities. Turk is coming in from Cali and Hanysh will also be tailgating with some of his boys from Youngstown. Anyone else who is going should get a hold of me. Should be a blast. Hopefully, not another let down in a monster game. OSU needs to gain some national respect in a bad way.

Just yesterday I picked up the Blueprint 3 album. Jay-Z pulled an MJ by un-retiring and releasing yet another album. I think it was a good idea on his part due to the last few dud albums that he made. The BP3 was a good excuse to make a final comeback. My professional grading of the album is a B+ / A-. Leaning towards the A- after a few more listens. He collaborates with some of the top names in the business at this time in many of the tracks. Timbaland produced the album and his synthesizing (sp) type beats don't fail anyone once again. Tix go on sale for the tour to the public on Friday. I'm planning on going with a few friends from the poker world in late October at Value City Arena on the OSU campus. Been a while since I've seen any show, so I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Quick Summary: North Myrtle Beach, 12 hour drive to Myrtle (left in morning...7 stops..lol), 10 hour drive on way home (overnight). Rylee disliked the sand, but loved the pool. Leandra and I drank multiple bottles of wine. Time went way to fast, 8 days minimum next time. Enjoy.