Happy Father's Day to all

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day. Sometimes being a father is easier than other times... However, whether easy or challenging, it's all worthwhile!

---

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---

My kids are my world. They put a smile on my face, as well as the faces of everyone around them. Nothing, no one brings me a greater joy.





All you fathers out there, take a second to thank your children for allowing you the privilege of being a father, their father. Abby, Zack... it's an honor to be your Dad. Happy Father's Day, kids!

Daddy/Mike

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BeerGuy Update

Warning --- There may be very little poker content here.

Further Warning --- This content is actually written, as opposed to the two lines by me I've put out lately.

Final Warning --- Reread the first two warnings, as I'm serious...

Yes, the rumours of my death are false. So the magic questions become, "Mike, where the hell have you been and wtf have you been doin," I strongly suspect. And even perhaps one of those infamous "what's the plan," questions too.

Well, keep reading and perhaps we'll find out those answers and more.

---

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---

First, "where have I been".

Well, for starters, I had to get one of those job things --- you know, outside the house and what not. I've been working long hours for shit compensation and it's been wearin' a brotha' out. Actually, it's not been that bad, however, it has been that bad when it comes to the twins. It's been difficult to find a spare minute to spend time with my children, especially considering my shifts have been mostly falling on the times they'd be out of school and with me. That makes me cranky.

Fortunately, as of this week that's changed. They've adjusted my hours to better accomidate my family life. I'm now both less cranky and more able to spend time with "Daddyz Lil Angels." We've got to spend quality time this week, the twins and I have.

Ironic that UIGEA was written under, among other things, the battle cry of protecting children and families; yet somehow not only I was able to spend more time with my family before UIGEA's enactment, but also as a result, I was able to better watch over and protect (read: parent) over my kids at the same time. Interesting, isn't it?

What have I been doing?/What's the Plan?

Well, if one was paying attention, they'd have heard above that I'd been working a lot, and thus could conclude that that work is what I've been doing, but that's not the whole story either.

There are other things going on in the BeerGuy's life as well. I'm in the process of establishing 1 poker and one non-poker related business. Both will be established with silent partners, though one of the businesses will have less silent... more like "quiet partners." I'm looking to launch each of these biz's in June or July, unless of course I get "the call" to make an appearance of some sort in Vegas in June/July for some unknown reason.

So, those of you reading between the lines, it's not in my plans to work for someone else the rest of my life. It never has been. My plan has always been to be my own "boss" in one form or another.

In other news

In other news, I've been playing phone tag with Michelle ("ChipTricks") for the last two weeks or so. She called me up a bit ago to let me know she is alive. We've been just missing one another by about five to ten minutes. I'm hoping to get ahold of her this evening - maybe in between games.

Speaking of games, the "monthly game" is today. Rumour has it that Mitch's ninjas will be returning from their secret mission and will be capping at the "monthly game." Of course, I prefer to think that the ninjas are returning only after confirming Chuck Norris retiring from protecting my hand to cashing in a WSOP Circuit Event in Atlantic City.

So, now that Chuck has in fact pulled his services, I'm now looking for a new protector of hand. The "Endgame Poker Pooch" has offered to temporily guard my hand. So, we'll have to see if that works out. I've also sent out offer sheets to the ferocious rabbit from the Quest for the Holy Grail, Cowboy Bob Orton to acquire his pink cast, Roddy Piper's Coconut, and of course Slimer from Ghostbusters, though I hear he may have hired Jamie Gold as his agent. I hear they're both kinda difficult to work with.

Needless to say, I'm still interviewing/taking suggestions for my new hand protector, so we'll see.

Well, that's all for now. Kids and I are off to go bowling. I've long since retired from the bowling world, however, the twins get really combative competative when they throw the bumpers on the rail. Game on!

More soon.

Mike

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Time off to regroup...

This week has been the first "normal" week I've had in quite some time. I'm two weeks removed from Australia and I think my body has readjusted to the timezone, though I know I'll never adjust to this cold weather. No matter how long I live here, I won't ever get used to winters. My natural inclination is to just fall asleep... hibernate even. Unfortunately, life does not always allow for such luxeries.

---

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---

I've cut back significantly on poker play and time spent writing/on the computer this week as well, as many of you might be able to tell. I've been spending every waking moment with my kids. I missed them while in Oz, and can't get enough of them now. We've been having Sorry tournaments every night this week. Last week too. Zack was champ last week, and this week Abby has captured the title. Daddy's next?

So, while adapting to "normal" it would seem as if I've neglected my blog just a little bit. No worries though... I suspect I'll be back to writing regularly again very soon. I've just needed time to downshift, decompress, and regroup. While doing so, I managed to accomplish two big things this week. I grabbed myself a full time job, as I suspect the party is over with regards to online poker... Additionally, I re-enrolled in school. This job is surely nothing I'm married to, but is flexable enough so that I can let it work around my life. School is set to start up in April and I'll be going straight through until Sept of '08.

The funny thing about this whole school gig... I've started school twice. Both times, I've quit without completing the degree. I landed the job I was looking to land each time, so why bother, right? This time around... no matter what, I'm goin wire to wire. If I've been able to quit smoking, I should also be able to finish school, it's that simple.

Moving on --- next week, look for more memories and photos from Oz, and also some CheckRayz news... specifically dealing with our February plan. Also, keep in touch with the Poker.com blog and the BPT home page, as my Aussie Wrap-up should find it's way there within the next few days...

Mike

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More preparing and thoughts...

To turn 21 again... I just love it when the googlebots or some random soul comes wandering into the Poker Pub via some off the wall search query that I had not necessarily intended or thought of... The search term was "thoughts on turning 21," which of course... I check my stats somewhat regularly, I had to go figure out where I was ranked and then re-read the story, because I just have to know these things...

***long winded rambling coming on, which is probably not poker related...

I'm glad I did too, because for one, I am kinda disappointed insulted that some person's account of turning 30, and turning 50 are ranked above my ranting on how it feels turning 21 again.

---

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---

G-Bomb mission aside, I am glad that someone stumbled upon that story, because it reminded me of a few things... Most importantly, it helped me put this upcoming Australia trip into perspective. No, I did not need to be refocused or adjusted on living up to my screenname either... And surely not motivated to properly carry on the tradition of the Beer Football Club, who does in fact have a championship game tonight, defending their crown vs the Coach's team tonight. A win makes us 5 time champions. Since the formation of Beer F.C., and taking the squad to the A-League, this will be our franchise's tenth indoor season. Of those ten seasons, we have captured the FFSP Indoor A League Championship of Soccer 4 times. Not including tonight, we've played in five championship matches. Tonight makes six championships in ten seasons. We have failed to make the playoffs twice. Two times we've been ousted in the opening round of the playoffs. Not too terribly bad, considering the level of competition.

OK, I've plugged my soccer team, though I've not updated the website there in ages... and yes, it's an eyesore. I've g-bombed my 21 post and my soccer site. So, now back to my original point...

*** I told you, mindless rambling...

The turning 21 post put Australia into perspective. In reading that blog entry, it called to mind, that I am not a writer, I'm a story-teller... By writer, I mean schooled, by the book, journalistic type of writer. I am much more effective providing first hand anecdotes from my personal point of view than I am playing the formal who, what, where, when, why, how "type of game."

Now granted, I typically get all of the information in what I am writing, it's just not formally structured as such and is typically far more animated than a more formal piece. My point is, my strength is my story telling... and I am glad I was reminded of that today... because I turn 21 every year.

I may not get another post in between now and the landing (as I set up to drop the hammer on an unsuspecting table on pokerstars --- had to fire the second in order to make that happen). For some reason, my claims that I'd be neither posting nor playing much have not really worked out... I think I've played more poker this weekend than I have in the last month or so combined.

Speaking of poker, does CheckRayz have a poker game tonight? Nope, it's tomorrow... We have two on the agenda... A $50 freeroll for anyone who had played in the $5+.50 $100 overlay at Kiwi Poker, and the $50 CheckRayz Player's Club Freeroll, which is an "all play"... well, by all, I mean all who are in the CheckRayz Player's Club. In fact, a complete listing of Freeroll and money added poker tournaments with overlays are available, passwords and all, on the CheckRayz site. I had to get them in before Aussie.

Speaking of Aussie, poker, and beer... I need to get moving...

Have a great day everyone... See you from the Crown in a few days!

Mike

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Resolve

Two things I have said come to mind as I write this post. First, I said that last post was most likely my last post of the year... I've also went on the record many times over stating I am against the whole new years resolution thing. If you want to do something, why wait for the New Year, right?

The other side of that coin is, why put off a resolution just because it's the new year, and thus fashionable, right? So here I am with a decision, wait til it's no longer fashionable to set goals to better my life, or start on the turn of the new year.

Actually, just as most things in life, this is not an "either-or" scenario... In fact, I have more choices than just wait or resolve at new years. I can make the New Years Eve Eve resolutions. In fact, I will, because that's what the BeerGuy would be inclined to do.

---

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---

First and foremost, I resolve to learn from the mistakes I've made over the past 363.5 days. Trust me when I say that I've made a lot of them, and not just over the last majority of the year either. I've made a lifetime of mistakes. I'm probably a better person for making them too, but one would normally say such things in the eyes of failure, right?

No seriously here... it's perfectly acceptable to make mistakes... in life, in poker. Mistakes happen. To err is human. I'm human, thus I make mistakes. If I could resolve to be perfect, to plan and execute flawlessly every day, every time, I'd do so. I can't, however, deliver on such things. So, instead, I resolve to learn from my mistakes.

To learn from them requires me to have an open mind. It also requires me to acknowledge my error, face it, and look for a way to either not repeat it, or to capitalize on it in the future. Truth be told, a BeerGuy with an open mind is dangerous... Look out world!

Specifically, I need to identify situations that are not profitable or beneficial, and rid myself of them sooner - get away from those who do not have my interest at heart - fold bad draws... nuff said, you get the point - I resolve to learn from my mistakes.

Also, I am committing to improve upon my bankroll management skills, as inspired by Jerry - who will be going to Oz to represent the Blogger Poker Tour at the Aussie Millions. I've been good, but not great at managing my bankroll. Making this a priority will lead to both becoming a better player, and leading a better life. Thinking about the games I play - be it level or likelyhood for profitability, the activities I participate in (is the cost/potential benefit worth the investment of time, money, or heart) will do nothing but benefit me in the long run.

Finally, I resolve to breath... and to embrace the moment. I too often get caught up looking too far out or looking back, and don't necessarily appreciate what is going on right now, til after it's long past. Slowing down, taking time to enjoy myself is clearly in order.

Have a great new years celebration everyone!

Mike

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Spider Solitaire and other weird news...

Christmas gifts n poker chips only at 5stardeal.
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I'm now a lifetime 1-440 in Spider Solitaire on the difficult version (on a one game winning streak too though).

CheckRayz.com 1. Poker Room Reviews 2. Poker Tournaments 3. Poker freerolls 4. Poker Blog 5. Advertise with us here

Additionally, it should be noted that I'm considering approaching Conan O'Brien to sell some excess bandwidth to help accomidate his newest website.

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not poker, but I have to mention it...

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I know this so has nothing to do with poker, but I'd be cheating myself if I failed to mention it... I have this little soccer team of mine... This team is appropriately named the Beer Football Club (care to guess who the captain might be?). Excuse the website, as it's grossly outdated and a slight eyesore in some spots, but what do you expect for a drunken hobby, right?

Anyway, last night we were pitted against our rival team. By rival team, I mean that my team split into two "in the middle of the night." More specifically, about five players from my squad broke off and formed their own team without so much as a courtesy mention to us. And while the main squad (mine) was a bit upset about this split, somehow the renegades decided they were going to be bitter towards us?


Long story short... usually we play to a one goal game... one way or the other. Last night, it wasn't even close. Someone had an ax to grind, it would seem. Final score Beer FC 12 - Hooligans 2. Asskicking central - nuff said.

Live casino report later tonight or tomorrow. Take care!

Mike

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Trained Chimps...

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Last meaningless blog post of the day... I "promise"... I mentioned something about going through my stats to find out who is visiting me, where they come from, and how they've found me. Some people find me in the weirdest of ways...


Apparantly this post is ranked number 11 on google for the keyword trained chimps.

Chalk up another one for SuperDonk!

Mike

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Happy Thanksgiving...

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I wanted to take a quick moment to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Poker Pub and CheckRayz

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Anyone wishing to contact me may do so via either the CheckRayz site or here at the Poker Pub Poker Blog...


Also, any email correspondence may go through CheckRayz and/or my personal email accounts.

Moving on...

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Last forum post...

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I'm not one to air dirty laundry, nor am I one to take shit. However, it is safe to assume that I've made my last post in what I'll only refer to as "the forum."

The only comment I plan to make on this issue is that there's a difference between saying "give me help/advice, because I'm a newb here" but actually meaning you truly want help and advice... and saying "give me advice and help, because I want to spit and spray all over everyone telling them what I know even though I just asked for help and said I was a newb."

Appology accepted in advance... nuff said.


Mike

in case Mitch didn't know...

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This is what happens when Chuck goes against Ninjas... video evidence... see you at the monthly game, my friend...

Reading for Leisure...

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Historically speaking, I’ve not been much of a reader. I have always had a passion for writing, but the reading part really kicked my a$$. In fact, when I was in college, I started and withdrew from six different English and Writing 102 classes, because they required me to read some novel and do a review/critique on the damn thing. I finally found an ES102 class that just required me to write one huge research paper. We’d meet in the library once a week (class was 2.5 hours long).

Getting off track here for a second, this reminds me of a story from this class specifically. I got done with my semester long research paper by the third week. Thus, the focus of the class became socializing with the babes, as opposed to doing the work. One of the girls, Gianna, and I had hit the local bar to “pre-game” the class. We finally showed up to the library right on time, and decided we were hungry… So, I called the pizza joint and ordered a pizza to the top floor of the library.


About 45 minutes into class, the pizza guy shows up, pizza in hand. I pay the man, take the pizza and he hit’s the elevator. No sooner does the door open than two of the library employees show up, getting off the elevator glaring at me. I no-sell them by continuing on to the water fountain to fill my coffee mug with water.

The one uptight lady asks me what I’m doing. I give her the “isn’t it pretty obvious” look. She threatens to call security on me because “it’s pretty obvious” that there’s no food or drink allowed in the library.

Now, being the smartass that I am… I get this confused look on my face. I ask Mrs. Uptight why it is there are drinking fountains in a place where food and drink are specifically prohibited. I go on to cite that I’ll be glad to go outdoors and eat the pizza and drink my water, providing they immediately either remove said water fountains or place signs above all fountains saying “not for human indoor usage.”

Gianna and I ended up eating the evidence before security arrived and I got a big slap on the hand, while campus security attempted to keep a straight face. The Professor - also trying desperately to keep a straight face and knowing my love for reading threatened to give me a supplemental novel review if I ever acted out during his class again.

Back to the point… historically speaking, I’ve not been able to force myself to read much of anything. I got really good at taking “multiple guess” tests, thus I could skate through school, rarely reading the required material, but guessing on the tests smartly. As for my attention span, you either have it or you do not… there is little, if any in between.

During my stint as an investment advisor, I became interested in technical analysis, specifically point and figure charting. Unfortunately, the firms were more so interested in the “sell, invest, forget, repeat” concept than dealing with someone who was a subject matter expert. They wanted a used car salesman, not a knowledgeable portfolio manager; yet I was expected to position myself as such.

I respect history and keep with current events. I read on things as they catch my eye. I can pick up a poker book and read it cover to cover in one sitting. Yet, I cannot bring myself to read for leisure for some strange reason. I’m not certain, but I think I am missing out. I wish to force myself to read for leisure and as a form of relaxation.

I plan to start small. I already blog quite a bit (ya think?). I also read several poker blogs daily. I am committing to seek out and read anywhere from three to five “non-poker blogs” a day. How am I going to find these gems, you ask? The little “next blog” button up above on the blogger toolbar is where I am going to start. As I find these new blogs, I’m going to post the blogs in which I’ve discovered and read right here. This will both keep me accountable, and perhaps allow any of my three readers the opportunity to do some new reading as well… With any luck, maybe I’ll be able to read one of my kid’s picture books cover to cover for enjoyment five years from now if I keep on pace.

Today’s leisurely reading list:

On the blog Bandwagon - nice writing on procrastination... I totally relate.

Muthagander - a poetic daily rag of sorts, setting current events to poetry... pretty funny.

network street - lot's of useful technological information. Specifically, I found interesting and useful an article detailing Darknet - "internet" of sorts that does not allow one to be personally identified. They also offer masked ip addresses from Sweden for a low price.




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More in common than just Poker...

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It appears as if the BeerGuy and the Poker.com guys have a bit more common than the obvious...

Me - Drunken Playas with a Soccer Problem. (disclaimer, page unorganized and not updated in forever...)

Them - Our Drinking Team has a Basketball Problem.

We'll have to do a photo op, jersey exchange, and co-sponsored Beer Bash in January...

Mike