From now on I am going to dice my blog posts into two categories, journal entries that give perspectives on my life's events, and articles written written on a topic, such as my previous post regarding Carl Paladino's homophobic tirade.
So far this month seems to be stuck on neutral, typically I have noticed a correlation between the fall in temperature and daylight brought about by the fall and winter months, and my morale and energy. Last year around this time I hit a massive downswing with poker that got worst resulting in my backer, at that time, letting me go and me starting over from the beginning. I feel that measures have been taken to counteract that trend. This fall I have a full-time job, a gym membership, as well as playing in a basketball league that help keep me balanced and centered. I have found in the past, getting caught up and immersing myself 100% in poker has not lead to the most success for me. Hopefully these changes will pay dividends in my poker success.
That leads me into this week starting today, October 18th. I felt the previous weeks that I was due for a week away from poker. Typically during a week off I recharge myself with exercise, watching a few training videos, reading a book, and prepping and cooking healthy food. I usually decide to take a week off when my luck is running worst than a fat man carrying an elephant, and my frustrations build to a boiling point. That hasn't been the case as I have had many near misses that could have turned into nice payouts. Specifically, in the PStars 50+5, 500 cap tourney I busted out 12th when I lost blind vs blind with 88vs A6, and the weekly 200k Guarantee 20+2 on FTilt where I finished 12th out of over 10,500 people. Both tourneys, with a little (more) luck could have turned things around for me. I certainly don't think my woes so far this month comes entirely from me playing bad. Although a week off at this time would be good for me, I do have incentive to continue playing this week. My friend from New York City has invited me out to his place for Halloween weekend festivities, a trip that i definitely feel I need extra money to make. Since I can never take the last week of a month off from poker when I am down money, taking next week off is definitely out if I don't turn things around this week. At the very least, the first week of November is time for a break.
More into poker, I have been contemplating going off my backing deal and playing with my own money once I turn things around and get out of the red. Although I think most poker players would like to play with their own money and keep all of their winnings, that is not always a feasible scenario. I do enjoy playing backed and being able to buy into all the allotted tourneys I can. It definitely feels good to buy into tourneys without looking at the cashier lobby to make sure your BR can handle another tourney. Although backing has a lot of positives, I feel it is time for a change after being mostly backed for the last two years. Some things I am looking forward to would be more freedom to play a variety of games, no pressure to play, being able to play shorter sessions with less multi-table tournaments and more sit and go tournaments. Working a steady job also plays into my decision as I am not too worried about going busto, as I have been in the past. This plan of mine could come sooner or later, as I have a positive backing scenario and am in no hurry to leave it unless an ideal situation pops up.
Either way, I think right now is a time for a change for me. As well as making changes with poker, I am considering one of many personal and professional options for myself, such as looking for a new, more challenging job, going to Graduate school for a Teaching certificate, and even joining the Peace Corps has come into mind. For now it's all WGP (work/gym/poker) for me...
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Why So Much Hate?
A string of hate crimes the past few months, including eight kids being arrested in the Bronx for assaulting and kidnapping three gay men, has culminated in the Republican Governor candidate of New York State attempting to take his homophobic beliefs to public office. The candidate, Carl Paladino, was quoted as saying he vowed to "oppose the Homosexual agenda" in his speech to a group of Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn. This rhetoric, especially coming after the hate crimes, is really unfortunate and a step back in progress for humanity, in my opinion. I am curious as to what actual agenda Paladino believes Homosexuals are pushing? From what I see, and experienced from gay friends, they have no agenda except wanting the same rights as everyone else has enjoyed in America. Is that even an agenda? If it's considered an agenda it shouldn't be.
This brings me to the question of these hate crimes. Should we be surprised? Unfortunately, no. I pity those who have committed hate crimes against homosexuals, for the reason that they are only followers mimicking their leaders. When the Government of the Country considers Homosexuals to be second-class citizens (don't ask don't tell, no right to marriage in many states), you can't expect the citizens of this country to act any different. Surely if these rights were restricted to any racial, ethnic, or religious group it would be an atrocity. How are homosexuals any different? The change I see as needed has to start from the top. These hate crimes are only a microcosm of a lot of Government leaders that are still very homophobic. You can't expect the people to have tolerance and understanding when their leaders set such a horrible example.
This leads me to Carl Paladino. His remarks about gays should not be tolerated by anybody, especially somebody running for political office. If he openly came out and spoke about any other group of people the way he did about Homosexuals(except maybe Muslims), he probably would have been forced to withdraw from his candidacy. I personally think a push should be made for him to resign, having a person with this much hate representing the State of New York scares me. All that is needed is more impressionable, bottom feeders to feel their hate towards another human being is justified. I hope the citizens of this state take note and vote against him. To vote for somebody that has feelings this harsh towards other human beings, is only a step backwards for humanity at a time when we desperately need to move forward.
This brings me to the question of these hate crimes. Should we be surprised? Unfortunately, no. I pity those who have committed hate crimes against homosexuals, for the reason that they are only followers mimicking their leaders. When the Government of the Country considers Homosexuals to be second-class citizens (don't ask don't tell, no right to marriage in many states), you can't expect the citizens of this country to act any different. Surely if these rights were restricted to any racial, ethnic, or religious group it would be an atrocity. How are homosexuals any different? The change I see as needed has to start from the top. These hate crimes are only a microcosm of a lot of Government leaders that are still very homophobic. You can't expect the people to have tolerance and understanding when their leaders set such a horrible example.
This leads me to Carl Paladino. His remarks about gays should not be tolerated by anybody, especially somebody running for political office. If he openly came out and spoke about any other group of people the way he did about Homosexuals(except maybe Muslims), he probably would have been forced to withdraw from his candidacy. I personally think a push should be made for him to resign, having a person with this much hate representing the State of New York scares me. All that is needed is more impressionable, bottom feeders to feel their hate towards another human being is justified. I hope the citizens of this state take note and vote against him. To vote for somebody that has feelings this harsh towards other human beings, is only a step backwards for humanity at a time when we desperately need to move forward.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
10-10-10
Recently I caught myself complaining about not having time to do things I enjoy. My ideal day would consist of a multitude of activities that probably would not be possible if our Earth day was 48 hours. Most people would not consider picking up another hobby to be a remedy for not having enough time for hobbies, but since I spend so much time in front of my computer I don't think this will be a bad idea.
Myself in a nutshell: I'm 28 years old, I have 5 sisters, 2 brothers, a nephew, and a niece. I consider myself very lucky to have a big, loving family. I also consider myself lucky to have great friends. I grew up in Rochester, New York, I lived here until I was 24 years old, at that point I packed up and moved to Las Vegas where I lived for two years. I have always enjoyed sports, playing more than watching. I play Basketball a few days a week, the majority of my close friends I met from playing basketball it's a good way to stay healthy, connected, and keep up the camaraderie with friends at the same time. While I was in College at SUNY Cortland I learned how to play poker, that was a life changing experience. I was caught by the simplicity of the game, the mystique, the adventure, but really I just wanted to make as much money as I can. I know a lot of things I experienced in life would not be possible if I never learned how to play, although, almost every day I play I get annoyed with the volatility of the game. I consider Poker to be the gift and curse of my life. Although I enjoy playing Poker, I am not sure if it's something I am passionate about. During my time in Las Vegas, I worked for a NPO called Success For Kids. My time spent with this program helped me uncover my gifts relating to children, I definitely exuded a passion for helping children that is an unmatched passion so far in my life. I think when the time is right, the ideal opportunity will present itself.
Back to the real moment: I've decided I need a forum to express how I feel about things. The world could use my opinion, there are so many opinions out there I'm sure one more won't mess up the space-time continuum. I also want to use this to keep people updated on my life, more for me than you actually, I thought that maybe if I took an interest in my poker playing it might help me perform better. So as it goes on lucky 10-10-10 I make two final tables, and i'm still down 3,628 dollars on the month. Gift and the Curse as I told you...
Myself in a nutshell: I'm 28 years old, I have 5 sisters, 2 brothers, a nephew, and a niece. I consider myself very lucky to have a big, loving family. I also consider myself lucky to have great friends. I grew up in Rochester, New York, I lived here until I was 24 years old, at that point I packed up and moved to Las Vegas where I lived for two years. I have always enjoyed sports, playing more than watching. I play Basketball a few days a week, the majority of my close friends I met from playing basketball it's a good way to stay healthy, connected, and keep up the camaraderie with friends at the same time. While I was in College at SUNY Cortland I learned how to play poker, that was a life changing experience. I was caught by the simplicity of the game, the mystique, the adventure, but really I just wanted to make as much money as I can. I know a lot of things I experienced in life would not be possible if I never learned how to play, although, almost every day I play I get annoyed with the volatility of the game. I consider Poker to be the gift and curse of my life. Although I enjoy playing Poker, I am not sure if it's something I am passionate about. During my time in Las Vegas, I worked for a NPO called Success For Kids. My time spent with this program helped me uncover my gifts relating to children, I definitely exuded a passion for helping children that is an unmatched passion so far in my life. I think when the time is right, the ideal opportunity will present itself.
Back to the real moment: I've decided I need a forum to express how I feel about things. The world could use my opinion, there are so many opinions out there I'm sure one more won't mess up the space-time continuum. I also want to use this to keep people updated on my life, more for me than you actually, I thought that maybe if I took an interest in my poker playing it might help me perform better. So as it goes on lucky 10-10-10 I make two final tables, and i'm still down 3,628 dollars on the month. Gift and the Curse as I told you...
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