tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58487911497624601012023-11-16T03:47:51.916-08:00Funny the way it is, if you think about it.Musings of an inspired chick in the poker room.talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-25228589184388522752012-01-27T12:11:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:11:36.564-08:00Packed my bags....Hey everyone....I have moved my blog! <br />
<br />
You can find me at <a href="http://www.talonchick.com/">http://www.talonchick.com</a> so come on over and check it out!!!<br />
<br />
Happy January!talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-46132438654292978762011-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:002011-12-31T12:32:41.978-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4bhqH7zbchE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Happy New Year everyone! <br />
<br />
May 2012 bring you so much love, happiness and success in whatever matters most to you!<br />
<br />
<br />talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-27251539766583290282011-12-15T20:51:00.000-08:002011-12-15T17:47:53.480-08:00December BluesUp here, December can be an awful month, the days get really short and the temperature starts to plummet. Despite the forecast of a brutal winter up here, we appear to have been saved for the short term. It is almost balmy here, some days getting above zero, but the sun goes down near 4:30pm. It is easy to see why bears hibernate! <br />
<br />
To avoid hibernation myself, I allowed my schedule to get packed full of activities, which has led to me not getting around to blogging in the last few weeks. I signed up for an unlimited month of yoga just up the road, keep my joints from freezing up! This probably saved me yesterday, we decided to hit up a community league and go curling for a couple hours. My friend Jakz came up from the US on Monday, it seemed appropriate to immediately grace him with a cup of Tim Horton's coffee and a broom. We had a blast, I will try to post some videos later into this post. Worth a laugh for sure! It was a bit nerve racking at first to start firing the stones into the house (ha...where can you do that??) while the league players watched on. No bones were broken and even without helmets, there were no concussions. <br />
<br />
With regards to poker, I have another 12,099.54 VPPs to go to hit my last milestone bonus of 2011, then I will be focusing all my energy into tournament strategy and preparation for PCA. It's hard to believe that in 3 weeks I will be packed up and headed to the airport! Come join me!<br />
<br />
Oh yes...Gibson won an 'elder pet' photo competition earlier in the month, getting him a bag of goodies. I decided that this year, I would get his picture taken with 'Santa/Grinch' for the first time, seeing as they were fundraising for a good cause! He was not impressed....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9He2OYGeNDsn2qSsjQDc_ZBvqKWKJKPrMnGaUWaZbbpYpfLHepoDferqiNgKW2P1Kpx23Rgrc-07NBg8_Djk43ePkkOVl4GdcjhSqHOQMZVpPxvhLZ5f7ojhCgpmv2LDCObxhClzF6Ps/s1600/GibsonSanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9He2OYGeNDsn2qSsjQDc_ZBvqKWKJKPrMnGaUWaZbbpYpfLHepoDferqiNgKW2P1Kpx23Rgrc-07NBg8_Djk43ePkkOVl4GdcjhSqHOQMZVpPxvhLZ5f7ojhCgpmv2LDCObxhClzF6Ps/s320/GibsonSanta.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-65136526244036157832011-11-30T19:34:00.001-08:002011-11-30T19:59:27.541-08:00Preparedness is KeyEarlier this month, I was able to get away on a vacation. My first real vacation in a long time, where I haven't had to concern myself with OT work and well I couldn't play online poker. It has often seemed like I take time off to escape to the WSOP, or Vegas or make sure I drag my laptop along to get a few hands in. So off I headed to the beautiful beaches of Florida for a bit of relaxation. <br />
<br />
I was thinking about making some videos detailing how I was going to prepare for the PCA Canada Cup final table, and while chatting about it, the idea came up to consider making a bit of a spoof, probably sometime after we saw Kevin Nealon in Ybor. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4kS4HiWOgvJjh24mi01rtiTV9o7Lrr6zFXAB7awdCLzPZ0-se4W3j_MPOAFg2AhHT8WhAtFy-tFhDdz0q8RKDrhn_XDs3shqfNkkDekndMJQJC8vd5F-MveH9KUGlBiv3FPQs4fOPz8/s1600/Kevin+Nealon" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4kS4HiWOgvJjh24mi01rtiTV9o7Lrr6zFXAB7awdCLzPZ0-se4W3j_MPOAFg2AhHT8WhAtFy-tFhDdz0q8RKDrhn_XDs3shqfNkkDekndMJQJC8vd5F-MveH9KUGlBiv3FPQs4fOPz8/s320/Kevin+Nealon" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hans and Talon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The video took a bit more work than I initially expected (don't they all), but it is hard to complain when you are in paradise! I can't wait for the Bahamas, and hope that many of you can make it out also!<br />
<br />
So with as much cheese as possible...allow me to present to you...PCA Canada Cup preparations! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2I-kY6wcaYs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-2643937768254075932011-11-16T18:52:00.001-08:002011-11-17T05:44:25.934-08:00Video Release Day: Poker, Slo-pitch & the "Fat Cat"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.6050792196331243" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The day my slo-pitch team has been waiting for is here! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Earlier
this year, I was presented with the opportunity to have my ‘story’
filmed and published for the poker world (and I suppose, anyone else who
may randomly happen upon my video). I was super excited and equally
nervous at the thought of being interviewed and being recorded. Some
people are naturals when it comes to being in the public eye and
expressing themselves, but I am not sure I belong in that group. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So you can imagine, that my nerves weren’t settled too much as the crew set up their gear in my living room. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhkpEmZP9j8Hqpz-Dy-6Vt31pgaHsjswQKLHCwP_RvXYzpnP4cfWVGrSKq-BRsZ3olIWBiIBxiRxWAoq0gpeB0jjBI8poYiLeey6MSayjlB0-IwnYoPrkrYYJrVUsinxxN4p03WHBwc4/s1600/100_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhkpEmZP9j8Hqpz-Dy-6Vt31pgaHsjswQKLHCwP_RvXYzpnP4cfWVGrSKq-BRsZ3olIWBiIBxiRxWAoq0gpeB0jjBI8poYiLeey6MSayjlB0-IwnYoPrkrYYJrVUsinxxN4p03WHBwc4/s320/100_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thankfully,
the guys were wonderful, and kept me laughing. The sound guy even
wound up making a bit of a cameo...can you spot him? A special thanks
to Ryan, Greg and Mike for all their work! It certainly wasn’t the
nicest weekend to visit Edmonton. This video will give you a glimpse
into my life, from poker, to working as an Occupational Therapist, to
after hours fun!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here it is...the moment many have been waiting for....drum roll please! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zm7vbb0GwkE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So
after watching the video, I hope you have had a good laugh or two, even
if it was at my expense. I think it is important not to take yourself
too seriously! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPtfQPi8z5Sh6q5WC4qZR22m4Icx-TgjxP2hRtiTpNbiRnZcdtyODCo3GsGR_NC4ZawwZ4o6eC_RJl_KHegmar76st-3GGyD4ZbS3ftmQGpbEwlfCNh6102SpxhjAWOgoZhbxKrbnNjs/s1600/IMG_6420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPtfQPi8z5Sh6q5WC4qZR22m4Icx-TgjxP2hRtiTpNbiRnZcdtyODCo3GsGR_NC4ZawwZ4o6eC_RJl_KHegmar76st-3GGyD4ZbS3ftmQGpbEwlfCNh6102SpxhjAWOgoZhbxKrbnNjs/s320/IMG_6420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-69106122467073320602011-10-30T22:17:00.001-07:002011-10-30T22:17:54.846-07:00....Get Set....The VPP race continues for me from now until the end of the year. Last updated October 10th. As I sign out for the night tonight, I have 166,628.08 VPPs....33,371.92 to go to get my next Milestone Cash Credit. <br />
<br />
Brag: Will be great to get, just in time for the Bahamas baby! :)talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-31994644481757309952011-10-24T22:23:00.000-07:002011-10-24T22:23:36.056-07:00Canada Cup, Januar-eh Nine and Bonus BragsWoke up early (10am) yesterday morning and got to a yoga class as quickly as I could. I had been during the week but other than that, very neglectful. Class ended at 1140, giving me just enough time to get home, showered and ready to start my tournaments. I have really tried to focus more on cash games, but the weekend tournaments are such good value and hard to stay away from. Quickly registered in the Women's Sunday, the Sunday Million, the Daily Bigs and some PCA/Canada Cup satellites. Things did not go well. It felt like I had a bounty on my head in each (of course in the Women's I did...), which is a good thing, but I was falling prey to two and three outers galore. <br />
<br />
The Canada Cup opened up....and I tried to leave everything else behind me. As always, easier said than done, but a double up KK vs QQ put me in a better mood. I will have to review my hand histories, but after that I didn't have many show downs that stick out in my memory. Just tried to gather small amounts of chips whenever other players were leaving them lying around. I especially got to make my move at the cash bubble, chipping up from 28k to almost 60k without a showdown, it was a great hour or so. Once in the money, there was no question....final table was where I needed to be. <br />
<br />
The rest is history...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoQsretF1FaJFKEX7xJ6EycmT9M5XmXC4UsGb8WbqDDyyBKVSbRatK7eNf-iqNhi69XNNecGrgqPt1WTMPyBjGOYvznyfHZrSLMDw3xKKmvIBMt4_q6xv0zxIpgYYaixf1-O7s-kAHYI/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-10-23+at+10.49.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoQsretF1FaJFKEX7xJ6EycmT9M5XmXC4UsGb8WbqDDyyBKVSbRatK7eNf-iqNhi69XNNecGrgqPt1WTMPyBjGOYvznyfHZrSLMDw3xKKmvIBMt4_q6xv0zxIpgYYaixf1-O7s-kAHYI/s320/Screen+shot+2011-10-23+at+10.49.39+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The incentives offered by PokerStars are awesome. Hotel, flight, spending money in the Bahamas, not to mention....whoever ships this tournament gets to freeroll the 25k high roller tournament. I get really excited just thinking about potential! I slept only for an hour or so last night, will have to get over that ASAP. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MudYil5Ryvw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
So, now I have the "Januar-eh Nine" in my sights, and have some fun preparation work to do because I have every intention of showing this field how an Edmonton girl plays poker. I will dust off a spot on my mantle for the trophy. Stay tuned....I will show you how I train!<br />
<br />
Then....as if I wasn't already pumped, Ryan shipped the last WSOP Circuit even in Hammond! Now he has a big old ring to show off! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TRv7f7roWiKrv5CE8ydw9ltdrrFb_hvQ653af0__NrEauqLYH2EZL1QJFJzSKI869gDZnk3GPZa-LquBMWjrqMHJIjvxYQBR4n2D4r7OKjFgaoRP1vJQk105CyldqNQzz7M4UKInT8I/s1600/Ryan%2527s+win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TRv7f7roWiKrv5CE8ydw9ltdrrFb_hvQ653af0__NrEauqLYH2EZL1QJFJzSKI869gDZnk3GPZa-LquBMWjrqMHJIjvxYQBR4n2D4r7OKjFgaoRP1vJQk105CyldqNQzz7M4UKInT8I/s320/Ryan%2527s+win.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
He was there today, in large part because our favorite....Eric was working at shipping the Main Event, unfortunately, it wasn't to be today, but 4th prize and a six figure score will be a decent consolation! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERmKQbdZdp5qkFzYKs7zGG80tZQHdH2K2UezpIXsHAFWd1OyfLEiqjYov0EkyyTfoBoo9RRJ4XE8LJbrsKmTydDKE1VuqlOL4RMh2Ssm9Ndeyn2O65c1NeYZAH3WU35PzIFiU3rwKqc0/s1600/Eric+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERmKQbdZdp5qkFzYKs7zGG80tZQHdH2K2UezpIXsHAFWd1OyfLEiqjYov0EkyyTfoBoo9RRJ4XE8LJbrsKmTydDKE1VuqlOL4RMh2Ssm9Ndeyn2O65c1NeYZAH3WU35PzIFiU3rwKqc0/s320/Eric+chips.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
These guys have set the bar high...but I am so pumped and ready to crush my own final table....just a few more months...<br />
<br />
Hopefully, I get some sleep tonight. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-45882377737854344862011-10-19T21:55:00.000-07:002011-10-19T21:55:54.080-07:00Tick Tock Tick Tock....<span id="internal-source-marker_0.11767022035369878" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Every
so often, PokerStars will run a tournament on a trial basis and a few
weeks ago I found myself playing one of them to give it a try as the
concept really appealed to me. It was a $2 turbo that lasted only 30
minutes. I have fun in tournaments that employ different strategies,
whether it is the game type (split pot, 8 game, etc.), the structure
(turbos, deep stack, etc.) or now the hard stop of a tournament. In
these timed tournaments, you could see many different styles of play
coming together, including the player who was quickly gambling and
trying to amass all the chips for the impending chop (these tournaments
pay out according to the size of each players stack), the player who was
taking their time for every decision (trying to hang on to min cash)
and the player who was playing a bit more cautiously recognizing that
building a table image had less value. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.11767022035369878" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In my opinion, one of the
greatest drawbacks of tournaments can be the uncertainty of when it will
end. Grinding tournaments can be tough on your social life, it is hard
to commit to a set time for anything, whether dinner, a movie, or a
sporting event! These Time Tourneys give you the fun of a big multi
table tournament, without having to commit your whole evening to poker.
It is also nice to be able to get a good nights sleep before heading
off to work in the morning! Needless to say, I am happy that the trial
of this style of tournament was a success and that Time Tourneys will
now be in the regular schedule at PokerStars. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Look
for these tournaments in the lobby, they will run for a varied amount
of time (from a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of 180 minutes) at
which time the payouts are established based on stack size of the
remaining players. You can give this tournament a try, for as little as
$1, they are most easily found by looking under the “Tourney” tab, they
have a little stop watch icon, or you can use the Tourney Filter at the
bottom to find them. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If
you can, make a deposit of $30 or more and use the code “TIME” until
October 21rst and PokerStars will give you one ticket for a $5.50 Time
Tourney Ticket that can be used until 23:59 EST on October 21rst. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">These
tournaments are a perfect addition to the lineup, and will suit so many
recreational players, or in general people who lead busy lives that
want to play tournaments, but can’t commit 8 hours (or longer) to a
session. If you are allotted two hours to play some poker on a
weekend....be sure to look at the newest addititon to the Saturday
Line-Up, it’s a $22 Time Tourney (two hours total) that will fire up
every Saturday starting at 13:00 EST. The prize pool is a guaranteed
$10,000 (check it out on the 22nd...for a DOUBLE guarantee)...so come
get whatever piece your stack is worth after two hours! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As always, if you have any questions get in touch with support@pokerstars.</span>talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-43931116042836456072011-10-17T23:27:00.000-07:002011-10-17T23:27:14.671-07:00Supernova Dinner - Edmonton style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Something happened last week. I had heard of it happening before, just never had the opportunity to partake in the fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I opened my email in September and there it was, an email from a man named Rich, the VIP representative for PokerStars in western Canada. He was coming into town in early October and wanted to know if I would like to join him and other Supernova players on PokerStars for an evening out....on PokerStars (of course). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a member of Team Online as well as Supernova, Rich allowed me to pick where we would eat. This gave me some trouble, there are some great places to eat in Edmonton, but would what appealed to me be suitable for the other Supernova guests?? So I went with the safe choice of Ruth's Chris. In Alberta, a steak house has to appeal to most! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We arrived and were escorted down to a private meeting room, with vault type doors. The table composition was interesting, the players who had been able to join us for the night were a multi table tournament player (with affinity for the turbos and hyper-turbos), a heads up sit and go player, a limit hold em player and myself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a table like this, Rich had his work cut out for him, but he kept the conversation going and it was really interesting to hear how each player got their start in poker, WSOP adventures, plans for PCA, thoughts on Black Friday, 2+2 and other sites. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rich asked us each what we thought PokerStars could do to be a better site and what kinds of promotions attracted us. It was nice to know that our opinions counted as he wrote down every suggestion/comment and even talked a bit about the ideas that came out of the dinner he hosted earlier that week in Calgary. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't take any pictures that night....protect the identities of these Superheroes, but I did catch a few screen names. So in lieu of pictures, I figured I would attach some pictures of the foods we sampled. Everything was really incredible!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L6KNVMTBpRufj8NIEFXalokS3T6_gM6IwsaXDZ504AR5A753_qaBvYigFDln8GspVmSHch1z_NgROzNR9UfTBoCrt86EjEpUPhhzdsoH6RtWbLSfHW5W3O2J5J4m3SzQD0ZguZrT9p8/s1600/img_app_stuffedMushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L6KNVMTBpRufj8NIEFXalokS3T6_gM6IwsaXDZ504AR5A753_qaBvYigFDln8GspVmSHch1z_NgROzNR9UfTBoCrt86EjEpUPhhzdsoH6RtWbLSfHW5W3O2J5J4m3SzQD0ZguZrT9p8/s320/img_app_stuffedMushrooms.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stuffed mushroom caps, onion rings.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uruR_2zWlppDUHLi1ZhryR-tNOLZSejXAemkVSNEhXUDzEiuq6rsjCuiSCL2osaRiC6yiP7BoZmuF_u34MXb8NQN33OUQHHbnpvRag07YLjc8CIdm0_X6FQjobj4QFog2h9Th6r6BKo/s1600/img_salad_chopped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uruR_2zWlppDUHLi1ZhryR-tNOLZSejXAemkVSNEhXUDzEiuq6rsjCuiSCL2osaRiC6yiP7BoZmuF_u34MXb8NQN33OUQHHbnpvRag07YLjc8CIdm0_X6FQjobj4QFog2h9Th6r6BKo/s1600/img_salad_chopped.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soups and salads...oh my!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRZ5uQ5reJz5B1_SM6OcCkEyV0ivi-H3jSx7wIge2go39g5Nq45Al6VG6J0Sp9o4DiHgrChQ4SyJDAhFFT4at5vQB2bMUDsMrQUcUa3Dg4IwebPfPTuG5iGYT_nAxg2uz5lvWgHu29dg/s1600/img_entrees_filet_wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRZ5uQ5reJz5B1_SM6OcCkEyV0ivi-H3jSx7wIge2go39g5Nq45Al6VG6J0Sp9o4DiHgrChQ4SyJDAhFFT4at5vQB2bMUDsMrQUcUa3Dg4IwebPfPTuG5iGYT_nAxg2uz5lvWgHu29dg/s1600/img_entrees_filet_wine.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Followed my entrees of steaks with decadent sides....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIwnmj4jO1LkgWbiidCgnup5nL6rBZF3_IKM_UwcE02rCDkNSK3t5OT6GCwp6ng74VeL-KAF5m8dicw3Qecpoh1mBaLeUdJ1lElOJ_RP_RQkwMa9H73NPgOTYH_DFeoW-sr_Wsp6lrZ4/s1600/img_dessert_sinCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIwnmj4jO1LkgWbiidCgnup5nL6rBZF3_IKM_UwcE02rCDkNSK3t5OT6GCwp6ng74VeL-KAF5m8dicw3Qecpoh1mBaLeUdJ1lElOJ_RP_RQkwMa9H73NPgOTYH_DFeoW-sr_Wsp6lrZ4/s320/img_dessert_sinCake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who could then resist chocolate pieces of heaven?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If this isn't incentive enough for you to work towards Supernova....I am not sure what would be!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Oh yes....by the way Rich, thanks for letting me pick the bottle of wine, and for not cringing when the waitress said "Oh wow....you picked a <i>really good</i> bottle of wine", it was wonderful down to the last drop!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-23576633377028032162011-10-10T22:41:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:41:42.005-07:00On your marks....I was reviewing my VPPs for the year and trying to examine how quickly I am accumulating them.<br />
<br />
I will make a push for 200,000 VPPs this year. As of today at 11:40 MST (lol) I have 145,579.77 VPPs, so will have my work cut out for me....but there is a bonus of $2,600 at the VIP store waiting for me when I get there! <br />
<br />
:)talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-30376692188131950252011-09-28T22:21:00.000-07:002011-09-28T22:21:43.702-07:00Team Online Freerolls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3m9vyGpKJDc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
For any friends or family that don't have PokerStars accounts, they are running a great promo at the moment. If you sign up under me, you get a chance at a free tournament every month (the first Sunday at 10 am MST) where there is a bounty on my head and free money added to the prize pool by PokerStars. <br />
<br />
So come support me and my new adventures in Pokerland!<br />
<br />
<br />talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-85981834491336864662011-09-17T00:59:00.000-07:002011-09-17T00:59:43.063-07:00World Championship of Online Poker...Events 30 & 31Wednesday morning my alarm goes off (at 3:30am)....and like every other morning I somehow manage to hit snooze without actually regaining consciousness. I am a proficient sleeper. I eventually half waken to my boyfriend asking me what time it is.<br />
<br />
4:45am<br />
<br />
Shit. I have been getting blinded out for 45 minutes. Grab my laptop and open both eyes. I was so excited for this event, the $265 NL Omaha H/L. In the last year, I have really become fascinated with NL O8 (you can usually find me playing the $33 NLO8 at 5pm locally, or the $51 hyper turbos later in the evening).<br />
<br />
The event did not go as planned, my stack was crippled when I shoved with two pair (no low on the board) vs a player I am familiar with, who had aces. The river paired the board and it wasn't one of mine. I busted shortly thereafter, not sure if I made the end of late registration. <br />
<br />
I was extremely disappointed. Not to mention feeling sorry for myself. <br />
<br />
I sulked upstairs and got ready to head to work. As I was coming back down the stairs, I heard the PokerStars alerts ringing. I forgot that I had played a ~500 fpp round 1 satellite (for the 8 game) and had advanced to round 2 where the buy in was 2400 fpps.<br />
<br />
I love playing these fpp satellites both for the value and for the practice at each of the games, they are an inexpensive warm up and get you thinking about the game you are about to play. I also really like 8 game, my first exposure to it was a WSOP event in 2010. In my first 2-7 TD hand, I made the nuts, and I was hooked. <br />
<br />
Winning the round 2 sent me into the $107+$9 satellite which then advanced me into Event 31. (As it turns out, I registered for a 2k fpp satellite to the event, and won that also). The $320 8 Game tournament was already well under way and I couldn't unregister....so I picked up my phone and sheepishly called work to see if they needed me to come in at all. Thankfully my coworkers had everything managed and I got the green light to play on.<br />
<br />
Thanks girls, it was well worth it! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6dpfhs4AgC3EuEH81Htj3NHXwJu5SuLr_3M9062elZQEZlTUb0lTR5GfZC0sBiVLeJ14cwQ2Ebyv7vcOx_9BWxTz5vYLRTVrCYAcTNPlAOO0R9yLJ9drH65Lk1y2XZtzFlE1wzdzqVg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-17+at+12.54.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6dpfhs4AgC3EuEH81Htj3NHXwJu5SuLr_3M9062elZQEZlTUb0lTR5GfZC0sBiVLeJ14cwQ2Ebyv7vcOx_9BWxTz5vYLRTVrCYAcTNPlAOO0R9yLJ9drH65Lk1y2XZtzFlE1wzdzqVg/s640/Screen+shot+2011-09-17+at+12.54.09+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This certainly wasn't how I had imagined my day going, but it ended up working out in the end. While I would have loved to take down the bracelet, it felt very satisfying to make my first major final table as a member of Poker Stars Team Online. I hadn't quite realized how much extra pressure I had been putting on myself since I signed this deal.<br />
<br />
Being an 8 game event meant that there was not a lack of interesting spots. I will review some hand histories from the tournament, either in video or text format sometime in the next few days.talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-40193426367176929622011-09-01T15:11:00.000-07:002011-09-01T15:11:43.664-07:00It's Almost WCOOP Time!!!In the poker world, August is one of my least favorite months. It can often be a struggle for me to get back to the reality of a day job after the WSOP. This year, the WCOOP is on the horizon with the promise of 62 events and at least $30 million dollars in prize pool money. This makes my shift back to reality less of a burden.<br />
<br />
I have always been a dreamer, and WCOOP certainly gives me room to imagine...so many players will have their lives changed over the course of a day (or two) in ways they may have only fantasized about. You don't even have to get out of your pajamas!<br />
<br />
<i>Read the rest of this post on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/wcoop/2011/wcoop-poker-in-my-pajamas-086490.html">Poker Stars Blog </a></i>talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-68116967311930711412011-08-08T20:37:00.000-07:002011-08-08T20:37:36.671-07:00Summer Fun!For August long weekend, we packed into my car and drove 10 hours to Peachland (just outside of Kelowna, BC). It is by far one of the most beautiful places to visit and home to some of my best friends. The weekend was perfect and relaxing, great food, boating, wine and sun. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUifstnYVKkGieTf4I3D5SmZIZW-eJYkE_Fah_QIWsOlURtUK0ktDcyCuqLYttrf9M2fX0HtNomJnqW4aG1cKvvGHHWRQJ2Fx4xdhWckOql3QnBVMONbzFNDl_rSPOlI-gXUktS44fos/s1600/100_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUifstnYVKkGieTf4I3D5SmZIZW-eJYkE_Fah_QIWsOlURtUK0ktDcyCuqLYttrf9M2fX0HtNomJnqW4aG1cKvvGHHWRQJ2Fx4xdhWckOql3QnBVMONbzFNDl_rSPOlI-gXUktS44fos/s320/100_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To end our water day on the Saturday (we had swam, surfed, wakeboarded, and enjoyed some sodas), we headed to a 'sweet jumping spot'. Heights are definitely not something I enjoy, but I do love the water. Fueled by liquid courage, peer pressure and perhaps some sun stroke, I joined my friends in the climb up the cliff - at least it will make a good video right? The toughest thing about the climb was avoiding the cacti - they were vicious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLNY4BPwCxvDXLsPEhefPM7YINvw2hMdSVRAt6E6KvAJrlqEWijhuzYbaj-zG6A_EaqJp7UV7nHmyO6SDb1QjOk95jwsu9oiZD9dcPtMCWHjyBWufrmdGbZ8XHn4VHPDigxKa2l9Stls/s1600/100_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLNY4BPwCxvDXLsPEhefPM7YINvw2hMdSVRAt6E6KvAJrlqEWijhuzYbaj-zG6A_EaqJp7UV7nHmyO6SDb1QjOk95jwsu9oiZD9dcPtMCWHjyBWufrmdGbZ8XHn4VHPDigxKa2l9Stls/s320/100_0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After that climb, there was no way I was walking back down....here's the video of the jump (rated M for language and heavy breathing). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pbN4rRlYIIc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
The next day was the Red Spade Open on PokerStars, so got my laptop fired up, the hookah fired up and some wine. A few others in the house jumped into the tournament also to see if they could get my bounty...would have been a great story but another random player got it that time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWCQzzCNw-kT0y-5aHafHOX6jL335yb5STmrsxPf83XoXlsvEBA0rl0MxyLd9MrNUPm8Ycbgu-ZmuCbT4fCPD_rHa8MjRu7CHCwN3UiIcZBWt4rbYpydsWmXf2N-T-9b1-0abWNCk3bg/s1600/100_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWCQzzCNw-kT0y-5aHafHOX6jL335yb5STmrsxPf83XoXlsvEBA0rl0MxyLd9MrNUPm8Ycbgu-ZmuCbT4fCPD_rHa8MjRu7CHCwN3UiIcZBWt4rbYpydsWmXf2N-T-9b1-0abWNCk3bg/s320/100_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Was a great weekend, can't imagine much better....I love summer. talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-27379352599280513962011-08-04T21:38:00.000-07:002011-08-04T21:38:06.719-07:00A transition?I got word today that my request to go part time at the hospital was approved....effective September 12th, I will be working less...well 20% less. I am really excited! Just in time for the WCOOP on PokerStars too...player of the series sounds good to me! It means that I will hopefully have more time to travel and fulfill more of my 2011 goals. <br />
<br />
With the signing of my contract, I have found myself to be insanely busy between poker, work and life. I want to dedicate more time to working on and playing poker. <br />
<br />
Also....stay tuned for some sweet videos and pictures from my weekend in Peachland. I'll slowly get the hang of this technology thing!<br />
<br />
:)talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-61395595939494430172011-07-23T18:04:00.000-07:002011-07-23T18:04:41.132-07:00Home Invasion.... (nm they were invited)Along with having me join Team Online, PokerStars is having a mini video documentary made of me. The filming took place this week, thankfully I was done with with post WSOP blues! People who are regularly in front of the camera make it look so easy! I wasn't nervous until I saw all the gear come out, then I became fidgety and anxious. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhkpEmZP9j8Hqpz-Dy-6Vt31pgaHsjswQKLHCwP_RvXYzpnP4cfWVGrSKq-BRsZ3olIWBiIBxiRxWAoq0gpeB0jjBI8poYiLeey6MSayjlB0-IwnYoPrkrYYJrVUsinxxN4p03WHBwc4/s1600/100_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhkpEmZP9j8Hqpz-Dy-6Vt31pgaHsjswQKLHCwP_RvXYzpnP4cfWVGrSKq-BRsZ3olIWBiIBxiRxWAoq0gpeB0jjBI8poYiLeey6MSayjlB0-IwnYoPrkrYYJrVUsinxxN4p03WHBwc4/s320/100_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The video will give you a peek in to my life, my work and most importantly my fun! The highlight of my day (and when I felt most at east) was in the evening at my slo-pitch game. They were able to interview my best friend and some of my teammates, about poker and life. I think the crew will have their hands full editing the evening portion with my ball team. We know how to party and usually can play ball fairly proficiently, but it looked mostly like a blooper reel until the cameras went away! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPtfQPi8z5Sh6q5WC4qZR22m4Icx-TgjxP2hRtiTpNbiRnZcdtyODCo3GsGR_NC4ZawwZ4o6eC_RJl_KHegmar76st-3GGyD4ZbS3ftmQGpbEwlfCNh6102SpxhjAWOgoZhbxKrbnNjs/s1600/IMG_6420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPtfQPi8z5Sh6q5WC4qZR22m4Icx-TgjxP2hRtiTpNbiRnZcdtyODCo3GsGR_NC4ZawwZ4o6eC_RJl_KHegmar76st-3GGyD4ZbS3ftmQGpbEwlfCNh6102SpxhjAWOgoZhbxKrbnNjs/s320/IMG_6420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the team...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Either way....the video should give you a glimpse of what my life is like and the balance between working at poker and a 'real' job!<br />
<br />
The crew was terrific (thanks Ryan, Mike and Greg) and now it is in their hands to polish up all my rough edges!<br />
<br />
Here is a sample of some of their work...my teammate Nanonoko...somehow I think our videos will be a bit different, both for poker and leisure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2QzhQIOFNhU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
Stay tuned....this week is the photo shoot!!talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-61777594567604711012011-07-15T06:03:00.000-07:002011-07-15T06:03:29.494-07:00Video BloggingYikes....posted a video blog last night, first one ever. A bit strange but hopefully will get better as time goes by!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PEDjuDh2r-M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-36062386488557081902011-07-12T21:59:00.000-07:002011-07-12T21:59:38.945-07:00July 7, 2011....What a day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfExrtDIPb7piydl-lNZqGA4WSlBEcilcRzCUKTbZv8xIINiHP2-q8tRlf-ln9Ru1WxfBurzdgjZ6QhXAyoFGoCH7XDzrndLHfc-SJuCfCGx2fcATJxCkt_fFTxwsjgl-rTEzUr0TJaM/s1600/adrienne-rowsome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfExrtDIPb7piydl-lNZqGA4WSlBEcilcRzCUKTbZv8xIINiHP2-q8tRlf-ln9Ru1WxfBurzdgjZ6QhXAyoFGoCH7XDzrndLHfc-SJuCfCGx2fcATJxCkt_fFTxwsjgl-rTEzUr0TJaM/s1600/adrienne-rowsome.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Cheese!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So...I had a secret. It was a big one. I am not great at keeping my secrets as my friends know. But finally, it was announced that I was to be the newest member of Team Online at PokerStars. <br />
<br />
This is really a culmination of a dream I have been dreaming for a number of years, since I started playing online poker. Then, at the beginning of 2011, I realized that I was coasting in poker, it has always been a game that I have been good at and at times have just played on auto pilot. So, I focused and here we are. <br />
<br />
I look forward to the opportunities and the challenges that I will face this year as a poker player and as a representative on PokerStars team. I love meeting players, and am just back from WSOP, so on a total high. I met Omaha/8b players that I only knew from online before, I met and re-met poker reporters, got to party at the 2+2 Pokercast party with the Pokercast guys and many 2+2 members, some that I had met before and others that were new faces. Heading to the WSOP is always a highlight of my summer, like going back to a summer camp for adults!<br />
<br />
As a member of Team Online, I want to show people (both existing and new players) that poker can be worked into an awesome and healthy lifestyle. I have made the choice to work outside of poker since 2002, while this isn't for everyone, it has been the nuts for me. Poker has given me many opportunities and benefits over the last nine years and I look forward to my 10th year in the game. <br />
<br />
Take care everyone and come find me at the tables!!!! <br />
<br />
Links about the signing and my bio:<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/talonchick">http://bit.ly/talonchick</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/rowsome">http://bit.ly/rowsome</a>talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-67075607012124718522011-06-27T22:50:00.000-07:002011-06-27T22:50:32.355-07:00WSOP 2011 - round 2I hate packing.<br />
<br />
So I have found the time to write a quick note! I am headed back to Las Vegas tomorrow afternoon. On my slate is Event 51 $1500 plo8 and if that doesn't go well the ladies event (Event 53). I plan to play as much cash as possible in between and potentially the 5k plo8 (Event 57). I am stoked to find out that the Rio has yoga at the spa on weekends....so much nicer than going to find a center. <br />
<br />
I hope to go see the Price is Right game show and have time for some great dinners. Then also the 2+2 pokercast party at the Wynn on July 7th. I am sure this trip will fly by as they all do, hopefully I get to see my name in lights, and maybe....hear the Canadian anthem played just for me. <br />
<br />
Namaste. talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-83814668181486517082011-06-24T17:38:00.000-07:002011-06-24T17:38:56.416-07:00Time flies...Today marks my 9th anniversary at my current job. Officially, the longest time I have worked somewhere. I get the luxury of truly meaning it when I tell you that I love my job. Parts of it make me want to scream and shake people, but that happens in every day life too I guess! Ultimately, nothing can replace the feeling I get when I help a patient or a family through a life changing event, whether it is a trauma, an illness or a loss. <br />
<br />
I have the best crew that I work with and it makes all the difference. I have traveled with coworkers (to the Caribbean, taken some to Vegas, to NY and DC) and often spend time away from work with them, hell even my slo pitch team stems from the hospital.<br />
<br />
Here's a cheezy little OT rap...had some fun checking out youtube for all the OT vs PT and OT vs nursing videos...but I already argued with one nurse today so I thought I would put something non offensive! :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uDP1-gcDcAI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
Despite all this, I feel a change is coming...it would be too easy to just coast along for the next 10 years. I submitted a request to go part time for now, to see if with the extra time I can pursue a bit more poker travel or another adventure in Occupational Therapy...we'll see if that gets approved!! Fingers crossed!<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend everyone! talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-43688853606681052802011-06-16T20:37:00.000-07:002011-06-16T20:37:28.669-07:00Trip Report - The RestI had better finish this epic blog before I head back to Vegas in less than two weeks!<br />
<br />
In summary, the last 4 days of my trip included playing basketball at midnight at 24 hour fitness, manicure, pedicure, swimming, hot tubs, more gym time then finally out to dinner at Mesa and seeing Absinthe (outside Caesars) which was an excellent show until the end when I almost bailed down the ramp in my heels. Can't win them all I guess!<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to the next couple weeks more for so many reasons, will be into the PLO8 tournaments, the ladies event for the first time, catching up with more friends and enjoying some heat!!!! <br />
<br />
Will most definitely be at the 2+2 party at the Wynn on the 7th....so get there! :)talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-57029978756490994892011-06-12T10:30:00.000-07:002011-06-12T10:30:29.432-07:00Trip Report - Day 3Day 3 - Event day $1500 Limit Omaha 8/b - June 1, 2011<br />
<a href="http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/photostore">www.worldseriesofpoker.com/photostore</a> check out Event 3 Table 47 if you wish. <br />
<br />
I drove over to the Rio, with the last few minutes of my rental car and hurriedly returned it as I was running a bit late. Got to my table, and into seat 9, in time to fire up the event. While so many of my friends were tweeting about all the 'name pros' at their table, I was looking around and recognized nobody at mine. The forecast for this tourney was that it was going to be juicy as the first 'real' tourney (after the casino employees and the $25k HU) and lots of players would be looking to get their WSOP experience started. The numbers on the board seemed to be indicating the same thing, over 900 players. <br />
Unfortunately, the field didn't appear to be as soft as expected. <br />
The softest spot at my table was in seat 2, a Venezuelan, who was super excited and at his first WSOP, after every hand he provided a step by step instruction manual as to why he played his hand as he did. Needless to say, he was our first casualty in or around level 4. <br />
A fun spot for me came at level 6 when I got into a short stack battle with someone even shorter, he held AAK7 and I held A24Q. We got all in pre-flop and the hands were turned up. I said to the dealer, "How about a 3, 5, 8 flop" and that was exactly what I got. I didn't want to ask to flop scoop him, but I did end up scooping that pot. My chip stack was on a roller coaster until the dinner break, where I ended with around two big blinds (or 1100 chips). <br />
Dinner break we had some of the days earlier casualties go grab a big table at Buzios (amazing seafood restaurant at the Rio). During dinner, one of the guys at our table handed me his cell phone and told me to talk to his friend, surprize for me when it turns out it was a radio poker show...<br />
I was not late getting back to my chips after the dinner break, couldn't afford to be! I believe I lasted about another 20 minutes, and then became one of the many level 7 bust outs. <br />
<br />
Overall, I was pretty disappointed, this was the first LO8 WSOP tournament in three years that I hadn't cashed in; however, this year surely had the best play I had seen. I am most definitely looking forward to my next events!talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-84356938589604836822011-06-10T18:11:00.000-07:002011-06-10T18:11:24.545-07:00Trip Report - as I remember it....I was in Vegas for a week (May 30 - June 6) and cannot wait until my return. The WSOP tends to be a bit of a blur to me at the best of times, so this trip, I made use of the handy pen and paper to make notes about my trip. Hopefully whoever finds that paper can piece it all together and have a few good laughs. <br />
<br />
Day 1 - Worked all day then took off early in the afternoon to finish up packing and got chauffeured to the airport by my friend. Whether it was the upcoming flight or the fact that I hadn't been to Vegas since last July, I was filled with excitement and nervousness. Skip the boring wait at the airport, flight and wait for my bag and fast forward to check in at Caesars. <br />
Got loaded into my room and almost didn't leave because of the view: (excuse the blurry iPhone pic)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sQ1mTY7g9oU-zcHQ7AlR-5nDHaLEu00-Y7yf9xASS2XYDwUpS-8dBHkcbb9f9s8ISXb6vouUe5ngM5imIE6iGLJAQi880Y-NShMgVBo7bMt3aJgbxd-GkZwzzbVA3GzmtY7EdeD8_3Q/s1600/View+wsop+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sQ1mTY7g9oU-zcHQ7AlR-5nDHaLEu00-Y7yf9xASS2XYDwUpS-8dBHkcbb9f9s8ISXb6vouUe5ngM5imIE6iGLJAQi880Y-NShMgVBo7bMt3aJgbxd-GkZwzzbVA3GzmtY7EdeD8_3Q/s320/View+wsop+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The room was pretty sweet also....they obviously missed my action over the year. Not to waste any time, I headed over to the Rio to check out the action. Not really all that much going on in the cash games, mostly talked to a few dealers who were talking about the Casino Employees event and how anyone could play in it (similar to the Ladies and Seniors Events). Too bad really, I always liked the idea of having a tournament specific to those who are going to take care of us for the rest of the Series.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I headed to the back of the room looking for one of my online friends (who was originally going to pick me up from the airport) that I was going to meet for the first time. It was great timing because he was just chopping the first WSOP payment of 2011, him and his buddy met in the heads up satellite to the 25k (event 2). Good for a laugh anyway, as they had just driven 26 hours across country to get to there. We met up with a couple more friends and had a few drinks to start off the WSOP, a fairly busy evening, seeing as I only got to LV at 8pm that night. <br />
<br />
Day 2 - Bit of a housekeeping day really, planned the rest of my trip, rented a car, got my cell phone topped up then went out to a house party near South Point. We watched game 1 of the NBA finals (go Mavs for the record), played some Chinese poker (there's a first time for everything right?) and then went for a swim/hot tub. The house was beautiful and definitely makes me dream of the 'good life', just in time to get geared up for June 1rst and my first event. talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-41038481959709584072011-05-30T12:48:00.001-07:002011-06-21T21:04:19.281-07:00NEGLECTGosh I have sure been neglecting the blog. No time now either....off to Vegas in a few hours in pursuit of a bracelet....only one event planned for this week long stint, but that will do for now.<br />
<br />
Will update trip when I return!talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848791149762460101.post-44780834889989617192011-05-15T18:30:00.000-07:002011-05-15T18:30:29.500-07:00Delayed GratificationI have been thinking a fair amount about delayed gratification of late. It is a concept that my mum used to talk to my sister and me. It mostly had to do with how we spent our allowance, and saving for items that we wanted. As much as I wanted to have Guess jeans or Nike pumps...I knew I would have to work for them and that may have meant giving up other things. Even now, with regards to money, I save in some places (no cable, take the bus to work, cut coupons) so I can live extravagantly when I want to. I told my dad once that "I don't like to shop, but I really like nice things"....it's probably a learned behavior of mine to not like to shop, otherwise my credit card bills could be disastrous!<br />
<br />
The reason I have been thinking about this, is that with WSOP coming up in less than three weeks, I have been trying to finalize which tournaments I want to play and if I want to sell % of my action. For the most part, I have always had all my own action but am usually willing to trade % with other players in the same tournament. That is usually as far as I go to reduce variance and have some fun in the meantime. I have never been backed, because I think that gives up equity for me and when I win a tournament I want to win it all. I feamel confident enough in my abilities that I want to be the first person to put me in a tournament. It is still tempting for some of the bigger tournaments. <br />
<br />
As a rule, I don't think long term backing agreements are good for poker. I am not worried that these arrangements will wreck the game or cause the game to disappear, but I do think that the players who are backed will have a shorter livelihood in poker, largely due to the burden of makeup. In my opinion, there is something so valuable about working and grinding your way up the limits. You learn patience, bankroll management, the value of a dollar and how to grind out a living. It is hard to keep things in perspective when you play 4 and 5 figure tournaments on a regular basis. You stay strung along because you only ever one good day away from a big score. <br />
<br />
I guess ultimately it just depends on the individual as to what path they want to take, but if the focus can be on delayed gratification, the individual will be better off in the end. talonchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13203502403031881331noreply@blogger.com0