MsPoker: The Official Blog of Susie Isaacs

I'm Back!

2012-01-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

As you probably have noticed; I have been "off the air" for a long time! I began having an increasingly difficult time logging on and then I couldn't get on the site to blog. I began hearing from you, my loyal friends, fans, and family, who were having the same problem. When an appliance breaks down in my home or my car has troubles, I know who to call, but when it is a breakdown in cyberspace, I had no idea who to call. I called those I thought could fix it, to no avail. And then my dear roommate and BFF, Herminia came to the rescue. She uses a process of deductive reasoning to figure out such problems and then fixes it! Not to mention, she is smart as a whip. Thank you Hermie!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. Mine was low-key but wonderful all the same. My warmest memory of Christmas was the kids (Raise, the white one) and Mr. Re (the black one) opening their gifts. They preferred playing with the wrapping and bows rather than the gift itself ... until they discovered bubble wrap! Hilarious - pop, pop, pop, and them looking up with every pop to see where the popping was coming from!
Christmas eve dinner was spent with many poker friends. Linda Johnson opened her home to us and she cooked a great meal. We all had a good time. We laughed, we talked, we joked, we ate, and we drank. Jan Fisher and Hermie were on opposite sides of the large den. They carried on a conversation, via text!

I played HORSE at the Venetian one Wed. afternoon of the holidays. My friend, Doralee, aka Lady Pink was there in her Christmas top hat. It was so cute and festive with Christmas ribbon and lights! We have come to expect no less from Lady Pink. At one point in the game, she announced to me that she had just gotten a penalty (for the first time in her life,) for exposing herself - her cards that is, prematurely. Not long after than, the floor man gave her a warning for flashing (she had turned her top hat on!) Neither of us won dime but it was a fun tournament anyway. Everyone seemed to be in a festive mood and the few who weren't had to smile when they saw Doralee's flashing top hat!

On a break, Doralee was excited and telling me about a wonderful 3-week Chirstmas vacation her hubby was going to take her on: to Paris, Germany, etc. I, in turn, told her about the wonderful Christmas trip my friend Hermie was going to take me on: 3-days in Southern CA to visit our friends Tammy, Margaret, and Vera.

Prior to the holidays, I took the kids in for grooming. They came home with holiday bows attached to their collars by rubber bands. Mr. Re could not help himself, he had to get to Raise's bow. He would grab it and then back up. Of course when he released it, it popped her on the neck. I don't believe he was whacking her on purpose. He wanted that bow! She figured out what was happening and tried to keep her neck close to his mouth so he wouldn't pop her again. By the time I got the camera, he had gotten a good grip and took off, which led to the rubber band breaking and popping him in the mouth ... but I figure that he figured that he won the game since he ended up with her Christmas bow!

New Years eve was probably my quietest ever. The Spinetti's usual party and poker tournament was not on the calendar this year, so I enjoyed a wonderful seafood feast dinner and watched all the crowds and fireworks from the warmth and comfort of my own home. It was very enjoyable and no shortage of champagne! I hope each of you get exactly want you want out of the new year and for some of you, I hope you get exactly what you deserve. Happy 2012!

Fixing this blog site

2012-01-03T07:31:00.001-08:00

Hello all, I am trying to fix the blog site.

testing

2012-01-03T07:11:00.001-08:00

testing

Happy Holidays and After

2011-12-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas. I had a housefull of Californians for the grand Turkey Day. The leader of the CA pact wouldn't accept our Thax invite unless we allowed her to pay half the cost of the groceries. I finally relented. Along with the grocerry bill that was presented to her infront of all the guests, I had added a few other of my bills for a grand total of over $5,000! Her half was over $2,500. We had a lot of laughs and a wonderful meal thanks to the Sniffen sisters, Hermie and Rowena.
After Thax. it is time to think about Christmas. I decided this year that I wanted a good picture of me and the "kids", Raise and Mr. Re (Raise). Sassy was the photographer. Getting two one and a half year old Lhasa-Poos to pose for a Christmas picture is not the easiest thing to do. I will share the outtakes with you.
After the holidays, please help me support my dear assistant, Sassy with another one of her many jobs. See the details below and mark your calendars. In addition to the houseslippers, I will have some special gifts: one for the bubble player and one as a bounty on me. Be there!

Our next Las Vegas High Heels Poker Tour Red Stiletto Event is at Treasure Island, Las Vegas, on Sunday, Jan 22, 1pm PST Buy-in: $125+$5 add-on Chips: 8k + 2k, 20 min levels. Dearfoam slippers from their 2012 collection will be given away to the first 20 people to register.

Happy Thanksgiving One and All!

2011-11-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving greetings, friends, family, and foes (who want to keep tabs on me.) I have so much to be thankful for! I managed not to lose my house during my personal financial crisis. However, I am so upside down, I am dizzy! This year I am most thankful that I didn't lose Bette. She turned 15 in Sept. and it seemed it was downhill from there. She developed "selective" seeing and hearing. I didn't get too worried until she seemed to run totally out of energy and couldn't walk straight. As a matter of fact she often walked in circles and seemed so confused. When she tried to get from one place to another, it was like she was drunk. It broke my heart to see her get herself in a corner and not be able to figure out how to maneuver out of the space. If she shook, she fell over and she completely stopped going downstairs. That meant she either did her business in the bathroom (tile and washable rugs, thank goodness!) or I would carry her downstairs and outside. This turned into six and eight times a day. I decided she had suffered a little stroke. As the days rolled on, she pretty much stopped eating except for her favorite treats and then she stopped drinking water and there was blood in her stool. I believed I was slowly losing her. My friend Rowena came over the first of Nov. and we took her to the Vet. Neither of us were a bit sure we would be bringing her home. We made a pact that we would not cry until we got back in the car, no matter what happened ... I was squalling as I signed her in. So much for our pact. The Dr. looked in her eyes with a flashlight and immediately said, "She has veshbular syndrome." In layman's terms, she called it, "old dog syndrome." This makes her feel dizzy, therefore the inability to walk straight and feeling dizzy also makes her know that if she eats, she will be nauseous. She went on to tell us that she may have had a stroke, she may even have a brain tumor, but if it is just the old dog illness, it could pass. Some dogs just fade away with this condition, some bounce back within a week or too. She gave her a couple of shots and she drew blood for some other tests and we were outta there with our Bette. We got back to my house at 11 AM and had a Bloody Mary to celebrate that not only was Bette still with us, but that there was hope. At 3 P.M. we were still drinking, only now we were on cosmopolitans and solving the problems of the world. Since then, Bette began to eat just a tad. A week later, she seemed better and even came downstairs all by herself. I knew we were making headway. Then she got worse, then she got better. We were on this roller coaster for weeks.
Less than a week ago, Sassy sent us an article from the FDA titled, "FDA issues Dog Treats Warning." It said,

November 18, 2011 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an important bulletin warning consumers that chicken jerky products (also marketed as chicken tenders, strips or treats) may be associated with serious illness in dogs.
Over the past 12 months, the FDA has observed an increase in the number of complaints regarding canine illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.
These complaints have been reported to the government by both dog owners and veterinarians.
FDA had previously issued a cautionary warning regarding chicken jerky products in September 2007 and a Preliminary Animal Health Notification later on in December of 2008.
Unfortunately, so far, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. The FDA continues to conduct extensive chemical and microbial testing but has this far not identified a contaminant.
What to Watch For
Chicken jerky products should never be considered a substitute for a balanced diet. These treats should are intended to be fed only occasionally — and in small quantities.
The FDA is advising consumers who still choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky to monitor their animals closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding these products including:
Decreased appetite
Decreased activity
Vomiting
Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
Increased water consumption
Increased urination
Blood tests may indicate kidney failure. And urine tests may show Fanconi syndrome (increased blood sugar). Although most dogs are likely to recover, some deaths have been reported.
What to Do
If a dog shows any of these signs, the FDA urges consumers to stop feeding the suspected products immediately.
Owners should consult a veterinarian if signs or symptoms are severe or persist more than 24 hours.
So, take precautions. And be sure to tell everyone you know.

Bette's favorite treats: Chicken Jerky! What I gave her wasn't from China but she had every symptom listed in the article. I felt like I had been poisoning her! Since I stopped the treats, she has gotten even better! I know I won't have her for a long time, she's 15! But I do feel like I got a reprieve and I will enjoy every single day she has left. She is just a joy and she has had such a wonderful life, full of fun, mischief, and adventure. Her life is so exciting that she wrote an autobiography (with just a little help.) Check it out: www.bettebooks.com. And now available on Kindle! Terrific Christmas gift for kids of all ages and she will autograph them!

Will They Miss Me When I'm Gone?

2011-10-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

I never talk about being sick because I am never sick ... until recently. Has anybody missed me? I haven't been out of my house in seven days. No, I'm not becoming a hermit, though on occasion I have given that some thought. But I definitely would need Online Poker to do so. I've had the snot-head-grunge. It started in my head; I felt like my sinuses were going to explode, then it moved to my lungs. I'm better, but until I can get back to the poker table for a good 8 or 10 hour stretch, I won't consider myself "well." My BFF made me chicken soup. It actually helped a bit. I knew it would 'cause they said so on the View in a Fact or Fiction segment. Last night she called and said, "What can I bring you? What will make you feel better?"I jokingly said, "Lobster and a baked potato." Low and behold, a few hours later, she showed up with Lobster and a baked potato! Now that's a BFF with a capital B.
Prior to contracting the S-H-G, another BFF, Diane from Nashville was here to visit. She probably brought strange Southern germs in with her - but she hasn't been sick, so can't really put the blame there. Anyway, she was here for a long weekend and I had managed to get tickets to "The Jersey Boys." What a terrific show! Awesome! Loved it. Never really thought about how The Four Seasons got started, when they broke up or why, and what happened after, but it made for a great musical. Not to take anything away from a great show, but I was so disappointed at the seating in the theater. My God, it was worse than airplane seating. Tiny seats, no leg room and very uncomfortable. They had giant hard plastic cup holders on the end of all of the arm rests so you had about 6 to 7 inches of padded arm rests and then a 5" hard plastic hole. My arms and elbows were sore for 3 days after. Shame on the theater designers, so greedy just like the airlines. NO, the arm rests and attached cup holders did not lift up like in the movie theaters. Anyway, back to the beginning of this tirade, the show was great!
Now explain this to me: first let me say that I do not believe in coincidences. When Diane was here we got to talking about life insurance policies. Hermie told the story about the big policy that she and her sister-in-law have on her brother, Andy. (The whole damn family is a bunch of joksters!) Andy saw to it that there was a clause that said the policy would not be paid unless he was gored by a rhinoceros. We're all laughing and talking about the wooden carved rhino that Hermie found in Mexico and left on his pillow. We turned a corner, in a parking lot behind some buildings and there it was; a huge white truck with a picture of a huge rhinoceros on it. It said, "Rhino Services" and a phone number. Should have written the number down to see what services Rhino Services provided! If we had been talking about a chicken or a cow, okay, but a rhinoceros!

Something Different

2011-10-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I decided I needed a change in several areas of my life. I usually play a couple of weekly poker tournaments, so as not to get rusty when the big games come along. And of course to make some revenue. I usually play at the Wynn, the Venetian, or Aria. I often would go downtown to Binion's but on my last visit, I was surprised to learn that for a $5 add-on, you could get another 5K in tournament chips. This gives you a total of 20K to start with. I never thought I would say this, but that is too many chips, making a daily tournament last too long.
I haven't been to Caesar's since I discovered that they have the highest juice in town, but that is where I decided to go after I heard that they were offering a 5K prize pay-out ... guarantee on their noon daily tournaments! They have five tournaments daily, something for everybody. The last time I was at Caesar's, they allowed tournament re-entry for hours and they didn't introduce the antes until around the 7th level of play. They are now bringing the antes in on the 4th level, as they should. It makes such a differenct in the play. However, I got a schedule and the couple of things I didn't like about Caesar's tournaments will be in effect during the upcoming Poker Classic beginning Oct. 21. Which means you can play for a long, long time and not make a penny. I went on a Monday for their noon event and they fell short of that guarantee. The house added $600 to make up the difference. So, for as long as it lasts, I like the deal at Caesar's daily tournaments, even if the juice is high. I did something I seldom do, I beat myself about half way through the event. I picked up pocket aces under the gun at an aggressive table. I decided to limp, let someone else raise and the re-pop him. It didn't work out so well as we had six limpers and no raise (for the first time in hours!) The big blind out-flopped my aces and that was that, but I will be back. And if you try it out, tell Bill O'Connell that Susie i sent you. Never hurts to build up a little juice of your own.
Another change I have recently made is in my banking. I have been with Wells Fargo for years, but lately I have been feeling like a number rather than a person and forget about calling the bank for anything. You will be put on one of those never-ending recordings which instructs you to go around in circles and you still never get answers. So I checked out US Bank and I like it. I opened my account several weeks ago, went back a week later and was greeted by name! I even called to see if a person would answer and she did! I hope this old fashion customer service lasts for awhile!

2011-10-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

I just had a man from Brazil make my day. Thought I would share it with you

Dear Susie,

In these few lines I want to express my gratitude for the training you provided me thru your book '1000 best poker strategies and secrets' .

The way you put your words on the book, increased my passion for poker.

I'm a senior founder of a home poker club in my city of Porto Alegre, South of Brazil.

I'm still playing poker for fun, but now things changed a little, because I'm looking at poker with different eyes.

Thanks for that.

With my best regards, Luiz Buen

My books are good, check them out: http://www.susieisaacs.com/.

On another subject: My two pups are half Lhasa Apso and half poodle. They are called Lhasa-Poos. Their Aunt Shirley reminded me that if they were 1/2 Shitzu and 1/2 Poodle...they would be called "SHITPOO"!! On that subject, check out Bette's new blog about her life with them at http://www.poophappens-biteme.blogspot.com/.

HORSE at the Tropicana

2011-09-16T12:58:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful visit in Nashville and I am so glad to be home. I am doubly glad that the heat wave has passed and it is comfortable in Las Vegas once again! I am triply glad to be home because there is a regular HORSE game on the horizon! Take a look at the email I just received from Card Room Manager, Nick Gullo. I hope to see you there this coming Wed. night for HORSE and cheesecake!

HORSE Game -- Trop. Wednesday 5:30pm Great News for the HORSE game. Joe Ferraro is known as an outstanding chef of Italian food. He makes the best cheese cake on the East Coast, including NY. He has a recipe used in his family for 3 generations. He does not give the recipe to anyone. He is going to make cheesecakes for the players at the HORSE game this Wed. At the break, we will have Joe Ferraro's cheesecake and coffee. I really look forward to seeing you at the game. If possible, I would appreciate it if you could give me a call so I can reserve a seat for you.
Nick Gullo

New Poker Room at the Tropicana

2011-08-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

The man who wrote the book, "The Guide to Operating a Professional Poker Room - Rules and Procedures" should be able to operate a whiz, bang poker emporium. We can now see this pro in action at the new Tropicana Poker Room in Las Vegas. Nick Gullo has been a poker man for as long as I can remember (and that is a long time!) I was delighted to hear that he is now the head poker guy at the Trop. Nick has always impressed me because he also is a player and he knows how to treat the players. I recently received this news release from him:

Tropicana Poker Room News Flash

To all my friends in the Poker World, As most of you know, I have recently taken the position of Poker Room Managerat the newly remodeled Tropicana. The poker room here is one of the nicest in town and I take pride in knowing that we treat all of our players with complete courtesy. We value your patronage as a player and a person. To really welcome you to our room, we are having a Freeroll on Oct. 4, 2011 for$5,000. You only need to play 20 hours of live action in the entire monthof September to qualify. (I don't think I could have made it any easier) And while you are playing you will be earning $1.00 per hour in comps. I hope to see you take part in this $5,000 giveaway.
Your friend, Nick Gullo

I spoke with him to get the rest of the scoop about the new room. It is going to be a haven for those of us who are tired of no-limit hold'em. He plans to spread mixed games on a regular basis. Here is what he had to say:

Every Tuesday at 5:30 pm we have a Razz game. It is a $2 to $8 spread. Every Wednesday at 5:30, we have a HORSE game. It is a $2 to $8 spread. Every Thursday at 5:30 we have the Big Game. the Big Game is usually Hold'em, Omaha, Razz and Stud. This game is also a $2 to $8 spread. All the games are high only. Every Friday at 5:30 pm, we are starting a $6 - $12 limit Hold'em game. This will be with a half kill. (we have not had this yet, I am just going to try it.) We spread a $1/$2 no limit hold'em on a regular basis. The buy in is $40 to $300.

Also on the agenda, which seems to be a "must" for Las Vegas poker rooms these days is four tourneys daily: a $40 buy-in at 10 AM and 2 PM for 4 K in chips with 15 min. rounds and a $70 buy-in at 6 and 11 PM for 9 K in chips and with 20 min. rounds.

Congratulations Nick, on your new room. I have my fingers crossed that you will be successful with your offer of mixed and spread limit games!

See you at the Trop.

Movie Reviews and Remembering My Childhood

2011-08-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I had brunch and a movie date with my friends Sassy and Hermie. In case you've never been to the Sunset buffet, it is excellent. The best "neighborhood" casino buffet I've ever been too. After a terrific omelet we were off to the movies. We saw the highly acclaimed "The Help." Sassy, who is a softy, cried throughout. Even when she was laughing, she was crying. I enjoyed the movie very much but it didn't have me squalling. My tears were because I lived through that era and it was a long time ago. I remember the styles of that time and the maid's uniforms. Though I was a child, I well remember "colored" restrooms and water fountains. I remember going to get a drink of water at Woolworth's while my Mama was shopping. My Mom appeared from no where and jerked my mouth away from the fountain, then walked me to the "whites" water fountain. I was so young that I didn't get it at the time. My family was not in the upper income category that could afford to have "Help", but my Aunt Katie was. She was quite the independent female pioneer of her time. She was divorced with two young boys to raise and she owned her own very successful business. she did have a maid. Her name was Tiola. I'll never forget Tiola. She all but raised my cousins and I was as anxioux to see her when I visited as I was to see my Aunt Katie. My Aunt was a drill sergent but Tiola was a softy. I can still remember Aunt Katie going off to work and ordering Tiola, "Only one piece of sugar toast each and make them eat their oatmeal." As Tiola served up our second and third pieces of sugar toast, she would wink. It was our unspoken secret, the way she spoiled us. I loved Tiola. She was fun and funny. She entertained us and loved us. My memories of her are as fond as my memories of any of our relatives. This movie struck home with me and filled me with childhood nostalgia.
"The Help" is an excellent movie. Two thumbs up. It is one of only a few movies that I care to see for a second time.
On the movie note, I saw an older one a few weeks ago that is worth recommending - "Taken" with Liam Nelson. It is a few years old and a great one to rent for movie night at home. Get that popcorn popping!

2011 Women in Poker Hall of Fame

2011-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, Lupe Soto hosted a meeting of the Board of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) and some of the past inductees, including me. All board members were present except for Karina Jett and she is very pregnant and in the middle of a move. Both, great excuses for missing anything! Gyla Whitlow joined us from Texas via Skype. Gyla is the production manager of the WiPHoF "show" every year and she does a bang up job. We had a close race this year between a couple of the new inductees - within 1% of the public vote and the board! We also voted to change one of the critiques to be nominated from 15 years in the poker business to 10. That will really open up the field for 2012 nominees. If you have never attended a WiPHoF ceremony, you have missed a very entertaining and moving evening, not to mention a great dinner, and dancing. It is a celebration of women in poker and recognizes women who have made great strides in the poker world and for women in poker. You can get tickets at the http://www.wiphof.com/. The news release went out today. It is as follows:

Gazes, Heintz and Caro to be Inducted into the 2011 Women in Poker Hall of Fame

Las Vegas, Nevada, August 4, 2011 – The fourth annual Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHOF) will induct Kristy Gazes, Margie Heintz and Phyllis Caro to its prestigious ranks on September 2nd, 2011, at the Golden Nugget Casino in Downtown Las Vegas. “These exceptional women possess qualities that are worthy of their place in history” said Lupe Soto, Founder of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame, “And we want to thank the public for the overwhelming response to the voting process.” She added.
Kristy Gazes, professional poker player, ranks in the top 20 female earners in poker with over 1 million in tournament wins. She also had an impressive run cashing in two events in this year’s World Series of Poker. She has been playing professionally for almost 20 years and is a huge supporter the poker industry.
Margie Heintz, Director of Poker Operations for El Dorado Casino in Reno, Nevada holds an interesting piece of history. She was the first woman ever to deal the World Series of Poker in 1977 and went on to deal the televised final table as CBS’s Wide World of Sports covered the event.
Phyllis Caro, Director of Poker Operations for Hollywood Park Casino in Los Angeles, California, has had a long career since 1979 holding every position one can hold in poker operations. She has also assisted in the writing of several poker books some of which include Mike Caro’s Book of Tells, Poker for Women, Caro on Gambling, and the Mike Caro Quiz Book.
The WiPHoF festivities take place on September 2nd and are open to the public. Tickets may be purchased for $75 which include the dinner, ceremony and dance at http://www.wiphof.com/. Special room rates are available at Golden Nugget Casino with the room code LIPS11.
ABOUT WOMEN IN POKER HALL OF FAME - The Women in Poker Hall of Fame, founded in 2008, honors prominent women who have made significant contributions to the poker world. Board members include, Karina Jett, Suzie Lederer, Gyla Whitlow, Jacqueline Britton and Lupe Soto. Visit http://www.womeninpokerhalloffame.com/ for more information.

The Ladies World Series of Poker Event

2011-07-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Ladies World Series event is now history. To my way of thinking, it was the best and the worst. The best was pre-tournament. We started our day in the Brazilian Room where Seaside Publishing introduced the new book "Winning Women of Poker". They had a lovely food and drink array set up for the girls and many of the authors, myself, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and Maria Ho were on hand for pictures and autographs. The room was open all day. Check it out and get your copy if you missed the party: http://www.seasidepublishing.com.
Directory of PR, Nolan Dolla worked long and hard putting together a "Parade of Champions" to honor women who have made great strides in the game we all love and who have won bracelets and made their mark in poker history. Jan Fisher was the MC and as always, did a great job. After that, about 100+ of "us girls" gave the thousands of players at the WSOP an unexpected surprise - A FLASH MOB!
Here's the first video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y276je-RboA&feature=player_embedded I'm sure there will be a lot more to come as there were cameras everywhere.
There were girls participating from all over the country. Many have asked how we managed practices, etc. Many kudos to Jacqueline Britton and Lupe Soto (LIPS founder). They came up with the idea and worked together to get the word out which they did via a private Facebook area which they labeled, "Secret Mission." We had weekly meetings in Las Vegas, picked the music (a mixture of five songs - none of which I had ever heard of until working with these young people!) Jacqueline was our choreographer. She worked long and hard in making this all come together. Lupe was the cinematographer. Our rehearsals were filmed in five segments and sent out on the "Secret Mission" Internet. Then we filmed it hooking all five dances together. J. and Lupe went to CA for one big practice where they filmed the dance from behind. So girls from all over were having group or solo dance practices in their homes. The day before we did our highly anticipated performance, Lupe managed to get us a convention area at the Golden Nugget and about 60 girls showed up. We had a ball and really didn't know how many to expect but it appears to be well over 100. We had a blast!
Now for the worst of the 2011 WSOP Ladies event. I was so thrilled that the NV Legislation passed an amendment to the discrimination laws that allowed Ladies only tournaments! I spread the word like wildfire! The manager of the Venetian turned the men away from their event. In fact, they made them wait in the long line and then told them that they could not play and they had no grounds for a discrimination lawsuit, thanks to the newly amended law that passed on June 1, 2011. Binion's turned the men away as did the Nugget! These guys are just trouble-making, publicity seeking fools anyway. And they certainly don't have any respect for women.
Just before the festivities, Jack Effel took me backstage to tell me that Harrah's lawyers thought that there were some "loopholes" and that they had to allow the men to play. I was sick. Harrah's lawyers are spineless if you ask me. Do they really think any of these young disrespectful idiots would have the time, the money or the balls to sue a corporation the magnitude of Harrah's? And even if they did, they wouldn't have a prayer of a win since this new law has passed.
I told Jack that I loved the ladies event. We always have fun. Yes, it is serious business, but we enjoy this huge gathering of female poker players from all over the world. I also told him that if a man was at my table, I would ask for my money back and not play this event for the first time since 1989. He understood. So we began and there was not one of the 14 rude guys at my table ... until the fifth hand was dealt ... and then they sat a skinny little pimple faced punk in seat 10. I was livid. They waited until after the dealing began and it was too late for a refund.
Don't misunderstand, I don't mind playing against men at all. But to me this particular event is sacred. A man should not take one chip away from a lady. One of them made the final table. How sad. How many women did he eliminate along the way. I actually wish he had won. Can you believe I said that? It would have been an embarrassment to Harrah's and a bunch of us gals could have gotten together in a class action lawsuit against them for allowing the guys to play after the new law had passed.
I never did get into my "zone" for this event and next year, if they allow men to continue to crash this event, it will be my first year to miss it. I'll take my $1000 buy-in into another event with 80 to 85% of the field male, where I am comfortable.
Congratulations to Sassy who made the money and eliminated two of the male invaders along the way and to my friend Karina Jett who, at 7 and 1/2 months pregnant came in second place! That will buy a lot of diapers!!

What Susie I is Up to

2011-06-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

I've been busy! My sister said, "Please keep up with your blog so I can keep up with you." She doesn't text, tweet, or Facebook so I must blog so she will know what is happening in my life.
We are over half way through "Tournament Season" in Las Vegas, but the best is yet to come for many female poker players from all over the world. I call it, "Ladies Tournament Week!"
Starting tomorrow, Monday, June 27, is Binion's Ladies Championship, at noon with a $210 buy-in. On Tues. Pink Ladies is holding a big Mega Satellite at 4 PM at the Stratosphere in Vegas - for $1,000 seats into the WSOP Ladies Championship - the buy-in is $125 and one out of every 10 players will win the $1000 seat. On Wed. it is the Ladies No-limit Championship at the Venetian. It starts at 3 PM (be prepared for a late night even though it is a two-day event.) The buy-in is $350. If you don't make it to Day Two and the finals at the Venetian, fear not for there is plenty to do to keep you busy on Thursday. Beginning at 3 PM at the Golden Nugget, LIPS (Ladies International Poker Series) will be holding a mega-satellite for the LIPS Grand Championship. Starting at 4 PM, the HHPT (High Heels Poker Tour) will be holding one-table sit-n-goes at Treasure Island for seats in the WSOP ladies event. Friday is the BIG day! Day one of the Ladies World Championship begins at noon at the Rio, but WAIT! Before "cards are in the air" for this long awaited event, go by the Brazilian room at the Rio, anytime after 9 AM. There will be a party going on all day long where the brand new book, "Winning Women of Poker" will be introduced. Many famous women in poker have written chapters in this book and many of them will be on hand for a meet and greet and to sign autographs. You can pick up your premiere copy right there. My chapter is on what I consider to be the most misunderstood area of poker "POSITION."
If you don't play the WSOP ladies event or if you don't make Day Two, fear not, there is more poker to be played ... at the Mirage at 1 PM will be the HHPT first annual "Team Event." This should be a lot of fun and I hope I cannot play it because I have to go back to the Rio. Whew ... but wait, we aren't finished! On Sunday at noon, the LIPS Grand Championship will start at the Nugget at noon. If you haven't won your seat during the year, you can buy-in for $245.
I keep thinking I will get "pokered out," but I don't. What I get is "pooped out!"
There is hardly another subject at this time of the year, but I did go to a movie when I took a day off from poker. I saw, "Bridesmaids." I was so sure I was going to love it that I was disappointed in the first 20 minutes. It starts out rather slowly, however it picks up speed and never slows down. There are a lot of laughs and some BFF poignant moments. A real LOL chick flick.
Puppy Report: They are almost too cute. I guess they're really not puppies anymore since they celebrated their first birthday on April 1 - no fooling! I continue to have a ball with them and love them more and more. I have spent a lot of time working with them so they are well-behaved. She (Raise) plays a game where she will "freeze". She seems to think that this makes her invisible. He (Mr. Re - short for Re-raise) will stroll by and she will pounce on him and he will act all surprised. Sometimes, she will grab his leg and hold it in her mouth. He will limp around, dragging her with a mouthful of his leg. It is a sight to behold, but by the time I stop laughing and get the camera, the game is over and they have moved on. They play with their toys, but their favorite toys are water bottles or boxes. They have learned to walk on a double leash without wrapping it around me and they now know how to ride in the car. They truly are well behaved and a joy to have in my life - never a dull moment!

2011-06-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

I last blogged on June 6. Since then, except for taking a day or two here and there to recuperate and catch up on my life, I have been playing poker. Twice, for 12 hours, so close to the money, but didn't quite make it. I have been doing well and making money in the satellites. To date, I have played 6 and won 5! That is money in the pocket but not life-changing like the World Series can do. I did do well in the World Series of Poker Seniors event.I had a great Day one but I struggled on Day two. I ended up going out 132nd after plowing through a field of almost 4,000 (a record!) for a payday of over $3,100 . First was only half a million! I'm not complaining, I made more than most. My most memorable hand and the biggest pot I won in that whole tournament was ... are you ready for this? With a 7-2 offsuit. I was in an unraised Big Blind. The flop came 8-7-7. I love it! Player #1 checked, player #2 bet 2,000 and I raised it to 10K. Only player #2 called and that worried me a little - he had to have something! The turn was a Queen. I bet $8,500 and he immediately called me! Now I was worried so I checked and the river card was a Queen. We both checked (which made me feel better). He showed two 9's and I took it down!
They were making pictures of me right and left. Let me be specific - they were making pictures of my hats. One made the Review Journal, front page of the Business Section. It was an article about the 2011 WSOP breaking all records at the half way point. If you would like to see the photo of me and my beautiful green hat that my friend Doralee (Lady Pink) decorated, go to www.reviewjournal.com Look under "Recent Issues" on the top of the page. Scroll down to Sat. June, 18 and scroll down to the Business section and the article about the World Series - there I am. The title of the story is "Bigger Prize pool, crowds at the Series", by Howard Stutz. Poker News also did a great little interview with me on Day 2. I'm not a bit sure of how to tell you to find that, but if you want to search Poker News for it, it was filmed on Sat. June 18 and I had on my beautiful purple hat that Doralee blinged up for me.
My next BIG day will be Friday, July 1 - the Ladies event. Besides the ladies event, there will be a lot going on that day. Some of it will be a surprise but I can tell you this: the book, "Winning Women of Poker" will make it's debut all day long in the Brazillian Room. I will be there for interviews and to sign autographs that morning from 10 AM for one hour.

What a Weekend! Woowie Zoowie!

2011-06-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

First, an upsate on the seven-card stud: Well, this is a sad report from last Fri., the Day Two of the $1500 seven-cawrd stud. With only $4400 and antes at $200 and $600-$1200 limit, I didn't have much time to wait on a premium starting hand. About the 6th hand in, I picked up split 9's with a 4 kicker and went for it. I got only one caller, a Jack. I know the player and I knew he didn't have Jacks because he would have re-raised me and he didn't. I was all in on fifth street and had hope when he turned over only a pair of 2's but he also had picked up a flush draw. I made 9's and 4's but he hit a 10 on the river for 10's and 2's. But things were quite a bit different the following day when my friend Hermie and I decided to go to the Golden Nugget for their Tournament Season Opening Event. One reason was that it was a small buy-in of only $135. When one plans to play a lot during the six-week summer season, one must be careful with the bankroll! They had a huge crowd of around 350. The structure is awesome, the best I have ever played ... however, it is a structure that should be played over two days.
Hermie started off like a house on fire, tripling up in the first few hours. I started off like the opposite, losing 2/3 of my chips in the second hour. With the structure as it was, I still had time to play, which I did and did well! I finally got over the hump in about hour 5.
I really thought that Hermie and I were going to get to the money together and we did! With both of us on top of our game and with lots of chips, I also thought that we were going to get to the final table together. I had visions of us playing heads-up and how embarrassing it would be if she beat me! But on second thought, I did coach her so I would have been proud. As it turned out, Hermie went out 10th (for a nice payday of almost $600) when her pocket queens got beat by an A-K. A very sad time to lose a race but that is poker and she was happy with her play. I did made the final table! We played on and on and on. There were some short-stacks at the table and they kept coming back. Finally we started losing some here and there. We were six-handed for hours with me being the short-stack but hanging in there. I made a move after looking at one card, an Ace, and one of the big stacks called me with K-Q. Good, I knew with my Ace that I was starting out ahead. Low and behold, when I turned my cards over, there was another Ace! I won a big pot and now we were all close to even in chips. The chip leader said that if we all agreed, he would agree to split the pot 6-ways and go home - for breakfast! It was 5:30 AM and we had been playing since noon! My longest tournament ever - 17 and 1/2 hours!! It took me two days to recoup but after winning amost $3,600, it was well worth the exhaustion! It also proved to me, that even though I ain't as young as I once was, the ole adrenaline can still kick in and get me where I need to go.
I am thrilled to have a good bankroll for Tournament Season 2011! See you along the Tournament Trail.

Whew, Made it Through Day One!

2011-06-03T12:14:00.001-07:00

Well, I made it through Day one ... barely. We started with $4500 in chips. Yesterday was a hard fought battle. I never got over 8K and I got as low as $2500. I ended the night with $4400. That is most definitely short-stacked but I have been short-stacked before and came back to win a WSOP bracelet! So that's the plan for today, a BIG come-back! We start at 3 PM PST. The original field was 357 and there are 112 going into Day 2. They will play 40. Last night I saw short-stacks become BIG stacks within two hands and big-stacks become short.
Send good thoughts and lots of winning energy my way this afternoon! I start today's play at Table 296 in the Amazon Room seat 8.

THANK YOU!

2011-06-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

When I realized that I could play the seven-card stud this year (in year's past it has been the day before the Ladies World Championship and I could not, would not miss that!) So, with the new scheduling, I could play ... there was just one challenge. To do so meant using my entire Ladies event bankroll plus coming up with more! Oh, the highs and lows of this business. Now some folks will be playing what they want, when they want, no matter what, but I am not one of those people. I will not take out a loan to play nor will I play with the rent money. So I made a plea, via this blog, to friends, fans and family - see my blog of May 26. Within 48 hours of posting that blog, I had my buy-in and 15 partners! I was overwhelmed and more grateful than you can imagine. Now to do my part. This event starts at 5 PM PST tomorrow June 2. I will be as prepared as I can possible be. You've done your part and now I will do mine. I will play better than my best, with serious thought given to each and every key hand. I don't think you would appreciate me making your names public so I will just say, "Thanks for making this opportunity possible for all of us. You know who you are and I love each of you!"

For Sale: Susie Isaacs

2011-05-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

Where did May go? Suddenly it's coming to an end and I'm thinking I have weeks and weeks ahead of me to plan my schedule for the World Series of Poker. In fact, it all begins in less than a week! For the last several years, I have had to forego my favorite game, seven-card stud, because it was on the schedule the day before the Ladies World Championship event. Since all the WSOP events last 2, 3 or more days; there was no way I could plan to play both. A lot of the ladies felt the same way, so we petitioned the "powers that be" at the WSOP to change the stud event on the schedule and this year, they listened! The $1500 stud event will begin on Thurs. June 2 at 5 PM. This year, I plan to play, however, my bankroll dictates otherwise. So, I am for sale in this particular event. The price is $100 for 3%, $200 for 6%, etc. Keep in mind that my two bracelets are in this game. I am a good stud player. Last year 408 players played this event and first place took home $140,467. Three percent of that would be well over $4000! The rules on this purchase are: I must have the money in hand by the morning of June 2 and you are responsible for the taxes on any win where taxes would be due. Here is a little icing on this poker cake that I like to add. If I do not score in the seven-card stud event, but I do make a decent score in any other WSOP events, you will get your investment back! Just like to keep my partners happy. I hope to hear from you!

GOOOOOOOOOO TEAMS!

2011-05-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Tournament Season has begun in Las Vegas. First up is the Orleans Open. I had a private satellite for this one and we awarded three seats, a $235, a $340, and a $550. Kathy Armstrong won the $235, played it Monday, made the finals on Tues. and scored! A 10th place finish out of almost 300 players is, while disappointing, very admirable. So, all of her partners (satellite participates) get a piece of the action and we go forward to John who will play the $335 on Fri. and Shannon who won 1st and will play the $550 for us this Sunday. Go team!
On another poker team subject, we finished our 10K League this past weekend where one 10K seat, one $2,500 seat, one $1,500 seat and six 1K seats were awarded - we had 20 players. Again young Shannon won the big prize, 1st place, and will be playing for us in the WSOP main event in July. This young woman is a real student of the game and is doing great. You will be hearing about her! The league concept is a lot of fun and it is always great to have "horses" in the race. Congrats and best wishes to all of us and to all the winners. Play well, get lucky, and get there! No, I didn't win the $2,500 seat, Tonya did and no I didn't win the $1,500 seat, Kim did, but YES I did win a 1K seat and will be playing the Seniors event for the league. Also winning a 1K seat and playing for the 10K team is: AJ, Don, Sassy, Steve S. and Suzie Mc. Goooooooooooo Teams!

After Black Friday

2011-05-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Seems some folks are even more upset than me about the ban on Internet Poker. I have friends who are seriously considering moving out of the country so that they can do what they want to do in their retirement - play poker online and in casinos when they want to. Channel 8 news got wind of Marlene and did a short piece on her. Prior to Marlene's interview, they interviewed Jim, a fellow I have played with for years. His nickname is "Jitterbug". Check it out:

http://www.8newsnow.com/category/28259/8-news-now-video?clipId=5858150&autostart=true

Linda Johnson and some 99+ pro players will be heading to WA on May 24 to lobby for our right to play poker on line.
What can you do? Join the Poker Players Alliance for sure. Go to www.ppa.org. Also call your Senators and Congressmen. In NV call Rep. Joe Heck: 702-387-4941, and Senator Harry Reid: 702-388-5020. The guy at Heck's office was cordial, sympathetic to my plight, and responsive. We had a nice talk. The guy at Reid's office was a true respresenative of Harry Reid, "Ok, I'll tell him. Bye." No more interest in what I had to say than the man in the moon.

A Memo from Sassy

2011-05-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ladies: for your convenience:
A memo from Sassy

Here is the schedule of ladies events that I know about:

June 27th 12pm - Binions - $210 buyin 15k in chips, 35 mins levels

June 29th, 3pm – Venetian $340 buy-in 10k in chips + 2k for a $10 add-on, 40 mins

June 30th, 4pm and 6pm – HHPT Sit & Go Extravaganza – Treasure Island - $125 buyin, 3k in chips, 15 mins

June 30th, 2pm – LIPS Mega Satellite $130+$20 – Golden Nugget – See LIPS website for details

July 1st, 12pm – WSOP Ladies Event – Rio - $1,000 buy-in – 3k in chips, 60 mins (3 day event)

July 2nd, 1pm - HHPT "Red Stiletto" Ladies Only Team Event– teams of 3 ladies – Mirage - $550 buyin per team – gets you a jersey and VIP party on July 3rd. If one of your members is still in the WSOP ladies event you can have an alternate

July 2nd, 4pm - LIPS Bundle Mega Satellite – Golden Nugget - $130+$20 buyin – See LIPS website for details

July 3rd, 12pm – LIPS Poker Queen Grand Championship - $200+30 (2 day event)- $12k chips, 45 mins

July 3rd – Red Stiletto VIP Party at Mirage – 7:30pm – 10:30 – auction to benefit Poker Gives. Tickets are $40 if you are not playing the ladies team event.

Sassy

You are Cordially Invited

2011-05-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, the M Casino in Las Vegas is now running a weekly ladies tournament every Thurs. night. The following is an email I received about the upcoming ladies "event" at the M, next Thurs., May 12. Hope to see you there!

BIG NEWS....WE WILL BE HAVING A $2500 GUARANTEED POT ON MAY 12TH....FOR LADIES ONLY!!!!The regular $55 Ladies Poker Tournament will not be played on the 12th. It will be replaced with a Ladies' $100 buy-in with a Guaranteed $2500 payout. For all you tournament players...put on your A game and come on down to the M. Here's the tournament information:Karina Jett will kick off the tournament with a Poker Question & Answer period from 5:15 to 5:45.Ladies' Tournament begins at 6pm$100 buy-in7500 in chips(I'll find out what the structure is and let you know)Along with the cash prizes: 1st place will receive a $700 BootCamp Seminar at the Deepstack University 2nd place will receive $150 online course to the Deepstack UniversityEveryone who plays will receive a bottle of wine.Free food and drinks will be available. So please let all your ladies know that the tournament for May 12th only will be a $100 buy-in for a guaranteed $2500 pay out.Ladies....thank you again for being such great ambassadors of Ladies Poker and spreading the word that the M is the place to play on Thursday nights.
See you at the tables,Patty

Pendleton Report #3

2011-04-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've been home from Pendleton, OR for almost a week, but must add one more report. I have told ya'll about the in-house charity at the Wildhorse Casino before, but I am going to tell you again. It is called "Friends in Need" and it is for employees. Once during the Wildhorse Open events, they have a little fund-raising during the first round of the tournament. They have trinkets that they sell for $5.00. This year, they collected almost $1,000 for their "Friends in Need." There was a missing face among the fine staff of floormen. His name is LV. I don't remember what the LV is short for, but I immediately missed him. He had just had surgery. He is a friend in need. That's how it works. When an employee is in need, the casino comes to the rescue. A year ago, one of the dealer's home had burned down. She told me that she didn't know what she would have done without, but with it she rebuilt her life. Kudo's to the Wildhorse and best wishes for a speedy recovery to LV. I missed you!
Another uplifting story from this trip to Pendleton. There is a regular player there who has been on a walker for years. She was very heavy and hunched over. Seemed crippled to me. I wondered why she didn't get one of those motorized wheelchairs. She told me, "The less you do, the less you can do." So year after year, I saw her with less and less mobility, but still making her way, slowly and gingerly around on her walker. I didn't see her last fall so it had been a year. This trip, I couldn't believe my eyes. There she was, Bonnie McCurdy, standing straight and walking without a walker and about 100 lbs. lighter. She was all smiles as she told her story of losing all the weight and having both hips replaced. She told the story of her new life! God Bless You Bonnie and congratulations!

On another subject: Movie review: "Water for Elephants", terrific! Two thumbs up!

On another subject: Hooray for our American Heroes who got Osama Bin Laden! As someone near and dear to me said, "I hope the OPS warrior looked him in the eyes and said, 'GOD BLESS AMERICA !' as he blew his brains out!"

Pendleton Report #2

2011-04-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

CORRECTION!I told ya'll that my friend Tonia won 8th place in one of the first events. She did not hesitate to let me now that she won 7th place not 8th!Aside from that, all is well in Pendleton, Oregon at the Wildhorse Poker Round-Up. All, that is except I am not (yet) winning enough. I've had two small scores, but not enough to make my heart race (yet). I did have a "near-miss". Johnny Nassif from Seattle was telling me about his bad-beat so I told him mine. In the Ladies event, on the bubble, I picked up pocket Jacks. I didn't want to mess around with them so I pushed in (a lot of chips) from late position. The big blind donkey called so quickly, I thought for sure she had Aces or Kings. It took 70% of her chips to make the call!Wrong! She had pocket fours! And a damn four came on the flop and I was history. Dog poop! Anyway, Johnny and I agree that remembering our huge winning hands versus our horrific beats is like how we do not remember going down the highway and NOT having a flat tire, but when we do have that flat or blowout, we remember ... and it isn't a pleasant memory!
Some new faces in the crowd are Robert "Chip Burner" Turner, and June and Phil Field came up for four days! I have only been trying to get them up here for six or seven years!
If you haven't read Linda Johnson's blog on Poker News Daily - do so. It is about the Internet Poker shut-down and it is excellent.

Pendleton Report #1

2011-04-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

There is some great news up here in the great Northwest, in Pendleton, OR, and some terrible news. The great news from the Wildhorse Poker Round-Up is that my friend Tonia Williams from Tampa, FL, made the final table today (from yesterdays event)! From yesterdays starting field of almost 400, she made a very respectable showing with an 8th place finish. Her last hand looked like a look until her opponent hit a three-outer on the river. It stinks, but that's poker! Tonia is having a great year! She came to me as a student some years ago and we ended up great friends. She is a true student of the game. Since our first lessons, she has read and studied books and gone to seminars. She gives lots of credit to Linda Johnson who also has become a friend. Tonia also credits lots of winning strategy tips from her friend, pro poker player John Robertson. He too is a "forever" student of the game. On the flight up here from Las Vegas, I was reading "Racing in the Rain" (excellent!) and John was studying poker. The book he was reading was tattered (this was his third time through it) and he had highlights and handwritten notes in the margins. It reminded my of my Mama's old Bible. Now for the bad, terrible, horrendous news. If you are a poker player and haven't heard this, you must be living in a cave! Our government has managed to shut down Internet poker. (At lease on the largest sites.) I AM PISSED! How dare they tell dictate to me where I can spend my money or my time. Legalize it for God's sake. Tax it, we don't care, just don't come in and completely take this right away from millions who enjoy playing on line or who make their living playing on line. The trickle down theory here is overwhelming. Invalids who play at home can no longer do so and many players make their entire income from playing on line. I believe the World Series of Poker will be down this year because so many won their trips and buy-ins online. What about all the advertising that Poker Stars and Full Tilt did. I can see some smaller publications having to shut down without this income. This is ridiculous! There has been more and more government interference in our lives and now this! The government is suppose to work for the people, not take our rights away. When Linda Johnson heard the devastating news she tweeted this, "I'm feeling the same outrage I felt in 2006 when UIGEA was snuck into law. How can our government purposely hurt so many millions of people?" I love what Doyle Brunson had to say: "Now maybe we will see if these online "superstars" can play real poker. ante up suckers!"

A True "Ladies" Tournament

2011-04-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

In the late 80's when I first started playing poker in Las Vegas, weekly ladies only tournaments was my social life. There were four a week and some of them drew 100 players and more. There hasn't been a regular $55 buy-in ladies poker tourney offered in Vegas in a long time. The "M" Resort and Casino on the (extreme)south end of the strip is correcting that. They had their first ladies event on Thurs. It was lovely. They solved the problem of men crashing it by having a "mens only" tournament simitaneously! The following is an email synopsis of the evening from the gal who put it all together - and she did a hell of a job. THANK YOU Patty for your efforts! This ladies evening will take place every Thurs. at 6 PM. Try to join us next time you are in town or if you live in Vegas and spread the word. I won't be there for the next few weeks as it is Pendleton time for me! But I hope to see you after I return.

Hey Poker Ladies,
The first Ladies' Night Out Tourney at the M was a great success even though there were fewer participants than we anticipated. A big thank you goes to Linda Johnson for her pre-tourney seminar...very informative. The M plans to have these pre-tourney seminars every week, so if any of you would like to speak, please contact Todd Buechler (tbuechler@theMresort.com) We had lots of food, a well run tourney, everyone got a Ladies' M t-shirt, and everyone had a good time since it was a very friendly group - business cards were exchanged and networking took place. We also gave away a gift certificate to the Spa Mio to the lady who got her aces cracked. In the end, the $1000 pot was chopped 3 ways.

On reflection, it was the perfect tournament for what the goal of the M was - To bring a low buy-in tournament to the ladies that are just starting to play tournaments...to get their feet wet or to hone they tourney skills. It was Perfect!!! We just need to market it to the audience it was meant for. That's where you come in. Most of you receiving this email are veteran tourney players and might have found the tourney too fast/not a big ROI (return on investment). But your are very important to this process of educating future lady tourney players. We need you to get out there and let new players know that the M has a great weekly Ladies' tournament that not only allows them to learn the intricacies of tournament play, but is fun, non threatening and has great perks (food, drinks, great ladies to play with). For those of you veterans, I hope to see you at the M supporting the cause of More Ladies in Poker!!!

So PLEASE get the word out to friends that the M has a weekly Ladies' tournament and is a perfect place to get away, once a week, for Ladies' Night Out!!!

Thanks for your help,
Patty

My EPIC Poker Cruise

2011-04-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

After a week in the Western Caribbean aboard the good ship Norwegian EPIC with the Crown Poker Cruise folks, and after almost a week back home, I finally have time to sit down and tell you about my adventure. I knew it was going to be a good time when my travel partner, Doralee was first to the airport and texted me to meet her in the Mexican restaurant. She had a Top Shelf Margarita and nachos waiting on me!
Deb Wohle, owner of Crown Poker Cruises had Susie Isaacs $5.00 poker chips made to surprise me and boy, did she! What a thrill! This is the 3rd poker chip with me on it. The Women in Poker Hall of Fame (no value, just a collectable) and there are some $5.00 chips floating around Pendleton at the Wildhorse Casino - my next stop this spring (April 13-24.)
I took a tour of the ship and boy, was there a lot to see - EPIC, indeed. There were lots of specialty restaurants and shows. We saw The Blue Man Group, had a wonderful dinner in the Manhattan Room (a lovely steakhouse) and had Teppanyaki that was so good that we did it twice - the best Teppanyaki I have ever had! We also enjoyed a dinner show - the show was a mini version of Cirque du Soleil called Cirque Dreams. The show was great (especially the act Doralee and I deemed "The Bathtub Boy.") I expected the Blue Man Group to be a mini-version of the Vegas show. I was wrong. It was the complete show. If you ever have the opportunity to see the Blue Man Group, keep this in mind, Doralee was the lady they pulled from the audience to have a Twinkie with the group - hilarious! We did not see Legends in Concert or the Second City Comedy Group, shows that were available. Another first for me was going to the "Ice Bar." There are only seven in the world and although one of those is in Las Vegas, I had never been. "What is an Ice Bar?" You ask. It is exactly that - a bar made completely of ice. The bar, the stools, ice sculptures, even the cocktail glasses were made out of ice. The temperature was well below freezing but they supplied big furry, hooded parkas and gloves.
I played in two poker tournaments and bubbled in both. The poker was a good experience for me only because the players were terrific. I didn't hear one cross word.
The ship and all of its amenities were awesome but I must say the cabins were awful. Beautiful to look at but hell to try and live in. I am not the only one who felt this way, I heard many complaints. I won't go into details (I did that on my survey for the Norwegian.) The rooms I can recommend are the individual rooms for single passengers (something new) or their suites. Doralee worked her magic and got us upgraded at no charge. That room was better but still nothing to brag about.
This ship had several of those long, twisty, turney, up, down, and all around, slide tunnels that goes on for what seems like miles. One was an inner tube slide. That "ride" happened to be on my bucket list. One day in a port, Roaton, Doralee and I decided to stay on the ship and do this slide. After a couple of drinks, we were ready. Most of the ships more than 6,000 cruisers went into port, so there weren't a lot of lookie loos and certainly not a long wait line. We did it. It was fun and I haven't laughed so much and so hard since my ride to on my son's jet ski. It was a hoot! That's one marked off the old Bucket List.
I did two seminars while on this cruise and I was so pleased with the turnout. There were big, attentive crowds. Many made notes and I had booklets made up for them. One lesson I taught was on position and one of the rules is never to limp under-the-gun. In our first hand of our first lab, a lady did just that! Where was she, wasn't she listening? So I gently scolded her and gave her a small, colorful donkey to use as a card capper and to remind her NOT to limp under-the-gun. My little donkeys were a hit and I realized that they were making "donkey plays" just because they wanted one of the 6or 8 that I brought.
Of course I had books and other Susie Isaacs poker stuff for sale. Doralee was the "Director of Sales" and what a salesperson she is! If they wanted one book, she sold then three! No wonder she was such a success in her career days at Dunn and Bradstreet!
A lot has changed since my first cruise many years ago. They are charging for so many things that used to be complimentary, but all in all, we had a ball.
As a cabin mate, Doralee is NUTS! I mean, "THE NUTS!"

Good, Better, Best and CRAZY News from Reno

2011-03-17T16:28:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was a wacky, wild and wonderful weekend at the Peppermill in Reno for lady poker players. There was good news, better news, best news and crazy news. The good news was that for an inaugural ladies series, it was great. We started on Fri. night with a wine tasting meet and greet. The wine was great and the
hors d'oeures were plentiful and delicious. They also were served by white-gloved waiters. It was special. The entire weekend was good news. Not one single man played or to my knowledge even tried to play in any of our three special events. And then I found out that there were open field events going on in the poker room every day. (So you see all other casinos that say, we have to let the trouble-making men play - you don't! Just be creative like Mike Gainey at the Peppermill.) The better news: I met friends from all over. June and Phil Field were there! Lots of girls came in from Ocean's Eleven in So. CA. It was a real reunion. We played three events; the first two were LIPS tournaments and the grand finale was the NV Ladies State Championship. (You did not have to be a Nevadan to win.) On Sunday morning, prior to the championship event, the Peppermill put on a wonderful brunch for the ladies. I believe that the Peppermill was pleased with the turnout. There were well over 100 players for every event. More better news: I met my friends Shirley from CA and Tonia from FL for the weekend. As usual, we day-dreamed about all three of us being at a final table together. We managed to make 2/3 of that dream come true. Well Shirley and Tonia made it happen; they ended up heads-up! Congrats to both of them and to Tonia for taking first place in Saturdays event. She also made the final table and the money in Fridays tournament. I am proud to have been one of Tonia's first coaches. She is a student of the game and doing so well. I am proud of both of them. As for all three of us at a final table, well, that is yet to come. Now for the best news of the weekend. First of all, Karina Jett was there! Welcome back to poker, Karina. Secondly, she and Chip are expecting a baby girl in about five months!
Now for the crazy news. There are a lot of ways to raise money for charity but this one takes the cake! For those of you who know Jan Fisher, you know that if she has a good audience, her stories get funnier and more entertaining. Well, so does her "exotic dancing." She and Linda Johnson were grooving to the music at Biscotti's Cafe area while waiting for the LRC championship to start. Next thing you know, people were taking out $1 bills so Jan scooted over to get them. When she announced that any donations would be for Poker Gives, the whooping and hollering began and it started to "rain" $1 bills as Jan preformed. Party goers were putting dollar bills in her waist, neckline, belt loops, etc. Jan was keeping up with the floating dollars also. Untimately, she made almost $60 for the charity. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens at a lady's weekend event in Reno goes public!
A good time was had by all, even those of us who didn't make a final table (or even the money.) Next time!

On another Reno subject. I got to visit with my friend Barbara St. John while in Reno. I had not seen her since Bette wrote her book. BTW: Bette has a beautiful new website: www.bettebooks.com. I gave Bard a Bette book and when I got home I had the following email waiting for me:

Si my wonderful friend,
I came home after taking Jan & Linda to the airport and began reading Bette's memoirs. After completing the first few chapters with tears in my eyes, I decided I must purchase 3 of these books for some human friends who will love them as much as I do.
My human friend Vera, who will be celebrating her 89th birthday in May, is also writing her memoirs. I know Bette will appreciate having her life story included in Vera's library and I know Vera will truly love to read Bette's adventures.
Another human friend with a giant heart is Linda. She has a warm and cozy home full of loved and adored adopted fur people. With 3 dogs and 2 cats, she will cherish this book as much as I do.
Please tell me the cost of the books including the shipping and I will send you a check immediately.
I cannot thank you enough for a wonderful visit and a beautiful gift.
Love you,
Barb

I leave for a Crown Poker Cruise tomorrow, sorry too late to join me for this excursion, but Lady Pink will be on board! There should be some good stories after this adventure!
Next up is my biannual jaunt to Pendleton, OR for a Wildhorse Poker Round-Up. Not too late to join me: April 13 - 24. Get yourself to Pasco, WA, and the Wildhorse will send a shuttle for you - no charge. They also will shuttle you to town or nearby motels. It is fun, it is friendly, and it is some great poker tournaments with lots of prizes and added money, not to mention every winner will also win a cruise for two!

Menopause and Other Points of Interest

2011-03-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

Menopause is not usually a laughing matter, but it definitely is in the terrific play, "Menopause the Musical!" If you're female and between the ages of 40 and 100, you will love this wonderful entertainment, I promise. If you don't LOL through at least 50% of it, you are either asleep or dead! Me, and my friends Faye, Rhonda, and Herminia went to the Luxor Sat. night for this fun evening. It is about four women who met each other at Bloomingdales Department Store. There is a professional woman, a soap star, a middle age hippie lady, and a rather naive housewife from Iowa. They quickly become friends as they all have one thing in common - menopause! There are 23 musical numbers from "our era". Songs we used to sing and dance to. Songs like "Chain of Fools", "I Heard it Through the Grapevine", "Stayin' Alive", "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and "Puff the Magic Dragon" - you get the idea. It was difficult not to dance in the aisles, but we were laughing too hard to dance. Why were we laughing, you ask. It was the ladies performances and the words to the songs. They most definitely were not the original words! The words to the familiar tunes were written specifically for middle-aged women.
The only shows in Las Vegas I have seen multiply times are two: The Blue Man Group (twice) and Menopause the Musical (four times and I'm sure I'll see it again!)
I suggest you get your tickets on line and pay the extra $5 to print them. It will save you from having to wait in line to buy or pick up your tickets. There are no bad seats in the theater at the Luxor, where the show is currently playing to sold out audiences. The night we went I would guess maybe 5% of the audience was male. Many of them seemed lost when the other 95% of the audience was laughing hysterically. After the show, as we were waiting for our car in valet, I heard a husband tell his wife, "Now I get it - what you go through! It all makes sense now."

On another subject: it's not too late to make plans and join me in Reno March 12 and 13 for a fabulous LIPS ladies weekend.

After Reno, I head out on a Crown Poker Cruise to the Western Caribbean where I will be giving two free seminars. If you call right now, you may be able to get a cabin and possibly a special price if you mention my name. Call Christina at 877-387-6537. We'll be sailing from Miami on March 19 for seven days aboard the Norwegian Epic. I've heard great things about this magnificent ship and I am really looking forward to the experience. To add icing to the cake, the famous poker player, Doralee Rae, aka Lady Pink will be on board!

Also, now is the time to make your plans to join me in Pendleton, Oregon April 13-23. It is a great tournament! Our one-of-a-kind Wildhorse Poker Round-Up leader, Roland Waters is always making improvements to make the event better. This year four of the events will be two-day tournaments. If you want to stay on property, now is the time to call Billie or Ernie for hotel reservations: 541-966-1549. See you there! Everyone who goes because I sing the Wildhorse praises twice a year, has thanked me because they too had a great time.

Go Suzie Go, STOP Suzie STOP

2011-02-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

In 1996, I did the second hardest thing I have ever attempted in my life. (In case you're wondering, the first was NOT killing my husband). It took all of my will power plus some. I cried, I got in the bed, pulled the covers over my head, and kicked and screamed, waiting and praying for sleep to stop the withdrawals. Believe me, divorcing myself from the demon cigarettes was the biggest personal challenge of my life ... and I made it! Now I have a dear friend who has made the decision and I know what she is going through. Suzie McBaine had her last cig. five days ago. I am so proud of her. When I quit, it was the first try for me. This is Suzie's first try and I send her all the love and luck I can muster. Let's all send her good thoughts, positive energy, and if you're a praying person, that too would help. One tip I gave Suzie a long time ago was that when I quit I went to straws. Just regular straws cut in half. At the poker table I used stir sticks. I've known Suzie for so long that she remembers a period when I always had a stir stick in my mouth or hand when I was at the poker table. At home, I actually put a handful of straws in an empty cig. package and went through the ritual of getting one, play lighting it, and even using an ashtray. It was the 30-year-plus hand to mouth ritual that I couldn't let go of for a very long time, but I was inhaling clean fresh air rather than the cig. poison. For the first year, I actually had nightmares about smoking. I would be so thankful when I awoke and realized that I didn't have to go through the hell of withdrawals again.
When I checked on Suzie on day two, she said that a good stock tip would be to buy into straw companies! On day three she said, "McDonalds straws are best. Size really does matter!"
Suzie is the tournament director at the Orleans. If you see her, give her a hug and a thumbs up. I know she can make it but it ain't easy! WE (her friends and fans) want to surround her with positive energy and help her through this difficult time.

On another subject: This is from Maxine NOT me! You know the cartoon old lady Maxine with her boobs hanging to her knees. About this cold weather all over the country (except LA and LV) she says, "I don't make snowmen anymore. If I wanted to hang around a cold man with slush for brains, I'd still be married!

One more thing: Mark your calendar now for the Wildhorse Spring Poker Round-Up in Pendleton, OR. It is April 13-24 this year. If you've been before you know how great it is. If you're a newbie ... you can thank me later.

I will be tweeting often about Suzie's progress and other great happenings. Getting my tweets is as simple as signing up for them. Some of you thought that you had to have email capability on your phones - not! If you can receive text, you can receive my tweets on your phone or you can receive them on Facebook. Sassy explains exactly what to do: Directions for following Susie i. on twitter via text: Go to www.twitter.com and make an account. Then click on the settings tab, then click on the mobile tab and follow the instructions to set up your cell phone. Then search for Susie Isaacs or search by screen name @luv2raise and click on follow. Then go to Susie Isaacs profile and by the word "following" there is a round circle with a phone it - click on that to receive text updates to your phone. Everytime Susie tweets, you will receive a text message!

Susie i

My Higher Education

2011-01-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

I was the recipient of an ultimate poker gift this past weekend. From me to me, I attended the World Poker Tour Boot Camp on Tournament Poker Strategy. I have wanted to go for months, ever since I discovered that Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson were going to be on the panel. I know them and I have been to a few of their free "mini-seminars". I like their teaching methods; even if you make a bone-head mistake, they don't embarrass you and make you feel like a fool (like some boot camp seminar teachers.) Also on the agenda was Crispin and Jules Leyser (husband and wife) super successful pro players who have been teaching for WPT Bootcamps since it's inception. Additionally on the program was "Nicky Numbers" Brancato. His nickname speaks for itself. Needless to say, all five are top tournament pros.
I was well aware about a lot of what was taught and what is important in winning tournament poker strategy. I use a lot of this "basic" information in my own teaching, however, a refresher course never hurts, as a matter of fact, it always helps. What excited me was the "advanced" techniques. I simply was not good at math, but math is a big part of decision making in poker. Nicky gave us some formulas that made it much easier for me to "get it." I had several "Ah-Ha" moments over the weekend. I won't get specific, it wouldn't be fair to me as you may be my opponent someday.
I will tell you the first question asked of us: What is your purpose of playing poker? To make money, to have fun, to socialize - all wrong answers. The purpose of a winning poker player is to make the right decisions.
Students came from all over the country. I realized that only about 5% of the audience were Las Vegans. Linda explained that many take the opportunity to visit Las Vegas and attend the Bootcamp.
I was delighted to realize that there were a lot of women in the audience. I asked Jules if that was the norm. She said that in the beginning of the WPT Bootcamps they may have had two or three women in the classes, but today it easily has grown to about 30%. Go girls! I went with two girlfriends, Sassy and Nancy. We all three are very excited about our new poker knowledge.
After only one day of study, some of the students took their newly acquired poker knowledge and skills into the evening tournament at the Golden Nugget (where the Bootcamp was held.) Four of them made the final table and one, John Jones from Peoria, ILL, won first place! He told me that after only one day of instruction, he realized how many mistakes he was making in his game and he corrected them! His wife, Terri had given him the Bootcamp for Christmas as an investment in their future. Without a doubt, he said, the best Christmas gift ever! After hearing about Jones victory, Linda Johnson beamed and said, "This stuff works!"
We were served a hot breakfst and lunch every day. My compliments to the chef!Interestingly, at lunch one day my fortune cookie read, "A person is never too old to learn."
I have been studying poker for 25 years and this is the best thing I have ever done to improve my game. Can't wait to get out there and put all this new found knowledge to practice.

On another subject: Movie review. I saw "No Strings Attached" the other night. Two thumbs up. Great date movie. Great entertainment.

I am Excited!

2011-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! And HAPPY POKERING in 2011!
A quick New Year’s story: When I was in the third grade, (I won't mention the year) around the holidays, we had an assignment to write a short essay on where we thought we would be and what we thought we would be doing in the year 2000. I wrote, “I won’t be anywhere and I won’t be doing anything because I will be dead. People don’t live to be so old.” I actually thought our teacher was tricking us. Look at me now, I made it to 2000 and beyond, doing something I love and never in a million years dreamed would become my life’s work!

I have been a student of the game of poker since 1988. I have been successful. I have written books and I given seminars. Even so, I have so much to learn. My New Year’s resolution is to become a better tournament poker player, and to win more in 2011. Therefore, I have decided to go to the WPT Book Camp on Sat. and Sun. Jan. 22 and 23 in Las Vegas, at the Golden Nugget. I am excited over the potential to learn more. I am excited that two of the instructors are Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson. I am excited that this boot camp is about poker tournament strategy. I hope you'll join me. Go to www.wptbootcamp.com for more info.

I also have decided to go to Reno, NV, for the Nevada Poker Ladies Championship March 11-13, at the Peppermill. You do not have to be a Nevadan to win this event. There are several events and satellites over that weekend and they all will be catering to the ladies. As a matter of fact, my sources tell me that there will be some very special festivities. Join me! Go to www.lipstour.com.

After Reno it's cruising time, Baby! Fun in the Sun plus much much more, including FREE seminars by yours truly. Join me for a 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise.
Announcing...Drum Roll Please...Norwegian Cruise Line's EPIC!!!
Don't miss your chance to cruise on NCL's newest flagship!
Learn to rock climb! Play wii on the giant screen! Be a kid again! Plus POKER!!!
Departs: Miami, Florida March 19.
Ports of Call:
Costa Maya
Roatan
Cozumel
Get all the details at www.crownpokercruises.com

Poochie Report: Over the holidays, I had several large dinner parties and just the other night I had a home satellite for the Heartland Poker Tour. I wasn't overly confient that the kids would behave and not act like wild animals. In fact, they are very terrific. There were many comments made about how well-behaved they were, even polite. It appears all the work, time, and patience it takes to train them is paying off. On all occasions, her Royal Highness, Bette (my senior dog) made an appearance. She used to really "work" a party, but these days, at 14 1/2 years old, she simply greets everyone and goes off to take a royal nap. She is the alpha dog and queen of the house.

A Terrific Holiday!

2010-12-31T15:55:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind month I have had! First Thanksgiving in Nashville, where my friends and family also celebrated my birthday and we did our family Christmas. Although I'd rather just skip a couple of birthdays, my 2010 birthday was memorable both in Nashville and Las Vegas. The 10K club (20 members strong) happened to fall on my birthday this year. I celebrated right by winning it! I needed the first place for the points as I had been sucking hind tit. Of course the gang said that they "let me win" for my birthday - yea, right!
The group presented me with a slightly crooked but very delicious chocolate brownie birthday cake and they all sang to me. Donna Houle appeared to be the instigator of this secret mission (thank you Donna!) When she brought the crooked cake in , it appeared her right boob was wet. Turned out, as she got it from the ref. the cake began a slow decent toward the floor. Donna caught it with her right boob and got it back on the plate, hence, a crooked cake and a wet right boob, which had been a chocolate boob prior to clean up! Boob cake or not, it was delicious! You know how most times there is gobs of a birthday cake left over, I don't think there was a crumb. That night some girlfriends took me out to dinner followed by yet another birthday cake. (If you have never had a Diary Queen Blizzard cake - they are the nuts!) This time there was a lot leftover from a BIG cake. Later in the week, the Sniffen Sisters and I did some entertaining. We had been trying to get together with Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson since Jan's birthday last April! It is like trying to get an audience with the President or the Pope. These traveling gals don't stay in one place very long! Anyway, we had Jan's birthday dinner a few days before Christmas. We had a bunch of girlfriends over and one lone man, Nancy's son. He is a handsome man and self confident enough to wear a pink shirt in honor of going to a "girl's" party. BTW, my table was beautiful. Don't know that I have ever set a prettier one.
After a wonderful Sniffen dinner, I brought the cake in and we all sang to Jan. (Just 8 months late - or 4 months early.) I explained to Jan that some peeps re-gift, which I think is fine. But this was a first - I re-caked Jan with my Dairy Queen Blizzard cake which had a big hunk missing! After dinner and the re-cake, a little poker game broke out. Linda took it down.
My friend Tammy came in for a visit from So. CA. Tammy is a student of the game of poker and wanted to play some poker tournaments. It took me three tournaments in two days, but I finally won one at the Aria. Tammy and I had dinner plans, another Sniffen home cooked meal! The Aria daily tourney has never in it's history lasted later than 7:30 PM. When we got to three-ways, at around 6:30 PM, I had twice my opponent's chips and offered them a terrific deal ( I was hungry!) They both declined as they came to Vegas to "PLAY" and neither had ever played against a "Pro." So we played on and on and on. It took me another three hours to make them wish they had taken the deal. Tammy and I were eating a delicious home-cooked meal at 10:30 PM!
During the holidays, my BFF Hermie, had some visitors. A gal she used to baby sit for. Hermie knew her from her birth (about 30 years ago) to now when she has FOUR kids of her own, from ages, tiny to about first grade. Having kids seems to be her mission as she announced that they are not done!The doggies were mezerized by their first encounter with "micro-humans."
The canine kids, Raise and Mr. Re are now 8 months old. They aren't puppies anymore, but they are as cute and fun as ever. Their favorite game is to grab a body part and hand on. He will grab one of her hind legs, she will hobble around dragging him. Then she will grab his tail and he will take off like a rocket, dragging her. They celebrated their first Christmas and enjoyed playing with all their new toys. More than that, they enjoyed playing with the wrapping paper, the boxes, and the bows!
This message to all of you from my friend Jan Fisher:
Hi

Would you send the info about the Mesquite event to your readers? I’d sure appreciate it…

All info can be found here

http://cardplayercruises.com/temp/eureka_1_2011.html

and Friday the 7th at 9pm is a meet and greet with Linda and Mike Sexton followed by a 10pm NLHE T….. hope you and your girls can make it!

Happy new year!

Let's all have a wonderful New Year!

Thanksgiving was Wonderful and Christmas is Coming!

2010-12-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

I was talking with a girlfriend the other day and she said, "You haven't told me about your Thanksgiving. I have been watching your blog ... and nothing." I realized I haven't blogged in far too long and if I continue waiting on a "convenient" time, I will blog again in 2011. So I will make the time to share with you the greatest visit home (Nashville, TN). I visited friends, relatives, and friends I am so close to, they may as well be relatives. (You know who you are!) My daughter-in-law had the house all decorated for Christmas, I'd like to think that valiant effort was for me, but she is pretty organized and on top of things. The house was festive and absolutely beautiful!
A friend, actually the son of my best friend, who I have known since he was about a week old, is with a band and we went to hear him play. The next night a group of us went to a club called Shanti's. We danced, we drank, we talked, we laughed, we had a ball ... and guess what, I was NOT the oldest one in the Island-themed club. As a matter of fact, one of the gals, a regular who danced almost every dance was 86 years-old! I want to be like her when I grow up. The best part of that night is when my son asked me to dance with him. To my recollection, a first. The next night we had dinner at a small place called "The Yellow Porch." I loved it. The food and service was excellent. I can't recommend it enough if you are ever in Nash. I discovered later that it is a country music star hangout. Someone asked if we saw any stars. We weren't looking and anyway, with me in my new black with pink embroidered flowers and several others in our group in cowboy hats, they probably thought we were the "stars!" I enjoyed my first Sweetwater Sharp Cheddar Fritters for an appetizer and for dinner I had the best chicken dish I have ever had: marinated chicken breasts over homemade chicken sausage linguini pasta pie with shaved fennel and parsley relish. On man! My taste buds were doing a dance of joy. After that wonderful visit and dinner, we headed to Sambuca's for another night of drink and dance. Again, I saw no backwards baseball hats, pants-on-the-ground, or hoodies. What a joy. It was a grown-up place. Eat a million calories, then burn most of them off dancing up a sweat!
For my birthday, my best friend Diane, took me to see the Rockettes at The Opry House which recently reopened after the terrible floods in Nash. I was in awe. I did not want that show to end. If you want to see the best Christmas show ever, go see the Rockettes. You will love it (if not you are a Scrooge) and your kids will love it.
Diane cooked Thanksgiving dinner. She is a great Southern cook but she hasn't cooked for a big crowd in awhile. She did a hell of a job, even if her kitchen did look like it had blown up. At one point during Thax. festivities, there were 7 1/2 kids in the house! (One in the oven, if you know what I mean.) The other 7 had a ball playing with the toys Diane has collected over decades. She's not a hoarder, she is a saver - thank God. She had all the toys (bushel baskets full) in two rooms - away from the adults. I couldn't believe how 7 kids, ages, 13 mo. to 8 years, could all be under the same roof with me for many hours and not bug me at all. There was only one "incident." One of the younger boys showed up, wet from head to foot. His explanation, "Barbie went swimming."
A few Southern expressions that I heard, "What happens in Nash. stays in Nash!" Another, "He was as high as a chicken in a tree." Another, in a discussion about the recession, "It's been tough. Like two dogs chasing the same bone."
I had the most wonderful Thanksgiving week - and I stopped to be thankful. I hope you did too.

On a Poker Subject: I have been a student of the game of poker since 1988. I have been successful. I have written books and I give seminars. Even so, I have so much to learn. Therefore, I have decided to go to the WPT Book Camp on Sat. and Sun. Jan. 22 and 23 in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget. I am excited over the potential to learn more. I am excited that two of the instructors are Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson. I am excited that this boot camp is about poker tournament strategy. I hope you'll join me. Go to www.wptbootcamp for more info.

More Poker News: I also have decided to go to Reno for the Nevada Poker Ladies Championship March 11-13, at the Peppermill. You do not have to be a Nevadan to win this event. There are several events and satellites over that weekend and they all will be catering to the ladies. As a matter of fact, my sources tell me that there will be some very special festivities. Join me!

First Annual Ladies Weekend at the Golden West

2010-12-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

I had a busy Nov! First to Pendleton, OR, for almost two weeks then home for a few days and off to Bakersfield, CA, for their first annual "Lips/PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Satellite", home for less than 24 hours and off to my hometown of Nashville, TN, for Thanksgiving. Time with friends and family was terrific, but first I want to report on the PSCA ladies tournament hosted by me at the Golden West Casino in Bakersfield, CA. This was truly a magnificent event. It reminded me of the "days of old" when ladies events were attended by only members of the feminine sex and no men wanted to crash it. We were pampered and spoiled. On Friday night they had their regular Fri. night tournament only the attendance was doubled and open to men and women. On Sat. at noon they had the nicest, most elegant luncheon that you ever saw and the guys were welcome. The room was decorated like it was for a very special "female" party, a shower, or a wedding. All white with pink accessories. There was a "champagne" breakfast buffet complete with an omelette bar, a choclate fountain, and any other type of breakfast food. In case you preferred lunch, that was available. Sidebar: one thing I discovered about the "new" Golden West is that all the food is delicious and many surrounding businesses and business people call in their lunch orders and have them picked up. Back to the poker competition. I got word about an hour before the ladies tournament that a man wanted to play. I introduced myself to Marc Berry and made my case about the reason for ladies only events. I had already met several gals who were in a casino for the first time, to play live poker for the first time, because it was going to be just ladies. I discovered that Marc is an attorney! He wanted to play because he likes tournaments and he didn't want to have to sit around and wait on his wife all day. I suggested a movie right down the street. That didn't work so I bribed him with one of my books. He agreed that if he was the only man who wanted to play, he would sit out and read the book, BUT if several guys wanted to play, he would forgo the book and play also. About five minutes prior to the event, we had five guys who wanted to crash. Jim Barbo and I put our heads together. None of them were really trouble-makers, they, like me, just prefer tournament competition over ring games. Jim set up a one-table "tournament" for the guys. It filled quickly, there were no men in the ladies tournament, and everyone was happy. By the end of the night, three one-tables had been held.
Two of the gals that I had the honor of playing at the same table with were Madaline and Denise. They both had played poker on the Internet and loved it but were entirely too intimidated to play "live." They had such a good experience that I would bet my bankroll that they will be back to the Golden West. I got so tickled at Denise; when she won her first pot, she cried. This happened every time she won a pot. I finally got the story: she was mother of four little ones and the caretaker for her mother-in-law who was ill. She seldom got out of the house. Her husband had offered to take over her responsibilities for her evening out. She was so thrilled that the experience was everything she had hoped for, that she got emotional with pure joy. Madaline knew how to play poker. She had quite a stack built up, but I knew she didn't know tournament strategy. Sure enough, she played full-speed ahead and landed on the bubble. She needs to read my book on tournament strategy, especially the part about changing gears! Denise didn't make the money either, but she had a ball. One gal (I didn't get her name) raised before the flop on the third hand and then went all-in with pocket aces after the flop of K-8-2. Denise called her. She had called a pre-flop raise with K-8. The gal with the cracked aces left. The dealer realized that because Denise had paid her blinds, the Aces gal was not completely broke, she had a few chips left. A railbird ran to the parking lot and hailed her down as she was driving out. She came back and many hours later, made the money! PokerStars.net had donated the first prize package for the ladies event of the Caribbean Adventure in the Bahamas including the buy-in and all travel expenses - a $3,500 package. This left the remaining monies in the prize pool except for the $5 add-on which went to Breast Cancer Awareness.
It had been over 10 years since I last visited the Golden West in Bakersfield, CA. What a wonderful surprise. When I was last there, it was a very small room. Today, it is huge and very nice. If you're in the area, stop by and visit for a spell and ladies, next year, don't miss out. Honestly, it is well worth the drive from Central or Southern, CA or Las Vegas. It was a very special weekend, especially for the winner, Linda Carson. Congratulations Linda! Linda had purchased a silver necklace and matching earrings from the Susie Isaacs collection that very morning. She said that was her lucky jewelry from now on!

Christmas Shopping Time!

2010-11-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

According to every retailer in the Universe, it is time to go Christmas shopping. I have the perfect gifts for you to give and you don't have to leave your computer! Bette's little book, "I Have a Tail to Tell" is a hit with young and old. It is a short sweet read with life's lessons throughout. Written by my senior dog, it is poignant, sassy, and funny. It will make you think, laugh, and maybe shed a tear or two. Check it out at www.bettebooks.com. The book can be mailed to you or who you are giving it to, with a note from you. Each book is autographed by Bette! And it has lots of graphics for the little ones ... or the big ones to enjoy. That is just $10 plus P/S. Please contact me to order at susieismspoker@aol.com.
I have lots of poker books at www.susieisaacs.com. My pride and joy, the book that will someday make me rich (or my beneficiary) is my novel, "White Knight, Black Nights." My latest review came to me from Bette Carter Swatzell: I absolutely love your book “White Knight Black Nights”. The analogy with your life was brilliantly written. I read half the book the second day I got it and had to force myself to stop reading. A week later, I started back reading it and I kept telling myself, “I’ll just read one more chapter”. Well, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Just when I thought Rachel’s life couldn’t get any worse, it did. I was thinking that Dalton was probably gay, but when we found out he was a swinger, I was shocked. I am so happy it had a happy ending. It was the best novel I have ever read. I have told everyone on facebook to check it out and I hope they do. Thank you my for such an enjoyable read!
Bette Carter Swatzell
You can order the novel from my website also.

Farewell Pendleton Until Next Spring

2010-11-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

Another Wildhorse Poker Round-Up in Pendleton, has come to an end. Not as successful for me as I would have liked, but I didn't come home empty-handed. I really thought I was going to do something BIG in one of the final weekend tournaments. There were over 400 players and I did great all day. My tables were good and friendly. I was having a good time and accumulating a lot of chips. After dinner, as the hour grew late, we got closer and closer to the money. I try to loosen up as we get close to the money as most tighten up. However, on this particular night, every time I was going to make a move on the pot, someone beat me to it. So I waited. At 3 players before the money, I finally picked up A-Q in the big blind. Depending on who raised, my plan was to move in. No one entered the pot except the small blind with a flat call, which he had done before during the competition. I moved in, knowing that if he called, he could not bust me as I had about twice as many chips as he did. Now this fellow was the most unfriendly person I have ever met at the Wildhorse. He didn't say a word, even after I spoke to him. I decided that he must be a deaf mute not to want to talk to any of us at the table, but when one of his "dude" buddies approached him, it was discovered he could talk if he wanted to. He had been sitting there, hibernating in his hoodie for hours, never a smile, never a grin, never a word. When he called my all-in - he shot straight up in the air screaming, "Yes, Yes!" while fist pumping the air. He did a little dance, jumped, whooped, hollered, and I thought he was going to do a cartwheel. He turned over pocket aces. Now that is a very good hand, but we did have five cards to go. I was in hopes that his rude over-celebration would be crushed but it wasn't and I lost half my chips. After that hand, I saw that "Mr. Stinky" had been moved to my table. BTW: Mr. Stinky did buy some new clothes and take a shower. He actually was no longer Mr. Stinky. Thank goodness!) Two hands later, we were on the bubble and I moved in with A-K. Low and behold, Mr "Used-to-be-Stinky", called me (he had me covered) and turned over pocket Aces. I was stunned as I left the poker arena. So my Pendleton excursion was fun as always but not as profitable as I had hoped.
Bonnie Leinhos celebrates her birthday every fall in Pendleton. This year, she came out with a HUGE paddle (actually it was a decorated canoe paddle) and sold birthday swats for $5.00 each. The collection went to the in-house Wildhorse charity. What a swell thing for Bonnie to do, of course she was walking a bit funny after the birthday spankings.
I heard a couple of funny things at the poker table, actually I heard a lot of funny things at the poker table, but I only remember two. Scott Weaver from LaCenter, WA, said that for years he was the family outcast - the gambling degenerate who played poker. Now, after winning a 4th place and a 2nd place at the Wildhorse, he is the family hero! His wife even suggests he attends each and every Poker Round-Up!
My friend Tonia's favorite drink is Coors Light. I have learned that the mountains on the cans or bottles turn blue when the beer gets cold. We even started calling them "Blue Mountains." She said, "I can tell I'm not in Florida when the beer has been in the car for four hours and the mountains are still blue!"

The Only Thing Sweeter ...

2010-11-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

The only thing sweeter than winning the race is having a winning horse in the race! My friend Tonia comes to Pendleton, Oregon for the Wildhorse Poker Round-Up twice a year, all the way from Tampa, FL. Last night (actually early this morning) the long journey was certainly worth the effort! She played great all day. Early on, she flopped several sets that held up and several pocket pair that she didn't play because of a big pre-flop raise, that would have made sets! What do you call it when you have a series of winning hands and you accumulate a bunch of chips? Most would say, "A rush!" My friend Hermie calls it, "Pot Luck!" Tonia cooled off in the middle stages of the event and then got hot as a firecracker on the final table! They made a nice deal at three ways and played off for the silver Wildhorse championship bracelet and the cruise. It was some exciting poker. Back and forth it went, like a tennis match. Finally, her opponent got on a bit of a heater and had his pot luck, eventually taking first place. Tonia played great, for 14 hours and I am so proud of her! The sweet icing on this delicious cake of life is that a few years ago, Tonia came to me for poker lessons. We had played together during the WSOP ladies event and got acquainted. She needed some polishing and to learn some "tricks of the trade." She was an excellent student and now she is an excellent poker player. Congratulations Tonia!
Congratulations also to Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher who took first and fifth in Wednesday's Omaha event. They both had given a seminar on the game that morning. Linda had mantioned that after giving a seminar, she plays better. It just brings all the knowledge to the forefront of the brain. My friends are doing great!

Pendleton News

2010-11-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

As previously mentioned (about 100 times) it is always a good time in Pendleton. Yesterday, the bossman and the floormen donned sombreros hats and did sambrero dances to help raise money for the in-house charity, "Friends in Need." This charity, founded by Poker Head Honcho Roland Waters, gives any employee financial help when needed. As in any poker tournament, you will see "pissing contests" - usually on the poker table. (Don't misunderstand, no one is peeing on the table - it is a contest of who is the biggest and the bestest.)So a few of the players got into a pissing contest in the fund raising. The gang was selling small donkeys for $5 and bigger ones for $10, so one of the pissers threw down the gauntlet and wrote a check for $100, which brought another check from another pisser, a check for $101, then $102, etc. Roland raised almost $1000 for the Friends in Need! A great cause for a pissing contest!
The other day, I played at a table with Art "Slim" from Long View, WA. I'm telling you, he was in 95% of the pots. When someone pointed that out to him, he commented, "Don't no moss grow around my chips!"
The Wildhorse is in the mist of building their new addition. This will make Pendleton and the Wildhorse Casino a true destination resort.
Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher are here. They offer two free seminars every tournament time and it never fails, I learn something every time. In the no-limit tournament, I learned not to have the FPS - that is"Fancy Play Syndrome." They are so right, you can get too fancy for your britches and you can catch a lot of the guys doing the FPS. In the Omaha (my weakest game) I learned so much, I don't have time to share it all, just keep this in mind, you too can attend these seminars at the Wildhorse during every Spring and Fall tournament series ... and they are FREE!

Unbelievable but TRUE Story

2010-11-07T10:03:00.001-08:00

This is a terrific TRUE story: Just talked to a girlfriend who blew me away with this story about an experience she had yesterday. She was on a long flight, coming home to Las Vegas. She went to sleep and dreamed about hitting four aces on a poker machine. The dream had those four aces floating by over and over again. Needless to say, she couldn't wait to get home and head to her local casino. As she hurried through the airport, she got a cramp in her leg. It was so bad that she was afraid that she was going to fall, so she sat down to rub it. Just so happened that she sat at a poker machine. She put a $20 in and on the 7th deal ... she hit four aces. The story doesn't end there. She did go to the casino and hit another four aces, and another, and another. Four, four aces in a matter of hours, after dreaming about four aces floating by in her mind. Powerful and true!
On another subject: If you haven't seen the ad in Poker Player Newspaper on page three, pick one up. I couldn't believe my eyes. What a terrific and BIG ad! I sincerely hope that you will meet me in Bakersfield Nov. 19 and 20. they are going all out to make a special weekend for the ladies. If you are not a Bakersfieldian, I promise that it will be worth the effort to get to the Golden West Casino in Bakersfield, CA. There will be some special surprises in store for the ladies and a guaranteed great time and terrific (complimentary) food.

It's Pendleton Time Again!

2010-11-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the bi-annual Wildhorse Poker Round-Up was the second event. The game was HORSE. This game takes a lot of poker savvy since it is a combination of five poker games: Hold'em (limit), Omaha (split), Razz, Stud, and Eight or Better. We started this competition with 155 players. At 10 PM we went to the final table. I was still in the hunt! I finished in 6th place, which "under the circumstance" was commendable. The circumstance were: Mr. Stinky sat to my left for over four hours. It takes a lot of focus and concentration to win at poker. It is difficult for one to stay focused when your table mate smells so bad that it gags you and burns your eyes. On a scale of one to ten in stench, he was an 11! I see smokers in poker competitions thinking of nothing but rushing out of the tournament arena to grab a quick puff. I know they are not totally focused oh their game. This is how I felt. Between every hand, I stood up and moved away from the table to suck in non-stink air. He was still in the competition when I collected my almost $3K for 6th place. I wanted to tell him, "Hey Stinky. You are going to win some good money tonight. Do yourself (AND YOUR TABLEMATES) a favor and buy some new clothes (burn the ones you are wearing) and TAKE A SHOWER!" Of course, in my effort to be a lady, I didn't say that, but a lot of folks in Pendleton, at the Wildhorse Poker Round-Up, read my blog. I'll just hope that he will also read it. Aside from that annoyance, I'm a happy Pendleton camper as I write this. As Sassy said, "Great start, Susie!"

Boo and Pendleton Too

2010-10-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's almost that time - time to pack for my sojourn to Pendleton, OR for the Wildhorse Poker Round-Up. Please join me Nov. 3-14. Check out the details for their first Deep-Stack extravaganza at www.wildhorseresort.com. I can't promise that you will win money (but a lot will be up for grabs.) I can promise that you will have fun in Pendleton. How could you not? I will be there!

Boo from the Kids: A week ago, the pups got a bath, topped off with matching Halloween "Boo" bandanas for each of them. They pranced and danced and I cooed and oooed over both of them. They looked cute and seemed to feel cute so I left the bandanas on them. They seemed to like that. A few days ago, I noticed that Mr. Re (Re-raise) was limping badly. He was limping as if one leg was suddenly a couple of inches shorter than the other, but he didn't seem to be in distress. Upon closer inspection, I realized that he had his right front leg caught in his bandana. I took his "Boo" bandana off to get him untangled. Right away, I could tell that he was not happy to be bandanaless, so I put it back on him and he was happy again. Yesterday, I decided to go play poker. As they have gotten older (now almost 7 months) they are able to "hold it" for longer and longer. Obviously and thankfully their bladders are growing and they are learning control. However, I considered the possibility of anything going wrong in my absence and the only thing I could imagine was another bandana mishap so I took the boo bandanas off both Raise and Mr. Re. They did not like that decision one bit and they let me know it. So, when I left, they were in their confine, each with their bandana in their mouth!

A few quotes from some very wise folks: If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. - Andy Rooney

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. - Ben Williams

A Very Special Event for the Ladies

2010-10-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

There is a big ta-do coming up at Golden West Casino In Bakersfield, CA, Nov. 19 and 20. Remember Jim Barbo? He was with the Commerce Casino for many years. He was a driving force behind the special events for the ladies at the Commerce. He has often talked to me about the "untapped" market - the ladies. He believes in spoiling the gals and going after that market. He is now out of retirement and looking for a new challenge to appeal to the ladies. Jim found that challenge in Bakersfield, he is in charge at the Golden West Casino. This is his platform for the next big deal for the lady poker players or the wanna-be lady poker players. If you have ever thought about playing "live" poker but haven't tried it yet, this is the perfect setting to get your feet wet. It has the longest name is lady poker tournament history. It is the "LIPS/Pokerstars Caribbean Adventure Ladies No-limit Hold'em Satellite". This is an opportunity for you to be spoiled in a friendly, non-intimidating poker environment, and for as little as $30, win a $3500 poker/vacation package. And the best part ... are you ready? I will be there to meet and greet and also to try and win that package myself. There will be a surprise bounty on me, in case you get lucky and eliminate me from the tournament. I can feel it in my bones, we're gonna have a ball. On Friday, Nov. 19, at 5:00 PM, the festivities will begin with a Red Carpet Cocktail party, followed at 6 PM by a Fun $30 deep stakes tournament. On Sat. Nov 20, there will be an "Elegant Brunch Buffet" and at 2:15 the big/little satellite will commence. The buy-in is just $130 and the winner will qualify for the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure at the Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas plus airfare and hotel accommodations. This is a $3500 package! For the $30 buy-in at Golden West, where you will be pampered and spoiled, you could parlay that into a wonderful vacation in the Bahamas and a huge money win! Check out the Golden West website at www.goldenwestcasino.com or call 661-324-6936. They have made special arrangements with local hotels and motels for you to receive a casino rate. Come see me and lets have some fun, some good food, a few cocktails, and play some poker! (I understand that the food is wonderful!) I would love to be writing about you (or me) winning this satellite, going to the Bahamas and making a HUGE score! All thanks to the hospitality of the Golden West Casino in Bakersfield, CA.

Poker on the Wall and Orange Donkey Ear Poop

2010-10-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

I recently hosted a "poker-on-the-wall" get together. If you've never played poker-on-the-wall, you don't know what you are missing AND it can be a great discussion/learning opportunity. First you set up a computer to put your poker website on the wall (like a power point.) Then you pool your money and choose your first game, be it a single table, or multi-table sit-n-go. As you play, if the hand is a no-brainer, no discussion is needed. If there are different opinions about how to play the hand, the majority rules. Example, one of our discussions was how to play two big-suited cards, under the gun, early in the tournament. Rowena and I agreed, you don't, you fold (that way you can't get into trouble.) Another opinion was to raise. My question to that was, what if you are re-raised. You fold, she responded. I couldn't disagree more. In sit-n-goes you must protect your chips and you shouldn't gamble early on. Yes, you may pick up the blinds, but early, I don't believe the risk is worth the gain. Another point that took some quick debate was how to play low pair early and in early position - again, I say no! We let majority rule. If we all had different opinions, we went clockwise allowing the next player to make the final decision. In playing online, you can't dally, you have to make your decisions and move on. At the end of the night, we divide the money! What fun!

Puppy Report: These two pups, now 6 1/2 months old are under the impression that if they can reach it, it is theirs. Such was the case with one of my little colorful donkeys. I use these when teaching. If a student makes a real "donkey" move, they are awarded with a donkey to remind them NOT to make donkey decisions. They often use them as card protectors. One of my little donkeys was left on an end table. When I discovered that it had been abducted, I knew who the culprits were. Sure enough, in their little dog house, (actually a big carrier, but they often still crawl in) there was the donkey. The donkey body was in okay shape, but his orange donkey ears had been chewed off. Of course, at the moment of reckoning, there was no way to know who was the donkey ear annihilator, but the next morning, there was evidence of who had done the deed. I happened to be outside when Mr. Re (Re-raise) took a poop. I could see the orange from a distance. Upon closer puppy poop inspection, there it was ... two orange donkey ears!

GOOD NEWS!

2010-10-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

33 miners trapped for 69 days. At first they thought they were all dead and then they discovered that they were alive, but had doubts about their recovery, and then a miracle! How wonderfully refreshing to watch network news and cry tears of joy. The rescue of the Chilean miners and their reunion with their families is as joyful and heartwarming as it gets. With one exception; the miner who had his lover of 10 years at the site, who met his wife and their little secret was made public. He may have hit the surface and preferred to go back to the hole in the earth where he had been confined. I cannot remember in my lifetime, being glued to national news and feeling bliss and happiness. For the world to be watching, it is usually because of a terrorist attack, fear of one, murder, missing children, etc. This news coverage from Chile are "news days" that I will never forget for it truly was "good news." God bless them all and the ones who worked tirelessly for this happy ending.

For happy news from the home front: I had been running bad since the WSOP and playing less and less. Not the first time this has happened to me and if I live long enough, it won't be the last. Well, that streak finally ended. On Monday, I played in the first HORSE club series of tournaments. In this group of 9 players, there wasn't one single weak spot which makes me all the more proud that I won event #1. We will play a total of 10 games and the top 3 score holders will play for us at the 2011 WSOP. Thanks Sarah and John for putting this terrific group together and spearheading this club of strong HORSE players.
The following day I decided to go to the Venetian for a "rush tester". Good move, I made it to the final 8 players (out of 119) where we made a deal and I finally was able to rebuild my bankroll a bit.

Come with me! First, I am off to Pendleton, OR, for the 2011 Wildhorse Poker Round-Up. I no longer have to travel for great poker tournaments and this is the only out-of-Las Vegas poker journey that I make regularly. The buy-ins are reasonable, from $100 to the main event which is $500. The juice is the lowest in the world. The food is good and free. There is a full service casino and a lounge with live entertainment. This fall's events are the first deep-stacks that they have had. Join me, Nov. 3- 14. A few other favorable facts: The Wildhorse is adding a total of $75,000 to the prize pools and poker cruises for two. Not to mention how much fun we have, before, during, and after the tournaments.

My next poker outing is to Bakersfield, CA, for the first Ladies Extravaganza on Nov. 19 and 20. Come on my West coast friends, it isn't that far and it definitely will be worth the trip. I also am looking forward to meeting and greeting the lady poker players of Bakersville. LIPS will be there and it is a LIPS/PokerStars Caribbean Adventure No Limit Satellite. the fun begins on Friday, Nov. 19. There will be a red carpet, cocktail event at 5 PM ... the media will be in attendance. At 6 PM, there will be a "fun" Deepstacks event with a $30 buy-in for seats in Saturdays tournament. On Sat. there will be a "top-notch" brunch at noon for the ladies and their guests. The tournament with a buy-in of only $125 will start at 2 PM and the winner will receive a $3,500 PCA Package, others will win cash, depending on attendance. The Golden West has made special room rate arrangements at the new Bakersfield Marriott, located close to the club. If you don't have a car, the casino will offer shuttle service. For any questions, contact Linda Wilson: WilsonL@goldenwestcasino.com or give her a call at 661-324-6936.

Next up on my fun poker calendar is a 7-day Western Caribbean Poker Cruise aboard the Norwegian EPIC. You have more time to plan this exciting journey with me, but you need to reserve NOW! I have just gotten word that some specials are being offered for the next few days. Contact Christina:
Christina Whole, Crown Poker Cruises: http://www.crownpokercruises.com/ 877-38-POKER (76537)Blog: http://nauticalchip.blogspot.com/ Cell: 775-761-0172. FaceBook~Crown Poker Cruises
Check out their website and scroll down to the info about this cruise, then click on "EPIC" to read about this fabulous new ship. We are going to have a ball, and guys: FYI: The High Heels Poker Tour will be on board. That means lots of poker playing gals, everywhere!
More on this cruise later, but for now: Book It Danno!

If It Sounds Too Good ...

2010-09-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

My Mama used to say, "If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably not true!" Mama was right again! Beware any free samples where you just pay shipping charges. Poker is not the only place you can get trapped and lose a lot!
I had been seeing what appeared to be news blurbs on AOL about a housewife who had discovered that if you use two different types of home teeth whitening products, it works great. She even went on to say that it costs her next to nothing because she got "free" samples from their web sites. Looking back on it, I'm now sure these were paid for ads, made to look like news. My teeth could use some whitening so I checked out the web sites. Sure enough, both sites, Vibrant Smiles and Bright White offered the consumer "free" samples for shipping charges only and that charge was $4.95. I bit, I ordered and then I forgot about it except when I got ads online from both companies, which I stopped opening. I figured that was there game, to get me on their mailing lists. I figured wrong! Three weeks later, I had received one "free" sample and my credit card bill. I almost fell out of my chair when I looked at my charges: $2.62 for Foreign Transaction Fee, $4.95 for the shipping for Vibrant Smile and $87.47 from Bright White and then another $129.95 from Vibrant Smile! I knew immediately I had been scammed and I was angry with myself. If I had gone to Google on either of these so called businesses, I would have read testimony after testimony about folks being scammed by these two companies, and other teeth whitening companies. I instantly called the credit card company. The young man I talked to, Olisa, said, "Oh, no!" when he heard my story. I knew then and there that this was not the first he had heard about these two scam artists companies. As a matter of fact, during our conversation, he admitted to getting these calls from shocked consumers several times a day! He called the companies while I was on the line. Their catch is that in the fine print, (personally I saw no fine print when I ordered my free samples) there is a statement that if you don't call them can cancel "your membership" within 7 days, you are then a member of their club for the $87.47 and the $129.95 a month. It was apparent we were dealing with someone in ten-buck-two in another county who hardly spoke English. They read from a script - over and over again, about the fine print agreement. I got so angry. I asked for a supervisor who read the same script. After 30 minutes of trying to reason with these con artists, I found myself furious - at myself for being so gullible and at these companies whose scam is to get that first months pay before the consumer calls to raise hell and cancel - they get their $87.47 and the $129.95, no matter what. The fellow at the credit card company told me that he believed that the two companies were one and the same. I had not been so angry or upset since my husband, whom I adored for 18 years, walked out with no warning whatsoever. In my grieving process I got so angry I could have killed, rather I wrote a novel - "White Knight, Black Nights" (see my web site: http://www.susieisaacs.com/). Yesterday, I was so angry I could have killed, today, I also am writing out my anger and warning you. I told the "supervisor" at the teeth whitening telephone center that she knew that what she was doing was wrong and that karma would catch up with her and her cronies. I made sure she was listening as I continued, (of course they may not have understood a word of English). When something horrid happens to you or someone you love, think about today and yet another upset consumer and the warning she gave you. They have a lot of negative energy coming their way and it will come back to haunt them.
Back to the credit card company. Olisa said he could dispute the charges, but no guarantees since I did not call to cancel - that was their hook . That's about all he could do, but I did ask to speak to his supervisor. She knew exactly what I was talking about. I suggested that they STOP taking these charges and avoid all the unpleasantness. She assured me she would pass along the suggestion. So, fellow Americans, I suggest you learn from my mistake. If it sounds too good to be true, check it out on Google. Other teeth-whitening scams I found on the Internet are as follows: Celebrity Sexy Teeth, Celebrity Sexy White, Celebrity Smile, Ivory White, Luminous Brites, Movie Star Look, Nutra Brite Vibrant, White Whitening, Pro Whitening, Brites Ivory, Brites Bella Brite, Ivory Smiles, Max White Teeth Smart, White Bridal Beauty, White South Beach, Smile Dazzle, and White Pro - BEWARE!

Now on to something pleasant: A Puppy Report! These precious and precocious pups who just 4 short months ago weighed in at 3 lbs each continue to grow like kudzu. Today, at 5 1/2 months old they are 10 lbs (Raise, the girl) and 13 1/2 pounds (Re-Raise, the boy.) At this rate, they'll be 60 or 70 pounds at one-year-old! I never wanted a small pony as a lap dog! And they rapidly are becoming lap dogs. I'd like to think they just love me and want to be near me, however, it could have something to do with the doggie treats I keep in my pocket. I have to admit, I have fallen more and more in love with them. They are getting more loving and adorable. They are often hilarious to watch. Raise does this stalking thing where she freezes and stares at Mr. Re. Then she will slowly creep up on him and then pounce. The funny part is that he is looking right at her for this whole show. She acts as if she is invisible when she plays this game.
Mr Re's latest favorite is to sit in the doggie door with his front half outside and his butt and tail inside. I have no idea why, but this is his favorite perch.
Bette remains our senior poochie queen. She ignores them completely unless they enter her domain (upstairs) at which point she lets them know who is boss and chases them back downstairs. They have a whole box of her cast off toys, many are almost new, but their favorite things to play with are rocks, sticks, or empty paper bags.
I had to take Mr. Re to the Vet the other day (minor eye irritation). As we waited our turn several other dogs came in; two small ones, and a medium size one. Mr. Re just watched and wagged his tail, hello. And then a moose dog came in. I mean this canine must have weight upwards of 200 lbs and Mr. Re decides to challenge him. He barked at the top of his lungs, growled, and wanted to charge him. The giant dog, whose name was "Sir Charles" because of his good manners, just looked at Mr. Re and I swear I thought I saw him smirk. A friend suggested that Mr. Re was not fearsome of my fate with the smaller dogs, but the giant dog made him want to protect me. How wonderful, I have a guard dog! Dumb as a rock if he thought he could take on Sir Charles, but ever so brave! So all is well on the home front with my growing pups.

Yes, There is Something YOU Can Do

2010-09-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last week, one of our prominent families in the poker community suffered the ultimate loss. Chip and Karina Jett lost their precious 4-year-old son Apollo, due to a drowning accident.
The Jetts are a well known poker couple having achieved much success through the years. However, unlike "regular" jobs where you can take a paid vacation, or receive unemployment to help you through the difficult financial times, if poker players don't work, they don't have an income.
I am not close personal friends with the Jetts, but we are friends. I cannot imagine that they will be able to work until they have an appropriate time of grieving.
I am so proud of Chip and Karina for a very difficult decision they made when Apollo passed. They agreed to allow Apollo to be an organ donor. Although they are going through the worse time of their lives, they brought tremendous joy to other families, whose children can now live a full and healthy life, thanks to little Apollo's parents, allowing him to live on through others.
When tragedy strikes, everyone asks, what can I do? There is something you can do. An account has been set up to help the Jetts out.
Remember, when you give, it comes back to you 10-fold. Any amount will be appreciated. What can you do? Dip into your bankroll and share. I've always known poker players to quickly come to the aid of other poker players when in need. Let's do it together. If you're not a poker player, be a generous "regular" person and help us help the Jetts.
To see photos of Apollo, Chip, Karina, and their daughter Athena visit: www.apollojett.com.

You can mail in donations, or go by any Wells Fargo Bank to make a donation. The account information is:Wells Fargo Bank, 7290 S. Durango Dr., Las Vegas, NV, 89113, Apollo Jett/Donation Account
Routing Number 582500507
Account Number 3956308724

Thank you!

A Birthday, a Puppy Report and my Upcoming Vacation

2010-09-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I go for weeks without anything to report and then there seems to be an avalanche. First, my dear friend Herminia Mahealani Suzanna Sniffen (that's why we call her Hermie) had a BIG birthday. I won't mention any numbers, but it's a big one that happens exactly one year before a really big one. Boy, did we celebrate (any excuse will do of course, but it's nice when you actually have a cause for celebration.) We actually celebrated for most of four days. We had her family, we went for a sushi evening, we sang, we laughed, we drank too much, we had a ball. BTW: I tried a Dairy Queen birthday cake rather than the usual Baskin Robins. It was, hands down, the best ice cream cake ever. She wanted chocolate and vanilla. I told the Queen guy that and he suggested a Blizzard cake. I overdosed. Folks who don't eat desert, ate a piece or two of this cake. Most importantly, Hermie loved it.

Puppy Report: My little kids are all grown up now ... well young adults, although they still look and act like 10 and 12 pound puppies. You see, Mr. Re discovered the joy of humping his sister. They both spent a day at the Vet's and now nobody can get pregnant or impregnate. They discovered, during all the birthday festivities, that they like shinny birthday signs, but they do not like balloons! Raise loves to torment Re-Raise. She is smaller then he is and she likes to squeeze herself into small places, like under my rocking chair. It has a footstool and wooden legs that make her look like she is in jail. He wants in but can't squeeze through and he doesn't like that one bit!

Last but not least and you're going to be hearing a lot about this. I have my 2011 vacation planned. I'll just give you the highlights because I want you to join me (dutch treat, of course - unless I hit the lottery between now and then.) I am going to cruise the Caribbean aboard the magnificent Norwegian EPIC. This is a poker cruise and I will be giving two FREE seminars. Also on board will be a group from the High Heels Poker Tour and yes, there will be a HHPT tournament while we are at sea! Check it out at http://www.crownpokercruises.com/. From there, click on the "EPIC" sign and check out the ship - unbelievable. I am so looking forward to this!

Well before the cruise I will be at the Wildhorse in Pendleton for their Fall Poker Round-Up. If you keep up with my blog, you know how much I love going to Pendleton. Lowest juice in the poker world, most friendly players in the world, lots of money added, good (free) good and great poker action. Again, meet me there, Dutch treat of course.

2010-09-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend was very special, especially for three deserving women in the field of poker. Kathy Liebert, Jennifer Harman-Traniello, and Billie Brown (posthumously), were inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF.) It was a lovely evening thanks to the hard work by Lupe Soto, founder and board members, Suzie Lederer, Suzanne Carter, Gyla Whitlow, and Karina Jett. A celebration of this magnitude does not just happen with a phone call or two; it took months and months of planning, preparation, and organization. Thank you board members - and volunteers! This gala was held in the Grand Ballroom at the Golden Nugget. The Keynote Speaker was Jeffrey Pollack, WSOP media man Nolan Dollar also spoke. The message was, "Go ladies!" They both also voiced their displeasure at the men who choose to enter the ladies world championship this year. I wish I had taped their exact comments. They were harsh and on the money.
Lupe Soto founded the WiPHoF four years ago after realizing that women weren't really recognized for their accomplishments in the area of poker, poker playing, and working in the field poker. It is one of the greatest honors a woman can achieve in the poker arena.
This celebration was one of those rare opportunities where you can see, otherwise very casually dressed poker players, dressed to the nines! It was a wonderful evening and three very deserving women became a part of poker history.

Puppy Report: The "kids", Raise and Mr. Re (Re-Raise) are growing by leaps and bounds. When I brought them home, in mid-May, they weighed about 3 lbs. each. Today they are 10.5 (my little girl) and 12 pounds (my big boy.) They are still a hoot to watch and love. They not only have learned the doggie door, they fly in and out of it when they are playing. I dare not put the stop-door in place. One of them could knock their brains out. The other night, I kept hearing the doggie door open partially, then close, over and over again. I finally went to see if it was stuck or just what the problem was. Mr. Re had a stick that was about 2 feet in length. The door is 8" and he was determined to bring that stick in the house. He did finally succeed by grabbing the stick by the end and pulling it in. Who said he was the "slow" one.
They were professionally groomed for the first time recently. I have given them a bath once a week, not an easy task and more difficult as they got bigger. I took them to Petsmart. They came out looking absolutely fabulous. They also brought home report cards. Raise did fine, Mr. Re ... not so good. She seems OK with bath time, as if she knows how darling she will look and how all will make over her. He does not like bath time at all. I guess he figures, "Hey, I'm a black doggie. Who is going to know if I am dirty or clean?"

The Puppy Night from Hell

2010-08-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

When a complete stranger approaches me in a casino and asks me how the puppies are, because I haven't done a blog update lately, I think it's time to correct that. A quick update is they weighed 3 lbs. each when I brought them home in mid-May. Today Raise (the white little girl) is now a petite 9 lbs and Mr Re (Re-Raise - the boy) is weighing in at a strong 10 1/2 lbs.
To tell this story, I have to admit that I was awfully sick after the World Series. I blame it all on the Europeans. They brought foreign germs across the great pond to the Rio and some of them jumped on me. Seems I am not the only one. Many fought what I call the WSOP Crud. On my worse night, when I felt so bad and had no energy, the "kids" Raise and Re-Raise, decided to act up. I knew when it was happening that some day it would be funny, but on that night, there was no laughter, not even a snicker. I was sick, angry, and upset. I just wanted to go to bed, go to sleep and pray to feel better the next day. My night from puppy hell started when Mr. Re, who has discovered "his voice" decided to have a barking fit. He had never done such a thing. He barks at the pool man, the wind, the rain, and anything that is not normal. I do believe he is going to be a great watch dog. But on this particular night, he just decided to bark and the more I tried to quiet him, the more and louder he barked. There was no wind, no rain, no pool man, no burglars. and absolutely no reason for his continual barking. I had tried nice, I told him how awful I felt and how much I would appreciate it if he would hush, but nothing worked. After what seemed like 15 minutes of non-stop barking, but was probably only 3 or 4 minutes, I finally put him in the pen and got right in his face and screamed at the top of my lungs, "I can't take it anymore! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!!" I screamed so loudly that my throat hurt and Raise ran and hid. Mr. Re tucked his tail and backed (away from the crazy woman) into their pet taxi which is in their pen - it serves as sort of an indoor dog house and a safe place for them. They often sleep in it. He stopped barking but he started crying. I felt terrible. I had never heard him whimper like that - they didn't cry from the first night. Neither of them have even cried before and he was puppy crying which started my water works. So then I had a sore throat and my head was getting more and more stopped up. At this point in my illness, the crud was winning. We both cried for a few minutes and then that episode was over. He decided to be sure that I still loved him so he came to the sofa and tried to jump up. At that time, he made the jump about half the time. This time however, he didn't make it and grabbed my arm with his left paw and dug in his nails, like a cat hanging on to a curtain. So now my head was stopped up more than ever and I was bleeding from his accidental clawing, but I did not yell. We made up. He has never again had a barking fit. Prior to this Puppy night from Hell, they had mastered the use of the doggie door. It took her (she is the smart one) about five minutes and Mr. Re a couple of days. He isn't the brightest bulb in the pack. He would see her go out the doggie door, then he would go to the glass backdoor and see her outside. He would then look at me as if to ask, "How did she do that? Would you please open this door so I can go outside with her?" At that point, I would once again show him how the doggie door worked. On this particular night, she had been outside for awhile. Things had been calm since our yelling incident so I was playing a one-table satellite on Full Tilt. I was accumulating chips and doing well, but still feeling lousy. I thought I would finish (win) this game, put them in their pen for the night and go to bed early. It was not to be. I got to heads up and heard her come in the doggie door. When I saw her, I couldn't believe it. This solid white puppy looked like a skunk in reverse with the black on her underside! Did I mention that she loves to dig? Evidently the sprinklers had been on and there was one area that had turned to mud. This white pup was black and wet on her whole underside, entire legs and face! And I was heads-up in my match! I tried to get her back outside so I could finish my game and then worry about her and the mess she was in. Before I could get to her, she shook! Now I had mud all over the floor and the wall and me. I was determined not to just throw this tournament so I hustled her outside and closed off the doggie door. I did manage to win the one-table. I stood up so fast, I almost tripped over Mr. Re, I fell, but thankfully landed on the sofa. After almost passing out, I slowly got up. I was sooo sick. Finally I got my wits about me and rather than going to bed early, I was giving Raise a bath. An hour later, she was white and beautiful again, the wall and floor was clean, and I had gotten cleaned up. I believe that she sensed how badly I was feeling and how bad she had been because she was very good during this unplanned bath time. I put them to bed and headed upstairs. Bette was waiting on me. The senior pooch is the only one allowed upstairs or in my bed ( so far). I dropped my clothes in the floor, headed toward bed and stepped in a pile of Bette poop! She never does that! I remembered that during all the excitement, I had forgotten to take her out! My fault. after cleaning up another doggie mess, I fell into bed.

In other news: Congratulations to my friend Tonia from Tampa, FL, who won first place in the High Heels Poker Tour event last Sat. in Jax. Who taught her to play so good? Oh, that's right - ME!

On another subject: Join me and many more for the 2010 induction of Kathy Liebert, Jennifer Harman, and Billie Brown into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. It is a dinner and a wonderful ceremony at the Golden Nugget, Friday, Sept. 3. Go to http://www.lipstour.com/ for complete details. I promise it will be an evening you will not soon forget.

Join Me in "Giving Back"

2010-08-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Help me and my friends "give back." The poker world has been very good to so many of us. Some of my friends, Mike Sexton, Linda Johnson, Lisa Tenner, and Jan Fisher have set up a foundation to do exactly that - give some back to charity. Please join me and my friends for a "Poker Gives" (http://www.pokergives.org/) charity poker tournament on Full Tilt. Here are the details:

Date: Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
Time: 4pm EST (1600 server time, 1pm PST, 9pm GMT) Site: Full Tilt Poker Tournament ID: 172330870 Buy-In: $10+$10 ($10 to the prizepool, $10 to the charity) Game Type: No Limit Texas Hold Em (1,500 starting chips) Password: poker
The way to register is from the main Full Tilt lobby - click on “Requests”, then “Find a tournament by ID…” then type in 172330870, the password is poker.

This online tournament is a part of a much bigger plan, National Poker Month. Details as follows:

Poker Gives is currently working on a huge fundraising project called National Poker Month that will take place in September 2010. Here’s how National Poker Month will work: Every cardroom in the United States will be asked to designate one day during the month of September during which they will host a charity event. Half of the proceeds from that event will go to Poker Gives and half will go to the prize pool. The names of all winners and all participating cardroom managers will be entered into separate drawings to be held on October 4, 2010. See box below for list of prizes for winners. “We expect most cardrooms will participate,” said Mike Sexton. “In addition to all the goodwill it will bring to poker when we are able to present such large checks to charity, the participating cardrooms will be listed in BLUFF Magazine and we will conduct a drawing from that list. Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and I will visit the winning cardroom and host a meet-and-greet and a free poker seminar.”

Here is the list of cardrooms around America participating:

Harrah’s Tunica – Tunica, MS – Sept. 4th
Hollywood Casino – Lawrenceburg, IN – Sept. 4th
Poker Nation Social Club – Phoenix, AZ – Sept. 4th
Quinault Beach Resort and Casino – Ocean Shores, WA – Sept. 4th
The Venetian – Las Vegas, NV – Sept. 4th
Win River Casino – Redding, CA – Sept. 4th
Golden Nugget – Las Vegas, NV – Sept. 5th
Seminole Casino Immokalee – Immokalee, FL – Sept. 5th
Golden West Casino – Bakersfield, CA – Sept. 11th
Prairie’s Edge Casino and Resort – Granite Falls, MN – Sept. 11th
River Rock Casino – Geyserville, CA – Sept. 11th
The Bicycle Casino – Bell Gardens, CA – Sept. 11th
Binions Gambling Hall – Las Vegas, NV – Sept. 12th
Oceans Eleven Casino – Oceanside, CA – Sept. 12th
Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club – Shakopee, MN – Sept.16th
Aria Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, NV – Sept. 17th
Isle Casino at Pompano Park – Pompano Beach, FL – Sept. 18th
Hollywood Park Casino – Inglewood, CA – Sept. 19th
Jacksonville Greyhound Racing & Poker – Jacksonville, FL – Sept. 19th
Eureka Casino Resort – Mesquite, NV – Sept. 24th
Eldorado Hotel/Casino – Reno, NV – Sept. 23rd
Northern Quest Resort & Casino – Airway Heights, WA – Sept. 25th
Peppermill Reno – Reno, NV – Sept. 25th
Wildhorse Resort & Casino – Pendleton, OR – Sept. 25th
Casino Marysville – Marysville, CA – Sept. 29th

If you are a cardroom manager and would like to register your cardroom for National Poker Month, please contact sassy@pokergives.org or by phone at 702.860.7413.

My Guard Dog and the Bette Book

2010-07-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

My Watch Dog
As mentioned in my last blog, Mr. Re is rapidly becoming my watch dog. If something is "amiss" he will bark. Raise seldom barks for, or, at anything or anyone, she just kind of stands behind him and lets him take care of the situation - otherwise (non-bark situations) she is the leader of the pact. A few nights ago, 4:30 AM to be exact, I awoke to Mr. Re barking and raising hell. Simultaneously, I heard a heavy rain (not usual for Las Vegas.) I wasn't afraid, and didn't grab my gun for fear of intruders, as I immediately thought he was reacting to the rain. As my head cleared, I realized that in their whole life, they were born April 1, they have never heard or seen rain. I hurried downstairs. He was damn near howling. I spoke gently to them, and suggested that we go out and see what this rain business was all about. I opened their pen and the back door. They normally rush out when I open that door. At that time (the rain was coming down hard) they rushed to the door, both stopped and slowly started backing up. I picked up Mr. Re and walked outside, staying under the canopy that covers my patio. Raise hesitantly followed. They watched and listened to the rain. Within minutes, the downpour had slowed to sprinkles. I put him down and walked out into the yard. They followed. They began to try and look up at what was coming out of the sky, bite it, taste it, run in it, and enjoy this new experience. What a joy to watch these two little creatures discover "life."

A Book Review:
Sally, from Utah, read Bette's book (see blog of July 18.) She liked it so much that she ordered 10 for gifts. This is a book review from her: Have gotten great response on Bette’s book. My neighbor girl loved it and thought girls from ages 10-13 would particularly enjoy it. All adult responses very positive, as well—“so clever”, “well-written”, “loved the illustrations”, etc.
You can go to www.Bettebooks.com and order yours today!

Classic Country is Back! And a Puppy Report

2010-07-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

My long time friend, Rick Gianti, called the other day to tell me where his son-in-law, Andy Morris and his new band, Whiskey Revival, was playing. Knowing I am from Nashville, he thought I would have a great appreciation for their music ... and he was right! The songs that they played were long established hits by many famous country stars like; Hank Williams, Jr., Loretta Lynn, Porter Waggoner, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Roger Miller, Dolly Pardon, Meryl Haggert, and Patsy Cline. The lead female singer is Paige Overton and both she and Andy have great voices. To me, in appearance, she is a dead ringer for a young Elizabeth Taylor. They presently (through Oct.) are appearing at Club Fortune, 725 S. Racetrack Rd, Henderson, on Sundays 4 PM until. Of course, their ultimate goal, after getting their feet wet, is to be appearing on the strip. Anyone know anyone in a position to make that happen? Trust me on this, these kids are talented.
Their intro on Facebook says it all: "Whiskey Revival is Las Vegas' most rootin tootin classic country band this side of the Mississippi. Focusing on a blend of Outlaw Country and a Little Western Swing you are guaranteed to have a foot stompin good time at this hoedown." There was a great crowd (the word is spreading) for a Sunday afternoon and many of them were dancing, if not on the dance floor, in their seats!

Puppy Report: Raise and Re-Raise (We call him Mr. Re and often, Mr. Re-NO!) are growing like weeds. They became a part of my family about 2 1/2 months ago. They were born on April 1 (very appropriate.) When they came to their new home they weighed about 3 lbs. each. Last trip to the Vet for shots and they weighed in at over 9 lbs. each. They are hysterically funny. I start my morning laughing at them. Like human babies, they are at their cutest after a good rest. They run, play, tackle each other, and slide into the wall when they get to going too fast. Like babies, they eat, poop, sleep, poop, play and poop. Like babies, they can learn and be trained. They already bark at the back door when they need to go - about half they time. The other half they either forget or they are too busy. I taught them to sit in just 15 minutes and now we are working on sitting and staying. If anything is on the floor, which is their domain, said item becomes their toy. I have purchased several doggie squeaky toys. which they do play with, but their preference is an empty water bottle, a box, or a piece of paper that hits the floor. They bring in sticks, rocks and leaves from outside. I gave them an old pair of sneakers and they loved tearing them apart. I could not find Raise one day. I knew she wasn't outside as they have not yet learned the doggie door. I looked everywhere and then I heard a ruckus upstairs. Bet, our senior dog spends most of her time as Queen of the upper level, which she always did. There was more and more barking going on. I could not believe that little Raise had gotten upstairs on her own, but that is exactly what she did - and this was at about five pounds. Bet let her know right off who the alpha dog is! Raise runs up there every chance she gets and Bet herds her right back down, while Mr. Re stands on the bottle landing watching. He just can't figure out climbing steps ... yet. Nobody said he was the smart one. They are good pups and I fall more in love with them daily. I only have to ask and they go in their area (a fenced off pen at the end of my den) for naps, or at night for bedtime, or when I go out. They are content in their "safe place." They also are always happy when they get out so they can race and wrestle. In the beginning, Raise could always pen Mr. Re, but that has changed as they have grown and now it is a pretty even match. She is the "leader", she is nosy, and rather bossy ... until it comes to protecting the property. The first time a stranger, (the pool guy), came into the backyard (their backyard) Raise gave one yelp and hit under a bush. Mr. Re took an aggressive stance and raised some puppy hell! Thus far, he definitely is our watchdog! Puppies can change your life. Like deciding to have a human baby, you must be prepared to make scarifies to accommodate being a good parent. You can have an unruly puppy or an unruly child. You also can have a well behaved child or canine companion that is a joy for you or others to be around, it just takes patience and training.

The Dark Side

2010-07-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

I try not to write or even think about anything negative, but sometimes life takes a negative dip. For example, I bought the home I now live in, which is bigger than I need and in a great neighborhood, for investment purposes. Today, like so many others, I am so upside down that I hope I live long enough to acquire equity again. I had a fine house (which would be completely paid for today) but the neighborhood was rapidly going down the tubes. One day, I opened my garage door, got in my car, started it, and realized that I didn't have my sunglasses. I put the car in park, left it running, and I ran in the house to fetch my sunglasses. Thank God, they were right inside the garage door on the washing machine. My turnaround time was seconds. When I opened the door to dash back to my car, I was stunned to see a young black girl (not prejudice, just the facts) with her hand on my door handle. I was too shocked with the realization of what was happening to be afraid. "What are you doing?" I screamed. She ran and jumped in a truck driven by a white man (not prejudice, just the facts). Like a fool, I jumped in my car and gave chase. I had no idea what I was going to do if I caught them, but I did get the license plate number and called the police. Lesson learned. I now lock my car if I am going to leave it, even for seconds.
Like Mama always said, "Life is a state of change." I was raised in a neighborhood where no one locked their doors unless they were going on vacation and then we had to search for the house key, as it was used so seldom.
I refuse to live in fear so I try to adjust.
Just a few days ago, a dear friend, I will call her Jane to avoid embarrassment, went to Best Buy to purchase a small light-weight computer she had been contemplating buying for a long time. She finally decided that she could afford it and she needed it so she went and bought it. She put it on the back seat of her SUV, and then she made a quick grocery store stop before going home. Ten minutes later, she returned to her car to discover the back window broken and the new little computer gone. It quickly became obvious that someone had followed her from Best Buy to the grocery store for a "smash and grab." There was other stuff in her car - of value, but only the Best Buy bag was gone. Would they have followed her home to steal the computer at gunpoint? Thankfully, we'll never know. Reporting the thief, getting the window fixed, and replacing the computer was all a hassle, but again, thankfully, the situation could have been much worse.
Moral of the story, be careful. Know that such scallywags are out there, ready to take what is not their's and do any damage necessary. I truly believe in karma. I believe that when you do good, good will come to you. And when you do bad, bad will come your way. These thieves will get theirs, somehow, someday.

BETTE Has a Tail to Tell

2010-07-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Annnouncing our latest literary contribution: "Bette, I Have a Tail to Tell." My precious, almost 14 year old, poochie has been considering writing her memoirs for many years. She now has done just that (with just a little help from me.) "Bette, I Have a Tail to Tell" is now available. Her website is: http://www.bettebooks.com/. The website is still a work in progress, so if you would like to order one of these darling little books, full of adorable pictures, great for kids or adults, contact me: 702-361-4505 or Susieismspoker@aol.com. $1.00 from each retail sale will go to Animal Rescue.
The following is a smaple chapter:
In times of difficulty I see my humans trying to be brave for each other. These are times that I need to talk to them one on one. Sometimes water comes from their eyes. I try to be especially cute and loving. When that happens, I encourage them to pet me. This is good medicine for them. This is good medicine for me too.

Movie Reviews and Travel

2010-07-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

I have decided to go to Pendleton for the Summer Poker Rodeo July 14-18. I had to get my "ducks in a row" before I could finalize my plans. My ducks are all lined up, making it possible for me to be gone for almost a week. Hope you can join me. Always a good time in Pendleton! The Summer tournament is not as big as the Spring and the Fall, but it is still good ol relaxed Pendleton. Buy-ins run $150 to $200, there are three no-limit events on the schedule and one limit hold'em. Each has $3,000 added by the casino and a 7-night Mexican Rivera Cruise! I've always said that going to Pendleton was like stepping back in time. (Love downtown Pendleton!)That goes for the juice on the tournaments also, which remains the lowest I know of at only $15 and the rake on live games is $3 max. You can't beat that. It is worth a little effort to get there. Please join me and tell boss man Roland Waters that Susie sent you. I may get a free buffet, one for me and one for you! After the hustle bustle of the WSOP and all the Europeans and know-it-all Internet kids, with their crazy play, it will be a pleasure to get to Pendleton and the Wildhorse and play some "real" poker with folks who speak English before, during, and after the hands are played and who are polite and respectful folks, young or seasoned.
Movie Reviews: I finally got around to having the time to rent a couple of movies. My reviews are: Sutter Island: good enough to watch all of it, different, entertaining, however, I did not like the ending, that can pretty much ruin the whole thing for me.
Dear John: Thumbs UP! Loved it. A good old-fashion love story from Nicolas Sparks. If Sparks wrote it, you know you'll need a box of Kleenex to watch it.

The Secret is Out!

2010-07-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have been sitting on a big secret for months. At last I can share it with you. But first, a quick WSOP recap. I bombed out of the ladies event on a terrible beat, but good play. I got very deep in the Seniors, 78th out of 3,148, not bad and a nice little payday. As for the main event. I'd rather not even talk about it. It was a very nerve wracking and depressing day. As one of my friends said, my Poker Gods must have been asleep. If it could go wrong, it did! So, we move on.
Now for the secret surprise. Months ago, when I was calling and writing everybody and there brother, looking for sponsorship for Donnie Vann (quadriplegic from FL coming to his first WSOP) I contacted the Pittsburgh Steelers. Donnie has two great passions in his life; poker and the Steelers. They sent me a white Pittsburgh Steelers football, signed by the 2009 team! I was so excited but I could not blog about it as Donnie reads my blogs! I contacted the media at the WSOP and told them of my plans. On Tuesday, the whole surprise unfolded and it was perfect. ESPN was there, as were many of Donnie's friends from FL and CA and his nurses. I said something like this, "Donnie you are such an inspiration to so many and you have touched so many lives in such a special way. I contacted the Steelers and suggested that the team come to Las Vegas and root for you while you play the main event since you root for then continually. They were busy, but they did send you this special good luck gift." He was very surprised and very touched. The football will go into his house which is already a shrine to the Steelers.
Donnie went on to play Day 1-B of the main event and during that time he was interviewed by NBC news. I got to watch him at 11 PM. Donnie Vann is a star! He did make it through his first day on the green felt battlefield and will return on Sat. for his day 2. Good luck Donnie!
Donnie has had a magnificent trip out west. For details, see his blog: http://www.dvann.blogspot.com/
One highlight was went Donnie visited the Golden West Casino in Bakersfield, CA. Jim Barbo, who used to be an excutive at Donnie's home poker room in Jax. is now the GM at the Golden West. When Donnie pulled up, he saw, "Welcome Donnie Vann" on the lighted sign in from of the casino. He said, "I've never seen my name in lights before. I felt like a celebrity!" Believe me Donnie, you are a star! And your life story is movie material.

See the Las Vegas Sun, June 29

2010-06-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

Last week, Steve Kanigher of the Las Vegas Journal called me and we talked about the males(jerks) who played in the ladies WSOP event. Today, his article came out and I thought he did a nice job. Go to http://www.lasvegassun.com./ In the center of the first page under "More News" you will find "Men in Women's poker tournaments, can, should they be kept out." You need to see this. There also is a video of one of the boys who played, it is sort of an apology but he goes on to demote ladies only poker tournaments. You'll notice that I don't call these male-children, men. They are not men, they are trouble-making, disrespectful, boys, out for attention, any way they can get it.

On a related subject, now is the time to vote for your choice of two women for the 2010 Women in Poker Hall of Fame. Somehow, from those who don't know her stand on women in poker, Annie Duke got on the ballot. First of all, if by some miracle she was voted it, I think she would shun the whole idea. Secondly, I honestly do not think she has a prayer. Cast your vote at www.wiphof.com.

In case you think I am exaggerating about Duke, you can read her blog on the subject. In the aforementioned Las Vegas Sun article, in part it reads: Annie Duke, who blogged after the ladies event that her preference would be to have that championship removed from the World Series schedule.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2010-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

I loved my Daddy. We were never exceptionally close, but I loved him and he loved me. If you still have your Daddy, give him a hug. Let him know that you love him. I'm going to share an "I love my Daddy and he loves me" story with you for Father's Day.
My Dad never swam. Mom told me that he was very protected as a child and he was a "city boy", therefore never exposed to ponds, rivers, or lakes, like country kids, so he not only never learned to swim, Mom believed he had a fear of the water.
I, on the other hand loved swimming. My Mom took a car load of kids to the local pool several times a week every summer. Rollins and Pleasant Green were our local public pools and I have very fond memories of summer days and fun at the pools. The memories of the sunburns that often resulted are not so fond! I always dreamed of owning a pool. A dream that stayed with me until adulthood and a husband who could afford to build one. I was living in Atlanta, GA, at the time and so proud of our new pool. It was indeed; a dream come true. I swam every single day that weather allowed. My folks lived in Nashville and visited regularly. They watched as the trees came out and the pool went in. They shared my enthusiasm. Mom was a swimmer. We enjoyed that pool so much while Daddy would sit with his feet in the water of the shallow end.
One day, the second year we had the pool, they were coming for a weekend visit. Daddy called all excited. My father was quiet and low-key. I seldom heard excitement from him. "I have a surprise for you!" he said. I couldn't imagine. They arrived five hours later and the look on his face reminded me of a kid at Christmas. He ran upstairs and came down in his first ever swim suit. It had a matching beach jacket and he looked cool. Mom also was beaming. "I didn't know if he would wear it or not," she said. "I guess he is tired of getting his britches legs wet."
We (kids, me, and Mom) went down and jumped in the cool and inviting water. Dad came strutting out in his new swim attaire, made sure I was watching, then went to the ladder at the deep end. "Dad, I shouted, that's the deep end!" He ignored me. He eased into the water. I was flabbergasted. "Mom!" I yelled. "Stop Daddy, what the heck is he doing?" I realized she was smiling ear-to-ear. Her look of pride was absolutely glowing. "Hush!" She told me. "Watch your father." He eased into the water and then swam across the deep end! I was speechless. And then I got the story. The term "bucket list" didn't exist back then but as Mom explained it, getting over his fear of water and learning to swim was something my Dad had always wanted to do. So at 75 years young, when we started building my dream pool, my Dad went to the YMCA and started taking swimming lessons. He swam across and back. Then he swam all the way around the perimeter of the pool. He got out, said more to himself than to us, "I did it!" And then he took a bow. He never knew because Mom and I were all wet, but we were crying tears of joy as we and the kids applauded.

On another subject: check this out:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pokernews.com%2Fvideo%2F2010-wsop-for-all-the-ladies-91276742001.htm&h=db5e5EotvXAj6ZxpQztcIZXmHcw

And Another Subject: After two long, hard days on the green felt, I placed 78th in the Seniors (starting field was 3,178) for a nice little payday. Certainly could have been better, but I played well, stayed in the zone, no mistakes, got lucky twice and unlucky once. 78th doesn't sound so impressive, let's make that, I cashed in the Seniors, I was in the top 2%!

Lady Pink's Pink Pool Party

2010-06-17T17:00:00.001-07:00

Doralee Rae, aka Lady Pink had the pool party to end all pool parties last Monday. It was held at her home in Las Vegas, the day after the ladies event - so lots of big name poker ladies were on hand. We had hoped to be celebrating a new ladies world champ. Sassy did make the money (I am very proud of her) and we did celebrate a gold bracelet win, although not a WSOP bracelet. Stacey Nutini won the beautiful gold bracelet from the Golden Nugget's LIPS Ladies Championship.
Doralee went all out with the pink, from leis upon your arrival (Ron, the doorman laid each and every gal who entered) to glasses that glowed pink in the dark, to an array of pink drinks, and decorations including pink lighted palm trees.
There were several highlights. Cabana Boys for one. Very buff, very good looking Cabana Boys. We had been forewarned that there would be Cabana Boys at our beck and call so we all were armed with dollar bills for strategically placed tips. Sure enough, there were even little pink bells to "call for service." The poker table was in the wading end of the infinity pool - that was a favorite "sit and visit a spell" place.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed a tango dancing expedition by champion dancers Master Marcos Questas and Ruta Maria. It was amazing.
Lady Pink came to Las Vegas from Danville, CA. Her parties there are legendary and rapidly becoming the same in Las Vegas. A group of her Danville girlfriends came to Vegas because they wouldn't miss one of her parties.

Puppy Report: I can't believe how big they are getting. We have been calling Raise, MsRaise and Re-Raise, Mr.Re. They both come running when either name is called. They run and play, eat, sleep, and poop. And they are so funny. I can't believe how fast they are growing. Whichever toy one has, the other wants so they usually are both chewing on the same toy at the same time. I got some pee pads, for in house use, however, Raise is pretty much trained and Mr.Re is lagging behind. They love the pee pads but not to pee on. They play with them. I caught them with him laying on it and her pulling him around like a sled. So many Kodak moments, but when I grab the camera, they come running to me. They eat good, AM and PM, then wait 20 minutes and it's like clockwork, outside to poop. Bet is still not happy about the situation, but she is slowly getting better. I can read her mind - she wishes they would just go away. I'll be very happy when I can report that they are all friends. You better believe that Bet has made it known that she is the alpha dog!

An Open Letter

2010-06-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

To: Seth Plansky, Howard Greenbaum, Ty Stewart, and Jack Effel

Gentlemen,

First, I want to commend you on how great the 2010 WSOP is. I was so delighted to see that, at last, the poker players rated the entire convention area - no more tents! The Food Kitchen is great, as is the Pavilion and the Amazon Rooms. The process for one to find their table (room, color, table number, etc.) was a stroke of genius. Everything seems so well organized, so much more so than in years past.

My first and only HUGE disappointment this year was that Harrah's allowed men to play in the most prestigious and most important ladies event in the world. There absolutely is no excuse any of these men could give me to make it alright with me. I don't care if they lost the biggest prop bet of their life (one excuse I heard) or they plan to give every penny of their winnings to charity (just write your charity a check). I believe it is so sad that they did exactly what they set out to do - show the world that they could beat a gigantic corporation like Harrah's.

Seth, this is a quote from Card Player's website:
Palansky said tournament organizers couldn’t legally prevent any men from entering the event. They have discouraged men from doing so in the past, and discouraged entries again this year. Men have participated in ladies events at the World Series in past years, but never to this magnitude.
I sincerely thought that a casino could refuse service to anyone for any reason; I guess I was wrong. Also, I have been playing the ladies event of the WSOP since 1989 and never once has a man gained entry.
There are several reasons I am so upset: I began playing poker in $15 ladies only events in Las Vegas in 1986. I would never have entered a poker arena were it not for those events. I got my feet wet, got comfortable in the game and then played in mixed field events.
I know that women come from all over the world for this ladies world championship. If a man takes even one of their chips away, I find that sinful. If one of the males started at my table, I would have requested a refund. There are so many ways around this; have a men's only event. I'll bet not one woman would complain. Just say, NO! I've heard you were worried about lawsuits. Please, these jerks haven't a prayer against the mighty Harrah's organization. These guys are trouble making jerks who have no respect for women, why else would they have insisted on crashing this event? Don't you have rules against trouble making jerks?
I know that penalties were given to several of the men. One when he passed Midol around the table and used a Tampax for a card protector. Another when one went running and screaming around the tournament area after his aces were cracked. I would be willing to bet my bankroll that not one penalty was given to a lady during the entire three-days of the ladies event. The one lone male who won money, won money that should have gone to a lady.
I heard one story about a women who had been eliminated from the competition. She asked a masseur to go to one of the guys and tell him that she wanted to buy him a massage to show no hard feelings, (don't know if he was the one who knocked her out of action as this is second-hand). He went dancing over to her for an open-armed hug of gratitude. When he reached her, she slapped him hard. I would never do this just because of an attempt to keep my reputation in tact, but I can certainly applaud her for her less-than-lady-like attack. My Mama used to say, "Some people need killing," on the subject of convicted murderers and child molesters. My parallel is not that these guys need killing, but I'll agree that they needed a good slapping!
If males entering the ladies world championship is an attempt from the few who want to see you do away with the ladies and the Seniors events, I pray it is unsuccessful. My hope is that they will not be allowed to make a mockery of this prestigious and famous competition again next year.
Do you plan to allow the young guns, who insist and scream discrimination, to play the Seniors? So they can make their point, whatever that is.
There are trouble makers and stinkers in all walks of life, I sincerely hope they won't be allowed to play in either of these events next year.
Susie Isaacs

Going for the GOLD!

2010-06-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

As of this date, the following are my WSOP plans: At last - I got my seats last night at midnight - no lines! Beginning with the biggest: I will play the main event on day one, Monday, July 5, Amazon Blue, table 260, seat 4, I will play the Seniors on Friday, June 18, table 143, seat 6, Pavilion YELLOW, I will play the ladies on Friday, June 11, (and hopefully Sat. and then Sun. for the final table!) I will be in the White Pavilion, Table 17, Seat 9. I also will be tweeting hands that I play, what is going on at my table, and if I get moved. If your phone can receive text, you can receive my tweets. Details on how in one of my last few blogs. Good luck to me!! Please send me good, good, good, gooooooooood vibrations!

Calling All Lady Poker Players

2010-06-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

Ladies:
Don't forget the Pink Ladies Super Satellite on Sunday, June 6, at the Golden Nugget! Poker Pro Seminar at 1 p.m. for $25 with $5 going to POKER GIVES, Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher (in the Golden Nugget Poker Room); and then 2 p.m. $125 for the Pink Ladies Super Satellite where $1,000 will be given away for every 10 players! Mark your calendars, don't miss this opportunity to get pro advice from two of the best players ever! See you Sunday!

and while I am reminding you... look what all is coming up for the ladies!!

Sunday, June 6, 1pm at GN, Jan and Linda give talk then 2 pm super satellite from Pink Ladies $155 total.
Wed, June 9, noon Binions Ladies event $200
Thurs . June 10, 2pm GN, LIPS super satellite for Ladies $150 or $175
Thurs. June 10, 7 pm HHPT single table satellites $135
Thurs. June 10, all day seminar at Planet Hollwyood by HHPT, featuring Barbara Enright, Marsha Waggoner and yours truly. Go to www.highheelspokertour.com for details and if you register, please use the code "Susie i".
Fri. June 11, noon Ladies WSOP
Sat . June 12, noon GN Poker Queen $230 (2 day event)
Sat . June 12, 6pm HHPT $160
Sun . June 13, 4pm GN LIPS championship $175

This from the High Heels Poker Tour:

As the WSOP approaches we are busy getting ready for the debut of High Heels Poker Tour's Hospitality Suite @ The WSOP. We are so very excited that you all are going to be a part of this extraordinary measure towards getting the women poker players their acknowledgment within the poker community.

WED. JUNE 9 TO FRI. JUNE, 11 Womens Hospitality Suite at the Rio. HHPT, PLPT, Las Vegas Poker Source, Poker Gives, PMS PokerWear, CardPlayer Cruises, Lady Poker Sharks, Susie Isaacs, Poker JetSetters will be on hand to introduce you to women owned businesses. This suite is for you to relax, kick your shoes off and have a snack or a drink. This is the first time ever, a hospitality suite has been totally devoted to women!

Wed. June 30, Venetian Ladies 1pm $340

WSOP and Puppy Report

2010-05-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

World Series of Poker fever has hit Las Vegas and is spreading rapidly. For the first time, the WSOP is taking the entire Rio convention center! NO TENTS! The Amazon room is now smaller than the Pavilion. It is absolutely jaw-dropping to new comers and to be honest, my jaw went a little slack when I walked into the Pavilion! Nolan Dolla compares it to the Grand Canyon, poker style. To quote some of his statistics: "The numbers do provide some idea of the size and scale of this year’s WSOP: 100,000 square feet of floor space; 378 poker tables; 1,000 dealers; thousands of spectators, capacity for up to 3,760 players in a single day [1]; Enough watts of electricity to power a city." Get the idea?
There are smaller scale but great tournaments going on all over the city and they all are busy! Included are the Venetian Deep Stacks, Caesar's Palace Mega Stack Series, Binion's Poker Classic and upcoming is the Grand Poker Series at the Golden Nugget and the new Aria Classic. WOW!
I have already had several private satellites for the WSOP and the other series going on in town. In the latest Gordon Mummy won it, which won his a seat in the Seniors event to play as a partner for all of us. I won second which is a $550 buy-in wherever I want to play and Sonya won third which is a $340 seat.
I will be tweeting live from my WSOP events. Getting my tweets is as simple as signing up for them. Some of you thought that you had to have email capability on your phones - not! If you can receive text, you can receive my tweets. Sassy explains exactly what to do: Directions for following Susie on twitter via text: Go to www.twitter.com and make an account. Then click on the settings tab, then click on the mobile tab and follow the instructions to set up your cell phone. Then search for Susie Isaacs or search by screen name @luv2raise and click on follow. Then go to Susie Isaacs profile and by the word "following" there is a round circle with a phone it - click on that to receive text updates to your phone. Everytime Susie tweets, you will receive a text message.
At this satellite I introduced my two new hats for the 2010 WSOP. My "milliner" is Doralee Rae, aka Lady Pink. She is mega-talented when it comes to putting do-das, sparkles, spangles, cards, and other such decor on ... anything! Crafty, shall we say (at the poker table too!)
Puppy (Raise and Re-Raise) report: After 10 days in their new home, everyone is settling in, well, with the exception of the senior dog, Bet. She is not real happy with the new situation, but she is adjusting - slowly. I have houseguest from Paris, France. Bet spends a lot of time with them and I fear she is considering moving to France with them. She asked me to get her a passport. Many who know a lot about dogs say that their names are too similar and could prove to be confusing, so I have nicknamed Re-Raise, Mr. Re (say it fast - he is rather a mystery.) However, at this point, he answers to anything, she answers to nothing. They love to get into tight and narrow places. They haven't cried at night at all until the other night, the crying sounded like there was a puppy slaughter house in their puppy pen. I rushed downstairs, thinking one of them had their head stuck in the fence of their pen. Turned out, they both just needed to poop in the middle of the night! So they went outside, did their business, then came in, back in their pen, and right back to sleep. So far, so good. I am making plans to fence the pool area off, so I don't have to worry about them taking a swim when I am not looking!

Tom McEvoy is No Longer Single! Finally!

2010-05-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

It actually happened, he is officially off the market.They announced their engagement months ago ... and then they did it. The wedding of Ms. Yolanda Stock and Mr. Thomas Kirby McEvoy took place at the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship on Monday, May 24. It was very sweet and a bit unusual. When Tom came down the aisle, looking very handsome in his tux, everyone broke out in applause! I heard someone who is very socially proper say, "You're not suppose to clap at a wedding." To which I responded, this is Tom McEvoy, these are poker players, nothing is going to be 'normal!'"
The preacher man had a lot of personality and had us giggling and occasionally LOL. Wish I had made notes!
At the end of the "tying of the knot", just after a rather passionate kiss, the preacher announced Mr. and Mrs. Yolanda and Tomas McEvoy. They took their first step toward the exit when a voice loudly sang out, "Wait a minute!" It was Yolanda's ex-husband. There was a hush in the audience as he came forward. He handed Tom a ball and chain! The audience cracked up again!
Then it was on to a terrific evening of partying at Paris. The whole afternoon and evening was memory making for all. So many "seasoned" professional poker players. It reminded me of the "family reunion" feeling that the WSOP once had.
There were some delightful surprises in store for all. One was a BIG Mariachi Band, another was a great looking, very talented, Kenny Rogers impersonator (Kenny Rogers should look so good!) The wedding cake was the most unique and the cutest one I have ever seen. There was a poker table on top, "ALL-IN" on the side, and the little bride was dragging the groom by the neck!
Anyone who wanted to make a toast could, I said, "I have known Tom McEvoy for decades and for decades, he has wanted to be in love and be married. I congratulate him ... and Yolanda ... Good Luck!
The fun didn't stop there, the following day at Caesars Palace, the "Tom McEvoy's Ultimate Gamble Poker Tournament" was held. There were 10 pro bounties, including myself - and the bounty was hefty: $1,000 each! I was in the last three, but that was that.
On a serious note, I do appreciate the two-day party we all enjoyed and I wish Tom and Yoland all the luck and love in the world and it bears repeating: GOOD LUCK YOLANDA!

Two BIG Announcements

2010-05-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

1. I know you all will remember my friend Donnie Vann who will be coming to Las Vegas for his first WSOP in a couple of weeks. He is a quadriplegic and will bringing an entourage including five nurses who will help him out daily and in the tournaments. To accomplish all this; he will be in a van and pulling a good size trailer. There definitely will be expenses. I want to personally thank Full Tilt Poker for coming to the rescue with all travel expenses! His van and trailer except for the driver's door and the passenger door, will be a moving Full Tilt advertisement. What, you ask will be on those two doors. I'll give you a hint: they will be magnetic posters that will read "Bette is Coming". To Find Out What all the Excitement is About, go to www---------------. As soon as the website is complete, you will be the first to know. "Bette" will debut during the WSOP. Donnie's itinerary, in his own words are, "We leave Jacksonville on June 6, first stop will be at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS, next day, Sherveport, LA, next day, Amarillo, TX. Next day, Flagstaff, AZ. and the next day, Vegas Baby!" If you live in any of these cities, please let your local news affiliates know about this exciting piece of poker history rolling through your town.

2. You may think I have lost my mind. Maybe I have. They say being a genius is very close to insanity. I have been considering making a huge change in my life for months. I can't really tell you exactly why, I just couldn't stop thinking about it after "Bette" was complete. Every time I re-read it, I had this nagging feeling that I wanted to get out of my box of comfort and predictability and do this crazy thing that will change my life. When you read Bette's (pronounced Bet) book,(okay, part of the secret is that Bette, my 14 year old Lhasa Apso, who I adore, has written her memoirs.) So, I have been keeping my eyes open and my business partner knew of my crazy possible plan. She called me Friday from CA and said, "Take this number down." I did. It was a family, a few miles from me who had six Lhasa-Poo babies (cross between Lhasa Apso and a Poodle). I had already priced fencing a travel taxi, etc. This was getting out of hand, but same business partner had most of what I would need in her storage unit! To me this was a sign. A green light, so off I went to see this 7-week old litter of puppies. They were born on April 1, which is very appropriate. There were only five pups left and they had another appointment that evening. There was a black one, a white one, and the others were mixed. Well, I fell in love with the white one, a girl. but when I put her down, the black one rushed to her. They seemed to have a special connection. The rest of the puppies paid them no mind. So I I played with the black one, a boy. Then I held both of them. I knew I was in big trouble. I fell in love with him too and their interaction was precious. I gave the breeders a down payment to hold both of them until yesterday (Sat.) when I could take them to the vet. If they got a clean bill of health, then we had a deal. They turned out to be very healthy and I now have two new family members. The white one I named "Raise", and the little boy is "Re-Raise". So now I have three doggies, the senior Bet, then Raise and Re-Raise. Those who know me will be wondering how Bette is handling this "home invasion." She was not at all happy on day one. This is day two and she is a little better. I know she will adjust but she will always be the alpha dog around here. I also had some tremendous help from a dear friend on how to introduce puppies to a "seasoned" dog and how to introduce them to their new home, etc, Thank you Tammy, for all your help! You may not believe this but they did not cry or whine last night at all. I know it's because they had each other. I woke up every hour just to listen (just like a new Mom!) and not a peep. At 4 AM I went to check on them. I took them out and they both did their business. Then I just watched them play for about an hour. I laughed 'til I cried. They are hilarious. The funniest thing was when they wondered into my office which has floor to ceiling mirrors on one wall. You would have thought someone was killing a puppy with all the barking, yelping, and growling they were doing at their images! I know I am in for a lot of trouble. It will be back to babysitters if I am going to be out very long, but I can't help it. When you fall in love, you do crazy things!

I Have Been Going a Mile a Minute

2010-05-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well, actually I'm sure I'll never go a mile a minute, but I sure put my treadmill "through the mill" so to speak. As a matter of fact, I have killed it. I have been really working to get myself in shape for what it is going to take to have a good WSOP. I didn't even make an effort to play in the main event last year because I wasn't prepared mentally, emotionally or physically. This year is another story. I have been in training. First I wore the belt out on my treadmill, then a few hundred miles later, something broke and it was apparent that it was time for a new one. That actually made me proud. So after some investigation, I decided on an Elliptical Exerciser. It looked like a funny looking treadmill/stationary bicycle. But best of all, it took up so much less space and made no noise - a total opposite of the loud treadmill. So, off I went on my first Gold's Gym Stride Trainer 380 Elliptical workout. On the old treadmill, I was up to at least 40 minutes and sometimes an hour a day, five days a week. I didn't break a sweat until about 30 minutes and going into my second mile. Well let me assure you, this Elliptical piece of equipment worked me like a mule! I only made 20 minutes on my first attempt and was huffing and puffing like I had plowed a couple of acres! I know it is good for me and I am not complaining, as a matter of fact, I like the way I feel after the workout, the sweat and finally the wonderful cool shower. I have never been so prepared physically for the WSOP AND I already have three seats: the ticket to the BIG DANCE, my ladies event, and the Seniors. Here I come!

The Jennifer Harman Throw-Down

2010-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! My wonderful son had the surprise of a lifetime set in motion for me. He planned to sneak into Reno for a Mother's Day surprise to beat all Mother's Day surprises for Susie Isaacs! However, due to the horrific flooding in middle Tennessee, he could not leave the area as he is helping with the clean up. He did manage to get a gift (my favorite perfume) Fed-Xed to me and a card explaining his aborted plans. Believe me, the thought was almost as good as if he had pulled it off.
Yesterday (Sat.) was the HUGE Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament, or as they called it, a "Poker Throw-Down." It was team play or individual play with $50 rebuys. I normally don't like re-buy tournaments, but this was for a good cause - The National Kidney Foundation - and they were taking credit cards! It was a huge deal with gobs of poker pros and snowboard Olympic champions. Keep in mind; Lake Tahoe is just down the road.
The event was super successful. I never did get a final count but I'd say there were at least 500 players from all over. The poker stars were here by the dozens, in support of Jennifer and the National Kidney Foundation. Dealers were imported from every shift and every casino in the city and surrounding areas, as far away as Las Vegas, WA, and Oregon. Mike Gainey and Billy V. and the Peppermill did a wonderful job of organization and running the event. The Kidney Foundation is near and dear to Jennifer Harman. Her Mom died from kidney failure when Jen was a child. She and her sister endured the same kidney disease. By the time she was 12, she was so ill that they gave her four months to live if she didn't receive a donor kidney. Her father came forward and even though he wasn't a perfect match, it was close and Jennifer got her first transplant. It lasted 22 years and then more problems. This time two cousins and two complete strangers came forward with the ultimate offer, to donate one of their healthy kidneys to Jennifer. Today, Jennifer is healthy, happy, married with children, and one hell of a poker player!

Greetings From Reno!

2010-05-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have been in Reno for several days for preliminary events in the NV State Poker Championships and The Jennifer Harman, celebrity filled charity tournaments (poker and golf) benefiting "her charity", The National Kidney Foundation. This charity could not be closer to Jennifer's heart. She has had two kidney transplants.
I managed a sixth place finish on day one. It has been so fun seeing so many Reno folks that I haven't seen for years. Many of them got old and look like the fathers or mothers of the players, dealers, floor persons, poker manager, and tournament director I met decades ago.
The BIG festivities begin tonight with a celebrity/poker pro cocktail party. Tomorrow we "walk the red carpet" with our teams - I am on the LIPS team (gooooooooooo girls!) Tomorrow (Sat.) will be the big poker tournament. Up for grabs: a 10K seat to this years WSOP main event and 15 seats to the final event of the NV State Poker Championships and lots of neat prizes. Wish me and the LIPS team loads of good luck!

Derby Day

2010-05-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

What does a group of poker players who are friends do on Derby Day in Las Vegas? They have a Derby Day Party and combine it with a poker tournament, that's what! If you wore a hat, you received 1000 extra chips for the tournament. Needless to say, no one showed up with a bare head! Sara Casey, Bonnie Leinhos, and Cheryl Zabel were our hostesses. The room was decorated with balloons and stick horses (if you're of a certain age, you'll remember stick horses that we used to ride around on.) There was food, drink, the Derby of course, and the poker tournament. Each party goer received a race ticket as a party favor, so there was no doubt that we would have race winners in our midst. Sassy's horse came in and she whooped and hollered in an appropriate "sassy" style. The poker tournament was chopped up four or five ways, I really don't remember, the Long Island Iced Teas were too good!

What a Memorable Day at Pendleton!

2010-04-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sat. April 24 was the day for the Wildhorse Spring 2010 main event. The day started out on a hilarious note. I had heard something about a prop bet and the loser had to dress like a girl for the main event. Turns out it was a bet among the members of the "Nerd Herd". This is a group of young men - very young - who met at Turning Stone Casino and became friends. Their common bond was their youth and they were all Internet Geeks.The legal age at Turning Stone is 18. I'm not sure who nicknamed them the Nerd Herd, but they seem okay with the title. It came about because they all bring their laptops to the poker area if they are out of the tournament and sweating others in their group. They play online while they sweat.
For good play incentive, they made a prop bet in the beginning of this series. The bet was that the player among them with the lowest score would go into the main event dressed like a girl. The day before, Brad McFarland, who I have blogged about before when I met him a few years ago. He was barely 18 at that time and coming to Pendeton for the first time. The other prop bet loser was Caleb Mead. The day prior to the after main event, after 13 tournaments had been played, they were tied with exactly zero points in the winners circle. So they agreed they would humiliate themselves together and both dress like girls.
Brad made the agreement about 10 hours too soon as he did score that day making Caleb the official prop bet loser, but being a young man of honor, Brad did hold up his end of the tie agreement. Believe me, the room was abuzz when they entered. They were so funny. Brad, in his high heels and mini skirt, was absolutely beet red from embarrassment for hours. Caleb is bearded so we don't know if he was red from the experience. They did get into the spirit of things, posing for pictures and trying to walk, talk, and play poker in a "girlie" fashion. The Nerd Herd, also known as The "Uber Geeks" are all good players. Some will be at the WSOP this year and some will have to wait until 2011 and beyond in order to be of legal age.
For the first time in all my years at Wildhorse; I made the finals of the main event! I was blessed with a good table draw. What a difference. I played good, made good lay downs, and got real lucky twice. Once, I caught a three on the river to make a straight and beat a set. The other time, I moved in with pocket Jacks only to be called by a player holding pocket Queens. Low and behold I flopped a Jack and rivered a full house! That's poker. Sometime you're the windshield and sometime you're the bug. I got to be the windshiled for a while. I got to bag my chips, just like at the World Series when you make the next day. Sunday was the final three tables. My glory didn't last long as I was out 20th in about thirty minutes. Not happy, but truly do not believe I made any mistakes.
It's been another wonderful Pendleton experience and as I pack up to head home, I already look forward to the Summer Wildhorse Poker Round-Up.

More Great News from Pendleton

2010-04-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Tues. was a double-header at the Wildhorse Poker Round-up, First came the Seniors event at 10:30 AM and then the Ladies event in the afternoon. Prior to the first event of the day, there was a very sweet tribute for Bob Thompson. Bob was a decades long friend of our great leader, Roland Waters. Two of Bobs kids came up for the short memorial, Cathi and Robert, Jr. Cathi went on to make the final table of the event. I like playing the Seniors. Many times, at any poker table, anywhere, I am the oldest player, but not Tues ... I was the kid! I busted out of the Seniors tournament about an hour after the ladies event had started. I decided to go into the Ladies. It's a second shot in one day and always fun. According to the numbers (up about 30%) the recession is over! About an hour into the event I went all-in and got a caller. Can't remember the cards, but I was dead to a queen and one girl had folded a queen, so I had a one outter to survive and that one card in the deck would only give me half the pot because it would put a straight on the board. Sure enough, here it came! That key hand led to another many hours later. I was barely in the money (they paid 18) and another key hand developed. I had pocket 6's and a gal moved all-in in front of me. I don't often "go into the tank" (the think tank), but that is exactly what I did. I decided that I wanted to take a gamble with this hand and either go out with a small win or put myself in a position to win some big money. I called knowing it could be a race or worse, she could have me dominated with 7's or higher. She had 5's and I got to be the dominator! At that point and for about 20 minutes I had the chip lead of the tournament with $340,000! Things change quickly when you are playing so high. I ended up going out 6th and wondering if I had made a mistake, but I later talked to Jan and Linda about my last play and they both said that I absolutely made the right play. You just can't win them all. Sometimes your the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.
MORE GREAT NEWS from Florida via Pendleton. We (the girls and I) had gathered in my room for a cocktail and chit chat when I got a call from my friend Donnie Vann from Jacksonville, FL. He was so thrilled. He had played a big super satellite on Sunday for a 10K WSOP seat and won it outright (no deals)! So when he comes to Las Vegas, he starts his first ever WSOP experience as a winner! (Reminder: he is the young man who has been a quadriplegic for half of his life). Poker is his passion, Internet poker also, and he has a great personality I have been asked by potential sponsors if he was a good poker player. I now have the answer! He will be driving cross country in a white van pulling a white trailer. His goal is to sell advertising to help with expenses.) Somehow I find it very fateful that Donnie and I won our tickets to the big dance on then same day. This huge news gave the girls and I a real good reason to celebrate, so celebrate we did!

Life is a State of Change

2010-04-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

It is once again proven that my Mama is right, life is a state of change. Just two days ago I told you about how peaceful and serene it is at the Wildhorse Poker Round-Up and always has been. On Sat. night that "state of change" came flying into reality. There had been some complaints about a man who was acting up and dropping the "F" bomb. He was warned. Someone said that they thought he was "on something." It later was reported that he ran up a huge bar tab during the dinner break. After dinner he was real upset about something. Later, I heard that his table had broken and, of course, the floor staff had moved his chips, He was fussing and cussing to the point that the dealer (or a player) did call the floor on him. He was warned and warned again by Jeremy (Assistant Bossman). The fellow took no heed and continued to mouth off about somebody touching his chips. Jeremy finally gave him a one lap penalty (he had to sit out for nine hands). He got in Jeremy's face like a red hot coach to a ref. Somewhere along the line, someone called security. Jeremy led the culprit to the hall, in an attempt to calm him and get out of the "spotlight" so to speak. Two security persons, one was female and one was a small man, met them in the hall. Now I, of course, was not in the hall, but Doralee was. She reported that Mr. Trouble seemed to make a snap decision, took off, ran back into the poker room with both security guards hot on his tail. He was headed toward Jeremy with a fist, like a rattler ready to strike. Jeremy knew nothing as his back was turned .... until he heard the ruckus. One of the guards did a flying leap, reminded me of a football player tackling an opponent. They all three went down and low and behold the Wildman managed to get up again. Was he nuts? There was a whole room full of poker players who was not going to let this crazy man win this brawl that he was determined to continue. And then it happened, Mountain (the name fits!), a floor supervisor saw what was going on. He got across the room in record time and it was like King Kong subduing a kitten. Wild man was handcuffed and led out of the building and to the police station. And now for the rest of the story: The next morning at breakfast, of course the ruckus was the talk. A woman had seen this man before at another casino. She also had overheard him bragging to some buddies that he had been kicked out of two other casinos. He seemed to be on a self-destructive mission. Well, he messed with the wrong casino. He now has four felony counts against him as he sits in jail in downtown Pendleton. Things are now back to normal with the laid back, low key players that I love, at the Wildhorse.
HUGE NEWS! Wooooo Hooooo! Great news from the personal front! In case you have been following my progress in the 10K Club that I am a member of, I won the $10-K seat ... thanks to Michelle aka "Sassy" Richey! I am in OR and the 8th game took place last Sat. Sassy went in for me as a sub. There was an total of seven players who could, have caught me in those last two games, however, if I got nine points I was out of reach and no one could catch up. Wonderful Sassy played great, made a couple of awesome lay-downs and super plays and got 10 points for me! What a fantastic feeling to start the 2010 WSOP with that 10K seat all wrapped up. I will be playing my heart out for every member in the club and hope to make them proud ... and rich, and of course I will take care of my "shero" Sassy! Well done, Sassy Girl!

Back in Pendleton

2010-04-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

It is wonderful to be back in Pendleton! I made my first score in the HORSE event last night. Just a small score but amazingly, at about 35 players (they paid 16), I was down to one chip! Yep, it happened, the "old chip and a chair" adage. My feelings about why I am so fond of playing poker in Pendleton; It is because of the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, not to mention a great staff from top to bottom and all points in between. Of course, I am rather fond of winning money also. Very few of the internet kids have ever heard of Pendleton, OR and the ones who do come here are nice, well mannered young men. No, sideways baseball cap, or hoodie wearing, sunglass wearing, pants on the ground, cocky smart asses. As a matter of fact, I can't remember a time the floor had to be called for a "disturbance." The floor is only called to make a decision. I am totally relaxed in Pendleton. Doralee came up with me, her son, Byron, arrived last night, Bonnie Leinhos came in yesterday, John Robertson is here and Joe Pane. Linda and Jan arrive Sunday and Sassy on Monday. Tonia is on her way from Florida. My friends arrive literally from all over because they have discovered this twice annual poker competition gem in the great northwest and besides the great poker, we all have a ball. Hope you will make this discovery in the future - or hop on a plane right now!

Two BIG Announcements

2010-04-12T09:46:00.001-07:00

He is finally going to do it. My dear friend of many decades, Tom McEvoy is going to get married. His long awaited wedding will be followed by a poker tournament, "Tom's Ultimate Gamble Poker Tournament" will be open to the public. It will take place Tuesday, May 25, at 2:00 PM at Caesar's Palace Poker Room. Here is the best part. There will be celebrity pro players in this event with a $1000 bounty on their heads. There will be a passel, including: TJ Cloutier, Kathy Liebert, Chad Brown, Vanessa Rousso, Barbara Enright, and me! Possible, but yet to confirm is TV and big movie star James Woods, poker pros Mike Matasow, and Daniel Negreanu. This will be a lot of fun and the buy-in is only $250. You'll start this competition with $4000 in chips and have 20 minute rounds. There is a player limit of 300. The top 27 will be paid. Register early to assure yourself a seat!

On another big announcement subject:
Just released:

HIGH HEELS POKER TOUR MAKING WOMEN’S PRESENCE KNOWN
AT THE WSOP
The Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.
June 9th , 2010

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (April 8, 2010) – The High Heels Poker Tour (HHPT) will be hosting the first ever hospitality suite devoted specifically to women's poker during the WSOP Ladies week June 9th-11th. During the three days HHPT along with other female focused poker companies and organizations will be catering to the women who come to the WSOP; located in Brasila 5 at the RIO Hotel and Suites in Las Vegas. Women will be able to come and interact with the HHPTA Poker Pros, relax and enjoy refreshments, network with other players, and explore some of the corporations and organizations that cater to or are owned by women . Some of the organizations and corporations participating are; PMS PokerWear.com, PokerJetsetter.com, Card Player Cruises, Susie Isaacs books and products, Pink Ladies PT and others.

The hospitality suite will be open from 10am-10pm for the three days and is complimentary. It will be closed to the public on June 10th until 5pm when the HighHeelsPokerTour Academy will be offering their annual Ladies Academy in preparation for the $1,000 Ladies Event held the following day at the RIO.

This is the first time an organization has focused on the women who play poker during poker’s most prestigious event season. Women are the fastest growing poker demographic and are ready to be heard, seen, and respected as a force to be reckoned with in the poker community.

Along with the HHPT Hospitality Suite and Academy, the HHPT is running 2 tournaments for the women during Ladies Week both being held @ The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: June 10th @ 7 pm, $125 buy-in sit-n-go extravaganza to win a seat to the $1,000 Ladies Event on June 11th @ The RIO, and June 12th both HHPT and Pink Ladies Poker Tour are co-sponsoring a ladies event together.

The spring schedule is jam packed with events all over the United States. In April, HHPT will be heading to The Silks Poker Room in Tampa, FL on April 24th. May 15th has the HHPT going to Turning Stone, NY , May 19th to Harrah’s New Orleans for the WSOP Circuit Event; and May 22nd & 23rd for an HHPTAcademy and WSOP Ladies Event Satellite. For additional information, including dates, times and buy-in’s go to www.highheelspokertour.com.

Hermie, the Hero

2010-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

As reported, Sassy dropped her phone in the toilet after too many jello shots at her birthday party. It cost her $100 to replace it. A few days later, she was taking her trash out while chatting with Suzie McBaine on her new phone. She needed both hands to heft the trash up and over the bin. She laid the phone on top of one of the high poles that surround the trash bin, thinking that it was solid. Guess what? It was hollow. Down her phone went. All Suzie heard was, "Oh sh*t, Suzie, Suzie, sh*t, sh*t!!" Suzie later reported that it sounded like she was falling down a well, which in a sense, she was. Many delivery men and neighbors tried to help Sassy retrieve the phone, but to no avail. They tried chewing gum, a picker upper (too short) and a few other unsuccessful remedies. Our handyman extraordinaire, Dereck, suggested a long pole with a wad of duct tape, sticky side out. That idea did grab the phone, but it wouldn't hold it.
Enter, our friend Herminia Sniffen, known to all as Hermie. She thought on this dilemma, slept on it, and reported that she awoke at 6 AM with the answer. She was at Lowes when they opened. She was looking for a "plumber's claw." This is a tiny claw type device that can grab things. She remembered that her father had one and was surprised but delighted that the girl at Lowes knew exactly what she was talking about. However, it was too short. Hermie bought it anyway, and attached another pole to it with duct tape, with the end of the attached pole positioned so that it could control the "claw." Sassy had a large step stool and a flashlight. Hermie lowered the rigged claw to the bottom of the 7-foot post, closed the claw and slowly brought it up. There it was! Grasping Sassy's phone! Sassy was so excited and thrilled that everyone in the apartment knew what had happened (and for miles around.) Hermie later admitted that she was just as surprised as Sassy when she saw that she had actually grabed it and fished it out!
Suzie McBaine, upon hearing the story, said, "Hermie is not just a genius and a good friend, she is an angel. Who else would have gotten up so early, gone to Lowes, rigged this thing and driven across town to try and help Sassy save another $100!"
Footnote: Hermie went back to Lowe's to show the nice gal who had waited on her the contraption that worked and to thank her. The girl asked what her name was. Hermie told her. She was absolutely amazed. You see, her last name is Herman and everyone calls her Hermie! How many Hermie's do you know, especially female Hermies? Somehow, this "coincidence" makes this story even more special.
Not only is she a hero, she also is a poker champion! The first Poker Gives online Charity tournament was held on Easter Sunday and Hermie won it!

The Jello Birthdays

2010-03-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago it was decided: Hermie and I were going to give three of our March birthday girlfriends a combined birthday party. Each of them could invite four guests and this was to be a girlfriends only shindig. As it turned out, two guys got in the door: Fernando Domacia and Donnie Vann. Well, actually Fernando came through the door, Donnie came to us via Skype. In case you're scratching your head over who these very special men are. Let me help you out. The following is an excerpt from my blog back in the fall when I returned from a business/pleasure trip to Florida.
"A highlight, playing FL poker, was meeting Donnie Vann at the St. Johns room, where he is a regular. Everyone knew Donnie and it was apparent, they respected him. He played a good tough game – never once picking up his cards … or his chips. He simply gave his friend his instructions on how to play a hand. Donnie is a quadriplegic, due to a diving accident when he was 17 years old. He says that poker is his life and online poker was a real boost. His online name is “Can’t Move.” He is full of good humor and a perfect example of the positive attitude. He plans to drive (ride) out to Las Vegas for the 2010 WSOP. He will be in a white van, pulling a white trailer. He hopes to sell advertising on both so if you are interested or if you know anyone, now is the time to contact him, via me." Donnie and I have become friends since our first meeting in FL and I thought he should meet the girls. Which he did, each and every one of them. When he met JJ Lui, he immediately said, "I've seen you on TV, girl. You are tough!" I also took Donnie on a tour of my poker memorabilia-filled home. When we got to my boudoir, he said, and I quote, "I can't believe I am in Susie Isaacs bedroom!" He is a hoot! He then had his nurse take me on a tour of his room. He has as much Steeler stuff as I have poker stuff. So, Donnie got to come to our girls only birthday party and I have a feeling, it will not be the last time.
Now for Fernando. This was a business arrangement (okay, monkey business.) I met Fernando through my next door neighbor. He had retired from his previous job because of an injury and had been to dealers school. He loves to play poker and thought he might finance the beginning of playing poker professionally by dealing poker and studying the game from the dealer's box, as well as books, etc. (Smart young man!) And what was his previous occupation, you ask. He was a Chippendales dancer, make that "entertainer!" Believe me, he has not lost his looks or his moves since he left the stage.
Let's get back to the beginning. Everyone arrived around 11 AM and sampled our jello shots. Big Hit! We had a huge breakfast, complete with a waffle bar (strawberry, blueberry, banana, and pecan waffles,) and a egg and cheese souffle that was my Mama's recipe. A lot of trouble, but worth it. Not to mention donut holes, mini bagels and cream cheese, turkey sauage and pig bacon. Then it was jello shots for dessert followed by our first poker game of the day, followed by another round of jello shots. At noon, Fernando showed up in a freshly starched tux shirt, black tie and black slacks to deal for us and as a surprise to the girls. One of the guests hires poker dealers all the time and hired Fernando before he ever dealt a hand. His plan was to audition for her as he dealt for us. She said, 'No problem, I'm hiring him whether he can deal or not. I can look at him while he learns to deal!" It was during the first break from our game that Fernando disappeared, then reappeared in one of his Chippendales costumes, same black pants, only this time, just a bow tie and cuffs. It was a Kodak moment, indeed! The birthday girls, as well as all guests were LOL and having a great time. He went to get dressed to continue dealing but the boos were so overwhelming that he remained a dealing Chippendale for the rest of the day. Some of the comments I heard, "Look at those six-pack abs! I have a case!" Another chimed in, "Hell, I have a barrell!" Fernando was a hit! He also got several other "gigs" from his performance at Susie Isaacs. A couple of bachelorette parties as well as the dealing job. Hermie and I made so many jelly shots, we thought we would be having them for days, however, every last jiggle of jello was sucked, licked or spooned out of our little shot cups. We had made a couple of ice tray full of shots, just in case. Sassy, being one of the guests of honor, took one over, all for herself.
Was it a good party, well, some of our guests had to leave for a poker club but some stayed for more poker. At 7 PM, we called our favorite masseur and she happened to be available and came right over. The last guest departed at 11 PM. I feel safe to say, a good time was had by all. We did have some designated drivers, but many just stayed long enough to get de-jelloed, massaged, and sober.
Footnote: Some of the girls ended up at the Venetian for their 7 PM tournament. Several of them chopped the event for a very nice birthday payday and I won't mention any names, but one of them dropped her cell phone in the toilet! Not funny at the time, but funny as hell the next day.
Again, no names but another of the girls reported that she discovered jello in her hair and a piece of waffle in her bra!
Another: My fridge is now full of jello shooters. Thank you, we have discovered a fifth basic food group - J-E-L-L-O!

Taste Testing

2010-03-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

I have many friends who will be celebrating March birthdays. In order to celebrate their special days, spring, the sunshine, and life in general, my best friend Hermie, and I decided to give them a party. It started out as a "Pot Roast and Poker" party but ended up a Birthday Brunch because a few of the guests of honor had previous commitments, later in the day. I would never try to prepare and serve a new recipe at a gathering, without a test run. So a few nights ago, Hermie and I got together to test out some new recipes: Jello Shooters! We thought that rather than the usual daytime drinks of screwdrivers, bloody marys, and mimosas, we wanted to try something different but not too stout, after all, this is a daytime gathering! We got recipes off the Internet (you can find anything by surfing the net). We started out with orange, cherry, lime and lemon flavors. We got them all put together, according to the recipes, using regular vodka. What an assembly line we had going! Then we sat back and waited for the "jelling" process to take place. A few hours later, we took our first "bite" of our new drinks. Woowie, zoowie - "knock your socks off" strong! But tasty. By the time we got around to making our second batch, we had discovered that I had a lot of flavored Vodkas on hand. We also discovered that the lemon wouldn't jell right. The rest of the flavors did fine. Why, we wondered would lemon not jell? Something to do with the citrus? Then we read the fine print on the lemon box, it was lemon pudding! No wonder it wouldn't jell! The second batch was perfect! We altered the Internet recipes and used raspberry flavored vodka, orange flavored vodka, and lime flavored vodka. We cut the amount of the liquor in half, resulting in perfection! After all the taste testing to achieve aforementioned perfection, we made up a little dance called the "Jello Jiggle!"
BTW: Lemon pudding makes a great warm shooter!

Sitting On Top!

2010-03-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sat. Mar. 20, was 10K Club day. In case you're behind the times on my blog and my life, this 10K Club has 15 members. We play once a month for 10 months. Our fees are accumulated and at the end of our 10 games, first place will win a 10K seat to the 2010 WSOP main event. Five members will win 1K seats and all winners will play as a team member: 50% of any win for themselves and 50% to be divided equally among the other members. We also play for cash prizes for first, second and third each month, but more importantly, we play for points because the points will determine who the big winner is. I went into yesterdays game, sitting on top (as my Daddy would say) and I came out sitting higher! I won first place but that really isn't the story. I guess the story is the same I preach to my student: never give up! I struggled with no cards for an hour and a half yesterday and laid down some playable hands because the action had been raised in front of me. When I got to the final table I began to slowly gather chips. I had a pretty good stack going when a gal to my right raised. I moved in with A-Q. She is a solid player and I really thought she would fold anything but a monster and her body language did not tell me she had Aces or Kings. She hesitated and then really thought about it. I thought she was going to fold which is all the action I wanted as the blinds and antes at this point made an established pot every hand. She decided to call. She had a pair of deuces. A-Q against a baby pair is pretty much a race - a race that I lost. I was down to 9 chips. Everyone else had me out-chipped by at least 10 to one if not way more. With 8 chips left, I picked up pocket Jacks, in a three-way pot, won it, and proceeded to go on one hell of a rush. All my good hands that I waited on early (and for weeks) came in the next couple of hours. It was sweet! If I started behind with an A-6 against A-Q, a 6 came and I won the pot. For this moment and for the next month, I am leading the pact. Two more games and we will have the outcome. To all of you who read my tweat and sent me good winning energy, I thank you. To all of you, in poker and in life, I say, NEVER give up no matter how bleak it looks!
This coming Tues., March 23, please join me and my friends for the daily Aira tournament. You can get in the tournament anywhere from the time it starts at 1 PM until the first break at 3 PM. We have gone as a group several times and 50% of our "group" have made the final table. We don't swap percentages but we do a last longest bet. If you don't know what that is, I'll explain when I see you at the Aria on Tues! We'll have a lot of fun sweating each other and winning money. The buy-in in $120 for 8K in tournament chips, 30 minute rounds, and the structure is excellent. Come on, let's invade the Aria!

Vote for Us!

2010-03-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Poker's first All-Star Event will debut in June and the public will be in control of who will play for $1,000,000 in prize money. Vote now for your favorite players amongst all living WSOP bracelet winners. Your top 20 nominees will be invited to play in front of the ESPN cameras .
Please join the Susie Isaacs and Linda Johnson crusade. We need your votes. Go to http://www.wsop.com/TOC/.

Honestly, with the poker power in the bracelet winners circle, our chances of coming in the top 20 are a long shot, but we won't know if we don't try. Please send this info and website to all in your address book. We want to try!

On another subject: On Tuesday, five of us met at the Aria for their 1 PM poker tournament. Two landed at the final table and yours truly broke a three weeks and four days losing streak (but whos counting!) with a 4th place finish. The fellow who was getting hit in the face with the deck called my all-in with J-K, I had A-J. Loved my hand, loved the call, hated the river - a King! Now, I am giving you plenty of notice, our group is going again next Tues. We want a big group of us. We do a last longest bet within our circle of players. Also, I'll tell you a little secret. The locals have not yet discovered this jewel of a poker tournament at the Aria. I have now played it three times and without exception, 75% of the field are amateur tourists. You have to dodge some land mines, like the players who play an ace all the way to the river or a small pair, no matter how the board reads or how the betting ig going. These beginner players have no idea what "position" means. I have seen so many of them accumulate a huge stack of chips, only to be out an hour later. I am telling you experienced players, this is a soft field. With that in mind, see you Tues. March, 23!

Sunny Days Are Back Again!

2010-03-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

It is an absolutely beautiful day in Las Vegas - 71 degrees, sunny, and just a slight breeze. Now this is Vegas weather! What went on here in the weather department over the last few months about "blew" me away. It was cold, colder than I have ever seen it here and I have been a LV resident for 25 years. It was rainy. I washed my car one day not long ago, because she was filthy and I had gotten a glimpse of the sun. I refused to take her out until the rain and dreary weather subsided. Sugar Babe (that's my car) stayed in the garage for five days! So sunny days are here again!
I get Doyle Brunson's tweets which are most times amusing. He is huge into blonde jokes. The latest thing now are "Doylisms". For example: "Skating on thin ice is better than skating on no ice at all." Another that I like: "The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth." This is not a Doylisms but I loved this tweet: "A movie studio called about making a movie about my life. Said they would get my favorite actor to play me. Problem, Denzel Washington is my favorite actor!"
Today is Monday, March 15, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 16, a group of us are going to meet at Aira for their 1 PM poker tournament. The last time we did this, we had six gals show up and three made the final table! Let's do it again. Girl Power! Come join. Okay, you guy friends can come too.

On the "Absolute" Subject

2010-03-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

After the last comment on my blog yesterday, I got the following email from one of my favorite fans, Mr. Humphries. Before you get bored and wonder, "What the hell?" Get through the six thoughts to the bottom line, which I don't agree with. You see, Mr, H. didn't listen to the show or he would have known that my "absolutelys" were to emphasize and agree with my hosts, most of the time. The absolute most important point that he made was at the end about "White Knight, Black Nights!" Thank you, Mr. H., for your time and energy.

My friend Hermie, who is smart as a whip and a public speaker, suggested that I use any of the following when I need to absolutely make a point or absolutely agree with someone: "You've got it!", "No question in my mind", You're right on the money", I can't emphasize that enough", "Without a doubt", "You're heading in the right direction", "Exactly!" and, "Now you're talking!"

Sorry Mr. H. but there are so many times that I do need to emphasize when I am talking about poker! I doubt I will be deleting "absolutely" from my vocabulary, however, I will be using more of Hermie's suggestions and less "absolutelys."

Thanks for reading and for getting in touch.

Hi, Susie ...

In response to your blog, dated 9 March 2010, regarding "absolutely" may I share some thoughts ... by the way, the following thoughts can be applied to the over-usage of the word "absolutely" and to a variety of behaviors/concepts/ideas/and/"issues" found in The Game --- dot connecting is allowed --- ...

Thought One: most of the time we use "absolutely" in order to strengthen "that which follows" because we are fearful that our ideas/thoughts are not strong enough to stand alone ...

Thought Two: this is a personal image problem that we are attempting to correct with strong grammar ... we might be better served by believing-in and thinking better of our Selves ...

Thought Three: "that which follows" does not need to be strengthened ... our ideas/thoughts are ours ... what matters is that we are willing to stand on our hind legs and speak that which we know/believe ... no use to intensify the importance because that which we know/believe is important without intensification ... the importance is that we beleive that we are important ... our worth is not dependent upon whether people agree with us or like/love/or/approve of us ...

Thought Four: the strongest statement we can make is the simplest, for instance --- "I agree", I disagree" and "my opinion is ....." --- ... once spoken, then we allow the hearer/receiver to do with our message whatever they choose ... we are not in-control of what they do with what we give them, we are in control of what we give them ...

Thought Five: folks who want to control/convince others are folks who use intense words and concepts in order to "force" their ideas/opinions on The Universes ...

Thought Six: the above five thoughts are bull-shit and the over-use of the word "absolutely" might just be a habituated behavior that has nothing to do with the above five thoughts ...

Susie, these "strange" thoughts come to you not because I think you have a personal image problem ... they come in order to save you time and energy in searching for other words to substitute for "absolutely" ... bottom line is that you do not need any substitute words, you just need to trash "absolutely" ...

My apologies for my rambling ... I obviously have way too much time on my hands ... by the way, I just re-read "White Knight/ Black Night" ... still a treat ...

This note brings you warm thoughts from San Diego, best wishes for your continued success as a player/teacher/author, and

Love to you and yours ...

Raymond Humphries

Want to Read More, Hear More - of ME?

2010-03-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

If ya'll want more of me, I have the answer. I am now writing for the new World Team Poker. If you want to see my articles or find out what World Team Poker is all about, go to: www.worldteampoker.com.
If you want to hear an in depth interview with me, go to www.drcheckraise.com and click on my face! Wait until after the commercials and enjoy. It's the "Poker Joe and Doc" show. I had a ball with these guys! We all had so much to say that we stepped all over each other. They did a terrific job of editing. I told them that we three, in this interview, reminded me of the ladies on the View, they get so excited they step all over each other and you can't understand what anybody is saying! One of the guys said that was the first time he had ever been compared to a woman! I realized in this interview that I say the word, "Absolutely" too much. I must find different verbalization when I totally agree or disagree or have any strong opinion!

Tell Them - Make Their Day!

2010-03-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

I decided, after busting out of the Orleans HORSE tournament five from the money, to take myself out to dinner. Since TGI Fridays is a few steps from the Orleans poker room, that was my choice. I have been going to Fridays since my days in Atlanta when the first one opened and that was decades ago. I swear, I have never had a bad meal at Fridays. So I enjoyed my meal while reading a good book.
One of the poker dealers had told me that he had seen me wear a lot of good looking outfits in the years I had known him, but the one I wore today was tops. I wore purple from head to foot, and if I do say so, with the weight loss and the purple; I looked pretty good. He made me feel great.
After I finished my Mahi-Mahi and paid my bill, I was on my way out when a table full of ladies stopped me. They all wore the same blue shirts and were in town for a basketball game or something. They were from Indiana. One said, "We just want you to know that you look terrific." Another one added, "It takes a real woman to, not only have dinner alone, but to sit in the middle of the restaurant, wearing a purple hat, and reading a book called, Check-Raising the Devil! Another one added, "We admire you and wanted to tell you." Thank you ladies from Indiana! You made my day!
Let this be a lesson. If you see someone who turns your head or makes an impression on you, tell them, it could make their day!
BTW: Check-Raising the Devil is Mike Matusow's autobiography and a great read!
On another Orleans subject: the old man with the stinky half-smoked cigarette is now putting it in his pocket, rather than on the poker table. Seems someone had a little talk with him.
Also, the latest from the Orleans, the Sunday night HORSE tournament is now $75 and they have a new weekly tournament, a shoot-out event. Buy-in is $125, Sat. nights at 7 PM. How it works: the structure is regular (not like a rushed one-table satellite). First place moves on to the finals and second place pockets $250. As far as I know this is brand new to Las Vegas.

2010-02-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is too good not to share: Remember slinkies? One of the girls in the poker club said, "Some people are like slinkies, not really good for anything but they can bring a big smile to your face when you push them down the stairs!"

On another subject:

Jesse Jones!? Where are you? If you know Jesse and his whereabouts, please let me know. His email address, which he has had for years bounces back to me and he is not on Facebook.

On Another Subject

If you always think, I am going to do that one of these days, when you read my blogs about the Wildhorse Poker Round-Up Tournaments in Pendleton, OR, now is the time to make your plans for the spring events. It will run from April 14 - 25. The Wildhorse will be adding a total of $90,000 to the prize pools plus 14 Alaska Poker Cruises! As you know, if you are a regular reader of my blog, I always have a ball at the Wildhorse. Join me for all or any of the poker festivities. If you are not in driving distance to Pendleton, fly into Pasco, WA, and a shuttle will pick you up (these arrangements will need to be made through the casino.) While in Pendleton, shuttle service is at your beck and call.

On another subject:
You are invited to play in the upcoming Poker Gives charity event. For just $10, you can help a special charity, play with some of your favorite pros, practice your tournament skills, earn some cash, and have a shot at lots of bonus prizes!!!!!
A tournament to benefit Poker Gives (see Pokergives.org), a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization founded by Mike Sexton, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher and Lisa Tenner is being held on Full Tilt April 4 at 2pm EST. The entry fee is $5 + $5 ($5 to Poker Gives and $5 to the prizepool). The format will be no-limit hold’em with a double starting stack of 3,000 tournament chips.
If you are not a member of Full Tilt, contact me so I can get you signed up and we both with get a bonus.
To register, log into Full Tilt, click on tournaments, and then click on the “private” tab in the tournament lobby. Scroll down to the event on April 4 that starts at 14:00 (it is listed in red). It is also possible to locate the tournament by clicking on Requests, then Find Tournament by ID 137275439. You will need the password PokerNations to register.
You will be able to play and chat with many pros including Andy Bloch, TJ Cloutier, Jan Fisher, Susie Isaacs, Jena Delk, Linda Johnson, and Eric “Rizen” Lynch. To reward you for your donation, participants will have a shot at winning lots of bonus prizes, which have a current value at more than $3,300. Bonus prizes are still being donated so keep checking the list. Visit http://www.pokernations.com/charity.php for more details and to sign up to be eligible for the bonus prizes.
Thank you!

The Highs and the Lows

2010-02-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

I have never been a full time professional poker player, just part time. I have always had other sources of income (thank goodness.) On one of my best years, I was playing about a third of my time. I asked myself; if I gave up everything else that takes time and concentrated solely on poker, could I triple that amount? The answer was a resounding, I don’t know! Therefore, I continue, to this day, to play only part time. All poker players run good and they run bad. For my worse year (and my first losing year since this all began in 1988,) I was extremely thankful for that other income. If a player says he has never had a losing session, he is either a liar or he played one time, booked a win, and never played again!

Lately, my low has been the Venetian. I played four events in the Deep Stacks and didn’t book a single win. My high is the 10K poker club I am a member of. We have played seven games with three to go and out of 16 players; I am leading the pact by 9 points! I have managed to stay in the top five with one first place win over the seven games. We will be sending one player to the 10K main event of the 2010 WSOP and five others will win 1K seats. We will be playing as partners for each other, 50-50. How I would love to get that 10K seat locked up prior to opening day at the WSOP, but only time and three more games will tell.

2010-02-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

More Rants and Raves

I'll start with the rave. I heard from several of you that you had forwarded my blog about the "goodie bags" for the poor to your entire email list. Terrific! Thank you! My friend Shirley from Livermore, CA. send me the following email:

I really liked Linda and Jan's idea regarding the homeless. We have some in our town that sit in the same locations daily. I went to the local dollar store and purchased similar items and made up my bags. They are in my trunk. I gave out one today.... can't tell you how much it really makes you feel when they are so grateful. A whole new meaning to the phrase "Bag Lady!"

Shirley

Great! Today, I gave my first bag out. The homeless man was working the corner at 215 and Russell. I opened my window and waved. He ran to me. "Are you hungry?" I asked. "Yes Mam", he responded. As I handed him the bag, he said, "Food?" I answered, "And a pair of socks." I may as well have told him, "and a thousand dollars." I don't think he could have been more thrilled. He was grinning a toothless grin from ear to ear and "God Blessing Me" loudly as I drove on. I'm not so sure he could have felt any better about his goodie bag as he made me feel for giving it to him. I shall always have a goodie bag in my car for these poor folks ... and count my blessings.

See my last blog for what you can put in a goodie bag. You also can add a comb and some of those little soaps and shampoos that we all steal from the hotels and motels.

My Rant: I was a smoker for many a long year so I can have sympathy for those who remain hooked. I know, it's like the Devil has hold of you and won't let go. Quitting was the second hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but thank God I did! I was playing poker at the Orleans yesterday (Feb. 12), in a tournament. An old man got up between hands to go and smoke - okay, fine with me. It certainly wasn't helping his game as he wasn't paying attention and missed some hands - but he had to have that smoke. What was not fine with me was that he knocked the fire off his cigarette and brought it back to the table with him. Talk about stink! He lit and relit the same cig. butt over and over again. To make it more gross, he laid the butt on the poker table! Several of us complained but were told by the floorman that management had been advised and said that as long as he wasn't smoking in the poker room, it was okay. Please! It stinks, it is nasty, and it makes a mess on the table. Orleans management, take another look!

2010-02-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher are friends of mine. They both travel a lot so getting together with them socially takes some planning. It usually goes something like this with our emails: When are you in town? I get a "window of opportunity" and suggest a date. We go back and forth until we find a date that we all are available and I say, "Lock it up!" Such was the case with a little dinner party I had Saturday night. We had had it "on the books" for 6 weeks. As usual, everyone present had a great time. When Jan and Linda get going, telling stories of their business adventures and travels, it is as good comedic entertainment as it gets. But, the reason I mention our gathering is mostly to tell you about the hostess gifts they bought me. They brought "goodie bags for the poor." Don't misunderstand, I am not poor. The economy has slapped me around a good deal, as it has many of you. These are bags Jan and Linda put together and carry around in their cars. When they see a homeless person or a street beggar, they stop the car and hand them a bag. The reaction is terrific. Usually the homeless person is like a kid at Christmas. It is such a simple thing. We should all do it. It will make you feel good and the poor person, better. A bag consists of a jar of peanut butter, a plastic fork or knife, crackers, cookies, granola bars, a comb, and a pair of socks. If you shop at the dollar stores, you can fill a bag for four to five dollars and make a difference. I know lots of folks who are big on doing good in foreign contries and that's fine, just remember, for very little money; you can do a lot of good right in your own home town. Let's all do it and send this paragraph to everyone on your email list. Let's get this idea going national - don't stop there, let's go International!
On another subject: To reiterate part of my last blog; I was talking about the poker game of HORSE. I said, "The most intriguing thing about this game is that you never see a pants-on-the-ground, sideways baseball cap wearing, upside down sunglass wearing, smart mouth, young bully, shoving all his chips in the pot. Shortly after writing that, I was playing HORSE at the Orleans Friday tournament. There was a young man at my table, but not "young boy." He was polite and friendly. He received a text and laughed. Then he shared with the table that he was at this tournament because his wife had read my blog about it and knowing that he was trying to learn to play HORSE, suggested he give it a try. He sent her a text to let her know that he was at the same table as me. She text him back, "Keep your cap on straight, no sunglasses, and pull your pants up! BTW: Score! I split that tournament 6-ways.

Rants and Raves

2010-02-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

I love to play HORSE. I enjoy the game changes and I especially like that every game: Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Stud, and Eight-or-better are LIMIT games. The most intriguing thing about this game is that you never see a pants-on-the-ground, sideways baseball cap wearing, upside down sunglass wearing, smart mouth, young bully, shoving all his chips in the pot. These young guns (always male) can't even spell HORSE, much less play it. So, I play HORSE every chance I get. Lately, that is at noon every Friday at the Orleans and 7 PM on Sunday evenings at the Orleans. If there are any more good HORSE games (tournaments) in Las Vegas, I don't know about it. Upcoming at the Venetian Deep Stacks is a $560 buy-in HORSE on Monday, Feb. 15 at 4 PM. BTW: add $10 to any buy-in you see posted or advertised for the Venetian. I wish they would just say $350 or $560 rather than sticking the $10 fee on when you arrive. That's about the only thing about the Venetian I don't like, oh yes, their seating cards suck. Another big HORSE competition coming up is the Wynn Classic. It will be played on Monday, March 8 at noon. The buy-in is $545. I don't know if they add $10 or not, just be prepared.
Back to no-limit, which I really do enjoy if I can avoid the aforementioned young guns. If you haven't discovered the no-limit tournaments at the new Aira, every day at 1 PM (you can register up until 3 PM for you late sleepers). The buy-in is $120 and it is a great daily tourney. Plan on at least 6 hours if you plan to win it. You receive $8,000 in starting chips with a great structure and 30 minute rounds.
On another subject: You know you are in the new age when you are invited out for a nice dinner and you text a thank you to your host and he responds before the check arrives. Wonder what Emily Post would have to say about that!

Thoughts Become Things

2010-01-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

A week ago, I saw Bette Midler being interviewed about her Las Vegas Show, which is coming to a close. I thought, I would love to see her "live" before she goes, but a search for tickets showed them to be out of my price range. She was asked if she regretted leaving Caesar's Palace and her Las Vegas gig. She said, " Not for a minute. I am tired. I just want to lay down and rest." The next day, I had a message on my Facebook that a friend had some Bette tickets at a very affordable price. I jumped on them and got to go to her show last Tuesday night. Wow! What a show. The Divine Miss M was fabulous. She didn't look a bit tired. She was beautiful, talented, fun, funny, and full of energy. The part that I loved the most is that she is my age! Two thumbs up on her show. Next month, I am going to hope for affordable Cher tickets!

The Girls Dominate!

2010-01-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago I held a satellite in my home for the upcoming Venetian Deep Stacks tournament. My satellites are always fun and a social time for those who participate. Since I have more girlfriends than guy friends, the mix usually includes only one or two men. But this one was different. For the first time, we were even: five girls and five guys. Joe Pane was so sure that a man would win that he was making side bets. Not only did a guy NOT win a seat, the top three players were female type persons! I'm happy to announce that I am one of them who won a seat, Cathi Woods won the other, and Bonnie Leinhos was a close third, losing only on a bad-beat - her A-5 against Cathi's A-2. Good for me (Bonnie and I were neck and neck, Cathi had most of the chips), not so good for Bonnie. However, all who play my satellites have a potential for a nice piece of any prize pie. We play as partners. The winners who get to play the tournament get 50% of any win and the rest of the satellite players get 50% divided equally. It's a poker investment! It's a fun way to win your way into a bigger tournament and victory parties are the Nuts!
Yes, one has to get lucky a time or two or more to win a satellite or a tournament, but it ain't all luck! Joe sent this message to our players, and I quote: "Yes ladies excellent job. It's always nice when the deck hits you in the head. One day I will experience that." Okay, so I took my 10-J of hearts up against Joe's pocket Aces and flopped a straight. Yes, that was luck, but I did not call Joe, I moved in first and I played great to win a seat with only three good hands dealt to me all night long. There is an art to putting yourself in a position to get lucky. I did not win the seat because I got "hit in the head with the deck." I got lucky one time against Joe, Bonnie got unlucky against Cathi, and the rest was good play.
Now my goal is to win some big money for all of us!
Thank you very much.

Sitting on Top

2010-01-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

I admit it, I absolutely love poker. I am passionate about the game. I also am a winning player. It is only Jan. and I already am excited about the 2010 World Series of Poker which doesn't start until June!

My Daddy used to say, "How ya sitting?" Meaning, how ya doing. Today, I am sitting on top. I am in a poker club. There are 15 of us and we are all playing for the brass ring, a $10,000 seat in the 2010 World Series of Poker. We also are playing for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th places who all will win $1,000 seats. That's a great consolation prize, but I want the pot of gold! That wonderful opportunity to play in the main event, to dance in the big dance. Our club agreement is that we are all partners, the winner will receive 50% of any win and the rest of the club will divide the remaining evenly. There is potential at the WSOP, for that to be a huge sum of money. The details and rules for such poker clubs (anywhere in the country) can be found in my book, "1000 Best Poker Strategies and Secrets" (Sourcebooks).

We have now had six games (monthly) with four to go to determine the winners. We play for some money, but more importantly, we play for points. I figured if I could stay in the top six in every game, I would win a seat. Last weekend, I won the whole enchilada! Which put me on top! Now to hold that position through four more games - which is not an easy thing to do, but that is the goal.

Good News!

2010-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

I have several "good news from my world items" on my mind today that I want to share with you. First, I gained weight over the holidays, but let's be honest, we all did. The difference is in how much. But that isn't the good news. The good news is that I corrected my month of splurges in one short week. I can't tell you how much I gained because I was afraid to weigh, but I lost whatever it was (I was not able to zip my new smaller size jeans) in one short week thanks to the Isagenix program. (And now I can wear my new jeans again!) I did one cleanse day during that week and when I finally worked up the nerve to weigh, I had lost whatever I gained plus another .2 lbs! I love this program. My latest new recipe is for a Dreamsicle. It is the vanilla shake but rather than using the water for a mix, use 4 oz. of orange juice or Sunny D (which has fewer calories than actual real OJ) and 4 oz. of diet orange soda. Yum! Love my shakes. If you have unwanted pounds, aches and pains that you would like to eliminateyour life while adding new found energy, contact me for more info or check it out at www.susieisaacs.isagenix.com.
The other good news will efftect Florida poker players or those who visit Florida and love to play poker. The last few sentences in a lenghty article in the Palm Beach Post, read: As of July 1, 2010, the pari-mutuels would be allowed to offer no limit poker in card rooms and extend card room operations from 12 hours per day to 18 hours per day Monday through Friday, and run for 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday. It would also gradually reduce the annual slot machine license fee from $3 million to $2 million.
Since they already spread no-limit (but with a $100 buy-in limit) in Jacksonville, I emailed my friend Jim Barbo for a more clear explanation. He explained: Per the article...." no limit poker" is full open poker/poker tournaments/all limits. Also, we will have extended hours.Also, Bigger / Multi tournaments (PCA, NAPT, WPT, WSOP type events),bigger advertising, promos, etc.
More good news: My friend Donnie Vann is already preparing for his 2010 WSOP excursion and he already has one sponsor! For full story see my blog of Oct. 25, '09.
More good news: Rumor has it that Sally Boyer has won her lawsuit against Harrah's and the WSOP Academy! I hope this is true because if it is, it means that the pretty little lady called the big bully's bluff and won the pot. Just hope it was a HUGE pot. I have nothing against Harrah's or the WSOP Academy except for what the Academy did to Sally. For full blog and details on this story, see my blog of Oct. 29, 2009.

From the Bad to the Good, Better, Best

2010-01-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

I was talking to some friends about a bad call I got in a poker tournament. It was more than a bad call; it was absolutely, without a doubt WRONG! The dealer had made the decision so I politely asked for the Floor to be called. The man-in-charge at the time, came to the table and agreed with the dealer. Now what was I to do? I knew I was RIGHT but I let it go, knowing the decision was wrong. Linda Johnson who knows more about poker than the average player said that the decision was so wrong that she would have called the casino manager. I did call the poker room manager a few days later and tell him of my plight. Of course nothing can be done after the fact, but he was not happy with the bad decision and he agreed with me 100%. He was very polite and he assured me that corrections would be made. I promised him that I would not mention the name of the casino nor the nature of the incorrect call.
This negative, bad service discussion brought up the opposite subject: good service, even great service. The best table side (food) service that I know of in Las Vegas is at the Venetian. But the winner of this debate, hands down, was not a casino at all, but a department store - Nordstroms. The are known for their excellent service and we had two examples I thought worthy of sharing. The first happened Christmas eve to my friend, Carol. She had purchased a nice jacket for her husband. She got home, went to wrap it and discovered that the big plastic device used to avoid shoplifters was still attached to the jacket. She did not have time to go back to the store as the hour was getting late. She called them and she was rather upset. Within an hour, Nordstroms had sent a representative to her home with the anti-stealing remover device. The other story had to do with a return. Some places make it easy, some make it so difficult that you won't even try. Another friend, Vera, had a jacket she had purchased for $350. It hung in her closet, she lost weight, it no longer fit. A few years later, she cleaned out her closet and there was the brand new jacket with the price tags still on it. She was going to give it to a friend. The friend suggested she return it as it did have the tags on it. Vera was a bit embarrassed, but what was the worse that could happen? They could say no, or even laugh at her. In fact, they took the jacket back with no questions asked and gave her a full refund. The store: Nordstroms!
On another subject: I have become a connoisseur of turkey burgers. I'd like to report that the best in Las Vegas (that I have found) is Fuddruckers, second best is Islands, third Fridays, and fourth, Fatburgers.

Out With the Old, In With the New!

2010-01-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Happy New Decade! The slate for 2010 is all new and sparkling clean to do with as you please. We haven't had time to screw it up yet! What a grand time I have had, this holiday season! ! I have been surrounded by good friends that I consider family. Christmas Day was low key and relaxing. The best part was watching Bette (my doggie) who is "seasoned" at 13 years old, acting like a puppy as she opened her gifts and helped with mine. She loves to open gifts. She doesn't much care what's inside, she loves the ripping of the paper part. BTW: Bette is writing her memoirs. More on that later.

I had a house full this weekend for a Las Vegas New Year. We rang in the New Decade at a wonderful, annual New Year's Eve party/poker tournament at Mike and Anna Spinettis beautiful home. They have a tower on top of their house that gives a perfect, unobstructed view of the Strip from the South end all the way to downtown. The Strip fireworks from that vantage point is perfect, but just to be sure, Mike always hires a company that does a fireworks show on the street below his home. It is awesome. This year, for the first time, Mike hired Jody Ivener to run the tournament. It was wonderful to see Jody again after many years. His professional running of the tournament (a job that Mike always did) made it much easier for Mike to enjoy his own party. They also hire a magician and this year for the first time, they had a karaoke area set up, complete with a DJ. Thank you, Mike and Anna for another memorable party!

On New Year's Day I hosted a dinner party. My houseguests voted on what kind of pies were to be purchased from Marie Calendars. I was really craving banana cream and it did end up one of the favorites. Andy and Herminia came in from the pie run talking about how beautiful the banana cream pie was. I couldn't wait to open the box and have a look and maybe a tiny sample. Was I ever shocked when I saw two bananas with some whip cream on top! They said this one seemed to be a bit undercooked! Did I mention that I had a house full of Sniffens - the pranksters.

I have eaten, drank and been so merry that my guts began to rebel, sending me on a midnight quest in a search of Prilosec and Rolaids. As much as I enjoyed being so bad with my holiday food intake, I am so ready to get back on my Isagenix. My new clothes are too tight, oh I can get into them, as long as I don't have to sit down or breath! My system is screaming for me to STOP! And I am listening. I want to feel great again and that takes a process that does not include: Honey Walnut Shrimp, friend rice, biscuits, home fries, pasta, pizza, pecan pancakes, fast food, and every dessert and pastry known to mankind (if it didn't have coconut in it!)

I started this year out right with a nice little poker tournament win yesterday at the Orleans (four-way chop).

Ya'll have a great one and I'll be telling you about mine as I blog regularly.

Here I Am Again, At Last!

2009-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay, okay. I'm sorry. I have had a few comments and just opened an email from a dear friend in Nashville, TN and another from a friend in Atlanta, GA, accusing me of neglecting my blog! You know what, they are exactly right. With all the holiday hoopla, I have been bad. I'm behind on my personal journal and my very public blog. I shall try to do better! To me, the best part of the holiday season is to hear from friends and loved ones we may not have heard from for the whole year. To catch up with them and what is going on in their lives gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
I had a pot roast and poker night recently; we had a lot of laughs, a lot of pot roast, and a good game of poker, which I shared in the winnings.
Last night I was invited to a "Girls Night Pastry and Poker" party. What a wonderful time. Hosted by Annie and Yolanda, they had a master pastry chef there to guide and direct any gal who wanted to help in making cookies and other sweet delights. I served as one of the many "tasters". Boy, was all that sweet stuff good! I overdosed, but what the hell, it's once a year. I got so tickled at Jan Fisher. She was using cookie cutters, cutting and placing the cookie dough on the cookie sheets. She kept doing candy canes because she thought they were "J"s for Jan! She was so pleased that they had made a cookie cutter just for her!
After lots of hors d'oeuvres and sweets, Yolanda gathered us in a circle. She read the poem "Phenomenal Woman." She then talked about how 2009 had been difficult on some, if not on many of us, from illness to economic disasters. She told us that we should leave the negative in 2009 and move forward to a very positive 2010. She then told us her #1 positive priority for the new year. The group was invited to share their negative of 2009 and their positive plans for 2010, or to just pass on any verbalization. The idea was, when we see each other we can offer positive reinforcement. I thought, "Oh no, here we go, it's going to be a prayer meeting." I was wrong. We really got into the spirit and not one of us passed. We all shared. There were tears, but not of sadness, it was tears of joy as we knew that we are so powerful and even more so when joining our positive energies.
The big announcement of the evening was that Tom McEvoy's and Yolands wedding date has been set. It will take place a few days before the kick-off of the 2010 World Series of Poker. Details are sketchy but there is talk of a "Tom McEvoy's Greatest Gamble" Poker Tournament the following day. I'm sure you will be hearing details in the months to come.
We did have a poker game and I did once again share in the winnings! Now to take this little home game winning streak into the casinos.
Hope your holidays are a time of happiness and reunions. Hope your New Year is all you want it to be. I promise in the New Year, I will try to be more regular with my blogs to avoid being chastised by my regular readers!

To Lighten the Mood

2009-12-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you; I was more than a bit concerned about writing my last blog. I didn't want to dampen any one's holiday spirit, but I felt a need to get the message of Love out there. Now for a bit of levity. I was headed to a tournament, walking through the middle of the Venetian Casino when a young man with a rather "rode hard and put up wet look about him", stopped me to ask the time. He was red-eyed and rumbled. "11:50," I told him. He thought about that for a moment and then asked, "Day or night?"

In a tournament in Pendleton in the fall, there was a beginner playing. She was timid, intimidated and shy. She entered a pot with an A-10 of hearts. Oklahoma Johnny Hale decided to run over her, but he could not get her off her hand, even when he made a big bet on the river, she would not concede to the big, toothless, scary, bully - and he actually had a hand with top two pair. She called him with shaking hands and turned over the Brazilian Nuts, an ace-high heart flush. I asked her why she didn't raise him. She responded, "I was afraid he might have a straight."

Lori, the poker picture lady, bought two baby turkeys last year. Her kids wanted to name them. She told them NOT to get attached as their names were Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Lori takes pictures of the players and the winners at every tournament at the Wildhorse. There is no charge for the picutres. It is one of the many nice things the casino does for their players. She has made so many wonderful photos over the years that I have a "Pendleton Bathroom." Be aware, if you play in a Wildhorse Poker Tournament in Pendleton, Oregon, any fall or spring, you could end up in the bathroom of Susie Isaacs! Seem like when my guests go in there, they take a long time. "The most entertaining bathroom I have ever seen!" One commented.

Have you seen one of those Kendall Electronic Readers? A dealer commented, "I used to have an etch-a-sketch!"

I have a friend who would run a close race with me on being the best dressed woman in poker. One day, she was decked out in turquoise. She matched head to boot with lots of turquoise jewelry complimenting her entire outfit. There were even turquoise stones in her hat and on her boots. A man asked, "You like turquoise?" She thought, no, I do not. Someone who hates me dressed me today! But being the lady that she is, she simply said, "Why yes, yes I do. How did you know that?"

On My Mind and in My Heart

2009-12-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

Not long ago, a childhood friend of mine got up in the wee morning hours to go to the bathroom. Her husband heard a thump. She was in a heap on the bathroom floor. The paramedics pronounced her DOA. No warning, no illness, just gone from this earth. She was a few years younger than I. I can still hear her whistling Dixie on her rocking horse. She could whistle before she could talk! I will miss her. I wish I had gone out of my way to see her more often.
As most of you poker players know, Bob Thompson was a rare breed being the premier poker tournament director of the 70's and he served as tournament director of the World Series of Poker from 1999 - 2002. He was a constant in the poker world, working or playing. Bob went to that great poker game in the sky, just last week. His beloved wife, Diane had gone only about 6 months ago. Her passing was imminent and expected. Although Bob was 80, he was a young 80. I believe he was just tired and ready to go and be with Diane. Ten days ago, someone near and dear to me lost someone near and dear to them - another unexpected shocker. You absolutely never know from one moment to the next who will be here and who won't. My friend, had to go and tell his friend's wife of his unexpected passing. He also was also in charge of arrangements, business matters, and such. He said this to me, "If there is one thing I have learned in the last 10 days it is, we never tell those we love that we love them enough - I love you!" If you love someone and you haven't told them lately, take a few minutes out of your busy life, make a call, or a visit, and tell them! It will make them feel good and it will make you feel good.

Calling All Santas

2009-12-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

Time to go Christmas shopping! To save travel time, think time, and time away from the poker table, I have an idea for you! Go shopping at Susieisaacs.com . I have great gifts for the female poker player including: poker books (most of my books are also suitable for the guys) poker jewelry and terrific Queens line poker purses, wallets, and even luggage. Let me tell you about the luggage. I have sold a lot of "duffle roller bags" in the Queens line - the Queens line is a design of only queens and jokers, no jacks and kings. Everyone loved the rolling duffles, great for weekend outings and the perfect size for carrying on the plane. They also are very durable. Almost everyone who bought one came back to ask me if they could get a set of luggage in the Queens design. For years, the answer was no. My supplier called me a few weeks ago and said that a big company in Australia had ordered a supply of Queens luggage and the order was large enough to warrant them to do this custom production. They had 18 sets left over and would I like them. Are you kidding, am I breathing, do I have a pulse? The large bag (24" H, 16" W, and 12" D) is $150, the smaller one (20" H, 13" W, and 9.5"D) is $120 or the set is $250. I have 11 sets left out of the 18. Keep in mind, these are the only Queens line luggage sets available in this country (to date.) I will not be putting them on my website as I have so few sets left. So, get to shopping and Happy Holidays! Email me: susieismspoker@aol.com with your phone number if you are interested in the luggage, all else can be ordered on the website.