Pendleton Fall 2009 Report - Part I

It's that time of the year again, time for the Wild Horse Spring Poker Round-Up in Pendleton, Oregon. A big group of us flew in from Las Vegas on Tuesday evening. The following day was opening day. The first order of business is to go to Wal-mart and get supplies (snacks, fruit, wine, etc). Bonnie Leinhos needed to stop by the bank on the way. She told the driver, "I won't be long. When I come out, I will be running and YOU drive like hell!" That got a few laughs.
The game on Wed. was No-limit, $215 buy-in, and the Wildhorse added $3000 to the prize pool. I got deep, just not deep enough. However, the day was not lost; I did win a Super Satellite that night.
Thurs. was Bonnie's birthday. She showed up with dozens and dozens of cupcakes. They wheeled then in on a luggage cart and one poker table was cupcake covered. It was an all day party for her. She announced early on that she was going to win the tournament, which happened to be HORSE, her favorite game. She did make 10th place and $1,100. Maybe next year, Bonnie! We had a lovely dinner party upstairs at the Plateau restaurant. A gourmet eatery, way out here in the wilderness. Their Whiskey Steak is the nuts and I highly recommend it. Grumpy old man Tahoe, who loves to tease the girls, was in the party. Our young waitress has a very soft voice. Tahoe mimicked her when he ordered his dinner in a very soft spoken manner. She looked at him, did a double take, and said, "Oh, I remember you! You were here last spring. You were ornery then and you are still ornery! Maybe more so!" She broke the table up.
Today was the $215 limit hold'em and again the house added $3,000. Tomorrow is Sat. and there should be a big crowd for the $315 no-limit with $5,000 added! The juice is the lowest in the free world and the added money is a wonderful Wildhorse tradition; that is why folks come from PA, New York, New Jersey, The Carolinas, and Texas for this tournament series. My friend Tonia is coming in tonight from Tampa, FL.
On a very serious note: We all miss Barbara Enright who was injured in a freak accident a few weeks ago. She will be OK with time, but she is down for now.
Also, the "seasoned" players who have been in the poker world for a long time will remember the name, Hans, Tuna Lund. He passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer.

Post Halloween Report

What a fun holiday Halloween is. My friend Doralee Rae aka "Lady Pink" wins top prize for home decorations. She is amazing and does she ever get into the spirit - of what ever she is up to. She hosted a small Halloween dinner party last week and it was a delightful evening. We began the evening with orange champagne, followed by Pumpkin soup in the Pumpkin patch. After a lovely dinner at the haunted table, we laughed and talked outside, what a beautiful night!
Sassy, who is in with the "in crowd" went to a party at Todd Brunson's home with a whole slew of her girlfriends. Sassy's friend, Pam Brunson and her brother Todd weren't the only Brunson's on hand. Legendary poker guru, Todd and Pam's father, Doyle Brunson made an appearance. I think he came as a poker player!
Our friend Gabriella, told us a very funny Halloween story. She had seen on TV that orange Kool Aid was a good way to tie a beard, your hair, or your pet for Halloween and that it would wash right out. Everyone else must have seen the same TV show and wanted orange Kool Aid because they went to store after store and every store was all out of orange Kool Aid, so, as an alternative, she bought orange Gatorade. She put Nevel, her blonde Yorkie, in the sink and commenced to Gatorade the poor fellow. He was happy with the situation as it turns out, he likes Gatorade and was lapping it up as quickly as it ran down his face. Gabriella discovered that Gatorade has no staying power, and went down the drain as soon as she began the rinse cycle. Nevel, who has a reputation for always being in some type of character for the Trick or Treaters, was just, Nevel. Then Gabriella remembered that she had some orange cake coloring - you're probably way ahead of me. It worked all right, and Nevel was indeed, to this day, an orange Pumpkin Head! And now for the rest of the story; some friends got together and send the following email to Nevel's mom:
We have barked to "The Society to Prevent Turning Your Dog Orange". They were apawed with the incident. I told them we were pissed and needed to poop out our feelings. They will be scratching on your door soon to start beagle proceedings. Sorry, this is for your own obedience training. Do not try to flea.
From the Citizens of Orange County.

It Came - It Went!

I didn't blog for weeks and now it seems I have something important or exciting to tell you everyday.
As you know, I have been on the Isagenix Health and Wellness System, which results in weight loss. I had managed to get 24 pounds off in a little over two months and then came a working vacation to Florida where I ate and drank everything in site for over a week. I gained 4 pounds. I came home, got directly back on the program and I am happy to announce today, nine days after my return, I have lost the four plus another pound and a half! I am now down 25 lbs! I love this system and even better than losing weight, looking better, and feeling better, my energy level is wonderful. I can't recommend this enough. If interested, contact me.
I have many friends who have been on it and are delighted!

Sally Boyer Takes a Stand

In 2007, I, like many others, thought the World Series of Poker Academy starring Annie Duke, had taken an unknown, Sally Boyer, taught her, molded her, gave her a whirlwind top notch poker education and she won the Ladies World Title a few days later. She is in fact the 2007 Ladies World Champion and she did in fact go to the first WSOP Ladies Poker Academy. I was so impressed and curious with the WSOP advertising about Sally learning so much in that boot camp that I made arrangements to attend the following year. I wanted in on the magic that could take a beginner player and turn her into world champion material in two days. A dear friend of my agreed, so we made our plans together. Sally had only been playing competitively for 6 months! Note that the price tag for this seminar was not cheap. I'll admit, I got in on a press pass, but the friend who joined me paid full pop. In a nutshell, our experience was horrible. Annie Duke is not a fun, friendly instructor. She will embarrass a student in a minute and preaches math, math, math. I am a winning player and I do not do the math that Annie's claims must be done in seconds in order to be a winner. She is tacky, impolite, rude, and impatient. I felt horrible being there and I felt terrible that I brought a friend. At one point, in a lab, Annie called every student at her table "idiots." These ladies did not pay good money to be called names! My friend found the producer of the seminar at the lunch break and politely demanded her money back. I was actually on an assignment for a magazine and hung in there, trying to hide in the back and avoid any of Annie's wrath. I was so disappointed and honestly upset, that I did not return for day two. I also did not write an article about it.
I met Sally a year or so later at the Golden Nugget where we both were playing in a tournament. We hit if off immediately and had lunch. We have become good friends since then. During our many conversations, we finally got around to a discussion about the infamous Annie Duke/WSOP boot camp. We compared stories. I told Sally that I had attended because of the hype over her success. She just shook her head. Turns out, she too hated the experience, did not think Ms. Duke was a very nice person and didn't even attend the second day. She also was very upset that anyone would pay that kind of money due to advertising about her! She shared with me that the boot camp did her no good at all. In fact, she secluded herself in her room the day before the event and studied several different books. She was distraught that the WSOP Academy continually used her photo and implied strongly that the academy was the reason she won the event. She does not recommend the training and considers what they are doing, false advertising! She thought that after the first year, they would stop. After the second year, she got angry. She told me that even if they paid her, she would not promote the academy. She made calls and had an attorney send them a letter, asking them to STOP using her photo to promote the academy and telling them bluntly that she does not recommend the academy. They ignored her. With encouragement from friends, Sally decided to take a stand. She sued Harrahs and the WSOP Academy. Best of luck Sally! For more details on the lawsuit and the situation, google: "Sally Boyer Sues Harrah's".

Calling All Florida Poker Playing Women

Don't forget the High Heels Poker Tour's $125 tourney at the lovely Poker Room at St. John's. You will start with $10,000 in chips and hotel packages are available. Contact Jim Barbo about the accomodations: 904-646-0001. For more tournament details, visit www.highheelpokertour.com. Wish I could join you there this coming Sunday, Nov. 1, but that is just a few days before I head to Pendleton. Oregon. Hope many of you will join me and "the gang" there. The gang will include, Tonia, Lady Pink, Bonnie, Linda, and Jan, to name a few. We always, without fail, have a ball!

Did You Think I had Left the Planet?

I really try to blog at least once a week and sometimes, it is more often. I think this is the first time I have gone for so long without a word. I’ve been busy! First, two weeks in Florida which came on the heels of a week in TN. Then home to what seemed like a months worth of mail, email, and laundry. Well, now hear this; Susie is back … until I leave for Pendleton, Oregon, and the Wildhorse Fall Round-Up Nov. 4-15.
Back to FL. First Stop, Tampa where I visited with my friend Tonia, first a poker student, then a poker friend. We “hung out” at her favorite hang out, Gino’s. It reminded me of Cheers, you know; “Where everybody knows your name.” Everybody certainly knew Tonia’s name!
The following morning it was off to The Silks Poker Room to hook up with the High Heels Poker Tour. I experienced, once again, the reason inexperienced (bad) players keep playing badly. In an unraised pot; Tonia in the small blind, flopped top pair and I flopped trip tens. I was big blind. Tonia bet, I raised all-in and the inexperienced gal insta-called with a 4-9 of spades! Never mind, a raise and a re-raise before her, never mind even entering the pot with a 4-9 of anything, she had a flush draw! And she made it and eliminated two good players! And that is why bad players keep playing badly. Not sour grapes – just the facts.
The following day, Tonia drove me to meet my sister, Judy. I spend four wonderful days enjoying family, shopping, walking on Daytona Beach, great food, a lot of laughs and relaxing. The highlight was a family reunion. My sister fixed a wonderful Greek meal. My son happened to be in Jacksonville on business and drove for several hours to join us. Many of us had not seen each other in ten years! Families are wonderful. If you have one, cherish them.
Next stop: Jacksonville where Tom McEvoy and I put on a one-day bootcamp at The Poker Room in Orange Park. We had a lot of fun and I believe that our group got a lot out of our information. There was one couple in the audience who probably learned zip. My sister and brother-in-law drove up for the day! I would say that it was all Greek to them but my brother-in-law, Greg is Greek so I’ll say it was all Chinese to them!
I can’t say enough nice things about the Poker Rooms in the Jacksonville area, one at Orange Park and one at St. Johns. If you’ve been around poker for awhile, especially in Southern CA, you will be familiar with the name Jim Barbo. He ran the Commerce for a long time, then retired, then got bored, then got an offer from The Poker Rooms. He is now their Chief Operating Officer and bringing his Commerce magic to Jacksonville poker. Josh Zuckerman is the Director of Poker. What a small world! I mentioned Kathy Raymond (Poker Manager at the Venetian) and what a great job she has done with the Venetian. Actually, I was comparing the two! Josh too does a great job. Turns out, Josh worked with Kathy at Foxwoods!
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 on line 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.
That’s all for now folks. Just remember this, if you can pick up your cards, place your bets, and stack your chips, be thankful. Mobility is a wonderful thing, if you have it, cherish it! I will add, Donnie is mobile in his mouth controlled wheel chair. Donnie Vann is an amazing inspiration to me.

From the West Coast to the East Coast and Back Again

I recently took my annual vacation back home to Nashville, TN. New memories were made and old ones relieved. I had called daughter Beth, who is in Atlanta, to see if she could come and surprise brother Doug who is in Nash. while I was there. He too had called Beth to see if she could drive up for the weekend to surprise Mom! She did and added greatly to the wonderful visit. Doug lives part of the year on his houseboat on Cedar Hill Lake. The houseboat we enjoyed when they were kids was built in the 50's by grandfather and was reminisant of a one room barge with furniture, a small galley, and a toliet (no shower - jump in the lake!) We all had a ball on that old boat and Doug really got the "live on the lake" bug. His houseboat is a bit different from the one he enjoyed in his youth. As a matter of fact, the locals call such a houseboat a "Tennessee Yatch." It is four bedrooms, 2 baths, all the eminities of a grand floating lifestyle complete with a bar, grill, and Jacuzzi on the top deck. What a life, but he works hard and derserves it!
I saw some sights this year. One was on the drive up to the boat (about an hour outside of Nash.) I saw one of the biggest, grandest yard sales I have ever seen. Before I could even comment, I then saw another one and another. Turns out there are miles of them once a fall and once a spring in Hwy. 70 between Lebanon and Smithville, TN. This phenomenon is not only known for miles around, but in surrounding states. It was a sight to behold. The other sight was in my BFF Diane's backyard. First, understand that big houses, little houses, and houses in between have HUGE yards where my adventure took me. She lives in a well populated neighborhood but each lot is an acre or more and green, green! The green, green grass of home. I looked out the window and spotted two deer! Diane said, "Be quiet and get your camera, usually the whole family comes. Sure enough, I counted eight! And the Daddy Deer wasn't even with them.
Doug took us to a real nice restaurant in Cookville called Maddox Station. A young chef from New York did lots of his own specialties. I recognized everything we ate (Amberjack, filet, and salmon), and all the side dishes including friend green tomatoes, except for one. Looked like crabcakes but definitely was not. We asked the waiter, turned out, it was blackeyed pea cakes! Another restaurant advertised fried balonga and biscuits! Another, pecan pie cobbler! I had lots of fresh TN vegetables on this trip and that is something I miss in Las Vegas. We laughed, we talked, we caught up on everything. It was wonderful. There is nothing in this world like good friends and family.
I had the opportunity to visit with my "Mama Deese". She is my surrogant Mom and was my Mama's best friend for a lifetime. I not only was raised up next door to her (all of ten feet between the homes), she actually held me in the ambulance for the ride home from the hospital. Yes, in those days, having a baby was such a big deal that the Mamas stayed in the hospital for a week to be pampered and were returned home via ambulance - that is the way it was done. So I noticed how spotless clean Mama Deese house was. I asked if she still did her own housework. She answered, "Well honey, if I don't do it, my house would get mighty dirty!" She also still cooks Thanksgiving dinner for the whole clan - two kids, six grandkids, and some greats. Did I mention that Mama Deese is 92 years young!
About a year ago, a voice I hadn't heard in 50 years contacted me through Mama Deese. Her name is Patricia "Tricia" Vadanais. She was a childhood friend for many years. She met me at Mama Deese and we had a wonderful visit and stroll down memory lane. It's so funny, how something appears to a child's eyes and understanding compared to the same person as an adult. I always thought the Vadanais family was the one wealthy family in our neighboorhood. There were five kids and they all went to private school and wore fancy uniforms (I thought.) In fact, they went to the local Catholic school. All five kids slept in one bedroom of a tiny but well kept two bedroom home. I remember how cool I thought it was to get to visit and spend the night. I have no idea where they put me! I also thought they were rich folks because they had the neatest playhouse in the backyard and the only one in the whole neighboorhood. It had shutters and a little mailbox. Oh the hours we played in there. Lindy asked me if I realized that the "Playhouse" was in fact a fixed up chicken coop!
So I flew back to Las Vegas with two days to unpack, do laundry, and repack to head back to the East Coast. Upcoming: The Battle of the Sexes Poker Tournament at the Silks in Tampa on Sat. Oct. 10 and then the Susie Isaacs and Tom McEvoy Poker Seminar at the Poker Room in Orange Park in Jacksonville on Friday, Oct. 16, please call for reservations: 904-646-0002. This will be followed on Sat. and Sun. with poker tournaments that will award WSOP 2010 main event seats! Hope to see you at one place or the other or both!