Mark "Big Daddy from Cincinnati" Hanna
 My Current Physical Location is Las Vegas, Nevada
 
Mark-Hanna.com 

 

 
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Hello and Thank you for Stopping By...

This website and my two blogs are being created to document my life and provide a place to collect poker news and stories. Here I will parse out my daily array of feelings ... You may read about my joy, pain, anxiety, love, frustation, peace of mind, patience or lack thereof, acts of kindness, acts of goodness, trust, humility, self control, anger, sadness, depression, fears, apathy, pride, hate, forgiveness or lack thereof, resentment, jealousy, worthless thoughts, anxiety, worry, happiness, rejection, hurt, insecurities or lack thereof, shame, doubts, distrusts, guilt or lack of guilt, positive attitudes for the future or hopelessness. Well maybe some of these feelings will pop up from time to time, but mostly I will try to document what is transpiring from day to day.


I find poker news and articles on the net and list them here in one place. I sort them by date. You can make this a place to find your poker news. I also provide links to postings in several player's blogs whom I respect, like Daniel Negreanu, Phil Gordon and others. Check my site every day for what is new. Hope you like it.



Today's Headlines

Poker News and Articles

Poker News and Articles

8/27/2008



Opinion: Michael Phelps - So, The Golden Boy Plays Poker

It's been a long time since I felt like the Olympics were a big deal to us Americans. Maybe the last Olympics that felt this 'present' in American culture was 1976. Bruce Jenner was winning decathlon Gold, Nadia Comeneci was cute as a button...


Inside the Poker Tour, Vol. 97: Phillip Hilm, Part One

Nearly two years ago at the Copenhagen European Poker Tour event I played at a table where a young man was the media favorite of passers-by. He was filmed and asked questions in several languages, always answering politely...


8/26/2008

UPDATE: Republicans Remove Internet Gambling Language From Party Platform

In a surprising turnaround, the Republican Platform Committee today stripped language urging a prohibition of Internet gambling from its draft platform. Considering one of the leading opponents of an internet gambling ban...


The Poker Swindle

The first one's always free. -'Soapy' Smith

[This is a work of poker fiction set ten thousand hands in the future. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.]

Montgomery 'Soapy' Smith, the greatest of all nineteenth century con men, was the creator of what we now call three-card Monte. In the 1900's it was called Soapy's swindle. The game required a pitch man to talk up the game, an inside man to run the game, one or more outside men to pretend to play the game, and a foolish man, the victim of the game.

The rules of Soapy's swindle have remained unchanged for over a hundred years. The pitch man talks the foolish man into watching the game. The inside man shuffles up and deals out three cards facedown before revealing the middle or money card to the crowd. The three cards, once again face-down cards, are quickly and confusingly rearranged.

The outside men, shills posing as players, bet even money on which of th... Continue reading The Poker Swindle


Entertainment Report

Lewis Black, best known for his regular segment 'Back in Black' on Comedy Central's 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,' will perform his hilarious stand-up comedy for the first time inside the Danny Gans Theatre at The Mirage August 30 at 10 p.m. and August 31 at 9 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $70 plus tax and are available at The Mirage box office and Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations. For ticket reservations, call The Mirage box office at (702) 792-7777 or (800) 963-9634. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.themirage.com or www.ticketmaster. com. Guests must be at least 16 years old to attend.

One of the most energetic performers in comedy, Black provides audiences with a passionate performance filled with hilarious rants about social absurdities and political blunders. He exudes a rare form of satire that can ignite laugher within an audience, while still making an enlightening point about the world.

In the late 80s Black left ... Continue reading Entertainment Report


APT Macau Upcoming Events: APT Poker Room, Doyle Brunson Book Signing

Today promises to be a busy day as the Asian Poker Tour (APT) lands with a splash in Macau. The APT Macau event, the second leg of the 2008 Asian Poker Tournament, will run from August 27 through 31. But as players and fans descend...


Poker and Politics: The PPA and the Republican Platform

With the Republican National Convention just a week away, supporters of online gambling have turned their attention to two troubling sentences of the Republican Party's platform...


8/25/2008

Online Poker Weekend: 'Ship Hamilton', 'NFrost_10' Big Winners

Another big weekend on the online poker circuit saw both the big tournaments just get by their published guarantee numbers. Both the big rooms proved they are psychic when it comes to knowing their user bases, and how to set their guarantees....


Russ Hamilton Connection in UB Scandal?

UltimateBet has its hands full and some explaining to do, as does former UB owner and 1994 World Series of Poker main event champion Russ Hamilton.

The UB scandal officially began in January of 2008 when the site's management acknowledged that there was some credence to players' claims of cheating. But by July 2008, after the official investigation had been ongoing for at least four months, UB confirmed that the cheating actually began in January of 2005, meaning that it could have been going on for nearly three years. In the fourth month of the investigation, new accounts were still being linked to the software glitch that allowed one or more super-users to cheat on the site.

Enter the biggest glitch of all, courtesy of Nat Arem, the rogue investigator/poker player who was a key figure in breaking the Absolute Poker scandal wide open. That glitch's name is Russ Hamilton.

Arem took some information he was given and began researching confirm... Continue reading Russ Hamilton Connection in UB Scandal?


EPT Awards: 'Best Performance' Nominees Announced

The PokerStars.com European Poker Tour today released the names of the five finalists in the 'Best Performance' category, one of seven honors awarded as part of its upcoming EPT Awards ceremony in Barcelona on September 9th. The 'Best...


A PokerNews First – One ENTIRE Month of Daily Freerolls

September sizzles for all PokerNews players as we host at least one freeroll for every day of the month – that's a chance to go home a winner every single day in September!


Sexton's Corner, Vol.59, Johnny Chan, Legend of Legends: Part 4, "The Golden ...

Johnny "The Orient Express" Chan has had the golden touch throughout his entire career. In Part 3 we viewed Johnny's incredible poker streak in 1987, 1988, and 1989 of winning 4 out of 5 WSOP or Hall of Fame Main Events in a row....


8/24/2008

The Other Side of the Felt #13 – Thoughts on Scotty Nguyen's HORSE Final Table

I received a barrage of emails and phone calls about the recently televised ESPN $50,000 H.O.R.S.E Tournament in which there was a lot of controversy over the actions of Scotty Nguyen and the reactions of....


WSOP-Next Stop London!

The majority of the World Series may be over, but before the final table of the main event even gets underway, there is the small matter of the WSOP-E to contend with. Last year was the inaugural year for the WSOP in Europe and this year they've added a fourth bracelet event to the schedule, which takes place at the Empire Casino in London's Leicester Square this September.

Just as there was in 2007, there will be a ÂŁ2,500 HORSE, a ÂŁ5,000 Omaha and a ÂŁ10,000 no-limit hold 'em main event, but they have also added a ÂŁ1,500 no-limit hold 'em tournament to the schedule. This will certainly appeal to many of the local players, who may have found last year's offerings a bit out of their usual price range.

This year at the WSOP in Las Vegas, European players bucked the usual trend and picked up a quarter of the bracelets on offer, so perhaps this year in London it will be North America's turn to take down an overseas victory. Last year all three bracelets in Lond... Continue reading WSOP-Next Stop London!


The Asian Poker Tour Writes an Open Letter to Michael Phelps...

22 August 2008 (Macau, China) - With the recent revelation by 8 time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps that he is a big poker fan and that he was looking forward to playing again, the Asian Poker Tour (APT) have written him an open letter inviting him to stop off on his way home and play in the APT Macau next week.

The second leg of the Asian Poker Tour gets underway at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino Resort in Macau on August 27th running until August 31st and GUARANTEES a prize pool of US$1,500,000 and a first prize of US$500,000 - the largest to date in Asia.

Amongst those committed to take part in the USD $5300 ($5000+$300) main event include a range of the biggest poker names in the world including 'Godfather of Poker' Doyle Brunson, Todd Brunson, J.C Tran, John Juanda, Kenny Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do, Steve Sung and APT Manila champion David Saab. In the next few days even more star names will be published so watch this space! Joining the ... Continue reading The Asian Poker Tour Writes an Open Letter to Michael Phelps...


7/16/2008

Press Release: WSOP Europe Schedule Announced

The second annual World Series of Poker Europe presented by Betfair.com has solidified its ...


World Poker Tour Inks Deal with Fox Sports Net

After the Game Show Network declined to pick up ...


7/15/2008

Press Release: Congressman Moves to Dedicate $40 Billion in Internet Gambling Revenue for Job Training and Foster Care Programs

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) introduced legislation yesterday that directs a potential $40 billion over the next 10 years ...


WSOP Final Nine Set; November Awaits

After almost two weeks of play, the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event has been whittled down ...


Nikolay Evdakov Breaks WSOP Cashes Record

The 2008 World Series of Poker Player of the Year award may have gone to Erick Lindgren, but ...


6/23/2008

2008 World Series of Poker - Main Event - Final Table

2008 World Series of Poker - $10K World Championship Main Event - Final Table
Read more....

tournaments@pokerpages.com


7/16/2007

ESPN Pay-Per-View on Tuesday, July 17th

If you're interesting in checking out the final table of the WSOP LIVE, I will be the lead analyst along with Oli Nejad. Tune in for all the hand-by-hand action. We're going to be joined in the broa...


ESPN Pay-Per-View on Tuesday, July 17th

If you're interesting in checking out the final table of the WSOP LIVE, I will be the lead analyst along with Oli Nejad. Tune in for all the hand-by-hand action. We're going to be joined in the broa...


6/13/2007

Update

Hi all,Things are in full force at the WSOP, and the entire poker world is here. It's truly amazing how this event has grown over the past five years.Hope you are all keeping up with my podcast from t...


6/4/2007

My Podcast from the 2007 WSOP

Hi All,The Expert Insight 2007 WSOP Podcast has officially started. This year you'll be getting insider reports from me and my good friends, Rafe Furst and Andy Bloch. We'll be at the WSOP talking a...


5/22/2007

Current chip leader at the WSOPC New Orleans

Hi All,I apologize for not posting in a while - I've been very busy with my wedding, honeymoon and work.Just wanted to let you know that I'm currently playing in the WSOPC in New Orleans. Feeling good...


4/5/2007

Success!

On behalf of the Cancer Research & Prevention Foundation, I want to thank you all for helping us reach our goal of $1M via the "I'll Raise You a Million Challenge".Harrah's did a fantastic job of ...


4/4/2007

Quick Update

Hi Everyone,Sorry it's been a while, but as you all know, it's T-minus 11 days to marriage so I've been a little busy.EI Fantasy Golf:My company is hosting a great fantasy golf league and we are givin...


2/27/2007

Stephane Vanel and EI on the home page of MySpace!

Hi all, It's been an exciting day at my company, Expert Insight. A video from our upcoming DVD, Card Trick Magic with Stephane Vanel, is being featured on MySpace's home page and shown as a featured ...


Video Answers to Your Questions

Ok, there were only a few video questions from all of you so they get special placement Question: Answer: Question: Answer: ...


2/21/2007

Poker Q & A Video Contest!

Ok everyone.  I want to give you, my loyal readers, a chance to get your poker questions answered on YouTube. Here's how it works:   1. Post your questions in this thread. (You will get ex...


1/1/0001

A Short Stop in Vegas and it's back on the road

I watched an insane amount of television in the last few days...


End of Day One in Tunica

I started off slowly but picked it up in the end...


Day Two in the Books

I lost my mind in the morning but settled as the day went on. Also, a challenge to all tournament director's in this country...


Without God I'm Useless

This blog isn't meant to be preachy in any way, shape, or form, but I'd be lying if I didn't mention the fact that my belief in God is an important part of my life...


Off to Australia

I'm in the airport in Bahamas on my way to Miami, LA, and finally to Australia. It's given me a little time to reflect on poker...


On the Borrow in Australia

Apparently the 100K buy in wasn't a typo after all...


I completely blew it in Australia

I started off dodging bullets and then did something totally out of character...


Opie and Anthony... again

I don't listen to the show, but someone sent me a link to something they said about me recently on their show...


The NFL is a Disgrace

Before we go celebrate the American pastime, the Super Bowl, here are a few things you should know about the league and it’s practices… (no poker content whatsoever)


Mike Matusow on High Stakes Poker

Maybe I stuck the needle a little too deep...


January was a Success

Now it's time to go home...


Down to 18 in Tunica

My flow is spot on…


Final Table Time

For the third consecutive year I find myself at a final table in Tunica, Mississippi. Here is a rundown of the players and my view of them...


Let's do it all over Again

I'm in AC now, set to play another event early in the morning...


No Poker Content

The following blog is about everything bit poker. hockey, football, and TV...


No Limit- A Search for the American Dream

I just watched it and this is what I thought of it...


I Have a New Protege!

That, and Kameo on X-BOX 360, Jamie Lynn-Sigler, a horrible flight, the Bellagio main event, and my book...


Happy Tortured and Murdered Bird Day!

Otherwise known as Thanksgiving I guess...


I made it through the day!

Good news, there is actually some poker content in the following blog...


Down to 30 in Foxwoods

I got a little frustrated today about the event structure, but I surely didn’t let it distract me from my play as I put in a solid effort today…


FCP Golf Weekend and Comedy Festival

Another fun packed Weeked at Daniel's and great news about FCP... U.S. Players welcome!


I'm shaving my head

Just cause...


On the Road, the LV Journal, and the Video Blog

writing from the airport... (updated)


Day 1 is in the books and I feel good

Working out really does make you feel super human…


Merry Christmas!

Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza, and all that good stuff...


Bellagio Tournament, A Quickie

A Quick Update...


33 left at the Bellagio

My goal was to end day 3 with 500,000 in chips, but I fell way short with 174,000...


Believe in Yourself

Without self confidence you won't be winning any tournaments any time soon...


Odds of winning a WSOP Bracelet

This discussion came up on some internet forums so I thought I'd throw my two cents in...


Degeneratum at it's Best

Lots to cover from poker players across America being duped, the Reno WPT event, bowling, and finally, a marathon chinese poker session...


American Idol

This is the first season I've watched the show all the way through and I think it's riveting television, but some Amercians are out to destroy it...


Teaching Patrick Props

Played my first live session of the year at Bellagio this year with David Benyamine, Patrick Antonious, Jennifer Harman, and Eli Elezra...


In Response to Mark Kreidler

A writer for espn.com wrote a column recently about Al D'Amato and I don't think it was very good...


I am such an Idiot

Most of you will think I'm crazy for being so upset about this, but I am, and I don't really care...


Bay 101 is the Bomb

Now you should know by now that I don't say stuff like that unless I mean it, and am always wiling to criticize, but this is a spot I love more and more each time...


The WPT Championship

Absolutely, without question, the worst hand I've played in... well, I don't remember how long...


I Shall Live

I've been reading a book recently that I can't put down...


I Bet You

I played in one of the most entertaining games I've played in ages, with a crazy group of characters...


The Next Stage of My Life

This new house brings me one step closer to where I want to be in life...


Learning to use all my Powers!

I read a blog recently that helped me understand how to tap into all of my poker powers!!!


Hustled for the Very Last Time!

Easter dinner turned into a rather unpleasant situation...


It's Moving Day!

I'm finally moving into a new house and it's been a long time coming...


Poker Gossip

Lots of bizarre things happening in the poker world today, so much so, that I figured I'd chime in...


Shooting Pool, and Phil Gordon done lost his mind!

I made the sickest 9-ball run ever last night against Gavin Smith. In other news, I read a recent Phil Gordon article that was so ridiculous I felt compelled to respond...


Blackface

Lots of discussion about my latest video blog...


An Inconvenient Truth

That Al Gore seems to be a passionate and great man. Too bad he got cheated in 2000 and we ended up with the jerk that it's office now...


Joe Rogan Revisited

I actually listened to that clip from a couple years ago after reading Joe Rogan's blog, and realized that I was wrong...


Super Bowl Sunday

Colts 34 Bears 17. That's my prediction...


I'm Off to LA for a couple Days

The Super Bowl was fun, but now it's time for a quick trip to LA for a HEads Up tournament...


The Commerce Rocks

What a great facility, structure, food options, etc. It is the best poker facility I've ever seen...


NBC Heads Up: Time for Bracketology

It's that time of year again. Time to fill out your brackets for the National Heads Up Poker Championship on NBC. Also a bizarre story from my youth involving NBC...


My NBC Bracket Picks with reasoning

Here are my picks with comments. Also, 3rd round predicitons with the actually players who are there...


Citizen Kane

If you don't like movies or television, then this blog might not be for you...


Trading Places

It's one of my favorite movies. Anyway, here is a clip I want to share with all of you...


Welcoming a new member to the family!!!

It's official, there will be a new addition to the Negreanu family! That, and why I suck at online poker, the NBA All-Star game, and wasting way too much time on internet poker forums...


A Poker Story from the "Old Days"

A two week bet to put in 140 hours in two weeks and avering at least one big bet an hour...


Hockey Night at E-DOG's

Starting a new Thursday night tradition hopefully...


Time for ME!

Since being home from Toronto I've been relaxing and taking time for myself...


Protege Wins! Golf, Sports, and Vegas Fun

Man, I've really been living it up lately and am really enjoying life...


A Busy Week

This should really be three blogs but I've been too busy to get them done...


The Proudest Moment of My Life

I have never worked so hard on anything and been so satisfied than I have this week..


A Writing Machine

I just put in a solid session of writing and man does that take a load off...


Getting on a Plane

On my way to Toronto right now for the Daniel Negreanu Protege Final...


Hanging with the Proteges

My first full day in Toronto was a lot of fun...


I dun' been Gamblin'

Whether it be poker or golf, I've been gambling pretty hard recently...


18 a Day

That's all I can even think about right now... I'm totally obsessed with golf...


Golf, Make A Wish, and Weekend at Daniel's

I golfed (no surprise there), spent an afternoon with a nice family, and am now preparing for a fun packed weekend...


The Million Dollar Mark

Last night's session at the Bellagio put me over a million this year in the big game...


Poker and Golf... Life is Good

Recently I've been living the life I'd always dreamed of when I first started grinding it out in little rooms across Toronto...


My, My, My American Pie

This past weekend I felt like I was in the movie American Pie "The Wedding" when some old friends from high school were in town for a wedding...


To Burbank and Back

I woke up at 6:00am and was awake for the next 24 hours shooting poker shows and playing in the big game...


A Tough One to Swallow

Man, I really thought I was cruising right along until disaster hit...


Poker, Mommy, and a Trip to Toronto

A frustrating poker session, a wonderful dinner at Mommy's, and an upcoming road trip...


Toronto to London

I'm in London now after a short stop in Toronto to crown the seat #10 Protege winner of the Red Hot Poker Tour's TPC...


FCP will Host the Biggest Online Poker Tournament in History

FCP Announces The Poker Classic with a guaranteed prize pool of $5,000,000. Along with that announcement, comes the "Spring Has Sprung Reload Bonus." All that, and a funny phone call I just had with a telemarketer, poor guy, lol...


Real Poker

This blog is all about poker, so if that doesn't interest you, well... you can skip it!


Poker Mode

I'm ready to play some poker...


Poker, Blackjack, my Father and a show called Unan1mous

That basically gives you a rough outline of what this blog is all about...


Sick of Hold'em

I forgot how much more I enjoy playing mixed games rather than the the same game over, and over, and over, and over again...


Gearing up for the WPT Championship and some FCP News

I spent the day relaxing and studying for the start of the tournament tomorrow. Also, some FCP News you'll all want to know about...


BOOOOOOOORING!

That about sums up my first day at the WPT Championship...


High Stakes Poker: Season 2

I put in another 28 hours of poker on the show as well as three more hours playing in the dark at the Bellagio...


I Made a Mistake

I should not have agreed to play in the London event and take full responsibility for that mistake...


Oh man, I'm out...

I've been on a bad streak of getting cold decked...


E-DOG Wins and Gongaza alum eats 60 pieces of Sushi!

Erick Lindgren won the tournament today at the Bellagio and we celebrated that night with him and some of the Gonzaga boyz...


The ABC Pro-AM

The Monopoly game televised...


I'm officially a member of the PPL!

The most exciting thing to happen to poker since the WPT started televising poker years ago...


AHL Draft in Toronto

It's that time of year again and I'm at the airport now headed to Toronto for my fantasy hockey draft...


Clarifying my Ahmadinejad Remarks

Too many people got the wrong idea from my last blog...


Everything Happens for a Reason

This trip hasn’t been going according to plan, but that doesn’t mean that the time is lost…


Ian Leggatt and Friends Golf and Poker Tournament

My trip here in Toronto is coming to an end...


TV Blog and the ABC Pro-Am

Been watching lots of TV, and tomorrow I will be playing on TV in a fun Pro-Am event scheduled to air on ABC...


Niagara Falls

The event has exceeded everyone's expectations, including mine...


Long Time No Blog

It feels like it's been ages since my last entry...


Haven't Felt Like Writing Lately

I've been doing a lot of vegging, but haven't felt like writing recently...oh, and I played poker too...


Not as Good as I should be

A little recap of High Stakes Poker season 3, and a general feel for where my head is at...


In Toronto until Oct 3rd

Monday I'll be doing Off the Record as well as the Fan 590 with Bob McCown...


U.S. Politics is Quite a Joke

Bill Frist weasels his way into getting his bill past like a slithery snake...


My New Family

The PPL draft was a huge success and I officially feel "wicked smart" with the way I approached it...


Tournament of Champions

A run down of day one...


$2500 Short Handed NL Hold'em

I'm chipleader after day one...


Proposed 2007 WSOP Schedule

If it were up to me, here is what I would propose for a wonderful World Series of Poker schedule that best resembles what the WSOP should be all about...


$206,800

That's what my Protege Brian Fidler won in Tahoe... plus, tons of FCP NEWS, my new video blog, and of course, I golfed...big surprise!


Weekend at Daniel's Hockey Edition

We had another awesome crew of people come out for another Weekend at Daniel's and I think it's safe to say that everyone had a great time...


Protege is Cleaning House!

I'm amazed at how well my protege, Brian Fidler, is doing in just his second big time event...


I feel like a Proud Pappa

My Protégé, Brian Fidler, is exceeding expectations in a big way…


Remember Me?

It's been a while...


Chillin' In Tampa

I be chillin’ in Tampa Bay, and so far things have been pretty cool…


Tampa Bay, Golf, and the Biggest Goof in WSOP History

Tampa Bay was a blast, the golf game is looking up, and the floor staff at the WSOP totally destroyed the integrity of the main event...


The WPT is Back in Action

Another huge turnout in LA, plus a night at the Comedy Stop, and a response from the WPT in regards to the stupid lawsuit...


Fantasy Football, Online Poker, and Bloggin'

A whole bunch of random topics including behavioral profiling, and what would a blog be without some lawuit talk?


Vacation Time in San Diego

I'm on vacation in San Diego for a few days of R and R...


Back from San Diego

24, Breakfast Club, I'm kind of a racist, and my recent vacation to San Diego...


Harrah's and the WSOP

A lot of people seem to be really confused about what's really happening here so I wanted to add a few more thoughts...


Life is So Good!

I feel so free and relaxed lately which in turns makes you a happy dude...


Change

The theme of this blog is change...


A Poker Filled Day

Read my previous blog for comments on the WSOP change, this blog contains a hand history... for the first time ever!


WPT Championship Day 2

I'm right in the thick of things after an up and down day...


WSOP T-32

The WPT Championship is behind me and it's time to focus on golf and the WSOP...


The WSOP Blockbuster News Story

Lots of people with lots of opinions, I wanted to straighten a few things out for some of you...


Chillin' In Costa Rica (Poker Content!)

A mini vacation before the grind...


PokerVT is officially live!

The site is officially up, so I thought I'd give you guys a little heads up on what you'll find at PokerVT...


Interview Insanity

I have a pretty booked schedule the next couple days doing mostly radio, and after that, it's time to rock and roll...


WSOP Fantasy Pool 2008

Full Contact Poker is running another WSOP fantasy pool this year, and here are my picks for this year:


My New Swing Thought: Nothing

The World Series of Golf starts tomorrow and I'm insanely excited...


I blew it!

The perfect situation came up and I totally screwed it up...


I've had it with Obama!

I can't believe what he said, it's just shocking news...


Long Time No Blog

Been super busy, but had time for a meaty video blog entry today...


I can't believe it's over!

What an insane week for me...


EPT San Remo

Quite a ride...


Omens Abound

Needless to say, this experience has been a strange time in my life in so many ways...


Sydney is Heavenly

It's so beautiful I'm in awe...


Sydney Trip Extended?

It's starting to look like I'll be here a bit longer than expected...


A Definitive Moment

They come every once in a while in life and I think I've just come to one...


Off to Bellagio

Put in an excellent effort, nothing I could do about it...


Back in the U.S.

Clearing a few things up from Monte Carlo...


WPT Championship Day 1

Through the day, onto day two...


Feelin' It

Sometimes I have to remind myself to follow my own advice...


Rules are Key

Reflecting on EPT San Remo event and future events...


Early Look at my WSOP Schedule

As well as other tournaments leading up to it...


Eating Brain

That's what I plan on doing this week...


Big Golf Rematch

On Thursday me and my band of misfits will face Goliath once again at TPC Summerlin...


Another Rematch Today

If you don't like golf you probably won't enjoy reading this blog...


And the MVP Award Goes to...

Our 18 hole match today turned into 27 holes...


A Birthday Hater

Never liked them...


Solid Move for WPT

Finally the WPT will appear on a network with a wide appeal and one that really makes sense...


Aggressive Nutso outside a Club

Steroids and Alcohol don't mix well together...


The Real Deal!

A new poker show at the Venetian...


Nightmare Central

Scariest nightmares I’ve had in as long as I can remember…


Pretty Slow Day One

Day one of the WPT at the Bike..


Day 2 Playing it By the Book

My book...


Fantasy Football

I did an auction draft last night that a lot of fun...


Last Golf Blog for a while, Promise!

Patrik is leaving town on Tuesday so that marks the end of our golf matches....


Weekend With Daniel a Success

It completely drained me of all my energy, but in the end the response we got from the participants was overwhelmingly positive...


Scheduling Madness

A rough look at what's ahead for me the rest of the year...


0-3 and getting ready for some rebuys

I played a very odd hand against Bill Edler that totally had me baffled, and ultimately busted...


Phil Ivey is Good at Poker

I'm on to day two so I don't have a lot of time, but just wanted everyone to know that this Ivey guy is pretty good at poker...


First Ever Big Buy in NL Shootout Starts Today

Also, I'm doing video blogs daily now...


$5000 1/2 Limit 1/2 No Limit Hold'em

That's the next event on my schedule, so hear is a rundown of my thoughts on this event...


Harrah's dun' good... real good

The 2008 WSOP is shaping up to be the best organized and best run WSOP in history...


It's Time...

I'm pretty anxious, been thinking about the WSOP for quite some time now...


On the the $1500 NL Event

It's a tough one to win, but in looking at the schedule, it seems like one to play...


A Solid HORSE Final Table is possible

There are several players from the "big game" still alive in the tournament...


Ding Ding Ding 2008

Let's get ready to rumble...


I know Five

with 27 left I've actually heard of five of them. Coming to you from Toronto, Canada, with WSOP stuff, golf stuff, and other stuff...


Rest

I am learning more and more about where true success comes from for mel...


Video Bloggin'

Too tired to write, but the video blogs have been daily..


Number Four And Counting

I'm not content just yet, still loads of big tourneys left and I'm just heating up...


WSOP Player of The Year

So much fun, I just love being in the thick of things...


NBC Heads Up, American Idol, and Australia

Headed to Australia tonight, but before I go, here are a few thoughts...


World Cup of Poker

That and golf, an improved version of “Coffee, Soda, Juice,” and the High Stakes Poker Showdown on PokerStars…


World Cup Action Through Three Heats

The lowdown and an assessment of play thus far…


Never Check a Bag with British Airways

I repeat, NEVER check a bag with the most incompetent airline in the world when it comes to handling your luggage… that, and a whole bunch of other stuff…


I’m Out, but a Very Happy Man

I was very happy with my play in Barcelona and excited about my level of confidence going forward…


Golf in the Philippines and a Disturbing Poker Trend

Golfing in Asia is very different than the U.S. Also, I question the recent trend for poker tournaments selling coverage rights…


Big Pimpin’ In Barcelona

The atmosphere here is electric…


I fought through a Jet lagged Day One

and now I’m rarin’ to go on day two…


I'm Not Dead

Just haven't felt like bloggin...


Talk About Curing Autism

I had an eye opening experience on a one day trip to Los Angeles to attend a fund raiser for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)…


Canadian Dollar Jokes Not Quite as Funny Anymore

I can't tell you how many wise cracks I've heard over the past 10 years about the Canadian Dollar being inferior to the American dollar...


Headed Back to Vegas

Played the best that I could, and I don't think I could have done anything differently to win this event...


I think I’ve fallen in Love Again

With the game of poker that is. I’m really enjoying the WSOPE event here in London and in my off time all I want to do is play at PokerStars.com and/or write and think about the game…


A Quickie Poker Blog


Poker is just an awesome game and I’ve got the bug again big time…


Back in London and High Stakes Showdown

My second shot an an EPT title starts in a couple days...


$50,000 H.O.R.S.E. Predictions

The structure for this event is very different than the structures for the smaller events...


Meeting Andre Agassi

Rarely do I meet a celebrity or athlete that makes me feel like a fan, but meeting Agassi made me feel like an awkward little boy asking for an autograph...


What's Next? Time for the EPT?

I'm going over my schedule now that the WSOP is over and I'm thinking about making some trips overseas...


Video Blogs are Back

The latest video blog includes a tour of my new pad...


High Stakes Poker

Yesterday I took part in filming season four and today I'm hoping to get some play time on today's schedule...


Playing Bad Poker But Strangely Happy

Not all that into playing poker these days...


Time flies, it's WSOP time again

The year seemed to go by in a flash, but it's time once again for poker's most prestigious event...


Golf, A Movie, and Mushu is in love!

With Marley in heat at the moment, Mushu is losing his mind...


I have some wishes for Michael Vick and others

For those of you who don’t already know about the recent news, HBO Real Sports did a story on dog fighting recently…


I Dig Television outside the U.S.


Due to jetlag I’ve been on a strange sleeping schedule that’s left me watching lots of television here in the Philippines…


Slow Poker Month

A lull in poker action after the WSOP is soon to heat up later this month...


Vancouver and Rain

Still in Vancouver for a few more days...


Birthday Plans

It’s been a while since I offended a large group of people, so here goes!


A Birthday full of Games

Including a 16 hour session at the Bellagio last night…


Back in Vegas, Annoyed By Hillary

A quick exit from the tournament has be back in Vegas in time to watch the Democratic debate get heated...


My Take on the JJProdigy Kid

I'm in Germany right now and just finished listening to a radio show where an admitted cheat was thrown softball after softball and still screwed it up...


Sick, Tired, and Bored

Stuck in my hotel room on a bad sleep schedule, with a headache, and nothing to do...


Positive Vibes in Tunica

So far so good, as I get ready to play in the first heat of day one in Tunica...


Fighting Fatigue Through Day 1 at the PCA

I'm on a horrible schedule sleep wise, but am fighting through it the best I can...


Best PCA Ever!

I had so much fun this week despite getting knocked out just outside the money...


Little Matt, Big Ballin'

Ever since that piece aired on ESPN, people ask me all the time how Little Matt is doin...


Good Day/Night Playing Online

In my room in Copenhagen spending the day playing online...


Fun vs Success?

I love playing on the EPT, so much so because of the people. I think I end up having a bit too much fun though...


No Drinking- Check, No Socializing- Check, Sleep Schedule- Check, Bags Unpacked- Check

Felling good people, feeling really good right about now...


Random Blog

as the title says...


Good Times in Dartmund

Had a great day after being a bit sick...


Pentru Mama

You only get one, so cherishing her should be easy...


Yes We Can!

A big day today, Super Tuesday...


I'm Cooler than You

My life is great and the fact that your life doesn't mirror mine is not really your fault, I'm just that special!


WPT Bellagio Day One- Good Vibes


It’s been a while since I last competed and it felt good to be back playing…


On to Day Three

So far so good... I love this tournament.


Chip Reese


There will never be another one like him…


Not going to Foxwoods

Love the place, but just can't do it this year...


Comedy Festival in Vegas

The Comedy Festival was in town again and I had some good laughs...


Ok, So Here Goes…

I think I’ve figured out what I wanted to say …


Negreanu Goes Platinum!

Yes it’s true, I’ve officially gone Platinum…


Bloggin’ at the Airport


It’s been a while since I’ve blogged from the airport…


Hanging with Boomer

PCA is underway and I play on day 1B tomorrow...


Poker Needs Better Statistics


It's a pet peeve of mine, as I’ve always been into stats every since I was a little kid, and looking at the various sites that carry all-time money lists it had me wondering… what are they thinking?


Day 3 Works out in the end

Didn't start too well with a sloppy play against Peter Feldman, but I stayed hungry and ended the day in good shape thanks to some patience...


18 Left...

So far so good, it's been a bumpy ride but I'm sitting in a good spot right now...


Cooler Squared

If the value of AA is greater than KK, and A8's value is great than A4, can A4 vs A8 be a worse cooler than AA versus KK?


Lazy Boy

Yup, that is officially my new nickname as I haven't left the house in... when was it? Hmmm, oh well, I don't remember!


WSOP Circuit at the Rio

I felt really prepared for the event, but you simply can't win em' all...


Bloggin'

I have so much stuff to write about but I haven't had 15 spare minutes...


I feel like a working stiff!

Two days of shooting down, and one more to go...


So Much to Say, So Little Time

I planned on writing an entry both yesterday and the day before but was totally exhausted...


7:14 in the AM

and I'm still goin'...


A Little Bit Rock Star

I’m normally not too big on the whole limousine thing, but today was kind of fun…


And.... I'm Spent

A full day to say the least...


Karaoke Night and the Cincinnati Kid

Last night was Karaoke night and I had a really good time with some old friends...


A Little No Limit Hold'em

I was looking for a bi