Title: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on May 26, 2008, 10:50:26 PM Like Snoops, I will also be heading off to Vegas tomorrow, though my trip will be lasting the entire series and for that purpose, I've decided I'll need something to help focus and bring some sort of customary routine to keep me from becoming too disorganised during my time off. So beginneth this blog, which I'll be updating daily on the main site and linking back on this thread. I've not ever written an actual blog before, but expect it to go like my Omaha, start off poorly, show glimpses of possible promise before getting even worse and finish with a large amount of swearing and abuse and mutterings of never doing it again.
Originally, I wanted to come up with as mundane a title as possible, simply because there's just a preponderance of wacky and clever names of blogs and I needed something to separate this one from everyone else's. It was going to be 'White Middle-Class Man Attends Card-based Convention In The Desert' but that's simply too much of a mouthful, besides everyone here seems to think I'm posh anyway, but if I hear any whisperings then I'm going to have to get my butler to go to my estate and get my Grandfather's blunderbuss... So then, I just thought I'll call it 'Homer's Odyssey', it fits perfectly along the lines of the classic story of a man's long journey of getting home, and also there's enough odd-looking monsters in For those of you, who have never been to the WSOP, it really is something else and I wish I could say that as a positive thing. Last year was my first experience, and, having pretty much been sheltered by the well-run EPT's and GUKPT's, it was not a pleasant one. Within a couple of days, Jen, Snoops and I received a warning about posting more than once an hour on Blonde, and were told that if we did it again, we'd have our press badges confiscated. This rule is one of the main reasons why Blonde is not covering the WSOP this year, it negates the biggest advantage blonde has, which is our interactivity. But to a certain extent, even without this rule, therein lies a second problem, which is access. Last year, Harrah's had a couple of people whose job was to seemingly to stop any press from doing anything that may relate to reporting whilst happily allowing 'name' players to get a perfect view inside the rail or random cute blondes of course. Now, obviously we all understand people doing their job, but it was the confrontational attitude that caused most of the problems. The ESPN cameras, who it's well known would kick out all reporters (including Pokernews) given half the chance, were even worse but, Snoops, ever the diplomat, tried to befriend them all, and was at least partially successful, though I was too stubborn to try and build bridges. Pokernews people were much more helpful and generally passed on info when asked, their standard was pretty good last year which lead to one very funny episode where Cardplayer simply began copying and pasting all their chip counts but failed to notice when Dr Pauly (who'd gotten news of what CP were doing) began putting in random counts of famous rockstars and dead poker players. Speaking of Pauly, if you're looking for [another] good blog to read over this summer about the WSOP, then I'd definitely recommend his Tao of Poker. It's usually a great mixture of the funny, the newsworthy and the occasional random $50 prop bet on eating chips or something. Recently though, BJ Nemeth (excellent US Poker reporter) guested on his blog, defending the WSOP Final delay. He raises a lot of good points, some of which have been countered by Brad 'Otis' Willis who has come up on the other side of the fence. BJ Nemeth's Pro-Delay view: http://taopoker.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html#8048460502137273219 Otis' Anti-Delay View: http://www.upforanything.net/poker/archives/the-wsop-final-table-delay-is-1.html My own personal view is undecided, but probably clouded by a strong mistrust of Harrah's and how previous ploys that they've run have generally been disasters (See 'The Tent' last year - which isn't coming back) and their utter obsession with trying strangle every last bit of money out of this golden goose. If it works, I do think it'll be a big benefit to poker, but I just fail to see how the time delay can become a positive thing. If you're not into poker, then you're not really going to know who won the WSOP ME anyway in November, final played with a delay or no. So therefore, how does a one-day delay actually make any difference in attracting audiences? I suppose though you can always argue that if it doesn't work then you don't have to do it again next year, and also, at least it has got everyone talking about the Main Event which is undoubtedly a positive side-effect. Hmmm, I've just read through this all, and it's very downbeat. Sorry about that. I promise something more uplifting when I'm hopefully writing the first proper entry tomorrow night from my room at the Rio. As an effective antidote to all this depressing blogging, I leave you with my song of the day, 'The Banquet' by the Deadly Snakes. An excellent Canadian band, which like many bands I seem to discover, have already split up by the time I find them. It's a bluesy-rock song that sounds like nothing else on their album but it's definitely got that feet-tapping quality that's a rarity these days. So now, I'm all packed, complete with a Snowdonia-sized mountain of socks, (12 hours on the Rio cardroom floor is a sock's ultimate enemy), now, if I can just manage to shut my suitcase... Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: mondatoo on May 26, 2008, 11:37:45 PM Have a great trip m8 look forward to reading more :)up
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: dino1980 on May 26, 2008, 11:45:48 PM Have fun Chris, I'll be in touch via email soon. Also if you're going to compete with Pauly please include a 'Last five pros' rundown, although with the title of the blog perhaps something along the lines of 'Last five pros I ate sushi with' might fit better.
Also I don't want to read about you moaning about long hours on the floor as i'm sure many blondes would give their right testicle to spend six weeks at the series even if it is in a working capacity. And ffs I hope you're better at beer pong this year ;D Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: booder on May 27, 2008, 12:04:14 AM have a great time Snoops,look forward to reading the blog
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on May 27, 2008, 12:05:37 AM Have fun in Vegas and be sure to keep us updated. Damn, I wish I was going!
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: ChipRich on May 27, 2008, 12:06:17 AM Have a quality time mate.
gogogogoogo Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: TightEnd on May 27, 2008, 12:15:36 AM Have fun in Vegas and be sure to keep us updated. Damn, I wish I was going! don't forget the day job buster, and buster's apprentice ;slavedriver; (p.s enjoy, have fun etc etc) Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: maldini32 on May 27, 2008, 01:21:22 AM All the best chris.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Dry em on May 27, 2008, 01:24:08 AM Go Homer!
See you Friday imo Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Colchester Kev on May 27, 2008, 01:39:10 AM Have a good trip posh lad.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Laxie on May 27, 2008, 08:52:05 AM Safe trip, have fun and mind yerselves.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on May 27, 2008, 08:58:17 AM Have fun in Vegas and be sure to keep us updated. Damn, I wish I was going! What the Beagle said. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: kinboshi on May 27, 2008, 09:13:59 AM have a great time Snoops,look forward to reading the blog Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: ripple11 on May 27, 2008, 09:50:05 AM Have a great time Chris :)up
Looking forward to the blog....but don't use it up or wear it out. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: AndrewT on May 27, 2008, 09:55:03 AM Will your butler be writing a Vegas blog as well?
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: julian on May 27, 2008, 10:05:54 AM hope it's a good one for you out there chris - be good to hook up for eats when i get out there in july...if you make it that far lol
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Chili on May 27, 2008, 10:27:00 AM Nice one Chris, have fun with it. I bet your birthday will be in vegas, make sure you go for it this year x
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Robert HM on May 27, 2008, 10:51:12 AM Enjoy yourself floppy, looking forward to reading about your exploits.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Eck on May 27, 2008, 10:55:32 AM hope it's a good one for you out there chris - be good to hook up for eats when i get out there in july...if you make it that far lol ;grr;>>heads of to change fantasy team>>>> have a great time Snoops,look forward to reading the blog Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Wardonkey on May 27, 2008, 03:39:16 PM Where do you keep the good silver?
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on May 28, 2008, 07:00:20 AM The second part of this is now up here: http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19093
Monks, cheese, the internet and accents are covered. I've so much more to add, but I'll save it for tomorrow, i've been up nearly 24 hours and am quite tired. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on May 28, 2008, 07:47:07 AM Another great read. I hope you know your Roman numerals. ;D
That 'The Cult of the Amateur' book sounds interesting too. Anyone else read it? Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on May 28, 2008, 08:43:54 AM a top read mate. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Tonji on May 28, 2008, 09:07:15 AM Excellent stuff Floppy :)up
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: ifm on May 28, 2008, 11:22:08 AM Isn't it "break 'em on down"?
Have fun floppy. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: SuffolkPunch on May 28, 2008, 02:07:54 PM Being held up by two pieces of cheese must have grated a bit
;marks; Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Graham C on May 28, 2008, 02:13:01 PM Have a great time Chris, good reading so far :)
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Dingdell on May 28, 2008, 02:16:40 PM Being held up by two pieces of cheese must have grated a bit ;marks; Can we have an avatar with a man sitting behind a drum kit hitting the drums and then the cymbal? Idea for these occasions.... :D Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Rod Paradise on May 28, 2008, 02:21:55 PM Being held up by two pieces of cheese must have grated a bit ;marks; It would have made medam angry. No whey I'd put up with it. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: LeKnave on May 28, 2008, 02:46:01 PM n1 floppy, looking forward to 'ultimate balla house' trip report.
Rod runs good @ luggage imo. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Horneris on May 28, 2008, 02:50:27 PM n1 Chris, looking forward to 'ultimate balla house' trip report.
Have fun. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Redbull on May 28, 2008, 07:44:51 PM Best of luck Floppy! Looking forward to your updates.
Fingers crossed I'll see you out there in a month or so. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: cdw1111 on May 28, 2008, 07:53:59 PM keep it coming,very good so far
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on May 30, 2008, 12:40:59 AM Next part is up here: http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19118
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on May 30, 2008, 06:13:26 AM Nice job, keep it coming please.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Djinn on May 30, 2008, 08:06:42 AM More pictures of cheese, please. Most entertaining.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: ariston on May 30, 2008, 08:31:52 AM k cheese prop bet not welsh towns. Will try and keep my eyes open for references gromit would be proud of. See you all in a few weeks
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Robert HM on May 30, 2008, 09:37:32 AM more more
Jeeves! Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on May 30, 2008, 09:39:24 AM more more Jeeves! indeed ..screw that Homer fella's diary (ok not really)..I want to see what Jeeves has to say :) Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Dingdell on May 30, 2008, 01:32:34 PM more more Jeeves! indeed ..screw that Homer fella's diary (ok not really)..I want to see what Jeeves has to say :) +1 Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on May 30, 2008, 09:55:32 PM http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19133
Harrah's new stupid rule and also the comic antics of the players at Sahara's $65 crapshoot. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: AndrewT on May 30, 2008, 10:08:01 PM Two entries in a day?
Jeeves might have trouble keeping up with this... Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on May 30, 2008, 10:22:53 PM Two entries in a day? Jeeves might have trouble keeping up with this... They were separate days for me! Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on May 31, 2008, 05:55:13 AM That new rules seems a bit mean.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: ChipRich on May 31, 2008, 06:04:12 AM lol @ Standard of play at the Sahara.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: The_nun on May 31, 2008, 10:05:19 AM The Sahara.. ahhh the memories.
Loving this Flops.. keep it coming. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on May 31, 2008, 10:09:03 AM lol @ Standard of play at the Sahara. Great entry there Floppy..This thread might just knock Red's diary off the top spot on my "First to check when logging on" list. Now do us a favour and kick that butler of yours..he's quite clearly a lazy sod. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Laxie on May 31, 2008, 10:09:20 AM Enjoying the trip reports. Wouldn't want to be you lot 3 days after you've posted some pics. What a nightmare.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: ariston on May 31, 2008, 12:02:40 PM how did Jeeves get on with the air hostess? Don't let the butler slack- one of the best things written on blonde in a long time
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: mondatoo on May 31, 2008, 01:39:21 PM Great read keep it coming.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on May 31, 2008, 08:14:21 PM Part V is up now here: http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19139
I'm doing my first day of work today. With no accreditation. Thanks Harrah's. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on May 31, 2008, 09:06:38 PM As an old flame once sarcastically said, "another great entry there floppy".
Sad to hear that you didn't get your press accreditation, it's going to be a nightmare when the place fills up and you're left battling through the crowd to see just a few tables. Oh well, I guess we already knew that Harrah's take no prisoners. For those of you who like reading WSOP accounts, I am also penning a daily diary on my blog at http://snoopy1239.blogspot.com (http://snoopy1239.blogspot.com) Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Rod Paradise on May 31, 2008, 09:25:50 PM As an old flame once sarcastically said, "another great entry there floppy". Sad to hear that you didn't get your press accreditation, it's going to be a nightmare when the place fills up and you're left battling through the crowd to see just a few tables. Oh well, I guess we already knew that Harrah's take no prisoners. For those of you who like reading WSOP accounts, I am also penning a daily diary on my blog at http://snoopy1239.blogspot.com (http://snoopy1239.blogspot.com) Thinly veiled spam post imo. ;) Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on May 31, 2008, 09:26:51 PM As an old flame once sarcastically said, "another great entry there floppy". Sad to hear that you didn't get your press accreditation, it's going to be a nightmare when the place fills up and you're left battling through the crowd to see just a few tables. Oh well, I guess we already knew that Harrah's take no prisoners. For those of you who like reading WSOP accounts, I am also penning a daily diary on my blog at http://snoopy1239.blogspot.com (http://snoopy1239.blogspot.com) Thinly veiled spam post imo. ;) most definitely thickly veiled. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: ifm on May 31, 2008, 09:33:48 PM Oooh i downloaded the Mcluskey album when you first mentioned them aaagggeess ago, love Alan too!
Also mentioned were Art Brut and Dressy Bessy, cool. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on May 31, 2008, 09:49:30 PM Oooh i downloaded the Mcluskey album when you first mentioned them aaagggeess ago, love Alan too! Also mentioned were Art Brut and Dressy Bessy, cool. Is that Clingon? Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on May 31, 2008, 10:05:51 PM Oooh i downloaded the Mcluskey album when you first mentioned them aaagggeess ago, love Alan too! Also mentioned were Art Brut and Dressy Bessy, cool. They'll both feature in Song of the Day at some point. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Laxie on May 31, 2008, 10:20:33 PM Can't believe ye got stuffed when it came to passes. Ah well, gives you more time to enjoy Vegas. Thanks for the updates and mind yerself!!!
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on June 03, 2008, 03:30:55 AM After a short hiatus, the next entry is now up: http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19187
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on June 03, 2008, 08:18:08 AM After a short hiatus, the next entry is now up: http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19187 Top stuff...but you really should drag Jeeves away from the lap dancers and roulette wheel and get him writing. Now get to it Berti! Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on June 03, 2008, 10:08:06 AM Excellent stuff. Best entry yet. Think Ivey could make more of an effort though.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: mondatoo on June 03, 2008, 01:42:34 PM Excellent post again good to see they got the passes sorted for you.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Djinn on June 03, 2008, 03:09:06 PM Enjoying reading this. Really glad you are Accredited. I was just about to send you a long list of Ways To Survive a Month in the Rio Corridor, including such gems as 'where the power outlets are hidden,' 'which areas aren't directly under the aircon vents,' and 'how to convince people you don't know to bring you free coffee from the press room.' No need now! GL this week.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on June 07, 2008, 02:21:04 AM More moping and stuff now available here: http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19258
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on June 13, 2008, 11:35:23 AM Have been enjoying these. When's the next one?
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on June 13, 2008, 12:54:25 PM It's here: http://blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/19412
For those of you with a PLO-based disposition, I'm about to post the Tony Phillips/Vanessa Selbst hand on the PHA board, that led to the Ginger one busting the final table. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: mondatoo on June 13, 2008, 05:08:24 PM Great post again m8 not sure how others see it but am suprised to hear of possible colluding by some players wtf not good for the game at all.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on June 14, 2008, 03:51:34 AM This photo should be preserved for ever.
(http://blondepoker.com/blondepedia/images/photos/photo_6307.jpg) Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: booder on June 22, 2008, 01:31:09 PM ;bump; ;slavedriver;
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: booder on June 28, 2008, 12:15:11 PM any more ? :dontask:
Jeeves >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Floppy Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on June 28, 2008, 07:11:10 PM Yeah, sorry I've not posted, the last week has been pretty busy.
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on June 28, 2008, 07:25:32 PM Yeah, sorry I've not posted, the last week has been pretty busy. Jeeves has found time to post, and he's cleaning up after your posh arse all day!...No excuses and get back to it! Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: snoopy1239 on July 03, 2008, 11:16:04 AM Come on Floppy, this is one of the few diaries I'm reading at the moment. When's the next installment? Your fans (well, me and booder) await. ;slavedriver;
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on July 04, 2008, 05:21:57 PM The schedule has lightened somewhat now, I think I can regularly post a bit more. Here's the latest installment.
http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19876 Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: booder on July 04, 2008, 05:50:08 PM The schedule has lightened somewhat now, I think I can regularly post a bit more. Here's the latest installment. http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19876 you're no Jeeves. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on July 04, 2008, 06:46:50 PM :'(
Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on July 04, 2008, 06:52:48 PM The schedule has lightened somewhat now, I think I can regularly post a bit more. Here's the latest installment. http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19876 you're no Jeeves. lol Don't you be sad there Floppy...you're fairly talented in your own right ;) Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: NoflopsHomer on July 06, 2008, 11:49:08 AM Next bit is up here: http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19888
I probably should've used more than one photo of Anne Hathaway though. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: boldie on July 06, 2008, 06:56:37 PM Next bit is up here: http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19888 I probably should've used more than one photo of Anne Hathaway though. A Top read Floppy! I can't help but feel Jeeves would have sorted your headphone problem in no time though. Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: booder on July 06, 2008, 07:27:02 PM Next bit is up here: http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19888 I probably should've used more than one photo of Anne Hathaway though. why no photo of her cottage ? Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Rod Paradise on July 07, 2008, 09:58:09 AM Next bit is up here: http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19888 I probably should've used more than one photo of Anne Hathaway though. I'm thinking Floppy may get VERY well acquainted with Homeland Security and their rubber gloves on his way back through the airport. Nice writing though ;D Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: Colchester Kev on July 07, 2008, 05:15:18 PM Next bit is up here: http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19888 I probably should've used more than one photo of Anne Hathaway though. why no photo of her cottage ? I bet she has a neat Thatch on her cottage :) Title: Re: Homer's Odyssey Post by: booder on July 07, 2008, 05:24:45 PM Next bit is up here: http://blondepoker.com/?q=node/19888 I probably should've used more than one photo of Anne Hathaway though. why no photo of her cottage ? I bet she has a neat Thatch on her cottage :) correct, (http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/gallery2/d/2870-2/Anne_Hathaways_spring_07.jpg) |