Vegas & The Aftermath - Diary

[tikay]

6-Max UKPC - Part 2

Was it a success? I'd say so, yes.

Most of the very ambitious Guarantees were met, though it was touch & go with some, including the Main. In truth, it does not matter terribly, as long as the concept & Fessie was well-supported, which it was.

Of more importance is the profile-raising, the various articles about it across the wider internet, the "clicks", & the TV Series. At a time when the site Next Door needs to raise it's credibility, move up a notch to the ever-so-slightly-more-serious, it was spot on.

TV people don't understand poker really, & poker people don't understand TV, so that was a huge stress point. I'm very mindful that TV should not impose on the players much, thats the awkward part, because left to their own devices, they will, so I was a rose between two very awkward thorns there. TV people think they run everything, & can do as they like. Stop the action, a microphone is not working. WHAT? It's like a TV producer running onto the pitch during Man U v Liverpool, "hold it lads a camera has broken". I mean, for goodness sake. So that was, as last time, very stressful, as you are friendless, between 2 parties.

But the TV part is VERY important, without it, we would not to UKPC, its that simple.

An "upbeat" (thats the key part) TV series about poker can't be the worst thing in the world for poker, either, at a time when poker needs better exposure. Poker is at a crossroads, & needs to look at itslf if it is to survive. Everyone wants to bury their head in the sand & pretend all is fine & dandy. And it can be, but it needs fettling & nurdling.


Would that matter to the poker world if it had not taken place? Well the Fessie would not have taken place if there were no TV series off the back of it, & so those Guarantees & the whole thing would probably not have happened, either. But no, it would not matter that much, I guess. For the two Businesses (DTD & Next Door), it was a commercial thing, for sure. For the players, well I guess they could manage if it never happened, but even so, a 4 figure number of Uniques showed up, so it was pretty popular with them, I'd say. 

[tikay]

Did the new Foyles have Ken Paynes autobiography ?

No, you can only get that from very special places, John.

I did actually have a good browse in the Horse Racing section, to see if I could find something you'd like, which I could send to you to reciprocate, you've been such a staunch friend, & such a positive for Fred, but there was nothing I could see which I felt would interest you.

How is Mum these days? And the new job?

I did find this book - does this interest?





Anyway, if you send me your address (again, sorry) I'll send Ken Payne back. Now that WAS a great read, no fluff in that. 

[tikay]

6-Max UKPC, Part 3

The planning for this started exactly 6 months earlier, at the February UKPC.

It was, of course, Rob's idea.

The dynamic between DTD & Sky Poker is so very odd, one a seat of the pants entrepeaneur, do whatever he wants without reference to anyone, the other part of a Corporate entity, where "Approvals", "Business Cases" & all sorts are needed. Never were there two organisations with such differing styles & cultures, so it's quite a thing that they work so well together, but they do, or have so far.

For that reason, & generally, Rob never speaks or writes to Sky Poker, or vice-versa, all comms go through me, & it's my job to translate, decode, soften, turn into language the other party understands, weed out stuff neither would like, & generally try to steer, & keep things calm, & on an even keel. 

The exception is the initial meeting & proposal, where I broker a Meet at DTD between the two parties. Face to face works so much better than Rob floating the original idea to me, & then me to Sky Poker. After that, no exceptions, everything passes through me. I don't have hardly any power or authority to make decisions beyond a limited remit, so it's all kind of interesting, juggling the wishes of both parties & keeping everything on track.

And it has different priorities in each organisation. Rob's business revolves around these 3rd party events, whereas Sky Poker have much different fish to fry, what with developing Apps, Mobile, new "products", & all that sort of stuff, which are crucial to the Business, & which are helping the Site record positive y-o-y numbers, (despite the World Cup which negatively affected almost every site), a very rare thing in Online Poker Sites these days.

As part of SB&G, this is an awkward time of year, too, as the Football season has just started, which is HUGE for Online Sports Betting organisations. So getting decisions is not always easy, as the Business is focussed on other things at this time of year. 

I managed to get the two parties together @ DTD to cut the deal for the February 2015 UKPC, & it went pretty well, but now I have to nudge & prompt the Business to move to Contract, get the insurances sorted, those sort of things. Fingers crossed.

One headache for Feb 2015 is the date.

First, we had to find a blank date, (avoid EPT Deauville), then look a bit closer. Two things particularly exercised us, School Half-Terms, & Valentines Day. They may seem trivial, but pick one that clashes, & the complaints soon come in. Who'd have thought Half Term or Valentines Day would interfere with a poker Festival? But they do.

More follows, you'll be absolutely thrilled to hear.

[AlunB]

6-Max UKPC, Part 3

The planning for this started exactly 6 months earlier, at the February UKPC.

It was, of course, Rob's idea.

The dynamic between DTD & Sky Poker is so very odd, one a seat of the pants entrepeaneur, do whatever he wants without reference to anyone, the other part of a Corporate entity, where "Approvals", "Business Cases" & all sorts are needed. Never were there two organisations with such differing styles & cultures, so it's quite a thing that they work so well together, but they do, or have so far.

For that reason, & generally, Rob never speaks or writes to Sky Poker, or vice-versa, all comms go through me, & it's my job to translate, decode, soften, turn into language the other party understands, weed out stuff neither would like, & generally try to steer, & keep things calm, & on an even keel. 

The exception is the initial meeting & proposal, where I broker a Meet at DTD between the two parties. Face to face works so much better than Rob floating the original idea to me, & then me to Sky Poker. After that, no exceptions, everything passes through me. I don't have hardly any power or authority to make decisions beyond a limited remit, so it's all kind of interesting, juggling the wishes of both parties & keeping everything on track.

And it has different priorities in each organisation. Rob's business revolves around these 3rd party events, whereas Sky Poker have much different fish to fry, what with developing Apps, Mobile, new "products", & all that sort of stuff, which are crucial to the Business, & which are helping the Site record positive y-o-y numbers, (despite the World Cup which negatively affected almost every site), a very rare thing in Online Poker Sites these days.

As part of SB&G, this is an awkward time of year, too, as the Football season has just started, which is HUGE for Online Sports Betting organisations. So getting decisions is not always easy, as the Business is focussed on other things at this time of year. 

I managed to get the two parties together @ DTD to cut the deal for the February 2015 UKPC, & it went pretty well, but now I have to nudge & prompt the Business to move to Contract, get the insurances sorted, those sort of things. Fingers crossed.

One headache for Feb 2015 is the date.

First, we had to find a blank date, (avoid EPT Deauville), then look a bit closer. Two things particularly exercised us, School Half-Terms, & Valentines Day. They may seem trivial, but pick one that clashes, & the complaints soon come in. Who'd have thought Half Term or Valentines Day would interfere with a poker Festival? But they do.

More follows, you'll be absolutely thrilled to hear.

Reminds me of this superb profile of jungleman in the NYT a while back http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27Poker-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

"I noted our luck in finding a seat on Valentine’s Day. Without a trace of irony, Cates, who speaks in the halting cadence most often associated with World of Warcraft group chats, asked, “Why would a restaurant be any more crowded on Valentine’s Day?”

[DaveShoelace]

Reminds me of this superb profile of jungleman in the NYT a while back http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27Poker-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

"I noted our luck in finding a seat on Valentine’s Day. Without a trace of irony, Cates, who speaks in the halting cadence most often associated with World of Warcraft group chats, asked, “Why would a restaurant be any more crowded on Valentine’s Day?”

I remember that vividly too, as well as pointing it out to poker players who did not understand why I had chosen to point it out.

[tikay]

Received an e-Mail today from booking.com with, perhaps, the least likely Subject Title ever.


"Tony, a holiday in Hounslow is just what you need"

I'm all over it.

It had this photo with it, too.

A temporary bus stop. In Hounslow.

 

[tikay]

6-Max UKPC, Part 3

The planning for this started exactly 6 months earlier, at the February UKPC.

It was, of course, Rob's idea.

The dynamic between DTD & Sky Poker is so very odd, one a seat of the pants entrepeaneur, do whatever he wants without reference to anyone, the other part of a Corporate entity, where "Approvals", "Business Cases" & all sorts are needed. Never were there two organisations with such differing styles & cultures, so it's quite a thing that they work so well together, but they do, or have so far.

For that reason, & generally, Rob never speaks or writes to Sky Poker, or vice-versa, all comms go through me, & it's my job to translate, decode, soften, turn into language the other party understands, weed out stuff neither would like, & generally try to steer, & keep things calm, & on an even keel. 

The exception is the initial meeting & proposal, where I broker a Meet at DTD between the two parties. Face to face works so much better than Rob floating the original idea to me, & then me to Sky Poker. After that, no exceptions, everything passes through me. I don't have hardly any power or authority to make decisions beyond a limited remit, so it's all kind of interesting, juggling the wishes of both parties & keeping everything on track.

And it has different priorities in each organisation. Rob's business revolves around these 3rd party events, whereas Sky Poker have much different fish to fry, what with developing Apps, Mobile, new "products", & all that sort of stuff, which are crucial to the Business, & which are helping the Site record positive y-o-y numbers, (despite the World Cup which negatively affected almost every site), a very rare thing in Online Poker Sites these days.

As part of SB&G, this is an awkward time of year, too, as the Football season has just started, which is HUGE for Online Sports Betting organisations. So getting decisions is not always easy, as the Business is focussed on other things at this time of year. 

I managed to get the two parties together @ DTD to cut the deal for the February 2015 UKPC, & it went pretty well, but now I have to nudge & prompt the Business to move to Contract, get the insurances sorted, those sort of things. Fingers crossed.

One headache for Feb 2015 is the date.

First, we had to find a blank date, (avoid EPT Deauville), then look a bit closer. Two things particularly exercised us, School Half-Terms, & Valentines Day. They may seem trivial, but pick one that clashes, & the complaints soon come in. Who'd have thought Half Term or Valentines Day would interfere with a poker Festival? But they do.

More follows, you'll be absolutely thrilled to hear.

Reminds me of this superb profile of jungleman in the NYT a while back http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27Poker-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

"I noted our luck in finding a seat on Valentine’s Day. Without a trace of irony, Cates, who speaks in the halting cadence most often associated with World of Warcraft group chats, asked, “Why would a restaurant be any more crowded on Valentine’s Day?”

Beautifully phrased Alun.

Proper tickled me, that.

[AlunB]

I have mixed emotions with those kind of articles. It's pleasure mixed with jealousy at the quality of the writing. I try and ignore the latter as much as I can.

[tikay]

I have mixed emotions with those kind of articles. It's pleasure mixed with jealousy at the quality of the writing. I try and ignore the latter as much as I can.

I don't believe that for a second, Alun.

I've read that 3 times now, it flows so naturally. Great piece of writing.

This interested me, as I recognize the symptoms in so many, (including, at one stage, myself), but I've never heard it described with such clarirty - digital absorbtion.


"....On the date of our interview, Cates was flying to Austin, Tex., to see a “specialist in human interactions.” This specialist had promised to help Cates understand the nuances of body language in social situations. Cates has been reading several works on human psychology and interactions, including “Social Intelligence,” a book that warns against the dangers of digital absorption. These studies are aimed toward the goal of achieving the “balance of life”...."

I'm a great admirer of Alex Goulder in this respect, he has such great life-balance, yet still maintains a deep & successful interest in poker. Plinop has developed it, too.

[AlunB]

I have mixed emotions with those kind of articles. It's pleasure mixed with jealousy at the quality of the writing. I try and ignore the latter as much as I can.

I don't believe that for a second, Alun.

I've read that 3 times now, it flows so naturally. Great piece of writing.

This interested me, as I recognize the symptoms in so many, (including, at one stage, myself), but I've never heard it described with such clarirty - digital absorbtion.


"....On the date of our interview, Cates was flying to Austin, Tex., to see a “specialist in human interactions.” This specialist had promised to help Cates understand the nuances of body language in social situations. Cates has been reading several works on human psychology and interactions, including “Social Intelligence,” a book that warns against the dangers of digital absorption. These studies are aimed toward the goal of achieving the “balance of life”...."

I'm a great admirer of Alex Goulder in this respect, he has such great life-balance, yet still maintains a deep & successful interest in poker. Plinop has developed it, too.

Ty ty. You old charmer you.

I think it's a really interesting issue. Part of what makes some (many) online poker players so successful in the first place is that almost obsessive focus on the game and their own controllable personal world. It's almost as if they need to sacrifice a part of themselves in order to achieve greatness, as so many of the 'skills' needed to be great at poker are seemingly in conflict to those required to be a great human being.

That said many of them I've met are both better at poker and better at being a human being than I am so what do I know?

[tikay]

The Ch 861 Fantasy League.

Picked my own players & everything.


 

1   Tony Kendall (Concrete Jungle)    120
 
2   Bruce clements (Baines on Toast)109
 
3   Louis Marsden (Fiorentina Turner) 108

4   Dan Bulmer (Chim Chim Giroud)    103
 
5 Ross Jarvis (Rampaging Rossy) 97
 
6 Karl Mahrenholz (Marigold FC) 92
 
7 Jules Sowa (Brazilliant Breach) 87
 
8 Anna Fowler (Foul by name) 85
 
9 Laura Cornelius (Corn Doggers) 84
 
10 Ryan Spittles (The Skittles) 80
 
11 Richard Orford (UnOrfordox United) 74
 
12 julian thew (gogoyoyo) 60
 
13 stuart rutter (Last place ROrford) 47
 
14 Jennifer Mason (Randomizer) 26
 



 

[Tal]

Bob Marley references ftw

[TightEnd]

At the weekend this happened, the Vulcan and two Lancasters flew together at RAF Waddington

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-28873614

great photo, i thought

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

Oh dear.

It was all going so well, until......

[tikay]

At the weekend this happened, the Vulcan and two Lancasters flew together at RAF Waddington

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-28873614

great photo, i thought

Click to see full-size image.

Agreed, a tremendous photograph.

What a wonderful sound they must have made, too. 

It all seems & feels a bit geeky, but the BBC piece reported.....

Police asked motorists not to park on the verges of the busy A15 alongside RAF Waddington but four miles of standing traffic was reported at one stage.

Lovely stuff.