New Record!

Looks like I spoke too soon yesterday

100 Degrees in Seattle!

This is just nuts!

Poker Content!

I actually have some poker to discuss!

First off, thank again to Dr. Pauly for hosting an encore edition of his Saturdays series on PS. It was my first time, and I guess because of beginners luck I managed to run deep and take 2nd. I'm happy with my play. I made some big laydowns and few if any bad decisions. My big hands held up, which is unusual at PLO (it'll break your heart, right Pauly?) and my reads were good.

My backer, the lovely Kat was there too, but she busted early. That was okay with me because I'd feel odd if I took out my backer. Plus her bustout meant she was able to concentrate on railing me, including some timely advice about switching from Steely Dan to AC/DC late in the tournament. You can't be aggressive listening to Steely Dan.

Wanna know my secret to going deep? I'm a pussy. I actually folded AAxx to a raise and a re-raise from the chip leader (I would have chopped) and I folded KKxx to a big raise from the chip leader. Not once, but twice. Does anyone else fold big hands late in PLO tournaments? Seriously, I'd like to know.

The 2nd place finish was enough to rocket me to first place on one of the side bets for the Summer Bankroll Challenge, which is a pretty cool deal.

I've been on a rush since then. After my cash in the PLO tournament, I celebrated by going to Diamond Lil's to punish the 8/16 game. Even with several bad beats, I'm managed 3 nice winning sessions. All sessions started with me in a serious hole, but I managed to dig out all three times. I even went back to the Muckleshoot (despite my self-imposed banishment for my horrible behavior last time) and booked a nice winning session at 3/5 spread limit.

The 'shoot session was interesting if only because I had no right to the win except that variance broke my way for a change. I pissed away 2 buy-ins at O8 prior to moving to the 3/5 table. Then I proceeded to piss away another $350 playing like a timid idiot. When I finally buckled down, I actually got lucky.

I have Kd-Jd in the BB. 4 limpers see a flop of 2d-3c-5d. I'm not thrilled with my 2nd high flush draw so I check. It checks to the button who has been very aggressive (and winning - go figure). He bets so I figure it's a good time for a check raise since he has nothing. I raise to $30. MP dude, who has been quiet, pumps it to $100. He has about $100 behind. Everyone else folds to me. I put him on A5 for TPTK and guess he might fold to a big re-raise so I go all in. He insta-calls with his nut straight.

Qd on the river and I'm back in this thing!

From there I didn't look back and finished with a nice score. I also had the opportunity to talk with Devin who was the dealer during my outburst. I was nice to be able to tell him that I really respect him and that he didn't deserve the abuse. For his part, he told me that I was justified in my actions. I disagree, but it's nice to know there were other opinions of how events unfolded.

Finally, congrats to Ron for taking 5th place in the $270,ooo poker tournament at the Muckleshoot. Nice score.

Aural Sommelier - NPR Edition

One of my guilty pleasures (I am a conservative after all) is listening to NPR every day, both on the drive to work and on the way home. It's the only organization I give money to besides the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Aside from the joy I get trying to identify the liberal bent to their news reporting (it's not really that hard), I also really enjoy just listening to the voices. I'm experienced enough that I can immediately tell when my favorites come on and who they are. It occurred to me this morning that these voices are not unlike another enjoyment of mine - fine wine. When I began to make comparisons, I thought it might be a good idea for a blog post. Feel free to disagree or add your own.

Linda Wertheimer - She was back on Morning Edition this morning and it's always a treat. To me, her voice is my absolute favorite drink - 18 year old single malt Macallan scotch. Rich, smooth and full, I could sit and listen to her all day.

Andrei Codrescu - I'm resisting the urge to call his voice straight vodka because of the obvious Russian connection. Instead, his voice is compelling and entertaining. Not like a fruity drink because there is always substance behind the words. There is humor also. To me, his voice is... a White Russian. Yes, I know there is vodka and yes, "Russian" is right in the title. Sue me. It's a bold but fun drink and that's how I feel.

Neal Conan - Another aural pleasure full of all kinds of hidden tastes, like a fine Merlot. I'm thinking J. Lohr circa 1997.

Renee Montagne - Renee is the usual host of Morning Edition and she's got a lovely voice. It's almost the richness of Linda, but not quite. I almost wanted to say she's like a 12 year old Macallan, but she's better than that and, while she's not quite as perfect as Linda, she's great in her own way. Perhaps a Glenlivet 18.

Steve Innskeep - I hate Steve Innskeep. He's bad for NPR and he's bad for my disposition. Like I said, I enjoy picking out the subtleties in the dialogue from the majority of NPR reports. Instead, Steve just wants to bash me on the head with his liberal hammer. His hatred of conservatives comes through whenever he talks politics. I think the only reason he is tolerated is because of the Keith Olbermann effect. I often wonder if Steve has a Keith-shrine in his basement. That said, when he's not talking politics, he's got a wonderful voice. Despite my love for the drink and my hatred for Steve, I still think he's a good Cabernet Sauvignon.

Diane Rehm - I'm a little embarrassed to say that her voice turns me off. She has struggled with the same affliction as Scott Adams (spasmodic dysphonia), and it comes through as almost a Parkinsonian warble when she talks. Her subject matter is always good - I just can't listen. Many people can and so I'm equating her with Anisette. To me it tastes like black licorice, which I dislike, but many people love it and good for them.

Dan Shore - Strangely, I didn't see him listed on the NPR personalities page. It doesn't get more senior than Dan. He was there, man! He voice has a richness of experience that you must respect, even if you disagree. A rare treat, I feel he is Johnny Walker Blue.

There are others I wanted to talk about including Bob Edwards, Corey Flintoff, Juan Williams, Ann Taylor, Michele Norris and my all time favorite Terry Gross, but I have to get back to my patients. Feel free to add any in the comments section.

The Blogger/Facebook/Twitter Conundrum

I am certainly not the first blogger to struggle with this. Heck, I'm probably not the first one today using this exact title for a post.

As the blogfather noted, Twitter (and Facebook, at least for me), are killing my blog. It used to be that when something interesting happened, I'd think, "This would make a good blog post." Now I think, "Where should this go?"

Like this weekend for instance. This was one of the best weekends in quite a while. The Wife is home back in Seattle, so we partied with a fellow poker player and then went to Snoqualmie Falls. Well, we played Rockband instead of poker and, while the falls were amazing, they don't quite fit here on the blog, especially since it was mostly photos, not story.

Oh well, at least here I can post some cool links.

I <3 the IRS

Seriously.

Aside from being a contract physician, I also have an internet-based business from my home. The taxes and forms almost make it not worth the effort, but it's too late to stop now.

I accidentally filed a form late (form 1120S if you care). I paid all my fees on time over the internet, but the actual form itself didn't get there until about 2 months after the due date. Another penalty. Oh well.

But wait!

When I called the IRS to ask which address to send my form, a very helpful woman named Judy answered. I told her about the late filing penalty and she said that this is the first year they are assessing the penalty. She told me they can automatically apply a "1st-time offender" waiver, which she did right there on the phone. $267 wiped away!

She also told me I could fax the form right to her (instead of mailing it), saving a several weeks in processing.

Our government actually working. W00t!!

University of Tampa 1988-1991

College was a strange time. I had just gotten out of the Army and was refocused on my goal of becoming a doctor. It all worked out, but sometimes you have to wonder.


I have more of these over on Facebook if you are interested.

Happy 4th of July!

On Anniversaries

Today is July 1st. That means it's been exactly one year since I got out of the Army. I remember dreaming of the day when I was finally free. All the things I could do. I would travel without having to get a threat-briefing. I would be able to come and go as I please. Hell, I could even smoke pot if I wanted (which I didn't).

Who could possibly imagine all the things that happened over the last year? Sure, I'm no longer a lieutenant colonel and no one salutes me any more. I also don't have to worry about going back to Iraq and I can honestly say I'm closer to my wife and family than ever before. That seems a little crazy since The Wife is living 800 miles away right now.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Choices

Falstaff is a friend of mine. Despite this character flaw, he's a damn fine writer. He's been writing his heart out over on his new blog and posting excerpts 1000 words at a time (he doesn't have an easy way to subscribe to his RSS, so just copy it and paste it into your reader). It makes for compelling reading in that chapbook kind of way since each 1000 words must stand on it's own and be entertaining. Aside from being a good read, it has the added benefit that it will likely piss off quite a few people given the subject matter. My kind of read!

Go. Read.

Thank me later.

Choices

Camelot

No, not Spamalot. Camelot!

Not a silly place

From Wikipedia:

Camelot is the most famous castle and court associated with the legendary King Arthur.

It's also strongly associated with JFK:

The charisma of Kennedy and his family led to the figurative designation of "Camelot" for his administration, credited by his wife...

That's how some have referred to my situation. It's certainly the face I present to the world, both here in the blog and in person. For the most part it's true. I really do have a great life. Sure, I've tried to screw it up a few times, but the foundation is too strong to let a moron like me crack it so easily.

I have no intention of letting you see all the way behind the curtain, but let's just say that over the last year, we've been tested more than any other time in our nearly two decades together. In fact, the test really began around the time I was preparing to leave for Iraq. The stress of that time, coupled with the crazy hours The Wife had to keep, plus the death of my Father, my return home, her losing her job... well, you get the idea.

It's easy to "work it out" when you can easily define the problem. Despite being a fairly intelligent couple (ok, she's much smarter than me, but dammit Jim, I'm a doctor, not a vice president!), we were not able to do so. For the first time, a space began to open between us. Over the last year, it widened to a chasm and threatened to consume us both. Let me put it this way - I was actually looking forward to The Wife moving to California without me. It's hard to type that even now. Read it again. That's crazy talk, right?

We seemed to turn a tiny corner when we went to Vegas several months ago. It was a little spark, but you have to keep blowing on the ember, and we didn't. I don't think we tried very hard. There were other sparks, too. I wrote about some of them on Facebook and here. In the midst of all this, The Wife officially moved out. I got a charge out of it when people asked how I was doing. "Good," I replied. "My wife just moved out."

It's true. The Wife is now a California resident and just "visits" us here in Washington. She's here this week in fact. This coincided nicely with the Entrepreneur of the Year awards, a black tie event we go to every year with her old firm, Ernst & Young. It was a little strange going this year because she doesn't work there anymore. Well, I'll let you in on a little secret since you've read this far - we are not above gloating. Damn right - she's a Vice President now, bitches!

I could really delve into some of the changes we've seen this week, but I won't. I'll leave you with this. We are better. In fact, we are getting better by leaps and bounds. My love for her has never been stronger. I will grow old with this woman if she's continue to put up with me.

Can you blame me?

Twitter

Dammit all, but I've been seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. You can now follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/DrChako

Happy Father's Day!

After a fantastic home game that lasted right into Father's Day (we broke at 3am), I was treated to a Father's Day brunch of crepes, bacon, eggs and candlelight. Of course, I was "forced" to watch the US Open while waiting for the head waiter and assistant waiter to take me to my seat.


Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.

Summer Bankroll Challenge!

It begins:


Edit: Should I be concerned that this is post 666?

Three Things

1. The lastest issue of Truckin' is out. Go read. I loved the short from Johnny Hughes.
2. The Wife and I are hosting a poker game this Saturday. What is your excuse for not coming?
3. Speaking of The Wife, she said some nice things about me. 'Bout time.

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Kidding

Random Notes

Today you get the random stuff stuck in my head.

• I played in the annual Boys & Girls Club charity golf event. Despite not having picked up a club this season (!), I hit one drive almost 300 yards and won the closest to the pin contest on hole #3.
• Everyone who paid $5 prior to their shot got a chance at the prize pool. Half of the money went to the charity and the other half to the winner.
• My take was $180.
• I gave it all back to the charity in the auction that followed.
• I played a little 1/3 NL poker while waiting to get The Wife's car fixed.
• Yes, I do my Honey-Do's on my day off.
• I folded TPTK to a river all-in when the guy to my left talked me off the hand. He flipped over his 6-high busted straight draw and dragged a huge pot.
• Perhaps it's the Karma from the golf event, but I eventually got all his money. I went on a sick run that involved getting my money in behind twice and once turning a set to beat a flopped set.
• On his final hand, I raised in the cut-off with Qc-9c (crubs!) and he went over the top for his last $60. I told him I had a crappy hand, but maybe the poker gods would pay me back for folding TPTK earlier. I was way up, so what the heck. He had me with K8o.
• I turned the straight.
• Karma!
• The Wife is back in California and I'm working all week. Anyone up for poker?

Summer Bankroll Challenge!

Last year, MHG and I had a prop bet to see who could build their bankroll the most in a set period of time. He kicked my butt with a score (get ready for it) of -40%. That's correct. He LOST 40% of his bankroll and still beat me.

Well, we are starting it up again, but opening the challenge to anyone interested. The rules are, you have to post a screen-cap of your online BR on June 20th. At the end of the contest (date TBD by MHG), you post another screen-cap. The person with the largest PERCENT increase wins.

We will not be playing for high enough stakes to cheat. Last time, I shipped him $5 for his victory. We looked at this as a way to really focus on good, solid play (yeah, like that did a lot of good).

Seriously, if you agree to join and DON'T PLAY AT ALL, you'll probably win.

Who's with us?

Racquetball!

Well, the spin class is getting easier, so yesterday morning I hit it again. Around 6:45 pm I was thinking this may have been a little too aggressive because I was playing racquetball with two kids who's combined ages probably didn't add up to mine.

It was a bit of a drag driving north for an hour and a half to get to the court, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good the games were. MeanHappyGuy, his buddy Travis (Trevor?) and I played a little cut throat. In the middle of the second game, Travis got a little winded and called it quits. Damn lazy kids! Well, technically they had been playing for a half hour before I got there, but it's no excuse. I did spin class that morning, dammit!

MHG and I played some singles, but got kicked off by the next group. We convened at his parents house for a cold beer and great conversation with his Mom.

Next time they come to me. I'm getting too old to be driving all over Hell's half acre to school a couple kids in the box.

They Passed!

As many of you know, not only am I a physician, but I'm also a teaching chief in a large residency. It's a 4 year residency and we have 5 doc per year. In order to be a board certified radiologist, you need to pass 3 boards: Physics, Writtens and Orals.

Before I got to my hospital, they had a pretty poor pass rate. Since I've been here, it's been 100%. I was a little nervous this year, but I just found out that once again, everyone passed! I'd like to think I had a small part in their success. It sure did feel good this morning when they each came to me and told me how much they appreciated all my teaching over the last 4 years.

Well done guys!

Double A/B on Full Tilt

I was bored on this quiet Sunday, so I decided to try my hand at a 275 FTP freeroll into the Daily Double B. Nailed it on the first try. I had no idea what a Daily Double B was, so I checked. It's a 10 + 2. Two seemed like a crazy high rake until I realized that $1 is set aside for a progressive jackpot which now stands a little over $32K. But you have to win the Double A and B at the same time.

So, of course I tried another 275 FTP to the Double A.


Come rail me if you're bored.

Edit:
A - out in 565th
B - out in 463rd

Nothing to see here. Go about your business.