From: jim anderson
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:14:13 -0500
Subject: [BARGE] My scattered, thrown together, and tardy trip report...

I was a virgin in 2005.   I wasn't on the list pre-BARGE, so I
didn't know of any virgin status or class or activities, but my
impression after the fact was that there wasn't much.   I found the
group to be clique-y, but also open, and I had a great time.

I came back in 2006.   I found the group to be clique-y, but also
open, and I had a great time.   I started to realize that a lot of
it was me being "shy" or not throwing myself into the mix.

I skipped 2007.   I missed being there, but it was right for me at
the time to stay home.

I moved to Vegas Memorial Day weekend this year, so there was no
way I was going to miss 2008.   I had a great time, felt extremely
comfortable, and enjoyed getting to know many BARGErs better.   I
also regret not spending more time catching up with some old friends
(Momborquette (sp?), Rich Bremer, and Jordan Devenport come to mind,
but there were numerous others).   Someone mentioned in their trip
report making a concerted effort to focus on non-poker stuff this
year, and I see myself doing that more in the future.   I also
missed some BARGErs that didn't come this year (my friends from
Dallas, Raider Fan, and Tuscaloosa Johnny come to mind, but again,
this list should probably be longer).

I got down to Binion's in time for the nlhe shootout to HORSE on
Tuesday.   I played well, and badly, got really lucky - twice, and
still only managed to come in 2nd at my table.

I made it to my first Egg and I outing.   Met Bart and enjoyed our
conversation, mostly about sports betting.   I've supposedly barred
myself until basketball season, but look forward to hopefully picking
his brain more and maybe making some real money on hoops this year.
Breakfast was awesome.   Thanks, Ice.

I played in the lowball tournament.   As a guy that plays mostly
razz and triple draw online, I felt comfortable playing lowball.
I also got some great cards.   And, I drank a lot.   By the time I
got to the final table, I was pretty toasted.   But, I was also
happy, due to my first cash in three BARGEs.   I met Tom Bayes, saw
Kubey - who was nice enough to remind me of a couple beats I took
at TARGET, talked some (rather mild) shit to Richard Brodie, and
proceeded to donk my way out in 5th.

I went to the sushi outing, which is a must for me after going in
2006.   Heather and I actually went back to I Love Sushi tonight
(the sushi outing was her first BARGE experience).   That place is
great, the company is great, and I recommend it to everyone.   Thanks
to Asya.

I ran some errands and "worked" Friday (I am about the worst player
in Vegas that is trying to earn a living playing cards).

I got up early Saturday, feeling good.   I got to Binion's, somewhat
surprisingly, in time for the first hand (and ran into Randy in
time to buy myself back - dumb move).    I played okay.    I made
a couple good moves, overall played a little too tight, and ended
up going out in the 60s somewhere when I "had" to push with 78dd.
I never really had the chips to contend, but next year - watch out.

After the tourney, I played in some reindeer games, and actually
made a little money.   I came home to take a quick nap, shower and
change, and grab Heather to head back for the Banquet.   We enjoyed
getting to know the people at our table.   Then, Mr. Schneider began
his talk.   I ate it up.   I understand the objections to his content
- poker and non, but I enjoyed it.   I got more out of it than I
did Wil or Phil (although I enjoyed both of their talks).   And,
Heather mentioned afterwards wanting to talk to him and tell him
how funny she thought he was.   So, he had at least two people that
genuinely joined the ovation afterwards.

I donated half my winnings from the lowball tournament to the players
at my lowball table after the banquet, but had a great time doing
so and learned a few things in the process.

I received three pics from Rodney while playing lowball, that are
now in a nice frame thanks to Heather.   I thought doing those pics
was the nuts, and made a small donation to the Nevada SPCA after
Rodney said a donation to any charity was what he usually mentioned
to people that asked.   Thanks again, Rodney.

And, obviously thanks to the organizers.   Awesome.

Ok, I'm leaving out a ton, but nobody's still reading anyway.   I
look foward to next year.

Jim Anderson