Calistri's Corner

My father has been dead many years now, but one of his expressions has recently come back to haunt me. He used to say, “When they raid the whorehouse, they take all the girls; even the one just playin’ the piano.” As I ponder my current situation with Neteller, I realize that my technical “piano playing” did little to protect me. I, or rather my money, still ended up in the back of the wagon with the working girls.

As long as I’ve been playing online poker, I’ve never taken one dime out of the US to play. Because many of the people I write for are located outside the US, it was easy enough to divert some of my income to online sites through Neteller, without it touching US shores.  Having read many of the House bills over the years (which I never expected to pass), I did this on purpose; just in case. I dotted my i’s and crossed my t’s; I paid taxes on every cent I made whether it came to the US or not - even when it had no traceable income tax records (W2s, 1099s). So big whoop. Give me a f’ing gold star.

I visit my Neteller account balance (all income from legit writing gigs) every day.  Yes, my money is in prison, but I still feel the need to exercise my visitation rights. I’ve been taking the over on four weeks before I can spring it - and I’ve taken even money that I may never get it. I thought I was being pessimistic, but now that I’ve read Iggy, I may have to adjust the line.  [image above: computer generated artwork by Bill Strain]

Other than visiting my Neteller account, I’ve been playing a little online; putting me solidly in the “fiddling while Rome burns” camp. I played Event #1 of the WPBT on Full Tilt the other day. While I enjoyed the company immensely, I have to confess my play was uninspired.  I’m having some real issues on the flop this year. I had come to realize that my flop play was too predictable. But contrary to what they say, recognizing my problem was hardly the first step. In attempting to “change up” my flop play, I’ve completely lost my flop compass. It seems everyone else knows exactly what I’m doing on the flop now - except me. I’m slow playing strongish, but vulnerable, hands. I’m aggressively pushing crap.  And of course, once you’ve lost your flop mojo, you’ve pretty much given up any chance of achieving the big “O” on the river.

So, like Austin Powers, I’ve had to go back in time; back to my roots. I’m hoping a little Omaha hi/lo play at PokerStars will help the pieces of the puzzle fit together once again.Â

In the mean time, I’m keeping an eye on Harrah’s.  Some pretty strange news broke last week that has me wondering what is up with their buy-out.

And if you live in Vegas, check out Linda’s blog for a very important event at the Mirage. Our community is small, but we try to take care of our own.                          Â

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 30th, 2007 at 8:02 am and is filed under Uncategorized.