Quest of a Closet Poker Player

Day 2A was a day where most of the players in the room weren’t there at the end of the night.  So many left, in fact, that they had to grind a halt to play halfway through the 5th level.

If you’ve read my blog, you know I don’t jump into the trendy scandal or happening of the moment.  You’ll see nothing about Hellmuth’s car stunt nor his horrendous outfit.  I was stopped yesteday to take a picture of Gavin Smith walking out in his court jester outfit (I passed).  Then there’s Brandi.

I first spoke to Brandi Hawbaker over the phone.  She didn’t seem like the bizarre young girl on 2+2.  She brought a cat I think to the Rio, she’s posted a bunch of stuff on forums whenever she’s faded.  Then she left for much of the day only to return.  “I’ve been in the hospital,” she told me, with the cotton on her arm where my assumption is she received an IV.  I can’t figure her out, that’s for sure.

Had some great interviews today after another no communication to me (”Is there a Craig Cunningham,” said the security guard.  “There is a Kat something out here to see you.”)  That would be Katja Thater, who I’ve followed through the WSOP.  Great, fun interview.

Daniel Negreanu immediately afterwards.  I sat in the Poker Royalty suite with Daniel on a leather sofa while Phil Hellmuth played Wii bowling.  We were talking about his parents, and Daniel said, “My parents were very poor in Romania.  They’ve always valued a dollar.”

Hellmuth chiped up,” Unlike you, Daniel.  If I offered you $15k a hole to play me, you’d leave this room immediately.”

“If you offered me $15k a hole, I’d leave,” I chirped up.

Some good stuff, talking about his faith and his wife.  He’s very open, and it was when we got into new territory that his voice softened and we talked rather than conducted an interview.

I know I left folks hanging, but Fuel went out after a rough hand Monday afternoon before the dinner break. We had dinner with cmitch and friends from Vancouver.  cmitch=super nice guy.

It looks like an all-nighter tonight as I try to do day-job stuff that has overwhelmed me.   Sweetie and the boys have returned to the ATL, and I unfortunately need to draft her into getting some things knocked out for me.

Get some sleep for me.  More tomorrow.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 at 4:29 am and is filed under Uncategorized.