Mattlog

Day 3

1:30 We're up.

We're getting up later and later.We're planning on hitting a poker tournement at Binion's on Fremont street. We watch the final episode of the Surreal Life. We;ve been catching the odd episode all weekend. Wierd that Brady guy hooking up with the hot chick. Lucky ass.

After showers we head down to Fremont Street. We sign up around six for the tournement put in our 70 bucks for $1500 in chips. We wander the street for a while. Jeff's forgotten his prescrption in the room. SO we make a quick stop at the Walgreens here on Fremont and they sell him four pills out of scrip.

Back to Binion's after some Pizza.

All of us are bit nervous about settling into the same tables that Chris Moneymaker and Doyle Brunson have played at. Aj and I discuss playing tight for a while I wonder about the cut off point. Like A-8 could be viable (especially if flop an 1-8.) The announcement comes "Blinds are 25-50 shuffle up and deal." And, swear to God, my first hand's an A-8 suited. I'm small blind so I through in 25. Just cause you gotta. Flop comes: 6-9-10. I fold.

And pretty much the rest of the game goes like that. I get A-8 and A-9 a couple of times. Got Q-6 I swear like 7 times. These are the hands you want playing tight. Next thing I know, Aj's almost out. He then rebuys. I get pocket Kings. I call the 100 blind. The flop comes up no good for anyone. I start. 400. everyone folds. Only good hand I've had and no one wants to party.

Next thing I know Aj's out. Last chance to rebuy. I have no cash. We break for 15 while all the money's counted. 10th place is 118 and first is 1180. Everything else is in between.

I playing tight now, short stacked. Wishing I had another 20 on me. As it is, I'm still getting 6-8 and 9-3. I win a hand on a bluff. The chick to my left thinks I'm bluffing but doesn't call. Good thing I would have lost. I win about 1500. Next thing I know blinds are 200-300 with a $20 ante for everyone. A hand later Jeff's out. Two hands later after my ante and blind, I sit with a 500 chip. I have K-J suited. I go all in. Flop comes up something. It's a blur as my hearts pounding. The flops all black to my suited diamonds. I know I'm doomed when the other two still in continue to bet. One guy has a straight. I don't even have a pair.

No we're truly bummed. Aj since he's been out has been playing $1-$2 poker. He's up so Jeff and I wander around. He puts some money on craps something he usually plays very well. But the tables cold and people crap out all the time. Half hour later Jeff's down more money. We keep drinking for free. Finally up another hundred Aj cashes in and we the newly fixed, Fremont street. The LED lights they've added it tight, that you play video on the roof. It's amazing.

Following Fremont, we head to a bar cross the street from Hard Rock moan and groan about the tourney and our lack of cards. About 4 am we make it bed a bit on the toasty side.

And have I mentioned lately that I love my girlfriend?? SOOO much. Even though I tell her that I will do nice things and then I don't. I still love her. And she is BY FAR much hotter than any of the "wait staff" or girls in Vegas...even the Christina Aguilera outfit. Just wanted to add that in there.

Cause my girlfriend likes to copy my own antics on her blog. She's funny.

Day 2

11:30 Up. Hungry.

We decide we're going to swim today so we opt for lunch at the pool and then sunning on the beach area.

12:00

Pools hot. Lots of girls, lots of alcohol and swim up blackjack. Problem is tempeture cool. It's abou 72 degrees and none of us think that swimming is a good idea anymore. A couple of beers and lunch.

3:00

A day playing games at Gameworks. Two hours of fun. And beer.

6:00

Showers and suits. We're on our way to Blue Man group. They're a group I've wanted to check out since they were a crazy off broadway hit in New York. Now they tour and have a daily show in Vegas. The oddity of the show, the energy is what's been bringing people back. I bought the tickets for Aj's birthday and I hope I'm not let down.

2:12 AM - Back in the room.

Quite a night. I don't know what to say about BLue Man other than fantastic. A high energy show that you can't quite describe but can EASILY recommend. It's a feast for your senses. (Did I just say that?) Next time you're in Vega$ give it a whirl. It's worth the money. I laughed a lot.

Following the show it was a way too expensive dinner at the Luxor Steakhouse. Simply amazing. Ny York Strip for me cooked medium, with a green peppercorn sauce poured on top. (The peppercorns were green, not the sauce.) A side ceaser salad costing (wait for it) ... $7.00. I guess they can get away with charging that, I mean, they did, despite the same ceaser salad at Applebee's is $1.99, but I digress, and a Tiramsu for $9. But sooooooo good everything was way too delicious.

But our night wasn't over yet (it was only like 10:45 at the time) we headed tound the corner to the Palms. We played here last year, just a ring game not a tourney (that's tomorrow). I played for four hours last year and only lost 20. Not so lucky this year. As always as soon as I sit down, first hand is a pair of queens. I dunno how the table's betting so I throw out some chips. Win the hand and I'm up $25. Good hand. Next thing I know I'm up 50. Then the table starts to recede and now the $2-$4 blinds are killing me. with in a half hour I'm at just $50 dollars. Jeff was up almost $100 and then he too became decimated. Once the table fills up I lose an Ace-High Straight to an Ace-High flush and that's when I call it quits.

Aj ends up being the only up after the night. Sad, we head back to the room.

Matt

Day 1

9:38 Austin-Bergstrom Airport.

It's too early. I'm hardly... hardly keeping my eyes open. I've fallen asleep twice in these wholly uncomfortable chairs. People going to Vega$ are starting to show up. It's amazing the varying types who go to Vega$. Old people, young people, rich... err... the hardly rich. It's Saturday no one's going to Vega$ on business. I wonder how many of the old people are going on an annual pilgramage.

Our trip is hardly a pilgrimage, we're just having fun somewhere else. Everything, except gambling, we'd do here.

I wonder where Jeff and I stand look like in this group? Do we look like college kids (I hope) looking for fun? Or middle aged guys looking for the fortune and glory of our youth? Yesterday at Six FLags a kid scolded his friend by saying "You just hit that man." Man? Not guy or kid? Man? Ugh.

12:28 Vegas Time. The Pink Taco.

The Pink Taco is an "authentic" Mexican restaraunt inside the Hard Rock. We're both tired but the room's not ready yet. Luckily we're also hungry.

12:50 Pink Taco

The list of tequlias is long and Jeff chooses one. We shoot it. It's tradition, a shot of tquilia to start our Vegas Time. We wash down some pink tacos with Coronas.

1:30 Still Waiting Hard Rock Hotel

If anyone's planning on building a restaraunt or bar... I ask one requirement. Stalls for urinals in the bathroom. There are so many reasons... most involve a simulation of privacy. Many include something to lean on when you're drunk or not having to see seomone puke in a urinal.

3:05 Still waiting.

We're sitting on a purple couch. I've fallen asleep so many times. In a display next to me is the powder blue sweat suit than Eminem wore when he sang with Elton John at the Grammy's. John's pink pola-dotted outfit stands next to it. The pool area is gigantic. The purple pool towels match the purple bathign suits worn by the hot wait-staff in the area. There's even a sandy beach. Or two. But none of this matters as I've been up for 10 hours with 8 more before Aj's arrival.

4:15 In room.

Sleep.......

8:15 Room

Nice room. Flat Screen TV. Our moutain view is hardly that... but Aj has a fine pic of it, so he'll explain.

9:15 Hard Rock Cafe'

Still awaiting Aj's arrival. Tired. Very Tired. Eating.

10:15 Hotel

Jeff's up $75. Nickel slots. Bastard. The Joint, a club here at Hard Rock has a line out the door. I walk by, for the third time, a sweet out fit hangling behind glass. First thing I noticed when I walked into the hotel today. Christina Aguilera's outfit from the "Dirrty" video.

11:30 Aj arrives.

1:00 Am

After a few beers it's back to the room and sleep.

Week

The meeting between sis and GF was a success. As I knew it would be. They had lunch together on Tuesday. That's what women do who like each other right? At least on Sex in the City.

Karen likes a relaxed Vacation, so we haven't done much beyond a few drinks and play some TIger. Took her to the Alamo drafthouse with Kristen to see Sin City. It's funny, how when you become attatched to someone you start looking at stuff through their eyes. Well watching Sin City with a bunch of guys is different than watching it with your girlfriend who flinches at a bee sting.

I should amend my review by stating "holy shit is this movie violent, but in a total noir, wow aren't thos gun shots loud kinda way. there's only two scenes that made look away." And knowing it was once a comic book probably helps too.

So today Karen and I drove down to San Antonio for some Six Flags action. Rode some roller coasters lines weren't long it being a school day and all. Prediction of rain may have kept people away, too. But it was really nice and the rides were awesome. Superman is probably still my favorite roller coaster there and we rode it three times twice in the from seat.

Now riding in the front seat of most roller coasters doesn't have much thrill for me. Especially on wooden roller coasters because you're usually half way down the big hill before any real speed occurs. But on Supes, there's no floor, nothing above you. You're on a seat but you can't see much of the ride around you. ANd if you put your feet straight in front of you, it's really like your flying. I highly reccomend it.

The Rattler their long jutting wooden roller coasters jars the bejesus out of you. I had a headache getting off it.

Good day. We're napping eating then heading down to 6th street for a few hours. Then it's back up at 6:45 to get Karen to the airport and Jeff and I to Vega$.

So I'll write probably friday with details and pics. Till then wish me luck that return with at least as much as I brought.

Matt

Tidbits

Busy week ahead. My sis is flying into town tomorrow night. Pickin her up, going to eat. Spend the week showing her the glory that is austin, TX.

Then Vegas.

Packing and stuff just so I have less to do with Karen around. I'll forget something I'm sure. It's my M.O.

I only wrote once last week cause work's been piling on the hours. I'm not complaining, I'm making way too good money. But it leaves time for little else. Ryan went and bought a poekr table so we've been having some poker tourney's lately. That's been fun but I've been getting rivered in Hold 'Em like you wouldn't believe.

Been hungry a lot lately. I have been running 20 minutes a day for a few weeks. Picking up wieghts no and again. Nothing special. But all this has been making me eat lots more. It's ridiculous. Back on a 3 a day meal schedule. Even now I'm heating some pizza.

Have you tried Budweiser Select yet? It's not bad. My initial tasting was that it lacked ..er any taste, but I've since recinded. I like it. It's Bud's Low Carb beer. So I like it.

Will write on Wednesday. Will have stuff to talk about with Karen's arrival and meeting between her and Kristen. *Dramatic musical chord*

Well that's a teaser if I ever seen one.

Matt

Amazed...

Don't everyone be jealous at once, now. It was a pure accident. But, I just bought my tickets to Episode III. I know there's 35 days before the Midnight showing but you know, these things have to be done. 35 days and I got 10 tickets. Already signed on are Ryan, Jeff, Kristen, Myself, Cecil, Donnie, and Jonathon. That's seven. 3 more lucky people.

Trying to make a big deal of it... as if I hadn't already.

Bought some SW toys on the 1st. Not too many... didn't go crazy like I did for EP I. That was 99 I was living at home and I spent like 120 I think. I spent half that, this time. Played it cool.

My girlfriend is awesome... she went with me and Jeff. Helped hold stuff while I dug. We also spent the day together yesterday and had an awesome time. Ran some errands and she even put up with me as I stared lovingly at more Star Wars displays... I didn't buy anything, though. Vega$ in 10 days.

My sis is coming into town next so I look foward to that. She hasn't seen Sin City yet so we'll be seeing that again. Taking her Bucca de Beppo's the tastiest Italian place. Other enjoyments including a trip down to Sixth Street, the Alamo Drafthouse and maybe a road trip.

Then Vega$. Oh boy. That's a busy two weeks. Oh and Cubs game in Houston on the 30th.

Held a poker game last night at the house. Got rivered twice. The second time got two Ace-2 one the flop which paired with the A-2 in my hole. I go all in. Some one followed me. We show our cards. My two pair is impressive. He has A-4. The turn is a 3. The river is a 5. I cried.

The kid had never actually played before. He ended up winning. I told him he was never allowed back in the house. But that he better come back next week so I can win my money back. I say it all with a grin. A wicked evil grin. But he knew I was joking... or thought I was.

That's poker, anyway. Bastard.

Matt

Updating Your List

Well it's that time year of to update the top people on your list that if you HAD the chance to sleep with you could.

The following choices are only imaginary. Any true choices would have to be run by girlfriend who always say no because girlfriends understand commitment better than most men. No betting allowed on any of the picks. This contract is null and void as soon as said girlfriend sees it.

Last year mine looked like THIS.

This year three changes have been made. Gone are Nicole Kidman (who I still love) and Jennifer Aniston (but she's got alot going on now with the whole divorce) and Rena Sofer who is just plain beautful. But here's the new list in order. IN ORDER!

1. Christina... cause you know she's just dang woggy woggy hot. I love her. But Kristen understands cause she's got Will.

2. Natalie Portman.

Also on last years list. Just a hotty who's brilliant. I mean smart and funny and a damn good actress. Garden State is one of her best films.

3. Jessica Alba

Always been a hottie, but her performance in Sin City but her over the top for me... she's looks damn sexy in that movie. And I like that story line. Though seriously Marv's story line is probably the best. But she's got a smoldery... yummy... look that works with both blonde and dark hair. Much like Christina.

The next pick is the left field pick...

4. Adriana Lima.

Don't know her name but know her by the man dozens of Victoria Secret Catalogues you've seen her in. And I've seen her in a few. She's just .... *toungue hangs out*

The final pick is the old school pick...

5. Alyssa Milano

Always have been in love... will continue. She just has something I love that's... easy to drool over. She got me through puberty... which, for the record, you should never say to her. She hates that.

Well, I'm out to buy flowers for my girlfriend cause after reading this she won't be taking my calls despite the legal mumbo jumbo above.

Love you, baby.

Matt

My So-Called Boring Life

I was thinking the today... You know I've got the time I should really write something on the blog today. You know try and maintain a level of newness on here from time to time. But I thought... Nay, nothing interesting has happened. Which is not entirely true. In fact it's wrong. A lot of fun stuff happened this weekend but I just Assumed nothing interesting had happened. Cause I have what I think is a pretty uneventful life. But stuff happens and I need to realize it.

Anyway, Friday night Ryan, my friend. Donnie, Kristen and I went and watched out AAA Round Rock Express play the Astros. Petite was on the mound and the guy in person is a monster. A really tall built guy. Huge. Express held their own but eventuallu the Astros hit a couple of balls (including a dinger) and ended up winning 7-2.

Then we sat in traffic for an hour. Whoo.

Satuday I worked... particularly boring. Played some XBOX. I'm in the middle of about 5 games now. Traded my GameCube Tiger Woods for an XBOX TIger Woods so I'm reinventing my career there. Playing Lord of the Rings, the Third Age. Awesome game True RPG. And Ian McKellan doing awesome voice overs. Got a season on MVP Baseball 2005. Cubs are leading the league in Wins 32-21. Ryan and I in a CO-OP game of Splinter Cell: Choas Theory. The two player Co-op rules. Never Finished Halo 2. And I'm about 6 hours away of, finally, finishing Resident Evil 4... which is still probably the best game I've played all year.

Been playing some Poker on FullTiltPoker.com cause that's where Phil Gordon has told me to play. His book is awesome. I've found that on the site people with Play Money play more realistically then some of the other sites I've been to.

And Finally on NPR there's a great interview from Kevin Smith about Robert Rodreiquz and Frank Miller on the making of Sin City. There's the edited version they used on Radio but the extended one hour interview is fascinating and if you've seen Sin City and love listen to it. Heck, even if you haven't and want to know what the hype's about. Click here to listen.

That's all I got today. I'll write Wednesay. 19 days till Vega$. Yeah, baby.

Sin City

Do you remember how in 1995 ever yone saw Pulp Fiction and said it changed the world of cinema?

Be ready to be wowed again. I hate blowing movies up. I hate saying their masterpieces cause when people go to see them well, they tend to end up disappointed. But whatever it is you think you're going to see when you see SIN CITY. You're not ready for it.

The movie is fuckin' brilliant. I know I used the f-bomb I've used it three maybe four times... but this thing is spectacular. And it's not hard to figure out what scene Quentin Tarintino "guest directed." It weaves a great tale told in Classic Noir complete with voice over and comedy, And don't think anyone ends up happy.

The visual style of the film is superb. It's nothing you've seen. It's what Dick Tracy was scared to do. Robert Rodreiguez quit the DGA so he could give Frank Miller a co-direct credit... cause after seeing a shot by shot comparison of the comic... the guy deserves it. Although Rodreuguez shot it, Frank really gave something into the visuals of the film. You can know what shots were from the book.

Now in an odd occurence, I didn't actually know much about it going in. I had seen trailer after trailer for it and all the posters and I knew OF the comic it's based on but never read it or anything.

It's the sort of thing I really should have written. I have a wierd streak that runs in me about women and how they should really be taking over the world they just don't know it yet... this movie could have sprung from my innards. Maybe not as graphically... if you all know anything about Yellow Bastard you know where of I speak.

Bruce Willis... I don't think there's much he's done where I don't love him. Elijiah Wood is all sorts of messed up... and Jessica Alba although she's not usually on my top 5 list may have been put there by this film. Clive Owen is bad ass, and Benicio is ... well, Benicio. Good as always.

In true form too, the Alamo where I see 95% of all my films, had a midnight showing of it. THey had Pole Dancers and Trivia. I answered the second question of the night... a real zinger no one should know. Firstly, the guy asking all the questions gave us shit because we didn't wanna sit in the first row but despite being 1/2 hour early the only seats sitting three across were in the front.

Then we sat down watched some RANDOM pole dancing... no naked chicks, just random pole dancers... in keeping with the film... then asked the first question which I should have known but didn't. What other fims did Frank Miller write. ANswer being Robocop 2 and 3.

The next question about Bruce Willis though.... what was the name of the 1988 albumn released by Bruce Willis. My hand was up before he finished the question.

"Oh my god" the announcer replies...
"Sadly," I say, "I don't just know it. I own it."
"What is it? The world is dying to know."
"The Return of Bruno," I answer.
"Oh, my god" is the reply. I scored 4 movie passes to the Alamo and collector Sin City set of Magnets. Er... or Babe magnets as they are called. Comedy. Both were brought to my seat my two scantily clad hot chickies. (Sorry, babe.)

So, if you're ready to see something new and unique and totally violent GO SEE THIS MOVIE. I'm going to see it again. Assuredly.

Matt