狗急跳墙
gou ji tiao qiang
A cornered dog will jump over a wall | To be driven to extremities | To take desperate measures when driven to the wall.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Friday, August 29, 2008
Texas Hold'em - APT Tournament Macau
I am in Macau this week and I have spent the past week at the APT Texas Hold'em Tournament. APT is the "Asian Poker Tour" and was held at the Galaxy Casino here in Macau. It featured players from Asia and around the world. Purse is 1.5 million US dollars.
Did okay, played a freeroll and won a free satellite entry into the main event. Played in the satellite entry and got knocked out after about 1-1/2 hours of play, not great but not too bad. I could have bought into the main event but the buy-in was $5300 US Dollars...too rich for my blood and I don't think I am anywhere good enough to sink that kind of money in to play against pros.
Speaking of pros, I got to meet Doyle Brunson. He was at the tournament and had a book signing. They were giving away free books and posters. I got 2 of his books and a poster...the books were signed by him. Nice man, very soft spoken and unpretentious.
Still in Macau and will be here through the weekend. Playing a few cash games at the poker room in the Grand Lisboa and so far am up about $6000 HK dollars (about $900 US).
Not sure if anybody is still reading this blog so I guess I am blogging for myself so I can remember this week....it has truly been fun!
Did okay, played a freeroll and won a free satellite entry into the main event. Played in the satellite entry and got knocked out after about 1-1/2 hours of play, not great but not too bad. I could have bought into the main event but the buy-in was $5300 US Dollars...too rich for my blood and I don't think I am anywhere good enough to sink that kind of money in to play against pros.
Speaking of pros, I got to meet Doyle Brunson. He was at the tournament and had a book signing. They were giving away free books and posters. I got 2 of his books and a poster...the books were signed by him. Nice man, very soft spoken and unpretentious.
Still in Macau and will be here through the weekend. Playing a few cash games at the poker room in the Grand Lisboa and so far am up about $6000 HK dollars (about $900 US).
Not sure if anybody is still reading this blog so I guess I am blogging for myself so I can remember this week....it has truly been fun!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sunday, November 04, 2007
In Memoriam - Marvin H. "Buddy" Bounds, Jr.
Departed this life October, 20, 2007
From the last email to me:
I will miss you my friend....I remember playing duets with you in the big Victorian house on Rail Road St. The music spinning and twisting it’s way through the thick aromas coming from the tobacco warehouses downtown and mingling with the sweetness of the honeysuckle vines climbing the pecan trees out in the yard.
The cool autumn air lies lightly upon thankful flesh. Raising goosebumps of delight. Summers in South Georgia are a particularly harsh form of Hell. They must be endured in order to be appreciated. Torture indeed. Autumn was glorious respite.
I remember the siren song of gaudy music coming from the “Fall Fair” crammed onto the dirt lots and alleyways behind the rickety old warehouses. Those dusty fields, known only once a year as the “Fairgrounds”, were a wonderland of activity, movement and flashing lights. Smiles all around and laughter rose to a tumult.
The barker’s spiel calling out over an unimaginable dreamscape directly to the eager hearts of entertainment starved children in tiny towns. Strange men calling with promises of mystery and amusement.
“Step right up folks.” “100% guaranteed to be Alive.” “See the ancient wonders in your own backyard.”
I loved autumn in Hahira back then. The smells and emotions waft over me still. Candy apples and memories that stick to this day.
Monday, September 03, 2007
You Know You've Lived Here Too Long When...
1. You’re at an expensive western restaurant and don’t even notice the guy at the next table yelling into his cell phone
2. You walk backwards in the park listening to a transistor radio
3. The China Daily is your source for hard hitting, fast breaking, investigative journalism
4. You smoke in crowded elevators.
5. All white people look the same to you
6. You no longer need tissues to blow your nose
7. You find western toilets uncomfortable
8. You throw your used toilet paper in the basket (as a courtesy to the next person)
9. It’s OK to throw rubbish, including old fridges, from your 18th-floor window
10. You believe that pressing the elevator button 63 times will make it move faster
11. You aren’t aware that one is supposed to pay for software
12. You think that a $7 shirt is a rip-off
13. You always leave tray and trash on the table when you are in Starbucks, McDonalds or KFC because you insist it is the way to keep everyone employed
14. You have no reservations about spitting sun flower seeds on the restaurant floor
15. You feel cheated if you don’t receive a full head and shoulder massage when getting a haircut
16. You blow your nose or spit on the restaurant floor (of course after making a loud hocking noise)
17. You no longer wait in line, but go immediately to the head of the queue
18. It becomes exciting to see if you can get on the elevator before anyone can get off
19. It is no longer surprising that the only decision made at a meeting is the time and venue for the next meeting
20. You no longer wonder how someone who earns US$ 400.00 per month can drive a Mercedes
21. You accept the fact that you have to queue to get a number for the next queue
22. You believe everything you read in the local newspaper
23. You regard it as part of the adventure when the waiter correctly repeats your order and the cook makes something completely different.
24. You are not surprised when three men with a ladder show up to change a light bulb
25. You look over people’s shoulder to see what they are reading
26. You honk your horn at people because they are in your way as you drive down the sidewalk
27. When car accidents become a source of heartwarming humour
28. When shopping at the supermarket some laowai (foreigner) stares you down for catching you looking into his basket while you wonder to yourself what laowai’s eat
29. You have a pinky fingernail an inch long
30. You burp in any situation and don’t care
31. You think Pizza Hut is high-class and worth standing in line for
32. You have learned how to detect someone is in a hurry behind you, and now have the ability to not only walk very slowly but also grow eyes in the back of your head, so when they start to overtake on the right hand side, you automatically cut in and walk very slowly directly in front of them
33. You have absolutely no sense of traffic rules
34. You start calling other foreigners Lao Wai
35. You start cutting off large vehicles on your bicycle
36. You go shopping in pajamas
37. Firecrackers don’t wake you up
38. Forks feel funny
39. You realize that smiling and nodding is Chinese body language for, “Go away; leave me alone.”
40. You don’t bother to take the sticker off the lenses of your fake Ray-Bans
41. You only wear a suit when you dig ditches or do home repairs
42. Your handshake is weakening by the day
43. You cannot say a number without making the appropriate hand sign
44. You like the taste of Green Tea and Chivas
45. You start recognising the chinese songs on the radio and sing along to them with the taxi driver
46. You feel insulted when you enter a restaurant and only three waiters welcome you
47. When you wonder how come your friends in your country just buy ten DVDs per year
48. When you pull the bottom of your t-shirt up over your beer gut and proceed to walk around like that for an hour after you've eaten.
49. When people ask you "what is this in English" or how do you translate this, your mind goes blank because you have forgotten too.
50. You stare at other foreigners.
51. You know words in Chinese for which you don't know the translation in English.
52. You whole-heartedly agree with things that you don't agree with.
53. You just love it when new visitors from the states arrive and give you their list of what they will and won't do and eat.
54. You start thinking instant coffee tastes pretty good.
These are just a few and there is more. I will add more as they come to mind or as I find them on the net. Not all of these are mine, but all of these are true!
2. You walk backwards in the park listening to a transistor radio
3. The China Daily is your source for hard hitting, fast breaking, investigative journalism
4. You smoke in crowded elevators.
5. All white people look the same to you
6. You no longer need tissues to blow your nose
7. You find western toilets uncomfortable
8. You throw your used toilet paper in the basket (as a courtesy to the next person)
9. It’s OK to throw rubbish, including old fridges, from your 18th-floor window
10. You believe that pressing the elevator button 63 times will make it move faster
11. You aren’t aware that one is supposed to pay for software
12. You think that a $7 shirt is a rip-off
13. You always leave tray and trash on the table when you are in Starbucks, McDonalds or KFC because you insist it is the way to keep everyone employed
14. You have no reservations about spitting sun flower seeds on the restaurant floor
15. You feel cheated if you don’t receive a full head and shoulder massage when getting a haircut
16. You blow your nose or spit on the restaurant floor (of course after making a loud hocking noise)
17. You no longer wait in line, but go immediately to the head of the queue
18. It becomes exciting to see if you can get on the elevator before anyone can get off
19. It is no longer surprising that the only decision made at a meeting is the time and venue for the next meeting
20. You no longer wonder how someone who earns US$ 400.00 per month can drive a Mercedes
21. You accept the fact that you have to queue to get a number for the next queue
22. You believe everything you read in the local newspaper
23. You regard it as part of the adventure when the waiter correctly repeats your order and the cook makes something completely different.
24. You are not surprised when three men with a ladder show up to change a light bulb
25. You look over people’s shoulder to see what they are reading
26. You honk your horn at people because they are in your way as you drive down the sidewalk
27. When car accidents become a source of heartwarming humour
28. When shopping at the supermarket some laowai (foreigner) stares you down for catching you looking into his basket while you wonder to yourself what laowai’s eat
29. You have a pinky fingernail an inch long
30. You burp in any situation and don’t care
31. You think Pizza Hut is high-class and worth standing in line for
32. You have learned how to detect someone is in a hurry behind you, and now have the ability to not only walk very slowly but also grow eyes in the back of your head, so when they start to overtake on the right hand side, you automatically cut in and walk very slowly directly in front of them
33. You have absolutely no sense of traffic rules
34. You start calling other foreigners Lao Wai
35. You start cutting off large vehicles on your bicycle
36. You go shopping in pajamas
37. Firecrackers don’t wake you up
38. Forks feel funny
39. You realize that smiling and nodding is Chinese body language for, “Go away; leave me alone.”
40. You don’t bother to take the sticker off the lenses of your fake Ray-Bans
41. You only wear a suit when you dig ditches or do home repairs
42. Your handshake is weakening by the day
43. You cannot say a number without making the appropriate hand sign
44. You like the taste of Green Tea and Chivas
45. You start recognising the chinese songs on the radio and sing along to them with the taxi driver
46. You feel insulted when you enter a restaurant and only three waiters welcome you
47. When you wonder how come your friends in your country just buy ten DVDs per year
48. When you pull the bottom of your t-shirt up over your beer gut and proceed to walk around like that for an hour after you've eaten.
49. When people ask you "what is this in English" or how do you translate this, your mind goes blank because you have forgotten too.
50. You stare at other foreigners.
51. You know words in Chinese for which you don't know the translation in English.
52. You whole-heartedly agree with things that you don't agree with.
53. You just love it when new visitors from the states arrive and give you their list of what they will and won't do and eat.
54. You start thinking instant coffee tastes pretty good.
These are just a few and there is more. I will add more as they come to mind or as I find them on the net. Not all of these are mine, but all of these are true!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Motorcycle Built for Two
Daisy, Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a motorcycle made for two.
Okay commenters send me a caption for this picture!
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a motorcycle made for two.
Okay commenters send me a caption for this picture!
Photo from moobol.com
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Things to do in Guangzhou if you are bored - Go to the XinJiang Restaurant and watch the bellydancers
Yes, that is a real snake. This little slideshow is from my recent visit to the XinJiang restaurant in GuangZhou. The food is from XinJiang province and is Muslim food, no pork - mainly lamb. The Chinese people in Xinjiang are mainly Muslim and belong to the Uyghur minority group. They do not resemble the Han Chinese but closely resemble the people of Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Norvell Spearman, Jr.
Thirteen years ago today was the last time we spoke, the last time I heard your voice. You were in Hialeah, I was in Atlanta. We discussed plans about seeing each other during Christmas. Little did I know that this would be the last time that we would speak. I would have loved to have used a different picture but this is all I have left of you. This picture and precious memories.During our time together, we had our disagreements - brothers always do. But you were much more than a brother. You were 15 years my senior. More of a father to me than a brother. You took me places with you and entertained me. You shared your life and knowledge with me. You gave me a great appreciation of reading, you taught me how to play chess, how to fish and when no one else could understand my problems, you were always there to lend an ear, to give suggestions.
I remember the summer I spent with you in Arkansas. Both of us so far away from home. Playing chess, reading my first Sherlock Holmes story - "A Study in Scarlet" - which you bought for me, getting up early and fishing at the lake (I cast your prized rod and reel into the lake and you dove in and got it), making instant pizza, eatin' raisins and baptizing me into Christ. Precious memories, how they linger.
You would be proud of your children. They are great, intelligent kids, they miss you deeply. You also have a wonderful granddaughter that was born the year after you died. You would love her. Intelligent, beautiful girl with your brown eyes.
I am sorry that we didn't have more time together. I miss you brother. How you ever flood my soul.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Things to do in Guangzhou if you are bored - Go to Hong Kong!
 |
| From Hong Kong Tri... |
My trip last weekend to Hong Kong. This a view from Victoria Peak overlooking the skyscrapers of Hong Kong island. In the distance, across the bay, is Kowloon. Had baby-back ribs at Hard Rock Cafe and a great American style breakfast - a Denver omelet - at The Flying Pan in Wan Chai.
Below is a view of the Christmas decorations in Hong Kong at the shopping center near the Star Ferry terminal.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Things to do in Guangzhou if you are bored
Here is my list of things to do in Guangzhou if you are bored. I will expand on these in later posts.
1. Walk around outside and watch the people.
2. Screw with the minds of the cab drivers.
3. Get a massage at the blind people massage place.
4. Find new places to eat.
5. Buy a puppy.
6. Get a foot massage.
7. Try and read a Chinese newspaper.
8. Get a pedicure. (Okay I know this sounds gay but it's not. Bored people do strange things!)
9. Progressive subway stop exploring.
10. Leave town and go to Hong Kong or Macau.
11. Go to the XinJiang restaurant and watch the bellydancers.
Okay, as I said before, I will expand on each of these in later posts.
1. Walk around outside and watch the people.
2. Screw with the minds of the cab drivers.
3. Get a massage at the blind people massage place.
4. Find new places to eat.
5. Buy a puppy.
6. Get a foot massage.
7. Try and read a Chinese newspaper.
8. Get a pedicure. (Okay I know this sounds gay but it's not. Bored people do strange things!)
9. Progressive subway stop exploring.
10. Leave town and go to Hong Kong or Macau.
11. Go to the XinJiang restaurant and watch the bellydancers.
Okay, as I said before, I will expand on each of these in later posts.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Thanksgiving in China
Another Thanksgiving. Last year I was home...home enjoying the food and the company of my family. This year, in China...a lot lonesome and a lot wishing for some good ham, turkey and potato salad.
So yesterday was Thursday here, still Wednesday in the states...but since it was Thursday I guess yesterday was Thanksgiving here for me. Nothing special! No turkey, no ham but DUCK.
I have an 阿姨 (a yi - literal interpretation "auntie" but more accurate translation is housekeeper). She is 65 years old and she buys the groceries for dinner every evening, does the laundry and cleans the apartment. She fixes dinner, cleans the pots and pans and then leaves. All this for 1,500 RMB per month including groceries - around $225 US dollars. I leave the food selection up to her - she can choose anything but fish, snake or dog and no chicken feet.
Last night's "Thanksgiving Meal" consisted of a small duck cooked in red peppers - chopped up in bite size pieces (bones and all), fried cabbage and of course, rice. The duck wasn't bad, a little spicy but delicious. I hate the Chinese way of chopping up chickens and ducks into the bite-sized pieces and having to eat around the bone. I am really not fond of poultry but if I must just give me a good ol' boneless chicken breast.
Anyway that was the meal. I washed it all down with a big 620 ML bottle of ZhuJiang beer. I then washed that down with a half a bottle of 白酒 baijiu (Chinese 'white lightning' - 56% alchohol). Needless to say, when I finished my Thanksgiving meal I was well snockered. I decided to go out for coffee which is something I rarely do. Two double shot expressos. My cousin Buddy always said that "drinking coffeee does not sober a drunk. All you have is a woke-up drunk." And thats what I was, a "woke-up drunk".
Went to the apartment, tried to sleep. Too much coffee and too many things on my mind. Finally fell asleep around 3 this morning.
This morning, not feeling too well. A little turkey, a lot of ham, a lot of potato salad would definitely have been better and a wiser choice. And thats what its all about isn't it? Making wise choices, something I always fail to do.
Anyway, enough of my rambling and post-drunken depression. I wish to all my family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. Please eat a little for me.
So yesterday was Thursday here, still Wednesday in the states...but since it was Thursday I guess yesterday was Thanksgiving here for me. Nothing special! No turkey, no ham but DUCK.
I have an 阿姨 (a yi - literal interpretation "auntie" but more accurate translation is housekeeper). She is 65 years old and she buys the groceries for dinner every evening, does the laundry and cleans the apartment. She fixes dinner, cleans the pots and pans and then leaves. All this for 1,500 RMB per month including groceries - around $225 US dollars. I leave the food selection up to her - she can choose anything but fish, snake or dog and no chicken feet.
Last night's "Thanksgiving Meal" consisted of a small duck cooked in red peppers - chopped up in bite size pieces (bones and all), fried cabbage and of course, rice. The duck wasn't bad, a little spicy but delicious. I hate the Chinese way of chopping up chickens and ducks into the bite-sized pieces and having to eat around the bone. I am really not fond of poultry but if I must just give me a good ol' boneless chicken breast.
Anyway that was the meal. I washed it all down with a big 620 ML bottle of ZhuJiang beer. I then washed that down with a half a bottle of 白酒 baijiu (Chinese 'white lightning' - 56% alchohol). Needless to say, when I finished my Thanksgiving meal I was well snockered. I decided to go out for coffee which is something I rarely do. Two double shot expressos. My cousin Buddy always said that "drinking coffeee does not sober a drunk. All you have is a woke-up drunk." And thats what I was, a "woke-up drunk".
Went to the apartment, tried to sleep. Too much coffee and too many things on my mind. Finally fell asleep around 3 this morning.
This morning, not feeling too well. A little turkey, a lot of ham, a lot of potato salad would definitely have been better and a wiser choice. And thats what its all about isn't it? Making wise choices, something I always fail to do.
Anyway, enough of my rambling and post-drunken depression. I wish to all my family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. Please eat a little for me.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Awesome
Well it's been a while since I have posted. Not much going on...but had to write about this. I am sitting in my hotel room in the new Wynn Casino in Macau --- AWESOME! Huge room overlooking the water in Macau and just finished a great American style breakfast here in the room. Been a long time since scrambled eggs, bacon and toast with real strawberry jam.
Not gambling, no Texas Hold'em but what a fun city! A meeting here today, then on to Dongguan, Shanghai, Yangzhou, Ningbo and then back to Guangzhou. Been a busy week last week, Hong Kong and the Canton Fair, and will be a busy week this week.
19-2606
Not gambling, no Texas Hold'em but what a fun city! A meeting here today, then on to Dongguan, Shanghai, Yangzhou, Ningbo and then back to Guangzhou. Been a busy week last week, Hong Kong and the Canton Fair, and will be a busy week this week.
19-2606
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Taxi Talk
Sometimes revelations come from strange places and the angels that deliver them are often disguised as pretty common folk. Such was the case today as my cab driver said some things to me that I have often thought, but never verbalized. Today's conversation was one of the most interesting experiences I have had in my life...I hated to get out of the cab. I see things a little more clearer now, I understand things a lot better. Today's taxi ride was a call to action...
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