WSOP Results, Reviews of the Top Awaited Movies and Moments of Reflection...

   Hello once again!!

  In the last edition, I had reported on the past successes of Canadian poker players competing in the WSOP.  While I regret to inform you that my effort this year in my event went unrewarded (as the same with the crew I traveled with) I am very pleased to say that other Canadians have definitely answered the bell.

  Last year, to recap, Canadians went 519-3 for Cashes-Bracelets go.  For those keeners paying attention, there was a third column for Championships, but due to format changes, there is no longer championships for specific games.  There is an increasing amount of types of poker, so we are now just looking at cashes and bracelets earned. 

  I issued a challenge to Canadians, setting a goal of 530-4.  This was based on the averages of the last few years and projections of how well Canadians were predicted to do this year.  I also set a money goal of $12,642,339...which was based on the above record and whatever numbers I wanted to type.

  Currently we have about seven more events before the WSOP comes to a close (with the exception of awaiting the November Nine).  At this point in time, I am pleased to report that Canada has claimed 9 bracelets already, shattering the goal of four, one of them being the first ever Millionaire Maker bracelet. This stat is incredible as we are batting 16%.  Considering how much the USA is outnumbering us, it is safe to say that Canadians are showing their muscle. 

Here are the Bracelet winners thus far:

Charles Sylvestre    Event 3-No Limit Hold'em (NLH) with Re-Entries
Benny Chen            Event 6-Millionaire Maker Event
Michael Malm        Event 8-Eight Game Mix
Mark Radoja           Event 16-Heads Up NLH
Calen McNeil         Event 20-O8  (Omaha Eight Or Better High Low Split)
Jason Duval            Event 28-NLH
Justin Oliver           Event 38-Four Handed NLH
Daniel Idema          Event 39-Stud 8
Kristen Bicknell     Event 51-Ladies NLH Championship.

Other Notable Bracelets Winners include Erick Lindgren, Jeff Madsen, and much to my delight, Mike "The Mouth" Matusow.  Currently, also to my delight, Canada's best poker player Daniel Negreanu is leading the WSOP Player of the Year Leaderboard.  Erick Lindgren is 12th, Antonio Esfandiari is 18th, Matusow is in 25th and Phil Galfond is close behind in 26th.  Should be a great Main Event, so be sure to watch!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Just a quick congratulations to the Fivepin Alberta Women's National Classified Team!  They took Gold and represented us very well.  In their last match, they forced a tiebreaker and proceeded to sweep the silver medalists, taking every single point in the tiebreaking Matchup.  Congrats Ladies!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   I just wanted to send a quick commendation for all the people who have bonded together to help the victims of the flood in the past weeks.  It's good to see that the people around us still do have hearts!!




------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  In a previous edition, I had chosen ten movies that I predicted to be the movies to watch.  Here is the afterthoughts:

#10.  Oz: The Great and Powerful
  Terrible, cheesy plot, but the imagery and conclusion were great.   All in all, it was forgettable.  Mila Kunis wasn't the right casting choice.

#5.  Iron Man 3
  Correctly assumed that this would be the best of the three.  We get to see the softer side of Tony Stark, laced with a certain element of comedy that is reminiscent of the Avengers, this movie was a thrill to watch, even if it was Iron Man Overkill.  To top it off, the trailer for Thor: The Dark World kicked it off, so I was a happy boy.




 
I was not a happy boy with Man of Steel.  What the hell was that. 

We are Hours away from the opening show of Despicable Me 2.  Excited?  Yes you are.






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
  Lately, I have been indulging myself in learning certain disciplines.  In early Spring, I began to teach myself Tai Chi in an effort to bring some balance and focus to my life.  Thoroughly pleased and surprised with the ease of the practice and the peace it brought to my life, I began studying Taoist philosophy and other principles.  While I am not religious by most means, there are a few gifts to be found if one wanted to look. 

 "Tao" means "Way" or "Path" and is all about the means of walking that path.  While true "Tao" can never be constructed, it focuses on a theme of Action through Non-Action.  The three treasures of Taoism are Compassion, Moderation, and Humility.



  As I face certain challenges in my own life, I was struck by the simplicity by a quote by one of the great names in Taoist legend, Lao-Tzu.  He states:

 "Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.  When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."

  How does this show up in your life?

  Until next time!

  Logan


P.S.  Was excited to see the numbers soar past the thousand mark as far as how many people have read the page...we are somehow nearing 1300.  Thanks to all you Russian guys and girls, been loving the support from over East.  (Shoutout for Edena who sent the wonderful email in support!)

 

THE ROAD TO THE WSOP

 

                              Countdown to the World Series of Poker

   Ladies and gentlemen, it is almost time to once again go for gold with the 2013 WSOP.  This year, the WSOP features 62 events and begins next month.  As many players are gearing up for another fantastic year, let us take a look how Canada fared last year as far as earnings.

  With the United States hosting the event, it can almost be guaranteed that they will lead in all categories, just with sheer numbers.  But how does Canada rank up against the rest of the world?  The USA recorded 5,897 cashes, and Canada lands in second place with 519.  The USA also has earned 49 Braceletes, leaving Canada tied for second with France for 3 apiece. 

Canada went 519-3-0 as far as Cashes-Bracelets-Championships are concerned.
2011 We went 520-5-1 (Daniel Idema from Vancouver won the Limit Hold'em Championship.)
2010  We went 528-6-1 (Let it be known that this Championship was the Main Event, and it was won by Jonathan Duhamel, who became the first ever Canadian to win the Ultimate Prize in Poker.)

  Notice anything?  While our record last year is not shabby, we have gone slightly downhill the past few years.  As far as cheddar is concerned, Canada earned a grand total of $11,452,349 last year.

So here's the deal. We will do better this year!
  I'm setting a goal here.  It is based purely on expected entries and what I predict will happen.

Canada: Our target is a record of 530-4-0. Our money goal is $12,642,339.  The challenge has been issued!

Logan's Letter will be providing coverage for all events throughout the series, including a grand countdown as our money goal gets within reach.  Special wishes go out to the crew at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino, who will be heading down for the start of the WSOP for Event number one. Let's bring back some bling!!
 If you are deciding whether or not to participate this year, then your decision has been made.  Come down and represent Canada in the 2013 World Series of Poker!!!

(On a side note, please ignore the fact that my titles are never centered.  For some random reason this site never loads them centered, and much to my dismay, I can never seem to fix them.)

ENTERTAINMENT IN 2013

 

                       Entertainment in 2013

  Hey there, guys! We are motoring through the new year, and before we get too much farther, I wanted to do a very quick piece on some of the top works to look forward to this year.  This year is bringing many huge projects to the big screen and I'm going to recap the ten I believe are the most important to see.  So take notes!

  Though it's not part of the list, it is important to note for readers that "Bloodfire Quest", the newest addition from Terry Brooks is now in store.  It is a  very exciting read, with roots that are buried in the Elfstones of Shannara and the High Druid Series. The finalizing sequel is due out this summer.   Diehard Shannara fans, you will not be disappointed.  As always, Brooks shines.

  Despite not being a huge gamer, I'm also pleased to announce that Starcraft 2-Heart of the Swarm is now currently available.   It breaks my heart that the incredible storyline embedded here is limited to video game players only. Heart of the swarm is simply amazing, especially when we become immersed and personalized with the Swarm, a ravenous, brutal race known as the Zerg.  In Starcraft, the sheer brutality and insectual expendability was truly a wonderful shift from the human aspect, but they were singularily portrayed with no deeper desire other than to kill at the whims of the Overmind.  With Heart of the Swarm, we will see a very heavy, humanistic, emotional influence that will be mixed with the animalistic instincts of the Zerg. The potential for this is overwhelming.  While there are novels out there that convey some of the storyline, it does not portray the betrayal and the notions of race that Starcraft has become so famous for. Heart of the Swarm also captures the iconic and beautiful love story between Sarah Kerrigan and Jim Raynor. Perhaps one day we shall see it on the big screen...maybe one day...

  On to the article.

#10.  Oz: The Great and Powerful

 

  Coming in at tenth place is Oz: The Great and Powerful.  For most people, they would likely rank this one higher.  For me, I think that this movie by itself draws too heavily on the Wizard of Oz. The young cast of Mila Kunis and James Franco unfortunately must rely on the massively influential work of the original film.  While the movie is ultimately enjoyable and a visual achievement, the challenge for the actors lies in drawing their characters well enough that it not only will stand alone, but also will ultimately benefit "The Wizard of Oz" rather than taking away from it.  Still worth a look.

 

#9.  Kick-Ass 2

  For those who have not seen the original Kick-Ass, I will tell you that I was pleasantly suprised with this movie.  From the trailers, it seemed like a farsical superhero movie with unlikely candidates.  Upon watching the movie, I was pleased to see that the movie actually asks great personal questions regarding power and purpose, and presented a movie with a very dark edge rather than a goofy ten movie.  Toward the end, I was actually swept up with the plot and when the ending arrived with the cliffhanger, I vowed the sequel would be viewed with a much more open mind.  So here's keeping my promise.

 

#8. Hunger Games: Catching Fire

  If Kick-Ass 2 is to be watched with a more open mind, I daresay that Catching Fire will be more closeminded.  The first book/movie was more or less a success, with nods to Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game".  My personal view of the books is one of overall satisfaction, with the exception of the third book.   It feels as though creativity was drying up, and with the growing trend of series writing, it became more important for the author to write another book than to create a valid ending of a story.  No doubt, the third movie of the set could actually benefit the book by capturing a much more visual and comprehensive story, but the third book alone is crap, and not very well written.  Catching Fire should be entertaining enough, and Hollywood can turn this good book into a formidable sequel.  So enjoy the second installment, and we'll see if it cannot salvage the third.

 

#7.  Percy Jackson: Sea of Mgonsters

  Although boasting a slightly more juvenile standpoint to Greek mythology, I was pleased with the first Percy Jackson movie, the story of a young boy who learns that he is the son of Poseidon, and strives to gain identity while solving a mystery. Perhaps it was because Sean Bean is Zeus...Nevertheless, I'm interested in seeing this sequel.  My wish is that the writers shed the light, comic air that plagued the first and tap into a heavier, dramatic aspect.

 

#6. Star Trek into Darkness

  Yes, I hate myself for this one.  I am a Star Wars fan, through and through.  I hate Star Trek, but I did see the first movie that came a few years back, and it was entertaining enough.  I concede to you, Trekkies, and I will watch your damn second movie...but let it be said that Star Wars and Stargate are far better in general.  I may boast an open mind, but not without drawing my line in the sand! 

 

#5. Iron Man 3

   Since the Avengers, it is safe to say we will likely be seeing much more Marvel in the future.  We are now squarely at their mercy.  Iron Man 3 is due out very soon, and to the credit of the writers, the trailer looks incredibly well done.  It may be less of the "Tony Stark" persona and may reach a much  more personal level with Downey's character building.  Regardless, if I were to guess, this newest movie is chosen for a reason: This movie should raise the stakes for the multitude of Marvel movies coming out, so they'll likely start their lineup with a bang.  Don't screw it up, Ant Man.

 

#4.  Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

   Ah, the milking of Tolkien's book "The Hobbit" should prove that we as a society are shameless.  I bet you have already seen the first one, and the general consensus is that most people were not even aware that the movie was only the first part of the book.  At least Harry Potter had the decency to say "Part One" and "Part Two" for their final pic.  As I seen this in theatre, the crowd groaned in agony as the credits rolled mid-story.  For this, I recommend that every one of those people read my column before seeing part two of the Hobbit.  Did you know that the Hobbit will also be a trilogy?  Now you have no excuse for being left high and dry with the Desolation of Smaug! 

  As for the movie, not much needs to be said.  As long as it is visually stunning and captivating as normal, the movie will have no troubles.  However, if I see any more of Frodo or anyone who is a remote doppelganger of Elijah Wood, heads will roll.

 

#3. Red 2

   Action movies are a dime a dozen.  As far as Bruce Willis is concerned, he will always be known for his roles in the Die Hard Saga.  However, I believe as an action star, Red does a much better job capturing our bald badass.  Assisted by Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich, there is really so much room for success in "Red".  The first movie had excellent writing, and the comedy was incredibly subtle and witty.  With the second installment to be released, Red 2 can only be improved upon, and my recommendation is that you watch both.  And by recommend, I mean demand.  

 

#2. Despicable Me 2

  Alas, my guilty obsession will come true, and I shall take my place amongst mothers and school-deprived children this summer.  Despicable Me 2 is sure to be a blast, despite the fact that I know nothing about the plot.  I hear talks of aliens, but does it matter?  The minions will make this entire movie, so I really couldn't care how good or bad this movie is.  Papoi.

 

#1. Thor: The Dark Worlds

   Yes, another Marvel movie.  I believe that while the first Thor was visually impressive with the creation of Asgard and the BiFrost (the thing that looks scarily like Mariokart's Rainbow Road), the movie rushed to build the characters and it was a bit shaky.  The love story between Liam Hemsworth and Natalie Portman was lukewarm at best.  Thank god, or Thor, that Anthony Hopkins was there to save the day.  Thor: The Dark Worlds should be much better, since the movie will once again feature Thor and Loki, and will likely explore the actual story with greater detail.  Coming out in November, I place my bet on Thor 2 to capture the underdog crown this year.



*Movies in the running*

-After Earth featuring Will Smith-didn't make the list due to a less than impressive trailer.

-The Hangover Part 3-While I belong to the group that believes the second was better than the first, I also believe the third will not impress.  Where will they lose a friend now, outer space?

-World War Z-Did not make the cut due to Brad Pitt as the star.  Let's hope he gets eaten.  Go Zombieland

-Man of Steel-So many superheroes, so many superman movies.  Should be ok though. 

-The Wolverine-Ditto-There are too many Marvel movies already on the list, and this would be overkill.  It would be like capturing a Rattata with a master ball.

-Anchorman 2-Please, please, please do not suck.

 

*UPDATE* JANUARY 24/2013

  This will be a slightly selfish edition of Logan's Letter, I'm afraid.  First of all, I mistyped the link that leads to this page, only to find out that long before my column was an actual, historical "Logan's Letter" which was written by American native leader Logan the Orator.  So now I have squandered his semi-famous letter and have unwittingly stolen some fame from it.  Oh well, if his was that good, I might have heard of it.  By the way, I'm going jogging tomorrow, and thinking I should name it Logan's Run.

  But I digress....


  A couple of points before we get started here.  Have you ever had that feeling where you feel like your the only person that is really alive on this planet?  As in that nobody else exists?  I used to think that as a kid and teenager.  I would watch as all these people who really did not stand out in any way would walk by, eyes down, and I'd never see them again.  I used to even label them as "filler people", who were just there to fill this world that I was living in.  Kind of like the Matrix, which is such a mindjob of a movie.  I felt as though the Matrix was a wonderful example of this feeling; with so many bodies around me, yet completely estranged from anything real.

  Well, over the past few years, I never gave this any more thought.  As I spent some of my teenage years battling depression, I really thought that it may have just been a side effect to that.  But I was studying a Philosopher in school the other day named Rene Descartes, and his work was really reaching out and grabbing me.

  For non-philosophy people, which is almost everybody, there has been a large controversy which has two distinct sides.  These two sides are known as "Empiricism" and "Cartesian".  If you follow the  Cartesian principles, you are siding with Rene Descartes. (hence where the word "Cartesian" comes from) Descartes had declared that everyone should, at one point in there life, strip themselves of everything they know.  He believed that our world (which was even more so when he was alive) was truly designed by everybody else's opinions, and if we were to discover the truth about life, we must shed everything from what we have been told about religion, politics, etc.  We must shed our trust in our senses, knowing that our senses having the ability to deceive.  (Like watching a magic trick).  We must unlearn everything we know, which includes the most obvious of statements.  In doing this, we can relearn everything from where we are today.  Our views have been shaped by our upbringing, our parents, the world we grew up in and the people that have told us why things are the way they are.

  Again, this could elude to the damn Matrix again, when Neo asks Morpheus why his eyes hurt, and Morpheus coolly replies "Because you have never used them before".

  As you read this, could you even imagine doing that?  By giving yourself the ability to challenge everything you know, do you not claim more personal power?  Surely the feeling of being alone in this world is a very radical thought and Descartes even brings that up, as he says he can only prove his own existence, not the existence of everyone else.

  On the other hand, Empiricists would argue that our knowledge is purely formed from what our senses teach us.  They would say that we know things because we have experienced them.  We know the sun is hot because we feel it's warmth.  Many Empiricists make good scientists, as they need and use data to enforce their theories.

  Another thing is that Cartesian-style thinking often naturally induces a sense of solitude.  People who start questioning what they know about the world often are not with other people, and that isolation is a very big factor.  If you cannot prove if someone really exists, what is the point of talking to them?   This surely is an extreme example, but I would say that for everyone who can relate to the Cartesian viewpoint in this reading, you may have a much more natural tendency to be introverted and alone.

  On to the point of all this. I am a very introverted, normally quiet person. I have looked back to this past year, and realized one thing.  If I consciously strip everything that I know from my life and make the effort to relearn it all, with all of my past and my struggles out the window, then in essence who I am right now would ultimately be forfeited.

  On the personal side, maybe this is not a bad thing.  I apologize in advance for how enigmatic and non-descriptive this next part is, but it is important that I remain vague to protect the people involved.  I know I have some good friends who may raise their eyebrows at this, so if anybody wants to talk I'd rather talk with you in person.

  I am very frustrated right now because I have worked so hard to change who I am and to become someone better.  Yet in these past two weeks, a major event has ultimately shown me that the dark part of me that I really am not proud of still lingers on.  Worse, where I had ultimately come to accept that before, it has manifested in a new way.  There has been a situation that I am dealing with that really has me puzzled.

Currently I am faced with a decision to either:
A) Take this issue and attempt to fix it, knowing that if it doesn't work, then this really can damage a lot of the work I have done up to this point. Worse, more and more evidence shows that I may not succeed in doing this, and even if I do, the fixed issue has a ton of room for error.  If it does fall apart, then much of the changes I've gone through will have been for nothing.  I also risk reverting back to that dark place if I am not strong enough. But if I chose to do this and it does pay off, then it could in fact lead to the very thing I have been looking for my entire life.

B) Cut and Run, knowing that the margin of success is very limited, but allowing me to keep the wolf away from my door.  It would mean that the work I've been doing has not been done in vain, and it would allow me to regain some focus in my life.  It would provide me stability and calmness, and the only price I would pay would be to give up that small chance of actually finding that which I have been searching for forever.   The downside would be discovering that I had passed on the opportunity to really achieve that moment, which would be just as traumatic.

  I'm not really searching for advice on what to do.  But I would like to know from you guys, even though you don't know my situation, what would be your course of action here if you were in this position?  Would you play it safe and secure, keeping the loved ones in your life?  Or would you risk it all, and chance losing everything that used to matter to gain one thing that really matters? Would you cut your losses, or cut your one chance?

  This probably seems a little dramatic!  I have been going a little crazy with everything and how my schooling is tying into my personal life.  I have also noticed that I really cannot trust myself when it comes to certain things.  I can spend evenings putting myself through such hell with my thoughts and musings.  I would discover that I'm really at peace at one moment, but I will torture myself when the moment is over. When I finally decide I should cast it off and I'm better without it, another moment presents itself and I'm at peace again!  And no it's likely not what it may sound like.  I just seem to have my eyes looking too far forward, and then trip over things right in front of me.

  Anyways, I'm really interested to hear your thoughts on anything of this week's piece.  Philosophy is really all about the questions and not the answers, so don't feel shy about messaging me, and like I always do, will answer as quickly as possible.  As a sendoff, I've dug out a poem I wrote years ago that I think really has changed now that I'm where I am.  I see it in such a different light...and I'm sorry it may be a tad dark!  Best of luck with everything you guys are up to lately!


Until Next Time,
Logan

I’ve walked without a word down a path, so very old;
past thousands of watching faces, and all so very cold.

They watch as I trudge along, breathing not a single word;
Nobody says a thing, as I march undisturbed.

Across my back are chains and weights that threaten to pull me down;
My skin is ripped and bloodied and my feet are muddied brown.

Often the boys will laugh, as they push me to the street;
Then tease me when I don't fight back, only struggle to my feet.

I’ve been this way for many years, and it always is the same;
They offer not, I ask not, and no help ever came.

Now upon this day, something does call to my eye;
and I look to see her standing there, and fight the urge to cry.

Something like confusion is mapped across her face;
and she looks at me with acid, boasting shame and full disgrace.

She is like the others, who do not quite understand;
They pity me and scorn me for taking such weight in hand.

They tell me to cast off these heavy chains that I bear still;
they say it is not wise to treat myself with such sad will.

I turn back to the road and the girl laughs to a friend;
pointing out my pain and how she just can’t comprehend.

She calls me a fool, she calls me weak, and says I’ll never learn;
A hunched back and broken body are the only things I’ll earn.

She shakes her head as I walk away, continuing my plight;
and I forgive her like the rest of them for their blatant lack of sight.

I chose this road and this way of life, it matters not if you can see;
the wisdom that lies within the steps of my tragic odyssey.

For when it is time for me to let these wretched shackles fall,
I’ll stand there looking at you, the strongest of us all.

*UPDATE* JAN. 6/2013! First article of New Year.

  Happy New Year to all the readers of this column!  I truly hope this year brings you more laughter, friendship and love.  Before I get started, let me say this:




                                           HOCKEY IS BACK!


Now that we have addressed that situation, let us take a look at the things that we should definitely be leaving in 2012, and not bringing them with us as we travel into a new year.

-Gangnam style.  Let it go, people.
-Gary Bettman
-Heidi and Spencer
-Jay Onrait's Mustache
-Honey Boo Boo
-Brad Pitt's new movie "Killing them Softly".  Seriously, terrible.
-Mitt Romney
-Honey Badgers

  If anyone has any additions to the list, they are definitely welcome to send them to me!



  2012 was a year that began with life and ended with passing.  It brought challenges and change, and both joy and pain.  I could sit here and make resolutions, but that seems like a fool's errand.  Rather than go in circles promising change to myself like other years, this year is about self-acceptance.  Since we live on despite the Mayan predictions, I guess every day is a Bonus day.  This year, let us stop taking ourselves so seriously.