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!

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  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!!

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   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!!




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  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.






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  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!)