P0ker J0 - The Pro Corner
Friday, August 14, 2009 - P0ker J0
How the heck are ya? Well I actually am doing my BLOG early this week. I’m not sure if it is a full moon or if I should just go out and buy a lottery ticket but I’m feeling almost (and I say almost) organized and ready to rumble.
Not too much is new to report – it is almost like the calm before the storm. And when I say storm I mean in the tropical sense referring to Aruba. Only 6 weeks away. We are knee deep in the planning and this 10th birthday event should prove to be fantastic. I have some fantastic news on the entertainment. I can’t quite yet let it out of the bag – but OMG – it will be awesome. Stay tuned next week for more!
So we have a couple of new Team UB members who I’m loving working with. Bryan Devonshire is now officially on the team and you will see him in Aruba. He has started blogging for us too – so look for his weekly blogs here on UB. Yet to be formally announced – but about to be blasted everywhere is Billy Kopp. If you followed the WSOP this year, then you know this name! Stay tuned to read his blogs here on UB. What a great team we have! I couldn’t be more proud 
As you know Liv Boeree moved over to UB and she has been actively blogging about her last few weeks in the rock world. She is about to head to Macau to play some poker (and I heard rumours about a movie too!) That will be awesome!
Well I think that is all she wrote this week. I’ll be back next week with some fantastic news on many fronts.
Have a great week!
P0ker J0
Tags: -billy kopp, -Bryan Devonshire, Aruba, Liv Boeree, Macau, Poker Jo, ub, WSOP
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Friday, August 7, 2009 - P0ker J0
Well hello my fellow UB’ers:
I don’t even know where to begin today. My brain is totally and completely frazzeled. (NO – I have not had any merlot – yet!) I have just spent 5 hours working on some financial reports in Excel. I swear I will dream about cells, equations, and formulas. GRRRRRR – ok now I feel better.
So I just finished creating the new Pro BLOG schedule and I think you will really like it. We have such a talented group of pros and they are all so eager to BLOG. I think you will find a lot of valuable information, insight and just entertainment value reading these BLOGs. If you have any suggestions for what you’d like any of them to write about, just reply to this thread and I’ll see if we can make it happen.
So this Sunday August 9th will be a very cool day to be online playing. A majority of the team will be up and playing in the new Seven/Deuce games on UB. They are getting a ton of positive press and the pros really seem to like them too. Check out Mr. Hellmuth playing on Sunday night at 8:00 PM EST in the high roller tourney on the site. That will not be boring!
Not too much is new this week – just more Aruba planning. We are going to have some very cool entertainment lined up for you all (no – sadly NOT Bon Jovi – but I tried) as well as some new on island experiences. Make sure you qualify and get your butt to the beach!
I think this may just be the shortest BLOG I have ever written (and yes – I can hear you – probably the most boring) but that’s just the way it goes sometimes. I’m not usually at a loss for words – so something must be wrong. Oh well – next week will be a doozy I’m sure.
Have a great week all!
P0ker J0 out!
Tags: Aruba, blog, Bon Jovi, Phil Hellmuth, Seven Deuce
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Friday, July 31, 2009 - P0ker J0
Hey Hey Hey
Another Friday – wow the Summer is flying by. It won’t belong before the weather starts getting cooler – and we all know what that means…..Aruuuuuuuuuuuba bound! I just booked my flights yesterday so I’m on my way. This will be my 5th year in Aruba and it truly feels like a family reunion. I am so blessed to have met so many players that return each year with a smile on their face – just happy to be on one happy island. Well this year will mark UB’s 10th birthday so I am assuming there will be many opportunities to celebrate. We have a few big music folks in attendance this year too. Very exciting. I hope to see a huge turnout this year – all 0f the pros will be there and of course Mr. Hellmuth will be hosting a private VIP party in the penthouse. Be there or be square!
So Annie Duke was Washington last week lobbying for poker players around the country. She met with a number of key players in congress with the goal of educating them on everything poker. By the sounds of things, her visit (along with other key poker players) has made an impact. I guess time will tell but thanks to you Annie for stepping up and making a statement!
Before Aruba we have the WSOPE and I know many of my pros are headed across the pond to play some poker and no doubt have some pints while they are there. I LOVE England and would do almost anything to go live there. I love the people, the architecture and the history. I only wish I was headed over there myself with the guys! Oh well – cheers anyway!
Our very own Hollywood Dave played and WON the VIP tournament last Tuesday. Kudos to you HD!! This coming Tuesday watch out for the great Michael Binger to see if he can do the same!
Well I am off to the gym – wow you say?? Yes! P0ker J0 has started working out. I do need to get in shape and I do need to be healthy but most of all – I have to be able to run and catch any person seen running away with my shoes in Aruba!!!
Have a good week
P0ker J0 out!
Tags: Annie Duke, Aruba, HollywoodDave, Michael Binger, Phil Hellmuth, Washington, WSOPE
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Saturday, July 25, 2009 - P0ker J0
Ok so I know the song is Just Another Manic Monday – but I feel strongly that the day should have been changed to Friday – if only for this week. My day flew by and before I knew it, I was late with my blog. Bad bad P0ker J0!!
Well I just finished a new photo shoot with some of my pros so you will soon see some exciting new pictures on the site – showing their pearly whites! Phil – in typical Phil fashion – maintained his (what I like to call) the “point and grin” pose as well as the groovy “thumbs up and smile” pose. I am never ever bored when I’m dealing with Phil. He is truly one of my favourite people in the world (but just don’t tell HIM I said that – love ya Phil!
Did you happen to see Matt Graham play in the VIP tournament last Tuesday night at 8:00 PM EST? He almost took it down! The players really loved playing and chatting with him. This coming Tuesday look out for the whacky and crazy HollywoodDave to grace the tables with his presence – and when I ‘m talking about HD, there is ALWAYS presence!
World travellers that my pros are – many are headed to London to play the WSOPE and then jetting straight to Aruba for our 10th anniversary event. I think this will be the best year ever and I hope to see you all there! There is NOTHING more fun than Aruba for the Poker Classic. And yes – its true – I do often lose a pair of shoes or two, but this year I’m coming prepared with and extra stash! Thanks to P0ker H0 for letting THAT cat out of the back! Payback is a bitch H0
I am so excited to announce (press release coming out next week) that we have reconfirmed Micahel Binger as a Team UB member for a second year. He has been so busy playing in live events this past year – but look out for the coming year. He will be blogging, twittering, providing some strategy pieces (and he’s a smaaaaaaaart cookie!) as well as playing in a ton of tournaments on the site! He is currently in Guyana with Victor Ramdin doing some volunteer work in health clinics – identifying and treating children with heart problems.
Another exciting addition to the team (which will also be announced next week) is that migration of the lovely Liv Boeree from AP to Team UB. Liv has been with AP for a number of years, initially in a UK focused role; but as you know, she has taken the poker world by storm and proven herself to be an international force to be reckoned with. Her skills, talent and ability to just play damn good poker make her a perfect addition to the strong Team UB in existence today. We are thrilled to have her, and just like Mr. Binger – you’ll be seeing a LOT more of Liv here at her new home – UB!
I want to close this BLOG with a big shout out to my MVP Scott Ian!! After a gruelling tour in Europe with his band Anthrax, he was the first person to complete the P0ker J0 homework assignment I gave the team. He truly is my MVP – so thanks to you Scott!! Keep an eye out for Scott at both the UB tables, in Aruba and on tour. Busy busy guy – but still my MVP!! xoxoxoxo
Ok – I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy and that cannot last so I’m off to the gym to do some damage (and when I say damage – I mean I’m gonna hurt tomorrow!!)
Enjoy the weekend and see you back here next week!
P0ker J0
Tags: Anthrax, HollywoodDave, Liv Boeree, Matt Graham, Michael Binger, P0ker H0, Phil Hellmuth, Scott Ian, WSOPE
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Friday, July 17, 2009 - P0ker J0
Hello to all in UB land:
This week flew by faster than any week in history. I have no idea how it happened but the days just seemed to melt into one another. Well the WSOP final table is confirmed and what a final table it is. All those nail biting hours watching the players slowly drop off until the final 9 seemed to take forever. I can only imagine the emotions flying around. So now we wait and wait until it gets cold again and the final table to play out. Wow another poker season in Vegas over.
Now we look forward to Aruba. Wow again – it just seems like I got home from Aruba. As most of you know, being our signature event, Aruba is more like a family reunion than a poker tournament. This year will prove to be even bigger and better as we celebrate UB’s 10th anniversary. My entire pro line up will be in attendance so it should be a blast. I am waiting for Miss C to get back from Vegas so I can get her drunk enough to consider booking Bon Jovi as the band! Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me folks! This could be a hard sell! Stay tuned for more details as they are bound to emerge in the coming weeks.
Speaking of fun – I think I watched one of the funniest videos ever last night at the expense of one of my pros – Adam “roothlus” Levy. Check this out – you will die laughing. Knowing him like I do makes this video even funnier. I’m sure you will laugh as hard as I did – and don’t forget to tease him about it when you see him at the tables.
Anyway we have LOTS of fun announcements next week so stay tuned and put your seatbelts on – it’s gonna be a fun ride!
Until next week – P0ker J0 out! xoxoox
Tags: Adam "Roothlus" Levy, adam levy, Aruba, Bon Jovi, WSOP
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Friday, July 10, 2009 - P0ker J0
Well Hello to all!!
I did it – I actually did it! I survived Vegas – barely! What a whirlwind of a visit. One week seemed to fly by in an instant and then in another way lasted a lifetime! I’m so very proud of all my pros – they really kicked some ass in Vegas. It is so refreshing to see so many members just so enthusiastic and supportive of the brand. I’m really lucky to be part of such a great team!
So the UB party on Monday was a blast!! Seeing Phil up on a trapeze WITH a microphone alarmed me a little. But in true Hellmuth fashion, he pulled it off beautifully – and even with some grace!! (don’t tell him I said that). The entertainment was wonderful and everyone seemed to have a great time! Thanks to Miss C and her team for doing such a great job!
I met so many of our players this year – and bumped into so many players I’ve known for years. They are really like my family now. The roman theme was a big success and I saw many a player sporting the big X on their back while wearing the new UB t-shirts.
Ok – speaking of roman theme…..did you all see Phil’s big arrival?? Oh my – picture my face on Sunday morning as I walk into Phil’s suite to help get him dressed! (I think I need a raise for some of these jobs!) Anyway – all of a sudden he is not only wearing the Caesar outfit – he IS Caesar. It was like his brain was taken over by Caesar! He became him! It was truly hilarious walking through Caesars Palace dressed that way. Some people didn’t even blink an eye – which also shows the insanity of Vegas life!! Anyway we get to the Rio (and could it be ANY hotter??) and there are women, women and more women. They are body painted, they are dressed like warriors and they are HOT (and when I say hot – I don’t mean hot in the same temperature way I was hot!!) It was a grand entrance with drummers and trumpets and lots of hoopla! What a great day!!
So after a long 12 hour delay in my flight home – I am here. Back to it! Working away on catching up and getting ready for the next big event – Aruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuba!! I will say that I’m looking forward to this weekend. My family and I are going camping. Yes – P0ker J0 camping is NOT a pretty sight but ya gotta do what the kids want sometimes. All I can say is thank goodness for a good book, a campfire, a bit of Bon Jovi playing in the background and most importantly – the merlot!!
On a final note – I would like to express my sincere condolences to P0ker H0 and his family who recently lost a loved one. P0ker H0’s loved brother Al passed away last week. I know first hand how close this family is and I can only imagine the heartbreak they are going through. Please join me in sending your condolences to the Kroon family!
Poker Jo out until next week.
Tags: las vegas, P0ker H0, Phil Hellmuth
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Friday, July 3, 2009 - P0ker J0
Wow – well it has been FAR too long since I have posted. I have been gearing up for the WSOP but also managed to take a week off with NO access to technology. I headed down to the Dominican Republic and enjoyed a merlot or 10 on the beach! I actually left my Blackberry in the safe in the room and just kicked back – not a care in the world.
But now I’m bing bang back to reality. The WSOP is in full force and two of my newest pros are kicking some serious ass!! Check out Matt Graham and Brandon Cantu – two new pros – two new bracelets. I’m just so proud (shed a tear here). So all eyes will be on Mr. Hellmuth this year as he makes his big arrival on July 5th. If you are in the area on the 5th, he will be making the entrances of all entrances. It just seems that each year gets bigger and better. Aren’t I the lucky one that gets to help the Poker Brat get dressed every year. Some chicks would just kill for my job
UB is sponsoring some kick ass celebrities into the Ante Up for Africa event on July 2nd. You can expect to see the never boring Charles Barkley sporting the UB brand – as well as Herschel Walker (from Celebrity Apprentice), Dean Cain (Yes – Superman!!) among others. It should be a great event for a great cause!! I only wish I was able to land the great Jon Bon Jovi!
Well it seems the WSOP is all consuming. I cannot wait to hit sin city and meet some folks that I have only chatted with on the phone, and hook up with old friends that I haven’t seen in a while. Let there be fun, let there be laughter, let there be merlot but most of all – let there be copious amounts of hairspray!!
P0ker J0 out! Next BLOG comes to you from Sin City!!
xoxo
Tags: Ante Up For Africa, AUFA, Brandon Cantu, Charles Barkley, Matt Graham, Phil Hellmuth, WSOP
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Friday, May 15, 2009 - P0ker J0
Well hello UB Land
Wow – I just have to start with Celebrity Apprentice. It’s all over the net how appalled most people are that Joan Rivers walked away with the title. NBC even has a poll on their website. Check this out - some of the comments made me giggle. Well I can tell you it was even more dramatic to watch it all pan out live! I was lucky enough to be in the audience of the finale and what an experience that was. It was cool to actually stand by and see all these players that I have been watching on TV over the last few months. Clint Black is way shorter in real life than I thought and Donald’s hair is even worse close up! Wow he and I could surely have a long conversation about hair if given the chance. Melissa seemed as out of control in person as on the show and Joan’s face moved less in person. All in all – a great experience with a lot of money raised for charity, but I won’t lie – I think the Donald made a big mistake!
So Mr. Hellmuth has decided to grace the Canadians with his presence eh? He is currently up in Canada playing in the Canadian Poker Tour event in Calgary. He even was awarded the White Hat in Calgary. So you may be asking white hat eh? Well it is not just any white hat, it is almost like getting the key to the city. So I guess they must think he’s a big deal eh? He is doing well in the heads up and we are cheering him on from the sidelines. Go Phil go!
Rumor has it that Players Sports Bar will be a buzz this weekend with some of our favourite UBers in attendance for the annual poker party. I’m sure we will hear all about it from the Wisconsin networks. I hope you all have fun and don’t forget to have a merlot for Jo!
So I guess the WSOP is upon us. There will be drama, there will be entrances and I’m sure there will be laughter. Mr. Hellmuth will be making his big entrance on July 5th and Ms. Duke just may have a funky entrance of her own. Stay tuned for details. The UB party is at Studio 54 on June 29th so make sure you drop by if you are in Vegas. I will share more details with you next week but UB will have a presence there and there will be opportunities to come and meet Team UB in person. Hope to see you there.
Well as I close off here – I reflect on a busy week and wish I was on a beach somewhere like my buddy Ryan. Nothing better than looking out your window (even if you are working) and watching the ocean. A girl can dream right??
Until next week……
P0ker J0 out!
Tags: Annie Duke, Celebrity Apprentice, Clint Black, Donald Trump, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Phil Hellmuth, Studio 54, ub, Vegas
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Friday, May 1, 2009 - P0ker J0
Hello UB-land:
Ok so how can I NOT start with the Celebrity Apprentice. Really is time for P0ker J0 to head back to the doctor for some good old blood pressure pills. I haven’t been this wound up since my son wrote his name on my new white cabinets in permanent black marker!! Ok so I digress. So Joan Rivers has decided that all poker players are white trash?? Have blood money? Have no last names?? I mean come on! Again – Annie held her head up high and showed perfect restraint (something that I would have not been able to accomplish in the same situation). Melissa Rivers surely made her true colours (or colors if you are in the US) apparent didn’t she? Wow – P0ker J0 speechless again. Rarely happens. I will truly be glued to my TV this coming Sunday. But here is a challenge to all you poker players. If you feel slandered by Miss Cement Face herself (yes you donkeys -I mean Joan Rivers) then leave a comment on my blog. Let’s get some action here!
Ok so what next – how about our very own HollywoodDave winning the WSOP circuit event! Wow from blackjack to poker – pure genius. I’m so proud of him and look forward to hanging with the HD at the series this summer. Congrats again Dave – love you!
So May is a month with the Poker Brat himself. Watch every Tuesday in May for the one and only Phil Hellmuth playing at the tables. Play with him in the $30+3 and gun for him -he has a bounty on his head. This is your chance to get down and dirty with the poker brat himself. Enjoy!
So I mentioned that P0ker H0 has graduated from online radio to mainstream radio. While still doing his “thang” every Sunday night on Rounders Radio, you can now check him and his buddy Wiscomurray on WTDY every Saturday from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Check out the website for more details. And for the record – NO – I’m not suggesting that P0ker H0 has a great face for radio!!
Well I think that’s all she wrote for now – stay tuned for more promo details on our own Tiffany Michelle and Scott Ian – yes – another home game with the rockstars! I’m just waiting to see if Jon Bon Jovi RSVP’d. Details to follow!
Ok – P0ker J0 out for another week. Enjoy
xoxoo
Tags: Celebrity Apprentice, Hollywood Dave, Joan Rivers, Phil Hellmuth, Scott Ian, Tiffany "Tiffany M" Michelle
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Friday, April 24, 2009 - P0ker J0
Hello my fellow UBers!
As I sit here and try to recap the week for you – I find myself feeling like I’m a hamster in wheel running and running and not getting anywhere fast!
So where do I begin? Why not start with Celebrity Apprentice? Wow is all I can say. I can see a cat fight coming and I think someone will draw blood!! When Joan Rivers compared Annie Duke to Hitler I nearly fell off my chair! (and for the record that would have been an unfortunate waste of merlot as I had a big glass in my hands!) I’m really at a loss for words and that never happens. I feel like I’m a rubber necker watching a train wreck! All I can say is go Annie go! You are treating this experience much like a business – keeping personal feelings out of it and focusing at the tasks at hand! I can tell you one thing – I’ll be glued to the tube this Sunday but will likely wait for the show to be over before grabbing that glass of merlot for fear of dropping it again!
I’ve got some big Pro promos on the horizon. Details will follow next week – but mark your calendars every Tuesday in May for the “Beat the Brat” promotion. I guess you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out who that will involve! Look out for new promotions with the rest of the team too. The pros are gonna get down and dirty on UB.
So I have a few kudos to throw out to my team! Good luck to you Hollywood Dave today as you play in that WSOP circuit event final table. As chipleader – take it baby!! (don’t forget P0ker J0 needs some new shoes!). And how about Absolute Poker’s Liv Boeree going so deep in the WPT Bellagio event! Way to go Liv. With her near the end were UB’s Matt Graham, Annie Duke and Adam “roothlus” Levy. You all make me so pride <<sniff sniff>>
So if any of you will be in the Daytona area this weekend why not venture out and meet our very own Tiffany Michelle. She will be at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club and Poker Room this weekend meeting and greeting her fans. Its a great opportunity to pick her beautiful brain and see how she is feeling going into the WSOP this year knowing she was the last woman standing last year. If you are in the area – check her out.
Last but by no means least – don’t forget to check out the great P0ker H0 on Rounders Radio this Sunday night!
Have a good week all! Until next week……
P0ker J0 Out
Tags: Annie Duke, Celebrity Apprentice, Joan Rivers, P0ker H0, Phil Hellmuth, Tiffany "Tiffany M" Michelle
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