Vegas Day 2

Saturday morning I headed down to the spa for my massage/detox/relaxation.

After about 3 bottles of water my name was called by this tiny little Japanese woman who announced she would be my therapist. She chatted rapidly as we walked to the massage room, and I simply nodded my head several times as I could not understand half of what she was saying. This little lady proceeded to give me the best massage I think I've ever had! I get massages on a pretty regular basis - part of physical therapy for a bad back - and this one was truly amazing! I will definitely go back to her the next time I'm in Vegas. She even massaged my scalp - I love that - and ended with a eucalyptus wrap on my feet, and at my temples while she massaged them too.

I also jumped into the jacuzzi for a while. It was very hot and bubbly. I was the only one there (good thing, cause I forgot my suit). After my morning of relaxation, I headed back up to the room to meet my hubby. He was happily blogging and playing on line cash games.

Before catching a cab to the Caesars, I wanted to return those horrible shoes I bought the night before. Luckily, we spotted the same store, Shooz, at the Paris. We went in and I explained that I had bought these shoes the night before at the Venetian, I hardly wore them, and they are painfully uncomfortable. The snobby sales girl raised her eyebrow at me, as if to say, "ya, you probably wore these out partying last night, and can't afford them, so want to return them." (she and I hit it off immediately, as I called her Bio-tch several times in my head). She called her manager over and she looked at the bottom of the shoes, shaking her head and smirking, she said "Oh, these have been worn. We can only give you an in-store credit. And, Oh, since they've been worn, we'll have to adjust the price down". BITCH! Anyway, I looked around the store and found this really cute Guess handbag. But, it had a little scratch on the front. I asked the first girl if she had another one in the back, and without checking, she said, "no, I'm sorry, we don't". She did ofter to try and "clean" the scratch off. This only made it worse. I asked her if she "could adjust the price down" because of the scratch, and she said "no, because someone else might want to buy it." BITCH! At this point I'm in tears, frustrated about being treated this way, and sick because I spent the money foolishly the night before. I basically decided to keep the original shoes and left that store. I will never buy from them again.

After this great experience, Ray and I went for lunch. He had promised me that we would have sushi this weekend, and we did. We ended up at Ichiban @ Bally's. We had a great little waitress! I ordered a glass of plum wine, and when she brought it, it actually had a small, unripened plum in it. It kinda looked like a brain, and made me laugh, dissolving the tension and frustration from that stupid shoe store - aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh back to my Zen place.

We took a quick little detour to the Rio to meet up with Pauly, Cali Jen and to check on F-Train. Pauly was awesome, as usual, and was on his way out to a concert. Before he left, he introduced us to Cali Jen. She and Ray talked business for a second, then Ray and Pauly chatted. Jen and I joked about poker, the players, getting into the Main Event, etc., girl-talking until Ray was ready to go. We said our good-byes and headed out.

We went over to Caesars from there to see how everyone was doing in the noon $340 Megastack tournament. We got there around 5:30pm to find out only Astin and Weak_Player were still alive riding short stacks. Ray played cash games, and I continued my "luxuriation" and went shopping. I ended up at the best little lingerie shop in the world. Yes, I made a purchase. Ray was in heaven. This is one purchase I will not be returning. We headed back to our room @ the Paris...

When we got there, we discovered a cold bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries that were delivered seemingly several hours prior. The ice was almost completely melted but the bottle was still cold. I immediately told Ray that it was probably from Naida at Bodog. But, since there was no card or note I got on the phone to room service to identify the culprit. Evidentally, they had no record of the delivery, and therefore no name. They said to "enjoy" the mix-up (this was no cheap bottle of champagne, by the way).

Since we were dead tired, we decided to save it for the morning and have mimosas with breakfast in the room. However, I couldn't resist the urge to take in one of the strawberries. It put a BIG smile on my face and sent me happily off to dreamland.

Vegas Trip Report - Day 1

We got up pretty early on Friday morning, finished packing, loaded the car with our luggage and were on our way. We first had to drop off the baby donkey, and he was NOT happy about leaving his Mamma! The guy at the "Pet Hotel" had to drag little Smokkee away, and as he was being dragged away, he gave me the saddest look....... it broke my heart!

Once that was over, Ray and I headed to the airport. The flight was over in the blink of an eye and we were in Vegas. We got to our hotel quickly as well (the room was awesome and we got a view of the strip and the Bellagio fountains!), unpacked and freshened up, then headed to the Venetian, as planned. As soon as we walked up to the poker room we ran into Bayne, CK, LJ and VinNay. Later, Cmitch stopped to chat. I made Bayne promise to come find me if he hit the craps tables up again - I wanted to check out his method of play. Ray and I have been playing on the Bodog online Casino recently and I wanted to compare notes with Bayne. But, I never saw Bayne again.....

Here's a view from our room:

Ray sat down for some cash games and I walked around the floor seeking out bloggers. I saw Astin in the distance and nodded a hello, then spotted sprstoner closerby and headed over to chat. He was about to leave for the 2nd chance at the Rio, so our chat was a quick one. After he left, I headed back to Ray's table. He had been moved to another table that included Don, Weak, Cmitch, CK and later Astin. I pulled up a chair and observed the table happily (sipping my free white wine) until Ray had to leave for his 8pm tourney. After that I headed out for some shopping. I found this little shoe boutique (Shooz) and headed inside. After browsing, I found the cutest pair of shoes! I tried them on, bought them right away and headed back to Ray's table to show him my prize. On the way there, I stopped to change into them first. Once I got to Ray's table, I proudly showed off my new purchase and he barely batted an eye at them - humph!



"The Shoes":

As I was sitting with Ray during his tourney, I was glancing around and recognized this guy walking down the hall past me. I excitedly shouted "Hey! Are you Eugene Todd? (he grinned and shook his head yes) My husband is obsessed with you! Would you mind saying hello?" He jumped the tourney rope and struck up a conversation with Ray (who was beaming). I think that was the highlight of Ray's trip.

After this and some more walking around (feet hurting more and more), I met CK, Don, Weak, Cmitch and Astin for dinner. It was great to actually sit down and talk to everyone without having to worry about interrupting a hand. The food was great too! After dinner, I packaged up my leftovers, knowing my hubby would be hungry, and we all left. Everyone else called it a night and I headed back to Ray's tourney (feet hurting like a bitch now). He busted out shortly after. I changed back into my other shoes, cursing the new ones, and we headed back to our hotel to call it a night.

Tomorrow! tomorrow!

Tomorrow we leave for the Las Vegas!

Drop the baby donkey off at 11am, get to the airport by noon for lunch and a bloody mary.

Then, fly away!

See you there!

Incest dungeon teen wants to see ocean

UPDATE ON THIS CASE:
(CNN) -- The 19-year-old woman whose hospitalization exposed a shocking Austrian incest case is recovering well and wants to see the ocean and a pop concert, her doctors and a family lawyer said Wednesday.

Dr. Albert Reiter, who treated Kerstin, is confident Kerstin will make a full recovery in time.

She and other children who were held captive for years are slowly adapting to modern life, they said. Kerstin Fritzl, whom doctors placed in an artificial coma after she was admitted to a hospital in April for multiple organ failure, is now well enough to speak, stand and walk with assistance, her doctors said. Doctors said that "little novelties" such as seeing a cloud go by are now big events for the former captives.

Kerstin has said she wants to see the ocean and go to a concert by British singer Robbie Williams, said Dr. Berhold Kepplinger, director of the clinic where the family is living. He described how excited Kerstin was to hear Robbie Williams songs in her hospital room and said she was moving around to the music so much that doctors had to quiet her down.

The two parts of her family -- those who were locked in a basement, like Kerstin, and those who lived above ground, apparently unaware of the abuse of their mother and siblings -- are getting to know each other again, the doctors and the family's lawyer said.

"Kerstin is the oldest daughter of an incestuous relationship between Elisabeth, 43, and Elisabeth's father, Josef Fritzl, 73, according to police. He is awaiting trial. Police say he confessed to holding Elisabeth captive since 1984 and raping her repeatedly, fathering seven children with her. Six of the children survived.

Kerstin and two of her brothers, ages 18 and 5, had spent their entire lives trapped in the cellar with their mother, never seeing daylight. A television was their only contact with the outside world.The other three children Josef Fritzl fathered with Elisabeth were taken as infants to live above ground with Fritzl and his wife, who says she had no idea her daughter was being held captive.

BoDonkey TOC tonight!!

TOC Qualifiers listed 1st-18th:

NewinNov

Smokkee

Emptyman

ICrushBloggers

Drizztdj

MiamiDon

Donkette

GoldenHammer

Vin_nay

Cbags

WhatsTheNuts

InstantTragedy

JL514

ScottMc

Columbo777

Yestbay1

JD Schellnutt

BuddyDank

Grand Prize: $12,000 WSOP* Prize Package with Team Bodog

2nd: T$540

3rd: T$379

4th: T$270

5th: T$109

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!! (especially Smokkee)

Vegas in 4

We head to Vegas this Friday!

I'm very excited and have already been planning what I'm going to wear, and what shoes I need to pack. I know much of the time will be spent hanging out in poker rooms, but I don't care!

I love to dress up, and it's my vacation damn it! Anyway, not too many blogger peeps will be out there, so the gatherings will be smaller. But I will still take lots of pictures!

While we are there, Ray plans to play some tournaments and cash games.

I may even play some as well.

Most likely though I will spend my money on the spa or shoes. lol

We are staying at the Paris Hotel, which I'm pretty excited about.

I've always wanted to stay there.

They have some really cool shops, including a wine shop.

We will probably spend some time at the Rio also.

I don't mind this because they also have a wine shop, and they have wine and cheese tastings.

Hmmmm.....do I like wine?

Thus ended one of the most horrible crimes ever committed against a single victim

Ray and I watched this movie last night.
It's a story about two girls who are in a car accident that not only claims the lives of their parents, but maims one of the girls. They are placed in the "care" of their Aunt Ruth after the accident.

It contains instances of shockingly violent and sadistic child abuse. The worst part is, it's based on true events.
This story haunts me - Child abuse is such a disturbing issue for me - especially at this level.

There is no reason, no excuse, no explanation for this other than it happened at the hands of a sick, psychotic, f-ed up bitch of a woman who has no soul and who now rots in Hell.

Here's the summary:
Inspired by true events, this thriller set in 1958 follows the harrowing story of two adolescent girls (Blythe Auffarth, Madeline Taylor), who upon losing their parents in an accident are sent to live with their Aunt Ruth (Blanche Baker), a sadistic psychopath. Unbeknownst to the residents of the small New Jersey suburb, the girls endure unthinkable punishment at the hands of their aunt and three cousins.

Some information about the real story of The Torturing Death of Sylvia Marie Likens:

On October 26, 1965, Indianapolis police answered a call saying that a girl had died. The call came from a pay telephone in front of a Shell station in a poor section of the city. The caller was a teenaged boy whose voice had not finished changing into that of an adult man. He sounded very nervous and directed the police to the address, 3850 East New York Street, at which they would find the dead female.

When the cops got to the dingy, rundown, clapboard home to which the anonymous caller had directed them, they found the emaciated dead body of 16-year-old Sylvia Marie Likens. She was covered with bruises and small wounds, later revealed to be cigarette and match burns that numbered over 100. There were also large areas where the outer layer of skin had peeled off. Likens also had a large letter "3" branded on her chest. However, the most remarkable injuries, by far, were the words in block letters that had been burned directly onto her stomach: "I'M A PROSTITUTE AND PROUD OF IT!"

Thus ended one of the most horrible crimes ever committed against a single victim.

The crime had been perpetrated by an informal group of teenagers and children, some as young as 11 and 12, led by a 37-year-old woman. That woman's name was Gertrude Baniszewski.

Sleeping dogs

Ray has often commneted on how much baby Smokkee sleeps.

I found this article about dogs' sleeping patterns:

There's no doubt about it: dogs sure know how to sleep. The amount of time spent napping varies from dog to dog and depends on the dog's age and personality. Counting little naps and longer snoozes, most dogs sleep about fourteen hours a day. Nobody is sure why dogs sleep so much. The amount of sleep that an animal needs depends upon its species.

Horses and cows may sleep only three or four hours daily, because they require long hours of grazing to supply their bodies with sufficient food. Bats and opossums may sleep closer to 20 hours. The various breeds of dogs also seem to have different sleep requirements. Some very large breeds of dogs, like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and mastiffs, often spend a great deal of their lives sleeping – perhaps up to sixteen or even eighteen hours a day. For this reason they were often referred to as "mat dogs," because they could always be found lying in front of the fireplace, much like a giant, furry hearth mat.

Dogs sleep more than us, but they wake more frequently than we do. How much and when they sleep depends on the level of activity in their environment. A dog living as a pet in the home is likely to sleep more than a dog that works for a living, like a search and rescue dog or a dog working on a farm. Dogs are lucky – they are able to adjust their sleep pattern so that they can be awake when there is something to do, and asleep the rest of the time. Of course, today's modern indoor dog sometimes sleeps out of boredom.

You can help your pet by providing plenty of stimulation during the day – this can be in the form of toys, a companion, or plenty of walks and playtime with you. If he has enough to do during the day, he may stay awake when the sun is up and sleep at night when you do.

Sleep Patterns

Dogs have the same sleep patterns as humans. When your dog first goes to sleep, he enters the slow wave or quiet phase of sleep. He lies still and is oblivious to his surroundings. His breathing slows, his blood pressure and body temperature drop, and his heart rate decreases. After about ten minutes, your dog enters the rapid eye movement (REM) or active stage of sleep. He rolls his eyes under his closed lids, he may bark or whine, or may jerk his legs. During this stage, the brain activity is similar to that seen during the dreaming sleep of humans, and is evidence that dogs have dreams. Incidentally, adult dogs spend about 10 to 12 percent of their sleeping time in REM sleep. Puppies spend a much greater proportion of their sleep time in this type of sleep, no doubt compacting huge quantities of newly acquired data.

Where Dogs Sleep

You may think your dog will sleep anywhere, but some dogs are very particular about where they sleep. In the wild, dogs sleep in dens, and your dog may seek out a sheltered place in your home, such as under a bed or in a closet. You may notice your dog circling or pawing at his sleeping place before he settles. This is to make a comfortable, den-like depression in which to sleep (even though it doesn't have much impact on a short pile rug). You can make a comfortable bed for your dog or choose from the variety of plush beds at your pet store. Some people love snuggling up to their dogs at night and there is no question dogs love sharing their owners' bed.

Advocates of this method say it strengthens the human-canine bond – not to mention the comfort and warmth your dog can provide for you. However, some animal behaviorists say this can upset the sometimes precarious hierarchy, because the dog may get delusions of grandeur. In other words, he may think he is higher on your household's social scale than some other members of the family. Four-on-the-floor may be the order of the day for some of these charac

P.S. I Love You - Trailer

Ray and I saw this a few weeks ago.
I loved it, and so did he.
So, it's not just some chick flick!
Anyway, it has a really deep message and hits home personally. Highly Recommended!

Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank), a young widow living in Dublin, has just lost her beloved husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) to a brain tumor. Inconsolable, Holly finds that Gerry left for her a series of letters to help cope with the grief. As months pass, Holly discovers new messages from Gerry encouraging her to go on living. And while Holly's friends fear the letters will mire her in the past, they, in fact, give her strength for the future

GREAT Winery!

I LOVE this vineyard! I visited their tasting room when Ray and I were in Santa Barbara for my birthday a year and a half ago. I joined their wine club then, and have loved every single wine I have gotten from them. And, its all organic. I highly recommend it!!

A blurb from their web page:

Presidio Vineyard & Winery’s goal is to produce handcrafted ultra-premium varietal wines from our certified organic and Biodynamic® estate vineyard (the Presidio Vineyard) located west of the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County. Over the years, Presidio has found that using chemical fertilizers leads to unbalanced wines with undesirable aromatics. In the Presidio Vineyard, organic and Biodynamic® techniques are practiced by using composts to create a healthy and more balanced soil, accentuating the desirable aromatics of the fruit. Presidio designed a trellising system unique to Santa Barbara County that positions the vine closer to the ground to maximize the refracted heat reaching the grape cluster. Presidio utilizes a French training system known as “Guyot Simple”, a Burgundian model incorporating a 9-bud cane to restrict yields and featuring increased vine density. Unlike most California vineyards, the Presidio Vineyard is planted on a 3’ x 7’ spacing with a plant density of 2,074 vines per acre. Increased vine density creates root competition and higher quality ultra-premium fruit. Additionally, the orientation of the rows is north/south to maximize the photosynthetic process by the sun’s movement. Presidio strongly believes in matching varietals to their preferred climactic regions. The Presidio Vineyard’s cool climate is particularly well-suited for Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay.

http://www.presidiowinery.com

Congrats to Smokkee!!

Way to go baby! I'm so proud of you for winning the Bodog Tourney this past Tuesday!

Hellllllooooooooooooo??

Has anyone seen my new site?
You no likey?

Hmph.

Biggest Bounty Ever - I gotta play this!

The BIGGEST Bounty EVER in the history of blogger tournaments will be placed on the head of $mokkee, the Bodog blogger tournament host on Tuesday June 3, 2008.

That's right, Bodog is adding an extra T$270 in value to Tuesday's June 3rd World Series of Poker qualifier tournament!

The lucky poker blogger to eliminate $mokkee will be rewarded with a seat in Bodog's WSOP* Semifinal 5 Seat Guaranteed Tournament to be held on June 8 at 3:15 pm ET.







Details at World Series of Poker qualifier tournament.

If you are new to Bodog, please sign up at http://poker.bodoglife.com/

New blog

Hi! Had to update my blog to the "new" blogger version in order to make it view correctly in Firefox, what-not. The biggest thing I hate about blogger is that they have sucky templates - nothing creative or artistic. So, what you see is what I have come up with. Not exactly happy with it yet, so we'll see. My sis is working on a banner for me and that will hopefully be better.

We head to Las-Vegahhhhsss in a few weeks! It will be fun to see those of you who will be there and finally have some down time. Was with the family this past week in Charlotte, and that was very fun! But, I was on babysitting duty much of the time! I don't mind this, but, it included all the unpleasant things that an adoring Aunt should not have to face: dirty diapers. Whatever happened to spoiling them and sending them home? Uggg.....

I joke. I love my little nephew Jaiden, and he was TONS of fun! It's amazing how fast they grow up! He is so cute and funny to watch! What a sponge of information! He giggles at the faces I make, and then tries to imitate them. He was picking up these tickets for a fish fry (church thing), and stuffing them under his chin and walking around! THEN, he grabbed my sunglasses and put them around his waist! OMG - toooooo funny!!

More pics and trip updates later!

Vegas, Ode to Mom, Misc...

So I ordered this for the Vegas trip (the shirt, not the girl):

That, and a few others. I'm really excited to have some time off to relax and play some live poker. I'm really, REALLY looking forward to my massage and spa time at the Paris!!

My sis and I have been busy planning my mom's surprise 60th birthday party. Ray and I are flying out to Charlotte next week. My sis and I have arranged to have a chef and a meat carving station, with fillet Mignon and turkey, green beans almondine and cheesy potatoes, salad, appetizers, etc. A friend is making the cake and her mom is bringing a chocolate fountain and all the delicacies. I can't believe my mom is turning 60. I'm filled with mixed emotions: where did the time go? how can I hold on to her? I lost my dad when he was 47 - how long can I keep her here with me?

I love my mom. She means EVERYTHING to me. She and my sis have been my major support system forever. I honor my mother this year that she turns 60. Raise your glasses, brother and sister bloggers. Toast to my mom: the most loving, caring, supportive, strong woman I know.

20 things I love about my mom:

1. She loves me unconditionally
2. she provides me with never-ending support
3. she is there for me every day, any hour
4. she is wise
5. her hugs make every bad thing melt away
6. her warm smile comforts me
7. she gives me spiritual guidance
8. she is patient
9. she has taught me how to forgive
10. she is strong, and gives me strength
11. she says “I love you” every time we talk
12. she stands up for what she thinks is right
13. she is kind, and gentle
14. and she makes sure I’m Well fed
15. she is a giver
16. she makes a breakfast quiche every time I visit
17. she never complains about anything
18. her home is always open
19. she gives everything for those she loves
20. she is the kind of person I aspire to be

How 'bout you? What do YOU love about your mom? I want all bloggers who visit my site to post 10 things you LOVE about your mom.

On a side note, I got my grades: A, A, A-, A-

WHAT is up with the A-s? They are from the same prof. I just can't get rid of that minus minus minus...ugggggg. I'm taking only one class this summer: integrative assessment. And, it's with Dr. A-.

I'm gonna do my best to get that A.

Likey the new Profile pic?

check it out full size:

mmmmmmmm.....lovely.

Vegas Date Change

Ray's been bugging me about changing our Vegas dates to the 2nd weekend in June.
I guess there are some better tourneys he wants to play.
It actually works out, because we are going to Charlotte Memorial Day weekend, and would then head to Vegas the following weekend.
This gives us an extra weekend to regroup.

So, we have changed our hotel reservations to the 2nd weekend in June.
We are still staying at the Paris though!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

We are flying this time, too, instead of driving.
We arrive Friday around 3pm and leave Monday around noon.
I have class Monday at 6pm - uggggggg

So far, this is who I show going and when:

June 5th - 9th

Falstaff
Columbo
Mondogarage
Easycure
Zeem
Mattazuma

June 12th - 15th

Hoyazo
LJ
Smokkee
LoveElf
BamBam
Astin
VinNay
Cmitch
PirateLaywer

Others I know are NOT going this Summer:

BrainMC
Fuel
PokerPeaker
BuddyDank

Lucko, Al, Kat, Tragedy, Waffles, ScottMc - When are you going??? Are you going?
Anyone else?

Odds on Smokkee

Check out Bodog's blogger odds:

WSOP blogger odds:

Shane 'Shaniac' Schleger 9/2
Paul 'DrPauly' McGuire 16/1
Justin Bonomo 3/1
Andrew 'Good2cu' Robl 15/2
Daniel Negreanu 5/2
Thomas 'Goodnightmoon' Fuller 10/1
Brian 'sbrugby' Townsend 9/2
Taylor 'Green Plastic' Caby 15/2
Eric 'Rizen' Lynch 9/2
Ray 'smokkee' Gallardo 60/1

That's my baby!! I'm so proud.

Who the hell is going to Vegas and when?

So I'm reading Hoy's blog and I see that a few of you are heading to Vegas the 2nd week of June.
We have been planning to go the 1st week of June.
I wanna know - who's going and when?
Is there a list somewhere that I don't know about?
Please let me know.

I want to see as many of you as possible!
It's always such a fun time to get together and have a few drinks and chat.
So let us know.

On a side note, I've been playing the 'donkey on Tuesdays and LOVE it!!
I think I'm playing better than ever.
Some even accuse Smokkee of using my account!
While this is totally untrue, I'm not sure it's compliment. LOL
But, I'm playing more risky and aggressive than ever before.
It feels good. I'm having fun with poker again.
After a LONG hiatus from the game, I'm able to start to have feelings for her again.
I MAY even play some live games in Vegas again this summer.
Watch out CC and Mean Happy Guy!! I'm comin to getcha Falstaff and Bayne!!
Mixed games are MINE!!

Disturbed people

(CNN) -- Police, medical professionals and those who know Josef Fritzl are struggling to piece together how he led a double life for more than two decades in a small Austrian town.

Fritzl, 73, admitted imprisoning his daughter in the cellar of this building for more than two decades. Those who knew Fritzl describe him in such contrasting terms -- friendly, reclusive, arrogant, a kindly grandfather -- that it seems no one really knew him at all.

At his home on Ybbsstrasse in the quiet town of Amstetten, east of Vienna, the 73-year-old retired electrician lived with his wife, Rosemarie, and the three children he has admitted to fathering with his daughter.

In addition to those three children, Fritzl fathered four other children with the now 42-year-old daughter daughter he kept imprisoned in the cellar, police said. The children were products of years of sexual assault Fritzl inflicted on her, police said. Two boys and a teenage girl were locked up with their mother in a basement dungeon. A seventh child he fathered with his daughter died, and Fritzl burned the infant's body, police said.

The three children who were locked up had not ever seen the light of day, investigators said.
Fritzl had been lying to his wife for years, telling her his daughter had dropped off the three children at the house because she could not take care of them, police said. In reality, Fritzl had forced his imprisoned daughter to write letters that made it seem that way. Police say Fritzl's wife was unaware of the other children in the cellar.

It was a deception he maintained from 1984 until just days ago.
Rosemarie Fritzl was unaware of her husband's crimes, police spokesman Franz Polzer said.
"Let me also add that we know the suspect not only possessed an increased sexual potency, he's also very dynamic, imperious and quite authoritarian in his conduct and relationship to his existing family," Polzer said Monday.

Polzer added that Fritzl made clear to his wife and the children living with them that the basement area was out of bounds. He bought food for his captives and took it to them at night.
Medical professionals have also offered their interpretations of Fritzl.

"What is chilling about this case is the cold, sociopathic detachment that Josef F[ritzl] went through year after year, decades even, to hide his crimes," said clinical psychologist Dr. Kristina Downing-Orr. "It was as if there was no remorse, no empathy for his daughter, for his grandchildren, for his wife. That's what's chilling."

She said Fritzl, who his daughter has said abused her beginning at the age of 11, possibly didn't want the relationship to end when she turned 18. So he imprisoned her.

"It's that chilling sociopathic methodology, that kind of logic, that I find particularly chilling," she continued. "But fortunately, it's very rare; we rarely see that kind of behavior."

Sick People

(CNN) -- Investigators are looking into the possible sexual abuse of some of the boys taken from a polygamist sect's ranch in Texas and into how several children apparently suffered broken bones while there, officials said Wednesday.

Suspicions of sexual abuse are based on interviews with the children and journal entries found at the Yearning For Zion ranch, the state's Child Protective Services agency said.
The compound is owned by the Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Mormon offshoot that practices polygamy.

But an FLDS spokesman blasted the department, saying it was unethical of CPS to leak information without any legitimate evidence. "They don't have any evidence that there's abuse, and neither do I," Rod Parker said at a news conference in Salt Lake City, Utah -- home to the sect. "CPS is trying to grab headlines ... and insulate themselves from fair and justified criticism on the way they have treated this case." Law enforcement and child welfare officials raided the ranch this month, acting on phone calls alleging physical and sexual abuse, and took more than 460 children and teens into state custody.

Parker blamed CPS for the problems, saying that birth certificates were seized in the raid and that the department often rejects the documents to classify more children as minors.
Meanwhile, CPS Commissioner Carey Cockerell briefed the state Senate Health and Human Services committee Wednesday on the case but did not provide details on the possibility of sexual abuse. He did say that investigators had identified 41 children who had sustained broken or fractured bones at the ranch. "Several of these fractures have been found in very young children, and several [children] have multiple fractures," he said.

CPS said on its Web site that the department does "not have X-rays or complete medical information on many children, so it is too early to draw any conclusions based on this information," but "it is cause for concern and something we'll continue to examine."

OMG it's finally over!

Well somehow midterms merged into finals and I lost all track of time.

The first thing to go was the Blog. Last week I had five final projects due, and then came down with some flu-type thing.

Anyway, I have the next week left off from school and I'm VERY happy about that!

So, I will be able to play some poker. Something I have not done in forever.

Easter is Coming!

Don't send a lame Easter eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Vegaaaaahhhhhsssss

We are heading to the Las Vegas on June 6th-9th!! I'm gonna need the break and I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing all of you! So who's going? Lemme know.

We are staying at the Paris Hotel. I've always wanted to stay there and we got a kick ass deal! We are trying to decide whether to fly or to drive. With gas prices, it's almost the same amount of $$. So sad.

Anyway, the spa at the Paris is awesome. I went there with some chickies for my sister's bachelorette party a few years back. I may have to revisit the spa while I'm there.

Anyone want to join me?

No Waffles, not you.

My nephew, Jaiden

Isn't he adorable?!?!?!

I'm back Biotches!

Okay, so Mid terms are finally over and I've gotten some rest.
I have so much to catch up on here on my blog!
So let start with this:

It turns out that next week my Tuesday night and Wednesday night classes are cancelled because my prof for those classes is attending a "testing geek" convention (as he puts it) next week in New Orleans (lucky bastard). So, I get to play the Bodonkey!!

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

And, it turns out that there will be a special guest playing too:

Some stuff about him:
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Birth date: September 26, 1974
Status: Married with two children
Occupation: Professional Player
Favorite Moment: Scoring that first bracelet
Bracelets: 2
Style: Chew 'em up & spit 'em out

Highlights :
Josh Arieh is a trash talking, hard playing, sonnuva-poker-player who won his first bracelet at the World Series of Poker in 1999.

Oh - and for all you slackers out there, I'm offering a deal if you have not yet opened a Bodog account:

sign up here now (you must use this link), deposit fifty bucks, and I'll give ya $20. (offer valid for a limited time)

Just leave me a comment with your Bodog screen name and I'll transfer the money via Paypal or to your Full Tilt account.

SEE YOU THERE!

Mid Terms

Well, after 3 exams and 3 papers in 2 weeks, the dust is settling.

Back to our regularly scheduled programing......tomorrow.
Now, I sleep.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Green Beer Day is Coming!!!!

Don't send a lame St. Patrick's Day eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Midterms.....

I'm currently undergoing midterm exams......posting will resume in a few weeks.
Oh, and since when did midterms last for several weeks? Somehow, I have 3 papers and in-class exams. I guess they really love to torture us....

See ya in a few weeks!
One more thing - anybody know when the summer Vegas blogger event is?
I'm sooo looking forward to a vacation!

Wish me luck on my practicum sites too. I have to interview for those in the next two weeks as well. Life is good.

Oooooohh....Vegas.

Valentine's Day

My wonderful husband and I went to dinner Saturday night at this really nice steak house called Savanah Chophouse in Laguna. Great steak, shrimp scampi and wine of course!!

My baby donkey and me:

Depression

In class last night, we explored some different models for understanding depression. Rather than trying to develop a unified conceptualization of melancholia that integrates the processes of oral incorporation and superego formation into a single depressive formulation, clinical investigators from three independent strands of psychoanalytic thought have recently differentiated two very different types of depression, based partly on Freud’s identification of these two fundamental mechanisms.

Thus, these psychoanalytic theorists differentiate between:

a depression focused primarily on interpersonal issues such as dependency, helplessness, and feelings of loss and abandonment (“the shadow of the object fell upon the ego” “the object loss was transformed into an ego loss”)-new loss or disappointment triggers resurgence of grief.

a depression derived from a harsh, punitive superego: a depression focused primarily on self-criticism, concerns about self-worth, and feelings of failure and guilt over aggression shown to loved ones - Anger turned inward (”the ego debases itself and rages against itself”)

The psychoanalytic theory states that depression stems all the way back to childhood and is largely due to the relationship between the child and their main caregiver.

Burn out

I have to say, guys, I'm getting a bit burnt out.
I work full time from 8am to 4pm and go to school full time (4 classes) - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights until 9pm.
Weekends and weeknights that I don't have school are spent studying, cleaning, errands, etc. ugggg
And now, I was informed that I have to attend a stoopid work meeting this Saturday - this is seriously cutting into my study time!!!
With finals quickly approaching, I need some suggestions on how to fix/reduce/conquer burn out!!

On a good note, I'm 1/3 finished with this semester, so it'll only hurt for a while longer. Then, I go into summer session I, and will probably only take 1 or two classes (a much needed break).
Practicum starts next fall, and I'm trying to decide which ones to list as my "preferred" sites. There is one location at the school, doing psychological testing on other students - mostly from the Southern Cali Art Institute (this one should be interesting). The other two I'm looking at deal with Adolescents and their families. I would be doing testing and some crisis intervention stuff, maybe some group therapy, etc. One of these sites works with Juvenile offenders; the other with foster kids. Both are conveniently located in Orange County.

So, we'll see what happens. Whew - I feel better already just venting a little! I really wish I could get more sleep though! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Out of the Closet

It's official! Initial suspicions of this love affair are now confirmed......

Don't send a lame Valentine's Day eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Bodonkey Tonight?

Don't forget about Smokkee's Bodonkey tonight!!
Register now for big fun and prizes!!!!

Bodog launches the Bodog Poker Blogger Tournament Series.
Every Tuesday @ 9:05ET February 5th thru June 3rd.
The top 18 finishers at the end of the series will compete in the Tournament of Champions and donkeypunch each other on Tuesday, June 10th for the Mucho Grande Prize.

1st place TOC finisher wins a 12k *WSOP Main Event Prize Package with Team Bodog!

2nd place TOC finisher will receive T$540
3rd place TOC finisher will receive T$379
4th place TOC finisher will receive T$270
5th place TOC finisher will receive T$109

All you have to do is register and compete in the Bodog Poker Blogger Tournament Series Challenge.



Unfortunately, I cannot participate tonight. I'll be in class learning about this:

• DSM-IV-TR Psychotic Disorder Criteria - More fun with Psychosis!
  
• Biological Model
  
• Stress-Diathesis/Vulnerability Model
  
• A brief look at communication theory and psychosis
  
• Interpersonal dynamic theory & psychosis
  
• “What color is your paranoia?”
  
• Use of dynamic, family, and symptom function information in case formulation
  
• Differential Diagnosis and Case Formulation practice
  

Help for headaches

I found this article on the APA website and thought I'd share.

I have migraines on a pretty regular basis, and the advice at the bottom of the article, along with regular massages, definitely helps!

Massage for migraines surprisingly effective
The Sacramento Bee, Calif. - February 03, 2008


Migraines hurt.
While symptoms vary from person to person, the pain associated with these headaches is always unpleasant. But there is hope for those who've given up on their own coping strategies, and it's literally within arm's reach.

Studies have shown that massage therapy can relieve or prevent pain connected with migraines, though it doesn't replace the need for medication and help from a doctor, experts say.
Migraines can be reduced in frequency by regular massage sessions, which decrease anxiety, heart rate and amounts of the stress hormone cortisol, according to the International Journal of Neuroscience.

Headache expert and neurologist Dr. Audrey L. Halpern of Rye, N.Y., says massage should be concentrated around the upper neck and shoulder regions.
The neck is important because it is connected to the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, a group of neurons centered in the brain stem that extend into the upper cervical spinal cord, i.e. the upper neck. Communication between these neurons and other neurons in the neck that mediate control of the neck, may be the underlying reason that migraines can cause neck pain and that neck pain can prompt migraines.

"The two most common acute migraine triggers are stress and neck muscle spasms," Halpern says, noting that full-body massage also can help by reducing stress and boosting levels of serotonin.

That's where AJ Sanchez comes in. A certified massage therapist at the Healing Touch Chiropractic in Sacramento, Sanchez suggests a preventive measure for migraine sufferers: Stay hydrated, and find a plan that works best for you.

"Massage methods should be done on an individual basis," Halpern says. "Some find it helpful, but (others) can have their migraines triggered by manipulation of the neck."
In addition, the many complications that go along with migraines -- for instance, food allergies -- should all be addressed, notes chiropractor Darrick Lawson, owner of the Healing Touch Chiropractic.

For those who aren't yet willing to spend $100-plus for a massage, Sanchez recommends some work to do at home. Feel a headache coming on? You may be able to prevent it from turning into a migraine by trying these simple massage techniques:

Hand reflexology: By pinching your fingers together, apply pressure to the web between your pointer finger and thumb and work the tenderness out for three to five minutes on each hand. This should take down the headache a few notches. Feel around this area for little curves under the skin, indicators of dehydration.

Foot reflexology: Sit down and put your bare foot on a tennis ball. Apply pressure while moving your foot around on the ball. Focus for 10 to 15 seconds on sore spots, then switch feet.

Light traction on the spine: Consult a professional to learn how to do this properly, then ask a family member or friend to try this method on you. Lying on your back, have them place a soft rolled terrycloth towel on the base of your skull before applying gentle traction from the C7 vertebra (the most protruding vertebra in the neck) up to the skull. Use 30-second traction intervals for five minutes total.
-----

Copyright (c) 2008, The Sacramento Bee, Calif.

New Dolce Model

A friend sent me this email, and I thought I'd share......The New Dolce & Gabbana Model:

Reading, Reading and More Reading...

My favorite past time has never been reading, but in Grad School, there is a Huge emphasis on it (duh) - research, books and various other journal articles. These are two of the good books I'm currently reading for classes:

The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn Saks....

Elyn Saks is a success by any measure: she's an endowed professor at the prestigious University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She has managed to achieve this in spite of being diagnosed as schizophrenic and given a "grave" prognosis — and suffering the effects of her illness throughout her life.

Saks was only eight, and living an otherwise idyllic childhood in sunny 1960s Miami, when her first symptoms appeared in the form of obsessions and night terrors. But it was not until she reached Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar that her first full-blown episode, complete with voices in her head and terrifying suicidal fantasies, forced her into a psychiatric hospital.

Saks would later attend Yale Law School where one night, during her first term, she had a breakdown that left her singing on the roof of the law school library at midnight. She was taken to the emergency room, force-fed antipsychotic medication, and tied hand-and-foot to the cold metal of a hospital bed. She spent the next five months in a psychiatric ward.

Without Conscience, by Robert Hare.....

After reading this extremely sobering text, and it is strongly suggested you do, you will recognize someone in your past, present or future to be a psychopath. As Hare suggests, it is dangerous to label individuals without proper clinical research including intense interviews and applying the "Psychopathic Checklist" before a likely diagnosis can be made. However recent research has shown that there are literally millions of psychopaths in jail, mental institutions or simply walking the streets. They can be in your work places, a problem child or sharing your bed. It's a frightening thought, and this book has been written to outline the essential characteristics of the psychopath and a general "survival guide" to help us recognize and prevent the majority of harm to oneself and our loved ones.

I'm also working on a research paper concerning Antisocial Personality Disorder for Adult Psychopathology II and a Behavior Modification Project for my Cognitive Behavioral Therapy classes. So, I'll try my best to post on a regular basis.

Chargers

Well, the Chargers played a great game, but could not beat the stoopid Patriots.

Is anyone else sick of those guys???? Ugggg......

Anyways, here are some shots from the sportsbar.

Me and my friend Lauren:

Waitress, Tina, and bartender Dianna:

Ray @ the end of the game:

Charger Girlzzzzzzz

Ray and I are heading down to our local sportsbar to watch the game this Sunday.
We'll be meeting up with some friends - drunken floozie photos to come.
In the meantime, here are some of my favorite Charger Girls to oggle:
Say Hello to Ashley M.
Meet Lauren:
Introducing Michelle:

Last but not least, Summer:

BoDonkey Tonight!

Freeroll MTT's on Bodog
Most of Bodog's tournaments with guaranteed payouts have overlays.

They also have excellent structures. Invest $10+1 in the Bodonkey with a shot at T$109+cash. Then, take some shots at a big score without putting a dent in your BR.

it's a no brainer:

Tournament Details

Day of week: Tuesday January 15, 2008

Start Time: 9:05 pm ET

Tournament Name: "Online Poker Blogger Tournament"

Entry Password: bodogblogger

Buy-in + fee: $10 + $1

Starting Chips: 3000 (Double Stack)

Payout: Standard Bodog payout structure

Bonuses:

T$109 bonus paid to the top 5 finishers.

T$11 bonus paid to the 5 players that are eliminated prior to payouts.

These bonuses will be awarded within 24hrs of the tournament completion.

The Psychopath...

He will choose you, disarm you with his words, and control you with this presence. He will delight you with his wit and his plans. He will show you a good time, but you will always get the bill. He will smile and deceive you, and he will scare you with his eyes. And when he is through with you, and he will be through with you, he will desert you and take with him your innocence and your pride. You will be left much sadder but not a lot wiser, and for a long time you will wonder what happened and what you did wrong. And if another of his kind comes knocking at your door, will you open it?
-From an essay signed, "A psychopath in prison."

Inkblot Test

Last night in class, we began training on the Rorschach Inkblot test.
Here is a sample inkblot (not taking from the actual test, that would be unethical) taken from an independent resource.
What do you see? Most people see more than one thing...

Meet Tommy

We analyzed this case study last night in class (Psychopathology II):

The Case of Tommy D

• 27 year old single Latino male, admitted 3 years ago to Metropolitan State Hospital as a transfer from a local community psychiatric unit on a LPS conservatorship.
  Prior to hospitalization he was residing in a board & care home, where he allegedly sexually assaulted a female peer (but was not arrested) - allegedly showing no guilt or remorse.
• Currently (1 year +) being treated on a forensic treatment unit due to unmanageable violent (to self & others) behavior on a LPS unit, on continuous 1:1 staff monitoring.
• Born in L.A. suburb to an intact marriage as the 2nd of 3 full siblings (sister 15 years older, brother 1 year younger) and has 1 younger half sister (13 y.o.).
• His father died of undisclosed cause when Tommy was 7.
• Mother remarried soon after for a few years, Tommy did not get along with him. Probable physical abuse. There is strong suspicion of sexual abuse by an uncle and at least one other incident in his early teens.
• Birth is described as non-eventful. Mother reports that his eyes crossed at 2 months. At age 9 & 13 he had a head injuries.
• Violent, acting-out behavior toward adults and children was noted from early elementary on, resulting in very limited and poor peer relations.
• At the age of 9, he was evaluated by the Regional Center; an IEP at this time identified him as markedly below average cognitively (<>
• By 19, he was assessed at 1st grade reading, 2nd grade math, 1st grade writing (2 or 3 word sentences).
• Behavior problems escalated through his teens, including attacking and threatening teachers & behavioral aides, threats of rape, and culminating in a 5150 hold for threats to kill his mother with a rock at age 17, resulting in foster/group home placement.
• Tommy has also been diagnosed and treated as an insulin-dependant diabetic since the age of 16. He also has hypertension controlled by medication.
• Mental health treatment included outpatient psychiatry and therapy, group treatment, group homes, and several inpatient admissions from the age of 17 on.When the police arrived to place him on his most recent hold, he threatened to kill the police and hang himself, then carved on his arm with a plastic spoon.
• Before and since admission, history includes angry outbursts toward staff and peers, property destruction, and self-abuse (head banging, breaking glass to cut self, burning self).
• He has reported hearing voices of both men and women, at times "commanding" him to strike out or "kill", although he is typically very unspecific as to content; he also expresses some paranoia (though not bizarre in content).
• In terms of recent mental status, he is alert and oriented X 4, thoughts are linear and usually coherent, speech is normal rate and volume, grooming is good, affect is typically labile, at times laughing and euthymic-at times angry and brooding, insight and judgment are impaired, he has been known to make childlike grandiose statements of abilities and talents (sometimes presenting self as a "gangster").
• "Challenging"behavior since admission to MSH which led to transfer to forensic unit (and constant 1:1) includes violent, impulsive behavior (destroying property, throwing chairs, making and using weapons, hitting, AWOL attempts, etc.), self-abusive behaviors (cutting, hitting, swallowing foreign objects).
• Behaviors often appear in reaction to jealousy (others getting new items or more attention) or visits or phone calls from his mother (big trigger), and have been preceded by Tommy talking in "his little boy voice".Temper tantrums and crying fits have also been noted.
• Behavior analysis and interviews revealed that Tommy seeks to please staff when not upset, likes to be "babied" or nurtured, but also likes to appear "strong and manly"-exercising frequently and taking off his shirt to flex his muscles.
• Very sensitive to change in or reaction of staff, or to feedback or expectations (self-sabotage), very hard time managing frustration, anxiety, disappointment
  Current medications are: Seroquel (atypical antipsychotic) 1200mg; Zoloft (antidepressant) 200mg; & Tegretol (anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer) 700 mg

Just one more for the team....

THE Ohio State University Football..

THE Ohio State University Football..

Despite the loss last night to LSU, I STILL love my team.

The Big Game!!

The big day is finally here!


Who do you think will win? and why?

Fantasy Sports Live!

NFL Wild Card weekend is here!!

There are still contests running for this weekend:
Giants @ Tampa Bay 1pm ET Sunday
Titans @ San Diego 4:30pm ET Sunday

There are football contests for as low as $1!
They also have NBA and NHL contests running.
Register now by clicking on the link below or to the right.
Bonuses are available (bonus code Smokkee)!

www.fantasysportslive.com

Classes for 2008 Spring Term

It's gonna be a tough one.

Professionalization Group II
(basically a discussion group)

Psychopathology II
(A continuation of Psychopathology I, this course covers the description, etiology, assessment, emphasizing understanding of more severe psychological disorders. Schizophrenic spectrum disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders are included. Adult Psychopathology II studies a subset of the major psychological/psychiatric disorders of adulthood as delineated in the DSM-IV TR. The course is focused on both descriptive or phenomenological diagnosis, as well as on the developmental and dynamic elements that contribute to psychopathological conditions. Focus will be given primarily, but not exclusively, to more moderate to severe pathological syndromes. Important consideration will also be given to such topics as understanding the empirical basis of the prevailing nosological system, issues of comorbidity, differential diagnosis, course of illness, treatment considerations and psychodynamic diagnosis. The integration of descriptive and dynamic models of diagnosis will be emphasized.)


Projective Personality Assessment
(in this class I will get training on how to administer the Rorschach inkblot test - any volunteers?)

Cognitive Behavioral Theory/Therapy
(Major cognitive-behavioral therapies, as well as their theoretical foundations, are reviewed in this course. There is an emphasis on developing skills in cognitive behavioral analysis and treatment, with special attention to the treatment of selected disorders and personality styles.)

Exclusive footage....

This just in folks!! A familiar blogger has been found to harbor secret desires for Bodog. Amidst many a protest to the contrary, this footage tells a tail that even I'm a little uneasy about:

Bodonkey TONIGHT!

Strip Poker - Feel Young Again

Ya, I'm gonna play. I have not played poker since the last Bodonkey so it should be interesting!

Tournament Details

Day of week: Tuesday January 1st, 2008 New Year’s Day

Start Time: 9:05 pm ET

Tournament Name: “Online Poker Blogger Tournament” at BodogEntry

Password: bodogblogger

Buy-in + fee: $10 + $1

Starting Chips: 3000 (Double Stack)

Payout: Standard Bodog payout structure

Bonuses:T$109 bonus paid to the top 5 finishers.

T$11 bonus paid to the 5 players that are eliminated prior to payouts.These bonuses will be awarded within 24hrs of the tournament completion.T$ = Tournament Credits. These can be used as a buy in to almost all scheduled tournaments at Bodog and have a ratio to cash of 1:1.T$ can also be combined with cash to buy in to tournaments.