Saturday, August 8, 2020

I Broke My Arm, Then the State Broke Me

Where have I been? 

First I'd like to apologize to all my readers (or, what's left of them) for not posting the next chapter in my broken arm saga.  The truth is I have been unable to find the motivation to write it up. 

I suppose I could blame the relative lack of positive (or really, any) feedback to the first three posts for failing to motivate me to finish.  That plays a part in it, but really only a very small part.  I know when I post something that is non-poker it usually doesn't get much of a response.  Besides, I have to admit that I have maybe lost my touch in the ability to put an entertaining spin on the weird things that happen to me. 

But really what has me demotivated, demoralized, disillusioned and depressed is what is going on in the country right now, and more specifically in my state, and in my city of Los Angeles. 

Just when things were starting to look up, lockdownwise, everything went to shit.  I mean, my arm was well on the way to mending, I was actually able to use it for a lot of things (but by no means everything).  And the state was starting to open up.  Restaurants had re-opened, and even poker rooms had re-opened.  While the poker room out in Ventura remained closed, both The Bike and Commerce were opened and spreading 8-handed poker (I think it was 8-handed, anyway). 

So things were looking up, and there was light at the end of the tunnel. I was getting ready to write up my next post (although part of the initial delay was due to my finally having to get my nose to the grindstone and complete my taxes, which as usual I had put off to the last minute, and the last minute had been delayed three months), and then….. 

And then, California Fascist Dictator Governor Gavin Newsom re-closed the state in most counties (including mine and all the ones near me).  Poker rooms were shut down again, just weeks after opening to good attendance.  Restaurants were closed to indoor dining.  It was take-out only unless they could find some space for outdoor tables.  Gyms, barbers, hair salons, nail salons, all put out of business. 

Just as I was done with my taxes, just as I was feeling well and able enough to get out and do some things…..the rug was pulled right out from under me (and everyone else in the state). 

I could no longer find a reason to drag myself out of bed, and certainly didn't feel like sitting at the keyboard hacking out a blog post about my damn broken arm (which as you will recall, only happened because of the initial lockdown).  I felt like my arm had been re-broken.  I vowed not to post again as long as CA was closed.  It was a pretty easy vow to keep because I couldn't motivate myself to write anyway.  And since I make zero money from this blog—it has always been a labor of love—no one else could motivate me either.

Yes, I know, I know, it could be worse.  Plenty of people are suffering through this crisis more than I am.  Yes, many people have died or been really, really ill. This pandemic is horrific. But I'm not everyone else, I'm just me.  I'm telling you how this is affecting me. 

Although actually, I am thinking of the many victims.  And not just those who have died or those who have lost loved ones.  I'm thinking about the people who are the victims of the lockdown. I think of those poor small business owners (restaurants, gyms, hair salons, etc) who were closed down for several months, losing huge amounts of income, then went to great expense to redesign their businesses to meet new safety standards, only to have the rug pulled out from under them by being shutdown just a few weeks after re-opening. 

For example, during the brief period of freedom before the latest lockdown, I managed to get a haircut. At the time, Los Angeles Fascist Dictator Mayor Eric Garcetti had not deigned to reopen Los Angeles (might also have been due to the fascists on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors) so I couldn't have gotten my haircut in L.A.  Fortunately I have been going to the next county over to get my haircut so I was able to get it cut in that brief window I had.  The lady who runs the shop had gone to great expense to accommodate social distancing rules, put up plexiglass everywhere, relocated the chairs, printed up forms for all her customers to fill out, set up chairs ouside her shop to wait since you couldn't wait inside.  Must have cost her a fortune, and this was after she lost several months of income.  Plus she can no longer handle the volume she could before because she had to take some chairs out and reduce staff. 

I imagine restaurants had the same issue, taking out tables, putting up plexiglass, paper menus, etc.  And of course, if a restaurant isn't running at full capacity it is probably losing money.  So all that expense just to run their business at a loss!  But at least they had some money coming in. 

Imagine how they felt when the Fascist Dictator Governor pulled the rug out from under them and forced them to close again?  My heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones to the virus, but my heart also breaks for the small business owners who are losing their businesses day by day by this lockdown. 

Sometime after Newsom reclosed businesses, Garcetti revived his stay at home order.  So once again, not only is there no place to go but I have been placed under house arrest and confined to my quarters. And I am in solitary confinement! I am still waiting to be advised of what offense I am being punished for, having no knowledge of being convicted with any crime. I haven't even been charged with one.  Is this America or some third world dictatorship? 

I should also point out that not only am I being denied the ability to do anything, but just like those small business owners, my financial situation is being impacted.  My livelihood—my income stream—depends on live poker.  Not just in Las Vegas (where it is coming back), but the entire country.  And particularly in California.  There is no worse state for poker to disappear from for me than my home state.   

So anyway, I guess that explains what's taken me so long to post and why I still am not in any mood to finish my broken arm story.  And seriously, this may be my last blog post.  I dunno if I'll ever feel like finishing that story, and besides, what am I going to write about after that?  I seriously doubt I'll ever play another hand of poker.  As long as California Fascist Dictator Governor Gavin Newsom is in charge, live poker is unlikely to return to the state. I'd be willing to bet no currently closed poker room will re-open in CA before year's end (or maybe early November).  And circumstances prevent me from travelling to Vegas right now. 

When Fascist Dictator Governor closed us down recently, he said it would be for three weeks.  That was five weeks ago and in the meantime he's only closed down more of the state, not re-opened any part of it.  And before that, remember back in March when they locked us down the first time, it was "Fifteen days to slow the spread," or "Two weeks to flatten the curve."  That was bullshit too.  I guess you just can't trust a Fascist Dictator Governor to keep his word.  Who knew? 

That's all I've got to say.  Is this good-bye?  Kind of looks like it, but we'll just have to see. I really had to force myself to write this but I did feel I owed you some sort of explanation.



44 comments:

  1. i have read every single one of your posts and been a constant reader throughout, this will be my first and presumably last comment. i am sorry for what you are going through and sincerely hope the situation improves sooner but thank you for honestly hours and hours of enjoyment it was truly a pleasure and if you ever do post again rest assured i shall be there waiting

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    1. Sean, thank you so much for your comment. It really did help to cheer up and put a rare smile on my face. I really appreciate it.

      As to the future, we'll just have to see.....

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  2. Sad to hear all this because I know you and know of your passion for poker. And I also understand why it took you so long to put out another blog. I hope that things improve and turn around soon, but I am not that optimistic. Even though we have live poker here in Vegas, I am not inclined at this point to go sit in a poker room and touch cards and chips, even with a mask and gloves on. Besides, part of going to play in a poker room is to talk to people and I can't see that happening with masks and plexiglass dividers. And I can tell you that online poker bores me after a while; a one-hour sit-n-go seems to be my limit. Unfortunately, contrary to predictions, the virus is not dying in the summer heat and is not just going to go away. Meanwhile, I am glad your arm is healing. Please take care and hopefully things will turn around soon.

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    1. Thanks Norm, appreciate your thoughts. I can understand not wanting to play poker under Vegas conditions but OTOH, plenty of people are (which is good for me, even if I can't participate). In other words, I'm glad not all poker players share your attitude to poker right now.

      I certainly understand your position and what is great about this country--or at least it used to be--people had freedom to make up their own minds. Now we seem to be losing that.

      We'll see what happens.

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  3. I continue to have problems responding on here as this is my third effort!

    I am sorry to hear of your struggles and wish you the best. I’m hopeful that things will improve sooner rather than later as I mentioned and I feel good about the protocols in place at the Venetian at least so hopefully it won’t take too long to meet back in Vegas!

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    1. Thanks, Dan, glad you were finally able to get your comment thru.

      I know Venetian has good protocols in place and it was my understanding that the CA rooms like Bike & Commerce also had good protocols in place for the few weeks they were open. Apparently that didn't mean much to our Governor.

      Sigh.

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  4. Thanks for sharing. Your story echoes that of 10s of thousands suddenly impacted by covid, mentally, professionally and physically. I hope you're able to find something that will reignite your previous passion. Personally, I will never play another hand of live poker again as a professional. Luckily my last session ended with winning a WSOP circuit ring, and as the reality of the dangers of covid set it, I made a personal decision to move on from the game. I've spent these days/weeks/months at home studying to become a better equities/options trader which I had dabbled in for years but now with time & education I've been able to use as a new, safer income stream for me moving forward. I'm hopeful for you that you can find your next chapter soon. It's unhealthy to dwell to long on things out of our control whether it be the virus or the local/Federal response to it. You control you... don't be afraid to dream big!

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    1. Great to hear from you, Faith, I had no idea you read my blog, it's nice to know.

      I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

      And congrats on the circuit ring.

      I'm a little upset that you won't play again professionally. Surely you feel that this virus thing will eventually be resolved favorably, no?

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    2. Yes I 100% feel it will be resolved, the best doctors & scientists in the world are working together to make sure of it! However for me, I was at the point where I was playing very little poker anymore when covid hit, so other than a handful of WSOP events or playing some random mixed cash games with friends, I was pretty much done anyways. Covid just reaffirmed it for me. I'm hopeful you'll find your way... reach out any time:)

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  5. Hi Rob. Sorry to hear about the challenges you're having. I too, have read every post. I guess I may never get up to check out your local room, but hope you keep on writing.

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    1. Thanks, Dave. I hope you are feeling well and are staying healthy.

      My fear is that I'll never play in my local room again. I am very concerned that they will never open up again. It's a small room and they must be in serious trouble with this loss of income. I am quite concerned.

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    1. Thanks, Dave, always great to hear from you.....I only wish I knew which comment you were dittoing!

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  7. Newsom isn't just a dictator wanna-be with delusions of grandeur... he's a criminal. Everything he does that has anything to do with energy... in which his family's fortune of many hundreds of millions of dollars is invested... is crooked as a dog's hind leg. The Brown family's energy dealings have been crooked for so long that the first expose of them was run in the New York Times in the late 1960's and aimed at Jerry's father, former CA Governor "Pat" Brown. The apple didn't fall far from the tree, as Jerry personally led the corruption of the Sierra Club from a genuine friend of the environment to an extremist group fanatically opposed to nuclear power... which is the Newsoms' and Browns' biggest energy nightmare.

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    1. I have no idea if this is true, but I have heard similar stories. For me, it is enough to accuse Newsom of being what he is, a tinpot dictator who is clueless.

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  8. I was worried about you Rob! I thought you caught the bug from your hospital visit for your arm. I am glad that wasn't the case but sorry California has turned to complete shit for ypu.

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    1. Thanks, Lester. Indeed it has. It's not the only state that is that way, but it just happens to be the one I live in.

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  9. I'm really sorry I haven't commented more. I have read each post faithfully, and I suspect many more are like me and don't comment a lot for various reasons. I enjoy every post and was awaiting the next part in your broken arm story. I understand your lack of motivation in writing as Illinois has been shut down in various stages since March. I am lucky to be an essential worker but sad as I was just starting to get out more when this hit. I agree that we need to learn to live with the virus and allow those who want to continue life as usual to do so. I feel for the small business owners who are seeing their livelihoods go up in smoke.

    I understand your feelings, to a degree, and will always be here if you want to text. Take care my friend. ❤

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    1. Thanks, Nick, Appreciate it. Yes. We must learn to live with the virus until it disappears, which it will eventually (they always do). We can't let it destroy us and the world economy in the meantime.

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  10. Thank you Rob, sure sorry the "left Coast " has you by the -----.
    I for one have missed the bloggers on here and you are a great one.
    Praying after the election this nonsense with go away.
    You did see the # of Covid 19 cases is only 1.5% of the population?!!

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    1. Thanks very much, norm. I didn't want to get into the numbers but yeah, I think the media is purposely scaring people about the whole situation.

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  11. Hang in there. You'll stay subscribed in my Feedly so when we get past this thing, I hope you'll be writing and I'll be reading.

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  12. Went to Vegas on a one day trip this week. Most of the poker rooms were closed. The rest had 6 table games with plastic shields separating the players. I didn't get a chance to play but it just didn't look fun.

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    1. Gee if there was your attempt to cheer me up you really need to work on your social skills.

      Actually 14 of 31 Vegas poker rooms have reopened, that's close to half. There are also 7 & 8 handed games with that plexiglass. In fact now four rooms have 8-handed games. In Reno there's a room (Peppermill) that is actually 9-handed.

      Whether they are fun or not, I can't say, never played, haven't played anywhere since early March.

      And that is certainly depressing.

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    2. I know how to cheer you up! There is free parking in some of the casinos like Excalibur and Treasure Island! However, half the strips shops and restaurants are closed including all buffets.

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    3. Actually I believe ALL the paid parking is gone, it's all free as it always should have been.

      Buffets are gone, and much of Vegas is shut down outside of the gambling. It's not Vegas yet, but it's at least a start.

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  13. Rob

    I also read every post and comment only on occasion. I truly hope things get better for you and poker comes back soon!

    Stay well!

    Paul

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  14. Hi Rob Newsom has closed my small local card room too. All the restaurants are closed except for Mc Doanld's take out. Except for going to grocery store we have been prisoners for the last 150 days. I have the money, time, but no will to go to Vegas. The worst is I am a tourney player primarily and this may never come back live. I did not lose my job because I am retired but this staying home all day is a slow death of a different kind. I am sure the stay at home will be lifted as soon as the govenator gets a vacine. When ever this may happen like 2021??

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    1. Ed you are just going to have to break down and head to Vegas if you wan't to play a tournament this year. Venetian, South Point and Orleans are running them, among others.

      Newsom is not waiting for a vaccine that he knows might never come. And even if it does come, it will likely be no more than 50% effective.

      I can tell you exactly when the stay at home order will be lifted. November 4, 2020. From that day forward, we will never hear of Covid-19 again.

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  15. Look like I really get the ball rolling rob. Am glad to find out you have so many loyal reader. I press the refresh button every day on your blog out of habit. Imagine in time like this when lock down, your post Is almost a spark in the boring day.
    In short , just keep posting .

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    1. I would be happy to post new poker content....but they won't let me.

      What else can I come up with? We'll see.

      Thanks for your support, I do appreciated it.

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  16. Check and read your blog every week Rob. This will pass, everything does. While I don’t agree with everything that has gone on the last few months I ask myself, what we’re the leaders supposed to do? Nothing and let this kill 3 million?
    And if people would truly work together and stay home, it would go away a lot quicker. Every place is just as busy as before and people have just switch to having parties at homes instead of bars. As an old fart I’ve been stuck at home, grocery store, and Home Depot since March. Pretty sick of it but till there is a vaccine I think it’s just going to keep on going.

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    1. Thanks for your comments and encouragement.

      This is not the place to get into it, but honestly, there is NO EVIDENCE that the lockdowns did any good at all (I am convinced they caused more deaths due to non-Covid causes than they saved from Covid.

      And the vaccine may never come, or may not be very effective. We cannot possible keep the lockdowns going until a vaccine that may never come, comes.

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  17. Rob, sucks that you are in a though spot. If this lasts another six months, will you consider moving out of CA for good?

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    1. If this lasts another 6 months, I'll be dead well before the 6 months are up.

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    2. Don’t let them win, Rob!

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  18. BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GROCERY DELIVERY?!?!? Seriously though, your blog has always been a bright spot for me poker content or not. I'll miss you if you stop posting, but I am not one to talk when it comes to sporadic blog posts. Even if there isn't as much content worthy of posting as often as you did before I hope you still find a reason to post now and then.

    If you're still around after the election when they stop blocking us from having fun, I hope we can finally meet and share a meal or a drink.

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    1. Thanks, Jeff. I suppose I do owe my most dedicated fans an answer as to what happened with my groceries. By now I think they've spoiled! No seriously, I am definitely trying to get the motivation to at least finish that story. Keep your fingers crossed.

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  19. Add me to the list of guys wanting to know how the grocery story ends! And.... completely from left field.... have you considered selling your home and car and buying an RV? Move from town to town and research poker rooms far and wide and blog on the road? I am a big fan of the Tiffin Wayfarer class C model 25QW. There are 4 floorplans to choose from:

    https://tiffinmotorhomes-rcgarkskyk9ln7qkrx.stackpathdns.com/uploads/model-brochure/Wayfarer-Brochure/Wayfarer_Brochure_2020.pdf

    Could be the next chapter in your poker blogging career???

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    1. First of all, sorry about not publishing your comment earlier, I just didn't see it among all the spam comments I'm getting. You would be surprised how many anonymous commenters want to have sex with me. It is so flattering. (That seems to be the only kind of spam comments I'm getting these days).

      You'll be happy to know that I am actually writing up the next (final?) chapter of my broken arm story right now, including what happened with my groceries. Should be online in the next few days.

      As for the idea of buying an RV and driving around the country in it? OMG, do you ever have the wrong guy, Lester. I am the last person on earth that would appeal to.

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    2. I have been checking the post count for awhile and today I saw the bump from what I figured was my post and your reply. Congrats on the discipline to NOT take up any of the sex offers!

      I am looking forward to the 'final?' chapter of the broken arm story!

      I'm checking into satellite internet for my RV trailer and if I can get a decent price on solid technology my work-from-home tech support gig could turn into work-from-anywhere-in-the-country tech support gig.

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    3. So that's how you got the idea....you are doing it yourself. Have fun with your RV/tech support busines

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