A 2009 recap and my life goals and poker goals for 2010

Well i really can't believe i am saying this but it is basically a new year, a new decade.It kind of scary when i think about it.I remember the last day of 99 so clearly and it did not seem long ago.My house had all the family over for the bells, i must have been around 8 at the time.I remember playing some stupid kids games with my cousins and falling alsleep right after the bells.Yeah so ten years on it has just flew in, i don't even know how i remember this stuff.Anyway so now onto 2009, a lot of people say the usual it's had it's ups and downs but not for me, it has been basically all ups for me, so has every year of my life so far.I always seem to be happy and it takes a lot for me to get sad.It is a good thing i suppose though, i am a very positive thinker and i am always smiling, i just really enjoy life and every day stuff.I am very thankful that i live the life i have cause i am extremely lucky in many ways too.First of all i have very good family support, all my grandparents are still living which is really cool.Not many guys at 18 can say that, i actually feel sorry for some people who have lost a mum or dad at a young but i mean that is a part of life too so i think if it happened you would just have to adapt, it is either make them proud or drown your sorrows.I also have a very nice home and lots of different things to do in it, i like my area, it is pretty peaceful.I like the friends i have and i also like the day to day people you meet who are all nice.Nearly every single person is a nice person, it is only a tiny tiny minority who ruin that, some of these people are ill though or very misguided.Just remember people who have murdered and done bad things, they still have a mum, a dad, grandparents ect so you should never hold a grudge, these people should do their time in jail but they should be forgiven, too many people don't forgive them but then even though these people don't forgive them they have let's say for talking sake a 11 year jail term and get out in 5 which is pathetic, just whatever time they get they do simple stuff.I have the cold and don't feel well so tonight is a nice resting night just watching some tv shows.Lastly i have being very grateful to be able to play two great hobbies of mine, poker and pes.Poker has been really good this year, i really stuck at it and read the books and really improved my game, i haven't had that really big win yet but i made several final tables and i won a few mtt, it just so happened that they where smaller events and smaller buy ins so i didn't win as much, not really caring about it though cause i have said, i am more interested in winning than prizes.You can have the money for 2nd place but why settle for 2nd place when you can have the winners title, i dunno i just think people who are passionate about winning seem to get a lot further than the ones that are only interested in the prizes and don't put work in.Now pes i had a great season, it finished up in August but i will discuss last years.Okay the official site is pesrankings and the season started in October 2008, i didn't start playing playing till March so i was so behind every one and it is very hard, there is around 60,000 - 70,000 players registered and to make the grand Finals you had to be in top 64.So my first event was in March, i was unbeaten in my group but drew to many games and didn't get through so home i went.Then the next couple of offline events i did not attend because i was busy so i played a few online events which just went average, that was it really.So the way they work it is the Grand Finals are at start of August so they stop the league table a few weeks before and the top 64 are the ones invited and then the tables plays out like normal.I got invited to a one at Braehead in June, now this event was on Sunday and this table was getting stopped this very night, i decided to go as i hadn't been to the last couple and the guy asked me so that was nice of him, i was going my holidays in two days so i totaly hadn't planned to go to this one.So it was international and my group was decent, not top players, i was unbeaten winning all my games apart from one which i drew and finished top.So it took a while for the other groups to get finished so i had decent break.Then the knockouts came which i got a bye so straight into quarter finals.The game was very equal between me and my opponent and it went to penalites, i don't mind penalties, it is mostly luck, i missed my first which was a terrible start but then my opponent missed a few and i won so semi finals i went.So my nexy opponent used England which is unusual, he was quite a good player, very good at crossing, i was 3-2 down in last 10 mins and i scored to make it 3-3, then i won 5-3 in extra time, that was me through to the final.So i was playing the final and the guy i was playing is kind of a favorite for all the events, he is Scotlands number 1, i am Scotlands number 6.So i lost 4-2 which was unlucky but i played great the whole day and there was nothing i could have done different, it felt so good afterwards and the guys where saying you have a chance at making the Grand Finals at Old Trafford i was like wow.I mean here i am a guy who started playing in March, my 2nd offline event where the big k value points are i have a chance at making the Grand Finals.Well they where correct, i managed to scrape into top 64 and got invited, how great.The stadium i want to go to out of all the stadiums worldwide i get to go and get a free tour.I was chuffed, so where my family they where all happy for me.I wasn't done there though, i was there to try my best to win.So i lost 6-1 in my first game, lots went wrong had i guy sent off for no reason.Well i bounced back and won four games and losing one more to finish 3rd in my group.The top 4 progressed to knockouts, there was 7 in my group.So my first knockout game i was playing this guy who everyone was talking about, he was very skillfull and very attacking minded, i lost a goal early on but came to back fighting to win 5-1, so into last 16 and now i was really enjoying myself.I was playing a guy who was the European champ a few season back, he is the most well known uk player and i think he got to play John terry once, so it was funny cause all the other games had like two people watching mine had around 40 or that.The picture cameras where on too but i loved it, i enjoy the pressure i seem to play better under it for some reason.I had a really bad start, i got a penalty against me which was an awful decision and went 3-0 down but i fought it back but lost 4-3.So that was me done, i came 21st ending the season which i am very happy at but i still want to get better and maybe win the whole season one day.I have my medal from rhe event at Brahead which i made final of and i have also kept my football which i got as a bonus, i ain't opened or nothing.Yeah so been a great year and i move onto 2010.

So 2010 i more discussing my goals and stuff, i also have a few poker goals i want to share with you all.So here is a list of my life goals first of all

1) find work in something i enjoy or even go back to college to do something that i am happy doing
2) help every one who needs it at that given time
3) going to try and train for a 10k run, done it twice but skipped last year as i had an injury, my best time is 40 mins
4) Go in for Big Brother, i think it would be some challenge to be on that show
5) Give money to a certain charity, not decided what one, i am very picky cause i only give it if i feel they have a really big reason for needing it

Now my poker goals

1) Win an mtt with more than 500 players in it
2) make a yearly profit of $2,000
3) play more live, maybe even taking a trip down south to play
4) Make at least 10 Final table throughout the year
5) Have at very least 50 cashes throughout the year

I keep track of all that i play so i will be able to work out if i made my goals or not, they are all in realistic proportion, if i get 5 that would be great, 3 or above would be quite good.I personally do believe 2010 is my year to shine in poker, i get feelings and they are usually correct, i can only try my best and whatever happens happens

So aside from all that i have started making video blogs on Youtube, not doing any more until my cold and cough clears up, i want to be in good shape to do one lol.But in all seriousness i want to say thanks for all who have watched and left comments and messages, every one who is subscribed to my i appreciate and i hope to keep you entertained on them soon enough.

To round it off 2009 has been a great year, happy to be going into a new decade and i will just need see what happens.I think the main reason why i am so happy all the time and very positive is because i just be myself.What you see is what you get basically.I don't change for other people, i feel that people who do this are leading a very unhealthy life and could probably crack one day as they are not being true to themselves.Just have thick skin and don't worry around what others think of your personality, just be you, yeah i don't care, people can either like me or not, it is their choice lol.

p.s. my mum was in bathroom for long time so i kind of took my time and rabbled doing this, sorry for it being so long, i enjoyed doing this blog though.

All in all, have a great New year everybody.God bless you all !

Drinking is not a crime neither is gambling

there are a few people who will read this first line and leave, now that is their own choice.For everyone else both of what i mentioned above shouldn't be made as a guilty thing.First off drinking is absolutely fine to do as long as you don't drink every single day of your life, the same with gambling.Gambling is a lot of fun and some try serious to win which is fine but if you let it affect your life that is when the trouble kicks in.For majority of people it is good, they either drink sometimes and do some gambling withing their own personal limits or the do both.People are more against gambling i have found than drink which is understandable.I will admit that i agree gambling can be the worse thing out of drink, drugs and that.It is easy to become addicted but i have found the people who let it take over there life usually did not have a balance life before they started playing so that became such an important issue.I think the way a city like Amsterdam is run is totally great.You should be allowed to have fun and i really do feel if they started not caring as much about those stuff they would get less.It's like when people know something is bad they do as temptation plays a role in life.They should really be dealing with getting knife crime sorted and tougher jail sentences.Everyone can be forgived even if they murder or rape someone, you can always forgive people but they should still get the punishment, basically they should pay the price.Okay back to what i started with, both a great things to do as long as you don't overuse them and keep a balanced life.That is the main thing, do a variety of stuff.At the end of the day if your drinking or gambling just for the sake of doing it or for the money then maybe you should quit.I know it is easy saying this, people can't resist doing stuff a lot of the time if they get in habit but both are totally fine to do and you should never feel ashamed of doing them.I will finish off by saying gambling is made more guilty than the rest.For the reason people say for example if your playing poker your stealing someone elses money.Now that is bullshit.If you go to a cinema the staff take your money to get in, if you got for a meal you have to pay.So anyone who plays at poker knows that they have more chance of losing than winning as only around 10% of poker players are winning players throughout their career with 45% breaking even and 45% losing.They all agree to lose there money and at the end of the day it is just a game, people play to enjoy it too.Now say you are playing in a casino people might enjoy your company and the rest.Just remember though don't go down the path of extreme, drink sometimes and gamble sometimes, just don't let it dictate your life and you will enjoy it.

A quick blog is better than none at all

I have just played my first offline pes event which was okay, random teams i am not a big fan of.It is kind of fun in a way but i well prefer the big teams, am a specialist with Ronaldo and Kaka so they two go well with Madrid.I just stayed the same in my rankings really well moved slightly down but it is start of season and i havn't played that much so still to get in my stride.I am considering travelling to play north and south events later on in the season, they are really big ones.

Apart from that just been getting everything ready for Christmas and been a bit busy last couple of days.Now i just chill for an hour before i go back out.I am looking for phones on web, the Blackberry phones will probably be my choice if i can get a good deal anywhere within the nest few months.

X Factor Semi Final

Only 2 more days until the big semi final, sadly i am busy that night so i need to tape it on sky plus and then watch it later, which will be hard as i am playing my 1st pes offline tournament on sunday, i guess i will have to get up really early sunday morning.They have all done well to get this far and i believe Stacey will win the show due to her great singing, a crowd favourite, the looks help a bit and she is very funny and great for tv.The producers done a great job on that.Simon Cowell also confessed to fancying Cheryl, he said he probably fancies Cheryl more than she fancies him lol, she doesn't wear her rings so unsure what is going on with her and Ashley, Danni can hold back a bit imo i mean if anyone remembers the auditions with that girl woh was just under average for singing she didn't tell her what she thought when it came to her, Louis was straight in there though, i can understand Danni doing what she did but there was no harm in being honest.I give you link and i leave you with a comment on the last four.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBVbkz4MVfI

Stacey - I mentioned her bit up above, she should win, great voice and a hot favourite to win it
Danyl - The guy has impressed me last few weeks, he has improved and has a chance still
Joe - What a nice guy, always smiling and got a gifted voice, a dark horse to win
Ollie - Very confident man who is an everyday guy which fans like, he has a decent chance

All have a chance, so let's find out how they sing on saturday

The Music Is All For Media

If anyone is really into music then this a blog for you guys.If you think about all the people who get major record deals these days and get signed with the big companies are half getting signed because they relate well to the public.I think this is great though because most of the song i actually listen to are not really to do with the song, it is more to do with do a like they people and the song is a kind of bonus.I will give you an example here, someone the likes of Susan Boyle got a record deal, now she got that due to she had an exceptional voice, but let's think of say for talking sake N Dubz, they all have very average voice but bring a lot of fun and entertainment to the music industry.I think that is what it should be about these days, i like people who make it fun and don't just stand there and sing.Anyone with a decent voice can get a record deal if they have the other attributes and a little luck.I was reading an article last week about a guy who is in a Scottish band.He said that he got offered a deal but didn't take it due to not really wanting one as he thinks it is pretty negative, he also slagged Cheryl Cole saying that her song was pathetic and only reason it got to number 1 is because everyone watches the X Factor on a saturday night.Now her song is quite good but she was in a huge band which where successful and her looks help too but i think she can relate well to a lot of people.I mean people would rather see her than someone like Pete Docherty.Entertainment is very important for music, why should you pay money for a concery just to hear someone singing perfectly and standing still doing nothing, you need to have people who make the crowd feel good and put on a great show and looking the part is very important.I know a lot of people would disagree with me on this which is fine but i know who i would rather watch, an outstanding boring singer or a decent singer that brings colour, i choose the latter !

This One Goes Deep

Well i guess is it that time of the year again when i review my life, yeah the bit when it comes to December and i it is nearly a start of New Year.I aint setting myself challenges for next year i think that is a silly thing.I just look at things and see what happens so i will share a few since i could do with a few more blog entries lately, sorry for a odd one but what can i say they take time to do so only when i feel like it.

I am still looking for a job which has been a while now, it is just kind of that stage where it is hard to get one but i mean when it is meant to be it is meant to be.The jobcentre is a tuesday for me , a nice little walk specially with no ipod but i have got used to it now.No more to be said on that.

When i was younger i used to go out with lots of girls, now i prefer to see them but no go out with them.I think it is annoying when you want to play pro evo or poker or do something fun and end up having to go to the cinema with your girlfriend or something along those lines.I used to be into it more i guess now i just maybe a little bored or that.I am not saying i do not want a relationship but then i am not saying i do want one either, just depends how i feel and stuff but right now yeah i have to be single, all girls i have went out with it has been nothing serious which is much better.See people who go out with people for years when there very young, i think it is quite stupid for most of them but there is exceptions.To finish off i feel anyone can get divorced and have nothing against it although marriage i feel is not neccesary, i believe that a couple can go out and have a great relationship without getting married, i find the whole wedding scenario quite artificial and i can't see myself getting married.Then again my views could chnage in years to come, i am open minded.

Thought i would add this in as i feel it is weird in a way.Now let's just think how cool is this.Okay just think of every person you pass when walking for a train or at shops or when your in car and pass all the other cards.It is pretty amazing how each person you passed has been there at same time as you out of all the minutes of the day.Now i am big believer in fate, i actually believe everything is fate and whatever happens happens, so when you worry on stuff maybe you just have to think of the best thing out of it.I think it is cool how each person had to be there at that particular moment.Now the other week i played Gears of war 2 on xbox for first time in a few months, i played online for half an hour or so.All they players had to be in that particular game with me and think of all the games that have passed from three months so the chances of playing me where slim, i just think that is cool.Here is another thing, when you bump into someone on a street that you know that is meant to be, when people are telling a story about someone and next second they see them how do you explain that.I think stuff is suppose to be happenin for better or worse.

I have still been sticking with my lotto prediction, i do it on wednesday and saturdays, my number are: 01 07 18 21 35 44
I honestly do feel these numbers will come up one day i have had two big visions in my life, one was winning the lotto and being featured headline in newspaper and my other was winning a wsop bracelet, i beat Scotty Nguyen win heads up to win it, i dunno maybe one of them is my destiny, need to just wait and see, if anything good is going to come out winning them then i should win.Let's wait and see

To round it off everything is going great as usual, need to get more travelling in but if i had money then that would help lol.I also enjoy watching X factor not long to go now and i have been doing a lot of tweets lately so you can check me up on that.

A stats geek at heart !

Well i really am a big stats geek when it comes to things, especially poker.I write loads of things down as in how much profit i make each session, what time of day i played, the players i played, what game i played and loads more.I feel being like this actually helps my game a lot and as i play when i know i should because i plan i play so concentrated and gives me a big edge on some people already taking away the skill.If you feel tired or drunk or in a bad mood don't play poker.I mean i plan when i am playing and stuff but if i wasn't fully 100% i would just not play that day even if planned, you must plan to succeed but at the end of the day if you know your going into a game that your going to do shit in, why play.As i always said the planning comes into hand.Cash Games are great for profit, i always look at the stats first though and then watch the game if it is online, it is easier to do that there and i do that and then if i feel i have an edge i play.Game selection in Cash Games is the key to winning.My best game is Heads Up No Limit which i do very well in.I play the odd mtt which i do enjoy the most but know that they aren't a easy way of making money, a lot of luck is in they tournaments.I think people who live off big bankrolls can play mtt only and not need to worry but for rest of us i feel it is stupid playing them all the time plus you want to mix it up what you play.The selection of games is good the other way for me as well, if i ever seen Phil Ivey or Daniel Negreanu at a cash game table i would absolutely not play, a lot of people who play poker think oh my god there famous i want to play them.Now that is so dumb, why play people that are so exceptional at the game, even if i had the bankroll to play these guys i would rather play guys who are not quite that level, that's just the way i see it anyway.Well i am a big stats geek and like it that way.Last thing now not done a blog in ages so i thought i should post this and hopefully i will do one withing the next week again.

Very busy guy the last couple of days so it is all good to get a rest and simply have some time to do a blog, keeping it short one today.I have drank the last two nights, friday i was steaming and out of the game and last night was at this kinda party that my dad wanted me to go to- i just got tipsy, i was far too tired to drink, i only had three hours sleep the night before last.

Now today my mate had stayed over from last night and left at two, so i didn't do much in morning and the afternoon i have just been on youtube listening to music.Tonight is a wee quiet night, catching up on X Factor then WSOP episodes and also Pokerstars Million Dollar challenge, i have a lot to watch.Cya !

Well it's been an interesting week, i don't usually blog about my general life, i usually cover topics and a bit added of my life but then one is just based on what's going on.

My mobile phone is due an upgrade, it is a contract phone but i am not sure what to do.I like my phone i have as i mainly like listening to music and then obviously textin and phoning people.Now is it worth getting another phone for free when it is better but much more complicated to use.Then you wouldn't stop using it when your out, well i think i might just stay with one i have but if there is any phone i really want i would consider changing it.

I subscribed to Poker Player magazines for 24 months so i got it the other day there.Still to read parts of it, i ain't got my free chip protector yet though.I haven't been playing a lot but hopefully within the next couple of weeks i will be back in swing of things.

I have been doing a lot of tweets lately, actually just in general i have been using the computer a lot more, maybe it's cause i can't get on Pokerstars and i currently have no xbox(i hope it is back soon so i can play my new game pes 2010).

The weekend for me is set like this, probably go out tomorrow and get drunk unless something else comes up and Saturday i am going to this event my dad wants me to go to, Sunday i might see Shana and then do a workout later on, doing a lot of boxing training in the house lately, i need to buy batteries for my wii fit.I need new cd's to listen to as well.First things first though, time to watch X Men

The X Factor was poor for MIss Frank, i felt they were one of the best performers on saturday night but the public didn't seem to like them.Well done girls on getting that far though, it was a tough road.Now Danyl didn't sing great but he shouldn't have been in bottom two, it should have been Jamie and Lloyd.Jamie cheated which i am dissapointed in him.If he didn't want to cheat he would have told Simon i'm not singing that song.I thought Lloyd struggled again but the girls like him so he stays in which is fair enough.If people like you then that's the way.So another weekend of X Factor to look forward too.

Apart from that just been doing some tweets and going to watch the Celtic v Hearts game tonight, it is on BBC

Okay this blog is my views on Cannabis:

First of all i think the government is completely stupid with the way some of the stuffs run in Britain, a positive i can take out of it though is we are the UK.If it was Scotland alone being run i would leave and live somewhere else, anyone who disagrees are just being stereotyped about people who aren't Scottish, anyway i can go on about that later.So i think cannabis should be legalized.Now i have looked up all the stats on stuff like this which is kinda sad but i had to back up what i am saying.Okay if you think of alcohol for example which i take and i don't see anything wrong with it, it is legal.Now each year in the UK there has been roughly 1 death a year related to cannabis and the reason being is because these 1 a year guys are complete looneys who eat a hell of an amount of it, so it's their own fault.Now on the other hand roughly a year in the UK there has 4,000 deaths.Now it clearly shows that they should be more worrying about alcohol than making cannabis a class B drug, i don't take cannabis personally although i have took it a couple of times a few years back.My other point about it is there is a lot of black market involved within this drug as you don't get much time behind bars for selling this which is a shame for some people who end up dealing with dogy characters.So at the end of the day i leave you with my chart to back me up and hope some changes get made within next few years, i am not voting for labour- that's for sure !

UK drug death figures: deaths per annum
Alcohol[1] Tobacco[1] The Herb[1,2] LSD[1] Peanuts[3] Viagra[3] Ecstasy[1]	4,235 120,000 1 0 7 7 4

[1] Hansard figures for 1995.
[2] Death caused by inhaling vomit [Lord's Hansard report on medicinal cannabis]
[3] BBC news

I am doing a blog on Aly Michalka and Vanessa hudgens, who looks nicer.Now imo they are both very nice but in dif ways, i love that Vanessa is tanned and black hair really suits her.I think Aly is more up for it if you get me but saying that i seen a few pics of Vanessa Hudgens a few months back that let's just arn't suitable for the young audience.Then she didn't know thye where going get spread about the internet.I think they are both very nice and i rest my case that i slightly favour Aly.Anyway tell me what you think on twitter about who you prefer, my twitter is: http://twitter.com/RitchieEss

I thought i would just do a blog.Okay not in a great mood if am being honest which is unusual for me.I am not going into detail but i just feel people jump to conclusions before they hear the story which has actually made me pissed off.I hate people who have favourites over people, at the end of the day you can believe what you want to believe.I admit i done a bit wrong but totally not what people are making it out to be, it's like 85% there fault and 15% mine.Well i think i have said enough, reason i ain't discussing more details is because it's a family issue.What goes on in the family stays in the family !

I watched the X Factor tonight and thought it was good.Rikki Loney was the one to go but as i said he needed improvements sooner or later and i personally thought when it was him and Rachael in the Sing For Survival that he sang better.Rachael seemed to be too sad to sing if that makes sense.Also want to say Cheryl Cole sang great !

As mentioned on one of my tweets i am going to start using the wii fit more again.My goal is to put on nearly half a stone in a month which should be quite tough but i feel i can do it.Going to try working out on it at least four times a week.My plan is to spend an hour each session and do a bit of everything on it.So i will see how it goes.

Just going to give you some news on my xbox which is broke.I am shortly going to be sending it away to get repaired and it should be up and running in a few weeks again, the three red lights came on it a about three weeks ago while i was playing Fight Night Round 4.I need to send it off to Germany to get it fixed and it usually takes a few weeks.Just need to get delivery and stuff sorted out this week and should be sent by the end or the start of next.

A few weeks ago i read the Mike Matusow Auto Biography that i ordered off of amazon which i read in two days, it was really good.It was specially interesting for me and as Mike said in a interview it is more suited for young guys who play poker.He went through a lot, some i knew of but the book really went into detail about some things.I recommend buying it.

I was at the Celtic game yesterday afternoon.Not a good result for them against Motherwell which ended in a 0-0 draw.They were the better team but the finishing was really poor, now down to 2nd in the league.

A few days ago i watched Pokerstars.com Million D0llar Challenge which wss a great show.The contestant was a priest which just made it really funny.He actually brought out the rosary beads at one point which was crazy.He did manage to win the $100k which i don't how he did it as he kinda sucked, no offense Father lol.Basically the show consits of three sections.Firstly you play a celebrity who Daniel sits beside you but doesn't know your cards or opponents.Then the next match is against a Team Pokerstars Pro which Daniel then goes to a private room and can see his team mates cards on a tv screen but can't see opponents so he can help them, the catch is that the opponent can hit a button twice during the game to turn Daniels chat off with team mate.Lastly if they make it this far and decide to not take the $25k Daniel now becomes an enemy and the team mate now faces him to try to win $100k.Anyone who wins the $100k goes on to play in a final table for $1 million.Great show i usually watch it on Pokertube.com as i don't have Fox

Done a small workout today some press ups and sit ups and nice walk.Plan on doing a few more during the week, maybe even a run along with my wii fit challenge.

So a long blog there, i should do one in a few days again.Plan this week is tomorrow might be going out for a few hours to some little thing then train on wii and Tuesday need to go down JobCentre and then swimming at night time.Wednesday might go for run and train on wii, maybe watch football at night, Thursday i will just chill out mostly and watch Celtic game at night and then Friday will just chill out and then the weekend should be pretty busy with football and X factor.

X Factor:

Well i am going to have a blog about the X Factor.I wasn't a fan on the auditions going on a live show as it ruined the small little room where the people go and perform in front of judges but that being said i thought the live auditions where better than i thought.I thought Boot Camp was interesting and then the judges houses was fun and exciting.The live shows have been great but the sad bit is Kandy Rain went out last week which was a gutter.That was my favourite group and i thought they performed well, okay not the best singing but it was good and they are only getting judged on the other side of things which i think is complete rubbish i do not see anything wrong with being pole dancers, it's a job like any other imo.So sad to see them go but they done a good enough job, well done girls.I had a bet on them for £3 and would have won just over £150 but not to be.I am now rooting for Stacey Solomon who i have another bet on with odds of 5/1 i stuck £2 on and will hopefully receive £10 back.So the results tonight here is what i think of each act:

John and Edward- very entertaining but should not be on this show, there a bit embarrasing
Miss Frank- not the best singers but good enough and should survive another few weeks
Lucie Jones- just too average for me and she is not hitting the high notes
Stacey Solomon- very good singer, she will go far
Joe McElderry- yeah i like this guys voice, as ben said he is a dark horse
Rachel Adedeji - not a big fan of her, could be in trouble tonight
Lloyd Daniels- Cheryl mucked up big time for this lad but should survive as girls will like him
Danyl Johnson- never close to his first audition, he is going to struggle the next couple of weeks
Rikki Loney- decent singer but not going to win it unless improvements happen soon
Ollie Murs- bad song choice and singing last night, although the crowd like him so should be safe
Jamie Archer- sang great last night and he is looking like one of favourites to win

Now back home from Berwick Upon Tweed which was quite good.I went with my family Monday to Friday so a good few days away.the caravan was okay considering we got small one as my dog came too, they where pretty small but most caravans are lol.Basically i just drank most nights, yes the good old vodka and during the day i went good 30 min walks to the town centre with some shops and on route was a somerfield.I went to that on first night at around 6 ish to pick up some stuff.It seemed like a great walk that one for some reason, i also went down the beach and went to amusements a few times and one day went swimming in the indoor pool.At night i went for meals at a pub/restaurant called WeatherSpoones, which i had a lovely chicken korma one night and chicken tika the other.Then i stayed in the caravan a bit and watched three movies i brought down:
1) The Incredibles
2) Switching Goals
3)How High
I played a few board games like Cluedo and Monopoly as well with my family which was pretty cool.Good to be back though.

Just to let you guys know my Poker Challenge is delayed until next year here is my statement:
hi guys
just letting every1 know on here that my challenge is going to be delayed until next year(2010) sometime, any1 who is on my list will stay on it unless they request to come off and i will put up another post on here next year.Same rules will apply.It will be roughly February to April

So apart from my Poker Challenge not played poker at all lately really, still waiting on my pokerstars account getting fixed.I intend to play a good bit of live poker before the year ends.Hopefully play at least 4-5 live games if i can.

Back home now for a couple of hours, just catching up on tv stuff- X Factor, WSOP episodes and Goldenballs.I plan on also doing a small workout at home tonight which will roughly last 20 mins.

Poker Challenge:

Well i am opening a challenge set for November and open to any1 willing to challenge me in heads up sit n gos $2.20 here's the rules and info:

i am allowing any1 who has a pokerstars account or is willing to get 1 to play them on there in the $2.20 sit n go heads up game No limit Hold Em.Now starting from 1st November to 1st January i will play my opponent in a series of 100 heads up matches of No Limit Hold Em and there will be a side bet on, i have $50 on the line if i lose more than 50 games and my opponent will have $35 on the line if they lose more than 50.In the unlikely case it's 50/50 then no side bet but the i don't see this happening! here's some rules

1) Since it is my rules to keeping stats and stuff i have put more money over my opponenent and also as i am favourite to win so only fair,i will keep my opponent updated on regular basis but they will know who's ahead or not anyway
2)the only game type will be No Limit Hold Em Heads Up, NO OTHER
3)An opponent can choose to pull out but would owe the other the side bet.Example, say you have played 50 sit n gos and i have won them all well the chances of you wnning 50 r 0.1% so instead of playing me with more money in the sit n gos you drop out and just pay me $35 or vice versa
4)there is no set number to play each day, just when both players have free time.As long as we get 100 games done which should be done easily within the time bracket,plus if we play 2 games 1 day you can quit for the 3rd on that given day even if you planned to play more, that is cool
5)After 100 games or when a player quits the other player must transfer money over pokerstars or cash in hand depending on who i play and what is agreed before we start the challenge
6)Maximum time is January 1st but it could end anytime before that as long as it's before that time
7)games can get filled fast with these stakes so be ready to register quickly
8)the people who apply i will windle it down to six and choose 1 player with5 remaining back up players, note on that player must be able to play 100 games within the dates permitted.As long as they arn't away on holiday for 2 months or that it will be fine

i will explain in a minute how to apply for my poker challenge, first though i will tell you why i am doing it, there are 2 main reasons really.

Firstly i feel i have a good edge in micro stake games and was just wanting to show over the long run of 100 games i should be successful so i am willing to put more than my opponenet on the line with my guidlines in place or else hardly any1 would be interested, so i believe i can beat any micro stakes players.The reason i left open to any1 is because i still believe i have edge over higher ability players and if there interested in playing at these micro levels then fair enough and the higher stakes players won't even bother but for talking sake if they did i would still play so thats one of my reasons.My other reason is i just want to have some fun and spice things up a bit, sometimes challenges can keep you motivated and stuff and the side bet keeps you motivated in this challenge more than the money won in each game

So if you want to apply send me an email ritchie_ess@hotmail.co.uk and state your interested in my challenge and if successful i will get back to you round about 20th October
if you have my number you can contact me that way or twitter me, even if your interested but not sure about send me an email if you need more detail or that and i will try and help


So there is my poker challenge, apply if interested and willing to put the money up for it and good luck on being selected

I am now going to Berwick Upon tweed in mid October for 4 days, Monday to Friday.I decided to go a few weeks ago wasn't sure but thought since my dog and rest of family are going i me as well for a little break.Will be good to get away, not sure wether i am going next year, probably go down England during the year and hopefully canada or America if possible.

Been thinking about the Derren Brown lottery prediction and i think he done it but he didn't reveal the trick on friday, i mean come on what guy would do it and then reveal it that's just plain stupid.I do think he studied it for a year or two and built up a method to doing, just not sure how but lol.

The X Factor was enjoyable on saturday, for that young girl round about 17 it was a sad ending but at same time she wasn't good enough.The judges made the correct decision and she was better getting told there than going on and finding out later.I must say some of the people on really make you laugh, very good for television.

I was playing in Sunday 1/4 Million last night on pokerstars.I qualfied through a $1 sattelitte which out of 45 top 4 got through and 5th got $1 back lol.I had a huge chip stack as three people all in including me with pocket kings so made my way to sunday 1/4 million quite comfortably.So it kicks off on sunday at 20.30, i am playin perfect poker.I didn't really hit hands early on but wasn't losing anything either so the break came within 25 mins as they now work it there is a break every 55 mins past the hour.So when i got back i hit a few hands, two pair ect to work my chips up to about 6k.I then got moved table and knocked a guy out with a bad beat.I have pocket tens and guy calls i push him at flop as i have him covered by a lot, the flop came 5 8 4 he calls with trip fives and i catch a ten on the river,how sick is that! So after that i won a pot of about 3k with pocket aces, played it beautifully and then tragedy struck.This was roughly just over an hour and a half into the tourney,there was about 7500 players left out of roughly 27500, top 4500 get paid.To be honest though i dn't bother about the money just getting paid i want to go deep as i would rather win than the money, the money is a bonus to me because the way i look your remembered if your a winner and you get a good payout from it.Anyway so guy in mid position raises to 1200 3 times BB i call next to him with pocket 7's.So me and him heads up to flop.We both have similar stacks i have him slightly covered.The flop comes 7 Q A, he bets 2k i push him with my 6500 left roughly and he calls instant with trip aces, yeah that really sucked.It hurt but thats poker, i hit a ten in the river in an earlier hand so these things go for you and against you sometimes.It's just they things in a tournament are the hands that good players get knocked out with.Or the other way when there short stacked.But i made the correct move so yes dissapointed but know that's part of the game so after that was down to 876 chips left and pushed with K7 and won and then with 2500 i had 10 9 raised it up to steal blinds guy pushed i call and he had J7 and caught jack and that was the end of my night.Ohh well i played great just one of those tourneys where i had things my way but had a really bad thing go against me.Hopefully i will qualfiy soon again and take another shot or if i'm busy i might just take the tourney dollars.So this week i will have a break from poker.Got a lot of painting to do for some of the rooms of the house and play the odd game of fifa 09, on sunday i will play poker again, i plan to play a few Heads Up games and a $1 sattelitte for Sunday 1/4 MIllion.

Big Brother Grand Final is on tonight

the weeks and weeks of arguments, friendship, tasks and personalities are all coming to another end this year for BB.With only one more year planned it looks like the show islosing a lot of ratings.I personally still enjoy the show, i dn't watch it every single night but most ones i do.My favourite housemate this series was Sree who went out after 4 weeks.So i will leave you with my odds on who i think will win and good luck to the five housemates tonight

Sophie 3/1 - she has made people tune in due to her good looks and also very friendly person who has a good laugh

Charlie 3/1 - not got on the bad side of anyone, though i do think he has had a game plan throughout the show, the public seem to like him but so he is joint favourite with Sophie

Rodrgio 4/1 - well just out of favourites but has been a good housemate imo, the only thing is he is either happy or sad most times and some of his opionions are overboard

Siavash 6/1 - you either like him or you dn't, for me he has been a good entertainer and he has his own opionion on things, he is a big game planner though and stirred a lot in the house, he has got lucky to make it to final

David 8/1 - this guy is okay, he can be a bit annoyin at times but i have started to like him as the weeks have went on and he seems like a good guy, unlikely to win as he came in halfway through the show

Well it has been a while since i done a blog so i came on to let you know the stuff going on the now.

Well doing a bit more fitness again, going to start doing a few running sessions each week in the morning to get a bit fitter.Apart from that i do swimming on tuesday nights and football on a monday night usually.Then just small workouts in the house press ups and sit ups, ohh and the odd boxing session.I might have one of them soon not done them much lately.So should be in shape and i plan on doing the 10k in June next year, i wasn't able to do it last June as i had some injuries with my foot but i should be okay for next June

Been on the xbox now and then hitting a few of the newer type of games i got.Guitar Hero World Tour which i usually get my ass beat at online and also Fight Night Round 4 which i have only won 1 one fight online.I guess it's fair to say i suck.I plan on buying This is Vegas which basically suits me as a game to play.Building a rep in Vegas as a person by determining your money you have and who you are with.I will give you more on that later.

Poker is going good, made a bit of profit lately.Nothing special though.Still taking shots a some regional tourneys and micro limit cash games which can get juicy most times.I was in the EPT Weekly Final which i missed out by a few places on the money.Wasn't that bothered wanted to win to get package.So just be playing some more on pokerstars in next week and then have a small break for a week after that.

So that's me today will have a new blog up soon about Big Brother Final.CYA

So i am now 18.It finally came on saturday, it took it's time - trust me.I put on a bet on a horse and also had my usual lottery ticket on.Nothin 1 out of them i only won 1 race a greyhounds at night which i still slightly lost money as i put £7 and got £4.23 back.Ohhh well i still has some fun.Been playin with other gifts i got as well.Guitar Hero World Tour is awesome, the songs are great and easy is just easy but i am working on that and building myself up.Beginner you only strum you don't use buttons so i would say it's harder as it's so easy you don't concentrate.I just skipped it.I also played my other xbox game Fight Night Round 4 which is brilliant.Not played online yet just been doing career mode to be ready to win online.I hope it works, won most my fights in career mode but lost a few sadly- btw when i say career mode i mean legacy mod, it used to be called career mode in the other fight night games.I watched a few episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond which i have been enjoying watching the last few months.I got into it as i seen Ray Romano at WSOP Main Event 2008 and gave it a try and really liked it.I have the 1st series to watch, i don't think i have seen an episode from the first series.Another thing i got was a lot of alcohol, not really had much only had a few drinks on my birthday which i was slightly tisy and apart from that a can of beer last night.I plan to drink more some nights this week.I got my poker player magazine which i always enjoy reading, they make it exciting to read.I got this aftershave which is in the shape of a fist.The new deisel one it looks really cool.i got some money and stuff like that too.So got a lot to do now

I am going to be playing a lot of poker in the upcoming month, playing mostly micro stakes tourneys and cash games on pokerstars and now and then i will play some sit and go tourneys as well.My poker gift for my birthday was paid entry to $27 satalitte tourney at 23.00 last night for WCOOP.I ended up busting out 25 to go before qualifying which was gutting, i really wanted to be in it so i now am going to put a bit to try and play the regional promotion for uk and ireland players for WCOOP ticket.The best bit about the satalitte was knocking Team Pokerstars Pro Victor Ramdin out with about 5 mins into tourney.

So the pes 2009 Grand Finals are all over in Manchester Old Trafford stadium.I got back in Glasgow at 4 ish yesterday, i had a great weekend.The live draw they had and all the setup at the competition was all very well done.My group was a tough one but i would take anyone,you just have to concentrate on the game ahead of you.My first game was a very poor start as i lost 6-1 to pshychosykes18 but i got a penalty against me which was never one and a sending off which was only s bookin,everything went wrong that could happen.I just forgot about that game and i had the break in the group next as there was 7 of us.After the break i played gcbc which i won 4-2.I then played Stevenymbo who i put out in penalties at braehead event a month ago.I was winning 3-1 but he pulled 2 goals back, i then manged to get 2 more with 15 mins left to win the game 5-3.I then played JamesCs which i won comfortably 3-0.After that i played Oz Idris who got tp the final of the main event which i scored first and then shortly afterwards he equalised.I was slightly on top throughout the game and got my goals to win the game 3-1.I think his style suited the way i play.My last game was against last years Grand Final champ footimaster which i got a penalty and was drawing 1-1 with him but he came out on top to win 4-2.My knockout last 32 was 2nd game out of the draw.I was playing an1mal who people where saying is really good.I lost a goal fairly early on but played really good after that and managed to land the goals in winning 5-1 which i was happy about.So now to last 16 and the way the draw worked i was playing Rob Mclean next.I got off to a really bad start losing 3 goals in 8 mins.First 2 he just managed to scrape front post and then i got a penalty which was a bit of a dogy decision.I climbed back to 3-2 before he went up and scored to make it 4-2.At the end of game just going into stoppage time i took it round the keeper with Kaka to make it 4-3 but it was too late to grab another and i went out.I enjoyed watching the games on the main stage and talking to all the people there.Be really good next season again.I came 21st in rankings which was good for my first season, i just started playing back in March so am happy with my first season.So now have a break for a couple of months and then Pes 2010.

I played poker last night in the 100k Guranteed pokerstars uk and ireland players only.I had qualified through freeroll which was easy as 150 players got in and there was only 324, the catch was but that you could only play once a week in it so you had 1 shot per week.I qualified first time.I played quite good a few small mistakes cost me sometimes but i made it up playing some hands really well.I pushed being a short stack after playing for 2 and half hours with pocket threes and got called with aces and i bust in 378th place out of 10,840.Still done well to get down to that considerin i was basically card dead all night apart from first 15 mins.I made $25 so still some profit.

So back home in Glasgow again,Manchester was great and i would go back again.Stayed up to like 3 last night i don't feel tired at all.

well was out on saturday visting both grandparents, it's was my gran birthday who is 72 and my grandas who is now 81.So was visitng my mums side in the morning and then went over to my dads side in the afternoon.Me, my granda and my sister went over to park and played 18 holes putting which i managed to scrape a win at the end.So it was a good day

i have been playing a game on xbox recently which is a live game show on tv.They have now made it one on xbox, 1 vs 100.It is a gd game but i never got chosen to be in mob or be the one, am not sure if there is a certain way to get innit or not, i got a full game without getting a question wrong but still wasn't one of the top as you get more points as well for how much mob get wrong and how quick you answer and also your correct answer streak.But it's worth playing.

i played a free entry pro evo tourney yesterday which was good.Not as many as last few turned up due to people not having anything to play for now.in my group i managed to get 5 wins with 1 draw and 2 losses, it was a decent group as well with 2 top players.The top 8 in both leagues went through and my last 16 game i won comfotably 6-2 but ended up losing 1-0 in quarter finals to a goal in last couple of mins of the game.So i have been getting practice in for Grand Final, getting all set for that now.

poker has been going great recently, i played a uk bounty freeroll and came 2nd of a field of 879 players.The top 9 qualified for a the weekly final so i was one of them.I was happy with my play.I then went on to make back to back final tables as i didn't play until sunday which was the Bounty Weekly Final where i came 6th makin $45 which i was really pleased about.My poker has come on great in the last year.I plan to keep up the good work.Today at 3.00pm i am goig to have a little game with a 10 cent tourney on stars.I am then playing the 100k Guranteed on sunday 2nd August which i'm looking forward too.I have been reading the books and magazines on poker which has helped my game a lot.

So off to Manchester Friday then!

well bn pretty busy lately and not blogged in a while so thought i wud

well i have been back home for 2 weeks now after a holiday a Costa Brava which was okay, the Nou Camp stadium was one of the best bits of the holiday, very large ground.The pool was on rooftop which was very cool i thought, i prefer it being up there.The food i had was pretty disappointing not much to eat the full holiday.I managed to watch the tennis at a bar which was gd, i predicted Federer and i was correct.So i got back home on tuesday 7th July and it felt weird being back but quite a luxury when you get back as well.

Before i went i played a pes event at Brahead which i managed to get to the final.I had decent group, i managed to come back in a few games which i was losing to win and ended up winning 5 and drawing so didn't lose.i got a bye which was nice and played stevenymbo who i drew with before in another event, it was my favourite game of event cause i won on penalties and thought whoever won that 1 wud make it to the final, i then won 5-3 in extra time to a newcomer jamesbrown who was pretty good, he was 3-2 up and i equalised to bring to extra time which i went on til win.A few top players where in other side of knockout so i lost in final to jonnynelson 4-2.I played well and a little disappointed i didn't win but i made the Grand Finals because of it! I'm off next week to play in Grand Finals at Manchester, Old Trafford, which i am really looking forward too.Been starting to train for it and feel my game has been improving lately.Playing in a Glasgow event on Sunday as a warm up, so that should be fun.

The wsop main event has got down to 9 and Phil Ivey has made it as one the the 9, well done to Ivey on making it, shows now he is the best overall player in my opinion.The videos start coming out in a few weeks so that will be good.I'm going to watch the final table live on ESPN if possible.Can't wait!

Not played too much poker recently.Played a few weeks ago in a tourney online and qualified for uk and ireland 100k guranteed, it was pretty easy tourney to qualify considering i was one on the chip leaders.So that's on August the 2nd just when i get back from Manchester.I also played a couple of bounty player tourneys and a few on sky poker which iwon a small bit of money, i will start playing more again in a few weeks, just been having breaks.

Played the wii golf a few times and seem to have got better each time.I managed to get a 2 birdies and 1 eagle the other day on it which was pretty impressive so i'm starting to play that more.Really enjoyable game especially if you have a group playing it.I played singstar as well, just because my sister made me lol.It was songs i hated too.

Still watching Big Brother, there is loads up this week.Well everyone apart from Lisa and Rodrigo which will be interesting to see who gets voted out the house.I don't like these new housemates coming in i feel it ruins it a bit if they win or that.I still think Halfwit(Freddie) will win the whole thing.

apart from that just been chilling watching a couple of movies.I watched Borstal Boy which had Danny Dyer innit which was okay and American Hisstory X which was a great film.I had seen it before but forgot some of the parts in the movie.Edward Norton and Edward Furlong played the parts really good.it's been out for 11 years which suprised me, i never knew that.Very sad bits in the movie but had a really good meaning behind it.Same with Borstal Boy, it's about a teenage Republican going on a bombing mission from Ireland to Liverpool when he gets caught and goes to a Borstal and it's about his stay in there.I also played monoply last night which was really fun.I must have not played that game for a year or two, really enjoyed it though.I think i'm playing it tonite again.This afternoon i will probably just sit with my dog, watch a movie and do a workout later.

A few days ago i got a twitter account which i really like.There is a lot of interesting people on it including a lot of celebs who use it on a regular basis.So i will keep sum of the day to day stuff on updates at twitter
my twitter account name is RitchieEss

pes 2009 has bn up and down lately.I played in a few messi tourneys which didn't go too well , got knocked out by the greek in 1 to a heavy defeat in 2nd round and the 2 other messi ones which wer groups i didnt qualify from.The only other event i hav played in is the England Umbro event which i done decent in.Lost a group game 2-0 and the other guy got kicked from tourney so i wen on to beat a guy a bit behind me in ranks 2-0 and beat a guy 18th in ranks 3-2,i finally lost in quarter finals to the greek again.He seems to be hammering the online tourneys the now.Goin to be close to who wins overall league,i wud say the greek will manage to do it.Next event is another England Umbro online 1 and then a Glasgow offline event on sunday

Also on xbox been playing a gta 4 online with a lot of American Gangsta type guys.Very funny people some of the players and it's a good laugh.I shoudl be bak on tonight and will probably go for the car racing gta 4 style and maybe a deathmatch after.

I watched a really good film last week called The City Of God.It's about a city which is one of the worst in the world but a boy who lives there chooses the path of becoming a photographer in the city.It's in portugese so had English subtitles up,I would recommend to watch it.Also watched Adulthood for 3rd or 4th time but i had audio speaking from the cast which was good as i had already seen it a few times before.Was interesting to see what they thought of the whole movie in general and it's an amazing job what Noel Clarke done with that film.

Been watching Big Brother on the tele.It seems good so far, i always think with these shows there good at start and then fade away when certain personalities leave the house,here is my thoughts on the housemates:
Angel- very weird and annoying i would like her out the house
Charlie- he's funny and seems like a nice guy, he gets along with everyone really
Halfwit- very entertaining and a lot of things he says are a load of crap but i like him
Karly- She is hot but i don't like the bitchy side to her,i have mixed opinions on her
Kris- i don't mind him,not brought much to house yet but early days i suppose
Lisa-I like her she looks a bit mental but she helps people with problems a lot and that's good
Marcus- very very very weird,he noises people up and eats huge amounts of food
Noirin- she is too stand backish and i don't like the way she treated Sree, but she is nice enough
Rodrigo- not really got a bad word to say about him, he just needs to talk more, i disliked a point
Siavash- i think there is a lot more too come from him now Cairon has left
Dogface- she's very attractive and seems like a nice person,she handles things well
Sree- My most favourite of them all,just a nice guy and so entertaining.Go Sree

i used the Wii in the first time in like 3 months lol.I was playing the wii fit and i have lost a stone lately which isn't a good thing.I think iw eighed myself too like a few weeks back so seems to be a sudden loss.I will be at doctors on wednesday and hopefully find out if their is any problems.

I read a book that my cousin gave me which only took two days even though it was quite short the book>it was Daneil Negreanu Hold Em Wisdom For All Players.A good book,gives you some basic tips on things coming from his view.Another thing about him is his video blogs are top class.Really funny some of them.Keep them coming Daniel!

I am going to pack soon for my holiday next Tuesday in Costa Brava.Am away to airport tonight to pick my Grandparents up,i must say i like the drive to airport.I'll be in the back with my ipod that now has songs on it and is fixed.Right now i will go back on the wii fitness

Well the wsop has finally arrived.I am excited about it even though am not playing yet lol need to be 21 in states.I think the structure of the tourneys is been good this year and the main event especially with 30k starting chips.That gives people the chance to sit back and not rush to get chips.I thought last year the November Nine was a big success.It was a gamble they done but very good one,it was building final table up like never before.The main event is going to be a very entertaining the same as last year.Now i know the chances of winning it are so unlikely but i will choose someone for fun of it.I think James Mackay who plays under the name mig.com on pokerstars will win.He has being do very well recently but then the chances of him winning it still i have to pick someone.I'm going to keep viewing wsop to see how it's going.I'm away on holiday during day 1's of main event so need to be checking them all out when i get back.

Pes 2009 has had a lot of online tourneys recently that i have been playing.I am currently playing in pes fan june xbox 360 qualifier and doing well the now.I beat Sam 4-0 and beat James 2-1 which was probably the best game i have ever played in pro evo.So i have 6 points all my opponents still have to play their games.Still is a chance i could go out but i would need to lose to Arjun and James would need to beat Arjun and lastly both of them would need to beat Sam by 5 goals at least.So chances looking very good right now.Got more on the way,i have 3 messie signed poster events and should be playing in the England Umbro event on sunday.One of the Messi ones is tonite so looking forward to that.Let's hope i can have a gd run in it.

Poker bn doing a wee bit online not much recently and some home games with friends and family which went well.Apart from that not played too much poker as i have had other things on keeping me busy.I have one tourney though that i have been invited too.I have lots of online poker room i'm registered with but i signed up at Sky Poker one i hadn't done yet.I watched it on tele as they have their own channel so gave it a try.Actually decent site you get 500 points to start with that put you in freerolls points for sum little cash.Now i have been invited to a $500 special for new players on Friday night.Hopefully run well in it.Let the cards decide!

I want to see that film Fight with Channing Tatum in the movie,havn't yet seen it so not sure wether to wait until it's out on dvd or jus go to cinema.It really looked good though.I will need to see it sometime.I have a dvd i got a few weeks back called The City of God i might watch it today or later on in week,it really looks a very deep moving film.I will let you know about it once i watch.

I'm not running in 10k this year as my foot has had problems so need to leave it out which i'm dissapointed but know it's the best choice to make as i havn't been training and stuff.So i will need to wait next year for that again.GOOD LUCK TO ALL RUNNING THIS YEAR.

So the poker tourney is finally done.It was quite hard for us to keep playin as we where all busy but we played a session tuesday nite and then yesterday afternoon.So hears sum of my memorable hands.Pollock raised me 400 on the 1st nite of tourney with pocket jacks,i had pocket kings i re raised him all in and i was lower on chips but he thought he had me beat but thought that i wud catch something and he folded.It was actually a really good laydown-nice 1 Pollock!The next session i moved up like 600 right away.I got in a big pot with Murray and won the hand.Then i bullfed Pollock off a big pot.It was down to the river and i had pair of threes and he checks and i put out big bet.I mucked lol but he showed his pair of tens wen he folded so i won a big pot off him with a bluff that was a big turnin point in the tourney.So the tuesday ther session 3 was about an hour and a half session.A ,ot of small pots that night but a few very big pots.I raise on the button with 10 4 off suit and Pollock folds and Murray calls.Him first to bet so he bets and i raise.The flop was J 6 8 and i was tellin him he has me beat,which was true but i was gettin in his head he called me.So the turn came another 6 and he bets like 300 and i ask him would he show if i called.he says yes but i thought i am goin to call to put doubt in his mind.I actually did put him on the 6 at this point.My card came on the river a ten but i still thought i was beat so he checks i bet and he calls,i won the hand.That was luck for me he had pocket sevens but i stayed in the hand too long but i had a weird feeling about.Ohh well won the hand lol.So that put me up to over 3000 in chips.Pollock was really down at end of session and the flop comes Q 7 7 we are all still in murray to be first.He bets 600 i fold i had nothin so this would be enough to put Pollock all in he takes his time and calls,Murray flips his queen 7 for a full house,Pollock has king 6 with a diamond draw but needs two kings on turn and river.The turn comes a king but the river comes 4 of clubs so Murray puts Pollock out.So the final day me and Murray heads up for 1st place.Murrays being improving his game lately.He's become a good bit better so i knew he would be coming for a win here.I had 3330 to start off with and he had 1170 so i had to push at him quite a lot which i did.I used the big stack to my advanatage i stole the blinds a lot and got him down to 500 wen the final hand of tourney happened.Murray calls i push all in with pocket threes i felt i had him beat before flop but when he called i thought must be ace king ace queen but he turned over queen seven off suit.He was going down a lot so he just thought he could catch something against me.the flop comes 4 10 7-he had caught his seven i had a feeling that would happen but the turn came 3 for my set and river was blank, i won the tourney after 3 and half weeks of play.Am happy about that.Pollock just started playing so was always going to be hard for him to begin with but he survived the first two sessions and nearly all the way through third and Murray had played well too but he got unlucky against me in two hands which gave me the win.I enjyed playing it and some of the hands where really interesting.

Was watchin Champions league Final last night.Not a good final Barca controlled the game fairly comfortable and Man U didn't seem much of a threat,they had a bad game.Two nice goals by Eto and Messi sealed the deal.Unlucky Man U.

the poker online being going good.Am in 59th positon the now.Top 100 get paid and end of month.I have 61 points so 95% sure am safe for at least $5.Hoping to get another final table to get $10.I was actually just trying to break into 100 i was just below.The other night i had a feeling i would get to final table which i really needed,well at least a cash but i just relaxed and let the cards come.I was down to begin with but then i gained a big chip stack and was 2nd with chips the time the bubble burst and then moved up and down from ther and managed to hang on to the final table and from the ther i played well coming 2nd.The guy who won had 380,000 i only had around 60,000 so needed to push a lot which i got it up to 100,000 but the guy caught his ace and queen for two pair over my pocket nines.I wanted 1st place but was going to always be difficult considerin his chip stack.This is my last month in the regional as it takes up too much time and the structure and time its on is pretty bad but i might go back to it in a few months time you never know!There's also a new uk promotion oncalled the Becker Battleship which is satalittes to three weekly finals where the winner playes Boris Becker in a live game and wins Tennis tickets.So i have 3 weeks to make some final tables.There's also cash prizes.I'm liking this bonus it reminds me of the Ept qualifiers apart from the Ept was a bigger promotion but the structure and satalittes are very similar so should be good playing that.

Pro evo is having a few online tourneys which i will be playing in next month.Ther just to get my points up i'm playing in them and also caus i can get a poster that Messi signed thats the prize which is quite a good 1.So i need to start training for it soon.

Apart from that just being out sometimes and watchin The inbetweeners series 1 which is very good and a new show called the streets which is really interesting me.

I am away to Costa Brava in 30th June for a week.Looking forward to that not been abroad in nearly 3 years.That should be FUN

So recently been doing a few things that i have enjoyed

I was at my two sisters show on sunday night.It was a good show and they both done well,the lighting and costume was all good.The only thing that was bad was the fact that the show dragged on at the end i felt they could have cut parts out of it.Like i think it was suppose to finish around 10 but ended up onto 11.30 but oh well it was still a good show!

The Champions League is going to be a great final,let's just hope Man U can win it for 2nd year in a row.Going to very close game anyway but i feel it will 1-0 win for Man U,some of the players seem to have that fight for anything mentality whereas i feel a few Barca players mite not have that as much.Looking forward to that game anyway.Also got the old firm on Saturday at 12 noon.Now this is sure to be a kind of league decider.I think Celtic will be strong and play well and edge it with a 2-1 win.Both teams are of similar level right now so that will be a very good game hopefully and this could be the one where the points are vital for both teams.

Am going to talk about Ricky Hatton v Manny Pacquio.it wasn't the best of fights if am being honest i mean i don't think anyone expected such an early knockout.I actually thought Hatton would win in the 8th round and knockout Pacquio.Because of his last fight at Vegas against Mayweather i would have thought he would be more prepared and more disciplined but then i was wrong.I wasn't impressed with his performance at all.He left himself open and the knockout punch well i'm not taking anything away from Pacqiuo he picked his punches well but Hatton really left himself open there.The thing that makes the difference i think is that Hatton doesn't adapt his style whereas the likes of Mayweather and Pacquio do!More on boxing Mayweather has came out of retirment and is fightin Juan Manual Marquez.Now i don't really know too much about this guy apart from he's good lol but i think this will be quite a comfartable fight for Mayweather,I'm guessing a 5th round ko.I am definately watching the fight,it should be on sky box office

Since Saturday i have been playing a home poker tourney.It's me and my two mates.So a £9 win at stakes we have played 2 days worth.We played roughly a 2 hour session on Saturday and 2 hour session Tuesday.On Saturday the game was quite slow to start with very small pots being won.Pollock was very aggressive and Murray was pretty aggressive too so they both where going at it quite a lot.I was down a good bit but Pollock raised and i re raised him and he folded so i got some back from that.so at the end of saturday the chip counts where:
Pollock- 1930
Murray- 1385
Ritchie- 1185
so i was down a bit on chips and so was Murray and Pollock and been very aggressive and got a nice stack jus under 2000.So we played again on Tuesday,i got in a big pot with Murray in the very first hand of Tuesday and got a lot of chips from that and manage to pick my spots right and get a lot of chips.Murray didn't have a great day then again it could have been worse for him,he was really down to begin with but then he won a big pot against Pollock so he was only down slightly.Pollock had a bad day he got raised and a bit unlucky as well.He played aggressive as he has been playing but the timing was unlucky as he was getting re raised by me and Murray most times so the chip count now stands:
Ritchie- 2705
Murray- 1150
Pollock- 645
so i more than doubled up from start of tuesday so i'm sitting with a nice stack at the moment.I'm not sure when we are next playing should be either today or tomorrow.I will be revealing my hands after the tourney is done,probably be done in 2 weeks time.

On the poker online i done well last night i came 3rd from a field of 280 to start with.It was on the regional tourney on pokerstars divsion 2.So i'm now at 17 points and in the leaderboard,not sure where yet lol it's not updated till Friday.So i played really well last night but also got a bit lucky but you have to get lucky to come 3rd.I was short stack in the tourney and it was down to last 64 players.i was just over 1000 chips hanging on,i was thinking a wee bit let's not be bubble boy-i have never bn bubble boy thank god lol but i had to push with my ace queen and i guy called with king queen so i doubled up and then the bubble broke,63 players now left i pushed again with ace queen and guy calls with king queen again lol i actually put him down to 900 roughly and i was now at 6000.I kncoked that guy out a few hands later and he was trash talking in the caht box lol aw well i didn't reply in the chat box so he left after 2 mins every swear word possible.Then the rest was history. I was up and down got my stack to 12000 and got moved table.Then i made my move with ace queen suited and guy calls with ace king suited.so the flop come 4 7 6 and 2 diamonds, he had ace king diamonds and i had ace queen spades.So the flop was looking really bad for me only a few outers and the turn comes 4 clubs and then boom the queen comes on the river.I was saying before the river 1 time baby i had this feeling it would come and i was joyed when i seen the queen,it was a shame for the other guy but that's poker luck does play a part but that is not how i got this far.I picked my spots well and observed the table making me make every decision based on everything i have witnessed in the game.so after that i was at 30000 roughly i pushed and got 2 hands all in calls,these players where both short stacked got away up to 70000.Then i went bak down the way and up and down again and then bak up.So the moment came The Final Table.I had 90000 to start with, i bluffed a guy in a hand a got it upto 124000 but then i raised twice and gor re raised both time so i was down to 70000 maybe just over.i was 2nd in chips now with only 3 remaining i pushed with pocket 4's and the large chip stack who had about 250000 by this time called with 10 queen of clubs.It wasn't the best of calls from this guy but he knew he cud afford to lose the hand so he called hoping to catch.The flop came fine all small cards and then the turn and it was 10 of spades so that was me wamboozled.I played basically perfect poker and picked my spots rite and the luck came with my great play.It just goes to show i was one of the lowest in chips at the bubble and i went onto make the final table.So if anyone reading this bit never give up in poker.

Been watching a few films recently,seen the bank job last week for the 2nd time.A very good movie based on a true story Jason Statham plays the lead role well.A movie to watch for any people who enjoy watching crime stuff.i watched the 1984 movie Footloose about the town which dancing is illegal.Quite a good movie the only thing was it dated and some songs wern't great in it but i still give a 7/10 rating,i will need to see the newer version i think Zac Efron is the main character.

Now the tv shows are really good the now The Inbetweeners on every thursday is really funny typical british comedy about 4 young guys all different types of people and getting involved in stupid situations i really think its funny.Will has to be the best!Another programme which i watched for the first time like the other day was Two and A Half men.The reason i decided to watch it was the advertisement on mtv made me really want to watch it seemed good and by all means it didn't dissapoint i really liked it.On the monday night it was quite late i seen it on and watched a few episodes.i will need to watch some more in the future.

Now the big debate i have is whether to get Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero world tour.I just can't decide, i asked the guy in Hmv yesterday and he said it's a preference to what you personally like better.So if anyone has an idea what one to get just let me know caus it's so hard to decide lol.

Today i'm just going to go out quite soon after i get some lunch and then later my grandparents should be coming down,then later tonight i should be playing on pokerstars divison 2 at 7.45 and then watch Crimewatch update and The Inbetweeners at 10.

16/04/09

Hi ther jus got a bit of spare time the now thought a wud post a blog.

Well bn quite busy lately jus done a lifeguard course last week a failed on certain parts so overall i failed but i tried my best so a cant be too dissapointed.Quite a tiring week but caus i was out to 9 on tuesday from 9 in the mornin and wednesday i went straight to Celtic game which was not bad gd result for Celtic.

Bn playn pro, jus bak on it yesterday again.A few weeks bak i played in a live tourney but jus missed out on qualifyin from my group by 1 point.I was unlucky considerin i was unbeaten in my group and beat the guy who got to the final.Aw well thats wat happens wen you only win 1 and draw 3.

Also bn watchin a brand new series on tele-The Inbetweeners,its really funny stuff probably set at the ages of 14-30 but its really enjoyable.I hav only started eatchin it since the 2nd series so need to go on play.com and order the 1st caus ye jus can't miss it.

The football game the other nite was brillaint Chelsea v Liverpool.An 8 goal thriller really made it a match to remember i thought liverpool wud win 2-0 but jus miss out but they wer unlucky and Chelsea done well to get the goals away wen needed so be interestin to see the next round.Out of English teams i like Man U ohh yes they r through.HAPPY DAYS

Just last week ther the Grand National was on i was not that sure who to put on but a few days before it i decided i will go for State Of Play.I felt it was not far off the favourites had bn runnin gd,so i knew it had a gd chance.The odds wer 14-1 i put it too win.Sadly it came 4th jus didnt hav the pace at the end of the race.Funny enuf my uncle jus put on a last minute bet and won 100 quid on a horse that was 100-1.The only bad thing about the race was that HearTheEcho collapsed and died.

Poker bn goin quite gd this week i was playn in a 10 cent no limit tourney on pokerstars with a field of 5402 and i came 11th place so picked up a few dollars and really enjoyed the tourney i played really gd poker and showed that i can play to get that far.My personal best in a scheduled multi table tourney hopefully i will make a final table soon.Was jus off it the other nite but i played well and held my head up high wen i went out.most of the week i will jus play regional division 2.The top 100 after the month get cash so decent chance of gettin sum and a gd tourney to play in

I am likin sum songs that r out the now a few in mind r:
*The Pussycat Dolls - Jai Ho
Jennifer Hudson - If It Isn't Love
Beyonce - Halo
Jordan Sparks - One Step At A Time
Lionel Richie feat Akon - Just Go

so i am going to be watchin the big fight tonite.Amir Khan v Marco Antonio Barrera.Shud be very entertainin,it wasnt on normal channel so yip i had to frok out £14.63 to see it but it will be worth it.There are also a few undercard fights that look quite interestin to watch as well really i think nicky cooke is fightin in one of them i hav seen a few of his fights he is a good boxer.But back to the main event i think Barrera is going to knockout Khan in first round i think he will jus punish him and Khan wont be able to defend i do not rate Khan highly.The fighters he has fought most of them where unheard of apart from Willie Limond and the guy Brendon i think his name was who knockd him out in the first round so be excitin to see wat happens tonite anyway.Also its in Manchester so the fight wont be on too late thats a good bonus.

Apart from that the pokers going okay jus in the Weekly final 2nd week in a row lets hope a can cash this time.I will probly play The Open Qualifier tonite before the boxing starts at 9.Been out the last few nites jus in toon and stuff.Tomorrow is Old Firm game i will go for a 2-1 to Celtic hopefully we will win first trophy of season.It will be quite an even game but i think we will manage to get the lead which makes it easier to win,hope we can lol.Then at nite i will jus be playn weekly final EPT Monte Carlo Grand Final.Met some good guys from the qualifier tourneys so a know a few good faces am up against.so bn a good few past days n be good tonite and tomorrow.

10/03/09

hi guys
bn playn sum gd poker lately.I hav qualified bak to bak weekly ept grand final monte carlo freerolls.I suppose i didn't do to well on sundays one as i has personal problems and was 45 mins late so that didn't help.Bit i qualified again for this sundays weekly final and also i am goin to be playn The Open qualifiers for the end of the month.Their's a lot of promotions the now for uk and ireland players on pokerstars it seems to be goin pretty good and i am playn good poker so hopefully i will do well in one of these weekly finals.
I had a bat beat last nite-i am a small stack in The Open Qualifer 56 players left 18 qualify i raise all in with about 3500 chips most fold it comes to last player.He calls me all in i hav AK offsuit he has KQ offsuit,I thought it was a bad call by him so the flop comes 3h 6s 7c decent flop for me the turn comes 8h which was still goin good and then the river comes Qs that was really bad luck.I had him beat and he catches a queen on the river it was a really bad call by him but at end of the day thats poker.I had to make a move with AK offsuit and this time it didn't pay off.i think the next couple of days i am jus goin to play sum frrerolls as i hav bn savin losin money on stars and teaches me how to play against the beginner players.

Apart from that i hav jus bn watchin sum poker on tele and bn out on drink now and then.Still tryin to get a job very hard to get the now caus of this credit crunch and that.Hopefully get one soon anyway.Got loads of dvds in that i still havn't watched and had them for ages lol i shud get round to a few of them soon.Celtic didn't do too well on saturday goin from beatin St Mirren 7-0 to losin 1-0 then again St Mirren wud hav really bn up for it and Celtic slackd.I mite watch the champions league hilights wen i get in tonite.Man U to win CL

28/01/09

awrite guys
i was jus goin to be sayin my poker plan for next few months
february 4th-pokerstars online tourney micro no limit hold em
february 6th-10th-pokertstars sit n gos 2.20 all week
n the rest play mostly tourneys on pokerstars mite hav odd game on ladbrokes a will keep you updated anyway
also mite try a higher buy in game if a manage to win
so more on the sit n go tourneys im playn that week
well am jus goin to hav a go at quite low buy ins and see how muhc i can make profit wise at end of week
i will probly play fur roughly 2 hours each day
n means im gettin my fpp points up on site as well

26/01/09

awrite guys this is first time this year i hav wrote a blog lol bn quite busy lately.I had a gd christmas and New Year everythin went well.Jus bn not doin to much lately work wise as job not bn givin me much shifts the now.Bn boozin a bit recently again bn quite fun.Poker startd playin afew games over last week got in the money a few times.Today im playin a $5 no limit hold em game currently on pokerstars if ye want to watch.Also a got that wii at christmas its actually really fun and its a gd wae to get fit,i got the fit game with it as well.This week jus goin in to toon this week goin to dancin gettin mwi so that shud be quite gd.On the saturday a think am goin out with ma dad to watch a football game bit am not defo on it yet.I played fifa 09 the other day it a really gd game i played it before christmas bit i hadn't played it since then until like 2 days ago at ma mates house n i really enjoyed-still say pros better rite enuf .So the rest of the week jus goonae be watchin a few movies and watch the celtic game tommorow nite ther playn dundee united in the league cup semi final so hopefully we will get a result as dundee hav bn playin well recently.So today am jus goin to play poker on stars and tonite i will be goin to swimmin which is fun.