darkoz
darkoz
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June 17th, 2016 at 11:43:09 AM permalink
In my first book review https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/general/24027-by-the-playbook-1/ I mentioned there were generally two types of memoirs -- the ones by AP's winning and the ones by addicts losing.

Here is a review of a third type which falls into the category of Gonzo Journalism -- that is, where an outside reporter or observer becomes part of the story he is reporting about.

A previous review https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/general/25578-most-unique-ap-maneuver/ also falls into this category.

In Colson Whitehead's "The Noble Hustle", Colson is given a chance to compete in the WSOP with Grantland Magazine putting up his $10,000 buy-in. In return he was to give a series of articles of his experiences. He could keep any prize money won but was not being paid any cash if he lost - his buy-in was his writing fee.

Being located on the East Coast, we are treated to a series of training sessions conducted in Atlantic City poker rooms for the first half of the book and a trip to Vegas to compete in the second. Colson takes a humorous parodic look at what is covered more seriously in other works of this nature.

This is not Mr. Whiteheads first novel and his prose and choice of words are very intricate. You almost have to read the book twice to get all the in-jokes and minor nuances (I did indeed read the book twice and was surprised at what I had missed the first time.)

*Spoiler Alert*

The book is quite funny. It's tag line is A tale of Poker, Beef Jerky and Death. All three are represented in the book however the death aspect is metaphorical and refers to his death at the WSOP which happens quickly enough to prevent him from receiving any financial remuneration.

However, Mr. Whitehead is one of those resourceful people who still managed to turn a book, er, buck by writing a book about his experiences, said advance fee which probably paid for his writing services in full.

Overall, I would recommend checking this one out.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
Wizardofnothing
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June 17th, 2016 at 11:56:09 AM permalink
E book or paperback ?
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darkoz
darkoz
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June 17th, 2016 at 12:27:38 PM permalink
Quote: Wizardofnothing

E book or paperback ?



I always do paperback (I am old fashioned -- still have a ten dollar cell phone, as you know) but I am sure they do ebook.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
PokerGrinder
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June 17th, 2016 at 12:48:36 PM permalink
I actually bought 24-7 living it up on your recommendation. Half way through, pretty solid book.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
darkoz
darkoz
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June 17th, 2016 at 1:04:30 PM permalink
Quote: PokerGrinder

I actually bought 24-7 living it up on your recommendation. Half way through, pretty solid book.



Oh wow, thx. That makes my reviews worth it. Just trying to share the fun I have reading gambling literature.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
AxelWolf
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June 17th, 2016 at 1:39:15 PM permalink
Quote: darkoz

I always do paperback (I am old fashioned -- still have a ten dollar cell phone, as you know) but I am sure they do ebook.

$10 cell? Come on that's silly, especially making the kinda money you're talking about. and working with others.
it's not about the cost of the phone it's about the technology, easy communications, apps that make things 10x better and easier and coordinating stuff.

I think that's one of the first things I bring up if someone does something for us. If it's a crappy phone, im like we have to get you a good phone.

During the black friday sales that's the first thing I go for just incase someone needs one.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime last year was like $30.

Even just using str8 talk is only $45 unlimited talk text (some 4g) unlimited 3g.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
darkoz
darkoz
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June 17th, 2016 at 1:58:19 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

$10 cell? Come on that's silly, especially making the kinda money you're talking about. and working with others.
it's not about the cost of the phone it's about the technology, easy communications, apps that make things 10x better and easier and coordinating stuff.

I think that's one of the first things I bring up if someone does something for us. If it's a crappy phone, im like we have to get you a good phone.

During the black friday sales that's the first thing I go for just incase someone needs one.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime last year was like $30.

Even just using str8 talk is only $45 unlimited talk text (some 4g) unlimited 3g.



I understand. It's my choice.

My daughter brought me a smart phone for Christmas and after it sat on my table for a month I gave it to my granddaughter (and told her it was from me, my daughter got a good chuckle out of that one.)

I prefer to use phones for one purpose. Making phone calls and I suppose texting. If I want to watch a video or go onto a website I will use my computer or television.

BTW, I have a collection of vintage pinball machines that each cost several smart phones value so money is not the issue.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
AxelWolf
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June 23rd, 2016 at 1:02:49 PM permalink
Quote: darkoz

I understand. It's my choice.

My daughter brought me a smart phone for Christmas and after it sat on my table for a month I gave it to my granddaughter (and told her it was from me, my daughter got a good chuckle out of that one.)

I prefer to use phones for one purpose. Making phone calls and I suppose texting. If I want to watch a video or go onto a website I will use my computer or television.

BTW, I have a collection of vintage pinball machines that each cost several smart phones value so money is not the issue.

I wasn't talking about video and entertainment I was talking about you as an AP. There's much value especially if you work with others. Even solo. It's a mini computer in your pocket. I'm not sure why an AP wouldn't want to use something that added so much extra value. It's like playing a 6/5 when there's a 9/6 that offers the same exact thing.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
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