First, let me say thanks to BTP for their generosity and support. My life will be easier due to this support.

Second, let me say this--and if I don't repeat it often enough, forgive me--I am NOT an expert. I don't claim to be. I don't WANT to be. I seek enlightenment. It's the reason I get out of bed in the morning. I don't sleep late, I don't watch much TV, and I don't work on an assembly line. Not a knock on those who do all of the above, but they're not reading this anyway, so to hell with 'em. I eat, drink, sleep poker. I live poker. I bore everyone with poker. It's my favorite thing to talk about. Sorry, 'bout that.

Third, given the above disclaimers, I have strong opinions. They are my own, unless attributed to someone else. I may not always weaken my arguments with stuff like, in my humble opinion or I may be wrong or you may be right, etc etc etc., but it should be understood I am saying this without saying it. I care more about being wrong than I care about being right. By stating my opinions, I'm strengthening my knowledge of it. By admitting when I'm wrong, I further gain knowledge. That's why I do what I do, not just arguing about poker, but about everything else. I've never learned anything when I'm right.

People who are 100% sure of everything they say are brain dead. People who say to me, "whatever, dude," risk manual strangulation by my own hands. It's admitting you're brain dead. I'm listening to you, because I'm never 100% sure I'm right. You are. That's dumb. I'm smarter today than yesterday because I'm so often wrong, but I learn from it.

People who agree with everything just to get along are useless. They don't contribute. People who disagree with everything and don't listen are worse. They are the true bores in life. People who disagree but find agreement in the end are the gems. They are my favorite people in the world. They add color in a black and white world. They stand out in the herd. They are always my friends. I love 'em.

I'm a student then a teacher. One cannot be a teacher without being more of a student, and be any good at it. I hope you'll find this true of me.

I love poker, specifically Texas Hold 'Em, because it's the greatest game in the world. I'm delighted it's so hot right now. I'm delighted people of all ages and both sexes are playing it with vigor. I hope it will come to pass that people who don't play will understand that all their thoughts and attitudes and understandings of poker and poker players will change, and society will gain. Given that many, many teenagers play it, I expect it will, whether we like it or not.

Poker is a civilized game, not a threat to society's morals. It is a game that teaches the player--the winner, that is--patience, discipline and self-control, things that are lacking in us, today. Poker players are not all degenerate gamblers. Those coming into the game today are seeking something lacking in their lives. Poker is social, competitive, and interactive. This is what we are, too, and it's absolutely missing from our society, at this point in time. Those of us who have found this game just recently want to fill the needs of humankind: to be with other people, rather than sitting in front of the tube; to compete rather than watching others compete; to live rather than simply exist. We need to and want to get off the couch. We're not supposed to be couch-potatoes. We don't want to be. That's one of the many reasons poker is a craze, right now. Millions have found a way to put back what's missing in our lives. You want to know why it's such a "fad?" This is it.

An evening of family poker can be a wonderful experience for all. It can be fun. It can be exciting. It will get Dad and Mom and the kids back together in ways they never thought the would ever again. Poker is coming out of the backrooms, out of the underworld. If I can open the eyes and minds of those who believe it's sinful to play poker, I'll be one really happy guy.

If I can help, I'm absolutely going to. In the back of my mind, the little voice is telling
me this great game can change the world. It can, I believe, if we appreciate how it can.

Together, let's spread the word. Let's DO IT.

(I'm sorry if all that sounds self-important. It's not my intention. It's just what I believe, what's in my heart, why this is so important to me. On the brink of 50, I've found my calling. Cut me some slack, ok?)

Cactus Jack, Evangelist


The purpose of the forum is to organize my stuff in one place. Please feel free to post suggestions, ideas, comments, or any thing else which you think will be cool to talk about. The show is your show, first and foremost, not just a forum for me to orate.

Thanks.

PokerTalk Radio 8-10 a.m. EDT

http://www.sportsradio770.com/index.shtml

Scheduled to start May 1, 2005.

AWESOME, i'll be listening. good luck, hope you become the king of poker talk radio.

Will it be on my local ESPN radio affiliate or can I only listen on the internet?

Someday, iceman, I hope to be on your local radio dial. Gimme six months. This may be the Cactus Jack version of "How do you like me, now?"

I'm working on it.

Not a good time for me to listen, CJ. Will these shows be archived at the radio station's Web sit, by chance, for a more convenient listen?

I'm afraid it won't be a good time for a lot of folks at this point. The audience I'd like to reach out to--under 25--aren't up at that time, either. I just hope I can do well enough to get a better time slot, sooner than later.

I don't know about the archive, but I don't think so. I've not seen them on the website, and for the most part, sports talk radio is pretty disposable. Something to think about, tho.

Sorry I'll miss ya, but I understand.

duh, my bad

Thanks, Mr. Wad. It's starting to come together.