December 30, 2004

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS - Greg Raymer, the 2004 World Series of Poker champion, apparently knows how to wield more than a stack of chips when everything is riding on it.

The soft-spoken patent attorney from Stonington, Conn., fought off a pair of attackers Dec. 20 at the Bellagio hotel-casino after he had finished playing a cash game of poker, according to a Las Vegas police report.

Raymer was returning to his room about 2 a.m. when two men approached, the report said. As he opened the door to the room, they tried to push him in.

But the heavyset Raymer resisted and began struggling with the men, the report said. As he was fighting, one of the men pulled out a gun and said: "We just want the money."

But Raymer didn't give up, and yelled for security, causing the men to flee.

A security officer said one of the suspects was a poker player and also recognized him from a previous incident.

Police made an arrest in the case but the report didn't identify the person.

Raymer, known as the "Fossilman" in poker circles, won the WSOP Texas Hold'Em title and $5 million in cash. He beat out a field of 2,576 in May to win the prestigious event.

On a poker message board, Raymer recently wrote: "I don't write this to brag, I just want any robbery-minded people out there who hear about this to know that I'm a tough mark, and they won't get that much off me even if they succeed."

December 30, 2004

Editor & Staff
ThePokerWeb.com

To understand the scale of the shattering earthquake that has rocked S.E. Asia, one only has to read the following sentence, "The magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck off Indonesia on Sunday morning moved the entire island of Sumatra about 100 feet to the southwest" (Island pictured to the right).

New York City veterans of the 9/11 tragedy can gain a perspective knowing that Sumatra is 960 miles long (1600km), approximately 8 times the length of their beloved Manhattan Island.

The death toll has topped more than 80,000 in Southeast Asia and East Africa; more than 45,000 in Indonesia alone. And authorities have said the death toll will likely rise to more than 100,000.

The Vietnam War (1959 to 1975) was the longest military conflict in U.S. history. The hostilities in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia claimed the lives of more than 58,000 Americans; another 304,000 were wounded. In a matter of a few terror filled minutes, the tsunami claimed more lives than all the 16 years of the war in S.E. Asia, and displaced millions.

Officials fear that exploding mosquito populations could bring outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever, while the millions of homeless face potential epidemics of flu and other respiratory infections. In 1976 an earthquake in Guatemala killed 23,000 people. But officials estimated three-times that many died from disease outbreaks that followed.

We here at The Poker Web are not strangers to tragedy, and would like to offer our prayers and wish for hope to the peoples of S.E. Asia, India, and East Africa.

If you would like to help the victims of this massive earthquake we suggest you contact the United Nations, or Doctors Without Borders.

If you are looking for information on a U.S. citizen feared missing, contact the U.S. State Department at 888.407.4747, or, from overseas, at 001.317.472.2328.

December 29, 2004

TORONTO - Sportsbook.com, the leading U.S. focused provider of online sports betting, gambling and gaming, announced this week the launch of PlayBook, a new magazine dedicated to exploring the world of sports betting, casino gambling and poker rooms.

Available to all Sportsbook.com active customers, the glossy magazine is professionally designed, edited and produced, with feature articles for gamblers and their active lifestyles.

"PlayBook is filled with useful strategies and tactics on how to play better online and off," says Alex Czajkowski, Sportsbook.com Marketing Director. "As the first of its kind produced by the online betting industry, we launched PlayBook to help our customers better understand all the opportunities our site has to offer and as a result, better enjoy their experience with us."

PlayBook's pages are full of practical advice to help players, including
articles like "Mix it Up" explaining betting terms for beginners, to in-depth advice on betting boxing, playing blackjack and winning at poker.

As you would expect from a magazine by Sportsbook.com, PlayBook also provides cutting-edge analytics on the hottest sports action. The premiere issue's cover girl is Brooke Burke, the new face of Sportsbook.com.

Nolan Dalla, successful gambler, respected teacher and passionate gamblers' rights advocate, is the Editor of PlayBook Magazine. "I've been a successful gambler and I enjoy helping others win. This magazine gives me the opportunity to help players develop their skills and zero in on the issues and topics that interest gamblers."

PlayBook Magazine is only available to active customers of Sportsbook.com.

December 28, 2004

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado -- Starz has added six exclusive films highlighted by the world premiere of High Roller, an intriguing true story about the world's greatest poker player, starring Emmy Winner Michael Imperioli, and the television premiere of "Tiptoes," an off-beat love story about "little people" starring Matthew McConaughey, Gary Oldman, Kate Beckinsale, and Peter Dinklage.

"High Roller: The Stu Unger Story" (World Premiere -- STARZ! January 30th at 9:00 p.m.) In 1980, Stu Unger (Michael Imperioli) stunned Las Vegas when he became the youngest player ever to win the World Series of Poker, and then repeated the feat the following year. After years of self-abuse and heavy gambling, Stu tries to buck the odds by winning the title an unprecedented third time in 1997. The story flashbacks to Stu's beginnings on the streets of New York, where his father's gaming business lured the young boy into a world that would shape the rest of his life. The film co-stars Michael Nouri, fellow "Sopranos" cast member Steve Schirripa, Todd Susman and Pat Morita.

Reggie lined up in front of the rookie and said, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I don't think you're ready."

December 26, 2004

Reggie White, the Chattanoogan who starred for the University of Tennessee and then became a famed pro football player, has died of a massive heart attack. He was 43.

Members of the White family were gathered Sunday at the home of his mother, Thelma Collier, in East Brainerd. They included his brother, Julius.

The family issued a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by Reggie's unexpected demise and request the prayers of the righteous. We know you are concerned and any acts of kindness are greatly appreciated."

The family said he died at his home at Cornelius, N.C.

He is survived by a son and daughter, as well as his wife.

Mr. White had piled up numerous football records and gained the nickname of “Minister of Defense” in his career with the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles after playing two years in the old United States Football League.

He retired in 1998, then played with the Carolina Panthers in 2000 before retiring again.

He was also known as an evangelical Christian who raised controversy when he condemned the homosexual lifestyle.

Reggie White was born Dec. 19, 1961, in Chattanooga.

At Howard High School, he was All-State in both football and basketball.

He was an imposing presence at 6'5" and 300 pounds.

The following story was attributed to Mr. White on the Ultimate Answers Christian web site and gives insight into the kind of man that he was:

I was playing in a controlled scrimmage against the Detroit Lions on hot, muggy summer day in Detroit. I had outmaneuvered a frustrated Detroit rookie for most of the day from my left defensive end position. Then our helmets accidentally locked together on a play.

This guy used foul language that I would not let my dogs hear. I can take losing a game, but I cannot tolerate being cussed out to my face.

I looked him right in the eye and announced, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I hope you're ready." But he just tossed more choice words into my face and returned to his huddle.

I was angry. Again I shouted to him across the field, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I hope you're ready."

My teammates were urging me back to our defensive huddle. But instead I eyeballed this rookie and shouted to my teammates, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I hope he's ready."

The next play, I lined up in front of this same rookie and said, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I don't think you're ready."

The ball snapped, and I announced, "Here comes Jesus!"

I thrust my entire 6'6", two hundred-and-eighty-five-pound body right into his chest and drove him back about five yards. He plopped to the turf just in time to see me sack his quarterback. My teammates and coach often asked me after that if Jesus was coming back on the next play!

I'm still not sure why I said what I did that steamy day in Detroit. Maybe it was just that I desire to live my life glorifying Jesus Christ.

The following information about Mr. White's football career was obtained on the Internet at gopackers92@yahoo.com:

School & College

Graduated from Howard High School winning All-State in Basketball and All-American in Football and Basketball.

Player of the Year in Chattanooga Tennessee, 2-Sport Player of the Year in the nation with Patrick Ewing 1st runner-up.

Nicknamed 'Minister of Defense' Reggie enjoyed what is regarded as a legendary career at the University of Tennessee.

Still holds the Tennessee records for sacks in a career, a single-season and a game.

Selected as a consensus All-American and SEC Player of the Year as a senior.

He was also selected in his final season as a finalist for the Lombardi Award, which is awarded on an annual basis to the country's outstanding college lineman.

Played in both the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl after his senior season. Named MVP of the Japan Bowl.

USFL

Pro career commenced 1984 with the Memphis Showboats.

Registering 11 sacks in his first season landed him on the all-rookie team.

In 34 starts he registered 23.5 sacks, 192 tackles (120 unassisted) and forced 7 fumbles.

NFL

In eight years with the Philadelphia Eagles, he finished with more sacks, 124, than games played, 121, the only player in NFL history to have done that.

1985 Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the year.

In Dec 1990 Reggie was a significant participant in one of the low points of the Packer's "Gory Years" registering 1 1/2 sacks, six knockdowns, two passes batted at the line and a forced fumble (Philly-31: GBP-0).

Eagles all-time sack leader: 124.

Joining the Packers in 1993, Reggie had an immediate impact, steering the team's defense ranking from 23 to 2 in a single season.

Selected in 1994 to the 75th anniversary NFL 'All Time Team'

Missed his only non-strike game of his NFL career Dec. 10, 1995 vs. Tampa Bay due to a hamstring injury.

At the time of his retirement was the NFL all time sack leader with 198 from 15 seasons (Note: Bruce Smith in his 19th season overtook Reggie in Dec 2003 when he tackled New York Giants QB Jesse Palmer for a 7-yard loss).

Packers all time sack leader: 68.5 (up till 14 Dec '98).

Only player to have 10 or more sacks in 9 consecutive seasons.

Reached 100 sacks in 93 games, 21 games quicker than #2 Lawrence Taylor.

Has sacked 73 different quarter backs.

Tied for most consecutive seasons as sack leader: 2 (1987-88).

Second most sacks in a season: 21.

Tied for most post season sacks: 12.

Super Bowl Record: 3 sacks.

Tied for Pro Bowl Record: 4 sacks (Elway x 3 & Marino x 1).

Selection to a record 14 consecutive Pro Bowls.

Awarded UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year a record 3 times (1987, 1991 & 1995).

In his final season with the Packers he finished second in the NFL with 16 sacks and was selected for the seventh time in the Associated Press All-Pro team.

Reggie was also selected as the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the year an honor he was also awarded in 1987 with Philadelphia.

In his six seasons with the Packers they enjoyed a 66-30 regular-season record. In the previous six seasons, the team was 38-56-1.

After a year off in 1999 Reggie signed with the Carolina Panthers for the 2000 season but after a lackluster season notching only 5.5 sacks announced his retirement once again.