NBC Heads-up news is more interesting than WPT L.A. Poker Classic

I really wanted to go up to Los Angeles for the WPT L.A. Poker Classic because my friends at Wicked Chops Poker were there, but I've been tethered to San Diego trying to clean out my dad's place. It turns out, the best place to be was in Vegas. The NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship sounded like a lot more fun. (Even if Phil Ivey won his first WPT)

NBC in Vegas: As if you can feel sorry for an 11-bracelet winner, poor Phil Hellmuth had a good start with everyone on the red carpet [VIDEO] saying they wanted to play him - only to be eliminated in 3-hands by a not-so-famous online player. In the end Chris 'Jesus' Ferguson beat Andy Bloch to win the title and the $500,000. I guess we could say good for him because he's come close the past two years - but I wanted Gavin to win and of course it was great to see Orel Hershiser in the running.

Meanwhile, I beat my brother to win the b-day tourney in San Diego. Ha! Uncle Jon had a fun poker party for his birthday and even brought in a dealer. Auntie Val and Uncle Jon have nice friends and I loved having Chinese food at the party. Now I know how to make won tons and good fried rice! Michelle, Kris and Katie had a special poker decorated bday cake sent out to tie it all together.

And, while poker is on the brain, I'll be jetting up to L.A. by Wednesday night to play with the ole home game group. I hope we get a good turn out - I haven't been to it in months.

CURRENT: San Diego
NEXT: L.A. for one night on Wed.