DOYLISM OF THE DAY: “You are never a loser unless you quit trying.”

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the article, “100 Most Likely to Die in 2009.” It has me listed as the number 16th celebrity most likely to die this year. I got a phone call from the author, Mack Rawden, and we made a $10,000 – $1,000 bet about my demise. Naturally, I took the over, and to Mack’s credit, he said he hopes he loses. (That makes two of us.) The winnings go to the American Cancer Society. I’m planning on going out at the age of 102 in honor the 10-2 poker hand that is named after me. An interesting note is Mack has President Obama listed at number 10. The reason? Foul play.

We certainly don’t know when the Grim Reaper is going to strike. If you haven’t heard, Key Fechser, Jack Binion’s nephew, passed this week from a heart attack at the young age of 55. Key was a terrific guy, a good friend who would do anything for you, a good father and he will be missed.

I’m really pleased with the DoylesRoom poker room. We moved to a new network and we have more players in U.S. primetime than we had at our other provider. There are lots of sportsbook customers that play, which makes for looser and better games.

There have been several articles written about my son Todd’s financial problems. Todd had lots of investments and the declining economy has definitely affected them. But, who hasn’t been affected by the declining economy? I know it knocked tail feathers out of me and my various holdings. I’m not worried about Todd; he has a good head on his shoulders. As long as we can find poker games, the Brunson families should be o.k.

It’s Super Bowl time and I’m betting on Arizona +7 points. This is one of my favorite times of the year and I’m going to the Super Bowl Party at the Bellagio. I’ll take a look at all the “prop” bets that are offered and make bets that favor the Arizona players. One thing about it, the food alone will make this a memorable day. It is awesome!

DOYLISM OF THE DAY: “Life is one sweet song. Enjoy the music.”

I hope this football season gets through soon.  I only leave my desk and TV to go play poker when there is a game.  I thought I had the football needle out of my arm but it’s so much fun to bet and watch, I can’t help myself.  Anyway, in the NFL I think Pitt and Carolina will be in the Super Bowl.  And if Florida doesn’t beat Oklahoma by more than 3 points, I may be in the bread line.

It looks like golf may be the favorite gambling game among the poker players.  David Benyamine, Patrik Antonius, Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu are all playing and willing to play for big money if they think the games are close.  David and Patrik are amazing the way they have improved.  A year ago, neither one was much of a golfer but both being ex-tennis players, are great athletes.  Also, they have had good instructors and both guys are going to be able to break 80 before this summer is over.

I saw on the news last night that President elect Obama, who is an avid poker player, may introduce a new bill to legalize internet poker after he takes office.  Our country could certainly use the revenue in taxes that would be raised.  Obama faces the greatest challenge a President could imagine with the economy and terrorist threat.  I know Ivey and Negreanu both met Obama and he knew them by name so he for sure has an interest in poker.

There is a 15-year-old young lady named Margaret Hussman, a niece of a longtime friend, who has untreatable cancer and has less than 90 days to live.  My ex-roomate in college, Ray Hibler, called and asked me to write her an encouraging letter recounting my “terminal” battle with cancer 55 years ago.  Margaret is a poker enthusiast and I’m certainly going to call.  She is trying to spend her remaining days doing something new and enjoyable.  Send Margaret an e-mail at anne@ddgoose.com  I know she will appreciate it.  For all of us, there is no promise for tomorrow.  Happy New Year and lets all have a great 2009!