Poker players are no different than others in the United States when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving. Like many across the nation, some travel to see family, some travel with business on their minds, and others take a moment to give assistance to those who truly need it.
At the top of the list for traveling is Full Tilt Poker pro Andy Bloch, who tried to get a head start on the Thanksgiving rush by flying on Wednesday. Unfortunately, yesterday was the same day as the “National Opt Out Day” in which some flyers threatened to protest the recent uptick by the Transportation Security Administration in their screening procedures. Bloch was able to report that, despite the threats, traveling via the friendly skies was not very hectic.
“For those flying soon out of LAX, airport is relatively empty and no lines at TSA security,” Bloch reported through his Twitter account to his followers. He followed that up moments later, Tweeting, “Still a limited # of advanced imaging scanners in LAS, so pretty much business as usual. You’d have to go out of your way to get a pat down.”
Another player who is on his way home after a hectic month is Main Event Champion Jonathan Duhamel. After touring New York City doing interviews about his recent victory earlier this month, Duhamel Tweeted on Wednesday, “About to get in a taxi to JFK airport, should be quite crazy there! Gonna be home in couple of hours then Canadian COOP HU!”
Christian “charder30” Harder also decided to get in some final tournaments prior to taking some time off for Thanksgiving: “Home sweet home. Played a bunch of online tourneys today, lost a little bit, but was fun. Thanksgiving shenanigans until Sunday.” Recent World Poker Tour Borgata Poker Open champion Dwyte Pilgrim also looked forward to a break, posting on Facebook, “For the next couple of days, I’m not a poker player! I’m a professional family man! Have a safe and happy holiday!”
Others in the poker world were exercising their cooking chops in preparation for Thanksgiving. Perhaps looking for some further suggestions, Beth Shak Tweeted to her followers, “So excited to cook for Thanksgiving! What are some of your favorite recipes?” Poker journalist Jessica Welman took on the arduous task of baking, Tweeting, “My first cheesecake w/ a homemade crust is baking right now. I’m a lil nervous, but here’s hoping Thanksgiving starts out on the right foot.” Apparently, the experiment was a success because while Tweeting congratulations to Christina Lindley for winning a USA COOP event on PokerStars, Welman included a Twitpic of a tasty looking cheesecake.
Some in the poker community were reflective on this Thanksgiving. Linda Johnson Tweeted, “It’s so cold in Las Vegas today. I feel so bad for all the homeless people. Going to hand out some food and coats at the mission tomorrow.” Thinking of those who are defending the U.S. overseas, Carbon Poker pro Shannon Elizabeth sent out good wishes: “I want to send all of my love & support out to Rough Riders Platoon stationed in Iraq right now – thank you guys for everything you do!”
Although Thanksgiving is at hand, a couple of poker’s stars were looking forward to the next holiday on the agenda. New UB.com pro Maria Ho Tweeted, “I am proud to admit that I’m one of those people who love to listen and sing along to Christmas songs on the radio a whole month beforehand,” while Joe Sebok stated on Twitter, “I am thinking it’s about time to get a little Christmas tree for the pad.”
Poker News Daily would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!