AMan's Mecca
By Liz Beggs, Jayplay writer
Snafu's creates a new version of strip poker
It is tough not to get excited when you are staring at three Jacks and a pair of double Ds. That is what Snafu's, a Topeka strip club, is banking on to bring customers in to their establishment. Well, that and the new poker craze ignited by the televised games of shows like "World Series of Poker" and "Celebrity Poker." Average Joes are coming out in droves to sit at poker tables in local bars or in front of their computer screens to compete in the on-line versions. Brandon Riffel, Overland Park sophomore, said that poker grabbed his attention when he watched an this amateur beat all of the professionals; everyone was like, "Hey, I could do that."
Thanks to Snafu's and televised poker, the local Greg "Fossil Man" Raymer wannabes can crowd around tables surrounding a stage to compete in No Limit Texas Hold'Em, while girls wearing no more than black thongs and white platform shoes slowly grind against a brass pole as they listen to the slow jams of Genuine and R. Kelly.
Kelly. Snafu's has just added an additional facet to an already popular event. Snafu's coowner, Jim "Bubba" Bogner, admits that he decided to implement Poker Pub at Snafu's in May of 2004, after observing the early success of the Poker Pub nights in Lawrence bars. Bryan Sharp, President of Topeka Division and Franchise Management Director of the Poker Pub says that Poker Pub can bring anywhere from 40
to 80 extra people a night at Snafu's, and with a Topeka membership of around 4,000 people, there is still room for growth in clientele.
there is still room for growth "Amber," a dancer at Snafu's, sits with her legs propped on the bar spread eagle in tight in
Photo by Joshua Kendall
knee-high black boots and explains that although Poker Pub nights have increased sales at the bar, but that the players seldom stay to
watch the rest of the performances. Once they get their bad beat, Poker Pub players usually leave the club. Sharp says that the Poker Pub has developed almost a "cult-like" following and that members are truly becoming a family. Poker Pubs and
and that members are truly sexy.
There is table talk that these Poker Pubs and on-line poker matches are ruining the card game, but Todd Soden, kitchen manager of the Pool Room, a Lawrence bar offering Poker Pub, insists game outlets like the Poker Pub or on-line poker are just transforming it into a new game. Sharp says that his organization has enhanced poker because of the sheer number of people they have drawn to the card game.
they have drawn to the cards game.
The thrill of poker is that anyone can be a winner and Soden believes that poker is popular because unlike Blackjack or Roulette, there are no house odds. Your competitors are sitting there with you at the table, they are holding unknown cards, and you can look them in the eyes. Sharp says what people don't realize is that Texas Hold'Em is a game of people and position, not cards like most people think. Of course there is a certain element of luck involved, but there are no bad hands, just bad flops.
flops.
Lucky or not in cards, Sharp assures that you can learn to play Texas Hold'Em in 10 minutes,
but it can take a lifetime to master.
Who??
Jayplay writer Matt Beat interviews James Pinick of Agent 5 Nine Oh come on, don't be modest. Who was
Agent 5 Nine
Dave Jones vocals, bass
James Pinick
guitarist, background vocals
Mike Collins
guitartist, background vocals
Greg Krouse drummer
This punk-pop band from Bonner Springs and Basehor have been together for almost five years. The "Five nine" originally came from May 9, the first day the band practiced together in 2000. The band's latest album is The Fresh Scent of Pine and it's currently working on an EP. The next show is at The Bottleneck, Eighth and New Hampshire Streets, at 6 p.m. Check out the band's Web site: www.agent5-9.com.
Q&A with James Pinick What's the strangest gig you've ever had?
had?
Actually, that's a tie. We did a rock-and-wrestle show in Holton. The community center we played at was accidentally double-booked, so we had a rock show and amateur wrestling, like, in between a few of the bands. It was definitely interesting.
Also in Holton, we played our first show ever in a 4-H building that had lots of mulch and a giant wheel, so it was like we were playing in a giant hamster cage.
Do you think your la stest album will go gold or platinum?
Uh, well we sold a couple hundred copies but...
Oh come on, don't be modest. Well, okay. Platinum.
What's your favorite Michael J. Fox movie? Back to the Future, the first one.
What cartoon character would win in a bubble gum chewing contest?
The Tasmanian Devil, because he could fit a lot into his mouth.
Who would you least like to be trapped in an elevator with? Probably Hanson (the band).
How do you feel about Play-Doh?
How do you feel about it?
It's great for making things, and it tasted good when you were younger.
Who was your favorite character in Full House?
Full House
The guy who did "Cut...it...out." What was his name?
Joey! Oh yeah.
9.30.04 Jayplay
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