The end of 2009 is upon us, and it's an end to another decade. We've all seen a lot happen this past year, the biggest news in my opinion being the election of the first black man here in the States as President. It's been a rough year for President Obama as well as leaders in the rest of the world, but I really do feel optimistic that things are going to get better in 2010.

If nothing else players here in the USA can be thankful for the UIGEA enforcement being delayed. That has given online poker players and gamblers alike a renewed hope that funding our games may soon be simpler to do. Just keep writing your Congressmen/women folk...we must try to keep this in the minds of those that make our laws.

And how bout this years WSOP ? We saw a real working class man hit the poker headlines when logger Darvin Moon made the final table. Most folk never gave him much of a chance to make it far, but he shocked the world. No one knew who this man was that had never played a hand of online poker, but he went on to finish second to Joe Cada and won a staggering $5,182,601 .

Some of the most fun I've had this year besides the small games we play at the poker forum have been at twitter. Folk can follow quite a few of the pros there, and sometimes it's surprising what you will find them writing about. It's a real hoot following Doyle Brunson, you just never know what to expect from the "Godfather of Poker". With his flirtatious banter back and forth with lady pro Lacy Jones, or his blond jokes he's bound to get a chuckle from readers. I'll never forget the one he told about going to the Docs to get a colonoscopy .....it went something like this, when the Doc had him strapped up in the stirrups Mr. Brunson asked him if he was going allin !

But there have been some sad moments to read on twitter as well, and one of the saddest moments was when Daniel Negreanu wrote about the passing of his mom. It's  very tough losing someone you love, and I could sympathise with his lose.

Anyhow folk, I want to wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year both on and off the felt. And for those that do like to gamble, remember to always play responsibly .