Bouncing around the Amazon room before the big day:

Well-known pro doesn't always equate well-funded pro as the case of Jean-Robert Bellande. His final table for Event #53's $1,500 Limit Hold Em' shootout and 2nd place finish for $173,564 might only net him a couple of Krispy Kreme dounts from the poker kitchen at the Rio. The folks at Pokerati found this thread on 2+2 about some fellow mid-high stakes player who have seen Bellande's constant need for staking, including this tourney by Full Tilt pro Greg FBT Muller.

Dr. Pauly is gearing up for Day One of the $10,000 No Limit Hold Em' Main Event today. Will we see the grandfather of poker blogs, Iggy gracing the Amazon room floor after winning his seat on Stars? Let's wish him a collective good luck!!

Ante Up for Africa kicked off yesterday with a multitude of stars ranging from sports to film. The Not on our Watch foundation will reap the rewards of this $5,000 charity tournament to help stem Darfur's long suffering. For the scoop on this event, check out the PokerStarsBlog for details and links to NOOW on how you can make a donation.