The Poorhouse has a penchant for games and gambling, and where better to combine than poker? Actually, so far, online poker doesn't appear to have quite the fun that real live poker does, but it passes the time better than say an extended GMTV session, plus you can make money. In theory. If you're lucky. Unlike certain forms of betting manipulation, there's no guarenteed wins to be had (that the Poorhouse discovered yet anyway), but there is a quick way to profit in the cash value of items if you're into poker at all.

2plus2, publishers of poker books, have an offer where if you sign up to a poker site and complete certain obligations you get to pick 5, count 'em, 5 books. Some are apparently classic introductions and fine references to the world of poker, for neophytes such as the Poorhouse.

For ultimate risk-free gain, then signing up to the Everest poker site via 2plus2 is probably the best way to get them. You do need to deposit at least $50 US, but the obligation after that is simply that you play in real-money games or tournaments. Given the games there start at minimum bets of 2 us cents (about 1.2 UK pennies, even with the current unideal exchange rate) you can tell that at worst for a few pennies you can get a significant values of books. The Poorhouse netted approx $130 worth of books for pennies. Also he does seem to be at least no worse than the average super novice player having a net profit on top of that of an astounding $2.30 or so through his massive skills.

Reading the books on the other hand may take some time and effort, but in the worst case they probably have ebay value!

Of course if you are the type that is a little uncontrolled in holding back the urge to bet then you should be doubly careful to only spend a few pennies and withdraw the rest - or not even participate - should you not want to lose your $50, unless of course the cost per hour's entertainment and affordability meets your satisfaction.