Thanks Cici. The only reason  I even suspected the USB was that I noticed when I moved the adapter while I had the headphones on a heard a little change in the quality of the sound and felt the looseness. So when I change the USB ports  that went away, all in all a good experience.
As for the poker, that was good too. Being among the top three teams at the end of the first session is reasonably well for sure and I think if we can maintain that level of play or better consistently over the course of the remaining weeks the Rebels will be in contention  for some prize money at the end. I do appreciate the good luck wishes.