...and I fully expect to see you and Iggy at the WSOP this year... at the final table.

...I'm starting to get weird looks from family and co-workers.In the shower, sitting at my desk, cooking dinner...all day long I'm mindlessly singing...Allll can't hang...Allll can't hang...It's really hard to explain to people that I'm singing the lyrics to an actual song about a guy I've never met but feel like I have partied with.

I got my 2004 press pass for the 2004 World Series of Poker when I just walked into the press room at the Horseshoe and told Nolan Dalla, public relations director for the WSOP, that I represented an Internet news service.  I have business cards that list me as a senior editor for LasVegasVegas, the web site we own and operate, and when we did a weekly news feature I was the senior editor.  I have since started the blog and post as the Poker Prof.  Nolan immediately recognized blogs as legitimate media, which they are, and issued me and my blogging crew press credentials.  We provided live coverage including hundreds of in-your-face photos of the 2004 WSOP and spent many hours at the Horseshoe everyday of the tournament.

I have a problem trying to choose one high point of the 2004 WSOP.  I suppose it would be the final minutes of the $10,000 Championship event when Raymer was heads up with Williams at the final table and security let me inside the inner barrier with nothing between me, the table and all that cash (ESPN had requested that only their people be allowed inside).  I had an opportunity to be right there for the final hands and got to take some once in a lifetime photos of the finish and post tournament interview with Greg.  I remember looking around and realizing I was the only still photographer inside, even Chris Ferguson was firing away with his point and shoot from behind the barricade.  Another high point was getting to play in the media tournament with the celebrities and realizing I was seated next to Clint Holmes whom I did eliminate.  Another of our people sat next to Penn of Penn & Teller so we had plenty to talk about at dinner that night.

I grew up in Las Vegas and have spent most of my life here with the exception of my college years so the WSOP is very special to me ( I remember going to the Horseshoe during the World Series with my Grandfather when I was in grade school).  This year was not only special but historically significant since it was the last year of the WSOP at the downtown Horseshoe Casino.  To have press credentials that allowed me total access to the tournament and to get to go to the 'Big Show' every day and hang out with the stars of the Poker was a dream come true.  The day after the WSOP ended I walked around suffering from WSOP withdrawal and depression until I realized that it is never too soon to start preparing for my coverage of the 2005 WSOP.

I only have a few hours to goof off Al! Do not deny it, I have proof: Al Word Count (3159), Sir (2300), and my post was longer than usual, and yours was shorter!