About Interesting People

I have met many people who left a lasting impression on me. Some were a single meeting while some were for a period of time. I know that everyone has a story or two or even ten or more. I decided to put my stories in writing so I could share them with family and friends. Some of the stories are so short, they don't deserve anything more just a mention-maybe a paragraph.

For example, one day I was entering the MGM Grand, now Bally's in Las Vegas. I was about to enter through a side limo door, when suddenly the door burst open and I took a shoulder in the stomach that spun me around. I watched as she jumped to a stop at the bottom of the steps and wondered how such a small person could have turned my hulk around. She turned and looked up at me, gave one of her “patented” laughs and said, “Oops. Sorry”. Then she jumped into the open door of the limo and left. It was Phyllis Diller. The comedienne turned 90 this year (2007).

Years later, I moved from Texas to Las Vegas and ultimately worked for a construction company. In course of business I made a sales call on Kenny Rogers who at the time was living in Las Vegas. We are the same age and we both grew up in Houston, Texas. So as soon as the business part of our meeting was over, I asked him if it was true that he went to Jeff Davis High School and he said, “Yes, did you?” I said, “No. Reagan High”. “What class?”, asked Kenny. “Fifty six”, said I. “Me, too.”, said Kenny. It so happened that I had made a cassette tape of my favorite songs which included three of his. “Old stuff.”, he said. It was true but they really good ones. I saw several of his concerts later and he had started to use some of those old songs in his act. We shook hands and I left. A really nice guy.

Since living in Las Vegas, I have seen quite a few celebrities but mostly at a distance. One night I was leaving a local casino where the premier of “Rocky Balboa” was about to take place. I bypassed a large crown inside and out on the way to my car. I stopped at the curb just as a long black limo pulled up. Several people got out on the curb side. The Sylvester Stallone got out on the other side and as he walked toward the crowd, I started to applaud. Turns out I was the only one applauding. He turned my way with a big smile and waved. I gave him a “thumbs up” which he returned. We both laughed and he disappeared into the crowd. I went to my car and then home. Feeling good.

Recently I was at that same local casino. It turned out that the filming of another made for TV Texas Holdem Poker tournament was in progress. There was a sign on a board on each side of the entrance to the filming area alerting visitors to the fact that live filming was taking place. I reached in my shirt pocket for my glasses when down by my right foot there appeared the toe of a crutch. It was with Doyle Brunson, the legendary World Series of Poker Champion. It appeared, when I went in, that Doyle was returning to the game in progress. I didn't get to talk to Doyle but I did meet and visit with his son Todd. Todd, also a very good professional poker player, was quite personable and friendly. A short chat but memorable. I saw several of the professionals that you see on TV if you happen to watch those shows. The next day, I met and visited with Scotty Nguyen, also a World Series of Poker champion. He was very friendly and easy to talk to.

Las Vegas is a great place to watch people. Sometimes you see a celebrity. Often just common people doing uncommon things. You know what they say, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...................................on the 11 o'clock news.”