playing poker and teaching science: November 2006

About Me

Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

I'm a middle school science teacher, wrestling coach, poker player, scuba diver, aikido black belt, amateur writer, and student of life. In the past I have tried to give back a little by volunteering at a children's home in Belmopan, Belize, Central America. I also love Frosted Flakes. I took a year-long sabbatical from my science teaching position in order to sail the Caribbean, retired from teaching in Indiana and now teach at a Honolulu middle school.

Monday, November 20, 2006

A brush with greatness

I was in Las Vegas during the 2006 World Series of Poker and had the opportunity to see some of the greats actually sitting at the table. Some were in tournaments. Some were in cash games. It was a lot of fun.

I'm not one to become "star struck" and would certainly never bother a player who is playing, but it was fun to see great players in their element. I realize however that the average Joe would have no idea who most of these famous players are.

I had the chance once to meet and talk to a man who is almost larger than life: Michael Crichton. (You know.... the guy who wrote Jurassic Park.)

First, he almost IS larger than life. Mr. Crichton stands 6'11" tall!!! Second, he is a VERY nice man. I spoke to him for 20-30 minutes and he comes off as a regular guy. Okay..... a regular guy with a bazillion dollars, (his limo was too long to drive through the trees into camp and had to be parked outside the gate) but other than that just a regular guy.

No poker content. I just thought people might like to see a picture of Michael Crichton, his daughter and wife :-)