First and Foremost, I say to Wayne and Belinda, Wow, what a Swan Song! I and many, many others recognize the high degree of work that goes into such an endeavor, but you guys handled it exceptionally well. I will also comment that this year, compared to last year, both of you were certainly different in your demeanors. This year I found each of you to be rather pastoral and calm all the time. Kind of like, "Hey, George should be made aware of this." You both have done well and I am certain that you are proud of your efforts, as well you should be.

Secondly, I would like to collectively thank all of the Appointed and Volunteer Convention workers. I recognize that had it not been for the efforts of each and every one of you, I would not have had the wonderful time that I did. Thank you!

I spent a great deal of my time just talking with people. I only made a few purchases and traded for about 20 chips. I thank Steve Cutler for his time, conversation honesty and frankness, and I thank Doug Saito for his knowledge (he truly is a subject matter expert). Also, I thank Scott and Estelle Hartman (what a team) and Jim Episale, all of whom were kind enough to gift me some very nice chipping treasures. For that I am publicly thanking them.

Aside from the wonderful service that Greg Susong allows us to all enjoy, he is also a fine and wonderful person just to be around. Early on I asked him if he would join our Banquet table, to which he said, Yes. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending on your view) this split-up the Limostuds on Wednesday evening. But as it turned out, Greg ended up with a Stupak autograph that he might not otherwise have gotten. It was a thrill to see his surprise and amazement in being recognized with a special tribute. It was also interesting to see that when the trade session began, Greg did not move. From the time that dinner was over to the time that the trade session disbanded Greg held his seated position (a throne of sorts), while everyone came to him! Of course he did have quite a supply of tribute chips and a sharpie to sign them. But what I can't figure out is why I forgot to get a signed chip!

I was disappointed during the Poker Tournament, but I also had a lot of fun! I got bumped early on, and my saving grace was that I was not the first to go out, and that my wife went out before I did, and that all the people that I have been kibitzing with never made it to the final table. I congratulate Russ Diaz for his win, and Paul Sax (a friend) for his fine showing (2nd). I look forward to next year's Tourney.

For those that got the SIC-BO bounty chips that were on The Pigeon's head and Trimble's head, I congratulate you as those chips (by some definitions) are now obsolete. I regret that Tony K. (the 1st year's winner) did not play (as he did not arrive until late Friday), but I'm glad he did show up as I got him to autograph a set of Orleans NCV chips used in the 1st Annual Tournament. I now have a set of chips from each of the 3 Tournaments, and they are signed by each winner. I plan to continue this (as a tradition) as part of a perpetual Trophy.

The Auction was bitter-sweet - in that it was lively, fun, and entertaining, but alas, I won nothing. Actually, I motioned to make a bid, but Kruse must have thought I was asking for a re-fill on my Route 44 soft drink and ignored me.

The Seminars, as usual, were excellent! Although Michael has abdicated his title to Richard Covington, I'm sure that Richard will continue a standard and tradition so aptly created and established by Michael. BTW Dick, whass up with the "RKC" initials on the 3rd Annual CC>CC Poker Tournament chips (a black light is required for viewing)? You trying to get converts?

I'd like to thank Jeff "The Dice-Man" Laudeman for his knowledge and our trade, Bruce Landau for his denial, Scott Blackburn for the conversation and jeton, the guy selling ashtrays for $3 a-piece (Diamond Jim), Mark Lighterman for at least one picture, Jim Reilly and his demeanor, Paul Sax for being a mensch (go look it up), and the many, many others, to include my wife (Pam-The Enabler), John Long, the color-aware Jill, and those who could attend the BBQ.

I regret not seeing (or recognizing) Art Quivey, Pete Rizzo, Bob Orme (Bob and I we even conducted a transaction while I didn't recognize him!), Jerry Birl, the Karli's and Ralph Myers (oops, was that Ralph hiding behind the Membership lap-top?). If it was, the illumination of the screen just perfectly reflected off your ear ring! I was awe-struck, I simply wanted to reach out and give it a yank!

The Convention was great and only outdone by the many kind, friendly and nice members of the CC>CC. For those who could not attend, I can only hope that next year you will.

In a word, it was GREAT.

Thank you one and all,

Jim Follis

(disclaimer - If I forgot someone (like John Yee for instance) I'm sorry!) So sue me....