and to clarify my post & position -
we had the RARE opportunity to meet Shane @ Day 0/SUN in front of the Mirage volcano @ photoshoot w/ JP Parmetier & another good-looking Euro.
last night, KK9 asked me: SO WHAT'S YOUR BEST MOMENT OF MOSCONI?
to which i immediately replied: MEETING SHANE VAN BOENING
(no offense everyone else!)
we were, out front/streetside @ Strip. with Team USA. we had walked that long-ass walk from front door, around, and down, to street - with Earl. it was one of the most interesting 10-min walks of my life....
and there we were. suddenly surrounded by ALL OF TEAM USA. overwhelming! Johnny. Shane. Earl. Dennis. Rodney. Buddy rolled-in. cameras going. pictures flashing. passers-by stopping & asking. VOLCANO IN THE BACKGROUND W/ BEATLES CIRQUE DISPLAYED.
and when it was over, and i could slip in & meagerly ask for a favor from all, for my 13yr old pool player's DEC 6 birthday (who was not allowed to be @ Mosconi!)
SHANE was standing next to me.
i looked @ him & smiled. hesitated. (yea, yea, i know - what a CONCEPT coming from ME!) and then extended my hand and said: WOW. SHANE VAN BOENING.... IT IS AN HONOR, TO FINALLY, MEET YOU.
(yea, yea - i know!)
Shane cracked that half-smile....
i explained that i had a Mirage notepad (to PROVE i was THERE), adn would he please do me the courtesey of giving me his autograph, for my son's birthday? (cause my son will sh1t his pants when i get back w/ it from you - his all-time favorite) Shane had already signed it. and then he said:
DOES YOUR SON PLAY POOL?
WHAT'S HIS NAME? GREY?
he added:
Happy Birthday Grey
Shane Van Boening
Mosconi 2013
my son took the pad of autographs from all (thank you all, again!), and i didn't jpg 1st, cause i was an idiot. but suffice it to say - it was REAL. real COOL!!!!
PS - Shane's hair looked spectacular, thanks to Paul Mitchell!