Wendeen's World

 

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It is week 11 since a taxi hit me and shut down my summer vacation plans, but the non-negotiable reset button of 8 weeks of pure bed rest and 12 weeks of staying put in a wheelchair with "articulating legs"  has allowed me to revise my priorities.  I am meditating, mending, and maneuvering with exercises I never dreamed of.  And I continue to live in a field of dreams and travel on my chosen path, in search of the perfected  Renaissance life. Outside, the scene rotated between calm and and provocative, cloudy and tearful,  and sunny and gray--as I gazed upon the park. I am getting stronger by the day and counting the weeks I must wait to climb the hills of Central Park, once again. Those hills were never so inviting until they were forbidden. The Nor'easter arrived later in the day than predicted; but I prepared early and stayed with the plan: nine Beethoven symphonies and rotated readings of Chaucer, Friedman, Peter Baker, and the Sunday Times are near at hand and ready for my ears. The decadent world of Andrew  Friedman's "Chef, Drugs and Rock and Roll," a homage to celebrity chefs from the West Coast, East Coast and the world of le francais amuses, while Canterbury Tales reminds me that classics never get old. I am feasting on the ever-changing landscape, that could be turned into impressionist masterpieces, but I  do not have to wait. They are before my eyes.  The torrential rain is accompanying music to my ears.  The windy downpour whipped sideways in front of the window; then it stopped as suddenly as it had started; revealing a gentle sky beyond the grandeur of the architecture that outlines the West Side of Manhattan in the high rent district. Here I am, taking delight in each day's progress, finding joy and peace in hopping 30 steps--without fear, shimmying sideways through narrow doors, transferring from bed to platform walker to wheelchair, seamlessly.   And, I plan to push my limits to put tobogganing, table tennis, and tango on my future dance card.  Renewal is a journey. Our lives can change in an instant. But, as Rudyard Kipling cautions so well--I believe if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs--the ensuing strength will carry you to greater heights than known before. I remain in the game with certitude the best is yet to come. The destination is the product of the journey;  made so much easier for me to reach because I am surrounded by treasured friends. Note, Another rendition of "Renewal" appears at EOLIS.com - CEO Face Time blog.

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) After racking up our chips, we called it a day on the set of Poker Night in America, the poker reality show that airs on the CBS Sports Network. The high-stakes competitions showcase poker skills, lucky streaks, gambling styles, grit and gab. To my left, at the poker table was the handsome sharp-as -a-tack, poker genius, Doug Polk. He bought into the game with an intimidating $100,000. To my right was semi-pro Avi Freedman; he's been killing the game of late. He brought out a bankroll of $30,000. Across the table were poker millionaires Frank Kassela and Shaun Deeb. Kassela is part of the rarified club of poker players that have scored a hat trick at the Annual World Series of Poker Tournament. Shaun Deeb has needles at the ready to insert under the skin of players that takes him on. My 5K buy-in was the minimum stack permitted; I had another 5K in my pocket, if needed--compliments of my silent corporate sponsor. I like having a chance to decimate the competition with fewer bullets, but between the talent and the mega buy-ins all around me, I had no intention of coming up with more money against this crowd! I was committed to one strategy in this spot--disciplined aggression. It was my best hope with a pittance. At the end of play, I was down a few pennies, but I was up for a night on the town! Led by high stakes player and poker talent scout Matt Glantz, a group of us hit the cocktail lounge to down shots or sip sodas before moving onward for more post-combat camaraderie. Poker Night regulars Jennifer Tilly and her long-time boy-friend Phil Laak (better known in poker circles as the Unabomber), had been occupied in the commentator booth all afternoon; they joined us. Prancing in stilettos and sneakers, respectively, Jen the only Academy award nominee who has won a World Series of Poker championship (Ladies Event) and Phil, also a WSOP champ (in an open event and Oscar worthy poker celebrity, hoofed it with us to the parking lot. We took off in two cars for the best stone crabs in town. A rehash of the day's events was quick and pointed at the dinner table. Big stacks dominated. Jen (the glamorous chatterbox) and Phil (the unpredictable eccentric) held court with style; they were witty, smart, gregarious, and completely engaged with each other--and with the rest of us during our nearly three-hour dinner. They provided plenty of laughable moments, but it was I who enjoyed the last laugh, thanks to this generous couple. At the end of dinner, we played "credit card roulette for the check. By a process of elimination in this numbers game, the wheel of fortune was about to point the check either on Jennifer or me. Suddenly the game came to a halt. Jen looked coquettishly at Phil as he announced, "Jen, Wendeen, this check belongs to me! Thank you Jen and Phil.

Last week, Wendeen reconnected with President Barack Obama, outside Washington (where they first met in 2008),  at a stirring event held at the Streiker Center/Temple Emanu-el. After sampling chef Daniel Boulud's famous short ribs,  the President took pictures at a VIP reception before the Event. He would soon settle in for a "conversation" with Rabbi Joshua Davidson in the main sanctuary of the temple. In earshot of Wendeen's friends, nearby, as she approached to greet the President, he called out to her , "Hi Wendy."  She joined him--responding  with this smile, caught by the camera! The only people who call her "Wendy" are family (Wendy was her nickname until she turned 6!), singer Wayne Newton, a client and longtime friend who resides in a world of his own, and  the good president.  Wendeen couldn't bring herself to correct the president! There was good reason that President Obama resonated deeply with his audience. He offered simple and sage advice to attendees on how to thrive in our complicated world. He said, "I tell my girls, "Be kind and be useful." Wendeen is grateul for his perspective.  

On the occasion of President Obama's third State of the Union address, I was privileged to be in attendance and witness his ongoing metamorphosis from community organizer and novice power broker, to compelling orator and worldly statesman. President Obama insured that all of the optics were aligned--for his fellow Americans and his global viewers. Uncharacteristically, he put the brake on his penchant for off-putting frequent references to "MY administration," using the phrase  very sparingly--maybe only once. Instead he chose more unifying and inclusive words, generously, and for emphasis invoked "my fellow Americans" twice. "No Drama Obama "was at his best, in a low steady voice filled with controlled passion. He just left to the side contrived political fanfare. The uniqueness of the occasion was duly noted by media, beforehand--noting both his august office and the imposing lectern at which the president gave his no nonsense and no big news speech.  Mr. Obama  opened with a matter of fact, "Good evening," and moved into his subject briskly. His voice conveyed  his position of authority  while reflecting a strong undercurrent of multi-layered emotion, maybe not so different from a vast cross section of the American public Terrorist threats produce a powder keg of emotion as dangerous as the threat of an attack. The president seemed  mindful of his listeners, apparently aware of eroding approval and growing skepticism about his bona fides to deal effectively in complicated foreign affairs issues.  He addressed his listeners across the country as participants to be persuaded rather than as subjects expected to tolerate a blind  "father knows best"  policy. Indeed, he connected more and pontificated less, than usual and there was a noticeable absence of his oft spoken colloquial  pronunciation  of  words  that end with ing. He took responsibility for charting the course. But, on this occasion he presented to the world, faith in his team  the American people as much as the members of his Administration.. In calling the extremists "thugs, killers and a death cult,"  the president summarized succinctly the sentiments of most of the world--across political parties and social classes.  These were his most powerful and penetrating words of the evening. In contrast at his recent post-president appearance, Mr Obama makes clear he remains resolute, but he is more rested. Note: An earlier version of this article appeared timely to his 3rd State of the Union Address.

At a time when Las Vegas is all abuzz about the implications of Steve Wynn's fall from grace, I am reminded both of his rise as a visionary who brought a glitzy casino into the Wild West downtown section of Las Vegas and his  homerun in recruiting  World Series of Poker Champion, Bobby Baldwin, as an executive. Wynn took Baldwin up the corporate ladder  to the positi9n of president of the Golden Nugget. Well schooled in accounting matters and people reading skills, Baldwin went on to become president of  Mirage Resorts, Wynn's first  property on the famous Las Vegas Strip. He then moved onward and upward  to Wynn's next crown jewel, Bellagio, before joining the C-Suite of the behemoth MGM Company,  where Wynn's arch rival, Terry Lani, was the CEO. When MGM,  took aim at the Wynn properties and acquired them-- lock, stock, and barrel, Baldwin remained a winner, convincing Lanni to send him up a higher corporate ladder in the MGM infrastructure. Wynn was forced into a sale, taking a pretty penny and a non-compete agreement  that  put him off the casino- building grid for years. But once freed from his non compete shackles, Wynn was back in the saddle. he built a new spectacular resort and recognized, once again as an incredibly effective casino visionary--with plenty of political clout. And then came an all too familiar jolt of late-- a powerful man in the crosshairs of allegations  of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Last week, Steve Wynn resigned his position of Chair of the National Republican Committee and then as Chairman of the Wynn Hotel and Casino. acknowledging, only, that the accusations lodged against him, had caused a public relations disaster for himself and the properties that bear his name. For Baldwin -- a storied history continues.  The late Terri Lanni called  Baldwin's decision strategies "artfully refined over the years," undoubtedly  perfected by paying careful attention at poker tables--where he is still a threat to younger poker wizards. As a woman who has worked and played in male dominated worlds, including casinos from Las Vegas to Macau,  I have learned that even in the last bastions of rugged male chauvinism there are good  role models as well as bad ones to be found. I have known Steve Wynn casually for more than 30 years-well enough to share a few group meals  and work together on a couple of charity dinners in Las Vegas; not well enough to have any personal clue about his alleged sexual improprieties with the Company's massage therapists--some of whom worked on my ever -aching feet. I have had a bit more personal experience with Bobby Baldwin--enough to know that I was very fortunate to make his acquaintance. By the looks of the first poker table I visited (in downtown Las Vegas), I suspected that it would be "slim pickins'" to find a few good men!  Baldwin turned out to be one of many poker pros who has   taught me crucial negotiating skills through the power of keen observation. My early on poker friend, "Suds," a successful  businessman and an elite poker player, introduced me to Bobby Baldwin. I instantly took the measure of the man as smart, well-mannered, focused, skeptical, determined, and-- a skilled "people reader. He exuded inner confidence. I don't know Bobby Baldwin well, but I certainly have experienced his winning ways. At the Grand Prix of Poker--way  back in 1985, we were both invited to play in the "Super Bowl of Poker Charity Invitational. Bobby crippled me --early in the proceedings. He played a pair of sevens as if they were Aces--because he knew I would fold to his big raise! And then he toughened me up by  warning me to hunker down and study how best to play each  hand. Bobby Baldwin's sage words have proven applicable, everywhere! Baldwin has the world on a string! 

While I held on long enough to reach the final table, my hours there were short and less than sweet.  Bobby eventually knocked me out in fifth place, taking advantage of another moment of inexcusable distraction on my part. I tracked Bobby down to thank him for the thrashing and promised to take his words to heart. The high profile C-Suite executive of MGM and former winner of the World Series of Poker Championship had already begun his rapid trajectory to the top of the corporate ladder, before I met him, noting, “The only difference between the poker room and the boardroom is the shape of the table.” Weeks after our Grand Prix encounters, we met up at a formal charity event in Las Vegas. He complimented my gown and then kidded me, about being distracted at the final table of the Grand Prix, whispering, "It pays to watch hands when you are not in them." Following Bobby's suggestion, I began to approach card tables and conference tables with more focus, determined to prove I was not one of those people  with the attention span of a gnat! I  created exercises to improve overall sensory perception, and learned the high value of awareness of people's speech and silence--both at the poker table and in business meetings. As I developed these skills, I made more confident analyses of risk -reward ratios, and I found myself in fewer jams--everywhere. Master dealmakers are distinguishable t by their people-reading expertise and negotiating savvy.  Bobby's advice resonated  deeply with me. I learned, slowly and methodically how to improve my attentiveness. If I had to guess how Bobby Baldwin came to hold the world on a string, I would make a ladylike wager that his secret "sauce" is his power of concentration and attention to facts and behavior that others miss regularly. He also holds his cards very close to the vest. Decades after Steve Wynn's  Grand Prix Poker Charity Tournament,   I was visiting  the late Terri Lanni, former Chairman of MGM. By this time, Bobby Baldwin had become president of MGM. He popped into Terri's office and joined us for a casual chat.  I reminded him of the long ago poker confrontations, while attempting to convince him I was no easy target anymore.  He smiled agreeably, but gave no hint as to his own conclusion.    

The New Year had gotten off to a good start; an eclectic group of business and public service projects was on the boards. And then came an offer Wendeen could not refuse; an invitation to participate in a live poker game to be televised on CBS Sports. The player roster was as eclectic as any she had ever seen; lawyers, poker pros, a movie reviewer, and James Woods, the MIT educated actor, were on the list. Some 15 Years ago Wendeen and Jimmy struck up an acquaintanceship at a poker tournament in California, each intrigued by the other’s connection to NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Jimmy had played Rudy in the movie of the same name. Wendeen had played a role in Giuliani’s run for Mayor and had served as a special advisor to him on City Hall Affairs. The years flew by with occasional crossing of paths, a dinner here a poker date there. But in the upcoming Poker Night In America show they sit next to each other for most of the day--hemming and hawing about their respective holdings and mugging for the camera as reacquainted friends.

It is a tradition!  Sharon and Wendeen celebrate the holiday season, sharing their love for Manhattan; restaurants, theater, museums, and, the must see Alvin Ailey dance company. The joy of Ailey's longtime signature  piece, Revelations, never runs out of joy. Last weekend Ailey paired Revelations with  the beautiful new Odetta, a tribute to the legendary folk singer, at the Saturday matinee--a  tip Sharon bestowed on Wendeen.  And Wendeen returned the favor,  tipping off  Sharon, an avid civil rights activist  to the impassioned, riveting choreography that explodes before your eyes in the dance company's timely offering of "Uprising." The two sisters continue their  family time celebration over the Chanukah and Christmas  holidays, taking in great food for thought.

Blues and country singer Luther Kent, a NOLA native, gives Wendeen a big hug during her annual post Katrina visit.. They celebrate the City's resurgence. Wendeen's HCTF team assisted in evacuations and selection of counsel for NOLA residents following chaos at the Super Dome in the aftermath of Katrina. Luther sings to Wendeen and friends in the beautifully refurbished Carousel Lounge at the Monteleone Hotel where superb service and the best massages are routine.

Larry Lindsey hosts Wendeen at his beautiful ocean side home in Virginia Beach, where they splice together their respective activities in business, politics, and poker. Larry, the erudite economist and Wendeen, the experienced legal consultant covered the waterfront of current events before breakfast on the glorious beach.

At the annual World Series of Poker the business of the industry is as much the talk of the town as the daily WSOP events themselves. It is the meeting ground of everyone who is anyone in the poker world. That notably includes Rich Muny, Vice President of Player Relations for The Poker Players Alliance. Here at the Rio in the quiet corridor before the crowds arrive, Wendeen and Rich meet up to chat about the latest rumblings in Washington on online's gaming future in America.

Famous 5th avenue resident hawk flew from his home base to Wendeen's terrace. The hawk politely eyeballed the sunset supper whipped up for friends. iPhone cameras rolled with Andy, Joe, and Sandy bringing the spectacle into focus. Sandy got  perfect pic  during hawk's 20 minute preening gig.

In an unexpected family visit, Wendeen's granddaughter presents the latest arrival, Deborah Dielle , who weighed  in at 4 pounds, 12 ounces,  a remarkable joy. Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma take turns introducing her all around. Wendeen insists on ruling the roost with a private tete-a-tete with the family's latest addition.

Sharon is the Big Sis and Rock of Gibraltar for all emergencies. Wendeen is the Little Sis with a head for business and tough negotiations.

So here they are, at their favorite diner talking about the craziness of the medical profession and the bigger craziness of moving out of an apartment after 48 years. Between them they settle both issues, Sharon completes another apartment deal that others would salivate to get, and Wen finds new doctors with a better bedside manner. Two independent women, with different life styles, politics, and personal objectives who truly support each other.

In mid-September Wendeen and her guest, Martin Levine sallied forth to the annual gala for the New Yorkers for Children at Cipriani 42nd Street, enthusiastic about the extraordinary stars they would see that evening.

A member of the board of directors for more than a decade, Wendeen knew, as usual, that extraordinary would be out in force that night. Yes, there were marquee names, but the honors and ovations were reserved for the true stars of the evening: teens in foster care, who are assisted by NYFC  in making their dreams of college and opportunities beyond schools of hard knocks a reality.

Wendeen lands in Las Vegas to visit with casino clients before taking a seat in the ultimate poker game—the main event at the 2012 WSOP. She survives day one, thanks to the great table-side masseuses.

She advances to the next round with a healthy chip stack, but on day two she enjoys an eight hour thrill before circling back to client matters.

Standing next to her very first dancing partner from 1962 and our class president, Wendeen shares fond memories from the lunch time discotheque to the rigors of practice. Artists all, Wendeen recalls her senior project  - a Beethoven's sonata.

Wendeen looks back on the best of times with her first full-fledged love, celebrating at NY's Copacabana.  Forty-five years later she inquires - with determination about events at the site of the Crimp Operation in the Cu Chi tunnels--with so many memories of her ROTC-trained 2nd liutenant who rose to captain overseas.

Listen to Eolis International Group CEO,  Wendeen H. Eolis' interview on the gaming radio show produced by QuadJacks.com...

for the most candid and in depth discussion of Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stars issues as each moves forward in their cases with the Department of Justice in the prosecution of online poker.

http://www.quadjacks.com/2012/02/14/the-gaming-world-feat-wendeen-eolis-quadjacks-poker-radio-tuesday-february-14-2012/

Read Eolis's Latest article "Who Says Poker is a Game of Skill?"  February 28th, 2012

http://www.pokerplayernewspaper.com/content/who-says-poker-game-skill-11951

In this article, Ms. Eolis reviews the development of the central legal conundrum in the prosecution of online poker. The questions are: Is poker gambling as a matter of law?  Is poker a game of skill and if so to what degree?

Chef Daniel Boulud greets Wendeen and her distinguished guests, Gerald Tanenbaum, Cathy Hong, Eugene Katchalov, and Bertrand Grospellier at New York's quintessential French restaurant.

The evening began at Wendeen''s digs with Perrier-Jouet champagne — fine bubbles — to bring in 2012.

Teaming up with Gerald — one of Cahill Gordon's "big deal" lawyers — for the repast, Wendeen led the group to her favorite restaurant for a spectacular celebration with special friends.

Bertrand and Eugene, the best of the best in international poker tournament competition had battled to take the number one and two spots in rankings for the year.  They gave us a few choice poker tips.  Cathy marveled at her pre-birthday dinner.  Gerald regaled the table with well-timed jokes.  Wendeen assumed her usual "after 5" role as social secretary, mother hen, and head cheerleader for Messr Boulud's chef-d'oeuvre dinner.

In the intimate Cafe Carlyle saloon Wendeen and Bryan Bilgore — an expert on audio systems — take in neighbor Woody Allen Monday night jazz fest.

They rewarded themselves with a fabulous musical evening to match the brilliant new sound system Bryan has just installed at the EOLIS home office.

Bryan has changed the sound of music around here with easy-to-use wireless integration of magnificently balanced audio. From symphonies to songbooks, Sensorium's Bryan Bilgore is the man of the hour!

An evening at the opera and a night on the town with Thomas and Marina Kremser were among the highlights of Wendeen's visit to Vienna last week.

Thomas picked for Wendeen a California-styled menu in a traditional Viennese restaurant with Strauss music playing in the background, as they discussed the Kremsers' new and exciting business plans.

Our globe-trotting CEO covered 10,000 miles in 5 days from New York to North Africa, with a pit stop in Vienna at midpoint for a speaking engagement at the Autumn Conference of International  Masters of Gaming Law.

Eda Sokmen is the quintessential guide who transports Wendeen from immersion in an evacuation planning mission based in Cyprus to the relaxing world of the Bosphorus and the energy of Istanbul.

40 years ago on this date, Kenny Usui sat across from me at a blackjack table in London.  He was taking a respite from his duties as Vice President of the Pacific Stock Exchange.  I was taking a break from my nascent legal recruiting business.  Kenny was a client I never met with a secret passion for counting cards. As my client, I knew Kenny to be a tough customer, insistent upon hearing the most minute details of candidates' legal experience.  But here, suddenly, he was all smiles.  Unbeknownst to me, he was chuckling over my mathematical errors as an amateur card counter.  I promised to improve, and I did. Days later, one thing led to another, and we became a team at felt tables, dinner tables, and all manner of duets, especially on the piano.  May he rest in peace.

Lyle Berman and Wendeen met 25 years ago at the main event at the World Series of Poker. A thriving businessman, Lyle was also a champion poker player long before Wendeen became the first woman to cash in the WSOP final event.

Lyle and Wendeen have remained friends over the years, with their paths linked by their respective adventures in the gaming business and at the poker tables.  Lyle went on to found Lakes Gaming and the World Poker Tour.  Wendeen counts 35 casino clients on her legal consulting company’s roster, and 7 cashes at the WSOP.

Today, each of them is making plans to do battle at the 42nd World Series of Poker main event—and maybe a dinner or two.  At summer’s end they’ll meet up again at Lyle’s fabulous ranch in Telluride— the quintessential mix of an adult camp and a plus ultra resort.  They share a love of hard work and they know how to have fun!

Rita Cosby beamed with pride as she talked with Wendeen about the joys of a loving reconnection with her father. Wendeen responded knowingly from her own experience with her mother after decades of a lost relationship. The articulate newscaster known for big gets, took her touching story public. Wendeen continues to soul-search more privately.

The friendship of Rifka, Roberta, and Wendeen spans a half century from the days they were immersed in drama, dance, and music lessons, respectively. The common denominator of the arts was complemented by academic ambitiousness and a deep interest in the world of counseling. Rifka's compassion in sharing life lessons and Roberta's analytical skills in theraputic counseling reflect the best in the business. Their friendship is even better.