Wendeen'sWorld

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.