I'M ALL IN

On the front page of Sunday's sports section, I had my first published article since April 2007. And back then it was about the VooDoo, so I'm not even sure if that really counts or even happened. Actually, Sunday's article was the first story I've ever had on the front page. Woohoo!

For the rest of this item, I will attempt to write in Wikipedia style.

Concept of idea

While I was on vacation in Panama City, I spent one of the nights following the World Series of Poker through live updates on several Web sites. At one point, I was talking to Lopes when we realized the chip leader had a Saints hat on.

Lopes did some quick research and found out he was from Oakland, Md., and cheers for the Saints because he likes underdogs. We decided I should pitch the story to the sports editor in the hopes of writing a masterpiece.

A few days after I got back to work, I printed out a picture of Darvin Moon and showed it to him. Halfway through my spiel on why this would make a great story, he cut me off. "I like it. Do it."

Getting in contact with Moon

I couldn't have been more excited to do this article. It was about two things I have a crazy passion for: poker and the Saints. What I didn't anticipate was the difficulty I would have in tracking down Mr. Moon, who "disappeared back into the woods." His words.

The sports editor OKed the story July 20. I started my process July 21. I interviewed Moon on Aug. 3.

Step 1: I look up Darvin Moon on Yellowpages. One result for D. Moon came up in Oakland, Md. The old lady that answered, however, said she didn't know a Darvin.

Step 2: His local paper ran a story about him. I call there. I was told to call back the next day because the sports editor was busy all day with production. The next day he told me he wasn't able to contact Moon for the story and just used quotes from Vegas.

You get that? The town has 1,900 people. Moon and the sports editor probably live in the same freakin' subdivision. Can you say lazy? He did tell me that Moon's sister works at the local CVS, and he gave me that number.

Step 3: I interview ESPN poker commentator Norman Chad on July 24. He told me he had no idea how to contact Darvin. Neither did the ESPN worker who connected me with Chad.

Step 4: I call the CVS in Oakland, Md. The worker who answered accidentally tells me that Moon's wife Wendy also works at the CVS. I leave my name and number with that worker to give to Wendy. Nothing happened.

Step 5: On Monday, July 27, I call the CVS again. Amazingly, the person on the other end said: "Hi. This is Wendy. How may I help you?" I gave her the full spiel, and she told me she'd have her husband call me in the next day or so. Fine.

Step 6: By Saturday, I realize Darvin wasn't calling. I find a decent article on a poker Web site written about Moon while he was in Vegas. I e-mail that author to see if he has any contact information. I have yet to get a response from him.

Step 7: On Monday, Aug. 3, I call the CVS for a third time. I decided waiting a week was enough time for me not to sound like a total jackass. Try telling that to Wendy. She was pissed at me.

Wendy: Look, you can't keep calling me here at work.
Me: Well, can I have Darvin's contact info? And I can just call him.
Wendy: No. People have been selling his number. You were the one calling about the Saints, right?
Me: Yes. It will be a fun interview.
Wendy: OK. I'll have him call. But please don't call me here again. And don't call his mother anymore, either.

Interview and crafting

Later that night, my phone rang near deadline at work. I had no choice but to answer. Moon and I then rapped about the Saints and poker for 30 minutes. Moon was very matter-of-fact with his answers. The millions he has won and is about to win has had no affect on him. His life is cutting down trees, and he ain't letting no $8 mil get in the way of that.

Moon is a nice guy. He just doesn't want any spotlight on him, and that's why nobody can get in contact with him. I will cheer for him in November.

I spent my off day that Wednesday (Aug. 5) working up the story. I turned it in that Thursday night, and the sports editor read it early the next week, slating it for Sunday's release. On Friday and Saturday, Brick and Bake made some necessary corrections and additions, with Bake slapping a winning headline (OVERACHIEVING UNDERDOG) on it.

Reception

My article has been met with universal praise.

Loyola professor Dr. Larry Lorenz (via facebook): "Good story this morning, Gene."
Sports editor (via AIM): "Good story. My wife even read it."
Danny (via AIM): "Nice story today. I saw your byline and thought it was going to be a first-person account of your life. The Gene Pool in print."

The best comment on nola has come from Shane504: Good luck dude and thx for supporting the Saints. Now go get your money and come on down South and see our boys.

The best praise actually came from the Saints, who contacted the sports editor early Sunday to tell him they loved the article. Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel then sent me a text message. The Saints want to get in touch with Darvin.

I was happy to hook them up. I just hope Wendy doesn't yell at Drew Brees.

THE TINA CURSING CORNER

My mom is flipping through the stations and stops for a second on Air Force One. Harrison Ford calls the White House from the plane, but the operator doesn't believe him. Mom yells: "He's the fucking president, asshole!"

Mom opens some mail. "The 28th? You ain't giving me much time, motherfucker."

I'm watching Friday's episode of Conan featuring Shaq. "Fucking Conan has so much shit in his hair it goes back into place after he shakes it."

MOVIE WEEK IN REVIEW

Taken. 2008. Overall, I liked it. Great pace, solid acting and exciting action and story. Some of the background explanation sucked, and several times, there was no explanation for the next step in the hunting-down-the-bad-guys process.

I Love You, Man. 2009. Good bromance comedy. Enjoyed it, especially some subtle references to other things I like.

PARTING SHOT
Liam and I are discussing possible headlines for the PGA Championship.

Liam (getting it started): Sulking Tiger. ...
Me: Hidden Wang.
Liam (laughing): You mean Yang.
Me: Oh, right.