Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

If you weren't there this weekend, the Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic unleashed itself across Las Vegas. It was a good time had by all, to be sure. But I wanted to take a minute to share some thanks. There are plenty to go around. More after the jump.

First of all, I'd like to say thanks to Chuck and Hunter for putting the whole thing together. Even though it was one weekend of fun, I know that there were months of planning that went into it. It would have been very easy for them to have thrown in the towel this year, but they've got a commitment to their readers and listeners that pushed them down the not-so-easy path of organizing the event. These guys did a great job of putting on an event that let all of us get together and talk Vegas--and have some fun.

Second, I'd like to thank Jay Fenster, Eric Peterson, and Maria Roncal from Caesars Entertainment, without whom VIMFP as we knew it could have happened. We got a great, hospitable venue, which goes a long way in making it a good event. I'm glad that the guys didn't go with my suggestion, which was the abandoned former putting green on the roof of the Riviera's casino.

Third, I'm grateful to my fellow Vegas Gangster Jeff Simpson, the VT crew, and everyone else who participated in the on-stage action. It's not always easy getting in front of an audience, even an abundantly friendly one that's been hitting the cash bar, and everyone delivered.

Fourth, thanks to all who participated in Stump Doctor Dave. I'm used to getting some tough questions when I speak, but I've never had to face a crowd who had weeks to prepare them before. But I'm glad everyone had fun (at least I hope you had as much as I did) and won some prizes. Anytime I can help folks get something for free in Vegas it's a good day for me.

Finally, and most important, thanks to everyone who chose to travel to Vegas this weekend for the event. I know that times aren't so easy for a lot of folks, and it's very gratifying and humbling that you made the decision to come out to Vegas to take part in the Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic this year. Yeah, there's a lot of back-and-forth on Twitter, but it doesn't really compare with being able to sit down (or stand) and actually talk with people. On a personal note, it's both humbling and encouraging to hear from so many folks who say they enjoy my writing. I don't always have the easiest time of it--not being able to find a publisher for the Sarno book has been very discouraging--but knowing that people out there look forward to reading my writing, whether it's on this blog, in print, or in my books, makes it easier to keep on writing.

So, in the spirit of true Vegas gratitude, I'll offer you a sweaty, grateful Elvis who, in the big finish, says, "Thank you. Thank you very much" far better than I ever could:

You guys are the best.