"Basso.  Robert Basso" code name 007, is a true person in history.  Real-life, unexaggerated biographical accounts of the debonair Robert Basso, and his illustrious life are featured in twelve novels and two short story collections by Ian Flemings, under the alias "James Bond."  Vinh met Basso when he was asked to present Basso, with the lifetime achievement award in secret-agent-hood, during the 53rd Annual International Man of Mystery Convention, in Barbados, Iowa.  They hit it off pretty well in the PF Chang's afterparty, where Bobby advised Vinh to refrain from the horribly unflattering "Asian wearing a bowler hat" look because it made him look too henchman-y.  True enough, Bobby went on to karate chop and dispose of plenty Asians in bowler hats, during his long and successful career with MI6. Rightfully so, *all* turned out to be career henchmen to evil villains.  Suffice to say, Bobby is the man to thank, not just for the general safety of our world as we know it, but also for Vinh's now world-renowned Tin-Tin waft.



Bobby is a man of few words, so when he has something to say, you best be listening.  When he does, in fact, chime in on a topic, it cannot be said that you didn't get a little smarter, or learn something new.   It's one of his most lovable traits, and also why Charisse is simply head over heels for Vinh's dear friend, Basso. (in the appropriate way, of course!)



Spy-games and double agent work aside, their friendship really took flight while playing professional basketball together in Italy, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, John Stockton and Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant ... none of those famous pairs ever came even remotely close to what Bobby Basso and Vinh Tran had going on when they got to dribbling down the court. And even today, the dynamic duo interact so seamlessly and naturally together, it's easy to see why they're such good friends.

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Jersey hung, Off the hardwood, and now Stateside, Basso is all grown up and living the dream as a wealthy Business Baron in Marin County. Well loved by both Vinh and Charisse, they're confident dear Robert Basso will surely bring some great life to the party!