Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Vegas, Part Deux
Day #2 in Vegas was a bit kinder to me than Day #1. After waking up, drinking about half a gallon of water, blogging and chatting on the phone a bit, I went for a little run. Well, I was thinking it was going to be a little run. I wanted to go check out this thing at the other end of the strip...I couldn't quite tell what it was but I thought it was worth investigating.
After running down the strip for about three minutes, I realized that people were looking at me like I was crazy for running, and going for a run on the Strip is definitely a contact sport. I was amazed again at just the pure scale of things in Vegas. I read in "Bringing Down the House" that The Bellegio cost $1.6 billion to build and The Venetian cost $1.2 billion. I spent some time in both of them and after being there understand that's really not that ridiculous. It's just hard to explain how oversized everything in Vegas is.
The other phenomenon on the Strip is that things that look about a quarter mile away are really like five miles away. You keep going and going and really don't make much progress on getting there. However, you are surrounded by great people watching and amazing buildings, so you just keep on going.
About 30 minutes into the run, I was through all the major attractions on the Strip. Then I passed Circus, Circus, then things kept getting more and more shady, then some wedding chapels (which looked mighty classy, I must say) and then finally about 45 minutes later I hit Stratosphere. I'm not really sure how that place stays in business because it is so far from everything else.
After running for an hour and twenty minutes, showering up and drinking another half gallon of water, I was off to the MGM to begin Day #2 of the Vegas experience. This was at about 1:30 p. The tables were much kinder to me, I learned how to really play blackjack and probably won somewhere between $100 and $200 playing blackjack. And then Chasson (that's his last name) hit it big. He had been on fire so he collected $10 from people to go put down some cash on 00. It hit and his $60 paid out over $1,000 (translation my $10 was now $180). And then that's when I started to see the light...it was really thrilling winning some cash, playing blackjack.
I kept drinking and playing blackjack until about 6:30p, ran over to New York, New York to buy a ticket for Zoomanity, then back to the room to shower, then off to the show. Then we hit up dinner at this Mexican place, then off to The Venetian, then Wynn (for about two more hours of blackjack), then Tryst at Wynn, then more gambling at Wynn, then MGM for breakfast. I was crossing the bridge back to Tropicana at exactly 6:23a. Drinking and gambling since 1:30p in the afternoon. Wow, I didn't think I had it in me, but that's what happens when you get to Vegas. I've heard the casinos pump oxygen into the room so that people can stay awake longer...I wouldn't doubt it.
Overall, quite an experience. I was loving it during the great run of blackjack when I was thinking I should quit my day job and start a blackjack team in San Diego. Then by Sunday afternoon I was so ready to go, I was at the airport more than two hours before my flight (which is a record for me). The mood in the Vegas airport on Sunday night was definitely much different than Friday afternoon when I arrived.
If you haven't been, you should go experience Vegas. Just be prepared to experience a range of emotions and the lows that come with the highs. And be ready to hemmorage money, unless you have a great run at blackjack.
After running down the strip for about three minutes, I realized that people were looking at me like I was crazy for running, and going for a run on the Strip is definitely a contact sport. I was amazed again at just the pure scale of things in Vegas. I read in "Bringing Down the House" that The Bellegio cost $1.6 billion to build and The Venetian cost $1.2 billion. I spent some time in both of them and after being there understand that's really not that ridiculous. It's just hard to explain how oversized everything in Vegas is.
The other phenomenon on the Strip is that things that look about a quarter mile away are really like five miles away. You keep going and going and really don't make much progress on getting there. However, you are surrounded by great people watching and amazing buildings, so you just keep on going.
About 30 minutes into the run, I was through all the major attractions on the Strip. Then I passed Circus, Circus, then things kept getting more and more shady, then some wedding chapels (which looked mighty classy, I must say) and then finally about 45 minutes later I hit Stratosphere. I'm not really sure how that place stays in business because it is so far from everything else.
After running for an hour and twenty minutes, showering up and drinking another half gallon of water, I was off to the MGM to begin Day #2 of the Vegas experience. This was at about 1:30 p. The tables were much kinder to me, I learned how to really play blackjack and probably won somewhere between $100 and $200 playing blackjack. And then Chasson (that's his last name) hit it big. He had been on fire so he collected $10 from people to go put down some cash on 00. It hit and his $60 paid out over $1,000 (translation my $10 was now $180). And then that's when I started to see the light...it was really thrilling winning some cash, playing blackjack.
I kept drinking and playing blackjack until about 6:30p, ran over to New York, New York to buy a ticket for Zoomanity, then back to the room to shower, then off to the show. Then we hit up dinner at this Mexican place, then off to The Venetian, then Wynn (for about two more hours of blackjack), then Tryst at Wynn, then more gambling at Wynn, then MGM for breakfast. I was crossing the bridge back to Tropicana at exactly 6:23a. Drinking and gambling since 1:30p in the afternoon. Wow, I didn't think I had it in me, but that's what happens when you get to Vegas. I've heard the casinos pump oxygen into the room so that people can stay awake longer...I wouldn't doubt it.
Overall, quite an experience. I was loving it during the great run of blackjack when I was thinking I should quit my day job and start a blackjack team in San Diego. Then by Sunday afternoon I was so ready to go, I was at the airport more than two hours before my flight (which is a record for me). The mood in the Vegas airport on Sunday night was definitely much different than Friday afternoon when I arrived.
If you haven't been, you should go experience Vegas. Just be prepared to experience a range of emotions and the lows that come with the highs. And be ready to hemmorage money, unless you have a great run at blackjack.
Vegas, Baby!
I am currently in Las Vegas (okay, this post was written in Vegas and posted in VA because I didn’t have Internet access in Vegas). This place is a trip. Just seeing the strip is worth the trip. It is quite a sight to behold…New York, New York, Paris, the giant lion in front of MGM…unbelievable. And my friends that I’m with tell me they can’t believe how dead it is here. We got cabs from the Bellegio without waiting in a line. We partied at Moon at The Palms and it was only mildly packed. Rum Jungle wasn’t even serving dinner last night.
Although I’m definitely glad to have made the trip and be catching up with some old friends, I don’t think I’m really a Vegas person. I lost $70 last night playing black jack and am really irritated about it. And it’s only $70. Some people come out here and throw down $100 (or $1,000) chips down next to my $5 chips. Where do these people get this kind of money and how can they stand losing a hand? It is just another world out here.
I will say the clubs are pretty cool. I’m not a particularly big clubbin’ kind of person, but Moon last night was really amazing. And they have these girls dancing in basically bikinis. I just wonder how their bodies look like that. I asked one of my friends last night and his response was, “A lot of coke.”
So all in all – I’ll post more on the inaugural Vegas trip later – very interesting but I don’t think I’ll be making a regular stop on the vacation circuit. Things are so bad out here and they’re so desperate to bring people to Vegas, you can get decent rooms on the Strip at $40 per night. And that’s on the weekend. Then you get out here and realize a decent dinner costs $80, a round of drinks costs $50 (for three drinks) and after twenty minutes on the blackjack table you’re down $70. If you’re good with numbers you realized all the money you saved on the hotel was gone about 15 minutes after you set foot outside your hotel room…
Although I’m definitely glad to have made the trip and be catching up with some old friends, I don’t think I’m really a Vegas person. I lost $70 last night playing black jack and am really irritated about it. And it’s only $70. Some people come out here and throw down $100 (or $1,000) chips down next to my $5 chips. Where do these people get this kind of money and how can they stand losing a hand? It is just another world out here.
I will say the clubs are pretty cool. I’m not a particularly big clubbin’ kind of person, but Moon last night was really amazing. And they have these girls dancing in basically bikinis. I just wonder how their bodies look like that. I asked one of my friends last night and his response was, “A lot of coke.”
So all in all – I’ll post more on the inaugural Vegas trip later – very interesting but I don’t think I’ll be making a regular stop on the vacation circuit. Things are so bad out here and they’re so desperate to bring people to Vegas, you can get decent rooms on the Strip at $40 per night. And that’s on the weekend. Then you get out here and realize a decent dinner costs $80, a round of drinks costs $50 (for three drinks) and after twenty minutes on the blackjack table you’re down $70. If you’re good with numbers you realized all the money you saved on the hotel was gone about 15 minutes after you set foot outside your hotel room…
Southwest Flights…
If you get on a Southwest flight, you have made a trade off decision: I am paying less for my flight, therefore I am willing to put up with the whole herding cattle routine. I won’t have an assigned seat, if I have a large bag I’ll have to get there early so it doesn’t get checked, I might have to be seated in a middle seat, etc. All in all, not that bad if you are paying $79 per leg of your flight.
Yesterday, not one but two, parent/child combinations asked people to move. I know it’s the holiday season and all, but seriously? If these parents really thought it was imperative to sit directly next to their children then they shouldn’t have booked tickets on a Southwest flight. That’s just common sense. Were they really surprised? They should’ve known that there was a non-zero probability they might not end up sitting next to little Sally or Bobby. So parents, if you need to sit next to your kid, don’t book a flight on Southwest and try to guilt everyone else into letting you sit by your kid. Pay the extra $100 a ticket and book seats next to each other.
Yesterday, not one but two, parent/child combinations asked people to move. I know it’s the holiday season and all, but seriously? If these parents really thought it was imperative to sit directly next to their children then they shouldn’t have booked tickets on a Southwest flight. That’s just common sense. Were they really surprised? They should’ve known that there was a non-zero probability they might not end up sitting next to little Sally or Bobby. So parents, if you need to sit next to your kid, don’t book a flight on Southwest and try to guilt everyone else into letting you sit by your kid. Pay the extra $100 a ticket and book seats next to each other.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Pick the Right Movie for Your Mood...
This weekend was actually kind of gloomy in San Diego. Yesterday it was mostly in the mid- to upper-50s and I don't think I saw any sun all day long. When I went for a late afternoon run, there was also some rain and it was quite windy, making it feel even cooler. However, by the end of my run the rain had stopped and it was probably around 60. Relative to the norm for San Diego, however, it was quite a crappy day, so I didn't feel too guilty doing some errands and watching a movie.
There are some movies I wouldn't recommend watching when you need to feel uplifted. One such movie is "I Am Legend" with Will Smith. I kept hoping at some point, there would be at least a glimmer of hope or a happy point in the movie. Alas, an hour and 45 minutes later I was feeling even more dour. Yikes. Not really a bad movie, but it was quite a downer.
On the other hand, all the ladies in particular should make sure to catch "Troy." This fine motion picture features actors like Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom running around half naked, many times trying to kill each other. At first I couldn't believe the movie was 2 hours and 43 minutes. After starting the film, however, I was sad it had to end so early. It is like a history lesson meets eye candy times ten. And without seeing the film, I would have never known Paris was such a sally pants. If only all history lessons were this well told...
There are some movies I wouldn't recommend watching when you need to feel uplifted. One such movie is "I Am Legend" with Will Smith. I kept hoping at some point, there would be at least a glimmer of hope or a happy point in the movie. Alas, an hour and 45 minutes later I was feeling even more dour. Yikes. Not really a bad movie, but it was quite a downer.
On the other hand, all the ladies in particular should make sure to catch "Troy." This fine motion picture features actors like Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom running around half naked, many times trying to kill each other. At first I couldn't believe the movie was 2 hours and 43 minutes. After starting the film, however, I was sad it had to end so early. It is like a history lesson meets eye candy times ten. And without seeing the film, I would have never known Paris was such a sally pants. If only all history lessons were this well told...
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Congrats to the UNC Soccer Team
The Tar Heels are the 2008 NCAA National Champions! Woooooohooo! I continue to be very excited for the team and proud as an alum. After the first 17 seconds of the game I was a bit nervous but am ebullient the girls were able to come out on top!
Here is a cool clip from YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxFa4k8Nn0
I'm glad we now know the answer to final question in the video...
Here is a cool clip from YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxFa4k8Nn0
I'm glad we now know the answer to final question in the video...
Prediction: 2009 Will Be the "Year of the Belle"
For those of you not in the know, I affectionately refer to my little sister Alicia as "Elle" or "Elle Belle." I call her this despite the fact that "Ali" should really be pronounced to rhyme with "rally."
At any rate, I am officially dubbing 2009 the "Year of the Belle." Elle Belle is on fire - she's managed to trim down and is now dead sexy (as opposed to the just plain old just "sexy" she used to be), she has a hot new dude and she recently got promoted (and a raise). The Belle managed to accomplish all these things as the global economy is melting down and everyone else is expecting multi-billion dollar checks from the U.S. government to bail them out.
Way to go, Elle!
At any rate, I am officially dubbing 2009 the "Year of the Belle." Elle Belle is on fire - she's managed to trim down and is now dead sexy (as opposed to the just plain old just "sexy" she used to be), she has a hot new dude and she recently got promoted (and a raise). The Belle managed to accomplish all these things as the global economy is melting down and everyone else is expecting multi-billion dollar checks from the U.S. government to bail them out.
Way to go, Elle!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Big Three Request $34 Billion Bailout
If I had to respond to them, I would vote let them fail and encourage all practical car buyers to purchase Hondas and Toyotas and all car aficionados to focus on BMWs and Benzs. I admit I am a bit concerned for the repercussions on future work on the Crossfire if Chrysler's service is to worsen...However, given the outlook for the business model of the American auto companies, why throw good money after bad?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Plaxico Burress...Seriously?
This just in...Plaxico Burress has just been suspended for four games by the New York Giants after accidentally shooting himself in the leg with a gun in a New York City nightclub. After shooting the shooting, he turned himself into the police and will now face charges of criminal possession of a handgun.
I will say I am impressed that the NY Giants organization immediately suspended him rather than let him get away with doing whatever he wants. If he was a Cincinnati Bengal, he would probably be suiting up for practice as soon as he posted bail.
Hilarious. This morning on ESPN, I listened to his lawyer talk about how he was a good guy that a done a stupid thing and not a bad guy that had done a bad thing. What kind of guy takes a gun to a nightclub?
I will say I am impressed that the NY Giants organization immediately suspended him rather than let him get away with doing whatever he wants. If he was a Cincinnati Bengal, he would probably be suiting up for practice as soon as he posted bail.
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