Happy Holidays, Vegas fans!
I hope you are enjoying a nice, relaxing break from reality over this holiday season. I am traveling (though for once not to Vegas) and visiting with family. As much as I love what I do, it's nice to get away from it all. There's really nothing like taking your mind off.... wait, what was I saying? See, I'm really relaxed!
When you are out there spending your holiday gift cards, don't forget to go green. If you have spending money at Barnes and Noble, consider a Nook. If you have some cash to burn at Amazon, think about a Kindle. These are great ways of reading lots of stuff and not carrying around a ton of weight. eBook sales have increased significantly this year, which is great news for us self-publishers.
Regardless of how you are spending your gift cards and spending your holidays, enjoy them! And don't forget how nice it feels to be doing something different, something out of the ordinary. The same is true for your trips to Vegas. I'm planning one for April now, after nixing the idea of planning one for February. I need a break, and Vegas is the great escape. I can hang on till April. I think. Remember to enjoy yourself and that you deserve a vacation. And where better to spend it than Las Vegas?
Thanks for your support. Enjoy your week,
Mike
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Electronic Holiday Gifts
Hi Vegas fans,
I've been in this spot before, and I'm wondering how many of you have, too. It's December 23rd (or 24th), and I haven't finished shopping. There's that one person on the list that I can't seem to figure out what to buy. I don't mean "the perfect gift" either. I mean a nice gift that won't break my bank but will be a thoughtful present.
It's got to be one that's easy to buy - after all I don't want to be stuck in traffic or wandering the cold streets all night. I've got eggnog to drink! And when it's this late in the year, you can't really shop online unless you want to pay a zillion dollars in shipping. Ouch.
How about this? Try an electronic gift. I always like to give (and receive) iTunes or e-books. They're environmentally friendly, they're easy to buy on the spot with no shipping costs, and the recipient will always be able to use them. If you're in the market for an e-book, and the person you are buying for is a Vegas nut like you, please consider my book. If you purchase any flavor (Kindle, Nook, PDF or Flipbook) of my book by December 31, I will send you a luggage tag for free as a token of my appreciation. All you have to do is e-mail me with the date you purchased the book and they type of book you bought. It's a win-win, so give it some thought.
Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season!
Viva,
Mike
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wish List
Hi Vegas aficionados,
As the holidays approach, it's time again for me to present my Wish List. My list contains things for Las Vegas because, after all, I'm pretty fortunate and I don't need a thing. Well, maybe a Vegas-themed Snuggie, but little else.
Las Vegas needs a few things, and I mean besides increased visitation, higher gaming revenue, a brighter job market and improvements in the housing market. Those are all obvious, and when the economy picks up, most of those things will turn around. So here's my Wish List for Las Vegas in no particular order:
1. Rain. Sure is dry in the desert. Vegas needs some steady rain, not the flash flood type of downpour. The outlook is not good, but we can ask, can't we?
2. Prosperity for Cosmopolitan. Last year, I asked Santa for CityCenter to open with great fanfare and to thrive for years to come. They are struggling a bit, but I think in the long run they will be profitable and travelers will see how much fun this place is and how fantastic an idea CityCenter is. Cosmo, it's your turn as the newest kid on the block. Knock 'em dead.
3. A continued trend of fun, entertainment, amazing food, escape, great pools, and general wackiness. Las Vegas has always provided that for travelers, and as long as that's the case, I'll continue to go back. I think for Las Vegas, it comes naturally. Here's to you, Sin City!
Here are some other personal Wish List items (again, in no particular order):
1. Removal of the BCS. No one needs this stupid football system when a playoff would work nicely. Wouldn't make my football tickets pay off any differently, but it would make for a more interesting season.
2. Better gaming rules on the Strip. With Caesars Entertainment (formerly Harrah's) and the Mirage owning a majority of properties, the average Joe doesn't have many choices. We need more table games, better rules, and a good number of low-minimum options. Please (see? I asked nicely!).
3. Finally, for you - my family, friends, and readers - I wish the happiest of holidays. May your Wish Lists all be fulfilled. May you spend time with the ones you love. May you enjoy every minute of it. Thank you for your continued support. Thanks for making Simplifying part of your lives. It's a blast for me, and I hope it is for you, too.
Viva,
Mike
As the holidays approach, it's time again for me to present my Wish List. My list contains things for Las Vegas because, after all, I'm pretty fortunate and I don't need a thing. Well, maybe a Vegas-themed Snuggie, but little else.
Las Vegas needs a few things, and I mean besides increased visitation, higher gaming revenue, a brighter job market and improvements in the housing market. Those are all obvious, and when the economy picks up, most of those things will turn around. So here's my Wish List for Las Vegas in no particular order:
1. Rain. Sure is dry in the desert. Vegas needs some steady rain, not the flash flood type of downpour. The outlook is not good, but we can ask, can't we?
2. Prosperity for Cosmopolitan. Last year, I asked Santa for CityCenter to open with great fanfare and to thrive for years to come. They are struggling a bit, but I think in the long run they will be profitable and travelers will see how much fun this place is and how fantastic an idea CityCenter is. Cosmo, it's your turn as the newest kid on the block. Knock 'em dead.
3. A continued trend of fun, entertainment, amazing food, escape, great pools, and general wackiness. Las Vegas has always provided that for travelers, and as long as that's the case, I'll continue to go back. I think for Las Vegas, it comes naturally. Here's to you, Sin City!
Here are some other personal Wish List items (again, in no particular order):
1. Removal of the BCS. No one needs this stupid football system when a playoff would work nicely. Wouldn't make my football tickets pay off any differently, but it would make for a more interesting season.
2. Better gaming rules on the Strip. With Caesars Entertainment (formerly Harrah's) and the Mirage owning a majority of properties, the average Joe doesn't have many choices. We need more table games, better rules, and a good number of low-minimum options. Please (see? I asked nicely!).
3. Finally, for you - my family, friends, and readers - I wish the happiest of holidays. May your Wish Lists all be fulfilled. May you spend time with the ones you love. May you enjoy every minute of it. Thank you for your continued support. Thanks for making Simplifying part of your lives. It's a blast for me, and I hope it is for you, too.
Viva,
Mike
Sunday, December 5, 2010
'Tis the Season
Hi Vegas fans,
It'll be here before you know it. That's right, bowl season is upon us. Oh and the holidays, of course. But college football is another good reason to celebrate, especially if you're a gambler. I love watching college sports even more than pro sports these days, with the exception of baseball (lose the aluminum bats, fellas).
College football is such a treat, and it comes and goes way too quickly. Of course, some of that has to do with the stupid BCS. Someone please tackle these morons who are running this catastrophe. It's a sad day when a few suits pocket money from sponsors instead of giving fans what they really want: a small playoff system. That's all we ask, really!
In any event, I'm sure I'll watch a bunch of bowls. It's way too early for lines on most games yet, but here are some early Mike predictions:
Here's one bet you can't lose. In February, Lingerie Bowl VIII is coming to Las Vegas. Unbenownst to my wife and my buddy Steve, I am seriously considering attending this event on Feb 6th. Steve, if you are reading this, see if you can clear your schedule for this very important sporting event.
Stay tuned...
Viva,
Mike
It'll be here before you know it. That's right, bowl season is upon us. Oh and the holidays, of course. But college football is another good reason to celebrate, especially if you're a gambler. I love watching college sports even more than pro sports these days, with the exception of baseball (lose the aluminum bats, fellas).
College football is such a treat, and it comes and goes way too quickly. Of course, some of that has to do with the stupid BCS. Someone please tackle these morons who are running this catastrophe. It's a sad day when a few suits pocket money from sponsors instead of giving fans what they really want: a small playoff system. That's all we ask, really!
In any event, I'm sure I'll watch a bunch of bowls. It's way too early for lines on most games yet, but here are some early Mike predictions:
- My beloved Virginia Tech Hokies beat Stanford with a late field goal
- Maryland over East Carolina by 10
- Kansas State over Syracuse by 14 at Yankee Stadium
- Kentucky upset Pittsburgh by 2 points
- Nevada tears apart Boston College by 21
- Auburn beats Oregon in the National Championship by 4 points
Here's one bet you can't lose. In February, Lingerie Bowl VIII is coming to Las Vegas. Unbenownst to my wife and my buddy Steve, I am seriously considering attending this event on Feb 6th. Steve, if you are reading this, see if you can clear your schedule for this very important sporting event.
Stay tuned...
Viva,
Mike
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Harrah's now Caesars Entertainment Corporation
Hi Vegas fans,
Harrah's canceled its IPO and has officially changed its name to Caesars Entertainment Corp. You can read the details of the transaction in the LA Times and Las Vegas Sun articles.
By any other name, it's still the same megacorp with Gary Loveman at the helm. As you may have read in my previous posts and in my forums, I'm not a huge fan of entertainment and gambling at Harrah's (oops, I mean Ceasars Entertainment Corp or CEC). The rules are not good for players, and the experience tends to be very generic.
The hotels in the chain (Bally's, Paris, Caesars, Harrah's) are pretty nice. The rooms I've stayed in are clean, comfortable, and a good value. Well, with one exception: the Imperial Palace, or as my wife calls it, the "IP freely" (because of the smell), which is a below par for a mid-Strip hotel. Now as the old saying goes, "how much time do you spend in your room in Vegas?" Not much, but people do typically associate their vacation with their hotel or hotel chain. Vegas Today and Tomorrow has a good map of Who Owns What.
For example, if you're staying at the Flamingo, you are probably going to spend time there and in surrounding properties for convenience, and they are all owned by CEC. Most of your other options on the Strip include MGM properties, Wynn, or Sands (i.e. Shel Adelson... think Venetian and Palazzo). MGM has a huge grip on the South Strip (Excalibur, NY NY, MGM Grand, etc.) and is a better proposition than CEC, but I'd like to see more $5 tables at their properties. A lot more.
The funny thing is that it doesn't have to be like this. I prefer to play at the Stratosphere. Now, it's not the most glamorous place in the world, so if I'm going with my wife and want a nicer hotel, we may book somewhere else. However, I can gamble at the Strat all day - either at the blackjack tables, the sports book or the craps tables. If I want to venture out to other places to eat, see stuff, or take a break, I just hop in the car.
On our last trip, my buddy Steve and I drove out to M Resort. Nice place, good rules for gaming. A little bit out there, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I don't mind cruising to to other places - like downtown, the Riv, the Trop, Excal - for a change, but it would be nice to have even more opportunities on the Strip to spend my entertainment dollars.
I would guess that I'm typically the exception rather than the rule; I would bet that most people play where they stay. But remember the Golden Rule; you have the gold in your pockets, and you decide where to spend it (which should be the places with the best rules). It's time we start telling these megaresorts the real deal. We're educated. We know that CEC owns a majority of the mid-Strip properties and MGM has a lock on the South Strip. We're not going to be held hostage by limited options. Give us better gaming, good deals, and a unique experience. Otherwise, we'll go somewhere else.
Vegas fans, I urge you to think about these things the next time you book your trip to Las Vegas. Regardless of where you stay, please don't play somewhere that has bad gaming rules. Don't eat in a restaurant just because it's in your hotel. Don't go see a show that's not really your style just because it's within walking distance. My biggest Vegas tip? Rent a car. It will open up your world to other venues and will remind you that Las Vegas is more than MGM and Caesars.
Viva!
Mike
Harrah's canceled its IPO and has officially changed its name to Caesars Entertainment Corp. You can read the details of the transaction in the LA Times and Las Vegas Sun articles.
By any other name, it's still the same megacorp with Gary Loveman at the helm. As you may have read in my previous posts and in my forums, I'm not a huge fan of entertainment and gambling at Harrah's (oops, I mean Ceasars Entertainment Corp or CEC). The rules are not good for players, and the experience tends to be very generic.
The hotels in the chain (Bally's, Paris, Caesars, Harrah's) are pretty nice. The rooms I've stayed in are clean, comfortable, and a good value. Well, with one exception: the Imperial Palace, or as my wife calls it, the "IP freely" (because of the smell), which is a below par for a mid-Strip hotel. Now as the old saying goes, "how much time do you spend in your room in Vegas?" Not much, but people do typically associate their vacation with their hotel or hotel chain. Vegas Today and Tomorrow has a good map of Who Owns What.
For example, if you're staying at the Flamingo, you are probably going to spend time there and in surrounding properties for convenience, and they are all owned by CEC. Most of your other options on the Strip include MGM properties, Wynn, or Sands (i.e. Shel Adelson... think Venetian and Palazzo). MGM has a huge grip on the South Strip (Excalibur, NY NY, MGM Grand, etc.) and is a better proposition than CEC, but I'd like to see more $5 tables at their properties. A lot more.
The funny thing is that it doesn't have to be like this. I prefer to play at the Stratosphere. Now, it's not the most glamorous place in the world, so if I'm going with my wife and want a nicer hotel, we may book somewhere else. However, I can gamble at the Strat all day - either at the blackjack tables, the sports book or the craps tables. If I want to venture out to other places to eat, see stuff, or take a break, I just hop in the car.
On our last trip, my buddy Steve and I drove out to M Resort. Nice place, good rules for gaming. A little bit out there, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I don't mind cruising to to other places - like downtown, the Riv, the Trop, Excal - for a change, but it would be nice to have even more opportunities on the Strip to spend my entertainment dollars.
I would guess that I'm typically the exception rather than the rule; I would bet that most people play where they stay. But remember the Golden Rule; you have the gold in your pockets, and you decide where to spend it (which should be the places with the best rules). It's time we start telling these megaresorts the real deal. We're educated. We know that CEC owns a majority of the mid-Strip properties and MGM has a lock on the South Strip. We're not going to be held hostage by limited options. Give us better gaming, good deals, and a unique experience. Otherwise, we'll go somewhere else.
Vegas fans, I urge you to think about these things the next time you book your trip to Las Vegas. Regardless of where you stay, please don't play somewhere that has bad gaming rules. Don't eat in a restaurant just because it's in your hotel. Don't go see a show that's not really your style just because it's within walking distance. My biggest Vegas tip? Rent a car. It will open up your world to other venues and will remind you that Las Vegas is more than MGM and Caesars.
Viva!
Mike
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thankful
Hi all,
I hope you are all recovering from too much food and family. If you are a gambler, may all your bets on college football cash.
I am relaxing at home this weekend and have been reflecting on this past year, the book, the website, and Las Vegas. It's been a fantastic year, and I have been very fortunate to have such great support. First, I'm thankful for friends and family. Second, I'm thankful for the Las Vegas Advisor, and particularly Deke Castleman, who has been very kind to me, offering great advice and support. If you are going to Las Vegas next year, I urge you to check out their website and become a member.
Finally, I'm thankful for you, my readers and followers. You've been so supportive and kind, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. I so enjoy sharing my thoughts and experience about Las Vegas with everyone, and I hope it makes a difference in your travels. I also hope that you all will share your ideas and experience with me, too. I love all things Vegas, so keep the comments coming, even over the holidays!
As you are sipping a bowl of turkey soup (again) and watching the big game on the tube, remember how good it feels to take a break from work and other responsibilities, even for a short time. Notice how much it means to your soul, and then think about how fun it would be to get away from it all in Las Vegas. You deserve it, so start thinking about planning a trip now!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Viva,
Mike
I hope you are all recovering from too much food and family. If you are a gambler, may all your bets on college football cash.
I am relaxing at home this weekend and have been reflecting on this past year, the book, the website, and Las Vegas. It's been a fantastic year, and I have been very fortunate to have such great support. First, I'm thankful for friends and family. Second, I'm thankful for the Las Vegas Advisor, and particularly Deke Castleman, who has been very kind to me, offering great advice and support. If you are going to Las Vegas next year, I urge you to check out their website and become a member.
Finally, I'm thankful for you, my readers and followers. You've been so supportive and kind, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. I so enjoy sharing my thoughts and experience about Las Vegas with everyone, and I hope it makes a difference in your travels. I also hope that you all will share your ideas and experience with me, too. I love all things Vegas, so keep the comments coming, even over the holidays!
As you are sipping a bowl of turkey soup (again) and watching the big game on the tube, remember how good it feels to take a break from work and other responsibilities, even for a short time. Notice how much it means to your soul, and then think about how fun it would be to get away from it all in Las Vegas. You deserve it, so start thinking about planning a trip now!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Viva,
Mike
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Simplifying Las Vegas 2011 - A Travel Guide for Everyone
Hi Vegas fans,
You may have noticed since my last post that it's been a while since my last post. Have I been lazy? Sick? Tired? Sick and tired? Well, yeah, but those are not the reasons I haven't posted a blog entry in a while. I've been busy.
I've been feverishly updating my travel guide, Simplifying Las Vegas, for 2011. It is now available in several different formats:
I may be biased here, but I think this travel guide gets better every year. Although it's not easy to provide this book in so many different formats, it's worth it. Variety is the spice of life, and this close to Thanksgiving, we all like a little spice.
You can see a taste of SLV's spice on the home page of my website. I've included a small sample of the new flipbook so you can see what you'll be getting if you purchase it. I hope you enjoy it. It is a labor of love. As always, feedback, questions and discussions about all things Vegas (including my site and book) are welcome.
Thanks and enjoy!
Viva,
Mike
You may have noticed since my last post that it's been a while since my last post. Have I been lazy? Sick? Tired? Sick and tired? Well, yeah, but those are not the reasons I haven't posted a blog entry in a while. I've been busy.
I've been feverishly updating my travel guide, Simplifying Las Vegas, for 2011. It is now available in several different formats:
- Kindle
- Nook
- Flipbook (Adobe Flash required)
- PDF with personalized itinerary
I may be biased here, but I think this travel guide gets better every year. Although it's not easy to provide this book in so many different formats, it's worth it. Variety is the spice of life, and this close to Thanksgiving, we all like a little spice.
You can see a taste of SLV's spice on the home page of my website. I've included a small sample of the new flipbook so you can see what you'll be getting if you purchase it. I hope you enjoy it. It is a labor of love. As always, feedback, questions and discussions about all things Vegas (including my site and book) are welcome.
Thanks and enjoy!
Viva,
Mike
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