Sunday, December 27, 2009

Vegas 2009: A Look Back

Hi Vegas fans,

Well, it's getting closer to New Year's. And I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past year and look ahead a little bit. It was a difficult time for Vegas in many ways, but in true Vegas fashion, the city endures. Here are some of the stories I wrote about this year:
  • Folies Bergere closed in March after 50 years at the Trop. I saw it about 7 years ago and enjoyed it very much. It was a Vegas classic.
  • Danny Gans, only 52 years old, died suddenly on May 1st. He was a talented impressionist and a Vegas headliner at the Mirage for years. He will be missed.
  • The Hangover was released in June. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I mean, I could see myself in these guys. I hope one of my close buddies decides to get married soon so I can throw a bachelor party in Vegas. The movie is now out on DVD and Blue-ray.
  • Lance Burton re-ups at Monte Carlo. This is one of those cases where you can't believe everything you read. Rumors floated for a while that once Lance's contract came to an end, contract negotiations would not work out and Lance would not return. Not true. Not only is Lance back, but his contract is for 6 years, and all parties seem happy with the deal.
  • Mike Tyson marries at La Bella. Maybe he was reacting to the high coming off his part in The Hangover.
  • Bob Stupak died at the age of 67 after a long illness. Bob epitomized the Vegas entrepreneurial spirit. I think of him every time I go to the Strat, which is a lot.
  • Charo fell and put her show on hiatus. Just one of the many show closings for the struggling Riv this year, which is having financial trouble but still afloat. What will 2010 hold for it? I hope it hangs on.
  • Wayne Newton is back! His Once Before I Go tour is at the Trop. See him now before he retires.
  • Simplifying Las Vegas 2010 available on PDF and Kindle. And I got on the social media bandwagon with Facebook and Twitter. Who knew. And the website got a facelift, too. Hard work, good fun. Thanks for coming along with me!
  • CityCenter opened in December, and wow is it big and upscale! You've got a lot of stuff going on in one space: Vdara, Aria, Harmon, Mandarin Oriental, and Crystals retail center. And you thought the economy was bad. And speaking of...
I also reported on the economy and its impact on Las Vegas, of course. And while the pundits predict, the oft-quoted Mark Twain bit rings in my head: "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Indeed. Vegas is alive. It may not be well, but I think that's temporary, and it's certainly showing signs of rebounding.

Looking ahead to 2010

People work hard. Too hard. They need a break from reality. Vegas accomodates. It's really that simple. Casino execs look at all kinds of numbers (comp values, player averages, etc.) and focus on target markets (whales, promotions to high rollers, and so on) because they have to, but I think sometimes they miss the bigger picture.

People like to have fun on vacation. They like to be treated like royalty whether they are playing nickle slots or $1000/hand blackjack. Everyone likes to win, but most of us going to Vegas know that it's risky business. So, we take what we can afford to lose, and we want to be entertained while we're there. Vegas does a very good job of this overall, which is why I continue to return.

But sometimes the chain properties get very big for their britches, and when they expand, they try to squeeze every dime. 6:5 blackjack is a good example. Think about how many empty pits you have. Would you rather make a little bit of money from many 3:2 full tables, or a moderate amount from half-empty 6:5 tables. I'm just sayin'.

So, casino execs, I hope you take this into consideration in 2010. Make sure your dealers are fun and entertaining, cocktail waitresses are bringing drinks a-plenty, the casino is clean and has at least some games where the odds aren't terrible (i.e 3:2 blackjack), hotel rooms have fluffy towels, the buffet is freshened often, and the check-in line doesn't stretch to Henderson. That's pretty much it. The rest is details.

It's part of my philosophy: simplify, simplify, simplify. Well, that and diet & exercise.

Here's to a prosperous 2010 for all you Vegas nuts (like me) out there. Thank you so much for a wonderful year.

Viva,
Mike

Monday, December 21, 2009

Happy Holidays!

Last time I wrote about my Wish List for Las Vegas. Today, I am counting my blessings as we wrap up 2009. Yes, I know it's not New Year's yet, but I'm getting warmed up:

  • First, thanks to all of you for supporting Simplifying Las Vegas. It's been a great year for the website and book, and 2010 is going to be even better! I have a lot of ideas for fun, informative stuff, so stay tuned and let me know if you have suggestions.
  • I'm very grateful that I've had help from friends at the Las Vegas Advisor. Great site, even better people. If you are not a member and visit Vegas even once per year, you are missing out on some great coupons and information. Join (or rejoin) in 2010; it is well worth it.
  • I'm happy that I've been able to publish my book via Kindle and as a PDF on my website. It is a lot of work, but it sure is fun and I'm proud of it. By the way... if you still haven't found a gift for the Vegas fan in your life, an electronic book is the perfect way to show you care. It's inexpensive, Eco-friendly, and you can wait till the last minute to order it!
  • Mostly, I'm thankful for family and friends who have supported me in my many endeavors. This is a good time to take a moment to reflect on all the great opportunities I've had this year and how incredibly lucky I am in so many ways. Thank you!
Wishing you all the happiest of holidays!

Viva,
Mike

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

My Holiday Wish List

Hi Vegas Fans,

I'm very fortunate this year, and I really can't think of things that I need or want for the holidays. I realize how lucky I am.

So, I'm making a wish list for Las Vegas this year. If I had three wishes for my favorite city, here's what they would be:

1. CityCenter opens to great fanfare and thrives for years to come. I think this city within a city is going to be a lot of fun, create a lot of excitement, and be profitable for a long time. Best wishes!

2. Harrah's sets an example for excellence in hotel/casino properties. They certainly have the potential. They have a lot of real estate in the city. Right now, I don't find them particularly appealing (see my Open Letter in the SLV Forums). Now I've stayed at the Flamingo, and I think it's a nice property at a good price, especially considering it is mid-Strip. However, if they want to be world-class, they can do much more for their guests. Think customer service. Think hard. And, finally, please bring back 3-2 blackjack. Please.

3. Property owners realize that Las Vegas is a mix of old school, new school, and hip cool, and they embrace these differences. There's no need to continually rebuild a resort to look like everyone else's. Now pulling up the old carpets and refurbishing the hotel rooms is fine. But don't put a nightclub in your joint that resembles the one down the block, especially if that's not your style.

For example, the Riv is a great old place with good rooms and low-minimum gambling. If they put in a rooftop bar or a fancy-shmancy restaurant, it wouldn't look right. What if instead they did something like an old saloon (think swinging bar doors, player piano, bar tenders with the old West costumes, etc.). Or an old saloon with a new twist (think swinging bar doors and gas lamp lights, but hot bartenders, a big dance floor, etc.). How about an elegant restaurant with black-and-white pictures of the Strip and good steaks instead of an ultra-modern eatery with Pan-Asian cuisine?

Embrace who you are and your clientele will respect that.

Only 10 more shopping days till Christmas, so get hopping, Las Vegas!
Viva,
Mike

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Nook Review

The Nook (Barnes & Noble electronic book reader) received a poor review from the New York Times. Looks like Amazon's Kindle is still the tops in readers. Good news for Simplifying Las Vegas!

Vegas Economy

Recent activity in Vegas makes me wonder. When will it turn around? Or will it turn around at all? Just in the past week, here are some closing/closed victims, from Las Vegas Advisor news:

- Steve Wyrick Theater in the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood
- Bill's Lake Tahoe
- Ice at Riviera
- Aqua Lounge and Aqua Pit at the Plaza
- Rub BBQ and other barbecue restaurants

In addition, many Vegas numbers are not encouraging. Housing and gaming revenues continue to decline.

What's a gambler to do? Well, aside from going to Vegas (when I go, I make frequent deposits at the craps and blackjack tables), I'd say don't panic, don't spread rumors, think positive, and wait it out. Here are some signs that all hope is not lost:

- City Center: this huge project is built on the shoulders of MGM, folks who know a thing or two about the hotel/casino biz. And this is in the Big New Vegas style - an expensive, high-end combination of hotels, shopping and gaming.

- Visitors: Numbers are starting to inch up every-so-slightly. A lot of bargain hunters are going to Vegas right now, and I think they will start encouraging others to go, too.

- Creative Promotion: Vegas is constantly reinventing itself. And when the chips look like they are down, the Convention and Visitors Authority kicks it up a notch.

Vegas also understands the market. I've been wondering for years if Vegas (specifically the Strip) is pricing itself out of the low and mid-range gambler market. Think about the last few completed projects: Encore, Palazzo, and City Center are not built for the average Joe. These joints are not getting rich from the grinds playing $5 blackjack or nickle slots. They need whales with deep pockets (think Larry Flint) who can change the bottom line for a whole financial quarter.

Does this mean that us weekend six packers are out of luck? No - there's still plenty of opportunities for us and always will be, even when the economy picks up.

First of all, there are still places on the Strip that you can find good low-minimum games and entertainment, such as the Stratosphere, Riviera, Circus Circus, and Sahara on the North end of town and the Excalibur and Tropicana on the South Strip. For a few more dollars, you can spend some time at Luxor, MGM Grand, and NY NY. These last three properties are all owned by MGM - a solid corporation that will be in Vegas for along time, catering to everyone from the high end to the spendthrift (that's me) travelers.

Then there's downtown and surrounding areas. Now while the Plaza, Binion's and some of the other carpet joints are suffering, it's not because there's not a market for lower-minimum clientele. The places that are cutting back and closing have razor-thin margins and can't afford it when the competition offers good deals. In the long run, this will either help them, provided they can afford to make more of an investment in their properties, or it will shut their doors and open opportunities for someone else.

Either way, the economy traveler will still have a place to call home. Of course, I'll still peak in to City Center to see how the other half lives. Looking is still free.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Vegas and New Year's

Hi Vegas fans,

Recently, a friend asked me about going to Las Vegas for New Year's Eve. While I've never hit the Strip on NYE, I have heard and read about how crowded and nuts it is during the whole holiday weekend. I typically don't mind people crowds, but car traffic tends to get my blood pressure way up there, so I would avoid driving in Vegas during this holiday.

Speaking of "way up there," rates tend to be higher during the holidays, but considering they've dropped significantly due to the economy, you can probably still find a reasonable room rate. Word of advice? Book now if you haven't already! Rates will only increase the longer you wait, and even last-minute deals won't be discounted.

The Strip is closed to traffic on NYE, and the hotels put on quite a fireworks display. Typically properties will also be closed during this time to everyone but registered guests, so make sure you have your room key with you.

If you don't want to deal with the Strip, there are plenty of great off-Strip hotels where you can enjoy a great Vegas vacation. Consider somewhere like the Rio or the Palms. Downtown is also an option, but Fremont Street will be crazy packed - one of the only drawbacks of having all of the properties centrally located.

Be patient and plan to wait - either in traffic, in line for the buffet, or at a club. This may be one time to visit Vegas with less of an itinerary and more of a "go with the flow" concept. If you're flexible, you will still have a good time, but you may not get to do everything on your list.

Overall, is it worth going to Vegas during New Year's? Well, you know my motto... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Tiger Woods and the Hidden Hazards of Fire Hydrants

Hi Vegas fans,

I now have something in common with the great Tiger Woods. No, I'm not a great golfer. In fact, there are putt-putt courses that I still curse (I'm not good with clubs). No, the similarity is that Tiger and I both have had collisions with fire hydrants. Now, there are a few differences, namely:
  • Tiger was at his home in Florida when his accident occurred. I was visiting my home-away-from-home (Vegas) when my incident took place.
  • Tiger ran over the hydrant with an Escalade. I don't own an Escalade. In fact, I didn't hit the hydrant with my car at all. It jumped out of the sidewalk in front of the Flamingo and gashed my knee. That's right, I said it was the fire hydrant's fault.
  • Tiger was reportedly sober. I was reportedly searching for a place to have lunch after consuming a few rum and cokes. Now, I know what you're thinking - "rum and coke is not a breakfast food." True, but I was not drinking them for breakfast. Technically. I was drinking them at 11am West coast time, translated as 2pm East coast time, which is where I live. So it was more like brunch.
  • The minute Tiger smashed into the fire hydrant, every tabloid this side of California was all abuzz. But when I skinned my knee? Nobody knew about it - until now. You see, although it happened about 3 years ago, it still leaves a scar. No, not literally. My knee is fine. But emotionally, I am fragile. I fear that fire hydrants everywhere are popping up with their sharp edges and knobs. Sure, they're bright red and yellow and stand out in a crowd. Sure, they save lives when called upon to put out fires. Wait, where was I going with this?
Anyway, here's the deal. Tiger hit a hydrant, and a hydrant hit my knee. Let's just leave it at that. Please.

Viva,
Mike

Friday, November 27, 2009

A few random thoughts...

Hi Vegas fans,

Aside from the obvious Thanksgiving stuff going on this week, there's a few big happenings in Sin City:

What's old is new again: Donny Osmond wins Dancing with the Stars. He's got a hit show at the Flamingo (mid-Strip with his sister Marie, who has lost a ton of weight.

What's new is old again: According to an article on the Las Vegas Advisor, Harrah's is pursuing Planet Hollywood. What, they don't own enough on the Strip? Will they ruin it the way they messed up the old Barbary Coast? Gosh I hope not, but their track record ain't so great.

What's new is new again: I'm officially on Twitter (search for simplifyinglv) and have a new Facebook page specifically for Simplifying Las Vegas. Let's just hope I can keep up with all of these avenues of social media. Text me and let me know if I'm doing it right.

Hope you had a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Nook

Hi Vegas fans,

For those of you who keep up with electronic readers, Barnes & Noble has thrown their hat into the ring as a contender. Nook will be a rival to Amazon's Kindle. I own a Kindle, and of course Simplifying Las Vegas is listed on it. I will probably buy a Nook (eventually). It's $250 (so is Kindle now, by the way), which is a little expensive, especially for someone like me who writes more than he reads.

But, electronic readers are great on planes, you can store a ton of books on them, they are really easy to use, and if you read a bunch, you can save money on books. I think they are great for a travel guide because they allow you to search and find the information you need quickly. Let's face it, not everyone is going to read a Vegas travel guide cover to cover. I have inquired about publishing on Nook, and I hope to have Simplifying on there soon! I will keep you posted.

Nook's three biggest advantages, as far as I can see so far:
1. It has a touch screen (that's an "ooohhh" factor)
2. It has a color screen (that's the "aaahhh" factor)
3. You can share books with friends (assumes they like to read what you do)

Now, if they allow us authors to create html tables, I'm going to be very, very happy. Probably I'll take both Barnes & Noble out to dinner. You see, my beloved friends at Kindle do not allow tables, which is a bit of a problem for me, because that's about 75% of my book. So, I either have to do screenshots of the tables and post them as images (yuk) or transfer the table data into useful info within the text (eh). Either way, it's not ideal. Now I understand why they probably don't allow tables - when you resize the font, how to you accommodate for tables? But that's not really my problem. I want tables in my files and I wants em now!

Have you tested a Nook? Going to buy one? Please let me know!
Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

2010 Simplifying Las Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

I bet you've been wondering "Where has Mike been?" Well, I've been writing. Not for this blog, obviously, but for the 2010 Kindle version of my travel guide. It was a lot of work - more than I thought - but certainly worth it. There are probably a few things that I would change, but that's the way it goes. Life is a draft.

And I wanted to get this one done and posted to Amazon soon so that travelers can enjoy it as they prepare their 2010 trips to Sin City. It will take a few days - perhaps Monday it will be available on Amazon. I can't wait to download it to my Kindle.

I also can't wait to update the PDF version and the website. Even though the economy is in the pooper, there is still lots going on in Vegas - new shows, resorts, clubs and more. I always learn so much when I write and update the guide. It's quite an adventure.

I hope you enjoy it as well. I'll have more about the new PDF and updates to the website soon, but for now I am basking. Basking in Simplifying Las Vegas 2010.

Viva,
Mike

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Boo!

Hi Vegas fans,

Hope I didn't scare ya. But this weekend is Halloween, and that means it's party time in Sin City. As if it needed another reason to party. Here's the Las Vegas Advisor's roundup of October 31 fun.

Me? I'm handing out candy to the kids in my neighborhood. If I was in Vegas this weekend, however, I'd probably be doing something different. Like dressing up as Disco Stu and having fun at a club.

I've never dressed up in a disco outfit, but it would be totally opposite my personality, and thus I think a good costume. My two best costumes: Wonder Bread when I was about 8 (my sister is very creative and artistic) and static cling when I was in my twenties (pin socks and such to your clothes: it's easy, fun, and a conversation piece).

But before you dress up and paint Vegas red, don't forget to fill out my scavenger hunt for the chance to win a free luggage tag!

Have a great Halloween!
Viva,
Mike

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Simplifying Las Vegas 2010

Hi Vegas fans,

I'm working hard on next year's version of my travel guide. It's not as daunting a task as I always make it out to be, but I'm always surprised at how much I write about Vegas. There's a lot of stuff, and a lot of stuff changes. My goal is to finish it and have it ready by Nov 1., but I've got a lot of work to do to get there.

Wish me luck!
Mike

Monday, October 12, 2009

Coochie, coochie, owie

Hi Vegas fans,

Charo won't be shaking it at the Riviera until at least November. She fell during a performance for Jerry Lewis' Telethon in September. There's still plenty of entertainment at the Riv, but according to many reports, the ol' resort is in financial trouble and may not make it to the end of the year. However, reports of its death may be premature. The site has rooms available through March, and they are at good rates to boot.

If you've never stayed there, I recommend it if you are looking for an inexpensive room. It's on the very north end of the Strip, but they have a good casino, decent restaurants, and, for now, plenty of entertainment. Just not Charo.

Think about booking the Riv the next time you... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Wayne Newton is back!

Hi Vegas fans and Wayniacs,

Mr. Las Vegas is planning his Once Before I Go tour at the Tropicana, beginning October 14th. They are on sale now, and you can call the Trop (800-829-9034)or visit their website (www.Tropicanalv.com) for tickets.

Ya gotta give the guy credit... 67 years old, 50 years in the biz, and he's still at it. This may be his last tour, but who knows. People come out of retirement all the time.

Whether you like Mr. Newton or not, this is a fantastic opportunity to see a Vegas legend.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fill out the scavenger hunt TODAY!

Hi Vegas fans,

If you fill out my scavenger hunt today, there's a good chance that you will win a FREE PRIZE! Ya gotta do it today, though, ok?

Viva,
Mike

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Vegas and the Economy

Hi Vegas Fans,

My buddy Steve just sent me this article, which discusses gaming revenues as they relate to Vegas and other cities that are planning on reviving their economies with casinos.

I think he's very accurate and provides some good insight.
Your thoughts? Discuss...
Viva,
Mike

Friday, September 25, 2009

Bob Stupak dies

Bob Stupak, who built Vegas Word and the Stratosphere, died of leukemia today. He was 67 years old and had been sick for a long time.

Bob was a bold and charasmatic figure in Vegas for years. He won $1 million on the Bengals at +7 in Super Bowl XIII and collected his winnings from (the now defunct) Little Caesars in a brown box and a fast food bag.

He had an active life, especially in the 1990s. In 1995, he broke every bone in his face when he crashed his motorcycle. In 1996, he opened the Strat (one of my favorite places to gamble). In 1998, he sold it to Carl Icahn. He gave to charity and was a Vegas icon.

Read more about this story; read more about Bob Stupak.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tips for Booking Flights

Hi Vegas fans,

I spend a lot of time looking for good, inexpensive flights to Sin City. This year, I've been fortunate, obviously, because of the economy. However, I wanted to pass my top 5 tips that always help me when I'm thinking about a trip to Vegas:

1. Shop early. Even if you don't plan on purchasing early, shopping early can help you by providing a baseline for what flights are going to cost you at a given time (think at least 6-8 months before your trip). You can see if rates start to rise, and if so you can buy your flight before it continues to go up in price. Even better - sign up for a website's alert program (many have them) where they email you when prices go up or down by a certain amount.

2. Look for package deals. Many people like to argue that you should book separately and use the codes available for reduce rates for hotels. However, I still find that package deals are usually a better discount for me when comparing overall price.

3. Check out at least 3 websites. Kayak and Sidestep are good meta-search engines that will surf a few different travel sites for you. Once you narrow down your results from one of these sites, go directly to the airline's site to see if you can get a better deal or flight to meet your needs.

4. Look very carefully at the times, routes, and layovers for your flights. I like to leave my home early (thus arriving in Vegas early) and leave Vegas anywhere between noon and 3pm. I try to get flights with no more than an hour layover, and I try not to fly through Atlanta airport. I've got nothing against Atlanta, but the airport is huge, busy, and can be a hassle to navigate. Memphis or Charlotte work better for me. However, for those of you on the East coast, beware of US Air through Charlotte... I've heard many a horror story about the airline, although I have not experienced problems myself.

5. Take your time and find the best flight for you. It' hard to be patient (at least for me!) when booking a trip to Las Vegas. But, I know that if I spend some time up front looking for the best flight, I'll find what I want and come pretty close to the price I want. I'm usually willing to compromise on some things. For example, if I can save $100, I'll arrive in Vegas a few hours later than I usually like. I'll fly through Atlanta if it's a good price and good timing. I'll layover for an hour and a half if it's a really good deal. Are you willing to compromise? Think about the aspects of your trip that matter most to you, and it'll be easier to book your flight.

I hope you have success the next time you book your flight when you are ready to... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Slacker...

Hi Vegas fans,

Yes, it's been a little while since my last blog. My day job is keeping me busy. I know, I know, not an excuse. However, I plan on getting back on the Vegas bandwagon soon, starting (3...2...1...) now!

I'm going to pick up working on the 2010 version of Simplifying Las Vegas this weekend. That's right, a new Kindle and PDF version is forthcoming. I have a lot of updates, some new stuff, and more tips to my fav city.

In the mean time, I hope you enjoy the site and the free stuff online. Oh and speaking of free stuff, don't forget to fill out my September Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a FREE PRIZE!

Good luck and stay tuned for more updates so you are well informed the next time you... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike

Monday, September 7, 2009

Hard Rock Las Vegas buys Michael Jackson glove

Hi Vegas fans,

What can $48k buy you? If you are the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, how about Michael Jackson's white glove?

Jackson had many connections to Las Vegas, so it is fitting that the glove wound up in Sin City.

I might try to get a picture of it the next time I... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Compadres

Hi Vegas fans,

My compadre Steve sent me this story by Bill Simmons, which is kinda scary because I swear it parallels ours. Maybe not that scary... I think most guys decide to go to Vegas because it allows them... no, it commands them to act like idiots. Immature, irresponsible, idiots. Yup.

It's all in good fun, though. Blow off a little steam every now and then, and you are much more apt to take care of your daily life with a better perspective. That's why when I'm in Vegas, I take advantage of every second. I know how precious my time there is.

Maybe one of these days Steve and I will run into Bill Simmons and his gang in Vegas. Join forces. Create legendary stories (well... lies, really) to retell years later. That would be pretty cool. Our combined crews could do some pretty good damage. Maybe not as bad as The Hangover, but probably pretty close.

I hope to share more half-truths with you the next time I... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

A few of my favorite things...

Hi Vegas fans,



I've been back from Vegas a week now, and I've had some time to reflect. Ahhh. Plus, I've been very busy at my day job, so I haven't had time to blog. 8)



I wanted to share some of my fav fun things to do in Las Vegas:


  • Getting up ridiculously early and taking pictures
  • Walking through Cesars Forum shops early in the morning, before the shops are even open
  • The Peppermill
  • Living and dying with every deal of $5 blackjack
  • Battista's and Gus the accordion player
  • Picturesque mountains against clear, blue skies
  • Rum and cokes at 11am (2pm EST)
  • The goofy smell that the hotels pump into their lobbies
  • Forgetting that I have responsibilities

Yeah, it's nice to know that although Vegas changes every 5 minutes, there's one thing that I can always count on. Fun, excitement, and an escape.

Can't wait until the next time I... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,

Mike

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Back from Vegas

Hi Vegas Fans,

Well, I'm back. How was it? It was great! I managed to come out about even, ahead if you count the number of rum and cokes I drank.

A few observations:

  • With the economy, it's certainly not as crowded as it usually is, but there are still plenty of people there to strike up conversations at the tables, etc.
  • City Center is really coming along (check out my photos on Flickr or the progress at Las Vegas Today and Tomorrow).
  • Blackjack: I found good $5 tables at the Stratosphere, Excalibur, and downtown. Harrah's has properties with some $10 3:2 blackjack dealt from the shoe, but you have to really look for it and be careful you are not sitting down at a 6:5 table. One of my wishes was granted this trip; the 6:5 tables are usually identified as such somewhere on the table. If there's no sign, then more than likely it's 3:2, but always ask the dealer just to be sure. The 6:5 tables are mostly single or double-deck, but there are still some dealt from the shoe with these lousy odds.
  • One of the strangest things I've ever seen... I was at a blackjack table, and this guy decides to double down on (I'm not kidding) a hard 16. Vs. a dealer 10, no less. And, guess what he got for his card? Yup, a 5! It's always better to be lucky than good, I always say, and he sure proved it.
  • Thumbs-up this trip: Flamingo pool and bird sanctuary. Also the Flamingo's new Burger Joint hit the spot for lunch, although the service was slow. I mean really, pretty much all they have are burgers. Do the cooks just wait back there until someone says, "one burger... make that two burgers... no, wait, three burgers!" The fries were really crispy and yummy, making it worth the wait.
  • Bigger thumbs-up: Breaking even, eating at Battista's and Four Kegs, and Blue Man Group. Great show - my second favorite in Vegas thus far (only Love tops it in my book).
  • Biggest thumbs-up: Hanging with my friends Steve, Merrie, and Cindy. Steve and I have been Vegas nuts for over 15 years and buddies for a quarter of a century. Doesn't get much better than that!
  • Thumbs-down: Traffic on the Strip when they closed a lane one night, road construction on Flamingo, Steve having bad luck at blackjack and craps, Martha (my lovely wife) not being there. Next time - she'll be there in March.
More later.
Viva,
Mike

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Stay Positive

There's a lot of naysayers out there when it comes to Sin City. People who don't like Vegas, and even people who do, often criticize the city:
  • It's all about greed
  • It's fake
  • It's sinful
  • It's for suckers
I recently read a Time article which pointed out that "they got what's coming to them" and "they haven't learned their lesson because they're still doing it." Vegas, the article suggests, is America at its worst. People spend money they don't have, and then they ask for help when it doesn't work out the way they thought.

Reading these comments, I wonder how/why over 36 million people visit Vegas every year. That's easy:
  • It's fun
Las Vegas is an escape. It's Disneyland for adults. It's a chance to blow off some steam and act like an idiot. I should know. Despite the stories about bankruptcy, greed, and corruption, there are plenty of people who act responsibly and just like to take some time away from reality. I should know.

I'll be there again in a few days, and I can't wait. It's always the most fun I have all year. I don't know if I'll win money or lose money, but I know I won't come out too far ahead or too much in the red. And that's ok.

So go ahead. Book your next trip. And whatever you do, don't feel guilty about it. You deserve it. You work hard, and you take care of a lot of responsibilities at home. A few days in a casino might do you good. Just don't bet the mortgage.

Above all, remember my motto. Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Almost there!

Hi Vegas fans,

As I get closer to "the trip," I'm reminded of the important things in life. Namely, doubling down on 11, splitting aces, and backing up my come bet with odds. Ah yes, simplicity.

And I've got these trips pretty much down to a science these days. Not so much an agenda or itinerary - although I do like to think about the fun stuff that I'll do when I'm there - but I mean preparing for these trips is much more routine for me because I know what to expect.

First, what to do in preparation. I try to make sure I eat right, take vitamins, and drink lots of water about one to two weeks before the trip. I know once I'm there, I'll eat and drink too much, and in the desert heat, that ain't a good thing. So I want to feel my best before I go so I can ruin my immune system once I get there. I always pack ibuprofen, vitamins, and antacid tablets for damage control.

What to wear? It depends. For me, I'm mostly gambling and hanging out, so I'm not going to pack spiffy clothes. I'm not clubbing or going to really expensive restaurants. For me, it's more about comfort: shorts, t-shirts, a few nice short-sleeve button-down shirts, maybe one pair of dress pants and loafers. Don't overlook the importance of footwear. Always bring one pair of shoes that you can walk a few million miles in without getting blisters. And, of course, take the advise of you mother: lots of clean underwear.

Now the hard part. I've done all this preparation, and now the day of the trip I have to deal with airports and, finally, getting to the Strip. When I book my trip, I always try to get an aisle seat because I like to stretch my legs out in the aisle for a little extra legroom - don't want to be cramped up once I hit Vegas. The only difficult part is when the beverage/snack cart comes my way. Move it or lose it.

When I arrive at McCarrin, I know the journey is still underway. I usually pack so little that I can take it all in a carry-on, so I'm lucky that I don't have to go to baggage claim. But, I do usually rent a car. So, I've gotta catch the bus to the facility, which is about a 5-10 minute drive from the airport. At this point, I'm jumping outta my skin cause I just wanna hit the Strip!

Ok, now I'm at the rental car place, and because I try to get a cheap car, I'm in a long line with everyone else who had the same idea. I'm looking at 20-30 minutes.

Finally, I get the car, and I'm on my way! As long as Strip traffic isn't bad, I'm there in about 15-20 minutes. Hooray! But there's more... now it's time to check in! I have not checked in to a Vegas hotel on a Friday, so I've never experienced long lines. Once I get that key in my hand, I know I'm there. It's a simple elevator ride up to the room, drop the bag, and head to the casino.

I'll let you know how I do when I... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Sunday, August 9, 2009

6:5 Blackjack - Just Say No!

Hi Vegas fans,

As I'm getting ready to head out to Sin City in a few weeks, I am thinking about where I'm going to play my beloved blackjack. In February, there were still a few good places left to partake in $5, 3:2 blackjack.

I like playing at Excal, Trop, the Strat, and anywhere downtown (particularly the Golden Nugget). These are all laid back, fun places to play with good rules. If I want to play $10, I'll try some other MGM properties, such as the Grad, NY NY, Mirage, etc. Even the Wynn and Encore offer $10 tables with good rules.

You'll notice I left out Harrah's properties. All of their blackjack tables, upon last check, are 6:5. That's very bad for the player - about 8 times worse, in fact, than 3:2 blackjack. Avoid at all costs 6:5 blackjack. If you're not sure, ask the dealer what blackjack pays. Don't even sit down until you are sure the game is 3:2.

I wish Harrah's would change their rules. And, I wish that all properties would post their blackjack payouts. On every table, you'll see how much insurance pays and the dealer's rules for hitting/staying on soft 17. Insurance always pays 3:2, and most low-minimum tables (i.e. the ones I play) now hit on soft 17 (bad for the player, but not that bad). So, my plea is to remove the insurance payout on the felt and substitute it for the blackjack payout. Please.

It would be great if more of the blackjack rules were posted somewhere, instead of having to ask every time you split, double down, etc. But you just have to live and learn in most cases.

I'll keep you posted on the rules and what I find at the tables the next time I... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Still Paradise

Hi Vegas Fans,

Trouble in Paradise?
Lots of news these days about how the economy is affecting tourism in Vegas. Then there's the restaurant market, which is also having trouble. And now nightclubs are getting busted for illegal activities. Station casinos are filing for bankruptcy protection, major projects are being put on hold, shows are folding...

Despite the news, Vegas is still a great vacation spot for those of us who love to gamble, look at pretty lights, consume our favorite adult beverages, see some great shows (and some skin), eat, and generally let our hair down. Viva Las Vegas indeed.

Free!
And, in this troubling economic time, what could be better than free? With no strings attached? Nothin' - so take some time today or tomorrow to try to win a really cool luggage tag by partaking in my scavenger hunt. It's only three questions and will take you a few minutes. I draw a random winner each month.

I will be looking for new treasures the next time I.... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Vegas is calling!

Hi Vegas fans,

Almost there
I'm one month away from my trip to Sin City. In my mind, I'm already winning all of my double-downs in blackjack, hitting my numbers in craps, and collecting on my 00 winnings at roulette. Just kidding on that last one. If you've read my book, you know that I don't play roulette. Especially a double-zero wheel!! But I do hope to win a little cash money on this trip.

August is a tough time to tool around in Vegas because it's so dang hot, but I am still looking forward to my favorite activities, including hanging out, casino hopping, drinking another rum and coke, listening to my custom-made Vegas tunes (I create some for each trip), and general goofing. Yup, good times.

Photos
I also plan on taking a bunch of new pictures on my next trip. I love to get up early, zoom down the Strip, and snap some digital goodness. And I know a lot of you do, too. If you've seen my Flickr group, you know that it contains over 2300 pictures and about 200 members. That's a variety of Vegas pics!

And so I want to bring some of those shots, and others, to my website. I am reaching out to the Vegas fan community and asking you to send me one Vegas photo that you have taken that you think would look great on the home page of my website. I'll choose the best ones and display each for 2 months. And, of course, I will give the author credit for the photo. This is a great way to display your talent, and a nice way for me to say thanks to all of you who visit my site!

For more information, email me (mattisano@yahoo.com) or visit the website. I'll be sure to brag about your photos the next time I.... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Photo Contest!

Have you taken a great snapshot of the Strip? Outstanding homage to the outskirts? Detailed digitals of downtown? Then your photo could be prominently displayed on the home page of Simplifying Las Vegas.

Email me (mattisano@yahoo.com) 1 photo (landscape preferred) and include a few words about it, and anything you'd like to tell me (why you'd like it displayed on the site, etc.). The author will be credited for the shot. I will pick my favorite six photos. Each will display for two months and then will be archived. I will take entries until August 16, 2009.

Viva,
Mike

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Vegas News n' Notes

Hi Vegas fans,

Two items caught my attention this week:

Harrah's plans revealed:

Harrha's has decided to tear down the model of tearing down old casinos and building new ones. A few years ago, they purchased a lot of land behind the Flamingo. Everyone was convinced that they would build casinos and casino-like stuff.

Well, surprise! They are planning to build a walkway between the 'Mingo and O'Sheas and are calling the project Project Link. This walkway will contain an avenue of restaurants and bars, ending at a huge Ferris wheel, where you can see what happens in Vegas (mostly, you'll see other Harrah's properties).

A few notes on this project:

- I like the idea, especially considering another casino would just mean more traffic mid-Strip, and folks would be stuck in their cars around this area.

- The article points out that "Las Vegas has long needed a Strip-fronting dining district like the one Harrah’s is proposing..." but I'm not so sure. There's a ton of foot traffic on the Strip, and the design is such that you can easily stop in to a number of places and grab a bite or a drink. I think this will add to that experience, but to make it sound like it has not existed, well, I think that's a stretch.

- And Downtown has the Fremont Street Experience. It's the same kind of concept, of course downtown has casinos added to the mix.

- More restaurants may be adding competition to an already crowded market. My brother-in-law recently sent me this New York Times piece, which discusses the challenges for the Vegas restaurant market.

- It'll take some time to build Project Link given the economy and the scale/expense of Harrah's proposal, so don't look for it any time soon.

Vegas Sign Vandalized, Cleaned Up
I'm not going to post pictures of the crimes committed against the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign. It sickens me. The good news is that the sign has been refurbished, and you can now take pictures of it again without the graffiti.

Why someone would do something like this to a historic landmark is beyond me. Go spray paint your house if you want to express yourself.

That's all for this week. I hope to get some good shots of the Welcome sign and other sights the next time I.... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Vegas To-Do List

Hi Vegas fans,

I've been thinking about all the cool stuff I wanna do on my next trip. I really would like to see Blue Man Group at the Venetian and perhaps the Pinball Hall of Fame. That and gamble till the cows come home.

But I was compiling a list of stuff to do in Vegas for my brother, whose wife is not a gambler. Here are just some of the things I came up with:
  • Wine tasting (good stuff... not the kind in the box that I drink)
  • Jazz on the Lake (Sat nights at Lake Las Vegas)
  • Red Rock Canyon
  • Arts District downtown
  • Liberace Museum
  • Atomic Testing Museum
  • Ethel M Chocolate Factory
  • Natural History Museum
  • Old Mormon Fort (you can pick up an extra wife there, I think)
  • Planetarium and Observatory
  • Springs Preserve
  • Botanical Park
I know this isn't anywhere near comprehensive or even a "best of" type of list. It just shows that there is a lot of stuff to do off Strip. These items are not terribly expensive, and they are fun. I may even check out some of these things the next time I... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Comings and Goings

Hi Vegas fans,

As the summer heats up, so does the action in Vegas.

Comings
  • Coming soon, that is, a Gambling tab to the site. It'll have some tips and observations about trying your luck in Las Vegas, and I'll have a guest commentator, too.
  • Also, I'm thinking about putting a message board on the site. Could be fun and informative... more on that soon.
  • My Question of the Day about Bathrooms in Las Vegas is scheduled for July 5th on the Las Vegas Advisor. This is what my life has come to. Writing tidbits about opulent outhouses. And I love it!!!

Stayings
Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo. He just extended his contract for 6 more years. I haven't seen him, but I hear he puts on a good magic show. Magic just isn't really my thing. Never saw Siegfried & Roy, but now I wish I had. Chis Angel's Cirque du Soleil show, Believe, has not received good reviews thus far and has been tangled up in some controversies.

I did see Penn & Teller a few years back at the Rio, and they took a different angle to illusion. They are more myth busters than magicians. They even show you how some tricks are performed.

I liked the show. I wouldn't say I loved it, but that may have been due to the circumstances, which were not Penn & Teller's fault. We had to wait a long time to get into the theater because the air conditioning was not working. And, when we did get in there, it was still a little stuffy, which made it a little difficult to enjoy the show.

But I digress.

Goings
  • The Social House at Treasure Island. According to the Las Vegas Advisor, TIs upscale restaurant will close for good pretty soon.
  • Me. To Las Vegas, that is! In late August, I'll be there for 5 glorious (and hopefully profitable) days.

I've got a lot of work to do between now and then, and I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun stuff to report the next time I.... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A few notes...

Vegas fans,
They say you can't get somethin' for nothin'. Well, I'm here to tell ya that ain't true. If you want to win something for free, you have a very, very good chance if you are reading this today.

It's the last day to win a free luggage tag, so if you have about two minutes, fill out the scavenger hunt online (3 questions, very easy) for your chance to win. If you don't win, there's always next month! More news and notes tomorrow...
Viva,
Mike

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Oh Yeah...

Don't forget that there's still 5 days left to try to win the June Simplifying Las Vegas prize. Just fill out the scavenger hunt, and if your name is drawn you'll win a very snazzy luggage tag. It's free. It's easy. It'll take you about 2 minutes. It'll make your friends go "wow!"

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Countdown

Widget
As I get closer to my August trip, I'm checking Vegas websites every day, updating my own, and thinking about all the fun stuff I want to do when I get there. Sometimes it seems like I'll never get there.

Friends have been asking me "how long till your next trip?" And I tell them it's about two months away. But because I am impatient and want to know the exact number of days, I downloaded a countdown widget that I placed on my i-Google page. I may put this on the site, too, just for fun.

Coming Soon
Speaking of the website, I'm hoping to add a Gambling tab soon. Don't know exactly what'll be on it, but it will include some fun stuff and guest writers. Stay tuned...

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Hangover

Hi Vegas Fans,

Saw The Hangover this weekend with my lovely wife, Martha. You probably know the basic plot - guys decide to go to Vegas for a bachelor party and wake up the next day with problems. It's a funny movie, but I probably enjoyed it so much because of all the Vegas stuff. I don't want to give any of the funniest parts of the movie away, so all I can say is go see it and enjoy it.

It made me think about wild times in Sin City. I can think of some stuff I've done in Vegas that I don't usually do anywhere else, but I can't say that I get too crazy. In fact, watching The Hangover probably made me more cautious because I don't want to end up in the kinds of messes the 4 guys in the movie did!

And as I approach the big 4-0 (next April, when I'll be planning a huge b-day bash in Vegas), I wonder about how crazy I am now as opposed to when I was younger. In some ways, I'm more tame, but then there's something about Vegas (I dunno... gambling, drinking, feasting and so on) that brings out the nut in me. If I didn't have this outlet to blow off a little steam now and then, I'd probably bottle it up and go super batty. And nobody wants that.

So for me, it's like opening the valve on the pressure cooker ever-so-slightly every 6-12 months. It's too dangerous to keep it bottled up, and yet you can get burned if you let it out too fast too often. Balance is not a word typically used in Vegas, but it's a good idea, whether you are thinking about money, partying, driving, or whatever. Just make sure you (or someone you trust) can keep your head on somewhat straight so that you don't wind up in jail, broke (worse), dead (even worse) or all of the above (aaaiiieee!) in one weekend.

Above all, have fun the next time you... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

All kinds of stuff...

Danny Gans Death Ruled an Accident

Coroner Mike Murphy ruled Danny Gans' death an accident, caused by medication he was taking for chronic pain.

Mike Tyson Marries in Vegas

The third time may prove to be the charm for former boxing champ Mike Tyson. He married Lakiha Spicer at La Bella Wedding Chapel. It seems a little odd, given that his daughter died only two weeks ago in a bizarre accident. However, the owner of the chapel noted that the couple lookedvery happy and looked very much in love. I wonder if it was tempting for Mike to go over to the MGM Grand and mix it up for a few rounds with a contender.

And finally...

Yes, I updated the site! You'll notice a new look to the pages, navigation tabs, and the tables. I hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to drop me an email or comment on the blog and lemme know what you think... I put a lot of hard work into it, and I like it. For now.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Vegas Planning Time

Trip Plans are Solid!

It's my favorite time of year. I like to call it, "yeah, that's right, I'm planning a trip to Vegas again, baby." Of course, that's a little bit of a long title, and as I'm always planning a trip to Vegas (either in my mind, or like now, literally) it's kind of silly to name it at all.

We're looking at a late August, Sun-Thurs trip, with a possible side trip. Rates are good right now, but we're looking to maximize our discounts. We're staying at the Flamingo, which does not offer me as much as a package deal savings as somewhere like the Strat (or Circus Circus if I really wanted to go on the cheap), but the 'Mingo has its advantages, such as:

  • mid-Strip location
  • reasonable room rates
  • clean, comfy rooms (although nothing really special)
  • simple navigation (hotel-casino-parking garage easily accessible)
  • tasty Flamingos (just kidding, but wouldn't it be a hoot if you asked for one in the cafe that faces the bird sanctuary?)

For Real This Time

I'm very, very close to putting the finishing touches on the website redesign. Here's a taste. It's much cleaner, and I'm pretty happy with it. For now. I plan to finish the last few tabs this week and put it up there by the weekend. But if you are tooling around now, let me know what you think of the design thus far. As much work as this has been, it's been fun, too, to see a project come together.

I'll have new pictures for the site, too, in August when I.... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,

Mike

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Oh, Craps!

I read this story today, and I really love it. A New Jersey grandma who had only played craps once before in her life kept a game going for over 4 hours in an Atlantic City casino. If I last for more than 4 minutes at a craps table, I'm happy. Kudos to her!

I do have a funny craps story to tell. About a year ago, I was in Vegas with my lovely wife, Martha, and my best buddy, Steve. Martha had stayed away from table games for various reasons, but she wanted to hang out with "the boys" and was tired of sitting at Wheel of Fortune (although she was winning a little bit of money - she's very lucky!). So I convinced her to take a larger chuck of cash and to plop it down at the craps table.

She was hesitant, but she finally agreed. She stood between me and Steve, and when the dice started flying, she just kept asking, "what do I do now?" and I would instruct. We made really simple bets - pass line and odds - but it's hard to block out everyone else yelling "four the hard way!" and "place the six" and so on. The table was fun, fast, and furious. A few people hit their numbers, and when they did, Steve and I would high-five over Martha, who hadn't realized that she just won some dough.

This went on for about 20 minutes, and we decided to call it quits when we were ahead. The result? Martha made about $70 and bought a comfy pair of shoes at Caesars Forum Shops later that day. When she wears them and someone comments on them, I tell the story.

I hope I have some more stories to tell in August, the next time I... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Vegas News and Notes

Hi Vegas Fans,

Here's some scoop on Sin City:
The Lion King debuted at Mandalay Bay this week. This is the Broadway-based show, which is based on the animated movie. It has lots of creative costumeness, singing, dancing and the like. It's received good reviews thus far. If you want to see this show, be prepared to sit for a while. For 2 1/2 hours, that is. Ticket prices do seem pretty reasonable, starting at $53 and going up to $168.50 (tax and fees included).

I'm think for my next trip to Vegas, I might see Blue Man Group at Venetian. Something about blue guys banging on percussion instruments sounds like fun to me. I've never seen them before, and my friends have suggested that it might be something they like, too.

In other news this week, Cher turned 63. 63? Yup, 63. She doesn't seem that old to me. She looks great for 63. Heck, she'd look great for 33. Kudos to you, Cher, and I hope your stint at Caesars is a long and healthy one.

Website redesign in the works:
Yes, I know I've said this before, but I'm looking at the website and figuring out how to update the styling and some other things. It's really challenging because I have a lot of code already jumbled up in the site (javascript is especially challenging to get right), so I don't want to break anything.

At the same time, I need to un-complicate it and make it much cleaner. This is not my favorite thing to do, but I figure if I build it once and keep it clean, it'll be much easier to manage going forward. And when I want to add tabs and update stuff, it won't be a hair-pulling event. Of course, this site is for your enjoyment. If you have any suggestions, please pass them along!

And remember, after you're done reviewing the site.... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Friday, May 15, 2009

News n' Notes

Hi Vegas Fans,

A few quick notes...

Show updates:
Dirk Arthur's Xtreme Magic show at Tropicana is undergoing time changes, due to the closure of Folies Bergere. Check out his new schedule.


Lance Burton is pulling a disappearing act.... for May, at least. His shows have been rescheduled for June, but I don't know what's up with the May shows being cancelled.

Other Stuff:
I was really pleased with the Las Vegas Advisor Question of the Day on May 11th. It was really fun to write about daredevils in Vegas. Here's the post in case you missed it on the LVA on Monday:

In a city where you can carry your booze on the streets, where poll dancing is the norm, and where high rollers flash more cash than many of us make in a year, daredevils have to go the extra mile to stand out. Here’s a recap of some of the most memorable moments:

Probably the most famous stunt performed in Las Vegas was Evel Knievel’s attempt to jump 150 feet over the fountains at Caesars Palace on December 31, 1967. He cleared the fountains but fell a little shy of the target on the ramp. His head-over-handlebars crash was captured by his then wife, Linda, who was filming the event. The accident didn’t kill Evel, but he sustained numerous injuries and was in a coma for a month. Did it stop him from ever jumping over stuff in a motorcycle again? Nah. It actually propelled him to fame, and he continued to jump into the early 1980s. He passed away in 2007 but will forever be remembered his one and only attempt at Caesars Palace.

September 15, 1980: Different daredevil, same jump, similar results. Gary Wells tried his luck at Caesars, but missed the landing ramp completely and crashed into concrete wall. He broke his back, both legs and suffered a ruptured aorta. Ouch. But he, too, survived, and was back on his bike in (can you believe this?) five months! He never attempted Caesars Palace again, though, and these days he guides off-road riders through tours of Sonora, Mexico.

Hoping to avenge his father’s ill-fated crash, 22-year old “Kaptain” Robbie Knievel revved up his bike on April 14, 1989 to attempt the Caesars Palace jump. The third time proved to be the charm for the first successful motorcycle jump over the fountains at Caesars. Robbie benefitted from a lighter bike, but it wasn’t just technology that helped him. The elder Knievel said that his son was a much better rider than he ever was. Robbie continues to jump today (see the Mirage Volcano jump below), but not over those fountains!

Irro Seppanen proved the sky’s the limit when he and two friends base-jumped from the Stratosphere. They hid their parachutes from security inside large stuffed animals sans the filling. After a trip to the restroom, they quickly emerged from with their chutes on their backs, hopped over the fences, and jumped in broad daylight off the tower. All three landed successfully in a nearby parking lot and hurried into getaway cars. I don’t know if they asked for ½ their ticket price back for only using the elevator once.

Robbie Knievel just couldn’t stay away from Las Vegas. So he agreed to jump the Mirage Volcano on New Year’s Eve, 2008. Well, sort of. You see, Fox promoted it that way, but there was some disagreement over moving some trees in the parking lot, and when the casino wouldn’t do it, Robbie couldn’t jump over the volcano. So he did the next best thing. He jumped next to it!

Robbie Knievel’s New Year’s Eve jump was pretty spectacular but may have been trumped by an Australian with the same name. Robbie Maddison’s stunt was unlike any other in Las Vegas. He didn’t jump over anything… he jumped on top of something. The Arc de Triomphe at Paris, to be precise. That’s right, Robbie jumped 120 feet in the air and landed on a very small patch of the Parisian replica. And, according to him, that was the easy part! The rest of the stunt involved physics; what goes up must come down. Robbie hit the landing ramp successfully but hard and tore his hand (not badly). This was exactly one year after Robbie broke the Guinness World Record when he completed a 322 foot jump at the Rio.

You’ll flip over these two stunts. On New Year’s Eve 2008 (what is it about New Year’s?) Rhys Millen, a New Zealander, performed an off-road truck back flip at the Rio. The landing wasn’t perfect and he rolled his truck, but fortunately he was uninjured. The other stunt was performed by Mike Metzger, who completed a world record 125-foot backflip over (you guessed it!) the Casears Palace fountains on May 4, 2006.

And finally, Steve Wynn, no stranger to danger, sat on the corner of his newest resort (Encore) 675 feet above ground and dangled his feet over the edge for the filming of a promotional video. A helicopter flew to the top of the building to film the shot. All that and not a hair out of place. It’s no wonder he’s so successful in the casino business… talk about taking a risk!
Happy landing!


Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Lighter Side of Vegas

Hi all,

There's been a lot of seriousness in the news lately, and I would like to take a break from all that. After all, Vegas is really about having fun. Here are two items that I thought you might enjoy this week:

My friend John Wilson (http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/) sent me this tidbit, which pokes fun at VP Biden's recent comments about crowded places. If you're in Vegas, more than likely you're dealing with crowds.

So it was a good idea for the ad campaign, which will alleviate some concerns and have fun at the same time. Vegas advertisers are really top-notch in my opinion, and the whole www.visitlasvegas.com site is highly entertaining (check out their interactive maps of the city - bar none the coolest web maps I've ever seen!)

The other item is brought to you by the Las Vegas Advisor. They currently have a poll for the worst hotel/casino website. Not to influence your vote, but I picked www.Nightlifestation.com.

Now, I've been trying to be a more positive person. You know, "live and let live," and "if you can't say anything nice about anyone, don't say nothin' at all," that type of stuff. And in general I feel like I've been doing a good job of that. Basically, I don't like to bring no hate on nobody.

Now, all that being said, this Nightlifestation site sure confuses me. Oh boy is this goofy. What exactly is this? Why is there a "person" with a boom box for a head? Why do the ladies seem to love him so much? I know I'm getting old, and I'm not as cool as I used to be, but then again I don't think there is an age gap with this site. If someone can explain it to me....

Maybe I can report back on this hotel/casino the next time I... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Dany Gans' Death

It's still a mystery, and it may take several weeks for the coroner to find the cause of Danny Gans' death. His death is still shocking to me and to those who loved his show and admired the kind of person he was. He was only 52, which is much too young. He lived a healthy lifestyle and stayed away from sin in Sin City.

I never saw his show, but I know this. Danny worked hard, he loved his wife and children, and he loved Las Vegas. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Take a look at the comments on the Las Vegas Sun article about him. I think they say it all...

Viva,
Mike

Friday, May 1, 2009

Danny Gans dies

Hi all,

Just heard some shocking news: impressionist Danny Gans, who was headlining at Steve Wynn's Encore, has passed away. He was 52 and is survived by his wife, Julie, and 3 children. There's not a lot of details about this story yet.

Many loved his show, and although not everyone was a fan and some thought ticket prices were a too high, there was no doubt that Danny loved entertaining in Las Vegas. He had become as much of an icon of Las Vegas as anyone. For many years, his image was pictured on the huge marque outside of the Mirage, where he was the headliner. He moved to Encore a few months ago after the new hotel/casino opened.

More later as this develops...

Mike

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Project Updates

News n' Notes:

In case you have not heard in a while, here are some updates on construction projects on the Strip:

Looks like MGM's City Center project is still on track to be completed by December 2009. There have been some financial bumps in the road and some doubts, but things are starting to look up. This is going to be a gigantic, fantastic project.

Cosmopolitan, a smaller right next door to City Center, is still slated for first quarter 2010. Meanwhile, Echelon, a huge project on the spot of the old Stardust, is still in a suspended state.

You can get the latest news on these and other Vegas projects from a really nifty website called Vegas Today and Tomorrow.

In other news...
I will again be guest contributor on the Las Vegas Advisor's Question of the Day. Looks like it may go up on Monday, May 11. I'll keep you posted, but as a teaser I just want to say that I think this is a really fun one and I hope you will enjoy it!

Remember that during the summer, especially in this economy, you are going to find a lot of bargain rates, which should make your travel plans easier on your wallet. So now's the time to think about how you can... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Sunday, April 26, 2009

How I Prepare for a Trip to Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

I put a lot of thought before I visit my home away from home. Some might say too much. Even my best friend told me recently, "you're not happy unless you're planning a trip to Vegas." True. I often start looking at prices, flight schedules, and events 6 to 9 months before my trip.

And I've done this enough now that I have a kind of mental list and timeline. If it looks kinda scary, well, it is, but I do leave a lot of wiggle room. After all, planning an entire trip to Vegas is really not possible, and even if it was, it wouldn't be much fun. But here's a typical scenario for me:



6-9 Months Before Trip:

  • Visit websites to find typical pricing and flights
  • Compare package deals vs. separate deals with coupons/discounts/comps

3-6 Months Before Trip:

  • Narrow down hotel choices
  • Visit hotel websites obsessively to see fun stuff to do, promos, etc.
  • Purchase trip online
  • Reserve rental car
  • Start thinking about music for trip

2-3 Months Before Trip:

  • Look for shows, events, concerts, etc. available during my stay
  • Frequently email/call friends going with me
  • Revert to ultimate cheapskate mode to save funds

1-3 Months Before Trip:

  • Ignore signs from friends that they are tired of me contacting them
  • Watch The Vegas Minute weekly video on www.vegas.com
  • Surf the Vegas Tourism website (www.visitlasvegas.com) frequently

3 Weeks Before Trip:

  • Confirm reservations
  • Print itinerary for trip
  • Practice blackjack

1-2 Weeks Before Trip:

  • Try to get some sleep
  • Start countdown with friends, which risks annoying them even more
  • Watch friends get caught up in frenzy as they start counting the days with me

Week of Trip:

  • Pack clothes
  • Prepare toiletry bag (little toothpaste tube, ibuprofen, Tums, vitamins, electric razor. Anything else is a bonus)
  • Check Vegas weather
  • Kindly ask friends/family NOT to give me $10 in quarters to play in the slots for them (yes, I have some old school friends/family)
  • Burn cool CD for friends to remember our trip
  • Charge camera batteries
  • Charge Kindle

Day Before Trip:

  • Pack remaining stuff (Kindle, camera, phone charger, etc)
  • Review checklist and travel documents
  • Put bags near door; ensure iPod, headphones, Kindle, phone are easy to access
  • Print boarding pass
  • Double-check flight schedule

Day of Trip:

  • Relax and enjoy. After all, I think I have pretty much everything covered...

    So how 'bout you? What do you do before your trips to Sin City?
    Viva,
    Mike

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tax Day, Shmax Day

Hi Vegas fans,

I'm already looking forward to my August trip to Vegas. Still in the planning stages, but I'm not happy unless I'm thinking about my next trip to Sin City.

Rates are varying a little from week to week, and I'm finding some good hotel rates coupled with promotional codes (try smartervegas.com for example). And, because I am traveling from the East coast, I tend to find a lot of good package deals, too. Recently, I've found some great prices via American Airlines site, which also has the best flight options for me.

The flights are important to me because I like to maximize my time in Vegas and minimize my time in airports. If my wife is coming with me, we hash out how early we can leave our house to get a good flight to Vegas. If she's not coming with me, here's my typical recipe:

1. Bribe wife with gifts, flowers, etc.
2. Ask wife to drive me to airport in wee hours of the morning so that I can arrive in Vegas mid-afternoon.
3. Remember to stash a few bucks in my shoe for emergency money on the way home.
4. Spend unbelievable time in Vegas.
5. Buy wife precious gifts (offering to the Gods, if you will).
6. Leave Vegas late in the afternoon, or if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, take the red-eye home.
7. Use what's left of emergency money for ibuprofen, Tums, and vitamins in the airport before departure.
8. Sleep on plane.
9. Repeat in 6 months to 1 year (max).

Next week, I'll discuss how I prepare for my trips to Vegas. You'll think I'm kidding, but I won't be...

Don't forget
You can win cool stuff for free by participating in my scavenger hunt. That's right, I said free. What's better than that on tax day, eh?

Every month I'll pick a new winner at random. It's free, it's fun, and you like stuff about Las Vegas, so give it a shot!!

While you are at it, add your vote to my poll. I'll change this in May, but for now it's a goofy one that I thought you might like.

What else is new up with the site, you ask? Right now I'm planning a Gambling tab. It's a work in progress. And, I do update the tables when I come across new information. For example, recently Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce club closed at Mandalay Bay, so I wiped it out on the Clubs table. Too bad, too, because I never got to see that show and wouldn't mind some burlesque now and then.

Regardless of how much skin you want to see, just remember the golden rule. Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A Good Travel Guide

They say you should own a good suit; a suit you can wear on an interview, or a wedding, an anniversary, and so on. It's just a good idea. It' like having reliable transportation, a roof over your head, and plenty of peanut butter on your shelves. It just makes sense, right?

Well, it's my theory that you should also own a good travel guide. For our purposes here, we're talking about a good Las Vegas travel guide. One that you can refer to when you need to know the latest and greatest. One to look at when you need a good map. Or gambling strategies. Like the practical things in life, it just makes sense to have one at your disposal.

That's one of the reasons I wrote my travel guide to Vegas and update it frequently. Simplifying came from necessity. I didn't have one that I could refer to, so I created my own. It took a lot of research, and it kind of took on a life of its own. And it continues to grow, and grow, and grow. And I'm loving every minute of it. I hope it can help some other Vegas fans out there, too.

Before your next trip to Vegas, check out the travel guides you have. Are they up to date? Vegas changes frequently. Do they provide you with the information you want in a guide? If not, check out some of the latest guides. Of course, I hope you'll consider mine. Don't just visit websites - consider purchasing a new guide to get the most out of your next trip.

And remember, when all else fails... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Latest News...

Hi Vegas fans,

This week has seen a lot of closings, but there is still a lot of good news for those of you who are traveling to Las Vegas.

First, recent closings:
  • Folies Bergere: After 49 years, the Trop has closed a Strip classic
  • Forty Deuce: Surprisingly, Ivan Kane closed his club in Mandalay Bay. He still has a club in LA and is also showing off his burlesque show in Palm Springs.
  • Bally's Sports Book: For the summer, at least. You can still wager at Paris.

So, does this mean gloom and doom? No. There are plenty of great shows, clubs, and of course gambling venues throughout Las Vegas, from the Strip to downtown to the outskirts. What this means for you is that you will find great prices for 2009 and probably 2010, too.

The same is true for hotel prices. Sort of. When the economy started going south, lots of hotels started lowering their prices. Makes sense, right? If you're not getting business, entice people with bargains. However, there's a point where hotels are going to start pulling back on that.

Here's why. Let's say your hotel doesn't draw a lot of people with lower prices. You've got a problem. Your margins are lower (that is, the amount of money you are making per room is smaller), and the number of people coming to your hotel is decreasing. That's bad news, and you're going to start hemorrhaging cash quickly. So, to make up for it, hotels will start changing higher prices again (at least their usual prices) in hopes that people will pay the rates regardless.

Eventually, it'll work for them. For now, there are still a lot of hotels with very inexpensive rates, so the first few hotels that start going up are probably going to lose some customers.

So, you should keep shopping. You'll find great rates for the rest of this year, I suspect. I'm planning a trip for August, and I'm seeing rates as low as $25/night at places like NY NY. That's a steal! I like to book my trip early, but this is one time when I'm going to continue to watch. It's like the stock market. I'll keep my eye out and patiently wait... wait... wait to make a move.

If all else fails, just remember my motto. Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,

Mike

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Milestones

Hi all,

When I started my Flickr group a few months ago, I didn't know what to expect. It has taken off, and this week it topped 1000 photos from over 100 members. Of course, it's more about the quality than the quantity. And there's plenty of fantastic pictures out there.

It's amazing to me that whenever I glance at the pictures, I see a lot of similarities. There are lots of shots of the Bellagio fountains, Paris Eiffel Tower, the Wynn and Encore, the Strat, and the Fremont Street Experience. All iconic views of Vegas. Everyone's take is just a little different, just enough to make these scenes unique.

I love to see the pictures of odd places or seldom seen scenes, like the motels downtown or a closeup of a slot reel in black and white. These are difficult to get - at least I think they are. When I'm in Vegas, I don't want to think too much about taking a picturesque snapshot, or waiting until dawn Ansel Adams style for the right moment to take a picture. I'm lucky if it's in focus. My main goal is to get some good, small shots that I can put on the website and save to my screen saver on my home computer. Anything more than that is a bonus.

But for all you photographers and photo lovers out there, please feel free to look at the pictures and, if you'd like, add your pix to the group. You'll be in good company.

I'll have more to add in August when I take my next trip. Starting to count the days till I live up to my motto... go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Thursday, March 19, 2009

News N' Notes...

Hi Vegas Fans,

Notes

March Madness... what a time to be in Vegas! Wish I was there right now, but I've got this full time job thing that keeps me busy. And off the streets.

There are some cool promotions out there, and I've got some suggestions for where you can watch the games:

Don't forget to bet, or pretend you're betting, so that you can get free drinks.

News

I'll be a contributor for tomorrow's Las Vegas Advisor Question of the Day, so stay tuned and check it out. Good stuff.

I updated the tables on the website. Whew! This is a lot of work. Venues change, clubs close, new restaurants open... all the time in Vegas. Keeping up with it is a task. Please let me know if you find any broken links, mistakes, etc.

Thanks all and have a great rest of the week. And remember, especially during March Madness... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,

Mike

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Updates coming soon

Hi Vegas fans,

The website is undergoing another round of table updates. I haven't done this since November last year (that's like a zillion years in Vegas time), so it's due. One thing I've noticed is that there are not a ton of changes since my last update.

I'm wondering if that's because I've been periodically making changes when I notice them, or because it wasn't that long ago since I've made some updates, or if that the economy is affecting Las Vegas in a way such that there's not a lot of movin' and shakin' going on right now. hmmmm.... maybe all of the above.

I'm also thinking about adding a new "Gambling" tab to the website. More to come on that initiative soon...

I'm also very excited that I'll be a guest on the Las Vegas Advisor again on March 20th. Stay tuned and be sure to check it out and lemme know whatcha think.

Can't tell ya how happy I am that we are planning another trip to Sin City in August. Looks like we've nailed down August 22-27ish. We are waiting to get a great deal on a hotel. Right now MGM is running a special for $52/night (weeknights) and $111 on weekends. We are hoping that the deals will just keep getting better, but at some point we run the risk of waiting too long. I'll keep you posted, and if you know of great deals, pass them along through a comment here on the blog so we can all oohhh and ahhhh.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

News n' New Stuff

Vegas News
Looks like construction will begin on the Mob Museum, brain child of Mayor Oscar Goodman (and former defense attorney), this spring, with an expected completion date of 2010. It's gonna cost $50 million. That much? Really? Really!

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a Mob Museum. And Mayor Goodman has been a good man for the city. But I think some of that money would be better spent on promotions (I'm recalling how great the 100 year anniversary was...), especially during these tough economic times. Vegas is suffering. Travel is down. A Mob Museum might attract some people, but probably not enough to justify $50. I hope I'm wrong and that it's a successful venture, but I have my doubts.

Invitation
My wife got a form letter from Encore yesterday, inviting her to spend some time there for only $100/night. Now, that's a pretty decent deal for a fine, fine establishment like Encore. But the chances of us spending that kind of money on a hotel in Las Vegas are about the same as me watching a movie with Hugh Grant in it. That is, slim to none. And Slim's on a horse outta town. Or maybe on his way to the Mob Museum.

Website Notes
I have again updated the website with some cool new features. First, you can now create your own travel itinerary without having to wait for me to email you! That's right, you just check the items that you want to include and, voila, your info displays automatically. If you are more interested in a detailed, personalized itinerary, you can order one when you purchase my book. For those of you who have looked at the create-your-own flavor, please let me know what you think (post comments on this blog, email me, etc.)

I also added a new twist to those of you who would like to win a free Las Vegas luggage tag. I have a scavenger hunt on the website. Answer 3 simple questions for your chance to win the March prize. I'll update the scavenger hunt monthly, so keep visiting the site to ensure you can answer those questions correctly.

Have a great week, everyone. And remember... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Coming Soon and News Items

Hi Vegas fans,

You'll soon notice some new features on the website. I'm still testing some javascript to make some groovy things work (this is a fancy way of saying I ain't done coding yet), but be on the lookout for these new features:
  • An Itinerary Creator: you choose from a list of items, and voila, you'll see my suggestions for an itinerary automatically! Pretty nifty, eh?
  • Scavenger Hunt: Want to win a free prize? All you have to do is find some stuff on the website, then submit your answers. One winner will be chosen at random per month. You like free stuff, right?
  • Gambling Information: This is long overdue and will include some tips and humor from my long-time friend and fellow Vegas aficionado, Steve Reed. You'll read, you'll enjoy, you'll save a few shekels. No big whoop.

I hope to have at least some of these changes done by the end of this week. Then, I plan to revisit the tables on the website to update some of the changes that are constantly taking place in Vegas (new shows, current shows changing venues, price differences, etc.). Whew!

Vegas News:

Two Vegas items that caught my attention this week.

1. Part of the Stimulus Package includes an idea that I would love, but it is drawing fire because it costs a few gazillion dollars.

The idea? A train from Anaheim (CA) to Vegas. I like to visit California during my longer trips to Sin City, but the deal usually involves me getting up early and driving to LA, with Steve nodding off in the front seat and my wife stretched out in the back seat reading Vogue or snoozing.

We drive back that same night. Steve takes the wheel and I tell bad jokes, try to find a good satellite radio station, and get slap-happy silly from little sleep. My wife stretches out in the back seat and reads Vogue or snoozes.

I know there are buses and planes to California, but they do not suit my needs. I might do a bullet-train if it didn't take too long and didn't cost too much. OK taxpayers, you can throw stuff at me now.

2. The Palms is opening up a cool art-house type movie venue. I like me some artsy movies (although I don't know I'd see flicks while in Vegas!), but this is pretty cool, especially for locals.

That's all for this week, folks. Remember the golden rule... go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,

Mike

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Wow

Good morning Vegas fans,

It's Thursday, and I'm a day late for the usual entry for my blog. Why, you ask? I've been swamped since answering last Thursday's Question of the Day on the Las Vegas Advisor. I had 44 people fill out a form for a free itinerary! Yowza. I am just about caught up, and I plan on finishing the last 6 tonight.

Thanks to you all for your comments and questions. There have been a lot of visitors to the site, and a lot of great feedback on a number of my initiatives. Please continue to visit and comment, ask questions, rant, joke, criticize, etc. I'm always happy to hear what your thoughts are on my thoughts on Vegas.

I will probably answer another Question of the Day again soon, so I'll keep you posted. In the mean time, I have a lot to do on the website. It won't go through another facelift (well, not now, anyway), but it will get some updates and some new stuff. That's all I'm saying for now, so you'll just have to keep on a-visitin'.

In other news... I received these two links from a co-worker and Vegas fan, so I thought I'd share them with you:


That's it for this week, folks. I'll have more news n' notes soon. For now, remember my most important rule. Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

New... stuff!!

Hi Vegas fans,

A few new items to discuss this week. First, I'm very happy that I will be a guest expert again to answer tomorrow's Las Vegas Advisor Question of the Day. Please check it out and let me know what you think. Once it is on their site tomorrow, I will get a lot of hits on my site, and it will certainly keep me busy for a while. I'm ready!

Second, you probably heard that Amazon is releasing a new Kindle (version 2). The good news is that even if you have a copy of Simplifying Las Vegas and purchase a new Kindle, you can download it to your new device with no problem. I'm excited about the new version, and I can't wait to see it. I have not ordered one yet, but my one of my co-workers has, and I'm sure I'll test his out before buying one of my own. It looks very slick, though.

And... I'm really thinking about the possibilities of another trip to Vegas in August. As soon as we figure out how much money we're getting back from our taxes, I'll know for sure. Wish me luck!

Have a great week.

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Great deals to Vegas

If you are looking to book a trip to Las Vegas this year, you're in luck. Hotels and travel sites are offering promotions/discounts to get you there, and the further you book in advance, the more money you can save.

For example, Treasure Island (TI) is running a promotion where you can save 15% (7-30 days in advance) to 30% (> 90 days in advance) if you book from them directly. You can even book your flight and rental car (if applicable) directly from the TI site.

When booking a package deal, I also always look at the following sites when comparing prices:
So if you thinking about your summer vacation, start planning now because who knows when these prices will start to rise.

If you find an extraordinary deal, comment here on the blog, or email me and I'll post it for you.

Viva,
Mike