2010 Vegas Year in Review

Happy New Year's, Vegas fans!

As I look back on 2010, I have a lot of good Vegas memories and some scars to remind me that Sin City is one tough town. Here are some of my favorite highlights from this past year, in no particular order:

• CityCenter: This is one groovy, high-end property with art sculptures, swanky bars & restaurants, Viva Elvis Cirque show, and a dark casino. Good times.
• Birthday Blowout Bash: I turned a milestone age this year, and I celebrated with family and friends in Las Vegas. The first night of my trip, I had a few cocktails at Bill's Gamblin' Hall and then... well, the rest is somewhat fuzzy. I do recall having to call my wife to help me find my way back to the room. Good times.
• Cosmopolitan: The new property, not the drink. I have not been there yet (if you have, let us know what you think!), but it looks nice and I plan to go there on my next trip.
• Increased visitation: While gambling revenue has not rebounded quite yet, there are more and more people visiting Las Vegas these days. Slow but steady increases are good news after a few years of negative numbers.
• Harrah's becomes Caesars Entertainment: Meh. Let's see what happens.
• Might as well Jump at the Stratosphere: A new attraction at the Strat temps visitors to jump off the building. I think they strap a bungee cord or parachute to you or something.
• Gillies at TI offers mechanical bull: You can ride it, or you can watch cowgirls wearing little more than their boots on it. Ah, I love legitimate theater.
  
• Simplifying Las Vegas new website, 2011 electronic book versions available on Kindle, Nook and as a Flipbook: Gotta plug SLV. It's been a great year, thanks to you all!

I'm looking forward to 2011. My New Year's resolution is to continue providing great content, fun, and news to readers.

Here's wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous 2011!
Viva,
Mike

Relax and Enjoy

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

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

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

'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:

• 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

You heard it here first. If you make some money off of any of these bets, you can thank me by purchasing my book. If you lose a lot of money, this site is for entertainment purposes only.

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

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

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

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:

• Kindle
• Nook
• PDF
• 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

2011 Simplifying Las Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

I'm putting the finishing touches on the new version of my travel guide, Simplifying Las Vegas 2011. I'll have it available as a PDF flip-book, a Nook book and a Kindle book. It will have new information, updated tables, and tons of tips to help you save your gambling dollars and keep out of long lines and traffic.

If you are going to Las Vegas next year, my guide will really help you plan and enjoy your trip. Stay tuned!

Viva,
Mike

Happy Halloween!

Hi Vegas fans,
For kids, today is probably one of the most fun holidays of the year. It goes kind of like this... Christmas, birthday, Halloween.

It can be a fun holiday for adults, too, although some don't like to admit it. I mean, we're not supposed to get dressed up in costumes and dance around like goofballs, right? Wrong! Las Vegas has the right idea about Halloween:

Step 1: Devise a clever get up, disguise yourself with a mask, or become someone you've always wanted to be (a washing machine, "The Situation," Elvis, a sexy nurse, etc.).

Step 2: Gather with friends or go to a club

Step 3: Partake in a few adult beverages.

Step 4: Repeat Step 3. Several times.

Vegas and Halloween go hand in hand. Much like Vegas, Halloween allows you to step outside of your everyday life.

But regardless of where you are today, consider donning a fun costume and going out to a party. You don't have to do something elaborate. One year I went as static cling (pinned socks and underwear to my clothes).

And speaking of fun... Simplifying Las Vegas 2011 is almost complete. I have a little more work to do, and then you can buy it as a flip book on my website, as a Kindle book, or as a Nook book. I'm very excited about the new versions!

Viva,
Mike

Las Vegas Memories and Regrets

Hi Vegas fans,

I've been thinking lately a lot about how Las Vegas has changed over the past 20 years. I'm glad I've seen so much during that time, but I've also missed a lot, too, thinking that "I'll get around to it next time"; sometimes next time doesn't happen because it's gone.

Things I'm glad I saw before they closed (in no particular order):

• Elvis-a-rama: cool Elvis museum, complete with a purple Cadillac and a few jumpsuits. Closed in 2006.
• Folies Bergere: great show at the Trop. Showgirls, feathers, energetic routine... couldn't ask for more - classic Vegas show. Closed in 2009.
• Desert Inn: easily the classiest casino ever to grace the Strip. I stepped foot in it a few times before it closed, although I never stayed or played there, so it's not like I got a chance to sink my teeth into it. Closed in 2000.
  
• Stardust: my favorite casino for gambling. It just had an old-school atmosphere and good, inexpensive blackjack ($2!) with great rules. The dealers were friendly and it was really easy to get around the floor. Great restaurants, too. Closed in 2007
• Liberace Museum: had so much stuff it was housed in two buildings. I'm not a fan of his music, but boy the museum was fun and full of information. It's closing today, and I'll miss it.
• Free picture with Elvis in front of Imperial Palace: my wife and I had ours taken about seven years ago. It was a great snapshot right in the heart of the Strip. Then we walked down to the casino cage to get the picture. They stopped doing this a few years ago, right around the time Harrah's purchased the casino.
• The old pirate show at Treasure Island: before it was Sirens at TI, there was a cool battle between pirates and the British navy. The pirates won, of course (only in Vegas to the bad guys come out on top to the cheers of the crowd), and it was a great show for adults and kids. As Vegas returned to a more Sin City atmosphere, the Brits went away, and the pirates took their boat. The half-naked women took the pirates' old boat, and the pirates had to beg for mercy from the Sirens. It's not the same.

Things I wish I had seen before they closed:

• Siegfried and Roy: I'm not much into magic, but I hear this show was outstanding, especially in its earliest days. Closed in 2003 after one of the white tigers attacked Roy.
• Free picture with $1 million at Binion's: used to be a cool mil display that used $10,000 bills (very rare). Now, you have to pay to have your picture with the dough (or sign up for free slot play or some other catch), and they use hundreds, twenties, and singles. Not the same.
• Vegas World: from all descriptions, this would have been my kind of place. A weird space theme, good gambling, and general goofiness invented by Bob Stupak before he built the Strat. I didn't need to miss it, either, because I was there while it was still open. Dang. Closed in 1995.
• Free Aspirin and Tender Sympathy sign: a really cool sign and a subject of the Las Vegas Advisor's Question of the Day, which I answered in November 2008. I never saw the sign "live," which was moved to the Neon Museum's Boneyard circa 1996.
• Bikini Bull Riding at the Frontier: I tried, but the bull was broken. Then they closed the Frontier for good. So, I've gotta hit Gilley's at TI because they have one, too.
  

I'm noticing that my regrets list is shorter than my happy list. I guess that's a good thing.
What do your lists look like???
Viva,
Mike

Simplifying Las Vegas Now Available on Nook

Hi Vegas fans,

I'm happy to announce that Simplifying Las Vegas is now available as an e-book on Barnes and Nobles Nook e-reader! It took me a little while to figure out the formatting, but I think it will be a really good fit for my book. The Nook allows for html tables, so you can see all of the information in its original format, much like you see it on the website.

I hope you enjoy SLV as a e-book, either via Kindle, Nook or as a PDF on my website. Thanks for your continued support!

Viva,
Mike

New Las Vegas Travel Guide Electronic Book Venue

Hi Vegas fans,

Good news - Barnes and Nobles is now allowing us self-publishers to upload electronic books via its Pubit venue. It's a lot like Amazon's program for Kindle. I am currently working on getting Simplifying Las Vegas in the right format. It's a bit challenging because my Word document has a ton of tables, hyperlinks, and other elements that make it difficult to translate into an electronic book. So, I've gotta work on the html code to make it work. It's a time-consuming process, but well worth it. You'll hear from me (probably see me jump up and down) when I finish it.

In the mean time, I'm also working on a PDF flip book for the 2011 version of Simplifying Las Vegas. This is an easier conversion. However there's a ton of research that goes into each year's edition, so I have a little more work to do before I publish it.

This is an exciting time for authors, especially for travel writers who can publish and then update it on the fly when information changes. That's typically the case in Las Vegas, so I feel very, very lucky that I'm writing during a time when this technology is available to anyone.

I want to take a moment to say thank you for your continued support! I was a little concerned that interest dropped in September, but October is looking strong, and when I looked at my Kindle report yesterday I noticed that SLV has another fan in the UK!

If you ever have comments, suggestions or questions about SLV, Las Vegas, or publishing e-books, please let me know. I'm always happy to discuss these topics.

Viva,
Mike

Brief Reflections on Recent Trip to the Strip

Hi Vegas fans,

It's been a few days since my last trip to Vegas. So I've had some time to reflect, replenish, and remind my boss how great I am so that I can get a raise to make up for the money I lost. Ha. It's ok... it was a good trip anyway. I got to spend some time with my friend, Steve, who had a rougher trip than me. Undoubtedly, we will return again, hopefully victorious. Or at least break-evenous.

Some observations from my recent trip:
* The Stratosphere, though cruel to me and Steve, is still my favorite place for $5 blackjack in Vegas.
* Sports betting is fun but can be so heartbreaking when your bet loses by 1/2 point.
* It's good to have dumb luck sometimes. I bet a 3-game parlay (my beloved Virgina Tech Hokies, Kansas State, and NC State Wolfpack). I misunderstood Steve, and we wound up betting all three teams to win outright instead of betting the spread. Oops. It wound up working out, and we won more than if we had played the spread!
* M Resort is kind of outta the way, it's big, and it's fancy. Good $5 blackjack and craps, though there's not much excitement there.
* Plenty of "party pits" or gaming pits with scantily clad young ladies. While you're looking at the girls, look out for bad rules at the table games near these, too.
* There's still lots of fun things to do when you need a break. I loved the Bellagio conservatory (free) and the Fine Arts Gallery ($15 admission). What a great way to spend some time on a vacation!

See my pictures on my Facebook page or on my Flickr account.

Can't wait to go back!
Viva,
Mike

Vegas Online

Hi Vegas fans,

The Stratosphere has refreshed its website. I think it looks pretty cool, and it's pretty easy to navigate. Some of the sub-navigation takes a little getting used to - I'm not a huge fan of having to move my mouse around a bunch to get to a specific link. But, overall it's a great site, and the new styles are quite good.

Speaking of new sites... I have just updated the majority of the tables and info on Simplifying Las Vegas. It's not easy keeping up with every new restaurant, show, etc. as well as making sure that the links work for the existing ones. But it's a labor of love!

Soon, I'll be publishing SLV 2011 as an online flipbook and as a Kindle book. Be on the lookout for more news about that soon.

Until then, remember my philosophy... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

It's been a while since I've done a post like this, and I thought it would be fun, especially as my next trip to the Strip looms.

Here are my top 10 reasons to visit Sin City:
10. Free parking. That's right, I said parking. As in "free parking" in garages on the Strip and outskirts, and inexpensive (sometimes comped) parking in garages downtown. You can even get free valet service, but I usually skip this because I can park where I want when I want without waiting for someone to retrieve my car, and I don't have to tip anyone if I park myself.

9. Free shows. The fountains at Bellagio are probably the best and certainly the most famous, but there are tons of other things you can see for free when you take a break from the slots and tables. Like the volcano at the Mirage, or the lions at MGM Grand, or the Fremont Street Experience. All good stuff that doesn't cost you a dime.

8. Top notch entertainment. Cirque du Soleil - need I say more? Great shows, like Ka and The Beatles Love are worth seeing more than once. Add comedy, the best and hippest bands, magic and other types of acts, and you can see whey Vegas is a popular destination for shows.

7. Cool pools and pool parties. I'm a little past the age curve for pool parties, and I worry that they are getting too crowded for the pool management teams to handle, but they are also plenty fun in moderation. As for me, I enjoy a good swim in the morning after an evening of gambling and rum-based drinks in a smoky casino. MGM's pool complex is pretty outstanding, and the last time I was at the Flamingo, the water was refreshing if not downright cold. Good times. I've never been to the Mandalay Bay pool complex, but surfboards and sandy beaches sound pretty cool to me.

6. Clubs. Yeah, I'm a little old for these, too. But there's nothing better than getting dressed up and hitting the dance floor (or at least the bar next to the dance floor).

5. Restaurants. You can find everything from a nice, clean, inexpensive diner to a five-diamond exclusive experience. If you like to eat, Vegas is a great destination.

4.Rum and Coke. My favorite cocktail at the tables. Some say "don't ask for well drinks at the tables because they water them down too much." Don't care. Just keep bringing them. After a while, the cocktail waitress just knows the deal. She'll look at me and say "Rum and Coke?" Yup. Rum and Coke.

3. Craps. Sometimes, I just throw my money on the table and say "thanks, that was fun" and walk away. However, if I can hit at least one point (or, more likely, if someone else at the table can hit a point), life is much more exciting. A full craps table in Vegas is one of the best times you can have with your clothes on.

2. Blackjack. My other favorite game, and a staple when I'm in Vegas. Sometimes it seems like you haven't won a hand in hours, and then all of a sudden you get on a winning streak. If you can hang at a crowded blackjack table for a while, you can really have a good time.

1. Escape. Life is serious. We spend a lot of time working, taking care of responsibilities, cutting the grass, helping neighbors and family, driving the kids to soccer practice, and so on. Life is short. Vegas is fun. When I'm there, I don't worry about anything, and I can really cut loose and have a good time. I'm prepared so that when I go, I don't have to guess how much money I can lose or how much I can spend. It's all taken care of ahead of time so that when I'm there, it's just fun.

I hope you have a chance to go to Vegas soon. Escape for a little while so that when you come back, you are refreshed and can handle everything else in your life a little easier.

These are my top 10. What are yours?

Viva,
Mike

Liberace Museum to Close

According to the Las Vegas Advisor, the Liberace Museum will close in October after being in business for 31 years. This is really a shame. It is a wonderful exhibit, and if you get a chance, please go see it.

You don't have to be a Liberace fan to enjoy it. There is a lot of memorabilia, cool cars, pianos and plenty of jumpsuits. It's kitch to the 10th degree, and it's a nice break from the over-stimulation on the Strip. The people who work there are very knowledgeable and friendly. I will miss it.

Just as I miss Elvis-o-Ramma. I know that in Vegas the only constant is change, but usually it's a casino that gets imploded so that a newer one can take its place. When museums and galleries close due to lack of interest or financial troubles, it's a little harder to swallow.

I've always said Las Vegas is so much more than gambling. I like to support the shows, attractions, and other fun stuff that goes on outside the casino. There's plenty to do. I hope that's always the case, and I'll keep supporting these other ventures as long as I go to Vegas. I can't wait to see Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form in a few weeks.

And I'm not a person who constantly says "this isn't the Vegas I remember anymore" or "Vegas ain't what it used to be" - after all, that's the point. Keep it fresh, keep it fun, keep it exciting. But there's always room for familiarity, and I hope that there are more events and places that stay open and continue to change rather than close. I hope.

Viva,
Mike

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Hi Vegas fans,

I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day weekend thus far. If you're in Las Vegas - have a blast! I typically don't visit Sin City on holidays to avoid crowds. But visitation numbers are down, so it isn't as crowded as some years.

I encourage everyone to take a break during this 3-day weekend, if you can. And what better way to get away from reality than to visit Vegas? Rates are really reasonable right now, so think about getting away to the most exciting city on the planet. I can think of anything more fun than my trips to Vegas. My countdown is 20 days - just under 3 weeks and I'll be soaking up some blackjack, craps, and rum & cokes. Good times.

Until then, I'll be updating the site and coming up with new ideas for the book. I hope you enjoy all that Simplifying Las Vegas has to offer!

Viva,
Mike

Of Pools and Pool Parties

Hi Vegas fans,

As the summer winds down, Las Vegas visitors are trying to get in as much pool time as possible. There have been a few problems at pools lately. Recently, the MGM Grand pool closed because of a faulty injection pump, there was a fatality earlier this month when a man died at the Hard Rock of a head injury at a pool party, and a kid almost died at the Rio's pool a few weeks ago. Please be safe and aware of your surroundings if you're partying at pools.

I'm all for having a few drinks by the pool or in the cabana, but there's a difference between partying in a nice, dry, air-conditioned club and a wet, hot, slippery poolside. Just be aware of your surroundings, and remember that there may be kids around, too.

I remember a few years ago when I visited MGM Grand's pool complex. It's really something to behold, and if you've never been there, I highly recommend it when it reopens. The lazy river is a lot of fun, whether you're 7 or 75. And there are so many pools that even during crowded times, you can find a place to swim, or at least stick your toesies in the water.

I've never been to Mandalay Bay's beach, but from what I've heard and seen, I don't think there's a better pool in Vegas. Waves, sand, and lotsa water. Talk about fun! One of these days I'm gonna splurge and stay there just for the pool experience.

Some of these pools were built when Vegas was trending more towards a family friendly era. That passed quickly when execs realized that kids can't gamble. But, many of the cool pools remained in tact.

And I'm glad. It's just another fun reason to explore the wonder that is Las Vegas. So, for the rest of the summer, be cool and have a good time by the pool!
Viva,
Mike

There's still time...

...to win a free Las Vegas Luggage tag. In one week, I'll pick a winner. All you have to do is play trivia for fun. And of course for free. Good luck!

Viva,

Mike

Digital Flipbooks & Vegas: A Great Match

Hi Vegas gurus,

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority, which brings us the best interactive Las Vegas maps, has a really cool digital flipbook on their site. Their online information includes some pretty nifty features, including search capabilities, easy zooming, and links both to other places within the book and to external sites.

Of course, the LVCVA is not the only game in town. There are plenty of properties that are offering more information in flipbook fashion, like Caesars' Empire and The Hard Rock's HRH magazines.

These digital publications are often funded by the ads within them and usually include links directly to the advertisers' sites. These are really cool, slick publications that showcase the colorful layouts of large magazines without the actual paper. Environmentally friendly, easy to access, simple to use. Great idea.

So great, in fact, I'm looking into turning SLV for 2011 into a digital flipbook. Look for it this fall in addition to my Kindle version. The flipbook will be a great way to read my travel guide -- either on your computer, your iPad, or if you prefer, as an easy-to-print from PDF version. And don't worry, because it's digital, you won't have to wait for it on back order.

Viva,
Mike

Countdown!

36 days. Seems like an eternity till my next Vegas vacation. I'm ready now! Pretty much all I have to do is pack. And that takes about 5 minutes. Maybe 7 if I remember socks.

That's the thing about my trips to Vegas. I just leave my life behind and escape. Don't get me wrong, I've got a pretty good life. But I have the need to get away every so often. Some people like the mountains for a vacation. Some like the beach. I like a city where I can play blackjack at 2 am and eat flapjacks at 10 pm. I like a place where I can forget what time it is for 3 or 4 days. Sleep? Occasionally. Eat, drink, and be... fat and drunk. Good times.

The way I see it, I can relax any ol' weekend. I can sleep in on a Saturday morning. I can go to bed early on a Saturday night. I can read on the back porch when I come home from work. When can I over-tip cocktail waitresses for my free drinks? When can I throw dice with a table full of screaming gamblers, all rooting for me to roll anything but a 7? Where else can I see someone walking the wrong way down Bally's escalator at 3 am? Vegas, baby.

Sometimes, ya just gotta shake the dust off and let yer hair down.

Viva,

Mike

Ho Hum Harrah's

Hi all,

Well, they've done it again. Harrah's took a perfectly good website, Planet Hollywood, and made it boring. Planet Hollywood's site used to be quite dynamic, colorful, energetic, and fun. Now, it looks a lot like Harrah's other sites. Here's the formula:

• Links to other Harrah's properties at the top
• Navigation to the left
• Some (mostly static) content in the middle
• Links to other Harrah's properties at the bottom

I really wish that they would leave well enough alone, even when they purchase a new property. Variety is the spice of life, so why make all the sites look alike? Especially if the look is not so great.

By contrast, take MGM's websites. Each one is marketed to a specific audience. Mandalay Bay is a little upscale, MGM Grand is young and hip, Excalibur is fun and inexpensive. Harrah's could learn a lot by taking a page out of MGM's website book.

I love driving around in Las Vegas and seeing various themes, playing in different casinos and enjoying a unique atmosphere. Their websites should be this way, too.

Viva,
Mike

Comopolitan Marquee - Getting Lit Up

Hi Vegas fans,

The Cosmo unveiled its giant marquee today. Check out pictures of the new sign on Cosmo's Flickr page.

The property is set to open December 15th of this year, and it resides next to Bellagio and practically on top of Jockey Club. This joint looks to be pretty exclusive, with gaming cabanas, three pools, a spa, and of course a club.

I'm looking forward to visiting this casino. I love when a new Vegas venue opens, even if it is out of my price range. It's fun to walk through and check out the digs. Sometimes I'll even sit down and play some blackjack, as long as it isn't too expensive.

I remember when the Wynn first opened, I sat down and played $10 blackjack in cut off jean shorts and a t-shirt. Yeah, I was a little younger then. I wondered if the pit boss or floor manager would say something to me, but my money is just as green as everyone else's, so they didn't say a thing. Of course, it helped that I was losing.

There are plenty of good places to play blackjack, so I don't find it necessary anymore to try out new places if the minimums are above what I want. Still, I'm sure I'll visit Cosmo, check it out, take some pictures, and maybe even get lit up at one of their bars. After all, that is quite an enticing sign!

Viva,
Mike

Q & A with John Wilson

Hi Vegas fans,

My friend and fellow blogger John Wilson just returned from Las Vegas with his wife and five month old baby. John’s been to Vegas before, and like me he’s quite the Vegas nut, but this was a little different because it was his first trip with his baby. I sat down with him and asked him about his vacation.

SLV: So, John, you just returned from Vegas with your family. Your posts on whereisjohnwilson.com about traveling to Vegas are really fun and informative. What was the biggest difference for you with a five month old versus traveling without a baby?

JW: About $1,000 not put into a slot machine. In all seriousness, going to Las Vegas with my wife and our new baby was a great deal of fun. It’s a completely different experience, however, than many of your readers may be used to. I spent almost zero time gaming and tons more time resting, sightseeing and taking pictures.

Some highlights of our trip include going to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon and some sights from TV shows such as The Ultimate Fighter, the World Series of Poker and Pawn Stars.

I think it’s a great place to vacation if you go in knowing it will be different.


SLV: It must have been time-consuming getting from point A to point B. I know you rented a car. What do you think about renting a car in Vegas vs. public transportation?

JW: Renting a car is a great idea unless you’re only staying for a weekend of debauchery. Any more than casino hopping on the South end of the strip would best be served with an automobile. If you add up all the inconvenience of the monorail and the high costs of cabs and include the missed opportunities to visit the locations above, it’s well worth the time and money to get a car.

I have some tips over at the site for getting the best use of your car and some hints for getting around.


SLV: I know you usually stay close to the Strip. But for this trip, you stretched your Vegas legs and went further out than usual. What was that like, and what was your favorite non-Strip excursion?

JW: We stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacations just behind the Sahara. It was a great alternative with the baby. The hotel had its own swimming pool, outdoor bar, grocery store with cold sandwiches and it was only 30 yards from the Hilton Las Vegas. Though we had a car, the monorail station at the Hilton would have been incredibly handy.

The problem with the North end of the strip, as commented in your most recent post, is its relative “deadness” compared to its brethren to the South. My take on the issue with this end of the Strip is the distance between hotels. It’s a long walk with not much to look at between. Even though it takes forever to walk from the Bellagio, past Caesars to the Mirage, there are ton of people, things and shenanigans to keep you interested. North of Encore, it’s pretty sleepy til you get to the Sahara.

I think you nailed it about the Sahara’s secret to longevity. I consider myself a pretty decent poker player. I get pot and implied odds, I play tight aggressive, etc – and I always play at the Sahara. There are some very nice poker rooms all over the Strip – but the 2/4 Limit HE at Sahara is always full of very nice tourists acting as calling-station ATMs. The strong drinks, $1 blackjack and $3 roulette keep the place full.


SLV: It was pretty danged hot when you were in Vegas. What were some of the ways you beat the heat?

JW: Because of our son, we took LOTS of naps. One piece of advice for folks taking their family traveling from the East Coast is to never bother getting off of Eastern Standard Time. We did more before 9am (and before it was 300 degrees) than most people do all day. All of the casinos are open, no one is getting in your way (or grabbing your baby’s cheeks) and there are virtually no lines.

The weather while we were there stayed around 104 most of the time, with 0% humidity. Living in South Carolina, I thought 104 with no humidity was a cool day. We walked around for hours and never worked up a sweat. We always had tons of extra water to keep us all cool throughout the day.

Thanks John... I'm sure you're already looking forward to your next trip to Vegas.
Viva,
Mike

Las Vegas Hilton - What's Next?

There are some changes to the lineup of shows at the Las Vegas Hilton. Namely, Voices and Sin City Bad Girls are out. This is not a huge surprise. The Hilton has been shopping for an identity for a while. Barry Manilow left to go to Paris earlier this year. So they have been trying to usher in new shows and capture a younger, hipper crowd from the Strip. This might prove difficult.

The Hilton is just far enough off the Strip that it's going to take some nifty advertising to get the usual Strip crowd over there. Think of it this way: if I'm staying at TI or Caesars, and I have all of these great clubs, restaurants, casinos, and shows within walking distance, why would I want to go to the Hilton? If I'm booking a trip to Vegas, why would I stay there?

They basically have two options to try to draw people away from mid-Strip: price or unique atmosphere. Because Las Vegas is suffering from a down economy, the Hilton probably won't attract people based on price. Places like the Flamingo or the Imperial Palace will be able to match them and maybe beat them. As far as a unique experience, that's also a tough sell when the Strip continually ups the ante with more fun and excitement than you can shake a stick at.

So the Hilton seems to be in the same limbo as many North Strip hotels. The Riviera filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. The Stardust is gone. The Frontier is gone.

Now there are exceptions. The Sahara is holding on, but they have a few things going for them. One, they are on the Monorail path. Two, they have good gambling promotions (dollar blackjack, affordable poker, etc.). Circus Circus is part of MGM, and they have the whole circus thing going on, so they are different.

But what's to become of these properties? I don't know. If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that some will be purchased, possibly razed, and re-opened as new, hip casinos to look like their mid-Strip counterparts. Here's the thing that baffles me. It doesn't have to be this way. These properties north of Sahara Avenue could be a haven for the average Joe and Jane traveler to Vegas. Here's how I think it could work for them:

1. Use the Sahara as a model and offer inexpensive gaming with good rules. You'll beat Harrah's properties every time.
2. Don't try to beat mid-Strip properties at their own game. You're not about clubs, fancy-pants restaurants, and giant suites. You're about affordable rooms, good gaming, fun, and Las Vegas class. Bring back some old Vegas because people still want to see that. Nostalgia is a powerful drug, even for people who didn't experience it the first time around.
3. Join forces. This worked for downtown when they built the Fremont Street Experience. It could work for you, too. Put your heads together and offer something that nobody else has.

The first two times I visited Las Vegas, I stayed at the Riviera and the Hilton, respectively. I had so much fun that I continued to return to Las Vegas. Going on 18 years now, as a matter of fact. I stay at different places these days, depending on deals, who I'm going with, and so on. I would love to see these properties return to their former glory. Or even a new glory.

As dealers say to me when they push the chips to me, good luck!

Viva,

Mike

Downtown Las Vegas - Hip, a trip, or a blip?

Hi Vegas fans,

Trends come and go. One thing is constant in Vegas - change. Twenty years ago, it was the Mirage and the themed resorts. Mom and dad brought the kids, and casinos built theme parks. Then casino execs figured out that Junior couldn't gamble. Down went the theme parks, and up went the upscale joints. Wynn, Palazzo, Encore. Then, condos. That was the wave of the future. But, the economic downturn hit, and everyone stopped building.

In the mean time, there's downtown Las Vegas. A quirky "what do we do with this" kind of place. It's not on the same level as the Strip in terms of upscale adventures, but it's also not down in the dumps. There are some great properties here, including the Golden Nugget, but visitors just don't seem to know what to do with it.

Here's what I've been saying for years... downtown just needs a fresh coat of paint, a few promotions, and a little love. It's like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree - give it a little attention, and it will grow.

Especially now. Look at all of the stalled projects on the Strip. There's no better time to show visitors that 1) this is a great place to gamble/stay/play and 2) it won't cost you an arm and a leg... like some places.

I've pointed this out before with support from other publications. Here's a snippet from Vegas Today and Tomorrow, a good barometer for Vegas projects:

"Even though there's an economic slowdown, the downtown area is becoming a sustainable, modern, urban city. Transportation projects, public facilities, high-rise condo and loft residences are being built among new markets, galleries, shops, clubs and bistros. Yes, Downtown Vegas is becoming hip and livable."

Yep. Downtown has a lot of potential. Best wishes and keep up the good work. Let's see what happens next.

Viva,
Mike

Preparation and Pacing in Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

When I go to Vegas, I always pack light, but one of the things I take with me is a ziploc bag with a few vitamins, some ibuprofen and antacids. I'm going to add theraflu and zicam to that list. Why? Well, it seems that when I get to Vegas, I tend to hit the town pretty hard. I like to hit the tables right away, which means I start having a few drinks right away. Then I get hungry and eat too much.

My everyday system is not used to this, so it tends to break down a bit. That's why I hit the vitamins, ibuprofen and antacids. But, I press on the next day, doing the same thing over again (I am a bit hard-headed). By the time I've been in Vegas for a few days, I sometimes catch a cold. Or as my friend Meg says, a touch of "the Irish flu." That's why I'll be packing theraflu and zicam from now on. It's no fun being in Vegas with a sore throat and head cold. Medication usually masks the symptoms, but that's all I really care about. I need some masking for a while to fend off the illness until I get home. Then when I get home, I can call in sick for a day or two to really rest.

As much as I tell myself that next time I will pace myself in Vegas, the truth is I'm so excited when I get there that it's hard to do. So, at the very least I can prepare and take care of myself if I happen to take in too much of the good life in Vegas all at once.

Viva,
Mike

Here Begins Something New

Hi Vegas Fans,

Starting today, you'll see a new feature on the Simplifying Las Vegas website. It's called the Vegas Reflection. The VR will be a news item, a quote, an image, something from a reader, or another cool tidbit.

I hope you enjoy it! If you have something you'd like to include in the VR, please email me.

Viva,
Mike

Money Matters in Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

A few updates:

Inexpensive

The Las Vegas Advisor has a great deal on the Cirque Zumanity show for Mondays in July - check it out!

Crazy Expensive

For those of you who are more interested in big ticket items than low ticket prices, the LVA also posted this tidbit this week... "A Swarovski-crystal-encrusted glove worn by Michael Jackson fetched $192,000 at the Julien's Live auction that took place at Planet Hollywood over the weekend." Wow, that's a lot of Billie Jeans!

And I saved the best for last...

FREE

That's right. Nada. Nuthin'! That's the price you pay for surfing all of the great stuff on the Simplifying Las Vegas website. In addition to reader polls, trivia, and a free itinerary, you'll also see a great new feature coming soon. I don't want to give it away completely, but let me just say that you'll want to check out the site every day for something fun.

I hope you enjoy it. As always, I'm open to suggestions, comments and stories about your trips to Vegas.

Viva,

Mike

Practice makes perfect

Hi Vegas fans,

I've been gearing up for my next trip to the Strip. Although I've been playing blackjack for many years, I still like to set up my card shuffler, six decks, chips and play some hands at home. (This also means turning on some tunes and drinking a few beers. Just comes with the territory.) Now I know basic strategy, and when I forget a specific hand (do I split 2s against a dealer 2?) I look at my strategy card. But it's still good to run through the hands and try to see when I make money, when I lose money, etc. And I don't count cards, but if I did, this is where I'd practice that, too.

It's like everything else in Vegas. If you go into it with at least a basic understanding of what's what, you will have a good time and won't be surprised when you get there. Fine tune your Vegas experience by reading a good travel guide (I humbly suggest Simplifying Las Vegas), visit some websites (including SLV again, please), and watch some specials (the Travel Channel often has some good Vegas tidbits). Even if you've been there before, it's always good to brush up on your Vegas knowledge. Fun, too!

Viva,

Mike

Tropicana - Props to The Trop

Hi Vegas fans,

For years I have enjoyed gambling at the smaller, less fancy-shmancy places on the Strip. This includes the Tropicana. But when it first opened in 1957 as the 12th hotel on the Strip, the Trop was quite the exclusive property. The front of the joint boasted a unique, tulip-shaped fountain. Like the Flamingo and the Desert Inn, the Trop was classy in those days.

Fast-forward fifty years. The Trop fell on hard times, and mismanagement kept it from retaining its glory. The rooms got dingy, the carpets looked threadbare, and the once-dignified diamond-in-the rough was just... well, just rough. Folies Bergere closed, and all that remained of original class was the Tiffany ceiling in the casino. It was constantly on the Strip's list of "next to be imploded and archived on YouTube."

But, recent events have helped change the Trop's tune. New management is giving it a major Miami-beach themed upgrade, expected to be complete in 2011. The casino is going high-tech; gamblers will be able to place bets from their seats in the Sports Book with new eDeck devices. Even their website got a face lift.

I'll continue to gamble there. Why? Not because it will be the cool place on the Strip. Not because it will attract new fans with hip shows, fancy restaurants or a happening club. Those things are all great, but I like the Trop for the same reasons I like the Stratosphere and other "small" places: low-minimum games, easy parking, simple casino navigation, laid-back atmosphere, and strong drinks a-plenty. Makes it easy to stay there a while.

So, best wishes to the "newest" casino on the Strip. I like your style!

Viva,

Mike

Works of Art

Hi Vegas fans,

I noticed that the Bellagio has some fantastic art in their Fine Art Gallery. The Bellagio has the only art museum left on the Strip. There used to be some great ones - the Venetian had the Guggenheim Hermitage, the Wynn had some of Steve's personal collection, for example. But now, the Strip just has the Bellagio. I would love to see more art presence on the Strip, but it just hasn't proven profitable for the casinos.

Downtown has some hip places, like the Arts Factory, which is not only home to cool art but is also a bar and bistro. The whole downtown art scene is pretty happening, including First Fridays, which is a fun festival every first Friday of the month. Very cool.

So art is definitely alive in Vegas. And I love it. Along those lines, I wanted to add my own little art contribution to Vegas. About 18 years ago, I took a picture of a 1965 Corvette outside of Caesars Palace. Back then, Caesars wasn't owned by Harrah's. So it was fun. My buddy Steve and I used to play $2 blackjack there, and they had lots of tables. They even had these cool little extras, like if you got a five-card blackjack, you'd get paid extra. Or if you had three sevens, or six-seven-eight, you'd get a bonus. Without even placing a side bet! Unheard of today. It's a different world.

But, I digress. I hope you enjoy my picture on the home page of the site (it's a little grainy... I had to scan it in. The good old days meant developing photos, not downloading them via USB cable to your computer!).

Viva,

Mike

p.s. Fill out the trivia contest by Friday and win a luggage tag!!!

Site's Done! Sort of...

Hi Vegas fans,

By now, you've seen the new Simplifying Las Vegas website. Whew. Lots of work, and I still have to fix some minor details, and I want to update a little of this, a little of that. And then I'll tweak it some more.

That's the thing about a website. It's a living thing, constantly changing. But for now I'm taking a step back and enjoy it. For now.

And I'm happy to report that I'm ready to take my next trip to the Strip. Four days in September. Oh yeah, I'm already looking forward to it.

More later...
Viva,
Mike

Almost there with the new website

Hi Vegas fans,

The new website is almost complete. I have a few details to figure out, then I will bring it live, probably this weekend or Monday night. I'm very excited! It has a new, fresh look and some new features. And at the same time, I still have the familiar stuff that you know and love.

The site is a great place to explore, see/contribute great Vegas pictures, learn more about Vegas and gambling, and throw in your two cents about all things Vegas. And the site really complements the whole Simplifying idea, as expressed in my travel guides -- Vegas is about having fun on your terms, not someone else's. Don't just read forums that tell you which restaurants they like, which shows are good, etc.

Now I can tell you what I like. That's easy. But, more importantly, if you tell me what kinds of stuff you like to do, I can give you a list of items that you can choose from and then decide for yourself. In Vegas, there's always more than one of anything, and any guide book that points you in one direction is either uninformed, being paid to tell you what to do, or has not done the comprehensive research that I've done (and continue to do) for Simplifying. It's that simple.

People who have the knowledge of what's out there and then decide for themselves what they want to do always have a great time. If you strictly rely on some other source, you may be disappointed. And so the Simplifying site and travel guide present you with the best guidance of all - your options. The rest is up to you. Remember, no one can have fun for you.

Anyway, enough rambling! I will keep you updated on the site and my upcoming trip in September.

Viva,
Mike

News n' Notes

Hi Vegas Fanatics,

A few quick notes. I can't stay long because I'm working hard on a new and improved website. So I guess that's the biggest news item I have this week! It's really coming along, and as long as I can figure out how to switch over my domain, it should be ready in about 2 weeks. I hope

I also wanted to mention that I have a new poll and have received a few votes. Be sure to check it out. Don't forget to leave a comment or email me if you want a chance to win a free t-shirt.

And, the Flickr group continues to grow. There are new pictures every day (over 4,000 of 'em), and there are 350 members!

Thanks for your continue support... I really enjoy writing about Vegas and building the site. Don't forget that you can purchase a copy of SLV either via PDF or download a copy to your Kindle.

Viva,
Mike

Let's Go!

Hi Vegas Fans,

I am in the midst of trying to convince friends and co-workers to go to Vegas with me in September. Steve, my best buddy for over 25 years, is of course on board. It's really like a competition between us to see who's more pumped to go on the next trip. I have a few other people interested, and I'm hoping this momentum continues.

I've tried this before, right after my high school reunion a few years ago. A few people showed a lot of interest and said they would be there for sure, and then only one friend, Merrie, showed up. It was great to have Merrie meet up with us and hang out in Vegas. In fact, she brought a friend with her a few months later, and four of us had a great time. And, it was more fun making fun of the people that didn't show up. No, we really didn't do that.

I've never regretted a trip to Vegas. I've never gone there and said, "gee, I wish I saved a few bucks or spent time doing something else. Instead, here I am stuck in Sin City and all I'm doing is having the time of my life with fun people. Again!" On the other hand, there are plenty of times when I'm at home or doing something I'd rather not and I say to myself, "I wish I was in Vegas right now." Speaking of...

I wish I was sitting at the blackjack table with a rum and Coke, laughing it up and chatting with the dealer, cocktail waitresses, and other players. I wish I was at the craps table, chanting 'fifty-four' or 'sixty-three' at the top of my lungs with the guy next to me, rooting on the shooter to roll a nine (this actually happened on my last trip, by the way. And the shooter hit the point!).

I wish I was at Battista's drinking red wine from a tiny glass, eating the heck out of some good pasta, and waiting for Gordy the accordion player to drop by. I wish I was at a club dancing like a fool till my feet hurt. I wish I was driving down the Strip at 3am because I was so excited I couldn't sleep, and I wish I could stop at the Welcome sign to take a few snapshots (yeah, this actually happened, too.). I wish I was at the Peppermill for a hangover-cure breakfast, with scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, and a whole lotta coffee.

Yup... no regrets in Vegas, even when I lose a little money. But I do spend some time thinking about how much fun it'll be when I go back.

Are you all with me???? Don't miss out. Don't postpone fun. Don't wait until it's the right time. The right time is in September. I promise you won't regret it.

Viva,

Mike

The JUMP and a new Cirque Show

Hi Vegas fans,

Jump from the Sky
If you like to get your thrill on, you're in luck because there's a new ride at the Stratosphere. The Strat already has three nutty rides, including Insanity, X-Scream, and Big Shot. Now, there's SkyJump Las Vegas. Here's the deal. Go way up in an elevator and press the button for 108. Then, get into your jump gear and get ready to free fall 855 feet. Wow! I don't think I'm brave enough for this. I get woosey when the plane hits some turbulence. My thrill ride days may be limited, if not over!

King of Pop Cirque Show
A Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show will debut in the fall of 2011. The show is a joint production with the Michael Jackson estate and will feature, of course, the music of MJ.

Well, I gotta wonder. We already have Love and Viva Elvis. Cirque is either keeping a great thing going, or they are spreading it too thin. I guess we'll know in the fall of 2011.

Coming soon... new, exciting stuff! Like a revised scavenger hunt and, eventually, a revised website. Yup, I've got my work cut out for me. Wish me luck, and help me out by giving me as much feedback as you can.

Thanks!
Viva,
Mike

It's a good thing that...

Hi Vegas nuts,

In my last blog, I commented on "What's Up With?..." and listed stuff that baffles me about my favorite city. This week, I'm taking a different approach. This is a little bit more of a positive spin, which of course is more my style!

It's a good thing that...

• Gordy the accordion player is still singing his heart out at Battista's Hole in the Wall. It's a Vegas tradition for me and my friends/family and a must every time we go.
• The Statosphere is still shining high in the sky. I love this place, as you may have read, and it's so much fun to play $5 blackjack and craps there.
• Excal and Trop are still shining, too. See above.
• Paradise Road runs parallel to the Strip. With the addition of City Center, the Strip is really crowded these days. Of course, remember my golden rule: if you want to drive the Strip and all its glory, try to do so before 10 am or after 1am. During those times, it's less crowded
• I am afraid of foreign ATM charges. It has kept me from the ATM Crawl of Shame many a time. My buddy Steve is not immune to it, but on our last trip he rebounded quite nicely from his last withdrawal and ended up with Fat Wallet Syndrome.
• The drinks at the tables are free. If they weren't, I'd have to perform the ATM Crawl of Shame (see above).
• My wife is a patient and understanding woman. She encourages me to hang out with Steve and "howl at the moon" whenever we go to Vegas. Viva Muffles!

There's a lot more I can add to this list, so I'll do a Part II soon. In the mean time, send me your Vegas lists of "It's a good thing" and I'll post them.

Until then, remember to... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

What's the Deal With...?

Hi Vegas fans,

As much as I study Vegas, I've been pondering a few things lately; some I have answers for, some I do not.

What's the deal with...

• Smut peddlers on the Strip? They hand out those little cards with girlie pictures on them promoting topless and bottomless dancers. Does this really work? Do people take those cards and say to themselves, "oh yeah! There are strip clubs in town! I forgot!"
• Lucky 20 at the Trop? It used to be pretty darned cool. You'd look at a big case full of merchandise and then decide if it was worth your money or not. For me, it was most of the time, because I like Vegas t-shirts, sweat shirts and ball caps. But now, the case has dwindled to really junky stuff, and it's much smaller. I hope they build it back to its former greatness.
• 6-5 Multi-deck blackjack? There's no reason for it, which is why I play at Excal, the Trop or the Strat, where I partake in 3-2 blackjack goodness. Most of the properties on the Strip have gone over to the evil side, and most are owned by Harrah's. Coincidence? I think not.
• Dueling pianos? They have them in several places around town, and I just don't get it.
• Upscale, upscale and more upscale? Let's face it, the economy is (at best) in recovery. Yet there's still lots of upscale shopping, swanky casinos (Aria, for example), food that costs more than my college tuition, and plush hotel rooms. Is somebody paying for this stuff? I guess so, but it ain't me.

Although I don't understand all of this stuff, I do understand that it's not only part of Vegas, it's part of what makes Vegas tick. So viva smut peddlers, viva out-of-tune piano duelers, viva $9000 shoes. May we meet again soon...

Mike

The Stratosphere

I spent month-long vacations in the stratosphere, and you know it's really hard to hold your breath -- Bruce Springsteen - Growin' Up

I wish I could spend month-long vacations in the Stratosphere. It's one of my favorite casinos. Why? Here are my top 10 reasons why the Strat is a great place:

10. Parking. Unlike many casinos, it's not a maze of confusing twists and turns. It's simple: drive up to the 5th floor, turn right, park near the elevator. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor to get to the casino. Which leads to #9...

9. Easy casino navigation. On more than one occasion, I've gotten lost in the bigger casinos like Caesars and the Venetian. The Strat is simple. Once you park and get to the 3rd floor (see #10 above), you take the escalator down to the casino, and it's all laid out for you. Even without a cell phone, you can find friends at the tables or machines.

8. It's like an old friend. It's familiar, it's funky, and it's fun. And unlike the Sahara, you don't have to smoke when you go inside. Of course, like most casinos, it helps if you do.

7. Cocktail waitresses. They aren't the most glamorous. They don't wear the skimpiest outfits. But they are friendly and they keep the free drinks coming, especially if you tip and are friendly to them.

6. Bathrooms. Generally clean, but more importantly, very accessible. There are two in the casino that are very easy to get to in an emergency (important considering free drinks as noted in #7 above)

5. The pit bosses. Generally good-natured and willing to comp you a little more if you play there a lot. Their type can be difficult, mean, and dismissive if they want to be. At the Strat, I've encountered some pretty decent pit bosses.

4. The craps box men. At the craps tables, there are no harsher box men in any casino. They are constantly on those craps dealers. I would hate to be them, but it makes them better. Dealing craps can't be easy. There's a lot of money on the table, and I honestly don't know how they keep track of it because everyone puts different bets down for different amounts. The box men at the Strat know their stuff and are very strict about how the game is run. That's good news for players.

3. The rules. All multi-deck games are 3-2 blackjack (are you listening, Harrah's? That's why I don't play in your casinos any more!). The other rules are good (resplit aces once) and there are plenty of $5 blackjack tables, even on weekends.

2.There is also always a $5 craps table available, too.

1. The dealers. At the tables, most dealers are fun, friendly and remember you. While this is true at many casinos, it's particularly true at the Strat. When I was there last week, one dealer (Gina) was all smiles and said she remembered me from "last time" which was months ago! She appreciates being a good dealer. She related to me that she understands how lucky she is to have a job during this economic downturn.

She said that it used to be different. When dealers got laid off or fired, they would just go to another casino. Not any more. Competition is tough, and it has really made the dealers appreciate their customers more. She gets it, and I appreciate that. Plus, she's a great blackjack dealer - very professional and yet very friendly. Kudos, Gina - I'll see you next time I spend my vacation in the Stratosphere.

That's my list. Obviously, I really like this place. It's undergone some changes, but Bob Stupak had a dream, and it was a good one. Viva la Strat.

Mike

Back from the Strip

Highlights from Vegas:

- Thursday was the best day of the trip. I think. My wife (Martha) went to bed early, so my buddy Steve and I watched/bet on college basketball in the Book at Bill's. Everyone around was sharing these mini-pitchers of beer, nicely pouring each other drinks into these little plastic cups. Steve goes up to the bar, and I’m thinking, “oh he’ll get us a pitcher and two cups and we’ll split it.” No, he comes back with 2 pitchers and we had a contest to see who could finish first. He won, but just barely. Then, we played craps and then blackjack and I drank rum and cokes. I think. At midnight, I returned to the room… or at least tried. I had a difficult time and had to call my wife and ask for help. When she opened the door, she asked the two most important questions: “Do you have your wallet?” and “Is there any money in it?” I was proud to answer yes to both questions!

- Friday I took my foot off the accelerator a bit but still had fun. Martha and I went to the top of the Eiffel tower and took some pictures. Great view – but it was really cold and windy.

- Sat morning we did this goofy bus tour with my fam. It was fun, and a Sammy Davis Jr. impersonator sang Happy Birthday to me Marilyn Monroe style. I owe my sister big time for that one.

- Saw Wayne Newton Sat night. It was good to see a legend in concert. His voice is not what it used to be (he’s been singing for over 60 years, so it’s no doubt) but he put on a good show and laughed a lot. Martha loved it, and I was happy.

- Sunday I was trying to fight off a cold and really wanted to hit it hard Sunday night, so I took a lot of medication. I was able to hang with Steve for a while and we had fun. We went to the Stratosphere (great place to play blackjack and craps) and we made some money. The best part was the two drunk dudes from Australia at the blackjack table with us. At one point, one guy purchased a cigar and proceeded to light it up. The pit boss walked over to him and smiled but didn’t say anything for a minute. Then he finally piped up, “You know you lit the wrong end, don’t you?” Everyone at the table cracked up, including the guy with the cigar. Then his buddy joked, “that’s the way we do it in Australia; it’s gangster style.” Good times.

Viva,

Mike

It's Vegas Time Again

Hi Vegas fans,

A lot of my friends ask me "so when's your next trip?" usually followed by "how many times you been?" The former is always easier to answer than the latter. I can easily tell you the months, weeks, or days until my next adventure because there's always a countdown. The next one is at Bally's in seven days. One week!

How many times have I been? Lost track. I bet if I really thought about it, I could count them. But I don't want to. I'd rather think about how much fun these trips are and how much I want to continue to take them. I don't ever really know what's going to happen when I get there, and I guess that's what's the most fun. I have ideas about what I want to do, but when I get there it's anybody's guess.

And I think that's what I love most about writing the book and updating the site. Although it's a ton of work, and it's not the only thing I do, I really love it when it comes together. I've watched it grow over the years, and I'm pretty danged proud of it. The site needs some fresh paint (yeah, I'll be getting to that soon...), but the content is good and the concept works: help people find the things that they like to do in Las Vegas.

I have fun with it. I hope you do, too.
Viva,
Mike

The Ups and Downs of Wayne Newton's Career

Wayne Newton is 67 years old and currently headlining the Tropicana with his show, "Once Before I Go." I think the title pretty much tells us that this may be it for Mr. Las Vegas. His career has spanned 6 decades, so he deserves a rest from the biz.

But it might be a while before he can actually start collecting those Social Security checks. He's being sued and owes a lot of money, and it's possible that he could lose his ranch (Shenandoah). This isn't the first time he's been in financial trouble. In 1992, he claimed bankruptcy after a long, bitter lawsuit with NBC. Back then, he worked this way out of debt. Depending on the outcome of the suits against him now, he may need to do that again.

And that may be difficult. His voice is weak (after all, he has been singing for over 60 years!) and his show has not been as successful as other comeback tours. In addition to his financial woes, he's had family issues (his daughter is very sick and his sister recently died unexpectedly). Still, he is out there singing and giving it his best shot.

His success has been clearly documented - at his peak he was one of the most prolific and highest paid entertainers. His shows in the past received rave reviews, mostly above criticism and cynicism. Let's face it, it's probably not always been easy to be "Mr. Las Vegas" - especially before the Big Vegas Boom that started the early 90s.

There are some things about Wayne Newton that kind of make me cringe. Like his legendary battle with Johnny Carson, which even he admits hurt him more than Carson. And he's barely spoken to his brother after a rift when they were kids and performed together.

And then there are things that impress me. His tours with the USO and commitment to entertaining troops, for example. And how many entertainers do you know play 13 instruments? Or have performed 25,000 shows in Las Vegas... and that number was recorded over 16 years ago! Not unlike the history of Vegas, the history of Wayne Newton seems complex with peaks and valleys.

And there are still chapters to unfold before he hangs up the tux. Right now, it seems like Mr. Las Vegas still loves performing, and that's the main reason why he's on stage. I would hate to think that he will need to continue to perform for financial reasons long after he's ready to retire. I wish him luck and hope he can ride into the sunset on one of his beautiful Arabian horses... once before he goes.

Viva,
Mike

Marie Osmond

I've gotta be honest. I've never been a big fan of the Osmonds. The whole variety show, the whole Mormon thing, the cheesy 70's factor - it just never worked for me. I grew up in the 70s, and when I look back at that error, there's a lot that makes me cringe (disco, bell bottoms... I could go on here). And when I heard that Donnie & Marie were headlining a show at the Flamingo, I was not enthused.

But recent events have made me respect Marie Osmond. Her adopted son, Michael Blosil, took his own life on February 26th after a long bout with depression. She was obviously devastated. But yesterday she returned to the stage with her brother and fought tears to complete the performance.

Guts. That's the only thing that comes to mind. Me? I would've crawled up into a ball and not come out for a long time. But many entertainers work through their pain, their tragedies just as they celebrate their triumphs and successes. It's part of their job.

Las Vegas plays a unique role in all of this. Most entertainers travel from place to place, night after night and try to make each show special for a specific city. They miss their kids' birthdays, their anniversaries, and the comforts of being home. But Las Vegas flips that dynamic. Audiences come from all over, and the entertainers stay in one place. It's where you go once you've "made it" and you're tired of trains, planes and tour buses.

Still, I can't imagine working through such a tragic event. Michael was only 18. 18. But Marie got up there and sang her heart out Tuesday night anyway. It's what she does. Now I'm not going to run out and buy every Donnie & Marie cd or download their songs to my iPod, but I have a lot of respect for Marie. And my heart goes out to her and her family.

Viva,
Mike

Something for Everyone

Hi Vegas fans,

My BIG TRIP to the Strip is coming up in a little over two weeks. I'm approaching a milestone birthday, and for this adventure, my family is going to be joining me. The star-studded cast is growing.

It started with my sister and brother-in-law, who are Vegas fans and have been there a few times. They convinced my parents to join us. Then my aunt, uncle and a cousin threw their hats in the ring. Now there's rumors that another cousin, with his wife and young kids, are coming, too. And he's trying to convince my oldest brother to come along. Add to that my wife and my best buddy, Steve, and I've got an entourage!

The good news is that we're all in agreement that we can do whatever we want while we're there and that we don't have to be joined at the hip. We have some fun activities planned for the group, but for the most part we have no agenda. I've got a pretty good idea of how I want to spend my time, but when I get to Vegas I never really know what will happen. Maybe that's the best part!

Some of these folks are Vegas veterans, and some haven't been in a long time. I'm sure they'll ask me questions about this or that because I've written the book, and I hope I can help. But for the most part, Vegas is about exploration. This trip will prove that no matter what you like to do, no matter who is in your entourage, and no matter when you go to Vegas, it's about fun and escape. Well, that and $5 blackjack and craps at the Strat, with a rum and Coke in my hand.

Viva,
Mike

Vegas Giveaways!

Hi Vegas fans,

As February winds down, I hope you will partake in my scavenger hunt for your chance to win a Vegas luggage tag. I've given one away for the last 18 months. These hand tags come with a plastic tie to fasten to your favorite bag. I have one on my duffel bag, my suitcase, and my laptop bag, which I throw around quite a bit, but the tag still looks great.

Also, you can win a free t-shirt if you cast your vote in my poll to determine which show I should see (Wayne Newton or Viva Elvis at Aria) in March. Right now, Wayne is in the lead, but the King is closing.

I hope you enjoy the fun stuff, the free stuff, the informative stuff, and the goofy stuff on the site. It's a lot of fun writing and researching Vegas, and I appreciate your participation and your feedback!

Viva,
Mike

Who You Callin' a Planet Ho? and Other Random Topics...

Hi Vegas Fans,

A few notes from the Las Vegas Advisor:

Harrah's purchased Planet Hollywood, and the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) approved it. A personal request to the powers that be at Harrah's: please don't screw it up! I have an impending sense of boredom already and you haven't even turned it into a ho-hum property yet.

McCarran Airport may be applying for a liquor license to help increase revenue for its owner, the Clark County Commission. It would be the only airport in the US with a liquor store. My thoughts: Liquor? By the baggage claim? It would help when you have to wait for your bag, which is always the last one on that rotating carousel of lost souls. Actually, the liquor would be for "offsite" consumption only. Still, this is a great idea!

Other news:

Kindle is going berry. Blackberry, that is. Probably feeling pressure from the iPad, Kindle now has a free app for the Blackberry. This is a smart move for them, and good news for those of us who publish on Kindle (think of the increased distribution!).

I hope a lot of people take advantage of this free app - it's the perfect fit for travelers who need information at their fingertips. Let's say you're at the Strat playing $5 Blackjack and you want to know what time the next Bellagio fountain show starts. Simply look it up on Simplifying Las Vegas. Then, look up the phone number to Olive's and call them for a reservation for a yummy dinner after you watch the fountains. All on your Blackberry.

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

Viva,

Mike

Of Gilley's and Mechanical Bulls

Hi Vegas fans,

My source for important news, the Las Vegas Advisor, had a tidbit recently that made me most happy. It seems that Phil Ruffin, the guy who made a killing selling the Frontier at the right time (right before the market went south) and purchased Treasure Island (TI) at the perfect time (when the market went farther south than Key West), is opening a Gilley's at TI in April.

Yes, that Gilley's chain. The one that John Travolta hung out at in Urban Cowboy and the one where Debra Winger rode the mechanical bull, threatening his very manhood. I'm excited about the whole Gilley's and mechanical bull thing at TI.

No, I am not interested in riding the bull. I am about as much of an Urban Cowboy as... well, John Travolta in one of his other movies (maybe Saturday Night Fever). But, one of Gilley's finer attractions is bikini-clad ladies riding it.

In the last days of the Frontier, my buddy Steve and I hung out at the joint and wanted to spend a few of our entertainment dollars on the promise of some quality Bikini Bull Riding. We had just lost some money playing blackjack and craps, and the Russian cocktail waitress already knew me by my drink ("Rum and Coke?"). Needless to say, we were at the tables too long.

So we lined up for the big event only to find out that the bull was broken that night, and there would be no Bikini Bull Riding, or any sort of clothed or unclothed bull riding for that matter. Dang! What was a cowpoke to do? As I recall, I had been awake for approximately 16 straight days, so maybe it was time to call it a night.

Just a note to Phil... if the bull at TI is not functional by the time they open Gilley's, I will be very, very disappointed.

Viva,
Mike

iPad: A Perfect Tool for a Vegas Travel Guide

Hi Vegas fans,

Wednesday, Steve Jobs showed us a demonstration of his newest toy: the iPad. The iPad will include iBooks, Apple's version of electronic books. Currently, there are only a handful of publishers that will have books available on the iPad.

Here's a request from me directly to Apple. Please, allow self-publishers to create dynamic books in the same manner you invite developers to create apps. This only makes sense. The iPad has incredible maps and, of course, all the advantages that the world wide wonderful has to offer.

So, why limit iBooks to a two-dimensional, black-and-white copy on a page? Kindle already does this. And while I love Kindle (and by the way I'm keeping mine and I will continue to publish my book via Amazon), it does have a few drawbacks for a book like mine.

Any travel guide should be interactive and serve two purposes. First, it should help people shop for and prepare for a vacation. Second, it should show travelers what they can do once they arrive. So, a useful travel guide will be one that people read before they go on vacation and one that they will use when they get there as a reference. In both cases, a Kindle or an iPad are great gadgets for fulfilling these needs because of their portability. However, the iPad can really shine in this arena.

Think about it this way. Suppose you have never been to Las Vegas. You read Simplifying Las Vegas on your iPad, and you see the street-level view of the Bellagio fountains. Then you tap on a link that takes you to a YouTube video of them. You decide that this is really a cool place and you think you want to stay there, but you want a comparison with other hotels. You look at a Hotels table, and swipe your hand and across a "Price" column to see how the Bellagio stacks up against other hotels. When you're ready to book, you either tap on a link that takes you directly to their booking site, or you select another link that takes you to package deals where you can book your flight and rental car.

It's all right there, and it's interactive. That is what travel books will become, and the sooner iBooks and the iPad support us travel nuts who are ready to develop and write these books, the better. So, Mr. Jobs, I'm here and I'm ready. You can call me any time. Or just visit my website. 8)

Viva,

Mike