Big Dreams

Hi Vegas fans,
I've been watching America's Got Talent on NBC. As you may have read in some of my other blogs, I'm not huge on reality shows. However, I do like talent shows and great stories. And there are plenty on this show.

From the fun to the fantastic, there will be a lot of amazing acts in Las Vegas. Tonight I was really moved by a number of stories behind the acts. But the one that really stuck in my mind was the last one, Andrew De Leon. Dressed in all black and looking very goth, Andrew cited Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie as influences. So of course he sings... opera! He had never sung in front of anyone before, and he belted out a beautiful Puccini tune "O mio babbino caro" ("Oh my beloved father") and was just fantastic.

He was a young man with very little confidence, saying "I'm not good at anything." And now he's going to Vegas on a talent show. We've all heard the cliches before... If you can dream it, you can do it. Dream big. Follow your dreams. But until you believe in yourself, and until you pursue your goals and persist in them when the chips are down, they don't seem real.

I always talk about Vegas as an escape. But of course it's about dreams, too. Dreams of winning big, of putting a few dollars in a slot machine and hitting it big. True, very few people walk out of a casino with the jackpot, and most of us lose more than we win. But we believe, so we go back. And we'll keep going back.

"It's not that you are good at something..." Howie Mandel said to Andrew, "you are great at something." True. Good for you, Andrew. Best wishes. We'll see you in Vegas.

Viva,
Mike

Memorial Day in Las Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,
Memorial Day is one of the biggest holidays in Las Vegas. This year, there are some huge pool openings, and visitation is up for the 16th month in a row. All that adds up to big crowds, which is great news for the casinos, but it may be frustrating for you. I try to stay away from Vegas on big holidays because I don't like my personal space shared with 30 gazillion of my not-so-closest friends, but I'd never shy away from a few days in Sin City. So if you are going this weekend, here are some things to do when you need a break from elbow-to-elbow contact:

Visit the outskirts. If you still want to get your gamble on, you don't have to fight for a seat at a blackjack table on the Strip or downtown. You can take a 5 - 20 minute drive (or take a taxi, limo, public transportation, etc.) to an off-Strip resort. My suggestion? The further the better. You'll get good deals, avoid crowds and still have a lot fun. Here are two that will make you feel like you are center Strip without costing you an arm and a leg: M Resort, Red Rock Resort.

Take a little trip. There's plenty to do outside of the city, and if you've never explored it because you can't take yourself away from the video poker machines, now might be a good time to try. Whether you like the great outdoors or the city streets, you don't have to go far or spend a ton of money to enjoy a vacation within your vacation. Here are some of my favorite hot spots: Red Rock Canyon, Grand Canyon, Neon Museum.

Relax. Now, the pools will be filled to the brim. A relaxing spa appointment, especially in the cool of the indoors, may be in order. It will be difficult to get one at the more popular resorts, but if you call one of the ones off-Strip, you might get lucky.

Whatever you do this weekend, whether it be in Vegas or anywhere else, please be safe and have fun. These three-day holidays don't come often enough, so give yourself some time to do the things you love best. And when all else fails, remember my motto... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike

5 Ways To Enjoy a Las Vegas Vacation on a Budget

Hi Vegas fans,
As visitation and revenue continue to rise in Las Vegas, I expect hotel prices, food, entertainment, etc. to go up as well. However, that doesn't mean that you should avoid a trip, regardless of your budget. Here are my top 5 ways why you can still enjoy a sensational Sin City vacation.

1. Shop early for your trip. Whether you are searching for hotel + flight + more, or if you just need a place to rest your head at night, the sooner you book the better. I typically plan my trips 6 - 12 months ahead of time and get some great deals. And a window seat on the plane.


2. Clip those coupons. Vegas is one of those cities where you can find discounts at every turn. Some of your coupon clipping will be virtual because the deals are online. But don't forget to check out the magazines and coupon books in your room, too. They often have a few hidden gems in them. Finally, check out the Las Vegas Advisor and consider a membership. For an online subscription, it's only $37, and you get a Palms 50% discount comp that can pretty much cover the cost of the membership, so it's worth it.


3. Check out Tix 4 Tonight. You can get 1/2 off shows and restaurants. I know what you're thinking... crummy shows and diner dives, right? Nope! Good stuff, like Cirque du Soleil and Spago. You have to check out the daily list, so plan to get to one of their many Strip/downtown locations early.


4. Avoid cabs, if you can. I'm a big proponent of renting a car in Las Vegas. It's inexpensive, gives me plenty of freedom, and I don't have to wait in line with 20,000 other people waiting for a cab outside of a crowded casino.


5. Relax. This is the hardest one for me. I like to go, go, go when I'm in Vegas. The problem is that I get tired (especially as I get older - gasp!) and then I tend to make bad decisions. For example, I'll spend more money at the tables when I'm tired. I know people who will just buy something when they are tired because they don't want to check out bargains at other stores. You have to pace yourself, and don't forget that the pool, people watching, and the free shows at the hotels (like the Bellagio fountains, bird sanctuary at Flamingo, and the Mirage volcano) are excellent ways to stop and smell the roses.

I hope you can plan a trip to Las Vegas this year. I can't guarantee that you'll come out ahead financially, but I bet you'll have a great time.
Viva,
Mike

Another Great Trip to Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,
I'm on my flight home, so it's a good time to reflect on my latest Vegas adventure. First, my longtime friend and fellow degenerate gambler Steve picked me up at the airport, and we checked in with ease at Caesars. I usually stay somewhere a little less classy, but my sister and brother-in-law gave me some comped rooms. Lucky me! I hoped that luck would continue with games of chance.

I started off with a great run at blackjack and craps at my beloved Stratosphere. Steve and I both left the joint in high spirits Friday night! Saturday took a turn for the worse, and we had to lick our wounds a bit. I won one of my NCAA Final Four bets (Louisville somehow held on to lose by 8, so the 1/2 point saved me). Ohio State let me down, but after hours of basketball (note to CBS. - enough already with the TV timeouts),I had only lost two dollars. I wish I could say the same for the blackjack and craps sessions at Excalibur and the trip downtown to Binions and Las Vegas Club. Ouch. Still, I managed to stay in the black, as did Steve.

On Sunday, I stayed about even for the day while Steve continued to win. I was wondering what his secret was until I realized he was stealing chips. Just kidding. The way we play the games, it's really all about timing and knowing when to stop. Steve's very good at that, and I improve with each trip.

On Monday, we hoped to cash in on the men's championship game. I bet Kansas +6.5, and Steve did the same plus a few other bets. We had a chance to cash, but Kansas missed a 3 pointer in the final eleven seconds and, alas, they lost by 8.

Overall, I came out a few dollars ahead, which is a nice feeling. Steve came out way ahead, which is an even nicer feeling. He gambled a little bit more on Tuesday mornning to add to his winnings, but I played it safe and stayed away from the tables. We were nowhere near a $5 blackjack table, or I might have considered it. I wanted to stay ahead, and craps is a little too risky when my profits are razor thin.

So instead I took some pictures(coming soon to Flickr) and visited the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery. The Monet Impressionist exhibit was outstanding! I'm glad I got to see it. For me, Vegas is all about knowing how I want to have fun. It's not a matter of whether or not I'm going to enjoy it, but it's how I'm entertained. Do I want to gamble? See a show? Go to a gallery? Have a few beers at a bar? It's all right there. That's why I wrote my book - to make it simple to find the things people like to do when they are in the most exciting city in the world.
Viva,
Mike

Tropicana Changes

Hi Vegas fans,
Not long ago, I was singing the praises of the Tropicana, noting how much they were doing to change an older, kind of run down place into a new, hip Miami-beach themed hotel. Well... it has not been working out so great for them. I'm kind of surprised, because despite the idea that themes were much more popular in the 1990s in Las Vegas than they are now, the facelift and renovations seemed to be just what the ol' joint needed. Alas.

There have been numerous changes since the fall of 2011. Out went Nikki Beach, Brad Garrett's Comedy Club, Gladys Knight and - for a while - the Mob Experience (not to be confused with the Mob Museum, which opened to much fanfare in February 2012).  But they are trying.

The Mob Experience re-opened, and the Las Vegas Advisor recently reported that Hollywood's Laugh Factory comedy club will take over Brad Garrett's spot. Nikki Beach may be gone, but SPF (unofficially it stands for Swim Play Flirt) is following the trend toward sexier, adult-themed party pools. Although it's not a topless venue, I would not be surprised if the coming expansion includes some kind of topless experience. The Bagatelle Beach and Nightclub will replace the current, short-lived RPM nightclub on April 1.

So here's what I love about the Trop and about Vegas. There's a sense of optimism. When one opportunity doesn't work, there is always another idea and another reason to get excited. Las Vegas works very hard to capture your hard-earned entertainment dollars. They are persistent and determined to make things happen. And in a city where there is a LOT of things happening, that can be tough. But they're trying. That's good news for those of us who like to visit Las Vegas and be entertained. Just sit back and watch it happen.

I'll be soaking it in again soon. I can't wait to visit the Trop and see what's happening there. I'll be sure to report back and let you know. Until then, remember the most important thing... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Mike Tyson's One Man Show

Former heavyweight champ, Mike Tyson, will perform his one-man show, entitled "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth - Live on Stage" at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas April 13-18. Ironically, the MGM is the same venue that Tyson got hungry and decided to snack on Evander Hollyfield's ear in a 1997 bout.

It's always a little disappointing to me to see an exceptional athlete or entertainer peak so quickly and then decline even faster. It is difficult to stay at the top - there are always people chasing you, critics, distractions - but it seems the faster they rise, the harder they fall (see Lindsay Lohan).

I'm not sure what to make of Tyson's decision to venture into theatrical performance. From the interviews I have seen with him lately, he's trying to turn his life around. And much like Wayne Newton, there are reasons I want to pull for him, I want him to do well. It would be too easy to want him to fail and then say "he had it coming." I like success stories.

But I'm not sure this is the way to do it. It seems odd to me that he has taken this path to try to turn the tables and reach out to people. I'm always a little leery of people seeking the spotlight to regain favor after it was the very same spotlight that showed their flaws. It does take guts, though, and that's something that Tyson has a-plenty. It still seems strange, though... but after all, life is pretty strange.

Viva,
Mike

Where to Sit at a Blackjack Table

Hi Vegas fans,
The Las Vegas Advisor recently posted a Question of the Day about the best seat at a blackjack table. As usual, they were right on in their response. If you are an LVA member, log in and search the QoD archives for Blackjack and you'll see it. If you aren't an LVA member, I encourage you to join. If nothing else, you'll get a coupon book that far outweighs the cost of membership.

Back to blackjack. This is one of my favorite venues of entertainment in Vegas. Over the years I've learn to enjoy it even more for one simple reason: I relax when I'm at a blackjack table. In my younger days, I worried about losing too much money, about other players at the table, about the dealer, the pit boss and the eye in the sky. Now I only worry if my drinks aren't coming fast enough.

There's a theory that the last seat to the right of the dealer ("third base") is the best place at the table. Now, if you are counting cards, it's probably true because you get to see all of the cards dealt and have more time to figure out whether the count is favorable or unfavorable before it's time to play your hand. However, you've already made your bet, and a big part of card counting is making your wager based on the count, so it really doesn't matter all that much for the current hand.

The misconception with third base is that you get to control the action, and if you play the hand "correctly" you either save the table or make everyone lose. Players look at you and if they win, you are a hero, but if they lose, you are the goat. Truth is, someone who plays well or badly at third base or first base or any seat in-between has little affect on your outcome. Studies have shown time after time that the way you play the cards has the most influence on whether or not you come out ahead or in the red, regardless of what the other players at the table are doing.

I'm reminded of a recent trip where I was at a table at Excalibur with my friend Steve. He was losing pretty badly, but I was keeping my head above water. I was sitting at third base and a guy who looked like Harry Carey was at first base (Harry's been dead for years, so we knew it wasn't him). He was making all of the classic "bad moves" in blackjack, but I was doing ok anyway. Steve took a break, and I kept playing because I was winning. And I probably had a rum and Coke coming to me, so I couldn't walk away just yet.

I remember at one point being slightly annoyed, going against everything I just talked about, because Harry made a bad move and I lost a hand. But then I told myself, it's ok - it didn't have anything to do with him. A few hands later, I had a perfect hand to double-down. My rum and Coke arrived, and I had a good feeling. Harry hit on a hand he shouldn't have and got a 10. If you play blackjack, you know what was running through my mind: "He stole my 10!" I got a crummy card on my double-down, but the dealer busted and I won. The way the cards played out on that particular round, if Harry had not taken a hit, I would have lost my double down.

I colored up (turned in my lower denomination chips for a higher one) and cashed out. I met Steve in the sports book and told him my victory story. We had a good laugh. It was a great moment in gambling history. That's why I love blackjack, and that's why I relax at the table.

My advice? Find a nearly-full table (so that the hands, and your money, last longer) that looks comfortable and fun. Sit down, relax and have a great time. It's Vegas, and you can't let someone else dictate whether or not you are enjoying yourself.

Viva,
Mike

Me? Wrong?

Hi Vegas fans,
I've never had a problem admitting when I'm wrong. I'm not too proud to say I'm sorry when I've made a mistake and to ask for forgiveness. And believe me, I've had some doosies. Especially lately. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.

So let me say that I hope that I'm wrong about Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC). I've been railing on them for years. Mostly because I don't like their gaming rules and policies. But they had their IPO this past week, and the stock went for almost $18/share. I'm rooting for them. I hope they raise the cash they need to make their venture very profitable. If this and their other investments pay off, they will have a pretty good claim as the #1 chain on the Strip.

Now on the one hand, that scares me because it might shut out good competition and therefore make gaming worse. But on the other hand, if they do this right, other properties will have to up their games or change the game, which may mean favorable results for players and Vegas travelers in general. In any event, I do hope that in a year from now, I'm writing a post saying that the CEC gamble worked, and I was wrong. Won't be the first time. Probably won't be the last.

Viva,
Mike

Re"new" Your Next Trip to Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,
Sometimes you can get into a rut, even when it comes to your vacations. If you wind up staying at the same places, playing the same games, going to the same restaurants, it can get old. The good news is that even if you travel to Las Vegas frequently, you can enjoy new experiences every time you go.

For one thing, there are new venues opening in Vegas all the time, even while construction has stalled on many hotel/condo projects. The current hotels are constantly changing, too. They are always adding new clubs, updating their rooms and the casino floor, and renovating restaurants, shows... well, you get the idea.

Soon, for example, you will see the free Lion Habitat display at the MGM disappear. No, it's not a Criss Angel illusion, it's a way for the MGM to take out something that's been around for a long time and doesn't generate any money and replace it with retail space. Word on the street is it's going to be part of a giant nightclub... In any event, you can always find something new in Las Vegas. Sometimes you have to look harder for it, but usually you just have to keep your eyes open.

And speaking of new things and keeping your eyes open, check out the new photo on my website, an excellent shot of Caesars, Paris and Bellagio with the fountains at rest, taken by Doug Cook.
Viva,
Mike

Super Bowl Should be Super

Hi Vegas fans,
Hope you are ready to watch a great game today. The Pats are about -3 at most books in Vegas, although some lines have them at -2.5. Whether you are betting on the game, watching it, or just watching the commercials, I hope you enjoy the festivities of this great tradition. I enjoy my Super Bowls with a few Sam Adams and many heavily salted food snacks. Yum. Now I just hope that tomorrow morning I'm not too tired to go to work!
Viva,
Mike

Celebrate!

Hi Vegas fans,
It's always a good time to go to Vegas, but when you have something cool to celebrate, it's even better. Now first let's start off with a reality check (translation? not so great news here...). If you are going to Las Vegas for your birthday, for example, you're not going to get a lot of love from the casinos these days. Flash you driver's license and maybe they'll give you a free drink or a discount at a restaurant. But in terms of gambling comps, you won't get anything special. If you don't seem to be getting any free stuff, don't give up. The key to scoring discounts in Las Vegas, much like life, is persistence.

Don't keep knocking on the same door, though. Pit bosses and hotel managers get requests all the time, and the truth is they are either going to give you something or they won't budge. What I mean by persistence is keep trying to get stuff at other places. Chances are you'll be hopping from casino to casino, from club to club, from restaurant to restaurant in your celebratory mode, right? So when you hit a new place, show your ID and tell them your story. Make it good. They have heard "it's my birthday, can I get a free drink?" Try adding something unique and original and you'll have a better chance.

Even if you can't something for free, don't let it get you down. Just do what I do. Plan to have the most fantastic time you've ever had. Do the things that you want to do. Take advantage of the fact that it's your special day and milk it. Remember, Vegas is the escape that you deserve after working hard day after day. So when you're there, enjoy it to the fullest.

Viva,
Mike

Consumer Electronics Show Wraps at Convention Center

Hi Vegas fans,
I'm a bit of a techie... not a really big nut - I save that insanity for my love of Vegas. But I do keep up with the latest trends. And there isn't a bigger show for tech fans than CES every year. One of my favorite items this year is Samsung's  OLED TV. It's 55 inches and less than half an inch thick. Wow. If it gets any thinner, you'll have to put it on a couple of slices of bread and call it a sandwich.


I find some of the stats about the show as amazing as the actual products. Here are just a few:

• 1.86 Million Net Square Feet of Exhibit Space - the largest in its history
• Product launches from more than 3,100 exhibitors 
• More than 20,000 product announcements

I hope this is a positive sign for the electronics industry and for Las Vegas. I mean, those folks at the show will probably spend some time away from the exhibit floor and on the casino floor. I know I would.


Viva,
Mike

Resolutions

Hi Vegas fans,
So it is about that time of year. I know, I know, you and I have both made promises and then not kept them. But this year, I'm looking for a fresh start. I mean it this time.

I'm not sharing my personal New Year's resolution, but I do have Vegas resolutions. Here they are:

• Enjoy every minute in Las Vegas. Time goes by so fast, especially when you're having fun. I resolve to really savor every moment and let it sink into my soul.
• Give Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC) a break. I rail on them pretty hard, mostly because their gambling rules are not favorable compared to other properties. Their hotels are pretty nice, though (well, most of them), and their entertainment is top notch. Two out of three ain't bad.
• Take more pictures. Capturing the moment in Vegas is key to a good shot, and there is always something fun going on, so I want to do a better job of finding some fun stuff on film (well, digital film anyway).
• Explore more new stuff. I like to try new things while I am in Las Vegas, but I don't do enough of it. There doesn't seem to be enough time, but sleep is for the timid.

Well, that's a short list, but I have a feeling I'm missing some. Maybe you can help me. What are some of your Vegas resolutions?
Viva,
Mike

Simplifying Las Vegas Hot in 2011-2012

Happy New Year's, Vegas fans!
I hope you had a wonderful New Year's and are ready to face the best year ever! I know I am.

I am a lucky guy. SLV rocked in 2011, selling over 470 copies (over 50 in December!) So far, 2012 looks promising, too, with a handful of sales already. Thanks to you, SLV fans, for your continued support! I look forward to updating the travel guide and my site as Vegas continues to change and grow this year.

Think about booking your next trip to Sin City soon because discount prices will start to disappear. Look for room rates to rise - hotel chains can't afford to offer rock-bottom rates for long periods of time, so the prices will likely climb for a while. The good news is that you can still find an affordable vacation to Vegas in a number of ways, including package deals, discount codes that you can find on the Internet, and comps from your play. The important thing is to... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

Ready for New Year's, Vegas fans?

Hi all,
With Christmas in the rear-view window and Santa taking a well-deserved break, it's time to start thinking about the New Year. What's in store for 2012? If you are a Vegas fanatic, you'll notice a lot of activity this year. The trend toward upscale and fancy-pants continues, especially on the Strip, with new nightclubs in the works for many MGM properties, new restaurants (of course) to whet your appetite, and the inevitable switcharoo for entertainment venues.

So far, we know that Barry Manilow is leaving Paris (... and Las Vegas until at least July). Jersey Boys will fill the vacancy at Paris, leaving a hole in Palazzo. Shel Adelson is also losing entertainment at Venetian: Blue Man Group is moving to Monte Carlo.

These are just a few of the changes that occur regularly in Las Vegas. It's hard to keep up with what's going on in Sin City, so stay tuned and I'll keep you posted on all the news. In the mean time, you are probably thinking about that next trip and how you will win enough money in 2012 to finally pay off the Christmas credit cards. Or, maybe you are planning a trip to brave the crowds and stay in Vegas for New Year's Eve (if so, I hope you like sharing your personal space with about a gazillion people... it will be a little cozy and difficult to get around, so be prepared!).

Whatever your plans, I wish you the best for 2012! If you are planning a trip to Vegas, post a reply here and let us know what you are most looking forward to, when you plan on visiting, and anything else you'd like to share with the rest of us Vegas nuts. The more the merrier.

Oh and by the way... for those of you who received Amazon.com gift cards or Barnes & Noble gift cards for the holidays, I hope you consider purchasing my book. It's only $4.99, so you will still have some left over to read all about that girl with the dragon tattoo or another book of your choice.

Viva,
Mike

The Most Wonderful Time of Year

Hi Vegas fans,
I hope you all are ready for the holidays this year! The good news is that the holidays come whether we are ready or not. Have you done all of your shopping for your favorite fanatical Vegas friends and family? I have. Yes, I'm done! Well, just about... I still have a few things I need to pick up, but they are easy gifts. For some of my friends, I like to give a nice gift card, be it iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or a nice restaurant.

If you are concerned that gift cards are not as romantic or caring as another gift, they can be a great complement to something else. Also, they are eco-friendly. And finally, they can be a way for the people receiving them to pick out whatever they want. Remember when Aunt Clara gave you tube socks and (hopefully new) underwear last year? Wouldn't it have been cooler if she got you a gift card to amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com instead so that you could have purchased your own tube socks and (hopefully new) underwear? I think so.

If you want something a little more personal but are running out of time to get to the stores or to have something shipped for an astronomical price to arrive on time, think about this: you can purchase a book and send it as a gift electronically. I think the recipients will find any e-book a really fun and unique gift. Plus, you save on some of that fancy wrapping paper.

Both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com have electronic book delivery that you can give as gifts. Even if your friends and family don't have electronic book readers, they can still read books on a smart phone, tablet or any computer by downloading the free apps for Kindle or Nook. If you have a Vegas nut on your list who has been extra good (or extra naughty if you are into that kind of thing... I am), then I hope you consider giving my book through the Amazon or Barnes and Noble programs as a gift. At $4.99, it's a steal.

I will be back soon to wish you Happy Holidays in another blog soon. For now, I wish you much luck in your mad dash to finish your shopping. In case you are wondering what to get me, I would like all-expenses paid stay at the Wynn in the penthouse suite. I don't think that's asking for too much.

Viva,
Mike

A Few of My Favorite Things

Hi Vegas Fans,
During the holidays, I am reminded of My Favorite Things - not so much the song from The Sound of Music, but more from jazz legend John Coltrane's sweet tenor sax in the album of the same name, released in 1961. My Favorite Things is one of my favorite things... hang with me, I'm going somewhere with this.

 

I always like to look back and reflect on the year and share some of my thoughts as well as look ahead to the coming year. For a lot of reasons, this has been a challenging year for me. It has made my trips to Las Vegas that much more meaningful. I feel so fortunate that I get to escape reality, which tends to smack me in the face from time to time, and visit the un-real world of the Strip, downtown, and outskirts of the most exciting city in the world.

Here is a short list of my favorite Vegas things from 2011, in no particular order:

• Playing $5 blackjack and craps and enjoying a few rum and cokes, especially at the Stratosphere. It's all about the atmosphere, and the Strat has a lot of creative characters roaming the floor. Good times. 
• Hanging with my best friend and fellow degenerate gambler, Steve. We have been going to Vegas for over 20 years, and we typically enjoy the same goofy stuff and craziness of the wonderful world of Sin City.
• Betting on my sports team and yelling at TVs as if they can hear me. It is amazing to me that the quarterback doesn't throw the ball to avoid the sack no matter how loudly I try to persuade him.
• Walking the Strip at sunrise. I am one of those annoying morning people who likes to get up as dawn cracks and head to Starbucks or the Peppermill for a nice breakfast. There are two kinds of people you encounter at this hour: runners and crazy vagrants. It's a good mix.
• Eating at Battista's Hole in the Wall. Yeah, I get arguments against this one from time to time. Foodies like to turn their noses up at this place. But for me, it's more about the tradition and atmosphere. I always enjoy the wine with my dinner, and I love when Gordie the accordion player stops by my table to play a tune. In a city where history is reduced to rubble with a flip of a switch, I'm hoping that this place doesn't change for a while.
• Visiting Red Rock Canyon. Check out my pics on Flickr. It was a really beautiful day.
• Enjoying Bellagio's Fine Art Gallery. The last one of its kind on the Strip. I'm no art expert, but I know what I like. They consistently show the best masterpieces by classic artists - from Picasso to Lichtenstein to everyone in between.
• Finishing Simplifying Las Vegas 2012. Just in the St. Nick of time.

I could go on and on here, but you get the idea. Whether you like to people watch, eat good food, gamble, party or sit by the pool and catch some rays, Las Vegas is a great getaway. I look forward to my next trip. I'm already planning it.

When I count my good fortunes, and yes I do have a lot of them even when times are more difficult, I often include how grateful I am that I get to go to Vegas and enjoy some of my favorite things.

Please feel free to post some of your favorite Vegas things... you can post anonymously if your boss or spouse also follows this blog.
Viva,
Mike

Happy Thanksgiving, Vegas Fans!

It's that time of year again. I know when you are in Vegas, you are thankful for winning a double-down at the blackjack table, hitting your point at craps, getting a royal in video poker, or hitting a jackpot on the slots. And I'm sure you are also thankful for friends and family and all of the good stuff in life.

I am too. And although this has been a challenging year for me in many ways, I'm still thankful. In addition to the stuff I mention above, I'm thankful that Simplifying Las Vegas has been successful this year, and I'm very appreciative of the people who have visited my site, sent me comments, joined me on Facebook and Twitter, and purchased my travel guide.

Finally, I am thankful that my Simplifying Las Vegas 2012 travel guide is almost done! I can't wait to publish it. It's got some new stuff in it, more tips, and cleaner formatting. Best of all, it will be easy to read on your tablet, smart phone, Kindle or Nook. It should be ready in about a week (maybe less if I skip the pumpkin pie tonight and get some more work done before the tryptophan kicks in).

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Viva,
Mike

Kindle Fire

For those of you who enjoy Vegas on the go, there is a new electronic reader on the market. Amazon has introduced Fire (what is it with these folks and lighting things aflame?) to their line of Kindles. It is kind of like a Nook color and kind of like a tablet, too, with advanced web-browsing technology.

The market for all of these devices is getting pretty crowded, and it will be interesting to see if one comes out on top as the leader. I think the important thing is that whatever device you use, for whatever purpose (reading, browsing, gaming, etc.) that developers have to make their applications work well on multiple platforms.

That is why I am working so hard on SLV 2012. It will be available on all devices because I write it in HTML and I also have it available as a PDF. I can't wait to publish it!

Viva,
Mike

Coming Soon: Simplifying Las Vegas 2012

Hi Vegas Fans,

I'm hard at work these days, so if you don't see a ton of blog posts it's not because I'm avoiding you. It's because I'm hard at work updating my website/book. It's a lot of fun, but it's also very labor-intensive. I want to give you the most up-to-date information I can in an easy-to-read electronic format that you can surf on a number of electronic devices - Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPhone, laptop, desktop, Fisher Price My First Computer... well, you get the picture.

My target date is October 15th for the new 2012 version of the book. Now, I'm saying that, but it's a bit ambitious. There's a lot that has to happen between now and then. But if I don't put a date out there, I won't have something to shoot for, so I might as well.

In the mean time, if there's anything you would like to see in a 2012 Las Vegas travel guide, shoot me an email or post a comment here (btw... posting a comment is a lot easier now - you don't need to log in via Google or any other account.)

So... enough blogging for now. I gotta get back to work.
Viva,
Mike