Vegas Notes December

Here are some rough unorganized notes for Vegas in December. Ask if you are curious about any part of them. I am saving them here more for me than for readers

TO DO TO DO TO DO

set up buffet list of prices and call to see if 2 for 1 can be split in half in Vegas and in Laughlin.

Print out DDB sheets for 10/6 games. They have this at Gold Coast. The strategy must be close to DB strategy.

print in and out secret menu

walking to the In N Out at Dean Martin at Tropicana is easy, just stay on the Excalibur (south) side of Tropicana Ave. There are sidewalks the whole way (about a 15 min. walk) except for one I-15 ramp (about 15 ft. wide) that you have to cross.


POKER POKER POKER

O' Shea's has a one dollar blind spread limit game. 1-5 dollar. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Dewey, you might like to know that the Excalibur poker room also runs a 2-6 spread limit game, though it's really not like the El Cortez 1-3-6 game. Also, you might like to know that much of the poker in Laughlin is spread limit format.

Of course, Excalibur takes a 4+1 rake, for a total drop which is twice the $2.50 cap at Jackie's downtown joint, and a peculiarity in Laughlin is that while it is common to only rake $3 for the house many of those rooms will drop $2 for the jackpot rake.


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VIDEO POKER VIDEO VIDEO

The Plaza and the Vegas Club clearly mark their VP machines that have 99% payouts. One at the Plaza has (DDB) with 6-10 payout. They are all multi-play machines and you have to sort thru them to find the good games.

Confirm Budget car rental including double upgrade LVA
Tim Arnold's Pinball Hall of Fame.
I just rode the bus there last week. Take the bus in front of Hooters on Tropicana east to Pecos. When you get off the bus, look back over your left shoulder and you'll see it. It's right across the street from the grocery store and nowhere near a half mile. It looked perfectly safe to me.

return bus
This one I can't answer since I walked west a few (normal sized, not Strip sized) blocks to the Gun Store to play with a machine gun, however there are stops every few blocks at most. Since you'll be in the area I recommend giving this a try as well. Both are on the north side of Tropicana and I'm sure somone there can tell you if the nearest stop is east or west but it likely won't make that much of a difference if you can't spot one from the street.

Also, that area of town is residential/light commercial so there's really nothing to be concerned about as far as safety, beyond the ususal warnings in any large city. Buses come about every 15-20 minutes during the week. I found the bus back to the Strip got very crowded on the ride back, I may have been heading there close to a shift change

PHoF Location

3330 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas NV 89121

North West corner of Tropicana and Pecos.

About 30 blocks (3 miles) from the 'strip' straight down Tropicana, about a 20 dollar taxi ride.

Next to the Tropicana Cinema 2 dollar movie theatre. If you somehow miss the machines staring at you through the window, its just around the corner from the movie theater, between the comic shop and Putters bar.

Hours & Contact Info

Hours: 11am till 11pm, Sunday to Thursday.

11am till Midnight, Friday and Saturday.

Telephone: N/A

Email: pinballhalloffame@msn.com

Much to my pleasant surprise, I discovered that the bar by the poker room in Bally�s serves draft Alaskan Amber Ale. That�s been my favorite since I discovered it in Seattle a few years ago, but it�s regional and I can�t get it in Texas. YUM!

Treasure Island gives $2 an hour on your card.

Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15 at 9 p.m. Squirrel Nut Zippers is a jazz and swing band formed in 1993. In 1996, they released the album Hot, selling more than 1 million copies.

ACG changes

Fremont Street Experience - One of the locations for redeeming this coupon has changed. The information booth in front of Binion's has closed and the coupon can now be redeemd at either the O2 Bar & Spa located at the Fremont Street Experience between Binion�s and the Golden Nugget, or at the Fremont Street Experience office located at 425 Fremont Street, 2nd Floor (above Walgreens).

Hard Rock - The Fab Five Pack is no longer available. Instead, you will get $10 in free slot play and a shuttle coupon book which contains a $10 match play, plus the following: other coupons: free deck of cards or pair of dice, free alcoholic beverage, 15% off at love jones, 2 for 1 cocktails at AJ's, 20% off at Pink Taco, 2 for 1 cocktails at Simon's, 20% off at Mr. Lucky's, free size up at Starbucks, free pool entrance mon-fri, 15% off services at Rock Spa, and complimentary admission to Body English.

Vegas Club - The coffee shop has closed. However, the 2-for-1 cheeseburger coupon is still being honored at the Great Moments Restaurant.

Better see the Gold Spike and play a little before it too is gone to renovation as a chic bouteque hotel.

Terribles slot tournament

CHEAP BREAKFAST AFTER POKER ON THE STRIP

8. Breakfast Special - 4 Locations - 12 am-11 am - $1.49

New to the Top Ten this month is a $1.49 breakfast special served from midnight to 11 am at the newly designated “Wild” Station casinos. At $1.49 for two eggs, two bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast, this is the best breakfast we’ve seen hereabouts in a while(d). The previous deal at WWW, which flirted with a listing, was $1.99 and ran from 11 to 11. This one’s nearly equal on the hours and better on the price, plus it’s available in four locations.

Good review of the 2-4 game at the Riviera.

Note that Terribles breakfast time ends at 10 AM
Breakfast 7am � 10am - $4.99
Lunch 11am � 3pm - $6.99
Dinner 4pm � 9pm - $9.99 $13 on Thursday
Sunday Brunch 7am � 3pm - $8.99
Saturday & Sunday - Champagne Brunch

Themed Dinners
Monday - Tuscany night
Tuesday - Cattleman�s BBQ Round-up
Wednesday - Country Kitchen
Thursday - Seafood Extravaganza* $13.00
Friday - Dinner buffet
Saturday - Dinner buffet
Sunday - Prime Rib & Shrimp

Plaza. It’s called, Viva Las Vegas. The first part of the show was OK to pretty good, but the comedian that does the last part of the show was great. Everyone was cracking up. I don’t laugh out loud too often, but this guy had me going.
The show is at two and four in the afternoons and they have coupons for two tickets for $5.

VEGAS CLUB
Vegas Club ACG- The coffee shop has closed. However, the 2-for-1 cheeseburger coupon is still being honored at the Great Moments Restaurant.

steak and lobster meal

Pasta Pirate in the Clalifornia downtown on the other hand is a very decent meal. Small sirloin and small lobster tail. The meal also comes with a loaf of fresh baked bread, soup or salad and a glass of house wine. Nice atmosphere and good service have always rounded out the meal.

Now you're not getting a prime cut of beef but it is a nice, but small sirloin. They have always managed to cook it medium rare like we enjoy it. Some places like to kill that steak twice when it's a small piece of beef. We generally go into the Pasta Pirate at least once during our visits to Vegas and to date have never been dissapointed. It's really hard to find consistancy from year to year on the inexpensive meals but somehow they've managed to maintain it at the Pasta Pirate.

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STATION CASINOS

Better call on ACG coupons

Steve

I have read on other boards that Fiesta, Red Rock Station and Boulder Station are no longer accepting LVA and ACG buffet coupons because of counterfeiting. Is this a system-wide decision by upper Station Casino management?

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LAUGHLIN

Edgewater has a $1.99 breakfast if you show your card
Colorado Belle has good barvecue:

For good Q, I chose Mark Twain's in the Colorado Belle casino. My wife had baby backs with brisket. Baby backs were a litlle overcooked, but very tasty. The brisket was to die for. I don't know how they could make it so tender and still be able to slice it so thinly. I has the St. Louis ribs with tri tip. The ribs were not fall off the bone, good texture and moist. They had a galze that was great. First the sweetness hits you, followed by the heat, and then a hint of fennel or anise. The trii tip was over cooked for me, but the smoke flavor was the best.

Basic bus information

Since we now have a fine special section for transportation and no bus posts, and since old posts have been lost, I thought I'd start a general bus thread. Perhaps you have other bus tricks or strategies to add.
I find downtown a frugal stay partly because I can get just about anywhere cheaply by bus. The DTC is air conditioned in hot months so I don't mind waiting there. It is often the beginning of a bus route so it is easy to know which way the bus will go.
Many visitors to Vegas have only ridden the Deuce and a couple experiences in tough traffic makes that less than a desirable choice at busy hours. I like 108 and 105 to get me out of downtown and near the strip. 105 takes me to Ellis Island and along the way will let me get off in the rear of many strip casinos in the Circus Circus area of the strip. 108 takes me to Terribles for a cheap breakfast or Hard Rock for a coupon run. From Terribles I can catch the 202 and go down to the Gold Coast rather than worrying about the free shuttle at Bill's. If I then use the free shuttle to go to the Orleans and walk across to the 201 (Tropicana) I can go to NYNY and MGM section of the strip.

So a typical frugal day using buses might look like this:
108 to Terribles for cheap breakfast and matchplays.
202 to Gold Coast for 10 AM poker tournament ($22)followed with lunch there, a bit of free jazz in the lounge, and a free shuttle to Orleans or McMullan's Irish Pub for supper. The 201 to Tropicana for evening comedy at the Comedy stop. Some poker in that area of the strip. The Deuce back to downtown at 2-3 AM when the traffic is eased up. All those areas covered for $3.00 total ($2.50 for pass and 50 cents for one deuce ride) in transportation, basically one cab tip.


Last time I found that $40 for unlimited rides for a month paid for itself over my 15 day stay in Vegas. Next year I am old enough (62) to get that same deal for $20. But even the daily 24 hour deals are great. If you start on a bus other than the deuce, the 24 hour pass is just $2.50. You do have to add a couple quarters for every Deuce ride, but usually that means just once for me to get back downtown late at night and avoid the walk from the DTC in the dark.

I love this trip planner which creates a unique schedule for any itinerary. It recognizes most of the casino names. But you can also just list a Vegas street address. You plug in your details and print out a schedule to take with you. It includes various route possibilities and which routes to combine for a trip as well as estimated travel times.

http://ttpweb.rtcsnv.com/

The 107 gets me to the Boulder strip in a half hour.
The 106 gets me to Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho.

All day passes bought for the Deuce are $5 a day. If you are certain you will be just going on the bus twice, then paying the $2 one way fee saves you a dollar over the day pass.
All day passes bought on a route other than the Deuce are $2.50 and you must then add 50 cents ( correct change only) for each Deuce ride. You might as well buy the 24 hour pass because the price is the same as two rides.

The web site says you need to prove you are a senior to get the senior rate, but I met some fellows who were riding the Deuce for just a dollar each way by simply saying "senior" when they put their money in the machine to pay.. However, that was last year. I did not see that dollar deal on the website.

These prices are paid right on the bus, but you need correct change so it is a good idea to drop single collar bills and a few quarters in your pocket for the local routes both to purchase initially and to add the 50 cents for the Deuce. . Day passes are stamped with the time you boarded and good for 24 hours after that. So if you go out at 5 PM from downtown, the same pass will get you back home at say 2AM the following day and out again providing you go earlier than 5 PM. It pays to stretch out the time for buying the next pass if you can because sometimes two all day passes will meet your needs for three calendar days.

If you plan ahead and buy on line or if you visit the DTC downtown, you can purchase a month long unlimited pass for $40 (or if you are over 62 for $20)

If you ride the non deuce routes then you also get a normal bus view of where you are going. The deuce often has a strange form of advertising that makes you look out through a black grid, sort of a noir view of Vegas. I think it is a little depressing. The exception is up on the top level in the front where the view is as good as any tour bus. You can more likely get those prime viewing seats if you board the Deuce at the DTC rather than by Neonopolis.

Lots of other questions answered on the website

http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/cat/

Going solo??

Suggested strategies for those going solo:

**Bring a small notebook and take down the details you want to remember for you trip report.

** bring Dancer's video poker strategy book or some printed VP or BJ sheets and look up the hands that confused you.

** Bring a poker book. Reviewing strategy right after playing is different than studying at home.

**Eat at the counters. Often this means you skip a long line. You can be entertained by the action behind the counter or end up in conversation with the guy next to you. Golden Gate has a good counter. Mirage Cravings has a counter that cuts your time away from poker table time so you might have time to eat and get back to play. Play a few hours and ask for a comp there.California's cafe has a counter that cuts the line for the prime rib special. But don't stank in line. Go to the greeter and ask if there is space at the counter.


El Cortez has a counter where half the time you can eat with someone you just played cards with. Try Jackie's melt. Their poker games are also games where solo guys have lots of banter and conversation.

Mamacita's Mexican across from El Cortez has great music videos. I went there prepared to write a review of the place and was busy copying names of food and noting the decor.

I find that when I am solo I meet people more easily than when I have friends or wife along. Talk to people on the bus. Sitting in the front seat upstairs on the Deuce will often get you in a group of site seers and with all these board posts, you know things. Start conversations with a question on one of the passing casinos even if you already know the answer. Don't make the question personal like " Have you ever stayed at the Stratosphere?" but conversational like " Do you know if the Stratosphere Tower is expensive or not?"

Oh, the greatest opening question in Vegas is, "Are we winning today?" Just remember that your own wins and losses do not matter unless you are asked. From the reponse to that question you can judge the willingness of the person to talk and move them in to telling you a lot about gambling or how Vegas can be fun for non gamblers.

The last time I rode the Deuce in traffic one guy was a trucker who had parked way out by the Cannery and worked his way by bus into Vegas. Talk about solo. He had great trucking stories. Another knew more about who owned what casino when than anyone I ever met and with just a bit of priming he was off and talking about every casino along the way. Just remember that people don't want to know a lot about you but love to talk about them and avoid those long know it all rants against annoyances that we sometimes see on the board unless you want to hear everything that has annoyed that person for the past decade. Positive celebration is a better tone for conversation with strangers.

****Start conversation in buffet lines. After one such conversation I once ended up eating with the guy who figured the tax angles for Hideki Matsui. and his friend a teacher in LA. They had stories. Offer your 2 for 1 in buffet lines.

***Every discussion board has meets. Check them out. And find out when posters are going who you know. Then you can eat, gamble, share coupons with someone who you talk to here. My best board buddy is meeting me this December and bringing her 80 something Mom along. My June solo trip at the El Cortez we ate one day on her 2 free breakfasts, another on mine, and then I ate a third day on another board poster who hangs with her.

**Finally, I started announcing my solo trips to everyone I knew and offering to help them plan a trip at the same time, or offered the extra bed in my room. I always book two doubles so there is space for anyone. I've had lots of takers. For this December it has been hard to choose between poker buddies. Some people who never visit you at your house, will meet you in Vegas especially if you already have the rooms, the 2 for 1 coupons, all the spots where they can gamble for free on $10 promotions, and can suggest a good airfare.

Mom Palmeri in Vegas

Notes for December 2007

I just thought I'd save odd bits of information I want to remember for December 2007.

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Avoiding Sunday brunch at buffets. Planet Hollywood has a $18.99 price before 10:30 and after that it goes up $2. I don't suppose they close down, so the trick of going early and then waiting for the brunch food should work. Champagne is $3 extra so I am not paying for that. Here is another possibility:
TODAI

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (Previously Aladdin Hotel)
3663 Las Vegas Blvd. S. #580
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tel: 702-892-0021
Fax: 702-892-0027

Lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm (Daily)
Lunch $17.95 (Mon-Fri)
$19.95 (Sat, Sun, Holidays)
This means that for Sunday morning brunch I could go there when the buffet prices are high.

Dinner 5:30pm - 9:30pm (Sun-Thurs)
5:30pm - 10:00pm (Fri-Sat & Holidays)

STRATOSPHERE

The Stratosphere is in the process of making a lot of changes in their poker room: moving it out of the alcove behind the sportsbook to a more visible location on the other side of the casino, nearly doubling the size of the room, reducing the house rake to 5% with a $2 cap + $1 jackpot for a total drop of $3 max, and spreading some very low limit games while publicizing free poker lessons and continuing to give coupons for free poker chips to hotel guests to draw in folks who are new to playing live poker in a casino. The expansion and relocation of the room is supposed to take place in about two months. It will be near the entrance to the tower.

The reduced rake is in effect now for all their cash games. They now have a no-limit game with $1-$1 blinds and a $40 min/max buy-in. I'm not a no-limit player and I have no clue what that game might be like. They actually are planning to run one table of micro limit $0.25-$0.50 once they get the twenty-five cent chips they've ordered, hoping to encourage new people to start playing to feed into their other games.
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The poker room in Bally�s serves draft Alaskan Amber Ale.



Treasure Island gives $2 an hour on your card for poker play.

Gold Coast is mentioned as having just a $3 rake cap plu $1 high hand. However, they play short handed games too often and groups of local Asians come in raising on everything. Also they have a half kill.

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This note posted 9-10. Seems as if the room is being given a new face lift.

The poker room has 7 tables offering poker players Limit Hold'em with $2-$4 and $4-$8 blinds. No-limit is spread with $1-$2 blinds and a $40-$200 buy-in structure. Tournaments are offered daily as follows. A 10:00 AM No-limit Hold'em tournament with a $44 buy-in and an optional $3 add on has just been added to the schedule and goes ever day. Sunday through Friday at 1 PM and 8 PM a $55 buy-in No-limit Hold'em tournament is offered with seating limited to fifty players. Tournament registration begins one hour before the start time and must be done in person, no call ins. Players receive $1,500 in tournament chips and play fifteen minute rounds. The top three finishers split the prize pool with 50% going to the winner, 30% to second place and the remaining 20% for third. The Riviera poker room recently held a special event tournament and awarded the winner with a seat in the 2007 WSOP main event. Additional WSOP seats will be offered through special added tournaments. Complete details are available by calling the poker room direct at 702.794.9620.

A High hand promotion runs continuously and lucky players receiving listed high hands can take home up to $500 in bonus cash. Players currently receive $3.00 snack bar comps and soon will qualify for comps awarded on hourly play. The room is working out the details of the coming comp policy that will use the Riviera's player card system to track play time and accumulation of comp credits. Details will be available in the near future so be sure to sign up for your frequent player's card. Poker players can qualify for a great casino room rate on accommodations. Check with poker room staff for details and availability. Easy self parking in the garage makes the trip into the Riviera's poker room quick and effortless. Valet parking is even closer, just follow the signs.

a note from 7/7
Comps Description: $1 and hour. After 10 hours you get a buffet certificate if you ask for it. If you bank 30 hours you can get a $30 certificate for the coffee shop.

Remembering Sahara

For me Sahara is the wonderland of frugality:

FREE SHOW
Last June I caught a free ticket from Goldstar.com for Matsuri. Someone on the VP Free board posted the deal. Goldstar charged a $ 9.50 handling charge, but I still counted it as a bargain and I loved the show. At the bottom of the ticket stub was a small coupon for $10 free play. I used it in the Sahara, playing a quarter a hand on video poker, getting enough to use up three matchplays on blackjack which was enough to play a little JOB 9/6 at the Stratosphere to protect points and wait for Huck Daniels. Bottom line was my $9.50 investment got me a free show and $27.00 change.

FREE FOOD

Last Xmas I had a month long birthday party in Vegas and my sons/daughters capped the party by coming over Christmas. We had a fine family dinner on Christmas Day at McMullan's Irish Pub across from the Orleans (with a $25 coupon from restaurant.com) and I washed as many homemade potato chips as I could down with pints of Beamish.

But Christmas eve found us starting in different places, wife and Frank birding (yes, this is possible in Vegas), Cory and Dana doing the Stratosphere roller coaster on coupons, me in the Gold Coast poker room, Keith and Bernie at MGM. The roller coaster riders called me and asked about eating cheaply around the Stratosphere. I told them I had Sahara coupons, but that it was one of the worst buffets. They did not care. All my sons were on very limited budgets. So I took a long, long bus ride to meet them. Deuce traffic was very rich on Xmas Eve. Still, like the US postal service, "coupon man" must get through.

While I was making my way to the Sahara, so were the birders and the MGM players. It was a perfect time to sign up for cards. There were eight of us and I was the VP coach. Playing a quarter a hand even unlucky at short pay VP one can reasonably expect to get $7-$8 dollars out of a VP machine and quit ahead after a lot of fun. This kind of low roller pleasure is enough for my low funded children, so that is what we did. One son on the free pull slot had also hit for an additional $25 in free play and $25 in comps. So when he quit, he had about $35 in his pocket and everyone (except one slot player) had a piece of the free promotion. So I suppose as a group we were $75 to $100 ahead and WITH ABSOLUTELY NO RISKED MONEY.

Well, we went to the Sahara buffet. On Xmas eve.

When we got to the line, the lady said that they were doubling comps that day. So now the kid had $50 in free food comps. With 2 for 1 coupons all eight of us ate for $26, less than the gas it would have cost to buy the food had we met at home. And I got to banter and talk and do NO DISHES.


The price was up, but so were the offerings. It was like no Sahara buffet I ever remember. The prime rib was wonderful. There was smoked salmon with onions, capers, and horseraddish sauce. And there were lots of choices all very good. It was great!

When we entered the line, I put the son with $25 comps first to see what he could get. Well, because the price had gone up, they told Frank that his comps were now worth $50, and so the first four people ate for 26 cents. I had ACG 2 for 1 for the next two couples. Bottom line is we ate for $26, less than I might have paid for gas to get the food had I fed the kids in my own home. And there was no cooking, no dishes, no trying to seat everyone, no missing all the good stories while I cooked.

Xmas eve at the Sahara. One of my favorite frugal memories.

Also, I think that buffet is a good cheap breakfast buffet if you are going to eat mostly fruit. When I was radically dieting a few years back, I found that they had a good selection.

an interesting trip report

from DxElliott



Austin-Bergstrom Airport
August 22, 2007
Late morning

I am, as always, exactly two hours early for my Southwest flight to Vegas. I’m sitting at Gate 8, pondering the remarkable fact that, in less than 24 hours, I will be a 55 year old man with coronary artery disease.

Remarkable.

The coronary artery disease is no big deal. You just grasp reality like a saddle horn, you try to behave like a grownup, and you avoid all the lovely fatty things that make eating food the second most appealing aspect of being human – and you move on.

Or, you don’t. Your choice.

It’s the 55 year old part I find so remarkable. How the hell did this happen? The last thing I remember, I was smack dab in the middle of Club Foot in Austin, Texas, hopping and writhing to Mirror in the Bathroom, feeling like I would be 25 forever. (I

was 30 at the time. Perhaps denial is an important component in this conundrum.)

The




n – I blinked – and now I’m old and I can’t smoke or eat cheeseburgers. Club Foot is long gone and the music that replaced Mirror in the Bathroom is unlistenable. Movies have become nothing but gigantic video games and television has taken the lowest common denominator and actually lowered it.

Too many pop culture references? Okay. And the human race is engineering it’s own destruction because of disagreements over a handful of prosaic fairy tales. How’s that?

Suddenly being on old man with heart disease ain’t so bad. At least I won’t be around to see how this horror show ends.

On that upbeat note, I will join the other impatient passengers lining up an hour early for takeoff.

Flight 607
August 22, 2007
Early afternoon

I wake up briefly and gaze at the terrain below. My brain skitters pinball-like, searching for the most appropriate description of what I see.

Plane high. Mountains pretty.

Before returning to the bliss of airplane slumber, I take note of an anxious stowaway – a housefly – who seems particularly fond of spiky hair gel. From the back of the plane you see a lot of spiky hair gel.

El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Room 1206
August 23, 2007
3:43 am

I’m in the Tower. My only previous ElCo experience involved a night in one of the Pavilion rooms. Sleeping in one of the Pavilion rooms at El Cortez is like sleeping in a Motel 6 built entirely of urinal cakes. I like this better. Clean and comfortable – filled with 1980’s hotel furniture that was obviously intended for a much larger room. (I suppose this is why there is no iron. There simply isn’t enough space.)

My friend Linda is somewhere in the hotel. She got this room for me (one of those “bring a friend” comp offers). My own offers would have put me up at either Harrah’s or the Rio for the next two nights, but I wanted to experience the renovated El Cortez before moving on to my next stop – the renovated Four Queens.

After two hours on the machines, I was down a few bucks and decided to take a break.

The walk from El Cortez to the Fremont Street Experience, once scary and depressing, is now downright kitschy and, uh, charming. A giant, neon martini glass? Okay. Oh, look – an enormous revolving shoe. Let’s pretend it’s the shoe that once upset Howard Hughes. Hey, a pub that resembles an eight story pint of Bass. Now there’s a good idea. What took so long?

It would seem, at first glance, that the disparity between what was, what is and what shall be has been filled in – or is in the process of being filled in. Even Neonopolis is now surrounded by architectural progress. Maybe, instead of tearing that place down, we can all just continue to ignore it.

What they really need on this street is one of those hip Laundromats with a bar and designer pizzas, so bargain-seeking gamblers can stay on Fremont Street and launder their own clothes. Don’t judge. Many people, myself included, are destined to live like college students for life.

After my break, I returned to the casino and my luck improved. A five-of-a-kind hand pay on Joker Poker and a remarkable run of luck on a video slot game put me up for the day. I played for a few more hours, wandered down to Four Queens for awhile, met Linda for a sandwich (we discussed our plans for my birthday which, oddly enough is also her birthday) and I retired dead even. Good feeling. All I have to do is maintain this status for five more days and I go home a winner

So now I’m awake. It’s about 4 am.. My favorite time to gamble in a casino. Think I’ll do that.

This hotel is very quiet. I almost feel guilty cranking up the shower at this ungodly hour.

Oh wait. It’s Vegas.

El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Room 1206
August 23, 2007
7:03 am

A little Spin Poker, a little Double Pay – and I’m down again. I don’t mean I’m depressed, I mean I have less money now than when I arrived.

I’m supposed to meet Linda for breakfast later, but wall-crawling hangover demons have insisted I eat something now, so – thanks to the 24 hour Fremont Street Walgreen’s -- I’m able to enjoy a snack of Reduced Fat Triscuits, hummus and Frank’s Hot Sauce. I would have preferred a Louisiana product, like Crystal or Panola – but this cayenne pepper sauce from New Jersey makes a very respectable replacement.

Rule of thumb: anything you can cover with pepper sauce can be breakfast. (Except your thumb.)

I want to mention something about the shower in this room. Lots of hot water, but very little pressure. Not good. But I do like the window that allows fresh air to enhance the overall showering experience. Nice touch. Probably even better in January,

When I first arrived, the room was spotless, except for tiny human handprints all over the bottom of the picture window. I wondered, briefly, why anyone would bring kids to El Cortez (no pirates, no jugglers) and then it occurred to me that children as small as the ones who made these spider-monkey paw prints would be quite content staring down at an empty parking lot, with nothing but mountains beyond.

I would have. I still would. I may just do that later.

For now, a few drops of bourbon and a hotel washcloth and I have an excellent window cleaner.

This room is getting odder by the minute, I just noticed – there’s a writing desk, but no stationery. And a bible, but there’s no God. (Oh calm down. I’m just trying to have a little fun here.).

El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Room 1206
August 23, 2007
1:15 pm

I now have even less money. I returned to the Double Pay machines, but dreams of being dealt a royal have not materialized. Not only that, but breakfast at Binion’s included a pile of hash browns the size of a large puppy. And I’m having my first cocktail of the day – at 1:00. In other words, I’m eating, gambling and drinking like there’s no tomorrow. Which would be fine – but there probably will be.

I’m not sticking to my budget or my diet. Good thing I’m having fun.

Housekeeping has been here. I’ve decided to leave five bucks per day for the maid, instead of my usual two or three. It only seems extravagant until you get downstairs and start burning money like the decadent, self-centered oppressor of the masses you are. (By “you” I mean “me”, so once again, please calm down.)

Tonight, Linda is treating me to dinner at Mesa Grill. I think this is our third birthday dinner at this venue. I like the place. I’m sure Bradley Ogden is great, and Guy Savoy is probably a trip to the moon on gossamer wings. Don’t care. I want white truffle and mushroom quesadillas. Besides, I have neither the palate nor the wardrobe for Guy Savoy. It’s hard enough for me to even pronounce Guy Savoy properly without laughing so hard I fall to the floor and flop around like beached manatee.

El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Room 1206
August 23, 2007
4:34 pm

I’m dead even again. Actually, I’m up about $36. Life is good.

El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Room 1206
August 24, 2007
7:36 am

Dinner was excellent. I had Mahi Mahi, the abovementioned quesadilla (a very rare cheese experience for me) and some corn, which, frankly, had too much cream and cheese for my taste. Linda had some sort of Fred Flintstone cut of beef, rubbed with spices and cooked to absolute blushing perfection. There was also a wonderful throat-clutching Pinot Noir from Oregon.

After sampling Linda’s steak, I realized that beef is the main event at Mesa Grill. Forget the fish and pork. Eat cow.

The meal was on Linda, even though it was her birthday, as well. The woman is far too generous – and should probably be locked up for her own protection. But seriously -- if you make it through this wicked world and acquire even one friend like Linda, consider yourself fortunate.

Saw Bob Stupak. He was standing at the bar just outside Mesa Grill.

That’s about all there is to that story.

I’ve had bad luck with player’s cards and room keys on this trip. They stop functioning, regardless of where I put them -- and I’m not exposing them to my cellphone. It’s crazy. It’s epidemic. I’m on my fifth set of key cards, and I replaced my El Cortez player’s card about three times yesterday. It happened again this morning -- but the Player’s Club was closed, so I walked to Four Queens (where I’ll be checking in later) and THAT player’s card was non-functional. And that’s how I ended up at Binion’s at 5:30 this morning, winning hundreds playing penny slots at max coin. I’m now slightly down for the trip, but way ahead of my self-imposed (and utterly ignored) gambling budget. Gosh, Mr. Wizard. This may be the best birthday ever.

People who don’t play modern slot machines for whatever reason are probably more highly evolved than myself. They’re the real grownups (something I pretend to be because of all the grey hair). I’m sure I’m just a monkey in a cage. A gibbering gibbon, flinging poo and bobbing my head to the canned music. Happy as a pig in pudding. (Wait. Am I a pig or a monkey? I’ve lost track.) But I couldn’t imagine coming to Vegas and missing this electronic intersection of greed, anticipation, irritating music and cartoons.

Don’t believe me? Play Lucky Lemmings and pray for a bonus round.

And, for me at least – on this particular trip (at least) these bastards have been paying off like slot machines.

El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Room 1206
August 24, 2007
2:58 pm

I’ve checked in at Four Queens (these first two bookings overlap – I will start moving my stuff to 4Q tonight, and check out of here sometime tomorrow morning.) The rooms at Four Queens have been renovated. Even though their standard room may be the smallest on Fremont (with the possible exception OF the Fremont) they have been gussied up quite respectably – with new carpet, furniture, window treatments and flatscreens.

Feels like home. I think I’ll schlep the rest of my stuff down there right now.

Four Queens Hotel and Casino
Room 716
August 24, 2007
9:53 pm

I was supposed to attend a Cirque show tonight, but I weaseled out. It’s not like I have anything against this burgeoning troupe of double-jointed jackanapes who are currently spreading across Las Vegas like some kind of clown cancer. I don’t. If this is what you want – go for it. If you prefer acrobats to showgirls – well gosh, you certainly have a lot to choose from – and more on the way.

You want to watch Las Vegas morph into a vacuous Federico Fellini wet dream? Cool. Just keep supporting this franchise. .

Like I said -- I don’t really care.

But, of course, if I had gone to KA, I would have missed my first W-2G form. Ever.

This was the dealt royal I’ve been anticipating since I arrived – only on a triple-play quarter game instead of a nickel Double Pay machine. I pushed a button, and the club royal was dealt and automatically held. The machine locked up, blinking “Attendant” and “$3,000”. Prettiest damned thing I’ve ever seen.

Today I am a man.

It was a Super Times Pay machine, but the bonus function did not engage for this particular hand (pity). After I got my hand pay and had tipped the staff, I just couldn’t focus on the game anymore. I really didn’t care if I got 2, 5 or 10 times anything. I cashed out and retired for the evening.

So now I am, let’s just say – up for the day. And up for the trip.

Hell, I may be up all night.

Four Queens Hotel and Casino
Room 716
August 25, 2007
11:10 am

Four Queens offers the same Cox Network wireless Internet connection as El Cortez (billed to a credit or debit card, not to your room). Only at 4Q it’s $5.99 for 24 hours, as opposed to $11.99 at ElCo. Of course, I could just walk a few feet to Fitzgerald’s and use the free WiFi they offer.

I said farewell to El Cortez (for this trip) this morning. I have always preferred Four Queens, and that still seems to be the case. I’m certain the ElCo offers will be sweet (considering how much I churned) but the same will be true of future Four Queens offers.

I will say this about the ElCo experience – this is the only casino I’ve played in that programs the kind of music I expect to hear in Las Vegas. Everywhere I go in this town (except the Palms) I hear the same predictable loops of boomer pabulum. Basically -- everything I heard on Top 40 radio from 1962 -1992. And, after a while, I just can’t hear it anymore.

But, at El Cortez, you actually hear Frank and Dean and Keely Smith and Peggy Lee. Stuff that evokes the golden age of Las Vegas sin and sensibility. It isn’t the music of my generation – it’s my parent’s music. But I love it, and it just seems to fit.

And the egg-white spinach omelet I had a Kitty’s this morning was just absurdly delicious. And I was prepared to settle for adequate.

Four Queens Hotel and Casino
Room 716
August 25, 2007
8:43 pm

Today, I had no plans at all, so I wandered around the Strip, visiting the Sahara, Las Vegas Hilton and The Flamingo (where I’ll be relocating tomorrow.)

I had some luck with a couple of Atronic games at the Hilton, and then spent a few hours of acute monetary awareness, as I lost those winnings playing 25¢ Spin Poker. Max coin on that game can obliterate a C-note with gut-wrenching efficiency and speed.

Before I left for the Strip, I had the breakfast buffet at Golden Nugget. I was less than impressed. There was nothing particularly wrong with it, but nothing justified the $20.00 price tag – unless you wanted to order champagne. I did not. Even if I appreciated that headache-inducing French mistake, I certainly wouldn’t want it for breakfast. (Call it brunch all you want – I poured Tabasco on the hummus -- and it was breakfast.)

Okay – I suppose I should commend them for offering hummus – especially since there was no low-cholesterol egg substitute, and I needed a blob of something on the plate to balance out the lox and bagel and the small pile of potatoes. Presentation is important. We eat first with the eyes. I’m out of clichés.

I went back to the salad area for a small plate of tabouli, and turned breakfast into a Middle Eastern love-fest. If only the real world could get along as well as my overpriced Vegas breakfast. How many times have we all made that comment?

I have removed a portion of my recent VP winnings (exactly the size of my original bankroll) and put it away. I plan to (try to) take this money with me when I leave. We shall refer to this money as “the nest egg”. Just don’t force me to explain “the nest egg theory” to you.

Austin, Texas
August 31, 2007

When I got to the Flamingo, my iMac stopped working. My desktop was stoic, the computer seemingly searching for something unattainable (overdue respect, perhaps?). Anyway, I’m not the sharpest bulb on the plate, but I knew instinctively that the problem was environmental (not in the Al Gore sense). The room was obviously haunted. If this wasn’t a paranormal problem, it was certainly an electronic one.

Don’t ask me about the bloodcurdling screams in the bathroom. I still don’t know what that was.

So the conclusion of my trip report had to wait. God forbid I pick up a pen and apply it to paper. The last two days were spectacular, as my winnings allowed me to party just a little harder, and play maximum coin at many of my favorite strip casinos. This was a luxury I thought would have to wait until summer of 2009, but thanks to good luck and good fortune (not the same thing) I was able to have great big fun well ahead of schedule.

The other choice would have been to stop gambling for the trip, and wait patiently for my flight home with a pocketful of money. That is a perfectly reasonable scenario, and one which I chose to ignore. I’m only human. I was in Las Vegas. I had cash. I would ask you to do the math, but you probably would.

My friends Bret and Sue arrived Sunday, and we met for dinner at some seafood place near Todai in Planet Hollywood. We wanted to dine at Todai, but we all showed up about three minutes too late. Bret paid for my Cajun salmon -- because it was one day after my birthday. More free food. We discussed gambling, comic book inkers of the1960’s and movies. We determined that I have bad taste, because I liked Gangs of New York. I’ll take the hit. I’ll gladly share Martin Scorcese’s bad taste.

Unfortunately, I repaid Bret’s generosity my canceling our lunch plans the next day. I was not feeling well. Some sort of gastrointestinal complaint that persisted through Tuesday (and the return flight). I felt like a schmuck for canceling, but as I get older I get more comfortable with my inner schmuck. (I also seem to enjoy potatoes more. What’s that all about?)

But let us consider the Flamingo for a moment, erroneously called “Bugsy Siegel’s vision in the desert” by people who don’t know Vegas history. Even the rotating television promos produced by Harrah’s and piped into the rooms perpetuate this half-baked mythology by completely ignoring the facts. But it really doesn’t matter, since there is nothing left of that original property anyway. At this point the name, the logo, the sign and the legend have absolutely no meaning. The Flamingo looks and sounds exactly like what it is – an extension of Harrah’s. Only, for some inexplicable reason, the Flamingo is much more irritating.

My luck in the casino was fine; my room was large and comfortable and displayed a breathtaking view of Caesars and the Bellagio fountains. Everything else pissed me off, however. The casino is annoyingly loud. All the human and electronic noises one might hear in any casino are amplified, perhaps by the low ceilings. And decades of renovation and addition have created a maze of disjointed, cramped spaces. Or maybe it only seems that way because – again -- the ceilings are so low.

On this particular Sunday, the joint was filled with rude, obnoxious over-aged fratboys wearing ugly hats and carrying bottles of tasteless corporate beer. Dressed like drunken toddlers, they stumbled around, squawking insipid monkey-words like “hottie” and “wing man.” One look at these bright-eyed wonders and you understand why women have sex with each other.

On the other hand, maybe I’m just an old fart, and this is the new face of Las Vegas. Perhaps the crunchy-haired, slovenly lout is as valid in the Justin Timberlake era as the suave, silken-voiced hipster was during the Sinatra years.

Who knows? Who cares?

One more complaint. When I checked in at the Flamingo, I declined their request to produce a credit card. I no longer have credit cards. I booked the room with my debit card, but did not wish to use it to secure the room. I don’t like the idea of Harrah’s reaching into my bank account and holding on to $200. I held up the card and I said, “This is a debit card. I don’t want to use this card. I will make a cash deposit instead.” I put the card back in my pocket. I handed over $200, and got a receipt.

I found out later they put the hold on my card anyway. It stayed on until Thursday. No harm was done, but if I had been overdrawn or something else had come up insufficient because of it, I would have incurred penalties. And they did it without my authorization or knowledge -- using information they had on file. Sons of bitches.

I would like to boycott Harrah’s because of this. And I will, as soon as they sell Caesars.

I spent some quality time (and quality coin) at Mandalay Bay -- in many ways, still my favorite Vegas location. After lunch with Linda at Border Grill (grilled fish tacos) I spent several hours playing those shiny, clinky-clanky multi-line slot machines (something I did my very first night in Vegas, right after the property opened). I particularly enjoyed the new (new to me) Atronic machine called Johnny Vegas. This is a remarkably entertaining experience and, like many Atronic games, just a little creepy. Good combination. I made a killing. This maximum coin thing can really pay off.

I had similar luck with several Aristocrat machines featuring “stacking multipliers”.

My final night was a marathon session at Flamingo, chasing jackpots and royals until 4:00 am, and packing my bags at 6:00. Then, it was time to check out and grab a cab.

I encountered a profoundly bitter cab driver. The first thing he said, with a heavy Italian accent, was, “I hate Las Vegas. Is fake town, fake people.”

“But I’m trapped here. My wife – she was angel, now she’s Satan – gambles the money. Loses everything. Hers. Mine. All gone. Every day.”

He pointed to a motel. “She work there. Makes $400 a day. Then she lose it all down there at the terrible casino.” He pointed in the other direction.

“Which one?”

“That Terrible’s Casino. You can’t hear me?”

He went on to explain that he loved America (except for American doctors – “Here, the doctors they kill you.”) and considered himself a redneck. “I agree with Mr. Merle Haggard,” he explained. “Love it or leave it. In Europe, you need permission just to travel. People here are spoiled. They have no idea.”

At the airport, after many monological tangents, I gave him twenty dollars for a fourteen-dollar ride.

“You must be rich man.”

“Not even close.” I replied.

Short wait. Short delay. Short flight. I was home by 5:00, Austin time.

Okay. So I dipped into the nest egg – but I came home with lots of money. Relatively speaking.

Next trip? Hard to say. Now that I’ve found my comfort level, I’m not certain I can afford it.

Vegas last December

I guess I never really wrote up the entire trip because I got caught up in going to California and then to Hawaii, but since there seems to be some interest expressed in another thread, here is a good sense of what happened to me in June in Vegas.

Keep in mind that my evaluations are from a frugal point of view. I am happy with almost anything when I travel. For a room I need hot water, air conditioning and a clean bed. Vegas always gives me that anywhere.

14 nights all downtown at an average of $22 a night was a good deal considering I had to do two weekends and the 4th of July. The poorest rooms were El Cortez pavillion. The best was MSS. Binions and 4 Queens were in between.


+ I liked an electric coffee at Binions and MSS. I make tea from my own brands.
+ I liked the small pools at Binions and the smaller pool at California. MSS guests can use it. Good for an early morning stretch. Binions was especially fine at sundown. Heliocopters and a view of the city. No key check at Binions. Key needed at California
- - I sleep midday. It was not possible to close off all the afternoon light at MSS. Other places I bring dollar store bag clips for drapes.

POOLS

I got my little in water stretching going every day at Binions or at MSS (you can use California pool) Small pools and no people. Perfect for me. You need a key for California. Mentioning you are at MSS will get one. Nothing needed at Binions.

FOOD

Rarely paid for food, Ate comps where I played. At El Cortez this is harder, but I had a light breakfast there three times and the bacon was crispy. All free. And did I mention the bacon was crispy. There is little else of value to say. Great place to talk. Unless you have someone to talk to, avoid this place.

In fact, there is nothing much good to eat at El Cortez short of Roberta's and I find that place too expensive. Still I had hallabut one night and porterhouse another with little tiny three penny size tastes of garlic onion medallion. Vegetables are extra. We used up free coupons and with the conversations of Bigfus (Roberta's is her happy place) I had a great time there on coupons and her comps.

Careless Kitty's is only good IMHO for Jackie's melt (nice to use up $5 funbook coupon) or the prime rib.

I loved the spice market buffet at PH. Everything tasted better than average. the middle eastern section is wonderful. I love their plates at this place. Here and at cravings the plates are sort of half bowls. Also the butter at Spice Market is in great little dishes. Nice for dipping. So much good food here but I can't remember. I payed to go twice. LVA was right to rate this place again. Cheap too compared with Paris and Bellagio.


I loved Mamacita's across Freemont from the El Cortez. Just like Mexico and maybe Cuba too (I have not been to Cuba) and a wide assortment. I had a seafood 7 flavor stew, yucca with garlic, and horchata with free refill.

I loved the eggs cooked at the Plaza buffet in the live cooking station. There I don't do any deep fried but the beef is always good.


Cravings tasted better to me this time, but that may have been that it was free. Four hours of live poker gets you free buffet, line pass and solo you can sit at the counter. No waiting. Still, I won't wait in the middle of my game again. I need more leisure for a good buffet like that.

Bigfus had a rest.com coupon for Mikie Finns and I ate a wonderful scallop shrimp grilled deal with veggies on a stick.


Mamacita's across Freemont from the El C is a really authentic Mexican restaurant and perhaps authentic Cuban also. I have not been to Cuba. Mexican in my town is nothing like this. At home it is all the standard American idea of what Mexican food should be. this was a real experience and I loved it.I ate a seven variety seafood stew, yucca with garlic and drank horchata with free refill. About $28 for more than I could eat. Other meals are cheaper. It is half Mexican and Half Cuban and will vary the food for the flavor of either country.

Along with the food comes the latest variety of Latin music on video screen. Great for solo eating.

MSS buffet, lunch or breakfast free with $1000 pumped into machine that day or the day before. Always my favorite. If they just offered Hawaiian pulled pork and collage greens I would be happy, Oh, and butterfinger pieces for the iced cream.

DRINK

The doc gave me a vacation from arthritic meds. When I hit Vegas I had not had a drink of alcohol in 6 months unless you count O'Doull's. So that MSS Black chip Porter went down very very good. Also thanks to the poster who mentioned the drink nuts and berries. Very good, but I like the hazelnut by itself better. Finally, at El Cortez they will give you Myer's rum over ice. Yummy.

SHOWS

Saw Makuri at the Sahara and loved it. Got a free ticket on Goldstar.com for $9.50 handling fee and the ticket had $10 free play on it. Used it at the Sahara, used my winnings to play two matchplays, then to play a craps matchplay at the Strat and a little VP to save points there. Result $27. Not bad on a $9.50 investment.

Huck Daniels review. If you like rhythm and blues, Black American music before hip hop, and being in a small music community of folks, go to the Strat lounge on Monday night and stay for the jam session from 10-2. Local performers are gathered together there and they perform on stage taking tours, Even musicians are changed up after every few songs. Different every week. I saw the Ray Charles immitator and he was incredible. Free. Buy one $5 drink and nurse it, Hold your seat and people watch. It gets crowded. Dancing too. Absolutely the best thing for me in Vegas. Lawrence T is always a treat.

Gold Coast jazz band. If you don't mind old people and like music from your grandmother's era check out this place in the afternoon. Again free. Got old Orleans funbooks? Use the freeGold Coast coupons for a drink. Dancing too but everyone is over 75. Ed was there for his birthday. He was 92. Danced every number.

Hypnosis Gone Wild. Get a $10 coupon and see this show if you want to begin to understand how little your mind is in charge of your actions. Funny adult humor underlies the antics of those from the audience. Moving soon I hear to Mandalay Bay but now in a little theater across from Monte Carlo.

I like the Trop comics. Three for $15 with drink. ($5 coupon in the free books) Non smoking show is early evening.

GAMBLING

I play live poker and 10/7 DB. The live poker killed me. The World Series attracted too many high level players who spilled into my limit games. They could beat me and they did not stay long so the tables were chaotic and playing the people was impossible. I got killed. Even at EC little local game the World Series attracted guys showed up and were as hard to beat as the tight morning locals. I won't go at this time again. I am just a limit player and usually I can grind out a profit, but it was hard.

Of course, I played with Jackie a couple afternoons. What a treat. Time is running out for this old joint. Fremont expansion is coming a little at a time. New neons are in the center of Freemont. Soon the deals at Ec may dry up. And when Jackie dies, well, who knows. the poker game has to be there just to entertain him on afternoons. It is the only one like it in all of Vegas. 1-3-6. I love it.

VP gave me a royal at 4 Queens. Dealt club flush broken to catch the queen. $1090 progressive.

Now let's once again explain why we all should look for good pay tables and extra pay deals.

I lost $85 total in all gambling in my 14 days.
Suppose I had played the same games on 10/7 DB machines that had reduced pay tables and there were no benefits other than cash back.

I would have been short payed $90 on my royal win
I would have been short played by my estimates $63 on full houses (conservatively figuring I hit one about every 200 hands)
I would have missed the MSS scratch cards and missed $25 on my quads there.

So even a conservative estimate of my losses for the week would be $177 or over THREE TIMES what I actually lost.
And had I played at the 9/6 DB that in December the Orleans put in when they slaughtered their signature 10/7 VP, it would have been even worse after the short pay on the flush was added in.

Note that this has nothing to do with randomness or luck or anything except getting less money on winnings. This is just how much less they would have given me for exactly the same play and exactly the same luck at casinos or games that paid less than full pay.

If you are serious about gambling, look for the good deal games if you value money. Skip the other games and ignore those on the boards who tell you that game selection does not matter.

Actually, table selection in live poker is crucial too. I may have ignored that advice myself this week to my downfall.

I did make the Saphire level card that the El Cortez. Over 6000 points in four days. I also pumped the 4 Queens and MSS hard (for frugal me), so I hope to get good room deals for December. I'm booked for another 14 days with free air starting Dec 2.

FELLOWSHIP

I met up with two regular posters on the LVA board who I met last December and had a great time. Joel is one ( I can't remember handle) and Bigfus is the other. They were wonderful gambling/couponing companions and very smart about deals and comp strategies. I also met with some local nieces and nephews, watched Yatzee craps fest for a while and me Northern Girl and had my son's exgirlfriend drive 4 miles each way from Irvine California just to spend a day with me watching dolphins, lions, IP old cars, and catching up. then my brother-in-law spent one night with me after he cinched up his reservations for the World Series of Poker. He'll be be playing on July 8. So for a solo trip I hardly had a moment to myself.

Also met a few folks at poker tables. Saw again this sweet Jamacan girl Jelly who mostly watched poker. She was all over downtown watching games. Lots of good conversation at the tables. Playing limit you can talk between playable hands. I had long stretches between playables. Long, long stretches.

TRANSPORTATION

I bought the $40 30 day bus pass and was glad. It meant I did not have to carry quarters or figure a frugal bus strategy. I learned the 105 route and I loved it once I found out which bus to take. DTC is in the middle of that route. The Deuce is just too crowded.

I rode the bus a lot even on the 4th of July when the temperature was 124 degrees. But I'll ride it more in December.

LOSSES

Other than the $85 loss I mourn the loss of my journal where for the first week I had recorded details like tips, food expenses, poker hands, for later detailed write up.

PURCHASES

Fine fishing lures at the Silverton Pro Bass shop.
Great 75 cent cards at California gift shop. Opened boxes and no black marks on them.

So, that is all for Vegas for me until December when there are no World Series no limit yahoos confusing me, and no days when 107 was cold so I can ride the bus to find the better games.

Well, that is enough for now. I have a few days here in San Jose, then six days at Fort Bragg on the ocean, and then 6 days at Kauai Hawaii. From the Pavillion El Cortez rooms to the Hyatt regency in Kauai in one vacation. Now there is contrast.

Good luck to all. I will get to read comments and answer questions for a few days. then not until I get back home on July 23. Good gambling and good luck to all.

LOVE continued

LOVE LOVE LOVE CONTINUED

Here is a more recent review of the show:

Sat Apr 7, 2007 7:42 pm (PST)

Awhile back I saw Beatles "Love" at the Mirage and wrote a review. I didn't
like the show very much. This week I was able to get a comped ticket and
took another look. This time I enjoyed it more. One thing that really helped
was having a great seat. Unlike at other Cirque du Soleil shows, "Love"
isn't a case where all seats are pretty much equally good. The problem with
"Love" is that the theater in the round isn't exactly round, so some seats rise
at a different angle than others, and many screens are lowered which have
images projected on them. If you sit in the higher levels, as I did the first
time out, the screens may block part of your view. The screens can also be
somewhat distracting. My perfect seat this time was the $165.00 Row K, Seat 15
- directly in the center, at a level just slightly higher than the stage.
Some other "orchestra" seats are lower, some even actually almost below the
level of the stage. If you can get Row K or a few rows above that, I would
suggest that.

Since I love the Beatles music and admire other Cirque shows, I did enjoy
the show this time. I guess my big gripe is still that the show could have
been a lot better. If you've never seen a Cirque show, you definitely will
enjoy this one, with all the usual Cirque items such as clowns, interesting
costumes, great aerialists, and some good acrobatics. Even if you have seen the
better "O" or other shows, you probably will also like this one. The big draw
here is definitely the Beatles music - so unless you hate their music, you
will enjoy it.

On second viewing, I think I would rate current Cirque shows in this order:
"O", Ka and Love, Mystere, Zumanity. Ka was great on first viewing, but
diminished quite a bit on second viewing, when we knew what to expect. I've
viewed "O" about 4 or 5 times now, and would love to go again....so for me, that
shows me it's the top show.

As for "Love" I think the problem basically is that Cirque stayed with its
standard shticks and characters and kept using the same characters throughout
the show. What works well with one Beatles tune, didn't mean it would work
as well with another. Also "Love" uses many, but not all of the most famous
tunes. Perhaps George Martin and others felt that some of the songs had been
heard too much, were too famous to use. In the liner notes for the Love CD,
he indicates that they agonized over using "Yesterday" in the show because it
was so famous. Yet, why not use the famous songs? The show is in fact a
Beatles tribute -- so why not use "Hard Day's Night", "Nowhere Man" and "Yellow
Submarine," to mention three that come to my mind as being missing?

On second viewing, I realized that a number of the Beatles songs are
strange, if not outright depressing (I am the Walrus for strange, Eleanor Rigby for
depressing). Maybe using a happier song such as Yellow Submarine would have
made it easier to mesh Cirque with Beatles?

One suggestion for Cirque -- sometimes less is more. On a song like
"Yesterday," Paul McCartney clearly realizes that sometimes less can make a song
more powerful, since in his concert show, he sings that one alone on stage, with
his guitar, rather than with the full band treatment. In Love, a full
regalia of Cirque characters cross the stage during Yesterday. Often there were
just too many people on stage, and the number of performers plus the number of
screens with projected images could be distracting (especially if you were
sitting at the wrong height!).

I find it hard not to nitpick on the show, since it just seemed obvious to
me that some moments could have been better. "Help" is one of the best
numbers, with fantastic skaters going up and down large curved ramps that
immediately evoke images of the Beatles skiing as they sang "Help" in the movie. "An
Octopuses Garden" is probably the best meshing of Cirque and Beatles. Even
the comic version of "Blackbird" works well in this show.

But other numbers in the show sort of grated on me. For example in "While
My Guitar Gently Weeps" one of the clowns stands holding a cello throughout --
huh?? It's about a guitar, people!!! And the finale "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band" where pretty much the whole cast goes on stage -- but no
one dresses up as Sgt. Pepper's Band! I also thought "Lady Madonna" came off
strangely, with a little bit of racist images -- was it all in my mind or was
it there? -- with a pregnant black lady dancing with a black guy in
coveralls and nappy-haired wig and I thought of "Stepin Fetchit" from 1930's films.
And as "Lucy in the Sky" did her lovely aerialist act while strobe lights
flashed like diamonds all over the ceiling -- why was there a guy in coveralls
with a weird wheel barrel contraption that was kind of distracting? And in
beautiful "Here comes the Sun" I would have expected bright orange and reds but
instead we get "Here comes the candles" with subdued lights, people carrying
candles, a train with candles goes across the stage, and a large orb rises
up to brighten things, but it is made from candles.

Maybe part of the problem was that the show seemed full of symbolism, trying
to evoke various thoughts about the Beatles and their songs and their
history, and sometimes the symbolism was murky, leaving me scratching my head as to
what it all meant. And sometimes it seemed pretty silly -- like when one of
the Volkswagon Beatles car shows up on stage and breaks apart -- they had to
be saying "The Beatles broke up!"

The Beatles tracks have been reworked by George Martin and Giles Martin, and
they did a great job. On my first viewing of the show, the music sounded
just great. However in this seat, with the great view, sometimes I found the
soundtrack too loud.

A little girl sitting beside me found the show fascinating, and most people
remarked about how great it was. Certainly it is an entertaining show. But
it is the Beatles, and I just thought it could have been better

Below is the way to think about this show:

My Summary:

From a guy I really trust, Gregrio, who lives in Vegas showrooms : the recommendation of 209 and 200 or others like that is probably the best idea. These are upper orchestra.

Many people complained if they were too far up front because the show was around them so much of it was to their backs.

Many said the $125 were superior to the $150 seats and some felt the $99 were just as good. The $69 are not very far behind the $99 seats. I suspect you'd have a good time from them also.

Looking at the seating chart would certainly help.

Here is how to do that:

View the seating chart.
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/default.htm
click on the LOVE square
click on the words "access ticket information"
See the seating chart. Click on the sections under it and it will change.
Call the BOXOFFICE for tickets: 1.800.627.6667

***********
Here is the Mirage site. I think you can get tickets from their box office too. There is a trailer to give you a sense of the show.
http://www.mirage.com/entertainment/entertainment_cirque_du_soleil.aspx

*************

Here are comments from Vegas boards. They give you a pretty good sense of the show and some seating advice. Keith is aiming for the 209-210 section, the upper orchestra.
*******************
from a trip report:

We had $125 tickets and I strongly recommend them. The $150 seats are on the floor and force you to look up (much of the CDS action takes place above the stage) and then back down to the stage. The $125 seats are stadium seating and allow you to look down and catch more of the action. The balcony seats, especially the upper balcony, may be too far away.

************************************************************************************
UPPER LEVEL SEEMS POPULAR:

We had the $99 seats I believe in section 303 and also had plenty of leg room. I enjoyed being in the upper level so we could see all the action. I think the lowest level seats miss out on a lot of what's going on from props and performers blocking their view of the opposite side of the stage.
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SECTION 204 ROW K

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Michelle and I were in section 209 end seats and no problem with the leg room ( I am 6'4" so leg room is a concern) great show.. We saw the last preview was neat watching the preperation for the premier
******************

For what it's worth ... we saw it last Monday night from the $66 seats ... second to last row. It was fantastic. I don't feel we missed a thing. We loved the remixed and juxtaposed music, the backdrops, the sets, the stunts, the costumes ... everything. Best show we've ever seen in Vegas (others we've seen are Mystere, Danny Gans and Folies Bergere). Also the "Hard Day's Night" at the bar is a tasty drink!

****************

Row 'E' is the last, back row of Section 102 on the opposite side
of Section 209 where I was the first time and...IT WASN'T TOO CLOSE!
In fact, you feel right in the middle of the Show and can see everything
just great.
It sets right next to one of the enterance runways so you see
the Artists entering and exiting the various scenes. The view is such,
you see everything from a bit of an 'off center' angle, which made it
all the more interesting/enjoyable for me!
Before sitting down, I tried the very front two rows...they were
definitely too close for me.
**********************************************

"LOVE" IS PRETTY COOL! It starts in the Boxoffice. Lots of polished chrome, mirrors,
silver slot machines with red leather armrests, a glowing glass Union Jack ceiling, enhanced and illuminated
white floor that leads you to the Showroom, and then..................the stairs!
Lots and lots of stairs. Stairs to the Showroom, more stairs down to your seats................
more stairs AGAIN if you're sitting in the front and only 1 handrail on the side...not down
the middle like in many Theatres. I saw some older folks having a bit of a hard time navigating.

I was 1st Row, Section 209...one of the upper/back sections. The large wall video screens
are behind Sections 207,209,208,202,200,201. I recommend these sections so you view
both the Show and screens while looking straight ahead.
From the other 200 Series Sections, you'll look Left or Right to view the BIG screens.
ANY seat in the upper sections will be very good seats!

4 other large retractable screens appear throughout the Show for different scenes/songs....
....or should I say 'colauges'. They sometimes lay the music of one song over the lyrics
of another...AND IT WORKS! Some use just instrument tracks, some just acapella.

George Martin must have had the tape recorders rolling every minute 'the boys' were in
the studio, because he's got everything down on tape and uses it throughout the Show.

The thing you might have to remind yourself of (I did), is the Creators objective was to
surround you/invelope you, in BEATLES MUSIC from different erras.
They've created the CHARACTORS/IMAGES the song lyrics represent...
All you need is love, love is everything.

I never saw (in my mind) the terrible destruction and desperation during the bombing of
Liverpool during the war: example, ELENORE RIGBY.

"LOVE" is very different from all the other CIRQUE Shows.
It's a very young male/female cast, great costumes and sets...more choreographed dance
numbers than in other CIRQUE Shows...there's acrobats and aerial artists, but it's done
a bit differently...it's done to the music of The BEATLES and it's VERY COOL!
NOTE:
The 'down front' 100 Series Sections are very close to the stage (and it's high up)...too close for me. Your view of the stage starts at nose level for the First Row and you'll be
looking streight up at the aerials. Sections 107,108,101,102 might have a hard time seeing
the video screens on the far side of the Theatre too...don't know, wasn't sitting there
and won't the next time I see "LOVE" either.




...Those were my thoughts after I had seen the Show in June.
If you're not a big BEATLES fan, you might not care for it as much
as other folks who are and might concider "O"...personally, I'd choose
MYSTERE.
I'll be booking another ticket for myself today to see LOVE again on my
September trip. This time....I'm looking for a seat in one of the front
sections just to compare with. SECTIONS 209 or 200 are still the best
I think.

***********************************

We had the cheap seats for Love because I booked last minute and the more expensive ones weren't all that much better. We were in sec. 304 (I think) right up at the top in FF and still could see everything. We thoroughly enjoyed the music and the show.
Reply With Quote

*************************************

In June, after seeing The Beatles "LOVE" during their preview Shows,
I posted Sections 209 and 200 were some of the best areas
to view the Show from...AND THEY STILL ARE!
If you only have one opportunity to see "LOVE", I still think they are
the 'best bangs for your bucks'.
I'm fortunate enough to be able to visit Vegas every 3d month, I
wanted to see "LOVE" again, and now have my 'current' favorite
place to sit...(all subject to change of course, lol)

Row 'E' is the last, back row of Section 102 on the opposite side
of Section 209 where I was the first time and...IT WASN'T TOO CLOSE!
In fact, you feel right in the middle of the Show and can see everything
just great.
It sets right next to one of the enterance runways so you see
the Artists entering and exiting the various scenes. The view is such,
you see everything from a bit of an 'off center' angle, which made it
all the more interesting/enjoyable for me!
Before sitting down, I tried the very front two rows...they were
definitely too close for me.

I didn't notice any changes from the preview Shows, but having only
seen it once before, that would be expected. The Show is in it's groove
now and is just GREAT!
(...actually, they do blow bubbles much better now!)

No changes in the music...and there shouldn't be. Certain sounds, voices,
memories still brought chills and a few tears.
"All you need is love"..........it seemed such an obvious philosophy
at the time...for 90min., you WILL feel it again.
Take it home after the Show.

***********************************

Turns out our choices were either those seats for $125 or the balcony for $99. We chose the $125 seats hoping it's better to be more on a level eye field of the performance versus looking down on the performance. Either way it's our fault for booking only 4 weeks in advance having known about this trip for 2 months now! Thanks for the quick reply.
Reply With Quote

**************************************
For Love I would get the $125 tickets, they provide a better view then the $150 tickets if you ask me.

*******************************************

I'm totally satisfied with the seats I get and the price I pay.
"LOVE" Section 209 or 200, $125.00
www.mirage.com 'click' the "LOVE" pic, view the seating chart.

*************************************

we saw it from the front row and agreed that that was a mistake...as we exited the theatre, we walked up the stairs toward the upper orchestra and stopped due to a bit of a bottleneck with everyone trying to get out...we turned back to look at the stage and both said 'wow!' as it was such a different perspective and such a better perspective than the lower orchestra was.

Have not seen the view from the regular balcony, but would think that the first few rows would be fine too.we saw it from the front row and agreed that that was a mistake...as we exited the theatre, we walked up the stairs toward the upper orchestra and stopped due to a bit of a bottleneck with everyone trying to get out...we turned back to look at the stage and both said 'wow!' as it was such a different perspective and such a better perspective than the lower orchestra was.

Have not seen the view from the regular balcony, but would think that the first few rows would be fine too.

***********************************

went to see LOVE last week and had the $89 seats the view was magnificent saw absolutely everything . I am a proffesional sound and lighting engineer and wes still amazed at the production.
A tip for everyone is that the best seats in any theatre is directly in front of or behind the sound and lighting control desk this is where every show is produced from . the sound and lighting is centered on this point .Never get front row seats .I M O the most expensive seats in the house should be center stage halfway up.

**************************************

Any seat is good, but we sat in the front row and wished we had sat further back.

*******************************************

And if you haven't had enough, here are the original threads that I just condensed. They make interesting reading from people who saw the show:

If after reading over these discussions, you still have questions or feel conflicted, let me post your dilemma on the boards and see what they say. One fellow Gregrio is really very knowledgeble about shows. He will answer if I post a question.

http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22631&highlight=seating+Love

http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22207&highlight=seating+Love


Here are a few more such discussions:

april 2007 notes

click one
http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23245&highlight=Love+Beatles

click two
http://www.lasvegastalk.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=27843&highlight=love+beatles

click three
http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22639&highlight=Love+Beatles

click four
http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22777&highlight=Love+Beatles

click five
http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21703&highlight=Love+Beatles

click six
http://www.lasvegastalk.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=31354&highlight=love+beatles

click seven
http://www.lasvegastalk.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=29790&highlight=love+beatles

walking distances

0.0 Mandalay Bay
0.2 Luxor
0.4 Excalibur, Tropicana
0.6 New York-New York, MGM Grand
0.7 Showcase Mall
0.8 Monte Carlo
1.0 Harley Davidson Cafe
1.2 Aladdin
1.4 Bellagio, Paris
1.5 Bally's, Barbary Coast
1.7 Caesars Palace, Flamingo
1.8 Harrah's
1.9 Mirage, Casino Royale
2.0 Venetian
2.2 Treasure Island
2.3 Fashion Show Mall
2.5 Frontier, Wynn
2.8 Stardust
3.0 Slots 'O Fun, Riviera
3.1 Circus Circus
3.6 Sahara
3.9 Stratosphere

las Vegas Legoland version

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/legoland_las_vegas;_ylt=AhQVJDl4v0s1HZPXxdb9012aK8MA

A trip to Foxwoods

Another good trip to Foxwoods. No companions this trip except Jean Scott on tape talking about gambling comps. I bought the tape for $1 when I heard her speak in Vegas and had not yet listened.
The bus was fairly full again, and most of the people had boarded in Latham. I picked a skinny woman who sat a bit sideways thinking that I would not be too crowded. Well, it seemed that she and her companion across the isle had planned on having two seats to themselves unless a fellow like me came along. The companion moved over and I caught the two seats for myself. Lucky already.
I was not lucky in movies. The comedy was so silly I can’t remember it. Still it made the time go. I did not sleep. I wanted to. I had not slept well the night before. I was awake at 3:30 and restless until 4:45 when I got up and made breakfast.
It had been cold in the car and cold waiting for old folks to board the bus. It was an easy enough ride, but I would have preferred a good companion.
In the poker room I did not start in a brand new a new game as I had in times before. I joined players who had been playing all morning; some had been there since the night before. It was a nice mix. A young couple and a friendly fellow about their age bantered at my end of the table. All three were fairly good players, but they gave total information on how they played, kidding about others playing trash, showing cards most of the time. In between, they teased and flirted and joked. Jill was perky and bold; her easy going husband let her be herself. Her long black hair and low cut sweater made her easy on the eyes. She teased with other players, including Ray at the the other end who was in his seventies. “If only I was ten years older” she said. She made us smile.
A heavy Irish kid named Tom sat next to me. He liked having a seat near Jill. They had all played there before together and were easy with each other. They bantered with some of it mildly sexual. Jill was quick and sharp and cute. She knew what she held and where the game was. Tom was the guy you want to drink beers with in the bar.
I started with a straight on the flop, but when I raised to preclude flush draws, all five other bets folded. It was odd to me, but I liked winning my first hand. The second hand I also caught a straight and lost to a straight flush. Now I wondered if I was actually there and awake or had overslept my alarm and missed the trip only to dream hands.
My second best status continued. I lost on straight after straight to flushes or higher straight. I did not overbet any of them, but lost just the same. In one that particularly hurt, I bet the best straight possible, a ten-jack, hoping that others had a straight just to the ten. And then a third diamond came on the river. I would have made good money on that hand as any smaller straights would have called my final bet or perhaps raised. I was down all morning and by noon had lost my $200 buy in and added another $100 to keep playing.
Still I liked the table. There were few preflop raises and reraises. Players were pretty predictable. Jill did like to raise too often to have her on my left, but not enough that anyone waited for her and reraised. She was very lucky and accumulated a huge stack of chips. She was good, but she put too much value on low pairs.
There was one heavily accented Slavic fellow who was fairly new tot he game and played trash. He won quite a bit and took quite a bit of kidding, especially when the win was 7-2. But he lost too and accumulated just enough chips to stay in the game. He was not aggressive enough to steal hands. I never saw him actually caught stealing. But he was in most hands and he stopped players from overbetting small hands because they did not know what he might have. The rest were solid conservative players. But I was one of three tight players there.
I started to get hands. I had to let other people bet in to me because I had tightened up for so long after my losses that were I to come out firing both guns I’d have scared them off. Most would bet if they detected weakness. Against one of the best players at the table I bet my pocket aces. I was raised on the turn. My third ace came on the river. My opponent checked his three eight's and called my bet. He had read me well. I’d have done well to take more time betting that river and look as weak as possible.

In an hour I was about even. Tom, the young fellow next to me was drinking Johnny Walker Black and so I joined him and relaxed into the banter. I had been relatively quiet for me. I could tell the young folks were not sure of me. There had been little lull in the banter, and I was an old guy after all. But I found an opening and started a successful tease which went very well. Our end of the table was definitely having too much fun.
Players were easy to read. The scotch relaxed me. I seemed to know when to fold my pocket queens and when to take them to the river for a win.
More than any other time my habit of never showing cards worked very well for me. I was a mystery. They never saw what I had. Old Ray complained to the fellow next to him that he wanted to see but did not want to pay. One hand he did pay. I had the goods. I never bluffed once. I raised once n the button, hoping for a free turn card if my straight draw did not come, but the Slavic guy did not remember to wait for me, and bet on the next time into me. As I won more and more hands I could feel my opponents begin to wonder if I was stealing. And that was good. In this game it was not unusual for a raise on the river to force a fold. Not knowing whether I was bluffing would encourage a call. And I think I did get a few that way.
The scotch took over; I relaxed. Time mellowed, and I had a good time. And the cards came. Lots of junk to fold for free and good flops with the good cards. No more second best hands. Randomness smiled on me.
People started to drop out. Old Ray was down to his last chips. I raised my pocket nines. “No one can beat you,” he said as he called my raise. I suspected he had some good cards. The flop was 9-10-10, a full house. Ray bet and I called. His last chips came on the river. I raised. The other opponent folded. Old Ray had two eight's.
Johnny Walker Tom ran out of chips. His drinking had not helped his game. He had gone a little on a quiet defeatist tilt. He was openly disgusted as he called weak hands.
I was ready to eat and would have left, but I got caught and posted my big blind just as the table changed players. So I stayed to play a final round. A yahoo guy joined the table raising and talking loud about loosening the table up and also came three other new players. That meant I needed to be off. I held A-5 and Yahoo raised. It flopped A-5. I checked to let Yahoo bet on my left, let everyone call, and then raised. Some stayed until until the river and then I was head to head with a smaller two pair. Thanks Yahoo for building that pot. Two hands later Yahoo raised and another new fellow reraised and I was gone.
I was up $382. I checked my keno results. Another $15 in winnings. At the Rewards center I picked up my voucher for a free ride next week. Maybe Robin will go along. I had a fine free meal at the buffet and walked down to see the sample displays advertising the Pequot museum and listen to the story of the Pequot massacre.
I stopped at the bar to see what the price of Johnny Walker on the rocks would have been had I paid for it. $10.
So almost $400 in winnings, $40 in free scotch, $16 free buffet and a totally free bus ride. Not bad even if the movies were dumb.
There is no jockeying for seats on the way home so I sat comfortably and watched Robin Williams in an RV travel the West with his family in slapstick style.
I was home by 9. No free offers for rooms in the mail, but my free American Casino Guide came. Money and coupons in the same day. A good day gambling.

Mexican Food link

From this link you can get tons of info on Mexican food.

http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38920

Hotel Balcony?

Here is a nice summary of what hotels have balconies
http://www.lasvegastalk.com/modules.php?naic&t=37132me=Forums&file=viewtop