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A Terrible Way To Kill Time
October 16, 2009
I remember driving to an off-strip gas station years ago while scoping out houses, looking up at the large sign above the pump canopy, and seeing the word “Terrible's” staring back at me. While the gas was flowing into my tank, I went inside the small convenience store to gather some things that I knew we would need on the ride back and I remember remarking to the cashier about the irony of buying something at a place with a name such as “Terrible's”. I explained to the cashier that if the gas caused my car to explode and these snacks gave me food poisoning, that I couldn't very well complain because they had given me fair warning. I then asked if the name of the establishment was designed to provide a perfect insulation from lawsuits. I don't remember what the person behind the counter looked like, but I do remember that they ... Read the full blog post...
Taking The Dealer's 21
September 3, 2009
When the cost of repairing your car is more than 50% of the value of the vehicle itself, it's time to get another one. And so I did. I'm happy to say that I am now the proud owner of a new Porsche. It occurred to me today that the people at the Poker tables might be stretching the truth a bit to impress their fellow player. I've yet to see a title, and I've always taken their word for it, so I henceforth own a Porsche. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Please, someone ask me about it. I implore you. After procuring the sleek new sign of my gambling prowess, I had to spend the better part of the afternoon at a local Las Vegas Department of Motor Vehicles registering the carriage. People think I am using hyperbole when I say this, but I honestly and without reservation opine the average resident ... Read the full blog post...
Sunday at Sam's
August 23, 2009
Sam's Town. Thanks to the Killers (the band, not people who terminate life), everyone has heard of it, but if I had to hazard a guess, probably 10% or fewer of Las Vegas tourists have actually been to the property. It is, however, a local favorite and also has somewhat of a cult tourist following ... especially among car-equipped tourists seeking a bit more bang for their buck (absolutely nothing wrong with that). I'm not a frequent visitor to Sam's due to the location. I actually have to make an effort to get there, and given that the Sahara, Strat, and Downtown give me odds and limits close to that of ST, I usually opt for a closer locale. So why did I drive there today? One reason. I like driving in the rain. As a matter of fact, I went to the roof yesterday and basked in the clouds. Seriously. I have no idea why people want ... Read the full blog post...
Dotty's Delivers
August 19, 2009
An old friend is in town this week staying at the Riviera, and today I was finally able to meet the idiot for lunch. After we had polished off our respective deli sandwiches in the early afternoon, I informed him that even though I was enjoying his company, I had pressing business to attend to. “Can we drop by someplace first?”, he asked. “Where?”, I asked in the irritated pitch meant to convey to someone that you don't want to go anywhere, and you hope they will get the hint and respond with “Ah, never mind”. For whatever reason, subtlety never works for me. I don't know if it is my sunshine demeanor or my striking physical attractiveness, but unless I come right out and say “F You, No Way!” the assumption is that I am happy to oblige any request. “I want to check out that Dotty's place”, he replied. What the ??? “Dotty's?”, I said, ... Read the full blog post...
An "M" Afternoon
August 12, 2009
Since I had to meet a couple of people at the M Resort this afternoon, I decided to leave a bit early so that I could enjoy the resort at my own leisure. I don't get the opportunity to go the M as often as I would like, so I decided to play some no-limit in the notoriously tight poker room, and I also wanted to spend a little quality time at the pool before Summer came to an end. Ironically, shortly after I arrived it started drizzling, but the pool remained open. It was still 102 degrees, and people were still swimming. God bless the resolve of bikini-clad women. I've only played two hold'em sessions at the M since it opened and I did horribly on both occasions. However, since I am a slave to cliche's (and fashion), apparently “the third time's the charm”. Given that the percentage of older locals is high ... Read the full blog post...
Skid Row of Vegas
August 4, 2009
In another installment of the “neighborhood series”, I decided to hit one of the places that few tourists know about, and frankly, most of Las Vegas wants to keep it that way. That fact of the matter is, yes Virginia … Las Vegas does have a Skid Row. Neighborhoods like Skid Row are not unfamiliar to me at all. I've lived in mostly urban areas for my entire life, and I actually lived “on” Skid Row in Los Angeles for a number years, and my rapport with the surrounding community was actually quite good. While I did not live in a tent on the street myself, many years ago I was able to procure a “loft” (a/k/a the corner of an old 1920's office building converted to residential use) on the East Side of Downtown LA for a monthly cost that was practically free. Coming from the East Coast, I thought the ... Read the full blog post...
Video Poker Interruptus
August 3, 2009
What can I say about the Greek Isles Hotel and Casino that hasn't already been said? The Greek Isles is Nevada's most famous hotel and casino, and known the world over as the “crown jewel” of Las Vegas. It has served as an inspiration for all major casinos in town, and was the blueprint for Steve Wynn's oft-touted Wynn and Encore properties. Receiving the coveted and unmatched Nine Diamond award by AAA and consistently rated #1 by both locals and visitors alike, the Greek Isles Hotel and Casino, okay I'll stop. The fact is, nothing is ever said about the Greek Isles, and that's why I drop by once or twice a year. I wanted to play a little video poker this afternoon, but I really didn't want to walk in the heat, drive very far, park in a multi-level garage wasting 15 minutes getting to a machine, or being surrounded by crowds of ... Read the full blog post...
The Real Fremont Street
July 22, 2009
The photos you see on this page were taken on what is arguably the most famous street in Las Vegas, and as far as world-renowned streets are concerned … it's certainly up there. Even though it is almost a household name, most people have never actually traversed this famous thoroughfare. Sure, everyone is familiar with the four block stretch under the canopy, and the two block “Fremont East” district, but that's all for show. Given the fact that cars cannot drive in most of the resort area, what most people know as “Fremont Street” is hardly a street at all. It's just the name of a pedestrian mall. So, what of the “street” part of Fremont? Does it even exist? If so, where does it go, and what does it look like? Let's face it, once one gets past 8th street, Fremont becomes a mystery for all but the most ardent explorers of Vegas. It's an ... Read the full blog post...
Eureka … The Path Less Travelled
June 16, 2009
When I first started “blogging”, I reviewed properties like the Bellagio, Caesars, and Mandalay Bay ad-nauseum, and in recent years I have mixed it up a little to avoid stating the obvious. Reviewing casinos like the Bellagio, Caesars, Mirage, and Mandalay Bay is too easy. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. There is so much information about these places online that most people can provide an accurate review of these properties without ever actually setting foot in them. If Helen Keller mated with a retarded monkey, their offspring could review the Bellagio: “The Bellagio is truly exquisite. It is well appointed, clean, luxurious, and shows why it is constantly considered one of the best casinos in Las Vegas. The carpet is clean, the colors and décor are tasteful, etc, etc.” Seriously, who hasn't been in the Bellagio? What in the hell am I going to tell you about the Bellagio that you don't already ... Read the full blog post...
I'm Finally an Immigrant
May 30, 2009
While I have played in most Las Vegas casinos at least once, the fact remains that there are some scattered casinos in which I have never played. These are usually small properties without hotels. One of these places is a fairly well-known casino very close to the Strip … Ellis Island. Ellis Island is a polarizing place. People either love it or hate it. There is rarely an in-between. I have always withheld judgement on the place until I carved out enough time to truly take in the Ellis experience myself. The exterior of Ellis Island has always been an integral part of my daily routine. At one point, it was a stone's throw from a building in which I dwelled. I have walked and driven past it literally thousands of times, but I always allowed the interior to remain a relative mystery. I felt that this was a transgression that needed to ... Read the full blog post...
