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07/09/2004 Entry: "las vegas"

So I guess it's supposed to be "what happens in Vegas stays in vegas" but I'm not worried about anything that happened so: We took a direct flight on America West airline, probably the worst airline I have ever been on. They left a half hour late, they were so disorganized, they didn't know what was going on with anything, there was no food but it was a 6 hour flight, they made us check our carry on bags even thought there was plenty of room etc. After that we got there and everything was great. We rented a car and drove to the MGM grand. The hotel is beautiful, its the same place we stayed at last time although next time we'll probably go to the Aladdin because the buffet is better. The food everywhere in Las Vegas is really good some of the best restaurants in the world. I recommend Th alladin buffet and the Bellagio in that order. Go just before lunch changes to dinner so you eat the dinner food at lunch prices. Don't be fooled by all the prime rib for 3.99 deals they aren't that good.
Other highlights:
The pools every hotel has at least two, MGM has seven plus a river you can float on if you rent the donut thingy. When we went the temperatures were all over a hundred degrees, one day at 105, so cooling off is important. Don't believe that dry heat crap, you can't stay out in the sun very long without dying, literally. thats why most of the time you stay inside. Everywhere has blasting ac, you get really cold inside and everybody puts on sweaters and stuff.

Star Trek experience at the hilton. Its very cool if you are a trekkie, or Trekker, they have borg and Ferengie and Klingons walking about. The Klingons have to speak the language and the Ferengie have to know the rules of acquisition, its hot. I brought back a six pack of Romulan ale. Some other guy on the plane had a case with him, now I'm jealous. I almost bought a Star Trek replica uniform. That should stayed in Vegas.

Play blackjack, its the best odds in the whole place. Feel free to play against "the book" everybody kept talking about betting with the rules. The thing is the casino has those rules too and if you play according to them the house wins more than they lose. I made some crazy plays that payed off a lot of the time. Like splitting two sixes when the dealer is showing a seven. I won. I doubled down on 15, the dealer made a big deal about it telling his pit boss and everybody in ear shot what I was doing it. He said so everyone would know what I was doubling down on a 15. He was trying to make fun of me for being a dumb ass but I got a six so I won. He said he was really impressed and had not ever seen someone do that, so I felt pretty good. All in all I came home with more money than I left with so I am happy, and apparently an oddity in that respect. I had a great time, and will probably go back at least once a year.

Today's song of the day is "Karma Elastica" by Espen Horne