Las Vegas Notes

MGM Grand Selling Assets

2009-04-08T12:26:31Z

Just read yesterday that MGM Grand is selling some of its assets to raise cash.

I did some reading up on MGM Grand and learned about Kirk Kerkorian as well as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (even though the two aren't directly related).

Wynn Encore

2008-12-21T23:27:48Z

Wynn Encore is opening tomorrow, and I was surprised to learn this. I thought it was already open. It certainly looked open and operational when I was there not too long ago.

When I saw the hotel, I took a snapshot of it, which can be seen at this post:

Wynn Encore

Vegas

2008-11-28T21:25:12Z

I'm dying to take a trip to Las Vegas. Money's definitely tight these days so I don't see it happening in the near future but I would like to get out there in the next couple of years. Ideally I'd wanna go with a few friends for a week or so, do some gambling and see the sites. Everyone I've talked to said the experience is unreal.

City Center Construction

2008-11-14T22:57:48Z

Here's a picture of the City Center construction project:

More City Center Information

Planet Hollywood

2008-11-14T22:40:23Z

A picture of the Planet Hollywood building:

I'm not sure if this is a casino too, but they probably have some games inside.

Wynn Encore and Riviera

2008-11-14T22:30:28Z

Here's a quick picture of the Riviera casino, with the Wynn Encore in the background:

The Wynn Encore is a very nice hotel in my humble opinion. I wonder what the difference is between the Wynn and Encore.

Circus Circus - Better Picture

2008-11-14T22:24:46Z

Here's a better picture of the Circus Circus sign:

Circus Circus

2008-11-14T22:08:33Z

What's a blog about Las Vegas without a picture of Circus Circus? Unfortunately, their large sign was under construction, so this picture is not the best I'm sure.

Las Vegas News

2008-11-14T01:57:54Z

Ever since I traveled to Las Vegas last week, I've been noting the recent news coming out of the city of casinos.

For example: MGM Chief Lanni Retires, Murren Tapped as Replacement

And then there were the news releases about The Sands, Inc. and Sheldon Adelson: Las Vegas Sands' Adelson Said to Meet With Singapore

It is interesting news, as it reflects the economic situation. When times are good - people gamble, when times are bad - they don't.

Caesar's Palace

2008-11-13T02:16:25Z

Caesar's Palace is also a world renown casino:

As you can see in the picture, they are currently hosting Bette Midler.

The Mirage

2008-11-13T01:53:20Z

The Mirage is a classic:

O'Shea's Casino

2008-11-13T01:50:32Z

While this casino is a bit outdated, the real estate is sits upon must be worth BANK!

Cold Miller draft, beer pong tables... how could you go wrong? I can't say because I didn't venture.

The Strip

2008-11-11T22:34:36Z

"The Strip" is the central part of what most people know about Las Vegas - the entertainment, the hotels, and of course, the casinos.

I was lucky - I had an excellent tour guide who is very familiar with the city to show me around and tell me what was what.

Although I had been to Las Vegas before and had seen the strip, it was really only in passing at night. This time, I was totally wowed. It is awesome. The buildings are amazing, and the construction that is still going on is astounding!

LOTS more pictures coming soon!

Red Rock Canyon

2008-11-11T22:23:21Z

This is an absolutely beautiful park! I was caught a little bit caught off guard by the cooler weather, and since I packed shorts, I couldn't go walking out and about the trails without getting chilly.

Nevertheless, the drive around loop is absolutely spectacular. The vantage points are my favorite types - where you can witness giant parallax occlusion in action! Not only are the giant hills and rocks just the perfect size, they are absolutely beautiful as well.

Whenever I think of Las Vegas, I think of flashing lights, neon signs, bells, whistles, and sizzles. But when you get the opportunity to get out beyond the glitz, the beauty is awesome.

Previous Visit to Las Vegas

2008-11-04T19:39:16Z

I visited Las Vegas around four years ago for the BAI Conference - a big retail banking and financial conference. I was only there for three days, but I really got a kick out of what I saw.

Las Vegas is certainly nothing like any other city I've been to!

Sure its got big buildings and stuff like that, but the casinos make it a very different scene - so bright and so colorful its easy to get sucked in.

Thankfully I'm not big into gambling, so I didn't lose anything! :-)