Las Vegas, Nevada

Won't Look Back

2006-11-27T00:56:00.000-08:00

Having watched the great Vegas lights roll back across the horizon just as quickly as on arrival, I realized my journey is coming to an end.

During my time in Vegas, I learned several questionable characteristics of the city.

First, the city is not for children. Children should not be allowed to visit or live there. The sexual content is disturbingly overt. Where most cities have newspaper bins filled with catalogs for cars or apartments, Vegas advertises sex and women, all as children walk past. There is an entire industry of street solicitors who push sexual advertisements at people, whether or not they have children present.

Second, the city does not move fast. Whether it be traffic along The Strip or one McDonalds agent processing a line longer than most homes are wide.

Third, expect to pay for everything. I was surprised at how Vegas charged for services that are offered free by the smallest hotels in the middle of nowhere such as Internet.

During my stay, I broke the most sacred rule of Vegas -- thou must gamble. When I arrived in Vegas three days ago, I thought I might spent some money. Then I arrived and saw the faces of the pathetic fools mesmerized by the flashing lights, sounds, and a constant tease of big money. I then thought of all that Vegas have to offer and choose that path.

After being delayed in Vegas for two hours resulting from the sudden snow storm in Seattle, I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. Until next time, take care.

Space, the Final Frontier

2006-11-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day in Sin City. Despite some of the un-pleasantries, I did have a fun time.

With hours remaining before heading back to the airport, I needed to experience one last adventure, that of Star Trek: The Experience. This consisted of two rides; Borg Invasion and Klingon Encounter. Although both were part of the same exhibit, each used completely different technology to immerse the audience.

Although both are considered rides, the Borg Invasion did not rely heavily on mechanical motion. The floor shook but that is about all. Where this ride sacrifices motion, it makes up for in special effects. Remember on Friday I experienced the ultimate in 3D effects at the IMAX. This ride utilized the same polarization effect. In addition, the seats were equipped with air puffers, water misters, and actuators, all designed to give the audience the full assimilation experience as well as enhancing the battle sequences.

On the Klingon Encounter, the adventure is entirely on a rapid moving simulator taking you through a roller coaster ride into a 24th century battle with the Klingons.

What set those aside from other simulation rides was they were both preceded by live actors who guide the audience through a story, complete with fear, intrigue, and plot twists.

Before leaving, I head toward Quark's bar on the DS9 promenade for some lunch.

Nothing But Hotels

2006-11-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

I won't bore with another tirade about the Vegas traffic situation. It is terrible and needs fixing.

Today was a pretty uneventful day as I simply investigated hotels I had not seen yet. Among those I visited, starting at the south end of The Strip, were Excalibur, New York-New York, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo, Bellagio, and Caesar's Palace.

I returned to my hotel so I can get ready for a Penn and Teller performance at 9:00 pm.

From Egypt to Islands

2006-11-25T01:15:00.000-08:00

The quality of this day was questionable at best. I did some really fun activities, interspersed with disbelief and discomfort. Where to begin?

Once I arrived at the Luxor, I headed straight for their IMAX Theater. Luxor has two formats -- simulation ride and movie, I purchase admission to Reboot (a ride) and Deep Sea 3D (a movie).

I first saw the Reboot ride. Although the name does not conjure any specific image about its content, I knew exactly what it was after watching the previews. In the mid-90s, there was a network cartoon called Reboot. The show took place inside a computer and follows the heroes as they battle a computer virus. This series was revolutionary as it was the first computer generated cartoon (predating Toy Story). This ride, using a simulation chamber, continued following the heroes on a new adventure.

Afterwards I went into the Deep Sea 3D. It has been a long time since last experiencing a 3D movie, and I have to say the technology has improved dramatically. Long gone are the days of red and blue image filters. I still had glasses, but I think it used some form of polarized light. The images looked as if they were right in front of me, almost like I could reach out and grab a jellyfish or shark. It was an incredible experience.

Above was the good part of my day. After leaving the Luxor, I headed toward the Bellagio for the fountains rhythmic display. Like heading toward the Luxor, my return trip was fraught with traffic delays. Traffic had not gotten any better.

I finally arrived in time to catch part of the fountain performance. I then moved north to watch the Mirage volcano erupt. Finally I went to Treasure Island saw the sirens perform.

There were several problems with the sirens performance; 1) The crowd was too large, 2) The crowd did not disperse in an orderly fashion once the performance was complete, 3) The performance was not all that spectacular, and 4) The content was probably not appropriate for children.

The size of the crowd meant if you did not arrive about an hour and a half early, you were relegated to the back. I arrived one hour prior and I could barely see the actors. This size of the crowd made it difficult to leave once completed because there was no organization. Treasure Island should coordinate this event better.

The performance was not all that spectacular as the actors lip synched to songs and dialog. It also contained mostly sexual innuendoes despite having an audience containing children.

After this long day, I just want to sleep. I must have walked five miles today. Two more days left.

Traffic is a Universal Evil

2006-11-24T16:19:00.000-08:00

One constant appears to bind all people and places together in anger and despair -- that is city traffic.

Having lived in Seattle for more than 22 years, I have seen the traffic get continuously worse. When it takes 45 minutes to drive myself to work (which is only 15 miles away), I must confess, I experience the onslaught of road rage every now and then.

I experienced the same feeling of helplessness as it took almost an hour to go three miles by bus along Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip). I estimate I still have a half hour left before reaching the Luxor.

(Traffic is God's practical joke to the world.)

The Lure of Quick Jackpots

2006-11-24T01:47:00.000-08:00

The sights and sounds of Vegas are all designed to entice the senses. There was no place you can walk that does not offer gambling. From the moment I disembarked from the plane (with slots in the terminal) to wading through gambling devices upon checkin to the hotel, I could not escape the lure of quick money. I can see how those who are weak can be drawn in.

Arriving in Vegas

2006-11-24T00:20:00.000-08:00

Night darkness consumed the Nevada landscape as if a blackhole laid all the way to the horizon. Then, in the distance, lights began to role into view. It was obvious I was gazing upon Las Vegas.

While being amazed at the shear fabric of lights, I noticed how close the city appeared. However, I knew we must still be 100 miles away. It was amazing how the eyes are easily deceived at such high elevations.

Upon arriving at the airport, I caught a shuttle and arrived at the hotel, the Fitzgeralds.

I was inclined to get some sleep, but upon gazing through my room window, I saw the Fremont Street Experience. I thought I would check it out before sleep.

Sin City or Bust

2006-11-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

As the blinding darkness of night consumed all, my Alaska Airlines flight quickly broke free of Earth's gravity.

Looking out those small cabin windows, all the grandiose lights marking civilization were fading and became no more significant than stars in the heavens. They were quickly obfuscated by the omnipresent Seattle clouds and I realized in just two hours I would be in Sin City.