Hit ‘em All Nevada – Day 32
I woke up early and my morning routine was going—well—routinely when I got a call around 7 AM. It was LVA member (noahcat) Jeanne Marie (JM) saying that she, Catherine, and Paul had a flat tire and some other car problems and were stuck close to the entrance of Red Rock Canyon. I was actually in the shower when the call came in, and considering I wouldn’t know just how long I’d be, decided to hurriedly pack up and go ahead and check out of the Hilton. After stupidly making a couple wrong turns on the 95, I finally made it to Charleston where the drive out to Red Rock was just a few miles away.
They were at the side of the road (I’m kicking myself for not taking a picture). By the time I had gotten there, Triple A had already arrived but Paul had changed the tire himself (hey dude, that’s why you pay your dues, have them do it) and had left. They were intending to take a nice early walk in Red Rock, but as it turned out, not only did they break down but it was raining off and on this morning. I took the two girls and we followed Paul back into Summerlin to a Big O tire store. The car made it fine. Paul was going to wait for the store to open, so the two girls and I headed to the Gold Coast where we’d meet Rob, Cathy, and Jackie for breakfast at the buffet.
The Gold Coast buffet, which I had not visited since their remodel, has markedly improved. Not only are their offerings more extensive and varied, but there’s a more spacious and positive vibe to the place. We were soon joined by Cathy and Paul but JM decided to skip breakfast and to use up her birthday month Gold Coast free play.
Cathy, Rob, Jackie, and Catherine at the Gold Coast brunch
I said my goodbyes to my ECLVA friends because it was getting late and I had yet to write yesterday’s report and get it posted. I drove across the street to the Starbucks on Flamingo just west of the Palms. Just as I was finishing it up and getting it posted, I got a call from Terry (dorianmac). We had planned on going over to the Cosmopolitan because neither he nor Louise had visited it yet. We decided to meet in front of the Bellagio atrium at noon, which is just next door and far easier to park and walk. I got there a little early and took a shot at their LOTR machines. I did okay and broke even and then put in $20 in an old favorite, John Wayne machine. I hit max bet (30 lines) and immediately noticed that my $20 was suddenly $12.50. I had NOT noticed that this was a quarter machine—not a penny machine. Of course, I didn’t catch anything and I immediately cashed out while inwardly chastising myself for such a stupid rookie mistake.
I took another couple of pics of the atrium for those of you who might have missed my post a few weeks ago when I was here for the ten dollar bet.
Entrance to the Bellagio atruim
Another of the atrium
After meeting Terry and Louise we walked over to the Cosmo where both of them signed up and took advantage of the $100 gambling guarantee promotion. We were just in time as the promotion ended today. I took advantage of the other promotion (I’m already a member) by giving my email address and getting $10 free play. The boothling I had must have been new because he gave me the $10 free play without asking for my email address and also didn’t tell me that the $100 promo was not just for new members, but everyone. The promo is also an “either or” deal—take one or the other, not both. Oh well.
Terry and Louise sat down at a quarter triple play bonus poker bank of machines (surprisingly full pay) and took a shot with the hundred. Louise didn’t catch anything and soon lost the hundred, then went back to the booth to get her $100 free play, which was the deal. They reimburse you the hundred but only in free play—still a great promo. Terry caught a few quads included deuces and Aces, but eventually losing it and using his free play managed to still come out a winner. The promo at least allowed him post some good points on his card for possible offers down the line. An interesting thing to note is that their computers do not give you points when you use free play—smart move on their part but sucks for us. (a 60 year old man using the term “sucks” is a by-product of hanging around my students far too long).
I said my goodbyes as I needed to check in to Ballys today. On my way out, I saw a Monkees (the group from the 60s band) machine and put in a fast $20. I caught a bonus and cashed out for $42. Then as I was walking towards the exit, I saw one of these machines I hadn’t played before but had watched others. I was curious just how it worked. I don’t remember the name but it’s a jungle theme thing where the apes are wild and the entire slot mechanism rotates during the bonus round. Well, I put in $20, hit a bonus for a small win, kept playing (thirty-five cents a spin) and hit another bonus. This machine is one of those that have mini, minor, major, and maxi progressives. Most times when you catch these, they’re the mini’s or the minor’s. However, this time I caught a major (first time I’d ever done that), which was good for $240—pretty sweet for a 35-cent bet. As I mentioned earlier, this trip has been butt-backwards in that my video poker has let me down, but the penny games have been a savior.
Just one of the many bars around this place at the Cosmo
My check in at Ballys went just fine. Though I had my choice of any of the Caesars’ properties, I chose Ballys because the valet is very easy to get in and out of, their diamond registration is fast and convenient, and they have entire floors in the north tower dedicated to only diamond members, so you know you’re going to get a nice room every time. I want to also mention that this room was a comp but only because it was a gift from LVA member rgpups who sent me his birthday comp, which amazingly is transferrable. Just another example of how LVA members are the best. Richard--thank you very much!
My room this time at Ballys
The view of the room.
I was going to meet Terry and Louise at 6:30 in front of the box office at Caesars for the Celine Dion concert, so I had a little time. I went down to the casino to play. I lost at LOTR, I lost at video poker, I lost at anything I touched. Geez! Suddenly, that good luck I had earlier at the Cosmo end up saving an otherwise rough day at the games. I was getting dressed when Terry called saying that their room had some plumbing problems and they had to move so they wouldn’t meet me until 7 PM (they’ve had nothing but headaches with this room at the 4 Queens). I still had an hour and hadn’t eaten since this morning, so I walked over to Caesars and into their diamond lounge for a drink and whatever snacks they had going that day, which turned out to be some kind of veggie pockets something or other (they were good). The bartender there was pouring very liberal Jack and cokes, so by the time I met Terry and Louise, I had a bit of buzz going on.
You might remember I had some ticket issues when I had lost one and then got them replaced yesterday. Well, when we came into the main entrance and they scanned the tickets, a red flag came up. We were escorted to a little roped off area until they could straighten it all out. The attendant was very polite and after a few minutes, we were cleared. We went to our chairs which were six rows back from the stage and just a little to the left. They seats were magnificent and Celine spends most of time right down to the edge of the stage, so we were close enough to see the wrinkles in her eyes. As it’s been reported, the show is simply Celine and her orchestra and back-up singers. She sang a lot of her hits and some great cover songs including a Michael Jackson tribute and a fun medley of James Bond movie themes. She was spot-on every note and nuance. In short, the show was amazing and without question, for me, the very best concert I have ever seen (and I’ve seen Elton John, Garth Brooks, and Earth Wind and Fire). There aren’t words to express how wonderful she makes everyone feel in this 4000 seat coliseum. I will say this, if you’re going to come see her show, spring for the extra bucks and get good seats up front. You won’t regret it. I couldn’t take any pictures (verboten!) but believe me when I say it’s a show I will never forget.
After the concert, we walked over to Bill’s Gambling Hall where Terry parked (he’s learned well) and treated me and Louise to drinks at the bar in the back area while we talked about the show and I needled him about the Padres win over the Rockies today. A message to Dave (timberwolf): Terry mentioned that you wanted me to come downtown after the concert, but it was simply too late for me (I’ve become such a wussy-boy in my old age), so my apologies.
I got back to the room, watched a little TV and called it a night. This certainly has been one of the more interesting and fun days of this trip.
More tomorrow.
I woke up early and my morning routine was going—well—routinely when I got a call around 7 AM. It was LVA member (noahcat) Jeanne Marie (JM) saying that she, Catherine, and Paul had a flat tire and some other car problems and were stuck close to the entrance of Red Rock Canyon. I was actually in the shower when the call came in, and considering I wouldn’t know just how long I’d be, decided to hurriedly pack up and go ahead and check out of the Hilton. After stupidly making a couple wrong turns on the 95, I finally made it to Charleston where the drive out to Red Rock was just a few miles away.
They were at the side of the road (I’m kicking myself for not taking a picture). By the time I had gotten there, Triple A had already arrived but Paul had changed the tire himself (hey dude, that’s why you pay your dues, have them do it) and had left. They were intending to take a nice early walk in Red Rock, but as it turned out, not only did they break down but it was raining off and on this morning. I took the two girls and we followed Paul back into Summerlin to a Big O tire store. The car made it fine. Paul was going to wait for the store to open, so the two girls and I headed to the Gold Coast where we’d meet Rob, Cathy, and Jackie for breakfast at the buffet.
The Gold Coast buffet, which I had not visited since their remodel, has markedly improved. Not only are their offerings more extensive and varied, but there’s a more spacious and positive vibe to the place. We were soon joined by Cathy and Paul but JM decided to skip breakfast and to use up her birthday month Gold Coast free play.
Cathy, Rob, Jackie, and Catherine at the Gold Coast brunch
I said my goodbyes to my ECLVA friends because it was getting late and I had yet to write yesterday’s report and get it posted. I drove across the street to the Starbucks on Flamingo just west of the Palms. Just as I was finishing it up and getting it posted, I got a call from Terry (dorianmac). We had planned on going over to the Cosmopolitan because neither he nor Louise had visited it yet. We decided to meet in front of the Bellagio atrium at noon, which is just next door and far easier to park and walk. I got there a little early and took a shot at their LOTR machines. I did okay and broke even and then put in $20 in an old favorite, John Wayne machine. I hit max bet (30 lines) and immediately noticed that my $20 was suddenly $12.50. I had NOT noticed that this was a quarter machine—not a penny machine. Of course, I didn’t catch anything and I immediately cashed out while inwardly chastising myself for such a stupid rookie mistake.
I took another couple of pics of the atrium for those of you who might have missed my post a few weeks ago when I was here for the ten dollar bet.
Entrance to the Bellagio atruim
Another of the atrium
After meeting Terry and Louise we walked over to the Cosmo where both of them signed up and took advantage of the $100 gambling guarantee promotion. We were just in time as the promotion ended today. I took advantage of the other promotion (I’m already a member) by giving my email address and getting $10 free play. The boothling I had must have been new because he gave me the $10 free play without asking for my email address and also didn’t tell me that the $100 promo was not just for new members, but everyone. The promo is also an “either or” deal—take one or the other, not both. Oh well.
Terry and Louise sat down at a quarter triple play bonus poker bank of machines (surprisingly full pay) and took a shot with the hundred. Louise didn’t catch anything and soon lost the hundred, then went back to the booth to get her $100 free play, which was the deal. They reimburse you the hundred but only in free play—still a great promo. Terry caught a few quads included deuces and Aces, but eventually losing it and using his free play managed to still come out a winner. The promo at least allowed him post some good points on his card for possible offers down the line. An interesting thing to note is that their computers do not give you points when you use free play—smart move on their part but sucks for us. (a 60 year old man using the term “sucks” is a by-product of hanging around my students far too long).
I said my goodbyes as I needed to check in to Ballys today. On my way out, I saw a Monkees (the group from the 60s band) machine and put in a fast $20. I caught a bonus and cashed out for $42. Then as I was walking towards the exit, I saw one of these machines I hadn’t played before but had watched others. I was curious just how it worked. I don’t remember the name but it’s a jungle theme thing where the apes are wild and the entire slot mechanism rotates during the bonus round. Well, I put in $20, hit a bonus for a small win, kept playing (thirty-five cents a spin) and hit another bonus. This machine is one of those that have mini, minor, major, and maxi progressives. Most times when you catch these, they’re the mini’s or the minor’s. However, this time I caught a major (first time I’d ever done that), which was good for $240—pretty sweet for a 35-cent bet. As I mentioned earlier, this trip has been butt-backwards in that my video poker has let me down, but the penny games have been a savior.
Just one of the many bars around this place at the Cosmo
My check in at Ballys went just fine. Though I had my choice of any of the Caesars’ properties, I chose Ballys because the valet is very easy to get in and out of, their diamond registration is fast and convenient, and they have entire floors in the north tower dedicated to only diamond members, so you know you’re going to get a nice room every time. I want to also mention that this room was a comp but only because it was a gift from LVA member rgpups who sent me his birthday comp, which amazingly is transferrable. Just another example of how LVA members are the best. Richard--thank you very much!
My room this time at Ballys
The view of the room.
I was going to meet Terry and Louise at 6:30 in front of the box office at Caesars for the Celine Dion concert, so I had a little time. I went down to the casino to play. I lost at LOTR, I lost at video poker, I lost at anything I touched. Geez! Suddenly, that good luck I had earlier at the Cosmo end up saving an otherwise rough day at the games. I was getting dressed when Terry called saying that their room had some plumbing problems and they had to move so they wouldn’t meet me until 7 PM (they’ve had nothing but headaches with this room at the 4 Queens). I still had an hour and hadn’t eaten since this morning, so I walked over to Caesars and into their diamond lounge for a drink and whatever snacks they had going that day, which turned out to be some kind of veggie pockets something or other (they were good). The bartender there was pouring very liberal Jack and cokes, so by the time I met Terry and Louise, I had a bit of buzz going on.
You might remember I had some ticket issues when I had lost one and then got them replaced yesterday. Well, when we came into the main entrance and they scanned the tickets, a red flag came up. We were escorted to a little roped off area until they could straighten it all out. The attendant was very polite and after a few minutes, we were cleared. We went to our chairs which were six rows back from the stage and just a little to the left. They seats were magnificent and Celine spends most of time right down to the edge of the stage, so we were close enough to see the wrinkles in her eyes. As it’s been reported, the show is simply Celine and her orchestra and back-up singers. She sang a lot of her hits and some great cover songs including a Michael Jackson tribute and a fun medley of James Bond movie themes. She was spot-on every note and nuance. In short, the show was amazing and without question, for me, the very best concert I have ever seen (and I’ve seen Elton John, Garth Brooks, and Earth Wind and Fire). There aren’t words to express how wonderful she makes everyone feel in this 4000 seat coliseum. I will say this, if you’re going to come see her show, spring for the extra bucks and get good seats up front. You won’t regret it. I couldn’t take any pictures (verboten!) but believe me when I say it’s a show I will never forget.
After the concert, we walked over to Bill’s Gambling Hall where Terry parked (he’s learned well) and treated me and Louise to drinks at the bar in the back area while we talked about the show and I needled him about the Padres win over the Rockies today. A message to Dave (timberwolf): Terry mentioned that you wanted me to come downtown after the concert, but it was simply too late for me (I’ve become such a wussy-boy in my old age), so my apologies.
I got back to the room, watched a little TV and called it a night. This certainly has been one of the more interesting and fun days of this trip.
More tomorrow.
