Author Archives: queen of comps

6/2/2006 “Here I go again – writing a book I never planned on writing and certainly never wanted to write. Why would I, a 67-year-old grandma who is trying to retire, take on a job that is extremely complex and … Continue reading →

5/5/2006 Now that my last big writing project is done and in the hands of my editor, I have more time for one of my favorite pastimes, reading. Of course, there are some things I read no matter how busy … Continue reading →

4/6/2006 Six years ago today, the first Frugal Fridays hit this space. This is my 312th deadline – and I’m exhausted from so many 12-hour days at my computer recently trying to finish up my next big writing project. Why … Continue reading →

3/3/2006 The recent opening of Wynn casino provided a perfect occasion to try out some comp techniques that I’ve discussed over the years. Brad and I wondered if Steve Wynn would market to locals, especially if they looked like they’d … Continue reading →

2/2/2006 Don’t you just love the Question of the Day feature on the LVA homepage? If you’re not familiar with it, anyone can submit a question about Las Vegas, one of which is answered on a daily basis at this … Continue reading →

1/5/2006 We’ve just finished closing out our gambling figures for 2005 and, as usual, it was a roller-coaster ride. We spent a lot of time riding around in deep valleys, losing seven months out of 12. After being nice winners … Continue reading →

12/1/2005 Last month I wrote a couple of columns about gift cards. This week I want to talk about one of my favorites. You can have Starbucks –- I’ll take the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf any time. Why? For … Continue reading →

11/3/2005 Last week I started a trip report about our recent stay at Caesars Palace, participating in an invitational slot tournament. I promised the rest of the story for this week. First, the scam about which I dangled a few … Continue reading →

10/7/2005 Several weeks ago we talked about keeping safe after you win a large jackpot. I got some good feedback from you readers: “Occasionally a casino employee will refuse to pay you by check. Then what do you do?” –JS … Continue reading →

9/2/2005 Last week I wrote about frugality, including a quote from the “Cheapskate” about the word, in which she conjured up images of the homeless digging in dumpsters for food. The very next day I came across a related item … Continue reading →