Favorite Non-Gambling Thing to Do in Las Vegas?
February 17th, 2011 at 8:09:54 AM
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What is your favorite non-gambling activity to do in Las Vegas?
February 17th, 2011 at 8:38:33 AM
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I like walking through the Venetian, Caesars, Paris and the Luxor and admire the architecture, sculptures, paintings, frescoes (sort of) and fountains. For some reason i do this every trip and ahven't gotten tired of it. I also like to watch the bellagio fountains.
Oh, when I walk through the Luxor I'm always reminded of Stargate SG-1.
Oh, when I walk through the Luxor I'm always reminded of Stargate SG-1.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 17th, 2011 at 8:44:22 AM
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Walking.... although I tend to confine it to the strip and downtown.
It's a great walking town.
One of these trips, I want to walk from the strip TO downtown. The Pawn Stars shop is about the midpoint of that trip.
Since the wife was complaining when walking from the Stratosphere to Circus Circus, I'll definately be doing that big walk alone...
It's a great walking town.
One of these trips, I want to walk from the strip TO downtown. The Pawn Stars shop is about the midpoint of that trip.
Since the wife was complaining when walking from the Stratosphere to Circus Circus, I'll definately be doing that big walk alone...
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 17th, 2011 at 8:55:27 AM
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1. Red Rocks
2. Bellagio Fountains
3. Walking around
2. Bellagio Fountains
3. Walking around
February 17th, 2011 at 9:10:41 AM
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Great topic.
- People watching;
- Ambling;
- Eating;
- Socializing (we always go with the In-laws or others...);
- Shows
- The Dam
- People watching;
- Ambling;
- Eating;
- Socializing (we always go with the In-laws or others...);
- Shows
- The Dam
February 17th, 2011 at 9:19:56 AM
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Quote: FinsRule1. Red Rocks
2. Bellagio Fountains
3. Walking around
Pretty much the same for me. I live in the land of flat and I never go to Vegas without a trip to Red Rock last lasts a few hours. I could just hike there for days but my bed loving wife is not in love with the idea of camping there.
The past 2 times I've been there I stayed in the Augustus Tower of Caesars Palace and had a perfect aerial view of the fountains. It's a bit different seeing them from 40 stories up.
February 17th, 2011 at 9:37:33 AM
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I like choosing from the multitude of nice restaurants.
February 17th, 2011 at 10:36:23 AM
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1. Eating
2. Bellagio Fountains
3. Lion Tank at MGM
4. Swimming pool (Mirage, Golden Nugget)
5. Collecting freebies
2. Bellagio Fountains
3. Lion Tank at MGM
4. Swimming pool (Mirage, Golden Nugget)
5. Collecting freebies
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
February 17th, 2011 at 11:00:44 AM
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Quote: FinsRule1. Red Rocks
2. Bellagio Fountains
3. Walking around
Shoot, knew I was forgetting something... FOOD. And the pools. I'll move food to#3, pools to #4, and walking around #5.
February 17th, 2011 at 2:00:11 PM
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Wow I'm suprised no one said the shows. Since I saw a ton of shows during my last trip I would say that seeing shows is my next favorite thing to gambling.
OFFICIALLY and justifiably reclaimed my title as SuperHotBlonde!
February 17th, 2011 at 2:03:13 PM
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I always like to get in a good meal, a good show and a good activity when I'm out there.
Last time we skipped the show, but I did get to go go-karting and to a micro-brew fest.
Last time we skipped the show, but I did get to go go-karting and to a micro-brew fest.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
February 17th, 2011 at 2:10:34 PM
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Quote: HotBlondeWow I'm suprised no one said the shows. Since I saw a ton of shows during my last trip I would say that seeing shows is my next favorite thing to gambling.
I'm not much inclined to shows. Over three trips, I've seen two: Rita Rudner and Penn & Teller. I don't expect I'll see one this year.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 17th, 2011 at 2:17:51 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearWalking.... although I tend to confine it to the strip and downtown.
It's a great walking town.
I agree with you on that. Walking and looking... just look where you walk.
Quote: DJTeddyBearOne of these trips, I want to walk from the strip TO downtown. The Pawn Stars shop is about the midpoint of that trip.
Since the wife was complaining when walking from the Stratosphere to Circus Circus, I'll definately be doing that big walk alone...
What? A white boy from Jersey, alone from the Strat to Downtown Vegas. Would be safer on LV Blvd, less on Main Street. Still not at all a very good choice.
Even money you get assaulted on your 1st (and hopefully last) attempt.
February 17th, 2011 at 2:35:53 PM
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Quote: guido111What? A white boy from Jersey, alone from the Strat to Downtown Vegas. Would be safer on LV Blvd, less on Main Street. Still not at all a very good choice.
It doesn't seem unsafe, in the daytime. Just empty. I don't walk through empty streets, though.
If it is about distance, I think the stretch from the Wynncore to Mandalay Bay is quite long, if less satisfying.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 17th, 2011 at 2:44:20 PM
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I love walking Vegas in short bursts, as the heat really gets to me. My longest was from Circus Circus to the MGM Grand. It was 2007 and the eve of the Mayweather/De La Hoya fight that went 12 rounds and ended in a draw. I wasnt planning on walking that far, but there wasnt a taxi in sight ( I think they were all long hauling at the airport), and I couldnt be bothered waiting for the Deuce, so started walking bus stop to bus stop.
Aided by a Big Gulp from a 7-11 and a short stop at the Venetian, I did make it. I was amazed when I turned back and looked back up the strip, as at the time it didnt feel too bad, but I felt it the next day.
Aided by a Big Gulp from a 7-11 and a short stop at the Venetian, I did make it. I was amazed when I turned back and looked back up the strip, as at the time it didnt feel too bad, but I felt it the next day.
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February 17th, 2011 at 3:54:46 PM
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Quote: CroupierI wasnt planning on walking that far, but there wasnt a taxi in sight ( I think they were all long hauling at the airport), and I couldnt be bothered waiting for the Deuce, so started walking bus stop to bus stop.
My longest walk was from IP to the Venetian. I had the notion that all the Deuce stops were bus shelters, so I missed some stops looking for one. I found the one at the Venetian only because a bus had stopped there. I do silly things like that all the time.
Oh, cabs don't stop on the Strip. You need to find the queue at the nearest hotel. I miss details, but I know about hotels and cabs ;)
Quote:Aided by a Big Gulp from a 7-11 and a short stop at the Venetian, I did make it. I was amazed when I turned back and looked back up the strip, as at the time it didnt feel too bad, but I felt it the next day.
You know, on my first trip I was amazed at how close the Stratosphere seemed to the Airport, while knowing how far apart they are.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 17th, 2011 at 3:57:39 PM
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Quote: Nareed
Oh, cabs don't stop on the Strip. You need to find the queue at the nearest hotel. I miss details, but I know about hotels and cabs ;)
.
I know, after having stopped at the Riviera taxi ranks and there not being a taxi to be seen, then looking at the line at the Wynn, which had about 100 people in it, walking seemed easier than waiting.
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February 17th, 2011 at 6:38:39 PM
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Golf. I play at least one round of golf every day I'm in Vegas. The prices can be pretty high ($150-$250 depending on the course) but I usually find deals here and there online. I have a couple of favourite tracks (Rio Secco, Bali Hi, Badlands, Paiute, TPC) but I always make sure I find at least one or two new places. I don't mind the heat, even in the summer and the greens are usually in great shape wherever we go.
I also make an effort to see one or two shows every visit; usually a Cirque production and a comedy if someone good is in town.
Other than that, I catch up on my sleep.
I also make an effort to see one or two shows every visit; usually a Cirque production and a comedy if someone good is in town.
Other than that, I catch up on my sleep.
Happiness is underrated
February 17th, 2011 at 7:48:07 PM
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1. Visiting all of the different bars & restaurants - so much variety that I don't get here in the midwest.
2. The Gentlemen's Clubs. It's like being a kid in a candy store!
3. People watching in general.
2. The Gentlemen's Clubs. It's like being a kid in a candy store!
3. People watching in general.
"Bite my Glorious Golden Ass!" - Bender Bending Rodriguez
February 17th, 2011 at 9:16:39 PM
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I see the phrase "people watching" often in the forum. What exactly does it mean?
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 17th, 2011 at 9:57:45 PM
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Quote: NareedMy longest walk was from IP to the Venetian.
I vaguely remember walking the whole strip from Fremont Street to the Luxor. This was mid-90s, before Mandalay was there. It took a long, long, long time.
"In my own case, when it seemed to me after a long illness that death was close at hand, I found no little solace in playing constantly at dice."
-- Girolamo Cardano, 1563
February 17th, 2011 at 10:02:29 PM
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Quote: NareedI see the phrase "people watching" often in the forum. What exactly does it mean?
To 'people watch' is to observe those around you and enjoy the uniqueness of people in their environment.... And Vegas well lends itself to this activity!
February 17th, 2011 at 10:23:41 PM
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Quote: HotBlondeWow I'm suprised no one said the shows. Since I saw a ton of shows during my last trip I would say that seeing shows is my next favorite thing to gambling.
I don't see many myself. I'm sure I would see more if the prices were lower. If I'm not gambling, I'm usually not going to drop $100-$150 on a show for 2 hours. I'm generally going and sitting on a BJ table with that money. :)
I would say walking around is my most common thing. It is just relaxing to me(assuming it isn't the middle of summer). My normal day if I'm simply gambling is to walk from Mirage(where I normally stay) down to Mandalay Bay. Half the time spent in casinos at a table, the other half eating/walking around/sitting down to watch a random sports game.
February 18th, 2011 at 4:52:06 AM
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Quote: soulhunt79I don't see many myself. I'm sure I would see more if the prices were lower. If I'm not gambling, I'm usually not going to drop $100-$150 on a show for 2 hours. I'm generally going and sitting on a BJ table with that money. :)
I have to agree on that. Now that Sigfreid and Roy are only a pocket-pair at a poker table in Vegas there isn't really a show I would really care about. Maybe an Elvis or Rat Pack review. But $100+? NO WAY. I'd rather have enough roll for 50 $3-5 BJ at Slots-a-Fun. Or better yet a real "gambling hall" on Freemont Street.
I think most audiendce to shows in Vegas is female or the female that makes her guy take her there as the price of allowing him to play craps all afternoon. I rarely hear a guy mention the show he saw on his trip unless someone else brought it up.l
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
February 18th, 2011 at 6:55:15 AM
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Quote: soulhunt79I don't see many myself. I'm sure I would see more if the prices were lower. If I'm not gambling, I'm usually not going to drop $100-$150 on a show for 2 hours. I'm generally going and sitting on a BJ table with that money. :)
Paying for a show is a gamble. Will you or won't you like it? Will it be a waste of time? Or will it enrich your life? Considering they last around 90 minutes, $100 is a decent bankroll for that amount of time :P
Unless you're like me and you cheat, that is, by going to shows you know you'll enjoy. Then it's just an expense. Still, the $90 I paid for Penn & Teller was worth it. But then I love their act and have admired them for years. I also sometimes catch their show, "BS" on TV.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 18th, 2011 at 7:10:14 AM
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My wife and I are big fans of live music (it's how we met) and would do a lot of traveling to see bands in our college days. The shows are a big part of the appeal of Vegas. If we're winning, we might see a show a night.
We'll go to the "Tix4Tonight" booth, and see what sounds interesting.
We'll go to the "Tix4Tonight" booth, and see what sounds interesting.
February 18th, 2011 at 7:17:37 AM
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nobody here said.. HOOKERS
February 18th, 2011 at 7:54:38 AM
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Quote: Nareed
Unless you're like me and you cheat, that is, by going to shows you know you'll enjoy. Then it's just an expense. Still, the $90 I paid for Penn & Teller was worth it. But then I love their act and have admired them for years. I also sometimes catch their show, "BS" on TV.
Me and Mrs Croup are planning on going to see them this year. We will be shelling out extra for the VIP section, to be close to the action. And I already know we wont be disappointed.
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February 18th, 2011 at 8:11:46 AM
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I'm with everybody on the wandering aimlessly and peoplewatching. Last time I did it I nearly collided with William Shatner in the Wynn.
I love stand-up comedy, so that's something else I seek out when I'm in Las Vegas. I usually go for a massage also, preferably someplace with an elaborate spa where I can lounge around all morning.
I love stand-up comedy, so that's something else I seek out when I'm in Las Vegas. I usually go for a massage also, preferably someplace with an elaborate spa where I can lounge around all morning.
February 18th, 2011 at 8:27:06 AM
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Quote: HotBlondeWow I'm suprised no one said the shows. Since I saw a ton of shows during my last trip I would say that seeing shows is my next favorite thing to gambling.
Think the answer to that question is contained in your number of dudes & gals post.
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
February 18th, 2011 at 8:36:27 AM
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That's because they are the BIGGEST gamble you can make!Quote: minnesotajoenobody here said.. HOOKERS
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 18th, 2011 at 11:13:07 AM
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Quote: CroupierMe and Mrs Croup are planning on going to see them this year. We will be shelling out extra for the VIP section, to be close to the action. And I already know we wont be disappointed.
Good for you. I sat rather far away and it was great. Sitting close you might wind up on stage, too :)
Some advice, if they still have poeple signing the envelope before the show, go up and sign. And if they ask for volunteers with knowledge of bullets and guns, raise your hand. Maybe you can draw "WovCon" on the bullet or the cartridge before the trick (if you're so inclined, of course).
Oh, and since you stay in vegas a long time (2 weeks if I recall rightly), I'd advise you to try one of the discount ticket places. There's one at Bill's, but the lines get long early. I think there's another one in the mall next to the MGM.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 18th, 2011 at 11:30:14 AM
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I have replied in Another thread to avoid hijacking this one.
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February 18th, 2011 at 9:26:16 PM
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Quote: Nareed
Oh, and since you stay in vegas a long time (2 weeks if I recall rightly), I'd advise you to try one of the discount ticket places. There's one at Bill's, but the lines get long early. I think there's another one in the mall next to the MGM.
You don't have to wait in line!
Before your trip sign up for text messages here.
or you can text ‘Events' to 75309
They will send you a daily TXT that gets you $2 off and access to the VIP line. You just show your phone to the guy running the queue. It saves you 20 minutes standing in the heat. It's one of those "best-kept secrets."
If we're up, we'll go to one of those booths, and decide what we want to see that night.
When you leave, you can unsubscribe.
February 19th, 2011 at 5:30:18 AM
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Quote: dudestupidYou don't have to wait in line!
Before your trip sign up for text messages here.
or you can text ‘Events' to 75309
I think I haven't mentioned the $5 per call/message roaming fee my cellphone carrier so usefully charges me.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 19th, 2011 at 7:09:36 AM
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I like to try and see things I have not seen before on each trip, so I may
try and get to the Neon Boneyard and the Pinball Musuem.
Vegas is also a good home base for taking a rental car and a couple
of days and going to Zion, Bryce, or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
We've done all of those.
try and get to the Neon Boneyard and the Pinball Musuem.
Vegas is also a good home base for taking a rental car and a couple
of days and going to Zion, Bryce, or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
We've done all of those.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
February 19th, 2011 at 7:18:09 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQI like to try and see things I have not seen before on each trip, so I may
try and get to the Neon Boneyard and the Pinball Musuem.
I highly recommend the pinball hall of fame. Just remember to bring along quarters or singles so you can play.
If you're interested in really old games, too, they have some. I don't mean just pinball tables with mechanical score dials, but also really old "pinball" games without flippers or even sound effects.
The one thing they're missing is the Hercules pinball table. I recall playing it in Canada in 81 or 82. It was billed as the world's largest pinball machine. It is pretty big, using a billiard ball rather than a small metal ball to play.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 19th, 2011 at 7:51:34 AM
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Favorite non-gambling activities to do in Vegas:
(1) Walk the strip. If we are in mid-strip, we'll do a round trip to the north end or the south end, and if we are north or south strip, we'll do a one way trip and then monorail or taxi it back. Great exercise, builds up an appetite for a great meal, gets you invigorated, gets you some Vitamin D, and includes some bonus people watching and sight-seeing, which includes the Volcano, the Bellagio Fountains, St. Mark's square in the Venetian.
(2) Meals. You can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, pretty much at the price that you want. There are so many eating possibilities on the strip that it's hard sometimes to make up your mind. I usually reserve an over-the-top meal in Vegas that you can only get in LA, NY, or Chicago.
(3) People-watching. So many people visit Vegas for so many reasons, and the best night is Saturday night. You have people dressed up for the clubs. You have weddings and their parties. There are celebrity sightings. And just watching ordinary people live out their lives... there's just such a variety of people to watch and stories to see that it's fascinating.
(4) Swim. If you're in a hotel with a great pool, there's nothing nicer than taking a break with a dip and getting some sun before and after.
(1) Walk the strip. If we are in mid-strip, we'll do a round trip to the north end or the south end, and if we are north or south strip, we'll do a one way trip and then monorail or taxi it back. Great exercise, builds up an appetite for a great meal, gets you invigorated, gets you some Vitamin D, and includes some bonus people watching and sight-seeing, which includes the Volcano, the Bellagio Fountains, St. Mark's square in the Venetian.
(2) Meals. You can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, pretty much at the price that you want. There are so many eating possibilities on the strip that it's hard sometimes to make up your mind. I usually reserve an over-the-top meal in Vegas that you can only get in LA, NY, or Chicago.
(3) People-watching. So many people visit Vegas for so many reasons, and the best night is Saturday night. You have people dressed up for the clubs. You have weddings and their parties. There are celebrity sightings. And just watching ordinary people live out their lives... there's just such a variety of people to watch and stories to see that it's fascinating.
(4) Swim. If you're in a hotel with a great pool, there's nothing nicer than taking a break with a dip and getting some sun before and after.
-----
You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
February 19th, 2011 at 9:24:54 AM
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Quote: boymimboThere are celebrity sightings.
Years ago, I saw Jay Leno at the IP car museum. He was getting a private, guided tour.
I didn't stop and bug him for an autograph or anything like that. Just a celeb sighting.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
February 19th, 2011 at 12:29:19 PM
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On one trip there was a celbrity hockey tournament going on at the Hard Rock (this occurs every summer) and just coincidentally I ended up hanging out with them. I was in heaven cuz it was a whole bunch of NHL players including Anson Carter, Chris Chelios, Brad Ference, Scott Melanby, Reid Simpson, Nathan Perrott, etc. The celebrities that were a part of the group were Cuba Gooding, Jr., Alan Thicke, Jerry Bruckheimer, and others. I saw someone that looked like Joe Pesci but I wasn't sure if it was him or not.Quote: JohnnyQYears ago, I saw Jay Leno at the IP car museum. He was getting a private, guided tour.
I didn't stop and bug him for an autograph or anything like that. Just a celeb sighting.
I was in heaven! Not only did I get to hang out with a whole bunch of NHL players (I was a huge hockey fan at the time) but even got hit on and phone calls from them too! :)
OFFICIALLY and justifiably reclaimed my title as SuperHotBlonde!
February 19th, 2011 at 1:12:08 PM
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Hmm, that sounds like a reason to hit Vegas... celebrity hockey would be a laugh. I like my hockey in the desert (last couple of times I've caught my local team play the Wranglers. It's not NHL standard, but it's still hockey).
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
February 21st, 2011 at 3:53:03 PM
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One of my favorite things about the Vegas strip is being able to drink alcohol, inside, outside, and all places public, 24/7.
And when I'm in town, I fully take advantage of those rules.
And when I'm in town, I fully take advantage of those rules.
February 21st, 2011 at 5:42:04 PM
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Quote: TheNightflyGolf. I play at least one round of golf every day I'm in Vegas. The prices can be pretty high ($150-$250 depending on the course) but I usually find deals here and there online. I have a couple of favourite tracks (Rio Secco, Bali Hi, Badlands, Paiute, TPC) but I always make sure I find at least one or two new places. I don't mind the heat, even in the summer and the greens are usually in great shape wherever we go.
I play disc golf. It free and it better than ball golf for you in many ways.
When I met The Wizard last December, he told me that he moved to Vegas specifically to be near the disc golf courses.
Check out the PDGA for more information and maps to the courses in your city.
I also like to rent a car and drive to mesquete and back taking the back roads though "Red Rock" (not the same as Red Rock Canyon, WAY BETTER!!!).
The difference between zero and the smallest possible number? It doesn't matter; once you cross that edge, it might as well be the difference between zero and 1.
The difference between infinity and reality? They are mutually exclusive.
