Well, went out for 6 days to play poker and blackjack (oh yeah, there was some conference out there but I don't remember much about it). First night, played at MGM (where we stayed). Nice room, good mix of players except that the level has seemed to improve since it first opened (ie: less fish floating around). Played in the $125 6pm tourney and got 2nd for $1275. Pretty happy with that. Tipped the staff and played some blackjack.

Next day played in the Aladdin 1pm tourney. Can't complain too much. Played well (EXCEPT for two hands) and went out halfway into it. Didn't really catch cards but hey it happens. Room was really soothing (sarcastic laugh) with the construction going on right above it. Went back to MGM that night and played 1-2 NL. Found someone who didn't believe when I had a hand and did when I didn't. Doubled up and went to bed. I don't make fun of this person because I WAS this guy in a couple of days (read on, dear friend).

Hit the Paris 9:30 tourney. It is beatable. . .except when KK loses to QQ. . . short story shorter, I was out 25 minutes into it. Wandered over to Caesar's and played the noon tournament. It was great, 140 people. Room is big but kinda sparsely decorated, felt like I was in a warehouse. Nice, don't get me wrong, just sparse. Went out around 30ish area (money was 10). Great tournament structure with 4500 chips and 40 minute blinds. OK, quick story I wasn't involved with but got to watch. Long story short, 4 kings lost to a royal flush in the third hand of the tournament. Ouch.

Saturday I went to the "grand opening" of the TI poker room. It was small (8 tables I think) but not bad. Friendly management and yes, new dealers. Here was where I got to be the fish. Basically had second best hand many times, down $400 and left ashamed, confused, degraded *grin*. They don't rake but take $4 per half hour from each player. I guess its GOOD if you're winning but bad if you're not. For me, it was bad. But hey, I got a t-shirt out of it (a $400 tshirt is a first for me).

I hope that helps someone. I checked out the Venetian room but strangely it wasn't busy at 9pm on a Wednesday (only like 6 tables running). Didn't end up playing there. The room looked really nice though (no shock at the Venetian). Oh by the way, went to Hooter's to check it out. Figured it would be low budget but at least hot waitresses/dealers to check out. Hmmmm, not really. None of the above plus dirty cigarette burned tables. One 3-6 game running all afternoon. I'll never darken the door there again. If you want to look at hot waitresses, check out Bellagio, Venetian, Mandalay Bay, and Wynn. Take care all!