sputnik Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Hmm, maybe we should have a forum get-together in Vegas. You could all hear my Debbie Reynolds stories (they're really so much better live, with hand gestures and facial contortions). Oh, I also met a drunk Chill Wills downtown! That was uber-cool! Well, I'm jealous. I don't know who has a more exciting life, you or Thebes. First, behind the scenes at the Desert Inn and then face to face with Chill Wills. The Desert Inn was truely classy and yet had that old Vegas aura. I sure hated to see that go. Chill Wills was one of my all time favorite character actors. Did he sound like Francis the talking mule in person? I'm always down for a Francis or a Ma and Pa Kettle movie. Great idea for a Vegas gathering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 a quick count revealed that i've stayed at 21 different hotels so far. lately, been staying on the strip as my son-in-law is a former pro athlete and has a connection with the Polo Towers--he get's suites for free. Binion's Horseshoe Club is my favorite casino. My next trip, I hope to eat at the China Grill in Mandalay Bay--I hear it is exceptional. I never leave Vegas without eating the grilled lamb at the Aladdin. Haven't been to vegas since July; but reading this thread makes me think it's time to make another trip. Hmmm, it's only about four hours away, I could be playing blackjack by 9:30 pm. Definately a good place for a Forum get together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jheis Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Been to "Vegas," see no reason to ever go back. As I said - my opinion. YMMV. Vegas is organized crime with a smiley face - now trying for wider appeal as a "family destination." Anyone remember that Bugsy Siegal & Meyer Lansky pretty much founded Vegas with the Flamingo? Remember Sinatra with his mob connections? Anyone seen "The Cooler?" Not a pretty picture. If you think the mob walked away from all that easy money, you've got another think coming Not to spoil anyone else's fun, but it's just not the type of thing that appeals to me. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomac Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 James, Why do you even bother posting in this thread? [8-)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Hmm, maybe we should have a forum get-together in Vegas. Sounds fun Gregg. I am in anytime. Just say when. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jheis Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 James, Why do you even bother posting in this thread? [8-)] boomac: I suppose because someone needs to be the Cassandra. The "disneyfication" of Vegas is a cynical (and successful) campaign to make gambling additction acceptable to the mainstream. I said my piece & will bow out now. Just remember - the free drinks aren't free. But, if you go have fun! James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomac Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Point taken James. Remember this though. The Indian Casinos, state run slots and government run lotteries are where too many people who can't afford to lose do! The odds are totally against you. At least some games in Vegas are close. If you play Black Jack correctly the house has less than a 1% advantage. Besides, if you can afford to get to Vegas you can probably afford to spend a few bucks on gambling entertainment. Not for everybody but for some of us it's a lot of fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Point taken James. Remember this though. The Indian Casinos, state run slots and government run lotteries are where too many people who can't afford to lose do! The odds are totally against you. At least some games in Vegas are close. If you play Black Jack correctly the house has less than a 1% advantage. Besides, if you can afford to get to Vegas you can probably afford to spend a few bucks on gambling entertainment. Not for everybody but for some of us it's a lot of fun. This statement has alot of merit. Boomac..does this happen to you? I'll get built up to a 2 or $300 hand, catch a double down, then dealer draws out.[*-)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Hmm, maybe we should have a forum get-together in Vegas. You could all hear my Debbie Reynolds stories (they're really so much better live, with hand gestures and facial contortions). Oh, I also met a drunk Chill Wills downtown! That was uber-cool! Well, I'm jealous. I don't know who has a more exciting life, you or Thebes. First, behind the scenes at the Desert Inn and then face to face with Chill Wills. The Desert Inn was truely classy and yet had that old Vegas aura. I sure hated to see that go. Chill Wills was one of my all time favorite character actors. Did he sound like Francis the talking mule in person? I'm always down for a Francis or a Ma and Pa Kettle movie. Great idea for a Vegas gathering. Yeah, he sounded like a drunk talking mule. Extremely friendly drunk talikng mule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capo72 Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I did not see if you are renting a car or not. If not I suggest using the "Duece" for transportation. It is by far the best bang for the buck. I think it's $5 for a 24 hour pass, or $2 for one-way. There are lots of these double decker buses, so you never have to wait more than 5 minutes for one to show up. I also suggest staying somewhere in the middle of the strip. This has worked well for me in the past. You can go one direction one day, and the other direction the next day. Last time we went we stayed at the Imperial Palace. It was cheap, and right in the middle. My wife and I walked from IP to the Stratosphere and back. That was a haul. Everything is alot farther away than it looks. My favorite Hotel is the Venetian. I would love to stay there someday, but we spend so little time in the hotel room, that we can't justify the cost. We prefer to stay somewhere a bit cheaper, which frees up money for blackjack and poker. I highly recommend an Italian eatery called Bataglia's Hole in the Wall. It is a couple blocks off the strip on whatever cross road Balley's is on. It is the best Italian place I have ever been to. You get all the wine you can drink with dinner! Have fun, and good luck! Jeremy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I highly recommend an Italian eatery called Bataglia's Hole in the Wall. It is a couple blocks off the strip on whatever cross road Balley's is on. It is the best Italian place I have ever been to. You get all the wine you can drink with dinner! good call Capo...i've heard that place is fantastic. I heard a couple of guys that host a sports radio talk show mention that they've eaten there. Last time I went to Imperial Palace, they had the blackjack dealers dressed like famous singers. Elvis was dealing me some real nice hands. Fun place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomac Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Arky nothing the dealer pulls off surprises me anymore. I dont play much BJ any more because its too much like work. To win big you have to bet big and that means you can lose big. If someone tells you they won thousands bettin 10 a hand you know theyre full of you know what! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Wish I had known about that Italian joint a couple weeks ago! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 I believe it is Battista's Hole in the Wall. We discovered this a couple of years ago & it is now one of our staples. Casual dress. Farauro's ( I probably butchered the spelling) is at least as good italian cuisine with a more diverse menu. More of an upscale place with a rat pack theme & their music for ambience. Very pleasant place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Where are the Vegas forum guys on this thread. They should know the local spots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capo72 Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 I believe it is Battista's Hole in the Wall. We discovered this a couple of years ago & it is now one of our staples. Casual dress. I believe you are correct it is Battista's not Bataglia's. Bataglia's is a Italian grocery that I occasionaly visit. Must have had their capicola on my mind. Jeremy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Regardless you are right...the place is worth a visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Voodoo Lounge at The Rio and Ghost Bar at The Palms are always fun, albeit trendy. [<)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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