Friday, May 29, 2009

VNEA Pool Championships At The Riviera



Thousands of pool players have descended on the Riviera - the team from Portugal are all very cute - hope they win, so we can play poker again. Pool players are all smokers and the hospitality lounge appears to be the parking lot outside - the Vixen gals are none too thrilled about this. It helps to be skinny to play pool, it really does...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

World Championship Pool - The Amazing Dr. Cue




The Riviera is hosting World Championship Pool. Tom Rossman, Dr. Cue, gave an amazing exhibition of artistic pool. In the middle photo he asks an audience member to place his shoe against the wall, in the bottom photo, the ball right before it goes in the shoe.

The Riviera



The Riviera was built in 1955 and everyone rubs the asses of the famous Crazy Girls statue. Cigarette girls are becoming extinct, but this one is happy to be here. If the carpets look familiar, it's because a lot of Scorcese's "Casino" was filmed at the Riviera.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Shopping At The Palazzo




Recession, what recession? I somehow don't think the Lamborghinis are flying out of the showroom - it's part of the fantasy decor, a dream of the opulent lifestyle.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Vegas Valley



Vegas is surrounded by mountains - to the south, east is Sunrise Mountain and to the south-east, behind Boulder Station, more mountains. We can only get so big.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

6th St - Old Las Vegas




6th Street, tucked away off Sahara towards Downtown, reeks old Vegas. Quirky, one-of-a-kind houses, 60's bungalows and pretty front yards.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Las Vegas Strip



Monday, May 11, 2009

X-Scream Ride At Stratosphere



The X-Scream ride atop the Stratosphere (tallest structure west of the Mississippi) shoots into the sky, goes over the railing and suddenly lurches downwards, like it will deposit you on the street. Terrifying.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Stratosphere Observation Deck



You take the elevator to the top of the Stratosphere, where two comfortable armchairs await to view downtown. Then you go outside and watch people plummet towards the street in the rocket ride.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Circus Circus




And to think James Bond stayed here in "Diamonds Are Forever". I guess this was the height of luxury in the 70's. Sean Connery at the Circus Circus?

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Inside The Wynn Casino




You go along a tree-lined pathway, adorned with Christmas lights, down to the Parasol Bar, where you lounge outdoors with a martini on the tranquil blue lagoon.

Monday, May 4, 2009

What's With The Umbrellas?



It seems every luxury casino has hanging umbrellas in its decor. From top: Palazzo, Wynn, Bellagio. Are umbrellas code for you can't afford to shop here or is there only one decorator in town?

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Danny Gans



Unknown outside of Vegas, Danny Gans was a pretty big deal here. I saw his show - uncanny impressionist and great entertainer. Died in his sleep at 52 for no apparent reason. The Wynn has a giant billboard and taxi cabs still advertise his show.