Had a Great Time. Don't Know When I'll Pass That Way Again.

I finished reading Lost Cosmonaut by Daniel Kalder. Apparently he lives in Pflugerville now. Here is a photo of me putting in Henderson. I think it was the most flattering of my photos.

Last Minute Deal: Harrah's Laughlin

BZA currently has a September offer from Hooters that is almost too good to refuse. The only sticking points? Time off and expensive plane flights. Enter my latest and only current offer from Caesar's Total Rewards.

• Plane flight from Austin to Laughlin, Nevada (2 hours from Vegas)
• Four nights in a deluxe room
• September 4-8
• $289 per person

The timing may be perfect for some, but I still can't manage to take four days off, especially with ACL Fest around the corner. Chances of a BZA Vegas September? Two percent.

Seeking Contributors

Want to get in on the excitement that is the BZA Vegas 2011? If you would like to contribute stories to the blog, please send me your e-mail address. Of course, you can always leave comments.

Already gone.

Next stop Vegas. Paris confirmed. NYNY blacklisted.

Cranberry Coolers like the Cape Codder

Cosmopolitan is confirmed.

Although it has been described as "Life from inside a chandelier." , the Cosmo has plenty of talent and lots of hidden penny slots. You may get lost trying to find a blackjack table but there's a comfy modern chair nearby to watch the scenery. Oh, and we might as well become part of the Identity Club. Maybe we will take a break and hit up the hot pool party at the Marquee Dayclub.

The blacklist award goes to the MGM Grand. Not much to explain here. It's not on the way to Ellis Island, like the Westin is. The lion is never around when you want to check him out. And it's kinda of like being on an endless yellow brick road walkway. Too long!

-Roberto

Reverend Green

Here is a collection of photographs from previous trips to Las Vegas.

 Orange Juice

Pitchers of Coors Light

Don Williams

Marc Cohn in the Peanut Gallery

Monday Up and Down

There was a bit of a spoiler in my previous post about which casino I was going to blacklist. I seem to be in a pretty foul mood, and my misguided fury is about to set upon what was once one of my favorite casinos.

Bellagio: Italian for Blacklisted

The fountain is exquisite, and I enjoy sneaking a peek, but I heard the same shows in 2006. The Fremont Street Experience is more up-to-date. The leather chairs at the sports book are the best, and drink service there is also top notch, but I've no use for any of that on a summer Monday night. Bellagio finally had $10 minimum blackjack tables the last time I was there, but I had no luck, and less satisfaction from the casino. I hate losing money in a bad mood, and I certainly felt pretty rotten the last time I was there. This year, I'm lucking out across the street.

Flamingo: Getting Relief

This is a very decent casino, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Harrah's Caesar's has consistently offered BZA terrific room comps, and the Flamingo is a great place to stay. It is right in the middle of the strip. The rooms aren't luxury, but they aren't motels either. The habitat is a pleasant place to visit, and say hello to the cinnamon teal for me when you're there. The service is reasonable, the tables are priced right, and I enjoy the atmosphere of the breakfast buffet. They have plenty of Wheel of Fortune slots as well. Not to mention some pretty sweet ashtrays.