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October 16, 2003
Sodom and Gomorrah for the Common Man
I just returned from my first trip to Las Vegas and I am so blown away on so many levels that I just don't know where to start. OK, technology...
Vegas is just brimming with cutting edge tech on every front. You are assaulted by so much high dollar wizardy that you become jaded almost instantly. One hundred foot hi-def jumbotrons, four block long street covering light and music shows, life-like animatronic battles spewing flames and water and steam in the middle of a shopping mall. It's just surreal and it goes on 24/7 in a continuous alcohol besotted, chain smoking, smut infested, jiggling, titillating, cash wallowing, sinfest that will rip your head clean off it you let it.
Let's talk about the Bellagio fountain (inset picture). You've probably seen this thing on TV backdropping one of our latest scantilly clad pop princesses. Forget the no talent babe, this fountain is dynamite! It's a $40 million dollar, 900 foot long, computer controlled monster with 1200 nozzles and 4500 lights. I watched it six times and was gobsmacked every time as it blasted and swirled and cavorted to various tunes from every genre. When all 1200 nozzles turn into cannons and send their huge streams 240 feet in the air it's just a sensory overload.
How about old-tech? Have you been to the Hoover Dam? Don't miss it. The engineering scale of this dam is still mind boggling by today's standards. To think that we built this thing in 5 years during the great depression is hard to believe.
Money? I have seen very few places that exude so much wealth and power. I always thought Vegas was supposed to be trashy and brassy, but this new Vegas is pure class in every way. Sure, it's a nouveau riche kind of class, but there has been no expense spared in the new hotels, shows, shopping establishments, restaurants. Very impressive.
All in all, I liked Vegas a lot. I never thought I would, but I would love to go back and spend a lot more non-business related time. And win some more money!
Posted by Mitch in Society / Politics
and Travel
Comments
Hey Mitch,
Remember to check out Valley of Fire National Monument, and Red Rock Canyon next time you go there. Some incredible natural formations!
As someone who grew up out in Las Vegas, it is a wonderful city, ESPECIALLY if you get off the strip and downtown. The people are wonderful (and nice when it comes to driving, believe it or not), and there are little things here and there... :-)
Posted by: Renee at October 17, 2003 10:24 AM
I did get out to the Valley of Fire for an ATV tour on Saturday. It is a really beautiful place, but I only saw a small portion of it. Overall I was impressed with the area, but probably could not survive the summer climate. If the temperature gets much past 80 degrees, I start looking for some A/C. :-)
Posted by: Mitch at October 17, 2003 2:50 PM