Nevada

December 2006
I needed 1500 more miles to achieve Platinum status on my Delta Airlines Frequent Flyer account.  Fortunately for me Delta was running a special to Vegas.  I flew out for an overnight trip.  As an added bonus I was able to get a room at Harrah's for $50!  To make things perfect I was able to catch the Wayne Newton Christmas show (also in Harrah's).  If that wasn't enough I was able to meet Wayne Newton after the show and get my picture taken with him. 

For a short 24 hour "pad my frequent flyer miles" trip it turned out to be a perfect way for me to start the holiday season. 

August 2006
I visited Las Vegas during the Sybase Techwave conference.  My role was a speaker for the RemoteWare product training sessions.

I was able to take some time to experience the traditional Vegas show "Jubilee" at Bally's Hotel & Casino.  I had a front row seat..  Jubilee is one of the famous "show girl" type Vegas shows.  In fact, most of the girls are topless for most of the show.  The show explores everything from Samson destroying the Temple of the Philistines to the sinking of Titanic and dancing with Fred Astaire.  It seems impossible that topless showgirls and all of these topics could possibly mix into a successful and elegant show, but the producers and cast of this show achive just that.  The result is a brilliant and enjoyable feast for the eyes and ears.