So from one Vegas Newbie to another here are my recommendations.....

Which CC members are going to take me up on my offer of a round of drinks?
- Anytime you are in the Seattle Area, look me up.

How do I find out what fights are scheduled for a specific weekend?
- Not a fight fan.... No idea.

Where do I have the best chance at comps for playing poker only?
- I would recommend playing where you feel comfortable. Any comp that you get at a poker room will be for a free meal only for the 1st time/short stay poker player. Sure it will save you a couple bucks on a meal, but you're in VEGAS BABY! Take an hour, get up from the table and go pay for a nice meal at one of the resturaunts. There is excellent food all over the place... you don't want poker room food, you can get that anywhere. Besides finding a room you enjoy will let you play better and you'll make more money, so even after the meal, you will still be ahead.

Aside from the Palms (where I will be looking to meet Gene) - where is the best place to play poker in terms of room quality, game structures and good staff?
- Check out Andy's site www.nevadacasinochips.com. He has a link to all the Vegas poker rooms, the games they offer and the limits they spread. I am a low limit player myself (high rolling to me is 8/16 at Wynn) so I really enjoyed the following rooms. Number 1! The Bellagio, I mean you just have to play there..... To me, it's the center of the Poker Universe. When I was playing the 4-8 there, I had a great time because most of the people are tourists and just want to have a good time, which equates to a very soft and friendly game. Same is true of the Wynn 4-8 (which is my number 2). The Mirage was also fun for somewhat more serious poker. I couldn't sleep and was staying at Harrah's so I walked across the street at 6am and sat right down at a 6-12 game that was really a lot of fun. Some Vegas locals trying to clean up on the tourists trying who were to break even I also enjoyed the Mandalay Bay card room, friendly staff (In the poker room only, hated the pit people) and they have a Monte Carlo which I hit with quad 4's.

How far is the gambler's general store from the strip?
- No idea.

What is the number one thing that I have to see?
- I would say, go see the Art Mueseum at the Bellagio. I am not an Artsy guy.... But I thought to myself.. "How often am I going to be within walking distance of a Monet?" It was absolutly worth the $15 bucks they charge. I was in awe of the work there. Other than that, go see the Lions at MGM. The Canal at the Venetain was also very cool. If you are going with a lady friend, do the forum shops. I hate shopping but they have very conveniently placed margarita bars throughout the mall (I think it was the forum shops but it may have been the mall at the Aladdin), I can't remember! ). It seemed that everytime I ran empty, there was another one right in front of me... Talk about a win-win situation.

I would also suggest just taking a day and do a chip run up and down the strip on foot. You will be exhausted but to me you just can't beat that. I got to see so many places that were so different that what I had imagined. You HAVE to see the inside of the Luxor, and NY NY, they are both unbelievable.

I have also heard that it is an absolute MUST to go to Ellis Island for their dinner deals.....

Have fun, I am jealous.

Tom Hanson
R-6618