1. The show seems a little less attended than last year. I could be wrong about that, but it doesn't seem as busy as last year.

I agree that the show seems to have less people this year. The banquet also had fewer people than last year.

2. Bargains are everywhere. It seems dealers are more willing to negotiate than last year. I found several chips that don't "fit" in my collection, but I bought anyways because I am confident they can be re-sold for a higher price on Ebay.

Only have one chip so far & that was from Doug Saito's auction. But it was a nice one.

3. The new Southpoint poker room is very nice, but I have found the chairs to be very uncomfortable. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not a fan of their chairs.

I agree it just might be you. I played last night for about 8 hours & had no problems with the chair.

4. Steak and Shake is great. As good as In N Out, maybe better. Didn't care for the the S & S fries, but their burgers, onion rings, and shakes are all tops.

A few of us will be eating there tonight before the poker tournament. My first time.

5. Lines for ALL the food options are very long..much longer than last year. SP had a coupon for a free lunch buffet, and because of that there were 100+ people in line at the buffet at all times during lunch (11-3). Lines also were very long for The Club Card as well. Just guessing the SP has trimmed their staff to the bare minimum to survive the recession. Too bad. Nothing worse than waiting in line to eat.

I also noticed the long lines. Surprising for mid week, but then again it is summer.

6. The SP separated the race from the sports book during their upgrade. Huge race area, has to be one of the biggest ones in Vegas. Very nice.

I think that what they did is awful. Then again both the sports book & race book are VERY bland at South Point. I must be spoiled going to the Green Valley Ranch sports & race book all of the time. One of the nicest in the valley.

7. I got 3 "free" unsecured internet connections in my room, as well as the one in the lobby. Not sure how "safe" they are, but a great convenience for surfing the web.

Nice to hear that you were able to get online.

8. 110 degrees is freaking hot, even if it is a "dry" heat. Yesterday I took the shuttle from the SP to the Aria, and then walked from the Aria to Caesars Palace for my Megastack event. Normally it's not that long of a walk, but the heat made it tough.

As long as I have been here I am more or less use to it. Then again I do not walk around outside in the heat like you do.

9. The Strip has really lost me. Personally, I would rather stay off-strip (Southpoint, Orleans, Sams Town) or Downtown, then stay on the Strip. You just get so much more for your $ off the strip.

With the economy the way it is these days, you also get a lot more for your money on the strip than in the past.

Andy - Las Vegas