As longtime readers of this site know, I used to spend large chunks of my life in Las Vegas. I went there to write, to see shows, to count cards in Blackjack, to chase showgirls, to hang out with comedians and other performers, to get away from Los Angeles, to just walk around and see tourist attractions and tourists…and there were probably half-a-dozen other reasons.
Almost none of those apply anymore and the town — I'm talking about the casino part of it, obviously — just doesn't seem that appealing to me. Everything I see about Vegas these days makes me feel that I am no longer its target audience and it's especially true when I receive e-mail offers to go there next month and experience the first — and some Vegas residents seem to be hoping the last — Formula 1 race through that casino area.
There's some evidence that instead of being really, really, really, really lucrative for business there, they've lost a couple of reallies and it will only be really, really lucrative. It's not sold out and prices are dropping from really, really, really, really outrageous to just really, really outrageous.
Here's a preview of the event from Norma Geli, the dominant force among the countless folks now doing "What's happening in Vegas" YouTube videos. I'm not thinking anything in here will entice you to go. It certainly won't if you're like me and not the least bit interested in auto racing, excessive drinking, partying all night, sleeping in a room for a few nights that costs you more than your monthly rent or mortgage at home, and wading through massive crowds. But just watch it and see what kind of tourist Vegas is now looking to attract. That sure ain't me…