Vegas Baby! (a YearlyKos customer service diary)

That's right ya'll...I'm in Vegas doing some hands on testing for you convention-goers.  I'll be here until Thursday morning, testing out and interviewing different off-site events that you can send your spouse, best friend or kids to while you're getting some political action knowledge tossed at ya at YearlyKos.  

Some quick info for Los Angelenos intending to drive:  Yesterday, we rented a car and drove up here.  We left our Hollywood home around 5:15pm.  We walked into the hotel at 9:20pm (and that was with a 10 minute hang up in valet).  I averaged about 85 - 90 mph, but that's great time, considering most of my traffic was getting from my place on Melrose Ave. to the 210 FWY.  I know that due to work considerations, some of you may not leave LA until Friday.  My best advice is to leave early in the day to avoid stretching your drive to 8 hours.

Back to the show...

For starters, I know that several of you were concerneed about childcare.  Good for you, I have 2 kids.  Since they're babies (2 years and 2 months), we're going to have in-room daycare.  I'll be testing out several nanny services to see who gives the best service for the best price.  

Are there any other services or activities you would like me to check out for you?  Golf courses within a certain range?  Spa packages?  Children's activities?

In a previous diary, a potential attendee asked about RV parking.  Today, I will be visiting several RV parks.  Fees, transportation to the hotel and location will be tops on what I'm looking for.

Tomorrow will be spent on family friendly activities.  I plan on visiting several different attractions around Las Vegas that cater to children of all ages.  The goal is to find fun and educational things to do.  I have many places on my lists, but I'm finding that the attractions on teh internet don't come close to what's available here.  I'll post my findings at to location, cost and logistics at the beginning of next week.

Wednesday day is wide open.  Please let me know what I can do to fill this day up.  Wednesday is my last day here, as we'll be driving back Thursday, so Wednesday night is all about me.  Pbbbttt

Post here or email me at anika.yearlykos [at] gmail [dot] com if you think of something.  

•  Oh the people you'll meet!

  We had an interesting trip up.  I was wearing my "Bush Thumbs" t-shirt from Demockratees.com and that got the cashier at the gas station in Baker going on politics.  It was a very weird conversation, that went from laughing at my t-shirt to him telling me that a truck driver last week said that Bush was like Hitler.  He then said that he thought Saddam was like Hitler, but that both Bush and Saddam were "crazy motherfuckers...but different."  When my husband went in to take our daughter to the potty, he said the cashier then went on and on about the whole Abramoff scandal--talking about how everyone in politics is corrupt, but at least the Republicans were giving the money back.  Unfortunately, my husband still doesn't fully understand the whole Abramoff thing despite 100 hours of CSPAN coverage.  Sigh.

  Anyway, after we checked in we came up to our room and rested up.  I took my toddler downstairs to see the lights.  We went down in the elevator with 2 older women.  One lady saw my shirt and started laughing.  "I'd like to give him more than one finger!", she said.  The other lady looked at my shirt and said, "You shouldn't disparage the president like that."  My snappy comeback was "I didn't vote for him."  She said that she didn't either, but didn't think it helped to "make fun of dumb people".  The laughiing lady, said that she voted for him not only twice for president but also for governor.  She said that since the beginning of 2005, she's been regretting those votes.  I gave them both "IMPEACH" postcards and told them why I was here.  They both seemed pretty interested in the YearlyKos convention.

  I saw them this morning at the coffee shop and the laughing lady stood up and yelled across the shop "Impeach the ass!", which got a few claps and a lot of hard stares.  So my fun has already begun.

  by fabooj on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:09:21 PM PDT

  •  Woohoo!

    Found any good places for giant IMPEACH signs?

    by Kagro X on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:14:57 PM PDT

    •  From LA to Vegas

      The 15 freeway it the main way to get there. This route also includes the beautiful desert, there are many areas where one can put IMPEACH signs or even be creative on some of the smaller mountians using something other than a sign (if you get my drift). There is the HUGE white writing on a very big mountian that says CALICO. It's an Old ghost town. Last time I was there it was a little Knotts Berry farmesque. Hoover Dam is also a great place to visit, it is right on the NV/AZ border. MT. Charelston is also a good drive. To bad the Ykos is not called the IMPEACH Convention..I would love to see that posted all over the hotel area and maybe even on the sign out front of the hotel. Another place one may put some Impeach Signs is on the outskirts of Vegas...there is a Welcome Center before entering the Main Drag of the Strip.

      by Chamonix on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:29:24 PM PDT

•  What a great service you provide

  And it should be a lot of fun to boot. Hopefully I won't have to enjoy YearlyKos vicariously, too.

  Thank You.

  by vicki on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:14:50 PM PDT

•  A couple of things

  First:

  I averaged about 85 - 90 mph, but that's great time

  What's the speed limit?  

  And I'm trying to phrase this delicately...just how kid-friendly will this convention be?  

  This is a great service you are doing...I hope you're having fun at the same time.  

  by BarbinMD on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:19:44 PM PDT

  •  I believe the Speed limit. out in the desert is

    65 mph..unless they changed it to 70mph, but it's not above that.

    by Chamonix on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:30:38 PM PDT

    •  So if I was driving...

      ...I should add some time, eh?  ;-)

      by BarbinMD on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:25:01 PM PDT

      •  most definately...depending on the time

        you leave and the construction. Last time I went from LA there was major construction either near Baker or Barstow and then somewhere else Closer to Vegas. Also keep in mind (unless it has been changed) there were a lot of 1 lane highways..and you have to deal with Assholes wanting to pass, and unfortunately the passer must beware of oncoming, also one lane drivers going the opposite way...I have seen many a fatal accident on the 15. My Mom is from Vegas, Brother was born there. Grandparents lived there their whole lives. I also lived there as a kid. Before Bush came into office I used to go and have a blast, funfilled weekend...drinking, gambling...but those days are long gone as the jobs have dried up. Still not sure if I will make it to Ykos, I will have to decide when it gets closer.

        by Chamonix on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:47:14 PM PDT

        •  Construction is done

          The construction used to give me headaches.  But it seems to be done.  There wasn't any one lane driving at all, which is good because I was driving like one of "those assholes".  My excuse?  I wasn't driving my MINI, where I feel like I must be nice.  LOL

          by fabooj on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:52:47 PM PDT

  •  Kid-friendly

    It is our hope that those with children don't feel excluded from attending because of daycare issues.  We hope to have daycare onsite during the convention hours.  Afterwards, parents can consult the list if they choose to have daycare in their rooms after convention hours.  

    The speed limit is either 70 or 75...I don't pay attention to those sorts of things.  I drive 90. But my husband figured that even if someone chose to drive 65 mph, they should be able to get up there from LA in 5 hours, barring traffic.

    As for me having fun...it's not happening.  We have a newborn, so I'm very tired--too tired to gamble.  And my husband is driving me nuts, since he brought every electronic device we own and is now worried about leaving it in the room!  GRRRR

    by fabooj on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 02:03:24 PM PDT

•  Thanks for the footwork!

  I don't have kids, but I can see why they are important to others <wink>.

  I can't think of any special requests for information.  Although the spa thing...hmmm....yes, please test one out for me!

  Oh, wait--here is something: internet cafes (for people without laptops), Staples/Office Max sorts of things are good to know about at events like this.  

  That may sound strange, but I always need that stuff at conferences....

  by mem from somerville on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:20:16 PM PDT

  •  Internet cafes

    Funny you should mention that.  I went for a long walk on the strip this morning and began monitoring them.  There are several, but I plan on walking around the Riv to find more.

    The Riviera has several internet kiosk onsite right next to the convention location.  When I was there last June, each computer had a different rate listed for access from $1.99 for 20 to $3.99 for 30 minutes or an hour.  I plan on going back to see if the kiosk are no all listing the same price for access.

    I have a list of the office supply stores in the area, but it would be nice if someone could sponsor us to get us those little necessities (hint, hint).

    by fabooj on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:56:21 PM PDT

•  Thanks fabooj

  for doing the "heavy lifting" today by researching fun stuff in vegas.

  ;)

  by gina on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:21:07 PM PDT

•  Go check out

  The Blue Man Group!  A must see.

  by librarianman on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 12:45:19 PM PDT

  •  hear hear!

    indeed, check that and some of the other family shows...

    by Timroff on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:02:36 PM PDT

  •  Blue Man is awesome

    I saw them when they first hit the scene in NYC downTown on Astor Place, tiny little theater across from the Public Theater (NY Shakespeare Fest). A theatrical experience I will never forget. Highly Recommended.

    by Chamonix on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:12:23 PM PDT

    •  Absolutely go

      see Blue Man Group.  If you buy tickets for front row seats, it comes with a complimentary poncho, or it used to.  Take a 30 gal trash bag, just in case.

      by MTmofo on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:33:03 PM PDT

  •  BTDT

    I'm not as dazzled by them as everyone else is.  I saw them the 2nd week they opened (free tix) and it was pretty neat since that was my first Vegas show ever.  I wished I had come up on Sat. to join the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues.  I want to compare it to the LA show.

    by fabooj on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:57:58 PM PDT

•  Some information on Vegas

  The RV Park I stayed in for two different winters was the HItchin' Post RV Park.  It is on LV Blvd. but it is up in the town of North Las Vegas. so it is 5-7 miles from the center of LV.

  There is a bus stop right out front.  I think it's the 110 that will get you to the bus station.  I can't remember the number of the bus line that services the resort section.  BTW, the bus depot is just 3 blocks from the Fremont St. Experience.  The bus to and from downtown is more than most bus fares in town but way cheaper than a cab.

  The monorail is nothing to be counted on, if it's in service.

  Hitchin Post has a pool but it may be covered, depending on weather.  There is no playground on site but there is a decent park across the street.  They are fully Wi-Fi, with a fee.  It is fenced and secured with a RF gate opener.

  One down side, it is under the flight path for Nellis AFB.  But that can be cool if you are into jet fighters, tankers, A10 Thunderbolts and the possibility of watching a Thunderbirds practice.

  Brent is the owner's name.  He is 45-55 age group, pretty much a right wing guy but I didn't explore his nuttiness level.  He is a big game trophy hunter, tho.  You can use a credit card, but you have to pay the 2% fee.  Also, his cable is limited to 16-20 channels that he has chosen, nothing radical, nothing special.

  For those of you with a taste for late night bizarreness, you have to try the Dirty Shame Saloon.  There is a, ummm, mechanical pony (like you used to see in front of stores) that, umm, has an "attachment" to the saddle.  And, ermm some younger women have been known to accept money to uummm "ride" the pony.  The later it is at night, the weirder it gets.  Major hot spot for the TS, TG, GLB, glamour queens set, some times more than others.  The house specialty is a shot of "ass juice" which is a secret blend of liquors.  It is in a non descript building across the street from the Hard Rock.  Definitely use a cab to get to and from.

  I definitely recommend the Mediterranean Cafe for Middle Eastern food, plus their killer delistore.  It is not far from the strip either, still, take a cab.

  ALWAYS REMEMBER.  Do not cross the street without a green light, never jaywalk and keep your head on a swivel before stepping off the curb.  If you get hit, you get the ticket and the bills.  LV is not a pedestrian or bicycle friendly town.

  by MTmofo on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 01:30:45 PM PDT

  •  Thanks for the tips

    I'm going to add your RV info to my limited arsenal of knowledge.

    by fabooj on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 02:04:29 PM PDT

    •  Don't forget to pick up copies of

      Las Vegas City Life and Las Vegas Weekly.  They are the "independent" weeklies aka alternative news sources there.  Look for the metal raacks inside grocery doors, etc. Both are good sources of info for entertainment. Both have decent websites.

      by MTmofo on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 02:12:11 PM PDT

  •  Also, unless it's changed

    you can not hail a taxi while standing on the street.  You must be standing near the door of an establishment that has a parking lot or driveway.

    by Sagittarius on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 02:53:59 PM PDT

•  Fabooj,...

  ...can you check out the, umm, escort services, please?  ;-)  (Sorry, couldn't resist!)    

  by boran2 on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 02:16:11 PM PDT

•  ok, here's a weird one for you...

  are there any "doggie day care" centers in the area?

  i travel with two dogs - one has severe separation anxiety (my rescue sammy) and i need a daytime "sitter" for him.  already planning to m-six it since motel six in area is good about pets.  have stayed there once before, but during hot part of day, i need place for dogs to "visit".  monterey has doggie day care center - was hoping for same for vegas.  just wondering - and if you are checking other stuff - maybe you'd have time to check this.

  the riviera says on one site they take pets, then on their own, they say no.  could you double check just for sure?

  thanks.

  e

  by edrie on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 02:25:38 PM PDT

  •  Type in

    las vegas pet sitting   for a yahoo search.

    Many results.

    I rescued a sammy once.  Smidge was a great girl.

    She liked cats.  My girlfriend at the time had a mostly white long hair.  Smidge would sniff his butt on the cat's way by.  Too bad the skunk in the neighborhood looked and walked the same way.

    Great way to wake up in the morning when we let her in!

    by MTmofo on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 03:08:18 PM PDT

    •  you are indeed courageous -

      leaving a sammy out all night to her own devices!  

      i've had them since 1970 - mostly in multiples though i'm with one sam and one belgian shepherd/modesto streetwalker mix right now.

      you have to be a very "special" person to have been accepted by a sammy - they are very VERY picky - only the proper sucker will do!  ;^)

      my first sammies and my cat had a funny game - the cat would attack their tails when they walked by - they'd always let it "drop" for her to catch.

      she, in turn, would "feed" them by going onto counters and taking a cookie at a time and walk over to the edge and drop it to my male. the sammies would NEVER take anything from the counter - but they would cheerily let the cat "feed" them!

      i'm so hooked, i can't imagine life without a critter that stays ten steps ahead of you and makes you love it!

      by edrie on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 08:36:52 PM PDT

      •  You are so correct

        my sammy was in a fenced yard.  A "child safe" yard, in that she was a chewer.  My Smidge did a bit of tail drop as well.  But now that you mention it, I didn't pick up on that game.  Thanks for a renewed smile about a memory that is a new realization.

        Go well thru life with your loverlies.

        by MTmofo on Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 09:21:21 PM PDT

        •  ah, a TRUE owned by...

          if you ever decide to go it again, the rescue organizations get a lot of older sams that really need someone who "understands" - i got "tee" through san francisco samoyed rescue

          this group puts EVERY PENNY it gets into the sams - operations for bad hips, skin disorders, anything the little darlings need - and they are always "returnable" to the fosters (which are the members of the org).

          truth is, this is an organization totally owned and run by the dogs!  

          i'm glad to bring up the memories - i'm sure they are plentiful - as any sammy owned-by can attest!

          by edrie on Tue Jan 17, 2006 at 10:08:20 AM PDT