Today, 15 years ago I stood in front of Jim Morrison’s grave in Paris and thought, ‘Wow, you’re really crammed in there aren’t you Jim?’

Not the best way to win a dead guy over, but it was a real genuine thought I had that day.

It was the highlight of my high school trip to Europe that year. The 21 days I spent time in England, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Monte Carlo did not compare to the natural high I had when I finally saw the Lizard King’s final resting place.

Several guards watched over visitors since riots broke out at the 118 acre Pere Lachaise (Father Chair) Cemetery two years earlier.

I wore my planned INXS Devil Inside concert t-shirt – no of course there’s no visual and physical connection between the two singers!  J

While carefully maneuvering around other crowded plots, I noticed Jim had no headstone. Even though the image was captured on film for Oliver Stone’s The Doors (also two years earlier), the bust no longer existed by the time I walked up to the replaced granite block. It bore colorful candle wax drippings and used cigarettes.

I bartered with a woman to take my picture; she obliged and in turn I took one of her – you can actually see me holding her camera in my photo. (I have to find it before I can download it to this site.)

There’s also some long-haired guy standing next to me with a leather vest. Very noticeable. Funny thing is I had no idea he was next to me until I saw the picture weeks later.

Jim was the main focus of my cemetery visit that day. But I can also say that I saw Frederic Chopin, Sarah Bernhardt and Oscar Wilde. And if you know me, you know j’adore Oscar Wilde.

I went with a group from Paris, Tennessee; my group decided to stay longer at the Louvre. And I’m not sure where the California group went. I just remember how much my (Nevada) group hated them and actually recruited spies from the Tennessee group to spy on them for us. Hey, it passed the time and made for some good occasional gossip.

By the time we got to London, it was just us and California; Tennessee had left for the U.S. And man did not like California.

I think we finally buried the hatchet when we parted ways back to our states.

Every year I reflect on how lucky I was to see James Douglas Morrison’s grave. Definitely one of the highlights of my life.  

 from wikipedia

LAX Nightclub is the place to be on Saturday, July 5 as actress, model and former Las Vegas showgirl Pamela Anderson embraces another year and celebrates her birthday at The Strip’s sexiest night spot. The former Baywatch babe will sparkle in the spotlight as DJ Casanova drops the beats and keeps club goers dancing all night at Las Vegas’ most decadent nightlife destination.

FASHIONABLE NIGHTLIFE ARRIVES IN LAS VEGAS AT THE GRAND OPENING OF CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER THE NIGHTCLUB

Designer Christian Audigier Celebrates Special Night with Guest DJ Nick Cannon and Celebrity Friends, July 4

Be one of the first to experience the most fashionable nightlife destination in Sin City at the highly anticipated grand opening of Christian Audigier The Nightclub at Treasure Island on Friday, July 4. Creative genius and fashion guru Christian Audigier will be on hand to celebrate the milestone evening along with Nick Cannon as guest DJ and a slue of their celebrity friends. It will be a night not to miss as Cannon works the turntables to rock the sexy soiree and Audigier keeps patrons partying all night long.

As allways if you want the best Nightclub experience in Vegas at the best prices consider using Nitetours

For the best Hotels allways book online allways book direct

1, chemin Sainte Lucie 06190 Roquebrune Cap Martin (FRANCE)
Tel 04 93351020 (+33 4 93351020 dall'Italia)

vai alla mappa...

	9.5		8.0		8.0		5.5		3 su 5

Roquebrune è un piccolo paesino aggrappato al promontorio che collega Menton a Monaco, nella parte più orientale della costa Azzurra, l'incantevole posizione, l'aria medioevale che si respira nella suggestiva piazza del castello, e le strette viuzze che si arrampicano e si intrecciano tortuose rappresentano qualcosa di distante dalla mondanità e dal frastuono della tumultuosa Monaco o delle spiagge congestionate di Menton.

Il fascino è tutto racchiuso nella stupenda visuale che si apre sul golfo di Monaco e sul mare aperto, e tra i tanti particolarissimi ristorantini che gremiscono Roquebrune la Dame Jeanne è senza dubbio quello più caratteristico.

[gallery]

	Il locale - voto 9.5

Finemente arredato, con lampadari in stile settecentesco, e le insegne di vini pregiati che adornano le pareti, la Dame Jeanne si presenta con un locale particolarmente chic, quasi un po' eccentrico.
Al pian terreno è stata arredata una sala molto lounge adatta ad una sorta di aperitvo, salendo per una piccola scala adorna di lumini si arriva al piano superiore e subito si resta colpiti e meravigliati dalla splendida vista che il locale, con le sue ampie vetrate offre.
Se di estate si prenota verso le otto si può godere del tramonto dietro alla rocca di Monte Carlo ed all'imbrunire il lento accendersi delle luci che come in un piccolo presepio adornano la città più famosa della costa.
Davvero incantevole, un posto perfetto per chi vuole qualcosa di romantico, lo sharme è garantito;)

	Delizie - voto 8

Lo stile impeccabile e tremendamente romantico contagia anche il menù che propone accanto a superbi antipasti deliziosi piatti di carne o di pesce.
La cucina è tipicamente provenzale, in ogni piatto vengono dosate accuratamente le famose erbe e i profumi del sud la fanno da padrone, una cucina molto distante da quella francese classica, in cui prevale la volontà di rispolverare vecchie ricette.

Non c'è quindi da sorprendersi per la mancanza di primi. Tra gli antipasti davvero deliziose sono le seppioline alla provenzale, condite abbondantemente con aglio, oppure le zucchine gratinate con formaggio caprino. Anche la terrina di coniglio merita di essere citata.

Tra i secondi c'è molta varietà, orate e branzini, così come filetto sono spesso accompagnati da deliziose verdurine. Immancabile per chi vuole qualcosa di simpatico e originale, il tipico spiedino provenzale (brochette), proposto in versione di 4 tipi di carni (tra rosse e bianche) o 4 tipi di pesce, servito con apposito piatto che lo lascia pendolare, fatto flambè con liquore sul momento.
Sicuramente molto suggestivo, oltre che delizioso. Il tutto accompagnato da verdure al vapore, patate saltate alla brace e pomodori gratinati con pane pesto, e condito da una deliziosa salsa provenzale, simile ad una maionese con erbe, ma assai più delicata.

I dolci poi sono quelli tipici della tradizione francese, su tutti spiccano la creme brulé e l'ile flottante (come dice il nome un'isola di bianco d'uovo meringato che galleggia su di un mare di caramello e cioccolato, decorata con panna).

Tra i vini spiccano grandi nomi, come il Sant Emilion, e molti rossi italiani. Etichette famose a prezzi forse un po' troppo alti.

	Cortesia & Servizio - voto 8

Cortese e gentile l'addetto di sala vi indicherà la traduzione in italiano dei piatti, simpatia ma mai intromissione, lasciando la giusta discrezione.
Il servizio è altrettanto buono, rapido senza troppe attese, ne sorprese nelle consegne.

	Qualità / Prezzo - voto 5.5

Il tallone d'Achille di questo ristorante è il prezzo se rapportato alla qualità, i piatti sono particolari e deliziosi, l'ambiente gradevole e curato, la vista eccezionale e fa salire un po' il prezzo, ma per un antipasto, un secondo, dolce e caffe, senza vino, si spende sui 30 euro.
Provando qualcosa di più particolare, come lo spiedino di cui sopra, e con un vino si arriva tranquillamente a 50€, decisamente troppo.
Inoltre tra i vini la scelta di mettere in carta solo etichette famose fa indubbiamente desistere i bevitori amatoriali, che per una bottiglia non spendono certo 50/100€.

	Totale - voto 3/5

Un locale romantico, adatto alle coppiette di ogni età, da cui si gode di una vista eccezionale. Caratteristico ed al contempo ben inserito nel territorio per la tipicità dei piatti. Decisamente consigliato a chi non ha paura di spendere, visto la fascia di prezzo alta (30/60€ persona), o vuole qualcosa di speciale per un occasione speciale.

Mandalay Bay "JULY 4TH WEEKEND" Rates from $99.99/nt. *Plus, enjoy $10 off discount for each event when you stay with us: July 4th – Vertical Horizon on the Beach and a 20 minute Fireworks Extravangaza! July 5th – Closed Circuit – UFC 86: Jackson vs Griffin! (*See site for additional detail and restrictions) Jul 3 - Jul 6, 2008. Promo Code: PJULY4 (Exp 7/6/08)

Luxor "RED, WHITE & BEAM" Rates from $65/nt *Amenities are one time use only based on double occupancy with a minimum two night stay. *On select calendar dates treat yourself to: One Romance Kit and one bottle of Korbel Champagne,One $10.00 Beverage Credit for Oasis Pool Bar, Complimentary Upgrade to a Tower, Deluxe Room, One $50.00 Gasoline or Airline Flight Certificate Towards Your Stay, & $10.00 in Free Casino Play for New Player Club Members (*See site for additional details and restrictions). July 2 - 7, 2008. Promo Code: PJULY4 (Exp 7/4/08)

TI "Red, White, Blue & Green" Rates fr $76/nt.*Plus, $20 per night upgrade to a Petite Suite based on midweek availability (Sunday – Thursday), and/or an additional $50 per night on weekends (Friday & Saturday) and other dates, $15 Midday Food and Beverage Credit, $35 Pool Cabana Discount based on availability Monday - Thursday, 35% off tickets to Mystère™ and Cirque du Soleil®, BONUS - $25 Casino FREE PLAY® (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Jun 30 - Sep 4, 2008. Promo Code: TIRWBG (Exp 9/4/08)

New York New York "Online Affiliate Offer" Rates from $64/nt. Book NOW and receive 20% off each night you stay in any of our gorgeous rooms or suites. *Also included: $10 Starbucks Credit, $10 FREE PLAY (*See site for details). March 19 - July 24, 2008. Promo Code: 20DS1010A (Expires 7/31/08)

This is the classic Las Vegas wedding and what most people will think of when you tell them you are marrying in Las Vegas. These chapels are used solely for weddings and renewal of vows not for your usual Sunday service. There are wedding chapels at both ends of the strip but the majority are at the North end of the strip, I would like to say that they come in all shapes and sizes but most of them look like a small version of a classic church. These are the places where you can have al sorts of theme weddings really anything goes from Star Trek and Star Wars, to Wild West Weddings even to gothic vampire weddings ! You can be married by Elvis, Count Dracula and even King Arthur. You can of course (and most people do) have a traditional wedding with the Bride wearing a wedding dress and the Groom a suit. each chapel will have a variety of packages with the basic ones which can start from as little as $100, yes one hundred dollars but be warned though that the basic packages often do not allow you to bring guests. For around $500 you should expect music of your choice, flowers, a limo to collect the bride from her hotel, a photographer and some sort of souvenir the quality of which varies greatly. Most also offer a web streaming facility usually for an extra charge. Just like the quality of he chapels themselves the quality and the prices of the packages vary greatly. Unlike the Resort wedding chapels you may not have an area other than outside to wait before the ceremony and you may have to walk down the aisle together! Some of the chapels do not allow you take your own photos or videos.

Its worth noting that you need to add $55 for the wedding licence a $50 tip for the minister as well as a tip for the limo driver, if the Chapel provided a limo to collect the Bride.

La Vegas Wedding Chapels have played host to many a celebrity wedding including Judy Garland, Jon Bon Jovi, Richard Gere, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff, Clint Eastwood, Mickey Rooney, Betty Grable, to name but a few.

The Chapel of the Flowers is a good example of a Las Vegas wedding Chapel and has very good website full of information and photos. Its certainly worth a visit.

Organisée conjointement par le Nouveau Musée national de Monaco et le Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, en partenariat avec le Musée Boijimans van Beuningen de Rotterdam, cette rétrospective majeure de l'oeuvre de Kees Van Dongen (Delfshaven (Pays-Bas), 1877 - Monaco, 1968 ) est réalisée en collaboration avec la famille de l'artiste. Grâce aux oeuvres majeures acquises récemment par le Nouveau Musée national de Monaco et avec le soutien de grandes institutions comme le Musée National d'Art Moderne/Centre Pompidou ou le Musée d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris, cette exposition regroupera plus de 130 toiles importantes, une quarantaine d'oeuvres sur papier, des céramiques et des livres illustrés par l'artiste. Certaines pièces n'ont pas été présentées au public depuis plus d'un demi-siècle.

L'exposition confirme la place déterminante qu'a occupée Kees Van Dongen durant les quinze premières années du XXe siècle, et son rôle unique de portraitiste au sein du fauvisme, contribuant à modifier l'image d'un mouvement qui s'est porté en priorité sur le paysage. L'extravagance et la virulence des toiles Van Dongen ont suscité des répercussions immédiates à l'étranger, plus particulièrement au sein du groupe expressionniste Die Brücke, en Allemagne, ce qui, de pair avec un orientalisme préfigurant celui de Matisse, situe Van Dongen au tout premier plan de l'avant-garde.

Ses oeuvres, éclatantes et impudiques souvent comparées à de « prodigieuses débauches de lumière, de chaleur et de couleur »  témoignent de l'affirmation de son propre style au sein de l'art moderne, aux côtés de Matisse et de Picasso.

Cette présentation offre également une perspective inédite sur l'artiste, à la lumière de nouvelles recherches et de la présentation d'oeuvres jusqu'à présent très peu connues. L'accent est mis sur la production de jeunesse de Van Dongen durant les années qui ont précédé le fauvisme, quand son art était soutenu par le marchand Ambroise Vollard et le critique Félix Fénéon. Un vaste corpus des dessins du jeune Van Dongen, réalisés en grande partie pour des journaux satiriques et montrés cette fois dans un contexte plus large sont réunis au nouveau musée de monaco.

A voir au NMNM jusq'au  7 septembre 2008

D'autres infos sur le site du nouveau musée national de monaco

Here. Fireworks happen every day and night.

Don't miss your chance to commemorate the 4th of July in style and enjoy:
2 complimentary buffets
2 spa admissions
$10 Slot FREE Play

**Two Night Minimum Stay Required.

Promotion Runs

June 30, 2008 - July 6, 2008

Offer Expires

July 6, 2008

Book Online, promotional coupon code: FIREWORKS

You can get married anywhere in Las Vegas ! You can hire a limo with the minister and the limo can stop outside the Bellagio fountains or the”Welcome to Las Vegas” sign the possibilities are endless. You can even get married in a helicopter whilst flying over the Las Vegas Strip. Outside of Las Vegas there are five famous beautiful natural areas where many people choose to get married, Lake Las Vegas , the Grand Canyon , Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire and Mount Charleston . Lake Las Vegas and Mount Charleston have hotels that offer anything from simple services to full wedding packages including receptions, at Lake Las Vegas you can even get married on a luxury yacht!

Lake Las Vegas Lake Las Vegas is 17 miles from the Strip but could be a world away. It’s a beautiful lake in the middle of the desert with a Tuscan styled village on its shores, golf greens to the waters edge and mountains in the background it is truly stunning. Lake Las Vegas plays host to a range of high class hotels, vacation homes,shops and restaurants and whilst it is beautiful there is a beautiful price tag attached. The Montelago Village offers wedding packages starting at $2700 for up to 20 guests these prices rise quickly and sharply. The other major resorts at Lake Las Vegas also offer wedding packages these are the super deluxe Ritz Carlton and Lowes Lake Las Vegas Resort

Red Rock Canyon 17 Miles west of the strip lies the beautiful Red Rock Canyon a beautiful National Park that looks like no other place I have ever seen on earth. Most of the chapels do packages to get married in Red Rock canyon generally starting at round around the $800 mark. You need a park permit needed to get married in Red Rock Canyon, this costs $180 and is usually included in the package costs but it would be wise to check. Its usually about 3 hours form when you leave your hotel to when you return if you go by limo and unless you hire a second limo you can generally only take 6 guests. Its worth remembering that the ceremony will be held outside in a beautiful setting but also remember that means no air con and no lights, its best to get married at sunrise or sunset. Remember that you will have been sitting for some time in the limo to get there which may mean you clothes get creased and your makeup and hair will have been done back at the hotel.

The Grand Canyon, anyone who has been to the Grand Canyon will not be able to explain well enough its beauty, awe and magic. It really is a place that you have to see to believe and when you do you will wonder if the other 6 of the 7 wonders of the World are as good as this. The majority of people who go to see The Grand Canyon go to the South Rim where there are a number of hotels and some of the best views across the canyon, this is a good four hour drive out of Vegas. If you are getting married in the Grand Canyon chances are that you will be flown out there in a helicopter the flight is wonderful but think about this when you are choosing what to wear as helicopters do not give you much room. Usually you will land in the canyon for your ceremony like Red Rock remember no air con and no toilets! You are also very limited in the number of guests that you can bring and you usually can’t hire a second helicopter to bring more people down. Most of the Chapels offer wedding ceremonies in the Grand Canyon and they tend start at around $2500.

Jag sitter och önskar att jag var någon annanstans i kväll.

Runt ett roulettebord i Monte Carlo.
En levnadstrött F1 stjärna på dekis med för mycket pengar. 
Och du.
En gin & tonic. Dina händer runt munstycket till en cigarett.
Dina cosmopolitanläppar mot mina. Gin & tonic. Snuddar bara lätt.
Mina ben som spaghetti. Du så sorglös, jag så bottenlös.

Och så hans konstsuck i whiskeyglaset när han förlorar. Allt.

The Smiths - I know It's over

Michael Cera & Ellen Page - Anyone else but you

Jeff Buckley - Lover you should've come over

Jag vet att du kan läsa mellan raderna.

Cirque De Du Soliel are offering up to 35% off ticket prices for their amazing shows in Las Vegas, Nevada. Discounts are applied to the Cirque du Soliel listed below between now and the end of September. If you click on the name of the Cirque du Soliel show you will be able to view the trailer.

KA 35% discount which is showing at the MGM Grand

Zumanity 35% discount which is showing at New York New York Only for the consenting grown ups ;)

Mystere 35% discount which is showing at TI Cirque at its very acrobatic best

"O" AND LOVE which are showing at Bellagio and Mirage are offering dinner packages only and you need to call for more details.

Book Here

Best Vegas Hotel Discounts here

June 19, 2008
By Tammy R. Lawson
MC Sun Staff Writer

We have all seen them wedged against a fence or blowing across the road-the ubiquitous plastic grocery bag-and the popular carry-all was the main topic at the Marshall County Board of Supervisors' June 10th session.

Discussions were held with local citizens whether to eventually execute an ordinance that would ban non-compostable grocery bags used within the county. This ban would only affect two rural convenience stores outside of the city limits.

San Francisco was the first US city to enforce such a ban last November. If Marshall County was to follow through, it would be first in the state to do so. Other cities in California, Texas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, Arizona, and Maryland have also considered similar bans on the infamous bag as well.

The discussion came amid growing concerns, one of which over 100 billion of the handy bags end up in America's landfills each year. But instead of entering their trash-heap destination, many are becoming airborne to get caught in fences, trees, and power lines while also clogging the throats of wild animals, gutters, and sewers, not to mention the long-term environmental consequences.

"I've found bags that have blown into my corn field from who knows where," Board member Ron Goecke said. "It's getting out of hand."

"I think an ordinance is unnecessary and it should be left up to the individual to decide if they want to use a plastic bag," said local farmer Grant Upah, who was against any future proposal. "The government should stay out of this decision. On my farm, it's not a big issue, and I can't believe it's a big issue on any other farm. We've got more important issues to deal with."

Bag manufacturers prefer the plastic wonders because they cost only a penny per bag to produce, while many consumers prefer their ease of carrying items home from stores.

"I think all three of us on the Board have had people call us with a misunderstanding about what we're doing," said Board member Pat Brooks. "We're only considering banning those with a petroleum base and this is only a discussion about it. We're not here to ban all plastic bags."

Bags are manufactured from crude oil, natural gas, or other petrochemical derivatives which are transformed into molecules known as polymers or polymer resin. After being heated, shaped, and cooled, the plastic is ready to be printed for merchant distribution.

But that's a misnomer, according to Phil Rozenski, Director of Environmental Strategies for Hilex Poly LLC, a manufacturer of plastic bag products based in St. Louis, Missouri. "Plastic bags aren't made from petroleum...they're made from natural gas. It's one of the biggest misconceptions out there on the internet."

He continued, "Ninety one percent less energy is used to recycle a plastic bag than a paper bag, so we have an energy offset with the plastic bags."

Clair Long of Marshalltown said he didn't feel the plastic grocery bags were that much of a problem. "I've seen some, of course, and we expect to see some but we do reuse the plastic bags and recycle."

Resident Mary Stewart stated in a written letter that the Board of Supervisors was to be commended for their concern over use of the bags in convenience stores rurally. "These bags pollute the environment while providing a danger to habitat and wildlife in the area."

Environmentalists have rallied against their use for years because they are difficult to recycle and take anywhere from 400 to 1000 years to decompose, whether in landfills or your local farm land.

Melbourne resident Linda Barnes said she was a biologist who would support a proposal if one was brought forth. "On our farm, we encounter a great number of plastic bags caught in fruit trees, fence lines, and Iowa is the most altered state in the nation. We have less original eco-system than any other state and it would be nice if Marshall County could make a simple statement."

"All this would be is a statement because we're only affecting two businesses," said Chairman Gordie Johnson, "but it is a starting point as to say we do care."

"Why have we have not, as a county, embraced the efforts of the city?" asked Curt Loney. "There aren't any city personnel here and they should be very interested. If you get the city into this, there are lots of areas we can work together on, and this is a big one."

"We talked with the city about this several months ago, and we delivered a copy of this [proposal] so they could see our efforts," Brooks said. "I hope the city will do something, but it has to be something that makes sense and accommodates everyone."

There was no word if or when the issue would receive future discussion, but it's safe to say the cat's out of the bag, and it's not a paper one.

Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas
NV 89119
+1 (702) 632 7777
Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

Location This is the first or last resort on the Strip depending on how you look at it. It overlooks the airport and out towards the mountains. Its nearest neighbour is the Luxor and that is about a 10 minute walk. Luckily there is a monorail that links you to Luxor and Excalibur; this makes the location of Mandalay Bay the ideal resort for people who want easy access to the action of the Strip without being right in it.

Theme Tropical Island is the theme here, with a swimming pool the size of 9 football pitches complete with lovely palm trees and jungle type foliage. Pseudo bird and animal sounds as you enter the property along with loads of water features and a classy beach resort feel.

Rooms The rooms and suites at Mandalay Bay are lovely the smallest are a whopping 550 sq ft which is as big as suite in other properties. The rooms are all remodeled and are chic and comfortable. The rooms here in terms of quality are up there with Bellagio and that step above MGM Grand. Mandalay Bay has wider choice of room and suite type than most other resorts but whatever level you are in you will be pleased with your choice.

Attractions Shark Reef has been voted the best tourist attraction on the Strip. It is similar to a Sea Life centre with a walkthrough reef containing real sharks. The pool is worth a look, and Mandalay Bay is now up there with Caesars and MGM Grand as far as being a big shot boxing venue. I did not see an amusement arcade, nor do I expect there to be one hiding in a nook or cranny as you get the feeling this is a resort for grown ups.

Pool Amazing truly amazing its hard to believe its man made, if this is not the best pool in Vegas its very close. It has waves a real beach, waterfalls, lagoons you name it this pool has got it.

Shows and Entertainment Mandalay Bay has the hit Abba musical Mamma Mia as its only production show, baring in mind how far up the Strip it is this is quite surprising. However Mandalay Bay also has the Mandalay Bay events center and arena and is host to many huge names as well as sporting events in particular boxing.

Dining The dining options at Mandalay Bay are huge lets start with the Bay Side Buffet (B$15.99, L$19.99, D$26.99 champagne Sunday Brunch $23.99) has a stunning view over the marvellous pool. Better still the food was great including a mountain of smoked salmon that we rapidly mined. This buffet feels up market, the food is probably not as good as Planet Hollywood but the setting is great and so I think this buffet more than justifies its high price tag. There is not only a 24hr Coffee shop here but also a 24hr noodle bar; great for those of us that craves sweet and sour at 6am!! There are another 8 or so more expensive restaurants including Trattoria Del Lupo - a very expensive Wolfgang puck restaurant, several very expensive seafood eateries, a couple of South Asian places to keep eating in line with the theme and Red Square the only Russian restaurant in Las Vegas. In depth information on Mandalay Bay dining here.

Gaming 135,00sq ft including 2400 slots from a nickel upwards and loads of table games Mandalay Bay has a spacey, airy and refreshing casino. Not feeling bustled or cramped is noticed and enjoyed here. Although there are a lot of slots here, there are not loads of nickel machines here, Mandalay Bay is aimed at upper middle Californians and they are not too keen to attract too many low rollers like yours truly.

Drinks service We played on nickel and quater machines here and did not find the drinks service as good as elsewhere. That said the drinks we did get were some of the best in strength - up there with the Las Vegas Hilton.

Overall A great resort it has everything great bars, great places to eat, great clubs, best pool in Vegas and nice spacious feel. This resort gives quality and expects quality back it captures a far number of the young rich beautiful people from LA.

Good points Amazing pool The tropical feel, the theme is done very well without being over the top and does make you feel very fresh and clean. Oh yes and rich!!!

Bad points Location it’s great to get to from the airport or I15 from LA ,as it's the last casino on the Strip but it's a pain if you want to visit several casinos in one evening you need to have a car or use cabs.

Top Tip Look around and you will notice that this is the Montecido from the TV show Las Vegas, watch out for Danny and big Ed.

Click here for the offers travel agents will not show for Las Vegas Hotels

The portfolio representation described previously included project costs and returns that were purely deterministic. In reality there were be large uncertainties in both, for example a 6 month project overrun will increase overall project costs and is also likely to reduce returns. We can use Monte Carlo analysis to model the effect of these uncertainties on the discrete portfolio options.

A real model can have different layers of granularity and detail, specific to the individual projects. For example, uncertain returns will be dependent on volumes of sales over time, pricing, competition etc. To illustrate the principle we use a simple model where the individual project are independent and returns and costs are triangular distributions in which we specify the minimum, maximum and average.

Simulating Uncertain Portfolio Returns and Costs

When we run a simulation we resample from the distributions and realise a particular outcome. Below are two simulated instances; we can run a full simulation of thousands of samples with a package such as @Risk or the Solver risk optimiser.

In this instance Project A has a return of $7.15M and cost of $5.24M, Project D had a return of $3.95M and cost of $0.78M; they are independent so the portfolio selection of Project A and D has an overall return of $11.4M and cost of $6.02M. This turns out to be the optimum portfolio for this level of investment.

In this instance Project A has a return of $7.36M and cost of $3.91M, Project D had a return of $2.41M and cost of $0.94M; they are independent so the portfolio selection of Project A and D has an overall return of $9.77 and cost of $4.85M. In this instance the combination of A and D is no longer the optimum portfolio for this level of investment.

What becomes clear is that when we add uncertainty there will not necessarily be a unique optimum that we can select. The optimum portfolio can be different but we don't know how the uncertainties will be resolved in advance.

Visualisation of Portfolio Uncertainties

When we run the simulation each discrete portfolio point will have an associated cost and return distribution. We can add this distribution information to the portfolio representation by adding errors bars. The y error bars are the 95% limits of the distribution of return and the x error bars are the 95% limits of the distribution of cost. We now have representation that embeds risk, which has a very high information density to help us make optimum portfolio decisions with regard to return, cost and risk.

Optimisation of an Uncertain Portfolio

MinMax Rules

The uninitiated executive may have no knowledge of a probability distribution or understand how to use it. What are more common are questions like, "well what is the worst case?", "what happens if the costs are high and the return is lower than we expect?" We can add extra interactivity to the dash board to allow the executive to explore these possibilities and see how that may affect the optimum portfolio selection as a function of their own appetite for risk.

The first representation is what we have already seen previously; we plot the average cost and return and select the optimum as normal.

We now re-plot the portfolio to show the worst case of maximum cost and minimum return. In most cases there would be a degree of interdependency in cost and return and we may have to re-simulate to obtain this plot. One approach would be to extract the 5% and 95% percentiles for return and cost respectively.

The best case would be the maximum return for minimum cost.

Between these extremes we can continuously vary the plot of return and cost. It is also very straightforward to add likelihood figures to the plots to show the executive that the extreme values are less likely than the average values; they are getting all the information about the underlying distribution but the representation and output is more accessible.

What is apparent is that the pareto efficient frontier will change. The optimum portfolio will be different for those who have a differing preference for risk. Some of the portfolio options may have a very large upside but also a large downside; if I was risk averse and was operating a max cost minimum return decision rule this portfolio option would be plotted in the lower region of the chart and would not be an optimum choice for me given the actual portfolio and my risk appetite. The reverse would be true if I was risk seeking. We have a representation that allows us to revise the optimal profile as a function of risk behaviour.

Semantic Zooming

Each portfolio combination point has an associated cost and return distribution. Points in the lower region of the plot are clearly suboptimal, the returns are low and costs are high, however with points close to each other on Pareto frontier it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one is better given their distribution profiles.

We can use a drill down or semantic zoom to look at distributions of adjacent points on the efficient frontier.

There are a few interesting situations where it is difficult to decide the optimum; typically the resolution boils down to a question of appetite for risk. In the example below the portfolio combinations A and B are very similar; the costs are comparable and the average returns are almost the same. However when we drill down to the return distribution we can see that even though the mean is similar there is a big difference in range of possible returns. Portfolio A has both a higher upside and lower downside; if I was risk averse I may prefer portfolio B, which has a slightly lower return but with more chance of hitting.

In the vein of trying to make the concept generally accessible to the uninitiated, busy executive we can add some useful refinements. The general shape of the chart itself conveys some information quickly e.g. if it is bimodal.

Personally I have these specific problems with the representation

1. A cumulative plot is not as intuitive as a probability density function – especially if the distribution is bimodal or more complex (in a cumulative plot people look at the flat region of constant probability and get confused, whereas when you see two humps in a pdf it is obvious that some values are not allowed)
   
2. When I want to extract numeric values (in a presentation when showing power point slides) it is quite tiresome to try and read off the chart axis every time; especially if it is interval data
   
3. Not everyone is familiar with likelihood or probability but odds on they'll be familiar with the concept of odds.
   

Interactive VAR Chart – Click here to launch VAR chart

The output of a Monte Carlo model will be table of numbers describing the distribution. We can easily take these values and create an interactive VAR chart dashboard.

1. The user still gains the same insight from the overall shape
   
2. They can control a lower limit slider that allows them to look at the downside part of the distribution to answer questions such as "what are the odds we'll lose money overall on this project"
   
3. A second slider allows them to get upside and interval information e.g. "what are the odds the NPV will be between $5m and $10m".
   

Some of the newer Monte Carlo packages (Risk Solver at www.solver.com) allow you to generate these charts in near real time; however with Xcelcius I can embed this chart into power point and pdf documents and distribute the model.

Luxor Ultimate Luxury
• Deluxe Room Accommodations
• Room Rate discounted 15% below the Prevailing Nightly Rate
• $30.00 Food Dining Credit for FUSIA our Asian Inspired Restaurant*
• 2 for 1 Lunch Buffet at MORE*
• 2 for 1 Admission to The SPA at Luxor*
Offer based on double occupancy. This special offer is available for online reservations only and may not be reserved by telephone.

Promotion Runs July 6, 2008 - October 31, 2008
Offer Expires October 31, 2008

Monte Carlo SPLASH PROMOTION
$20 Dining Credit
$20 Spa Credit
Complimentary Golf Club Rental - some restrictions apply
2 Complimentary Spa Admissions
$10 slot FREE PLAY
Food Court Coupons

Promotion Runs July 6, 2008 - September 12, 2008
Offer Expires September 12, 2008

MGM Grand Summer Splash!
* $35 Activity Credit towards dining or entertainment
* Two Free Inner Tube Rentals
* 15% off Spa Treatment

Promotion Runs June 22, 2008 - September 30, 2008
Offer Expires March 1, 2009

MGM Grand Ultimate Escape
. $25 bar and restaurant credit
. 2 free drinks at West Wing lounge
Promotion Runs June 22, 2008 - September 30, 2008
Offer Expires October 1, 2008

Mirage Las Vegas Deluxe Room Offer from $71 !!!
Mirage, Las Vegas,Premium View Offer from $82
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy 15% off, on our luxurious accommodations on select dates.
Promotion Runs:June 25, 2008 - December 30, 2008
Offer Expires:December 30, 2008

Mirage Las Vegas Tower Deluxe Offer
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy 25% off, on our luxurious accommodations on select dates
Promotion RunsJune 25, 2008 - December 30, 2008
Offer Expires December 29, 2008

Mirage Las Vegas Tower Suite Offer from $133
Mirage Las Vegas Penthouse Suite Offer from $196
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy 30% off, on our luxurious accommodations on select dates.
Promotion RunsJune 19, 2008 - October 24, 2008
Offer Expires October 24, 2008

NYNY Las Vegas Free Room Upgrade
The Online Promotion Includes:
-Complimentary Park Avenue Upgrade
Promotion Runs:June 19, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Offer Expires:December 31, 2008

New York New York, Las Vegas Online Offer
Book NOW and receive 20% off each night you stay in any of our gorgeous rooms or suites.
Also included:
-$10 Starbucks Credit
-$10 FREE PLAY
Promotion Runs:June 21, 2008 - August 28, 2008
Offer Expires:July 31, 2008

Excalibur Las Vegas 30-DAY ADVANCE OFFER
Book early and receive $10 off our already low internet rates.
Offer is non-refundable and may not be canceled or changed.
Full amount of your stay, including room and tax, is charged when booking this offer
Promotion Runs: July 20, 2008 - April 30, 2009
Offer Expires:April 30, 2009

TI Direct Advantage Offer
• Exclusive 10% web only discount for advanced bookings with two night minimum stay*
• $10.00 in TI Casino FREE PLAY®
* PLEASE NOTE: This promotion is non-refundable once booked and may not be canceled or changed.
Must be booked 30 days in advance
Promotion Runs: July 18, 2008 - December 30, 2008
Offer Expires:February 28, 2009

If you prefer to drive, ALWAYS PARK IN VALET, unless it is a Saturday night or a Fight night in Vegas, then you are best to park in the parkade as valet will take you forever to get your car out.

How to save money and go drinking
So you want to go out and enjoy the nightlife, but first you want to "Pre-Sip"
before you hit the clubs. We all know the clubs and ultra lounges charge $12 to $18 per drink (the average person cannot afford that each night), so our Nite Tours secret is to go to the Island Bars in the Casino where they have the video poker. Put $20 into the machine and Tip $5 to the bartender as you receive your first drink. Tip him $5 every third drink and play max on the video poker, but take your time there is NO TIME LIMIT as to how long each hand on the video poker must be played and you can order drinks all night long. If you hit a few good hands you maybe up $$$ so when you cash out you get your $20 back and you tipped $20 for 10 "very Strong Drinks"…There you go, how to get drunk on $20…

Club Line Ups
If you ever see a well dressed guy on the other side of the ropes walk up to you
while you are in line, and asks "Can I help you"? that is your opportunity to tiphim (palm the money) to get into a club. This is an excellent way to by pass long line ups, however you will tip $20 to $30 per person and you will still have to pay the $40 cover, but that sure beats a 2 hour wait to get into the clubs.

Most clubs are dead inside, but they start a line up outside the club. There is nothing you can do about it. A good trick is to get to the clubs early if you are all girls or a mixed couples you will get in. If you are all guys, you might as well pack a lunch, you will be in the line up all night long. Again get to the club early, they always let all the ladies in first. Nite Tours gets into the clubs first before anyone else, and all I see in the club is WOMEN, so if you are a single guy this is PERFECT for you. it is like shooting fish in a barrel, but later on in the evening the clubs change from 80% to 30% women so work your magic early

Best Vegas Rates here

The Chapel that you will be getting married in will Should include at least a bouquet for the bride, the Chapel will also be able to offer you some choice of flowers, many incorporate a florist If you want to be truly original then you need to get an external florist. The florist can create almost anything you want in any colour using any flowers and they are about 60% cheaper than in the UK ! We have created the list below but unfortunately do not have any experience of using any of them. We would be grateful to anyone who used any of these to give any recommendations or warnings or if they could recommend anyone not on the list.

I was going to put the list here but its longs so click here for the page

$°-You don't pay taxes-°$

1. Ferrari's/Lamborghini's/Aston Martin's/Bentley's/Mercedes/BMW's are part of the scenery.

2. You or your friend drives any of the cars listed above.

3. You are friends with the valet "Eric" of Jimmy'Z and always find an excuse to get your car before anyone else.

4. You are buddies with Edmont aka Eddie, photographer of Monaco By Night.

5. You are always or almost on every Monaco By Night.

6. Going to Kare(ment)...it is an understatement to have a table in the VIP area.

7. The photographer of Kare(ment) takes way too many pictures of young girls.

8. You spend almost of all your day's at Lina's.

9. You always meet someone you know when going out.

10. You speed on every avenue, boulevard or street and don't even care about the cops.

11. You have breakfast at Meridien every day after Jimmy'Z (mostly summer's).

12.When you rent a hotel room just for the hell of it.

13. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is not a really big thing for you, you just like the nightlife that comes with it.

14. You have already enjoyed flawless champagne at Amber Lounger during the Grand Prix.

15. You go to Zebra Square on Saturday nights.

16. You are friends with Jeff from Black Diamond.

17. You know that Moda burned down but think it wasn't really an accident.

18. You like to drive your car even if it is to go from Metropole to the Casino.

18. You go to Blue Gin to play billiard and enjoy the shaker drinks that serve more thn one glass.

19. You hate all those tourists that stay 5 hours outside Place du Casino thinking someone famous is there.

20. You go to Living Room for some more vodka and the great pizza's at 15 euros a pop.

21. You have already gotten in a fight with manager Cyril or Hubert from Jimmy'z as you don't have that table on the dance floor you wanted.

22. You like to go to SASS on weeknights as you enjoy piano bar music but prefer nonetheless the house/dance music they play after 1.30am

23. You always start drinking at restaurant's and not at people's apartment.

24. You have already met famous people but it isn't a big deal to you.

25. Everyone knows everybody and it doesn't bother you as you're use to it.

26. You go to Sea Lounge on regular basis but enjoy more the nights with a theme in it. (White Party/Beach Party....)

27. You hardly go to the movies, you have much better to do.

28. You barely spend time in your own apartment as you're always out and about.

29. You know where everyone lives even though you barely know them.

30. You hardly take the SNCF train unless its to go clubbing in Cannes.

31. You go to St. Tropez just to enjoy a magnum of rosee at Nikki Beach and the atmosphere.

32. You have already partied at Papagayo, VIP Room and Caves des Roys and know the routines of DJ Jack.E!

33. You go to Monte Carlo Beach Club just to do some jet ski and have lunch.

34. Most people dream about coming here but to you it's no big deal. You lived here all your life!

35. You or your friend owns a yacht.

36. You celebrate the Russian New Year Monaco style, even though your not Russian.

37. You like to borrow your car's friend just to show it off a bit more.

38. You always go on the terasse of Jimmy'Z to smoke yet another cigarette and meet new people.

39. You know every street and shortcut around the country.

40. You win money at the casino just to spend it on another bottle.

41. U 've got class at 8 30 am but that doesnt stop u from being in 'living room' at 7 am.

42. You park your car on taxi and bus stands.

43. If you get a parking ticket you just don't pay it thinking it will go away.

44. You go buy some croissant on the port after a night of clubbing.

45. You go up la Tete de Chien to watch the sunrise after Jimmy'Z

47. Before you go home, you stop by the beach for the first swim of the day.

48. You hardly go to Fontvielle at night unless it's to eat or sleep.

49. You never visited the Palace or any of the touristic attraction.

50. When Craig David calls u a bitch and you answer im not a female dog in heat especially not for somebody i cant see during the night (we all know who did that).

51. You know the personnel at Jimmyz better that ur classmates.

52. You and your friends carry out a conversation mixing at least 3 languages but everyone understands each other.

53. You have danced on the couch at Jimmyz while being completely intoxicated .. and fallen off at least once! (Hopefully not to the song World Hold On -reserved for Toni-)

54. You spent your childhood playing foam soccer at Larvotto

55. You go to Limone on weekends in the winter

56. You witnessed Julien at Black Diamond perform somehow inappropriate hookups

57. You know what V license plates mean

58. Cars yield to any pedestrian whether its on a crosswalk or not.

59. When you spend money like it's Christmas every day.

60. You go to London or Paris for the weekend just to go clubbing

61. You know Club55 is open in fall and spring and go there for lunch when its a nice day

62. You can't be bothered to go to Nice or Cannes because 30-45 mins in a car is just too far of a drive

63. The thickest sweater you own is what people wear in spring in most parts of the world

64. You can chill and relax everyday without knowing what is going on in the world.

65. You come across celebrities at Carrefour.

66. You will still be able to smoke cigarets in clubs (but aren't sure until when exactly.)

67. You love to travel and study abroad but at the end...you always come back to your "village"

HOT SPOT CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Enjoy our Beach Season at Mandalay Bay
As one of Mandalay Bay’s valued guests, please enjoy the perks of our Beach Season offer:
Rates from $99.99 a night.
Must book by June 30, 2008
Early booking bonus includes:
$50 off midweek cabana rental (Monday – Thursday)20% off select restaurants: Border Grill, Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse, Fleur de Lys, Mix, Rick Moonen’s Seafood and Shanghai Lilly.

Promotion Runs June 29, 2008 - October 2, 2008

Offer Expires October 2, 2008

A disruptive technology will often drive a paradigm shift in applications and deployment scenarios. Valuing the opportunity is a difficult task using analysis of existing markets because the output is predicated on the basis of the existing technology landscape. We seek to answer two questions.

1. How do we attempt to value opportunities with a high degree of uncertainty?
   
2. Subsequently, what development strategy do we pursue to allocate finite resource and maximise returns in light of uncertainty?
   

To answer the former we develop a Monte Carlo model to capture the key uncertainty drivers to produce a risk-return profile for individual opportunities and the portfolio as a whole. The latter involves the development of a real option model to capture managerial flexibility through the lifetime of the project.

Uncertainty Drivers

The two principle uncertainties 'Likelihood of market entry'- whether we can enter the market full stop with a product and subsequently 'Market penetration and growth rate' –the income over time for a product. The risks are subdivided into risks under our control (intrinsic risk factors) and those out of our control (extrinsic risk factors)

Timing – This is the other key variable to affect the aggregate value of an opportunity. We discount cash flows to account for the time value of money, often the discount rate is large as a way to try and capture risk. We want to capture uncertainty in an explicit manner through the distribution of possible outcomes and Monte Carlo analysis, which means we don't need to use an inflated discount rate to account for risk. If we used a high hurdle rate we would be double counting risk. This principle it outlined in Stefan Scholtes' work and his approach to option analysis through Monte Carlo methods.

Capturing and Representing Portfolio Opportunity and Uncertainty

The 'bubble' chart is a good conceptual way to grasp the value, risk and timing associated with a range of applications. The challenge is to embed this into a revenue model that logically captures the structure and information contained within the 'bubble' chart.

One advantage of this representation is that we can conduct top down and bottom up analysis and have an 'apples for apples' comparison. There are multiple layers of detail that we can use when valuing an opportunity and if you are looking across different industries chances are there will be significant gaps in knowledge. In an ideal world we would have accurate bottom up estimates e.g. pricing, volumes, costs, timing, sales against line itemed customers; this aggregates to an NPV for the opportunity that we depict as a single bubble in the chart. Note the bubble is placed on the time when a product is released even though it will generate revenues over a period of time. You could look at more complicated representations but I think this do the job without over complicating matters. If we do not have accurate low level data we can work with general economic indicators, broader trends and high level analysis for calculations of market potential e.g. assumed market penetration rates. VCs hate the "if we get x% of some arbitrarily large market", however we usually have to work with imperfect information and if you use multiple methods to get to answers that are the same order of magnitude then you are doing well.

Interactive Portfolio Dashboard – Click here to launch the portfolio dashboard

A large degree of intuition about a portfolio is developed as a result of building the model; the challenge becomes one of involving the executive team and making the model accessible so they can individually add their knowledge and build a deeper understanding. Even a well designed Excel model can be difficult to navigate; we can use dashboard tools which capture all the data but allow the user to navigate and drill down to the most salient areas of interest. One of the best dashboard programs is Crystal Xcelcius, which 'sits on top' on Excel, and extracts values from the worksheets for graphing / visualisation and allows users to change values in the model with sliders etc

With this portfolio tool executives can control a range of input parameters and immediately see the effect on the portfolio. The bottom section allows the user to select different product proposals and explore key uncertainty drivers and decisions e.g. should we develop product, when do we start, what happens if development costs are exceeded, first year volumes are lower than expected, cost of goods are higher etc. There is a standalone product income statement, which feeds into the portfolio income statement and cash model. As the portfolio decision space is explored the executive can monitor cash position, total NPV and adjust other parameters such as level of capital investment. The entire management team participates to input their knowledge e.g. sales may have a good idea of the first year volume potential, manufacturing can provide bill of material cost spreads. The results are displayed instantaneously and the team becomes sensitised to how their project fits within the context of the portfolio or company performance, which can help to reduce 'silo' mentality.

The intent is not to necessarily find the optimal product mix but rather to provide a first pass 'best guess' that has companywide buy in. We can then use refined models to build in uncertainty with Monte Carlo analysis and managerial flexibility with real options.

Monte Carlo Model - Download the excel model here

In the Monte Carlo model we assign distributions to uncertain cells. We then simulate thousand of scenarios, where we sample the uncertain variables and feed them into the revenue model and look at the impact on total revenue.

The model illustrated below is logically correct; however the revenues figures are arbitrary numbers. It is useful to illustrate the Monte Carlo approach.

Likelihood of market entry – We have assigned a likelihood of entry estimate as a percentage. The model generates a random number between 0-100% and compares it against the likelihood number. This determines whether the initial market entry condition is met.

Growth Rates – The growth rate for each market is simply a random variable. One sample 'realises' a growth figure, which is used to calculate the total return from the opportunity. We sample thousands of growth rates to achieve a distribution of return. This is a simplistic approach; a more complete model would look at the underlying variables at a more granular level i.e. volumes, pricing, cost etc. It is straight forward build up increasing levels of accuracy.

The diagrams below illustrate three different simulated outcomes. It is clear to see that different markets are entered and different growth rates and revenues are realised. This view represents the top level summary of all the markets. In practice more detailed models would lie behind this.

Sample 1: Entry in industrial, military and environmental markets. Total revenue $346

Sample 2: Entry in industrial, military, consu