Yes, Lee, that was me bringing my 14-year-old to Vegas this weekend for 2 nites. If you go into it knowing that gambling is not on the agenda, then it's ok. I save that for another trip. My son and I get along really well and we find lots to do. It also makes me feel great that he's 6'1" -- sort of keeps the riff raff away from me. Unfortunately, there's no where for us to go to listen to live music together. I love those LV lounge acts where you can listen to great quality music and nurse a couple drinks. I can't really go alone cuz then I look like a woman asking for it. I've tried it before and it is very uncomfortable. My son is a jazz pianist and I know he would enjoy it but the casino police are on us like hawks if he even slows down while walking past. That's the most frustrating part of Vegas for me.

Clark county just closed down a venue, you both would have injoyed. (they closed it the day it opened) It was a mixed age music outlet, in some strip mall. But the law states that something like this can't be within 150 yards of a liquier outlet of any kind. There was a bar in the strip mall as well.
I'm looking forward to a report. I enjoyed taking the kids back in the day. But your correct, you got to expect a different trip and plan accordingly.

Gail, there are jazz bands that play at venues other than casino lounges. Have you tried those? I don't know if children are allowed or not.

The jazz brunch at Gordon Biersch and at Envy come to mind. There are many others in town. You'll need transportation of some kind.

I'm happy to take a cab if it's not too far. I just need to find out where to go.

House of Blue at Mandalay Bay still has their Gospel Brunch on Sundays - that might be a great way to start your trip.

Lee, All I've seen so far is The Doobie Brothers and The Bangles downtown at FSE for only $60. To be honest, I was a big Doobie Bros. fan in their time. I'd love to catch them at some place like the Suncoast for about $10 on some non eventful day.

Well, here's the update, as of yet, I've not purchased airfare, and the price doesn't seem to get better. First class is actually looking reasonable....so you know things are pretty high.
I've not given up though.....

Maybe you should just move to Vegas and go to PA a few times a year. I just booked three round trip fares from Vegas to Chicago for a grand total of $1120. Leaving LAS on 12/26 and returning before NYE on 12/29.

Oh, and that is non-stop on United both ways and not a red-eye either.

errr...You mean TED, don't you???

Well, Looks like New Years ain't gonna Happen in Vegas. The airfare keeps climbing and the good travel times are all but gone as well.
While I'm not giving up on the idea of New Years in Vegas.....I have a Plan B now.
Sharon got an offer for AC, that really is a nice one. 2 free nights (she could have had more) Dinner at our favorite Italian Resturant (Mia) and Pattie Labelle tickets for new years eve. The best part, no air fare needed, and all comped. LOL It ain't Vegas, but for the price of airfare they where asking I can make 2 trips another time of year. Now if by some fluke something changes in the airfare....I would rather be in Vegas, but at least plan B is better then sitting home! LOL

errr...Yeah, the reservation confirmation states "Operated by United for TED"

So what kind of surprises should I be aware of on TED?

I suppose that diabetic meal request I made is not going to be what I expected. :rolleyes:

Well Lee I'll take some pictures of the NYE action on the Strip and send them to you.

In return you can do enough drinking for me as well as you. The way things are going for me this may be my first sober NYE in 35 years.

Ralph, beleive it or not, I had plenty of sober NYE before. I never went out while I was married. After all it is amature night! Now I go out, I just put myself in a place where I don't have to drive.
As for drinking double.....I'm afraid I can't hold up my end of the bargin....I don't care for the feeling the next morning, and I know a 2 hr drive feeling that way isn't gonna be fun either! LOL

I found Lee's airfare
http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/features/nye/index.jsp
One Entry/Ends Dec. 6

**Trip must be taken between December 21, 2007 - January 1, 2008.

(1) Grand Prize: 5-day/4-night trip for two to Las Vegas, including roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, and a $1,000 Visa gift card. ARV $4,500

I just had to go snoop and read the official rules since I wondered if you could just take the cash and run (not allowed), but I found lots of info and restrictions, including the statement below.

Limit one (1) entry per person or valid email address. Your entry constitutes your consent to participate in this Sweepstakes and your consent for Sponsor to obtain and deliver your name, e-mail address and other information to Centra Marketing and Communications, LLC for the purpose of administering this Sweepstakes and for other uses by Sponsor as permitted by applicable law.

I don't think I'd want to pay the taxes on this prize, and I'm darn sure I don't need another marketing group getting my address & phone number, both required fields in the entry.

Not with my Luck Larry! LOL
I leave all the contests to you!

Daisy, Taxes arn't a problem cuz you can write off any losses. I already have enough loosing lotto tickests from friends and the local party store to write off the motorcycle I won.
I have an email address just for contests so that's no problem eather

Larry, just think of it as less competition!

I wouldn't mind giving out my e-mail address, but I really don't like the part about my phone number - I get enough nuisance phone calls already!