Vegas Baby, VEGAS!!!

So, I just got back from my free trip to Vegas! Overall, it was an awesome time, got to show Anthony around for a few days and hang out with some of my good buds from Valpo. And of course, I lost some money, drank a shitload, ate some delicous buffets, and oddly enough, actually learned some stuff at the NAB! 4 free nights at Caesar's Palace and 1 night at the Stratosphere, and of course airfare and transportation, all paid for by Dean Hamm... I love that guy! Here's a little summary of my trip, I decided to split it into NAB and Fun. Enjoy!

The National Association for Broadcasters Convention
Well I must admit, I was pretty intimidated when I first got here. I did attend a few workshops, where I learned After Effects, Motion, and how to create a reel in about 4 hours total, all taught by pro's. Once Monday hit, the convention opened up, and there was some COOL SHIT there! The first cool demo I saw an Ultra Hi-Def TV. This projection was about 40' x 100', and it also included 22.2 surround sound. The picture quality was unbelievable. In one clip, they showed a Pacer's game, and it was so realistic looking, it felt like you were watching the game from the bleachers at the fieldhouse.

The Next real cool thing I saw was a live band. They were all playing electronic instruments, and the only noise you could hear was the faint tapping of the drum pads. But if you walk over to the demo, you could put headphones on. Once you put them on, the band sounded like you were at a concert. You could even adjust the lows, mids, and highs of each individual instrument (including the electronic flute!) The sound was so real and amazing, I can't wait to see this thing really hit!

The last real cool thing I enjoyed wasnt even a specific event, but the free shit. At one stand, they had a live DJ, free beer, free crackers and cheese, and frickin massage chairs! Another stand had cigar-looking girls carrying around trays of margaritas. And then I used the internet (which didnt have a toolbar, so you couldnt type in an address, so I just used the F1 key to get into the help mode, go to MSN.com and used the search bar.) The security guy was amazed and thought I was a hacker, and he the went and stole me a laptop bag that only speakers got for free. Ah, I love free shit!

Vegas, the Fun stuff!
And when I wasn't dressed up like an office worker at the convention, I made the most out of my trip as possible! One day, we chilled out at 1 of the 4 outdoor pools at Casar's. Another night, Neil and I went to the rides on top of the Stratosphere. At 1100' off the ground, we went even higher on their "big shot" ride which shoots you up at like 4G's. That was freaky but cool. The other ride we rode was the "x Scream", not cool. Basically, it teter totters you over the side of the building, and drops you til the metal bar catches your cart. Yes, we put our lives in the hands of a few metal bars holding us in, created by a Vegas casino. Not one of my prouder moments. And I have NO intention to EVER ride that thing again!

The last day I was there, I actually ran into some other college film makers, who were attending the NAB. I hung out with them for a while, and they invited me to Hooters, but I knew I didnt have the time. So I traveled down the strip with a bottle or Bacardi and a bottle of coke. I then ran into a girl who was taping the strip. I talked to her, only find out she graduated IU and works for Discovery Channel Travel! She interviewed me and I helped her with some camera shots. Maybe I can even persuade her to give me a job!!!

The last adventure I had in Vegas was getting to the shuttle to the airport on time. I had to be there at 1030, so I took the monorail at 10pm. BTW, the monorail stations are so far of a walk through the casinos, dont ever ride them if your in a rush. I get to it, take it to the 2nd last stop before mine, and it says its turning around. Im like WTF! So I get off, then see it go to my stop. So I have to wait for the next rail 6 mins later. Its now 1025. I get on it, get off at Sahara and RUN to the Stratosphere. Luckily, the Bond theme song "Live and Let Die" was playing in the casino, so it pumped me up. I got to the shuttle a few mins late, but then saw him and asked him to wait. He waited and asked me if I wanted to run to a store for some water. I just laughed. I actually enjoyed the shuttle ride, as we were big dorks and talked about wiring surround sound.

Got to the airport, and flew to Minnesota at 1am. I then flew from MN to Indy and arrived around 10am. Took the 1040 shuttle to Btown, and then got the first shut eye I had since Monday morning. Overal, it was a kickass trip, but I have to admit, its nice to be home! Now it's time to get my work done!!!