LAS VEGAS, NEVADA   MARCH 17, 2002

It was another epic stay in Las Vegas and at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  Thanks again to Ned "Tex" Dike for reserving the block of rooms.  The bachelor, Jim (Greek) Mansfield [check out jimmansfield.com], was joined by brother Paul, and friends Joe Bous, Craig Melegari, Andrew Rosenstein, Greg Dooley, Lew Popoff, Ryan Wilson., Rich Fernandez, Scotty Muldrow. No golf was scheduled, just food, drink, hoops and merriment.

Speaking of hoops, hanging out at the Mirage Sports Book during the first few rounds of NCAA ball is something to behold.  But scenery doesn't make up for poor bets - even with the sights at the Hard Rock.  The funds that Greek and I dropped on Big Ten champ Ohio State disappeared shortly after tip-off.  While playing blackjack, I leaned over to view see the score on a nearby TV.  Although I didn't immediately see the score, I did witness a Missouri player bust off a dinner roll tomahawk dunk from about the free throw line.  Soon after the score flashed - Mizzou up 30. Dools down $50.  Two M grads taking Ohio State?  Hmm.  

Usually someone escapes Vegas ahead of the game.  When I queried some of the guys afterwards all I heard was crickets.  Can anyone beat this town???!  It's back to the drawing board I guess.  

But some fellers did make out better than others.  Click the link for a conversation we captured between one guy from our group and a blackjack dealer early Sunday morning: dealer.wav.  A tough go at that table, no doubt.

I had the chance to see my cousins Jeff and Jessica Bodholt on Saturday for lunch.  Jess was there for her Spring Break; Jeff lives in Vegas and works at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino.  It was great seeing them.