71,987 Miles

71,987 miles. That's the balance on the frequent flier account I opened 11 months ago with American Airlines. And I still have two trans-continental trips and a bunch of bonuses still left to post.

That's a lot of time on an airplane. And I'm about to get on another. Crossing my fingers for a business class upgrade to go with the on-board wifi. Praying to whatever supreme being is up there that there isn't a screeching child sitting within five rows of me.

I spent the last week in New York City doing three things. Visiting Showcase, who migrated from West Hollywood to Midtown Manhattan last May, visiting Ben, one of my best friends for the last 15 years, and catching Phish's magnificent three-night run at Madison Square Garden. Coventry, of course has some excellent reviews from Pauly, Kid Dynamite and Mr. Fabulous.

I get only 36 hours at home to jam in a week's worth of work before I make the haul up I-15 to Las Vegas for WPBT weekend. I'll be at the tournament at Caesar's on Saturday-- get ready for Team Tao of Pot (me, my beloved, and Derek).

Whether you're venturing out on your first blogger trip or a seasoned vet, everyone should check out one of my all-time favorite Tao posts, Pauly's Bloggers Invading Las Vegas Tips.

I've come surprisingly close to breaking rule #20 in the past.

I'll see many of you this weekend. Safe travels, and don't forget to tip your waitresses.