For the past few weeks I've been running around for work and for play, and finally I'm recovering from my sleep deprivation having slept in 2 Saturday mornings in a row to the comforts of my own bed. Well, I'm back to blogging again and I hope to be back in full force. So what's been the cause of the sleep dep?

Multiple trips to the west coast since the New Year's hasn't helped, but the past 2 weeks have included trips to Las Vegas, LA, Chicago, Philly and Columbus Circle. So what have I learned in these travels?

• 24 is the best DVD to watch when flying long distances - Jack Bauer is the coolest dude
• I appreciate space over hip. This week I was at the Hudson Hotel and Mandarin Oriental in the TW center, and though the Hudson has some cool bars and lounges, it's definitely NOT worth staying there. When I walked into the room, I was trying to find a door to the other room b/c I couldn't believe 100 square feet of space is legally allowable for a hotel room. I think hostels are bigger in Europe. So go to the Hudson to lounge, and check out the billiards/library room in the back and prepare to pay $6 for Fiji water. Now the Mandarin, that's a whole different story with incredible service. Yeah you'll pay double for a room, but you get quadruple the room size and premium service. Did I mention the world class spa?
  
• The Wynn was overhyped, but still a strong buy in my book. Great looking crowd AND cocktail waitresses, but the interior design wasn't so good looking. I didn't get the amoeba and flower carpet combination, and the color palette wasn't so subtle. The bathroom was very nice and the rooms were large, but they do need to upgrade the Gateway (really a computer company) flat screen TVs. However, I do appreciate the details of Mr. Wynn, from the soap to the very very comfortable pillow, bed and blanket. Just need to hire a new interior decorator.
  
• The W in Westwood was a bit pretentious. When I first arrived, the main entrance to the hotel was roped off with a line of folks -- reminding me of the NY club scene. Luckily, we were staying at the hotel and of course they waved us through the side rope. Now I kinda get it, but do you really need to rope off the entire hotel entrance?
  
• So when we were not hanging out at the hotel, we were at a Lakers game or playing golf. It occurred to me that the main difference between doing these things in your thirties vs. the twenties is that you have more money to bankroll the gambling and you don't have to cruise Expedia for the best deal at the Excalibur.
  

OK, thats whats happend the last couple of weeks, now let's get back to 50 first dates.