Hello! Good afternoon. Is everyone doing well? That’s good to hear. Or sorry about your loss. Or both; life is a two parts joy and three parts horror.
I’m In Las Vegas For The First Time
So I’m out in Las Vegas for the first time. Nearly 40 years old and it’s my first time here. Crazy. I’m not much of a gambler, so it’s never been a siren call for me. What’s weird is I do like poker and blackjack, I just don’t like when they involve real money. Takes the fun out for me!
That said, I found myself going to one of the most fun attractions I’ve seen in a long time: The Haunted Museum.
This place contains a variety of objects, ranging from cute movie props to interesting historical artifacts to possessed artifacts to some truly fucked up shit involving true crime. There was literally a room I walked into and went, “Yeah, I got it!” and walked out. Also, when you’re a VIP there, you get an RIP tour. Get it?
Honestly, the Haunted Museum feels a lot like the Haunted Mansion at Disney World. Except instead of fun characters and silly ghost dancing, there’s the cremated remains of Charles Manson and paintings by John Wayne Gacy. And, no, those are not part of the “truly fucked up shit” I mentioned. It gets real intense.
Hey! I also recommend going to Retro City Games in Henderson. It’s a little ways off the strip, but it’s an incredible store with an incredible inventory and - the biggest rarity - a staff that doesn’t seem like they’re mad at you for being there. And for the love of God - the prices were actually reasonable! They actually want people to buy and enjoy their inventory - rather than falling into the trap of charging maximum eBay prices and then eventually shutting down.
Did I pick up a GameCube pinball game for $10? Yes. Yes I did.
Other than that, I’m enjoying the buffets! All you can eat! Don’t let the feelings come out!
DICE Awards - Watch Tomorrow Night!
Why am I in Las Vegas? I will tell you right now: I’m here for the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences D.I.C.E. awards.
Yes, it’s a video game awards show. I’m helping write the monologue along with fellow Mystery Science Theater 3000 writer Devon Coleman. If you’re interested in watching, it’s going to be streaming here. It’s always fun working for the show and this is the first time in eight years that I’ve been able to swing coming out for the show. Drucker’s got a little more time on his hands!
Hopefully your favorite games win and everyone is happy.
Recommendations
I’m on my second read of Wayne Barlowe’s novel God’s Demon.
Wayne Barlowe made a name for himself painting wild sci-fi and fantasy scenes, including a book of paintings of demons in Hell. His world building - even in his paintings - is incredible. This novel essentially ties all the themes from the paintings together into one crazy story. Also with fucked up things. Sometimes souls are turned into building bricks for all eternity. They’re aware the entire time. It’s wild and fun and, at times, a little silly. Just the way God intended to shun his creations.
That’s all. Have a great rest of your week! See you when I see you.
If you get a chance, the pinball hall of fame and the tiki bar Golden Tiki are both great times