Las Vegas is an amazing city. Most librarians hate it, but I love it. I enjoy a city that never sleeps. It is the godsend for insomniacs and people that crave excitement. The ALA conference that I attended was amazing. The speakers included Jane Fonda. I thought she would be of no interest, but found her uplifting and educational. Ms Fonda looked terrific at 77. Her hair and body are beautiful. She is sharp and well informed on the subjects that she addressed. Most of the speakers including Ms. Fonda took a considerable number of questions from the audience.
Another speaker was Malcolm X's daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz.She told many stories of her childhood and portrayed her father as a kind and passionate human being. She was also a beautiful woman, well educated and an excellent and charming speaker.
The third woman, Azar Nadisi is originally from Iran. Azar Nafisi is an Iranian writer and professor of English literature. She has resided in the United States since 1997 and became an American citizen in 2008.Wikipedia She has a bestseller called "Reading Lolita in Tehran". I have never read the book, but am reading the autographed copy of the book, "Republic of Imagination", she signed for me. She is an enchanting speaker with an energy about her that leaves you speechless. I told her I wish I could capture that energy when speaking. She said the energy came from the audience, and I was spellbound by her every word. She was speaking of women's rights. While in Iran she refused to wear the veil. I have never been quite so affected by such a powerful and successful group of women.
“You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place, I told him, like you'll not only miss the people you love but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way ever again.”
Security kept trying to rush Ms. Nafisi along, but she was not having any of it. After all, how can you harness the spirit of a woman that has fled Iran and speaks so directly about women's rights. The conference I had planned on being a bore made an impression that would last for weeks.
While in Vegas I was a one as I recall from "Sex and the City". I normally know many other librarians, but not in this case. I did most everything alone. I stayed at Caesars where I met a bellman that had worked there 38 years. He knew many famous celebrities and relayed stories of quirky incidents that happened while they were at the hotel. He had even helped Frank Sinatra. He must be good with the ladies as he suggested I take a nap, have a cocktail, and ask for a robe, slippers and more towels. Even though he seemed harmless, I kept one hand on my hip and the other with the door propped open. He kept stroking his hair, which was making me incredibly nervous. He offered his services for later if needed.
It was not long before I noticed I had a spacious bathroom with separate tub, shower, etc. It was of no concern, but I did notice this bathroom had no door. I thought about husband, family, roommate and having no privacy or safe area. Maybe it was a room for a "one".
I am partial to visual/musical entertainment and found
the movie section of the conference. I viewed an incredible documentary, "The Whole Gritty City". It was an amazing 90 minute documentary about three marching bands from New Orleans. I must admit that I was in tears at the end of the film. The trials of the students in the bands was both uplifting and disturbing. It is easy to see how the interest in this musical activity gives many of the teens a purpose, and keeps them out of harms way.
I have an attraction to slots. I love the Michael Jackson machine, Sex and the City, and The Godfather. The Godfather slot was located at Planet Hollywood. My fascination with slots is like video games. I want to play all the interesting ones. My losses and wins are mediocre at best.
I enjoyed a restaurant in Caesars Hotel several times. It was Bobby Flays Mesa Grill. I had a varied daily menu and the portions were the perfect moderate serving. One day while having lunch I saw some rather conservatively dressed women at a table next to mine. I asked them a question about the conference thinking they were librarians. I was shocked to find that they worked for HR at Caesars.
The Caesars Mall is never boring and has some interesting restaurants like Spago and The Palms. I also went to the Mall attached to Planet Hollywood called the Miracle Mile. I saw an incredible Beatles Tribute Band that featured "go go dancers". Even though I have been to Vegas many times I enjoy it every time as though it was the first.
