The last tech support trip to HSRA Los Angeles was very productive. My primary goals were to install new security cameras, troubleshoot a student data syncing problem, get their ID card machine working, re-image some old machines, install some new software and do the usual software updates across all 150 machines.

My co-worker who came along did a lot of great work getting machines moved around and cleaning up the ID card machine. I got most of the things done that I wanted, but there are some parts that need ordering to get the rest of the cameras installed. Overall, I’m very happy with the progress.

We got to do a few fun things this time (for a change). In addition to the Vegas jaunt, we went to see the Wild beat the Kings at Staples Center on Saturday night. Very interesting to see how they do things at another arena–especially one with a lousy team and a lot of empty seats. Makes the Minnesota experience seem magical by comparison. Vote for Lubo!

Restaurants included the awesome Kincaid’s Bayhouse at the Redondo Beach pier, the Rocky Cola Cafe (also in Redondo Beach), Good Stuff on the Strand in Hermosa Beach and (of course) a visit to In-N-Out Burger.

It rained the last two days and temps were cool for LA. How I long for that weather now, though…

My co-worker and I took a short little jog up I-15 to spend about ten hours in Las Vegas. We left on Sunday night and got to the Strip about 9:30. We checked in to Treasure Island and I took him on the walking tour of the middle of the Strip: TI, Mirage, Caesar’s Palace, Bellagio and the Venetian.

It was a very cold desert night (the Prius said it was 38 degrees) and I thought the fountains at Bellagio were going to freeze up. We got to watch them with Elvis singing Viva Las Vegas, which was cool.

I don’t think I’ve been to Vegas in almost two years. Changes this time included the new Cirque theater for LOVE at the Mirage (which looked just awesome), construction of the new CityCenter and a new hotel casino between the Venetian and the Wynn called the Palazzo (which looked just like all the other recent towers in town).

I didn’t do much gambling this time, although I played a few hands of video poker and a couple of slots (Red, White and Blue and a piggy one for my daughter). Lost about nine bucks overall. Got a lot of good Christmas shopping done though.

We had the breakfast buffet at TI before heading back on the freeway. Very scenic desert drive in the daytime, but I still prefer flying.