Did the desk personnel have big 70's porn mustaches as well? LOL

Why is hockey so strange?

I just watched the highlights from the WAS-PIT game. Apparently a goal was scored but no one bothered to call it. A full 1:22 later the puck finally has a natural stop and the play is reviewed and ruled a goal. How does that work? Do they put the 1:22 back on the clock? Very strange.

Plus, ice is slippery.

Did any of you get the SPG offer for Planet Hollywood in LAS Nov 7-9?

We are thinking of going... if we can find a decent flight (lowest we can find is $461). Ugghh.

Anyone else heading to sin city?

Hmm, that may be an option. I chose Marriott for the points and the fact that it was near the airport so maybe there is less chance of the rental car being broken into, unlike what happened two weeks ago to me in PHX. Perhaps the HGI is the way to go, it's $4 cheaper than the Marriott and sweet mother, I love me some Whataburger. My fiance is a big corn dog fan so she can get her fix at Weinerschnitzel. I also like that it's a new property. You have given me a quandary, sir.

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In case anyone was wondering, PHL is still a dump.

I have the pleasure of being in Gatlinburg, TN instead ;) Otherwise I'd be going.

MR BL bought me a neclace/bracelet set for either our anniversary/my bday/Xmas (they are within a two month window so I really don't remember) and it broke almost immediately. The necklace has been repaired twice and fallen apart promptly both times. I've given up. The bracelet which I would have expected to to take more wear and tear, never leaves my wrist except for massages, and is perfectly fine. He's yet to replace the necklace and best be doing that soon. I didn't however blame him (and love the necklace so wish it hadn't fallen apart) and the customer service has been fantastic and am sure that your wife was pleased nonetheless.

Dunno how much time you have to play with in ELP, but White Sands is definitely worth a look. It's only about an hour's drive from ELP. The dunes are simply stunning.

Bummer. Hopefully he'll figure out that the replacement is due soon. ;)

I actually bought it on Wednesday afternoon (the birthday), gifted it Wednesday evening and was back to exchange it on Thursday morning. I had an entertaining conversation with the sales woman about it and various options. When I walked back in on Thursday she recognized me and got really worried that my wife didn't like the gift. It was cute. Once I showed her what happened a replacement was out in about 30 seconds, no questions asked. I'll be back shopping there again, assuming that the replacement lasts more than a couple days.

I've actually done the dunes before, but your recommendation is spot on. The stop in ELP is actually merely a place to sleep on the wedding road trip. We're getting married in Houston (well, Lake Jackson specifically, where I grew up) on January 3 but spending Christmas with my fiance's parents in PHX. Since we have her dress and we'll have to haul a bunch of junk back, we decided to road trip it instead of flying.

We'll drive from SAN to PHX, and do Christmas. Then PHX to ELP, where we stop for the night. The ELP to SAT (the long stretch), and finally SAT to my parents place in Angleton. On the way back out we have to book it to get home as school will have started (she's a teacher) and I need to get back to work, so not much time for sight seeing.

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Is there much else in ELP that would make it worth visiting for a weekend?

That's the difference between being a procrastinator or not ;) But at least my triple crown is about to begin (I had a friend ask me this week if he ever combined a gift together since anniv/bday/Xmas are so close and I said "are you kidding" those are three distinctly different days ;) ). I asked him where we were going for my bday this year (which also falls on Thanksgiving) and he said let's stay home this year. You just don't say that to a traveller. So we compromised and are going away close by (Horseshoe Bay) because I am not cooking -or even catering - on my birthday - especially a big holiday meal;). Been there, done that; there is still clean up.

Looks like 3 out of 4 of my flights are sold out this weekend. What do you think my chances are of a Bump on my IAH-CLL (#9529) tonight on the last flight on a SAAB 340 with a Big 12 game tomorrow in CLL? It is also sold out on the return on Sunday (#9537) along with Y being sold out back to EWR Sunday afternoon.^

GOOD LUCK!!!!! Our flight back from LAX sun night is sold out in Y!!! Still 9 seats left in F (so hoping for the EUA still!) if not a bump :)

ELP itself is a rather understated city, but I did take in a UTEP game at the Sun Bowl (tickets available at the gate for $20!). It's a convenient place to reach some areas like White Sands (~1hr drive), Big Bend National Park (~2:30 drive), Roswell/Carlsbad Caverns (~2:30 drive), that are otherwise pretty remote from just about everywhere. The Trinity Site is also just a few hours up the road from ELP, but is technically closer to ABQ. Unfortunately, I discovered that the Trinity Site is only open to the public twice a year (once in Spring, and once in Fall), as it's actually on the White Sands Missile Range. The drive through the New Mexico desert and mountains is absolutely stunning, IMO.