OBG, what it has is the reputation as "the fastest growing city in the country". That's what draws the businesses.

But you wouldn't believe the flow-through of people (as residents)... it's simply incredible. They move there because they hear it's growing, so there must be something good for them. Then they find out that all the businesses are basically minimum wage. Sure, there are 25-yr-old guys pulling down $80,000/year as parking valets, but you don't get those jobs unless you're in really tight with upper management (their kids are the usual).

When I went to work for the limo co., there were really only two requirements: you had to appear to be breathing, and you had to have a clean DMV printout. And if you were just paroled after serving 8 years in prison, you had a clean DMV printout!

So, the people with the high hopes let the bills slide and take their pittance into the casinos, figuring they'll win, pay the bills and have some extra. But it doesn't happen that way. Soon, they leave.

There is a kind of management joke in Vegas: Do you know the difference between gambling and gaming? Gambling is what the customer does, and it's set up so that he mostly loses. Gaming is what the casinos do, and there's NO gamble about it. They just rake it in.

Oh, and I'm not sure that Amtrak still stops there. And you don't get a berth without buying a ticket 4-6 wks ahead of need.

Sue