The Great Game
http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501050207/story.html
Macau is in the middle of a building spree that will turn the former
colony into Asia's Las Vegas-or maybe something even bigger
By Michael Schuman
Posted Monday, January 31, 2005; 20:00 HKT
I've lost my nerve, and I'm not even gambling. The VIP room at the new
Sands casino in Macau isn't for anyone with a weak stomach or a tight
wallet, and I, unfortunately, have both. I'd need to put down $62,500
up front just to get a seat at one of the baccarat tables, and then
ante up a minimum $1,250 for each hand. Yet at one table half a dozen
Chinese tourists are tossing chips like they're playing tiddlywinks,
while at another a Japanese man smokes a long cigarette and serenely
studies his cards. I feel my blood pressure rising just watching them.
For me, this is a rare glimpse into the exclusive realm of high rollers
and high stakes, a world of expensive wines, private masseuses, and
gourmet steaks. Here in Macau, excess is a 24-hour industry. The
superrich get whatever they want, whenever they want it-palatial
suites with steam rooms, karaoke machines, Jacuzzis, massage tables,
plasma TVs and personal butlers. But don't even think of booking a
room. The Sands invites only its highest high rollers to stay-and
gives them use of the suites for free.
Macao
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/alt.atheism/msg/f710ed36eaa327b6
Is the wakening giant a monster?
http://tinyurl.com/iws6
A Blueprint for the Future
http://snipurl.com/a684
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