AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe
Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999
Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.
Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! Winter is in the air as a chill sweeps down the Las Vegas Strip. OK… I exaggerate but this week brought highs in the 90’s (F) with overnight lows that dipped into the 60’s for the first time in about three months. We bounce back over the 100 mark for Labor Day weekend, which is going to make for some red-hot pool parties.
Speaking of, another series of the Hard Rock’s Rehab pool party television show debuts Labor Day Weekend on truTV. (We’re not sure of international airings but you may be able to watch shows or highlights online after their air date). You may wish to check the official truTV Rehab site in about a week. My idea of a pool party is slightly more sedate (I’m looking forward to Nikki Beach next year at Tropicana) but watching a bunch of Vegas-based drama is always a good guilty pleasure!
Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon – Once again this year, the telethon is originating live from the South Point Hotel Casino here in Las Vegas September 5 at 6 PM through 3:30 PM on September 6 (all times Pacific). Every year, an number of Las Vegas headliners join the national acts who appear, so you might want to set the DVR to catch what you don’t watch live. If you are a local or visiting during that time, admission has traditionally been free. Best bet for virtually no lines or wait? Late night into the early morning.
Coolest or Most Stressed? – Within the space of a couple weeks, Forbes magazine published the results of a nationwide poll showing Las Vegas tieing with New York City as the coolest city in the United States. Hot on the heels of that was (again) Forbes noting that Las Vegas is the “most stressed” city in the county. How could this be? Simple:
Continue on to my latest blog post Is Las Vegas The Coolest Or Most Stressed City In The Country? You can read my thoughts on why the stress, who is affected (and who isn’t), what is in store for the next 18 months, and why/how things will be 3-5 years from now. Plus, we have a comment box open for your thoughts.
Five Trains To Southern California – With five competing ideas about connecting visitor-rich Southern California with Las Vegas, one is bound to come to fruition. Here’s how I handicap them:
- Maglev is still borderline sci-fi and very expensive. Isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
- DesertXpress is a high-speed train running on its own rails… to Victorville. (Map of Victorville in relation to Las Vegas and Los Angeles). Where it may tie in to a California high-speed rail system at a later date. Even when it does, you’ll need multiple transfers to get here. Not going to happen.
- Desert Lightning is a proposal for high-speed rail linking L.A and Phoenix via Las Vegas. Nice idea and the inclusion of Phoenix (6’th largest metro area in the U.S.) would give it a more broad base of support. Would be phenomenal for Las Vegas. But not going to happen soon.
- Z-Train and Las Vegas Railway Express (X-Train) would use existing rails. Z-Train wants to provide an upscale experience (fashion shows on the train, etc). Go after the high-end customer who otherwise would fly first class or charter a flight. X-Train is unabashedly noting that they will be a party train. Your vacation will start when you board the train. Wide seats, multiple bar cars with big screen TV’s, you get the idea.
My money is on the X-Train. Get the party started early on the way over, ability to sleep it off on the way home (or watch a game that you bet on).
Paris Hilton – Don’t know, don’t care, I don’t do cocaine (I’m enough of an extrovert as it is). Driving down The Strip smoking pot (or with riders in your car doing so) when you are one of the top nightclub guys in town? Probably not the brightest thing in the world. Anyone who has been to a rock concert knows you can smell it a long ways away. For those wanting to follow the saga, legendary local gossip columnist Norm Clarke is following the story.
Liquor At Baggage Claim – It looks like you’ll soon be able to pop into a liquor store and stock up while you wait to claim your luggage and Las Vegas’ McCarran airport. (After paying the luggage fees most airlines charge, you’ll need a bottle of something). The only hotel that objected at the hearings was Wynn Las Vegas. I’m a little surprised that more objection among resort properties didn’t materialize.áDrink costs at Strip hotel bars are no bargain, but you’ll pay it when you need a drink.
However, more people getting the party started in their room which means less in bar revenue. The higher they raise the drink prices at their bars, the more people search out alternatives. Our tip (which we’ve given many times, but we always have new readers): Most hotel sundry stores have both cold beverages (including beer) and bottled liquor available. And, you don’t have to tip your clerk.
Slots Book Giveaway – We’re having problems with our contest software (and because of the amount of entries we receive, we can’t simply set up and email and process them by hand). So, the Victor H. Royer book giveaway we promised last week will hopefully be announced in our next issue. All other aspects of our site are working fine.
Enjoy This Issue!
Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs
Primm Valley Casino Resorts Offers An Explosive Labor Day Weekend With A $40,000 Fireworks Show – As a go-to location for spectacular fireworks and more, Primm Valley Casino Resorts is commemorating Labor Day weekend with an outstanding fireworks display for guests at dusk on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010. Primm Valley Casino Resorts is the perfect retreat for recreation to enjoy activities for the whole family. From relaxing and rejuvenating at The Spa at Primm or enjoying a flick at the movie theatre, screaming at the maximum heights of the Desperado rollercoaster and taking a splash in the Log Flume ride at Buffalo Bill’s, to the luscious green at the Primm Valley Golf Course, Primm offers an escape to meet the needs and interests of all ages. Rooms for Labor Day weekend in Primm begin at $59. For reservations or more information, call 1.800.FUN.STOP or visit www.primmvalleyresorts.com
- Full story/details/info: Primm Valley Casino Resorts Labor Day Weekend
Teller Cuts 10 Inches Off Penn’s Signature Ponytail To Benefit Locks Of Love – On Wednesday, Aug. 25 Penn Jillette, the outspoken half of the comedy-magic duo Penn & Teller, sheared 10 inches of his signature ponytail with the help of his devious cohort Teller to benefit Locks of Love at the Rio Spa at The Rio Hotel Casino here in Las Vegas. It was noted that Penn has been sporting the look for almost 25 years, and while he has not had it insured like other stars and their famed attributes, the locks were considered priceless.
- Full story/details/info: Teller Cuts 10 Inches Off PennÆs Signature Ponytail To Benefit Locks Of Love (With Video)
- Tickets: Penn & Teller Las Vegas Tickets
MGM Grand Puts A Cork In The Competition By Receiving Most 2010 Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards In The Country – MGM Grand is proud to announce an extraordinary number of wins for the 2010 Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Wine List Awards. An astounding 11 MGM Grand restaurants including Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, NOBHILL TAVERN, L’Atelier de JoÙl Robuchon, SEABLUE, Diego, Pearl, Shibuya, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill and Fiamma Trattoria garnered awards this year, more than any other single property in the world.
- Full story/details/info: MGM Grand Puts A Cork In The Competition
Tacos & Tequila Las Vegas Unleashes “Viva T&T” In Celebration Of Mexican Independence Day – In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, Tacos & Tequila (T&T) will launch the worldwide premiere of “Viva T&T” Wednesday, September 15. The wacky rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” will showcase an entertaining routine choreographed to DJ Ernan’s mariachi mash-up, starring Sin City’s most unique trio û a mini Mariachi Elvis, the extremely sexy Elissa cast as a modern-day Ann-Margret and the one-and-only human rooster. In addition, those who dress to impress in their best Elvis costume will receive a complimentary daiquiri from T&T on September 15. The best Elvis impersonator will be crowned king, taking home the “Mr. VIVA Elvis” title and $1,000 in cash and prizes.
- Full story/details/info: Tacos & Tequila Las Vegas Unleashes “Viva T&T”
Dine Out For A Good Cause During Restaurant Week At Las Vegas Resorts – Participating restaurants include Bradley Ogden, Mesa Grill, Rao’s, Serendipity 3, Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Strip House, KGB, Steakhouse46 and Martorano’s. As part of the fourth annual Restaurant Week, nine restaurants at Harrah’s Entertainment Las Vegas resorts are offering special pre-fixe menus priced at $20.10, $30.10 or $50.10 per person with a portion of each cover benefitting local food bank, Three Square. Guests can enjoy world-class cuisine at great prices while helping end hunger in Las Vegas from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5.
- Full story/details/info: Dine Out For A Good Cause During
Shopping News
Popcornopolis Opens At Excalibur – Making its Las Vegas debut, Popcornopolis now is open at Excalibur. With more than 15 flavors including Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion and Rocky Road, Popcornopolis is your one-stop shop for all things popcorn! The delicious treats are served in two sizes: regular ($7.99) and large ($10.99). Party tins, which hold a combination of three popular flavors, are available starting at $29.99. For someone with a sweet tooth in search of more, candied apples and chocolate-covered strawberries also are available. Popcornopolis is located on ExcaliburÆs Castle Walk.
Luxury For Less Debutes At Monte Carlo Las Vegas – Offering luxurious items at prices that wonÆt break the bank, Luxury for Less features womenÆs and menÆs accessories, as well as gift items. A wide selection of purses, jewelry, scarves, hats, watches, cufflinks and more are value priced between $10 and $25 Luxury for Less is located across from The Pub at Monte Carlo.
Featured Tour û Enjoy Las Vegas!
Maverick Silver Cloud Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas û Perfect for the time-conscious traveler, this spectacular Maverick air-only excursion flies you through the Grand Canyon. Highlights of the tour include visions of the famous Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the beautiful Lake Las Vegas and Fortification Hill.
Click To Book Maverick
Silver Cloud Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas Now!
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
We enjoy being responsive to our readers. Click on each post to view questions/comments and our tips and answers. Keep yourself informed on Las Vegas!
- Trip Report – Elvis, Rio, Slots, Are Las Vegas Shows Running Around Christmas?
- New Years Eve Las Vegas 2010 û Any Suggestions, Tips?
- Las Vegas Slots Are Too Tight, When Will The Casinos Wake Up?
- Retiring To Las Vegas, Looking For A Safe Apartment Complex Until We Buy, Advice Wanted!
These previous Members Mania post have had comments added to them:
- Las Vegas Trip Report û Stayed At Aria, Great Restaurants, Terrible Service
- Las Vegas Trip Report û Bad Rooms At Excalibur, Stratosphere, ACE Bus, Won $800, Will Be Back!
- Las Vegas Discount Ticket Booths A Marketing Scam û Buyer Beware
- Family Celebrates KidÆs 21Æst Birthday In Las Vegas û Do It!
- New Walgreens On The Las Vegas Strip û Needed, Great For Everyone
- Fewer Free Drinks In Las Vegas Not Just Your Imagination
- Consumer Reporter Tries To Bash Las Vegasà My Retort
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events
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Justin Timberlake heading to Las Vegas for charity concert
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Penn Gets Hair Chopped for Locks of Love
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Vegas stints can help, haunt performers
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Murphy’s Law Las Vegas Celebrates One Year Anniversary With Food And Drink Specials
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West Hollywood Makes Splash In Las Vegas As The Abbey Beach Debuts At Vdara Hotel & Spa
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Azure Luxury Pool Presents Labor Day Weekend 2010 Poolside Parties with DJ Twisted and Claudius Raphael
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Inglot Cosmetics To Open Second U.S. Store At The Forum Shops At Caesars Wnere Shoppers Can Mix, Match More Than 1,500 Colors
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Be Glamorous This Labor Day Weekend With 9 Group At Palms Casino Resort Glamorous Vegas Is A Three-Day Music Celebration Sept. 3-5
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KGB (Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers) At Harrah’s Las Vegas Hosts Restaurant Week Soiree Benefiting Three Square
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Stay Cool With Station Casinos’ Las Vegas Free September House Entertainment
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Tacos & Tequila Las Vegas Honors Hard Workers With Extended Labor Day Happy Hour
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Las Vegas Restaurant Week Invites You To “Wet Your Appetite At Wet Republic,” Monday, August 30
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Eve Nightclub And WHRRL Host Hip-Hop Artist Miguel Wednesday, September 1
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Mayor gives up few details about MLB team coming to Las Vegas (with video)
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Las Vegas Named America’s Most Stressed City (with video)
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Mayor’s plans for Vegas growth (with video)
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Legend Shecky Greene Returns to Las Vegas (with video)
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Special Savings At Lolita’s Cantina and Tequila Bar Town Square Las Vegas
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Half Off Specials At FIRST Food & Bar Palazzo Las Vegas
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Get Half Off Tickets To Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Las Vegas
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Vegas airport makes deal for giant video screen
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Cosmopolitan in Vegas plans to spend $890M to open
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Allegiant to fly non-stop between Moline and Las Vegas
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Vegas approves plans to renovate Lady Luck casino
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Vegas’ Hottest Party Is Poolside
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Group wants to petition for Las Vegas Strip arena
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Madonna ‘offered $1bn Vegas residency’
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Las Vegas route over Hoover Dam bridge coming soon
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Las Vegas airport marking work toward USO lounge
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Valley apartment rents hit six-year low
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Entrepreneur willing to wait to achieve casino vision
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Legal gay marriage could be boost for Nevada
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Cash-strapped city turns to public-private partnerships
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Vegas Monorail proposes to reduce debt by $630M
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Nevada unemployment sets new record, 14.3 percent
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Nevada official: Nuclear dump project not dead yet
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Oakland Athletics To Las Vegas?
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Can’t Pronounce Nevada Correctly? You’re Not Alone
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Vegas Goes Vegan
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Strong Attendance In 2010 For Las Vegas 51s
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MAGIC tries to make conventioneers reappear
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Airport Boss Tours Construction on New Airport Terminal
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Cycling toward cashless: ATM provider tests linking bank accounts, player cards
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Tillerman updated for competitive fine dining market
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Heightened concern over low water levels at Lake Mead
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The Smart Money: At Vegas parlor, an NFL Sunday with amenities
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Las Vegas casino fined over gambler’s card table dance
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Las Vegas Welcomes New RUMOR Boutique Resort
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Las Vegas Locos open training camp, eager to defend title
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Cosmopolitan in Vegas partners with Marriott Int’l
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Vegas gets in the swim
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American League Says No To Las Vegas Baseball Team
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Dubai World may sell CityCenter stake
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Max Brenner’s chocolate restaurant is an exercise in daringness and excess
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Struggling Airline Mexicana Halts Flights
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More games per machine means fewer slots in Nevada casinos
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No longer any need to ‘check our ID’
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Get Half Off Tickets To Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Las Vegas
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Penn & Teller Bring Magic to Rascal Flatts Video
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Go Big or Go Home: The $777 Burger
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Major League plans: Las Vegas would be in American League, play in domed stadium
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Las Vegas new-home sales slip in July
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Contrasting home occupancy arrangements scrutinized
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Emerging builders find opportunities in housing market crash
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McCarran, other U.S. airports expanding beyond fast food
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Clark County tax bills going down
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Owner-occupied houses decline in Clark County
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GLVAR reports decline in home sales, prices from June to July
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10 made-in-Vegas sandwiches not to be missed
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Investor ups stake in MGM Resorts
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Nevada starting to see effect of stimulus money; ‘too little, too late,’ consultant says
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Exhibit recalls distinctive Las Vegas structures from another era
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Pub owners hope diners will give British food a chance
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Aliante’s wide-open spaces beckon golfers of all levels
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Why don’t we just stop building new homes?
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Prime Time at the Palm not to be missed, especially the crab cakes
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Artisan dives into the local pool party scene
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Money-losing Bali Hai golf club may become industrial park
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Madonna rumor flatters Las Vegas
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Maglev promoters’ dreams bigger than 747
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Club operator on up-and-down ride
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B.B. King’s restaurant comes close, but doesn’t match original’s success in Memphis
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Shelby soups up muscle cars at speed shop located at LVMS
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Nevada leads nation in foreclosures
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Contrasting home occupancy arrangements scrutinized
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