Access Vegas Insider Vibe September 1, 2010

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


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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

penn jillette haircut from teller

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.

MGM Grand Puts A Cork In The Competition By Receiving Most 2010 Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards In The CountryMGM 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.

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.

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.


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.


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