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Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 24, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – What has otherwise been a wimpy summer (no stretches of 112-115 F heat) is trying to go out with a temper tantrum. We’re in a midst of 110 degree days at a time when we should be barely cracking 100. Normally by this time of year, I’m ready to see the heat go, but as someone who enjoys spending evenings* outdoors (dining and watching TV if I’m not headed out), I’m lamenting that we only have a few more weeks left of palatable evening temperatures.

September brings a significant drop in the daytime high, coming in at 99áand exiting at 88áby the end of the month. We see another 10 degree drop during October and come November, we are well into jacket weather.

* Summertime temps at traditional dinnertime are still above 100. I modify my summer work schedule to knock off around midnight at which time we’re down around 90F. The best way to deal with summer here (schedule permitting) is to be an early riser enjoying the lowest temps of the day around sunrise, or shift your schedule so that “after work” is after midnight. Which in a 24/7 city works just fine regardless of your choice.

Rock ‘N’ Roll All Night, Drink Coffee Every Day? – The success of a KISS (the band) themed coffee shop (read: Starbucks) in Myrtle Beach, SC has led to the announcement of a pending location in Las Vegas. Look… I know KISS has millions of loyal fans. I’m not a KISS-aholic, but I’ve enjoyed their music for decades. I also like coffee. But am I going to go out of my way to have it at a KISS-themed shop? No. They may want to re-think this one, or get a liquor license. Vegas is fueled by booze. You can only sell somebody so many $5 coffees during a single day, but you can sell them quite a few drinks.

Jubilee’s 30’th Anniversary, No Tats Or Implants – Jubilee at Bally’s recently celebrated 30 years in business, and they are still sinking the Titanic nightly. This is pretty much your only chance to see traditional (sans-tops) Las Vegas showgirls in a big production.

Interesting tidbit I found reading all the various stories about the anniversary: Jubilee dancers can’t have body art (ink) or breast implants. They feel the ink draws attention away from the spectacular showgirl costumes, and that implants are simply too easy to spot and thus also distracting from the show in general. (This could also be a move to distinguish their dancers from what you’ll see at local “gentleman’s clubs”). In other words, Jubilee won’t be recruiting for dancers at the Hard Rock’s infamous Rehab pool party…

Bouncing Back – A recent local article highlighted how locals are wondering when things will bounce back to normal for Las Vegas. That really depends. If you consider 1999 or 2003 as “normal” then I’d say we have another 2-3 years to go. Analysts are suggesting that home prices (which are currently at 1999 levels) won’t begin to start increasing until at least 2013 and I agree.

If you consider 2006 to be normal, we’ll get back to that economic level locally right about the time it snows on the Las Vegas Strip in July. Another article noted that it will take a decade for housing here to regain 1/2 of the value it had at the top of the bubble. Somehow, that implies that it will eventually get back to 2006 levels. Highly unlikely that will ever happen in real dollars. It was a boom. A huge abnormality.

The good news? If you are a visitor, none of this matters to you. For years, outside (the area) journalists have lumped the local housing woes in with visitor woes. Visitor volume is resuming nicely and is completely unaffected by the significant percentage of Las Vegas homes are are “under water” (financially) or in foreclosure. If you live here and are making a go of it, congratulations. If you can keep your head above water (or better) right now, you’ll do extremely well as the Las Vegas economy bounces back.

Welcome Back, Jerry Lewis? – After being unceremoniously dumped from (what was to be) his last year on the MDA Labor Day telethon, Lewis has been reinstated as host. Or so it was reported. Now no one seems to know. Nonetheless, the abbreviated telethon show (6 hours) will air from the South Point hotel in Las Vegas on Sept. 4 at 6 PM Eastern time. Many Las Vegas performers including Celine Dion are scheduled to appear. In the past, admission to view the live show has been free, but expect lines and a wait while the audience churns during the six hours.

We Want Your Water – Slowly but surely, a buzz is picking up regarding pumping Mississippi River water west. It is a complete win-win. More and more people are moving to the west. Where we have water supplies that can’t sustain the unlimited growth, the Mississippi frequently has far more water than it can handle, flooding out substantial areas and even entire towns and cities. Could it be done? Certainly. Right now, a pipeline is under consideration to pump oil from Canada to Texas. Currently, water from the Colorado River is pumped 200-250 miles for use in Southern California.

Would the path be easy? Not at all. With the U.S. government broke, a special taxing district involving the tens of millions affected on both ends of the spectrum would have to be put in place. Worth it? I’d vote for it. We need the water, you along the Mississippi need to stop getting flooded.

“The Train To Nowhere” Update – The Desert Xpress high-speed train from Las Vegas to Victorville, CA has gotten though the environmental impact stage and is about to go into the engineering stages. Proponents are continuing to claim that this will create more than 32,000 jobs in our area.

These people are a high as a kite. At this point, a Victorville to Los Angeles connection may never materialize as it was depending on federal funding. As it was, the journey would require a connection in both Victorville and Palmdale. If you spend time on the ground during two connections, you’re probably going to completely negate the time saved by the high-speed nature of the rail. If a Victorville to Southern California link is never built, how many people are going to drive all the way to Victorville to catch a train the rest of the way? By the time you’ve hit Victorville, you are over Cajon Pass and already 1/4 of the way here!

In related news, no new word on the Las Vegas to Los Angles XTrain which would make the trip in 5 1/2 hours using existing rails and offer a party atmosphere (large seating, two lounge cars, TV) during the journey. I imagine they are waiting until this Desert Xpress idea finally falls flat on its face before they run with the ball.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

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Comme Ãa To Feature Outdoor French Barbecue On Labor Day Weekend – Comme Ãa, the new modern French brasserie by acclaimed chef David Myers at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, will celebrate Labor Day with a special prix fixe barbecue menu on Sunday, Sept. 4.

‘The Feast’ will be offered from 4 until 10 p.m. on the restaurant’s spectacular patio. Patrons can enjoy the breathtaking view of the iconic Las Vegas Strip as they indulge in the mouthwatering, grillade selections created by Chef Myers and Executive Chef, Brian Howard, priced at $49 per person.

Cabo Wabo Introduces Delicious New Breakfast Items – Wake Up on the Right Side of the Cantina – Sammy Hagar’s Las Vegas cantina unveils new morning items to go along with their already flavorful spread. The new Cabo Wabo Cantina breakfast menu features everything from traditional eggs to exciting in-house specialties.

Hagar’s rockin’ cantina is known for its killer margaritas and tasty Mexican fare, but the bar has certainly been lifted with the addition of their flavorful new breakfast menu. Guests will start the day off right with their choice of several Mexican inspired dishes served from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Morning classics such as three buttermilk pancakes or two eggs any style served with a choice of bacon or sausage and breakfast potatoes will satisfy any early morning craving.

Rockhouse Goes College Crazy For The Kick Off Of NCAA Football – Dust off your jerseys and foam fingers because Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub is gearing up for some NCAA fun Labor Day Weekend.

The Strip’s only ultra-dive bar is giving college football fans just what they need opening weekend; booze and beer pong. Revelers can root on their favorite team on any of Rockhouse 27 high definition TVs throughout the bar, while they enjoy two-for-one beers, cocktail and shots during any NCAA game. Party-goers can close out their Labor Day Weekend in true college form as they partake in Rockhouse’s staple beer pong tournament Sunday night, where the champion team will take home the $500 grand prize.

Day or night, it’s always the right time to party at Rockhouse. Whether people watching on the rowdy Strip-side patio by day, or dancing on the bar with an 80-ounce guitar by night, the ultra-dive bar is one of Vegas‘ best-kept secrets. Rockhouse gives partygoers the ultimate nightlife experience û minus the ‘VIP’ attitude. With a knockout lineup of gorgeous bartenders, bottle service that won’t break the bank, a daiquiri bar and casual dress code, Rockhouse is definite must-visit hotspot for locals and tourists alike.

Tacos and Tequila Participates In Restaurant Week To Benefit Three Square Food Bank – Las Vegas Restaurant Week is back, with not just one, but two weeks of culinary creations from Aug. 29 û Sept. 11, and Tacos & Tequila has developed a delectable menu to help benefit Three Square Food Bank. The menu provides guests with two different dining options, the first, which is only available at lunch, is priced at only $20.11 and features three courses. Guests can start with the appetizer course and choose from T&T’s homemade guacamole, a chopped or Caesar salad or tortilla soup.

Las Vegas Legends Delivers More Than History – In an all-encompassing breadth similar to his previous books in the Legends series, traveler and author Greg Niemann is proud to announce the September 2011 release of his newest book Las Vegas Legends: What Happened in Vegasà

This fall, readers have a chance to discuss the explosive content of the book with the author first hand, as Greg Niemann visits a variety of Las Vegas locations to promote his work. His upcoming Sin City itinerary includes:

Saturday, September 17, 12 pm, Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park (Discussion & Signing)
Sunday, September 18, 1-4 pm, Barnes & Noble, Northwest Las Vegas (Signing)
Sunday, September 18, 7 pm, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (Lecture to Docents)
Monday, September 19, 2 pm, Gambler’s Book Club (Signing & Podcast)
Tuesday, September 20, 6 pm, North Las Vegas Kiwanis (Meeting Speaker)
Saturday, October 1, 12-2 pm, Book Boutique (Signing)

Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas Unveils 35 Steaks and Martinis – The premier entertainment destination presents a traditional steakhouse concept with a Hard Rock edge, beginning September 2 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is synonymous for bringing life to the saying, “party like a rock star,” with its rock and roll entertainment, famous poolside and nightlife parties, exquisite restaurants and luxurious hotel accommodations, all under one roof since its inception in 1995. Continuing to transform the legendary Sin City experience, the off-strip property introduces its newest culinary destination, 35 Steaks + Martinis, beginning Monday, September 2.

MGM Grand Las Vegas Receives Most 2011 Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards In Country For Second Consecutive Year – MGM Grand continues to be the industry leader for another year as Wine Spectator confirms an extraordinary number of wins for the hotel during the 2011 Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards. For the second consecutive year, an incredible 11 MGM Grand restaurants including JoÙl Robuchon Restaurant, L’Atelier de JoÙl Robuchon, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Nobhill Tavern by Michael Mina, Seablue by Michael Mina, Pearl, Shibuya, and Fiamma Trattoria & Bar, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill, and Diego garnered awards, more than any other property in the world.

Help out by dining out! This year Las Vegas Restaurant Week is a two week celebration of fine dining in celebration of the 5th Anniversary, kicking off on August 29th and ending September 11th – Las Vegas Restaurant Week – Help out by dining out! This year Las Vegas Restaurant Week is a two week celebration of fine dining in celebration of the 5th Anniversary, kicking off on August 29th and ending September 11th.áDuring Restaurant Week you can enjoy an exclusive three-course menu for $20.11, $30.11 or $50.11, with a portion of each meal donated to Three Square Food Bank.

Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas Restaurant Week Specials – Wynn Las Vegas and Encore will take part in the fifth annual Las Vegas Restaurant Week to benefit Three Square, a non-profit organization that works to combat hunger in Southern Nevada.

WHO: Participating restaurants include:
À La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas
À Lakeside at Wynn Las Vegas
À Stratta at Wynn Las Vegas
À Society CafÚ at Encore

MGM Las Vegas Hotels Participates In Las Vegas Restaurant Week Aug. 29 û Sept. 11 – Get ready to feast like a king as Las Vegas Restaurant Week 2011 kicks off Aug. 29 û Sept. 11 at select MGM Resorts International restaurants. For the fifth consecutive year, the finest restaurants, celebrity chefs and Master Sommeliers will come together to support Three Square, a non-profit organization working to end hunger in Southern Nevada.

Skywalk Odyssey Grand Canyon TourSkywalk Odyssey Grand Canyon Tour û Your direct helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon Skywalk departs from the Las Vegas Strip. Experience a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip on your flight. Upon landing at the Grand Canyon, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, The Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Click To Book Skywalk Odyssey
Grand Canyon Tour áNow!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My husband and I will be visiting Las Vegas in September and are looking for a restaurant recommendation. We are not opposed to paying a little more for a good dining experience. Heard the steak house at Harrah’s is good, but too noisy. Also heard the Stratosphere is not as good as it used to be, but don’t know if this is true.

Thought of trying the steak house at New York New York, but it doesn’t seem to have a view of the strip. Any advice on an excellent steak house or other fine restaurant with a view of the strip and quiet atmosphere would be greatly appreciated.

We always look forward to reading your news letter and hope you can guide us to a good restaurant.

Denny and Arlene from Pennsylvania

 

Ted Responds:

Voodoo Steakhouse at the top of the Rio offers an amazing view of The Strip in a subdued setting.áThere is also nightclub called Voodoo, but it not on the same floor as the restaurant. Two different experiences. (Menu)

Alize at the top of The Palms is also a complete winner with both food and view. (Menu)

I’ve heard that Stratosphere (Top Of The World Restaurant) has hired a new executive chef and are trying to get their act together, but too many years of relying on the view (and not the food or service) leaves me leery to suggest it. I’ll probably get up there this winter to see if it has improved.

Mon Ami Gabi (Menu) can seat you outdoors literally ON the Las Vegas Strip with a view of the Bellagio Fountains or you can really splurge on the Eiffel Tower Restaurant (Menu), both at Paris Las Vegas.

Make sure to let us know how things went!

In your recent newsletter you discussed statistics regarding people moving to Vegas whereby school enrollment and employment are not going up accordingly. I think the difference now is all the retired Canadians buying condos and small houses in your area. Our friends have purchased everything from a Soho loft with a gorgeous view of the Stratosphere and other friends bought small ranchers in the Green Valley area close to the airport. We are considering Henderson.

Of course there are no children and none of us need jobs due to our retirement funds just going into our bank accounts. We can live down there half the year, pay for utilities half the year, and get away from our cold winters cheaper now than traveling in “snowbird” rv’s due to the housing “deals” in Nevada. Hopefully we will help your economy by spending it in your wonderful friendly city that we have been visiting since the early 80’s at least 3 times a year!

Ardie Lush

 

Ted Responds:

The powers that promote Las Vegas have been woefully behind in targeting retirees like yourself who create very little burden on our local systems (no kids in school, you have health care coverage so not a drag on the county hospital) and I’m scratching my head why. We offer sunshine, better weather than many parts of North America, and unlimited entertainment. We’re happy to have you!

The only downside is that your property won’t appreciate for a few years. But, homes/condos are so cheap that even if you use it just a few weeks here and there, you are getting your money’s worth. Buy a solid but inexpensive car (Nevada’s car tax is based on value) to keep down here and all you have to do is hop an airplane ride to Las Vegas and you’re still right at home.

I’m a Tour Director who regularly visits Las Vegas. Your newsletter helps me keep current on politics, construction, new development, what’s hot and what’s not and just things I need to point out to my passengers.

Thanks for helping me to do my job better.

John Schueler

 

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 17, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Big news about a major new project in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, and the weather is unchanging (around 105 F for the high, and lows in the mid-80’s F). So, let’s move along.

Las Vegas “Linqing” Up Hotels With New Shops, Dining (Say Goodbye, Imperial Palace) – Like the Imperial Palace? Bummer for you. No, they are not blowing it up. But it will get a completely new look, new casino area, new name, and open it up to create a passage between Carnival Court and Linq.

project linq las vegas

OÆSheas is going bye-bye. Kind-of. The present OÆSheas location will be turned into part of Project Linq (which we assume means more Strip-front dining and roof-top nightlife which has become so popular). OÆSheas itself will be integrated into the ônewö Imperial Palace (which has no announced name yet).

las vegas high roller ferris wheel

Curious to know more and to add your comments and thoughts about this huge new project? Click over to Las Vegas “Linqing” Up Hotels With New Shops, Dining (Say Goodbye, Imperial Palace) where you can read the complete story and add your comments at the bottom of that page.

Ring Around The Rosie, We All Fall Down – The Harmon Hotel (the unfinished billboard hotel next to The Cosmopolitan) looks like it is going to end up in a cloud of dust. Construction defects apparently prohibit building it out to the original height and Las Vegas needs more hotel rooms like I need more In-And-Out Burgers. (I live just a few blocks from an In-And-Out — love it, but you can only eat so many of them a month). An implosion date has not yet been set as MGM Resorts and the hotel builder are still doing some fighting.

160 New Cops On The Strip? – We usually don’t break the news. I’m not an investigative reporter. However, I overhead a Metro (Las Vegas police) officer last weekend telling a couple of civilians (who seemed like possible recruits for the force) that the department in cooperation with Strip properties were hiring an extra 160 officers to beef up their presence in the tourist corridor. (Note: Both on The Strip and downtown, police now have a very pronounced presence in the wake of a few killings and all the complaints about street vendors, panhandlers, and similar).

Are the hotels helping fund this? Is it more effective for them to fund fully sworn law officers instead of hiring more of their private security? Are there any conflicts of interest (if the officers are essentially being funded by a private company)? I know we have plenty of local journalists reading this. Have at, should make a great story!

Viva Less Elvis – Cirque du Soleil completely revamping Viva Elvis (at Aria) due to less-than-desired ticket sales. It will downplay Elvis and focus on traditional Cirque (acrobats and the like). Interestingly enough, we’ve gotten tons of great feedback (and no negative reports) on Viva Elvis. Could it be that the problem is the location (seemingly way back from The Strip in Aria) and not the show itself? Time will tell.

The Churn Continues – During the boom, the big number constantly floated around was that 5000 new people were moving to Las Vegas each month. We joked around that the dirty little secret was that 20-30% of them eventually turned around and left when they found out that there wasn’t a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Interesting recent statistics show an even more remarkable churn. Roughly 5000 people are still moving here each month. But power company new service requests and school district enrollment are both flat. Which means we’re seeing 5000 people a month come while another 5000 give up and leave.

How can this be? As construction jobs continue to dry up, those in that trade are forced to walk away from homes (that they are underwater with and perhaps can’t afford on unemployment) to go seek work in other parts of the country. They are being replaced as residents by retirees (and those close to retirement) plus a pretty healthy dose of entrepreneurs who can work from anywhere. Both groups obviously not necessarily dependent on the local Las Vegas economy. Although Project Linq will be providing 3000 construction jobs, that is minuscule when you look at Nevada’s current unemployment rate in that field.

NASCAR Cafe Sell-Off – So much for earlier news that the NASCAR Cafe (formerly in The Sahara) will be relocated. They are pulling a “Sahara” and selling off everything.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Click and
Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Mask Yourself! Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular Invites Fans To Try On The Iconic Mask – Virtually – Application on Facebook Encourages Fans to Celebrate 5 Years in Las Vegas – If you’ve always wanted to don one of the world’s most iconic masks, a new application on Facebook now gives you the chance. After thousands of performances over five years, Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular is celebrating by giving fans the opportunity to show the world just how much they love the music of the night with the Phantom Mask Maker application.

The Mirage’s Newest Dolphin Calf Named – A moment to last a lifetime. We all have memories we will never forget, and MGM Resorts International is providing guests the chance to live some of those special life moments at their 15 participating properties through M life, their new loyalty program. One such moment arose recently when an M life member had the unprecedented opportunity to name the bottlenose dolphin calf born July 3 at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage.

‘Name That Tune’ marks its return with live game show at Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas – Las Vegas favorites, Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor of Zowie Bowie, to host live version of the classic game show. – ‘Name That Tune,’ one of America’s most beloved game shows of all time, makes its live debut at Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, beginning Thursday, August 18. An up-to-date, fast-paced version of the iconic daytime game show, Name That Tune Live! will give 100 participants per show the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Photo Credit: Ira Kuzma/Vegas Video Network

The Spa at Trump Introduces the New Mom Package For Post-Partum Pampering – From pregnancy to labor to tending to a newborn’s needs, the first days of motherhood are as exhausting as they are unforgettable. In honor of new mothers everywhere (including TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION’s own Ivanka Trump), The Spa at Trump has created a New Mom Package that offers a few hours of well-deserved ‘me time’ and post-baby rejuvenation. The package is available exclusively at The Spa at Trump’s four locations across the U.S.: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk and Trump SoHo New York.

The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas BOTH Awarded Coveted AAA Five Diamond Ratings – The resorts celebrate the prestigious recognition with ‘Five Day, Five Diamond Scavenger Hunt’ – The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas, two of the world’s largest and most luxurious resorts, both owned and operated by global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS), are pleased to once again add to their distinguished roster of accolades the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for 2012. This marks the fifth consecutive year The Venetian has been awarded with this esteemed honor and third consecutive year for The Palazzo.

To celebrate, the resorts are hosting a ‘Five Day, Five Diamond Scavenger Hunt’ from Aug. 22 û 26. Visitors and guests will have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes by finding the day’s diamond hidden somewhere different each day throughout both Five Diamond resorts.

Hoover Dam Deluxe Bus TourHoover Dam Deluxe Bus Tour û Considered one of the greatest engineering feats in the world, Hoover Dam is Nevada’s number one sightseeing attraction, the tallest structure of its kind in the world, and one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Travel to the Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard safe, modern and clean touring buses. Your talented driver/guide will be more than happy to share points of interest and answer all your questions along the way. You’ll experience breathtaking views of Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and Lake Mead.

Click To Book Hoover Dam Deluxe Bus Tour áNow!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

  • Las Vegas Mob Experience Preview Clips – The Las Vegas Mob Experience, interactive attraction chronicles the rise and fall of organized crime in Las Vegas. Actors Frank Vincent, James Caan, Mickey Rourke, Steve Shirippa and Tony Sirrico in the form of apparitions, also serve as virtual ‘celebrity gangster guides.’
  • Vic Vegas Talks About His Food Network Experience, Sommelier’s Aren’t Scary People – In this episode of Top of the Food Chain: If you’ve watched Food Network Star, you know who Vic Vegas is. Hear him talk about his experiences. Then, find out there is no need to be intimidated by a restaurant’s sommelier from Linsey Whipple of Cut restaurant.
  • Getting REAL (Estate) In Vegas – Quite a few of you are poking around the Las Vegas real estate market. In this episode, you’ll find out: What will $135k (the current average home price in Las Vegas) buy me in the suburb of Henderson? What are the best (and not so good) ways to work with an out-of-town Realtor?
  • The Gun Store – If you’ve ever seen a gun in a movie and wondered what it might be like to fire a few rounds, we have the place for you. The Gun Store on Tropicana has pretty much any weapon you’ve seen, on their shelves.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I like a great burger on our last trip we found Nathan’s in belly of the Bally’s Hotel . We stay at Paris and to find Nathan’s was a good find. A great find only bad thing it was it was on our last day there.

Can you tell me where to get a great burger in Vegas . We go a couple of times a year and have been going for 20 years now and will continue.

Also your site is great and very helpful even to me one who knows pretty much on what to do in Vegas.

Thanks,

Rob

 

Ted Responds:

You can’t go wrong with Strip Burger in front of the Fashion Show Mall (across from Wynn). Great burgers, outdoors with a great view of The Strip. BLT at Mirage serves great tiger burgers has everything from Kobe Sliders to Colorado Lamb. Very creative menu. For the best basic burger in the world (my opinion), you can’t beat In-And-Out with two locations very close to The Strip on West Sahara and West Tropicana. Burger Bar at Mandalay Place is Chef Hubert Keller’s take on the burger and has yet to disappoint me. I have yet to try Holsteins at Cosmo but we’re getting great feedback. There are so many more (I Heart Burgers, Le Burger Brasserie) plus many other dining establishments tend to do up a nice burger.

Let’s get the readers chiming in. Which burger are your favorite(s) in Las Vegas? Where have you been disappointed? Click on over to Where To Get A Great Burger In Las Vegas and leave your thoughts in the comment section!

Hi, I am really sad to write this as I have been vacationing every year in Vegas since the 70’s. First with my husband and then with my brothers and sister. 20ll is the first year we have not attended. Here is the reason. We were so disappointed when we found out that the casinos were shipping their employees on buses to vote. We could not believe that they would vote for Harry Reid, which is a vote for Obama who bashed Las Vegas and caused many cancellations and who is ruining this country. Just see how many people will be able to afford Las Vegas with this government.

I live in Florida, my brothers live in Indiana and my sister lives in Alabama. This year we stayed at my sister’s home in Alabama and spent our time and money in Biloxi, Ms. and had a wonderful time.

We will miss Las Vegas some, but we won’t miss your politics.

Thanks for listening,

Mary Anne

 

Ted Responds:

First, I’d suggest you read the Politics section of my blog post So You Want To Move To Las Vegas, Is It Right For You? and you’ll find out that Nevada isn’t exactly a state that bleeds blue. You might be surprised.

Gaming (and not just here in Las Vegas but all áover the US including areas you mentioned) gave significant support to Harry Reid (D-NV, US Senate Majority Leader) because they felt that the power he has would protect the industry from federal regulation and legislation that might not be gaming-friendly. His opponent Sharon Angle has never been a gaming proponent.

I’ve expounded on this and listed (among the major gaming properties) how each CEO stands politically in a blog post. Click on over to Why Did All The Las Vegas Hotels Support Harry Reid Last Election? where you can read more and add your own comments and thoughts.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 10, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re almost halfway into August and it looks like we’re going to get out of summer without any obnoxiously hot stretches. The official temperature bumped the 111F mark just a couple of times, but overall the low 100’s have been typical. The warm air mass that usually sits over the desert southwest blasting Las Vegas, Phoenix, and inland Southern California moved east this summer to demolish Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas as well as hitting most of you in the Eastern time zone with some pretty muggy days. Who’d have thought that Las Vegas would have been a place to come “cool off” this summer!

Speaking of time zones and with NFL preseason football already upon us, don’t forget the time zone difference when you’re here and want to catch your favorite team play. The first Sunday games start at 10 AM and Monday Night Football has a 5 PM start. Failure to take this into account could have you missing part of a game you really want to see.

I had the opposite happen to me about 10 years ago. I was in the Destin, Florida area in November and back then, Monday Night Football started at 6 PM Pacific time. Completely forgetting that I was now in Central Time, I showed up at Anglers Sports Bar (great place, right on the beach) about 5:30 PM, took a seat at the bar, and muttered to myself how empty it was with MNF pending. About 6 PM I realized that the game’s start wasn’t for two hours!

The Next Mr. Las Vegas… – Wayne Newton has been Mr. Las Vegas for decades, and deservedly so. Comedian George Wallace has billed himself as the “New” Mr. Las Vegas. But the “new” face of Las Vegas will be our beloved former Mayor Oscar Goodman, who has accepted a $60k job per year from the LVCVA (Convention/Visitors Authority) to be the top promotional officer for our area. This is a great move and money well spent. Goodman has worked tirelessly to promote Las Vegas and probably has more mental acuman than the entire rest of the brass (head honchos) at the LVCVA. He’ll be putting a lot of their previous efforts to shame.

Speaking Of Oscar, And Speakeasy’s – The Plaza’s former Center Stage Restaurant (which also housed Firefly for about a year) under the dome facing Fremont Street will soon be the new home for Oscar’s, a fine dining restaurant eponymously named for Oscar Goodman. (No word as to whether he’s simply lending his name, or has a financial investment). In related news, a salon for men will also be opening at the remodeled property. Why is this of note? The stylists will be clad in bikinis and lingerie. “But honey, I really needed a haircut…”.

June Numbers Are In – Visitor volume grew a phenomenal 7% comparing June 2010 to June 2011. The dark days of (seemingly) having The Strip all to myself are gone. It was nice to not wait in many lines, but financially we’re obviously happy at the increases. Plus, Las Vegas just doesn’t seem right unless it is jam-packed and the party is non-stop.

Interestingly enough, we’ve seen the “We’re not coming back to Las Vegas because it is too expensive” letters trail off. Somebody’s coming back, and often. PS We’ve gone a record two months with no one complaining about the airfare. Something that nobody (nor the hotels nor the local government) can do a thing about. Write and complain to Delta.

Gaming Revenue Up As Well – Betting revenue on The Strip climbed over 8% during the same period. Interestingly enough, downtown betting revenue fell over 4%. We do keep getting email regarding how tight the slots on The Strip are. We’ve suggested a million times that if you are a slot player, you need to try downtown where the players are winning (which is why gaming revenue for the downtown hotels has fallen despite an uptick in visitors to Fremont Street). Now, the proof is in the pudding. Quit complaining if you choose to play where things are tight. If more of you took your slot play downtown, hotels on The Strip would be forced to loosen up.

sonny west and big elvisAn Evening To Honor Sonny West – Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee hosts top Elvis tribute artists, musical entertainers and celebrity guests honoring Sonny West who was Elvis confidant & head of security, Memphis Mafia member, author and friend. Sonny West, a Friend, Confidant, Chief of Security for Elvis Presley, Member of the KingÆs Memphis Mafia and Author has suffered severe medical challenges since earlier this summer, resulting in a lengthy hospitalization and financially devastating medical bills. Pete Vallee is bringing the Elvis Community together for this Event to raise donations for Sonny. More details and ticket info at www.BigElvis.biz

Weekly Las Vegas Trivia from the upcoming book Las Vegas Legends by Greg Niemann Available September 2011:

  • The Nevada legislator who in 1931 drafted the bill to legalize gambling, Phil Tobin, did not gamble and had never visited Las Vegas.
  • NevadaÆs Black Book (List of Excluded Persons who can’t enter casinos) originally had only 11 names. Today 34 remain from a total 56 listed through the years.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

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Legendary New York Restaurant Old Homestead Steakhouse To Open At Iconic Las Vegas Strip Resort Caesars Palace – Continuing to reinforce its positioning as a premiere dining destination in Las Vegas, Caesars Palace will become home to one of New York City’s most historic restaurants – Old Homestead Steakhouse. The announcement made today by Caesars Palace and by brothers Marc and Greg Sherry, whose family has been associated with Old Homestead in New York for decades. A classic eatery known for its quality steakhouse selections and legendary history Old Homestead will replace Neros restaurant.

Rhumbar Hosts Day Parties On The Patio – Spend Weekend Days on the Rhumbar Patio – Rhumbar, the stylish cocktail and cigar lounge at The Mirage, will host weekend parties on the patio this summer and fall. DJs Larry Lynx and Enrie will take over the ones and twos every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., creating the perfect place for partiers to spend their day.

Lobster Rolls Into Las Vegas! The LEV Restaurant Group Brings A Taste Of Maine To The Strip With Debut Of Lobster ME – From classic New England style lobster rolls to not-so classic lobster ice cream, Lobster ME is a celebration of all things lobster.

Forget the bibs and butter û lobster lovers have a new way to indulge with the opening of Lobster ME, the newest fast-casual concept from The LEV Restaurant Group in Las Vegas. With its prime location on the Las Vegas Strip in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Lobster ME is bringing a taste of New England to the least likely of spots û the desert.

McFadden’s To Host Labor Day College Party Weekend – Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with ‘Beerfest,’ Live Music, Football and ‘Sunday Funday’ – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino will celebrate Labor Day weekend with a big college bash. Kicking off Thursday, September 1, with a college night ‘Beerfest’ and wrapping up ‘Sunday Funday,’ September 4, the Labor Day weekend partying is non-stop college fun at McFadden’s.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Celebrates Labor Day With Killer Drink Specials – Spend Labor Day Weekend with Drinks on the Cabo Wabo Cantina Patio – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino will celebrate Labor Day through the entire weekend with food and drink specials on the patio. Sammy Hagar’s electrifying Las Vegas cantina is the perfect place to kick-back with an adult beverage while soaking up the sun from Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5.

Bellagio Presents Decadent Epicurean Epicenter Series Dinner Featuring Husic Vineyards Saturday, September 17 – Indulge in the latest installment of BellagioÆs Epicurean Epicenter series as the wines of Husic Vineyards are showcased in Tuscany Kitchen Saturday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will be treated to a four-course menu created by Prime Steakhouse Executive Chef Sean Griffin complemented by great wine pairings from Napa ValleyÆs Husic Vineyards.

Grand Canyon Landing TourGrand Canyon Landing Tour û You will start your experience with a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, as well as many other awe-inspiring views. After descending 3,500 feet inside the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, you will enjoy a light snack, a cool beverage and a champagne toast 300 feet above the Colorado River. Your journey will conclude with a flight through beautiful Black Canyon on your return to the South Las Vegas terminal. Operator Mustang Helicopters a division of the Maverick Aviation Group.

Click To BookáGrand Canyon Landing TouráNow!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

All I have heard from Vegas casinos is that they have not tightened their slot machine payouts. Well today I read an article from weeklyseven.com news talking about how one place called Las Vegas Club has loosened their slots by as much as 40%.

They said that it took only one week for slot players to realize that they really did loosen the slots, but when they did realize it was true they came in droves to play. Their business and slot play has tripled within seven weeks. As I said before don’t blame the economy Las Vegas, blame your slot payouts.

Mick

 

Ted Responds:

We linked to that article in our “More” section a few weeks ago. There seems to be little question that slots on The Strip are as tight as ever. As I noted in my section earlier, go play downtown (where Las Vegas Club is) until The Strip gets the message.

Speaking of, more and more people are coming to town again. They just aren’t spending as much. While the economy plays a factor, one also gets conditioned to not spend so much money when it vanishes so quickly.

Greetings, I have two questions.

1. My husband and I will be vacationing this September in the Cosmopolitan hotel and have heard mixed reviews as to what tower to stay in as far as noise is concerned ?

2. We will be renting a car and talking it to the Grand Canyon and do not know which to go to the South or the West rim ?

Thank you,

Shari

 

Ted Responds:

Noise is a fact of life with more and more indoor/outdoor nightclubs and music venues appearing each year. Wynn/Encore has issues, Imperial Palace (overlooking Harrah’s Carnival Court) and Golden Gate downtown with rooms butting right up against a Fremont Street Experience stage that has live music until 1 AM most nights.

Upon check-in at any venue known for their outdoor nightlife, politely but firmly tell the desk clerk that you are not a partier or night owl and are concerned about noise from the outdoor nightlife. Request that they take that into consideration when assigning you your room.

As far as driving to the Grand Canyon… DON’T. The west rim is “drivable” in name only. Upwards of four hours, with much of the last stretch being winding, hilly, dirt road, I’d leave this one to the professionals (numerous bus tours make the trip). OR, rent an SUV and pack plenty of food and water. Much of the trip is “the middle of nowhere”.

You’re looking at 5+ hours to get to the south rim (which is the area most people think of when they think “Grand Canyon”). Driving round-trip and seeing the Canyon in one day will be brutal. I’d drive to Williams (one hour south of the canyon), leaving Las Vegas in the early afternoon, planning a Hoover Dam stop on the way. Overnight in Williams and up to the Canyon for a mostly full day, then an evening drive back to Las Vegas.

When you start factoring in all the time and money, you may wish to check out our friends at Maverick Helicopter Tours. In just the amount of time it takes to drive to the canyon and back, they’ll whisk you there in comfort, provide you a mind-bending view of the canyon (with one tour that even stops on the canyon floor), and get you back home in time to enjoy plenty of your day in Las Vegas.

Having said that, if you are a “road trip” kind of person, the two-day jaunt over in a rental car could be a lot of fun for you. Plan an extra 30 minutes in your trip over to Williams and you can detour on Old Route 66 from Flagstaff through Peach Springs and into the world-famous historic Route 66 town of Seligman.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 27, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

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Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’ve managed to squeak along without hitting 110 F all this summer, which has been nice. Although that streak may be ending in a few days. We’ll see. Nights have been extremely warm and temperatures at midnight are routinely above 90. August average high drops to 102 and September averages a fairly (for us) comfortable 94/69 for a high/low.

So You Wanna Move To Las Vegas – We’ve noticed an uptick in reader questions about moving here and real estate, so I’m going to cover a little old ground plus add in some new thoughts. Plus, I’ll detail three other cities you should consider if you are thinking about a move to Las Vegas. Read my latest blog post So You Want To Move To Las Vegas, Is It Right For You?

Let’s Do Away With The TSA – Regular readers know that every few months, I rant about how useless the Transportation Screw-up Safety Administration is at protecting us. Almost anyone associated with aviation can tell you how this show of “security” adds little to safety and plenty to inconvenience. If you are one of those “it’s all OK, it keeps us safer” people, I suggest you view and browse the following:

Flying is miserable enough and yet for most of you, it is the only way for you to get to Las Vegas. We need to be looking at ways to ease some of the pain and inconvenience. Having a rent-a-cop with a Federal Badge feeling you up at the airport continues to be the wrong way to go.

3.37 Million – This was the visitor count for May 2011, up over 3% from the previous year. This despite the fact that the convention business continues to NOT be what it used to be and we actually saw a decline in the numbers of drive-in passengers from Southern California.

On the downside for you guys (our core reading audience, the non-convention fly-in visitor), room rates were up by nearly 10%. Which echoes what I told you all of last year: If you were going to take advantage of the (then) obnoxiously cheap room rates and stay in a hotel above the par of what you normally stay in, don’t put it off. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals, punch up the rates for the top properties in town where you’ve only dreamed about staying at and lock those rates up now. Hotel prices are on track to keep rising.

Of note is that we’re going to come just shy of 2006 visitor count this year at well over 38 million visitors. So, is this going to help pull our local economy and extremely high unemployment rate (which is on its way back up) out of the slump? Not really. Las Vegas growth was a pyramid scheme built (no pun intended) on construction. Homes, residential and resorts. We’re awash in cheap homes for sale with very little sales in the new home market. Commercial real estate is dirt cheap. And obviously the construction of no resorts are on the horizon.

However, the uptick might bode well for eventually seeing the completion of the Fontainebleau (the big blue building just north of The Riviera). Not long ago, talk was of deconstructing it and selling off the steel. Which might not be a bad thing. It is way too tall and really clutters up the views from the North Strip. On the flip side, seeing it completed would give us a new resort and the wide coverage of international press for the opening. It would also help the otherwise blighted area. I sincerely don’t think we’re going to see anything done with The Sahara until Fontainebleau makes some kind of move.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

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Guest Wins an Engagement Ring from Slot Machine at Bally’s Las Vegas (with video) – Las Vegas is famous for its “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” mind-set, but for two visiting tourists and a handful of those who witnessed the moment, there is little chance they won’t share the story of this weekend for years to come.

It was a night of surprises for a bride-to-be as her boyfriend, Jim Canfield popped the question at Bally’s Las Vegas with the help of the property’s gaming staff. The couple traveled from San Diego to celebrate her birthday, but Canfield had other plans in store. The famous Colossus slot machine inside Bally’s Casino was arranged beforehand so it would land on the words “Will You Marry Me” when Canfield’s girlfriend pulled the handle.

Final Table Set at 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event ‘November Nine’ Features Players from Seven Nations – The 42nd annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Championship û commonly referred to as the Main Event û is down to its final nine players. The ‘November Nine’ û a diverse and international group û is all that remains of the massive field of 6,865 players who entered the iconic tournament seeking poker’s most coveted title and a top prize of more than $8.7 million.

The final nine players represent seven countries û the most ever in WSOP and tournament poker history; Ukraine, Ireland, Germany, Czech Republic, Belize, Great Britain and the United States. The players will return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in November to vie for poker’s ultimate trophy û a WSOP gold bracelet û and the lion’s share of the Main Event’s $64,531,000 total prize pool. The winner will receive a first-place prize of $8,711,956, with the other eight players sharing another $19 million-plus.

Tacos and Tequila Las Vegas Introduces Savory New Summer Menu Items – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at the Luxor Hotel and Casino will introduce five new menu items just in time for summer, guaranteed to amuse and delight the taste buds.

T&T will introduce to its already delicious menu, three tasty torta sandwiches; the carnitas torta, carne asada torta and the chicken tinga torta. All three are served on fresh, baked-to-perfection bolillo bread and are topped with shredded lettuce, house-made pico de gallo, jalape±o aioli, guacamole and a spicy black bean puree, served with fresh baked potato chips. Guests can enjoy the sandwiches with a Mexican twist for $13 or for the same price, pair a half sandwich with soup or salad.

Relax Poolside With Soothing Spa Treatments At Caesars Palace, The Rio, and The Flamingo – Experience tranquility and luxury starting this summer with poolside pampering from the city’s top spas. Spa-lovers can soak in the sun and enjoy the relaxing pool atmosphere in tandem with refreshing spa services poolside at Caesars Palace, The Rio, or The Flamingo.

Wynn Las Vegas Accepts Bets on the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold ’em Poker Main Event Championship for the first time in gaming history – Odds are set on the nine players participating in the November final table – The Race and Sports Book at Wynn Las Vegas is now accepting wagers on the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold ’em Poker Main Event Championship to be held November 5 û 7 in Las Vegas. Wagers can be placed on each of the final nine players to win the event or on the top two finishers (quinella).

New Nevada gambling regulations this year allow casinos to offer wagering opportunities on non-sporting events. On July 15, the Nevada Gaming Control Board provided approval to accept wagers on the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold ’em Poker Main Event Championship.

PBR Rock Bar and Grill Las Vegas Now Offers Daily Bottomless Domestic Draft Specials For Patrons – PBR Rock Bar & Grill has rolled out a new deal guaranteed to please revelers day and night. Patrons can now enjoy bottomless domestic drafts from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., and again from midnight until close, priced at $20 for each daily special.

El Cortez Las Vegas Hotel and Casino August Promotions and Food Specials –

Food and Beverage Promotions

  • CafÚ Cortez Dinner Specials
    • Visit CafÚ Cortez for prime rib dinner for only $7.95. Meal includes choice of soup or salad. CafÚ also offers a fajita dinner for just $8.95. Try the vegetarian offerings including a veggie burger, veggie fajita and veggie Chow Mein. CafÚ Cortez also offers a full Chinese menu served from 4 to 10 p.m.
    • Graveyard Specials
    • CafÚ Cortez serves a limited graveyard menu Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
    • Specials include:
      • Two eggs with choice of bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes and toast for $4.75 plus tax.
      • Ham and two eggs, breakfast potatoes and toast for $7.25 plus tax.

Bar Specials

    • Martini Madness û daily 2-for-1 happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. û at all casino bars (martini menu only).

Hoover Dam By Tour Trekker TourHoover Dam By Tour Trekker Tour û Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxury custom Tour Trekker to the Hoover Dam, Nevada’s number one sightseeing attraction and the tallest structure of it’s kind on the world. The talented guides will answer questions and share points of interest along the way.

Experience breathtaking views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. While visiting the dam, you will have the opportunity to go on the Discovery Tour (included) which includes a trip inside the dam and many fascinating exhibits.

Click To Book Hoover Dam By Tour Trekker Tour Now!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

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I know you have talked about condos for sale before. Are there any real estate agents you can recommend and that you trust? Also, some good areas to purchase a condo.

Thanks,

Steve Gleason

 

Ted Responds:

Everybody living here will tell you that their part of town is the best. They have to justify why they chose it!

Quick access to The Strip áand downtown (Fremont Street, Arts District, Pawn Stars shop [just kidding on that last one] is important to me. I don’t want to drive 15-20 minutes (more with traffic) every time I want/need to hit the tourist areas vital to my job…

Read my entire response and post your thoughts and comments by clicking over to What Is A Good Area To Purchase A Las Vegas House Or Condo?

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 20, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

Can’t see all the great photos and graphics? Click to Read This Issue Online! Need to contact us? Send feedback to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

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Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Many in the U.S. are experiencing mind-numbing heat and humidity that is uncharacteristic for your region. People have often given we Las Vegan’s a hard time when we note that our heat is a dry heat. However, except during our rare rain storms, the heat index here is always quite a few degrees below the actual temperature. In our June 29, 2011 edition, I published some timely information for staying hydrated here in Las Vegas. I hope those of you in the intense heat areas took it to heart for where you are living!

Caesars Palace July 3 Fireworks – As promised last week (and obviously a bit belated) are photos from the amazing display Caesars Palace put up for the holiday visitors that weekend. I caught the show from my Strip-adjacent neighborhood and was very impressed at both the length and scale.

Here’s another thing I loved: They closed down part of The Strip to give people a better view. For years, I’ve questioned why we don’t do a “mini-style New Years’ Eve” on July 4 (or a weekend date close to it). While the multi-hour closure of the entire Strip is far too costly to do more than once per year, a short closure of part of the road for an event like this is a fantastic idea.

Caption: Caesars Palace Dazzles Crowds with Impressive Fireworks Display Sunday, July 3 Las Vegas Boulevard was packed with locals and tourists alike on Sunday, July 3, as crowds gathered in front of Caesars Palace to watch the fireworks display from the Roman Tower rooftop. Las Vegas Metro Police Department closed down the boulevard granting onlookers the best views on the Strip. The show dazzled audiences for 20-minutes and received an enthusiastic applause. PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Proctor/www.daplv.com

Attention Rail Fans – Inside the Historic Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino (the oldest continuously operated licensed casino in the United States) is celebrating 80 years on August 1, 2011. The museum is open 24/7, and displays photos and memorabilia dating back to its construction in 1931. Entrance to the Museum is free to the public. Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino is located at 2800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV. 89002. (Too far to cab from The Strip. Rent a car and make a day of it, seeing Hoover Dam at the same time).

McCarran Numbers At One Year High – More passengers went through Las Vegas’ McCarran airport this past June than at any time during the previous 12 months. Spirit “should we charge them to use the bathroom since we charge them for everything else” Airlines accounted for a nice part of the increase with their new focus on Las Vegas. U.S. Airways also posted a significant jump. Now if U.S. Air would bring back the old America West midnight hub (the airlines since merged) that saw a huge influx of inbound and outbound planes 12 AM each night.

If you needed to get a full day of work in and still jump a plane from the east, you could get into Las Vegas in time to still do a few things. If you wanted to really extend your day and red-eye it home, it wasn’t a problem. Because America West had planes in the air that would otherwise be sitting idle, they were able to keep the fares on those flights very reasonable (as making some revenue is better than making none at all).

Not The Rap Crowd – Last issue, we noted that hypnotist Anthony Cools is opening a dueling piano bar at the renovated Plaza hotel downtown. He recently came under fire for noting that the club (which will have a DJ playing both before and after the pianos) won’t be playing hip-hop or rap nor be appealing to the clientele that gravitates toward that music. Local Review-Journal columnist John L. Smith took some umbrage and noted that the vast majority of people under 30 listen to hip-hop and rap.

Um… that’s exactly the point. The average age of the Las Vegas visitor is 49. We regularly get questions about where one can go and NOT be subjected to modern pop music (the stuff people’s kids are listening too). An escape from the guys the Jersey Shores look. Add this to your list. We think it will be a huge hit.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Rhumbar And Las Vegas Weekly Fling Host ‘Bondage Tuesdays: From Rhumbar With Love’ – Live and Let Die at Rhumbar, Tuesday, July 26 – RHUMBAR at The Mirage and Las Vegas Weekly Fling will celebrate ‘Bondage Tuesdays’: From RHUMBAR With Love’ on Tuesday, July 26. The stylish cocktail and cigar lounge and patio will host the Secret Agent inspired extravaganza with cocktails, costume contests and plenty of Bond.àJames Bond.

Guests will strap on their sexiest secret agent attire and sneak down to RHUMBAR for a night of forbidden fun. This special Bondage Tuesday will kick off at 9 p.m. with one hour of complimentary GoldenEye cocktails for all ladies. This mouthwatering concoction features pineapple, cranberry and smooth white rum, shaken not stirred.

First Wednesday Of Every Month To Be Whisk(E)Y Wednesdays At Andre’s At Monte Carlo Las Vegas – Whiskey fans and aficionados can be found on the first Wednesday of every month at Andre’s at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The restaurant and lounge known for its superior collection of whiskeys and cigars today announced dates for its popular Whisk(e)y Wednesdays for the remainder of 2011: Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7.

“We’re often asked why there are parentheses in the event’s name. It’s actually very simpleùthere are no two whiskeys alike and, in fact, its name may be spelled with an E or without,” says Patrick Trundle, beverage manager, Andre’s. “But regardless of the spelling or the type of whiskey showcased, what remains consistent on Whisk(e)y Wednesdays is the incredible quality, selection and value guests will experience at each event.”

Mandalay Bay Las Vegas hosts Third Annual Aureole Las Vegas Wine Weekend August 5-7 – Aureole, Charlie Palmer’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurant at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, is proud to announce the dates for the Third Annual Aureole Las Vegas Wine Weekend: August 5 û 7, 2011. For three days and two nights, seven events will bring together dozens of wines and countless friends to experience delicious food and wine from around the world.

Bellagio, Picasso, and Le Cirque Honored Among Top Resorts and Restaurants In U.S. With 2012 AAA Five Diamond Award – Bellagio, Picasso, and Le Cirque have been awarded the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for 2012. With unsurpassed service, world-class dining and luxurious amenities, Bellagio also has the distinction of being the only hotel in the U.S. to have two AAA Five Diamond restaurants under one roof.

Disney’s The Lion King At Mandalay Bay Welcomes New Cast Members To Pride Rock This Summer – Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino welcomes Phindile Mkhize, Dashaun Young and Samantha Ware to the cast of the Las Vegas production this summer. Pride Rock continues its ‘Circle of Life’ with reprised roles from Mkhize as Rafiki and Young as Simba, while debuting Ware as the playful and determined lioness Nala.

Grand Canyon Air TourGrand Canyon Air Tour û Sit back and relax as you experience this spectacular air excursion through the Grand Canyon. Highlights of this trip include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and Fortification Hill an extinct volcano. Fly through Black Canyon and on your return to the south Las Vegas valley.

Click To Book Grand Canyon Air Tour Now!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Love the Newsletter û keeps me in the loop with the greatest city on earth. I come out at least 2 or 3 times a year and one thing that drives me up a wall are all the ôsnappersö on the street. Those annoying people who literally shove those ôescortö cards in your face.

Walking down the boulevard you get bombarded and harassed by the hordes on every street corner. IÆm sure if one wants an ôescortö they are easily found without these bothersome, aggravating, aggressive night creatures forcing their certificates of indulgence on you.

Is there anything that can be done about this? Can the city legally prevent these pestering paper pushers?

Donald Hanko

 

Ted Responds:

We probably address this once or twice a year, but we always have new readers which makes it a worthy question. Numerous attempts to curtail or limit this activity have been tried over the years, including a proposal to “privatize” the sidewalks in front of each resort by giving the sidewalk to the resort which would allow each resort the ability to control this.

The “card slappers” have been found by the courts to have their right to free speech. You want to hand out Bibles on the Las Vegas Strip? Same rules apply to you. The privatization of the sidewalks was knocked down as not having a decent predecentprecedent in conjunction with the fact that unintended bad consequences could happen with the county no longer in charge of them.

By the way, they can’t touch you or impede your progress. I’ve turned it into a game. I ignore them by walking as close as I can to them without (in turn) touching them. You should see how fast they retract the cards and step back!

Regarding the Cosmopolitan article in (July 29, 2011 – click to read archive, Ed.) issue, you described to a tee, our experience at a neighboring property û Aria.

We just got back from Vegas. We make three to four trips to Vegas per year. We stay at HarrahÆs properties û last several times at Caesars. We always catch a couple of shows. This time we booked the Elvis show at Aria. We always arrive quite early and play the slots before the show. After the show, we again play the slots while the crowd clears out.

The environment was beautiful, but I felt totally out of place there. A friend of mine gave me $10 to put on red at a roulette table for one spin. I walked over to an open roulette table (most were empty) and asked to put $10 on red. I was told that could not be done, as the table minimum was $15. I asked if there was a table where the minimum was $10. I was told no. I felt like a second class citizen. I went in search of some penny slots, and found the few on the floor pretty much filled.

It was readily apparent that my wife and I were totally out of our league. We happily exited the property “immediately” following a fantastic Elvis show. We will never go back.

Lee from Greeley, Colorado

 

Ted Responds:

First of all, you’ve kept the string alive regarding positive comments involving Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis (tickets) show at Aria. We’ve had tons of great comments, and no poor ones since it opened.

Obviously if you are staying at Caesars, you are no pauper. While the $5 table on The Strip has (with a few exceptions) gone the way of the dodo bird because of the simple economics (hourly cost of dealer and free drinks) combined with property values and expenses, you aren’t the only one wondering why properties with tables sitting empty keep insisting on bet limits in the $15-25 range.

You’d think that if they are committed to keeping a table open (and especially if the open tables have very light play), dropping the limits would be in order. You generate play and excitement in the property (which breeds more play and excitement). In addition, many people — especially when they are winning or feel that they are on a roll — will bet well above the table limit.

Both Aria and Cosmopolitan (which although in proximity and with a similar look are not part of the same company or complex) are beautiful properties. The two newest in town and worth taking a peek at. People who stay at both properties rave about them. But if they are struggling to gain acceptance from a Caesars customers, they may wish to re-evaluate a few things.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 13, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’ve seen a real trend this year of the better weather on the weekdays and cold snaps (earlier in the year) and storms on the weekends. The huge July 4’th 3-day weekend as well as the following weekend were no exception. Shortly after 6 PM on Sunday July 3’rd, a huge thunderstorm carrying pelting rain and heavy winds blew in from the south and drenched the Las Vegas Strip. The 101 degree F temp fell 10 degrees in the first 10 minutes and fell to 80 within an hour as the humidity shot up from single-digits to around 40%.

Not to be out-done, the following weekend featured afternoon rains and plenty of clouds. The good news? We have yet to hit a triple-double yet (110 or above) and none on the horizon as I write. So far, both June and July have seen below-average temps. We’re not complaining!

Caesars Fireworks – We tweeted that Caesars Palace July 3’rd fireworks would start at 9:15 PM. That is what the press release of June 20 stated. The display didn’t go off until 10 PM. We’re sorry for any confusion this caused. I was down at the end of my street (which has a clear view of 2/3 of The Strip) at 9:15 PM waiting… and waiting… and waiting. I finally huffed it home and not long afterwards heard them start. I caught most of the show and it was quite spectacular! If I can find the photo (which I’ve managed to misplace on my computer), we’ll run it next week.

Cops… Kinda – This Sunday evening brings a new show to TruTV (cable network) called Vegas Strip. Think in terms of the show Cops, but all Vegas, every episode. I’m showing 10 PM our time but you’ll want to check your local listings. Also, you’ll be able to watch online here (hopefully from all countries).

Weekly Las Vegas Trivia from the upcoming book Las Vegas Legends by Greg Niemann Available September 2011:

  • Howard Hughes purchased the Silver Slipper casino across Las Vegas Blvd. from the Desert Inn because the lights from the rotating slipper bothered him. After management refused several requests to turn it off, Hughes purchased the casino, had the slipper filled with concrete and dismantled the rotating mechanism.
  • The beam of light atop the Luxor is made up of 39 individual xenon lamps, each costing $1,200 and lasting about 2,000 hours. Electric beam for Luxor beam is $51 an hour.

For more Las Vegas trivia, like Las Vegas Legends on Facebook and reserve a copy of Las Vegas Legends from the publisher at www.SunbeltBooks.com

Legionnaires’ Disease At Aria – Since it opened, six people who stayed at Aria (in CityCenter) have been afflicted with Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial infection similar to pneumonia. All are fine, but treatment is a must. Aria is warning that during a recent two week stretch, those staying at the property might have been exposed. If this concerns you, click on over and read A message from ARIA. Please note that this illness is NOT contagious. If you were in town but did not stay at Aria, it appears you have nothing to worry about. But always contact a medical professional with any pneumonia symptoms.

No, The Hilton Is Not Closing – The Hilton Hotel Corporation has decided to sever their contract with the Las Vegas Hilton effective the end of 2011. This simply means that the hotel will need to remove the word Hilton from the name. Given that it is called the Las Vegas Hilton, there isn’t much left of the name! The hotel is reportedly in talks with other hotel chains to affiliate with. The property originally opened at The International (which it was called during Elvis’ famous run there) and it simply might revert to that name.

Plaza Set To Re-Open – We’re about a month away from the soft re-opening of the Plaza downtown! I always had a soft spot in my heart for the joint. I’d park there to kick off any downtown adventure and the Center Stage Restaurant had a combination of one of the best views and best values in town (for a high end eatery). After the exit of Firefly Grill in the old Center Stage location, word is that another upscale restaurant will occupy the spot.

Of interest will be a new dueling piano bar operated by hypnotist (and entrepreneur) Anthony Cools called the Swingers Club. It is going to have (I kid you not) a 9 hole miniature golf course running through it as the perfect way to make your way around the room and mingle. Cools’ first ever mention of this pending club was on the debut episode of Talktails with Chris Phillips back on May 2, 2011. You can watch him give all the details for himself on that episode.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

PBR Rock Bar and Grill Serves Up $3 Drafts For National Legal Drinking Age Day – PBR Rock Bar & Grill will offer a special discount on drafts all day in celebration of National Legal Drinking Age day on Thursday, July 21. Revelers who have turned 21 in 2011 can have a toast to their newfound freedom with an ice-cold draft for only $3 all day.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill is the latest spot to hit Las Vegas offering beers, bulls and plenty of babes in its sprawling, 16,800-square-foot venue. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until the early morning hours, PBR Rock Bar & Grill offers guests hearty, American comfort food and barbeque around the clock. Beautiful babes and bad ass bull riders are dared to attempt to defy gravity on PBR Rock Bar & GrillÆs daunting, hydraulic mechanical bull.

Tacos and Tequila Las Vegas Offers New $5 Happy Hour Menu – Just in time for summer, Tacos & Tequila (T&T), the rock ‘n’ roll-inspired Mexican restaurant at The Luxor Las Vegas, introduces a new $5 happy hour menu. Locals and tourists alike will enjoy a variety of libations and tasty Mexican fare, all priced at just $5, Monday through Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The Palazzo Las Vegas Named One Of The 2011 Top 25 Hotels In The Us And Canada By Travel + Leisure Readers – The Palazzo Las Vegas has been named one of the Top 25 Hotels in the Continental U.S. and Canada in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011 readers’ poll featured in the magazine’s August 2011 issue.

Zebra Shark Pups Follow in Parents’ ‘Fin’ Prints at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium – Three siblings take up residence in Touch Pool as parents did when facility opened in 2000 – Three male Zebra Shark pups are the newest additions to the Shark Reef Aquarium Touch Pool at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, following in the paths of their parents who were among the attractionÆs original residents.

McFadden’s Celebrates Christmas In July – Have a Merry McFadden’s Holiday on Saturday, July 23 – McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is kicking off the holiday season extra early this year with a Christmas in July celebration on Saturday, July 23. Partygoers will enjoy holiday cheer, cocktail specials, and an open bar in honor of this merry day in July.

Vegas Nights Helicopter TourVegas Nights Helicopter Tour û Save time and money. Our Maverick Lights tour with out the Transportation. Spend more time seeing Las Vegas and arrive at our terminal 30 minutes prior to departure time. Reserve your seats today!

Click To Book Vegas Nights Helicopter Tour Now!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

  • Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours – Just 45 minutes outside Las Vegas is a piece of history dating back well over 100 years. The folks at Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours discovered an old gold and silver mine entranceàand 16 years later, theyÆre showing people what it was like to work those mines. If thatÆs not enough to entice you, theyÆll hook a canoe or kayak up to your vehicle and you can spend a relaxing day on the Colorado River at the mouth of Black Canyon.
  • The Pear Pearl Drink at Botero at Wynn Las Vegas – Wynn Las Vegas‘ Mixologist Patricia Richards demonstrates how to make her original cocktail creation, the Pear Pearl, created specially for Botero at Encore. The Pear Pearl is a variation of the Dark & Stormy drink and the 1940’s famous Moscow Mule. Try it at home tonight!
  • Absinthe’s Gazillionaire Presents SpiegelWorld at Caesars Palace: A Tour – The Gazillionaire, star and master of ceremonies of Absinthe inside Caesars Palace, welcomes you to his domain, an adult midway of decadent delights, surreal sights, and tasty beverages.
  • X Burlesque at Flamingo Las Vegas – Andrea Tiede takes us inside Flamingo Las Vegas to see the sexy topless show X Burlesque. With its beautiful dancers and hot numbers, this burlesque adds a touch of class for the perfect late night show even the wife will enjoy.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I don’t get it. My friends and I love the Monorail and can’t understand why no one uses it. We spread our money around to all the casinos on the strip and downtown and at the end of the day are glad to be able to hop aboard for a comfortable ride back to our hotel.

With it pulling into within steps of the hotels, it just doesn’t make sense. In the summer when its 104, you have a cool ride and in the winter when the wind blows right through you – you have a nice warm ride.

Again, I just don’t get it. I hope something happens to save it.

Christine Takacs

 

Ted Responds:

The monorail has been plagued by four things:

  1. Cost. If there is more than one in your party, a cab is the same price or cheaper and takes you door-to-door. The lack of ridership has forced them to keep the prices high, which in turn drives away repeat users.
  2. Routing. Unless you are specifically going to one of the properties it serves, you are a long walk from other hotels. In fact, a local resident did a study recently and found that in many, many instances when you factor in walking time to and from the monorail station, it is quicker to walk than to take the monorail. Now, certainly that does not factor in the heat of the summer and chill of the winter. But much of the year, the Las Vegas Strip is comfortably walkable as far as weather is concerned.
  3. Accessibility. The stations are located at the very rear or the hotels their serve. Out of sight, out of mind.
  4. No airport or downtown connection, which are the two places people on the strip really want to go where walking is simply out of the question.
  5. Not very scenic. If it went down the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, people would ride it just for the view (a la Disneyland). But unless you want to see all the apartments that Caesars (the company) knocked down behind the Imperial Palace, there simply isn’t much to look at on the ride!

Look, I don’t want to see the monorail fail but one can’t get around the fact that it was poorly conceived with no hope for redemption in sight.

We have been coming to Las Vegas for many years now and quite frankly, are tired of paying the outlandish prices for food on the strip. We would like at some point in time, for you to do a segment on good food at reasonable prices off the strip. Thanks.

Linda and Rich

 

Ted Responds:

One of the things that many forget is inflation. Trust me, I remember the days of $5 blackjack and $3.99 breakfast specials on The Strip. But a gallon of gas was about 1/2 the price back then, and remember that 99% of what you eat here comes from somewhere else by truck or plane. That great $12.99 buffet of yesteryear is now $24.99.

If you think about it, that is still a pretty good value. Go to a decent restaurant in your area and order up all the food you usually consume during a Las Vegas buffet visit (both in terms of quantity and quality, including all the seafood, prime rib and similar) plus your coffee, juice, soft drinks, and desert. And figure what the tab would run you at home!

Having said that…

Food specials still do abound and we do talk about them in the newsletter on a pretty regular basis. In the past couple of months, we’ve mentioned the special at Fitzgerald’s downtown (both in their cafe — including $1.99 breakfast — and in their Vue Bar) plus the ongoing off-the-menu surf-and-turf at the Hard Rock Hotel cafe plus the long-time $7.99 complete steak dinner at Ellis Island (just behind Bally’s on Koval). Plus food and drink specials at the El Cortez downtown. And have repeatedly advised that (in general) the best food prices (sans local casinos) are downtown. So… you gotta be reading!

Side Note: Why don’t we compile a master list? We used to but it got dated too quickly (specials are subject to change and can change often).

I am making a note to set up a part of the website where people can submit the food specials they see to us. And perhaps we’ll add extra incentive by drawing one entry at random each month to win some cool stuff. If we get enough regular entries, perhaps devote a permanent part of the newsletter to it. So, thanks for the comments!

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 29, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! We’ve settled into summer and the hot weather can be unrelenting. Because of our very dry climate, you don’t realize the amount of liquids you are losing when you are out and about, and that can lead to a hangover (or worse). In layman terms, you sweat but don’t feel it as the dry air wicks it away from you. At the very least, you want to be feeling good on your vacation and this means getting down some water on a regular basis. (Coffee, cokes and booze don’t count as the are all diuretics).

The problem? A little bottle of water at a hotel bar is going to set you back many dollars. Casinos generally don’t have drinking fountains. Purchasing water from those guys with the coolers along the walk-overs can be dangerous. (Recent reports noted that some of them refill used bottles and then glue the caps back on so it feels like you are breaking a seal when you open it). And, bartenders are often loathe to serve you just an ice water.

My solutions? 1. Both the hotel gift shops and the CVS/Wallgreens/ABC stores both along The Strip and downtown sell cold bottled water at reasonable prices. Buy a big one so it will last you (and so that you’ll stay happily hydrated). 2. When you order a cocktail at a bar, order an ice water to go with it. You’ll encounter no additional charge. 3. Go up to a bar and immediately put a $1 tip over on the bartenders side (where you’d normally put your tips) and ask for an ice water. They ‘ll be happier to accomodate you.

Final tip? When getting an ice water at a bar, ask for it in a beer pint or big glass. A couple of sips of water from a tiny bar glass won’t last you long or do you much good. Stay hydrated (especially if you are drinking) and enjoy your vacation!

Too Hip To Succeed? – Six months after opening, The Cosmopolitan is getting raves. Amazing rooms with true balconies and mind-bending views, top dining options including a highly lauded buffet, distinctive bars each with their own theme/feel and mixology drink menu, and simple spaces that people love. Guess what, I agree. So what is the problem? The joint is reported to be losing money hand-over-fist with no probable end in site. Why? People are loving the property but failing to gamble much.

The gaming business is called the gaming business for a reason. Even in these days of profit-rich nightclubs and beach parties, gaming is still looked at for around 40% of a Las Vegas resort’s revenue. Build a “coolest in Vegas” resort but make it such a cool place to hang out at that people ignore the gambling (and/or where your average gambler may feel out-of-place) and you have a recipe for uh-oh. Let’s hope the current owners of The Sahara learn this lesson before they re-do the property “hip and boutique” and make the same mistake.

New Stops For The Monorail – This one almost falls into the “who cares” department, but what the heck. The Las Vegas Monorail has noted to creditors that it will cease to operate within eight years if it does not get the financing to expand. Oh , so the monorail is going to go to the airport now! Um, not exactly. Downtown? No. They propose to build two more stations on the existing route.

A quick look at the line shows only two real possibilities: 1. At the corner of Koval and Sands, which would serve The Venetian/Palazzo, Sands Convention Center and Wynn/Encore. 2. Planet Hollywood and the Miracle Mile Shops. I’m simply not seeing this helping. The line was badly routed in the first place. The only salvation for the line (and one I’m not holding my breath for) would be a combination of public funds and private money from the resorts along the line to build an airport extension. What will be most interesting to see in the next few years? What is done when it goes under. Will it be torn down, or will it be feasible for local governments to band together to buy and expand it? Way too soon to tell.

Weekly Las Vegas Trivia from the upcoming book Las Vegas Legends by Greg Niemann Available September 2011:

  • After learning that his Sands casino credit line had been suspended, an angry and drunk Sinatra drove a golf cart through a plate-glass window.
  • Sen. Harry Reid admitted in his book The Good Fight that in his hometown Searchlight, prostitution had replaced mining as the leading industry there. A law prohibited prostitution or selling alcohol within so many feet of a school, so when it was discovered that one club was in violation — they moved the school!

For more Las Vegas trivia, like Las Vegas Legends on Facebook and reserve a copy of Las Vegas Legends from the publisher at www.SunbeltBooks.com

Party Pits Reach Atlantic City – Seeing dancing girls in the middle of a gaming pit and/or being dealt your cards/dice by a scantly clad female is old news here in Las Vegas. However, the concept has reached Atlantic City and seems to be creating quite a stir. Those who want a “family friendly” Atlantic City plus some women’s groups are not very happy about it. With the struggles of Atlantic City the past few years and the failure of a family friendly Las Vegas a decade ago, I’d expect to see more Vegas imitation, not less.

Driving In On A Friday Night – When you get about an hour out, turn your radio to AM 1400 between 6-10 PM on Fridays for 4 hours of great Vegas content from the Vegas Video Network. Each Friday night, all of their shows from the previous week are broadcast back-to-back and will get you revved up for that last part of your drive into Las Vegas! Of if you are already here and simply out-and-about, punch it up while you drive around town.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Qua Baths And Spa At Caesars Palace Named One Of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Resort Spas – CondÚ Nast Traveler, the renowned luxury travel publication, recently recognized Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace as one of the ‘Top 100 Resort Spas’ in the U.S. Mainland category in the June 2011 issue.

CondÚ Nast Traveler, the renowned luxury travel publication, recently recognized Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace as one of the ‘Top 100 Resort Spas’ in the U.S. Mainland category in the June 2011 issue.

Results from the magazine’s 21st annual readers’ poll ranked the lavish Roman-inspired spa 53rd with an overall score of 91 out of 100. The magazine’s poll results were derived from the 2010 Readers’ Choice Survey, in which readers rated spas based on three criteria: spa facilities, spa staff and spa treatments. A record-high number of votes were then averaged to compile and rank the top resort spas in the country.

New Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, Celebrated Sweet Victory At Sugar Factory In Las Vegas – Newly crowned Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, had a sweet ending to one of the biggest nights of her life at Sugar Factory inside Paris Las Vegas last night. The former Miss California stopped at the flagship location of Sugar Factory right after the competition and picked up treats such as Jelly Bellys, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate-covered pretzels. Campanella, adorned in the Miss USA sash and glittering crown, was with her boyfriend, actor Torrance Coombs of Showtime’s ‘The Tudors,’ as spectators congratulated the gorgeous beauty queen and 2011 representative of the Miss Universe organization. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage

Rockhouse Celebrates National Bikini Day With A Week-Long Bash Starting Tuesday, July 5 – Rockhouse + bikinis + summer = a good time. Rockhouse is celebrating National Bikini Day on July 5 with a week-long bikini party like only they know how to throw. On Friday, July 1, Rockhouse will kick off the holiday with a sexy appearance by the ladies of FANTASY, Luxor’s leading female revue. The gorgeous dancers from the hit show will be at Rockhouse from 7 û 9 p.m., in their bikinis to pass out calendars, ticket give-aways and to help Vegas partyers celebrate 4th of July weekend and National Bikini Day in style.

Silver Cloud Grand Canyon TourSilver Cloud Grand Canyon Tour û Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Fly back through the Grand Canyon on your way to the Bowl of Fire full of flaming red rock formations. Conclude your journey with an exciting flight between the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip!

Click To Book Silver Cloud Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We’ve had significant response to the pending (now signed) changes to Nevada’s smoking ban. The Nevada legislature amended (and the governor signed) a change that would allow bars who limit access to patrons 21 years of age the legal ability to serve food to their already drinking/smoking customers. This has renewed debate about making Nevada completely smoke free.

We’ve published a sampling of email received on this subject so that you can read and then chime in with your own comments online. Click over to:

Las Vegas, Nevada Smoking Ban Now Less Restrictive

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 15, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Wouldn’t you know it but we finally start hitting temps in the 100’s F and I have a summertime cold. How on earth can you get a “cold” with temps in the triple-digits? This year was the fourth latest year of finally having our first 100 degree day (occurring on June 14’th this year). This has often been an indication of a milder-than-usual summer, which makes sense as our winter was colder than usual. It no longer gets cold (or even cool) overnight and won’t until sometime in September. Pack light!

April Visitor Volume Shows Nice Increase – April 2011 say nearly 5% more visitors than did April of the previous year. With gas prices falling again, summer and fall are looking to be super-busy here in Las Vegas. Of course, I told you that late last year! I noted that if you were thinking about splurging on a visit and staying at a hotel a couple notches above your usual, to get busy and get booking as the “fire sale” rates wouldn’t last through this year.

Four More Years Of Chumlee – If you love the Las Vegas based Pawn Stars show, you’ll be pleased to know that the History Channel has given the show an almost unprecedented four year extension. BTW, did you know that if you have a locals’ ID, you can skip the line at Pawn Stars? Speaking of…

Locals’ Only – Couple of things of interest to Nevada residents:

  • Primm Valley Resort is offering free admission to all of their rides to Nevada residents through the end of June 2011. Included are The Desperado roller coaster (YouTube it), Turbo Drop (like the one on top of Stratosphere), Adventure Canyon Log Flume, and Carolee’s Movie Theatre. So many people who live her have never taken the quick 40 minute drive to Primm. This is a good excuse to do it! Hit the rides, hit the outlet mall, pick up a California lottery ticket.
  • PT’s Pubs around the Las Vegas Valley (including PTÆs Pub, PTÆs Gold, and Sierra Gold tavern) are now offering free wi-fi. Time to bring back the days of the three martini lunch!

Every Vote Counts – A recent North Las Vegas city council race was decided by one vote. (North Las Vegas is actually a separate city from Las Vegas and as you may have guessed, sits to the north of Las Vegas). A re-vote is taking place due to a technicality. In the November election, a rural Nevada election resulted in a tie vote and the contestants actually drew playing cards to determine the winner. Next time you think your vote may not matter, think again. Speaking of politics…

Mayor Goodman, Part II – A belated congratulations to Carolyn Goodman (Oscar’s wife) for her victory in the mayoral election. The name recognition didn’t hurt. It also helped that her opponent was (basically) a career politician who who has a record of raising taxes and being cozy with employee unions at a time whenáthose philosophies aren’t particularly at the height of popularity.

Weekly Las Vegas Trivia from the upcoming book Las Vegas Legends by Greg Niemann Available September 2011:

  • There are 148,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas. Would take one person over 400 years to spend a night in each.
  • Las Vegas was established in 1905, but became an incorporated on March 16, 1911.

For more Las Vegas trivia,álike Las Vegas Legends on Facebook and reserve a copy of Las Vegas Legends from the publisher at www.SunbeltBooks.com

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Free Headliner Concerts Downtown – Nina Blackwood (or original MTV fame — you know, back when they played music) guest hosts a series of free headliner concerts throughout the summer that includes ’80s artists: Colin Hay of Men at Work on July 2; Wang Chung with Naked Eyes on July 23; Loverboy on Aug. 6; Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet with Men Without Hats on Aug. 20 and Howard Jones on Sept. 3. All concerts start at 9 p.m. Also Downtown…

I Want My MTV – The Nancy Rayguns are more than just a cover band; they are a complete show with stage sets, music videos, comedy and of course, the VAL-2600, 1985Æs most powerful interactive supercomputer. Their mission is to rid the world of bogus music and to help the audience relive the 1980s with the best jams of that era.

The band brings audiences back to the days of leg warmers and scrunchies with spot-on renditions of such classic hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,”; “Kids in America,”; “My Sharona,”; “Safety Dance,”; “Lucky Star,”; “Electric Avenue,”; “Its Tricky”; and many more. The Nancy Raygunsáperform Tuesdays through Fridays with three 45-minute sets starting at 9, 10 and 11 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage at Fremont Street Experience. No charge.

PBR Rock Bar and Grill Shows Some Love To Locals Every Wednesday With Special Dining Discount – Locals will have something new to celebrate every week as PBR Rock Bar and Grill offers a special dining discount every Wednesday for ‘Locals Night’ from 10 p.m. to close.

Las Vegas residents can kick-back, relax and dine on delicious American fare as they enjoy a 20 percent discount off of their dining bill when they present their local ID.

Patrons that can’t come out late can enjoy PBR Rock Bar’s daily happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. with $3 drafts and 2-for-1 well drinks. For the guests that need a little pick-me-up to their day, they can challenge the mechanical bull for $5 a ride.

Circus Couture performers present ‘The Revolution’ to Benefit Kids with Cancer at Hard Rock Las Vegas – On Sunday, June 26, Circus Couture û a fundraising group comprised of top-notch performers and staff of shows on the Las Vegas Strip û will present a spectacular original performance, fashion and art event called ‘The Revolution’ at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Erica Linz, an aerial acrobat for Cirque du Soleil as well as president and artistic director of Circus Couture and ringleader for shavee team Cirque du SoBald, initially got involved with the Foundation when her mother, a breast cancer survivor and nurse, shaved her head at a St. Baldrick’s event. Erica was further inspired to continue her involvement when a friend’s 9-year-old son lost his battle with leukemia. Erica is now an active advocate who has helped raise $124,000 for the Foundation with the support from team Cirque du SoBald.

Margaritaville and Flamingo Announce Plans to Open ‘Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo’ – Margaritaville and The Flamingo Las Vegas are bringing to the city a gaming experience unlike anything else with the opening this Fall of the ‘Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo’, a new and exciting gaming space. This is the first casino gaming space to bear the well-known and respected Margaritaville name. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant has been a dynamic addition to the Las Vegas Strip experience since its 2004 opening at the famed center Strip resort.

At the ‘Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo’, guests will feel the energy of the Las Vegas Strip while enjoying the laid-back vibe of the islands. Adjoining the restaurant and directly accessible from the Strip sidewalk, the ‘Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo’ will include 15,000-square-feet and offer 22 gaming tables, 220 slot machines and the centerpiece 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar.

Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay Extends Special $15 Child Ticket Offer Through June – Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is extending its locals ticket offer just for children through the end of June. In celebration of its second anniversary on the Strip, THE LION KING will continue to offer each adult purchasing one full-price ticket the opportunity to purchase two child tickets for only $15 per ticket. This applies to any weekend matinee performance through June 26.

Ethel M Chocolates Celebrates 30 ‘Chocolatey’ Years in Southern Nevada – 2011 marks the 30th Anniversary of one of Southern Nevada’s sweetest attractions and most beloved chocolatiers, Ethel M Chocolates. Founded in 1981 by Forrest Mars Sr. of the legendary MARS family, the Henderson chocolate company continues to uphold the traditions of quality and care set forth by their founders more than three decades ago. To celebrate this milestone, Ethel M Chocolates will launch a 30th Anniversary Commemorative Collection this summer, featuring 32 original pieces , all perfectly packaged in a commemorative, Las Vegas-themed keepsake tin.

Famed Band Lynyrd Skynyrd Will Rock The House With Beer, Bbq And Classic Rock Hotspot At Excalibur Hotel and Casino – The band behind such classic American hits as ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Free Bird’ is the inspiration for the innovative new restaurant concept, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ and Beer at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Drive This! Entertainment,áwill unveil this unique restaurant and nightlife concept in the former location of Sherwood CafÚ in fall 2011. The rock n’ roll-inspired venue will feature classic hits, signature sips and the best down home, Texas-style BBQ to be found on the Las Vegas Strip.

Summer Is Here And Mcfadden’s Las Vegas Is Ready To Celebrate – Kick Off the First Day of Summer at McFadden’s Tuesday, June 21 – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino is ready to ring in the first day of summer Tuesday, June 21. With super summer drink specials and an especially seasonal round of karaoke, guests will kick off the first day of the sizzling season in style.

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 8, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Where the 10 day forecast still does NOT having hitting 100 degrees. I’ve been watching the U.S. weather over the past few days and all I can say is unbelievable. I’m keenly aware that most of you are not used to 3-digit temperatures and in some regions, the only air conditioning in your house may be a window unit. Leave the 100+ to those of us who are professionals at living in it!

Just a couple of short odds-and-ends which have been collecting dust (I’ll explain why in a minute):

Man, I Feel Like A Woman – No… not me!áI’m sure most of you know that Shania Twain is taking up a 60 gig residency at Caesars Palace starting next year. The first round of tickets are available now: Shania Twian Las Vegas Tickets

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy – A recent study noted that Nevada is 10’th in the nation when it comes to residents’ sense of well-being. However, we have the 3’rd highest suicide rate in the nation. Putting aside the people who come here to off themselves (just happened again this past week) I’m not surprised. People either like/love living here or they just really hate it. I’ve never seen anything like it. You’ll rarely talk to a local who can simply “take or leave” living in Las Vegas.

Let me offer a few words of advice to potential residents:

1. You can’t mold Las Vegas. Oh, people have tried. They move here and vow that they are going to live their life just like they did back in (insert name of big city). Those are some of the most miserable people I know living here.

We’re a live-and-let live society, we’re still known as Sin City (that moniker is going to stick just because you live here), we have lousy public transit (and no appetite to improve it), etc. We’re not exactly Boston or San Francisco, so don’t expect us to be. If you are looking for all of that plus good weather, I’d strongly consider Phoenix.

2. If you are already depressed, think of what it will be like living in close proximity to 100,000+ visitors on any given day, most of whom are having the time of their lives! As for me, I feed off of it. But if you are prone to depression and happy people make you more depressed, probably not a good place to live.

Growing Older But Not Growing Up – In the 2000’s, the number of Nevada residents over 62 grew by 54% and the state’s median age has crept up to nearly 37 years old. The weather and lack of income tax were cited as a couple of top reasons. While we have not discussed it in detail yet (we’ve linked to it in the More section in the past), a major project in Henderson with active senior living and onsite medical facilities appears to have traction.

Many mocked a planned development of this size in the face of the current economy. But people forget that most retirees have pension and social security and are somewhat immune to the current economic times. The cheap price of housing here right now also isn’t hurting the migration of the financially stable.

Why The Mini-Issue? – If you’re a first time reader, let me note that this issue is much shorter than usual for us. We’re a victim of our own success. Both our site traffic and newsletter subscriber numbers have been slowly but steadily creeping up. Which is fantastic, and we thank all of you who are telling your friends to subscribe (or at least forwarding each issue to them) or are following us on Twitter at twitter.com/AccessVegas who are reading and retweeting!

We’ve started to experience slow-downs and short outages as this demand out-strips our server abilities. On top of that, we’re getting ready to re-launch reader forums, regular show reviews, an all-new video area so you can preview what various Las Vegas hotel rooms look like and more. Which will succeed in permanently crashing our servers if we don’t upgrade NOW.

In fact, our IT guy Robert Oliver actually wanted to get on this ASAP (he’s the one who has to jump into action every time we go “off the air”) but I saidáLet’s get a newsletter out — even if it is a short one — get current info out, and let everybody know what is going on. So, thanks for your understanding. The upgraded situation will allow us to return to bringing you all of your favorite features each week without crashing our servers from the traffic it generates.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

CSI: The Experience Celebrates Dads This Father’s Day With Complimentary Admission June 17-19 – Looking for a creative and exciting way to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day? From June 17-19, CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand invites families everywhere to bring their Dad in to play the fun, interactive role of crime scene investigator for free. The complimentary tickets are available at the MGM Grand box office next to CSI: The Experience with the purchase of a full-price admission when they mention ‘Father’s Day Special.’ Tickets are valid for same day visit only and cannot be sold or transferred.

Bellagio To Host Intimate Bbq and Beer Pairing During Epicurean Epicenter Series Saturday, July 2 – Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Bellagio and enjoy a fun and casual afternoon at the latest Epicurean Epicenter event, BBQ and Beer. Held in Tuscany Kitchen Saturday, July 2 at noon, guests will enjoy a three-course lunch created by Bellagio Executive Chef Edmund Wong complemented by a selection of refreshing beers chosen to enrich the taste of each dish.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

More Stories About the Closing of the Sahara Hotel and Casino

Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 1, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Running a bit late this week due to a few technical difficulties. So for those who enjoy reading the newsletter with their Sunday coffee, we apologize.

No Complaints! – About the weather. We made it all the way through May without hitting 100 degrees (F), which is the first time in a long time we pulled that off. The first 10 days of June look to barely be hitting 90 (almost 10 degrees below normal) so we’ll see how long we can pull this off. I’m sure enjoying it and I’m sure our visitors are also.

Everything Must Go – Sahara owner Sam Moronzian Nazarian and his happy band of hotel mismanagers are putting the final nails in the coffin of The Sahara. Starting on June 16, they are literally selling everything down to the walls. Now, don’t get me wrong: It is normal for a shuttered hotel (or one that is supposedly going to be undergoing a remodel) to sell off lots of stuff. Clear the rooms, old kitchen shelves, ranges and appliances, restaurant furniture and similar. Same with barware, gaming tables and anything else that will be outdated and not worth keeping.

However, they are taking it quite a bit farther, selling everything including the chandeliers and lighting fixtures in the casino. First of all, do they really need the money that bad? Do you have to toss every last vestige of the property? Are the new plans for the property (ha, ha, ha… we’re not holding our breath) so radical that you can’t re-purpose a few artifacts as a tribute to a Las Vegas institution of over 50 years? My understanding is that after imploding The Stardust, owners Boyd Gaming held onto a few “this and thats” which would have a place in the (currently on hold) Echelon project that was planned to replace The Stardust.

Do these guys even know what they are doing? The Tropicana sunk $180 million into an absolute and complete makeover of their property (and a beautiful one at that). Current Sahara owners are claiming to have already spent $30 million just on the plans to redo the property. This whole Sahara debacle continues to make absolutely no sense. From closing it at a time when Las Vegas is seeing a tangible uptick to completely gutting the place to claims that they are going to build a fantastic new high-end resort while we already have a high-end glut. And at a time when I believe we’llábe seeing a growing demand for the mid-range áas the U.S. recession lingers.

If you want to pick up some old Sahara stuff when they start selling it off, visit the Sahara Liquidation Sale

Cash Out That Ticket! – I just uncovered a $20 ticket from when I played some video poker at Binion’s. Last October. The ticket also happens to say Void After 30 Days. Make sure to take the extra few minutes to cash out your tickets. I thought that I’d be back downtown much sooner than I was and I’m out $20. If you do happen to screw up and end up back home with a still-valid ticket, they usually have an address on the back which will let you claim them by mail. (Same with most sports betting tickets). But my advice? Get the cash back in your hand.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

The Palazzo Las Vegas Joins with the USO Las Vegas to Honor America’s Deployed Soldiers – Guests can send letters to troops through July 4 – The Palazzo Las Vegas invites guests to send words of encouragement to soldiers overseas while visiting the resort’s waterfall atrium and gardens. Surrounded by more than 1,500 vibrant red, white and blue blooming foliages, the waterfall atrium and gardens will feature two digital kiosks for guests to write letters to deployed American soldiers stationed throughout the world. The United Service Organizations Las Vegas center (USO LV) will distribute these letters written by guests to troops as they deploy, arrive home and while currently overseas.

Experience the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus at the Mirage June 6-11 – In conjunction with The BeatlesÖ LOVEÖ by Cirque du Soleil« 5th Anniversary, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is pulling up to The Mirage for public tours and recording sessions June 6 û 11. Guests will be able to try out the latest in recording and video technology including products from Avid, Epiphone, Apple and more. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to bring the studio experience home by entering to win an Epiphone guitar signed by Yoko Ono.

The Spa at Ravella Offers Massage Therapy Training Series Throughout the Summer – Beginning May 31, The Spa at Ravella (ravellalasvegas.com) will launch a series of massage therapy seminars to educate participants in the techniques of Thai Reflexology, Table Thai Yoga Massage, Asian Reflexology and Fusion Massage. For as low as $140 per series, guests will receive hands-on lessons in difficult spa techniques and treatments and can stay overnight with rates starting at $59 during the retreat.

Las Vegas Hosts WorldÆs Only Year-Long Beer Festival Beginning October 2011 – The Entertainment Capital of the World will let the good times flow with “Las Vegas World Beer Fest,” an international Oktoberfest-styled showcase of micro brews, stouts, ales and moreùopen every Thursday through Sunday for one year beginning October 13.

Aficionados, enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy a cold one will have access to more than 500 different beers from 100 different brew masters across the globe, including Germany, Belgium and the U.S.

Spring Into Summer at Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Attraction unveils new elements in its timeless tribute to the season – Bellagio‘s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens reveals new elements to its summer display, featuring a spectacular floral exhibition filled with bright blooms and a playful carnival. Reminiscent of the lazy days of the year’s longest season, the vibrant exhibit features a moving 11-foot tall carousel, a 40-foot full-scale Ferris wheel and patriotic displays of the Stars and Stripes.

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

  • House of Blues Foundation Room – The House of Blues Foundation Room is located on the 43rd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and offers what many consider the very best view of the Las Vegas Strip. But what is super cool about this hot spot is its dedication to supporting the education of children through music, art and history
  • Magic of Rick Thomas Highlights – After successful runs at The Tropicana, Stardust, and Sahara, long-time Las Vegas headlining magician Rick Thomas now brings his show to the Saxe Theatre at Planet Hollywood for a summer run before moving on to The Riviera.
  • Ravella and Lake Las Vegas – See the new Ravella Hotel and Spa at Lake Las Vegas. Then take a peek at the infamous Blush nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas
  • Three Card Poker Now With Million Dollar Bonus – Three Card poker is already one of the most popular non traditional table games on the casino floor because of its simplicity, low table minimums, and relatively high payouts; the 6 Card Bonus side bet gives guests the opportunity to turn a bad hand into a winning hand, or a good hand into an even better one.

    Beginning this month Three Card Poker, 6 Card Bonus players at all Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas properties will have the chance to win $1 million in just one hand playing the 6 Card Bonus side bet, hitting a Super Royal in Diamonds: 9, 10, J, Q, K, A. Additionally, $100,000 payouts will be available for the Super Royal in Hearts, Clubs or Spades.

  • The Hammargren House – Lonnie Hammargren, a retired neurosurgeon and former Nevada lieutenant governor, has collected Nevada (and other) memrobilia for decades. He has traditionally opened his home to the public for tours on Nevada Day (Oct. 31) each year. He was unable to do so this past year, so let this video tour take you for a look.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

As a response to feedback about current changes to the smoking ban, I’ve written an update and clarification:

A Smoking Misunderstanding – Either I did a really, really bad job of explaining the possible smoking ban changes, or people just decided to send me the usual boiler-plate anti-smoking talking points regarding the proposed changes (which I discussed last issue) without reading my piece very well.

Our smoking ban generates tons of reader interest. When we even link to a story about it in our local paper, it gets 3-4 times the clicks of most stories. (We don’t know which reader clicks on what, but we are able to track total clicks from all readers). So, we’re going to take another crack at this:

For the record, I do not smoke cigarettes. My grandfather died of a smoking-related illness. I’m not really fond of the smell of cigarette smoke. But that doesn’t spur me to make laws telling people that they can’t smoke on private property.

The History: Las Vegas (as an area) is home to more taverns (bar and grills) than I’ve ever seen anywhere. Pretty much one (or more) on every major cross-street intersection all over the area. These have traditionally been open 24 hours per day and offered slot machines (video poker) and a 24 hour kitchen in addition to the libations.

When the Nevada smoking ban was passed, it dictated that if a business served foodáfrom their own kitchen, they they could not allow smoking on the premise. The idea was to eliminate the smoking in bars and restaurants. However, given the choice between going non-smoking or eliminating food service, the vast majority of these neighborhood taverns simply closed their kitchens. To the tune of 1700 people laid off.

Eventually, some bars “complied” with the law by building a sealed off “restaurant” room that was non-smoking. People would order their food and simply bring it back into the smoking area of the bar so they could eat and drink and play video poker and (if desired) smoke all at the same time.

Then, the state dictated that enforcement of the ban to be done by the Health Department, which is in no way equipped to enforce the ban. (The thought was that the police need to be catching carjackers, not ticketing smokers with their limited manpower resources). Hence, not one citation has every been written. On that news, some bars simply started serving food again. And if people lit up (despite the mandatory no smoking signs), so what?

At the end of the day, no one stopped smoking. Bars did not go smoke free. The only change that this portion of the ban made was eliminating food service in lots of bars and tossing 1700 people out of work.

Given that this portion of the smoking ban 1. Failed to do what it was designed to do (make bars smoke-free) and 2. Had a negative economic impact, legislation is currently under consideration to once again allow adults-only bar/grill operations to once again legally do what they are already doing: Serve food in a smoking-permitted environment. Pure and simple.

Last I checked, visiting a bar was neither a right nor a necessity. If you dislike (or are worried about) second-hand smoke, I strongly encourage you to boycott these bars. If they are unwilling to cater to your desire for a non-smoking environment, hit them in the pocketbook with your lack of business.

When Will We See Smoke-Free Casinos? – For those who wish gaming properties would go smoke-free, here’s a couple of attempts to keep your eyes on: As of June 14, The Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi will go smoke-free including the gaming floor. The new Revel in Atlantic City (scheduled to open in just about a year) is also seriously toying with the idea of going smoke-free. If this is an important amenity to the general public, they will vote with their wallet and with their feet and Las Vegas will take notice.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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