Category Archives: Las Vegas Newsletter

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 23, 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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Well, many weeks are great but even here in Las Vegas we sometimes hit a few road bumps. Last issue, I noted a great pending weather forecast with nice weather and highs near 70 F. Uh-oh. Clouds, wind and rain moved in the next couple of days. Fortunately, the rain was mostly in the overnight hours. Then, I lost a few days due to medical leave regarding a nagging health issue (I’ll be fine). OK… I put that behind me and my main computer starts acting up for the umpteenth time. Taking an hour (or more) to boot and running slower than the weakest Windows 95 machine did back in the old days.

Side Note: This is the second time in less than a decade that I’ve had extreme problems with an HP computer. (It was not an operating system problem). Oh sure, they had a fix to download. Did nothing. Which means they are very aware this model has issues (online forums were full of complaints). But what do they care? Was there a recall? NO. Steer very clear of buying HP computers.

Given I had to swap out one machine, I got very ambitious and decided to re-allocate all the office machines, upgrade memory in the older ones (Windows XP still performs very well with 2+ GB of memory), new router, the entire works. And decided to do it myself with the help of staffer Rick Ziegler. Thought it would take 1/2 a day. We did finish. After three days of torture and numerous hours on the phone to tech support (the new router turned out to be defective, which took hours to figure out). Auugghhhhh!

What does this all have to do with Vegas? Nothing at all. I thought you’d just feel a whole lot better knowing that I’m not always out enjoying all that fun stuff on The Strip and downtown! Oh, also… a couple of my sections are missing this week. (Amy and Rick still did a great job on the meat of the newsletter as they always do). Trust me, it is a lot more fun to search out What We’re Watching videos, answering Members Mania than fighting computers. This wasn’t by choice.

March Madness Video, As Promised – Rick Ziegler went downtown the first week of March Madness to catch all the activity. People were loving the new zip line, live entertainment abounded, a 25 foot basketball basket challenged visitors (this was funny to watch) and plenty of people were simply having a good time. Click to watch Las Vegas March Madness Spring Break 2011 Video

How Did So Many Miss The Point? I read just about every print and blog story (many by writers I truly admire) on the closing of The Sahara, and am in shock about how they all missed the management angle which I noted in my article Closing Of The Sahara Las Vegas û The Real Story. (Nearly 30 people made great comments that are worth going back and reading below the story). The general mantra was “bad economy, hotel closes”. The truth is that the terrible management combined with the economy cost the death. As I noted, Sahara’s competitors managed to weather the worst of the recession (as did The Sahara, Vegas visitor numbers have been inching up for months now). Management killed the joint.

42 year Las Vegas resident Norm “Is There Anyone He Doesn’t Know” Johnson was the other person who diligently noted that management was to fault and Norm has an immense knowledge of what was going on there. For those wanting to dig deeper (especially all the writers who wrote off the closing simply to the economy instead of doing their homework), I suggest you check out his article simply entitled The Sahara Hotel

New Contact Info – We’re changing our contact email to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com (simple enough, right)! We’ve been using AllVegasTV@aol.com for more than a decade. It dates back to when we were serious about launching an All Vegas TV streaming network. 9/11 happened, we never launched, but also never bothered to change the contact email. Which leads to a branding issue: People write Dear All Vegas and similar. Now, perhaps everybody will figure out that this is the official newsletter of (drum roll please) AccessVegas.com

Speaking Of Contact Us and Vegas Video Networks – 10 years later, someone finally did launch a (growing) network of Las Vegas programming. I’m a huge fan of what the Vegas Video Network is doing. Here’s a little “directly contact Ted” tip/hint: I nearly always watch Living In Las Vegas at 7:30 PM (Pacific) on Tuesdays and Pub Crawl which airs at 8:00 PM (Pacific) on Wednesdays. Both shows air LIVE, and just below the video screen on the live page is a chat room. Enter your name (or internet handle) and you are into the chat. Me? I’m usually there chatting away about Vegas while I enjoy the live show. Come join us!

4100 And Counting! – We only got serious about Twitter recently and are proud to now have over 4000 followers. Pretty cool! We don’t tweet 20 times a day and we don’t tell you what we had for lunch or talk about our political views. It is simply all the Las Vegas news and info as we get it, including a number of very good deals every week which don’t make this newsletter because of deadline issues. Go ahead and follow us. We promise you’ll be glad you did: http://twitter.com/AccessVegas

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Celebrity Lineup For 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational In Las Vegas Continues To Grow – Charity Tournament Hosted By Aria Resort & Casino At Exclusive Shadow Creek, March 31 – April 3 – Entertainment and sports stars Larry David, Gabriel Aubry, Jerome Bettis, Sam Bradford, Stuart Scott, Brandi Chastain, Richard Dent, Paul O’Neill, Mike Piazza, Anthony Anderson, Maury Povich, Dennis Haysbert, Alan Thicke, Adrian Young, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, Grant Show and Boris Kodjoe join the growing list of celebrities scheduled to attend the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), hosted by Las Vegas’ ARIA Resort & Casino, March 31-April 3.

Rockhouse Hosts First Ever ‘Sheen Mondays’ Celebration Party Like A Warlock Every Monday Night – ‘Sheen Mondays’ + Rockhouse = #winning. Rockhouse is throwing the only Charlie Sheen party in Las Vegas with ‘Sheen Mondays’ every Monday night. Winners can partake in an open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight, $10 for girls and $20 for guys. The ultra-dive bar will also introduce its newest cocktail for warlocks with a different constitution, a different brain and a different heart; the Tiger Blood Tea.

Tacos & Tequila Introduces The Ultimate Margarita – Get Your Chonga On With T&T’s Newest Margarita – Tacos & Tequila has added a new margarita to the familia; introducing the “Chonga”. The 54-ounce party in your mouth, frozen margarita is enough to excite any partygoer. T&T takes it a step further and tosses in two upside down 7-ounce Sol beers that flow directly into the giant margarita. T&T’s signature daiquiri bar carriers an assortment of different frozen flavors. Revelers daring enough to try the “Chonga” can create up to 720 unique flavors. With over 50-ounces of fun and flavor the “Chonga” margarita is every spring breakers dream.

Spring Arrives At Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – “Carnival In The Garden” Features Carousel, Ferris Wheel And Butterflies ON Display Through May 8 – To celebrate the debut of spring, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens feature a spectacular floral exhibition filled with bright blooms and a playful carnival, on display through May 8. Four enchanting gardens lure guests with scents of tulips, hydrangeas and daisies, while a colorful Ferris wheel, moving carousel and greenhouse full of beautiful butterflies catch the eye and lift the spirit.

Starlet Angel Porrino Returns To Peepshow At Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Through April 3 – PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ only striptease spectacular, welcomes back Las Vegas local and “Holly’s World” co-star Angel Porrino as she takes over the role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who discovers her sexuality. Porrino will fill in for Holly Madison during her hard-earned vacation dates through April 3, 2011. As a free upgrade to all PEEPSHOW ticketholders, audience members have the exclusive change to meet Porrino during a special post show meet & greet in the PEEPSHOW lobby following current performance. The meet & greet will provide an opportunity for fans to take their own photo with Porrino and have their favorite PEEPSHOW memorabilia autographed by the “Holly’s World” co-star. Season two of “Holly’s World” is now airing on E!. Photo By Denise Truscello

Lagasse’s Stadium Las Vegas Hosts Die-Hard Basketball Fans During NCAA Tournament – Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo plays host to the most die-hard of college basketball fans during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. One-of-a-kind stadium seating allows guests to comfortably lounge while watching the back-to-back tournament action on one of more than 100 flat screen televisions.

Terry Fator Celebrates Two Year Anniversary At The Mirage Las Vegas – It was a full house Friday night as unparalleled ventriloquist Terry Fator celebrated the second anniversary of his hit show, Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert at The Mirage. Media, VIPs, fans and guests lined up at the entrance of Terry Fator Theatre, anxious to get in and see the incredible headliner perform after Fator announced the addition of new puppet, Berry Fabulous. Songs and dialogue never before seen or heard were also in store and as 7:30pm approached, the lights went down and the music went up as Fator took center stage.

ATV Off-Road Desert Adventure TourATV Off-Road Desert Adventure Tour û Get ready for a wild all-terrain vehicle adventure in the red desert near the Valley of Fire State Park! Drive to the top of the mesas to see views of Lake Mead, the entrance to the Grand Canyon and the north side of the Valley of Fire.

Click To Book ATV Off-Road Desert Adventure Tour Now!

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 – Concerts – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 16, 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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! After an exceptionally nice week of temps flirting with 80 degrees (F), we’re going to revert to the average March high of 69 for pretty much the remainder of the month. If your curious, April averages 78, May 88 and June 99.

Due to my research time on the Sahara closure and the extended amount of information in my column here this week, Members Mania will not appear. I simply didn’t have the time to do it all! Members Mania will return next issue.

Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

I Hate Kissing You Goodbye – On Friday March 18, 2011 employees of The Sahara were stunned by the announcement that this iconic Las Vegas property would be closing in 60 days (the legal notice time required). I’ll be honest: I was stunned too! Although I knew of the pending Sahara announcement, I figured it would have something to do with major hotel improvements, following in the steps of some of their direct competitors. (Turns out I might have been not far off the mark after all, but time will tell).

This whole thing did not make sense to me. Sahara had weathered the recession, Vegas visitor numbers are picking up, no new competing hotel rooms are on the horizon (sans the reopening of The Plaza, which is still a long ways away). So I went over the next evening to do some poking around. Listening (overhearing) people. Talking with employees. And, I found out some information that I have not otherwise seen reported. I’ve put it into an article entitled Closing Of The Sahara Las Vegas û The Real Story where I combine my first-hand reports, empirical evidence, and (at the end) some substantiated conjecture about the future of the resort.

I know that we usually don’t go THAT in-depth on covering the business side of Las Vegas. I’m eminently qualified to do so but I like to have fun, and it is more fun to report on the fun side of Las Vegas. Many of you don’t care who owns what. You just want to enjoy it! But even if the article isn’t up your alley, you may have thoughts about (or fond/interesting memories of) this legendary property. Click on over to the article and leave your thoughts and comments in the comment box.

March Madness and Spring Break, Oh The Crowds! – We spent time both downtown and on The Strip during the first weekend of March Madness (the week of the conference tournaments). I’ve seen this city busy… but rarely like this (apart from New Years Eve or three-day holidays). Absolutely unbelievable! I expected The Strip to be jammed, but was pleasantly surprised that Fremont Street — the entire length of it — was CROWDED. Yes, I mean a sea of people. And the downtown casinos were hopping! Rick Ziegler got some great video which we’ll have for you in about a week so you can see for yourself.

Holly Madison Beer Pong O'Sheas Las VegasHolly’s World – I don’t watch much reality TV (sans Dog The Bounty Hunter, Pawn Stars, and Steven Seagal: Lawman — guy stuff). But because it was Las Vegas based and PeepShow is a sponsor, I felt obligated to start watching Holly’s World. I’m not much for the drama, but Holly along with co-stars Angel and Laura are easy on the eyes so I have no complaints.

Pictures: See Holly Madison Playing Beer Pong At O’Sheas Las Vegas

What’s coolest to me? Despite the fact that they work at Planet Hollywood, the show actually gives a taste of what it is like to live here. Plenty of filming at Holly’s “McMansion” in Southern Highlands (map dot does not indicate her house) and lately in Josh Strickland’s condo (my trained eye nails it as the One Condominiums — which I lived just a few blocks from while it was in construction phase a few years ago). Plus, they’ve shown them at they gym, at off-strip restaurants. Like… actually living in Las Vegas! PS Tip of the hat to Celine who also really embraced living here, kept her Lake Las Vegas house when her last Caesars run ended, and has really endeared herself to our community.

Anniversaries, Anniversaries – Speaking of living here, I’m getting ready for a couple of exciting milestones myself: April 3 will mark my 18’th year living here! I do not regret a minute of it. I wouldn’t leave for twice the money. I’m not sure how I’ll be celebrating, but mostly likely on The Strip, very possibly at Rhumbar outdoors enjoying a celebratory cigar and libation with their incredible view of the mid-strip. (I really need to hit them up to be an advertiser… since we only take advertising I can comfortably endorse).

Then come May 27, this newsletter (which was arguably the first Las Vegas blog in its original form) celebrates our 11’the year of publishing! Oh, and we are working on a reader-appreciation event for late April, but don’t want to spill the beans until all the details are in place.

Highest Poverty Rates – The metropolitan areas of the U.S. with the largest gains in people living below the poverty level:

1. Las Vegas, 2. Modesto (CA), 3. Detroit, 4. Ft. Myers (FL), and 5. Los Angeles.

My recent blog post How Retirees Will Help Las Vegas’ Local Economy Rebound From Recession talks about how the area will rebound, and what part retirees moving to our area will play. Make sure to read and comment!

Las Vegas Keeps You Young? – Mis-filed away, I found a story that I meant to tell you about last year. It is entitled Irvine woman celebrates her 100th birthday Sunday and starts out by saying Mary Beatrice “Bea” Wood is an Irvine resident, regular visitor to Las Vegas, and a daily, two-hour Texas Hold’em-player, who will turn 100 years old on May 2. So you see… regular trips to Las Vegas and a couple hours a day at the poker tables might not be bad for you after all!

Is That Sign Big Enough? – The new Walgreens (next to Planet Hollywood) wants to build a sign. After all, they want people to know they have store available for you to shop at. However, this isn’t your ordinary sign. The sign they are asking for variances on is 322 feet wide and 60 feet high. To put that in perspective, that is about five times the size as the neighboring Planet Hollywood sign! We’ll keep you posted…

Queen Victoria British Pub Las Vegas

Queen Victoria British Pub At Riviera – With around 25% of our readers outside the US and a significant British readership, I wanted to check out the relatively new Queen Victoria Pub at The Riviera. They bill it as …the only British owned, British run pub on the LV Strip. We serve 24 beers on draft & 60 in bottles. British menu serving English Breakie & Fish & chips. The Queen Victoria shows ALL televised English Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Champions League, Euro 2011 Qualifiers, Carling Cup, FA Cup, World Cup and most all other live soccer (football) games shown in the USA. They also have an exceptionally large beer and libation selection and serve breakfast 24/7 (a practice that is unfortunately dwindling in Las Vegas… what happened to the Up All Night, Sleep All Day city I moved to).

Worth the trip to the Riviera? Maybe not for the average visitor (especially if you have no interest in British fare or aren’t much of a drinker). But if you want to check out a couple of the newer themed bar/restaurants, you can knock two of them out in one shot: Rock ‘n Rita’s at Circus Circus (All-American fare, flair bartending) then stroll across the street to Queen Victoria. For those who don’t want to miss their favorite (international) football or rugby game, they are probably showing it! Call them once you hit town (702) 794-9458.

Box Cutters – A couple of months ago, I noted how ineffective the Transportation Screw-Up Safety Administration is (except for making you get nekkid and turning your vacation into a miserable delay) and how most people on the front lines of aviation will tell you that if someone wanted to get on board or sabotage a plane, it could be done. Now we hear about the guy in New York who accidentally brought box cutters on a plane. The TSA missed a good-sized item like that!

A friend of an associate recently noted that his wife flew twice before realizing that she had a small knife in her carry-on (only realizing so after she gave the bag a good clean-out). We’ve got to find a better way. The only thing the TSA is getting done is jacking up the price of an airline ticket and making your lives miserable. These “officers” need to go back to being mall cops.

Of Ferris Wheels And Such – Evidently, the plans are back on for Harrah’s Caesars (corporation) to build their Project Linq between The Flamingo and O’Sheas. Imagine the Fremont Street Experience anchored by a massive Ferris Wheel (think London Eye). In direct competition with this idea is a company who wants to take 10 acres across the street from Mandalay Bay and build an amusement park anchored by their own 500-foot Ferris Wheel.

In my lengthy time living here, I have lost count of how many of these proposals have stormed out of the gate with a big news splash, only to go nowhere. So, I’m not holding my breath and we’re not going to do much talking about it here until somebody breaks ground. Don’t get me wrong: I like both ideas! Harrah’s has already been using the Linq site to hold holiday-themed events like the Cinco De Mayo Las Vegas Party (click for video) they did last year, and a great St. Patrick’s day event (video coming soon). The amusement park idea sounds interesting. I’ll just believe them when I see them.

Concerned About West Coast Radiation Affecting Your Nevada Visit? – With the incredible tragedy in Japan and the concern about radiation reaching the west coast of the United States, some of you may be understandably worried about visiting. Don’t be, but don’t take my word for it. Click over to the video Las Vegas Radiation Fears Unfounded for a report you’ll want to see.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Caesars Palace and Nobu Hospitality Plan to Open in Las Vegas the First-Ever Nobu-branded Hotel, Restaurant, and Lounge Concept – Caesars Palace Las Vegas and Nobu Hospitality announced that they have signed a non-binding letter of intent to develop the world’s first Nobu Hotel, an innovative concept that will integrate an exclusive hotel tower with the first Nobu restaurant and lounge on the Las Vegas Strip.

The planned development would further the tradition of world-class accommodations and service that is synonymous with the resort’s luxury brand. In announcing this tactical relationship, Nobu Hospitality has reinforced its focused growth strategy, expanding through the complete hospitality spectrum.

Bingo Players Score Big At Binion’s With $25,000 and $5,000 Jackpots – It did not take long for players to start raking in jackpots at Binion’s Bingo Hall. The iconic Las Vegas property brought bingo back to the casino on February 1, 2011 and within 26 days, two lucky winners scored big. Rasela from Hawaii was the first to hit, winning the $5,000 Bonanza Coverall on February 10. Then just 16 days later, James, a Las Vegas local, cashed a really big “BINGO” with the $25,000 Gaming Arts Super Bonanza Coverall Multi-Win. On February 26 during the 7 p.m. session, James, who plays at Binion’s regularly, covered his entire card in 48 numbers to earn the prize.

CSI: The Experience To Host Spring Blood Drive In Partnership With United Blood Services On March 26 At MGM Grand – All Donors Receive Free Admission To CSI: The Experience – Did you know that more than 250 donors are needed every day to meet the needs of hospital patients throughout Southern Nevada? As part of an incentive to encourage communities to donate and make a positive difference, CSI: The Experience is partnering with United Blood Services to host a blood drive Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MGM Grand. All donors will receive a complimentary ticket to check out the intriguing and hands-on exhibit, CSI: The Experience between March 26 and April 9, 2011.

The Palazzo Las Vegas Celebrates The Arrival Of The Spring Season With Vibrant Butterfly Decor – The Palazzo Las Vegas will welcome warmer weather with colorful butterfly inspired decor throughout the resort. Bursting with bright colors and distinctive butterfly designs, guests will enjoy a charming spring atmosphere during their next visit to The Palazzo. Bright hyacinths, tulip willows, cherry blossoms, forsythia topiaries and 16-foot Amstel King Ficus trees will line the atrium waterfall while 15-foot Japanese plum blossoms and 5-foot tulips complement the lobby gardens.

Join The Madness Of March As Fremont Street Experience Celebrates College Basketball With “March Hoops” – Basketball Fans Are Invited To Enjoy The Month-Long Free Event – Join the Madness of March as Fremont Street Experience celebrates college basketball. Sports fans are invited to take part in the month-long event, March Hoops, now through Wednesday, March 30. March Hoops at Fremont Street Experience features free entertainment every night with two sexy stage shows — Hardwood Hotties and Dream Team Divas by Face Productions — and the High Hoops Zone interactive area where guests can test their skills at 20-, 25- and 30-foot basketball hoops. Debuting March 15 was the world’s largest NCAA bracket on the 1,500-foot long Viva Vision screen, which will be updated daily throughout the NCAA tournament.

Piano! Las Vegas Starring Ryan Ahern Celebrates Grand Opening At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – International recording artist and world-champion pianist Ryan Ahern celebrated the grand opening of his new show Piano! Las Vegas on February 23 – marking a new residency on the Las Vegas Strip. Playing music genres from Broadway to Rock n’ Roll to Boogie Woogie, Ahern amazes audiences with his diverse arrangements and mesmerizing hand speed. The show plays Saturdays ûThursdays at 2:30 p.m. at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Ryan Ahern celebrates on the red carpet during the Grand Opening of Piano! Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Romance Package at The Venetian Hotel TourRomance Package at The Venetian Hotel Tour û Add some romance at the beautiful Venetian Hotel during your Las Vegas vacation. Propose to George Clooney at Madame Tussaud’s, glide down the Grand Canal, and dine at Zeffirino’s or Tintoretto’s. Do it all in a day or spread out over the duration of your trip, the choice is yours!

Click To Book Romance Package at
The Venetian Hotel Tour Now!

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 2, 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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Spring has sprung in Las Vegas with the month of March being busy, busy, busy. Spring Break and March Madness take center stage. Toss in Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday is this coming Tuesday) and St. Patrick’s day (which falls on a Thursday, allowing it to be turned into a weekend-long party) you really have a month of non-stop action.

Add in MTV’s Spring Break programming live from The Palms this coming week and temps mostly in the 70’s (F) for the next 10 days and I think that it is safe to say that our 8 months of summer has begun!

The 50 Most Beautiful Things on Earth – MSN Travel has listed the Bellagio Fountains as one f the 50 most beautiful things on earth (winning the fountain category). We couldn’t agree more. I’ve been watching the fountain shows since pre-opening during the testing phase and to this very day, I do not tire of them. I’ll sometime sit there for 2 or 3 shows (they are only 15 minutes apart after dark). Still stunning to this day.

Bellagio Fountains - Las Vegas, NV 10_2009 Dave Toussaint IMG_7954

Bellagio Fountain Display at Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV; 12-17-2009

Bellagio Fountains - Las Vegas, NV 10_2009 Dave Toussaint IMG_7963

Bellagio Fountains - Las Vegas, NV 10_2009 Dave Toussaint IMG_8047

Where Is Your #%@!* App For My Phone? – Great question! I really want to do one. We have the resources in place. I’ve been sitting on the sidelines because the popularity of various devices is changing rapidly. I’m not an iPerson (someone who buys only Apple no matter what and considers Steve Jobs to be a religious figure), so just doing an iPhone app and damn the other platforms was not an option. Android phones are really gaining popularity (I LOVE my EVO). Windows platforms are finally making a play. Palm has just released an iPad like tablet that appears to be a step up from the original iPad (although I’ve heard the iPad 2 has major improvements). While we make up our mind…

Reader Lance told us about the Mobile RSS Free app for the iPhone. You can enter our RSS feed into the app and be alerted every time we add major content or news. First, download the app to your phone (or iPad). Then enter our RSS feed code:

http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

In the meantime, your input is always welcomed. What would you like to see in an app? Do you know a good RSS reader app for Droid? What device are you using that you’d like to have the app for? Drop us a note at AllVegasTV@aol.com

The Death Of Las Vegas – Regular readers know that I spent the better part of the last three years refuting all the crazy national news stories which were sounding Las Vegas’ death knell. No need to beat that dead horse anymore as all the important indicators of the health of out tourism industry are on a slow-but-steady rise. Now, I’m not saying that all is well for every resident of Las Vegas. The metropolitan areas of the U.S. with the largest gains in people living below the poverty level are: 1. Las Vegas, 2. Modesto (CA), 3. Detroit, 4. Ft. Myers (FL), and 5. Los Angeles. But what does that have to do with our travel industry and your visitor experience? Absolutely nothing. The two were intermingled by out-of-state writers who flew in to do a hit piece and probably spent all of their time at the bars and blackjack tables.

Obviously, I’m biased but I personally don’t think you can adequately cover Las Vegas from afar. Out-of-state news stories were saying that the Las Vegas strip was deserted. At the same time I’m fighting traffic on The Strip and waiting inálines for the buffet!

There is something about just seeing the Las Vegas Strip on a daily basis. It speaks to you. The waves of visitors walking The Strip create a vibe that literally changes by the week and by the season. For the past three years, that vibe told me that Las Vegas (as a travel industry and destination) was going to be just fine. And yes, we are.

Deal Too Good To Pass Up – $129 for Loews Spa Day: Massage, Pedicure & Cabana at the “new” Loews at Lake Las Vegas. For $129, you get a 50-minute massage, 50-minute pedicure and full-day cabana rental at Spa Moulay. (Not valid for Saturdays or certain holidays). The cabana rental is on the private upper level, loaded with a basket of fruit, FIJI water, couch, flat-screen TV and more. If you’ve priced spa treatments or cabana rental prices on The Strip, you know this is an amazing deal. One actually worth the one-day car rental to take advantage of it! Details at $129 Loews Spa Day: Massage, Pedicure & Cabana

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Spring Wine & Jazz Fest Returns for 2011 – The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino will host its Third Annual Spring Wine & Jazz Fest March 24-27. This four day wine and jazz festival brings together consumers, winemakers and winery owners with poolside receptions, wine tastings, barrel and bottle samplings, cuisine pairings and a live wine auction.

 

Cabo Wabo Introduces Delicious New Menu Items – Tasty New Menu Options Spruce Up the Menu This Spring – Sammy HagarÆs Las Vegas cantina introduces several new items to the already flavorful menu. The updated Cabo Wabo Cantina menu features a combination of coastal Mexican and Tex Mex items.

Celebrate March Birthdays at McFadden’s St. Recovery Day Saturday, March 19 – March Birthdays Drink Free on St. Recovery Day – McFaddenÆs Restaurant and Saloon, located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, will celebrate March birthdays on St. Recovery Day, Saturday, March 19. Party goers will enjoy birthday bash specials and more.

UGG/Swarovski launches exclusive boot for Vegas – With UGG Australia concept store opening last Fall, the store has partnered with Swarovski Crystal to produce a one-of-a-kind classic UGG boots just for the one-of-a-kind Vegas market. It may not be for everyone, but itÆs definitely a must-have for Sin CityÆs flashiest. The limited edition boot costs $800 and can only be purchased at the UGG Australia store at The Forum Shops (3500 Las Vegas Blvd).

Rockhouse heats up the strip with spring-time patio parties – Drink Specials and Bikini Contests Take Over Rockhouse – Be prepared for the ultimate patio parties at Rockhouse this March, taking place Thursdays through Sundays from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. The best parties on The Strip, RockhouseÆs drink specials and bikini contests will keep middays rockinÆ all spring long.

Maverick Indian Territory Helicopter TourMaverick Indian Territory Helicopter Tour û This Grand Canyon landing tour takes you to the West Rim where you will enjoy spectacular views along Eagle Point and receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture.

 

Click To Book Maverick Indian Territory Helicopter Tour Now!

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

  • Bellagio Las Vegas, Hotel Room Video – Bellagio Las Vegas, Room Video of room 21008 with a stunning view over the lake and fountain show. Bellagio continues to hold its own against the elite hotels in Las Vegas.
  • Nikki Cafe Happy Hour at Tropicana Las Vegas – In anticipation of the May opening of Nikki Beach at The Tropicana, Nikki Cafe is open and throwing a locals happy hour 5-8 PM on Thursdays. Don’t worry… they won’t kick you out if you are visiting from elsewhere.
  • X Burlesque University – Not quite your average learning institution, X Burlesque University will teach you how to apply showgirl make-up, learn showgirl choreography, and you’ll even earn a diploma!
  • Rumor Hotel Las Vegas Offers Customers Opportunity to Book Entire Building – The Rumor Boutique Hotel at Harmon and Paradise was designed to invoke memories of Las Vegas, Miami and Los Angeles. ‘Rumor Boutique Hotel is one of the only true boutique hotels in Las Vegas,’ said the Siegel Group Director of Business Affairs Michael Crandall. ‘We wanted to bring something different to Las Vegas, something this city has never seen.’
    Read more… 

     

  • Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat – Living in Las Vegas certainly has many perksà one being the amazing access you get to activities usually planned for vacation trips. One great example that weÆve come across is the Dolphin Habitat at Mirage. Eight magical Atlantic bottlenose dolphins just waiting for you to join them as a ‘trainer for a dayà’ You’ll get to feed the dolphins, learn to train the dolphins, and dine with the dolphins.
  • Featured Cocktail: Summer Kiss at Venus Pool Club – Pool season is literally just around the corner here in Las Vegas. Bartender Michael at the Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace walks us through the making of the pool’s signature cocktail, the Summer Kiss: Belvedere Pink Grapefruit vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

  • Good Place To Go Horseback Riding In Las Vegas? – When you fly in and head straight for The Strip, you forget that Las Vegas sits in the middle of the old wild, wild west. Didn’t think that a 1/2 hour drive from The Strip would take you back in time? Check out this blog post which includes video and see one of my fave spots to get away from it all!
    Old Nevada - Bonnie Springs Ranch

    Bonnie Springs Old Nevada Horseback Ride

  • When Is The Liquor Store At Las Vegas McCarran Airport Supposed To Open? – Yes, the county approved a major liquor store at the baggage area of McCarran Airport. This post has the details!
  • Did All Of The Winter Rain Help Out With Lake MeadÆs Water Levels? – Yes and no. Every drop helps, but we’ll fill you in on why the lake is going to have long-term problems filling back up, and what is being done about it. Especially given that Lake Mead (for now) is the primary source of drinking water for the Las Vegas area. And we’ll tell you why the hotel attractions like the Bellagio Fountains aren’t so wasteful after all.

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 23, 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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! If you are reading this after a weekend visit, we apologize for the weather. Wind, clouds, highs in the 50’s, and a smattering of showers gave us a brief reminder that we are still in the desert and it is still February. This coming week? Much improved with temperatures flirting with 70 degrees for the first week of March!

Touching Down In Vegas – We found this cool photo (representative of the kind of clouds we are dealing with over the weekend) on Flickr:

Las Vegas Strip from the Plane

Congratulations To Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular On 2000 Performances! – After four and a half years of haunting The Venetian, Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular continues to prove it is an audience favorite among locals and tourists alike. After 2,000 performances…

  • “The Phantom,” has spent 2,000 hours in the make-up chair, equating to over 83 days
  • With 11 costume changes a night, “Christine Daae” has had a total of 22,000 costume changes to date
  • More than 7,600 hours have been spent maintaining the other star of the show, the $5-million, one-ton chandelier
  • The crew has executed more than 21,000 elaborate set changes, creating 13 separate locations on stage each night
  • “Christine Daae”áshares two kisses with “The Phantom” and three with the charming “Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny,” amounting to 10,000 kisses since opening night

Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular is a LONG-TIME (and much appreciated) sponsor of this newsletter. Get some tickets for yourself and that special lady for your next Las Vegas visit. You won’t be disappointed. Click To Book Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Tickets Now!

084 freemont street experience las vegas nv

Open air bar, Freemont Street Experience, Las Vegas, NevadaGo Downtown, But… – We love downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience. If you are past your first visit to Las Vegas, we consider going down there for an evening a must-do. Just a quick tip, however: It is kind of dead on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Oh yes, the spectacular free light show happens every hour (on the hour) from dusk to midnight. And yes, the food and drink specials and party atmosphere are still there. But later in the week (and on weekends) you are more likely to enjoy the free entertainment, bands and simply a more festive crowd then you’ll find on the “off” nights of Monday and Tuesday. If staying downtown, use those nights to go to The Strip. Seems like everyone else does.

Betting On The Oscars, Emmys, Grammys – Traditionally, Nevada sports books could only offer wagers on events that had a random outcome and involved some sort of athletic challenge. Regulation changes have paved the way for properties to take bets on events ranging from awards shows to TV contests such as American Idol. To date, the details are getting fine-tuned and no such wagers have been offered. We’ll keep you posted!

The Train To Victorville – One of the high-speed rail options serving Las Vegas still on the table is the Desert Xpress. This option, backed by Nevada Senator Harry Ried (D-NV) and some long-time local power brokers (including prominent Republicans… we are not picking on a particular party here), would result in a new rail line running from Las Vegas to Victorville, CA. No, you don’t need glasses nor did I mis-type. I didn’t say Los Angeles or Orange County or San Diego or even Riverside. They want to build the line to Victorville to supposedly hook up with a “figment of someone’s imagination” (supposedly proposed) high speed rail line that will serve Los Angeles and Sacramento/San Francisco. Via Victorville. Or something like that. The catch? Desert Xpress now wants to borrow upwards of $5 billion from the government (Federal Railroad Administration).

Look… We don’t even have an Interstate Freeway running from Las Vegas to either Phoenix nor Reno. Nor a traditional rail line between either city. And yet these people think that (providing all this gets build out) Southern Californians will hop on one train to Victorville (should it ever be built) or drive to Victorville to then hop a train to Las Vegas? No wonder we have so much political unrest in the United States. Some of these taxpayer-funded ideas are so obviously crazy that you start to wonder about the mental capacity of those proposing them.

Blue Man Group Moving – Lots of talk about the Blue Man Group moving from The Venetian to Monte Carlo. No one can argue about the amazing success of the Las Vegas troupe for this extremely fun and unique show. Launching at The Luxor in 2000, the Blue Men moved to The Venetian in 2005 and at this rate it looks like the show will run here in perpetuity.

When is this big move getting so much news? In about 18 months. What does it mean to their legion of fans who enjoy them time and time again? Simply double-check your ticket confirmation when you purchase come next year so you end up at the correct venue! Blue Man Group is also a much-appreciated long-time sponsor of this newsletter.áClick To Book Blue Man Group Tickets Now!

Not Everybody Is Partying Like It’s 1999 – Home prices in Las Vegas have reverted to 1999 levels. If you bought during the boom, this obviously isn’t funny as you are most likely sitting seriously underwater. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t hold out hope of prices returning to boom levels for a long, long, long time. The real estate frenzy caused homes to be priced way, way above what they were truly worth. This is simply a market correction. Visitor spending and volume is around what it was in the early 2000’s and home prices are similar to that era. On the flip side… Buyers, Start Your Engines. If you are liquid/solvent, this is an amazing time to pick up a piece of Las Vegas.

An AccessVegas.com Meet and Greet? – For years, readers have wondered why we have not done a reader meet-up. Well, I agree. It is about time! No details yet, but we are talking with a hot new venue on The Strip (one comfortable to adults… no clubs) to possibly do a happy hour reader event. We might even “strong-arm” them into tossing in a couple of free drinks for everybody. Stay tuned, hopefully more soon.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Terry Fator Welcomes Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady To His Stage At The Mirage March 4-5 – Unparalleled ventriloquist Terry Fator will welcome special guest Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady to Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert March 4-5 in the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage. Eady will open the show at 7:30 p.m. each night, delivering a fun, entertaining routine that will delight the audiences. Eady, who was first runner-up in the 2011 Miss America Pageant, captured the nation’s attention when she performed the ventriloquist act “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” during the talent round of the competition.

In Celebration Of Eva Longoria’s Birthday, Locals Receive Special Offers In March At Beso Steakhouse – In celebration of her birthday, Eva Longoria will extend a special offer to Las Vegas locals at her celebrated Beso Steakhouse and Eve nightclub, available throughout the month of March. Las Vegas locals that dine at Longoria’s sultry Beso steakhouse will receive twenty percent off their entire bill all-month long in addition to complimentary admission to her opulent nightclub, Eve. For nightlife connoisseurs, local guys will receive a reduced admission for just $10 at Eve, while local ladies enjoy complimentary admission and free champagne nightly until 1 a.m. Residents also will receive preferred reservations and VIP bottle service.

P.J. Clarke’s, New York’s Landmark Saloon And Eatery Brings Its Distinctive East Coast Flair, No Nonsense Food And Friendly Service To Las Vegas – In 1958, the unforgettable Nat King Cole bit into a bacon cheeseburger at the original P.J. Clarke’s in New York and declared it the “Cadillac of Burgers.” Nat’s legacy and the legendary burger lives on and you don’t have to travel to midtown Manhattan to find it. You can now celebrate the Cadillac, and other classic burgers, steaks and landmark American fare, at P.J. Clarke’s newest “neighborhood joint” inside The Forum Shops at Caesars on Level One; next door to Joe’s Stone Crab and adjacent to the distinctive spiraling escalator.

Maverick Indian Territory Helicopter TourMaverick Indian Territory Helicopter Tour û This Grand Canyon landing tour takes you to the West Rim where you will enjoy spectacular views along Eagle Point and receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture.

Click To Book Maverick Indian Territory Helicopter Tour Now!

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

  • Las Vegas Trip Report û Vegas Sign, Good Weather, Smoking In Casinos, Photo Takers, Hotel Ads – Trip to the Vegas sign, question about smoking in casinos, intrusive hotel ads, a good cab report, and more. Make sure to chime in with your own comments below their letter!
  • Want To Go See Pawn Stars Las Vegas Shop û What Should I Do? – Want to visit the infamous Pawn Stars pawn shop in Las Vegas? We give you the inside tips.

    • Iáwrote in July about coming out to Vegas in Sept for my 50th Birthday and was looking for a good place to get Veal. Well your readers came thru for me. We had dinner at Maggiano’s in the Fashion show mall. It was WONDERFUL the Veal Parm was some of the best that I’ve ever had, service was great and the strolling Violin player/ singer who serenaded me to ” Unforgettable” was unbelievable, it topped off an exceptional 50th Birthday to say the least. So much so I will be returning in Feb for my Sisters Birthday.

    Thank you Ted and crew for doing a great job of getting this info out to all that want to have a good time in Vegas and don’t know all the in and outs. I know with out your help we would not have had the time of our lives.

    Peace and Love,

    Pat Williams

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 16, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

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

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Summer was already threatening and the days are getting longer just in time to enjoy it the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, the next ten days may bring some scattered showers and selected days only may reach the 50’s. Punch up zip code 89119 on your favorite weather site or app the day before you leave to make you you are packing accordingly.

Jersey Boys Las Vegas Current Special: $55-off Front Orchestra Seating for 3 PM Sunday Matinees, Use code 55MAT at Jersey Boys Las Vegas Tickets

Bird’s Eye View – You don’t have to be a big casino boss to have this view of the casino floor. The Chicago Brewing Company in the Four Queens downtown sits elevated above the action. They have a nice menu and brew their own suds. It also happens to have the rare distinction of being one of the few places in town with a smoking section where one can light up while waiting for their order or after eating, right at their table. (They also have a non-smoking section, but the main dining area is part of their cigar bar, so keep that in mind).

If You Don’t Like It, You Don’t Have To Fly – We were ranting about the TSA airport screenings a couple of months before they made national news. As the vast majority of our readers fly into Las Vegas, we’ve been very concerned about the needless inconveniences. In many news stories, people said that it was OK to be groped or x-rayed if it kept things safer. Except that it doesn’t.

Don’t take my word for it.áRead this blog by a commercial airline pilot: Security Silliness I honestly (as a nation) don’t understand why we are putting up with this nonsense. The terrorists have won by the very fact that they have causes billions of dollars worth of inconvenience, lost time, and productivity.

Real Estate Predictions – Experts across the board are predicting that Las Vegas real estate prices will decrease yet again this year. This comes as no surprise to our readers as I have noted how the timing of the end of construction projects over the past two years will trigger those unemployed in the trade to be exhausting benefits while unable to find new work over the next 18 months.

No one has a crystal ball, but if you’ve been thinking about buying that retirement home (present or future) or off-strip vacation condo, I’d consider doing it this year. Also for those thinking about buying in this market (either as a primary home or vacation/rental property): Check out the weekly show Getting REAL (Estate) in Vegas every week for invaluable advice about buying a home in Las Vegas (web|rss|itunes)

Enjoy This Issue!


Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Comments about what we cover this issue? Please go to the online version and scroll to the bottom to leave your thoughts. Other questions and comments about Las Vegas? Drop us a line at AllVegasTV@aol.com

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

Miracle Mile Shops Las Vegas Fountain Turns Red For American Heart Month – This February, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino supports the American Heart Association by turning its fountain red in honor of American Heart Month. Miracle Mile Shops’ fountain displays a bold red hue between regularly scheduled water shows. All money tossed into the popular water feature as well as the center’s indoor rainstorm will be donated on behalf of Miracle Mile Shops to the American Heart Association. The fountain will keep its vibrant red glow until the end of the month. Regularly scheduled water shows take place at the top of every hour from noon to 11 p.m. daily. Miracle Mile Shops is open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday û Thursday and 10 a.m. û midnight Friday û Saturday.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Las Vegas Hosts UFC 127 Penn vs. Fitch Viewing Party Sunday, February 27 – Live from Sydney, Australia, Cabo Wabo Cantina will host the UFC 127 viewing party on Sunday, February 27. The highly anticipated Welterweight bout features American fighters Jon Fitch and BJ Penn, former Lightweight Champion. Admission is $20 and includes access inside Cabo Wabo’s viewing party where UFC enthusiasts can catch the Welterweight bout, as well as the Middleweight bout between Bisping and Rivera and all other main card fights. Shown on multiple high-definition television screens throughout the restaurant and bar, guests can watch the fights from the best seats on the Strip while enjoying killer margaritas and tasty Mexican fare.

Bingo Is Back At Binion’s With The Biggest Jackpot In Downtown Las Vegas – Binion’s Gambling Hall has brought bingo back to the iconic Las Vegas property û and in a big way. Binion’s Bingo Hall, a brand new room that opens to the public at 11 a.m. on February 1, offers players six daily sessions and features downtown Vegas’ largest jackpot: the $50,000 Super Triple Multi-Win. There are 13 games in each daily session. Sessions begin at 11 a.m. and run every two hours, with the last session starting at 9 p.m. The $50,000 Super Triple Multi-Win is available in the seventh game of each session. But that’s not the only chance for players to score big money.

Warm-Up For The Big Day With A Mini St. Patrick’s Day Party At McFadden’s Feb. 17, 2011 – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino loves an excuse to have an Irish celebration. Thursday, February 17, McFadden’s Beerfest: College Night presents Mini St. Patrick’s Day with outstanding drink specials, beer pong and much more.

Tacos & Tequila Kicks Off Spring Break Fever At Luxor – Go Loco For Daily Specials And Spring Fever Wednesdays – Spring Break Fever at Tacos & Tequila (T&T) is back. Kicking off Monday, February 21, through Sunday, April 3, Tacos & Tequila will host Vegas’ wildest spring fiesta with Spring Fever Wednesdays and a spicy lineup of food and drink specials. Spring Break revelers can indulge their appetites and quench their thirsts with T&T’s Spring Fever menu available every day, all season long from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy six specialty tacos and six little neck bottles of Sol Mexican beers for just $29, $8 taquitos, $8 chicken quesadillas and one-half-pound of zesty habanero hot wings for $10, along with $5 house made casaritas and $5 bottles of Dos Equis.

Rockhouse Gets Patriotic For Presidents Day – We’re Gonna Party Like Its 1789 With Drink Specials – Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub will celebrate George Washington’s birthday with a Presidents Day weekend party Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21. In honor the our founding fathers, Rockhouse get into its patriotic spirit with $3 Bud Light Golden Wheat drafts and $5 Washington Red Apple shots all weekend long. Rockhouse will also host a $500 Red, White & Blue Beer Pong tournament on Sunday, February 20 at 6 p.m. Beer pong teams of two can register for $30 at Rockhouse beginning Friday at 10 a.m., or by calling 702.731.9683.

The Venetian And The Palazzo Kick Off Chinese New Year With Dragon Dance

The Venetian and The Palazzo kicked off the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit with an authentic dragon dance complete with firecrackers and eye painting ceremony today.

Symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, the dragon dance is an important ritual of Chinese culture. The Chinese consider dragons to be friendly and helpful creatures associated with strength, good fortune, wisdom and longevity. Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak / Images of Vegas

Exotic Car Driving Experience Power PackageExotic Car Driving Experience Power Package û Visit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and select your favorite exotic car and speed around the race track for 5 laps of adrenaline-pumping fun. Select from a Lamborghini, Audi, Aston Martin or Porsche, not only will you drive one of these supercars, you’ll get to race one!

Click To Book Exotic Car Driving Experience Power Package Now!

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

  • Home Movie Footage Of Las Vegas In The 70’s – Featuring Caesars Palace, Holiday Casino (Harrah’s), The Frontier, Flamingo Las Vegas construction, Silver City, Stardust, Aladdin, Jocky Club, McCarran Airport, more.
  • Wynn Best Resort Room Secret – Find out which rooms to ask for that essentially nets you a free ‘upgrade’ on the ‘basic’ resort rooms at Wynn Las Vegas plus a nice look at the room.
  • A Few Words With Chumlee From “Pawn Stars” in Las Vegas – Austin ‘Chumlee’ Russell, of ‘Pawn Stars,’ the hit reality History Channel show, is a fan favorite. We bumped into him at Vanguard Lounge in downtown Las Vegas. He was signing copies of Vegas Seven magazine (he was on the cover) for fans. Nice guy, and enjoying the ride of being an overnight TV sensation.
  • The Spa at Trump – The Spa at Trump is perfectly positioned for locals looking to get away for a daycation. And get this, they offer 25% off treatments Sunday through Friday…It might be just what the doctor ordered. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the spa…in a way only Trump can deliver.
  • Fans Pack The Thomas and Mack For The 2011 Lingerie Bowl – Lingerie Bowl championship was played in Las Vegas during halftime of the Superbowl. Las Vegas gets a team this coming year.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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

  • 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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 2, 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.

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

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We’re recovering from a short but nasty cold snap. Certainly not as bad as most of the US, but mid-week this past week temps got down to freezing at night for two straight nights and highs didn’t get out of the 40’s F. Good news? Super Sunday is scheduled to be 68 and sunny!

Jersey Boys LV Special: With football season ending, take the missus to see a show on Sundays during your stay! $55-off Front Orchestra Seating for 3 PM Sunday Matinees, Use code 55MAT http://tinyurl.com/49w8pao

Playing Hooky – I was supposed to do Newkirk’s Notes Thursday evening. But hey… it is Superbowl Weekend, I’ve been working pretty hard, and I needed to just get out and blow off some steam! The nice thing about living here (especially since I choose to live so close to The Strip) is that you can work hard and have your normal life. But… when you need a “Vegas Vacation” you only need to drive a few minutes and get the fun started!

First it was up to the new Air Bar in Stratosphere Tower. They yanked out the old Starbucks and put in a pretty nice lounge! Crowds were thin on this Thursday night at around 10 PM and maybe for good reason: 

Riding to the top of the tower has been proclaimed free for locals Sunday – Thursday but when I inquired at the ticketing window, I was told that I would have to buy a ticket. Even with my Nevada ID. They mentioned that if I bought the “all you can drink” $25 margarita that admission would be waved. but that offer only runs 7 – 10 PM, further adding to the confusion.

Air Bar Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas

I went ahead and paid and went up (company can write it off) but don’t suggest that locals try this until we get some definitive answers, which we are requesting next week. I hate to suggest something only to find out we had bad info.

Shrimp Cocktail

The view up there never fails to excite me, despite countless trips to the top. A few years ago, I rode the Big-Shot — the needle-looking ride at the very top — 10 times in a row! If you are a visitor and are going to have to pay the $12 to ride to the top, I still suggest doing it. Get there about an hour before sunset, as no words can describe watching The Strip light up. Have a drink at Air Bar and enjoy the show. Not shown in the photos are the seating right along the glass looking out over all the Las Vegas Strip. Note: Above shot is looking towards the airport as I prefer watching the planes float into the sky.

Next was the quick hop over to Palace Station. I got a ride from Strat to Palace Station and was going to cab it home later that night so I could indulge. Hence, wanted to keep things close to my neighborhood. I also wanted to try Palace’s new $2.99 shrimp cocktail. Which I did after a little video poker:

Shrimp Cocktail

After a nice win at video poker (look at my straight flush!), it was over to the Grande Luxe Cafe for the shrimp cocktail. Ladies and Gentleman, this is a serious deal. Ask yourself how much you are going to pay for this thing where you live! I’m still partial to the $1.99 version at the Golden Gate downtown for sentimental reasons. But I’ll surely be enjoying plenty more of these at Palace in the future.

Shrimp Cocktail

Done with that, I wanted to play some craps. I’m a low-limit guy. You can’t go nuts gambling when you live here. (Actually, we don’t suggest that anyone wager outside their limits even on vacation). A table was hot, I was able to grab the last spot, and tossed $100 down. The shooter held the dice for another 40 minutes. I’m not kidding.

Even betting conservatively ($5 pass line and 2-3 come $5 bets doing 3x odds), I ended up with a profit of $532 when all was said and done as the dice stayed hot for three more shooters. Pretty much everyone else at the table was betting a lot more than me, and made thousands. Many thousands per person.

Shrimp Cocktail

The hour was late, I was beat, and I had nearly $600 more in my pocket then I left the house with. I cabbed it home, had a late snack, and crashed all comfy in my own bed. Paul Stanley of KISS once sang “You gotta live like you’re on vacation”. I agree.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Delta Air Lines

Valentine’s Day Offerings At The Venetian And The Palazzo – With over 30 world-class restaurants, the largest spa in Americas and romantic entertainment to set the moodàwhat better place than The Venetian and The Palazzo to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart? Below are Valentine’s Day offerings at both properties.

Photo: Robyn Andrzejczak, ImagesofVegas.com

Miracle Mile Shops Heats Up With The Hottest Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas – This Valentine’s Day, skip the box of chocolates and roses and impress your significant other with unique and exclusive gift items from Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Put a twist on a traditional gift, and impress that special someone with one-of-a-kind jewelry from Miracle Mile Shops. Club Tattoo, Lucky Brand Jeans, White House | Black Market and Indian River Gallery feature elegant, eclectic and unique jewelry designed to win someone’s heart.

safe harbor seafood las vegasN9NE Steakhouse And Nove Italiano Inside Palms Casino Resort Adopt Safe Harbor Certification Program – N9NE Steakhouse and Nove Italiano located inside Palms Casino Resort are the first to implement the Safe Harbor Certification program, to ensure their guests are served the safest and highest quality seafood available in Las Vegas. To commemorate their participation in the program, Executive Chef Barry S. Dakake and N9NE Steakhouse hosted the Safe Harbor showcase event to the Food and Beverage industry on January 17 with well over 30 Las Vegas restaurants and casinos, including N9NE Steakhouse and Nove Italiano, in attendance. Currently, there are more than 30 restaurants implementing the Safe Harbor program in Las Vegas.

Sexy New DJs Hit The Turn Tables At Luxor’s Tacos and Tequila In Las Vegas – Tacos and Tequila (TandT) has switched up its nightly entertainment lineup with two sexy new DJs spinning Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights at Luxor. DJ Mika Gold and DJ Soxxi will bring a feminine edge to the high-energy Mexican restaurant and tequila bar with flawless talents, impeccable track selection and precise mixes.

MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris Dancers And Special Guest Star, Claire Sinclair, Featured In Upcoming Episode of E!’s Holly’s World – MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris featured guest, Claire Sinclair, Miss October 2010 Playboy Playmate, will seduce viewers with her artistic performances in Season 2 of E!’s Holly’s World February 13, 2011. Recently, the gorgeous Sinclair debuted her captivating moves alongside the renowned Crazy Horse Paris dancers at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The young fresh face of “Bettie Page” charmed audiences along with Playboy special guests such as Hugh Hefner and fiancÚe Crystal Harris, sons Marston Hefner and Cooper Hefner and of course Holly Madison and her Holly’s World co-stars Josh Strickland, Angel Porrino, and Laura Croft.

Wind Dancer Grand Canyon Sunset Landing TourWind Dancer Grand Canyon Sunset Landing Tour û Enjoy an extended landing time in Hualapai Indian Territory. Champagne, beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Adventure concludes with a sunset flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip.

Click To Book
Wind Dancer Grand Canyon
Sunset Landing Tour Now!

Winning In Las Vegas With Victor H. RoyerVictor H. Royer Interview: The Truth About Casinos and Las Vegas – Part I û Chances are, if you visited a Las Vegas casino during the ôgraveyardö, or late-night shift, you might catch a glimpse of Victor H. Royer. A prolific author of 22 gambling books and an impressive card-counter, Royer is an all-round expert on everything casino related. However, whilst you might have heard of publicity-fond players such as Semyon Dukach and Mike Aponte, when wagering Royer carefully shrouds his identity in order to keep playing and writing about casinos. We spoke to Royer about how he began his career in gambling, his ability to card-count and how heÆs used it to his advantage (both as a player and as a consultant to Vegas casinos), online gaming and the truth about Las Vegas.

Click To Read The Truth About
Casinos and Las Vegas

Las Vegas Show Review

Frank Caliendo: Topical, Political and Pop Impressionist Master

Only in Las Vegas might one find a gathering of politicians, celebrities, icons and even puppets together on one stageàin this case, all these personalities are voiced by a lone performer. Popular comedian and “MadTV” alum Frank Caliendo headlines at the Monte Carlo, presenting his much celebrated and beloved impressions of stars and celebs including John Madden, Dr. Phil, George W. Bush and Al Pacino. Boasting some of the StripÆs most comfortable accommodations, including legroom aplenty, the former Lance Burton Theatre.

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

  • When Will Las Vegas Casinos Get Back To Customer Service and Decent Slots? – When are the casinoÆs going to realize that the main reason that most people come to Vegas is to play the slots? When they keep returning less and less it becomes no fun any more. When it becomes no fun people eventually quit playing. When they remove all hope of that winning streak that used to happen one time in ten, people will quit playing.
  • Enjoyed Las Vegas LocalÆs Casinos û Which One To Stay? – I emailed you recently looking for advice on visiting off strip casinos. So for the first time in ten visits, we rented a car and looked into your suggestions on casinos. We visited several from your list like SamÆs Club and The Orleans. We really liked the off strip casinos and want to thank you for your suggestions.

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

  • 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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 26, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Sunny, sunny, unseasonably warm, upper 60’s F for the past week… you shouldn’t know that it was snowing somewhere. Every fall, I remind people to book a winter vacation here because about the time you are fed up with the cold, we’re breaking the bonds of our very short winter season. This fall when everyone is thinking “holidays” you need to be thinking “book late January trip to Las Vegas”.

Don’t take my word for it! Look at what Rhumbar (Mirage) looked like the past two NFL Playoff Sundays:

Rhumbar

Live From Las Vegas – This past Wednesday night, we enjoyed a first-hand look at a live taping of Vegas Video Network’s Pub Crawl program. Hosted by David and Alicia Ivy, it is an excellent show, tons of fun, this week had great reports on Todd English P.U.B. (CityCenter), “Secret” pizza place at Cosmo, Joe’s Stone Crab and lots more.

Most fun if you watch weekly live at 8 PM Pacific on Wednesday nights: http://www.vegasvideonetwork.com/live (make sure to get into the chat, I often do) but fortunately the shows are also archivedáat http://www.vegasvideonetwork.com/our-shows… and also available via RSS and iTunes. Check it out!

Vega$ Available On DVD – Some of may remember the late 1970’s TV series Vega$ which was both set here and shot here. Season 2 has now been released on DVD (Netflix has it). If you are a regular visitor, this is worth watching just to see what The Strip and downtown looked like and how much has changed!

Stop In For A Grand Slam – If you are a Californian headed out of town, barely got out of your room in time, on the road, hung over, and hungry (that’s never happened in Vegas before)… The new Denny’s at Primm is offering a $3.99 Grand Slam (includes two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two eggs, and two sausage links) through the end of March 2011. Also something to keep in mind if you are taking the Primm Outlet Mall Shuttle to go hit the deals for a few hours. Primm’s hotel, resort, and the mall are all part of the same complex.

Bringing Your Baby To Las Vegas – Maybe it is just me, but over the past year I’ve noticed more and more pregnant women in Las Vegas. Not an inordinate number, but I’m seeing it. In particular, I’m seeing their significant other taking photos of them proudly displaying their baby bump next to oft-photographed locations around The Strip.

Actually, I can’t fault this idea. Once you have Junior, a trip to Vegas is probably going to be out of the question for a while. And with Las Vegas as a popular city to celebrate a 21’s birthday, a child can look at the photos for a look-back at their very “first” trip to Vegas!

One More Week – Victor Royer’s gaming column resumes in one more week. We have them in hand, but not yet prepped. Our bad.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Las Vegas Show Review

B û BeatleShow Tribute:
Love Letter To The Music, Performers, and Legacy

There are few places (outside of the UK) that celebrate and have as much history with the Beatles as Las Vegas does. From some of the original hotels the Fab Four stayed in to lavish spectacles that celebrate their music, one may assume that ôBeatlemaniaö can be best covered by only one show. ThatÆs where fans of John, Paul, George and Ringo can learn that there is a lot of Beatles love to go around.

Disney’s The Lion King And Mandalay Bay Deliver New Deal 2 Good 2 Be True – 2/2 package includes 2 tickets to THE LION KING and 2-nights stay at Mandalay Bay for only $200! Disney’s THE LION KING and Mandalay Bay invite guests to enjoy the best new deal on The Strip now through February 28, 2011. The world’s No. 1 musical and Las Vegas’ premier four-star resort join forces to create this amazing 2/2 offer û 2 tickets to THE LION KING and 2-nights stay at Mandalay Bay for only $200.

Hopping Into The Year Of The Rabbit, Colorful Dragons, Lions, Rabbits To Fill The Forum Shops At Caesars This February To Celebrate Chinese New Year – To celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the year of the Rabbit, The Meadows School will perform the traditional dragon parade throughout The Forum Shops at Caesars. The cast of singers and dancers includes 120 Meadows students û 60 from kindergarten and 60 from fifth grade plus the school’s very special guests, founder Carolyn Goodman and her husband Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Tickets For 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament At Shadow Creek In Las Vegas Now On Sale – Tournament Offers Public First-Time Access To Exclusive Golf Course – Tickets for the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino at Shadow Creek, are now on sale. The premier celebrity golf event will make its Las Vegas debut March 31 û April 3, giving fans the opportunity to watch four days of competition with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. This also marks the first time that Shadow Creek û one of the country’s most celebrated golf courses û will open its doors to the public.

Rita Rudner Welcomed To Her New Home At The Venetian In Fabulous Style – Rita Rudner was welcomed to her new home as the newest headliner at The Venetian in grandiose style today, complete with a red carpet arrival covered with pink rose petals. Wearing a red Valentino dress and pink and purple fur coat, Rita emerged from her limo to a delightful scene of singing gondoliers, Streetmosphere performers and cheering onlookers. Rita jumped on the bell cart with her bags in tow and was wheeled onto the red carpet and into the lobby for more surprises. Photo Credit: imagesofvegas.com/ISPhotography

Simon At Palms Place Mixes And Mingles With The Ultimate Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration: The Simon Singles Soiree – Forget the disenchanted dinners, phony cards, ugly roses and candyà For this Valentine’s Day, you don’t need Cupid to have a great time. Simon at Palms Place is throwing the ultimate unconventional Valentine’s Day party, its Singles Soiree. The Soiree is for the unattached to defy the holiday’s typical traditions by being social with great food, delicious drinks, and friendly activities such as combating a heart-shaped pi±ata. You never know who you will meet. . .Prizes will be given away throughout the event including gift cards to Sunset Tan, Drift Spa & Hammam and Palms Casino Resort.

Celebrate Chinese New Year At Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Dramatic Display Welcomes Year Of The Rabbit Now Through March 5 – Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens invites guests to celebrate Chinese New Year û Year of the Rabbit, with a unique display replete with symbolic meaning and tradition. A serene sanctuary guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui û the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy û is on display now through March 5. The majestic centerpiece of this exhibit is a 35-foot Chinese Junk Boat with a 38-foot mast inspired by traditional 15th century fishing vessels. Making its debut at the Conservatory, the boat was created using teak, mahogany and cedar by Daniels Wood Land, Inc. û which is best known for building full-scale replicas of The Black Pearl for Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie franchise.

The 2011 Miss America Pageant From Las Vegas Increases Ratings By 49% On ABC! – The Miss America Organization announced today that the 2011 Miss America Pageant, which aired from 9 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, drew ABC’s biggest non-sports audience in the time slot since April 2009 and easily placed second to Fox for the night. The announcement of the 90th Anniversary Miss America, Teresa Scanlan, a 17-year-old from Nebraska and one of the youngest winners in the history of Miss America, kept ratings growing through the night despite the gridiron competition of two NFL Divisional Playoff games.

The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas Celebrate Chinese New Year 2011 -Festive decor and traditional dragon dance honors Year of the Rabbit – The Venetian and The Palazzo will ring in the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit with an authentic dragon dance with firecrackers and festive decorations featuring a 16-foot, 1,000-pound animated rabbit in the atrium gardens of The Shoppes at The Palazzo with handcrafted silk hanging lanterns and orange trees representing good luck and fortune.

Death Valley Explorer Tour by Tour Trekker TourDeath Valley Explorer Tour by Tour Trekker Tour û Experience the beauty of the largest national park in the contiguous United States – Death Valley. Highlights include Mercury, former home of atomic weapons testing, and venture into the fascinating ghost town of Rhyolite, home to rustic ruins from the past as well as the Goldwell Open Air Museum.

Click To Book Death Valley Explorer Tour
by Tour Trekker Tour Now!

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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

  • 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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 19, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We’re back after an unusual two-week break. We needed time to recover from our New Year’s Eve hangover, recover from watching my Oregon Ducks lose the BCS game on a fluke play and last second field-goal, organize a number of newsletter and site improvements which we’ll be implementing over the next few weeks.

Hopefully, we’ve escaped the grips of winter here finally. Temps are flirting with 70 F all week, and Martin Luther King Day (last Monday) we hit a record high of 74F. It was really nice to spend Sunday afternoon sitting outside in back of the house enjoying some sunshine and NFL football on TV.

Speaking Of NFL Football (as to not confuse our 25% international readership with your football), casinos and bars have already been releasing their Superbowl party plans. Of course, they have to call it the Big Game (or something similar) as the NFL really doesn’t like Las Vegas (long story) and will most likely sue any venue using the trademarked name of the event to promote a party. You can go check out Las Vegas Superbowl Parties and Events 2011 if you are thinking about being here for the “Big Game”. Unless you have a ticket, being here is more fun than being in the host city!

New Year’s Eve In Vegas! – Since this is our first newsletter of the New Year, longtime readers know what to expect: 1. I’m going to tell you how great the fireworks were and how much more exciting our party is than some 60 second ball drop, 2. Tell you that it was warmer here than New York (oooops on that one… for the first time in my memory, we were colder), and 3. Lament that the only reason the U.S. doesn’t see us as the New Year’s Eve Capital is because midnight Eastern time is only 9 PM Las Vegas time.

Now… we did post a link last issue where you could watch the entire 2.5 hour live/local streaming show covering everything: The Strip, Downtown, the crazies, the clubs, the fireworks, you name it. If you tuned in and caught the stream, then you KNOW how amazing it is here compared to other celebrations around the country. If you forgot to tune in (or fell asleep watching that boring ball drop on national TV), we’ll do a re-run for you. We don’t have permission to post the entire show, but we did find KLAS-TV’s complete fireworks coverage (click to view):

Las Vegas New YearÆs Eve Fireworks Video
2010 – Ringing In 2011

What We’re Watching – We debut a new section this week called What We’re Watching. When we started this newsletter in 1999, streaming video wasn’t a factor and most people still had dial-up connections. Times have changed, and so have we!

The mission of this newsletter is to sift through huge piles of Las Vegas information (so that you don’t have to) and only present the best for you. We’ll now be doing this with video. Hate to click on a YouTube video that looks interesting only to find out you wasted your time? That won’t happen when you enjoy videos we select to pass along.

Welcome New Readers! – Since we took a two week break from publication, almost 600 of you have subscribed and are completely new to our newsletter. We’re happy to have you on board! This isn’t quite a normal issue as we’re doing a lot of “housekeeping”ábut stay subscribed and next week you’ll get a true taste of what being and AccessVegas.com newsletter member (subscriber) is all about!

Also returning Next Week: Victor H. Royer’s gaming column (a big reader fave) and fresh, weekly show reviews.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Comedian Tim Allen Makes His Return To Standup At The Venetian Las Vegas In 2011 – After giving fans a taste in 2010, Golden Globe Award-winning actor and comedian Tim Allen returns to stand up in a big way in 2011 with a ten-weekend Las Vegas residency in the 742-seat Venetian Showroom. “We’re thrilled that Tim Allen has chosen The Venetian as his Las Vegas home,” said Chris Yancey, executive director of entertainment at The Venetian and The Palazzo. “Tim’s legion of ‘Home Improvement’ fans will now get the chance to see him do what he does best.”

Forum Shops Las Vegas Fabulous Fashion Briefs And Forum Firsts For 2011 – WHAT A YEAR 2010 WAS: As we set our sights on soaring to new heights in the New Year, a quick look back on what made 2010 such a great year at The Forum Shops at Caesars. This past year, The Forum Shops continued its winning streak as the premier retail, dining and entertainment destination with the addition of a variety of new retailers and restaurants including the largest H&M in the U.S., Las Vegas’ first P.J. Clarke’s and Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man. In addition, due to increasing sales and demand, a number of world-renowned retailers such as Burberry, Cartier, St. John, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci and Versace expanded or renovated their stores.

Golden Nugget Las Vegas Receives New Year’s Wish From Outer Space – Owner of the Golden Nugget, Tilman Fertitta, received a special call from friend and fellow Houstonian, Scott J. Kelly, commander of the International Space Station, Expedition 26, late last night. Kelly, who was at the time traveling 17,000 mph over Hawaii, wished everyone in the Golden Nugget’s Rush Lounge a Happy New Year over speakerphone during Frankie Moreno’s set. Photo of Las Vegas sent from space by Scott J. Kelly.

Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend At The Suncoast Showroom With The Scintas, February 11-13 – Popular Las Vegas entertainment family, The Scintas, return to the Suncoast Showroom Valentine’s weekend, February 11, 12 and 13, each evening at 7:30 p.m. The Scintas, Buffalo, New York-raised brothers Joey and Frankie, sister Chrissi and “Irish Scinta” Peter O’Donnell, entertain, surprise and provide an anything-but-typical performance filled with music, comedy and impersonations.

X107.5 Presents ‘Wing Off Wednesdays’ AT McFadden’s – McFadden’s Hosts Qualifying Rounds For The 2011 Wing Bowl Starting This January – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino and X107.5 presents “Wing Off Wednesdays” every Wednesday night starting January 12. The weekly competition hosted by Dave and Mahoney will give wing fanatics a chance to qualify in the second annual Wing Bowl Las Vegas and scarf down as many tasty tender wings as possible. McFadden’s will serve pounds of the best chicken wings in town to confident contestants looking for a chance to enter the second annual Wing Bowl Las Vegas. The top two wing eaters of each of the four nightly heats will earn a spot in the final Wing Bowl event on February 5 at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa and a chance at the $2,500 grand prize.

Starlet Angel Porrino Returns To Peepshow At Planet Hollywood Las Vegas – PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ hottest show and only striptease spectacular is pleased to announce Angel Porrino, Las Vegas local and co-star on the new hit TV series, “Holly’s World” on E!, has signed on to take over the role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who discovers her sexuality, during Holly Madison’s hard-earned vacation dates throughout 2011. Porrino will once again perform alongside a sizzling ensemble of sexy PEEPSHOW GIRLS.

Las Vegas Double-Decker Bus of the Stars TourLas Vegas Double-Decker Bus of the Stars Tour û This one-of-a-kind tour takes place on an original London double-decker bus where you’ll enjoy a performance a by celebrity impersonator. You’ll have the opportunity to interact, take photos and ride along with the celebrities, while enjoying the world-famous sights of the Las Vegas Strip.

Click To Book Las Vegas Double-Decker
Bus of the Stars Tour Now!

What We’re Watching

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Change is in the air (and I’m not talking about politics). After much reader suggestions/feedback and in-house discussion, we are making permanent changes to this section:

  • Many readers have expressed how difficult it is to search through old segments or find a post that interested them some time ago. Including the entire posts as part of this newsletter makes it impossible to do a specific search on them. If you search the newsletter archives, you’ll get anything ever included in the newsletter. Not specifically past reader comments and reports you may be looking for.
  • Because the posts are inserted in the body of theánewsletter, web search engines don’t do a good job of indexing the information. This inhibits the rest of the internet from finding and enjoying the specific posts.The more people that find our information, the moreásubscribe. The more subscribers, the better our financial picture is (we are more attractive to advertisers) and the better job we can do bringing you information (which takes time which takes money). Especially since no one else essentially does this kind of Las Vegas newsletter, especially complimentary.
  • We often get great responses to posts in this section. Other readers chiming in. Which is great… for me. But of absolutely no help to you as readers never see the comments.

Hence…

The posts are going to go online. We’ll provide a link and a summary. In addition, we are going to (over the next few months) move every Members Mania post dating back to the beginning of the newsletter online. This will allow you to easily search for advise pertaining to what you want. Looking for comments on a certain hotel, buffet, or show? It will be tagged for easy search.

Note: We will still post short notes directly in the newsletter.

Placing them online will allow other readers to add their own comments, which helps everybody! Even though we live here and are on The Strip and downtown often, we can’t possibly do and see it all. Your comments are important and helpful!

Now… We’ve had some people complain that they will have to (gasp) actually CLICK to read the posts, and they don’t like that. We gave that quite a bit of thought and um… That is kind of the way this computer/internet thingy works. You click to open a program. Click to open an email. In our news section, you need to click if you want to read the details of a story. In the More section, you need to click to read a story. We also hope that you click to patronize our advertisers when you are making your Vegas plans.

If you get bored of us, you need to click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the newsletter. Lots of mouse clicking needed to use this internet stuff. We also figured that people who find clicking to read a post too much work will probably not unsubscribe as clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the newsletter would also be too much work.

Finally, we’ll start to be able to publish quite a bit more informationáas soon as we get underway with this new system. In the past, many great emails from readers simply never got published. Now, we can use them and you can benefit!

  • Riviera Las Vegas û Access Vegas Readers Love It! – Three different readers wrote with very nice things to say about staying at The Riviera (and tips to stay in the good rooms). If you’re thinking about staying at The Riv, wanting to stay in a hotel that feels more “old school” Las Vegas, or have stayed and want to comment, this is for you.
  • When Is Las Vegas Spring Break In 2011? Want To Avoid The Crowdsà – Ah, Spring Break and March Madness and cabin fever setting in make springtime in Las Vegas the most popular time of the year to visit. If you want to make sure a spring vacation is enjoyable, you’ll want to click and read this one.

Greetings from the cold,snowy state of Maine! We just visited Vegas over Christmas. We arrived near the end of the RAINS!!! Imagine our surprise when we were greeted by hundreds of UMBRELLAS!! The sidewalks and casinos were full of people from many nationalities!! Many had children ,and grandparents as well!!

I attended the Nutcracker Ballet, EXCELLENT! The costumes were Beautiful and the dancers were Extraordinary!!! The only question I have is, Why the recorded music? In Maine we have a Live orchestra.

We always stay at Bally’s. The rooms are nice and you can’t beat the the location! many thanks for the GOOD time and enjoyable newsletter.Las Vegas we love you. We have visited at least a dozen times. The Cosmapolitan is Wonderful!!!

D. Cook

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

  • 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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 29, 2010

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We usually don’t publish the week prior to New Year’s Eve, but we have some important notes for those arriving for the festivities (and for those who want to watch it streaming live at home):

Streaming At Home: Kudos to KLAS Channel 8 as they will once again be streaming our New Year’s Eve celebration live to the world! Their program kicks off at 10 PM Pacific time and will continue until after the midnight fireworks show. Tune in Friday evening 1 AM Eastern, 10 PM Hawaiian (everyone else, do the math) over at http://www.8newsnow.com

Note: The following section is just for locals or those who will actually be in town. If that isn’t you, skip/scroll down to our usual sections.

Oh So Bitterly, Crazy Cold – No, I’m not talking about the Eastern U.S. (although I hope you are all doing well digging out). The problem is that this might be the coldest New Years Eve since I’ve moved here nearly 18 years ago, with temps barely above freezing at midnight. (Normally, it is in the low-40’s F as we shoot off the fireworks).

See preview news video from Channel 3áat Freezing Temps WonÆt Stop 300,000 For Las Vegas New YearÆs Eve

I posted Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks Info and Insider Party Tips a couple of weeks ago and now need to amend it:

  1. If you are from cold climates and freezing weather does not bother you (or if you are young and will be drunk and won’t be feeling it and have a warm hotel room you can get back to in short order), then simply enjoy yourself! Fortunately, the mass of bodies will make things feel not quite as cold as they really are.
  2. If staying at a Strip hotel, stay inside until about 11:30 PM. Warning: The center of The Strip gets ultra jammed and you might not even barely get out of your hotel. If center-strip, you may have to get outside much earlier. If north of TI or south of CityCenter, crowds will be far less and you can head out with 30 minutes to go with little problem.
  3. If you are a local or staying off-strip, this is the year you might wish to skip getting in the middle of it all because of the weather:
    • You’ll need to park by 6 PM, and probably some distance from The Strip. It isn’t just the time out (even if you spend the first few hours inside a hotel or bar). It is the very freezing return walk to your vehicle.
    • I’d attempt to park at Sahara or Hilton (keep in mind that as the evening wears on, they may restrict their parking to hotel guests) and use the monorail to get to The Strip. No, not the center of The Strip. Ride it all the way down to MGM where the crowds will be lightest outside. You can always work your way north on the closed Strip (Sahara to Russell stretch set to close at 6:30 PM). Then monorail it back once you are done partying, keeping in mind it stops running at 3 AM.
    • Drive down to a good viewing point away from the traffic and street closures, park your car, watch the show, drive back home. The industrial area behind CityCenter (Google Maps Link) has a great view in a number of areas. Many of the streets have no parking signs but it isn’t like you are leaving your car. Trust me, Metro (police) will have better things to be doing at midnight then giving out parking tickets or towing cars, especially with you standing next to it.
    • Skip the fireworks this year and go downtown, where is is much easier to duck inside a casino and warm up and the layout of downtown (combined with the throngs of people) will keep things a bit warmer. Tickets are $20, which keeps out the riff-raff and can be purchased at https://shop.prestigeticketing.com/goldennugget… The event starts at 6 PM and I’d get down there early and make it a night. No shortage of good food and entertainment to keep you plenty busy through midnight.

      Downtown Parking suggestions: Plaza has a huge surface lot with the entrance just a block south of Fremont Street. One block north of Fremont, Binion’s has a 7 story garage that always has room at the top, even during busy times. Note: You’ll probably encounter a modest fee to park for more than 4 hours. Just pay it and be happy you are parked and ready to have fun! Or cab it down and back (which is what we may just end up doing).

Enjoy This Issue!

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

The Sporting House At New York, New York Las Vegas Introduces New Happy Hour And Updated Weekly Promotions – The Sporting House Bar & Grill inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino is giving fans a reason to celebrate with a twice daily happy hour every Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. In time for the NCAA Football bowl season, fans can enjoy $4 domestic drafts, $5 premium drafts and $4 house cocktails throughout happy hour.

Hopping Into The Year Of The Rabbit, Colorful Dragons, Lions, Rabbits To Fill The Forum Shops At Caesars This February To Celebrate Chinese New Year – To celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the year of the Rabbit, The Meadows School will perform the traditional dragon parade throughout The Forum Shops at Caesars. The cast of singers and dancers includes 120 Meadows students û 60 from kindergarten and 60 from fifth grade plus the school’s very special guests, founder Carolyn Goodman and her husband Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Host One-Night Performance Of Tuaca Body Art Ball – Serving as the kick off to their national tour Tuaca Liqueur will bring their eye-catching Body Art Ball to the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino on January 5, 2011. A perfect blend of body art, drama and personality, this bold take on pop culture is a choreographed stage show featuring painted performers illustrating the transformation of the human body into a canvas.

Dream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon TourDream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon Tour û Your journey begins with a flight out of Las Vegas to Hidden Valley to see the arches. Continue your journey to the Valley of Fire, were you will see red rock formations and some of the most remote, desolate, and fascinating desert landscape. After you fly through the Valley of Fire your journey will take you to the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the sunset as you finish your journey over the Las Vegas Strip as the lights turn on.

Click To Book Dream Catcher
Sunset Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Members Mania (Readers Comments and Questions) is on hiatus until the first of the year. WeÆll be bringing it back in a new, expanded format! In the meantime, we continue to welcome comments and questions to the email and phone line listed below.

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

  • 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 December 22, 2010

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Most of you are receiving this over on Christmas Eve or over the Christmas weekend, and I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. We’ve been on the job and have all the latest news and Las Vegas information — plus a BIG jackpot winner — to tell you about.

All Fogged In – We had a full week of clouds and rain. I mean nearly constant rain and drizzle with complete cloud cover. If you were visiting, take solace in the fact that you saw a rare sight here in Las Vegas during some of the extremely low clouds: The towers of the Las Vegas Strip vanishing up into the clouds!

News Editor Rick Ziegler and I were headed east on Sahara just past Valley View a few nights ago, and he says to me: Where is the Stratosphere? Usually it towers over that area. After looking really hard, we could barely see the bottom of the tower column as it vanished into the clouds. A couple more blocks and we looked over to see the Encore tower similarly shrouded, with the top few floors totally engulfed in the fog. Pretty cool (and extremely rare) to see!

Don Reynolds, Dorothy Reynolds (winner), Jill Crosswhite, Gary Crosswhite
Plant Hollywood Las Vegas Guest Wins $2.9 Million On Penny Slots û Dorothy Reynolds Wins Millions on Her Family Vacation to Las Vegas

On Tuesday, Dec. 21, Planet Hollywood Las Vegas guest Dorothy Reynolds won $2,948.494.50 on the progressive WMS Gaming penny slot machine, ôWizard of Oz.ö Reynolds travels to Las Vegas twice a year with her husband, Don. This week-long trip, she is also joined by daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Gary Crosswhite, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Read The Exciting Details…

The Holidays Continue In Las Vegas – Boyz II Men continue their Las Vegas holiday show at the Flamingo through January 9, 2011. Click for tickets and to watch a video of Boyz II Men singing Let It Snow

I leave you with a couple of shots from last year’s Bellagio Gardens Christmas Display (which will be on display this year through the new year):

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Bellagio Gardens Christmas Las Vegas 2009 016

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If you missed our Las Vegas New Year’s Eve tips, make sure to read Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks Info and Insider Party Tips

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Primm Valley Golf Club Tees Up With Lavish $59 Winter Golf Special – Primm Valley Golf Club capitalizes on the desert climate and year-round golf weather with the new Winter Golf Getaway offer. For $59 per person, the package includes:

ò One-night stay at Primm Valley Casino Resorts
ò One round of golf at one of two award-winning Tom Fazio-designed Primm courses, the Lakes Course or the Desert Course
ò 50 minute treatment of your choice including Fusion Stone Massage, Caribbean Hand Therapy, Botanical Skin Resurfacing and more at The Spa at Primm, a 13,000-square-foot Aveda retreat
ò One steak and lobster dinner at GP’s, the fine dining steakhouse
ò Two free drinks at the golf course

Cigar Ambassador At Your Service – Casa Fuente Introduces Embajadora de la Casa Rathna Singh – Visitors to Casa Fuente inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace have something in addition to magnificent cigars and exotic cocktails to enjoy as the cigar bar & lounge now features an Embajadora de la Casa. Serving as ambassador and guide to everything Casa Fuente is Rathna Singh. From helping pick out the perfect cigar for every palate to pairing an aged scotch to sip on, Rathna is the key to enjoying the Casa Fuente experience. Versed in the history of the Fuente family and an aficionado of the cigar collection at Casa Fuente, Rathna has been immersed in everything cigar related at the bar since moving to Las Vegas from her native Fiji Islands.

The Palazzo Las Vegas Celebrates The Holiday Season With Woodland-Inspired Winter DÚcor And Festive Seasonal Cocktails – The Palazzo Las Vegas celebrates the holiday season with a natural woodland-inspired winter display and festive holiday cocktails.

Fantasy Extends Contract With Luxor Through 2011 – Resort’s Adult Revue Celebrates 11 Years – Luxor’s steamy adult revue, has extended its contract with the resort through 2011. Celebrating its 11th successful year on The Strip, the high-quality production has shaped itself into one of Las Vegas’ leading topless shows. Created and produced by Anita Mann, FANTASY is constantly striving to raise the bar in Las Vegas entertainment with fresh choreography, appealing dancers and dynamic leading performers. New star Lorena Peril adds an exciting and unforgettable element to the long-running production with her fiery personality, exotic beauty and powerhouse vocals.

The Return Of The Beloved Tradition, The Miss America Parade – The Parade To Take Place Friday, Jan. 14, 2011 At Paris Las Vegas – The Miss America Organization has announced the highly-anticipated return of a beloved tradition, the Miss America Parade, renamed the “DSW Show Us Your Shoes Parade” presented by DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse! The parade will be hosted by the incomparable Robin Leach, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Rockhouse Brings Its Own Series Of Beer Pong To Vegas With The ‘Rockhouse Cup’ – Rockhouse has never had a problem being second best and this January the only ultra-dive bar on the Strip will turn the losers of the world’s biggest beer pong tournament into winners at ‘The Rockhouse Cup.’ On Tuesday, January 4, Rockhouse will give drop-out beer pong aficionados the chance to compete in a second chance tournament to win $5,000 in cash.

Valley Of Fire Buggy TourValley Of Fire Buggy Tour û Drive a buggy on an off-road adventure through the dramatic red rock formations of the Valley of Fire. View spectacular desert landscape on this exciting, but safe, half-day adventure. Only 2-seat buggys are offered on this tour. While you will occasionally encounter Big Horn sheep and other wildlife, the Valley of Fire is world renowned for its beautiful rock formations and red sand.

Click To Book Valley Of Fire Buggy Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Members Mania (Readers Comments and Questions) is on hiatus until the first of the year. Now that weÆve been able to start increasing staffing levels, weÆll be bringing it back in a new, expanded format! In the meantime, we continue to welcome comments and questions to the email and phone line listed below.

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

  • 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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