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Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 29, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click To Book Silver Cloud Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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

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

Las Vegas, Nevada Smoking Ban Now Less Restrictive

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

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

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 15, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 8, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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

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

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

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

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

More Stories About the Closing of the Sahara Hotel and Casino

Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 1, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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