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Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 21, 2010

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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:

Ted is on assignment this week working on AccessVegas.com expansion projects. Please enjoy this issue prepared by staff.

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Rockhouse To Kick Off “55 Days Of Summer” On Cinco De Mayo – Guests To Enjoy Patio Party, Drink Specials, At Las Vegas’ Only Ultra Dive Bar – This Cinco de Mayo Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub will launch “55 Days of Summer,” featuring nearly three months of specials on Budweiser SELECT 55. The only ultra dive bar in Las Vegas will kick off the warm weather season with a fiesta of fives on the patio on Wednesday, May 5. In addition to the “55 Days of Summer” offering of two Budweiser SELECT 55s for $6, Rockhouse will feature $5 Jose Cuervo shots and margaritas throughout the “55 Days of Summer.”

Aria And Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas Named Among Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 “Hot List” – Conde Nast Traveler today announced their 2010 “Hot List,” naming ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas among this year’s top new hotels. Featuring 134 hotels throughout 55 countries, the 14th annual list was determined after reviewing thousands of new hotels, then anonymously staying at the most compelling ones. The centerpiece of CityCenter , ARIA features an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities.

Debut of High Society: Las Vegas’ Singular Dayclub – 9 Group, renowned for unparalleled dining, nightlife and lifestyle experiences, presents a provocative and innovative dayclub affair known as High Society at Nove Italiano inside Palms Casino Resort, which opened on Sunday, April 11. Creating a posh atmosphere filled with life’s little luxuries in the middle of the afternoon, High Society offers partygoers a place to mix and mingle among Las Vegas’ nobility while indulging in high-end libations, decadent dayclub menu and vivacious entertainment. “We are excited to present High Society to Las Vegas and the world,” says managing member and co-founder of 9 Group, Michael Morton.

Second Annual “Gimme Shelter” Blues Festival To Return To The Village Lake Las Vegas – The Village and Heaven Can Wait Animal Society will co-host the Second Annual “Gimme Shelter” Blues Festival which will feature local bands including John Earl’s Boogieman Blues Band, Pete Contino Quartet and Lady ‘J’ Huston & The Fireballs. Guests can enjoy a fun-filled night of great music, beautiful lakeside atmosphere, drink specials and the many amazing restaurants The Village has for dinner. Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) humane animal organization, was formed in 2000 to eliminate the senseless killing of over 30,000 animals annually in Las Vegas area shelters.

Tony Sacca Returns To His Entertainment Roots With Retro Louis Prima-style Act – Veteran performer Tony Sacca, the “Entertainment Ambassador of Las Vegas” and founder of the Las Vegas Rocks CafÚ, has returned to his entertainment roots because of his new downtown venue where there are three distinct rooms: the main dining room; the Marquee Room; and the Embassy Theatre. The Marquee Room, a relaxed, intimate, retro-Vegas-style showroom with dining tables, has created a sort of “back to the future” experience for Sacca, who is again performing on a regular basis.

Julio Iglesias Brings His “Starry Night” Tour To The Las Vegas Hilton – Grammy award-winner Julio Iglesias is performing for three nights only at the Hilton Theater inside the Las Vegas Hilton on June 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. Iglesias got his start in 1968 at the Benidorm Music Festival with a performance of his original song “La Vida Sigue Igual,” which landed him first prize and a record contract with an independent label. During the ’70s, he toured Europe and Latin America, gaining a large fan base with hits such as “Un Canto A Galicia” and “Manuela.”

Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso Steakhouse Is Named “Best New Restaurant” – Eva Longoria Parker’s celebrated steakhouse, Beso, was named “Best New Restaurant” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal 2010 Annual Best of Las Vegas readers’ poll. The Las Vegas interpretation, situated directly beneath her opulent nightclub Eve, is Longoria Parker’s second restaurant, modeled after her popular, original Beso in Hollywood. Since opening in December 2009 at Crystals in the world-renowned CityCenter complex, Beso has quickly become a favorite hotspot among locals and celebrities alike.

Nevada Ballet Theatre And Cirque Du Soleil Present: The 3rd Annual A Choreographers’ Showcase – A Project Designed To Stimulate And Encourage Artistic Growth – Nevada Ballet Theatre, the state’s largest professional ballet company, and the internationally renowned Cirque du Soleil are pleased to announce their 3rd annual A Choreographers’ Showcase: A Project Designed to Stimulate and Encourage Artistic Growth. This highly anticipated production will include eleven originally choreographed works by artists from the various resident Cirque du Soleil shows as well as professional dancers from Nevada Ballet Theatre.

Gambling Talk: Video Slots – Jaws – with Victor H. Royer. As promised, in this issue û and the following issues û I will now write a little more about some of the favorite slots that my readers have told me they like to play, and later also show you some of the great new slots that are about to be released. In this issue, I present JAWS, by Aristocrat, and a short description of the game and how to play it.

No, this shark doesnÆt bite à it gives 3 separate Bonuses, along with Jackpots, and gives you that feeling of getting something û like money! Yes, itÆs true that when you hit the bonus round, the whole bank of machines turns blood red û but unlike in the movie, in this case the big shark is about to give you some great wins. ItÆs an awesome game, now appearing in Midwest casinos everywhere. It has been available in Las Vegas and Florida for some time. Now you can look for itÆs striking facade in your favorite casino as well. Click to Read Complete Article…

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Highlights: * Choice of several departures throughout the day * Choice of seating available * Receive discounts at selected restaurants, shops and attractions * Pick-up from a centrally located meeting point

Click To Book Las Vegas Double-Decker
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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted is on assignment this week working on AccessVegas.com expansion projects. Members Mania will return next week.

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

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 20
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 9
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 15-17 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 6
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • Mardi Gras March 8
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 24

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 14, 2010

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! Awesome weather (high 70’s) and light breezes have a smile on my face. Just got back from taking a break and enjoyed a beautiful twilight walk. Massive amount of stuff this week, so we’ll dive right in:

Get On The X – A new train service from L.A. to Las Vegas called the X Train is slated to start next year. No… not the sci-fi maglev or the other Express train that they want to build to Victorville (with a transfer to Palmdale with another transfer to Los Angeles… I’m not making that up). This train will be double decker, run on existing rail lines between the two cities, have a party/bar car and plenty of big screen TV’s (even in the coaches), and cost $99 round trip.

While the journey would take slightly longer than driving under normal conditions (perhaps slightly less than driving on Friday and Sunday), the Vegas Experience would start from the minute you get on the train. And… you’d get to sleep away the hungover ride home instead of driving yourself or fighting your way through airports at each end. The terminus will probably be next to The Rio (just across the freeway from Caesars and Bellagio, right in the heart of The Strip).

I’ve been suggesting this for some time. In fact, I’ll quote a couple of blog comments I made on The Die Is Cast post Waiting on a Train back in January:

It seems like there are only two people in town (Mayor Goodman and myself) who believe that everybody is overlooking the obvious with train travel between here and Los Angeles:

Union Pacific has a perfectly good set of train tracks from downtown Las Vegas to downtown Las Vegas. Note: The “failure” of past Amtrak service is a moot point, as that route was a long-haul train route not geared for the specific needs of Vegas to L.A.

Would people ride? …no driving, the train could have a party train atmosphere, …No airport parking fees. No long drive home with a hangover. No TSA. No rip-off cab rides from McCarran.

Southern Californians, chime in: Would you ride this kind of train instead of driving of flying? Comments are always welcome at allvegastv@aol.com

Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas and Montelago Village

Free Shuttle To Lake Las Vegas – We were all excited upon hearing about a possible free shuttle to Lake Las Vegas. Many of you have asked about it. Unfortunately, the shuttle is ONLY for those who are staying at Lake Las Vegas. The only other way out there is by renting a car or paying a roughly $40 taxi ride each way. If you want to decide whether Lake Las Vegas is worth seeing, we’ve posted a couple of really good video overviews at Lake Las Vegas and MonteLago Village Resort Video Previews.

;Sunset and Vines wine bar located in beautiful Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas Wine Bar

My advice? If you are a regular Las Vegas visitor and have a car, head out for a couple hours to enjoy it. Come summer, go in the morning to avoid the heat. The rest of the year, I’d go about an hour before sunset and plan on enjoying drinks and dinner out there. (If you really, really don’t find a Lake Las Vegas restaurant per your desires, you are only a few minutes from Henderson, NV which has just about any dining option you’d want).

No More Star Trek Experience – I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But, it looks like the Star Trek Experience won’t be coming to Neonopolis after all. In fact, some of the memorabilia have already been sold off. More at ‘Trek’ fans find sale a nostalgic Experience

NBC crew shooting for opening scenes to Heads Up Poker to be ... on TwitpicShooting The Shooters – Later in this issue, we have information on the National Heads-Up Poker Tournament (starts to air on NBC this weekend). I was up at Voodoo (top of Rio) the day they were shooting for the opening of the show. For those of you wondering where some of those stunning TV shots of Las Vegas come from, this is how they get them.

Home Sales Way Up – Temporarily. The combination of rock bottom prices, the federal tax credit’s pending end and some owners finally giving up hope of getting much of anything out their properties (and just selling instead of holding out) really spurred a buying spree in March. My opinion? We’ll see another lull soon and continued very soft home pricing.

Why? The lack of new construction (along with the finish or CityCenter) and a continued soft local economy with very high unemployment is going to create another wave of foreclosures later this year. Those who have been swooping in and paying cash for homes as in investment appear to pretty much already have done so. Housing is going to remain dirt cheap here for quite some time (and both home and apartment rental rates are exceptionally low for this area as well). How low? Recently, 1600 sq. ft. homes in this neighborhood just a mile from downtown have been selling for around $40,000. Far off their $50k and $60k asking price. However… before you plan that move:

Business Influx? – I know that we have a segment of readers who follow this not just to enhance their visits, but also in consideration of whether they may want to move their business here. I’d hold off, and I’ll tell you why: Huge state budget shortfalls are starting serious talks about the implementation of broad based business taxes. The current legislature is very tax-friendly and next years’ session could result in serious tax increases (both business and personal). You have a very real possibility of an end to Nevada’s reputation as a tax haven for locals.

March Madness Party, Party, Party – As promised, we have the footage from some of the free festivities that took place downtown on Fremont Street during March Madness:

las vegas sexy dancing bartenders

van halen tribute band fan halen las vegas

dream team divas sexy choreographed dancing singing show

Of course, you don’t have to settle for the photos. Click to enjoy video of March Madness Las Vegas Fremont Street Entertainment

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Cabo Wabo Celebrates A Rock ‘N’ Roll Cinco De Mayo – Great Food, Live Music, Prizes And Plenty Of Tequila – Cabo Wabo is ready to rock ‘n’ roll this Cinco de Mayo. The Mexican Cantina will celebrate Sammy Hagar-style on Wednesday, May 5, with Cabo Wabo Tequila specials, prizes, and plenty of partying. Plus, one lucky partier will even win a one-of-a-kind autographed Sammy Hagar guitar. Raffle tickets will be given to any customer purchasing a Cabo Wabo Tequila cocktail with between Friday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 5. The winner must be present at the time of the drawing. Cinco de Mayo revelers will also enjoy live rock ‘n’ roll as well as sensational food and drink specials throughout the night.

Annie Duke Wins NBC’s National Heads-Up Poker Championship – Claims the $500,000 First-Place Prize. NBCÆs Broadcast to Air on Six Consecutive Sundays Beginning April 18 (check local listings). Annie Duke triumphed against the creme de la creme of the poker world to win the 6th Annual National Heads-Up Poker Championship at the Caesars Palace Poker Tournament Room. Duke defeated Erik Seidel, who has won eight World Series of Poker bracelets and ranks 9th all-time money list, in the tournamentÆs best-of-three finals to claim the championship and the $500,000 first-place prize. The National Heads-Up Poker Championship was taped for broadcast on NBC over six consecutive Sundays beginning April 18 (Noon – 1PM ET).

First Food & Bar Announces New Late Night Menu Showcasing “Size Matters” Featuring Larger-Than-Life Eats – FIRST Food & Bar – THE place for late night dining in Las Vegas. The high energy of the city is wrapped up in amazing eats and drinks in this hip restaurant and bar that allows guests to keep an eye on all the action with amazing views of The Strip. Chef Sam “Sammy D” DeMarco listened to customers who were coming in after their shifts or when winding down from a whirlwind night û they all wanted one thing û something more than a watered down late night menu. Chef responded with a creative menu full of FIRST classics like Fish & Chips, Breakfast Mini Burgers and Tuna “Nachos.

Serendipity 3 Celebrates One-Year Anniversary At Landmark Home In Front Of Caesars Palace – With more than 50 years of history at it’s flagship New York location, Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace has become a landmark destination in Las Vegas. In honor of its one-year anniversary, Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman proclaimed April 6, 2010 “Serendipity 3 Day” in the city of Las Vegas. Special guest of honor, Holly Madison, delivered Mayor Goodman’s proclamation before cutting the ceremony’s anniversary cake. Caesars Palace Executive Pastry Chef Randy Sebastian custom-created a dessert in Holly’s name for guests to enjoy throughout the entire month of April. “Holly’s Pink Peppermint Sundae” includes pink peppermint ice cream, a pink blondie brownie, seasonal berries, red berry coulis and pink cotton candy. The delicacy is available to guests throughout the entire month of April for $10.

After checking out Matt Goss at Caesars Palace last week, Jersey Boy star, Rick Faugno, made a repeat visit Friday evening. Faugno joined Goss to duet on two songs including the new Strip classic “Lovely Las Vegas.” Photo credit: Cashman Photo

Gambling Talk: Video Slots – The Sopranos« – with Victor H. Royer. As promised, in this issue û and the following issues û I will now write a little more about some of the favorite slots that my readers have told me they like to play, and later also show you some of the great new slots that are about to be released. In this issue, I present: The Sopranos« video slot machine from Aristocrat.

OK youse bums, listen up û I’m gonna loin you sumtin’. Settle in for some great wins, ’cause udderwise youse can fugghedaboudit. You got it? Good! Well, okay then, that’s about as much as I can stand, in this kind of movie-speak. It’s fun to make fun, especially if you remember a movie called “Nicky Blue Eyes”. But this is a slot machine, based on the very popular TV show “The Sopranos«”. It is gaming’s new top boss, The Soprano« Video Double Standalone Progressive video slot machine from Aristocrat. Click to Read Complete Article…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I could use some advice on booking a hotel on the Vegas Strip. You see I’m coming over from Scotland for my 35th birthday so I will be in town from Jan 19 to 26 next year. I don’t know about you but 35 is one of those special birthdays where I either hide form the world and cry the day away bemoaning the aging process or make the day so amazing I’m reminded of how amazing life can be, I have every faith Las Vegas won’t disappoint.

I’ve been reading your Vegas update e-mails for so long and have finally, painstakingly, drawn up a schedule for the 7 days. Theres just sooo much to fit in just the one week. I’m so jealous of you guys who live there. There are certain things I must get done on each day but I’ve allowed plenty of flexibility for let say, late starts after late nights. I’m just the kinda guy who would rather have a list of things to do in a day and be happy if I only got one thing done but really enjoyed it rather than spending one precious holiday moment pondering what there is to do that day.

With all that said, I’m meeting my pal from Little Rock in Las Vegas for the week and while we are sorting out our own flights into town, I’m charged with getting the hotel.

As we have so much to get done we decided a central strip hotel would be best and I’ve got the Flamingo or Imperial Palace in mind. Well we’d love the Bellagio but there are some budget constraints to consider, my international flight doesn’t come cheap after all.

Right now the best deals I could find for the week are: Flamingo $465, Imperial Palace $375

Las Vegas Hotel Deals doesn’t have these two hotels available yet and when I spoke with one of their team they suggested waiting up until 4 or 5 months before we plan on getting there before booking a hotel as we would be more likely to get a discounted room and special offers such as their discount booklet.

As you guys know how your city works, in your opinion do the prices I’ve found for those two hotels seem like unbeatable value and I should just grab them now, or would it be worth my while waiting until around September to see whats on offer then?

Thanks for your e-mail updates, I really appreciate all the work you put into them.

Trey from Scotland

Ted Responds:

Yes… you are coming a long way and I know that you want to enjoy your birthday here and get the best deals. And… I appreciate you checking with Las Vegas Hotel Deals as they are our hotel partners. They are a big part of 1. Keeping this newsletter 100% free and 2. Why we have the resources to put so much work into it.

Hotel rooms are similar to airline tickets. If you want to book way in advance, you will pay the regular rate. Travel companies won’t discount because they have no clue what supply and demand will be. Nor are hotels willing to tie up many rooms (until them themselves know more).

Plenty of rooms will be available in Las Vegas for the next five years (at least) because of the glut of rooms from recent construction. You can wait until the 4-5 month mark to make your hotel reservations, no problem.

And on that note, so much will change and so many new things will be happening here that your list of what you want to do and see will continue to change as well.

Hang tight, enjoy the anticipation. You can simply enjoy keeping your eyes on prices, as I know that you are traveling a long way and this is a BIG trip for you.

Thanks for reading and please tell your friends who are interested in Las Vegas to also subscribe.

P.S. I hit 45 this year, so I know what you are going through!

My wife and I just returned from Vegas. We went to celebrate our 20’th anniversary. We stayed downtown at MSS (Main Street Station) and really did enjoy ourselves. The folks at MSS are so friendly and always helpful. The reason for my email is this; We saw a show on the History or Discovery channel about a pawn shop in downtown Vegas and thought we would like to see for ourselves what it was like.

After driving up to the place on Las Vegas Blvd, we could not even get into the parking lot. People were lined up outside on the sidewalk. It look as they had someone controlling the door and also someone directing traffic in and around their store. We went back a couple days later and the same thing. No room to park. This must be the NEW attraction for downtown Vegas.

Thanks for your informative newsletter.

Astor Kinney

Ted Responds:

Pawn Stars (the show based around the shop) is seen by 1 out of 100 people in the U.S. Over 3 million people per week. I’m actually working on a column called Secrets of Pawn Stars (best time to get there to see the actual guys, how to get there, etc.) that I hope to have done next week.

Shortly after the show debuted, I actually went to check out the shop. Owner Rick Harrison was just sitting there doing some paperwork. Nobody in line to get in the door. Boy-oh-boy have things changed since then!

We just got back from 7 glorious days in Vegas. We live in New York and try to get to Vegas twice a year. This trip was mainly for “Wayniac Week”. Yes, we call ourselves “Wayniacs” but are friends with Mr. Las Vegas himself, “Wayne Newton”.

We had 3 days of festivities which involved Wayne and his family. Everything was at the Tropicana which is where you an catch Wayne’s show “Once Before I go”.

It started with a luncheon and registration at the Tropicana then we were off to Wayne’s ranch for a barbecue.YES, Mr. Newton was a gracious as can be, sharing his home with us!áMicrophone in hand, Wayne took out four of his beautiful Arabian horses and told us about each one of them. It was awesome and the food was great too. Wayne, you’re a marvelous host.

Then, off to Wayne’s show. Next day, formal dinner at the Trop with Wayne and his family. He made the most wonderful speech as to how much his fans mean to him and they are not just fans, they are his true friends! We watched videos of ourselves and Wayne going back 30 years. What great memories!

Many thanks Wayne for everything and for being the so kind and generous to your fans! We love you!

Anyone who hasn’t seen Wayne’s show, you better go now — you’ve only got ’till April 24th! It’s amazing!

Donna Dunn

Ted Responds:

Thanks for sharing your amazing trip! Time is certainly running out to see the show here. For those of you who always thought that you could see Sigfried and Roy or Danny Gans sometime down the road, you might want to get over to see Once Before I Go. For our friends in Southern California and Biloxi, Newton has one-night shows coming up in your areas. Tickets for all shows/cities available at Wayne Newton Tickets

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

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 20
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 9
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 15-17 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 6
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • Mardi Gras March 8
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 24

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2010 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

April 14, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 7, 2010

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! Well, well, well… I’ve been getting notes from East Coast readers saying “Hey, look at our weather”. Ya… and look at all the snow and rain and COLD you had all winter, OK! Having said that, we’re finally catching up with a couple days cresting into the 80’s although we’ll see little bit of cooling this week. Average high for April is 78. Average high for May is 88. Average high for June, July, and August? Really hot and it never gets cold even in the middle of the night.

Then Again, Maybe Not – We spent tons of time and energy getting you up-to-speed on the changes in the bus service along The Strip and to Downtown Fremont Street. Nevermind. The Ace will continue to run as planned and continue to be an express route. However, The Deuce has reverted to most of the old route, running from Downtown to Mandalay Bay at the south end of The Strip. If you are going downtown, you are still better off using the Ace (or transferring to it ASAP) if you are south of the Bellagio/Paris stops. The Ace is much quicker and deposits you right in the heart of the Fremont Street Experience.

Lance Burton To Leave Monte Carlo In September – After 14 years, Lance Burton and the Monte Carlo are parting ways. No word of his next move and he’s likely to surface here again. But with the present economy, nothing is a given. If you want to see Lance again (or see him for the first time… show is well worth the money and family friendly while appealing to all ages), click and grab your Lance Burton tickets now. Also, our deepest sympathy to Lance who lost his mother to cancer last week.

Neon Boneyard Makeover Underway – From time-to-time we get asked how to find the Neon Boneyard. For those unaware, this is the area that many of the famous signs go after the hotels are demolished or simply to make way for upgraded signage. Long stored at Las Vegas Blvd. North and Mc Williams Ave. (and not open to the public, although a drive by still lets you see quite a bit), the signs are getting temporarily relocated to make say for a new $1.9 million park at this location. The signs will have a permanent home and be proudly displayed. We’ll keep you updated.

What Do Pinball, Liberace, And Gambling Have In Common? – Very close proximity to each other. Recent relocations of both the Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame and the Gamblers Book Shop have created the perfect trifecta for a (barely) off-the-Strip jaunt. Right around the intersection of Tropicana and Spencer you can hop from one to the next to the next. Gamblers Book Store is at 1550 E. Tropicana and the pinball museum is next door. 1/2 block east and you are at the Liberace museum. A highly recommended “to do” for the repeat visitor and don’t even worry about hailing a cab if you don’t want to. City Bus Route 201 (Tropicana) will take you from the Strip to Spencer St. in literally just a few minutes. Route 201 Information/Timetables (Suggest printing out for ease of reading).

Nine Month Schools – Not really tourist news, but the cessation of Las Vegas growth has the school district converting many 12 month (year-around) schools back to standard 9 month school calendars. The growth of the area over the past decade forced split school years that went all year long (with varying class times). Not a favorite of most students nor parents. And… once again a sign that we (as a ácity, the non-tourist areas) are finally getting some breathing room.

Hello Manchester! – I’m sure this is old news to our UK friends (who make up 6% of our readers), but Virgin Atlantic is starting non-stop flights from Manchester to Las Vegas next year. We’ve previously noted that local officials (LVCVA — our Convention Visitors Authority) would like to increase the percentage of international visitors from 15% to 20%. And… how 25% of our readers (that’s you!) are international already. But heaven forbid these officials want to come ask us how we meet your information needs.

Instead, they (and I kid you not) have started an email newsletter that looks suspiciously like this one. Except that it is much, much shorter. Oh… and no “what is really happening” commentary. Oh… and no Members Mania type of readers questions answered. And it has a name very, very close to ours. I’m mean darn near identical. Way to go, LVCVA. Nice work! What am I doing that you are going to rip off next?

Tiered Hotel Pricing Model Feedback – A couple months ago, we asked what you thought of a tiered hotel price system. Where one rate just gets you the basic room, a higher rate gets you some amenities. I want to thank those of you (and there were many) who gave us your thoughts. You can read what everyone said at AccessVegas.com Readers Weigh In On Las Vegas Hotel Room Price Proposal

Visitor Volume Flat – February’s visitor volume was basically identical to last year, with about 2.8 million of you visiting. Down from record highs a few year ago, but let’s put that in perspective: That is an average of 100,000 people arriving every day. Every day of the month in February. Not exactly “Vegas on its deathbed” that the major media was trying to tout for so long. Morons. They had no clue what they were talking about.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Azure: The Daytime Luxury Pool Experience – Guests get ready for another stylish pool season where the high-profile keeps a low profile. Champagne, frozen grapes, fresh fruit, chilled towels, poolside cabana massages by Canyon Ranch SpaClub, cuisine from celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, Evian water mistings and sunscreen application. The Palazzo Las Vegas brings the opulence of the French Riviera to the Las Vegas Strip with AZURE. Embodying sophistication at its finest, AZURE is for the guest who enjoys the finer things in life. AZURE is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday for guests 21 and over.

The World Famous Rehab Pool Party Returns For Seventh Season At Hard Rock – The Original “Daylife” Party Opens with a Performance from Multi-Platinum Musician, and Record Producer Wyclef Jean. Poolside glamour rules as the preeminent “daylife” experience, REHAB, returns to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for an unprecedented seventh season. The world famous Sunday pool party will reach new heights this summer when it kicks off on April 18.

Spend Less, Indulge More At The Spa At Aria And Vdara Health & Beauty At CityCenter – $50 treatments offered During National Spa Week April 12-18: The Spa at ARIA and Vdara Health & Beauty at CityCenter, the spectacular new resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip, invite guests to experience the city’s most luxurious new spas at unbelievable value April 12-18. The luxurious venues will join 800 spas across North America in offering $50 specially priced treatments in honor of Spa Week. But act fast, these offerings are booking quickly. The Spa at ARIA is where nature’s healing properties take center stage.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition At Luxor Commemorates 98th Anniversary Of RMS Titanic’s Sinking – Guests Invited to Share the Experience of Titanic’s Voyage and Passengers During Series of Events April 12-17. Enter into a journey of life on board Titanic’s maiden voyage and experience the tragic series of events that unfolded in the icy waters of the North Atlantic in 1912. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition invites guests to see the artifacts, hear the stories, walk the deck, feel the iceberg and share the experience through a series of events April 12 û 17. Visiting guests can enjoy complimentary guided tours, specialty drinks, a survivor’s party, high tea and the chance to win a grand prize package.

The Las Vegas Sock Market Opens At The Shoppes At Mandalay Place – The Las Vegas Sock Market offers a full variety of hosiery and footwear items for men, women and children in every color, style, pattern and size. Featuring socks for everyday use or specialty fun, the boutique provides an array of professional, exercise, animal and team logo socks as well as stockings and tights. Designed to resemble a stock market, The Las Vegas Sock Market offers a playful business theme with sections of “preferred socks” and “blue chip socks.” “Sock Certificates” also are available for your holiday shopping needs.

Rock & Rita’s ‘Great American Party’ Coming to Circus Circus – New Bar, Dining And Entertainment Concept Opens In June – The “Great American Party” will arrive at Circus Circus with the June opening of Rock & Rita’s, a new bar, restaurant and entertainment hot spot. Flair bartending, live music and festive signature dishes will be the focus at this 14,000 sq. ft rock-inspired venue. “Rock & Rita’s will take Circus Circus’ visitors to a new level of interactive partying,” David Z. Tuttleman said who, along with partner Mark Green, comprise the duo of Las Vegas restaurateurs behind the project. “It’s a continuous, high-energy gathering in an atmosphere designed to unleash your inner party animal.”

Gambling Talk: Video Slots – Dirty Harry: Make My Day – with Victor H. Royer. As promised, in this issue û and the following issues û I will now write a little more about some of the favorite slots that my readers have told me they like to play, and later also show you some of the great new slots that are about to be released. In this issue, I present: Dirty Harry: Make My Day video slot machine from WMS.

I own a collection of most of Clint Eastwood”s movies, on DVD, among which is the complete collection of the famous Dirty Harry films. In the early 1970s Clint Eastwood was a major movie star û as indeed he continues to be to this day û and, among his many credits, became the iconic star of a series of films based on the fictional San Francisco police officer Harry Callahan, dubbed “Dirty Harry”. In the first of these movies came the memorable line “Make my day!” and that is the title of this great new video slot machine from WMS, in the Sensory Immersion Gaming format. Click to Read Complete Article…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We are visiting Las Vegas beginning of June 2010. It is a joint 40’th Ruby wedding anniversary and we would like to go on the Sunday brunch cruise on the Contessa at Lake Las Vegas. We are staying at the Flamingo Hotel and wonder if you know if we can get a bus from the strip or bus terminal that will take us there or would it have to be a taxi if a taxi how much will it cost. We are planning to fit in a lot of trips and are trying to get value for money wherever we can. Love your newsletter keep up the good work.

Jen from England

Ted Responds:

Congrats on the anniversary. That is amazing and no better spot to celebrate it than here in Las Vegas!

You are easily looking at a $40+ cab ride each way. Unfortunately, no city bus service or other service.

However… they have just announced a free shuttle from The Strip to Lake Las Vegas. We are trying to confirm if it is just for Lake Las Vegas hotel guests, or open to the general public. We should have that information next week.

Returned from our trip (been coming twice a year since 1976) to Vegas, Feb 3 -6th. We were not able to stay for the Super Bowl but the 4 days were great. Despite what others have been saying, Vegas is alive and well and lots of bargains can still be found.

We journeyed down to Primm (wife likes the outlet mall) and it was like a ghost town. We went into two of the casinos and it was like we were the only ones there and the buffet and cafes were closed in one of them.

While in Vegas one of the best shows we have been to was Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget. The show was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone coming to Vegas. Well worth the money spent.

I would still like to see the “Smut Peddlers” banned completely from the strip as they are very annoying and refuse to accept a no. We always try to avoid them, but they still flick those cards and try to stick them in your face. I.N.S. should show up there as I bet almost all of them are illegals as they “NO HABLA” English since they cannot understand the word NO.

When we come in Feb. we always stay at the Nugget downtown as it is a great place to stay and everyone who works there is friendly and treats you like they really appreciate the fact that you are there. Not like some of the places on the strip. We are coming back for a week in July and are staying at the Flamingo (week was comped). We have never stayed there before, but stayed at most others.

Any tips on some good day time sight seeing 50 to 100 miles away? We will have a rental car as cabs are a big waste of money and they rip tourist’s off by taking the long way everywhere. I always look forward to my trips to Vegas, and contrary to what President Obama says, Vegas is a great place to come and visit.

Chuck Merica

Ted Responds:

I’m not sure we’ll very see a resolution to the guys handing out the “girls to your room” cards. However… since they are not allowed to touch you, I like to play the game of literally walking as absolutely close to them as I can. You can’t walk into them on purpose (that would be assault on your part), but if you walk like you are just about going to brush up against them, they back off.

I love visiting the Primm Outlet Mall and no question that with the current economy (and the 40 minute drive south of The Strip), not much action going on down there. If you want to go shopping, get something to eat and do a little gambling while enjoying plenty of elbow room, Primm is still worth checking out.

I’m actually working on a “suggested day trips” column (I’m about half done). Stay tuned. In the meantime, readers: Please use the contact information at the bottom of this section and let us know your favorite day (or half-day) ventures from Las Vegas.

The Golden Nugget is the class of downtown, and I’ll use this opportunity to answer an oft-asked questioned: Is there a club or lounge for people who are over 30 (or just not into the typical Las Vegas nightclub)? Yes, absolutely. Goldiggers at the Nugget attracts a crowd that is on average about 35-40. I say “on average” because you regularly see people from 25 to 55 and sometimes beyond and everyone has fun and gets along fine. Usually no cover before 10 PM and the second floor location gives you a great view of Fremont Street.

Goldiggers lounge at Golden Nugget Las Vegas on a perfect eve... on TwitpicGoldiggers has a very plush, boutique size (for a Vegas club) climate controlled indoor area with plenty of bar seating and a dance floor. The outdoor area also contains tables and a bar with very attentive cocktail service. A DJ is using playing 80’s pop and rock. It is a little bit on the loud side (it is a club). I only note that because if you want to just chill with a drink, try Fitgerald’s Vue Bar patio (open 24/7, no cover) instead.

Outdoor lounge of Sin City Brewing Co. at Flamingo overlookin... on TwitpicOn The Strip, a great place to just relax with a drink (beer, wine and cocktails) is on the patio of Sin City Brewing Company at The Flamingo. It overlooks the beautiful Flamingo gardens area in back of the hotel. No charge and often not very crowded. It is back by the gift shop and UPS store (on the way to the parking garage).

I answered a lot more than you asked, but that is why everyone has to read the whole newsletter. You never know when I’ll be spilling out info that you just aren’t going to get elsewhere!

We are going to be in Vegas April 09 to 16. We are a bit disappointed that Celine Dion is not going to be there. Oh well I guess we will have to wait till next year to see her. I have heard some rumors from friends that have just returned from Vegas and they have said that the slots have really tightened up. I hope that is not the case.

I see that there is the Ace and the Deuce running now. Are they the same Company ? If you buy a pass can it be used on either one ? Hopefully this will speed up traveling up and down the strip. Looking forward to being back in Vegas.

Brian from Canada

Ted Responds:

Anybody can have lots of luck or bad luck on a trip. Statistically, the slot hold (money the casinos keep per dollar bet) is about the same as last year (although has been increasing the hold — tightening the machines — over the past few years). Both the Ace and Deuce are part of our citywide bus service and hence, you can get a transfer from one to another. Thanks for reading and please tell your friends!

I have been going to Las Vegas 2 to 3 times a year. I have stayed on the strip and downtown. For the the best food for the price is downtown. I have found on the strip and downtown alike, you really don’t want to be walking around outside any casino/hotel after 3 AM.The homeless and drug dealers will be on you like flies on crap. On top of that I have had woman ask me (you know what I mean) if I want a good time.

All this will not stop me from enjoying your city. To enjoy Las Vegas You have to read your news letter and get information from people like me and you. I have a great time there every time I arrive to the time I leave. Keep up the good work.

Dale From Ohio

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

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 20
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 9
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 15-17 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 6
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • Mardi Gras March 8
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 24

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April 4, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 31, 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:

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

Hello From Las Vegas! I’m celebrating a milestone this month: 17 years here in Las Vegas. Wow… it has certainly flown by. I was 27 when I showed up to town and the 90’s were a great time to be that age here.áNot without a few ups-and-downs, but certainly no regrets. Witnessing the explosive growth in both the Strip and the residential areas has been mind-bending. I’ve seen more implosions and construction than I ever dreamed.áI’m looking forward to another 17 years here and then some.

Living here this long has led to some interesting insights (which I’ll share later in this column) regarding who likes it here, who doesn’t and what the future may hold. As always, if you just want to get on to the “what is there to do on my next visit” stuff, just scroll past the commentary segments that do not interest you.

$481.57 – Is the average gaming budget per person in 2009, down nearly 10% from a year ago. No surprise given the tight economy and the (deserved) perception that slots are tighter and table game rules (particularly blackjack) are less player-friendly. Only 83% of all visitors gambled, and first-time visitorship was up slightly.

This is all incredibly ironic as those who have never visited consider Las Vegas to be a gambling destination and don’t understand any other reason one would want to visit. However, many of you return home and tell them about the incredible shows, celeb chef and award winning restaurants, tours (you have not lived until you have seen the Grand Canyon — check out the Western Territory tour banner on the right sidebar) and simple carefree fun and (usually) sun that we offer. Keep spreading the word and remind them to subscribe to our newsletteráor at least read it online. A few weeks of reading and anyone will be convinced of the amazing variety of activities Las Vegas offers!

Ace and Deuce Bus Route Notes – The changes have been made in the bus line(s) that serve visitors. Once there was only The Deuce which ran from downtown Fremont Street all the way to the south end of The Strip. And it took (literally) forever because it stopped every block.

The best way to think of the new Ace and Deuce service is this (thinking in terms of a subway, metro rail or similar):

The Ace is the limited-stop express. The Deuce is the local service. If you near an Ace stop and the place you are going to is near an Ace stop, by all means get right on the Ace. However, if you are nowhere near an Ace stop, get on the Deuce (which stops every few hundred feet) and take it to the very next stop that it shares with the Ace. Get off and wait for The Ace.

Now… if you are headed between two locations nowhere near an Ace stop (For example, Tropicana to Harrah’s), just stay on The Deuce. It will take you more time to transfer. However, if headed to the Convention Center, Fremont Street downtown, either outlet mall,áTown Square or a hotel with an Ace stop, absolutely jump from Deuce to Ace at the first available stop they both share. (If you are new to this conversation, please read Las Vegas New ACE Bus Service Strip-to-Downtown Pictures and Info).

Station Casinos Breakup – Some of you may have heard that Station Casinos (in bankruptcy) might sell off all but four properties, essentially leaving the founding Fertitta family with Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station,áSunset Station, and the Wild Wild West (which I believe the family still sees the spot they will eventually build a Palms-like property). This is just an early proposal and we’ll let you know if it progresses. A surprising number of you who come to town for extended stays and rent a car tell us you really enjoy the various Station properties.

I Was Wrong – A few weeks ago, I noted (as an educated guess) that approximately 20% of the people living in Las Vegas didn’t like it here (and noted that the town will be better off when those people leave). A recent UNLV survey puts that figure at 40%. No lie… 40% of those living here don’t like it but many can’t leave because they are upside down in their house, can’t find work if they moved or similar.

Understand that some of that dissatisfaction is due to where someone is at in life. If you are upside down on your home and unemployed (or under-employed) you probably won’t be happy anywhere. But there is a significant swath of the population for whom living here simply does not agree with them. This is NOT a normal city by any stretch of the imagination. And, I hope it never becomes one!

These numbers dovetail in with some other recent stats: Visitor volume is roughly where it was in 2004. The job base (the amount of jobs in town) is at 2004 numbers. We had a population of 1.7 million in 2005. In many respects, the addition of that last 200,000 people who moved here the last five years pretty much sunk the boat. We are an island in the desert with tourism as our main economic driver and in reality can only comfortably sustain so many residents. Take away 200,000 people and our unemployment rate goes below the national average and would be in line with the long-time tradition of Nevada being recession-proof. (Current unemployment in the Las Vegas area: 13.9%).

Now, don’t get me wrong: This is not a blanket condemnation of those who moved here during any certain time period. I have deep appreciation for recently minted residents who embrace and love Las Vegas, Nevada for what it is (as opposed to those who come from somewhere else, then want to turn us into the area they came from). And, there will always be room for those who are Nevadans at the core of their soul.

But, we’ll be a lot better place to live once those who don’t embrace this nutty city give up and move back. After all, those are always the people telling us how great their previous city was. If it was that great, please return to it! Once we get back to all the people serving you while you are here being people who truly love the area and appreciate our visitors, we’ll see many decades to come of Las Vegas being the greatest place to vacation on earth.

Las Vegas Streaming Video Circa 1991 – I found some great YouTube video of someone who filmed their drive up the entire Las Vegas Strip nearly 20 years ago. In which is pretty much looks like it did when I showed up in town. Well worth tanking a couple minutes to enjoy whether you remember Las Vegas from this time, or just want to go “Wow… it looks so different”. Check out Las Vegas Circa 1991 Driving The Strip from the Welcome Sign

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Rhumbar Brings In “The Cooler” – Rhumbar’s Refreshing New Cocktail Will Cool Down The House – With the Vegas weather heating up, RHUMBAR, the stylish drink spot with a Strip-view patio at The Mirage, has decided to bring in “The Cooler.”

“The Cooler” recipe:
1 Grapefruit wedge
1 Lime wheel
1 Orange wheel
10 Mint leaves
¥ Rock candy
1.5 oz Bacardi O
Splash of Sprite
Muddle together the grapefruit, lime, orange, mint and rock candy in a zombie glass. Add rum and stir. Add a splash of Sprite and garnish with a mint sprig. To be enjoyed outside on RHUMBAR’s lush 3,000-square-foot patio, cigar optional.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Presents Rockin’ Mariachi Sundays – Brunch Specials And Live Mariachi Entertainment To Spice Up The Weekend – Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina presents Rockin’ Mariachi Sundays, a sizzling new brunch featuring Mexican-inspired brunch specialties and live Mariachi music by Los Viajeros every Sunday. In addition to Cabo Wabo’s traditional menu, the Mariachi Brunch will offer Mexican favorites including chorizo, egg and cheese tacos, a big breakfast burrito filled with chorizo, scrambled eggs and cheese, and the huevos rancheros which includes two corn tortillas topped with chorizo, scrambled eggs, red sauce and cheese. Drink specialties include Bloody Marias, micheladas and classic mimosas.

Sweet Twist On Easter Treats At Jean Philippe Patisserie In Vegas’ CityCenter – World-renowned pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury of Jean Philippe PÔtisserie in ARIA Resort & Casino may already be known for his artistic expressions in the dessert world but he is springing forward with his newly available treats, just in time for Easter. He is combining ultimate indulgence with adorable figures to celebrate the sweet side of the holiday. Jean-Philippe Maury is the executive pastry chef at Jean Philippe PÔtisserie inside ARIA at Vegas’ newest Strip development, CityCenter. The European-style pastry shop specializes in cakes, crepes, panini, pastries, cookies and a variety of chocolates featuring an exclusive line of bonbons and truffles and 24 house-made gelatos in unexpected flavors.

Casino Essentials Opens At Luxor – Casino Essentials sells an array of womenÆs purses and shoes from such noted brands as Steve Madden, Baby Phat and Betseyville. Also available are assorted snacks, liquors and non-alcoholic beverages. The store, formerly the site of Fashion 101, is located adjacent to LAX Nightclub on the casino floor. Casino Essentials is open Wednesday û Saturday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Two Days Of Free, Open-To-The Public All-Star Concerts With Lady Antebellum & Miranda Lambert At Fremont Street Experience Friday, April 16 & Saturday, April 17, 2010 – The Academy of Country Music is hosting two days of all-star concerts at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas during The Week Vegas Goes CountryÖ! ACM Weekend on Fremont Street Experience will feature top newcomer category winners, Luke Bryan, Joey + Rory and Gloriana, special guests and headliners Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert performing on two different stages to crowds downtown. The weekend-long party leading up to the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards is sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and will feature Emily West, The Band Perry, Danny Gokey, David Nail and Lady Antebellum on April 16, 2010 and Joey + Rory, Gloriana, Randy Rogers Band, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert on April 17, 2010.

Men Of “X” Whistle Dixie’s At Hooters Casino Hotel – Men of “X,” the sexy male revue at Hooters Casino Hotel, is taking its show to another level û eye level that is û with their move from the Night Owl Showroom into Dixie’s Dam Bar. The show, which just celebrated its first anniversary, will become even more interactive inside the 3,000 sq. ft. space, allowing the Men easy access to mingle with their audience. “Dixie’s Dam Bar is a great venue for the Men of ‘X’ to showcase their assets up close and intimately interact with the ladies,” said producers Angela and Matt Stabile. “The show will really become more like one big party with everyone dancing out of their seats.”

M Resort Spa Casino Announces April/May “As Single As I Wanna Be” Saturdays Inside Hostile Grape – Back by popular demand, the Hostile Grape, the city’s sexiest wine bar at the M Resort Spa Casino, announces all new themes for its “As Single As I Wanna Be” Saturday events. Quickly becoming the Saturday hot spot for singles, the Hostile Grape’s “As Single As I Wanna Be” Saturday parties provide the perfect atmosphere for guests to drink, dance and flirt the night away starting at 8 p.m. Throughout the month of April and May, different themes will be offered weekly where participating guests can receive a complimentary bottle of wine*.

Gambling Talk: Video Slots – Open The Vault – with Victor H. Royer. As promised, in this issue û and the following issues û I will now write a little more about some of the favorite slots that my readers have told me they like to play, and later also show you some of the great new slots that are about to be released. In this issue, I present: Open The Vault video slot machine from WMS.

This game uses what are called “cascading reels”. In place of traditional reel spins, the reel symbols cascade into place as if dropped from above. All winning combinations pay as normal, but then something extra happens. The symbols in the winning combination disappear and new symbols cascade down to take their place. This process continues until no new winning combinations appear. Click to Read Complete Article…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I come to Vegas a couple of times a year, last 2 times stayed downtown, the first at the Plaza, disappointing, second time at the Nugget, great room, friendly staff, love the short walks to the many casinos, felt safe the whole time, which was not true 15 years ago on my short visits downtown. Love Vegas, will stay downtown on next trip as well, enjoy your newsletter!

Susan Roberts

Ted Responds:

Downtown has unquestionably changed radically in the past 15 years. Some hotels like The Plaza are badly in need of room upgrades (which won’t happen until the economy turns) but OK if you are just looking for somewhere to crash. The Golden Nugget just finished a nice new tower and is well worth staying at for the money right now.

Downtown has changed drastically since I moved here (which wasn’t long before your original visit). Plenty of security and a friendly party atmosphere that is lots of fun without getting out-of-control.

We will be in Vegas from 4/17/2010 to 4/23/2010 and want for a change to visit more of the off strip casinos? Which do you recommend?

Gail from Cheektowaga, NY

Ted Responds:

If you don’t have a car or just want a quick taste of “locals” casinos, visit the Gold Coast (across the street from The Palms). The Orleans (just a couple miles west of the MGM on Tropicana) is actually pretty nice for a locals place that has been around a while.

As noted in recent newsletters, The Deuce bus route (that runs The Strip) now terminates at Palace Station. Note: Nothing wrong with Palace (it is my “locals” place to go bet sports,áput a few bucks in video poker, or grab an inexpensive buffet that is decent for the money), but it is a very run-of-the-mill place with no extra draw except for good food values. Of note: Pasta Palace (inside Palace Station) just won the Best Of Las Vegas in the local paper readers poll for Italian restaurant in a casino. And, the have All-You-Can-Eat Pasta for $8.99 From 4pm û 5:30pm. Oh, and it is a nicer place than Olive Garden.

M Resort is well worth seeing (very, very nice — nicer than some Strip properties), and they have a free shuttle for the 15 minute ride down there (less time than it takes to get from one end of The Strip to the other). Sam’s Town has a free shuttle from Harrah’s and you can walk to the (relatively new) Cannery East from Sam’s Town. As shuttle info always changes, call the hotel in question when you arrive for details.

If you have a car, hit the M and South Point one day. And/or Hit Boulder Station, Arizona Charlie’s East, Sam’s Town, and Eastside Cannery on another.

Speaking of food values, check the menus at the locals casino restaurants when you visit. Generally much cheaper than The Strip, and since they have to cater to locals (who won’t come back if something is bad), you’ll often fine a very nice dining experience.

We just arrived back home after 6 days at the Rio. Had a wonderful time as always. We went to the Terry Fator show and it was the best show I have seen in Vegas in a long time. Terry is very gracious to the audience, thanks them often, lets you take pictures, even allows short videos on your cell phones. The show makes you laugh, cry and love life. It is a must when you are in Vegas.

The only problem we had was with Showtime Shuttle bus. We reserved a handicap shuttle, they send a regular shuttle, when the handicap bus arrived the driver was rude, demanding an made me help put my husband on the lift. I called and complained to Showtime shuttle and called the Rio concierge who made the reservation, so they would be aware of the poor service. Then, the driver drove 30 mph from the Rio to the airport, knowing we were running late due to their mistake, to show us he was in charge. We had the last word, when we left him standing outside the shuttle without a tip.

Connie from Hawthorne, FL

Ted Responds:

Everybody raves about Terry Fator. People questioned how a “puppet show” would work on The Strip, but Factor’s ability to combine his ventriloquist and impressionist talents have been a big hit.

No question that you handled your complaints the right way. Tips are to be earned. Don’t get me wrong… I have no problem tipping (and tipping well) for good, helpful service. Especially if they go the extra mile. But, do not hesitate to withhold tips and also complain if service is lacking. With the economy the way it is today (local unemployment over 13%), people should be thankful they have a job and do their best to provide optimal customer service to our visitors.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 20
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 9
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 15-17 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 6
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • Mardi Gras March 8
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 24

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