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

Hello From Las Vegas! Well, the firestorm of comments regarding President Obama’s Vegas remarks (see last weeks Vegas Vibe) came in hot and heavy. This kind of reminds me why we steer way clear of politics here. Don’t get me wrong: I’m an adept pundit on politics, but we’re all about Vegas and fun.

However, the Obama remarks could not be ignored. Especially in light of news this week that convention visitor volume fell almost 25% in 2009. Can some of be attributed to the recession? Of course. But even if Obama’s February 2009 comments were responsible for only 5% of that (and conventions did cancel Vegas and move elsewhere at that time), that would be 5% too much.

Don’t Shoot The Messenger – We’ll publish a fair sampling of reader input on this issue in Members Mania. As always, I’ll lay my best thoughts out on the table in response. If you don’t like what some people wrote, don’t yell at me. I’m mostly acting as the conduit. Also, we’ll go heavy on real estate news this issue as people have been inquiring.

The Tide Is Turning – We’ve seen four straight months of rising visitor counts. From time-to-time we get email saying Las Vegas has changed and we’re never coming back. Well… Las Vegas has changed again, and people are coming back. Rooms are dirt cheap, many fine dining restaurants are offering incredible prix fixe (fixed price) meals in the $40 and $50 range, and show prices have moderated. Oh… almost forgot:

Another Super Sunday In The Books – The most watched game in Superbowl history created a jam-packed, adrenalin filled weekend here. Over $82 million was bet on the game and because of a combination of some huge money (multiple $1 million-plus bets according to many sources) on the Colts combined with the popularity of parlay cards (rip offs in most cases… go play roulette instead), sports books held on to almost $7 million.

NFL vs. Las Vegas Continues – For years, the NFL prohibited anything Las Vegas (the hotels, the city, you name it) from advertising on the Superbowl. This year they mildly relaxed their rules stating that an ad simply shouldn’t show hotel/casinos or anything related to gaming. While the LVCVA (people who spend the bed tax money) opted not to place an ad, car maker Kia featured a memorable Las Vegas segment in their commercial airing during the third quarter of the game: Click to view Controversial Kia Sorento “Las Vegas” Superbowl Commercial

The commercial “broke” the NFL’s rules and got them in a huff. Las Vegas got “advertised” on the “big game” without spending a dime. Mayor Goodman even commented that the ad was better than some of the ads LVCVA puts out (as the LVCVA had no involvement in the creation of the commercial). The LVCVA tried to take some credit, by noting how strong a “brand” Las Vegas is. (A brand they seem to take credit for building and maintaining).

I see it as more proof that the LVCVA is borderline inept and that if they ceased to exist, it would make little impact on visitor counts. The hotels are still going to promote the city, travel sites are still going to promote the city, and just about every one of you returns home from a vacation here spreading the word. The LVCVA’s attempt to take credit for every iota of Las Vegas’ success is getting old. They got “punked” by a car maker who put out a better “Vegas” ad than anything they’ve done in a while.

Gaming Revenue Plunges – Gaming revenue (the money that you leave behind at the tables and slots) fell over 10% in 2009. Obviously, part of this is due to the economy. However, I can’t ignore the strong reader input noting that your gambling money just doesn’t last as long as it used to, and you are instead spending it on shows, dining, shopping, and tours. Still enjoying Vegas? Yes! Gambling as much? No.

Signs Of Recovery? – Analysts note that the Las Vegas economy will not recover until jobs in both tourism and construction return. (Duh). My prediction? Tourism jobs will slowly return over the next 2-3 years. Construction jobs will not.áThe population will stay stagnant for the next few years as construction workers leave, most likely being replaced by retirees flocking for the nice weather and dirt cheap home prices. Speaking of…

Another Wave Of Foreclosures – Is imminent. These homes will start to hit the market later this year, possibly pushing prices even lower. I’ve been following the market for a long time. If you are thinking of house hunting here, later this year and on into winter will probably be prime time. Hard to predict bottom, but the saturation point at which prices get so low that people simply don’t sell (hanging on to the house or walking away) is primed to be later this year. And speaking of…

$7000 Las Vegas House – We usually only hear about homes this cheap in Detroit. But a home here in Las Vegas has an asking price of $7000! Now… it obviously needs some work, and it is in a neighborhood some would call questionable, but co’mon. Think about a house that many can pretty much put on their credit card! Click to view $7000 Las Vegas House For Sale

FAO Schwarz – Has let its lease run out at The Forum Shops and closed. It was a cool, store… great fun to browse and shop in. But… Forum Shop space is very expensive to lease and high-end toys probably don’t have as much of a market as they did in better times.

Celine Returns – If you follow our Twitter feed, you already know that Celine is back for an extended run. This isn’t “A New Day Part II”. Celine will be performing hits from throughout her career, backed with a band and orchestra, and new video theming. Click for Celine Dion Las Vegas Tickets

Death Valley? – People know that the Grand Canyon as a day tour from Las Vegas, and forget that Death Valley is also a day tour. You’ll see amazing desert scenery, Scotty’s Castle, visit the lowest spot n the Western Hemisphere, and more. Just make sure to book in for the next 3 months or so. July – September can be brutally hot. Check out our Featured Tour section for more.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist and Las Vegas headliner, Carlos Santana presents Andre Agassi with an autographed guitar for the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy’s music department.

Carlos Santana Encourages Donations To Andre Agassi Foundation For Education During February Performances Of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits – Launching his partnership with the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist and Las Vegas headliner Carlos Santana today joined Andre Agassi for a tour of the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, meeting with children and offering his support. Santana is encouraging public donations through video messaging during his live performances of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits this month.

• Click to read full Carlos Santana Encourages Donations To Andre Agassi Foundation story.

• Santana Las Vegas Tickets

Terry Fator Celebrates First Anniversary As Las Vegas Headliner With Introduction Of New Character – Over the past year, Terry Fator has been entertaining the masses as a Strip headliner in Terry Fator & His Cast of Thousands at The Mirage. Without moving his lips, Fator has left audiences stunned by his talent and cheering for more as he takes them on a journey through the idiosyncrasies of characters, including Winston the Impersonating Turtle, Cowboy Walter T. Airedale and Duggie Scott Walker, five nights a week. Vikki “The Cougar” was the first new character introduced for Fator’s headlining show.

• Click to read full Terry Fator Celebrates First Anniversary As Las Vegas Headliner story.

• Terry Fator Las Vegas Tickets

Rockhouse Rocks Spring Break With “Sprink Broke 2010” – Spring Break Student Specials March Through May At Rockhouse – In the midst of an economic recession, Rockhouse Bar and Nightclub has the solution to the Spring Break epidemic that is sweeping the nation. College students across the country have been forced to adjust, or in the worst case scenario, abandon their Spring Break party plans. Rockhouse’s “Spring Broke 2010” will pickup right where it left off last year, with a memorable Spring season full wild parties and drunken all-nighters for those party-hard Spring Breakers that are still “Spring Broke.”

• Click to read full Rockhouse Rocks Spring Break With “Sprink Broke 2010” story.

Daughtry To Play Orleans Arena April 29 – Following the success of its nationally televised New Year’s Eve performance in Times Square, Daughtry recently revealed plans for the second leg of its U.S. arena tour, which will be making a stop in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on Thursday, April 29. Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely will be joined by special guests Lifehouse and opening band Cavo.

• Click to read full Daughtry To Play Orleans Arena story.

• Daughtry Las Vegas Tickets

Martin Lawrence To Perform Two Shows At The Pearl At The Palms – The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort is proud to present comedian Martin Lawrence for two Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. Martin Lawrence has established himself as one of America’s most popular actor/comedians with starring roles in such hit movies as Big Momma’s House, Bad Boys and its sequel Bad Boys II, Blue Streak, Wild Hogs and National Security among others.

• Click to read full Martin Lawrence To Perform At The Pearl story.

• Martin Lawrence Las Vegas Tickets

New Michael Jackson Tribute Artist Added To American Superstars At Stratosphere Hotel & Casino – The AMERICAN SUPERSTARS show at the Stratosphere Casino & Hotel is excited to announce Corey Melton as the new Michael Jackson tribute artist. “We’re thrilled to have Corey join our incredible cast. He is an amazing talent with a lot of energy and his resemblance to Michael Jackson is uncanny. Together with his incredible voice and dance moves we have the perfect tribute to the King of Pop,” said Donny Moore, co-producer of AMERICAN SUPERSTARS.

• Click to read full New Michael Jackson Tribute Artist Added To American Superstars story.

• American Superstars Las Vegas Tickets

International Superstar Lionel Richie To Perform At The Colosseum At Caesars Palace March 26 – 27 – International music icon Lionel Richie will bring his four decades of chart topping hits to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27. One of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable voices in music, Richie is excited to introduce fans to songs from his new album JUST GO which is a remarkable music marriage of his timeless style and a collection of contemporary material.

• Click to read full International Superstar Lionel Richie To Perform At The Colosseum story.

• Lionel Richie Las Vegas Tickets

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Featured Tour û Enjoy Las Vegas!

Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas – Escape to the desert on day trip to Death Valley during your Las Vegas vacation. You’ll travel through the magnificent Mojave Desert and visit the Spanish-style Scotty’s Castle for lunch. Tour Ubehebe Crater and visit the atmospheric Furnace Creek Ranch Museum and Rhyolite Ghost Town. And as a special memento of your adventure, you will receive a Death Valley Explorer Certificate! Highlights

* All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included * Free hotel pickup and drop-off included * Breakfast included * Lunch included

Click For Details And Book
Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas Now!

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My wife and I visit Las Vegas 2-3 times per year. We live in Alberta, Canada and find Las Vegas offers so much more than gambling. Reading your recent news letter I was quite upset to hear Obama’s remarks about avoiding Las Vegas for a vacation or convention and to then spend your money on your kids college education? Does he think people are that stupid that they would waste their college money?

Las Vegas earns more money from my wife and I in their fabulous shopping centres and evening shows than the hotel we stay in does. Each visit we spend $2,000-$3,000 on shopping items and about $500 on shows. Maybe $200-$300 in the one armed bandits. (Can we still call them that)? He should really think sometimes before he speaks. Please pass this email along in your battle against his remarks. We love Las Vegas because there is so much to see and do other than gambling.

Regards, Brent Your Canadian Eh !!

Ted Responds:

I think you really hit on the point that others may be missing: You can gamble your brains out here if you want, but it has almost become a secondary activity. The world class food, shows, and shopping are a huge attraction. I was just over at CityCenter and saw this represented: The Aria was buzzing pretty good with people, not not a huge amount of gamblers. People were eating, people were shopping, people in lounges drinking.

Some think we (Las Vegas) deserve the Obama comments because we have been selling “What Happens Here, Stays Here”, but that slogan isn’t a gambling slogan (except for the joke that your money stays here). We’re selling the vibe. The party. A place where you can live differently than you live at home, cut loose, have some fun, no last call, maybe splurge on buying something nice, seeing a nice show, eating at a celeb chef restaurant. In fact, I think that our newsletter is testament to all of that: We seldom cover gambling. But we’ll sure let you know what the latest food, shows, bars, and shops are.

One armed bandits is still an appropriate term, although many of the newest slots no longer have handles. Which is kind of a bummer: Once in a while, it is fun to actually pull a slot handle!

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As a manager of a New York State travel agency I agree very much that the LVCVA is totally useless and we have not used their services in many years. What they do with the money they are given is beyond me and should be investigated.

As for President Obama, you have a right to be upset because of your city but I donÆt think you are looking at the whole picture and you should know that many people feel that your mayor is less than reputable. Also, regarding Rush Limpballs [sic], you really shouldnÆt praise him being in Las Vegas. He will do whatever it takes to get attention for himself and not necessarily what is best for this country at all. Just my own thoughts-thanks for listening.

Cindy Maloni
1stchoicetravel.com

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the thoughts. Per Limbaugh, I wasn’t praising him for being here. Simply exploring reasons why Obama would make the kind of comment he made, at the time he made it. To varying degrees, the media has played Limbaugh as a thorn in Obama’s side. Limbaugh spends a week in Vegas and apparently enjoys himself. The next week, Obama uses Vegas as a negative connotation. I’m just looking at various angles.

I realize that our gin-swilling, shoot-his-mouth-off mayor is not everybody’s cup of tea. But he’s ours, and we like him. He was re-elected in a landslide for his second term, and recent polling indicate that he’d fare better than Harry Reid if he (Goodman) ran for Senate: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman Would Do Better Than Harry Reid in Nevada Senate Race

Most politicians say one thing, then do another. Goodman doesn’t. Everybody knows where they stand. If someone were to decide against a Las Vegas visit based on Goodman, they are probably someone who wouldn’t enjoy it much in the first place. BTW, I’ve had feedback from people who say they love Las Vegas, but really have trouble stomaching a place that supports Harry Reid (see following letter). So… it cuts both ways.

Per the LVCVA: Questions were brought up a few months ago about the juiced-in, three decade relationship with the advertising agency they use, and the huge amounts of money the ad agency was allowed to spend without oversight. The ad agency did decide “based on the economy” to cut their fee from 15% to 12.5%: LVCVA votes to continue R&R pact. Past that, not much came from it. The LVCVA is so powerful (and has so many people involved) that very few are willing to take them on, and really no one willing to take them on who could rock the boat hard enough to get a good look going on.

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I have been coming to Las Vegas a couple times a year (or more in good years!) for the better part of 25 years. I appreciate all the good information you disseminate in your newsletter. I always check it out, and sometime plan a visit around information I learn for you!

I appreciate you taking the service workers to task in your comments about tipping. At least a third of the dealers are more adept at running customers off, then working to be nice and get a tip!

Finally, politics is something I have always put aside when in Las Vegas. However, with all the controversy Nevada Senator Harry Reid has caused; his backroom deals to push through health care legislation, and is seemingly deaf ear to the general policy, itÆs time the people in Las Vegas realize, he is bad for business! I find it hard to support a state that supports Senator Reid. IÆm certain many others are starting to connect the dots and take their hard earned cash to another vacation destination. As they say, a word to the wise…

Kind Regards,

Steve from Cincinnati, OH

Ted Responds:

If it makes you feel any better, Nevada does not support Harry Reid. His polling numbers here have stayed low despite a TV commercial blitz designed to raise them, and if the election were held today, any of his three main challengers running in the GOP primary would beat him unquestionably. Reference: Polls Still Not Reid’s Friend (scroll down to that section)

There was some talk is that he may think about retiring similar to what Chris Dodd (D-CT) did. However… Reid is a scrappy fighter and will have plenty of support from his party all over the nation. Reid has won many elections during his tenure in politics by amazingly slim margins. Hence, no one is counting him out.

On the flip side, keep in mind that Nevada is bleeding the union jobs (with many of those people leaving the state, and even more gone by election time after unemployment has run out). And… the union rank-and-file here traditionally vote for the Democrat candidate. The unions work very hard on “turn out the vote” campaigns among members. Without those votes, Reid could be even more vulnerable.

Reid’s other uphill battle will be to prove his effectiveness for Nevada. The pro-Reid argument is how great it is to have someone from Nevada in his position of power. However… it seems that both stimulus and foreclosure help money are bypassing Nevada.

In addition, needed transportation initiatives sit idle for a city which revolves around getting people here. Forget about a high-speed train to L.A. We don’t even have Amtrak service of any kind out of Las Vegas. How great would even a Friday/Sunday train catering to L.A. visitors be? It is certainly worth a try. We don’t even have a four-lane highway (let alone Interstate) completely connecting Phoenix with Las Vegas. How’s that for a project that would both create jobs and provide an indefinite benefit to both areas!

So in the infamous words of Ricky Ricardo, Reid “has some ‘splainin’ to do” to the voters here this fall.

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• Beso Will Ignite Passion This Valentine’s Day With An Intimate Menu To Arouse The Senses – Eva Longoria Parker’s Elegant Steakhouse Is The Romantic Way To Celebrate The Sexiest Holiday Of The Year

• Envy Serves Up Romance With A Five-Course Prix Fixe Menu On Valentine’s Day

• Bodies… The Exhibition Shows Some Heart To Donors On National Donor Day – Organ Donors To Receive $10 Discount February 14

• “America’s Got Talent” Winner Neal E. Boyd & Friends Will Win Your Heart On Valentine’s Day At The Las Vegas Hilton

• Disney’s The Lion King And Mandalay Bay Celebrate “Student Rush” Delivering An Unbeatable Ticket Deal For Collegiates

• Sahara combining showrooms

  The Comedy Stop Tickets
  The Rat Pack Tickets
  Rick Thomas Tickets

• Comedy shows try fresh approach

  Jason Alexander as Donny Clay Tickets
  Louie Anderson Tickets

• Las Vegas Zoo has long way to go (with video)

• Las Vegas Apartment Rents Reach Four-Year Low (with video)

• Local Restaurant has Strong Ties to New Orleans (with video)

• Rental housing prices down 8.2 percent in Las Vegas

• Want to play some winter golf? Consider a trip to Nevada to satisfy your urge

• Floyd Mayweather Jr to fight Shane Mosley in Las Vegas

• Fitch Downgrades Las Vegas Monorail Revs to ‘D’

• Vegas Rules Nightclub Awards

• Las Vegas: a tale of two very different casinos

• Long Life Vegetarian isn’t completely meat-free, but its vegan offerings make it a worthy destination

• More Visitors Expected For Super Bowl

• Sports books expect big Super Bowl win

• Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas shutting down

• Visitor volume down 3% in Las Vegas

• Streisand rejects $100M Vegas offer

• Sinatra, Martin to receive stars in Vegas

• Old Vegas signs on the road again

• Nevada casinos win $6.86 million on Super Bowl

• Las Vegas Tourism Up During Super Bowl

• Short Sales Driving Vegas Housing Market

• Saints win, but so does Las Vegas

• Plan carves out 11,000 acres for ‘ice age park’

• Marijuana convention canceled in Las Vegas

• Valley apartment market deteriorates in fourth quarter

• World Market Center sees attendance jump

• An engineering marvel takes shape near Hoover Dam

• Vegas Visitor Numbers Down In 2009

• Gamblers Wager $82.7 Million on Super Bowl

• Mayor doesn’t deserve to be labeled a ‘racist’

• Compulsive gambler wagers on better life away from games

• Vanity caters to customers through design, service

• Game, sports book tour live up to hype

• Underdog bettors profit as Manning takes fall

• New Orleans expatriates and a Colts fan share Super Bowl in Las Vegas

• Building bikes, collecting cars are labors of love for Koker

• $1 million wager on Super Bowl approved

• Teams may depart, athletes may disappoint, but the crowds still show up on game day

• ESPN Zone at New York-New York a great place to grab a bite and watch the Big Game

• Casinos cater to fans by offering ‘big game’ events

• Cuts to higher education budget unavoidable, Nevada lawmakers say

• Inspections a win-win – Program praised by casino, county officials

• UFC investment won’t be used to help bail out Station Casinos, owners say

• UNLV students protest against proposed budget cuts

• Ancient art in Grapevine Canyon sure to draw you in

• MGM to divest from Atlantic City

• More than half of poll respondents say they’ll keep staffs static in 2010

• Las Vegas Rocks Cafe celebrates city

• Legislators hear how social service cuts will affect elderly

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Nightlife and Evening Entertainment Local Business Directory Easy Vegas Deals Access Vegas Twitter Feed Access Vegas Facebook Fan Page Access Vegas Myspace Page Seasonal Vegas Information Valentine’s Day Events Mardi Gras Events St. Patrick’s Day Events March Madness Events Spring Break Events Cinco de Mayo Events

Featured Shows Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular The Lion King Blue Man Group Jersey Boys Photos and Wallpaper Las Vegas Photos (Send A Free E-Card!)

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Brrrrr, brrrrr, brrrrr, brrrr, brrrr. No… not here. I mean the rest of the U.S. After some Saturday rain, Sunday is shaping up to be mostly sunny and with an “unseasonably cool” high of 60 degrees. Not much cooler than Miami is for the Superbowl. Speaking of…

What Recession? – I want to make it very clear that I understand plenty of people are hurting badly. And, much of Las Vegas is no exception. But reports of Las Vegas’ demise are 100% premature. Visitor volume for Superbowl weekend is up almost 15% over last year. Most other visitor-related numbers are rising. If you aren’t here, someone else is sleeping in that hotel room, enjoying your favorite buffet, and seeing that show you really want to see!

Yes… we are going to talk all things Obama vs. Vegas with Oscar Goodman pleading our case. If you missed the flap and care to catch up, click to view Las Vegas Mayor Oscar GoodmanÆs Brash Remarks About President Obama. If you don’t care, don’t worry. Scroll past my comments and you’ll find our usual massive array of Las Vegas information to keep you up-to-speed for your next visit.

“A Real Slow Learner” – is how Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman referred to President Obama’s remarks about Las Vegas. To those of you who feel this is blown out of proportion and that Obama was simply giving sound financial advice, please let me note the following:

• This is the second time in a year that Obama has specifically pointed out visiting Las Vegas as a negative example in a speech.
• Last year when he suggested companies getting government bail-outs should not use the money to go to Las Vegas, the repercussions went much farther. Numerous conventions and gatherings already scheduled for Las Vegas were moved to other cities (all of which are much more expensive for conventions) just to avoid the negative stigma Obama suggested.
• Obama could have simply said that you should save for college instead of blowing money on vacations or used any number of generic examples. Some would consider a trip to San Francisco (which is beautiful, great history, arts, food — well worth visiting) as “blowing” money. Some would consider a visit to the Gulf Coast for a charter fishing trip as “blowing” money.

  What else is a vacation, except a time to go “blow” some money in exchange for a great time? Is spending $400 on a helicopter ride to see the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas any different than spending $400 a night for a bed and breakfast in wine country? Is spending a couple hundred dollars on Las Vegas show tickets any different than spending a similar amount at all Orlando has to offer?

• Some might say “Well… he was talking about gambling your money away.” Mmmmm…. like that can’t be done in the Chicagoland area that Obama otherwise calls home? Or numerous other states with casino gambling?
• Obama has no problem taking vacations: New York, Hawaii, you name it. Which is all fine and well with me. I’ve never been one to gripe that a president spends time where he wants, regardless of politicaláparty. The White House could make anyone stir crazy. But… he didn’t say “don’t blow money on a trip to Hawaii…”.
• Is it really Obama’s job to give us financial advice? Perhaps he should leave that to Dave Ramsey or Bob Brinker and instead focus on the business of the country’s finances.

  By the way… someone saving for college is under 21 and absolutely should not be coming to Las Vegas. If he was referring to parents saving for their kids’ college education… we have no law (as of yet) mandating that parents must skip vacations and instead placing the money budgeted in their child’s college savings account.

I’ll give you one more angle on this that I have yet to see anywhere:

Obama nemesis Rush Limbaugh (YouTube) spent the previous week here in Las Vegas judging the Miss American pageant. I didn’t hear any of Limbaugh’s shows, but by all accounts he thoroughly enjoyed his stay. Contrary to some of the rumors, Obama’s remarks about Las Vegas were indeed scripted. They were in the copy of the speech given to the press. Somebody specifically thought the Vegas line out. Could this have been a dig at Limbaugh that simply got out of control?

Sadly, the very rank-and-file hotel union members who supported Obama and helped him win Nevada were the very people his comments last year hurt. And… who are likely to be hurt again with continued comments about Las Vegas which make groups and conventions think twice about how appropriate a Las Vegas visit is.

If you are still in the “this was no big deal” camp, please tell that to the people hurt by the first set of remarks in a town with over 13% unemployment. Mispronouncing the word nuclear may make you look stupid, but kicking a city when it is down shows bad judgment.

Related Videos:

• Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons Responds To ObamaÆs Vegas Slight
• Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman Labeled As Racist

You Can Comment at Las Vegas Mayor Oscar GoodmanÆs Brash Remarks About President Obama
Note: All Views Are Welcome But Comments Will Be Moderated If Not Appropriate

Louie Anderson, Sammy Shore, Rich Little, Pete Barbutti, and Lance Burton (all pictured) joined George Wallace,áBobby Slayton,áPam Matteson,á, Vinnie Favorito, Kathleen Dunbar, Kathy Walker, Pete Barbutti, Rick Faugno, Manny Oliveira, Frankie Scinta and Jeff Hobson performing before a full house at the Funny Bone fundraiser to help animal rescue organizations. It was a full house at the Key West Showroom in The Palms and admission was only $20.

Wait Ted… I would have liked to go. I don’t remember reading about that in the newsletter! You are correct. You didn’t. Show information came too late to be included in our last issue. HOWEVER… we did post it on our Twitter feed http://twitter.com/accessvegas and we often post late breaking info. You don’t have to sign up for Twitter to access the feed (although you should follow us if you have a Twitter account). Simply visit the above link every day or two and see what is new!

The Return Of Jimmy Hopper – Long time Las Vegas visitors know and love Jimmy Hopper (video preview). He was the main headliner at Fontana Room (Bellagio) for years, also playing stints at The Rio and Luxor. He’s now back at The Palms. WHEN: Sundays beginning Sunday, February 14, 2010 7:00 p.m. û 10:00 p.m. WHERE: The Lounge inside Palms Casino Resort COST: Performances are free and open to the public; 21 and over; seating is first-come, first-served.

Mozy Saves The Day – This newsletter almost didn’t make it. A software glitch overwrote/erased it (taking all of my parts with it). We back up on a regular basis, but this happened while I was working on it. Fortunately, I signed up for Mozy.com a couple of months ago. Mozy works in the background, backing up your computer through the internet. I was able to download a backed up version from the day before which had much of my work intact. Very impressive.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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Jay-Z To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms With Guests Young Jeezy And Trey Songz – After a stellar 2009, surpassing Elvis as the solo artist with the most #1 albums, scoring a #1 single with the anthemic “Empire State Of Mind” and a list of other accolades and performances, Jay-Z launches his BP3 2010 North American tour which will now conclude with a stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Special guests Young Jeezy and Trey Songz join Jay-Z on the tour.

• Click to read full Jay-Z To Perform At The Pearl story.

• Jay-Z Las Vegas Tickets

Ring In Chinese New Year 2010 With MGM Mirage – Resorts Set To Offer Festive Cultural Offerings – MGM MIRAGE will celebrate the 2010 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger, with exhilarating lion dance performances, a concert at MGM Grand and authentic cuisine at a variety of resort restaurants. The Tiger, the third animal in the Asian zodiac, is a symbol of competitiveness, natural leadership and self-reliance.

• Click to read full Ring In Chinese New Year 2010 With MGM Mirage story.

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant And Wine Bar Raises Funds For Red Cross Aid For Haiti – Las Vegas Renowned Restaurateur and Philanthropist Gino Ferraro is raising funds to be donated to Red Cross for their efforts to aid Haiti. Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar has been serving Las Vegas since 1985. Since, Ferraro’s has been a leader and staple in Italian fine dining and wine selection, quality standard and service.

• Click to read full Ferraro’s Raises Funds For Red Cross Aid story.

Offer Your Heart On A (Shoe)String (Budget) – Las Vegas Values Allow Sweethearts To Impress While Saving Cash – This month, the resorts of MGM MIRAGE offer couples a way to add sizzle to their relationship without causing their bank accounts to fizzle. Twosome travelers are invited to indulge in a romantic getaway they’ll cherish for years at savings they’ll value today. Treat your loved one to a tantalizing dinner for two at prices too tempting to resist. Restaurants throughout the resorts of MGM MIRAGE will present enticing Valentine’s menus at incredible values.

• Click to read full Offer Your Heart On A (Shoe)String (Budget) story.

Kenny Chesney Returns To The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas – Kenny Chesney may be taking the year off from one of his giant tours, but Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas has country music’s biggest ticket-seller for four shows in its premiere rock & roll venue The Joint. Easily the most intimate opportunity to see the man who’s won 4 consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4 Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Awards, the Hard Rock has over a third of Chesney’s live appearances in 2010.

• Click to read full Kenny Chesney Returns To The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas story.

• Kenny Chesney Las Vegas Tickets

The Gilley’s Bull Returns To The Las Vegas Strip – The mechanical bull that had been victorious in numerous battles waged by tourists, locals and bikini-clad riders is back to defend its new home at Treasure Island, when Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall and Bar-B-Que opens April 16. Situated next to Siren’s Cove, Gilley’s will have retractable glass for outdoor Strip seating, and will be accessible from inside the casino and via a newly constructed bridge in front of the Siren’s ship.

• Click to read full Gilly’s Returns To The Strip story.

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Las Vegas Deals

• Disney’s The Lion King And Mandalay Bay Celebrate “Student Rush” Delivering An Unbeatable Ticket Deal For Collegiates
• Alize at the Top of the Palms Announces Prix Fixe $45 Dinner
• Tigers, Dragons, Lions To Fill The Forum Shops At Caesars This February For Chinese New Year

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

• Bookmark and Visit EasyVegasDeals.com daily (Monday – Friday) or

• Enter http://www.easyvegasdeals.com/feed/ into your RSS feed list (for those of you who use RSS/XML feeds) or

• Follow our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/accessvegas

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We were in Vegas Dec 24 – 27, 2009. We stayed at the Imperial Palace & enjoyed the central location. We also saw the Matsuri show here. Great show. We enjoyed the shopping at Miracle Mile Shops & Fashion Show Mall and also the Bellagio Buffet on Christmas Day.

The traffic on the Strip is really bad. We were going to buy a 3 day transit pass but decided against it when we inched along the Strip the 1st night. We decided to walk everywhere instead. Have they considered have a BUS ONLY lane since there are 4 lanes of traffic ?

Angela

Ted Responds:

Keep in mind that the traffic was holiday traffic. I drove down The Strip on the Sunday night after New Years weekend and it never got backed up at all. A dedicated bus lane would unfortunately make The Strip completely not drivable. And yes… ideas have been floated regarding banning cars from The Strip or making it a one-way street.

If in town during a busy time and staying at (or near) a monorail stop, getting a $30 three-day monorail pass is your best bet. For the price of one traffic-plugged cab ride, two people can ride all day. Your vacation time is valuable when you factor in the cost of getting here, staying here, food, entertainment, etc. Spending a few bucks to save time is a no-brainer.

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We have visited Las Vegas several times and really enjoy our stays. However, we have never been to the Grand Canyon. We are coming to Vegas this April and would like to do the Gand Canyon bus tour. Could you recommend which tour company to contact as there as so many different ones. Also, is the south rim the best one to visit at the Canyon. Thank you for your help.

J. Berberich from Ontario, Canada

Ted Responds:

Grand Canyon by bus is one very long day. Air costs 3-4 times as much, but only takes 4 hours and you see so much more. If going by bus, check out http://www.accessvegas.com/tours/grand-canyon-west-rim-bus-tour

However, watch the video at http://www.aaavegas.com/fun-and-thrill/grand-canyon… before making your decision.

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Thanks for the news letters, they are great. My husband & I have been going to Vegas since 2001. In response to Neil Thompson on his order of Chivas on the rocks… I believe that there is no real alcohol in any drink that you order from the cocktail waitress or at the bar. We here in Canada has an alcohol content on the beer bottle label, down there, there is no such thing, even on the imported brands. The only time I have really felt any “buzz” was drinking Fosters ale or a real expensive glass of wine in Paris. We even had one of those yard long drinks from Harrah’s one year, nothing. Pretty disappointing when you spend so much on a drink. And what’s with the bartender pouring you a drink through a fountain apparatus, appears that he is giving you a cheap mix. I just don’t waste the money anymore. We tend to buy from a liquor store & have a drink of two in our room.

Aside from that, Vegas does offer great restaurants, fun in the sun, places to see like Valley of Fire, Mount Charleston, Red Rock Canyon & a short hop to other things to do & see besides the usual gambling. We love it.

Keep up the great work. Hope to be down there again sometime. You are very lucky that you live in such a beautiful part of the world. We’ll probably drive next time seeing all the hassles at the airports.

Regards,

Marilyn from Alberta, Canada (eh)

Ted Responds:

Beer in Nevada has no alcohol restriction on how high the content can be and is usually around 5% if memory serves me correct. And, shots of a drink are the real thing. If you are sitting at a bar, you can watch them pour it and I’ve always experienced getting the proper taste. IE, if I ordered Crown Royal, no question it was Crown.

True that in mixed drinks, you don’t know what you are getting. Nor do you have any control over how strong the drink a waitress brings is.

Best current drink “deal” in town? Casino Royale always has $1 beer (selected bottled brand) and $3.50 call shots.

You brought up something that has become increasingly popular as casino resort bar liquor prices have gone up: People are having their cabbie stop them at a liquor store (usually the one across from the Hard Rock) and stock up. The gift shop kittyûcorner from the Sahara also has an extensive liquor store attached. Neither of these outlets are really cheap, but compare it to buying drinks at bars and the savings is substantial.

If in a pinch, most of the hotel gift shops sell a basic liquor selection by the bottle. Prices are higher than you may find at home, but you don’t have to cab it somewhere.

Last tip: Beer in the gift shop is usually cheaper than at the bar and you don’t have to tip anyone. However… pack a cheap bottle opener as the gift shop may otherwise try to sell you one.

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Couldn’t agree more on your comments on Red Eye flights – we get to spend a whole extra day when we fly Jet Blue and take their 11:50pm flight back to Boston. More money that gets spent in the city too!

I visit Las Vegas 3 – 4 times a year from Cape Cod, MA. My 14 year old daughter and I have a Father/Daughter week long vacation every year over Presidents Day Weekend and for the 4th time in a row she has chosen Las Vegas. I would love to able to take her to a “BIG” show. What would you consider to be an age appropriate show for me to take her to? Something more “glitzy” than the Pet Theatre Show at Planet Hollywood though. Cute but rather lame to put it nicely.

Thanks for putting out such a great tool in promoting Las Vegas. I hope you are recognized by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as the City of Las Vegas for the outstanding job you do in promoting your great city.

Neil Thompson

Ted Responds:

14 is an interesting age because in many ways , she has an adult mind and mentality and Pet Theatre just won’t cut it. Understood. Tournament of Kings has enough flash and action to be very interesting, and a show that is fun to bond over as you cheer for your knight.

Lance Burton… you can’t go wrong for any age. Lion King should not be overlooked. Have her YouTube Terry Fator and see if that is up her alley. Cirque’s O is always spectacular.

The LVCVA (Convention Authority) probably hopes that no one ever finds out about me! They manage to flush the greater part of $230 (2010 budget) million of room tax money down the toilet every year, taking credit in the good times (with no acknowledgment to those like me, let alone the massive marketing efforts by all the hotels or other Vegas travel sites) and shrugging their shoulders in the bad times while they keep burning through the cash. Don’t take my word for it. Check out this article from our local paper: Think tank critical of LVCVA

They even put out a lousy little monthly email newsletter, selling stuff in direct competition with people like me. I’m competing against a government body that is supposed to be helping people like me, and I’m arguably doing a better job of it. My staff budget would barely be considered petty cash to them and yet they don’t come close to disseminating information in the way we do.

I have over 13 years in this business and just about everybody has reached out to work with me in some way or another. The hotels, the shows, the PR agencies, various media outlets (local and national), Vegas writers, bloggers, you name it. Except for the LVCVA. I’ve kept pretty quiet about this until now… but it dawned on me: What do I have to lose by piping up? Exactly the same amount of assistance I’ve been getting from the LVCVA for 13 years: Nothing.

End of rant!

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr. set for rematch

  Bernard Hopkins Vs. Roy Jones, Jr. Tickets

• Santana ready to become Las Vegan

  Santana Tickets

• ‘Viva Elvis’ may be last new show for a while

  Cirque du Soleil – Viva Elvis Tickets

• V Theater offers variety of entertainment choices

  Fab Four Live Tickets
  Hitzville – The Show Tickets
  Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding Tickets

• Qua Baths & Spa At Caesars Palace Offers Chocolate Decadence This Valentine’s Day

• Get Into The Valentine’s Day Mood With LBS: A Burger Joint’s “Aphrodisiac” Special

• Engelbert Humperdinck Brings Romance Back to The Orleans Showroom March 5-7

• Clint Holmes Returns To The Suncoast Showroom March 13 and 14

• From The Perfect Proposal To A Romantic Rendezvous, Paris Las Vegas Is A Lovers Destination

• President Obama singles out Las Vegas, Mayor calls him “slow learner (with video)

• Oscar versus Obama: War of the words round two (with video)

• Lawmakers take issue with Obama’s Las Vegas remark (with video)

• Will President Obama’s comment hurt tourism? (with video)

• Goodman Wants Obama To Fix Vegas Comment (with video)

• President Obama Again Criticizes Trips to Las Vegas (with video)

• Labor Leader to Obama: Stop Mentioning Las Vegas (with video)

• Obama’s Vegas Comment Reopens Old Wounds

• Obama: Trashing Las Vegas?

• Vegas Target Of Yet Another Obama Attack

• Las Vegas mayor to President Obama: ‘He’s not welcome in my city’

• Is Obama anti-Vegas? Some lawmakers want him to ratchet down Sin City rhetoric

• Nevada Blasts Obama for Vegas Quips

• Leaving Las Vegas — alone – What’s Obama got against the city?

• President delivers another blow to Las Vegas

• Michael Jackson’s Las Vegas Rental House Sells for $3.1 Million

• Allegiant Travel 4Q profit falls partly on fuel

• What Happens in Vegas Stays in à Budget

• Former Binion murder defendant Tabish wins parole

• US Airways to end O.C.-Las Vegas flights

• Las Vegas, California Cities Top Foreclosure List in 2009

• Icahn gets approval to buy Fontainebleau Las Vegas

• The art of Vegas: city’s galleries are big draw

• Las Vegas Had the Nation’s Highest Foreclosure Rate in 2009

• Vegas dominates night life awards

• Nevada’s high-speed rail plan deemed ineligible for stimulus funds

• A southwest community goes wild for the independently owned Dyer’s Chicago Style Gourmet Popcorn

• Nevada Remains in Top 10 for Film and TV Production

• Planet Hollywood Towers Holds Grand Opening

• Las Vegas bets the future on a game-changing new hotel complex

• Lawmakers upset over Obama’s 2nd anti-Vegas remark

• Las Vegas casinos need a full house to break losing streak

• Allegiant says traffic rose in January

• Even in Vegas, thou shalt not buy new cars on Sunday

• Retail sales rise over holidays, offering hint of hope

• City welcomes rare catch in competitive biotech field

• Miss America Gets Record 4.5M Viewers

• Old Hotel to be Razed at New Vegas City Hall Site

• V Theater proprietor trying to maximize use of venue’s every inch

• Stoney’s Rockin’ Country welcomes cowpokes as well as city slickers

• Escape the elements at Desert Pines

• Upbeat start for furniture mart – Attendance up for winter show

• AquaKnox provices welcome relief with top-notch food, service

• Development rules reviewed – Las Vegas studies how to remove roadblocks

• Super Bowl bettors put faith, cash in Colts’ corner

• ‘Showgirl’ Midler given celebrity send-off

• Clark County jailbirds focus of reality TV show

• We miss old Vegas, from the Bally’s movie theater to The Green Shack

• McCarran to get USO lounge

• Music venues take on new look

• Las Vegas Natural History Museum gives new life to former Luxor exhibit

• CBS Television City expands to test other media products

• In first tryst, Markus does Shady Lady owner proud

• Only sure bet: NFL hypocrisy

• Empty office space on rise in Southern Nevada, but analysts see some hope

• Germ-avoider Trump tells of scolding double-dipper

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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:

• Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
• President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
• Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
• Valentine’s Day February 14
• Mardi Gras February 16
• Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
• St. Patrick’s Day March 17
• Easter Sunday April 4
• 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)

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!

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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

February 3, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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.

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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Local Business Directory Easy Vegas Deals Access Vegas Twitter Feed Access Vegas Facebook Fan Page Access Vegas Myspace Page Seasonal Vegas Information Superbowl Events Valentine’s Day Events Mardi Gras Events St. Patrick’s Day Events March Madness Events Spring Break Events Cinco de Mayo Events

Featured Shows Blue Man Group Jersey Boys Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular The Lion King Photos and Wallpaper Las Vegas Photos (Send A Free E-Card!)

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

If it seems like it’s been a while since the last issue, it has! We had a scheduled week off the second week of January and this past week foughtáinternet outages that our provider blamed on the rain.

Yes, I said rain. Lots of rain. Pacific Northwest type rain and clouds for the past entire week. These are the same storm systems that have been slamming California and Arizona. The last time I remember this kind of persistent cloudy, rainy weather was about five years ago. This coming week will bring clearing but still unfortunately cool temps topping out only in the mid-to-upper 50’s F.

Barry Manilow Debuts New Album Live From Paris Las Vegas – Manilow has moved from the Las Vegas Hilton and is prepping for his run at Paris Las Vegas. He will be on QVC at 6 PM Pacific January 29 to perform some of his new music. Although the rumored start of his run was for Valentines Day, the actual first performance will be March 5. Click for Barry Manilow In Las Vegas Tickets

Speaking Of Valentines Day – We’ll have news and events about Valentine’s Day 2010 in Las Vegas starting next issue. However… it isn’t that far off. With the incredible low room rates right now, how can you not afford take your special someone here for the special day! Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals for great deals and current Las Vegas promotions.

World Renowned Pianist Danny Wright – now has a permanent home at Bar Moderno located inside the new Aria Las Vegas. He tinkles the ivories Wed. – Sun. starting at 7 PM. To find out if he’s your cup of tea, Rhapsody users can check him out at http://www.rhapsody.com/danny-wright

Wrapping Your Mind Around CityCenter – Chances are you’ll be checking out CityCenter on your next visit so you can see what $8.5 billion buys these days. The L.A. Times did a nice interactive graphical presentation that should help you get a feel for how CityCenter is set up: Interactive graphic: A new center in the city

Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport – saw traffic fall nearly 9% in 2009. Much of this was due to capacity cuts by US Air (Airways… whatever). For the better part of two decades, America West Airlines used Las Vegas as a key hub. But as the merger with US Air was integrated, the redundancy of having hubs in both Phoenix and Las Vegas combined with US Air being less aggressive than America West with pricing has led to the cutting of Las Vegas as a hub.

For many years, American West ran a strong “third shift” operation at McCarran with hordes of planes landing around 11 PM for midnight red-eye flights to points around the nation. Generally speaking, the more hours per day an airline can keep an aircraft in the air, the more it can make against the fixed costs of owning or leasing the plane. However, the softer tourism demand of the past couple of years stopped making many of red-eyes feasible.

I’d love to see them return. Nothing beat parking myself at the airport viewing area about 11 PM on a hot summer night and watching continual landings and departures. And for many of you, nothing beat maximizing your time in Las Vegas by staying the entire final day of your trip before catching an overnight flight home.

A Great Place To Live If – For well over a year, I’ve been noting that Southern Nevada is a great place to move if one is financially stable (won’t need to look for work here), including for retirees. Housing prices are at historic lows and all projections maintain low Las Vegas home prices throughout all of 2010.

Economic analysts are now jumping on that bandwagon, noting that seniors bring disposable retirement income while not consuming high-cost government services like schools. These analysts are suggesting that money be spent to market Las Vegas as a retirement location.

In related news, Las Vegas is looking at zero job growth in 2010 and recent reports predict around 100,000 people leaving Nevada in the next 5 years. Is the contractionáa bad thing? Not necessarily. Las Vegas grew WAY too fast, and a few years of stabilization will be good in the long term.

Las Vegas Growth Video – Sometimes it is difficult to comprehend how fast and huge Las Vegas grew in a mere 25 years. Check out the following short video: Growth In Las Vegas 1984 to 2009

But The Good News For You Is – Deals, deals and more deals! Hotels are fighting each other to out-offer bonuses for staying with them. Starting this issue, we’ll be listing a number of those bonus offers each week.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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

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Jon Stewart To Perform At The Mirage February 5 And 6 – Television star and stand-up comic Jon Stewart, brings his award-winning talent to The Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. Jon Stewart is considered one of America’s top social and comedic voices. Over the past 10 years, Stewart has redefined political satire in American culture from his perch atop the anchor chair on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” To date, Stewart and “The Daily Show” have received 28 Emmy Award nominations and won 13.

• Click to read full Jon Stewart To Perform At The Mirage February 5 And 6 story.

• Jon Stewart Las Vegas Tickets

Bellagio Introduces Las Vegas’ Most Stunning Sunday Brunch Experience – Fountains Brunch at Jasmine Delights Senses by Pairing Delectable Gourmet Dishes with Breathtaking Visual of Resort’s Iconic Dancing Waters. For the first time in the AAA Five Diamond resort’s history, guests of Bellagio are invited to partake in an unrivaled brunch experience, featuring a bevy of gourmet and traditional cuisine, while enjoying sweeping views of Bellagio’s lake and world-renowned fountains. Fountains Brunch at Jasmine now redefines Sunday brunch in Las Vegas.

• Click to read full Bellagio Introduces Sunday Brunch Experience story.

United Way’s Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon Features Keynote Speaker Marie Osmond – United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council hosts its second annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon at Paris Las Vegas on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. and welcomes celebrity keynote speaker – and renowned philanthropist – Marie Osmond. The exclusive event also honors three outstanding women leaders in United Way’s focus areas of education, health and financial stability. Serving as the event’s keynote speaker, internationally-recognized celebrity and local headliner Marie Osmond will discuss her own charitable work and the inspiring stories she’s helped to create along the way. Osmond is the co-founder of the Children’s Miracle Network, which has helped more than 17 million kids obtain quality healthcare. She also serves as the spokeswoman for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign.

• Click to read full United Way’s Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon story.

The Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino To Add World’s Highest “Skyjump” To Their Collection Of Thrills – The Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino today announced the addition of their next big thrill – SkyJump Las Vegas. What will undoubtedly become one of the top tourist attractions in North America, the skyjump is best described as a “controlled freefall.” Lucky adrenaline junkies and average Joes alike, will have the opportunity to plummet 855 feet at a scream-inducing speed of up to 40 mph – all while enjoying breathtaking views of the world famous Las Vegas Strip…if they can bear to keep their eyes open.

• Click to read full The Stratosphere To Add World’s Highest “Skyjump” story.

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Featured Tour – Enjoy Las Vegas!

Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour – This is the “Best of the Best” Hoover Dam Tour! Your professional tour guides will educate and entertain you on all aspects of Hoover Dam in an informative and interesting way, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your visit. Not only will you join the Government’s Power Plant Tour and Visitor Center Tour, the Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour is one of the only excursions from Las Vegas to offer an exclusive 45-minute Walk On The Top tour. Highlights: * Informative, friendly and professional guide * All entrance fees included * Lunch included

Click For More Details And Book
The Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I just got back from Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, why do they have all those people down by Paris handing out those cards of the girls? You try to ignore them and they snap them in your face. Very scary for two senior citizens. That spoiled our other wise nice vacation.

Lorraine

Ted Responds:

With the help of the ACLU, what they do (handing out the “girls to your room” cards) has been determined “protected” as free speech.

Just ignore them. They can’t make any contact with you or touch you in any way (or it could be construed as misdemeanor battery) so I just continue on my way and stay my course. Others choose just to move to the other side of the sidewalk.

They are clustered together in certain areas of The Strip because laws were able to be made restricting the zones people can hand out solicitations in.

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Was in Vegas over Thanksgiving. We read comments positive and negative about the Rio. Our stay was excellent. Our flight was early and we were allowed to check in @ 10:00 am. When we got to our room we had a problem with our safe. Help arrived in 10 minutes.

Our suite was very clean.The shuttle to the strip was great and on time. The only problem was on Friday the 27th around midnight. There was a shooting at Caesars and the strip was shut down.

We saw 4 great shows. David Copperfield, Carrot top, Love and Le Reve. Carrot Top was a great surprise. We are looking forward to returning in the spring for”Dinner in the Sky” which was canceled for the winter.

We have stayed at most of Harrah’s hotels.Flamingo, Caesars, Bally’s,and Rio.The only thing that I noticed that more and more kids are in the casinos. This was in almost every casino we went to. Wynn, MGM, Luxor not just our hotel. Thanks for your newsletters, they are great. Sorry for your loss.

Jerry Mclaughlin

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the condolences. Has been a tough few weeks.

You are going to get lots of kids over Thanksgiving weekend. Over the past few years, far-flung families have made it more and more of a tradition for everybody to meet up in Las Vegas. Everybody can get together for a Thanksgiving dinner at just about any restaurant ranging from buffets to fine dining.

The most common thing we hear about Carrot Top (and I agree) is that people didn’t think he would be that great, and they ended up loving the show. He is really, really funny and full of energy. His success here is not a fluke.

Dinner In The Sky returns March 19 of this year! It is a little pricey but an experience you’ll never forget. People can book it now: Las Vegas Dinner In The Sky

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I just got back from Vegas and realized something. The job market is tough and competition for business is high. Why don’t the casinos do a better job of hiring dealers that speak well and that are very friendly?? We went up to play at some of the tables and a word was never spoken by the dealers! It happened at several different casinos.

Don’t the casinos realize that if you increase your customer service you will get more people coming in the door to your casino, there are many to pick from. Heck, the Walmart greeters are more friendly than most dealers. If they were required to learn everyones name and where they were from it would open up some dialog. And if the dealers were nice and smiled that may be a plus too!

P.S. If the dealers were more friendly don’t they realize they would make more money from tips!

Gary Nawrocki

Ted Responds:

Funny this should come up because I recently saw a craps table where the dealer was so unfriendly and gruff that a couple of guys with hundreds of dollars of chips each in front of them literally scooped them up and went to the cage.

Here is what is happening (and yes, the dealers and others service industry workers are shooting themselves in the foot):

For decades, those living and working in Las Vegas knew it was all about the customer. Take care of the customer, the money will follow. People moving here and looking to get into casino work understood that it was the SERVICE industry.

As Las Vegas started to boom, word got out that Las Vegas was a great place to make good money doing marginally skilled labor. Instead of moving here for the weather or the libertarian live-and-let-live atmosphere, it was for the buck. And… the money was good through the boom. People got spoiled and started expecting it.

Now, the gravy train is over and the service workers are mad that you aren’t spending like you used to. So instead of trying harder and really working to earn those tips (like they used to), now they just mope. When in reality, they should be thankful they have a job right now!

What can you do? Don’t be bashful about withholding tips (when appropriate) or tipping low for lousy service. You don’t own anyone your hard-earned cash unless they in return earn it. Also, if you really encounter a bad-attitude employee or simply terrible service, don’t be scared to pull a pit boss or manager (whatever applies to the situation) aside and politely mention it.

I’m probably not making very many friends in the service industry with these comments, but guess what guys: Tips are earned.

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Just got back from another fantastic trip. We go about twice a year. We stayed at the Sahara and to be honest I was a little worried after all the reports I was hearing but my worries were unfounded. The rooms were fabulous, the entire staff friendly and professional, and we actually won a little bit of money.

The Riviera on the other had was a complete disappointment, they should change the name of that place to the Morgue. There was no one there gambling and we went on two separate occasions, and to top it off after a couple hours of play nothing to show for it.

Thank you for putting out a wonderful newsletter, keep up the good work.

Gary & Crystal from Colorado

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• Tower Of Power Brings 40 Years Of Soul Comes To The Cannery Casino & Hotel

• R&B Legends Heatwave, Peaches and Herb and Blue Magic Headline KLUC’s 4th Annual Valentine’s Love Affair at Orleans Arena February 13

• Playoff Tailgate Party Outdoors On The Frozen Tundra Of The Las Vegas Strip

• On Heels of ‘Dancing’ Win, Osmond Dives Into Radio

  Donny & Marie Osmond Tickets

• Copperfield inquiry ends without charges

  David Copperfield Tickets

• Las Vegas’ economy is counting on CES (with video)

• Business Booming Despite Recession (with video)

• Nevada Casino Winnings Up for First Time in 23 Months (with video)

• The unassuming China Mama surprises with a broad – and affordable – menu that celebrates Chinese cuisine

• Palazzo’s Zine Noodles Dim Sum named Top 10 Chinese Restaurant in U.S.

• Billionaire given permission for Tropicana ownership

• Mayweather/Pacquiao fight a dead deal

• Bus Fare Increase Takes Effect

• Stratosphere Adding ‘Skyjump’ Thrill Ride

• Gov. Gibbons Wants to Sue Feds Over Health Care Changes

• Home entertainment celebrates end of crisis in Las Vegas

• Steve, Elaine Wynn finalize divorce in Las Vegas

• Las Vegas Monorail files for Chapter 11

• Las Vegas sees 2.9 percent hike in Nov. visitors

• Officials tout new half-done Las Vegas airport terminal

• Vegas Tourism, Gaming Rebounds

• Two Las Vegas restaurants added to exclusive AAA list

• Vacancy glut hurts LV office market during fourth quarter

• Casino furniture liquidator endures downturn

• Checkers debuts after two-year wait

• Number of international passengers rises at McCarran

• Q&A with Crystals interior architect David Rockwell

• Why Was Vegas Denied Foreclosure Funding?

• CityCenter has a hit with Aria’s small-portion Spanish eatery, Julian Serrano

• Hoover Dam bridge project gets nearly $6M grant

• Tropicana on track for bankruptcy exit

• US Airways Plan Draws Protest

• Made-for-TV Heartland Poker Tour and its lower buy-ins hit LV

• Bank of America to release forclosed homes

• Wynn divorce finalized, and all seems well

• Cabo Wabo Cantina offers jeans, flip-flops atmosphere

• Death Valley beckons in winter

• Cabo Wabo Cantina offers jeans, flip-flops atmosphere

• Ownership of UFC sells 10 percent stake

• Home sales finish strong in ’09

• CES attendance up, attitude upbeat

• Jobless worker hasn’t given up hope, even after two years

• Bitter Springs Trail a taste of adventure near Las Vegas

• Clark County lays off 67 more workers

• Nonstop bus from McCarran to Strip? Forget about it

• Group pans valley water – LV ranks 98th out of 100 large cities nationwide

• More foreclosures on horizon, say analysts

• More condos! (But they’re not for sale)

• Designated donors needed – Financial help sought from bars, restaurants, casinos

• Legendary guitarist B.B. King opens house of his own blues at The Mirage

• One-man shows year’s big draws

• Legends mix with metal bill and music fest for top concerts

• Restaurants embrace a blend of cutting edge and tradition

• Wynn Las Vegas’ Blush draws lounge, nightclub crowds

• Museum shows off rock ‘n’ roll legend’s ‘personal treasures’

• Jack Wishna will seek stars of tomorrow

• Exhibit explores Elvis Presley as an everyday guy

• Indicators slumping as gaming struggles

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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:

• Super Bowl Sunday February 7
• Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
• President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
• Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
• Valentine’s Day February 14
• Mardi Gras February 16
• Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
• St. Patrick’s Day March 17
• Easter Sunday April 4
• 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)

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!

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

January 20, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy