AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We took last week off (scheduled off-week) and are you kidding? The heat is here, May 5 was one of the biggest weekends in a long time with the big fight, Kentucky Derby, and Cinco De Mayo… all on the same day!

Exclusive Planet Hollywood Casino Photos – Everyone has been talking about the unique, amazing interior of the new Planet Hollywood gaming floor. If you remember the old Aladdin, you won’t recognize the place. I pride myself on knowing just about every hotel in town like the back of my hand, but I got “lost” in the new design! Check out our brand new exclusive Planet Hollywood “Inside The Casino” Photos
Casino Security – By now, many of you have heard about the parking lot murder at The Luxor which was accomplished with a small bomb. This is a local issue, not terrorist related and just happened to take place at a hotel instead of (for example) a local shopping mall. However, it does prompt us to remind you that casino security is there to serve you, even if you aren’t staying at that particular property:

• Never hesitate to contact security if you notice anything remotely suspicious, ranging from a person or group of people to a package, purse or suitcase left unattended. They want to know, and can address the situation.
• If someone or a group of people are bothering you, creating problems, or simply unruly, do report them to security. Even if the people in question move on or bolt, they can be watched on cameras both inside and outside the casino. Security will appreciate keeping an eye on them.
• Casino security will walk you out to your car if desired. You may have just hit a nice jackpot and have some cash on you, or used the parking garage and for some reason are concerned because of the hour or seeing suspicion activity.

Bottom Line: Casino properties are amazingly safe and secure. Live humans monitor (and record) virtually every square foot of the hotel’s public areas, inside and out. I’ve never had a worry or concern in 15 years of living here and covering Las Vegas. However, don’t hesitate to contact security if needed. They are there to help!

More “Screw The NBA” – Amazing how we just had a weekend (May 4-6) of convergence of cultures, interests, people of all backgrounds and races… (HUGE boxing match, Cinco De Mayo and Kentucky Derby) and no violence to note. After the NBA All-Star fiasco, the “we don’t want an NBA team” chant has reached a crescendo.

MGM Mirage Chief Executive Officer Terry Lanni recently noted that tourists stayed in their hotel rooms instead of playing slots and blackjack during the Feb. 17 and 18 (All Star) weekend, when two separate shootings left three people in critical condition (according to the Bloomberg story MGM’s Lanni Says NBA All-Star Weekend Was Bad for Las Vegas).

Someone tell Mayor Goodman (who is otherwise among the top ambassadors Las Vegas has ever had) to trash can the “bring an NBA team” here idea. We are already on the map, and don’t need a pro sports team to make us an “important” city.

Bette Midler is replacing Celine Dion at Caesars and tickets are now available. More on this as it develops.

Enjoy This Issue!

Gwen Stefani “Sweet Escape Tour” Lands At The MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 30 – Gwen Stefani will bring her “Sweet Escape Tour” to Las Vegas (Tickets) and the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 30. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with special guest Lady Sovereign opening the evening’s performance. In 2004, Stefani released her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., which sold seven million copies worldwide, including nearly four million in the United States. A number of smash hits were released including “Hollaback Girl” (No. 1 for four weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100), “Rich Girl” (which featured Eve), “Cool,” “Luxurious” and “What You Waiting For?” Click to Read The Full Story …

Lance Burton To Appear On CBS “The Late, Late Show” on May 14’th – Stay up or set your DVR/VCR’s… Lance Burton (Tickets) the magic star of the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino will appear on “The Late, Late Show” with Craig Ferguson on Monday, May 14th. The master magician who was chosen by Variety Magazine as one of the top 10 magicians of all-time will perform some of his magic and do his first interview with Craig Ferguson. “The Late, Late Show” With Craig Ferguson airs on CBS, check your local listings for air time.

Free Jazz Fridays Series Poolside At The Orleans – Join us for the launch of our Free Jazz Fridays Series Poolside at The Orleans. The Oasis air staff will kick off every weekend with free concerts by the pool. It’s the best way to escape the stress of your work week. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Best Thing About A Las Vegas Summer Is Here… Mandalay Bay Presents 2007 Concerts On The Beach – Some new names, a few old favorites and a couple of “must sees” make up this year’s outstanding lineup for Mandalay Bay’s “Concerts on the Beach” series (Tickets). The beach concert season runs May through September on the Mandalay Beach Stage, which rises over the Four Diamond resort’s signature sand and surf wavepool. Concert-goers are invited to bring their blankets, sit on the beach or wade in the surf and listen to the music from the cool confines of Mandalay Bay’s 1.6 million gallon wavepool. Click to Read The Full Story and Artist Line-Up …

David Copperfield’s An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion Announces Spring And Summer Dates At MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre – Master magician and illusionist David Copperfield (Tickets) continues his 2007 tour at MGM Grand’s intimate 740-seat Hollywood Theatre. David Copperfield, whom the New York Times calls “our era’s giant of magic,” is touting An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion as his most spectacular stage show ever. Dazzling new illusions include “Lottery,” one of the most incredible predictions in the history of magic. Click to Read The Full Story …

Spring Ahead, Enjoy a Taste of Summer Now – Spring may be just beginning, but the tastes of summer are just a refreshing cocktail away. Whether you’re dreaming of a lazy day in the sun or a sizzling night on the town, these seasonal libations are sure to please any palate:

Bellagio Mist (created by Bellagio Mixologist Drew Levinson)

• 2 oz. Monchhof Riesling
• 1/2 oz. Amaretto Disarrono
• 2 oz. fresh sour
• 1/2 oz. orgeat syrup
• In a shaker, combine all ingredients. Shake and strain into ice-filled cup. Top with soda, stir, garnish with Star Fruit and enjoy!

Orange Colada (created by TI Mixologist Kay Kolbo)

• 2 oz. Cruzan Orange Rum
• 2 oz. Pina Colada mix
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• Combine all ingredients with ice and blend until smooth. Serve in a Hurricane glass, garnished with orange wheel.

Lavender Cucumber Mojito (created by Fleur de Lys’ Rebecca Anhert)

• 1/8 fresh European cucumber
• 1/2 lime
• 15 mint leaves
• 1 oz. Bacardi Light Rum
• 1/2 oz. Cointreau
• 1/2 oz. Trader Vic’s Rock Candy Syrup
• Combine all ingredients, shake and strain over ice into tall glass before topping with club soda.

Lladro To Unveil New $135,000 High Porcelain Sculpture With Exclusive Signing Event Featuring Maria Jose Lladro – Proceeds From The Tour To Benefit Operation Smile – As a part of a seven city tour, the exclusive Lladro boutique inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino will be unveiling a new 152 centimeter (5-foot) piece called the Queen of the Nile. Retailing at $135,000, the Queen of the Nile will be onsite for through the end of May. Queen of the Nile is a breath-taking piece recreating the look of an Egyptian boat. All the intricate details took five years to develop, 400 hours to paint and approximately 150 hours to assemble its many fragments. The complex composition is brought to life by 12 characters, creating a number of lively scenes. Click to Read The Full Story …

Midwest Gaming & Travel Magazine Takes Readers along for ‘A Day in the Life of Poker Diva Liz Lieu’ – Viewers have fallen in love with the final table suspense and million dollar payouts of major poker tournaments televised from casinos around the world. They are the quintessential reality show. Every bet, raise, bluff and fold in this high-stakes arena can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Top poker tournament players have achieved celebrity status and become household names. And as their popularity increases, so do questions about their personal lives. What do these men and women do in those “off-hours” when they’re not pitted against other top pros around a poker table vying for a multi-million dollar prize. Click to Read Complete Article

Mandalay Bay Redefines Casual Elegance with New Room Designs – Mandalay Bay’s new room designs set a new standard in accommodations. With plush textiles, vibrant colors and luxurious amenities, five new room choices û Deluxe, Spa, Great Room, eXtra Bedroom or Sky View û combine modern comforts with chic sophistication. Ranging in size from 550 to 1,500 square feet, each room type assures a perfect night’s rest with pillow-top mattresses, triple-high-count sheets and down comforters. Guests also will discover floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious tubs, wireless high-speed Internet access, cordless phones with dual lines, iHome clock radios for iPods, in-room safes and his-and-her closets.

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Planet Hollywood “Inside The Casino” Photos – Everyone has attempted to describe what Planet Hollywood looks like now that the casino remodel is pretty much completed, but we bring you our exclusive photos! Anything you remember about the old Aladdin is gone. A modern, rich high-tech feel permeates while giving incredible warmth with dark woods and bright accents. See for yourself:

• Planet Hollywood “Inside The Casino” Photos

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Mark R. Chrusciel sent this awesome photo of Bellagio Fountains. He noted:

My favorite Las Vegas photo It was taken from the balcony of Olives.

Special Bonus For Our Readers – We’ve made newsletter member Mark’s photo our computer wallpaper of the week for everyone to enjoy on their computer at full quality size!

Bellagio Fountains with Paris Background Computer Wallpaper – A Leading Hotel of the World, Bellagio begins with approximately 1,000 fountains dancing to opera and classical music in front of the 37-story Tuscan-style hotel. Located on the Strip, Bellagio received the Conde Nast “Traveler Gold List” and “Travel + Leisure 500,” awards in 2006. Click and view Bellagio Fountains Computer Wallpaper.

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• Bellagio Las Vegas Info and Reservations

• Bellagio Las Vegas Photo Gallery

Ted Responds:

Lounge acts are often changing, both the location and time and place they play. Here are the pretty consistent ones that put on a great show, and at least one of them should suit almost any particular groups interest (click their links to find out more about them and when/where they are playing):

• Sunset Strip at the Las Vegas Hilton. They are electric, amazing, look great (both the women and men) and regularly garner good feedback from our readers.
• Cook E. Jarr at Carnival Court at Harrah’s. Cook E. is a Las Vegas legend, good friend of Tom Jones, and can belt out an “old school” song followed by the latest radio hit all with his unique style that millions love.
• Twin Keys dueling piano show, also at Harrah’s in their own lounge inside. I’ve seen numerous dueling piano shows in various tourist areas (plus the many that play here), and these are tops. If one doesn’t have a good time at their show, one is not capable of having a good time anywhere.
• David Van Such is our local king of smooth (light) jazz and his band is the perfect music for chilling with a cocktail while keeping you entertained with the perfect Las Vegas feel.

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

• Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
• Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• ‘Spamalot’ works despite stretching its materialMonty Python’s Spamalot Tickets

• In an imitation of life, ‘Ka’ performers execute a balancing actKA – Cirque Du Soleil Tickets

• ‘Stomp Out Loud’ Explodes on the Las Vegas Strip

• “Stomp” puts its stamp on Strip shows – Everything from brooms to margarita glasses is fair game when it comes to making music in percussive new show

• Stomp Out Loud Opens – New Production From The Creators Of The International Sensation StompStomp Out Loud Tickets

• Justin Timberlake’s 2007 World Tour Returns To Las VegasJustin Timberlake Tickets

• Mana To Celebrate At The Mandalay Bay Events Center Thursday, September 13Mana Tickets

• Hard Alternative Rockers The Deftones Are Coming To Las Vegas To Rock The PearlDeftones Tickets

• Fresh off Saturday’s concert, Stefani to return to town June 30Gwen Stefani Tickets

• On the Right Track: Steve Wyrick’s new magic show is his best yetSteve Wyrick Tickets

• Bette Midler Will Replace Celine Dion as Caesars Headliner in Las VegasBette Middler Tickets

• Nevada Cancer Awareness Event On Livestrong Day – May 16, 2007

• Swing Into Sushi Roku For The Final Fling – Bachelorettes Dine On Four-Course Tasting Menu For $50 Per Person

• Lake Las Vegas Resort Wines And Dines Moms With Indulgent Mother’s Day Menus

• Vegas casino to stage Broadway hit ‘Jersey Boys’

• Las Vegas Wants Metro Detroit Teachers

• Vegas ‘flipping” boom ends up like most bets – Home speculators hurting across country, especially in desert boomtown

• Historic Las Vegas – Reconstruction of fort established by Mormons gives today’s visitors a glimpse of city’s rustic beginnings

• Love and Loneliness on the Las Vegas Strip

• Is change the name of Las Vegas’ game? You bet

• HGTV Design Star Goes Vegas For Season Two

• $250,000 Bowling Shootout Ready to Go in Las Vegas

• Planet Hollywood casino set to open in Las Vegas in September

• Will Wal-Mart blanket the valley? – If the big-box retailer hasn’t come to your neighborhood yet, it won’t be long

• Las Vegas bar draws first lawsuit over Nevada smoking ban

• Health district files complaint against Bilbo’s – Bar will fight smoking ban as vague and violating First Amendment

• Successore – The Forum Shops’ Bertolini’s becomes Trevi, and the new decor and menu shine

• Smoking Ban Enforcement Begins

• States File Water Sharing Plans

• Contact 13 Investigation: Are Bars Enforcing the Smoking Ban?

• So. Nevada’s Colorado River Water Crisis: Part 2

• Be Warned: The Water Police Will be Watching

• Limiting jet turns could hit economy – Less airport capacity would hinder tourism

• LV still a great place to show – City tops list of best convention places

• Extra! Extra! Agency seeks extras, ‘Extra’ settling in

• Certificate of occupancy expected soon for C2 Lofts condominium project

• Memorable megafights cement Las Vegas’ stature as heavyweight

• Once king of downtown, Jackie Gaughan keeps air of royalty at last piece of his empire

• Book documents career of pioneering, but largely forgotten, Western architect

• Server-based gaming is wave of slot future — provided it catches on

• British retailer plans to build 15 grocery stores in Las Vegas

• Riviera’s new ‘Ice: Direct from Russia’ blends acrobatics, skating

• Politically Charged – Bill Maher brings his cutting, topical humor to late-night shows at the Hard Rock

• The Big Bang: ‘Stomp Out Loud’ lives up to its name with a little comedy to boot

• Singer pushing on despite slow start

• Position: Taxiway Charlie… Lost Wages

• Welcome to fabulous Broadway in Las Vegas

• Exploring 400+ miles of flood-control tunnels beneath Las Vegas

• MGM’s Lanni Says NBA All-Star Weekend Was Bad for Las Vegas

• Perfect Fit: Bobby Slayton’s comedy is right at home at Hooters Hotel

• Non-Stop Flight Now Connects Las Vegas And A.C.

• ‘Lucky You’ is a Las Vegas buffet

• Vegas Diary Day 3: What happens here, stays here

• Las Vegas events to showcase rising stars – Academy of Country Music Awards on May 15 culminates weekend long schedule of events to showcase artists, talent

• MGM Mirage raises cost of CityCenter project on Las Vegas Strip

• City council okays negotiations for Charlie Palmer condo-hotel

• Where there’s smoke there’s trouble – Lawsuits, appeals and thousands of citizen complaints mark the six-month anniversary of the Clean Indoor Air Act

• Man jumps to death from Stratosphere tower

• Plane Crash Lands On Las Vegas Strip

• Slowdown in housing socks LV Valley’s economic index

• Businesses fighting the good fight on smoking

• Vision of Midtown comes into view – Panel presents ideas for UNLV project

• Las Vegas Libertarian seeks presidency – Root to announce candidacy today

• Made-in-Vegas ‘Lucky You’ finally gets its shot

• Career Celebration – Paul Anka is back in town for his first Las Vegas dates in more than three years

• Flamingo adding Vannelli to lineup

• Homeowners use artificial grass to save money, labor

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:

• 2007

• Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
• Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
• Fathers Day June 17
• Independence Day July 4
• Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
• Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
• Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
• Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
• New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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!

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

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All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

May 9, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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