Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 10, 2002

Posted on April 10, 2002March 25, 2010 by admin

WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 80 countries around the world! This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about.

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THIS ISSUE: Caesars Magical Empire

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for April / May:

* Palace Station Hotel & Casino from $26.00
* Bally’s Las Vegas from $51.00
* St. Tropez All Suite Hotel from $62.00
* Caesars Palace from $116.00

All of these deals and more available at http://www.res99.com/nexres/search/specials.cgi?src=10004558&lang=ENG

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com !!!

NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello from Las Vegas! Another beautiful week, but it is warming up a bit. My parents are in town and enjoying the 85 degree days after flying in from the cool, rainy Pacific Northwest. They aren’t much for traditional “Vegas” (boozing, gambling, and shows) but there is so much to do and see that this is a great place for everyone now!

WORLD SERIES OF POKER – has cranked back up at Binion’s Horseshoe. One of the top (if not the most prestigious) poker tournament in the country, players pay $10,000 just to buy in! The tournament runs through May 24 so if downtown during next few weeks, feel free to stop in and watch. Seeing top players bet tens of thousands on poker hands is a “Vegas Attraction” if there ever was one.

ROOM RATES – The Review-Journal recently noted that while weekend rates are up, midweek rates are still stagnant. Thankfully, tourism is coming back so if you were thinking about taking advantage of the terrorism induced lower rates you might not want to wait. Especially since airfares are still pretty moderate.

5 STARS AGAIN – Congratulations to Picasso at Bellagio and Renoir at The Mirage for winning Mobil Travel Guide 5 Star honors for the third straight year (each). With only fourteen restaurants in the US qualifying this year, having two in our backyard is indeed an honor.

FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY – With the weather warming up, The Plaza’s street party (downtown) heats up from 5 – 9 PM on Fridays under their famous lit canopy at the beginning of the Fremont Street Experience. Drinks are only $2 and the party is hosted by the “Naked Angels.”

STEVE ROSSI – The singing half of the world famous comedy team of Marty Allen and Steve Rossi is meeting fans and signing autographs every Monday in the Casino Legends Hall of Fame at the Tropicana from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

GOLF – Golfers, you can now book tee times or complete golf vacation packages on our site! We have course information on courses ranging from inexpensive city courses to “known” courses like Rio Secco (Tiger Wood’s reported “home” course here that he visits regularly). Enjoy our new information at http://www.accessvegas.com/golf/index.htm

RUSSIAN FLARE – Our friend Sasha from Guggenheim passed this along:

Spend the afternoon touring the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum with masterpieces from the Solomon R. Guggenheim collection and the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Masterpieces and Master Collectors exhibition features works of art from Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, van Gogh and more. After visiting this world-class Museum, enjoy authentic Russian cuisine from Eliseevsky, featuring traditional dishes, such as
pelmeni (small, meat-filled ravioli and beef Stroganoff).

End the evening in style, by experiencing the Moscow Grigorovich Ballet: Spartacus at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. Called a ballet genius, Grigorovich ran the Bolshoi Ballet for three decades. He brings an updated version of his original Bolshoi production of “Spartacus” to Las Vegas for the first time. Packages are $200 per couple and limited. For further questions or reservations call 702-414-2449

BEAUTIFUL HOME – If you have a couple million to invest, or you just enjoy looking at beautiful homes, stop by http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-real-estate-video.htm and take a photo or free streaming video tour of one of the finer homes in Las Vegas. Gail Kessler also handles more moderately priced homes, so this page is worth visiting if you are thinking about relocating. Even if not, the video is fun to watch — pretend you are living large in Vegas!

ITCHING TO GAMBLE – and Vegas is too far but you still want to visit a REAL gaming destination? We offer the same great discounts, guaranteed lower rates, and the $100 Rebate Spectacular for rooms in Atlantic City, Gulfport / Biloxi, and Reno as we do in Las Vegas!

* Reno:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&Dest=RNO
* Atlantic City:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=ACY
* Gulfport / Biloxi:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=BIL

* $100 Rebate Spectacular good on above rooms:
http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

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SHOW REVIEWS:

CAESARS MAGICAL EMPIRE – I’ve put this review off forever. First, because the show was always on the verge of closing as Caesars wanted the space for a nightclub. It has been given a permanent reprieve from that (as permanent as anything in Las Vegas ever is) but then got lost in the shuffle of my “to do” list. Well, I’ve finally done it and walked away very impressed.

Caesars Magical Empire isn’t just a dinner show, nor a traditional Las Vegas show. It is an experience that immerses you in a world of mystery and magic with an ensemble cast to lead you on your way, never leaving you without entertainment.

While waiting for your dining group to assemble, you are entertained by close up magic from one of the wizards. Then into an eerie, darkened chamber that transports you down into the Magical Empire. You are guided through medieval cave-like halls to your group’s private dining area and introduced to your host or hostess and their assistants.

After welcoming you, wine is liberally poured as you get aquatinted with your host wizard who tells stories and performs tricks that make the room come alive. It is just enough to be interesting without anything that would give nightmares. A lighthearted mood emphasized, with the host and assistants leaving you to eat then returning between each course for more entertainment and amusement.

I’ve heard many tell me about the Empire (all good), but people get so caught up in the experience they never mention something very important: the food! You are served a three course meal starting with soup or salad, then on to your selection of beef, chicken, or fish, (vegetarian and children’s meals available) and then finishing with desert.

They don’t order out from Dennys. These meals are all artfully prepared, beautifully presented, and a treat for the palate. This is fare you would expect to get in a finer dining establishment and my entire table was raving about how good their selections were.

After dinner, you are led to the Sanctum Secorum, a spacious but mystical area keeping with the theme that has fire, water, two lounges, and roaming wizards performing various magic for those who choose to watch. Unlike some tourist shows or attractions where you feel like you are rushed from one thing to the next, you are allowed to relax as you’d like and do as you please. (When a feature is starting, they do encourage you to go in and see it, but you can continue to wander or sit as long as it isn’t the end of the night.) Some simply enjoyed after dinner cocktails. Others wandered, taking in the sanctum or stopping to view the entertaining wizards perform magic specialties.

You are invited into the Secret Pagoda to view a featured close-up magician who had our small group in disbelief at everything from standard card tricks to spoon bending to mind reading. Then back out to the sanctum for more drinks, chatting with new friends, or taking in more magic from the roaming wizards.

The finale is the Sultan’s Palace, a theater where everyone is directed to enjoy the finale stage magic show. Featured magicians rotate, but I’ve seen a couple of these acts (in other settings) and can assure you these are quality, entertaining stage magic acts.

As mentioned, Caesars Magical Empire is a complete entertainment experience. Allow three hours and that is if you choose not to linger much. You can hurry through or even leave early if you are bored, but that is highly unlikely. The time flew by for us. Magical Empire is comparable in price to many of the stand alone shows in town that only last 80 minutes and don’t feed you. This alone makes it a true entertainment value.

Caesars Magical Empire is open Tuesday – Saturday with dinner seating starting at 4:30 and going through 8:30 PM (every 10 minutes). When booking, please note the approximate time you would like to eat. Pricing and advance reservations available at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&showid=46&cityid=1

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Show Review Criteria: We understand that Las Vegas attracts visitors of varied budgets and interests. Shows are reviewed on the basis of value for dollar spent as well as to present the reader enough knowledge of the content to make an informed decision.

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EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm
* HEADLINERS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm
* CONCERT – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

CONVENTION CALENDAR:

Your best hotel deals are the weeks when convention traffic is light. If you are flexible, check our convention calendar at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-conventions-hotels.htm before choosing the dates of your Las Vegas visit!

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding topics in the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all. They help shape our content and we do personally answer specific Las Vegas related questions!

QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms: http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Low Airfare: http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air): http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free 24 Hour Discount Room Hotline: 1-800-666-5268

MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas opinions! Our boards are new so let’s fill them up with the good, bad, and just general comments on your last visit. Ask questions before you go, help others with comments when you return! Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com

FREE BEACH SCREENSAVER! – Brighten up your day, every single day with our free Florida screensaver! Simply download at http://www.beautifuldestin.com/free-streaming-videos-screensaver.htm

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
April 10, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 27, 2002

Posted on March 27, 2002May 10, 2008 by admin

THIS ISSUE: Las Vegas Updates, I Love LaFong, Fielding West

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for April / May:

* Aladdin Resort & Casino – From $75.95 until 05/31/02
* Flamingo Las Vegas – From $49.95 until 06/30/02
* Imperial Palace – From $59.95 until 06/30/02

All of these and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

$100 HOTEL COUPON! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you a coupon for up to $100 back on any hotel stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. Full details at http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com !!!

Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours

NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello from Las Vegas! Change is in the air. The weather has finally settled in to a beautiful springtime after a few weeks of hit-and-miss with some cold days. More importantly we’ve changed and updated things on http://www.accessvegas.com to give you quicker access to the more deals and more Las Vegas information.

NEW LOOK – If you have not stopped by http://www.accessvegas.com recently, now is a great time. We are excited about our new, cleaner look that lets you see deals and headliners at a glance and access all the Las Vegas information you need with just one click!

APRIL PROGRAM – Our April episode of All Vegas TV is available. Simply go to http://tv.accessvegas.com and click on the big TV screen for both current and past episodes. This month we tour Little Chapel of the Flowers, showing you a “behind the scenes” on getting married in Las Vegas. We have video highlights of the new “I Love LaFong” show, and finish with an interview with video poker expert Rob Singer. If you are frustrated with attempts to play video poker and win a little here and there only to have the machine suck it all back in, stay tuned through the show for this.

SHOW VIDEOS ONLINE – You come to Vegas and see advertisements for shows — “Best of This, Best of That” — and you’ve never heard of these people. Or the person in your office who visited last month says “You gotta see so-and-so.” What are they gonna do … tell you they wasted $75.00? Hell no … not any quicker than they will tell the truth about how much they lost!

We’ve got you covered. We have online streaming videos of almost 20 top shows at All Vegas TV and the viewing price is right: FREE! Simply click over to http://tv.accessvegas.com/videos/shows and preview the shows you want to see.

NEW MESSAGE BOARD – We had to replace our old message board. Unfortunately, we couldn’t save and transfer the posts so we are starting from scratch. Please feel free to post Las Vegas comments or questions to our new board at http://boards.accessvegas.com Here’s the way it works: Before you go on vacation (or if you are just curious) feel free to post questions and comments and then when you get back you can post your comments so that those visiting soon enjoy your knowledge of Las Vegas!

CHIPPENDALES – has opened at The Rio for an indefinite run. It will be interesting to see if having a little equal opportunity for the ladies here is successful for the long term. Details at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&id=194

JAZZ FESTIVAL – 9’th Annual City of Lights Jazz Festival takes place Saturday, April 27, 2002 at Hills Park Amphitheater at Summerlin. Summerlin is located in the Northwest Las Vegas Valley. The line up includes invited artists: world renowned Jazz vocalist Randy Crawford; the hottest, multiple award winning horn in Jazz today, trumpeter Rick Braun; the stimulating Jazz keyboards of Brian Culbertson; plus crowd pleasing Urban Jazz Pianist/Vocalist Joe Mc Bride; award winning Smooth Jazz guitarist Joyce Cooling; and hot new saxman from Denmark Michael Lington, plus other artists to be announced. Tickets available at 1-800-969-VEGAS

Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!

* $100 Rebate Spectacular good on above rooms:
http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

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SHOW REVIEWS:

We’ve got a double dose this issue. Although these shows share the same showroom, they are about as diverse as possible. That is the great thing about Las Vegas — something for everyone! If you are scratching your head going “Where is the Bourbon St. Hotel,” have no fear. It is on Flamingo Rd just behind the Flamingo and Barbary Coast. Look down Flamingo from The Strip and you’ll see — it is closer to The Strip than the Bally’s / MGM monorail.

I LOVE LAFONG – When I first heard that a world famous female comedian and ventriloquist was setting up shop here, I thought “Mmmm … must be one of the new free shows for kids at Circus Circus.” If that crossed your mind also, think again. Michelle La Fong has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, A & E and is not only one of the top female comedians today but someone who has taken ventriloquism to a new level.

Michele’s show opens with a taped introduction from comedian Jackie Mason who minced no words regarding his love and appreciation of LaFong’s act. La Fong kicks off the show with fast paced impressions of Joan Rivers, Bette Midler, Andrea “Dice” Clay (ya … she does that … you’ve seen it when flipping through the channels and have stopped to laugh) as well as Dr. Ruth. It is during this time we get a taste of her quick, multifaceted comedy along the lines of Abbot and Costello’s “Who’s On First” (which she does with a unique twist on later in the show).

LaFong came to the attention of famed Ed Sullivan regular and ventriloquist Senior Wences just a couple years before his death. So impressed was he that he left his legacy with her in both performance secrets and some of his most prized characters and props. She recently brought his “Johnny” alive in a Mercedes commercial and brings him alive nightly as well.

It is LaFong’s “boyfriend” Paco who steals the show. Paco is her smooth talking puppet with the gold chains, the snappy outfit and chauvinistic patter. La Fong’s strength lies in her ability to make her puppets truly come alive with their own personality. So strong, that you actually feel like you are watching a two person show. If you are a guy, you’d want to go watch the game and have a beer with Paco. If you are a girl, he’s the kind of guy you’d be telling your girlfriend about later going “He was such an ass, but he was kind of funny and charming.”

This is a fun show to go for laughs, but you will walk away impressed and appreciative of these characters that truly came alive before your eyes to entertain you.

I Love LaFong plays at the Bourbon St. Hotel and Casino (on Flamingo Road across from Bally’s). For current times and ticket prices, please click http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&showid=276&cityid=1 and enter the dates of your visit to display prices and availability. We have online streaming video highlights of her show in this months April 2002 All Vegas TV episode at http://tv.accessvegas.com

FIELDING WEST: COMEDY, TRICKS, AND NAKED CHICKS – I like Fielding West. I like watching explosions and car wrecks in the movies as well as Las Vegas hotel demolitions live. They call it “controlled demolition” and Fielding West is a “controlled demolition” of a show in a good way. I also like comedy and West keeps the laughs coming with his twists on both traditional and original magic tricks.

West starts by making “Bob the Bird” appear and then proceeds to “torture” him, mystifying the audience while putting a mocking spin on standard animal magic routines. Later, Houdini’s metamorphous is given a similar a unique treatment. This is an illusion standard to most magic shows, where the assistant is wrapped and chained inside a box and then switches places with the magician in the blink of an eye. Except that West is a “failure,” only ending up swapping clothes with the beautiful assistant.

Speaking of … you read the title right. He’s added an adult twist to the show with assistants that spend a fair amount of time sans a top. The only person still yapping about Las Vegas as a family destination is Jay Leno to squeeze another dead joke. Vegas is back to “Boys (or Girls) Night Out” or “Romantic Couple Getaway” and that is who West is successfully aiming his show at. Having said that, this isn’t a strip club nor is the nudity presented in a way to make couples uncomfortable. The night I attended a significant portion of the audience was couple, with plenty of “Boys Night Out” groups as well.

West didn’t skimp when it came to selecting assistants. Natalie Lund was crowned Miss Minnesota in 1999 and competed in the 2000 Miss America Pageant. She has also performed in professional dance companies and appeared in two films with Mickey Rooney. Marcy Parker also dances in Melinda, First Lady of Magic at the Venetian, the Shadow Bar at Caesars Palace and most recently starred as a cheerleader for the XFL Las Vegas Outlaws.

West has written and devised acts for many of the bigger names you are familiar with, and this is a chance to see his off-the-wall comedy and magic at he source.

Fielding West: Comedy, Tricks and Naked Chicks plays at the Bourbon St. Hotel and Casino (on Flamingo Road across from Bally’s). For current times and ticket prices, please click http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&showid=341&cityid=1 and enter the dates of your visit to display prices and availability. Sorry guys … no streaming video available on this one!

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EVENT LISTINGS:

CONVENTION CALENDAR:

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas opinions! Our boards are new so let’s fill them up with the good, bad, and just general comments on your last visit. Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com

ENJOY THE BEACH! – We know many of our friends in the Midwest and southeast are familiar with the beautiful sugar-white sands of Panama City Beach and Florida’s Emerald Coast. If you aren’t, you should be! These beaches are closer and less expensive than other parts of Florida and continue to be ranked among the best in the world. Get the same great discount rates we offer for Florida also! Learn more about this spectacular area and get your FREE beach scenes screensaver http://www.beautifuldestin.com

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
March 27, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 26, 2002

Posted on February 26, 2002March 25, 2010 by admin

THIS ISSUE: Showgirls Of Magic

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for March / April:

* Sahara – From $35.95 until 03/31/02
* Aladdin Resort Casino – From $75.95 until 04/30/02
* Flamingo Las Vegas – From $49.95 until 04/30/02

All of these and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com !!!

NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

We are rolling into March here in Las Vegas! The weather has been pushing 70 degrees for a week now, and slated to be right around 70 for the next 10 days at least. Remember a jacket for the evenings.

All Vegas TV March episode is online at http://tv.accessvegas.com and a great episode it is this month! We covered the grand reopening of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Las Vegas and Mr. Puck was very gracious in granting us a nice interview. We also have a feature on Showgirls of Magic playing at the San Remo, including an interview with showgirl Theresa Marie. Guys, don’t miss this one! I’ve also included the print review of Showgirls of Magic later in this issue.

Our friend Cook E. Jarr is back from his winter break on March 15’th, resuming his midnight shows on Friday and Saturday nights outside at the Carnival Court at Harrah’s. Cook is ageless, but his crowds get younger and younger every year to enjoy his versions of standards, “old school” hip-hop, pop and dance from today’s charts, and more. It is no coincidence that he’s back in action when Spring Break cranks up in Las Vegas and you’d better believe we’ll be covering him on All Vegas TV in the near future! If you are going “Who is Cook E. Jarr” then check out http://www.accessvegas.com/jarr

NASCAR Fans: You still have time to book a trip to get from your hotel to the track like the drivers do — in a helicopter from The Strip straight to the speedway. My friend John Buch from Maverick Helicopters has arranged great rates for our readers. Contact him directly for details at (click) mailto:john@maverickhelicopter.com Make sure to ask for Access Vegas rates and act quickly — as you may guess, availability is getting very limited.

“Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding” has launched at The Rio. This is a true version of the long running Off-Broadway show. The interactive dinner theater concept has the audience attending an “actual” wedding ceremony, reception, guests, and plenty of improv on the part of the actors. Ticket and show info available at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&id=162

The Bellagio appears to be going after Binion’s Horseshoe to take the title as THE poker place in Las Vegas. Nine different tournaments are slated for this year with buy-ins ranging from $3-10,000 depending on the tournament. Unlike Binion’s World Series of Poker (which lasts for weeks), these are going to be short tournaments taking only a few days.

Speaking of tournaments, the Las Vegas Hilton has just announced a $1 Million blackjack tournament to take place in 12 monthly rounds over the next year. Entry fee is $1000 and includes two nights lodging and other goodies. Each month, 16 players will advance to the finals and eight players will be chosen in a wild card drawing. Contact the Las Vegas Hilton at (800) 457-3307 for more info.

Syndicated radio “hot talker” Tom Leykis does his show live from The Palms Resort Friday, March 8. I’d love to tell you more, but the local affiliate didn’t have specifics as we go to press, nor has The Palms sent out a press release yet. If the broadcast isn’t available in your area, you can tune online his Phoenix affiliate KFNX live March 8 from 3-7 PM Pacific at http://www.renaissanceradio.com (simply click on the KFNX “Listen Life” button). If you are in Las Vegas, Leykis airs on 1140 AM on tape delay starting at 4 PM Pacific.

Would you do me a great big favor and take just 15 seconds of your time to forward this newsletter to one person right now while you are thinking about it (more if you like!)? That would be greatly appreciated and would help us keep our marketing costs down! Thanks in advance!

* Reno:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&Dest=RNO

* Atlantic City:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=ACY

* Gulfport / Biloxi:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=BIL

* $100 Rebate Spectacular:
http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

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Showgirls Of Magic:

I won’t deny that I’m pretty jaded. I know virtually every casino layout like the back of my hand, and have seen almost every single show, some multiple times. All Vegas TV reporter Elizabeth Rizzo will confirm that I was checking my watch during a recent visit to EFX, and this despite the fact that Rick Springfield has kicked it up a notch and EFX is once again a show worth seeing.

This makes it an even more pleasant surprise when I run across a show that delivers the goods for a decent price, and Showgirls of Magic keeps the promise. Take an intimate showroom, four beautiful ladies, magic, dancing, and hilarious specialty acts you are have a winner. You won’t be checking your watch — you’ll be forgetting time exists enjoying this fast-paced entertainment.

Showgirls have been a part of Las Vegas since the Rat Pack days and before, but generally in “window dressing” capacity. This is one of the first real attempts to capitalize on the complete performing talents of a set of showgirls and actually make them the stars of a magic revue. It’s worked unusually well as they run through a variety of eyebrow-raising illusions such as Houdini’s Metamorphosis, levitation, and a double rendition of “sawing the girl in half” with an interesting clothing switch thrown in.

Because of the modest showroom size, you won’t see larger-than-life scale illusions but this actually works in their favor. When sitting 42 rows back in the middle of 3000 people, it is tough to tell what is truly happening on stage (with regard to “magician’s secrets”). Here, you are close enough to see the area around the illusions and see the entire stage. If you ever thought these tricks were just camera angles when you saw them on TV, now is the chance to be truly mystified “right before your very eyes.”

Long time cast member Antonio Hoyos, one of the specialty acts, provides comic relief as “The Great Antoine.” Hoyos is “vertically challenged” and his mime-like shtick as a second-rate vaudeville magician provides some good laughs. Showgirls also features other specialty magic acts in addition to Hoyos which are subject to change, as many seem to rotate from one show to another. However, they always seem to get top acts.

Although the magic is great, they give equal attention to the “showgirls” moniker with well choreographed dance numbers performed in a variety of sexy costumes (topless during the second show). For a smaller showroom, they have gone to great care to provide good lighting and sound to give the show a “big production” feel.

Showgirls of Magic features both family (covered) and topless performances. It is the same great show, but geared at slightly different audiences. The covered version is still sexy with some bare buns and double entendres from the comedy acts, but generally suitable for both teens and grandma.

The topless performances (later show) tend to draw more of the “party crowd” specifically looking for the classy adult entertainment that Las Vegas is now known for. The dancers are naturally beautiful, fun, sexy, and tasteful. Although NOT a strip club atmosphere, the topless show is a good alternative to hitting a strip club for that group of guys out on the town. Everyone will have fun, no one will have to lie to their wife, and the ticket price still leaves plenty of cash in your wallet.

Showgirls of Magic plays at the San Remo Hotel Casino, just across from the main entrance to the MGM on Tropicana Avenue (next door to Tropicana Hotel). Side Note: The San Remo is a “best kept secret” as a nice, comfortable, slightly upscale property with great dining values and a friendly staff.

Showgirls of Magic is a production show (six nights a week) with a very moderate ticket price, providing one of Las Vegas’ great show values. For current times and ticket prices, please click http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&showid=253 and enter the dates of your visit to display prices and availability.

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EVENT LISTINGS:

CONVENTION CALENDAR:

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 6, 2002

Posted on February 6, 2002December 24, 2008 by admin

THIS ISSUE: The Mirage Hotel Casino Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for February / March:

* Flamingo Las Vegas – From $49.95 until 03/31/02
* Aladdin Resort Casino – From $75.95 until 03/31/02
* Terribles Hotel Casino – From $35.95 until 04/30/02

All of these and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com !!!

NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas and travel from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Cold, cold, cold, cold … we had a very unpleasant two week cold snap. Lows often dipped below 30 and sometimes the highs didn’t make it into the 50’s. This weekend’s forecast is for mid-60’s and sunny so things are back to normal for winter. Now is a great time to book for March and April here and get that early reprieve from winter.

Million Dollar Winner: For the third time in less than six weeks, a Boyd Gaming downtown casino has produced a million-dollar winner. Peggy Beels of Ontario, California won $1.2 million on The Addams Family Reel Saturday afternoon at the Fremont Hotel downtown. Beels, who had invested about $100 on the nickel game, walked away with a check for the full amount. The first thing Beels said she was going to do was to pay off her bills and take a cruise.

NASCAR Fans: Coming to the big race here? You know that traffic to and from a major NASCAR race is bad, and Las Vegas is no exception. The answer? Arrive quickly and in style like the drivers do — in a helicopter from The Strip straight to the speedway! Your NASCAR vacation is a memory, your vacation time is valuable, and you can tell your friends you arrived flying high over the Vegas Strip! My friend John Buch from Maverick Helicopters has arranged great rates for our readers. Contact him directly for details at (click) mailto:john@maverickhelicopter.com

Larry G. Jones, the man of 1,002 voices has a new home. He is very talented, and the price is right. Forget that $100 a ticket for Danny Gans. Jones performs each afternoon at 5 PM in the upstairs showroom of Fitzgerald’s downtown for a one-drink minimum. This guy is going to be one of the next Las Vegas “greats,” so catch him while you still can! (Gans is great, but one of the toughest tickets in town and out of the budget of many visitors.)

Fat Tuesday: Celebrate Mardi Gras at McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood House on Feb. 12. You have NO EXCUSE not to attend the best Mardi Gras party in Las Vegas! There will be food and drink specials as well as a costume contest. McCormick and Schmick’s is about 3 blocks from The Strip on Flamingo (just before Paradise on the left). We are giving away a $50 McCormick and Schmick’s gift certificate this month on All Vegas TV. For more information on the contest, and Bacardi Gras see this month’s All Vegas TV show at http://tv.accessvegas.com/videos/program (the info is just a few minutes into the show).

We had a great time at Showgirls of Magic recently and this show at the San Remo (next to The Tropicana, steps off The Strip) is a lot of fun for the money. You get beautiful Vegas Showgirls, magic, comedy and specialty acts in a quick-moving show. The early show is covered, and the later show is topless. (Guys … hit the late show with your buddies. You won’t find this much eye candy for the price anywhere else). Ticket and additional show info at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&id=94

Speaking of showgirls, a big tip of the hat to E! Entertainment (cable channel) for their “Vegas Showgirls: Nearly Famous” show airing Monday nights at 10 PM. This show covers the lives of four female and two male dancers in Jubilee. Yes, they show the wild nights out that twenty-somethings enjoy here. But they also show these Las Vegas residents fighting traffic, going to Starbucks, and enjoying their apartment / condo pool in the Las Vegas sunshine — what a shock … people actually live normal lives here!

The Fielding West Show: Comedy, Tricks and Naked Chicks opens this week. You may remember him from A&EÆs An Evening at the Improv, NBCÆs WorldÆs Greatest Magic, CarolineÆs Comedy Hour, and NBCÆs WorldÆs Wildest Magicians and having seen him before, I’ll be the first to tell you he is FUNNY! Tickets and more information on all Las Vegas shows available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm

We gave the http://www.accessvegas.com main page a much needed makeover. Now you can see hotel specials and coming headliners at a glance, as well as our featured shows. We are redesigning the entire site offline, and in April the new look will debut, make it much easier to find all of the information we now offer across our hundreds of pages of info. Thanks for your patience!

I finally made it up to The Ghostbar at the new Palms resort. With so much to do, see, and cover here it takes a while to get around to everything! Picture a very trendy (and very expensive) L.A. style lounge with a great view of Las Vegas. Dress to impress and be prepared for a $10-20 cover charge and $10 drinks, but worth one visit. You might want to go on a weeknight to avoid the heavy crowds. The Palms is one of our “special value” hotels this month — details at http://www.accessvegas.com

Thanks to reader Amy Hollon for her great article this month on The Mirage. We do accept article submissions, and pay a nominal fee for publication.

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PREFER NOT TO FLY – and Vegas is too far to drive but you still want to visit a REAL gaming destination? We offer the same great discounts, guaranteed lower rates, and the $100 Rebate Spectacular for rooms in Atlantic City, Gulfport / Biloxi, and Reno as we do in Las Vegas!

* Reno: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&Dest=RNO
* Atlantic City: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=ACY
* Gulfport / Biloxi: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=BIL
* $100 Rebate Spectacular: http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

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The Mirage: A Casino With An “Illusive Imagination”

By Amy Hollon

A magical and most inspiring casino waiting to demonstrate their secrets to the wondering minds from all over the world. Visit the Mirage in Las Vegas. What are you waiting for? Las Vegas has many great bargains going on right now!

SPECTACULAR ROOMS: The Mirage hotel guest rooms are fabulous! Offering great views of Las Vegas, the pool, mountains and more. All the rooms are elegant, using the finest of everything from fabrics to rugs to wallpaper and accessories, lamps and pictures hanging on the walls. What more could anyone ask for? Guest Room rates vary by time and season. Check prices and availability online at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-strip-hotels.htm

SIEGFRIED AND ROY: They are the most famous “masters of the universe” magicians, waiting to entertain us along with their beautiful white tigers. Their love for all animals is known to all of us, all over the world. Their professional skills and performances are a rewarding work of art. Lots of precious time spent with their tigers and lions and training them to perfection is truly seen through all their shows. What love and admiration they give to us all.

Performance show times: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Sunday and Monday 7:30 p.m., Dark on Wednesday and Thursday. You can check ticket price and availability at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&id=25 This show sells out well ahead of time so if you can get tickets for the dates of your visit, grab them!

THE MIRAGE AQUARIUM: This wonder is filled with sharks and tropical fishes. The aquarium holds up to 20,000 gallons of water. That is a lot of water? You will see it when you enter the hotel registry at the Mirage, located in behind the front desk!

SECRET GARDEN OF SIEGFRIED AND ROY: A sanctuary full of exotic creatures, white tigers, white lions and Asian elephants, where they can live comfortably. Watch these animals on stage performing along with their masters Siegfried and Roy, as they appear and disappear right before your very eyes. The Secret Garden was created as a place where these animals could live free from danger. This is also where one may learn and observe and listen to their exotic creatures.

Siegfried & Roy have their very own website at http://www.siegfriedandroy.com with interesting stories they share about their animals and their love for them.

Dolphin Habitat is another great magical place, where one can take a tour throughout the day. You will be able to see the Bottlenose dolphins swimming and jumping and just having a fun time in the pool. The AccessVegas.Com review of “Secret Garden” and the dolphin habitat with photos is available at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/seigfried-roy-tigers-dolphins.htm

LET’S EAT! The finest place for dining is the “Moongate.” Here you will fine an elegant taste of Chinese atmosphere. The beautiful designs and the surroundings were all very carefully chosen. They offer a Sushi bar. Also serving their traditional Teppan yaki.

Everybody favorite, The Mirage Buffet serves a variety and tasty foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast $8.95, Lunch $9.95, Dinner $14.95. Prices may vary.

Other great places to eat:

* The California Pizza Kitchen is great for the kids, with plenty of pizza on hand to feed those hungry mouths. So what’s it going to be, Pepperoni or Cheese?

* Caribe CafÚ, there is nothing like the smelling of fresh brew coffee in the morning or late at night. They are opened 24 hours.

* The Noodle Kitchen offers tasty mouth watering barbecue ribs, duck, won ton and more. They have the best barbecue ribs. Try them out.

* Kokomo’s serve excellent seafood and steak! T bone, sirloin with potatoes and vegetables!

* Renoir a 5 star French Cuisine restaurant, where food is created by Chef Alessandro Stratta and is open only for dinner and a fine, elegant place to eat. Reserve Renoir online to guarantee that memorable dinner: http://www.bookvegasdining.com/dvpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&restid=14 Restaurants of this caliber often are reserved well ahead of time.

* Mikado serves Japanese food those of you wanting a change in taste dissolving in your mouth. Try the Sushi.

* Finally, for the Italian lovers, have you heard about Onda? They are a must — try their food out when visiting the Mirage. Open only for Dinner.

* The Roasted Bean is an excellent place for fresh coffee, pastries, espresso, and cappuccinos.

The Mirage Hotel & Casino is located at: 3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. More information and room prices / availability at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-strip-hotels.htm

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EVENT LISTINGS:

CONVENTION CALENDAR:

GIVEAWAY:

McCormick and Schmick’s – We have a $50 gift certificate to give away for this spectacular seafood house, located just a few blocks from the Strip on Restaurant Row (Flamingo and Paradise). Entry information in the February 2002 All Vegas TV show at http://tv.accessvegas.com

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

ENJOY THE BEACH! – We know many of our friends in the midwest and southeast are familiar with the beautiful suger-white sands of Destin / Panama City Beach and Florida’s Emerald Coast. If you aren’t, you should be! These beaches are closer and less expensive than other parts of Florida and continue to be ranked among the best in the world. Get the same great discount rates we offer for Florida also! Learn more about this spectacular area and get your FREE beach scenes screensaver http://www.beautifuldestin.com

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

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