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Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 5, 2012

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Stacey Nicole Brings Marilyn Monroe To Life In The Rat Pack Is Back At The Rio – Stacey Nicole performs as Marilyn Monroe taking the pressure off of The Rat Pack is Back! entertainers in the Crown Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino nightly.

She said, “I was a dancer in `Legends in Concert‘ for eight years. I was in Nevada Ballet Theater until I joined `Legends.’ I was born in LA but grew up in Las Vegas. I was professionally trained in ballet, tap and jazz beginning at the age of 5. I majored in ballet at the University of Utah, then returned to Las Vegas to join Nevada Dance Theater.”

Jean Philippe Patisserie At Bellagio Chocolate Display Is Back – Jean Philippe PÔtisserie brings Santa Claus to the Bellagio that will delight naughty and nice onlookers. Jean Philippe PÔtisserie’s pastry team created a five-foot 230 pounds dark chocolate Santa that will sit the entire holiday season in his favorite chair. It is also made up of 50 pounds of fondant while Santa’s glistening suit is made up of sugar icing. Gifts in different shapes and sizes, with festive fondant ribbons on top, surround Santa’s chair. The team uses pure gold powder and cacao butter for the hand details of the intricate display.

Cabo Wabo Celebrates 12/12/12 With $12 Food And Drink Specials – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will toast to the number 12 with $12 food and drinks specials on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

Guests may celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime date with $12 pitchers of Dos Equis Amber or Lager, 12 for $12 chicken wings with mix-and-match sauces including Hot & Spicy, BBQ or Mexiyaki and two house margaritas for $12. Patrons can fuel up for the festivities with Cabo Wabo’s signature Baja Mex dishes including Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, stuffed with goat cheese and cilantro pesto; and Chicken Taquitos made with shredded chicken, house cheese blend, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.

Fantasy’s Charming Chloe Is December’s Showgirl Of The Month – Fantasy’s British bombshell ChloÚ will keep Las Vegas hot throughout December as this month’s sizzling “Showgirl of the Month.”

A captivating performer in Fantasy, the seductive revue at Luxor Hotel and Casino, the Portsmouth, England native enjoys her favorite British cuisine including Cadbury chocolate and bangers and mash.

When she is not expressing her creativity through choreography or gardening, ChloÚ loves to relax at home in her hot tub and cuddle with her chihuahuas, Ella and Kahlua. The knockout loves animals and hopes to get involved with PETA and the Nevada SPCA in the near future.

Movie Recommendations
Deciding what to watch next? What are your friends watching?
Get movie recommendations based on your personal viewing style!

Maverick Dream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon Tour – Landing tour with beverages, snacks and Extra Flight Time in the Grand Canyon! Experience the journey of a lifetime. Your journey begins with a flight out of Las Vegas to Hidden Valley to see the arches. Continue your journey to the Valley of Fire, were you will see red rock formations and some of the most remote, desolate, and fascinating desert landscape.

Click To Book Maverick Dream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Penn & Teller by DW Grant

Penn & Teller – Telling Lies and Revealing Secrets – “Magic is not really about the mechanics of your senses. Magic is about understanding-and then manipulating-how viewers digest sensory information,” says Raymond Joseph Teller in a recent issue of Smithsonian Magazine. And nobody manipulates the senses better than Jillette Penn and this Teller guy.

Their show, still drawing large audiences The Rio after 10 plus years, is a fun evening of manipulating and explaining and revealing and manipulating again, but you have to watch and listen carefully because they share secrets quickly and only once. To the duo’s credit, however, the tricks are still amazing and the show is lots of fun, especially when the secrets are outted.

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

Hello From Las Vegas! A great big thank you to our Canadian friends who have been holding on to that bitterly cold air mass and letting us have highs around 70F (21C) the past week or so. Evenings have still been jacket weather (although shorts are a thing of the past for this time of the year).

You talked, I Listened – As previously noted, we’re about to make some changes to this newsletter for the first time in quite some time. I worked my way thought the significant amount of email which resulted from my request for feedback. I want to thank everyone who wrote, and within days we’ll be drawing a winner at random from the group who wrote for the promised goody from our prize closet.

Even though it took awhile, I read and responded to every single one. Plenty of great insight! I’d like to share some of the more common sentiments and fill you in on where we’re headed.

More Of This, More Of That – We had plenty of suggestions regarding the kind of information to you would like added. All good suggestions. So, I looked at them all and did the math and figured out that I’d have to contract out research, writing, and web help to the tune of about $200,000 per year.

I wish I was a zillionaire, but I’m not. Nor are we run, or funded, by a bigger entity.

I wish that I could get a grant from the Visitors Authority, but over the years they have been completely non-responsive. (Probably worried that if we had the money, we could do it better and cheaper than they could do it). For some reason, we’re persona non grata to them. Even basic emails have never been returned.

By the way, no one is doing much of the kind of information requested for the very same (financial) reasons. Which is sad… there is so much to know about Las Vegas and everyone has such varied interests. Unless one of you have an extra $200,000 per year that you simply have nothing else to do with, we have our limits!

Moving on…

Organization – We are going to start organizing the newsletter into sections. Dining, Shows, etc. Also, the link list at the bottom will be moved up and put into the appropriate sections as well. This way, you’ll have a much easier time skimming past what you don’t like and a much better time spotting the stories and links you’ll want to click on to learn more.

Social Media – This caused a LOT of confusion. We’re not changing to cater to social media. We are moving Newkirk’s Notes and Members Mania segments onto blog format so that people can click and read it, enjoy it, and comment on it regardless of where they are coming from. Whether from the newsletter or social media.

Shopping– We’ll look to cover more of it as many like to shop here! At the end of the day, we just don’t get fed much info on it and we don’t have the manpower to hunt it down. But we will contact all the shopping venues and tell them to better keep us in the loop.

Local News – Lots of requests to keep it (including some of the real estate news), so we will. Not so much as featured material, but with links to news stories and me occasionally piping up about something.

Girls And Booze – Two different people specifically suggested that we not carry the drink/cocktail specials we’ve been making a point to highlight, and also less about the risque (topless) Las Vegas shows.

While we do draw a strict line in the sand that involves no strip club, escort service, or porn convention type of involvement (all of which are lucrative), Las Vegas has been synonymous with showgirls (sans top or otherwise) and imbibing since well before I was born. We simply have too much demand for this information.

Local Events – A surprising number of people are interested in some of the “better kept secret” locals events. Certainly First Friday stands out (and something we can look into talking a bit more about). Our problem is that local events usually aren’t advertised that far in advance as they are targeted at locals. But, it is something we’ll look into. Once again, manpower is an issue.

Tune In, Tune Out – We had suggestions that we create a “digest” of material that people can read right before they come to catch up on what has changed. With Las Vegas changing daily and people departing for here all the time, this would be a monumental task to maintain at a cost we’d have no way of recouping.

We realize that some subscribers stay subscribed but only read the few issues prior to their visit, and that is fine. But, then they write us with questions we’ve already covered and we don’t have the time to personally coach everyone up to speed. So… they arrive and waste time attempting to visit something that is closed (or that we warned people was lousy). Simply put, not much we can do about that if you aren’t reading.

If you fall in this boat, let me make a couple of suggestions:

1. It only takes a few minutes to at least skim each issue when it arrives. Far fewer minutes than being uninformed in Las Vegas is going to waste!

2. Or, you can create an email folder to put our notifications in and when your trip gets close, you can work your way through the most recent few months prior to your trip. Working back through them maybe takes an hour, which is (once again) time very well spent when you think about how much money you spend to get here and just how little time you have once you arrive.

Time spent reading us at home and learning about what is new and interesting in Vegas is time well spent. Time wasted in Vegas because you “didn’t know” can’t be recovered.

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Returning full force next week with our new look and feel. You’ll be able to comment and interact in a much better way. We’re prepping right now!

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

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

Latest Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe November 28, 2012

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Fremont Street Experience Reveals Plans For Slotzilla, A New Attraction To Change Downtown Las Vegas – Fremont Street Experience revealed plans to build a new permanent zipline attraction, SlotZilla, Tuesday during a press conference at which a 6-foot model of the attraction was unveiled. The $11 million attraction will forever alter the downtown Las Vegas skyline with an 11-story slot-machine-themed takeoff platform located near the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.

Celebrity Chefs Host Las Vegas Hurricane Sandy Benefit At New York New York, Public Invited – Celebrity chefs with roots in both New York City and Las Vegas have inspired a unique food and wine extravaganza to benefit victims devastated by superstorm Hurricane Sandy.

“When it comes to the hospitality industry, Las Vegas and New York City are really sister cities,” said Michael Severino of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. “This is just a small way all of us in Las Vegas can help those that have been affected by these monster stormsö.

Selena Gomez Wax Figure Visits Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Through January – Madame Tussauds Las Vegas invites visitors to spend the holidays with Selena Gomez as the attraction welcomes her wax figure to the attraction for a limited time, now through Jan. 31.

GomezÆs figure is dressed in a holiday-inspired outfit, making her the perfect addition to a festive photo with friends and family. Younger visitors, and the young at heart, will be delighted to discover a special mailbox standing next to Gomez. Now through Dec. 24, visitors can fill out letters addressed to Santa and drop them in the mailbox for the figure of Gomez to personally deliver to the North Pole

Sugar Factory American Brasserie Celebrates The Holidays With Christmas Dinner And Festive Cocktails – Guests will experience a memorable holiday season at the Sugar Factory American Brasserie as the brasserie will transform into a winter wonderland. Apart from the winter wonderland, it also offers this December specialty holiday cocktails and on Christmas day is a prix fixe dinner. The brasserie is located inside Paris Las Vegas.

Included in the holiday feast is the succulently sliced prime rib complete with brussel sprouts and a twice-baked potato valued at $34. For $10, guests can enjoy the dessert which includes an assortment of milk and cookies.

LVH Hosts 27th Annual æMerry Christmas Las VegasÆ Holiday Show – The 27th annual ôMerry Christmas Las Vegasö live show will take place at the LVH û Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton) on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at 4 p.m. and will be taped for television from the main showroom. As tradition, the show will be hosted by longtime Las Vegas entertainer / TV host û Tony Sacca, and will feature Las Vegas entertainers performing in the holiday spirit.

Public House Las Vegas Introduces Happy Hour Specials At Luxor – The new Public House Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino has introduced a happy hour every weekday from 4 to 7 p.m. An array of food and drink specials are offered for those looking for a cool place to kick back on The Strip.

Every Monday through Friday, guests may sip on $3 Coors Light and Bud Light draft beers while cheering on their favorite sports teams and mingling with friends in Public HouseÆs laid-back atmosphere. Patrons will dig in to tasty $5 bar bites including the eateryÆs signature Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Hummus Plate, Cheesesteak Spring Rolls, Mac N’ Cheese Squares and Short Rib Tacos, a dish exclusively available during happy hour.

Gordon Ramsay Steak Introduces the First-Ever ôHellÆs Kitchenö Limited Edition Tasting Menu – The first-ever ôHellÆs Kitchenö Limited Edition Tasting Menu is introduced at the Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas in honor of the ôHellÆs Kitchenö season 10 winner and the restaurantÆs new head chef, Christina Wilson. The award-winning steakhouse gives the guests an opportunity to see and taste the menu prepared on the show in its most perfect form. The first ôHellÆs Kitchenö menu is a five-course prix-fixe menu which features familiar dishes from the popular show. Wilson won against the 18 competitors in the hit show and the first contestant to land a position in a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.

Commonwealth Celebrates Grand Opening In Downtown Las Vegas – Commonwealth will bring Downtown Las Vegas a fascinating new social science on its grand opening on Wednesday, December 12th. The pre-Prohibition era-inspired 6,000-square-foot cocktail bar is located at 525 E. Fremont St. It is also inspired by libations which has its own backroom speakeasy. Live music is offered at the rooftop bar for an experiential setting.

Sugar Factory American Brasserie Introduces New Menu Selections – Dozens of new menu selection including cocktails and sweets are introduced at the Sugar Factory American Brasserie located at Paris Las Vegas.

Sugar FactoryÆs Matthew Piekarski, braserrieÆs new executive chef, added wide selections in the menu. Two new flavorful appetizers are included in the list such as the spiced honey glazed chicken wings in house-made sauce and the crispy Popcorn Shrimp paired with classic horseradish cocktail sauce and remoulade slaw.

New selections of hearty sandwiches are also added such as the Double Grilled Cheese BLT Sandwich made with butter lettuce, applewood smoked bacon and Muenster and American cheeses.

Movie Recommendations
Deciding what to watch next? What are your friends watching?
Get movie recommendations based on your personal viewing style!

Beechcraft 1900D aircraftMaverick Canyon Dream Air and Land Tour û A 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon South Rim aboard a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft starts your ultimate adventure. Upon landing, your excursion will begin with a seat on our state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter for an amazing 25-minute breathtaking helicopter experience over the Grand Canyon. As you soar above this natural wonder you will see beautiful scenery from the Kaibab National Forest, Tower of Ra and the mighty Colorado River. Ground transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park concludes your journey. Absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and capture memories to last a lifetime as you enjoy a gourmet box lunch.

Click To Book Maverick Canyon Dream Air and Land Tour Now!

Zarkana by Sarah Jane Woodall

From The World To Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana Is Jaw-Dropping – Cirque du Soleil has done it again. The beloved acrobatic troupeÆs latest offering, Zarkana, is fresh from a worldwide tour, having awed audiences from Spain to Moscow with its enchanting mix of spectacle and whimsy. And now, this sensory feast has a permanent home at the Aria Resort in Vegas, where fans have the chance to see it twice nightly, five nights a week.

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – I want to take the time to thank the many (and many and many) of you who have wrote in with suggestions regarding our pending revamp of this newsletter. We don’t want to kill anything you really enjoy, and we’d love to add more of what you’d like to see, so it really is helping. If you missed it last week, and this is news to you, please go to last week’s issue and read my section so you can get your two cents worth in!

Many of you had common threads (and a few misconceptions) and we’ll be addressing those next week. We’re putting off changes for another two weeks so that all comments can be read and evaluated.

Viva The International – Lots of buzz that the LVH (former Las Vegas Hilton) is getting ready to re-brand themselves as The International. Quick history lesson: This was the property’s original name back when Elvis was the headliner. LVH owners have registered a trademark on the name, but will not confirm the intention to make any changes at this time. We like it and hope it happens!

You Don’t Say – A couple of our county commissioners decided to walk The Strip last year and were shocked at what they saw. Which was basically what you have to deal with on every trip. The pornslappers, the costume people who can be too aggressive or block the sidewalk, the walkover escalators that are out-of-service, the areas where the sidewalk gets too tight and forces people to walk out on the street. You know… the usual.

Side Note: Let’s not get me started on my rant about how ridiculous it is that neither property upper management, nor our elected officials actually get out and do the experience which all 40 million of you navigate on each and every trip to stay on top of these problems.

So, as we reported here a few months ago, $500,000 was spent to study these issues. The findings? Widen some sidewalks, make sure the walkway elevators and escalators are working, more crossover bridges — as opposed to street-level crosswalks (so we can have more out-of-service escalators), and an attempt to restrict street performers to locations where they impede foot traffic and create choke points.

Really? It took a half-million dollars to spot the problems that I can spot when I drive The Strip on the way home from my chiropractor? Issues that probably every one of you could tell them if just you were asked?!?

Gambling At The Cosmo – The Cosmopolitan has finally discovered that they have a casino, and are going to attempt to bring in some gaming revenue. While they are losing less and less all the time (as a property), they probably can’t turn the corner, and get into profitability without gaming revenues. In large part, they have worked to attract a clientele that tends not to gamble (hipsters and nightclub patrons), so this will be quite a change for them. We’ll see how their efforts go in turning this around.

Not Vegas Related, But Funny – A small town in Missouri has disbanded. Only three of the five town council seats were occupied until two of the elected officials died and one moved away. Then the city’s tax levy ran out. No more city. Oh… the name of the city? Quitman!

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

On my vacation I usually go from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to Las Vegas. I’ve decided that on my next trip to Las Vegas I’m going to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. I’m thinking it would give me a better appreciation for the desert.

Any hints? I’ll be leaving from the Beverly Hilton (Beverly Hills) and arriving at Aria (Las Vegas), both (hopefully) on December 9, 2012.

Thanks,

John Yates

P.S. Outstanding newsletter.

 

Ted Responds:

I’m glad you brought this up, as I’m sure others (especially our European friends) have thought of doing the same. The fact that you are going on a Sunday works in your favor (the heavy traffic will be headed the other way). I’m assuming that you’ve only made the hop by plane in the past.

* Temps are going to average in the high 50’s, so heat certainly won’t be a problem. However, the second half of the trip is a long drive through the middle of nowhere. If you are driving a rental car, I imagine it will be well maintained. However, have a gallon of drinking water and some snacks on you for worst case situation (breaking down). We follow those same rules around here even if we’re just going to Primm or Mesquite. You will have cell phone service.

* In the L.A. area, use the 605 Freeway to scoot up to the 210 (Foothill Freeway) until you hit the 15. Many find the 210 a little more scenic than the 10. As a bonus, you are (more or less) tracing old Route 66.

* If you want to actually drive a good stretch (30 miles) of old Route 66, get off the 15 at Victorville, D Street/Highway 18 exit. Make a left onto D Street and just drive until you reach the 58 in Barstow. The road is good two-lane and this only adds about 5 miles to your trip. A quick right turn onto the 58 will have you back at the 15 North immediately.

* Since your goal is the see the desert and mountains, you may wish to stop at the Calico Ghost Town just outside of Barstow. Once a working silver mining community, it is now a county park with many of the original buildings intact. It is unquestionably a touristy (restaurants, gift shop, etc) but a nice break before you hit the longest middle-of-nowhere stretch of the drive. http://cms.sbcounty.gov/parks/Parks/CalicoGhostTown.aspx

* Especially if you have not stopped, many people prefer to stop in Baker and stretch their legs before the final 90 minutes of the drive.

* Primm is just past the CA/NV border like a mirage in the desert. Remember how many Las Vegas casinos were 20 years ago before high limits and celeb chefs? Welcome to Primm.

* Few know that Las Vegas Blvd. (The Strip) actually extends non-stop to Jean, Nevada (13 miles north of Primm). This is the old Highway 91, and still in very good condition. Get off the 15 at Jean, make a right, then turn left in one block when the road dead ends.

Congratulations… you are on old Highway 91 and set to experience arriving down into Las Vegas just the way Bugsy did.

I’ve traced the route in Google Maps for those who want a visual. If you are any of our other readers do all (or part) of the trip, send us a report with some photos and we’ll share them. A great way to see the southwest for those of you from more “normal” areas of topography. Hope this helps!

I made it to Las Vegas 3 times this year. The I Heart Radio Show was off the hook!

I have been going to Vegas 2-3 times a year for the better part of 25 years. I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars there over the years. But, I’m thinking about not coming back. Ever! Harry Reid doesn’t like my kind. Neither does President Obama. And apparently, the way the vote went in your state, neither do the citizens of Nevada.

I’m aware this seems like a strange email and a strange venue to talk about politics. But, from reading your newsletter for many years, I know you care. It doesn’t seem like many other people do. Ted, I hope I’m wrong… But with the policies that our President has set in motion, Las Vegas is in for some tough times.

Best of luck to you and your business.

Kind regards,

Steve McAbee

 

Ted Responds:

Usually Newkirk’s Notes is about gaming, hotel, and entertainment issues. However, with the election still pretty fresh, I wanted to address this. If this isn’t your cup of tea, keep scrolling to our New Concerts and More section.

Before I proceed, let me note that I did vote this year, but neither for Obama or Romney. A friend of a friend is former New Mexico governor and Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, who got my vote. He was re-elected in New Mexico despite running as a Republican in a heavily Democrat state (IE, support from voters of both parties) and lauded for his accomplishments (at least by many). I followed his tenure relatively closely.

By the way, for those who believe that a Libertarian is a Republican who likes to smoke pot, their beliefs go much deeper into issues both sides of the aisle approve of. And let me note that I certainly don’t march in lock-step with Libertarian party beliefs. This was more about voting for the man and his record.

This time around, President Obama won Nevada based on the usual coalition of labor, environmentalists, public workers and the like. However, what put him over the top was the Hispanic vote. Particularly the Mexican-American (M-A) vote, which is important to note as Hispanics from Cuba don’t traditionally align themselves with the Democrat party.

M-A’s have never exactly flocked to the GOP, despite the amnesty during the Reagan years. They want the DREAM act passed (amnesty for illegal immigrants occurring since the last amnesty) and that was the #1 voting concern. Not the economy, not unemployment, not war, not abortion or the environment. That is essentially what carried Obama in Nevada.

Interestingly enough, you had people splitting their vote. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) beat Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) in the lone U.S. Senate race, which was interesting because Berkley was (pretty much rightfully) accused of/acclaimed for walking in lock-step with Obama. There is a caveat, however: She has been under investigation for voting on legislation that (if you really try to connect the dots) may have had a small impact on her Doctor husband’s livelihood.

Harry Ried was elected two years ago, running against probably the most beatable candidate that year (Sharron Angle), who was more-or-less anti-gaming in a gaming state. Ried had also strong-armed called on the major banks to save CityCenter. Angle felt that if it failed, that was the free market at work. Perhaps rightfully so per conservative viewpoints, but certainly not a popular position with MGM Resorts, the largest employer in the state.

Also, let me point out that the year Ried was re-elected to the Senate, his son lost the governors race, and lost it pretty badly to Brian Sandoval (R-NV). Hence, Nevada sports a GOP Governor, splits the U.S. Senators, and splits Congress (with two Congressional delegates from each party).

Hence, the state isn’t quite blue as one might assume just because Obama carried Nevada. However, if you can swing it, obviously staying at Wynn/Encore or Venetian/Palazzo is one way to support casino owners whose politics mirror yours.

But, I’d like to point out something else: I’ll bet about 99% of the artists you enjoyed at I Heart Radio voted for Obama. If you base all of your purchases on politics, you’re going to be deleting the vast majority of your music collection. Also, most “Vacation States” went blue. So, you might have to scramble to find a place to vacation!

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

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

Latest Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe November 21, 2012

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Fremont Street Experience Rocks In The New Year With Downtown Countdown Featuring Buckcherry And Queensryche – Rock in the new year with Fremont Street Experience’s Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve 2013 celebration filled with nonstop entertainment. On Monday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. the ultimate New Year’s Eve street party will feature co-headliners Buckcherry and Queensryche, plus special guests Quiet Riot, Pop Evil and Otherwise. The party lasts all night with performances from six other incredible bands, including local favorites Yellow Brick Road and Zowie Bowie as well as Jizzy Pearl, Rok of Ages, Party Rockers and Brazen.

Holly Madison and Laura Croft Enjoy the New Meatball Spot at Town Square – Reality TV stars Holly Madison and Laura Croft dropped in to dine at the new Meatball Spot at Town Square on November 15th.

The mom-to-be and her sidekick started their feast with the new hot spot’s Kitchen Sink Salad and the Tomato Cucumber Salad, followed by a large, ‘Roman Style’ pizza with artichokes, mushrooms and extra ricotta cheese, chicken meatballs with classic sauce and pork meatballs with spicy meat sauce. To finish off their decadent meal, Madison and Croft indulged in Meatball Spot’s popular Birthday Cake milkshake.

Golden Gate Casino New Vintage Cocktail Menu With Jazz Age, Prohibition And Rat Pack Era Inspired Libations – Founded on whiskey, poker and wild women, liquor has always been an integral part of the Golden Gate. The historic property in downtown Las Vegas has witnessed the rise of the Sin City liquor trade, its retreat underground during Prohibition and its ultimate embrace by a modern city void of open container laws. Paying tribute to its notable past, Las Vegas’ original hotel and casino introduces a vintage cocktail menu inspired by the Jazz Age and Prohibition and Rat Pack eras.

Trevi Welcomes The Holidays With New Festive Martini – Trevi inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will bring the season’s greetings with a festive new holiday cocktail, the Happy Hollytini. Pastry Chef Hank Sbraccia will also introduce his twist to a traditional Christmas treat with eggnog gelato.

The frosty candy cane-inspired martini is an irresistible blend of vanilla vodka, Peppermint schnapps and Bailey’s, priced at $9. The Christmas cocktail is swirled with a red stripe made of white chocolate and rimmed with crushed peppermint candy. Prepared with bourbon, dark rum and a hint of freshly grated nutmeg, the rich and creamy eggnog gelato will be priced at $4.50 per scoop. The sweet concoctions will delight holiday revelers while they take a break from the holiday shopping.

Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort Opens For Its 50th Anniversary Season Friday – Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (LVSSR) opens for the 2012/13 season on Friday, Nov. 23. Lifts and lift ticket offices, located at the base lodge, open at 9 a.m. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the 30 trails as well as The Strip, the area’s freestyle terrain park, until 4 p.m. Amenities such as Lee Canyon Sports and The Bighorn Grill will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Bristlecone Bar open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rhumbar Celebrates 12/12/12 With $12 Drink Specials – Rhumbar at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will make 12 the luckiest number in Las Vegas by offering $12 drink specials for 12 hours from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Guests may celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime day of 12’s with buy-one-get-one $12 signature and house cocktails. Selections include the sweet and spicy Latin Manhattan, made with Cruzan Single Barrel Rum, lime, Falernum Liqueur, bitters and Jamaican ginger beer; and the Zombie, a smooth blend of Ron Zacapa aged rum, and apricot, pineapple, passion fruit and lime juices.

Movie Recommendations
Deciding what to watch next? What are your friends watching?
Get movie recommendations based on your personal viewing style!

Las Vegas Strip at sunsetMaverick Wind Dancer Sunset Landing Tour – Landing tour with Hors d’oeuvres on the Canyon Floor. Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Descend deep into the Grand Canyon and land on the Hualapai Indian territory on the canyon floor for a champagne toast, beverages and hors d’ oeuvres in the heart of this spectacular wonder of the world.

Click To Book Maverick Wind Dancer Sunset Landing Tour Now!

Blue Man Group by Guy Chapman

Blue Man Group Begins Anew While Keeping Fan Favorites – Now that The Blue Man Group has settled into its new home at the Monte Carlo Casino and Resort, fans of the popular blue hued trio can look forward to an all new show full of surprises and wonderful toys. During a sneak preview event during the month of November, invited guests got the chance to see these newest additions during a 45 minute version of the show.

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We often skip publishing on holiday weeks as readership drops dramatically with so many traveling and celebrating, but we wanted to get something out this week. We want to wish all of our U.S. readers a Happy Thanksgiving. I’m staying here in Las Vegas, so if you are also not spending it with family, rest assured you aren’t the only one.

It reminds me of one of my most infamous Thanksgiving meals, but not for the reasons you’d suspect. Myself and a radio personality friend were somewhat in the same boat in the late 90’s. No family around and pretty much everyone else we knew was working. (Las Vegas was much more an “industry town” back then and it seemed like almost everybody worked in gaming and hospitality). Palace Station was offering free champagne with their Thanksgiving buffet. I’m not much of a champagne guy, but complimentary booze was complimentary booze (especially with what I was making back then). Rest assured we put a pretty good dent in their profit/loss margin in bubbly! (Palace no longer offers this. Go figure).

Instead of a normal Newkirk’s Notes and Members Mania, I’m making the following announcement and asking for your input. In December, we’re going to debut a completely revamped newsletter. It will be better blended and better organized by topic.

We’re also going to slightly prune down the amount of information we include, which is where you come in. Las Vegas has turned into information overload. Zillions of blogs and social media accounts chasing so many tidbits of information that much of it is starting to fall in the “who cares” category.

Now… for those of you who live/eat/breath Las Vegas (you check Vegas info all day at work, then come home and spend hours more on message boards, blogs, social media, etc), more power to you. Knock yourselves out. We all need a hobby. And, I have high respect for many of my colleagues who dispense much of that information.

However, our target audience is the person who really, really wants to be informed about Las Vegas, but in reality maybe only wants to devote 30 minutes a week to it. Just the facts, just the “must know” stuff. You really don’t care if some hotel coffee shop is changing the kind of coffee they serve, and you expect us to spend the countless hours sifting through the more trivial info so you don’t have to.

Having said that, we don’t want to pare down the kind of features, articles, and links you enjoy. So, it is up to you to give us some constructive criticism and suggestions. Tell us what you like, tell us what you’d like to see changed. With just a couple of notes ahead of time:

1. Coupons have gone the way of the dodo bird. Don’t ask. Do you really want to take a $20 round-trip cab ride to save $15? Instead, we do usually publish a number of “no coupon needed” deals each week and we’ll do a better job of highlighting them for you. We get it: Deals are important!

2. Newkirk’s Notes and Members Mania will resume in full-force. However, we will be moving both of them to blog format online so that we can also invite our Twitter and Facebook fans to read and comment as well. The world is changing, and not everyone wants their info solely in newsletter form. The links to those will be highlighted in each issue.

Regarding anything else, we’re all ears! Drop us a note at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com and get your two cents in before we finalize some major changes to this publication.

Just for being kind enough to give us your thoughts, we’ll put every note into a random drawing (in a couple of weeks) for something cool and unique from our closet of Vegas stuff. We get lots of limited-edition promotional items (not usually available to the public) and someone will win something cool.

Thanks for your help and Happy Thanksgiving.

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

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

Latest Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe November 14, 2012

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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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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Matchbox Twenty The Pearl Concert Theater At Palms Casino Resort – North is a direction. It’s a place. It’s a marker of progress — and an intended destination. North is also the title of Matchbox Twenty’s fourth album, the quartet’s first release in five years, and their first album to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. It is also the bandÆs first set of all-new material in a decade. And like other connotations of the word, the 12-song set represents a determined journey, a carefully considered path that combines earnest melodicism with sly and even snarky fun as well as a new internal world order that has made Matchbox Twenty a tighter and even more collaborative band than ever before in its 17-year career.

Mandalay Bay Home To NevadaÆs Only Female Certified Cicerone (Beer Sommelier) – Las Vegas Strip, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is proud to have the only female Cicerone in the state of Nevada, one of the 525 Certified Cicerones in the world. Director of Food & Beverage Sarah Johnson recently passed the extensive exam which she earned the title Certified Cicerone«. The title designated an expertise in selecting, acquiring and serving todayÆs wide range of beers. Johnson followed the success of Susan Wolfla, the first female Executive Chef in the Las Vegas Strip, also in the Mandalay Bay.

Hard Rock Hotel Presents 1st Sgt. Thomas B. Lund With Veterans Day Surprise Of A Lifetime – After 20 years of service, 1st Sgt. Thomas B. Lund celebrated his retirement from the military on Friday, November 9, 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Sgt. Lund and his wife attended the 237th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, and experienced a dream night in Las Vegas. The property surprised Sgt. Lund with a retirement gift. He received once-in-a-lifetime complimentary luxe accommodations in the infamous ôReal World Suiteö located in the property.

Sgt. Lund couldnÆt believe the experience as he was pampered by an afternoon at the spa, and the priceless moment he had in the suite. His wife really made something special for him.

Shoppers Can Start Their Holiday Shopping Early On Thanksgiving Day At Miracle Mile Shops – This year, shoppers can start their holiday shopping early as Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will remain open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 22) with special deals as follows:

Rihanna Wax Figure Unveiled At Madame Tussauds – Just days before the launch of RihannaÆs new album, Unapologetic, Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas and Hollywood simultaneously revealed her wax figure in both location on November 13th.

Showcasing the on-stage persona of Rihanna, the Las Vegas figure has a microphone in hand complemented by a sultry expression. Her unique personality is presented through fiery red hair, alluring nude-outfit and vibrant pink makeup. Her nails are long with a black nail polish.

Chocolat Bistro Opens At Palms With Sweet Selections – Palms Casino Resort opens the Chocolat Bistro offering a chic fusion of traditional European creperie and cremerie. The sweet delights feature an array of mouthwatering desserts, delectable crepes, a palette of bright, fruity gelatos, fresh flatbreads, and lip-smacking, breakfast croissants.

Owner of Chocolat Bistro Alessandro Minutella said, ôChocolat Bistro is the premier place in Las Vegas to experience the exquisite flavors of rich, authentic Italian gelato, made-to-order crepes, luscious chocolates and decadent desserts.ö

Liquor (Store) Library Opens At McCarran International Airport – The unique new store Liquor Library will make history as it opens in early November 2012 at McCarran International Airport. The store will be distinguished as the first and only packaged liquor store which is located in the airportÆs baggage claim area.

The store will operate in the US without duty-free restrictions, and it will be the first airport liquor store in the country. A wide variety of wine, spirits, beer, cigarettes, cigars and on-the-go essentials will be competitively priced with the liquor stores on-Strip.

Las Vegas visitors will love the convenience of picking up their wine and spirits while at the airport.

Fremont Street Experience Hosts The 26th Annual Downtown Hoedown With Free Concerts – Fremont Street Experience is calling all cowboys and country music fans to grab their boots, chaps and cowboy hats and head on over to the 26th Annual Downtown Hoedown — celebrating the return of the National Finals Rodeo û on Wednesday evening, Dec. 5. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and showcases popular country music entertainment with free live concerts on three stages. All are invited to join in a downtown celebration and enjoy the feel good country music acts under the neon lights at the Fremont Street Experience.

Sugar Factory American Brasserie Offers Prix Fixe Menu This Thanksgiving – Guests can give thanks at Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Paris Las Vegas with a special Thanksgiving prix fixe menu on Thursday, Nov. 22.

The traditional Thanksgiving spread will include sliced turkey breast served with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce, and all the fixings including: chicken apple sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes and a Parker House roll, priced at $34.

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Announces ôWarhol Out Westö Featuring 59 Works – Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA), one of Las VegasÆ premier cultural destinations, will open the ôWarhol Out Westö on February 8, 2013.

The pioneering exhibition focuses on the depiction of Warhol on all things Western. There will be 59 iconic artistÆs works in the ôWarhol Out Westö such as sculptures, photographs, paintings, screen prints and wallpaper. WarholÆs 1960s Pop paintings of consumer products and celebrities, advertisement series in the 1980s, ever-loved ôDouble Elvisö painting and his hardly seen ôCowboys and Indiansö series are among the exhibits included.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe A Hit On Las Vegas Boulevard – In the three months since opening its first Las Vegas Strip location, Tropical Smoothie Cafe (TSC) has done well to attract and introduce tourists unfamiliar to the brand to healthy fast food and fresh fruit smoothies, as well as locals who have been enjoying TSC in neighborhoods throughout Las Vegas for the past 12 years.

The Cosmopolitan Turns Their Pool To Ice For Seasonal Skating – On Friday, November 30, 2012, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will open an Ice Rink by converting its iconic Boulevard Pool into a real ice skating wonderland. It will overlook the heart of the Las Vegas Strip featuring custom-designed fire pits, sÆmores, warm cocktails and much more.

Jackson Browne Comes To The Pearl Concert Theater At Palms Casino Resort – Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne is set to launch his 2013 Acoustic Tour with a string of U.S. dates including a stop at the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on February 15, 2013 at 8 p.m. Playing guitar and piano, and collaborating with musicians on stage, Browne will perform songs from his entire body of work, with varying set lists each night.

Movie Recommendations
Deciding what to watch next? What are your friends watching?
Get movie recommendations based on your personal viewing style!

Maverick Helicopter over Grand CanyonMaverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour û Landing tour with a Continental breakfast or Hors d’oeuvres on the Canyon Floor. Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Descend deep into the Grand Canyon and land on the Hualapai Indian territory on the canyon floor for a champagne toast, beverages and hors d’ oeuvres in the heart of this spectacular wonder of the world. Fly back through the Grand Canyon on your way to the Bowl of Fire full of flaming red rock formations. Conclude your journey with an exciting flight between the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip!

Click To Book Maverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour Now!

Vinnie Favorito Comedy Show by Sarah Jane Woodall

Vinnie Favorito: No Scripts, Censors, Or Sacred Cows – Just Pure Laughter – Some comedians play Vegas for years, using the same material night after night, adding a joke here and there to keep up with the news, but basically working the same stale shtick. Not so with Flamingo funnyman Vinnie Favorito!

Vinnie Favorito belongs to that special class of comic that relies on totally unscripted improvisation û so no two shows are ever the same. His material? You! In the time-honored tradition of Don Rickles, Favorito makes the audience his subject, and spends the entire hour-plus riffing on the idiosyncrasies of the crowd û to hilarious effect.

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’ve been hard at work on a really cool new project which we’ve been wanting to do for years, and we should be able to unveil it in the next few weeks. What is it?

Our official Access Vegas “Best Of Las Vegas” readers poll. I know, I know… you are thinking “But… there are already other ‘Best Of’ polls for Las Vegas”. And yes, there are. However, we’re going to have a voting process that is extremely unique and should be a lot of fun. We’re also going to end up answering the questions regarding what the pecking order really is. Not just who is #1, but (for example) if your choice was Monte Carlo or Flamingo, who do you choose?

Our poll is not only going to be entirely software driven, but I’ll be seeing the results as we move along just like you do. No favorites, no limited choices. The only hint I’ll give you is that if you like following the playoffs for a sports league, you’ll love following the voting in our poll.

Plus, while we respect the major poll that our local paper does each year, those voters tend to be locals. If I recall correctly, Outback Steakhouse has won best steakhouse at least one year, and while there is nothing wrong with Outback, I think it is safe to say that that some of those joints serving up beef on The Strip probably are a cut above (pun intended).

The Other Side Of Downtown – Many of you are familiar with the Fremont Street Experience. Some of you may have ventured into the “Fremont East” area over to the El Cortez, and have seen first-hand all of the new business development where the canopy ends. But few visitors understand how Zappos.com leader Tony Hsieh is spending $350 million of his own cash to take what was a neglected, Downtown Las Vegas, and turn it into a vibrant business and arts community.

For those of you who may have heard the rumble, but really didn’t understand what is happening, let me suggest the pictorial article How Tony Hsieh Is Spending $350 Million In Las Vegas.

What does it mean to the regular visitor? More residents downtown, creating an artsy/techy vibe, will mean more opportunities for unique dining and drinking, a larger “downtown” area to explore, and pressure on present properties to really work hard to look good and maintain “locals friendly” pricing to attract these new downtown locals. You all know that the best deals are at the locals’ places. Think of downtown as becoming another “locals” casino and entertainment haven.

Missionaries To Las Vegas – The Evangelical Lutheran denomination has sent a 25 year old female intern pastor from her home in St. Paul, MN to spend a year at a suburban Henderson, NV church. As she is a Minnesota native, I’m sure that she’ll find Las Vegas quite a bit different from her native state (especially in the weather and scenery areas).

But interestingly enough, once you get away from the tourist areas, you really don’t see the “Sin City” that is advertised to the world. And, we have no shortage of churches or people of faith. If you pull up Las Vegas on Google Maps and typed in the word Church, you’ll see that our entire area is dotted with houses of worship: Las Vegas Area Churches

The intern in question really wants to work on the sex trafficking issue that unfortunately plagues our area, something that many area churches are actively involved in (both getting women out of sex trafficking, and showing them that they are welcome in the church). We applaud that, and hope her internship goes well. Full newspaper story: Pastor-in-training chooses Sin City church to develop her skills

But still… the concept of missionaries to Las Vegas is amusing. I guess that I forget how “Sin City” the rest of the world views us as.

Oh, The Hate! – The election is behind us. The Muslim “commie” guy from Kenya beat the wishy-washy Mormon guy who wrecked companies, leaving workers to die without health care. (Hold the emails… I’m parroting what the hardcore followers of both parties believed about their opponents). As you know, I read all the gaming business articles and blogs so you don’t have to, and I must admit surprise at the vitriol directed toward both Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson for their political stands this year.

To bring you up to speed, Wynn voted for Obama, but has spent the past year-plus criticizing the President’s policies. Adelson donated $53 million to GOP causes this election cycle, much of it in an attempt to dethrone Obama. (Adelson apparently does not like the administration’s view on Israel). By my calculations, that is .02% of Adelson’s wealth. I doubt he’s missing it. If you don’t like their politics, don’t patronize their joints. But I digress…

For years, there has been this drumbeat that Las Vegas would be a better place if the major gaming companies (the ones that own multiple casinos) broke up or sold off some of their assets. More independent owners/operators would mean more competition, looser gaming, and more deals for our visitors. (Downtown — with a number of different casino owners — seems to bear this out). Properties run by independent operators like… Wynn and Adelson (who can afford to own and operate on The Strip). Rich guys who are most likely going to vote with and support conservative causes.

How about we concentrate on doing what’s best for our visitors and quit tossing rage at casino owners and CEO’s regardless of party affiliation. I’m not overly thrilled with a number of the “top brass” at many gaming companies and the way they are running their outfits. But it has nothing to do with their politics. That hate accomplishes absolutely nothing. Our time is much better spent writing about how to improve the visitor experience.

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

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

Latest Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

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