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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 20, 2008

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Running a little late this week. We have been hard at work on a Vegas online map that should pretty much blow everything else out of the water. Some Las Vegas maps only show where the hotels are and others are far too general. We’ve taken your feedback to heart and think you’ll be thrilled with this new feature. We’re hoping (knock on wood) to debut it in about three weeks.


Click on above photo to view photo set

We have some great new photos of Caesars Palace in our photo Gallery! Flip through them and maybe you’ll find that slot machine you enjoyed, and remember that sports bet you placed, see the restaurant or lounge you enjoyed. Or… get pumped up for your next visit!

Las Vegas Nightclub Offices Raided By IRS – We occasionally get notes from people who want to know what the secrets are to getting into the major Las Vegas nightclubs. The answer is simple: Cash. And, all this cash has attracted the attention of the IRS:

We’ll follow up as the story develops. It has never been a secret that the nightclubs seem only second to gambling as a cash cow in Las Vegas and the tips in that industry can be second to none.

Jimmy Hopper Returns – All-around singer and magician Jimmy Hopper is a favorite of long-time readers. Many times a year, we get a “what is up with Jimmy Hopper” email. After being gone from town for three years (he was a mainstay in the Fontana Lounge at Bellagio), he’ll now be performing in the Lava Lounge at Trader Vic’s (Planet Hollywood) Thursday through Sunday nights. He starts February 21’st. Welcome back Jimmy!

Last couple of issues, we have reported on the five year anniversary of Mamma Mia! here in Las Vegas. A tremendous run indeed! Mamma Mia! (Tickets) companies from around the world sent their best wishes and congratulations on this amazing milestone and you can view the video at http://www.mamma-mia.com/lasvegas5anniversary.asp


Click on above photo to view photo set

The Las Vegas NASCAR race is less than two weeks away. This is by far one of the biggest events of the year. The race is usually sold out and hosts one of the biggest crowds of any race on the NASCAR circuit. NASCAR Las Vegas Tickets: Las Vegas Pole Day, Sam’s Town 300, UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400

We made a photo run and grabbed some great photos of the interior of the NASCAR Cafe at The Sahara. Lots of full size replica cars, memorabilia, and the food/drink isn’t too bad. However… if you are coming in for the race, skip it. Enjoy the photos for now, and enjoy the actual Cafe another time. Just about everybody (literally) in town over race weekend is a NASCAR fan and you don’t want to fight anymore crowds than you’ll always have to.

PS I won’t call it The Sprint Cup. Sprint cell phones seem to have the worst reception in Las Vegas and their customer service is terrible.

Las Vegas Native Kurt Busch Meet/Greets – The driver of the Miller Lite #2 Dodge car is doing two meet and greets in conjunction with NASCAR weekend. The first one will be on February 28 at PT’s Sierra Gold Ultra-Tavern, 6515 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89118 from 7 – 9 PM (limited to the first 300 people in line). The second will be at The Palms, February 29 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM.

The Podcast Finally Returns… We’ve dusted off all the equipment, tested everything, and the Insider Vibe Podcast will return in about 10 days. So please… no more emails about bringing it back. We appreciate the interest, and are extremely close to cranking it up.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

MAMMA MIA!, the longest-running, most successful Broadway musical to play the Las Vegas Strip, marks its fifth anniversary this week. (Tickets) To celebrate, Mayor Oscar Goodman took chance as a spandex-savvy Dynamo. – The show opened in the ‘entertainment capital of the world’ on February 13, 2003 and set a new house record within a week of opening at the Mandalay Bay Theatre. In five successful years it has played almost 2,000 performances and been seen by more than 2,000,000 people in Las Vegas.Las Vegas Strip To Host NASCAR Hauler Parade On Feb. 28 – On Thursday, Feb. 28, the colorful NASCAR team haulers, transporting the Sprint Cup race cars that will compete later that week, will parade north on the Strip. The transporters will be staged at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the south end of The Strip. The haulers will then move north using the middle lane of northbound Las Vegas Boulevard.

The haulers will proceed the roughly five miles to Sahara Avenue before returning to Interstate 15 and the short ride north to the speedway. Race fans will be able to watch the hauler parade from both sides of the Strip and from any of the properties along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Our tip? The convoy is expected to start rolling and will have a police escort (no red lights) so the entire trip is only going to take 15-20 minutes. I’d be on the east side of The Strip no later than 2:45 PM.

Panic At The Disco To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms June 13 – The Honda Civic Tour returns to the Palms Casino Resort featuring Panic at the Disco. (Tickets) Along with special guests Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound and Phantom Planet; Panic will perform inside The Pearl Concert Theater on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. Las Vegas natives Panic at the Disco made their debut in 2005 releasing the album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Their single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” became a hit on the music charts and propelled the band into stardom. Click to Read The Full Story …

Get Your Motor Running, Head Out To Fremont Street Experience Looking For Adventure At Race Jam – The Fremont Street Experience roars its engine for the annual Race Jam beginning Friday, February 29. The racing weekend will feature free live concerts, NASCAR merchandise booths and plenty of fast-paced fun. (NASCAR Tickets) The annual Race Jam brings two days of rocking entertainment to Fremont Street with Blake Shelton, LoCash Cowboys, Bruce In the USA and Garage Boys.

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art To Present ‘American Modernism’ Beginning February 2008 – Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will showcase the best of “American Modernism” February 8 through October 15, 2008. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibition will feature masterworks by American modernists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, Arshile Gorky and others. An engaging retrospective, the carefully chosen display will showcase more than 30 of the MFA’s most renowned paintings. The contemporary presentation will advance Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s dedication to enhancing the cultural landscape of Las Vegas. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Five – with Victor H. Royer. Top and Bottom Keno – This is quite a popular game, one that got its video version interest from the Lounge Keno version. In the Lounge Keno game, there are two versions of precisely this same game. The original version was the classic Top/Bottom ticket, where you bet on how many numbers would appear either at the “top” of the ticket — the “top” numbers 1-through-40 as shown on the ticket layout — versus the “bottom” portion of the ticket, showing the numbers 41-through-80, as printed on the keno tickets, and as being displayed on the keno board, and also on Video Keno screens. Click to Read Complete Article…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I absolutely wait for your newsletter each week. I’m flabbergasted it’s free but I love that because it is the best source of unbiased reporting of all things Vegas around. I make one to two trips a year to Vegas and read a Vegas paper everyday but your newsletter keeps me up on what to do and what to avoid when in Vegas. Bravo!

For the life of me I cannot figure out why these people keep taking cabs to hotels from McCarran. You know they rip you off. Take a little more time and pay a lot less for a round trip shuttle. I love the shuttles and they are every inexpensive compared to the cabs. Also another way to beat the cabs is take the DEUCE around Vegas. This is another great bargain and beats walking to the monorail stations.
Michael Lewis
Lowell Indiana

Michael,

I’m flabbergasted we can do this also! I keep telling Mark and Amy (who do so much of the news research and story prep) and all of the new writers coming on board that the newsletter is at no charge so they should work for free. For some crazy reason, they don’t quite go along with that one.
In reality, we all do work very hard and appreciate the great advertisers like Las Vegas Hotel Deals, Blue Man Group, Stomp Out Loud, Mamma Mia!, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.

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Two huge things that you and every single reader can do which will help us maintain the sheer amount and quality of our information, and keep it all completely free:

  • Please tell as many people as possible about our newsletter. They can sign up on any page of AccessVegas.com and check us out. If it isn’t their thing, we have a working unsubscribe button at the bottom of every newsletter.The costs to produce the newsletter are pretty much fixed. We might as well have as many people as possible reading, which keeps our advertisers happy. Happy advertisers pay the bills and the newsletter remains available to all!
  • Patronize the advertisers and booking information listed here in the newsletter and at AccessVegas.com. We only work with top hotel providers and shows. The biggest Las Vegas shows advertiser here, often with discounts to our readers (see the upper right sidebar on this newsletter).Las Vegas Hotel Deals has some of the best prices you will find anywhere, for every major Las Vegas hotel. You can kill two birds with one stone by getting some great rates and show prices, and showing your appreciation for the top Las Vegas companies and shows that keep this newsletter coming your way.

Seeking Vegas Family for Prime Time!My name is Rachelle Mendez, Casting Associate Producer for Wife Swap (airing on ABC). I work with families to learn how their households run, what their philosophies are, to answer any questions about the show, and hopefully help families get cast on the show!I am currently hoping to cast from Vegas who embodies the Vegas lifestyle. Maybe you know a family who works in the gaming industry. Maybe you’ve moved your family to Vegas because you’re following a dream that you can only achieve in Las Vegas.Wife Swap is a hit family program airing on Disney-owned ABC. The show focuses on different family dynamics and parenting philosophies across the country.

This is a unique opportunity that can be life changing experience for everyone involved. We hope this is an experience where families share their lifestyle and experience a different family’s way of doing things.

All families featured on the show receive a $20,000 honorarium.

Potential families can live anywhere in the United States, but we ask that families applying for the show consist of two parents and have at least one child, age 5 or older, living at home.

To submit for the show please call: 646-747-7948, or email a family photo and description to: rachelle.mendez@rdfusa.com

Thank you!
Rachelle Mendez
Casting Producer
ABC Television’s “Wife Swap”/RDF Media
1790 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 646-747-7948
Email: rachellemendez@gmail.com or rachelle.mendez@rdfusa.com

This sounds really cool, and with so many readers I’m sure there is someone (or someone who knows someone) who would be perfect for this. Plus, the $20,000 for the participants isn’t a bad chunk of change.

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So Rachel knows you are a legitimate inquiry, make sure you mention that you read about the casting in the AccessVegas.com newsletter. And if you or a friend of yours gets picked, make sure to let us know!

Hello,I have a question from this weeks newsletter regarding The Producers ending in February. It seems that Las Vegas shows stick around for a while, and The Producers is closing only after a year. Is there a reason behind that, was it not profitable? If it has to do with profitability, what would this mean for future Broadway shows coming to stay for a long while in Las Vegas? Just curious, thanks for your time.Sandra KorbarThere isn’t any one single answer. Mamma Mia has been successful for years. Phantom is doing solid business, although it is somewhat of a derivative with the theater itself playing a role in providing the wow factor. (We don’t want to ruin it for those who have not seen it).

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With The Producers, a run of a year isn’t bad. Shows that are complete failures don’t last that long. Numerous factors go into a show having a buzz and being successful. Just as one can’t pick a guaranteed winning slot machine ahead of time, there is no way to know what works in Las Vegas until someone tries it.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

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

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

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

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

February 20, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 2, 2008

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We are running just a bit late this week and letting the dust settle on another mind-blowing Las Vegas New Years Eve. Every year, it just gets bigger and more amazing. Almost 5 miles of the Las Vegas Strip closed to traffic and filled with people, every nightclub jammed, every hotel ballroom full of life, private parties in thousands of rooms… there is simply nothing like it!

The Vegas celebration is called America’s Party, but it really should be called the World’s New Years party both in size, scope, and to reflect the participation of visitors from almost every nation.

In our last issue, I lamented that the local TV coverage of the event wasn’t available worldwide. The celebration isn’t just about 8 minutes worth of fireworks at midnight, but a party that starts at dusk and continues into the early morning.

Guess what? KVBC actually put an archive of their entire coverage online including “Your Vegas is Showing” slogan, interesting costumes, interesting characters, Hawaiian Tropic Zone, Pussycat Dolls, 40/40, Pure, celebs, and (of course) The Fireworks. Very cool of them, and all of it well worth watching if you ever wondered “should we really do Vegas for New Years or is it all hype?” Check it out: America’s Party 2008 Highlights Video

Years ago, we used to go out try to cover New Years ourselves, but it has gotten so big that no one outlet can begin to cover it. Enjoy these links to various stories and streaming video from this past week:

Top 10 Shows Of The Year – Las Vegas Review-Journal show critic Mike Weatherford has picked his top 10 shows of 2007:

Too Much News? The news links section in the second half of each newsletter continues to get longer and longer. When I moved here almost 15 years ago, I never dreamed of the information explosion and Las Vegas one of the most followed cities on earth. We are tossing around better ways to organize our news links either by section/topic or by moving them to a blog.

If you regularly use/enjoy the news links, we want your feedback. We go to a significant amount of work to collect the info, and we’d like to see you get the best enjoyment out of it. Suggestions regarding this or any part of our publication are welcome. Email us at allvegastv@aol.com

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Marquez And Pacquiao To Battle For World Title At Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, March 15 – The debate about which fighter is the best will finally be settled when World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez defends his title against three-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in a 12-round battle for pound-for-pound supremacy. (Tickets) Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions, Marquez-Pacquiao II will take place Saturday, March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Click to Read The Full Story …

Kevin Burke, star of “Defending the Caveman,” performing the show for his 1,000th time to a packed house. (Tickets) The performance also marked Burke’s 227th performance at the Golden Nugget.

Kim Vo Salon Made December Debut at The Mirage – Kim Vo, considered the “King of the TV Makeover,” has brought his talents to Las Vegas with the December opening of his salon at The Mirage. The salon offers the latest in hair trends and treatments as well as manicures, pedicures and personalized makeup services. Providing a variety of wigs and hair extensions, an interactive Beauty Bar will allow guests to preview new looks before making the “ultimate” commitment. Vo, whose clients include Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Teri Hatcher, Kirsten Dunst and Jenny McCarthy, will train all stylists and colorists to ensure his high standards are maintained.

Thrill of Throwback at Mandalay Bay – A hot nightclub trend mashes retro songs with Top 40 hits. Now, Mandalay Bay is taking the return of classic beats to a new level. Here’s how you can rock to a brand new sound:

  • Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce puts a new spin on burlesque with Royal Jelly. The Thursday night addition features hot classic rock by three musicians who shred and pound through two shows nightly.
  • eyecandy sound lounge & bar, located in the center of Mandalay Bay’s casino, not only features DJs spinning the best beats of hip-hop, soul, funk and rock, it also offers a touch-activated, light-up dance floor and interactive tables that display pre-selected visuals that pulsate to the beat of the music. Open nightly.

Stay Warm This Winter at The Adventuredome at Circus Circus – Set on five climate-controlled acres, The Adventuredome is the perfect place to escape chilly temps. Featuring 25 rides and attractions, it’s the largest indoor theme park in Nevada. From the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster and “Marvin the Martian” Special Effects Ride in 4-D to 18 holes of miniature golf and the 70’s themed ride Disk ‘O, The Adventuredome offers plenty of exciting ways to stay warm this winter. Click to view Circus Circus Adventuredome Photos

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art’s ‘American Modernism’ Opens February 2008 – Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will showcase the best of “American Modernism” February 8 through October 15, 2008. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the exhibition will feature masterworks by American modernists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis and Marsden Hartley. Hours of operation for Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art are Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:

Dear Ted,

Love your newsletter. Can’t wait till you get the wall paper up and running again. You are always getting great pictures, I thought I would send this one of a fantastic sun set in June.

Thanks,
Dee Clark

We’ll have our new wallpaper area up again soon, with plenty of new photos. In the meantime, a little insider tip: We have them all archived both at Flicker and Webshots in the meantime.

We are planning our next trip to Vegas and plan to be there in March 2008, however, I need to know how I can find out everything that’s going on in the month of March so I can pick which weekend we are going to go.Can you help?

I withheld the name of the writer because this is one of the most common questions we get asked so let’s set the record straight:

We publish everything as soon as it comes in. We have a comprehensive concert and event calendar at http://entertainment.accessvegas.com and publish much of that information in the right sidebar of every newsletter. We publish or link to articles about new coming events weekly.

If you are reading every week, you’ll be the first to know!

I would like to know about the Lady Luck is it going to reopen? Also the land next to Circus Circus is it ever going to be a Casino?Jerry Price

Lady Luck continues to be in limbo. It appears that a new group is buying it but with no stated plans yet. This is unfortunate as it was a favorite of many. The staff was friendly, and the gourmet room was a best-kept secret.

I mocked the plans of the Maxim Magazine themed hotel next to Circus Circus (announced in 2006) and it looks dead. MGM owns the empty land to the north and has not announced plan specifics. They are pretty busy building MGM CityCenter right now.

Just returned from LV last week. Stayed at the Paris. The taxi ride from McCarran airport to the Paris cost $21, $25 including tip! He took the I-15 route instead of the short Paradise Rd route. The trip back to the airport cost only $11, $15 including tip! Why the big difference? The first cabbie just ripped us off!Thanks for the newsletter!

Paul Woodall
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Gentlemen:I believe that you have one of the two best Las Vegas web sites and look forward to opening your news letter.

Sincerely,
Bob Pease

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • New Year’s Day, U.S & Canada January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 21
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 7
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s DayFebruary 18
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 19
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 26
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day, U.S July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1
  • Labor Day, U.S September 1
  • Labour Day, Canada September 1
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day, U.S October 13
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 13
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day, U.S November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 27
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

January 2, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 25, 2007

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Summer is here to stay, and temps are unlikely to dip below 60 (F) for a low until sometime in September. Pools are open, pool parties at various resorts are launching (details coming soon) and the party atmosphere is in full swing!

Did you know… Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art offers an annual membership? – Available for $45, the Blue Card grants a full year’s access to its holder and one guest. The card also provides a 10% discount on all purchases. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is currently showcasing the master works of legendary photographer Ansel Adams through May 6, 2007. The gallery’s newest exhibit, “In the Master’s Hands: Picasso’s Ceramics” will debut Memorial Day weekend.

The Ultimate “Mancation” – Our local paper recently ran an interesting article titled No Girls Allowed – Guys discover fun of bonding in Las Vegas while on ‘mancation’ about getting the guys together for a Vegas trip. We are just a week away from what could be the Mancation of the Decade and you still have a chance to set this one up if you get your friends on board right away:

  • Las Vegas Hotel Deals while a few are still left.
  • Saturday mid-day golf in what is shaping up to be highs in the 80’s.
  • Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. the most talked about fight in years and years, happening on Cinco De Mayo.
  • Post-fight drinks, celeb spotting, cigars, and insanity at the craps table.
  • Sunday nursing a bloody mary and hangover while betting on basketball and baseball.
  • Returning home with a story that makes you the envy of your friends for life.

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Expand Soul2Soul Tour Dates – We have prime seats for the August 4, 2007 concert at the MGM Grand plus all their other tour dates in a city near you. This is one of the huge concerts of the year! See if they are coming near you or better yet, plan to see them here: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Expand Soul2Soul Tickets

Enjoy This Issue!

Announcing Planet Hollywood – After having fun with the Planet Ho concept last issue, we promised their PR people we’d play nice and actually run the stuff they were nice enough to send. Bruce Willis joined Planet Hollywood co-chairman Robert Earl for a toast this past month celebrating the name change from Aladdin to Planet Hollywood.Construction on various aspects (including the facade — see recent photos) are still underway and the actual grand opening dates are September 28 and 29. The inside is pretty much done and well worth a look. Gone is the Moroccan theme which has given way to a very modern, high tech feel.

The Shops In Desert Passage At The Aladdin Becomes Miracle Mile Shops – Modernized Interior And Exterior Renovations And Continued Influx Of Brand-Name Retailers To Continue While Operating Under The New Name – The Shops in Desert Passage at the Aladdin will begin operating as Miracle Mile Shops in May 2007. With rapidly advancing exterior and interior reconstruction throughout the center, Boulevard Invest, the joint venture of Tri Star Capital and RFR Holding, and owners of The Shops in Desert Passage at the Aladdin, are proud to celebrate the shopping center’s new name: Miracle Mile Shops. Click to Read The Full Story …

From the Vine to the Glass: Uncork New Worlds of Flavors – Ordering wine can be intimidating, but learning more can be as simple, and enjoyable, as an evening of wining and dining. Check out these fun ways to tap into a wealth of knowledge:

  • Sip in Style at Onda Wine Lounge in The Mirage – Each month, Onda Wine Lounge at The Mirage explores a different region of the world. On April 25, Director of Wine Mark Thomas will toast the great wine estates of South Africa from Lanzerac to Landskroon. This delectable tasting experience is available for $15 per person and includes a plate of artisan meat and cheeses. Featuring a striking dÚcor of sleek white marble and dark rich woods, Onda Wine Lounge is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight.
  • 55 Degrees Wine + Design Offers Optimum Experience – Inside Mandalay Place (Mandalay Bay shopping area), 55 Degrees Wine + Design now hosts a weekly wine tasting event. Every Friday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., wine lovers are invited to relax and mingle as they discover new vineyards from around the globe. Named for the ideal temperature at which to serve fine wine, 55 Degrees Wine + Design features a hip wine bar and seductive wine inventory.

Direct From The Sunset Strip, Metal Skool Unleashes An Eleven Week Run At The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 26 – Celebrating its seventh year of performing to sold-out crowds on the Sunset Strip, METAL SKOOL is set to rock Las Vegas during a kick-ass weekly residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Hollywood’s famous 80’s heavy metal comedy act takes the stage in Body English starting Thursday, April 26 at 10 p.m. Then they take over every Thursday night through the first week of July. Impatient types can catch a special preview performance this Sunday April 22. METAL SKOOL now brings their 80’s styling, outrageous antics and power rock to the desert. Rock out to your favorite 80’s hits by Warrant, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, Poison and every other legendary metal band that made the Sunset Strip famous. Click to Read The Full Story …

Stomp Out Loud Performances Begin – Grand Opening At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino In Las Vegas – A unique combination of percussion, movement, and visual comedy, STOMP has created its own inimitable form of musical entertainment. With STOMP OUT LOUD (Tickets), creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas have transformed their show for Las Vegas with new sequences and choreography, a dynamically expanded cast and a completely new environment that will immerse the audience from the moment they enter the $28 million, 1,500-seat theatre. STOMP OUT LOUD is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday, and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and percussion. Click to Read The Full Story …

American Storm Computer Wallpaper – Billed as America’s Hottest Male Revue, the cast of American Storm is made up of the seven remaining finalists from the VH1 hit series StripSearch. Millions of fans across the country followed the progress of the show’s 15 contenders as one by one they were eliminated, leaving the seven most talented performers. click and download American Storm Computer Wallpaper

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas – The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino has 2,444 guestrooms and suites feature light-wood furnishings, custom entertainment armoires and decor in russet, gold and forest green. Each includes satellite television and wireless Internet access for a fee. Select rooms feature marble entrances, wet bars, desks and desk-to-ceiling windows with views of the Strip. Select suites include separate sitting areas, bedrooms, powder rooms and kitchens.

Gambling Talk: Playing Suited Connectors In Tournaments– with Victor H. Royer. Now it’s time for us to consider how to play perhaps some of the most troubling hands in all of tournament poker. These are the many varieties of suited connectors. Any two cards of the same suit next to each other in rank can be considered as suited connectors, although most of the time this general description applies primarily to hands that do not contain an Ace. Click to Read Complete Article

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Austin and Jo from Brighton in the UK submitted these two great photos. They write:

Hi there!

We are ‘Austin and Jo Constant’ from Brighton in the UK, we were in Vegas last October …… when there was some interesting weather…one day it snowed…and whilst visiting the Canyon we saw a thunderstorm inside the canyon whilst we were stood in full sunshine!!!

Cant wait to come back….we will be back in June to stay at Wynns …. thought we send u a couple of pics as we love your newsletter for all the info on what’s happening in Vegas….keep up the good work, thank you!!

Anyway, we took this amazing photo from our room in the Mirage of Harrah’s across The Strip when this rainbow appeared to disappear into the casino tower…. of course we then rushed over looking for the pot of gold …. but…….

…..and here’s an ‘arty’ one of Caesars Palace taken on a slow shutter speed at night as we drove past. I love this one as you can really feel the movement and I think it captures crazy night time feel of Vegas!

Thanks for your time, all the best from your British readers !!

Jo and Austin

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com. Click to more Photos of Harrah’s Las Vegas and Photos of Caesars Palace.

Hi Ted!I will be in Las Vegas over the 4th of July holiday, and was wondering what really goes on for the 4th? I have heard different things from different people, such as, the strip gets closed off to traffic and each hotel does a fireworks display in sequence, the Stratosphere has the best display, and Red White and Boom is definitely worth checking out.

Can you let me know if any of this is true, and what you suggest to check out on the 4th of July in Vegas?

Lynsie Wiese

Ted Responds:

As always, we talk about and list events as soon as we are given the information. To date we have received no July 4 information.

Stratosphere Tower has traditionally had the only display on The Strip, but with the pending sale of the property I wouldn’t bank on that yet. The biggest displays are spread around town where the rest of us live and we will publish info on those when we get it.

New Years Eve is when the entire Strip is closed to traffic and a unified fireworks display is set off from the tops of various properties. We have streaming video from previous New Years Eve available:

I’d find the person who told you that The Strip closes down for fireworks on July 4 and politely suggest they subscribe to this newsletter… so they will know what they are talking about next time!

With the volume of free information we constantly pump out, we feel our readers are among the most informed about Las Vegas on the planet. Share the wealth and tell your friends to subscribe!

Ted,Rob Hammons from Kentucky. I had a great time in Las Vegas back in December. I really appreciated your advice. I truly had an excellent time. I had a great room at the Paris and everything was awesome. I look forward to a return visit. I was really impressed.Best regards and good luck in the future.

Rob Hammons

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • 2007

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5 (falls on weekend)
  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

April 25, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 13, 2006

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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.

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Our best wishes to Celine Dion who is taking some unscheduled time off to recover from a severe respiratory virus. She’s taking the time needed to heal and rest in anticipation of her 2007 gigs at Caesars. We have Celine tickets on sale through June of 2007, and her replacements (Cher and Bette Midler) have already been signed. If you have been putting off seeing Celine or want to catch the show again, do not delay in getting tickets now. Celine Dion Tickets

The rumble for New Year’s Eve is heating up in a huge way and as now is the norm, $500,000 worth of fireworks will be shot off from hotels all the way up and down The Strip. If being inside at what are sure to be the hottest club parties on the planet, you need to be snapping up tickets or making your bottle/table reservations now. ASAP.

The huge party is the Nightclubs.com Party at the Empire Ballroom and we have that and information on all the New Years Eve Las Vegas Nightclub Parties or we’ll have people on hand to personally help you with the 411 if you call 800-696-5721.

We have a new section for links to stories about the smoking ban at the end of our usual news story links section later in this issue. For those who just want an executive summary:

A judge has temporarily halted enforcement of the new rules until a hearing on the constitutionality of the law has been heard. The anti-smoking forces who wrote the law exempted casinos (nobody would want to take on that fight). But in doing so, the law may unfairly discriminate against the local bar and grills all over Las Vegas (which are essentially min-casinos).

Mayor Oscar Goodman makes it no secret that he loves his martinis. So much that he’s going to teach a one-credit class at Community College of Southern Nevada this February on how to make the perfect martini. (No, this isn’t a joke). Gotta love Vegas!

If you are thinking of coming for New Year’s Eve, it’s time go book. Now. Room prices will only rise, and tickets to the hottest events are already starting to get very tight. We have a ton of links and information in this issue, and as always, your best bet for hotel reservations is Las Vegas Hotel Deals.

Enjoy This Issue!

Important Note: During peak times, some of our news and event story links may take extra time to load. We are working on significant upgrades to handle this increased demand. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience during the extra few seconds a story may take to appear when you click on it.

Summer Ferguson Of ‘Crazy Girls’ In Ballet Number ‘The Heart’ – Summer Ferguson of “Crazy Girls” does “The Heart” the only ballet number in the revamped show that is in its 20th year at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. The 5-foot-9-inch statuesque dancer says, “Performing runs in my family. My mom and aunt were both Lakers’ cheerleaders with Paula Abdul.” I began my dance lessons at age two. I’d like to be a Victoria’s Secret model. After “Crazy Girls” I stay up all night.” With the recent press about the phasing out of shoeshine workers, Summer reports that she used to earn a good living when she was only 16 years old working at the hotels and once got a $2,500 tip. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Christina Aguilera At Mandalay Bay – Pop-music star Christina Aguilera launches her 41-city “Back to Basics” 2007 North American tour in February and will bring her high-energy show to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, March 3. Special guests The Pussycat Dolls, as well as Danity Kane, are scheduled as the opening acts for the evening set to begin at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

The Cannery Celebrates Elvis Presley’s Birthday on January 5 and 6 – Friends of Elvis to Make Special Appearance – The Cannery Casino & Hotel celebrates Elvis Presley’s life with a 72nd birthday celebration on January 5 and 6, 2007 hosted by Elvis expert Steve Christopher with special performances by Johnny Fortuno and The Stamps Quartet as well as a meet and greet with friends and co-stars of Elvis Presley. Tickets are $10 at the door and the celebration begins at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …

Barry Manilow tickets for his long-term engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton are available for his May-through-December 2007 schedule. Click for Barry Manilow Tickets

Dr. Scott Lewis Takes Advantage – Las Vegas will be packed with holiday revelers and a packed town means packed Box Office. Riviera headliner Dr. Scott Lewis reminds, “while most shows are on vacation, I’ll be performing four extra shows between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, each night at 7 p.m. I hope I can mesmerize my holiday visitors on Wednesday through Saturday, December 27, 28, 29 & 30. I meet and greet every audience member after the show. Maybe one day, they’ll be an on-stage participant in my show!” Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Music Legend Eric Clapton At MGM Grand – Music legend Eric Clapton will return to the United States for the second leg of his 2006-2007 U.S. Tour following a number of sold-out shows overseas. The MGM Grand Garden Arena will host Clapton’s performance Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m., which will feature Robert Cray as the opening act. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

One-of-a-Kind Baldwin Piano Painted By Peter Max Available To Highest Bidder For Charity – World-renowned artist Peter Max unveiled a one-of-a-kind Baldwin Baby 5’2″ Grand piano during Thanksgiving weekend at The Art of Peter Max Gallery in the Forum Shops in Las Vegas as part of a charity campaign to raise funds for The Gibson Foundation and Max’s Global Works Foundation. The piano is on display between the hours of 10am and 11pm PT daily. Click to Read The Full Story …

3121 Jazz Cuisine Expands Hours – 3121 Jazz Cuisine and Chef Lena Morgan invite guests to continue the party after experiencing a night on the dance floor in 3121 with a new late nite menu. The new menu will be offered from midnight until 5 am every Friday and Saturday night with Late Nite Snax including crispy plantains with seared diver scallops, Jamaican jerk jam and mango coulis; petite Kobe burgers with Vidalia onions, melted brie cheese and sweet potato fries; Creole spiced seared shrimp with avocado salsa in a tortilla cup; a selection of flat bread pizzas; and much more. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Playing Big Pairs in Tournaments — Part One – with Victor H. Royer. Over the next series of articles, I am going to ask you to consider some of the big pairs in Poker and how you should (could) play them in poker tournaments. As odd as this may seem, there are many different ways in which you can (or should) play big pairs, including pocket Aces. This also includes hands like Ace-King.

Many players think (feel) that these are the kinds of hands that play themselves. While it may be OK for you to play like that at home, that’s not what you should (ought) to do in poker tournaments. Even big pairs like Aces aren’t always candidates for the same kind of consideration, and most certainly so for poker tournaments. So, here we are going to explore some of the possibilities, and some of the reasons for them. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Sirens of TI Pirate Show – The Sirens recently celebrated the third anniversary of their free show in from of Treasure Island (TI) Las Vegas. They are taking a couple of weeks but will return strong in time for New Years Eve. In the meantime, enjoy great photos from this popular show.

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week – Jet Nightclub Grand Opening Preview (December 2005) – One year ago, Jet Nightclub at The Mirage opened to the public with Kid Rock at the turntables. This is Las Vegas and too much of a good thing is never enough, so Kid Rock is back fresh off of his split from Pamela Anderson and he’ll again be hosting the New Year’s Eve party at Jet! Jet Reservations, VIP Tickets and Bottle Service/Table Reservations call 800-696-5721.

  • Click To View Jet Nightclub Grand Opening Preview (December 2005): Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Readers Write:

Really enjoy the newsletter, finding it very informative.

The thing that bothers me, is, all the old names are dying. The Dunes, Sands and Hacienda have all been razed and the property rebuilt upon with the new properties having new names (not a bad idea when it comes to the Hacienda).

Now it’s Stardust. I used to be a frequent guest and would much rather it retain it’s name, rather than the proposed Echelon Place. This property isn’t changing ownership so a name change will do nothing but distance former patrons.

Thanks

Jim O’Hara

Chicago

Ted Responds:

Having lived here since 1993 (long enough to get used to the actual hotels you are referencing), I couldn’t agree more. In a few more years, most newer visitors and new residents will probably think the street names “Sands” and “Desert Inn” were some cute street names thought up by home developers.

I am pleased to see that Tropicana Ave. will continue to lead to The Tropicana for now (the upgrade of the property by new owners at this time doesn’t appear to involve a name change).

However, I do wish that Venetian owner Sheldon Anderson had done something more to let The Sands name live on (outside of keeping the convention center so named). It would be nice if the Encore addition to Wynn Las Vegas had a “Desert Inn Lounge” and similar with Stardust.

Couple of interesting quick notes:

  • I was among the first to note what a lousy, stupid name Echelon Place is, a comment that is echoed by many local pundits. They still have time to change it and I hope they do.
  • Of all the names you mentioned, The Hacienda actually lives on. A small hotel/casino between Boulder City and Hoover Dam now has the name, as a result of some of the former Hacienda parent company owners being involved the hotel by Hoover Dam.

Bottom line: The new Vegas is exciting, but some connections to the past would be welcome. If anything, the vibe people of all ages come here for is the swinging times that were originally made famous by the Rat Pack.

Hi Ted,Love reading your column. My friend and I (both in our 60’s) stayed at Wynn Resort recently. It was fabulous and spoils me for staying anywhere else! I have been going to Vegas since the 60’s and used to stay at the Sands…..then Harrah’s. By the way, what have they done to Harrah’s? We loved Rita Rudner’s show but the casino was awful and used to be so nice and low-key.

Thanks,

Sara

Ted Responds:

Harrah’s has “cranked things up a few notches” over the past few years to achieve a party atmosphere to attract a younger crowd. But that does raise some interesting questions to our readers near or in their retirement years:

1. With so many hotels wanting to be “hip” and cater to people barely old enough to drink, what hotels do you no longer visit, and more importantly, which hotels do you love and feel very comfortable at?

2. Now that are are at (or near) retirement, do you come to Las Vegas as much as you used to, more often, or do you feel that Las Vegas isn’t so much your cup of tea and don’t visit so much? If not so much, where else are you going on vacation (gambling city or otherwise)?

We have set up an area of our message boards for you to weigh in:
Is Las Vegas Still OK If You Aren’t 21?

Please remember: Our message boards are sometimes running slow during peak times. Please be patient: The pages will appear and you will be able to read and post after a few seconds.

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call, and use some of them on our Radio.AccessVegas.com Streaming Broadcast! (Don’t worry … we never broadcast your personal information. All calls used are edited to insure caller privacy).
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Important Note: During peak times, some of our news and event story links may take extra time to load. We are working on significant upgrades to handle this increased demand. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience during the extra few seconds a story may take to appear when you click on it.

Special Section: New Year’s Eve 2006-2007
Parties, Events, Dining
Special Section: Nevada Smoking Ban Stories Updated

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

  • 2006

  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend – Christmas on Monday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (3 day weekend – New Years on Monday)

  • 2007

  • Martin Luther King Day January 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Presidents Day February 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend)
  • St. Patricks Day March 17 (Falls on a Saturday)
  • March Madness (NCAA Basketball Playoffs) March 15-18, March 22-25, Final Four March 31-April 2
  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) September 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

Cafe Belmondo Artisan Roasted Coffee – Take our taste Test and we’ll GIVE you this FREE 12 Cup Brewer and a package of La Tempesta Biscotti! This and other Great Free Stuff, Bargains, and More on our AccessVegas.com Advertiser Deals page. Click there now!

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

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

All contents copyright 2006 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

December 13, 2006 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 16, 2006

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In This Issue: $1.2 Million Wheel of Fortune Winner, Barrera vs. Juarez II, “Britney” Added To Legends, Fashionistas Offers Open Bar, Peter Max, Smooth Jazz Events, Moorea Topless Pool, Cannerystock, Foxwoods Poker, Harrah’s Photos, more…

Need to contact us? Send feedback to AllVegasTV@aol.com

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online. This newsletter is free!

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos
Free Online Games!

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Summer is wrapping up and it’s been a very cool summer compared to last year. I guess the heat went other places in the United States as last year we were facing somewhat regular 112+ temps here in Las Vegas, and this summer it has been around our average high of 104.

However … if our summer temps are too hot for you, now is the time to think ahead and book for later this fall when many areas start getting very cool while we are still warm and sunny. Book now before others start thinking about a late fall escape and drive up the room rates. If you live in a cold weather climate, you’ll be glad you did!

This follow up story about local cab drivers over-charging people by taking the the long way is a must print out for the following reason: It has the phone number of the Taxi Authority. This is a “must have” for all Las Vegas visitors.

If you run across a cab driver who diverts you to a club or night spot you didn’t initially request, takes to to The Strip or Downtown using the airport tunnel (without asking you first), who won’t take you the route of your choice, is driving dangerously or otherwise not acting in a professional manner, take action.

Note their name (displayed in the cab) or at the very least note the cab number and company when you are done with your ride, and call the Taxi Authority and register a complaint. They do listen and take action! When specific drivers get multiple complaints registered against them, they can get fined or worse.

Here’s the article:

In It For The Long Haul – Passengers have right to dictate routes to cabbies

Or … simply do what more and more people are doing and hire a limo for the ride to your hotel. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is, and arriving at your hotel via limo kicks off your vacation in style!

Enjoy This Issue!

Visit With Family Yields $1.2 Million on Wheel of Fortune

Zita Esquivel de Velazquez will always remember this trip to visit her family in Las Vegas. An evening’s entertainment at Terrible’s Hotel & Casino last night paid off with a $1,234,549 Wheel of Fortune quarter MegaJackpot. Esquivel, a kindergarten aide from Torreon, Mexico, always plays Wheel of Fortune when visiting the casino. “I was playing another machine, but something attracted me to this one,” said Esquivel indicating her winning slot machine. Click to Read The Full Story …

Barrera vs. Juarez II “Too Close To Call” Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006 MGM Grand Garden Arena – Two warriors, one ring. Four fists, one great fight. Just 12 rounds, too close to call. So why not do it again. On Saturday, Sept. 16, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Marco Antonio Barrera and Rocky Juarez will pick up where they left off in May as they determine once and for all the best 130-pound fighter in the world. Click to Read The Full Story and Ticket Info …

The Rolling Stones’ “A Bigger Bang” Tour Returns To MGM Grand Saturday, Nov. 11 – The Rolling Stones will return this fall for the North American encore of their multi-continent “A Bigger Bang” tour and will perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Nov. 11. Throughout North and South America, The Rolling Stones’ “A Bigger Bang” tour continues to thrill audiences with their electrifying performances, classic hits and songs from their critically acclaimed album, Click to Read The Full Story and Ticket Info …

Britney Spears Added to ‘Legends in Concert’ – Utah Native Realizes Dream Singing in IP Celebrity Tribute Show – Katie Murdock has realized her dream — singing and getting paid to do it — as she impersonates Britney Spears in “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino. Murdock sings “Oops! … I Did It Again,” “I’m a Slave 4 U,” “Toxic,” “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” and “… Baby One More Time.” Click to Read The Full Story and Ticket Info …

Fashionistas Offering Open Bar! – Starting Tuesday August 8th for a limited time only, Fashionistas is instituting an amazing added value for all of our customers — we’re offering a free open bar with the purchase of a full priced ticket in any price tier! That’ right — FREE OPEN BAR!!! Anyone who purchases a full-priced ticket will receive a wristband at the box office that entitles them to the free open bar for the duration of the show. Fashionistas Tickets and Info or call 800-696-5721

Artist Peter Max to Host First Virtual Exhibition at The Art of Peter Max Gallery — Forum Shops – The Art of Peter Max Gallery, one of two galleries in the world exclusively selling Peter Max paintings, has announced a first-ever Virtual Exhibition, Saturday, September 2 at 1 p.m. Live via high-speed Internet connection, artist Peter Max will communicate virtually through plasma screens at the gallery, taking guests in Las Vegas on a personal tour of his renowned studio in New York. Max will interact with guests present in the Las Vegas gallery, sharing his world with collectors and fans. Additionally, Max will draw an original dedication virtually for any guest who purchases a painting during the week of the event. “Peter has some ideas that will surely surprise everyone. Move over David Copperfield!” Click to Read The Full Story …

Cannery Casino & Hotel and Smooth Jazz 105.7 FM Present George Benson, Al Jarreau and Raul Midon on August 26 – Cannery Casino & Hotel and Smooth Jazz 105.7 FM present George Benson, Al Jarreau and Ra·l Mid¾n on Saturday, August 26 inside The Club at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $79.99, $69.99 and $59.99 plus tax and fees.á Click to Read The Full Story and Ticket Info …

Moorea Offers Poolside Pleasure – Moorea Beach Club is set amidst the famous 11-acre Mandalay Beach, yet seemingly a world away from the cares and concerns of civilization. Behind a frosted glass wall, beach guests can’t see in, but Moorea guests can look out over the tropical wave pool, sandy beach and lush waterfall gardens that surround their tranquil hide-away. What better spot to experience a relaxing poolside spa treatment! Just in time for the summer season Mandalay Bay announces a new poolside spa menu. How about a Cold Stone Massage with specially crafted iced lava stones? Or a poolside body shot, inspired by some of the tastiest cocktails? Try a Frozen Lotion Moisturizing Body Shot in Pina Colada or a Tan Enhancing Body Shot in Rum on the Rocks. Whether soothing the skin or soothing the soul these poolside spa treatments are sure to provide an experience to remember. Click for Mandalay Bay Discount Reservations …

“Best Smooth Jazz Performer” David Van Such To Play Sunday Brunch – Come join us this Sunday August 20 for for Las Vegas Black Music Award Winner David Van Such and His Band Of The Finest Musicians in Vegas at Envy Steakhouse, Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Paradise Road between Sierra Vista & Desert Inn For Sunday Jazz Brunch. Brunch and band hours: 11am to 3pm. New Bar Menu: 1/2 Price Drinks and 1/2 Price Appetizers. Restaurant Area: Buffet Only Cost is between $28.00 & $30.00 and includes: Appetizer, Dessert Buffet & Choice of one EntrÚe plus Complimentary glass of Champagne or Bloody Mary. For Reservations call: 702-784-5716. Click for music sample: Broadband or Dial-Up (steaming audio).

Vintage Jukeboxes For Sale at Imperial Palace – The Auto Collections Houses 24 Wurlitzers, 26 Other Rare Machines – The world’s finest and most complete original Wurlitzer jukebox collection is for sale at The Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino. The 24 antique machines are housed in a variety of ornate wood cabinets, play either 45s or 78s or both and work on 110 volts. They range in vintage from a 1934 countertop model 51 with stand to a 1948 model 1100 Chapel. The collection is priced at $250,000, half of what each piece is worth if sold individually. Click to Read The Full Story …

Murphy & Friends Every Saturday At Club Tequila – Every Saturday night starting August 5th, come out and party with Murphy & Friends once again! We have a new location – Club Tequila inside the Fiesta Hotel & Casino. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. The Band starts at 9:00 p.m. but come early and take advantage of some great specials… Each week enjoy a different live performance by the best local talent Las Vegas has to offer! Click to Read The Full Story …

Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer II — Tuesday, September 19, 2006 (Save the Date!) 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Plaza Hotel and Casino in the Triple Crown Ballroom, 1 Main St., Downtown Las Vegas Join over 1,500 local business people representing hundreds of industries, companies and corporations in and around Las Vegas! Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer II is a great opportunity to mix and mingle while reaching small to large companies, meet new clients and learn how the different business organizations in the Las Vegas area can make your business grow. Click to Read The Full Story …

Southern Nevada Pug Rescue to Host Fifth Annual Pug-O-Rama Picnic – Halloween-Themed Event Set for October 15 at Hills Park in Summerlin – Southern Nevada Pug Rescue (SNPR), a non-profit organization will host its fifth annual Pug-O-Rama Picnic on Sunday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hills Park in Summerlin. Carrying on a tradition started by KC’s Pug Rescue to raise funds for the organization’s rescue Pugs, the Halloween themed event will continue to feature costume contests, prizes, raffles, and a silent auction. Click to Read The Full Story …

Hoisting A Few For Barry – Barry Manilow fans who come to see the popular headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton enjoy an added bonus when they head to the Copacabana Bar inside the Hilton Theater. Not only is the Copacabana Bar a working bar, it also features many of Manilow’ gold and platinum records from his personal collection, great career photos, and the infamous Copacabana jacket. Click for Barry Manilow Ticket Info

Cannery Casino & Hotel announces Cannerystock A Salute to Woodstock with Mountain, Ten Years After, Gregg Rolie and tribute band Jimi’s Image on Saturday, August 19 at 4 p.m. The Cannery celebrates peace, love and happiness with three original groups who played at Woodstock in 1969 — Mountain, Ten Years After and Santana original lead singer Gregg Rolie. In addition, there will be themed food and drinks and vendors selling items such as tie-dyed clothes, candles and incense. Opening the festivities at 4 p.m. is Jimi’s Image, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix.Click to Read The Full Story and Ticket Info …

Gambling Talk: My Poker Adventure At Foxwoods – with Victor H. Royer. The day was Saturday night, the time 11:00 p.m., the game $10-$20 Seven Card Stud, and the table was full. I sat in the only open seat – just vacated by a player whose stack of chips measured 2-reds by the time he left (that”s a bare $10, if you”re wondering) – bought in for $300 and said a silent “Hello” by means of a nod to the rest of the table. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Harrah’s Las Vegas – You’ll find the excitement Las Vegas is famous for at Harrah’s, located center “Strip” across from Caesars Palace and the Mirage. We’ve got it all. From luxurious hotel rooms to cuisine that has been voted “Best in Las Vegas,” as well as unique retail outlets, non-stop entertainment and, of course, the ultimate gaming experience.

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week – New Years Eve Fireworks 2001-2002. Missed being in Las Vegas this past New Year’s Eve? Every year, Las Vegas puts on a fireworks show like no other, all up and down every mile of the Las Vegas Strip! New Years Eve rooms are filling up fast, and the price rises day after day even with months to go. Visit our discount room partner Las Vegas Hotel Dealsand book now for this year!

  • Click To View New Years Eve Fireworks 2001-2002: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Readers Write –

Hi Ted,

I get a great deal of entertainment from your newsletter each month. It is always a pleasure to receive your new email. Please keep up the good work.

Best Regards,

John Bell

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • Labor Day September 1-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparents Day September 8-10
  • Columbus Day October 6-9 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veterans Day November 10-12 (3 day weekend – Friday off)
  • Thanksgiving November 23-26 (4 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend – Christmas on Monday)
  • New Year’s Eve/Day December 29 – January 1 (3 day weekend – New Years on Monday)

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

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

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See the Grand Canyon in a Jet Helicopter! For years Maverick Helicopters has been providing a true VIP Helicopter experience of the Grand Canyon. We do things a little different than any other helicopter Company. We give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas Strip tours plus Helicopter Weddings also available!
For comprehensive regular updates of Las Vegas news concerning visitors, events, entertainment, hotels, gambling, real estate, and tourism, please visit our Las Vegas News Update Site and enter your email address there to subscribe and stay informed!

Vegas Comments and Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it. And don’t forget our comprehensive Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions area.

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

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

All contents copyright 2006 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

August 16, 2006 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 25, 2005

Posted on by
In This Issue: $1.1 Million Wheel of Fortune Jackpot, Wynn Backlash, Las Vegas Meal Deals, Playboy Store Opens, America’s Sexiest Pool Party, Peter Max Gallery Appearance, more ….
Book online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining.

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

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

Note: Mr. Newkirk is recovering from illness. His return is projected for June. In the meantime, please enjoy the stories, photos, and news links compiled by our staff!

Las Vegas Dining Discounts!

Dining Booklet with Over 18 Fabulous “2 for 1” Dining Offers at top Las Vegas restaurants like Elements (Aladdin), Burgundy Room (Lady Luck), Bally’s Steakhouse, Les Artistes Steakhouse (Paris Las Vegas), House of Blues (Mandalay Bay), Tremezzo (Aladdin), Great Moments Room (Las Vegas Club), Ortanique (Paris Las Vegas), Rainforest Cafe (MGM), Gaylord’s of India (Rio) and more!

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California Woman Hits Wheel of Fortune Jackpot for $1.1 Million At Sam’s Town – Betty Cagle of Pioneer, Calif., didn’t need to buy a vowel to spell J-A-C-K-P-O-T. Cagle, 66, had been sitting at the 25-cent Wheel of Fortune machine at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall for five minutes when she hit a progressive jackpot for $1.1 million on Monday night. Cagle had played just $20 when she hit the jackpot. She said her plans are to pay off her house and take a long-dreamed-of trip to Alaska.

Hot New Concerts – We’ve added a ton of concerts to the concert listings. See who is playing during your stay, or look for an excuse to book at trip! Check the sidebar for concert and headliner listings.

Wynn Backlash? – Possibly the biggest media rumble in the modern megaresort era have been quick to point out the problems with Wynn Las Vegas and the Le Reve show. Mr. Wynn had to really stick his neck out on this one to get the enormous financing needed, and people love to cut down what stands tallest. Resorts take 30-90 days to “shake down” after opening. Will things improve? We’ve collected stories from the press so you can decide for yourself.

Wynn Las Vegas Photos: Part Two – Photographer Tom took 50+ great photos of the new resort. We’ll run them in one week. Stay tuned!

Las Vegas Meal Deals – Back by popular demand for the first time in over a year: Our world famous listing of all the great meal and drink specials in Las Vegas! Click to our Las Vegas Cheap Food Deals and Specials page.

Playboy Opens First U.S. Based Boutique At Forum Shops – Playboy Enterprises, Inc. has opened its first freestanding Playboy Concept Boutique in the United States at The Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas. The 2,000 square-foot upscale shopping destination offers a collection of Playboy apparel, accessories and lingerie.

The Las Vegas location also will offer one-of-a-kind Playboy memorabilia items, select artwork, and vintage product from Playboy’s vast archives. The Las Vegas store will be used as a template for Playboy’s future stores, as well as retail concessions and lingerie areas. Other design details that enable shoppers to immerse themselves in the Playboy lifestyle include a plasma-screen video wall featuring archival and contemporary footage and a customized pebble cash-point countertop inspired by rocks from the famed Playboy Mansion Grotto.

Evoking the sexiness of the Playboy brand a stand-alone lingerie area sells Playboy’s playful “Pink Label” and will house Playboy’s sophisticated “White Label” lingerie collections, showcased on the mirrored tile walls and complimented with satin quilted upper walls, mixing glam with softness. The memorabilia area of the boutique offers one-of-a-kind artifacts for sale from Playboy archives and Hugh Hefner’s personal memorabilia collection, including his pipe and slippers, vintage Bunny Costumes, and paintings and sketches from Alberto Vargas and LeRoy Neiman, respectively all showcased in museum-style cases.

Click To View: Photos from Playboy Store Grand Opening

Nirvana: America’s Sexiest Pool Party – at Green Valley Ranch this Sunday May 29! Hosted by Lizzie Grubman and the MTV Power Girls. Noon to 10 PM featuring Bad Boy Bill, DJ Rap, Steve Smooth, Ivano Bellini, Richie Malone, DJ Dakota, and Miss Joy Nirvana. Click for Info: America’s Sexiest Pool Party

Meet Famed Artist Peter Max at the Peter Max Gallery May 28 & 29 – Artist Peter Max will visit The Art of Peter Max Gallery at the Forum Shops at Caesars. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with Max as he personally dedicates his paintings for collectors on Saturday, May 28 from 7-10 p.m. and Sunday, May 29 from 1-4 p.m.

Since the late 1960s, Peter Max’s work has been an artistic symbol of American pop culture. His images form a scrapbook illustrating 40 years of Americana. Max’s imagination and vision can be found on a variety of canvases, including the Berlin Wall and a Boeing 777 jumbo jet, currently in use by Continental Airlines.

Max has been designated Official Artist of numerous international events, including six Grammy Award broadcasts, three World Fairs and six Super Bowls. The Art of Peter Max Gallery’s collection of original paintings, available for acquisition, range in price from $1,200 to an eight foot tall “Liberty” for $150,000.

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

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More … News – Concerts – Events … Scroll Down!

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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Vegas Comments and Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it. And don’t forget our comprehensive Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions area.

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

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

All contents copyright 2005 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

May 25, 2005 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 6, 2000

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Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions!

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

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This Issue: Race Rock Supercharged Restaurant

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com

 

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

CHANGES – In our efforts to improve readability, we have moved our concert and headliner listings off of the newsletter and onto the internet at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm We will still make initial announcements regarding headliners here. Also, we are going to start including the 5 day weather forecast. Nothing to temp those of you from the cooler climates like the visions of warm sun and palm trees! Or right now, those of you wishing to escape the record heat wave in Texas and other parts of the South.

BELLAGIO ART – “Masterworks from The Phillips Collection” has put 26 major paintings on loan to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Featured are works by Picasso, Monet, van Gogh and many others. Cost is $12 ($10 for NV residents) and the gallery is open daily from 10 AM – 10 PM. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-01-Fri-2000/weekly/14261700.html

PARIS LAS VEGAS – is celebrating their first year anniversary with “Festival De La France” (French Street Festival) featuring strolling mimes, jugglers, stilt walkers, French Can Can dancers, acrobats, and French-styled Dixieland jazz. The festival will be held in the outdoor area between Paris and Bally’s Sept. 8 – 10.

HOT DOGS – Reader Joe Copeland spent some time researching where to find the best hot dogs in Las Vegas. If you are hooked on hot dogs, this is a must read at http://www.accessvegas.com/vegas-hot-dogs.htm

AIRFARES – How about some cheap airfare — we can’t help you with rooms and rental cars if you don’t get here first! Please remember that these fares are limited time sales and are subject to restrictions.

Frontier Airlines: Off-peak introductory prices (for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday) for flights between Washington, DC (Reagan) and Las Vegas ($159). Flights begin September 7 and stop in Denver. Details at http://www.frontierairlines.com

Legend Airlines: today announced that effective immediately it is offering for five days only special fares for all its destinations from Dallas Love Field, including Las Vegas: Dallas Love Field to Las Vegas – $119.00
Customers can earn 1,000 bonus miles by booking on-line at http://www.legendairlines.com

US Air: to Las Vegas from Albany, Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Jacksonville, Louisville, New York, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, Syracuse and West Palm Beach for just $99 each way. For more information, go to http://www.usairways.com

Delta: Special fares this week to Las Vegas from Tampa, DFW, and Boston. Info at http://www.delta-air.com/servlet/ACRedirect?rdID=1833&subID=2318405970

SUNCOAST CASINO PREVIEW – On Thursday, Sept. 14, Century Cinemas is hosting a
fund-raiser for The Shade Tree, the Las Vegas area’s only shelter dedicated to
serving women and children in crisis. For $25, you will be treated
to the showing of a soon-to-be-released film directed by Sally Field, a
pre-film cocktail hour, food sampling from Suncoast’s many restaurants,
and free munchies to enjoy during the movie. If you will be in Las Vegas
on Sept. 14 and would like to attend this casual-dress event, just
contact David Berman via e-mail to dberman@concentric.net The Suncoast is a beautiful, new “locals” casino located in NW Las Vegas.

$25 HOTEL REBATE – has been so popular that it is extended again to any reservation made in Sept. (for travel
any time) — you pick the hotel! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network
are giving you $25 back on any 2+ night stay in Las Vegas or any major city
they reserve. Claiming your cash is simple:

1. Print out: http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm
2. Book a room online at
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.

It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee
to boot!

WINNERS! – Jon and Lynn Coe of Brocton, NY and Bill Osbourne of Lindenhurst, IL were the winners of the Aladdin Implosion video!

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

Quick Concert and Show Notes:

SHOWS – See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

CONCERTS and HEADLINERS – Our listing is available online anytime at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

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LAS VEGAS WEATHER – This 5 day forecast is courtesy of Excite.Com:

Wednesday – 91/71 Very windy. More clouds than sun.
Thursday – 94/70 Warm. More clouds than sun.
Friday – 99/70 Sunny
Saturday – 99/68 Sunny
Sunday – 98/61 Mostly Sunny

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FEATURE STORY: Race Rock Supercharged Restaurant

race-rock-01.jpg (35087 bytes)If you are a fan of motor sports, you have a “home away from home” in Las Vegas. Race Rock is 30,000 sq. ft. of every kind of racing machine, photos, outfits, and memorabilia there is. NASCAR, Indy Car, drag racing, motorcycle racing — you name it, they have it! NASCAR cars along the walls, jet boats hanging from the ceiling, and drag cars standing upright are just a few of the thousands of artifact that will surround you as you dine while various racing videos play on TV monitors throughout the building.

Usually, theme restaurants are high on flash, high on prices, and low on food quality and service. If you are looking for “Vegas Deals” like $5.99 prime rib, keep walking because this isn’t a cut-rate joint. You can view the menu and prices online at http://www.racerock.com/racerock/themenu.html But, the service and presentation as well as the food quality justified prices that would be considered normal in any other part of the country.

I started with the fresh garden salad ($4.95), which was my only complaint. The greens weren’t shredded very well (I was cutting the salad with a knife) and the tomatoes and carrots looked like they were added as an afterthought. Fresh, but not a salad worthy of the a la carte price.

The main course, however, did help make up for it. “The King” (billed as racing legend and part-owner “King” Richard Petty’s favorite) was a healthy sized char-grilled sirloin steak smothered in mushroom sauce and sweet Burgundy onions. It came with “crashed” (mashed) garlic potatoes and fresh veggies. Forget needing a salad — this big plate was full of good tasting food, justifying the $17.95 (the most expensive thing on the menu).

race-rock-02.jpg (21588 bytes)For those just interested in a little “nitro,” guest are welcomed to enjoy the surroundings at either of two bars. Don’t be shy about heading upstairs where the bar area features two-story windows and a variety of racing arcade games. Specialty drinks are available in souvenir containers, and I mean containers. Racing themed containers like fuel cans!

The verdict? Not a Vegas “must-see,” but certainly a fun place to eat downtown for the general public. However, if you are into motorized racing of any kind, you’ll love the place. In fact, they probably have more NASCAR related displays alone than the actual NASCAR Cafe (reviewed https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-03-15.htm ) at The Sahara does.

Race Rock is located at the eastern end of the Fremont St. Experience downtown. Hours are 11 AM – 11 PM Sun. – Thurs. and until midnight on weekends. Phone: (702) 382-RACE Website: http://www.racerock.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Jim Scheetz of Bethlehem, PA wrote:

>Dear sirs: I am almost positive i read an article that there is going
>to be some kind of event going on while we are visiting Las
>Vegas(9/12/00–9/19/00) involving the food TV network.á Emeril Lagasse
>is supposed to be there and I remember the cost was $30.00.á the
>problem is that i don’t remember where it was and on what dates.á Also
>can we get tickets on line from some web site.

Here are the details from 2 newsletters ago:

FOOD TV – is having the “Food Event of the Year.” Live cooking demos by Food Network personalities, samples of a wide variety of dishes from Las Vegas’ hottest restaurants, and a chance to be part of an Emeril TV special that will air Sept. 30 are just a few of the festivities taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Sept. 17. Tickets are $30 and available at (800) 949-CHEF

Jean Haka of Waukesha WI wrote:

>Hi Ted!
>
>Hey–what’s up????á Do travelers think that just because they’re in a
>major tourist vacation spot that they’re never going to get poor
>service?????á I have received poor service all over the
>world–including many parts of Florida (couldn’t even hardly speak
>English.á .á .á .) to Chicago and foreign countries, too!!!á If you
>enter a restaurant and have to wait and wait for your server to
>acknowledge you–just get up and leave!!!á The rest of the meal
>probably isn’t going to be much better.á If you walk into any place
>and don’t like the vibes–leave!!!á (This goes for any casino table
>game, too!)

>When we visit Las Vegas we often return to the same restaurants over and
>over again–because we are familiar with their service and enjoy their
>food.á ..á .if you aren’t sure where these are, search the web, there
>are many sites that rate the food and service in Las Vegas and it can
>give you a handle on where to go once you get there!!!á If nothing
>else, eat at your hotel.á If you have problems, write a factual letter
>when you get home.á They’ll usually compensate you in some manner.

Good advice. DineSite at http://dinesite.com/home/?v=159 is where I go to research restaurants when traveling.

Andrew Tarascio wrote:

>Just returned from Vegas and I felt I had to warn your readers to stay
>away from the buffet at Circus Circus.á The meat was either dry or
>tough.á Because of this, I had to eat mostly salad and a few of their
>desserts (which also were a disappointment).

We agree. Circus Circus buffet is consistently one of the 5 worst buffets in town. It may be on par with many of the chain buffets around the nation, but you are in Las Vegas. Expect more!

Zira Schiffer of NJ wrote:

>We are arriving in Vegas on Labor Day and had booked tickets for the
>Venetian show, Nebulae.á The box office just called to let us know the
>show is canceled for technical reasons.á Have you heard that the
>closing is more than technical?á I know it didn’t get the best of
>ratings from the “critics”.á Glad to see the temperature is below 100
>for the upcoming week.

Technically speaking, ticket sales were lousy. It is a moot point as the entire C2K showroom is temporarily closed because of legal wrangling. That includes the nightclub and Melinda Magic Show. My guess is that they will get it open reasonably soon. Too much lost revenue every day it stays closed.

Lynette from WI wrote:

>Hi Ted Newkirk~ We are going to be in Las Vegas (Yeh!!) Dec 1~4th.á We
>planned our trip around a football game.á We are hoping to be able to
>place a bet (or 2) and then watch the game in their sportsbook area.
>We don’t know what hotel/casino we will be at yet but preferably a big
>main one, and it won’t be a Monday night game, so my question is: do
>you think they will turn on our game if we ask them to????á We sure
>hope so, that is what we are really looking forward to.á If you have
>any suggestions for the “nicer” sportsbook casinos, the ones that will
>turn the channel, would you please let me know??á I really enjoy
>getting your newsletter, thank you.

Every major sportsbook has enough TV’s to show just about every halfway important game on at any given time. If your game is not the most important (general interest) game at the moment, you might have to watch it without sound (which is reserved for the biggest game). You didn’t mention college or pro, but the Imperial Palace shows every single pro football game on Sundays in their showroom.

Some of the nicer sportsbooks include Bellagio and Las Vegas Hilton. If you are interested in a lesser known college game, it never hurts to ask if they will show it. Sometimes they have way more TV’s than they need tuned to one game, but it depends on how busy they are and their satellite limitations.

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc., if accepted.

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!

ONLINE POLL – From the last two weeks: “Who and when do you tip on a big slot win?”

Are you nuts? They don’t rebate my money when I lose. 18%
I’ll give the change girl a small tip if she was helpful. 20%
I tip the change person and slot person a modest amount. 38%
Party time! I hand out the cash to everyone including the cocktail waitress. 22%

I’m pulling a blank on new poll questions. If you have any bright ideas, send them to allvegastv@aol.com

FREE CONTESTS:

Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

The Magic Returns – We have one copy of this recent special section from the Review-Journal highlighting the new Aladdin Hotel and Casino. Enter at (contest closed)

**WIN A TRIP TO ORLANDO** Share your pictures with your friends & family. Every time you upload a picture at Zing between now and September 11, 2000 you’ll be entered to win a trip to Orlando. Store & share your pictures for a chance to win today! http://by.advertising.com/1/c/22838/6290///?orig=NEWS

Viva Las Vegas – Sands Hotel collector tickets will be given away next week!

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
September 6, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 9, 2000

Posted on by

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions!

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

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This Issue: News and Letters

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.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

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

ART COMES BACK TO BELLAGIO – The Phillips Collection art museum from Washington, D.C. is bringing an art exhibit to Bellagio starting Sept. 1. Included are works by Picasso, Money, Monet, and Van Gogh. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-28-Fri-2000/business/14058364.html

RESTAURANTS – Picasso at Bellagio is arguably the finest dining establishment in town and the R-J recently reviewed it at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-28-Fri-2000/weekly/14038260.html The Pullman Grille at Main Street Station always receives kind words from reviewers, the latest of which can be read at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-07-Fri-2000/weekly/13899777.html

BRING YOUR LAPTOP! – Treasure Island has placed high speed internet connections in 300 of it’s rooms, The Venetian already offers them in 500 suites, and the Aladdin is reported to offer it similar when they open. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-30-Sun-2000/business/13919237.html

PLASTIC SURGERY – is a big topic here in Las Vegas, where many jobs depend on looks and we run around in light clothing most of the year. I have heard firsthand that a local casino chain even pays for part of the cost of breast implants for their cocktail waitresses. Las Vegas is second only to D.C. in the ratio of plastic surgeons to population, but surprisingly, more and more people are visiting here to obtain and recover from plastic surgery. “One stop” centers where you can get everything from liposuction to teeth whitening are springing up. Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/archives/2000/jul/30/510569549.html

HIGH ROLLER AREAS – Few know this, but Nevada law prohibits gaming from taking place in private hotel areas that are not available to the public. Granted, they make these exclusive high limit areas very intimidating and often hard to find (no flashing neon sign pointing to them), but you are welcome to stroll through them and take a look (and see how the other half lives). Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-17-Mon-2000/business/13965730.html

THRILL RIDES – Las Vegas is becoming the new Disneyland with a thrill ride at every new hotel, and with that are safety concerns. Rest assured that the thrill rides here in Clark County are inspected and maintained at top levels. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-03-Thu-2000/lifestyles/14048924.html Also, a recent article talks about some of the pros and cons of bringing kids to Las Vegas, and what there is for them to do at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-06-Sun-2000/lifestyles/14030403.html Our take on bringing kids here is archived at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-06-24.htm

UNION PACIFIC’S CHALLENGER – steam locomotive is scheduled to steam through town in a couple of weeks. It will arrive here the evening of Aug. 21, sit here Aug. 22, and leave the morning of Aug. 23. I wasn’t able to get through to the railroad, so if you know where they are planning to park it here, let me know (I’ll keep trying). It leaves Las Vegas at approx. 8 AM on Aug. 23.

I’ll be up the tracks watching it. My advice? Head north out of town on I-15 to exit 58 (the old Las Vegas – Utah highway). Turn left under the freeway and under the railroad bridge. Drive about one mile until you round the bend and end up parallel with the tracks. You can either scope out a good viewing point, or drive along with the train. In 4 more miles, you come to another freeway interchange. If you want to keep pacing the train, get back on the freeway northbound with runs parallel to the tracks for most of the next 25 miles.

DESERT INN NAME CHANGE – Steve Wynn is doing away with another piece of Las Vegas history, not just figuratively, but literally. Unlike the Aladdin which is opening back under it’s previous name, the Desert Inn will get a new name (not yet decided). Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-04-Fri-2000/news/14089202.html

$25 HOTEL REBATE – Extended to any reservation made in August (for travel any time) — you pick the hotel! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you $25 back on any 2+ night stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. Claiming your cash is simple:

1. Go to http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm and print out that page
2. Book a room online at http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC by August 31
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.

It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee to boot!

WINNERS! – Keith B. Stolz of Houston, TX, Matt Tornes of Marietta, OH, Bruce Olsen of Port Orchard, WA and Mark Carrothers of New Philadelphia, OH were the winners of Doc’s 2000 Complete Season Sports Journal.

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!

Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

Aladdin – Enrique Inglesias on Aug. 19. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Aladdin discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Aladdin link).

Hard Rock Hotel – K.D. Lang Aug. 11, Deftones on Aug. 13, Jimmy Page plus The Black Crowes on Aug 16, Mary J. Blige on Aug. 26, Robert Cray Band on Sept. 3, and Culture Club on Nov. 14. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – “The Dream King” Elvis tribute starring famed impersonator Trent Carlini on Aug. 15-19, Howie Mandel Sept. 1-3, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Engelbert Humperdinck Sept. 26 – October 1, Face To Face Sept. 30, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement), Sinbad Nov. 2-4, Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3, and Brooks & Dunn Dec. 4-6. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – Rollins Band Aug. 11, Unwritten Law Aug. 12, Earth, Wind, and Fire on Aug. 16-19, Ziggy Marley Aug. 19, Duran Duran Aug. 25-26, Isaac Hayes Aug. 25-26, Jethro Tull Aug. 27, Godsmack on Aug. 31, Static X Sept. 1, Third Eye Blond on Sept. 2, George Clinton on Sept. 6, Joan Osbourne on Sept. 8, Savage Garden Sept. 10, Bangles on Sept. 15, Steve Miller Band Sept. 17, Luther Vandros with Boyz II Men Sept. 22, Little Feat Sept. 22, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29, and Kenny G on Sept. 30. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Rita Rudner now – Sept. 4, Tom Jones Aug. 10-23, Sting on Aug. 19, David Copperfield Aug. 24-30, Tony winning show Cabaret Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, Rodney Dangerfield Aug. 31- Sept. 6, Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13, Shaolin Monks on Sept. 20-28, Frozen Fury 4 pits the L.A. Kings against the Colorado Avalanche on Sept. 30, U.S. Open of Supercross Oct. 14-15, Pearl Jam on Oct. 22, and Tina Turner with Joe Cocker Nov. 18. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Paris – Evander Holyfield vs. John Ruiz on Aug. 12. Tickets available at (702) 946-4567 and Paris discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Paris link).

Riviera – Rich Little on Oct. 6 and 7, Tony Orlando on Oct. 13 and 14, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling on Oct. 20 and 21. Tickets at (702) 794-9433 and Riviera discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Riviera link).

The Orleans – Marty Allen and Karon Kate Blackwell now through Aug. 7 (Fri. – Mon. nightly): one drink min., The Little River Band on Sept. 1-3, and The Everly Brothers Oct. 25-29. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).

Thomas & Mack – Up In Smoke tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Eminem on Aug. 11, Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots on Sept. 13, AC/DC on Sept. 14, and Phish on Sept. 29. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

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FEATURE STORY: News and Letters

No review this week. If you are new, rest assured that it is very rare we don’t have a review so hang tight. We are off next week and I wanted to get in all the great news and letters to the editor. Whether you are a new or long time reader, this might be a fun time to head over to https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com and browse the archives.

As noted, we take the week off next week, ramping up for our Aladdin Grand Opening issue in 2 weeks! We are going all out, not just with a full story on this new property, but will have plenty of companion photos online for you to enjoy. We are going opening night Aug. 17 (scheduled 7:00 PM to the public) and then going back the following Monday to see how things are once the madhouse of the initial weekend is done.

Thanks to all for telling their friends, as we are getting new subscribers at about the rate of 1500 a month! Through our partnership with Hotel Reservations Network, we are bringing you the low price guarantee and tossing in the $25 rebate on top of it — at the hotel of your choice (details earlier in the newsletter). We are also negotiating to start a monthly free room giveaway (2 nights at a Strip or Downtown hotel) to our readers.

We are looking to do away with listing concerts. Research seems to show that the longer a newsletter is, the more chance people are overwhelmed and put it aside or just delete it so we want to trim down a bit. We will continue to list headliners because people like Jay Leno generally don’t tour the country and you have to catch them here. But the odds are, you see your favorite touring artist at the hockey arena near your town.

Yes, we are working on the info regarding all the back ways into the casino garages to help you avoid the stop-and-go traffic on the strip. It is taking time because I want it to be 100% accurate and easy to use. And, the first newsletter in Sept. will have chances to win the collectible unused “Viva Las Vegas” show tickets from when the show was at The Sands. If you want to see what one of them looks like, we have a scan of one of them on our shows page at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm (shown at reduced size online because of space considerations).

One final note: many of you with a sharp eye have noticed that the newsletter is always dated on a Wednesday even though it’s come out late Thursday night. The original intention was to publish it late Tuesday night for Wednesday consumption, and that’s what we are going to start doing.

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NOTE: Thanks to those who wrote noting that the Imperial Palace has balconies. Living here, the amenities of the various hotels are me weak point, which is why I set up the message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Jim Clayton wrote:

>Hi, Ted ….á Geese, I’m getting to be an old geezer …á and/or I’ve
>been out in the sun too long!á …á BUT, I swear you did a little
>dialogue some time ago on where to get a good “hot dog” in LV!?!
>Please don’t laugh, but, I swear I read it somewhere…á sigh!á I have
>every piece of ANYTHING you’ve mailed out since April 14th of this
>year (that’s about the date I recovered from my catastrophic system
>crash!) and I’ll be darned if I can find it.á Please either tell me
>I’m starting to suffer from Alzheimer’s or that you DID write such an
>article!á …á If so, I’ll keep looking.á ….á sigh!á ….á Thanks!

I have yet to do a hot dog review, but if someone out there has checked out all the tourists hot dog specials and wants to submit a short report, send it to allvegastv@aol.com I appreciate the loyalty, but no need to save back issues. If you go to the newsletter’s main page at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com, you can browse back issues or do a search of all the archives!

Kendall Guess of Austin, TX wrote:

>Hello.á My husband and I will be in town in early September, and he
>loves video poker.á Is there a magazine or website that would tell us
>where there are 9-6 machines?á Last time the better paying machines
>seemed few and far between.á Thanks!

Casinos are always changing their mix of machines, and often it’s the 9/6 machines (those are the ones that are 99.5% payback with proper play) that go first. I have number of links to some of the best video poker information available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-gambling-online.htm and one of more of those sites is usually highlighting where the good machines are. (I don’t want to single one out, because they are all good sites with good people running them.)

Gerald Speen wrote:

>A lot of things have gone downhill at the Rio and
>they started even before it was bought by Harrah’s.á The prices kept
>going up, the hosts were not as accommodating, and the slot payback
>kept dropping.á We stopped going to the Rio about two years ago when
>they went back on a commitment they made to us (we received a hollow
>apology from a VP, but it was not very convincing.).á We have always
>questioned how they can call their rooms “suites” just because they
>put a couch or love seat in the room.á We have always felt that a
>suite needed to be two separate rooms.á Certainly, the rooms were
>nice, but they are not suites.á We are not surprised that people are
>abandoning the Rio.á It used to be our favorite hotel.á Now, we don’t
>even consider it.á And, of course, we throw away the special offers
>that they send to us.á Again, they are not that great and have too
>many conditions to enjoy them.á It is not clear if it is Harrah’s or
>the Rio management that has made it lose its charm, but they certainly
>turned us off.

Interesting comments. A couple of years ago a CA attorney sued The Rio because (as you noted) the rooms were mostly one big room, not anything resembling a true suite. I don’t recall hearing the outcome.

T.áSmith wrote:

>I are at the carnival buffet in March and it was
>treble.á I had heard on TV that it was the best in town.á Also a cab
>driver told me that it was great.á Of course he went on to say that
>the Rio serves them Christmas dinner.á I should have figured that one
>out.á The seafood buffet may be good, but that was the worst buffet I
>have eaten in Vegas.

A couple of weeks ago, we noted that the quality had improved lately, but you highlight an interesting point: know your source. Don’t get me wrong — cabbies work hard, many working 12 hour days 5-6 days a week. BUT, if you fought traffic for 60 hours a week on the strip, what would you do when you got off work? That’s right — get as far away from it as possible, not hanging out walking around and checking everything out objectively.

Believe it or not, most locals (including cabbies) suggest something as “the best” because they see that commercial on TV until it’s pounded into their head. Obviously, we hope that you make our newsletter and the archives a key part of your research. You can also go to http://www.accessvegas.com/best-of-las-vegas.htm and link to a couple of great, unbiased sources of information.

R. Artho of Dumas, TX wrote:

>We visited Shark Reef on Tuesday, July 11. The aquarium
>is quite nice, and there were helpful guides at every
>point along the way to answer questions. It is an
>impressive undertaking and a beautiful aquarium, but like
>most things in Las Vegas, we felt that the $13 admission
>price was a little too high. You do have the option of
>spending as much time as you want at any point in the
>tour, but there are no places provided to sit and observe
>the fish except in the tunnel leading out of the exhibit.
>A touch pool with human helpers seemed very interesting
>to younger visitors. We rated it as a good aquarium, and
>found it interesting, but not entirely worth the
>admission price.

We agree, and our recent review of Shark Reef is now archived online with photos at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-17-12.htm

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc., if accepted.

ONLINE POLL – “Do you visit Downtown and the Fremont St. Experience when in Las Vegas?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks!

Results from last weeks poll “Do you visit Downtown and the Fremont St. Experience when in Las Vegas?”

Never have, and in no hurry. 4%
I get there once every few trips – same old thing. 18%
I like to get down there at least once a trip to eat, gamble, and see “Old Vegas”. 46%
I stay downtown often! 30%

FREE CONTESTS:

Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

THE FLYAWAY GETAWAY – BroadcastAmerica.Com and American Airlines are giving away two free round-trip tickets to anywhere American Airlines flies in the United States (this includes Las Vegas)! Includes 7 days and 6 nights hotel accommodations, and $1,000 in cash. Enter at http://www.broadcastamerica.com/giveaway/americanairlines/

FREE VEGAS TRIP – Las Vegas Total Experience Pass Vacation Package from Southwest Air includes Roundtrip air for two to Las Vegas via Southwest Airlines, 2 nights hotel accommodations at the Luxor Las Vegas, and more. Enter at http://www.swavacations.com/sweep.htm

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
August 9, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770