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Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 25, 2012

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Coming Events Listings û WeÆve created a new site just for listing specific events at events.accessvegas.com. WeÆll always be adding to it and linking the events in each newsletter:

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – After a couple of chilly days and scattered showers, we’re looking at 70 degrees F through Friday and 60’s for the weekend. The weather service predicted above-average temps for this time of year, and they haven’t disappointed.

So Long Phantom – After an amazingly long run, Phantom – The Las Vegas spectacular is coming to a close on Labor Day weekend (first weekend of September). If you’ve always pondered checking it out (or want to see the Las Vegas version one more time), the clock is ticking.

Some of you are thinking “I can see it in another city”… but not this version. The theatre was constructed specifically for the show with some special effects that you simply won’t find anywhere else. And most likely never again after Labor Day. We’d like to thank Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular for being a longstanding advertiser on AccessVegas.com and in our newsletter. Please support us by using the ticket graphic in the right sidebar to find out more about the show or to purchase tickets.

The D? – A couple of months ago, we were the first to come to you with the inside scoop on the second floor renovation plans for Fitzgeralds downtown. Rumor is now floating around that the hotel’s new name will become “The D” (presumably standing for downtown). Unfortunately, we can’t yet get a confirmation on that yet but we’ll keep an eye on it. Doesn’t exactly roll of my tongue, but what do I know?

Fitzgeralds was recently purchased by the owners of the Golden Gate, and they plan to renovate the casinos and all rooms. On the down side, they have already started to raise beverage prices and we can’t help but thinking the end of some of the Fitz’s amazing food specials ($1.99 breakfast, $9.99 full order of ribs with all trimmings and salad, etc) might have seen their day. On a related note:

Bye, Bye World Famous $1.99 Shrimp Cocktail – The Golden Gate has closed their deli to accommodate their expansion. While they are still serving the shrimp cocktail in their Dupar’s restaurant 24/7, guess what: The price has been quietly raised to $2.99. This is NOT the only change. The recipe of the cocktail sauce has been altered! It is less sweet and much more spicy. Not “hot sauce” spicy but certainly plenty of tang.

I don’t mindáspicy food, but there was something special about the ketchup-based recipe that they’ve used for as long as I can remember. That special taste that is so embedded in many, many of our memories with having the shrimp at Golden Gate. A couple times a month, I’ll actually crave it and go down and enjoy it! I can deal with the $2.99 — it is still a bargain — but bring back the sauce that we all know and love!

Interstate 11 On Track, Hopefully – When the interstate highway system was built, Phoenix and Las Vegas were towns of relatively modest size. And hence, connected by a dangerous two lane highway even into the most recent years. Arizona only recently completed four-laning Kingman to Hoover Dam (and Nevada is finishing up the same our our side as we speak). Cranking it up to Interstate standards would require four lanes of divided the entire way and controlled access (overpass and on/off ramps) at intersections, which are few and far between most of the way. We’ll keep you posted.

Don’t Text In Your Car Here – Nevada has joined the list of states not allowing texting while driving. If you get ticketed, you’re out $50 (plus I assume court costs which can run into the hundreds). Hands-free devices are allowed. I don’t even touch my phone when driving in the resort corridor. It takes enough work to watch for other drivers who are sight-seeing and pedestrians who don’t understand “Don’t Walk” signs (like they have to hurry to the next hotel before it closes or something).

Least Delayed Airport – According to Travel + Leisure, Las Vegas had the fewest number of airline flight cancellations in 2011. This was followed by Phoenix, Portland (OR), Salt Lake City, and Seattle. Pretty impressive when you figure that McCarran Airport is the 7’th busiest in the nation! Five worst? La Guardia, Newark, O’Hare, Washington-Reagan, and Boston. Simple reason? The top 5 (all in the west) simply don’t get the snowstorms and the wide-open spaces between major cities don’t get as clogged up with air traffic.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Internationally Acclaimed Chef Gordon Ramsay to Open First Las Vegas Restaurant – Gordon Ramsay Steak – at Paris Las Vegas – Paris Las Vegas is pleased to announce internationally-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay will open his first Las Vegas restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak, in the spring of 2012 in the heart of the picturesque resort. The new restaurant will replace Les Artistes Steakhouse. Michelin Star Chef Gordon Ramsay, known not only for his refined cuisine, but also his TV personality on several hit programs including ”HellÆs Kitchen,” ”MasterChef” and ”Kitchen Nightmares,” has generated world-wide attention and entertained viewers on six continents.

Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace to Offer Innovative In-Room Guest Technology – Exclusive web application and multimedia hub put guests in control – Octavius Tower, the sixth hotel tower at Caesars Palace, opened Jan. 2, 2012, raised the industry standard with an innovative technology package. The exclusive Octavius Tower web application and in-room technology featuresácreate a unique, interactive and high-touch service experience for hotel guests, unlike any other on the Las Vegas Strip.

PBR Invites Wine Lovers To Get Uncorked For National Wine Day Plus Drink Specials – Wine aficionados can unwind and celebrate their favorite beverage at PBR Rock Bar & Grill in honor of National Wine Day on Saturday, Feb. 18, with half-priced bottles of wine from 3 until 6 p.m. The popular Strip-side eatery features an array of wine selections including everything from Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel, Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Celebrates Two Years In Las Vegas With Week Long Bash -Celebrate SammyÆs Two Years on the Strip January 23 Through 29 – After two years of not being able to drive 55, Sammy HagarÆs Cabo Wabo Cantina will celebrate its birthday with a week-long extravaganza. Starting Monday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 29, the popular Mexican restaurant and bar will offer guests food and drink specials, live entertainment and plenty of prizes, including an autographed guitar from Sammy Hagar himself.

Fantasy Celebrates ValentineÆs Day By Teaming Up With Tacos and Tequila And Rice and Company – Patrons Can Purchase Dinner for Two and Show Tickets Package Throughout February – Love is in the air this February as The StripÆs hottest adult-revue FANTASY partners with Tacos & Tequila (T&T) and Rice & Company offering couples dinner and show packages at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Valid February 1 û 29, patrons purchasing the ôGet a Heart Onö package will receive a full night of entertainment with a prix fixe menu at either restaurant, two tickets to FANTASY and a 2012 Ultimate FANTASY calendar. The ôGet a Heart Onö package includes:

Cabo Wabo Cantina Hosts Karaoke – ValentineÆs Day Edition – Celebrate ValentineÆs Day with Jimmy Z and Brandy Beavers – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is ready to rock out this ValentineÆs Day. The bodacious Brandy Beavers will accelerate heartbeats as she teams up with Jimmy Z to host a very special loverÆs edition of ôStar Search Celebrity Karaokeö on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Colorist To The Stars Michael Boychuck To Offer Lavish ‘ValentineÆs Day Package’ At His World-Renowned Salons – Leading beauty expert and colorist to the stars, Michael Boychuck, will offer an indulgent ‘ValentineÆs Day Package’ at his salons in honor of the most passionate holiday of the year. ”It doesnÆt matter whether my clients are celebrating with someone special or having a fun night out with their single friends, ValentineÆs Day is the one day of the year that ladies want to look their best,” says the hair extraordinaire.

Cuddle Up With A Cocktail And A Loved One At RHUMBAR This ValentineÆs Day – Enjoy Specialty Cocktails Under the Warmth of a Snuggie at RHUMBAR – Nothing gets lovers in the mood like curling up together with a warm cocktail to enjoy a classic romantic movie. This ValentineÆs Day, RHUMBAR at The Mirage will showcase love stories on the patio while guests sip weather inspired concoctions and cuddle with their Valentine under a specially made RHUMBAR Snuggie«. Tuesday, Feb. 14, the stylish cocktail lounge will transform into a ValentineÆs Day themed wonderland for a special holiday experience. Patrons will enjoy classic romantic movies such as ”Casablanca,” ”Breakfast at TiffanyÆs” and others, while they cuddle up under RHUMBAR Snuggies«.

Spice Up Relaxation with Romance this ValentineÆs Day at Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resort Spas – Celebrate the romantic holiday with sweet, sultry and singleÆs treatments this ValentineÆs Day at Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts. Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace will offer sweet treat facials and sensual couplesÆ massages. For those solos, Rio Spa & Salon at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will be celebrating Singles Awareness Day with its take on anti-ValentineÆs treatments including a makeover for revenge. Spa by Mandara at Paris Las Vegas and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will offer lavish romance and luxury couplesÆ treatments in private suites.

Grand Canyon Western Territory TourGrand Canyon Western Territory Tour û Experience the thrill of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, on a flight with Maverick Airlines. Fly in Maverick style on a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft to Grand Canyon West as you enjoy spectacular views along Eagle Point. At the Indian Village you will receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture, and then proceed to Guano Point, where you’ll observe a breathtaking view of the canyon.

Click To Book Grand Canyon
Western Territory Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

MGM closing the lion habitat is sad and foolish. I know the single reason I go to MGM is to see the lions but with them going away, there is absolutely no reason to walk in and spend any time there. It seems that MGM is buying into the new Las Vegas myth they have created with their City Center monstrosity, that people only care about how fancy places are. If they want to make their swiftly alienated customers happy, move them to their sister property Circus Circus, where they would fit right in with the circus theme.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that MGM is sacrificing their other properties uniqueness to keep City Centers carcass breathing. That place is an answer to a question that was never asked, and no amount of public cheering is going to turn it into a place that people want to go to. I hope I’m wrong, but I can see them closing the shark tank at Mandalay Bay, the Secret Garden at Mirage and completely sterilizing their other properties, just to give the appearance that City Center is where everyone should go.

It didn’t surprise me that Viva Elvis didn’t make it, as an Elvis fan I can tell you I was very unhappy with the way they changed his music. If they wanted a hit, they should have brought in Elvis the Concert, instead of letting acrobats jump around to music that was changed to the point that it became something completely different.

When I read about them wanting to implode the Harmon, my only reaction is why stop there?

Jerry

 

Ted Responds:

Tell us how you really feel, Jerry! I’m a bit dubious myself on the effort to monetize every square foot of every hotel property these days. One of the joys of walking into The Mirage used to be the tiger habit. Now we’re seeing the iconic lions go. Certainly Circus would have been a great place to incorporate them (and been an added draw to the property).

19% of Las Vegas visitors were first-timers last year. One could certainly argue that maybe most had seen the lions so they were no longer a draw. BUT, let’s remember that you must visit Las Vegas multiple times before you come close to seeing 1/2 of what there is to do and see. Something like that gets on someone’s “to do” list that they may not knock off on their first visit, but gets them into the MGM (often for the first time) on subsequent visits.

You certainly aren’t alone in disliking CityCenter. Famed casino designer Paul Steelman (Harrah’s Atlantic City, Foxwoods, Beau Rivage, Hard Rock Biloxi, etc) took an indirect pot-shot at it in an interview with UNLV Gaming Studiesásaying (and I paraphrase) “You don’t design a gaming resort to look like the building that people go to work in”. Those who stay at CityCenter love it. But the icy cold steel blue look certainly is on contrast with the whites, oranges, golds, and browns of the rest of The Strip. This leads many to find if foreboding and something they are not willing to take the hike to see.

Ted Newkirk
CEO, Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

I’ve seen a few stories about certain casino owners making huge political contributions related to the presidential election. I’d be curious to know which casinos and casino owners have made such contributions, and to which candidates or political action committee.

Would it be possible to compile such a list and include it in a future newsletter? I don’t expect that the coverage I’m seeing is comprehensive. I’ll bet a lot of your readers would steer their business toward certain properties and away from others if they knew some of their money was funneling to candidates they oppose.

Scott from Dimondale, MI

 

Ted Responds:

Venetian/Pallazo owner Sheldon Adelson made big nes by donating $5 million to a Political Action Committee which helped Newt Gingrich win South Carolina, and his wife has just kicked in another 45 to the campaign. If Newt continues to do well, word is that more will be coming. The Adelson’s are long-time friends of Gingrich and are both very pro-Israel.

After the last election, we also had reader interest in this topic and I covered which side of the political aisle the heads of the major gaming companies tend to donate to in my blog post Why Did All The Las Vegas Casinos Support Harry Reid Last Election?

Of interesting note: Democrats hold a 50,000 voter edge over Republicans, but that is half of what the edge was on 2008. A fair amount of conjecture exists as to why, but here is what I’m seeing: Construction workers (most of them union and registered Democrats) have had to pack up and leave in light of the fact that virtually no new construction is on the horizon.

On the flip side, entrepreneurs (the kind who can make money and run their business from just about anywhere there is internet and FedEx) and who tend to be anti-tax and anti-regulation have been choosing to relocate here from less business friendly states, and small business hiring for 2012 is actually looking up here because of it.

Will it flip Nevada from Blue to Red? Not likely in the new future. The Culinary union still represents a high percentage of hotel/casino employees. The union seems to have a very strong influence over who they vote for.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Big Apple! To refresh your memory, a number of years ago, we communicated back and forth after I took exception to your comment about New Year’s Eve in New York.

I have to remark about your comments with the New Years Eve in New York this issue. Although only 17 blocks are closed off, there are many restaurants, hotels and office buildings facing the “ball drop” which allow people in for the festivities — so they need to be counted in addition to the brave hearts on the street.

What you never mentioned was the hours of live entertainment by major stars that are performing on a raised platform in the middle of the crowd. This year, because of Dick Clark’s record breaking anniversary, the show began several hours before midnight.

I watched it all — and thought New York did a hell of a job entertaining everyone who braved the hours waiting in the street. Fortunately, the weather was quite nice which was a tremendous bonus. Lady Gaga, Pit Bull, etc. put on amazing performances and did not disappoint the crowd.

I truly think each city has its own personality and everyone makes a choice as to where they want to be that night.

I love your newsletter (fyi — I’m moving to LV this year — hopefully by the end of August).

My best advice is hype Las Vegas while not dissing other cities and how they celebrate.

Best regards and warm wishes for a very happy and healthy New Year.

Shelli from New York

 

Ted Responds:

This was regarding the remarks I made in our New Years issue about comparing the New York City celebration to the Las Vegas event.

First of all, please note that I wasn’t dissing New York. If that were my goal, I’d say the kind of stuff that people from Boston say about New York! (Sounds like a Super Bowl to me… talk about two cities who don’t like each other). Example: Someone commented to me that the London fireworks are better than ours. They may be. That’s not a knock on Las Vegas as a city.

No question, New York has the major performers out performing for the public (and primarily the TV cameras… I guarantee you that 80% of the attendees couldn’t see the stages). Las Vegas has a slew of major performers, but they were ticked events inside. The Stevie Wonder show at Marquee was shown on The Strip, displayed on the Cosmopolitan’s huge LED marquee.

Since I do promote Las Vegas tourism and will stick to my comparisons:

  • Here, you are allowed to roam the four miles of The Strip (sans the incredible congestion center Strip) starting at 6 PM, making it a 7 hour street party. In New York, you are penned up.
  • Here, there are porta potties. I heard from numerous sources that once you are in the pens in Times Square, you are not allowed out again even to use the bathroom.
  • New York? Liquor not allowed. Las Vegas? You can buy it on the street.
  • Ball Drop? 60 seconds in one spot. Fireworks show? Over 8 1/2 minutes stretching 3.5 miles.

I’m still extremely dubious on the million-plus number New York claims. Lets say that 250,000 people are in buildings surrounding Times Square. (a stretch, but they are tall buildings). That would leave just under 45,000 PER BLOCK in each of the 17 blocks they close off. That’s a big baseball stadium full of people crammed into each and every city block. I’m just not seeing it!

Here in Las Vegas, we noted 314,000 visitors occupying right around 150,000 hotel rooms (a very plausible number as the high new years rates invite multiple people to share rooms). Las Vegas and New York have had a friendly competition for a number of years now regarding which is the better place to do New Years Eve. I’m just asking New York to be honest about the numbers like we are!

At the end of the day, if one of the great New Years Eve celebrations is on your bucket list, I’m obviouslyágoing to suggest and promote Las Vegas. If we have a reader who has done both celebrations, I’d be more than happy to hear the comparison.

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

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

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 4, 2012

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – And a very Happy New Year as we welcome in 2012. 2011 was a turnaround year for Las Vegas tourism. We got The Plaza back, the new Tropicana, and Cosmo completed their first full year. We did lose The Sahara but their owner is swearing up and down that they are getting ready to remodel it.

We fell just short of the all-time visitor volume record of 39.2 million (hitting an even 39 million). We’ll have no problem busting through that this coming year barring anything completely crazy happening.

New Years Eve saw 314,000 people flock to town. Room occupancy hit 98% despite the fact that obnoxiously high rates were the norm. The recovering economy and New Years Eve falling on a Saturday night sure didn’t hurt. Neither did the stretch of warm weather we’ve been happening. Temps at midnight were in the low 40’s with no wind but if you’re in the middle of the crowds, it feels much warmer. This past week saw unusually warm temps near the 70’s.

Blink And You’ll Miss It – Regular readers know that I mock the New York City celebration every year (when compared to ours). I was actually at home under the weather this year (I’ll live… Las Vegas happens 365 days per years) which provided me the opportunity to view the New York City ball drop. Almost. At 9 PM our time, I was switching back and forth between Fox News (ball drop), CNN (ball drop), and ESPN (which was hosting a daredevil jump by a couple of Evel Knievel wannabes). I flipped over to ESPN just for a few seconds to watch the wind-up to the jump and literally missed the ball drop.

So let me get this straight: People come from all over the world to Times Square many, many hours early so they can be put in pens (like cattle) to view a 60 second ball drop. Are you kidding me?!? You wanna talk about a cure for insomnia…

By the way, New York claims that over a million people attend the ball drop. Guess what: Reports I read note that only 17 blocks around Times Square are shut down for the event. Which makes that million number a blatant lie. You simply can’t fit a million people into 17 closed off blocks.

Side Note: Every year I hear from a few unhappy New Yorkers about all of this. Hey, if you want to explain he logistics of getting a million people into 17 blocks worth of street space, I’m all ears. I know what the 250,000 on The Strip look like and they pretty much fill up 3 miles of boulevard.

I digress…

Fortunately, at 10 PM our time, both KLAS and KSNV kicked in to their extensive local coverage. If you read my blog post (last issue) about New Years Eve tips or followed us on Twitter that night, you knew that KLAS actually streamed the entire coverage and both stations put on a network quality show.

I’m in utter shock why the LVCVA (Visitors Authority) here doesn’t partner with one of them and a cable network and broadcast our celebration to the nation. Sure, the time difference would be a factor (we’re three hours behind the East Coast, two hours behind Central Time), but you’d still have a fair amount of people curious enough to watch in many parts of the country.

Don’t take my word for it. Check out the entire 9 minute video at New YearÆs Fireworks Over Las Vegas Strip û Complete Video

Lion King Record – Looks like many of you took our advice to see The Lion King before it closed here in Las Vegas. The show grossed $1,369,460 in the final week at Mandalay Bay, a theatre record. (It didn’t hurt that Las Vegas is getting more busy than ever and the week between Christmas and New Years is a heavy family week here). We want to thank all of you who went to see The Lion King during their run. They were a long-time sponsor and when you support the sponsors we list in this newsletter, you help us keep our lights on and Nevadan’s employed! Speaking of…

Membership Update – We’ve received numerous questions from readers wondering when we are going to our membership model ($23.95 per year). Probably in another 6 weeks or so. We want to make sure it works correctly and has no glitches or problems. Something we’ve decided to do is offering a money-back guarantee. At the end of your first year, if you don’t think the information we provide (plus some of the expanded Las Vegas savings info and features we’ll be able to start providing members with the new revenue) was worth it, we’ll issue a full refund.

Tale Of Two Cities – We’ll hear from a reader who said they visited and Las Vegas was somewhat dead, then hear from one who visited a week later and marveled at how busy it was. Here’s what most people forget: Las Vegas is a very different place depending on time of year, day of the week, and even time of day!

If you usually visit on the weekdays, the weekend Las Vegas will be a bit foreign to you (more crowds, harder partying). If you are a daytime person who is in bed by midnight here, you’d be amazed at how vastly different things are a 1 PM as opposed to 1 AM. Fremont Street can be especially varied as daytimes feature an older crowd who are there to gamble. But once the sun goes down and the free entertainment starts, the party crowd takes over. Especially the nice weather months (March – October).

Why The Hilton Name Change – Both the Atlantic City and Las Vegas Hilton hotels have had to cease using the Hilton name. Evidently, their franchise agreements were not renewed by the Hilton Corporation for reasons that weren’t disclosed. An article in the November issue of Travel and Leisure magazine seemed to point out the reason why: Hilton is working to reinvent the brand with hundreds of new hotels (many of a more boutique nature) and shedding the stodgy image that a property like the Las Vegas Hilton carries.

Don’t Text In Your Car Here – Nevada has joined the list of states not allowing texting while driving. If you get ticketed, you’re out $50 (plus I assume court costs which can run into the hundreds). Hands-free devices are allowed. I don’t even touch my phone when driving in the resort corridor. It takes enough work to watch for other drivers who are sight-seeing and pedestrians who don’t understand “Don’t Walk” signs (like they have to hurry to the next hotel before it closes or something).

No Skyline Change For Now – The condemned (and never opened) Harmon tower — next to Cosmopolitan — won’t be coming down in the near future. The demolition hearing isn’t until March. It will take all that time to get the finger-pointing taken care of, have a judge decide who is at fault, and decide if it really isn’t fixable.

Super Bowl – Right around this time of year, we start to get the “What is happening for Super Bowl?” questions. Information on various events has already started coming in and we’ll list it starting next week. However, don’t hold your breath on info for the hotel parties. For some crazy reason, they get us that info about three days before kickoff which leaves us no time to include it here (although we will get it on Twitter this year). Don’t forget, you can catch the breaking news and deals that don’t make deadline here by joining the nearly 13,000 people that follow us at http://twitter.com/AccessVegas

Welcome Absinthe – We’d like to welcome a new sponsor to AccessVegas.com and this newsletter: Absinthe! I honestly can’t remember a show that has opened here to as much acclaim and buzz. The show is simply out-of-control and performed just feet away from the audience. Imagine a Cirque show run by a wealthy, smarmy, profane sideshow barker (The Gazillionaire) and then let your imagination run wild. This show is on the profane side at times, so avoid if you have sensitive ears.

Right now, they are offering $20 off if you book at this special link: Absinthe Las Vegas $20 Off Tickets

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Bellagio, hotel roomBellagio Completes $70 Million Room Remodel – AAA Five Diamond Resort Enhances Experience With More Than 2,500 Redesigned Deluxe Guest Rooms – Bellagio (click link to book) has completed the remodel of all 2,568 rooms in its main tower offering guests a fresh, elegant collection of newly redesigned deluxe accommodations. Each of the three distinct color palettes now available at Bellagio further enhances the AAA Five Diamond guest experience at one of the worldÆs most iconic resorts.

Desert, Hard Rock Hotel35 Steaks + Martinis Honors the Birthday of Music Legend, Elvis Presley at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Jan. 8-14 With Special Free Desert – Home to some of the worldÆs most priceless music memorabilia and rock and roll memories, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas honors the King himself, Elvis Presley, who would have celebrated his 77th birthday on January 8, 2012. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino celebrates Elvis with unique taste, sight and sound offerings available at 35 Steaks + Martinis at 5 p.m. nightly Sunday, Jan. 8 through Saturday, Jan. 14. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik/Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Night School For Girls, Valentine's Day, Excalibur, Laura CroftLearn The Art Of Seduction This ValentineÆs Day At Night School 4 Girls – Ladies looking to heat up their love lives this ValentineÆs Day can learn the art of seduction from real Las Vegas showgirls at Excalibur Hotel & CasinoÆs interactive class Night School 4 Girls. With signature burlesque and pole dance moves like the ôhair flip,ö ôMarilyn,ö ôbooty roll upö and ôcowgirl,ö ladies will learn the skills it takes to ensure that all of the luck in Vegas isnÆt only found on the casino floor. In addition to learning new, sexy moves, students will be taught the basics of partying Las Vegas style from the ultimate party girl Laura Croft.

PBR Rock Bar and Grill To Offer Hat Bender Cocktail Special In Honor Of National Hat Day – PBR Rock Bar & Grill at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will offer a canÆt miss, one-day deal in honor of National Hat Day on Sunday, Jan. 15. Revelers will be tipping their hats as the popular eatery will offer its Hat Bender signature cocktail for a special price of $10 from 3 to 6 p.m. Originally priced at $12, the Hat Bender is a refreshingly sweet mix of Smirnoff Citrus Vodka shaken with watermelon juice and lemonade. The Hat Bender special joins of slew of other great drink specials part PBR Rock BarÆs daily happy hour including $5 Jack DanielÆs Tennessee Whiskey drinks and Jager Bombs; 2-for-1 well drinks and $3 domestic draft beers.

Fantasy, Showgirl, Janary 2012, Soolin, LuxorFantasy Kicks Off 2012 With Soolin As January ‘Showgirl Of The Month’ – Steaming up the New Year is Soolin, FANTASYÆs January ôShowgirl of the Month.ö The sexy, adult revue at Luxor Hotel and Casino recognizes one of its stars each month in conjunction with its 2012 ôUltimate FANTASYö calendar. When Soolin is not on stage entertaining sold-out audiences, the Northern California beauty loves to keep her life low key. She likes to relax at home and is a dog lover who enjoys taking her Pomeranian- Chihuahua mix, Chip, to the dog park.

Joey Fatone Returns To Host ”The Price Is Right Live” Stage Show At Bally’s Las Vegas Jan. 11 – April 8 – ôThe Price is Right Liveö Stage Show at BallyÆs Las Vegas (click to book) welcomes back special celebrity host, Joey Fatone, for an exclusive engagement Jan. 11 û April 8. The show, from FremantleMedia, producers of ôAmerican Idolö and ôThe Price Is Rightö TV shows, features such fan-favorite games as ôPlinko,ö ôCliff Hanger,ö ôThe Big Wheelö and, of course, ôShowcase Showdown.ö Fatone will enlist audience members to play for a chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

RHUMBAR Offers Cigar And Cocktail Pairing In Time For CES And AVN – Signature Cocktail and Mirage Toro Cigar Pairing Available in January – RHUMBAR, the stylish cocktail lounge at The Mirage, is making an offer convention goers canÆt refuse. Throughout the month of January, cocktail lovers and cigar aficionados will enjoy one of RHUMBARÆs signature cocktails paired with a premium Mirage Toro cigar for only $20.

Palazzo, Chinese New YearThe Venetian And The Palazzo Celebrate The Year Of The Dragon In Grand Style – DÚcor, food & beverage offerings and customary dragon dance to celebrate Chinese New Year – In honor of the most celebrated sign of the Chinese Zodiac, The Venetian and The Palazzo are commemorating the prosperous holiday in an over-the-top fashion. Beginning with a ceremonial dragon dance at 1 p.m. on Jan. 23, the Chinese New Year celebrations include lavish feng shui-inspired dÚcor, auspicious dish offerings and festive cocktails.

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

Click To Book Wind Dancer Sunset Landing Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hi, we have been going to Las Vegas for over 35 years.

This year, we wanted to go to Las Vegas from Jan 15 to Jan 22, 2012. We were looking at going to see Celine Dion.

We booked the flight, then the Vdara. We later learned the Vdara wanted to charge a resort fee. We are not aware of ever paying any resort fees previously and in many situations we were provided with many extra benefits and sometimes free rooms.

The travel Agent called the Vdara to see if they would waive the resort fee as my wife and I do not make use of any of the facilities and never have with any of the hotels we have stayed in Las Vegas.

They would not waive the fees. Therefore, I canceled the trip and am booking Hawaii. I will not pay for something I do not use or do not believe is fair.

Just thought I would let you know as I have been reading your material for many years and you have helped me out in the past.

Regards,

Norm

 

Ted Responds:

The following properties do not charge resort fees at last check:

Bally’s, Bills, Caesars, Cosmo, Harrah’s, Flaminigo, Manderin, Paris, IP, Planet Hollywood, and most major downtown hotels.

This isn’t a Vegas issue. Quite a few (upwards of 30, too many to list) Hawaii resorts also charge resort fees. Some to the tune of $25-30 per night. Hopefully, you’ll end up at one that does not, but you might want to check.

I’m no fan of resort fees, but they are becoming par-for-the-course. Your best way to fight back is to only patronize properties which don’t impose them. As you are passionate about this issue, you may also wish to contact your Senator or House Member and ask them to look into whether these fees are misleading or not.

PS Hey, you read our newsletter. I’m sure you know more about Vegas than your travel agent does. Consider booking at AccessVegas.com instead. We have the best places and rock bottom rates in conjunction with our hotel partners!

——————–

Follow Up: Norm just emailed me to let me know they were changing their plans and will indeed be vacationing in Las Vegas!

Regarding the possibility of putting strip clubs in casinos, you said “Let’s keep the strip clubs over in the industrial area behind the hotels where they belong.”

Here’s my idea; Let’s put the ultra clubs over in the industrial area behind the hotels where they belong!!!

I (and a lot of other Vegas visitors I know) are sick of the way the casinos are focusing on the drunken, obnoxious, rude, rowdy, 20 something douche bags who take over the casinos either at night, or by day at the pools. Don’t the casinos want us gamblers anymore???

No comps, no drink service, no decent payouts, no respect!!! Vegas was built by us but we have been forgotten by the corporations who now run their little casino monopolies.

I would much rather have a strip club which only attracts men who will come and go without much notice, than an ultra club that is completely the opposite!

Thanks for letting me rant!!! love your newsletter!

Candace Winters
(Vegas visitor 4 – 6 times a year since 1994)

 

Ted Responds:

No question that this issue has been coming to a head. When Steve Wynn spent nearly $70 million to build the Encore Beach Club, the complaints about “douchebags” and Jersey Shore (the reality show) types overrunning the property has become a serious issue among those who are there for the upscale gambling experience. One wonders if it played (even a little bit) into the decision to close the five star, five diamond Alex French restaurant at Wynn. The clubbers spend all day at the pool, nap in the evening, spend all night in the clubs, then nap in the morning. They aren’t sitting down to a 2 hour, $200 meal.

The clubbers and pool party goers are extremely lucrative. They pay steep admission fees, drink lots of $14ádrinks (with 30 cents worth of booze in it), and pay many hundreds/thousands of dollars for “bottle service” (where a $30 retail bottle of liquor is purchased for $400 and way up to insure that the guests get a private table). However, is it so lucrative that the properties don’t mind scaring off good gamblers? That seems to still be in question.

Cosmopolitan is proving an interesting study. They opened wanting to attract (in their words) the “curious class”. And to a point they have. Guests love their mixology bars, restaurants, and the club Marquee is a huge hit. The problem? This “curious class” isn’t at all curious about gambling! Which is having a significant impact on their bottom line. So much so, that they just hired an experienced Las Vegas hotel executive away from another property to help turn that situation around.

At the end of the day, you have to vote with your feet and play elsewhere. Which I know can be a very difficult concept if you are a comped gambler somewhere. They know you. They send you all those great offers. Other casinos may not.

My advice for people in those shoes? On your next trip, do half of your gambling at your usual place and do half of it at a “douche free” property that you enjoy (obviously using a players card so your play is tracked). Your normal property is unlikely to decrease your offers based on less play for just one trip, and you may be surprised at the offers you start to get from the new property you tried out.

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

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

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

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!

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 18, 2008

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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! I usually like to start out by telling you how great the weather is (and it usually is). Not this past 14 days or so. Rain (and snow-capped mountains ringing the Las Vegas Valley), clouds, sprinkles, and high temperatures in the 50’s (F) on the Las Vegas Strip.

Oh, wait… that is still warmer than the vast majority of the United States during the same period. (Florida had freezing temperatures about a week ago… where is global warming when we need it). Nevermind! Temps looking to be closer to 70 as this newsletter goes out.

Las Vegas Still #1 – From the Orlando Business Journal:

Las Vegas, long considered OrlandoÆs top tourist destination rival, topped the Orbitz reservation serviceÆs list of most popular 2008 tourist destinations.

HereÆs the complete ranking: Las Vegas, first, New York, second; Chicago, third; San Francisco, fourth; Miami, fifth; Los Angeles, sixth; Orlando, seventh; Washington, D.C.; eighth; Boston, ninth; and Atlanta, 10th.

I keep bringing this stuff up, but at the end of the day the media (in general) has tried to pile on with the “Las Vegas… Nobody Is Visiting… Doom And Gloom” angles. It is getting pretty old.

#1 is #1. And… I’d be shocked if we aren’t #1 once again in 2009. Especially with the very low Las Vegas room rates available right now.

Bellagio Gardens Display Schedule – Most of you planning are planning to visit this year (or already live here). The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens’ have released their schedule for the 2009 displays:

  • Chinese New Year: Presently Showing through February 28
  • Spring: March 8 û May 16
  • Summer: May 24 û September 12
  • Fall: September 20 û November 29
  • Holiday: December 6 û January 2, 2010

New Newsletter Segment – I’m starting a new segment called Las Vegas Economy, Housing, and Politics that will appear down below More News, Concerts, and Events. We have significant demand for this information. We aren’t just read by visitors but by everyone from those with a second home here in Las Vegas to investors, hedge fund people, local gaming executives and more.

I’m coming up on 16 years here in Las Vegas. Significantly longer than most local TV and print journalists. This gives me a “big picture” perspective and sometimes angles you won’t read elsewhere.

However, we know that most read for the great travel and tourism information we produce each week. Hence… we’ll move the hard news commentary to a separate part of the newsletter.

Billboard Touring Awards Calls The Colosseum (Caesars Palace) The Top sub-5000 Seat Venue For 2008 – No surprise here on the continued strength of Bette Middler, Cher, and Elton John’s many successful shows. Speaking of, Elton John is hanging it up (The Red Piano Caesars shows), but Better and Cher are still going strong. Side note: Rumours of Cher’s show having ended are obviously not true.

Ticket Info:

Girls Night Out Vegas Tip – When I moved here in 1993, Las Vegas was a “guys” vacation spot. Most female visitors were here with a husband or boyfriend. Oh how times have changed, and Las Vegas is a very popular “girls getaway” spot.

My tip? Smooth Jazz Ladies Night atop the Stratosphere Tower in the Romance Lounge (Level 107 of the Tower). From 7-11 PM on Wednesdays, ladies enjoy half-price martinis and other drink specials, plus the chance to win a designer purse. Other giveaways include a $100 gift certificate to Top of the World, a $50 gift certificate for Romance Lounge, $25 in free slot play, tickets for two to American Superstars and tickets for two to Bite. All in attendance can enjoy live jazz by the William Moran Jazz Trio.

Although slated through at least March 11, 2009, this popular event is likely to continue. My advice? Check with Smooth Jazz 105.7 before your trip to find out event status.

Flickr Users Beware – While not Las Vegas related, I imagine we have a significant number of Flickr (public photo sharing website) in our audience. Flickr is a very popular service, but don’t count on them to keep your photos or care what happens to them. This is especially important to those of you who upload your photos to Flickr without also copying them to your computer:

We here had a paid Flickr photo account and had uploaded around 3000 Las Vegas photos to their site. They were all ours (or a handful of PR photos we had permission to use). No copyright violations or content violations. In addition, we didn’t use Flickr to spam our information. IE, we didn’t post links to our site under the photos.

We DID spend well over 100 hours working to be an upstanding member of the Flickr community. We added descriptions to our photos, geotagged them (put on a map where they were taken) and were active in the Flickr community.

Without warning, Flickr deactivated our account. A paid account. To add insult to injury, it took nearly a month to get a reply as to why (and only after a repeated requests). Their support person was downright rude and pretty much simply said that they don’t have to tell anyone or give a reason for deactivating an account.áCould it have been done by mistake or by someone overzealous who failed to check that we owned the photos and they don’t want to own up to the mistake? We’ll never know.

What we do know is that our photos vanished and over a hundred hours of hard work to be part of the Flickr community vanishes as well. From a paid account. Without warning. A web search found instances where this had happened to others as well. My advice? Use Flickr to post photos at your own risk. If you wake up one day and they are gone (including any community contacts you have created), Flickr won’t notify you or care. Even if you have a paid account.

Still unpacking and organizing from the move. New photo sets (not to be placed on Flickr) and other newsletter features coming soon. Stay subscribed.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Aliante from $30, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $28, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $40, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $23, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Fleetwood Mac MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 30 – The legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac has added 29 shows to its upcoming Greatest Hits “Unleashed” tour in April and May. The added tour dates come on the heels of the first leg of dates announced in December, which have nearly sold out. The “Unleashed” tour will make a stop in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 30. (Tickets) The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The tour will include all of the bands’ greatest hits from the course of its extraordinary career. Click to Read The Full Story …

Twin Creeks At Silverton Casino Lodge Goes Bananas With The Monkey Business Cocktail – Swing into Twin Creeks at Silverton Casino Lodge to try Monkey Business ($10) during February 2009, an original cocktail creation from Master Mixologist John DuPont. Monkey Business contains a silky blend of Van Gogh Dutch chocolate vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, Nocello walnut liqueur and CrÞme de Banana. The concoction is served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a chocolate and walnut sprinkled banana. After receiving a $3.7 million redesign, Twin Creeks boasts an innovative new menu, signature boutique bourbons, extensive wine list and restyled interior and exterior. Designer lighting throughout three distinct dining areas produces the ideal ambiance to enjoy exciting new menu creations. High top tables in the bar area provide casual dining and conversation, while custom designed booths offer seclusion and privacy. New finishes throughout the restaurant such as wood floors, ceiling beams, sheers and candle niches are all part of Twin Creeks’ transformation into one of the best dining options in Las Vegas. Twin Creeks is open for dinner 5 û 9 p.m. Tuesday û Thursday and 5 û 10 p.m. Friday û Saturday.

Dave Matthews Band With Special Guest Jason Mraz Friday, May 8 & Saturday, May 9 MGM Grand Garden Arena – Dave Matthews Band returns with its first studio album in four years and a 2009 spring tour, which will include a stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for performances Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. (Tickets) Fans will experience the group’s first-ever live performances of songs from the new album. The concerts are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with special guest Jason Mraz. The band’s yet-to-be-titled album is being produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance) and will be released by RCA Records. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’ve been coming to Vegas for many years and have visited at least twice a year in the past 5 years. I love Vegas and I don’t even gamble. We visit during New Years mostly, bet on Bowl Games, flew in from Pittsburgh just to be with a great crowd at Caesars when WE won the Super Bowl year before last. It was spectacular, we were offered a lot of money for our terrible towels. Didn’t sell them. They’re originals from the Iron Curtain days.

Anyway, I am so happy to find this site. Don’t know why I never found it before. I love to hear all the info there is about Vegas. We stay at the Flamingo. It’s affordable and right in the middle of things. I always beg for a room with the a good view of the strip (and thankfully always get it). I open the drapes and see the Fountains at the Bellagio and the beautiful front entrance of Caesars and the big flashing billboards and I know I’m in Vegas and I’m in heaven.

Last year a saw the Family Stone (Sly) at a casino off of the stirp. It was really a great show. If anyone gets a chance to see it GO it was one of the most affordable shows I saw in Vegas. I enjoyed Earth Wind & Fire and the Venetian last New Years Eve.

I am looking for some good places to eat that won’t cost very much. We’ll splurge a few nights on dinner but will have to watch our money. I still going to Vegas and I’m sure there are places I can go, not spend to much and have a good time. Any one with some actual experiences of good affordable places to eat and or places to go, please post it. I will be checking this site often.

Bebe

Ted Responds:

This letter actually came in before this most recent Superbowl (hence the references to the game from three years ago where the Steelers also won). Becuase of our move, we’re a little backed up on Memebers Mania letters.

Just a reminder to everyone looking for Vegas deals: Remember, our EasyVegasDeals.com has been up and running a number of months now. We post various Las Vegas deals and specials as they break. We’ll also soon be launching a separate Easy Vegas Deals newsletter (which has been slightly delayed due to technical issues… we need to upgrade our servers to handle volume).

Readers often comment “I can’t believe I didn’t hear about you earlier!” This is where all of you readers come in. We are a smaller outfit without the huge advertising budget of other travel sites. Our money goes straight into the information and research we provide.

Because of this, we continue to rely on you to tell all of your family, friends, co-workers… hell, tell your worst enemies about our newsletter if they have any interest in travel and Las Vegas! Signing up is free and simple: They simply need to go to our main site AccessVegas.com and use the newsletter sign-up form at the top of that page.

Wanted to see if you can help me with your knowledge of Vegas. I am recently engaged and we are thinking about maybe having our wedding in Vegas however I am wanting to know if any of the hotels or any other places out there happen to have a big suite with a terrace or balcony with a view of the strip where we could have our wedding at and enough people could fit probably like 50+ people. Something totally different instead of a banquet hall setting or what not. Or do you know who I can contact to find this information out?

I know MGM Grand has suites but they are only 1300 sq feet with a terrace and view of the strip.

Thanks,

Alisha Sumpter

Ted Responds:

I absolutely agree that this is a great wedding idea, and many do prefer to get married in a suite with a view instead of the traditional wedding chapel. A suite that large with a terrace is going to be few and far between (and if so, be a very high roller type of suite that will be very expensive). Voodoo Lounge at The Rio has an amazing view and could fit the bill, but renting that out (even for an afternoon) might also be quite costly.

Readers, have you seen (or stayed in) a room that might fit this bill? Or any other thoughts? I’m racking my brain but there must be something I’m overlooking. Email us at the address below.

Hi Ted and Crew,

I live in the UK and love Las Vegas. I have visited three times with friends and family and if I lived in the US I would be out there every other month. My first visit was as part of a tour and Las Vegas just happened to be one of the stops – I was not that fussed either way before we got there and our tour guide said you will either love it or hate it. Well I loved it. I am visiting again in April in a group of 6 and hubby is coming for the first time.

My second visit we stayed at the wonderful Stardust which sadly had gone by our third visit two years ago so we booked into the Orleans which we loved and where we are heading back to this year.

Love your site and use it to research all shows and activities for our trips.

Keep up the good work!

Cheryl from London England

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Las Vegas Economy, Housing, Politics

Obama Says “Don’t Visit Las Vegas” – President Obama’s recent remarks that companies involved in receiving federal bailout money shouldn’t be having business meetings in Las Vegas stirred some anger in both Republicans and Democrats alike (including Mayor Oscar Goodman, D-Las Vegas).

While trying to sound a populist note, the sting of this one may not soon be forgotten. Consider the following:

1. Companies with offices all over the U.S. (and world) routinely need to conduct meetings in central locations. It is simply a fact of doing business.

2. Las Vegas literally is one of the cheapest places to have business meetings, conventions, and events.

Don’t take my word for it. Pick a random few weekdays in the next couple of months and go to our travel partnersáLas Vegas Hotel Deals and see what rooms here are going for. Even top-end rooms at Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo and Bellagio. The go to any national travel site and see what upscale hotel rooms are going for in San Francisco, Chicago, or New York cost.

One of the companies chided by The President’s remarks actually canceled their trip here and rescheduled it for the much more expensive destination of San Francisco!

3. Obama won Nevada largely on the backs of unionized hotel labor. The very same people are are being laid off because Las Vegas travel is down from last year. Although a small state in population, Nevada is a state that Democrats must keep out of GOP hands in close Presidential races. Will the union members forgive and forget? Be interesting to watch.

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 I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14

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.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

February 18, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 11, 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.

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! Hot and windy is the word here this week. Those constant 100 degree days look like they are here to stay for the summer. Still… there is something nice about being able to enjoy the Las Vegas Strip well into the evening and late night without getting chilly. Speaking of summer parties and events…

What do you get by adding one part Ditch Friday pool party and one part LA Sunset Tan? One amazing afternoon at Palms Las Vegas!

Ditch Friday Pool Party Palms Las Vegas

LA Sunset Tan launched their 2008 Sexy Swimwear Collection with a poolside fashion show at Ditch Friday on May 30’th. (Another tough assignment for news editor/photographer Mark Jacobs). Ditch Friday is the weekly Friday afternoon lounge/party at The Palms pool area and features live musical performances, prize giveaways, and designer fashion shows throughout the summer.

This weekly event runs through October 3, 2008 and is open to the public ($20 cover, local ladies complimentary).

LA Sunset Tan Bikini Show

At this event, the entire cast of E!’s hit reality show “Sunset Tan” was on hand including the Ollie Girls, LA Sunset Tan owners Devin Haman and Jeff Bozz, Janelle Perry, Nick D’Anna, Ania Migdal and Erin Tietsort and can be seen in many of the following photos:

Spamalot closes in about one month so this is your last chance to see it on Las Vegas. Click on the Spamalot button in the right sidebar of this newsletter to save on some of the final tickets available!

We receive weekly reader email expressing concern over what many of you feel that Las Vegas has become. Everything went so upscale that the price of visiting went through the roof. At the same time, the slots and table games both got tighter. To top it off, traveling to Las Vegas from international destinations continues to get more difficult.

A word to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau and our elected leaders: You can advertise internationally all you like, but until it gets less difficult for worldwide visitors to get here… much of that advertising will fall on deaf ears.

In addition, Nevada has two prominent U.S. Senators that should be doing something about about this. Stopping terrorism is one thing, but harassing people with two-hour waits in immigration lines at the airport is out-of-line. Perhaps Senators Reid and Ensign (both of who are in powerful positions working on the coming elections) shouldn’t forget that the state they represent relies especially on international visitors because of current local worldwide economics.

What can you as readers do? Continue to write a “Letter To The Editor” of our Review-Journal newspaper (as it is read by the politicians).

Last month, the Sunday paper contained a number of protest letters (scroll down that page to Shakedown and the following letters). Time for more of them!

Don’t be shy… You can submit your own comments to our local paper online at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/about/print/press/letterstoeditor.html

Don’t assume the “other guy” will do it. If our readers unite and bombard our paper, you’ll see plenty of new coverage our politicians can’t ignore.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Can’t Make It To Vegas?
Get Tickets To An Event Near You!

Madonna, American Idols Live, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, ColdPlay, Jimmy Buffett, Radiohead, Jonas Brothers, The Police, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Rush, Tim McGraw, Eric Clapton, New Kids On The Block, NASCAR, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events

Featured Review:
Las Vegas Showgirls Shine On In Jubilee! at Bally’s

by Lincoln Hudson

Having observed how the Las Vegas Strip has dramatically changed over the years in order to exclusively cater to the palette of the under thirties, sometimes it is good to come across a show that makes one pinch oneself and remember the entertainment that built Las Vegas and continues to cater to adults of all ages.

One of the shows doing such is Jubilee! at Bally’s Hotel and Casino. If you need a break from watching French Canadian clowns pushing life size plastic balls across the stage, then Jubilee! is the right piece of camp, topless, musical brain candy for you.

Click to Read Entire Jubilee! Las Vegas Review…

Madonna’s Yummy “Sticky & Sweet Tour” Lands At MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, November 8 – Madonna, the world’s sweetheart, has announced more non-stop treats for her legions of legendary and devoted fans. (Tickets) Following the latest news that her album Hard Candy has debuted at No. 1 around the globe, it has been confirmed that Madonna’s “Sticky & Sweet Tour” will stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena November 8 and 9, 2008. Click to Read The Full Story … Free Cash For Gas Promotion Rolls Out At The Tropicana – The Tropicana Las Vegas introduces the “Roll 4 Gas” promotion, allowing guests a chance at winning $100 cash for gas. “With the continual increase in gas prices, who wouldn’t want a chance at winning cash to help pay for travel expenses?” says John Sevilla, Tropicana’s Hotel General Manager. To participate in the “Roll 4 Gas promotion,” simply book a room at the Tropicana for travel during the dates of May 25 – August 28, 2008. Upon arrival, during check-in at the hotel’s front desk, roll four dice for a chance to win. The different outcomes, earn certain prizes: Click to Read The Full Story …The Showgirl Goes On With New Block Of Tickets For Sale – Performances Through The End Of 2008 Of Bette Midler’s Vegas Hit On Sale Now – Mark your calendars because Bette Midler is back! Returning on June 24 from her hugely successful opening in February, The Divine Miss M. is celebrating her next set of shows by putting 29 more up for sale. (Tickets) As of Sunday, June 1 Midler fans can reserve tickets to see her sassy stage show during performances from October through December 2008. “If you haven’t been to Vegas to see me,” says Midler, “hop a plane or steal a car, but get your butt out here. I’m giving Sin City a roasting and toasting she’ll never forget.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Denver Dancer Cheryl Loves Performing In ‘Crazy Girls’ Nightly – Cheryl move to Las Vegas from Denver five years ago and never looked back after joining “Crazy Girls” as a professional dancer in 2005 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. (Tickets) Dance was always a good behavior reward from her parents. She said, “I grew up as an only child and my mother was a secretary and my father worked as a building inspector. I feel like I’ve been dancing my whole life. I’m living my dream now. Click to Read The Full Story …

Country Superstar Alan Jackson Takes The Stage At Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, August 16 – Country superstar Alan Jackson will perform live in concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Aug. 16. (Tickets) The “Good Time” tour will complement Jackson’s most recent album release, Good Time, as well as his impressive catalog of crowd-pleasing, chart-topping hits. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The single “Good Time” from Jackson’s new Arista Nashville album, is a honky-tonk jam that is tremendously easygoing yet edgy. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: N-k-d Eskimo – with Victor H. Royer. No, this article is not about the famous poker player Eskimo Clark, clothed or otherwise. It is instead a fable from a time more innocent, a time of great joy, and a time when poker was not just a game û it was an event. The time is 1983, in the weeks spanning Christmas and New YearÆs festivities. It is a story personal to me, and one that to this day warms my heart. It is also a story of something quite funny û but IÆm getting ahead of myself. First, letÆs set the stage à Click to Read Complete Article…

Editors Note: We aren’t trying to play Wheel of Fortune with the article title. Certain words trigger spam filters which could prohibit this newsletter from reaching you.

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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $59, Flamingo from $59, Gold Coast from $34, Planet H. from $89, Rio Suites from $60, Sahara from $38, Strat. from $35, Tropicana from $45, Tuscany from $48, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just a question about taxi fares. Do the drivers charge a flat rate or do they charge by the person?Thank you,
Shirley

Ted Responds:

Up to 5 can ride for the same price. They charge per mile (plus an initial fee and wait time) but there is no extra per-person charge.

There is a coupon for the additional Maine lobster tail. Ordinarily you are charged $5.99. They are hard to find. Could you do some research and find out where you can get the coupon?

Also there is supposed to be a discount coupon for the buffet at the Rio as well.

Thanks,

MikeTed Responds:With so many different coupon books and tourist magazines floating around town (and the fact that any coupons or offers in them can change weekly), tracking or finding one particular coupon is next to impossible.

Best advice is to flip through the tourist magazines when you hit town and see if there is a coupon for something you specifically want to do or see.

In general, a couple of notes on coupons:

1. Don’t use one to go out of your way to something you weren’t already interested in. Your time here is often short and precious. Spending an hour or two going out of your way to save a few bucks on something you aren’t sure about can turn into a waste of time.

2. Don’t expect to find coupons for the top shows. If you have one or more “must see” shows, buy the tickets in advance or you may face a sold-out situation when you arrive.

Hope this helps,

Hi Ted,

My wife & I have just got home to England from our annual trip to your wonderful city. We saw some great shows, the Rat Pack was one of the best ever. The Dean Martin impersonator was almost as good as the “Dean” himself. We will be back next year (hope we recognise the place with all the new buildings) for our yearly pick me up.

By for now,

John & Jean (Manchester)

Ted Responds:

The Rat Pack Is Back is one of those often overlooked shows that always seems to get raves from those who check it out. Adding to the ambiance is the very retro showroom at The Plaza hosting the show. We’ll be sending a writer to do a full review soon.

In the meantime, those wanting to enjoy the show for themselves can click to The Rat Pack Is Back Tickets

Hi, My husband and I just returned from Vegas. we had the the best time at the Cher concert. What a lovely lady she is and her show was worth the trip.

I love Vegas! Keep up the good job you do on your newsletter. I read it every time.

Thank You,

Kay

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

  • 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:

  • 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
  • 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
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10

Link To Us! – Have a homepage, 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.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

June 11, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 28, 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.

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.

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! As usual, both the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street were jammed over Memorial Day weekend. The cool weather (partly cloudy, mild temps) keep the mood slightly more subdued than usual but hey… 70 degrees (F)á beats the 108 we had the week before!

A big congratulations goes to Mac King for being named the top Comedy Magician in the world according to Magic Magazine (April 2008 issue). I have the actual issue and was very impressed that this wasn’t just some “award” but a careful, scientific, peer-chosen determination.

He actually beat out both Penn and Teller and The Amazing Johnathan, two names which have had far greater media exposure. Plus, the price is right. Mac King is an afternoon show that will be both easy on your wallet and get you our of our pending summer heat.

Tickets for Las Vegas’ top comedy magic shows:

Las Vegas Rio Sky ShowThe new Rio “Show in the Sky” has just (and I mean JUST) launched. We haven’t even had time to pop over and see it, but the press stuff they sent out notes it is much more sexy and sensual, including three different shows:

With three different shows, guests are encouraged to stay a while for an all new experience to see a unique show each time. The bedroom style performance will feature a 17 foot-long bed with high-energy performers of seduction. The bath/spa style performance will encompass a glamorous stage with sexy girls in towels. The modern-day club performance brings the feeling of old Hollywood glamour meets classic burlesque with accents of rhinestones and feathers throughout.

Shows play nightly on the hour from 7 PM to Midnight.

Las Vegas Second Most Digital Savvy – I never thought I’d see this day, but Las Vegas recently ranked second (behind Austin, TX) as the nation’s most digitally savvy city. This is a huge turn-around. When I launched AccessVegas.com in 1997 (and the predecessor two years earlier) as strictly online publications, casinos didn’t have websites and it seemed rare to find someone in upper management who knew what the internet was.

The Scarborough Research study cited the relatively young average age of residents, median household income of $53,000, higher tech penetration of warm, Western (US) cities, and the transient nature of the residents. This makes sense as people in their 20’s and early 30’s move here thinking they’ll have some fun, make some cash, then move back home (or move on to Southern California, Phoenix, or San Francisco). More of this story available here: Digital Savvy In Sin City

On the party front…

Dick’s last resort is brewing up beer pong, putting a silly spin on this infamous drinking game. They note:

DickÆs Last Resort invites you to test your skills at Bar Pong, the restaurantÆs very own rowdy rendition of the popular past time that is beer pong. With DickÆs entertainer extraordinaire Taco acting as the rambunctious referee, the game has never been this fun.

A touch of truth or dare is tossed in to add a twist as missed shots result in kooky challenges that will have everyone laughing. Whether flying solo or with friends, pick one of DickÆs 18 draft beers and join in the everlasting excitement where everyone is a winner.

Where: DickÆs Last Resort at Excalibur. When: 7 pm û Late, Wednesday û Sunday.

June 5 brings another edition of “Cinco de Taco” at the Pink Taco inside the Hard Rock Hotel offering $2 Coronas and Corona Lights, $3 Sauza Hornitos shots, $3.75 Sauza Hornitos margaritas as well as half-off appetizers from 4 p.m. until closing. “Cinco de Taco” features a live Mariachi band beginning at 6 p.m., and girls dressed in lingerie will be participating in three unique Pinata bashings filled with Love Jones lingerie. Click the above photo for previous “Cinco de Taco” photos.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $59, Flamingo from $63, Gold Coast from $45, Planet Hollywood from $89, Rio Suites from $60, Sahara from $41, Strat. from $43, Tropicana from $50, Tuscany from $50, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Featured Review:
Take a Plunge Into The Mystical World Of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere

by Denise Almas

The circus is coming. The circus is coming! Don’t be late or you may find yourself following an unconventional looking clown instead of an usher to your seat — or perhaps someone else’s seat. Thus begins the stunning and surrealistic Cirque du Soleil production of Mystere. As soon as the doors close, the ringmaster takes over and the true action begins with a baby playing ball and looking for his “papa”. After finding a “papa” in the audience, the story begins to unfold in a vibrant and visually stimulating performance.

With the exit of the ringmaster, the performers come alive with unusual costumes, dancing, and death defying acts that only highly trained professionals could deliver with poise, grace, and beauty. As music heightens the performances, these athletes fly through the air, balance on top of each other, and bring to life the mysteries of human emotion and capabilities. Without missing a beat, these international athletes perform feats such as the aerial high bar, bungee, and Chinese Poles.

Click to Read Entire Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere Las Vegas Review…

Featured Review:
Elton John Songs Improve With Time In Red Piano

by Lincoln Hudson

Stepping out onto the stage at Caesars Palace one can only gasp at the enormous enigma that Sir Elton John has become. Clearly older and wiser this superb and universal entertainer has lost none of the talent and passion that makes him easily one of the worlds greatest performers.

Red Piano is a magnificent show that beautifully uses the technology of both multi-media and film to tell the story and sub text of his songs. Elton John is not just a talented rock star but he is also quite clearly an Artist whose talent also includes writing hit musicals and adapting opera’s. Most amazing of all I find is the forever deepening sub text of his songs that go back almost thirty years.

Click to Read Entire Elton John Red Piano Las Vegas Review…

Harrah’s Hosts World’s Most Esteemed Flair Bartending Competition June 3 – 5 – Bartenders vie for cash and the coveted Ultimate Flair Bartending Championship Title. Harrah’s Carnaval Court welcomes the world’s most skilled flair bartenders June 3 -5, for the fourth annual international bartending competition, Ultimate Flair Bartending Championship (UFBC). The outdoor, Strip-side venue has earned the reputation as the world’s premier flair bar, thus it is fitting that the best-of-the-best flock to Carnaval Court to compete for the title of UFBC champ. Click to Read The Full Story …

Legendary Entertainer Wayne Newton Will Perform At MGM Grand July 31 – August 6 – “Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton will light up the stage inside MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre for a seven-night engagement July 31 û August 6. (Tickets) Show time is 8:30 p.m. nightly. Additional performances will go on sale later this year. This appearance marks Newton’s first performance at MGM Grand since 1999. Newton has been entertaining audiences worldwide for more than 60 years having started at the age of four years old. After several appearances on ABC’s popular hit series “Dancing with the Stars,” Newton returns to MGM Grand to perform alongside a 22-piece orchestra. Click to Read The Full Story …

Love Bites at Shark Reef Aquarium – Imagine tying the knot as sharks and other dangerous predators float by. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay offers couples the chance to say “I do” in this unforgettable setting. Coordinated by the professional staff of “THE wedding chapel” at Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef Wedding Package includes a bouquet and garter for the bride, boutonniere for the groom, minister, pianist, a wedding album and more. Priced at $1,175, tax excluded. Call 702-632-4555 for more details.

Star-Studded Lineup Gathering For Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Poker Event June 8 At The World Series Of Poker – Stars Teri Hatcher, Joely Fisher plus Cheryl Hines, Camryn Manheim and Mindy McCready among Celebrities Scheduled to Participate at Rio Las Vegas. While poker continues to grow worldwide, one of the biggest areas of growth is coming from female participation. Thus, the anticipation for this year’s World Series of Poker female-only event, the $1,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em World Championship, is greater than ever before. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Time Reunite At Flamingo Las Vegas – All-Time Greatest Party Band Together Again For The First Time In 18 Years – Flamingo Las Vegas presents special limited dates of legendary Minneapolis funk band, The Time, June 24 – July 5 and July 29 – Aug. 2. (Tickets) These exclusive performances mark the first time the original band members have performed together in 18 years, following their acclaimed appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards. The master of cool, Morris Day, will reunite with his original band mates, valet Jerome Benton, drummer Jellybean Johnson, bass player Terry Lewis, guitarist Jesse Johnson and keyboard artists Jimmy Jam and Monte Moir to perform all of their classic hits. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: The King and I Part Two – with Victor H. Royer. Neither Lady M nor the King ever had to worry about announcing themselves, or about reservations. They just showed up whenever they felt like it. In this case, the King had a problem with Lady M, and so the casino thought they had a problem. But the King was very well adjusted. He wasnÆt fretting about it. He simply did whatever it was that he did in his suite, and when Lady M finally left, he came down to play his machines.á

Me being there must have, at first, seemed like it was going to be another problem for everybody, but the KingÆs graciousness and understanding resolved the situation and rendered a potential problem totally moot. I was actually quite impressed by him, the way he acted, and his royal persona. Click to Read Complete Article…

Can’t Make It To Vegas?
Get Tickets To An Event Near You!

NBA Playoffs, Tina Turner, Madonna American Idols Live, New Kids On The Block, Bon Jovi, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Stevie Wonder, Widespread Panic, Cold Play, Carlos Mencia , Melissa Etheridge, Music Build Tour, Ringling Bros Circus, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just reading your news letter and especially the part about the planes. This bit made me smile: “However, many of you are flying 12-16 hours to get here and that commitment to come visit isn’t lost on us either.”á

Not lost on you but for many of us Brits who used to come over regularly ( I came at least once a year ) we’ve decided that enough is enough and we are no longer prepared to queue for two hours or more once we get off the plane at Chicago or Atlanta or Washington, as we crawl towards the Immigration desk where we are finger printed and photographed.á

12 hours on a plane, then two hours to pass thru Chicago. Normally you miss your connecting flight to Vegas and then have to kill another 3 or 4 hours before making the next 3 hour leg of the journey.

I tried going direct last time ( not a lot of cheap direct flights for those of us living in the North of England ) and the wait to pass thru Immigration at McCarran was nearly two hours as well. I love Vegas but I just can’t do the immigration- Homeland security bit any more.

Regards,

Dave Kendall

Ted Responds:

I appreciate the note and understand the hassle. We call the TSA here the Transportation Screw-Up Administration. And something should be done to speed up the immigration lines here, especially with the number of international flights.

May I suggest sending the same note you sent me to our local paper as a letter to the editor? They have even an bigger voice than I do (politicians generally don’t read tourism publications like ours, but they read the newspaper). You can even submit it online at
http://www.reviewjournal.com/about/print/press/letterstoeditor.html

In fact, I suggest all of our international readers frustrated about this to spend just a couple of minutes doing so. A barrage of complaints will have to be noticed by our newspaper and it might even create extra coverage (or a feature story) that the politicians can’t ignore.

My husband and I have been coming to Vegas for the past 15 years and if you can believe it our latest trip in April/08 is the first time we have been to Fremont Street and we fell in love with it.

My questions is this-is Fremont Street a safe place to stay for a few days at one of their hotel/casinos? This concern for safety has been the reason we have never ventured downtown before now but we spent 3 days of our trip playing/eating/shopping/enjoying the shows during our latest visit and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Keep up all the wonderful work you all on the newsletter, we look forward to it and have learned so much from it. Thanks so much,

Wayne and Sandy M.
Rochester, NH

Ted Responds:

Downtown is as safe as The Strip provided you stay in the tourism areas. But one should never wander off (on foot) well away from normal tourism areas anywhere unless they specifically know the area. The upside of downtown is the more reasonable priced rooms, food, and entertainment. Also, the casinos are all right next to each other. No long walks when you want to change scenery.

The downside is the bus or cab right to The Strip. What many do is buy an all day pass on The Deuce (bus running from downtown to The Strip every few minutes, 24/7). For those looking at the price of airfare and Strip hotel rooms and cringing but still really wanting to come visit, I suggest this: Stay downtown where you’ll still find the Vegas that everyone used to talk about where prices are much easier on the wallet.

Do you have any insight into valet parking at Las Vegas hotels? Reason, we were in town a week ago and valet parked at every hotel. Our camera and GPS unit were stolen from our car and the only time it was unlocked is when we valet parked.á

We didn’t discover they were missing until a couple of days later when we went to use them and there is no damage on the car. Is this a problem in Las Vegas? Any ideas of what can be done? Any help would be appreciated.

Evelyn Dotson

Ted Responds:

This is the first time we’ve had anyone bring this issue up in the 9 years of the newsletter so it probably isn’t widespread. Valet parkers make really good money and would be stupid to jeopardize it. Also, they have casino surveillance cameras on them pretty much at all times.

However, it is a good reminder for people to check their stuff after they valet. If something is missing, security can roll back all the cameras that your car was on and probably catch who did it. If you know the license plate on the car you were driving, you can write the property and tell them your problem. Don’t delay as I don’t know how long they keep surveillance video.

In the future… for any theft on a casino property (purse/wallet theft or anything): Keep track of your stuff the best you can (so you know when it is missing) and report any theft as soon as possible. Pretty good chance they can roll some video back and try to see who did it. At the very least, they can then keep an eye out for the thief.

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

  • 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:

  • 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
  • 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
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10

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.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

May 28, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 20, 2008

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 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.

á

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.

á

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).

á

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 – December 12, 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
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Some of you may notice the absence of my photo from this column. As we continue to grow, this newsletter is becoming a collaboration of so many great people, and we have even more writers coming on board in January. I’m the boss and have decided that removing my mug is a great way to reflect the efforts of many and free up more space. Co’mon… looking at Vegas photos is a lot more fun than looking at me!

Christmas is in the air, and next week we’ll be publishing photos of the current holiday display at the Bellagio. For those staying downtown, huge Christmas tree down there should be lit by the time you get this, and all of the hotels are decked out for the season. If you are going to be here on Christmas Day, you’ll find most all of the restaurants and buffets with a special holiday menu.

Our MySpace Is Up… Get Locked In As Our Friend! – We grabbed MySpace.com/AccessVegas a long time ago. But let’s face it… MySpace used to be mostly full of people under 21. We market only to people who can enjoy all that is Las Vegas.

Times have changed, everyone is using MySpace, and we’ve cranked up our MySpace page. This isn’t just about being our Friend. We’ll be doing special giveaways and bulletins just to our MySpace friends, plus more frequent updates about all that is AccessVegas.com.

Not into MySpace? Have no fear. We are going to continue to publish this newsletter. In fact, we have recently increased publication from 3 times a month to weekly! But if you want to hook up with us on MySpace, don’t delay. Put in an invite request right now at MySpace.com/AccessVegas

More Vegas Photos, More Often! – Regular readers know we have increased the number of photos we are posting just for our loyal readers! We know that many of you visit on a regular basis. Sometimes a few times a year, for others once every year or two. Las Vegas changes so fast, that we continue to bring you looks at everything new plus many of the tried and true scenes. New to our photo gallery:

Evel Knievel’s Last Ride – Unfortunately, this column has read like the obituary section the past few weeks with the passing of legendary Las Vegas locals Robert Goulet and Kevin Dubrow. We unfortunately add Evel Knievel to that list. Most will associate him to Las Vegas with his jump over the fountains of Caesars Palace. What few remember is that he lived in the Maxim hotel (now Westin Casuarina) here in Las Vegas for a number of years in the early 90’s around the time I first moved to town. He did TV commercials and public appearances for them.

This past Monday, Caesars Palace had the actual Triumph motorcycle used in the jump on display:

I had a happenstance meeting with him in my hometown of Portland, Oregon in the mid-80’s. I was working my way through college at Greyhound Bus Lines and he came in to pick up a package from Butte, Montana. Unfortunately, we had no cell phone cameras back then. That would have been a photo nice to have about now. When I was a kid, we all wanted to be Evel Knievel.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Simon At Palms Place Debuts At New Palms Place Hotel, Condo & Spa – Culinary genius and famed restaurateur Kerry Simon has announced that he will open his latest epicurean paradise, Simon at Palms Place at the new Palms Place Hotel, Condo & Spa. The Rock & Roll chef, who has catered to the stars for almost two decades, will bring his style of cutting-edge, globally inspired fare to the eagerly anticipated new property. Specializing in sushi, steak and seafood with more than 8,400 square feet of dining space, Simon at Palms Place will be a hip, edgy and delectable new dining destination unlike any other in Las Vegas. Click to Read The Full Story …


Click Photo To See All Shark Reef Photos

Go Deep Behind-the-Scenes at Shark Reef Aquarium – In addition to more than 2,000 exhibits, Shark Reef Aquarium now offers a 30-minute, behind-the-scenes guided tour. Guests 13 years of age and older are invited to learn about the facility’s chilling predators and the place they call home. This in-depth, fully guided tour explores the wonderful worlds of water filtration, saltwater-making, food preparation, SCUBA diving and animal care. Visitors will see what it takes to operate a 1.6 million gallon aquarium in the middle of the desert. Tours are available every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 with the purchase of an admission.

Spa for the Holidays – Fall into a luxurious spa experience this season with treatments designed to evoke the warmth of the holidays. Don’t delay — these indulgent services are available for a limited time.

  • Warm yourself from the outside in with a Hot Spiced Rum Stone Massage at BATHHOUSE inside THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. This cozy treatment combines traditional stone massage with essential oils of cinnamon, clove and arnica.
  • Guests of WET — The Spa & Salon at TI are invited to indulge in a Tea Party or enjoy a Double Shot of two salon favorites — a manicure and pedicure. Tea Party features the soothing elements of green tea while Double Shot offers the stimulating effects of coffee. During the service, guests enjoy complimentary tea cookies, coffee cake and a beverage befitting the experience.
  • At Spa Bellagio, guests are invited to purify with pumpkin or relax with cranberry. A Purifying Pumpkin Facial energizes the skin with a delectable blend of botanicals, while cranberry lovers can choose between an exfoliating Cranberry Vichy Shower, Cranberry Hydrotherapy Bath or Cranberry Relaxation Massage.
  • Visitors of MGM Grand Spa can enjoy a luxurious Cocoa Mud Massage — a sinful cocoa mud body wrap followed by a heavenly massage with creamy Swiss chocolate body butter.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos: – Scott Misener submitted this beautiful photo of Las Vegas at night:

Everyone I show this picture to, cannot believe it yet they want one. It is a sliced brisket sandwich from the Carnegie Deli located at the Mirage. I was there in December 2006. This is a great sandwich, and its almost impossible to eat it all. Almost. Everything in Vegas is Great!John Hewitt
Dallas, TXá

Here is a pic we took of the rotating statue (taken in May ’07) inside Harrah’s casino. We thought it was a hidden gem of kitsch.Betty Suydamá

Excuse me but what is the problem with a cabbie making a referral fee for recommending a particular business? or as you call them “fat kickbacks”? Seems rather hypocritical for a website owner who recommends specific businesses for affiliate referrals to be whining about a cabbie recommending some strip club who will pay him a single referral fee. BTW, would it be better to take a customer to a dead club where the girls are not since the girls follow the guys and that is where the cabbies drop off? It would be the ultimate rip-off to take a customer to places that do not pay referrals. Taking a customer to a dead club is allowing them to be ripped off. There is not a damn thing wrong with a cabbie making a referral, nothing. They pay because our advertising makes them tons more money, simple.

As to this business about longhauling, again, way overblown and little more than another attempt to blame a cabbie for every rip-off a typical visitor is exposed to when staying here. Cabbies are not responsible for $200 to $800 rooms, $100 to $200 show tickets, $35 buffets, $8 beers, $5 waters, $65 limo fees, $5 monorail rides, $2 bag handling charges by airlines, $10 fees to clean a shirt or $25 bottles of $10 wine. Stop blaming the cab driver for a town designed to screw every visitor who exits a plane at McCarran. Do some cabbies longhaul, sure but if you understood how a cabbie is paid you would see how silly and overblown that issue is. The ongoing road construction in this town alone makes longhauling a must or we sit and the meters run, which is cheaper? the longer route 9 out of 10 times. We get paid to move butts not take one butt for a tour.

Next time you want to spout off about the evil cabbie do some research. Understand who owns the cabs and sets the rates. Understand cabbies do not get overtime (most work 60 hours a week) or any other Labor perk most Americans take for granted. We are exempt commissioned sales people according to Federal and State Laws. What the hell do you care if I make an extra $40 to take some guys to a kickass club on a Friday night? A club which will RIP them OFF for an average of 4 bills each. This club cannot pay me a marketing fee of 10%?

Las Vegas cabbies do not own their own cabs. We cannot even lease a cab. We have absolutely no equity stake in the business. Most have no retirement and most work all the Holidays with absolutely no extra compensation.

Las Vegas cabbies move this town. We do over 20 million trips per month, 250 million trips a year. We move 45 million tourists around. We do it because we are hands down the best value even if the rates were double what they are now.

Columns like yours are nothing more than arrogant racially based assaults on working people. You have not a clue about what you are even speaking about.

BTW per State law it against the law to stage a Limo at a Hotel. There is no such thing as un unsolicitated Limo hire. Next time you are at WYNN for example, see if you can see limos staged. Bet you do and guess what, Wynn rents Executive Limo the space. That is completely illegal but does Taxicab Authority do anything about it? Guess who then gets to cherry pick a cabline for those “strip club rides”. Hint, the doorman and limo drivers who already make a killing steal our rides and spilt the “fat kickbacks”. Course most of them are white so no biggy to people like you I guess. Instead bag-on those losers driving cab.

Stephen Brown
Taxidriver Las Vegas, NV

I certainly welcome the opportunity to respond to this letter publicly:

——————–

Dear Mr. Brown,

  • A significant number of the advertisements we run are paid placement. Others are for commission. This keeps our newsletter free. However, I am proud to say that we have never steered someone toward a show or attraction based on advertising or commission. In fact, when I send someone to do a show review, I have but one set of instructions: Review the show in such a manner that people who may enjoy it will understand what they may like about it, and those who wouldn’t be as interested are so informed as well.In cases where sales are commission-based, we make the same small commission whether you buy a ticket to Jubilee or Folies Bergere. Whether you book a room at Bellagio or Venetian. In this issue, we are running photos of Shark Reef taken at our expense for something we get no advertising fee or commission. We are about covering Las Vegas, and simply hope that our readers will patronize our advertisers and use our booking links if they appreciate our information.Cab drivers have been well known over the years to practice strong diversion tactics. This practice has been well documented. Yes, I am well aware that limo drivers also get fees from various venues for delivering passengers. Here’s the difference: The doorman and limo drivers are asking people ahead of time if they want to go to such and such club.

    Side Note: I have no problem with commissions or fees for generating business. This is a free market economy. I do have issues with a hard-sell to a captive audience.

  • I’m not sure what $100 show tickets have to do with cab drivers long-hauling tourists. If this is such a rare practice, why was it highlighted at the top of a USA Today travel chat article about Las Vegas in addition to many numerous local articles.People choose to pay $200 for a hotel room or $25 for a bottle of wine. People do not choose to be long-hauled. Even if someone is staying in a $300 a night room, that is no justification bilking them illegally on their cab ride.
  • I’d take up your work hours, pay and conditions with your employer. Or, find other work. You do not have the right to divert or long-haul passengers just because you feel you are underpaid.
  • Moving 45 million people around each year doesn’t make you the best value. In fact, Las Vegas has some of the very highest cab fares in the nation! Reference:

    You claimed that cabs would be a value at double the rates. Co’mon… you can’t be serious!

  • I’m at a complete loss how questioning the ethics of cab drivers is a “racially based assault.” I didn’t realize that all cab drivers were of one color or race. Once you figure out what race all local cab drivers are, I’d go picket the Review-Journal for their “racist” articles about local cab service. Their circulation is still a bit larger than this newsletter.

——————–

So, there you have it. Las Vegas cabdrivers who think that the fares they charge are a bargain, and how feel it is OK to bilk you on the assumption you are spending a few extra bucks for an upscale room or a nice bottle of wine during your stay.

Kind of makes you want to take an airport shuttle to your hotel next time, doesn’t it? Many of them are owned by the same companies that put cabs on the street, but at least a shuttle is flat-rate.

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:

  • 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.

December 12, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – October 3, 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
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Starting next week, we move to publishing this newsletter weekly, in the mid-week to help get you through those mid-week blues at work.

Amy Raynor-Cooley is stepping into the position of doing all the newsletter prep and editing (she already has been playing a significant roll) and Mark Jacobs (yes, that is his name… no relation to the Marc Jacobs stores) is taking over sifting through the huge amounts of news sources we monitor and link to each week so we bring you just the news of interests to tourists or people with second homes here.

I’m not going anywhere! I’ll still be the last person to touch the newsletter before it goes out, be doing final edits (seeing how many typos I can slip in), and have Newkirk’s Notes.

I’ll also be supervising a significant expansion in the content of Access Vegas, a couple of brand extensions, working more closely with the hotel/resort properties to bring you more deals and contests/giveaway (yeah)! Plus, I really want to get back to the podcast. That was a lot of fun. So… as the saying goes: You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!

Capozzoli’s burned down. Who, what? Capozzoli’s was a legendary Italian restaurant near The Strip on Desert Inn and a hang-out for the who’s who of wise guys and “wanna be” wise guys over the years. You could walk in there at 4 in the morning and get an incredible, full meal with great food and service back in the day.

The past decade often saw Tom Jones (with friend Cook E. Jarr) in there dining, drinking, and crooning with the house band until sunrise. Here’s the story (includes streaming video): Long-time Italian restaurant Capozzoli’s burns to the ground

Enjoy This Issue!

HBO & AEG Live’s Third Annual The Comedy Festival At Caesars Palace, November 14-17 – “The third time is definitely the charm for us,” said Bob Crestani, CEO of The Comedy Festival. “With Chris, Jerry and Ellen’s Variety Show headlining The Colosseum, rising stars such as John Oliver, Zach Galifianakis and Nick Swardson playing our showrooms, the irreverence of folks like the Kims of Comedy, Eddie Izzard and our Broadband Theatre and all the excitement and surprises in the free Festival Village, we’re definitely a can’t-miss-event on the Vegas calendar.” Click to read details or purchase event tickets below:

HBO Las Vegas Comedy Festival Tickets:
Steve Schirripa Tickets

Ellen Degeneres Tickets

Frank Caliendo Tickets

Kims of Comedy Tickets

Return of Weirdo and Beardo Tickets

Artie Lange Tickets
Jerry Seinfeld Tickets

Blue Collar Comedy Tickets

Jamie Kennedy & Nick Swardson Tickets

Chris Rock Tickets

Wanda Sykes Tickets

Eddie Izzard Tickets

Harmon Theatre At Krave — South Side Of Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops – J.R. Johns presents “Doggone Silly” – Show time: 3 p.m. Tuesday thru Sunday Doors open 2 p.m. Ticket prices: $30 child, $40 seniors, $50 adults plus tax and service fee www.doggonesilly.com Box Office phone number: 702.836.0836.

Fright Dome Invades Circus Circus Until October 31 – Fright Dome takes over The Adventuredome at Circus Circus. Drop Demons are the latest addition to the already horrifying experience known as Fright Dome, ranked 4th Scariest Haunted Attraction in the country by AOL. Multiple Drop Demons will unexpectedly fall from the sky and torment passers by. Dressed in professionally designed costumes and intricate masks as they descend from the ceiling, these flights of horror will induce blood curdling screams from all that they encounter. Click to Read The Full Story …

Don Rickles Appears For Final Engagement At Golden Nugget – Legendary Don Rickles, who has starred in Las Vegas theaters longer than any other performer in the history of the resort city, will take the stage for his final performances of the year in The Showroom (Tickets) at the Golden Nugget, Oct. 5-7. The much-honored comedian will conclude his 48th consecutive year as a Las Vegas Strip headliner when he appears for this third and final engagement of 2007. Click to Read The Full Story …

Clark County Says Pedestrians Are Safe On The Strip – Clark County says pedestrians on the Strip are safe after Wednesday’s crash that injured 15 people at Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon. It says accidents are rare because traffic moves so slowly on the boulevard, so most pedestrians are not in danger. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos: Dean Martin impressionist Art Poco sent this photo:

Ray Livosi as Frank Sinatra and Art Poco as Dean Martin toast the town… Or are they the toast of the town? Anyhow, they’ve been up all night after performing their act, “Frank & Dean – Together Again”.

First, I think you have a great news letter.

I just finished reading this weeks news and saw an article about a strike. When is this suppose to happen? I have reservations for Main Street next month.

Thank you a response,

Susan

Ted Responds:

Odds of a strike are slim to none. We have not had a major strike since the Frontier Strike of the early 90’s. Most Strip resorts have already signed new contracts and it is expected that every property will come to a new labor agreement.

If you do have some concern (anything can happen), you may want to cancel. However… consider that someone is always talking of striking. Airline people, you name it. The odds of it affecting one particular person’s vacation anywhere are minimal. Employees prefer to keep working until a new accord is reached.

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:

  • 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.

September 30, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 29, 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!

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

Hello From Las Vegas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and I’m not talking Christmas. We men are celebrating the start of (American) Football season, unquestionably the most popular sport in the U.S. For the next four months, I’ll hear multiple excuses about why various staffers need to run errands… at right about 4 PM. (Prime Time college games start at 5 PM our time, NFL games at 6 PM). Funny… they seem to always return with a stack of sports book betting tickets!

The moms are happy the kids are back in school, and the singles are psyched about the opening of clubs Blush (Wynn Las Vegas) and LAX (Luxor). BTW… we can hook you up with VIP passes and table/bottle reservations at 800-696-5721.

VMA’s and AVP – Combine to make the biggest weekend in a long, long time this coming Sept. 6-9, 2007. The MTV Music Awards air live from The Palms on Sunday Sept. 9 at 9 PM Eastern. A few premium tickets are available but you better have one fat wallet to see this history-making Las Vegas event in person.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is live from Caesars Palace on the 6’th – 8’th (Tickets). Finals are televised on the 8’th on MyNetworkTV (check local listings) This is of special interest to us: The Gods and Goddess’ Tourney contest. Our good friend and business associate Harley Van Hyning won the Atlanta God of the Beach contest and is in the town for the festivities and finals.

Harley is currently best known for his DestinFloridaPodcast.com, which is well worth a listen for our friends from the south and Midwest who enjoy visiting Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida. He’ll also be doing some reporting for us here over the weekend on the recent opening of Blush Nightclub and other nightlife activities.

Features Will Return – Many of your favorite features like the photos of the week, reader questions, gambling tips, and reader submitted photos will return in September. Still plenty of news and information this week.

Enjoy This Issue!

King For A Day! Or At Least For 45 Minutes! Monty Python’s Spamalot Inaugurates “The Very Important Person Package” At Wynn Las Vegas – Monty Python’s Spamalot At Wynn Las Vegas Will Reveal “Secrets Of The Grail” With The Launch Of The Very Important Person Package (V.I.P.P.) On August 31. (Tickets) V.I.P.P. ticket holders will be escorted behind the curtain and taken backstage to see the inner sanctum of the Strip’s funniest show. They will sign a blood oath, swearing not to reveal any of the secrets, and violators will be impaled on a spike. The V.I.P.P. tickets go on sale August 22 and include premium seating, a 45-minute “Secrets of the Grail” backstage tour after the show and, a commemorative Grail cup (filled with beer or soft drink). Guests will be able to take once-in-a-lifetime photos with cast and crew, set pieces and props. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gwen Stefani Returns To The Pearl At The Palms October 26 – Pop Music Sensation Sean Kingston Joins Stefani – The Palms Casino Resort announced today that Gwen Stefani will return to The Pearl (Tickets) at the Palms Casino Resort following performing at the Grand Opening of the theater to a sold out crowd earlier this year. Stefani is set to return for an intimate performance on Friday, October 26, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. with support from pop singer Sean Kingston. Gwen Stefani is a music and fashion icon. Beginning with her career as the lead singer of the multi-platinum Grammy award winning band No Doubt, Stefani has performed the world over including the Super Bowl half-time show and opening slots for the Rolling Stones and U2. Click to Read The Full Story …

Velvet Revolver And Alice In Chains To Perform At Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, September 21 – Creative sparks fly each night Velvet Revolver, one of rock’s most electrifying bands, takes the stage throughout their current North American tour. (Tickets) This is certain to continue when they perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, Sept. 21. Alice in Chains, the popular metal rock band from Seattle, is scheduled to open the show at 8 p.m. The rock supergroup is comprised of Scott Weiland (lead vocals), Slash (guitars), Dave Kushner (guitars), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums). Click to Read The Full Story …

Kellie Pickler Set To Perform At Whiskey Pete’s Showroom – Proving you don’t have to win “American Idol” to become one, Kellie Pickler will perform at Whiskey Pete’s Showroom in Primm, Nev., on Friday, September 14 at 9 p.m. Tickets, priced at $24.95, plus applicable tax and fees are available at Whiskey Pete’s Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets. Pickler, an “American Idol” finalist last year, quickly became a fan favorite with her homespun, Southern-style charm and incredible vocal range. BNA Records, a subsidiary label of Sony BMG Music, released her debut album, “Small Town Girl” in late 2006. The first single from that album, “Red High Heels,” quickly climbed the country charts. Sales from Pickler’s album made her the best selling new country solo artist for 2006. Click to Read The Full Story …

Bottoms Up II: Burlesque Strikes Back – Las Vegas arguably longest running show (with only a couple of interruptions) is back. Bottoms Up is a rollicking romp in the bawdy style of old-fashioned burlesque comedy. Neither politically correct nor remotely for the kids, show Producer Breck Wall costars with David Harris, Sue Motsinger, James Dalton and a supporting cast of alluring male and female dancers. Click to Read The Full Story …

“Undefeated”: Mayweather vs. Hatton Lands At The MGM Grand Garden Arena In Las Vegas – The records are pristine and spectacular û a combined 81-0 with 55 knockouts. However, the stage is now set for “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather or Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton to face a blemish on their record Saturday, Dec. 8, (Tickets) something both men are willing to go to war to prevent. Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions are proud to present “UNDEFEATED”, a historic night of boxing featuring two undefeated champions battling for Mayweather’s World Welterweight Championship at the MGM Garden Arena. A fast sellout is expected as the fight already has the world buzzing in anticipation of seeing two of boxing’s premier, undefeated superstars finally meet in the ring. Click to Read The Full Story …

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:

  • 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.

August 29, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 25, 2007

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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
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

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