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This Issue: Shark Reef

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:HILTON SALE – Silverton Casino owner Ed Roski, Jr. has agreed to buy the Las Vegas Hilton. Rosky is a part owner of the L.A. Kings, Lakers, and Staples Center has plans to change the target audience from higher end players to convention visitors. Stories at:
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/news/13951032.html
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/news/13950896-a.html
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-13-Thu-2000/business/13956709.html

SUNDAY NIGHT PARTY – If you are a weekend warrior here who enjoys our “mega-clubs,” you are used to the long lines and crowds. So what happens the rest of the week? Many of those dealers, cocktail waitresses, and other service workers that worked so hard all weekend serving you have Mon. and Tue. off, and there is an all-out war for their business on Sunday night among the hot clubs. Book yourself a Sunday arrival and enjoy the club hopping on the night they go all out. Story at http://lvcitylife.com/art_lit/stories/00062901a.html

COCKTAIL WAITRESS LAWSUIT – Six Imperial Palace cocktail waitresses sued after being temporarily given other, lower paying positions during their pregnancies. Settlements ranged from $21-30,000 and they waitresses continue their employment at the resort. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-11-Tue-2000/news/13939127.html and this weeks poll asks what you feel the role of a cocktail waitress is. See our poll section.

HIGH ROLLERS – Ever wonder what your Las Vegas vacation would be if you had a gambling credit line of a million dollars or more? The R-J just did a great story with photos on some of the many high roller suites these big players are housed in at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-11-Tue-2000/lifestyles/13855105.html

REAGAN NATIONAL – America West and Las Vegas’ own National Airlines just got approved for new nonstop flights from the central D.C. airport to Las Vegas, and America West was approved for two flights from Reagan National to Phoenix, giving our friends in the nation’s capital more (and hopefully cheaper!) nonstop and one-stop options to Las Vegas. Full story at http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20000711/2443208s.htm

WAYNE – Las Vegas Magazine has a nice write-up on the Mr. Las Vegas at http://www.lasveganmagazine.com/lvn_issues/issue_0500/newton.html

ALADDIN PREVIEW – Gaming today is running a two-part series previewing the soon-to-reopen Aladdin Hotel at http://www.gamingtoday.com/current/cover/top_story.asp#top We are booking Aladdin rooms at discount at http://www.accessvegas.com/striphotels.htm (Aladdin link).

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

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

Nebulae – The European hit show has opened at The Venetian. The R-J’s review is at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-07-Fri-2000/weekly/13899348.html and general show details and tickets available at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=62&amid=143&cscheme=5

Hard Rock Hotel – L.A. Guns, Ratt, and Warrant on July 22, “Weird Al” Yankovic on July 27, Lenny Kravitz on July 28, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, B-52’s on Aug. 5, K.D. Lang Aug. 11, Deftones on Aug. 13, Jimmy Page plus The Black Crowes on Aug 16, and Culture Club on Nov. 14. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Engelbert Humperdinck July 11-16, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour July 28-29, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Face To Face Sept. 30, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement) and Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – Dan Folgelberg on Jul. 14, Hall and Oats on July 21, The Fixx on July 22, LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on July 29, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, Kiss with Ted Nugent Aug. 2, Brian Setzer on Aug. 8, Earth, Wind, and Fire on Aug. 16-19, Duran Duran Aug. 25-26, Little Feat Sept. 22, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Penn and Teller July 27 – Aug. 9, Sting on Aug. 19, Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13, and Pearl Jam on Oct. 22. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

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

Station Casinos – Paula Poundstone on July 28 at Sunset, and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes Aug. 4 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).

The Orleans – The Little River Band on Sept. 1-3, and The Everly Brothers Oct. 25-29. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).

Thomas & Mack – Korn, Powerman 5000 and Papa Roach on Aug. 9, Up In Smoke tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Eminem on Aug. 11, Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots on Sept. 13, AC/DC on Sept. 14, and Phish on Sept. 29. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

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FEATURE STORY: Shark Reef

Have you ever been to one of those seaside aquariums? “Baby, this ain’t one of those.” Mandalay Bay’s new Shark Reef features some of the most exotic and dangerous aquatic animals in the world and puts you right in the middle of it. They have built one of North America’s largest displays of sharks and other salt water predators.

The first part of the tour is through a tropical jungle, complete with lush green surroundings. You weave your way through a maze of a number of reptile displays, giving you possibly the closest ever safe look you’ll ever have at these intimidating creatures.

From there, you continue to walk through what looks like an ancient temple that has been claimed by the sea, eventually ending up underwater in part of a wrecked ship, surrounded by 1.6 million gallons of ocean water right here in the middle of our desert. These dangerous sharks, schools of fish, and displays of some of the most exotic marine life known to man aren’t just beside you, but above and below you as you walk through clear walls, floors and tunnels. (For the claustrophobic, let me note that the central rooms in the aquarium are very large — this isn’t like being stuck in an elevator).

Shark Reef includes almost 100 different species including:

Sharks: Include blacktip reef sharks, bonnethead sharks, nurse sharks and lemon sharks. Some species of sharks at Shark Reef will grow to be more than 12 feet long.

Tropical and Fresh Water Fish: Include several species of angelfish, puffer fish and tang fish. Venomous tropical fishes include such species as the radiated lionfish and coral catfish.

Reptiles: Crocodiles, green sea turtles and ravenous water monitors are among the reptile species displayed at Shark Reef.

Eels/Marine Invertebrates/Rays: Eels, invertebrates and rays each have exhibits to showcase their species at Shark Reef Moray eels, southern stingrays and hundreds of moon jellyfish are among these creatures.

We have a few minor complaints. Shark Reef is quite a hike from the main casino area (past the pool, the arena, convention area and then a little farther). They are looking to expand the resort in that part of the property, which will eventually feature a duplicate of their guests-only swimming area that will be open to the public. We hope they have some airport style people movers in the plans also.

There are flat screen monitors throughout the display but they don’t say much. Perhaps more informative multimedia displays are planned. Also, the $12.95 price was drawing a few grumbles from people at the ticket booth (although none once they were inside). Perhaps a $10 ticket price in line with the Secret Gardens of Siegfried and Roy would be in order. (Our Secret Garden review with photos is available at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-12-01.htm ).

Still, it is a pretty captivating experience and if you have even a remote interest in natures more exotic displays, it will be money well spent. There were plenty of children and teens who were thoroughly enjoying it but it left us adults just as much in awe.

Shark Reef is at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. Open daily from 10 AM until 11 PM, admission is $12.95. Children 12 and under and Nevada residents with ID are $9.95.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:Dina Pellatier wrote:

>The “Dr.á Naughty Comic Hypnotist” show at Bourbon Street is a
>terrible waste of money.á He and his staff are rude and physically
>abusive to those on stage.á For the sake of all those who come after,
>please do not promote the show — it should be closed.

We have yet to receive any requests to review it, and it’s not on our long term calendar. For those who want more info on Dr. Naughty the X-rated Comedy Hypnotist, you can find it at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=59&amid=143&cscheme=5

>Hi Ted,
>
>I enjoy getting your e-mails about Las Vegas! á My friends and I go
>fairly often.
>
>We just got back yesterday evening & had a somewhat disappointing
>time.á We wanted to go salsa dancing but no one knew of any place.
>Although, we were recommend Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay.á When we got
>there they weren’t playing anything in Spanish.
>
>HELP!

Good question and I have no answer offhand. Readers, if you can help, please drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com

James R. Clayton wrote:

>Hi ….á I understand the reason for the casinos wanting to go
>coinless …á reduction of personnel in the cages, the floor cashiers,
>and their money handlers in nearly every aspect.á Also, just the
>removal of all of that coinage they have to mess with is a relief to
>them and I’m certain to their banking institutions.á And on, and on,
>and on ……
>
>HOWEVER!á ….á We have a relatively large “Indian reservation casino”
>near here and it is 100% coinless.á It sucks!á It is nearly no fun at
>all to go there and play.á We immediately miss the clank and clatter
>of the LV style of casinos when we enter there.á In fact, we have
>nearly abandoned going to play anything there in the past 18 months.
>
>It may be a pain for the LV casinos, but, that’s what makes it Las
>Vegas!
>
>I suspect that most of the people who voted in your survey “for
>coinless” have never been in such a casino.á They will be the first
>and the loudest to cry when the casinos go “silent”!á Believe me: it’s
>like going to shop for a black suit at a funeral parlor.
>
>P.S.: Last words for you Las Vegans: There have been a couple of
>recent articles about “rowdies” and “rude players” in the LV casinos.
>Most of the time they are drowned out by the casino background noise
>(coins!).á When they go coinless, your nerves will be shot in ten
>minutes from the whooping and drunken yelling which will carry
>throughout the casino!

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

ONLINE POLL – “Do you believe a cocktail waitress’ job involves their looks?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks! This is controversial — remember you are anonymous when you vote. I’m simply going to report the results.Results from last weeks poll “If offered, would you prefer coinless slots?”

Give me coins — I love the “ping, ping, ping”! 67%
I’m not particular as long as I get paid. 10%
Coins are dirty and heavy — coinless is for me! 22%

FREE CONTESTS:

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

Imperial Get-Away – Register to win 3 days and 2 nights at the Imperial Palace Free!
Includes:
Deluxe room for two nights occupancy.
FREE Scratch Slotto Card. Over $1,200,000 in cash and prizes. Everyone’s a winner!
FREE Legends in Concert show, including two cocktails, in the Imperial Theater showroom Monday thru Friday.
FREE Emperor’s Buffet (Breakfast or Lunch) OR $5.00 towards food purchase in any of our fine restaurants.
Much more, enter at http://www.imperialpalace.com/win.html

SNAP LAS VEGAS – Trip for 2 to Las Vegas, including two round trip coach class airline transportation from the closest major airport to the winner’s home, 3 days/2 nights accommodations at the Luxor hotel, 2 day rental car and entertainment package, which includes Stratosphere Tower pass, Stratosphere lunch buffet, admission to The American Superstars and admission to Viva Las Vegas. Enter at http://nbci.webstakes.com/lowestfare/index.html

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

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

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
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All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
July 12, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770