Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 18, 2008

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! We are revamping our newsletter site https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com into a blog-style format. We’ve been doing this newsletter (which pretty much amounts to a weekly blog) since 1999, long before the word blog or blog-style websites existed. For those of you who read this newsletter online, bear with us. The current blog format is very readable, but can (and will) be inproved over the next few weeks to match the look, style and readability of our online version.

This also allows users of RSS/XML feeds two options for following everything here at AccessVegas.com:

  • Only This Newsletter: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/feed/
  • Everything new on AccessVegas.com (show reviews, photos, new stories and features) as it happens:
    http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

An “Only In Nevada” Type of Gas Card Promotion – According to the Review-Journal, A brother in Beatty, NV (about 130 miles north of Las Vegas) is offering gas cards ranging from $50 to $100 depending on how much you spend. Although the long-standing myth is that prositiution is legal in Las Vegas, the reality is that it is not legal in any county of over 400,000 residents. This includes Clark County (Las Vegas) despite all of the “dancers” to your room handbills.

Since Clark County is roughly the size of New Jersey and Las Vegas is centrally located in the county, this means quite a drive for those who want to indulge in the “world’s oldest profession”.

My suggestion if you are going to drive a couple of hours from Las Vegas? Take in Dante’s View which overlooks much of Death Valley. (Just don’t do it in the summer). Google Maps Street view has a great 360 degree shot of Dante’s View.

Open Your Wallet For Nevada Education – Once upon a time (prior to 2000), families didn’t move to Las Vegas in droves. Families living here didn’t expect Nevada to rank high nationally when it came to education. In fact, I recal numerous business news stories in the 90’s noting the difficulty of recruiting family men to work here in Las Vegas.

Most people were employed in gaming (or tourism-related jobs) and gaming taxes did a fine job of helping fund education.

Oh… how times have changed. Over a million people (including many families) have flocked to live here since then and now expect our education system to be as good as it was in the high-tax states they fled from. And… they want to do it on your backs. Right out of the pocketbook of our visitors. Read more: Nevadans say let tourists pay – Support strong for raising hotel room tax from 10 percent to 13 percent

Las Vegas unelmployment rate is above the national average. I wouldn’t suggest moving here unless you have a job waiting for you. Ironically enough, it is the construction downturn playing a big roll. Fewer people moving here means less new home, condo, and apartment construction. Not trying to sound negative. This is a great place to visit, and a pretty cool place to live. If you have a job.

Jay Leno’s Las Vegas shows next week will benefit Iowa flood victims. Emmy Award-winning comedian and television host Jay Leno will perform two special engagements at The Mirage Wednesday, June 25 and Friday, June 27 at 10 p.m. with proceeds going to The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Tickets are priced at $90 plus tax and are available at The Mirage box office or call (702) 792-7777.

My dad was born in Iowa where the family ran a service station in Dubuque before relocating to Santa Monica, CA in his youth so I have some ties to the state. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the flooding and our hearts and prayers go out to all affected.

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, Elton John, Jonas Brothers, Tina Turner, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Kenny Chesney, ColdPlay, James Taylor, Iron Maiden, Rascal Flatts, The Cure, Rush, NASCAR, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events


Featured Review:
Experience The Spice Of Life at “V The Ultimate Variety Show”

by Erin Guernsey

The old saying “variety is the spice of life” rings true at “V The Ultimate Variety Show.” Audience members are privy to witness an assortment of talented artists as they perform individualized specialty acts at the V Theatre inside the Miracle Mile Shops at The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

The show opens with the flamboyantly-funny host. This man strings together the various specialty acts with his amusing sense of humor. As the show progresses the audience learns that he is more than just a host. He is an accomplished performer who possesses excellent juggling skills. His skills range from juggling batons in the air, to hats on his head and even ping-pong balls in his mouth.

Click to Read Entire V Variety Show Las Vegas Review (with additional picures)…


Featured Review:
Crazy Girls Keeps It Simple, Yet Sensual and Captivating

by Guy Chapman

For over twenty years now, “Crazy Girls” has just been one of those Las Vegas mainstays. From its iconic bronze statue in front of the Riviera that tourists rub for good luck, to the ads that one can’t help but see when traveling The Strip, it’s easy to see why, once stepping into the fun-filled and sexy world of “Crazy Girls”.

The closest comparison to defining “Crazy Girls” is similar to what people would expect a classic “Golden Age” Las Vegas show to be. The girls perform a variety of acts that are playful and cheeky to sensual and alluring, set to music from the classic burlesque age to more modern songs. “Crazy Girls” keeps it simple, yet captivating, and for regular show-goers on The Strip, it makes for an experience that isn’t going to be found just anywhere else.

Click to Read Entire Crazy Girls Las Vegas Review (with additional picures)…


Celebrate The 4th Of July With Vertical Horizon And Mix 94.1 At Mandalay Bay Beach – Evening Highlighted By A Fireworks Extravaganza – Celebrate the 4th of July at Mandalay Bay Beach with Vertical Horizon and MIX 94.1-FM. A pre-concert barbeque at Border Grill will begin at 6 p.m.; the concert is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and will be followed by a fireworks show at 10:30 p.m. The barbeque at Border Grill will be available for an additional charge and will include great food, drink specials and prize giveaways. The show will be presented by MIX 94.1-FM and Mandalay Bay and the tickets are priced at $35, not including applicable taxes and service charges. Click to Read The Full Story …

New Female Lead Singer, Felice Garcia, Takes The Stage In The Folies Bergere At The Tropicana – Felice Garcia joins the cast of the legendary Folies Bergere (Tickets) as the new principal female singer at the Tropicana Resort & Casino. Felice is very familiar with the stage, performing since the young age of nine in talent shows, musicals, plays, pageants, civic events and other miscellaneous functions. This is her first big production show and is very excited to become part of the Folies Bergere family. “It was my dream as a child to be part of a well-known stage production like the Folies Bergere,” says Felice. “What better place to get my start in show business than in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Toby Keith Brings His “Biggest & Baddest Tour 2008” To Mandalay Bay Saturday, July 26 With Special Guest Montgomery Gentry – Tour also will Feature 2008’s Hottest New Country Talent Including Carter’s Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir. Toby Keith, a multi-platinum country music superstar, will bring his “Biggest & Baddest Tour 2008” sponsored by Ford F-Series, to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, July 26. (Tickets) Academy of Country Music award-winner Montgomery Gentry, as well as Carter’s Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir, will open the show at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …

First Lucky Winner At Sahara Hotel & Casino Wins Instant Upgrade To “Elvis” Penthouse Suite – Thomas Bagshaw was selected as the first winner of the Sahara Hotel & Casino’s Instant Upgrade promotion. Mr. Bagshaw, who had booked a standard room, was informed at check-in that he had been upgraded to the fabulous Presidential Suite, formerly inhabited by Elvis Presley during the filming of the classic film, “Viva Las Vegas.” Mr. Bagshaw hails from Gact, California. During the months of May through August, the legendary Sahara is offering the opportunity for hotel guests to win an instant upgrade to one of the Sahara’s most requested and famous classic penthouse suites – The Beatles Suite, where the Fab Four stayed in 1964 or The Presidential Suite, which has hosted such luminaries as The King himself, Elvis Presley. Click to Read The Full Story …

Pop Music Icon Janet Jackson To Bring Her “Rock Witchu Tour” To Mandalay Bay Friday, September 19 – Pop music icon Janet Jackson returns to the touring circuit for the first time in seven years when she kicks off her “Rock Witchu Tour” September 10 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The tour will land at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, Sept. 19 and the concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. (Tickets) The tour will feature the hit songs and innovative dance routines that have made Jackson one of the most celebrated artists in history. She has undeniably influenced pop culture with more than 100 million albums sold as well as countless hit singles, awards and accolades. Click to Read The Full Story …

Fun in the Sun, Las Vegas Style – The heat of summer is here, and many hotel pools are sure bet for a cool escape. Dip into these latest ways to make a splash in Las Vegas:

    À

  • MGM Grand unveils WET REPUBLIC, an alluring 53,000-square-foot ultra pool combining an exclusive nightlife vibe with poolside pampering and relaxation. An adults-only mecca for discerning partygoers, the glitterati and celebrities, WET REPUBLIC features distinct experiences within a series of intimate spaces and will redefine poolside entertainment as the first ultra pool in the world’s sexiest city. Elite VIP service, high-end amenities and renowned entertainers will be the standard at WET REPUBLIC.
  • Already a crowd favorite, Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay now features the only climate-controlled poolside gaming on The Strip. Nearby, Moorea Beach Club continues to draw sunseekers by providing high-energy music in a luxurious setting.

  • A paradise fit for royalty, the Excalibur pool has doubled its size – adding two luxurious pools and 17 cabanas stocked with all the essentials to keep cool. Just steps away, Drenched offers the latest in causal poolside dining.
  • In just a year, Bare at The Mirage has made a big splash. The adult pool, known best for its European-style sun bathing and exclusive VIP service, has quickly become a must visit for celebrities ranging from Fergie to Leonardo DiCaprio. New for 2008, Bare features a delectable menu by California Pizza Kitchen.

“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” And Netflix Join Forces To Find Contestants In Las Vegas – Channel 13 Welcomes “Millionaire” Producers for Contestant Auditions Wednesday, June 25 at Cannery Casino & Hotel in North Las Vegas, NV. “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” hosted by Emmy Award-winning host Meredith Vieira, and Netflix, the company that makes movie enjoyment easy, will join forces on Wednesday, June 25 in the Las Vegas, Nevada area to find contestants for the fourth installment of “Netflix Million Dollar Movie Week,” a specialty show which will feature movie-themed questions. Auditioners will also be given the opportunity to try out for a regular episode of the hit game show’s upcoming seventh season. Click to Read The Full Story …


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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $69, Flamingo from $59, Gold Coast from $34, Planet H. from $89, Rio Suites from $60, Sahara from $36, Strat. from $35, Tropicana from $45, Tuscany from $48, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

HI Ted,

I recently visited Vegas for 4 days and enjoyed it BUT the tables and slots are getting very, very difficult to win at. It is once in a blue moon that you win anything. I thoroughly enjoy Vegas and always have. I have probably made at least 15-20 trips there. Due to the “tightness” I’ll probably look elsewhere from here on in. 

The last few trips I keep telling myself that things will get better but they actually got worse. I’ll miss everything else about Vegas but when I gamble I need to win every once in awhile.

Thanks for the newsletter I enjoy that as well.

Christopher Kujawa

Ted Responds:

You aren’t the only one. Gaming win keep dropping despite pretty steady visitorship. Those with no clue blame it on the economy here in the U.S. but the rest of us know better:

Table game rules are worse and slots seem tighter. You used to be able to put $20 in a machine and know you’d get some decent play. Now you might as well set the $20 bill on fire. Why even bother? Your money is better spent at a top-end show, one of the many area tours (Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam… even a Mob Tour), or blowing it on a fine meal. At least you are getting some bang-for-your-buck.

Side Note: If gambling, do it downtown. The table game rules tend to be more favorible to the player and the slots seem to be looser (from the many reports that we get). Plus, they are much more thankful for your patronage.

Thanks for the input and thanks for reading. Please do tell your Vegas visiting friends about the newsletter!


My husband and I jst 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 everytime.

Thank You,

Kay


We are looking to get married in our fave place Vegas in may of 2009. We wanted to do it at The Nugget downtown as it has a large special meaning to us. No Elvis or married by Martians. Just a simple ceremony with a few close friends. Any do’s, dont’s or any other thoughts?

We both went through the big Circus wedding and now after finding each other (the mate we dreamed of) we just want something simple and nice. Any thoughts would be helpful!

Tim and Mary

Ted Responds:

Tim and Mary,

Contrats and a couple of thoughts:

I don’t believe that the GN has a wedding chapel. However, an overlooked way of doing a wedding is to rent one of the nicest suites (the kind with more than one room, a great view and similar) and have the wedding there. one can do this regardless of hotel.

The downside is having to do a little bit of legwork to arrange the minister, cake, and similar but a web search can go a long way there.

Also, much can probably be catered by the hotel. You may wish to call the hotel, tell them your thoughts, and ask what they can do (and the cost).

If you even want to keep things more simple, ask about the possibility of doing the ceremony by the pool, in a lounge (before it is open for the evening) or even on the casino floor. I know of a popular Los Angeles TV personality who got married at the craps tables at Caesars a couple of years ago!

If you want a bunch of random well-wishers, you can even get married on Fremont Street in front of the hotel.

Bottom Line: Provided you are staying at said hotel, call ahead and tell them you want to get married at the hotel and make it clear you want to talk to someone who handles group events at the hotel (or at least someone in catering). That person is best suited to work with 

Hope this helps and please let us know your progress!


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:

  • 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
  • Father’s Day June 21

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

June 18, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 11, 2008

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 14, 2008

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! A little muggy and smoky this week as western wildfires from far away send a little smoke our way and we continue to flirt with the 100 degree mark. No need to bring a coat or a sweater between now and sometime in September. The nights aren’t dipping below the mid-60’s F.

There has been some confusion over where and when Donny and Marie are playing here in Las Vegas. Prior to their agreement to play a prolonged run at The Flamingo, the brother/sister duo had a week of shows planned at the MGM.

Here are the actual dates for each with ticket links:

The Las Vegas is in a recession story has been parroted by journalist after journalist and is getting old. What is happening in Las Vegas tourism is not at all out of step with the ups and downs of past decades. Hotels are running at 95% occupancy. (Drive down The Strip on a Saturday night and tell me how much elbow room you have).

For those interested in my detailed analysis, I did a significant blog post about this at Las Vegas Is Not In A Recession… Puhleeeze

A rainbow over Las Vegas! Clouds are rare here and rainbows even more rare. Last month, we were out running errands and happened to see some of the following sites while over near McCarran (Las Vegas) airport:

Las Vegas Rainbow

Many will recognize this scene, taken as you are on Tropicana just before you make the right turn to Paradise Rd. headed to the airport for that trip home. Click on either photo to see a few more great photos of the rainbow, rich hued clouds, and airplanes.

Airplane taking off from Las Vegas

This photo is very important to us here at AccessVegas.com. Almost daily, we peer up and watch planes overhead bringing you to and from Las Vegas.

Sure, we like airplanes. But it goes well beyond that. There very well could be you (our readers) on each flight and the rigors of flying are not lost on us. Our United States readers are paying top dollar to fly in a sub-par airline market to come visit here.

Our international visitors have the luxury of using the worthless dollar to help deflect the cost of the trip. However, many of you are flying 12-16 hours to get here and that commitment to come visit isn’t lost on us either.

Next time you are on approach into Las Vegas… feeling that giddy excitement of the fun to come… we just may be watching from the ground. Content and happy with the part we play to enhance your trip here.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


Featured Review:
American Superstars – The Biggest Stars Live

By Guy Chapman

Elvis Presley. áTim McGraw. áRod Stewart. áChristina Aguilera. áMichael Jackson. áThese five names are considered to be some of the most popular and well-known acts in the music industry.á

Each artist on their own is able to command a sizable ticket price when going to see them in concert, but on the Las Vegas Strip, there’s a way to see all five of these acts in one show… or close enough to provide an entertaining spectacle of lights, dance and song. áWith the “American Superstars” show at the Stratosphere, this production showcases an entertaining group of tribute artists that provides a concert that wouldn’t happen anywhere else.

Click to Read Entire American Superstars Las Vegas Review…


Featured Review:
The World According Ronn Lucas

By DW Grant

In Ronn Lucas’s world anything can argue with you; dragons, microphones, socks, feet, bare hands, and even some audience members. The 90 minute show, on stage almost everyday at 1 PM at the Thunder Room at the Excalibur Hotel is a fun world for both children and adults.

But the afternoon really belongs to his collection of partners, some he brings out of a trunk and some he brings up from the audience. Buffalo Billy flirts with the ladies in the front seats and duets “Row Your Boat” with Ronn, even though Ronn tries to warn him a ventriloquist can not duet with his dummy. Amazingly they do it anyway, and we can┤t help but love it.

For children Ronn offers “Scorch,” the teenage dragon, trashing-talking his master and singing songs like “Teenager in Love” and rapping other teen faves.

Click to Read Entire Ronn Lucas Las Vegas Review…


Donny & Marie To Debut At Flamingo Las VegasFlamingo Las Vegas announces Donny and Marie Osmond as the resort’s newest headliner in the Flamingo Showroom. Tickets Beginning Sept. 9, the duo will dazzle audiences of all ages with their iconic style of entertainment. Presented by Danny Gans and Chip Lightman of GansLight Entertainment, the 90-minute extravaganza will highlight Donny & Marie’s greatest hits in a multimedia spectacle presented on a custom designed stage with multiple video screens and a large cast of dancers. Click to Read The Full Story …

Journey, Heart And Cheap Trick Together At Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, July 18 – Three legendary rock bands are teaming up for what is sure to be the tour of the summer. JOURNEY, Heart and Cheap Trick are heading out on the concert trail and will stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, July 18. Tickets The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …

Valentina Comes From Russia With Love For ‘Crazy Girls’ – Valentina Smirnova’s nickname is “Valusha” and hails from the Baltic Sea. “Valusha” moved to Las Vegas via San Francisco as a performer in “Crazy Girls” (Tickets) at the Riviera. She has been performing in “Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue” for a year-and-a-half now. The 5′ 8″ tall dark-haired beauty is a native of Kaliningrad, Russia where her parents still live. She models and does commercials. She said, “I bought my first car after winning $5,000 in the 2003 Miss Russia California Pageant. My first love is to dance but I also like to travel, socialize, sing and I enjoy all four seasons of the year. I love change, adventure, enthusiasm, interacting in large groups as opposed to one-on-one situations and I am a chameleon who can transform my appearance and nature to suit the environment.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Spirits/Cigar Lounge In Andre’s At The Monte Carlo – With a collection of over two hundred cognacs, armagnacs and calvados plus another forty ports available, you are guaranteed a unique experience at Andre’s Spirits and Cigar Lounge. We have products that are not widely available and so rare that they’re exclusive outside of a private collection. An example is our vintage cognac tasting; this consists of the Hardy Reserve Vintage 1848, Lheraud Vintage 1900, and Hardy Reserve Vintage 1914. Click to Read The Full Story …

Hog Wild For Kids Charity Event To Take Place May 18th -áStrap on your leather chaps, Hogs & Heifers Saloon is hitting the roads with Hog Wild for Kids, a charity motorcycle ride and event to be held Sunday, May 18, 2008. With all proceeds benefiting Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation’s (NVCCF) Camp Cartwheel, Hog Wild for Kids charity motorcycle ride will be revving up their engines as participants cruise the scenic back roads through Red Rock and out to The Mountain Springs Saloon for a rest stop and group photo before ending back to Hogs & Heifers Saloon in downtown Las Vegas (201 North 3rd Street). Click to Read The Full Story …

Randy Owen & Sugarland To Perform At The Fremont Street Experience During The Week Vegas Goes Country For The 43rd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards – The Academy of Country Music (ACM) is announcing that on May 16 Randy Owen and on May 17 Sugarland will perform at Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is the title sponsor of the two-day party featuring free, open-to-the-public musical performances and boot-stompin’ fun. Click to Read The Full Story …

‘Legends In Concert’ Celebrates Silver Anniversary – Longest-Running Independently Owned Production Show On The Strip – On May 5, 1983, tribute artists Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, Bobby Darin and Elvis performed on the stage at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino, and “Legends in Concert” was born. (Tickets) More than 15,000 performances later, impersonators Jay Leno, Dolly Parton, Madonna, the Temptations and Elvis will take to the stage on Monday, May 5, as “Legends” reaches a significant milestone achieved by few entertainment shows anywhere: 25 years of providing family-oriented, value-priced live musical entertainment, two shows per night, six nights per week. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: The Lady M – Part Two – with Victor H. Royer. “See those machines?” he asked, pointing to the three new machines that were brought over. I nodded. “These are $500 machines,” he continued. “That’s $500 per token! And each machine takes three of them. That’s $1,500 per pull, on three machines at the same time. She bets $4,500 per pull. It takes about one minute for her to make these pulls. There are 60 minutes per hour, right? This means she puts in $270,000 per hour! Actually, given distractions, hand-pays, and so on, it averages to about $230,000 to $250,000 per hour. Every hour. And she plays for eight to twelve hours per session. That’s pretty good for one player.” Click to Read Complete Article…


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Mark’s family is in town from the Miami area this week and I’m pulling a little double-duty so we can free him up for some needed time off. This Members Mania section (where we print reader comments and questions with my answers) will return next week

A quick non-Vegas tip for this week: If you enjoy visiting Florida’s Emerald Coast (Destin, Pensacola, and Panama City Beach), our good friend Harley Van Hyning has a twice-monthly newsletter for that area very similar to this one! He’s an area native and shares all the inside tips, plus links to their local news stories (of interest to visitors) and area photos.

If you love to visit that area (as I do), subscribing is a must. There is no charge and we’ll make it easy: Simply visit DestinFloridaPodcast.com and use the sign-up box on the right sidebar. (Hint: the podcast newsletter is the ásame one with all the features noted above).

Happy Reading!


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:

  • 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
  • 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.

May 14, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

á

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 9, 2008

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.

Can’t see all the great photos and graphics? Click to Read This Issue Online! Need to contact us? Send feedback to AllVegasTV@aol.com

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

This newsletter is 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.


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! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No jingle bells here. I’m talking about how we are heading into those precious few weeks where the high temperature is around 85 or 90 (F) with a low around 60. In my book, it doesn’t get much better. With our dry climate, 90 is great and during this time, and it is never too hot or too cold.

Spring Membership Drive!

No, we aren’t going to ask for your money or promise you a DVD for a $60 pledge. (Note to self… maybe that isn’t a bad idea).

This newsletter is always sent at no charge and we are keeping it that way. As you can imagine, tremendous time and effort goes into each issue and we love to be your connection to Las Vegas. We’d love to serve you even better: Trip-a-month giveaways, tons of free tix, prizes, Vegas stuff plus even more extra expanded coverage of all the great things you email and ask about.

So how can you help us help you? Simple:

We need every reader to tell their friends and co-workers to check up out and subscribe. More readers = even more clout = even more pull to get you better information, deals, and offers.

1. There are people in your email address book that visit or are thinking about visiting Las Vegas and you may not even know it! How about sending an email blast to all your relatives, business associates, friends and/or everyone else and just saying “You know I love Vegas and always know what is happening. I want to help spread the wealth! Please head over to http://www.accessvegas.com/newsletter and check out the best Las Vegas information anywhere.

2. You may belong to a club or organization that has a message board, bulletin board, or newsletter that allows member postings and classifieds. Put in a mention for us!

3. Some of you enjoy reading various online travel forums and blogs. Make sure when you participate you let all your online friends and the readers know you enjoy our information, and to come on by and sign up!

4. Do the stores, restaurants, and other businesses you visit have a free-for-all cork board where people can post misc. stuff? Grab a few 3×5 cards, write “Free Insider Las Vegas Newsletter AccessVegas.com” and stick a few up around town.

We very much appreciate it. Our resources go into publishing the newsletter. We rely on you to help spread the word.

More Cher Tickets On Sale – We’ve had numbers of emails from people saying “I’m coming later in the year, how come no Cher dates?” September and October Cher tickets are finally on sale! Click to Cher Caesars Palace Las Vegas Tickets.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


Featured Review:
Folies Bergere – Timeless Showgirls and Classic Entertainment

by Chuck Stanec

Raw. Provocative. Sexy. Alluring. Just a few words among many that can be used to describe Les Folies Bergere at the Tropicana. If you’re looking for a trip into Las Vegas past, this is it — without the DeLorean.

When one thinks of old Vegas, they envision the big, bold shows with the tall and supple women and the huge, bright feathers that adorn them. The energy, the passion, and the colors all appease the senses as you’re engulfed into history. The transient experience makes it feel as if you can walk out of the theater and sit down with Dean, Frank, and Sammy for a drink.

Click to Read Entire Folies Bergere Las Vegas Review…


Featured Review:
Stomp Out Loud – A Journey Through Rhythm and Percussion

by Erin Guernsey

For those seeking high-energy entertainment, comedic antics and pure theatrical brilliance look no further than Stomp Out Loud located at The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Don’t let the show’s humble opening of one lonely cast member sweeping the stage fool you as it barely gives a hint of what is to come.

Every night the talented performers take audience members on a journey through the world of rhythm and percussion. The show throws the definition of a traditional musical instrument out the window by creating magnificent sounds from the most random objects such as keys, lighters, trash cans and lids, brooms, sand, plastic bags and of course à kitchen sinks.

Click to Read Entire Stomp Out Loud Las Vegas Review…


Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble And Josh Groban To Perform In Concert At Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, May 23 To Pay Tribute To Songwriter And Producer David Foster – A one-night-only concert celebration featuring music’s most beloved stars including Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble and Josh Groban, will take place Friday, May 23 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. (Tickets) The event, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., will pay tribute to the celebrated songwriter and producer David Foster. Foster also will perform the hits he has written or produced with many of the artists with whom he has worked over the course of his 35-year career. Click to Read The Full Story … ‘Crazy Girl’ Lizzie Comes From Family Of ‘Just The 11 Of Us’ – Elizabeth “Lizzie” Grantham has that girl-next-door look and is the newest resident of Green Valley after buying a newer repo. The Memphis-born dancer has lived in Las Vegas since the age of 12 and is the second to the youngest of nine children but she has performed in “Crazy Girls” (Tickets) at the Riviera Hotel & Casino for three years. “I was born in Memphis, and I actually began my dance training there at age 8 in this little dance studio. It wasn’t until I arrived in Las Vegas,where I went to junior high and high school, that I got serious about dance. I learned a lot about choreography at the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts where I attended high school and was a dance major.” Click to Read The Full Story …

“Tim McGraw ’08 Live Your Voice Tour” Lands At Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, June 21 – Tim McGraw was accompanied by wife Faith Hill and completed “Soul2Soul II”, the most successful consecutive multi-year tours in country music history. Now, the popular headliner and country music icon returns to touring as a solo act and will bring the “Tim McGraw ’08 Live Your Voice Tour” (Tickets) to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, June 21. The concert, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., will feature special guests Jason Aldean and Halfway To Hazard (David Tolliver and Chad Warrix). Click to Read The Full Story …

David Letterman’s Intern Reigns At ‘Crazy Girls’ – Magician Tony Douglas Referred To As “Chicken Salad Sandwich Guy” – Tony Douglas is a native of Long Island who has been performing magic and comedy practically all of his life but the newcomer to “Crazy Girls” (Tickets) was brought onboard because of the repeat customers. Tony started at the bottom as an intern for CBS’ “The Late Show” as David Letterman’s “Chicken Salad Sandwich Guy.” His energy and demeanor on-stage is contagious and the audience soon finds themselves laughing so hard that it hurts. Tony Douglas’ comedy is a combination of self-reflection of poking fun at everyday events. While his magic is both audience participation and pure illusion, he entertains all demographics with his wit and humor in “Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue.” He said, “I’ll be doing my rope tricks and some other western-style tricks.” Click to Read The Full Story …

R&B Superstar Alicia Keys To Bring “Alicia Keys As I Am Tour” With Special Guests Ne-Yo And Jordin Sparks To MGM Grand Friday, May 9 – Alicia Keys, one of the most prolific performers and recording artists in the world, will bring her highly anticipated “Alicia Keys As I Am Tour” presented by Lexus, to the MGM Grand Garden Arena Friday, May 9. (Tickets) The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. and will feature special guests Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks. Keys is enjoying one of the most successful years of her career as a performer, producer and songwriter. She received a Grammy Award for “Best R & B Song” for the smash single “No One,” and also won a Grammy for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.” Click to Read The Full Story …


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I have just returned from a week in Las Vegas (visit at least three times a year) and I was thrilled to NOT SEE quite so many of the people that thrust the GIRL TO YOUR ROOM cards in front off you as you walk down the Strip. Was it my imagination or has there been some kind of a crackdown on them? Love your site, you have the best news on Las Vegas on the web – Thanks!

Mark
Cape Cod, MA

Ted Responds:

It could have been the areas or times of day you were out. More convention traffic or guys weekend (Superbowl and similar) usually means more of those handouts.

The ACLU has fought and the courts have agreed that they constitute federally protected free speech. I don’t like them anymore than you do and for what it is worth, the girls that get sent to someone’s room don’t look half as good as the ones on the flyers.


Dear Ted. I’ve read quite a few negative letters/comments about the Las Vegas monorail. I’d like to give a positive spin on it. My friends and I tried it for the first time on our last visit in October 2007 while staying at the MGM. We loved it and thought it was a great way to get around. Sure there’s a bit of a walk from the stations to the casinos but its Vegas baby!!! Pretty much every place in Vegas is a bit of a walk.

We found it a very convenient way to get around. Especially when you’re tired and you want to get from Harrah’s to the MGM without ‘hoofin it’. Plus, it was a great way to visit the Hilton (off strip).

For those who think the Deuce is the best way to get around…PAHLEEZE!!! In most cases I can walk from location to location faster than the bus gets me there. They are crowded and they stop too often, and the stops take FOREVER!!! I’m not sure why they don’t have an express bus. Especially one that maybe stops 3 times on the strip and then shoots to downtown. But that’s for a whole other letter.

All in all the monorail was a clean, non-crowded, fast, and fairly inexpensive ($9 for 24 hours) way to get around the strip. We would hate to see it shut down. Come on Vegas visitors…give it a try.

Thanks
Sharla

Ted Responds:

Monorail is great it you are staying at one of the hotels along the route. However, it is pretty much worthless to get from (lets say) Treasure Island to Monte Carlo, Stratosphere to Wynn, and so many similar trips. It isn’t that anybody hates it. It simply isn’t useful for most.

The Duece is slow for those going a long way on The Strip, but a pretty good option for shorter hops. Plus, you don’t have to tip the driver or worry that you are getting long-hauled.


Dear Ted, My wife and family have visited Vegas every year for the last 9 years from our home in the UK. After the first few times getting snarled up in traffic on the strip I “discovered” Koval and Dean Martin (formerly Industrial) both of which run parallel with the strip for part of it .

So if we want to go to the middle of the strip from our hotel (we usually stay at the Orleans which is ex. value and child friendly ),we go east on Tropicana cross the strip, take a left onto Koval take another left into the parking garage of Planet Hollywood and walk straight into the shopping mall. You can do the same on the west side of the strip and swing into Treasure Island.

Enjoy the newsletter see you all in September.

Best wishes,
Paul Austin

Ted Responds:

Hey Paul, why don’t you put a cork in it and quit giving away all our “local” secrets! (I’m kidding, or course).

You are correct: Too many people think they have to take The Strip to get anywhere and just end up sitting in traffic. While side roads can have traffic tie-ups, they usually are not as bad. You can check out this Las Vegas Google Map to see where Koval (east) and Dean Martin (west, across I-15) are.

Dean Martin Drive looks off the beaten path, but the two minutes it takes to get over and on it are child’s play as the road usually flows quite smoothly!


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:

  • 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
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12

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.

April 9, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 2, 2007

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:

Ted is on assignment this week. Please enjoy this newsletter prepared by staff.

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


Featured Review:
Mac King’s Comedy Magic Show Leaves Everybody Happy

by Bethany Dixon

In the second row of Harrah’s Showroom Theatre, ten-year-old Micah Oka says, “My favorite trick is when you tell your friends’ future with their shoe. You hold the shoe and you say: You are going to go for a short trip verrrryyy soooooon…” He pauses for effect and stares very seriously over his Harry Potter-like glasses. “Then you throw their shoe so that they have to go get it! Get it!?” Micah grins, delighted. He’s been reading magical comedian Mac King’s books for half of his life, and getting the chance to see his mentor live is making it difficult for him to sit still. His enthusiasm is contagious, and the buzz in the purple and gold theatre is electric from those who know what they are about to see.

The Mac King show at Harrah’s Showroom Theatre is a stand-up comedy magic show. Mac King includes volunteers from the audience, a few props, and a surprising camping guest in his one-man act. The show has been running at one and three in the afternoon Tuesday through Saturday since January 11, 2000.

Click to Read Entire Mac King Comedy Magic Show Review…


Featured Review:
Bodies – The Exhibition Las Vegas Uncovers Wonders You Have Never Seen

by Mark Marino

Las Vegas has never been shy about showing off the human body, but Tropicana has given their guests a lifetime opportunity to view many bodies more intimately than ever before. BODIES is an eye widening exhibit that offers a compelling way to understand the amazing and complex layers of the human machine.

Through a process of special preservation, once dead body tissue is rubberized with a silicone polymer and resurrected to a live human form. The world of inventive science and modern medicine present itself in a museum full of real bodies and parts. The entire body is dissected and reassembled for an absolutely lucid and intriguing look at everything piece by piece. Often times these specimens are completely out in the open, allowing guests to get as close as they like and stare without hesitation into the intricate structures that belong to all of us.

Click to Read Entire Bodies – The Exhibition Review…


Robin Williams Returns To MGM Grand For Memorial Day Weekend Performance Sunday, May 25 – Robin Williams, one of the most gifted actors and comedians of our time, returns to the MGM Grand Garden Arena for a Memorial Day Weekend performance Sunday, May 25. (Tickets) The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Academy Award-winner and Grammy winner Robin Williams began his career as a stand-up comedian and has created a repertoire of indelible characters, first in the hit series “Mork & Mindy” and then in numerous film roles. Click to Read The Full Story …

Register now for the 2008 Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon – Runners are encouraged to visit www.lvmarathon.com before March 31 to register for the 2008 Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon. Currently, registration is $85 for the full marathon and $75 for the half marathon. On April 1, fees for the 2008 Marathon will increase to $95 for the full marathon and $85 for the half marathon. Contrary to previous years, the 2008 Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon is limiting the number of participants. Once 20,000 runners are signed up for the full and half marathon combined, registration will be closed. Click to Read The Full Story …

Mega Bubble Show Opens At The Steve Wyrick Theatre, Planet Hollywood Hotel And Casino – Fresh off an appearance on the Oprah show, Fan Yang and his MEGA BUBBLE SHOW burst onto the Vegas Strip. (Tickets) The first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with spectacular light effects, dazzling lasers, and awesome displays of bubble mastery, this unforgettable experience is not to be missed. The MEGA BUBBLE SHOW will be making its Las Vegas debut with thirteen shows a week in the $35 million dollar Steve Wyrick Theatre in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning February 2, 2008 and will feature Fan Yang, the production’s creator and 14-time Guinness World Record holder. Click to Read The Full Story …

Strange Brew is playing Roxy’s Lounge at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall every Friday and Saturday night from 10:30 pm-3 am. – Strange Brew brings a level of energy, musical accolades and talent to every performance that is unrivaled in their musical arena. This group of dynamic performers has a repertoire of nearly 80 songs and the musical depth to perform classic rock hits others consider off limits. Their sets include challenging favorites such as Boston, Journey, Toto, AC/DC and more.

The Rio’s Village Seafood Buffet In Las Vegas Debuts – Las Vegas’ Only Seafood Buffet Features Interactive Sushi Stations, Sommeliers and More Than 13,000 Square Feet and 200 Tons of Fresh Seafood from Every Corner of the Earth. Having taken the buffet concept to new heights, the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is set to once again redefine the category with the Village Seafood Buffet’s that is NOW OPEN. Click to Read The Full Story …

MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris Announce The Winners Of The First Ever American AuditionsMGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris and special guest judge, Dita Von Teese announced the winners of the cabaret’s first ever American auditions at Tab· Ultra Lounge Thursday, March 6. (Tickets) More than 50 dancers vied for a spot in the elite dance troupe, but after a three-day audition process, four women were chosen to join the Crazy Horse Paris family. The winners are Krystle Richeson from Virginia Beach, VA; Elena Lee Rodriguez from Miami, FL; Polina Volchek from Las Vegas, NV and Kara McKinney from Roanoke, VA. Click to Read The Full Story …

Wolfgang Puck’s CUT Opens At The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino – CUT, Wolfgang Puck’s critically acclaimed, Beverly Hills steakhouse, is now open at The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino. CUT in Las Vegas is the second location for master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck’s award-winning Beverly Hills steakhouse. Widely acknowledged as one of the most popular restaurants in the United States, CUT in Beverly Hills has raised the bar within the fine dining industry and has garnered high praise from prestigious publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times (Three Stars), Wall Street Journal and Wine Spectator and was named one of the top three steakhouses in America by Bon AppÚtit Magazine. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Ten – with Victor H. Royer. Video Keno Strategy Continued- While Video Keno is not necessarily among the best games that may be available — odds wise when seen from that perspective — it isn’t one of the worst games either. There are many video poker versions, for example, whose payback percentages are a lot worse than those in Video Keno, while the odds of winning something are thousands of times longer than their comparable cash-equivalent wins in Video Keno. Click to Read Complete Article…


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:

  • 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
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12

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.

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

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 13, 2008

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! Winter in Las Vegas is over. Finally! This past weekend brought us 70 degrees (F) and it looks like the chilly months have ended. Certainly, the temperature is bound to fluctuate. But it looks like shirt-sleeve weather from now until sometime in October.

Trivia Question Winner – Sheena Foster won our Superbowl trivia contest for a grab bag of stuff from our prize closet (see last week’s issue for details). We were swamped with answers. I wrote back to the first few, but had to give up from there because so many. Thanks to all who entered! Here were the questions (with answers noted):

  • What famous (infamous) casino owner put a million dollar bet on the Super Bowl at a small, dive casino on The Strip? Bob Stupak, although we also accepted Gene Maday, the owner of Little Ceasers casino as he personally took Stupak’s bet. Everbody but two entries had Stupak correct. Only 17 people had all three answers correct.
  • What was the name of that casino? Here is where most went wrong. Almost everybody put Vegas World. Yes, Stupak owned Vegas World. Which is exactly why he did not place the bet there. (You really can’t place a bet with yourself). Stupak took the money to Gene Maday’s Little Caesars.This place was a dive casino in a strip mall. A few $1 blackjack tables, a bunch of penny slots (the old kind… that actually took pennies and you had to pull on the handle) and a couple of crapsless craps tables. Oh… and probably the most infamous sports book in town. If you wanted to hear what the wise money was thinking and doing, this is where to be.
  • What sits now where that casino used to be? Little Caesars sits where Paris Las Vegas now resides (although we accepted Bally’s/Paris for an answer). In a run-of-the-mill strip mall with a great parking lot in back. What made the parking lot so great? No one remembered it was there! Even on Friday night, you could pull in and find a spot.

We featured a “must read” recap of that very story way back in this very newsletter… on October 27, 1999 (read archived issue here). Also, I highly suggest visiting Bob Stupak’s website where he has a video archive of the news surrounding his winning bet. Head to http://www.bobstupak.com/gambler.html and click on the both Superbowl Bet and Million Dollar Man links in the video area.

Celebrate Leap Year – For those of you using the extra day we get this month to visit your favorite city (Las Vegas, of course), Sushi Roku and sister restaurant BOA Steakhouse in The Forum Shops are offering sinful specialty shots for $2.29 all day long on February 29. We aren’t talking the rot gut stuff. Specialty drinks include the PAMA Shade (Malibu Rum and other liquors), Tokyo Cooler (Skyy Vodka, lemon, lime and more), Very Sexy (Belvedere Cytrus Vodka based) and others. Plus, these are two very cool places to hang out. You don’t want to miss this one.

Very Vintage Vegas – The big real estate news last week was that most of the top 10 forclosure zip codes were in Las Vegas. What struck me was that these zip codes were all in brand new areas of town. Far too many people foolishly bought overpriced (and in many cases poorly built) crackerboxes with no yard, located on the edge of town, far from all the things that make Las Vegas great. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

If you are going to buy a home here, buy in an established neighborhood. You can (and should) read more about this on a blog post I responded to at Foreclosures: 100 worst hit zip codes – But They’re NOT In Vintage Las Vegas

Finally… since we are talking so much about old school Las Vegas, Mark dug up this very cool video featuring footage of The Strip from the past. This is what Las Vegas looked like when I first moved here those many years ago: 35mm Stock Fooage Las Vegas Sights

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Welcomes Two Veteran Performers To Broadway Caliber Cast – Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular, at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, is thrilled to announce the addition of two new lead cast members to its talented line up. (Tickets) Noted Las Vegas actress Tina Walsh and experienced musical theatre performer Andrew Ragone join the show on February 11, 2008. Playing the role of “Madame Giry” is Tina Walsh, a talented Las Vegas fixture known for her roles in the original company of Mamma Mia! Las Vegas, long-running Strip production EFX!, Hugh Jackman in Time, Jerry Springer The Opera and Closer than Ever. Click to Read The Full Story …

After breaking every rule on the Las Vegas Strip, MAMMA MIA! (Tickets) raised the bar again last night as it welcomed its 2 millionth guests, Jack Elliot, Ph.D. and Stacey Rich, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Based on the songs of ABBA, MAMMA MIA! continues to be the longest-running and most successful full-scale Broadway musical to ever hit Las Vegas. Currently in its fifth year, MAMMA MIA! sets the precedent for Broadway musicals in Las Vegas. Since premiering on February 13, 2003, this beloved show has remained an absolute sensation and a locals’ favorite that keeps the audiences dancing in the aisles night after night.

The Strip’s Hottest Show Teams Up With Las Vegas’ Most Popular Athletic Club To Introduce New Class Hip, Hoppin’ And Stompin’ – STOMP OUT LOUD and Las Vegas Athletic Club Debut New Class to Get Your Heart Pumping. (Stomp Out Loud Tickets) Hip, Hoppin’ and Stompin,’ is the exciting new class on the LVAC roster. Set to today’s hottest music and live drum accompaniment provided by STOMP OUT LOUD cast members, this class fuses hip-hop, dance and body percussion creating an exhilarating workout. Click to Read The Full Story …

David Spade Performance Dates Begin February 15-16 – Comedy superstar David Spade brings his stand up to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. (Tickets) The Saturday Night Live alum and long-time Las Vegas headliner will bring his hysterical comedy show to The Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, for a series of dates in 2008. Known for his sarcastic and witty humor, David Spade has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years. David Spade performs at the Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the following dates: February 15-16, March 14-15, April 11-12, July 25-26, August 30-31, October 10-11, October 24-25 and November 28-29. All shows begin at 10 p.m.

First American Auditions For MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris March 3 û 6MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris will hold the first American auditions in the Crazy Horse Group’s history March 3 – March 6. (Crazy Horse Tickets) A well-known celebrity guest judge, who will be named at a later date, will help determine which three lucky winners will be chosen to join the prestigious dance troupe. For the first time, the legendary cabaret will hold auditions in the United States to cast three girls in the Parisian dance troupe. Click to Read The Full Story …

Escape Cold Weather Blues, Plan Summertime Fun Now – Chilly temperatures have you dreaming of fun in the sun? Winter may have just begun, but the time to start planning a summer getaway is now. Here are some sizzling ways to heat up your next vacation:

  • Get Bare at The Mirage Bare at The Mirage provides an exclusive adult alternative to the typical pool experience. Offering luxury dipping pools, chaise lounges and private daybeds, guests of Bare enjoy European-style sunbathing under the warm Las Vegas sun. Standard VIP service includes chilled cucumbers for the eyes, exotic frozen fruit skewers and mini-fruit smoothies.
  • Recharge at Luxor’s Restore Pool Restore Pool at Luxor offers guests 21 years of age and older a spa-like sanctuary. Sleek chaises, cabanas and daybeds provide a plush lounging environment. Complimentary amenities ranging from iced towels to frozen fruit slices ensure an upscale experience.
  • Monte Carlo Offers Fun in the Sun Monte Carlo’s pool complex offers a serene escape from life’s demands. Guests can grab a raft and float on the Easy River Ride or body surf in the city’s first-ever Wave Pool. Private cabanas include a flat-screen television, phone, safe and wireless Internet access as well as a refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water, sodas and fruit platter.
  • Mandalay Bay Beach Ups the Ante Featuring 11 acres of tropical-inspired poolside bliss including 2,700 tons of sand and an exciting wave pool, Mandalay Bay Beach redefines summertime fun. The world-famous pool destination also features a new three-story Beachside Casino. On the first level, the Beach Bar & Grill provides tasty fare to sunbathers. One floor up, guests can enjoy a climate-controlled casino overlooking Mandalay Bay Beach. On the third level, the exclusive Villas Soleil each offer cozy seating, a day bed, wet bar, 50-inch flat-screen television, MP3 player, safe and a private deck.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just wanted to comment on my trip to Vegas last weekend. My boyfriend and I tried to get in to see the Pussycat Dolls at Caesars, waited 1 1/2 hours in line, and by 11:30 pm we still weren’t guaranteed to get in. What do you have to do to get in a club? That was on a Friday night. Sat. night, luckily, we were staying at the Venetian and I requested VIP passes to get into TAO nightclub. So we got in the VIP line around 8:30 pm. We were told by the bouncers that there were going to be thousands of people there that night since it was the 2nd Anniversary of their opening.

Also, after about a 1/2 hour waiting in line, one of the bouncers told my boyfriend that he wouldn’t be able to entered the club without a collar shirt. We had to get out of line and go in the mall and purchase a shirt. The Venetian employees that we spoke to never told us about that! So we got back in line and we were able to get right in. OK, we got in, but there is no where to sit! All seating was reserved from $5,000 to $15,000 each section. So we stood until about 11:30 pm and then we just couldn’t stand anymore and left.

It was very discouraging trying to get into clubs every night. Can you help with any tricks or tips you have?

Thank you very much!
Cindy Hoplamazian

Unfortunately, you had every factor working against you on the same night.

  • Virtually every club has a dress code for men which often requires things like a shirt with a collar, no tennis shoes (even dress casual sneakers), no baseball caps, you get the picture. Women can get away with almost anything (or almost nothing) if it is sexy and they look good in it.
  • Nightclubs are “standing room only” unless you purchase table/bottle service which can range from a few hundred dollars on a normal night into the tens of thousands on an “event” night. It is a custom imported from Europe and a huge profit center for the clubs.
  • Don’t bother hitting a club (even with VIP passes) on a huge night like their anniversary of some kind of similar big celebration or celeb event. You’ll have trouble getting in because every industry insider and club regular (plus tons of celebs from out-of-town) are given priority. And no, you won’t get close to the celebs even if you get in.
  • DO buy a VIP pass for any other (more regular) night. This can be the difference between waiting 20-30 minutes in line (a club can only hold so many people, no matter what) and waiting upwards of two hours. We strongly suggest Travelnice for nightclub passes. They are a quality company and have been around for quite some time with no complaints.

The great thing about Las Vegas? If these kind of clubs aren’t particularly for you, plenty of other options exist. Almost every casino has a lounge area with some great live music where you don’t have to pay to sit down nor have to dress a certain way. My favorite 1-2 punch for non-club action? Harrahs where the dueling piano bar sits just inside from Carnival Court and the live bands.


As a former NY cab driver I can honestly say many of your cab drivers try to intentionally rip you off. My last Vegas trip the driver took the tunnel to the Rio. Not a good idea. I didn’t pay him the meter but what the trip should have been.On another trip we took a cab from the Stratosphere to Harrahs. We didn’t realize for a few minutes that the cab driver was drunk, especially when he drove the wrong way down a one way street. Weve met quit a few great drivers, but the few bad ones spoil the whole barrel. Thanks for your article.Carl Katz
Mesa, Arizona


Hey Ted,What is your opinion of the South Point? we will be there in March.

Thanx,
Bob

It is the “neighborhood casino” for a couple of people on our staff. Nice, new, very similar to Suncoast. Good for the money, free shuttle to The Strip until late evening but better to have a car. A brand new freeway onramp behind the property puts you right on I-15 down to The Strip.

Michaels from the old Barbary Coast is a “must try” once in your life, rest of the restaurants are good with a huge variety (close to 10 restaurants if I count right). Movie theaters and huge bowling alley on-site.

It’s certainly not Green Valley Ranch or Red Rock, but provided you understand the situation of staying at an off-Strip property, I’d stay there over most of the other off-strip hotels around town. Comfortable and friendly.

Hint: If you need groceries, drug store, 7-11 or similar, head EAST on Silverado Ranch about a mile. South Point is still located in an area that has very little around it. Second Hint: Cajun BBQ Shack is in the mini-mall across the street (to the north). Good stuff. Couple doors from the BBQ is Templar Cigars, hand rolled by a exiled Cuban gentleman. Must try for cigar lovers.


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:

  • President’s Day February 16-18 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 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 13, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 23, 2007

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! The Super Bowl is looming and we always get a flood of “What is happening Super Bowl Sunday” emails. I’d love to tell you… but we’ve heard very little. No, Las Vegas didn’t forget how to party for big events. However, the NFL (No Fun League) certainly did, and has used court orders and legal threats the past few years to keep our resorts from throwing the once famous huge events surrounding the big game.

Specifically, admission can’t be charged for any event displaying the game, and the game can’t be shown on TV’s larger than would be used for normal home viewing. (This came as a result of The Palms plans to show the game in one of their movie theater screens one year).

This is really a complete shame. In the past, casinos threw these lavish events where one fee would cover an open bar, food, tons of giveaways, the Miller/Bud/Coors girls and tons of fun for a pretty modest fee. Profit wasn’t the goal. The goal was fun!

Do not despair! Las Vegas is still the best place place in the world to watch the game (short of attending the game live). Every TV in every casino is tuned to the game, millions of dollars are bet, and every play generates unmatched whoops and excitement. You still have time to book a trip here. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and see what rooms they still have.

The game is February 3, 2008. If you really want to splurge, we do have a few Big Game Tickets available. If you really, really, really want to splurge: Buy tickets to the game, book a Friday – Monday room here in Las Vegas, fly down to Phoenix on Sunday to see the game in person, then back for the evening in Las Vegas!

P.S. I can hook you up with a stadium suite at the actual game in Phoenix for around $200,000. Serious inquiries only on this one to ted.newkirk@gmail.com (and don’t delay… this will be snapped up quickly).

Palazzo is fully open, generating more world-wide publicity for Las Vegas. The combination of Venetian and Palazzo (two hotels operating under one roof and jointly run as one hotel) along with the Sands Convention Center is being billed as the largest indoor complex of its type (in terms of square feet) in the world.

My advice: Visit Palazzo and Wynn Las Vegas back-to-back. They are just across the street from each other. Doing this creates an interesting compare/contrast in the styles of two of the biggest casino titans of the modern era. Missed last week’s issue? Then you missed our exclusive sneak peak. Check out Palazzo Las Vegas Photos

Palazzo Las Vegas News Stories

You heard it here first… our political caucuses were a joke. (As usual, skip this section if no interest). This will be the last we talk about this, but last week I noted just some of the surface problems which I anticipated with our Presidential political caucuses and why to not read too much into the results. The sparks are still flying and my comments follow:

On the Democratic side, the entire system was geared to get Obama the nomination. This included a union endorsement from that union that 80% of the Strip resort workers belong to, and nine “special” at-large caucuses in actual Strip hotels. Let’s see here… a very powerful union, caucuses at the union’s job site, and a caucus format that makes one’s vote very public. Nothing strange about that? (Correction from last week: The Democratic caucuses were at 11 AM. Also, the legality of these special caucus sites was still being disputed when I wrote last week).

The Clinton’s fought back with a vengeance. Hillary campaigned heavily and publicly in working class neighborhoods likely to have a high percentage of hotel workers. Bill spent much of the week walking (working) the “back of the house” at numerous Strip properties and visiting a number of hotel caucus sites.

On the GOP side, only Mitt Romney and Ron Paul actively campaigned here. Both poured a ton of money and time into Nevada. However, the time of the GOP caucus (Saturday morning at 9 AM) was tailor-made for Romney’s voters. The Mormons and Evangelicals who made up a large chunk of his support here were most likely to actually be up at 9 AM on a weekend. Ron Paul’s base of libertarians and younger people (both groups most likely to party into the wee hours on a Friday night) may have suppressed his vote. (Disclaimer: None of the candidates I’ve mentioned from either party are my first choice for the Presidency. I’m just speaking as a pundit).

Those who want to read more can check out the numerous letters to the editor or our local paper from earlier this week: Next time, Nevada should try a primary. I couldn’t agree with them more.

Quick Amazon Tip – This isn’t Las Vegas related, but a very cool idea I stumbled across. If you are like me, you go to Amazon.com for one or two items on a regular basis. This leaves you short of the “free shipping on a $25 purchase” deal they have. What do I do? Simply add some printer ink to my order. It is something I know I’ll need. Plus… it puts me over the free shipping limit.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


Sammy Hagar To Perform At The Pearl Big Game Weekend – Legendary Rocker Makes A Stop In Las Vegas At The Palms On February 2 – While thousands are in town for football, some have good ol’ fashion rock ‘n’ roll on their minds. This Big Game weekend, The Palms will be chock full with festivities, including a headlining concert with one of the most distinctive voices in rock, Sammy Hagar. (Tickets) The singer truly began to be a household name in the mid ’80s when he fronted the already formed Van Halen, replacing David Lee Roth. Hagar comes to The Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 8 p.m. for what is sure to be a winning performance. Click to Read The Full Story …

American Superstars Show At The Stratosphere Casino Hotel And Tower Adds Rod Stewart Tribute – The American Superstars show at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower has added veteran tribute artist John Anthony as Rod Stewart to its line-up of celebrity tributes to yesterday’s and today’s hottest music stars, announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials. (Tickets) “Rod Stewart has a look, voice, and energy level that are uniquely his own. It takes an accomplished performer like John Anthony to nail a tribute that is sincere and accurate while covering the scope of Stewart’s enduring career,” says Mark Callas, who produces American Superstars with his Springtime Productions partner, Donny Moore. Click to Read The Full Story …

MGM MIRAGE Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars Highlighted by Only Restaurant to Receive Three Star Honors, Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand – The November 2007 debut of the Michelin Guide in Las Vegas is a European nod to Las Vegas’ evolution into one of the world’s top dining destinations. Sixteen restaurants were honored with at least one Michelin star, and seven of those restaurants are within MGM MIRAGE properties. Receiving top honors is the Michelin three-star restaurant, Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand. The only Las Vegas recipient of this well-respected distinction, Joel Robuchon represents “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” according to Michelin’s three-star criteria.

Earning an impressive two stars is Chef Julian Serrano’s Picasso at Bellagio. Two stars is defined by Michelin as “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” Rounding out the honors and capturing one star for “a very good restaurant in its category, offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard” are five impressive restaurants — L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, MICHAEL MINA Bellagio, Aureole at Mandalay Bay and miX atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

AOL Names ‘Crazy Girls’ ‘Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue’ – In Its 22nd Year The Riviera Show Is Now To Be Featured In A Series Of New Movies – “Crazy Girls” has appeared on hundreds of magazine covers and has proven itself as the best long-running show as well as “Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue” time after time and now a series of movies are being made about the famous revue. (Tickets) No show in Las Vegas’ history has raised so much controversy as the “Crazy Girls” at the Riviera Hotel & Casino by virtue of performing and entertaining the 10’s of millions of visitors who flock to Las Vegas each year with the type of style of entertainment that made “The Entertainment Capital” the success that it is today. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Three – with Victor H. Royer. I have often written that knowing the pay tables for machine-based gambling games is essential, and paramount to your ability to win money. While powerful profits are possible even on games whose statistical profile distinctly classifies them in the “not so good” category, knowing this before playing is equally as important as knowing the information that statistically so classifies them. Just as important is knowing the odds on such machines, and the payback percentages. Click to Read Complete Article…


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Got a couple of great responses to last week’s question about coat-check and what to do with your coat in Las Vegas during the winter:

Hi Ted & Others,

Re this question in your latest column, being a woman, I’m “hot and then cold” while in Vegas (both weather-wise and luck-wise, for that matter). I try to layer a couple of sleeves. That way I can take off a sweater or jacket once I’m inside if the casino’s too warm. But I wouldn’t recommend putting a coat or sweater on the back of a chair, especially if you’re playing the slots. Most of us machine-hop fairly often, and what are the odds you’re going to remember that coat or sweater on the back of a chair? I’ve had to try to retrace my steps to locate a sweater (in that case) that I left on a particular chair.

In wintertime Vegas, the daytimes are most often sunny, and it means you won’t need a heavy coat. But a couple of layers of sleeves is a good idea, especially if you’re walking from property to property on The Strip–quite a distance in some instances.

Another thing that works for me is tying my sweater/jacket sleeves around my waist after I remove the sweater/jacket. No easy answer, but wintertime Vegas beats summertime heat for me, without a doubt! Have a great time,

J. Steele
from the Texas Hill Country

At Delmonico’s in the Venetian they offer to take your coat. Where they put it I don’t know, but of course we all got our coats back after dinner!

Barbara Smith

Russell, PA


Hi Ted,

Like many other readers I enjoy your newsletters. I have to ask……I haven’t seen any mention of any Mega Buck winners for almost a year now. Think the last big news was a nickel machine at the Golden Nugget a long while back. Has the ticket in ticket out put a drought on the winners?

Regards, John

Great question! It seems like there were record jackpots a few years ago, and people were hitting them every few months. A check with Megabuck creators IGT Gaming shows that someone hit $1.00 Megabucks for $10,762,067 in May of 2007 at The Fremont downtown. The current jackpot is over $16,000,000.

Some conjecture that the machines were tightened up to create the series of record jackpots. A downside of tighter machines? People give up and stop playing them.


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:

  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 7
  • Lincoln’s Birthday February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day February 16-18 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 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)

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

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

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


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

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

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

January 23, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 30, 2007

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! O.J. is gone from town (flying commercial to Ft. Lauderdale… you can have him down there). Britney Spears is on the cover of every magazine, but old news here.

But… this is Las Vegas. Unquestionably the next big story splashed all across the magazines and news channels is just around the corner!

Las Vegas: Always Sunny and Hot? Always sunny, yes. However… things do cool down over the fall and winter months. Here are the average highs and lows through the end of the year:

  • October 81/57 F
  • November 66/44 F
  • December 57/37 F
  • January 57/37 F (not a misprint… same as December)
  • February 63/41 F
  • March 69/47 F

A strong word of warning: We are in the middle of an unpredictable desert. It can often be 10 degrees above or below the average temps, and occasional winds can make the overnight low feel colder than the average.

On the flip side, many of you would kill for a 60 degree day in the middle of winter. As fall starts to chill where you are and the cold is no longer a novelty, come spend some time with us here.

P.S. Guys, plan the trip around the weekend your team is playing a big game so you can enjoy a nice, legal bet on it! (Ladies, if you aren’t a fan, the time during the game is a great time to hit a spa or take in our famous shopping).

Enjoy This Issue!



The Second Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival Brings The “Hawaii Nei” To The Cannery Casino & Hotel – Festival Presented By Vizzun Entertainment And Will Run October 12 Through October 14 – There will be lots of “good fun” and “ono” food at the Second Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival presented by Vizzun Entertainment at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. The three-day festival runs Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14 and will be held at the Club, an indoor/outdoor festival venue located at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. The event includes concerts from some of the most popular Hawaiian and Polynesian acts and daytime festivals that bring a little bit of the Hawaiian homeland to Las Vegas. Click to Read The Full Story …

California Girl Brandyn Horsley Joins ‘Crazy Girls’ – New Dancer Performs In ‘Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue’ – Brandyn is a native of Huntington Beach, California and moved to Las Vegas about two years ago when I was 18 and she fell in love with dancing in “Crazy Girls” (Tickets) at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. Brandyn said, “My parents moved to Las Vegas to retire and my mom went back to work. My Dad is a real estate broker and the whole market just fell apart. My mom works for NEC which manages phone systems for major corporations. I’m an only child. I loved growing up a half-block from the beach. I graduated from high school at 16 and then went to college and got my real estate license. I came to Las Vegas out of boredom. I used to help my parents by doing paperwork and holding open houses. There isn’t anything near the water for less than a million dollars these days.” Click to Read The Full Story …

BBQ Kicks Off Coca-Cola Corn Maze In Glendale On Friday, Oct. 5 – Nevada’s largest corn maze 25 minutes north of NLV to run from 5-8 p.m. The 4th annual Haunted Corn Maze in Glendale in celebration of Nevada Day and Halloween is only 25 minutes north of North Las Vegas via I-15 and features an old-fashioned Coca-Cola bottle and kicks off with a BBQ on Friday, Oct. 5 from 5-8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …

Winter’s Hottest Annual Arena Rock Attraction Trans-Siberian Orchestra Returns To Las Vegas To Perform At Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, November 18 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), will bring its much anticipated live-rock extravaganza to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, Nov. 18. (Tickets) The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. In the true spirit of the holiday giving, $1 from every ticket sold will benefit a local charity. Established in 1996 by producer, composer and lyricist Paul O’Neill, TSO has been a true rock mega-success. Click to Read The Full Story …

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Set To Perform At Buffalo Bill’s Star Of The Desert Arena – WHO: Pat Benatar is a four-time Grammy award-winner and one of the top female power-ballad performers of all time. (Tickets) Coupled with accomplished guitarist, songwriter and producer Neil Giraldo, Benatar is staged to thrill audiences with rock music hits such as “Love is a Battlefield,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “We Belong.” WHAT: Benatar and Giraldo will perform at Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nevada on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …



Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:

Just thought we’d share our prettiest pics. The first is obvious…leaving Las Vegas early Sunday morning, the second pic is looking outside the window on Fremont Street (Binions Hotel room). Hope ya’ll like ’em!

Mike & Gina Castilleja


Hi Ted and everyone at ‘Access Vegas’,

This is the first photograph I took when I arrived in Las Vegas, it was taken just outside of the airport. It’s one of my most favourite photos and it always makes me feel good. It reminds me of the heat and excitement of my first trip to Vegas, (I’m coming back again in August).

Thanks for all the great Las Vegas info guys!

Chrissie Sharman (UK)

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


Hello,

Just wanted to say I have had a blast every time I have visited Vegas . my friends and I, love it there. I have been to Vegas 4 times since 2005 and stay somewhere different each time …

I think I now know more about Vegas than anyone who lives there . I am thinking of coming back again in September or October 2007 …..

Carolyn A. Bailey

Ted Responds:

Carolyn,,

Thanks for the great letter. Undoubtedly, most of our readers do end up knowing more about Las Vegas than most of the people living here. Even people who work on The Strip come in, work, and go to their homes miles from the action. Even the “inside” info they have is often rumor of something they heard fourth hand.

We report either through direct experience or information and reports received directly from the sources and go out of our way to forgo rumors and information not directly obtained from those in charge. In addition, everybody who works on this newsletter or our site is someone who enjoys the attractions and activities on a regular basis.

The bottom line is that we love Las Vegas, and enjoy sharing our enjoyment with everybody. We do ask all readers who appreciate this newsletter to check out our great sponsors and use our hotel, show, and ticket booking links when planning a Vegas visit. Those great sponsors help keep this newsletter well researched and free!


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.

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

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 4, 2007

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! Huge local news week out of Las Vegas, but not necessarily for the right reasons. So we’ll jump right in:

Moron Shoots Up The New York, New York – A deranged man who apparently was looking for a fight with the police and going through immense personal troubles opened gunfire in New York, New York Hotel Casino.

Two off-duty police and two military guys tackled him and kept further harm from happening until security and local police arrived. (Side Note: The hotel noted that they are taking very good care of these heroes and will also invite them for a comped return visit). No one was killed, and injuries to a very few were minor. We’ve gathered the following news links:

Last year, we had the guy high on various substances and (allegedly) thinking that people were after him and that he had to inflict harm on people drove up on the sidewalk by Ballys killing and injuring a number of people.

So, how safe is Las Vegas? Let’s put a few things in perspective: Over 41,000,000 people visit Las Vegas each year. Incidents like this are amazingly few and far between.

In fact, committing a crime in our tourism areas is a foolish act considering that our Metro (Local) Police patrol The Strip, each casino has extensive security to keep you (and their cash) safe, and cameras are everywhere. Very few places on the Las Vegas Strip exist where you are out of site of a security camera.

Let’s put this in a personal perspective: I’ve lived here almost 15 years and have visited The Strip in “tourist” mode* thousands of times. (* Tourist mode meaning out and about actually on The Strip, just as you the tourist would as opposed to someone working in a casino who enters through the back then goes home without ever walking The Strip and experiencing all of the things you do).

I’ve encountered no problems, never been worried, and won’t be staying away from our tourism areas. I’m no math wizard, but you seriously probably have a better chance on winning tens of millions on a Megabucks machine than the odds of having something harmful happen to you while visiting Las Vegas.

The other big story was the heat. Yes… it got damn hot. 116 degrees last week, with overnight lows in the 90’s. A few related stories:

Look… I love Las Vegas. 110 doesn’t register with me. Hot? Yes. But not a problem. We get temps 115 and above less often than many cold climates get blizzards or ice storms. Give me 110 any day over freezing temps. I don’t own snow chains, snow tires, a snow shovel, and own far more shorts than long pants.

Having said that… when visiting here in the summer, please take precautions. Stay indoors, and still keep drinking plenty of water. Our humidity last week dipped to 3% on a number of occasions. Even indoors, water is being sapped out of your body.

My water tip? Skip the bars and their expensive, little water bottles. Every hotel has a gift shop, where you will find more reasonable prices. Up and down The Strip are various sundry stores that also will have big, cold bottles of water at reasonable prices. Use them. (By the way… this same tip for finding more reasonably prices bottles of water also works for finding reasonably priced beer all year long).

Enjoy This Issue!



Mamma Mia! Lights Up The Stage With Brilliant New Cast Members – In Its Fifth Year Mamma Mia! Continues To Bring Variety To The Stage – The longest-running and most successful Broadway musical to hit The Las Vegas Strip, MAMMA MIA! (Tickets), adds four new, talented principals from film, television and the stage to the Las Vegas cast on July 30, 2007. Recently celebrating its fourth anniversary in Las Vegas and still receiving rave reviews, MAMMA MIA! is fun, energetic and makes “you feel like you’re part of the event”- Las Vegas Review-Journal. Actress Libby Winters, joins MAMMA MIA! in the lead role of Sophie Sheridan, the bride-to-be. With experience in film, television and stage including “The Like Girl,” “Champs” and the New York musical White Noise, Winters brings new life to the show. Click to Read The Full Story …

Academy Of Country Music Awards Nominee Diamond Rio Is Set To Perform Friday, July 13 At Whiskey Pete’s Showroom – After their recent Academy of Country Music nominations for “Vocal Group of the Year” and “Vocal Collaboration of the Year” for “Me And God,” Diamond Rio will perform at Whiskey Pete’s Showroom in Primm, Nev., on Friday, July 13 at 9 p.m. (Tickets) Diamond Rio is best known for their classic songs “Meet in the Middle” and “Love a Little Stronger” and their latest hits “I Believe” and “What a Beautiful Mess.” Click to Read The Full Story …

American Superstars Show At The Stratosphere Casino Hotel And Tower To Add Prince Tribute For A Limited Engagement – The American Superstars (Tickets) show at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower will add Jason Tenner as Prince to its line-up of celebrity tributes to yesterday’s and today’s hottest music stars for a limited engagement beginning July 9, announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials. “Jason Tenner is a veteran performer who makes you believe that you are hearing and seeing Prince. It takes a very talented showman to even come close to matching the raw energy and musical brilliance that makes Prince so endearing to his fans,” says Mark Callas, who produces American Superstars with his Springtime Productions partner, Donny Moore. Click to Read The Full Story …

Las Vegas Kwik-E-Mart – Yes, the Las Vegas area has one of the only a handful 7-11 stores across the U.S. which have been converted to Kwik-E-Mart stores in honor of the new Simpsons movie. The location is in the suburb of Henderson at 1400 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89012

Unfortunately, it is about 14 miles from The Strip. Unless you drive to town or have a rental car, expect a $40-60 cab trip (and excessive problems getting a cab back for the return trip. Cabs don’t like serving area neighborhoods when they can be long-hauling tourists, running up the meter, and generally giving out crappy advice that makes them sound “helpful” in search of a bigger tip). Also, be prepared for something that shocks many visitors: You’ll end up in a nice but very normal neighborhood that is night-and-day from the glitz of The Strip.

Gladys Knight Set To Perform At Buffalo Bill’s Star Of The Desert Arena – Motown diva and Las Vegas veteran Gladys Knight will perform at Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev., on Friday, July 20 at 9 p.m. Best known for time spent as Gladys Knight & the Pips, Knight celebrates her beginnings as well as finds success as a solo artist. Her soulful R&B songs appeal to a variety of audiences with favorites such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Midnight Train to Georgia” and singles “That’s What Friends Are For” and “End of the Road Medley: If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Crazy Girls Volunteer For Double Date To Benefit Adam & Eve Fling – New Vista Community For Handicapped Adults To Benefit From Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction – Two of the dancer-performers from the “Crazy Girls,” (Tickets) the Russian model Valentina Smirnova and California beauty Summer Ferguson will be the first ladies on the auction block on Thursday, July 12th for a double date at the 4th Annual Adam and Eve Charity Love Fling Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction at The Empire Ballroom to benefit the New Vista Community. A VIP table of eight is $500 or VIP tickets are $65 per person while general admission is $20 per person. To purchase VIP tickets call Molly at 702.457.4677 at Ext. 27 or go online at newvistacommunity.org. You must be 21 to attend this function. The VIP party will be from 6 p.m. to about 7:15 p.m. The VIP admission includes guaranteed seating, a cocktail, appetizers; early admission and an awesome goodie bag. The bidding begins at 7:45 p.m. with the “Crazy Girls.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week:– will return next week. Please enjoy the thousands of great Las Vegas photos archives in our Access Vegas Photo Gallery. Also, scroll down for some great reader submitted photos this week!

Gambling Talk: Playing Middle Pairs In Tournaments – Part Two – with Victor H. Royer. Playing pocket 10s in late positions: Whenever you find yourself in late positions with pocket 10s, and the action has either been passed to you, or there have been only one or two limpers before it becomes your turn to act, play pocket 10s as if they were pocket Aces. By playing them so strongly you will advertise the fact that you indeed have a very strong hand, and therefore are likely to win not only the blinds, if those are the only opponents whom you are facing, but also the amount that has been invested in this pot by the limpers who have so called before you. Click to Read Complete Article…



Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:

I saw you note about photos of Vegas in your last newsletter, here’s some from one of our previous trips a year or so ago. I thought I’d try some night shots. We’re from Basingstoke in the UK, and will hopefully get back to Vegas some time in the next couple of years.

Geoff Hawley
(5 – maybe 6 time Vegas visitor)

Ted Responds:

Thanks for sharing stunning photos! We know that many of you enjoy playing with your digital camera settings and are getting some amazing photos of Las Vegas (especially at night when things really light up).

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.


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!

Readers Rants, Raves, and Questions – Great reader questions and comments from our Access Vegas Message Boards. Help someone out or post your own comment or question!

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:

  • 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.

July 4, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 23, 2007

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:

Ted has the week off. Please enjoy this weeks news and features gathered by Amy and Staff. Many regular features will resume next week.



Kelly Clarkson Brings “My December Tour” To The MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, September 29 – The young woman from Burleson, Texas who has sold more than 15 million records, won numerous Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, ASCAP Awards and a People’s Choice Award, is returning to Las Vegas. Kelly Clarkson (Tickets) will perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Sept. 29. Mat Kearney is scheduled to open the concert at 8 p.m. Bringing her bold new material to the airwaves, Clarkson is launching an entirely new phase of an already spectacular career. Click to Read The Full Story …

“Ante Up For Africa” tournament at the 2007 World Series of Poker – More than a dozen Hollywood celebrities and sports legends are expected to join poker’s greatest players to raise public awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Darfur in a special “Ante Up For Africa” tournament at the 2007 World Series of Poker Presented by Milwaukee’s Best Light. The brainchild of Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle and poker professional Annie Duke, the Ante Up For Africa tournament is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. July 5 in the WSOP tournament area in the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Fest For Beatles Fans 2007 To Host Its First Las Vegas Fest – Inaugural Event To Be Held At The Mirage July 1-3, 2007 – It’s been a long and winding road for The Fest for Beatles Fans but it is finally making its way back to the West Coast for the inaugural Las Vegas Fest. The three-day festival will be held July 1-3, 2007 at The Mirage and will feature live music, art, memorabilia, special guests, contests and much more. Thousands of Beatles fans from all over the world will converge for a giant three-day party to celebrate all things Beatles. The Fest for Beatles Fans first began in 1974 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Beatles arrival in the United States. Click to Read The Full Story …

June’s First Friday – Art, Entertainment And Fun At First Friday Art Walk And Festival – Free Parking At Clark County Government Center And 3 Free Trolleys With Narrators Onboard Stopping Throughout Event – June is a great month to explore First Friday’s outdoor and indoor art. Trifecta gallery at The Arts Factory features A Happy Home, a new collection by Brian and Jennifer Henry (the editor and designer of the First Friday Newsletter). The Archinofsky Gallery at Commerce Street Studios presents TONGUES, Ceramic Sculptures by Richard Hesketh. At the Holsum Design Center Gallery P opens a new exhibit on First Friday with Featured Artist Richard Bailey. Click to Read The Full Story …

Adam & Eve Charity Love Fling, Singles Auction – Double Date ‘Crazy Girls’ With Terese & Summer – Adam & Eve Charity Love Fling, Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction at Empire Ballroom. Bid on local executives & business owners that include great date packages. Romance is just a bid away! Summer Ferguson and Terese Chafe’ of the hot & sexy long-running show “Crazy Girls” at the Riviera Hotel & Casino are not only beautiful ladies and accomplished dancers, but also have hearts of gold. The two gentlemen who have the winning bid will have an awesome evening starting with dinner at Blackstone’s Steak House at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino then seeing “Lance Burton: Master Magician.” After the show stay in you VIP seats because Lance Burton will come up for a meet and greet in The Lance Burton Theatre. Click to Read The Full Story …

Simon Super Chefs Live! To Return To The Forum Shops At Caesars On Saturday, July 28, 2007 – Top Local Chefs Serve Up Fun-Filled Cooking Demonstrations At Free Daylong Cooking Show – Las Vegas visitors and residents are invited to The Forum Shops at Caesars for Simon Super Chefs Live!, a unique, day-long celebration of food, cooking and entertaining that is free and open to the public. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2007, and will be headlined by a celebrity TV chef, who will be announced in the coming weeks. Additionally, top local chefs will be on-hand to showcase their culinary skills, as well. Emmy award winning emcee Bill Boggs will host this popular event which includes live cooking performances and demonstrations, a segment on entertaining, food and beverage sampling, cookbook sales, autograph signings and an exciting round-robin cook-off between the celebrity local chefs. Click to Read The Full Story …

David Cassidy Set To Perform At Buffalo Bill’s Star Of The Desert Arena – Former teen idol, Broadway sensation and Vegas veteran, David Cassidy (Tickets) will perform at Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev., on Saturday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Cassidy is most commonly known for his role as Keith Partridge on the 1970’s TV show “The Partridge Family.” Cassidy’s role on lead vocals launched him instantly into teen stardom and his official fan club was the largest in pop history, exceeding Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Ten albums by The Partridge Family and several solo albums were produced during the run of the show. Click to Read The Full Story …

Asia Nightlife Dining Set To Open At The Miracle Mile Shops In The New Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino On June 14 – Nightspot To Couple A Fusion Restaurant With Both Nightclub And Lounge Elements – Dining is the latest restaurant and nightspot to come to the Las Vegas Strip, landing in the Miracle Mile Shops at the new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The restaurant, serving progressive Euro Asian cuisine by distinguished chef and master sommelier (M.S.) Steven Geddes, will infuse a new twist to fusion cuisine by presenting traditional Asian recipes and ingredients combined with a modern style of cooking. Geddes, M.S., is the only master sommelier in the world that is stationed in a professional kitchen, bringing his knowledge of both food and wine to the table. Click to Read The Full Story …



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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

  • 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)

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May 23, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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