Tag Archives: December 2012

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 26, 2012

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

December In Las Vegas

Restaurants And Dining

Rice & Company Celebrates Chinese New Year With Year Of The Snake Menu – Rice & Company at Luxor Hotel and Casino will usher in the Year of the Snake with a prix-fixe menu and debut of the Great Wall roll available from Sunday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 24.

As a way to celebrate a new year full of good fortune and prosperity, guests may savor a four-course meal, priced at $65 per person. The Chinese New Year menu begins with a choice of Pan Fried Pot Stickers, Vegetable Spring Rolls or the new Great Wall sushi roll made with squid, scallop, asparagus, king crab, halibut, flying fish roe with tempura crunch topped with sambal mayo and balsamic glaze. For the second course, patrons may choose between Egg Drop Soup or Mixed Greens Salad with ginger dressing.

Tender Steak & Seafood Las Vegas Introduces Winter Menu Selections And Prix Fixe Lamb Tasting – Tender Steak & Seafood at Luxor Hotel and Casino introduces new winter dishes available throughout the chilly season.

Downtown / Fremont Street Experience

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

Gaming and Gambling

Getting To Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

More Las Vegas News

Maverick Grand Canyon Landing TourMaverick Grand Canyon Landing Tour û You will start your experience with a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, as well as many other awe-inspiring views. After descending 3,500 feet inside the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, you will enjoy a light snack, a cool beverage and a champagne toast 300 feet above the Colorado River. Your journey will conclude with a flight through beautiful Black Canyon on your return to the South Las Vegas terminal. Operator Mustang Helicopters a division of the Maverick Aviation Group.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Landing Tour Now!

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

Hello From Las Vegas – I see that many of our friends both in the U.S. and Canada had a white Christmas (and some of you are still getting hit with snow). Our temps barely snuck into the 60’s F on Christmas Eve, but we had plenty of wind. New Years Eve (which I’ll discuss momentarily) is shaping up to be a little colder than usual, but not as cold as it was two years ago when the temps were below freezing at midnight. That was downright insulting!

You’ve probably noticed that this issue isn’t as graphical as usual (when we include lots of pictures). It is more a collection of odds and ends as we finish out the year. Most of our great friends working public relations for all your favorite Las Vegas hotels, shows, restaurants, and activities — the ones who provide us with all the great pictures — are taking some well deserved time off…as I am. So this section and Members Mania will be much shorter than usual. Speaking of pics…

Photo Gallery – We’re getting ready to unveil a brand new Vegas photo gallery that will also let you upload photos you’ve taken on previous trips! Why upload with us?

    1. This way, all of our other readers can enjoy your photos as well. The problem with going to Flickr and trying to look for Vegas photos is that they are pretty disorganized. We won’t have that problem.

 

  • We’re going to work out some regular prizes to give away for favorite photos. And if you aren’t Peter Lik (famous photographer and Las Vegas resident), upload anyway as we’ll be giving away random prizes as well. Just for taking part, so nobody feels left out!

 

New Years Eve – We used to put a lot more time and effort into telling you all about our world-famous New Years Eve celebration and it continues to be better than ever. But… we found out that so very few of you come here for the event, that we really de-emphasized the amount of time we put into it. However… some basics:

    • For Those Not Visiting: KLAS TV (8newsnow.com) has streamed their entire New Years Eve broadcast every year for a number of years, so I’m guessing they will be doing it again. They have cameras and crews up and down The Strip showing the revelers and parties and have amazing coverage of the midnight fireworks.

      They generally start at 10 PM Pacific, but if the stream isn’t up yet, check back just after 11 PM our time. Also, remember the time difference! 10 PM Pacific will be 1 AM Eastern. Or put it this way: After you are done watching that boring ball drop, you can get online and watch what a real celebration looks like!

 

  • For Those Coming: The fireworks will go off the tops of seven properties, stretching from the MGM to The Stratosphere. However, leave out The Strat. It isn’t synced with the other hotels and there is a significant gap between Treasure Island and Strat. (TI is otherwise the most northern hotel involved).

    You don’t want to be dead center in The Strip. You won’t be able to move because of the crowds. Instead, you’ll want to get down between MGM and Aria. The crowds are not as bad, and it is easier to get to the porta-potties. Pay attention to where they are as hotels won’t be letting in anyone without a room key, and you’ll pee your pants trying to fight the crowds once you get inside anyway.

    You’ll also be able to see straight up The Strip and have a nice view of distant fireworks going off at Caesars and Venetian.

    Dress very warm. You are going to be outside for 2, 3, or even four hours depending how long you want to be able to walk up and down the middle of The Strip (free of traffic, which is always an amazing experience). Don’t wait until 30 minutes until midnight to rush out of your hotel. That’s what everybody else does and you’ll be stuck in the crowds.

 

Happy New Year and Best In 2013!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

As the year ends, I wanted to post a sampling of the great thoughts and wishes that were sent our way. We appreciate it, they mean so much to us, and it is always exciting to think that we have so many amazing readers from around the globe!

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 19, 2012

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Legends In Concert Celebrates 30 Years On Vegas Strip With New Home At Flamingo Las Vegas – After a record-breaking four-year engagement at HarrahÆs Las Vegas, Legends in Concert, the most acclaimed tribute show in entertainment history, will celebrate the beginning of its third decade on the Las Vegas Strip with a new long-term home at Flamingo Las Vegas beginning Feb. 2013. As previously announced, the showÆs last performance at HarrahÆs Las Vegas will be Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

December In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Honors The Victims Of Connecticut

Las Vegas Attractions

Restaurants And Dining

Las Vegas Culinary Event Raised $100,000 For Red Cross Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts – A unique culinary event, ôStart SpreadinÆ the News,ö raised $100,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Sunday, December 9 on Las VegasÆ own ôBrooklyn Bridgeö at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Nearly 700 guests, volunteers and supporters of the cause, including two ôMayor Goodmans,ö Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada (SWS of NV) Senior Managing Director Larry Ruvo and celebrity chefs, enjoyed 22 restaurants with ties to Las Vegas and New York City. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Las Vegas Culinary Event Raised $100,000 For Red Cross Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts – A unique culinary event, ôStart SpreadinÆ the News,ö raised $100,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Sunday, December 9 on Las VegasÆ own ôBrooklyn Bridgeö at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Nearly 700 guests, volunteers and supporters of the cause, including two ôMayor Goodmans,ö Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada (SWS of NV) Senior Managing Director Larry Ruvo and celebrity chefs, enjoyed 22 restaurants with ties to Las Vegas and New York City. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Bellagio Picked As North AmericaÆs Best Casino Resort – The AAA Five Diamond Las Vegas resort, Bellagio, has been recognized as North AmericaÆs Leading Casino Resort at the 2012 World Travel AwardsÆ Ceremony. The ceremony was held this week in New Delhi, India which gives Bellagio its fourth time to receive the same award in the past five years.

Maverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane TourMaverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane Tour û Fly aboard Maverick’s Beechcraft 1900D aircraft on a 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim where your ultimate adventure will begin. Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park as your journey continues with ground transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park. Absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and capture memories to last a lifetime as you enjoy a gourmet box lunch.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

iCandy The Show by Guy Chapman

iCandy Las Vegas – A Sexy Night On The Town – When it comes to the art of burlesque, there are two things to take into consideration: Have a little bit of tease, and leave the rest to imagination. For that reason, the talented ladies of iCandy The Show at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino put on a show that is both polished and sexy, while remaining true to form to the spirit of burlesque. Located within the Saxe Theatre in the Miracle Mile Shops, the showroom treats awaiting patrons to a collection of film clips of vintage burlesque dancers (including Bettie Paige) as guests find their seats.

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

Hello From Las Vegas – We’re smack dab in the holiday season which means unusually low readership. Many are wrapped up (no pun intended) in celebration, friends and family, TV specials, and what have you. So, we’re still getting you the latest Vegas news, but otherwise going to hold off on commentary and readers letters until after the first of the year when everybody will be back to their normal routines.

From all of us here in Las Vegas, we want to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy holiday Season!

The Christmas Spirit – Usually,
I leave you with a great holiday photo from Las Vegas this time of
year. But… I’d like to do you one better:

Many of the stars of the Las Vegas shows you know
and love are doing a Christmas Special live from Las Vegas this Friday
at 3:00 PM
Pacific Time. And… if that time does not work out for you, it will be
played throughout the weekend. Live, streaming, online.

Head on over to Vegas
Video Network Live from Friday at 3:00 PM on through the
weekend to enjoy some Las Vegas holiday cheer!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

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

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 12, 2012

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Show And Entertainment News

Magician Rick Thomas Brings His Masterful Illusions To The Suncoast Showroom, January 19 & 20, 2013 – Returning to Las Vegas after a six-month tour in Asia, premier illusionist Rick Thomas will perform at the Suncoast Showroom January 19 and 20. Weaving magic, music and dance into his show, Thomas executes innovative and unique illusions that have helped make him a worldwide success.

December In Las Vegas

Cabo Wabo Cantina Rocks The Holidays With Food And Drink Specials On Christmas Day – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will be open to rock Christmas with food and drink specials on Tuesday, Dec. 25.

The Strip- side restaurant will serve up season’s greetings with $9 Sammy’s Beach Bar Tailgater, a potent concoction made with Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, $5 shots of Cabo Wabo Anejo, $21 buckets of domestic beer, $5 nachos, two-for-one house margaritas and two-for-one tacos. Patrons may feast on Cabo Wabo’s savory Baja Mex fare including Short Rib Enchiladas, stuffed with shredded beef, fire-roasted tomato sauce and house cheese blend; and New York Ranchero Steak made with chipotle marinated steak, grilled onions, pico de gallo, papas and chorizo.

MGM Resorts International Puts Las Vegas Twist On Holiday Traditions – MGM Resorts International is celebrating the holidays by turning its world-renowned Las Vegas resorts into seasonal spectaculars. From the Bellagio Conservatory’s transformation into a winter wonderland to “Santa in the Shipwreck” at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium, Las Vegas is like no other destination during this magical time of year.

Toast To The Holiday Season At Hyde Bellagio With Four Festive Libations – In celebration of the happiest season of all, Hyde Bellagio introduces four festive cocktails available for a limited time.

The handcrafted holiday menu features unique renditions of retro cocktails alongside signature creations highlighting emerging mixology trends. Drawing inspiration from winter fruits, vegetables and spices, Hyde’s holiday libations utilize the freshest ingredients while incorporating innovative additions such as custom-infused whiskeys, sparkling vodka and liquid nitrogen.

Commonwealth Celebrates End Of The World With La Fin Du Monde Party 12/21/12 – Fremont Street’s newest addition, Commonwealth, will host the party to end all parties and offer a toast to say, “Goodbye,” to the world during its La Fin du Monde bash on Friday, 12/21/12.

Revelers will salute the end of the Mayan calendar with the Las Vegas debut of Unibroue’s stout Belgian-style tripel, La Fin du Monde, which will be on draft for the first time at Commonwealth. The only official La Fin du Monde party in Sin City (www.lafindumondeday.com) will conclude at the stroke of midnight with a toast, a balloon release and a chance for partygoers to win a year’s worth of the prized brew.

Downtown / Fremont Street Experience

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Tourism

Restaurants And Dining

Chef Gordon Ramsay Opens Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill and Gordon Ramsay BurGR – Gordon Ramsay and Caesars Entertainment announced today that Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will open at Caesars Palace Dec. 18, and that Gordon Ramsay BurGR will open at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Dec 22. Two restaurants from the same chef opening within one week of each other in two different casino resorts is a monumental feat never experienced on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Following the highly successful opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas in May, the opening of Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace and Gordon Ramsay BurGR at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino marks three Gordon Ramsay restaurants to open in Las Vegas in less than a year, expanding his relationship with Caesars Entertainment Corp.

F· Chinese Restaurant Now Open At Hard Rock Hotel – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers guests a new culinary experience with the opening of F·, an Asian dining destination bringing good fortune and great food to patrons. Meaning “luck” in English, F· features a fusion of Asian fare with authentic Chinese cuisine and regional inspirations including Korean, Vietnamese and Thai. Fit for both casual and adventurous guests, dishes evoke exotic flavors fired up by prominent Las Vegas resident and Executive Chef Ming See Woo.

Excalibur Hotel & Casino Introduces New Castle Walk Food Court – The new Castle Walk Food Court at Excalibur Hotel & Casino celebrated its grand opening in November, bringing guests a wide array of delicious new offerings.

The dynamic new food court has introduced several new favorites to the Las Vegas Strip, including Cinnabon, Hot Dog on a Stick, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Pick Up Stix and Schlotzsky’s (opening this spring), as well as other premiums in their categories, such as Tropical Smoothie CafÚ, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Auntie Anne’s and Popcornopolis. Thirsty patrons will enjoy an array of takeaway cocktails and refreshments from The Big Chill, making Castle Walk one of the few food courts on the Las Vegas Strip to serve alcoholic beverages.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

A Few More Stories That May Be Of Interest

Maverick Grand Canyon Air TourMaverick Grand Canyon Air Tour – Sit back and relax as you experience this spectacular air excursion through the Grand Canyon. Highlights of this trip include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and Fortification Hill an extinct volcano. Fly through Black Canyon and on your return to the south Las Vegas valley.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Air Tour Now!

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – Winter is threatening, the sun is setting at 4:26 PM for the next few more days, temps are in the 50’s F, and we’ve had some serious drizzling rain. Welcome to the holiday season in Las Vegas. The rain is clearing but temps for the next couple of weeks look like they are going to check in right around our 57 F average high for December. January only averages 58, so leave the swimsuit at home.

BTW, I read a recent article noting which Vegas hotels have heated pools and the article (written by a Vegas “expert” who lives in Los Angeles) suggested that you could still leave Vegas with a tan. The writer is a nice person and generally has good advice, so I’m not going to name him. But… take it from someone living here: Even in the direct sunshine, 57 degrees is NOT warm. Especially in a bathing suit. In addition, the sun is so low in the sky and the days so short that sunny areas by many of our resort pools are limited to the very middle of the day.

Moving Toward The New Look – We asked and you responded and suggested that you’d like to see us categorize the news for easier reading. We’ve combined our main news section and our “More” links-only section into easy-to-browse areas. It is still a work in progress, but we agree: It makes the newsletter much nicer to navigate.

In the next week or two, Newkirk’s Note and Members Mania will be moving over to their own blog areas so you can read, comment, and ask questions. I’ll still have my basic column here with info and short bits, and will be linking to the new posts. You won’t miss a thing. Just a slightly different presentation!

Tournament Poker: For 21st Century Casinos & Internet – This new book by our long-time gaming writer Victor H. Royer is a must for that poker player on your gift list (or just gift it to yourself). Victor has written more books on casino gaming than I have fingers and toes to count, has appeared on national radio programs, and been a gaming industry consultant (just to name a few of his accomplishments). We’ll talk more about this tome in future issues, but we consider it worth every penny for even the casual player. You’ll save the cover price just with the knowledge that you gain.

Megabus To Las Vegas – Hot on the heels of Greyhound Bus Line’s new non-stop service from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the announcement that the X Train will be serving the same route in about a year, Megabus has announced it is also tacking the popular route. Already popular on the east coast, their fleet consists of spacious double-decker busses with free wi-fi, power outlets, and reclining seats.

One big drawback: As a savings measure, the Las Vegas stop will be south of the airport at our local bus transfer station. From there, you’ll have to catch The Deuce down The Strip or on into downtown. The upside: The Deuce originates there and will be empty when you board. You’ll have your choice of seats, including those prime, front-row upstairs seats for an amazing view of The Strip!

X Train – We’ve been keeping you up on the luxury X Train which will start making the trip from Southern California (specifically Fullerton) non-stop to Las Vegas in about a year. With a $99 price tag (each way), I’ve seen much speculation that the venture will fail to draw riders. You can get advanced purchase flights a bit cheaper, and many from California enjoy having their cars while in here.

If I may, many are missing the point: X Train is not aimed at being the fastest or cheapest way to make the journey. Two trains daily will carry only about 1100 people combined each way, a fraction of the volume of people making the journey from LA to Vegas.

LV. X Train will be about the experience. The ability to stretch out, play on your tablet or phone, go to one of the lounge cars and get a drink while watching that game you bet on before leaving, sleep off 48 hours with no sleep (so you can survive work the next day), or simply enjoy the scenery and service while seeing parts of the Mojave Desert that can only be seen by rail. We think it will do OK!

Ted Recommends – Every once in a while, I’m going to suggest something non-Vegas that I’ve found very cool, helpful, or money-saving. Interestingly enough, though… this one has a Vegas component to it. I recently bought a Roku HD Streaming Player device and I love it. What is Roku?

Roku is this simple little box that you hook to your TV (it literally takes 1 minute to set up) and it allows you to watch hundreds of TV and movie channels, the vast majority of which are FREE. You can additionally watch Netflix (if a Netflix paying customer already) just like you would on your computer… but right on your TV instead. If you are like me and sick of how much expanded cable TV costs, trying this out will be the best $50 you spent all year. It also makes a great gift to that person whose tight budget doesn’t allow them cable.

The only “catch” is that you need to have broadband internet a wireless router in your home. If you do, the cost of the Roku is one-time only. Period. Forever.

What’s the Vegas twist? If you search though the Roku selections of travel channels, you’ll find our friends from the Vegas Video Network have all of their shows available for on-demand watching. On your TV, from the comfort of your couch! In the news section, you’ll also find that our local CBS affiliate makes their newscasts available as well. But, that only scratched the surface. Check it out now on Amazon. I guarantee you won’t regret it: Roku HD Streaming Player

Get A Free Labatt Blue Beer Downtown Las Vegas – Watch FSE Live Episode #4 as they interview “The D” Hotel Casino owner Derek Stevens and he’ll tell you how to get a beer on him (just a few minutes into the show)!

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am a 66 year old pharmacist in upstate NY and have been coming to Las Vegas since I was 18 when my college sent me as a delegate to a national convention!

I was hypnotized by the LV neon lights and still am entranced by them.

Memories of one of Elvis’ final shows at the Hilton was extraordinary but the greatest thing I love about Vegas is Change! I love the old but I adore the new like CityCenter and all the new hotels!

Ted, your newsletter is Las Vegas because its in your heart. The visitors convention bureau should make you CEO. You do not market LV you breath LV for all of its changes. LV is in your blood and soul.

Thank you for making me smile every time I read your creative and enthusiastic newsletter!!!!

TED “Your the BEST of Las Vegas” and I cannot wait to return!

Sincerely,

Bill Cutro

 

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great note. Wow… I can only imagine all you have seen here over the years. My first visit wasn’t until I moved here in 1993. Sounds strange as most people enjoy visiting and then relocate here, but I have a life-long severe allergy to mold and fungus (it makes me ill) and living in the rainy part of Oregon wasn’t helping.

Although I must confess that an interest in sports betting didn’t hurt the cause of me choosing Las Vegas over Phoenix! Every Saturday night when I was out driving around Portland, I’d have my radio tuned to KDWN 720 AM (a Las Vegas station that can be heard in much of the west after dark) and get my fix of the old Stardust Line radio show.

I’m glad to hear you are embracing the constant change. Some do, some don’t. Even without any new hotels on the horizon, we have “sky wheels” and The Linq and SO much new happening in “old” Vegas on Fremont. It is ironic to think that when you started coming, downtown was THE Vegas.

I must confess when I hear colleagues moan that the downside of this industry is “Vegas, Vegas, Vegas… nothing but Vegas” all the time, it makes me feel that maybe they should look for employment in another city! Every day, all of the news and information continues to excite me.

Thanks again!

As a regular annual visitor to Vegas from the UK since 2003 I already do both of your suggestions!

I read the newsletter when it arrives and I have an email folder for the next trip where it’s filed and go back through them shortly before we come over.

We’re in the process of planning our next trip at present and will probably be in Vegas in April 2013.

Keep up the good work.

Bob Byrne

 

Ted Responds:

April is always a great time to visit! Plenty of activities and pleasant weather… spring will be in the air.

I do appreciate you and the others who at least scan and then save our newsletter alerts for when you need them. As much as I’d like to personally answer every question that comes in, many are about things we’ve already previously covered and we don’t have the resources to be everyone’s personal travel guide.

Having said that, suggestions as to what we should cover and questions regarding things we have not covered are always welcome at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com If you are a new reader or unsure if we’ve talked about something in the past (or a regular visitor looking to catch up), we invite you to visit our AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe Newsletter Archives where you can use the drop-down menu near the top to work your way through previous issues.

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

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

Latest Concerts Added This Week!

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 5, 2012

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penn & Teller by DW Grant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving on…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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

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

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

Latest Concerts Added This Week!

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

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