Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 12, 2009

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We are well into the dog days of summer. Funny… every year the heat is a bit of a shock to the system come late June and July. By mid-August I’m finally used to it and enjoying that fact that it never gets cold… only to see cooler weather on the horizon.

For those whose systems aren’t programmed to take the heat (and who are facing a quick end to beautiful summer weather where you live), there isn’t better time to plan an October vacation here when daytime average temperatures are a perfect 81 degrees (F) and both NFL and College Football are in full swing!

Terry Fator’s Show On CMT – Terry Fator no longer needs any introduction as his show at The Mirage has been a nice success and he’s got a long term contract that will keep him in Las Vegas for years to come. But for those wondering if he’s worth seeing, CMT (Country Music Television U.S.) will be airing his show on August 28. Check local listings. Click for Terry Fator Tickets

Station Casinos Bankruptcy Won’t Affect Visitors – While the majority of our readers are oriented toward staying on The Strip, near Strip or downtown, we know that some of you do enjoy staying at the “locals” properties. Station Casinos (all those hotels with Station something or other in their name {except Main Street], plus Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock) has declared bankruptcy in order to reorganize their company. They specifically note that none of the hotels are part of the filing and business will continue as usual. If you have a reservation at one of their properties, I wouldn’t sweat it.

However… Boyd Gaming (Cal, Main Street, Sam’s Town, Orleans, Fremont, Suncoast, Gold Coast, Stardust… oops) are making a play for pieces of the company to expand their local empire. With their Echelon project dead for the foreseeable future, they have some cash and credit to go on a modest buying spree if the price if right.

Beyonce – was a big hit on her four night run at Wynncore (Encore Las Vegas). Much talk of her having a sit-down run here a la Cher, Bette Midler, Celine Dion (who is still the subject of continuing rumors regarding a possible return).

Speaking Of Celebs… – Mel Gibson recently attended a 7 PM Blue Man Group show. Sometimes it seems that Blue Man Group flies under the radar (IE, they don’t generate scandals or big splashy news) but this very unique, quirky (and quite fun) show experience continues to draw a-list attendees and has been entertaining Las Vegas visitors for years. Click the Blue Man Group graphic in the right sidebar to find out more (and save some money on this must-see show)!

Local Cell Phone Sim Cards? – 25% of our readership is from outside the U.S. (with around 12% from Europe alone) and we recently were asked something that stumped us:

When visiting from outside North America, is there a way to buy and put a local (Las Vegas) sim card in your phone while you are here instead of having to pay international roaming? Most of us take it for granted that we use our phones to stay in touch with our travel-mates, and it sure beats trying to say “let’s all meet at 6 PM” or whatever.

If anyone has some help on this topic, please do drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com

Construction Job Losses – The Review-Journal notes that construction jobs are down nearly 20% here in Las Vegas. These probably won’t be coming back. CityCenter will be wrapping up at the end of the year, no restart time noted for Plaza (The Frontier) or Echelon, and Fountainbleau (Fblu) only needs some a few months of finishing work.

Also, until new homes can be built for less money than it costs to buy existing homes on the market, new home building will be minimal.

As someone who has lived here over 16 years, it was obvious that the house-of-cards was going to fall at some point. Las Vegas’ non-gaming economy was a ponzi scheme. Growth was driving the economy. People were kept busy building and selling houses to people who were new to town, who in turn got jobs fueled by the continued spending on new construction. Everybody is talking about how Las Vegas is going through a huge economic downturn and recession. However… we really just have a thinning of the herd. People who were probably ill-advised to move here here in the first place are moving back home.

At the end of the day, the core of Las Vegas (tourism) is still doing pretty well, and would be doing just fine if some of the resort companies hadn’t torched their “credit cards” in building just a bit too much. We were out on The Strip this past Thursday afternoon and the casinos were full, plenty of action at the games and slots, and strong crowds on the streets. We’ve noted similar results downtown.

Civic leaders spent the past decade thinking we need to diversify our economy here. Why? How about we stick to selling all of you an unmatched good time like we (as a city) have done for 75+ years! And how about the majority of the people living here work in that industry (and have the camaraderieáá and pride that working in hotels/tourism used to breed) so we provide you the most amazing experience of your life when you visit our neon-lit slice of high desert!

Bridge Across Hoover Dam – The beautiful, new arch bridge across the Colorado River just south of Hoover Dam is expected to open June 2010.

IMG_0757

This along with the four-laning of significant stretches of road between Kingman, AZ and Hoover Dam should shave a good 30 minutes off the drive from Arizona, New Mexico and points southwest to Las Vegas.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


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

Bally’s from $45, El Cortez from $10, Fitzgeralds from $21, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $28, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $30, Stratosphere from $38, Tropicana from $25, Tuscany from $31, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!


Vegas Hot Shots

Rhumbar At The Mirage – Part of The Mirage’s major remodel (in preparation for their 20’th anniversary this year) was the addition of Rhumbar. Part-owner Michael Frey is also a principle in the Casa Fuente cigar store next door in the Forum Shops and also involved in Montecristo (brand) Rum. Hence, a cigar-friendly bar with around 40 types of rum right on The Strip seemed like a natural fit.

Rhumbar - New at The Mirage


View from Rhumbar patio close to sunset. It looks even better once the hotels all light up at night!


The Mirage’s Love marquee towers over Rhumbar.

Rhumbar isn’t just for lovers of rum and mojitos (the house specialty). A comprehensive menu of beer, wine, spirits, and house specialty drinks is available, with prices starting in the $8-10 range. Those seeking beer and margaritas for $1 (and don’t mind the frat party atmosphere) need only to go across the street to Casino Royale instead.

What you will find is a very nice, upscale, comfortable surroundings with lounge (acid) jazz* playing at volumes you can talk over, attentive cocktail waitresses, and an atmosphere that doesn’t make those over 30 feel out-of-place. *Acid jazz doesn’t mean you need to be on acid to enjoy it. Acid jazz is a more downbeat, groove oriented cousin of smooth jazz.

Rhumbar is cigar-friendly, and we aren’t talking Swisher Sweets. You are welcome to bring your own, but their humidor features many of the top-name premium cigar brands including the highly prized, hard-to-find Fuente Fuente Opus X ($27). If you are worried that their patio is overrun with smelly cigar smoke, think again: Las Vegas almost always has a gentle breeze blowing, and the premium cigars they sell for consumption (brands like Ashton and Montecristo) are grown and aged with the same care given to fine wine to produce aromatic notes of woods and spices. (Think of the pleasant aroma of burning oak or cedar in your fireplace). Dime-store cigars (which are not encouraged at Rhumbar) tend to be the cigars with a smell everyone turns their nose up at.

My suggestion? Next time you are in the Center Strip area and have some time to kill before dinner or your show (or if you are getting killed at the tables and need to just need a respite from gaming), stop in for a cocktail. Rhumbar is located just inside the street entrance to The Mirage (where the moving walkway used to take you to the tiger display). Hours vary by season, but currently Noon to around 1 AM.

Vegas Hot Shots will be a regular feature starting later this fall featuring reports on the most enjoyable, comfortable, upscale places to enjoy a cocktail in Las Vegas along with accompanying video reports.


Superstar Mariah Carey To Perform Special Engagement At The Pearl At The Palms – With worldwide sales of more than 175 million albums, Mariah Carey û the most successful female recording artist in history û is set to perform the most intimate shows of her career in a special engagement at The Pearl inside the Palms Casino Resort. These performances will take place on Friday, September 11; Saturday, September 12; Friday, October 9 and Saturday October 10, 2009. These once-in-a-lifetime, up-close-and-personal performances at The Pearl are the first of its kind and surround the highly anticipated release of Mariah’s latest album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel which features the current hit single “Obsessed.”

Las Vegas Celebrates The Music Of Michael Jackson – Live From The Pearl Concert Theater Inside The Palms Casino Resort – Fundraiser to benefit Music Education in Clark County Public Schools. For one performance only, Las Vegas’ top entertainers will come together for a special performance Las Vegas Celebrates the Music of Michael Jackson on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 3 p.m.

In this multi-artist production celebrating the many hits of The King of Pop, entertainers including cast members of Jersey Boys, Lion King, Peepshow and Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular will perform the hits of the Jackson songbook, all in celebration of what would have been the entertainer’s 51st birthday. This unique show will also include video montages throughout from those who knew Michael or were inspired by his work.

Las Vegas’ CityCenter To Be One Of The World’s Largest Green Developments – CityCenter Emerges as Leader of Sustainable Urban Development, Driving Green Economies of Scale in Multiple Industry Segments. Created with a vision to bring a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip, CityCenter will be one of the world’s largest sustainable developments, from design and construction to operations and guest amenities. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to life by eight world-renowned architects, the 18-million-square-foot development is set to achieve a combination of gold and silver LEED« ratings by the U.S. Green Building Council throughout its distinctive hotels; residences; dining, retail and public spaces. Using cutting-edge solutions, CityCenter has been able to grow responsibly without sacrificing the quality of materials or guest experience.

Due to its size and purchasing power, CityCenter is driving green economies of scale in multiple industry segments, paving the way for other entities to build and operate sustainably. CityCenter has moved beyond existing green practices to empower industry-wide innovations.

Tickets On Sale Now For Country Superstar Tim McGraw At M Resort Spa CasinoM Resort Spa Casino is proud to welcome American country superstar Tim McGraw to the Villaggio Del Sole Entertainment Piazza. Tickets are on sale now for his performance on Friday, October 23. The Grammy-award winning McGraw will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. and perform his chart-topping hits including “Live Like Your Were Dying,” “Something Like That,” “I Like It, I Love It” and more. McGraw has had eleven consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard albums charts.

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Features THE EXOTIC Wild Orchid Cocktail This August – This August, Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops invites patrons to experience the succulent Wild Orchid cocktail. The sweet nectar is a smooth concoction infused with Cruzan Guava Rum, TY KU liqueur and pineapple juice. Boasting a glowing yellow hue, Wild Orchid is served in a Collins glass and garnished with a cherry.

Nevada Ballet Theatre Names Marie Osmond As Its ‘Woman Of The Year’ For The 2010 Black & White Ball – Nevada Ballet Theatre is honored to announce singer, author, television personality, Broadway performer and philanthropist Marie Osmond as its ‘Woman of the Year’ for the 2010 Black & White Ball. As one-half of the beloved singing duo “Donny & Marie,” this all-around entertainer will be honored on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Paris Las Vegas. Born into an internationally known entertainment family, Osmond emerged on the country music scene at the tender age of 13 with her hit “Paper Roses,” making her the first female in country music history to debut with a number one record.

Air Supply ‘Live on the Road 2009’ Tour Stops At The Orleans Showroom September 3-6 – Australian soft-rock group Air Supply quickly became a staple of early ’80s radio after their first smash hit, “Love and Other Bruises.” Performing together for more than 30 years, Air Supply returns to The Orleans Showroom September 3, 4, 5 and 6 for four 8 p.m. performances. Englishman Graham Russell and Australian Russell Hitchcock met in 1975 while performing in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Later that year, the duo formed Air Supply and released their first smash hit and self-titled debut album, reaching gold in Australia.

ENVY Presents A Touch Of Hope Breast Foundation Dinner – From August 15 through September 15, Envy The Steakhouse, located at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, will present A Touch of Hope Breast Foundation Dinner. With a portion of the proceeds benefiting A Touch of Hope Breast Foundation, Envy The Steakhouse is offering a $95 Prix Fixe, four-course meal paired with complementing wines. Reservations are recommended. For reservations or more information about A Touch of Hope Breast Foundation Dinner, please call 702.784.5716 or visit www.envysteakhouse.com.

“The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” Nearing One-Millionth Audience Member – Milestone Guest to Win the Ultimate Mac King and Harrah’s Las Vegas Prize Package – “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” will celebrate its one-millionth guest this summer with the ultimate prize package giveaway in partnership with Harrah’s Las Vegas. All guests that attend a performance of the show between August 7 and August 29, 2009, will have the chance to win the ultimate prize package. Recently dubbed in the Las Vegas Review-Journal 2009 “Best of Las Vegas” poll as “Favorite Male Las Vegan,” and voted “Best Bargain Show” six years in a row, Mac King has performed his family-friendly routine at Harrah’s Las Vegas since January 2000.

Journey To Perform At The M Resort Spa CasinoM Resort Spa Casino is proud to announce that Journey will perform in concert at the Villaggio Del Sole Entertainment Piazza on Saturday, October 3. Journey – Neal Schon (guitars, backing vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Ross Valory (bass, backing vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Arnel Pineda (lead vocals) – plays with a passion and commitment that wows both longtime fans and new generations of listeners alike.

Larry The Cable Guy To Bring His Comedy Routine To Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, December 12 – Larry The Cable Guy, the American stand-up comedian and actor known best for his signature catch-phrase “Git-R-Done,” will bring his hilarious routine to Las Vegas and make a stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Dec. 12. The performance is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Larry continues to sell out theatres and arenas across the United States. On July 4 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., Larry performed in front of more than 50,000 fans, a show that was a ‘thank you’ to his fans as well as the entire state of Nebraska for their long-time support.


Las Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I should be back with Members Mania next week (where we answer reader questions). As much as I’d love to tell you that I just sit around sampling shrimp cocktail and eating large steaks 24/7, I’ve had a rather heavy load of responsibilities in my Managing Editor (and overall visionary) of this little outfit. We’re just about to launch an email newsletter for our Easy Vegas Deals blog (finally), I’m working on a slew of new giveaways for fall, and an upgraded tours section. Fall is the perfect time to take one of those scenic tours and really see the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and other area sights.

Plus… in response to significant reader requests for information where someone who is just a little past the “clubbing” age (IE, you don’t want people throwing up on you or tramping your feet when you party) but still want nice, fun places to enjoy cocktails here in Las Vegas, we’re working on our Vegas Hot Shots series.

Thank you so, so, so much to all of you who are telling your friends, family, and co-workers about us and also to those of you who are mentioning this newsletter in your blogs and in travel forums. I say it often, but we are completely independent. We put all our resources into bringing you this great info, and we don’t charge for it. But we need you to continue to “pay your dues” by making sure the world continues finding out about us.

Let people know that all they have to do is go to AccessVegas.com and sign up using the email form right at the top of that page!


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

  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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:

  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 7
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 20
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (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 2009 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

August 12, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 17, 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! Appreciate the notes regarding me missing last issue for medical reasons. I’m on the mend (knock on wood) and looking forward to getting back to work on a regular basis.

Wayne Newton Returns With New Las Vegas Dates – Wayne Newton adds October 16 û 22 and November 13 û 19 dates to his performance schedule at the Hollywood Theatre inside MGM Grand. Show time is 8:30 p.m. nightly. My advice? If you are going to be in town, see the show.á

Sure… his voice isn’t what it used to be. But he’s still the consummate showman, performs with a full band, and one of the few ties to the glamor and “Rat Pack” days of Las Vegas. He’s going strong after a health scare last year and we wish him many years of health, but he’s not going to be performing forever. Click for Wayne Newton Tickets (Las Vegas and other cities).

MGM CityCenter Continues To Draw Interest – We keep getting questions about CityCenter and visitors continue to marvel at how fast it is rising on the Las Vegas Strip. For new readers (or those who missed it last time), here’s some of the basics from developer MGM Grand:

ARIA Resort & Casino will be the spectacular gaming resort that will form the core of CityCenter, a more than $8 billion dazzling vertical city currently underway on the Las Vegas Strip next to Bellagio. Opening in late 2009, ARIA will deliver an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, introducing a new generation of resort experiences and redefining the Las Vegas skyline. I’d love to work with you on a story to introduce ARIA Resort & Casino.

Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the dramatic soaring 61-story hotel tower, casino and convention center will be CityCenter’s most iconic feature. CityCenter also will feature three luxurious non-gaming hotels: Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental, The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences and Vdara Condo Hotel; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; The Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district; and a $40 million public Fine Art Program that will deliver new works of art and iconic pieces by the likes of Maya Lin, Nancy Rubins and Claes Oldenburg, among others.

From luxurious accommodations and entertainment to sophisticated retail and fine art, CityCenter will raise Las Vegas’ amenities and offerings to unparalleled heights and capture the world’s attention as the must-see, must-experience destination across the globe when it opens in late 2009.

Long Live Laughlin – (From the Review-Journal). The latest gambit by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to revive interest in isolated Laughlin is a $2.5 million outreach effort in California and Arizona.

It emphasizes the opportunity for visitors to spend time drinking, gambling and partying along the Colorado River at a fraction of what it costs to let loose in Las Vegas.

The ads are aimed at the 40- to 60-year-old demographic of people who, market researchers say, have disposable income but are wary of overspending. The average daily room rate in Laughlin was $46.87 in July, compared to $105.97 in Las Vegas, according to the latest Southern Nevada visitation reports.

Families Not Moving To Las Vegas? 5000 people (give or take) continue to relocate here each month. Despite the continued influx, local school enrollment is up ájust 0.3 percent over last year (basically flat) as those in construction and illegal aliens (sometimes one in the same) with families flee town for work elsewhere.á

This lack of school district growth should flatten out the school district budget needs and (hopefully) quiet some of the “tax the tourists for schools” talk which keeps floating around.

US 93 Widening Is On – Our friends from Los Angeles take it for granted that the ride to Las Vegas is all-freeway. Sometimes a very crowded freeway, but still all prime road. However, our friends who drive ináfrom Arizona, New Mexico and points southeast of Las Vegas don’t have it so good with long stretches of two-lane road during the final trek.

That is changing! Many know that the Hoover Dam bypass bridge is moving along and funding has just been secured to four-lane the 15 miles of US 93 leading up to the bridge (on the Arizona side). Also, talks are getting more serious about a Boulder City bypass which could shed significant time off the journey.

Complimentary First Month With Netflix – I’ve been a Netflix subscriber for a long time, and love it! No due dates, no late fees, and I don’t even have to turn on my car to get (or drop off) a video. Now, you can even watch many of their selections on your computer “on demand” in high quality video (looks great even on the computer connected to my big flat screen).

They want to give all of our U.S. readers one complimentary month to check the service out. Head over to Netflix One Month Complimentary Membership

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


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

California from $45, Fremont from $38, Gold Coast from $33, Main Street from $38, Orleans from $45, Sam’s Town from $29, Sun Coast from $50, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!


Ultimate Fighting Championship Presents UFC 91: Randy “The Natural” Couture Vs. Brock Lesnar For The UFC World Heavyweight Championship Saturday, November 15 At MGM Grand – On November 15, the champ is back. Following a one-year hiatus from the sport, UFC« heavyweight champion Randy “The Natural” Couture will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon to defend his title against rising star Brock Lesnar. (Tickets) This championship bout, the biggest heavyweight title fight in years and a clash of titans destined to shake the foundations of the sport, will headline UFC 91: COUTURE vs. LESNAR, live Saturday, Nov. 15 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Click to Read The Full Story …

Morton’s The Steakhouse Las Vegas General Manager Daniel Hurst (left) presents Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman with a wine locker and his favorite “spirit,” Bombay Sapphire Gin, at the Morton’s Grand Opening of Bar 12-21. Goodman hosted the grand opening, which was complete with a Las Vegas Showgirl, the debut of the Mayor’s “Oscartini” martini and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Hypnomagician Keith Barry To Dazzle Audiences At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – Psychological Magician and Hypnotist Performs Live In Las Vegas October 28 û November 27. Tickets are on sale now for the limited engagement of Keith Barry: Hypnomagician at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Keith, a European superstar mind illusionist who first astonished U.S. audiences with his celebrity-filled hour-long magic TV special for CBS brings his dazzling blend of magic, illusions and hypnosis to the American stage for the first time October 28 through November 27 at the Planet Hollywood Showroom. Click to Read The Full Story …

Texas de Brazil Opened First Las Vegas Location On Sept.10 – Combining the bold flavors of Southern Brazil with the generous spirit of Texas, Texas de Brazil opened its doors on Wed, Sept. 10 in Town Square Las Vegas. The Las Vegas location marks the restaurant’s 14 location worldwide. “Texas de Brazil is a perfect complement to Town Square and a great spot to try a traditional Brazilian ‘Churrascaria,’ (steakhouse)” said David Parra general manager. “We are eager to provide our guests with beautiful rustic ambiance, flavorful food and unparalleled service.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Fright Dome Prepares To Scare At Circus Circus Las Vegas – Nationally rated Halloween attraction to open at the Adventuredome October 3. Halloween festivities in Las Vegas officially begin at 7 p.m. October 3 when The Adventuredome at Circus Circus reanimates into its sinister alter ego, Fright Dome. Opening weekend festivities include special guest appearances by Sid Haig, who appeared as Captain Spaulding in Rob Zombie’s “House of 1,000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Reject” horror classics, and Bill Moseley, who appeared as Otis Driftwood in both films, as well as “Halloween.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Hard Rock ‘Ups The Ante’ With Vegas’ Premier Poker Lounge Providing Bottle Service, Masseuses, And In-Lounge Sports Betting That Players Can’t Get At A Traditional Poker Room – A private bar, bottle service, certified masseuses, music, plush couches, and video poker machinesàsounds more like a nightclub than a traditional poker room. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has created a decadent atmosphere designed with the player’s comfort in mind to attract the world’s top poker players, as well as high-end bachelor parties, and private events, with Las Vegas’ first Poker Lounge. The new 7,000-square foot, first of its kind, Poker Lounge is a full service poker room, with an inviting, lounge feel and the newest addition in the property’s $800 million expansion and renovation. Click to Read The Full Story …

Strip House Introduces Scotch & Steak Flights This Fall – Strip House offers a selection of signature steaks paired with flights of top-shelf Scotches beginning Sept. 22, 2008. Showcasing three different brands from various areas of Scotland, the first flight allows guests to experience a wide range of flavor profiles. Priced at $30, the pairing brings together Strip House’s trademark selections with Laphroaig 15 Year Islay Single Malt, Highland Park 18 Year Orkney Single Malt and Macallan Fine Oak 21 Year Highland Single Malt. Click to Read The Full Story …

Southern Nevada Pug Rescue To Host Seventh Annual Pug-O-Rama Picnic – Southern Nevada Pug Rescue (SNPR), a non-profit organization, will host its seventh annual Pug-O-Rama Picnic on Sunday, October 26, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Hills Park in Summerlin. The Halloween-themed event will continue to feature costume contests, prizes, raffles, and a silent auction. Pug owners are encouraged to dress up their Pugs, pack a picnic, and enjoy a few hours socializing with other Pug parents. Pug-O-Rama Picnic tickets are available now for $10 per person, $7 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Click to Read The Full Story …


Can’t Make It To Vegas?
See If A Hot Event Is Playing Near You!

Jonas Brothers, Madonna, The Cheetah Girls, ColdPlay, Mary J. Blige, Neil Young, Michael Buble, Celine Dion, Dave Matthews Band, American Idols Live, Jimmy Buffett, Radiohead, John Mayer, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, NFL Football, PGA Championship, NASCAR Sprint Cup, College Football, WWE Wrestling, Baseball, All Major Concerts and Events


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted,

First, I want to compliment you on your newsletter. I look forward to getting each one of them.

I have been going to Las Vegas at least once a year for about 30 years now and have certainly seen the change from ‘the old’ Las Vegas to what it is now. It seems that the “new” Las Vegas wants to cater to the Hollywood types who expect to have their stays comped to the richer people who can afford to pay the extremely high food costs and room costs. I have reservations to go again this year for a week but am thinking about not going again as I don’t like the ‘new’ Las Vegas.á

I liked the old slot machines where the reels went around and around and you knew what would pay and what wouldn’t. I don’t like the new type of slot machines where it has a line going all over the screen and I never understand what pays and what doesn’t.

With the large, nice casino’s the foot traffic down around New York, New York, MGM Grand, Paris, etc you cant even walk down the sidewalk except to get behind someone and just walk at their pace.

Maybe the owners of these places will get the message on their tight machines and things but I doubt if I will ever go back out there to know what happens.

Clearnce Fakes

á

Ted Responds:

I also won’t touch the new slots. I don’t have the time to figure them out and don’t want to play a game unless I know what is going on. They were put in place so you could play anywhere from a penny to a couple of dollars per play on the same game (and to divert your attention to how fast they were sucking down your cash).

The “new” Las Vegas does have plenty to offer, see, and do. But I continue to suggest that people yearning for the “old” Las Vegas try a stay downtown. It will be easier on your budget and you’ll probably have a better shot at winning. Plus, poke around and you just may find some of the older slot games you prefer at downtown casinos!


Dear Ted,

I just returned from my 24th visit to Vegas and had a wonderful time as usual. I stayed at the Flamingo and was really happy with the friendly desk staff, cage personnel, restaurant staff at the Tropical Breeze, and all the Harrahs employees at all the Vegas properties I visited.

I saw three fun and entertaining shows, The Price is Right Live, Nathan Burton and The Vinnie Favorito show. The Price is Right was the most fun I’ve ever had at a Vegas show. I was however subjected to the absolute worst show I have ever seen in Vegas. I went to the X-Burlesque show at the Flamingo expecting to see a tribute to burlesque. This fiasco was anything but a tribute. The music was bad and much too loud, the dancing was awful and the girls were very unattractive except for two of the six girls. This show was nothing like it was advertised and an embarrassment. I have seen Jubilee and Crazy Girls and both of these shows were top notch. X- Burlesque was a disappointing waste of money.á

Despite this disappointment Vegas was as usual a spectacular time and as usual I saw things that weren’t there just a year ago.

Michael from Lowell, Indiana


Back in May/June I read somewhere that HooterÆs was being sold. I was wondering if you had any info on what has happened to that transaction. Did it fall through?

I am curious as we are staying there 8/22 for 2 nights for our nephewÆs 21’st birthday. Our first stay was last Thanksgiving & we had a lovely stay in one of the Bungalow rooms and we would like to stay there again this Thanksgiving.

I enjoy accessvegas.com newsletter very much. Thank you.

Shannon from Costa Mesa, CA

á

Ted Responds:

The sale fell through due to the trouble obtaining financing in the present economy. Hooters is operating as normal and recently added a new country music bar with live music and no cover. Also, both The Mentalist: Gerry McCambridge and Bobby “The Pitbull Of Comedy” Slayton continue to perform (both of which are great shows).

Thanks for reading and telling your friends!


Hi, I haven’t been to Vegas for a couple of years. I will be visiting soon for 4 days. What new things should I see? Thanks for any advise!

Gary Nawrocki

á

Ted Responds:

That would take hours to answer. However, you can go to our newsletter archives at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com and get up to speed on all of the great, new things to do and see.

Scroll down the right-hand sidebar and you’ll see links to monthly archives of the newsletter. Work your way through those and you’ll be up to speed on all the new stuff from the past couple of years!


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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:

  • 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
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)

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:
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All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
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September 17, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy