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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 1, 2009 – Danny Gans 1959-2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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

Hello from Las Vegas. Long time readers know that I always end that greeting with an exclamation point. Not today.

danny gans las vegas 1956-2009
Danny Gans
1956 – 2009

I was running behind on the newsletter this week and was just about to send when we all got the very sad news that legendary (and well-loved) Las Vegas entertainer Danny Gans passed away Friday morning at the age of 52. To say that our community is heartbroken is an understatement. Even our local newscasters had problems holding their emotions as they reported the story.

Cause of death won’t be known for some time, but appears to be natural causes. Gans was a fitness buff who (by all accounts) ate an incredibly healthy diet. He was also very active in his church and his faith and a devoted family man. Hence, substance abuse or similar “early age death” problems would be unlikely. No one would confuse his lifestyle with that of Lindsey Lohan.

I never met Gans. The only thing he and I really had in common was a birthday (October 25). But he is truly one of those people you never heard a bad word about. His giving to the community through charity work was legendary.

I’m fortunate enough to have some Danny Gans video at his finest that I doubt you’ll find anywhere else. A number of years ago, we did some promotions with the Rio Secco Golf Club here in Las Vegas. Those avid golfers among you may know it to be the home of the Butch Harmon School of Golf. (Butch Harmon was Tiger Woods’ golf coach for many, many years).

Rio Secco gave me a VHS video featuring Butch’s golf school, golf tips, and similar promotions for online use. There was one thing on it they said I couldn’t use: Seven minutes of Danny and Butch clowning around (and Danny being amazingly funny). Gans was no longer playing at The Rio Hotel and Rio Secco golf club was associated with The Rio.

Today when I heard the news, I remembered this incredible segment that I wasn’t supposed to use. I dug it out, we encoded it, and now have it online. I think the fine folks at Rio All Suites Hotel here (and their parent company Harrah’s) won’t mind under the circumstances.

Danny Gans Clowns Around With Butch Harmon
At Rio Secco Golf Club Las Vegas

We also have an archived promo video from his time at The Mirage:

Danny Gans Promo From
Mirage Las Vegas Engagement

I had News Editor Mark Jacobs gather all the current local news stories links for those who want more information:

A couple of issues ago, I decried the fact that the lights along the Las Vegas Strip were turned off for an hour for Earth Hour. I noted that such an honor should be preserved only for those who had a significant impact on Las Vegas (I.E. members of the Rat Pack) or for national remembrance/mourning.

While no details at press time, the lights should (and probably will) be dimmed for Danny Gans. He deserves such a fitting tribute.

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 $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $38, Stratosphere from $42, Tropicana from $46, Tuscany from $39, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Aerosmith With Special Guests ZZ Top At MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, July 25 – The rock event of the summer is coming to Las Vegas when one of America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands, AEROSMITH, rejoins forces with Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.

Proud Poker Tradition Continues At Binion’s With 3rd Annual Poker Classic – The advent of Summer brings more poker to Las Vegas than any other time of year. Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel, with an unmatched poker lineage in both years and reputation, will usher in the season with the 3rd Annual Binion’s Poker Classic. Tournament play begins May 25 and culminates with a two-day No Limit Hold’em main event July 7 and 8. All-in-all, Binion’s will seat players for 45 different events over 45 straight days. With the wide variety of games and affordable buy-ins that characterize the Binion’s Poker Classic, players of all levels are sure to find events in which to compete.

Air Supply Performs At The Orleans Showroom May 21-24 – 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 will return to The Orleans Showroom May 21, 22, 23 and 24 for four 8 p.m. performances.

Charity Poker Tournament Offers Winner Poker After Dark Seat – The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino will host the inaugural Suzie and Howard Lederer Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament benefiting the Boys and Girls Club July 1, where first place will win an unprecedented seat on NBC’s hit poker program Poker After Dark. The tournament is open to the public and the winner will receive a $20,000 seat on the top-rated, late-night poker program, giving them the opportunity to become a television poker star and win $120,000 in cash.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

No Member’s Mania this week in light of the sad news. We’ll get back to all of your great questions and input next issue.

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

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 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • 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

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

April 29, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 22, 2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! In the 90’s this week, unusually warm (80 F is normal this year). Just a couple of quick things:

UNLV Football Tickets On Sale — If one of these teams is your team, what better excuse for a trip to Las Vegas to see your team (probably) kick the snot out of UNLV:

As a 16 year resident, I’m a UNLV fan and happy to see their football team on the rise. However, this is going to be a tough September for me: I was born and raised in Oregon and attended Portland State. I’m a big fan of both Oregon and Oregon State football so the UNLV/Oregon State game is going to be a tough one for me to watch.

I’m also a big fan of the Hawaii Warriors, who come to town to play a week later. I’ve been following them for years (former coach June Jones has a big Oregon connection) and enjoy their exciting brand of football.

With so many of our Hawaiian friends living here in Las Vegas, and so many more that visit (to the tune of about a million visitors per year from The Islands), the crowd at the UNLV/Hawaii game is going to be pretty evenly split with a likely sell-out and plenty of electricity in the air.

Both Mother’s Day and Cinco De Mayo are coming soon and we are compiling events for both days:

Check out the events happening for Cinco de Mayo!

Check out the events happening for Mother’s Day!

I’m a little under-the-weather this week (probably from the check I had to send the IRS last week… you want to talk about neusea-inducing). So I’m going to turn it over to our writer Denise Almas. We’ve assigned her to cover the pending launch of the new Lion King show here in Las Vegas. I’ll be back later in the newsletter with Members Mania.

The Lion King is obviously the biggest show to hit town in some time, and one that is already drawing great interest among our readers:

Lion King Las Vegas – Brilliant and Riveting

by Denise Almas

Preparing to leap onto the Mandalay Bay Theater stage is a talented international cast in DisneyÆs The Lion King. The cast, which includes nine South African natives, has been comprised of cast members from other Lion King productions, making this an experienced ensemble ready to be King of the Las Vegas Strip.

With brilliant costumes, more than 200 puppets, and riveting music, the coming of age story of the young lion cub, Simba, will entertain young and old alike. According to Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Group, ôThe Las Vegas production will be every bit the equal of the spectacular Broadway experience.ö

Indeed, Alton F. White will don an 11 ounce mask as he plays ôMufasaö the lion king. WhiteÆs credits include The Lion KingÆs Broadway company, Ragtime, Tommy, The Color Purple, and Miss Saigon.

Buyi Zama, a native of South Africa, has performed in seven productions of The Lion King and will play the wise ôRafiki.ö Her credits also include backing as a vocalist for Whitney Houston and Rebecca Malope.

Kissy Simmons will be the lioness, ôNalaö. She joins the cast from the Broadway production and has also been in the national tour of the production.

ôSimba,ö the lion cub, will be played by Clifton Oliver who has also performed in the Los Angeles production of The Lion King, as well as in the Broadway productions of Grease, Rent and Wicked.

ôScar,ö the Lion KingÆs sinister brother, is played by Thom Sesma. SesmaÆs credits include The Man of La Mancha, The Times They Are A-ChanginÆ, and La Cage Aux Folles on Broadway.

This talented and celebrated cast will compliment the award winning music, which includes music by Elton John and Time Rice, as well as music by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. The Lion King score fuses Western pop music with the sounds and rhythms of Africa, bringing to life this unique and award winning musical.

DisneyÆs Tony Award winning production will journey onto the Mandalay Bay Stage on May 5, 2009, with the premiere on May 15, 2009. Come enjoy the Pride.

Related Links: Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

P.S. Airfare is way down right now, and with the price of oil creeping back up, now is the time to lock in your next visit to come see us here. Plus, scroll past my signature and check out some of the amazing hotel prices right now. Even if you can’t come visit until fall (or even winter), what can be better than to have a Las Vegas trip lined up to look forward to.

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 $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $34, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $29, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $46, Tuscany from $39, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Funny Man Jeff Foxworthy Brings Comedy Act To Orleans Arena For One Night Only, May 16 – The best-selling comedy-recording artist in history, Jeff Foxworthy, will be bringing his signature redneck jokes and hilarious observations about human nature to the Orleans Arena in An Evening of Comedy with Jeff Foxworthy for one night only, May 16 at 8 p.m. He’ll deliver nonstop laughs and goes beyond the expected to explore the humor in everyday family and human interactions in a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s.

Local Celebrities To Scoop Ice Cream For Charity For Ben & Jerry’s 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” April 21 – Henderson Ben & Jerry’s locations will serve free ice cream cones to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and the Nevada Community Learning Centers. Ben & Jerry’s, the company that broke the mold for businesses showing you could make a profit while giving back to the community, will commemorate its 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” at the Galleria Mall at Sunset in Henderson with celebrity scoopers to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. All small cones are FREE with no purchase necessary, but patrons are invited to make a donation to the respective local charity.

Ultimate Fighting Championship 100 Saturday, July 11 At Mandalay Bay – For the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization’s historic UFC 100 event Saturday, July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, a stacked card featuring the best of the best in mixed martial arts is not only expected, but required. To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, the UFC is pleased to announce three featured bouts that individually would be main events anywhere else in the world. In the main event, the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship of the world is on the line when reigning titleholder Brock Lesnar faces interim champion Frank Mir in one of the most highly anticipated rematches in heavyweight history.

Dennis Miller Brings Stand-up Routine To The Orleans Showroom May 15-17 – Five-time Emmy award winner and crowd favorite Dennis Miller brings his hilarious act to The Orleans Showroom, May 15-17 at 8 p.m. each evening. Celebrated as a witty comedian with an entertaining and intriguing stand-up routine, Miller keeps audiences laughing with his irreverent observations.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I found this newsletter about a year ago and I really enjoy to read all the news about Las Vegas every time!

At the end of May I will visit Las Vegas again for 3 weeks! I try to do this every year (to be honest, it’s the only reason for me to go to work). We had the first snow this year October 31st and today it’s still snowing. Editors Note: This letter was sent to us a few weeks ago). We do have tons and tons of snow and even can’t go outside with the car. Also the last few ‘summers’ were not the best. The last really great summer we had was back in 2003.

I usually travel alone (nobody else stays for 3 weeks in Vegas) and my friends from Switzerland visit me and then travel to other places. This year my boss is in San Francisco and will drive with the car to Vegas for one week. And later another couple visits Vegas for 3 days and we will meet.

Last year I was staying at the Luxor in a tower room. It was so great there that I will stay there again this year. It’s also never a problem to book for such a long time. People here in Switzerland usually stay for 3-4 days in town and then drive or fly away. Back at home they jump in another airplane a travel to a Greek or Spain island and lay in the sun at the beach. That makes no sense for me. I can do all this in Vegas too. The pool area’s so great and relaxing. Of course I was on several islands in Europe too, but when I went to Vegas the first time in 1998 it was clear for me: that’s the town I will return as often as I can, and it’s every time the best time of the year I have. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to May 28th when the plane starts!!!

There are so much more things to do in Vegas than the Casinos. I travel with empty suitcases and buy as much as I can carry. Then the Motor Speedway is a must too! We also like to walk a lot or drive to Arizona or Utah and visit the National parks. This area is also very interesting. Sometimes I think 3 weeks is not enough…. 😉

Barbara Eichhorn from Switzerland

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great letter! Sometimes, new readers (who have never been to Las Vegas) will write and say “We are coming for four days… what should we see?” I politely tell them that they could stay for a month and not run out of things to do or see as there is plenty to do for almost every interest and to just stay subscribed to the newsletter to find out what is currently happening.

May is a great month to be here as our 100 degree (F) temps generally have not hit yet, but it no longer gets cold at night. Every day is a perfect day to hang out by the pool or go see some of the amazing scenery of the beautiful Southwest U.S. and every night is perfect for strolling in the neon or taking in a show.

Thanks again for reading and telling your friends. We have a very loyal international readership base (about 25% of our readers) and are very appreciative of the time and effort it takes to visit us.

My wife and I spent a week in Vegas Feb 4 to 11. We stayed downtown 4 nights and on the strip for 3. We are more than upset with the number of card flickers in front of Flamingo, O’Shea’s, and Harrah’s. They are obnoxious flicking their cards in your face and blocking passage on the sidewalk. The casinos stand to lose as these people scare some elders. They should be limited or made to stand at the end of the walkway and not in the middle. Some of the people actually assault you with their mannerisms.

Ellis Island is every bodies dream of good food at reasonable prices.

RUSE1941

Ted Responds:

Believe me… the hotels have tried time and time again to restrict the people handing out the “girls to your room” cards. Including a move to attempt to make the sidewalks in front of each casino the private property of the casino. The ACLU has fought them tooth and nail as they feel it is a free speech issue. At this point, your best bet is to simply ignore them. Keep your eyes straight ahead and keep walking.

Just want to tell you about our visit Feb. 2, 2009. Our first stay at Planet Hollywood and I was most disappointed. No view from the window. One chair in the room to watch the nice TV. I ask for another chair and they told me to contact the banquet area and I did and was told there was a rental fee and they would call me back. No chair and no call back.

A standard fee of over $5.00 for water and newspaper that we didn’t want. A college group moved in Fri. night and no complimentary drinks. My last stay there. The beds were nice.

Thanks for all your news.

BJ Dailey

Ted Responds:

I know we’ve all had times when something doesn’t live up to expectations. When it comes to an issue with a Las Vegas hotel (attraction, restaurant, you name it), this is what I strongly advise:

Find the actual snail mail (postal) address and write them a letter. It doesn’t have to be long, but but it should be calm and rational (just as your note was). Let them know you were not pleased and why. At the very least, your voice gets heard. And, they just might offer to do something to make it right on your next visit.

Even though we live in a computer/email age, a real postal mail letter really sends an impact. If you go to Google Maps and then enter Name Of Hotel Las Vegas, it will usually pull up the hotel location and actual address.

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:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • 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

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

April 22, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 8, 2009

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! 16 years, baby. 16 years. April 2009 is marking my 16’th year here in Las Vegas. I moved from the beautiful (but all too often overcast and rainy) Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon and never returned. I’ve been publishing this newsletter for nearly 10 of those years. Next year marks the 10 year anniversary of thisá AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe (which started as Las Vegas News and Reviews).

Far too many memories to list on one page, but rarely a dull moment. I was the last civilian (non-hotel or demolition employee) to step foot in the infamous Copa Room at The Sands. More recently, in line behind Andrew “Dice” Clay at a local convenience store (very surreal). In-between, things like heckling Carrot Top from the first row (he actually puts on a really good show) to a pre-opening visit to the top of The Stratosphere Tower thanks to a cocktail waitress friend who was a charter employee.

I’ve stumbled upon countless movie, TV, music video and commercial shoots (hint, they happen late at night), and seen more live radio and TV broadcasts produced than I can count. One of the more interesting: Don Imus doing his nationwide show from The Mirage in the mid-90’s, interviewing Steve Wynn at 4 AM (7 AM east coast time) in front of a crowd of bleary-eyed ápeople who had been up all night and were still boozing. Plus, more “What Happens In Vegas” moments than I can count. (Once again, best time for these sightings is well after midnight).

Here’s to the future and my continued quest to make you, our loyal readers, the best-informed Las Vegas visitors possible!

Dixie’s Dam Bar At Hooters Las Vegas – Over the past few years, a theme has developed in the massive amount of feedback we get from you, our readers. That theme? What happened to the old Las Vegas? I don’t want to go to a club with a dress code I’ll never meet and then have to pay $400 for “bottle service” just so I can have a table.

Dixie’s Dam Bar at Hooters is open Wed. – Sun. starting at 9 PM with no bottle service, no attitudes, and the Dixie’s Diva’s to pour you the drinks when they aren’t dancing on the bar. Cover is $20, a small price to pay for a night of unrestrained, unpretentious fun.

Dixie's Dam Bar at Hooters Hotel Las Vegas

Dixie's Dam Bar at Hooters Hotel Las Vegas

Dixie's Dam Bar at Hooters Hotel Las Vegas

Click on any of the above photos to view the entire Dixie’s Dam Bar at Hooters Las Vegas photo set.

Smoke ‘Em If You Got Em – The Nevada State Legislature is currently in the process of taking the teeth out of much of Nevada’s smoking ban. Specifically allowing smoking (should a business owner choose to do so) anywhere minors are prohibited.

This would allow both local bars and hotel casinos to allow smoking in areas where they have food service (at their discretion). IE, if a hotel restaurant saw fit to allow smoking at a restaurant baráand were willing to enclose it — probably with glass — to separate it from a main dining area where minors would be allowed, they would be able to do so.

If you wish to write our legislators (on either side of this issue), the following two gentlemen represent the area of the Las Vegas Strip:

Keep it brief and polite, represent yourself as a regular Las Vegas visitor, and let them know your feelings regarding loosening the smoking ban.

End Of An Era – Folies Bergere bowed out after 49 years of being a Las Vegas staple. Our local paper did a great photo feature of closing night: http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/slideshow/folies_finale_032809/

Earth Hour – Some of you may have read how most of the hotels along the Las Vegas Strip turned off their outside lighting for an hour in honor of Earth Hour a couple of weeks go. We didn’t cover it, nor will we if they do it again.

Over the years, the lights have been dimmed (usually for about 15 minutes) to honor the death of people ranging fromáU.S. Presidents to members of the Rat Pack. The lights were dimmed after 9/11 in honor of the victims as well. I believe this exercise should ONLY be reserved only as a special honor in similar situations.

I’m also concerned that between smoking bans and Earth Hour celebrations, Las Vegas is gaining a reputation for political correctness. Which is NOT why people come and visit.

Even if you recycle, carpool, watch your use of natural resources, drive an efficient car and other “earth friendly” activities, Las Vegas allows you to spend a few days tossing caution to the wind. At time to cut loose. Eat and drink a little too much. Use some electricity (or watch the hotels use it) purely for your enjoyment. Trust me… the earth will survive your visit 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 $49, El Cortez from $25, Fitzgeralds from $34, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $35, Riviera from $56, Sahara from $28, Stratosphere from $40, Tropicana from $40, Tuscany from $39, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Legendary Guitarist Carlos Santana Launches First Rock Residency Show In Las Vegas At The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Signing on as the first rock and roll resident artist in Las Vegas, Carlos Santana brings his legendary talent to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino through a multi-year deal with AEG Live. Through 2010, The Joint will be the only place west of the Mississippi where fans can see Santana perform. Titled to pay homage to his most successful body of work to date, Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits debuts on Wednesday May 27 and features the artist’s signature fusion sound in a show designed exclusively for the new venue.

Vegas’ Sexiest Show Begins Preview Performances Peepshow Starring Mel B. Costarring Kelly Monaco – PEEPSHOW, the new, sophisticated, ultra-hot show begins preview performances this week at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Pop superstar Mel B (of the world famous Spice Girls) stars with General Hospital’s Kelly Monaco (“Dancing with the Stars” champion) and The Strip’s hottest dancers in this spectacular world premiere. In PEEPSHOW, Mel B. will originate the role of the mistress of ceremonies, the “Peep Diva.” Kelly Monaco will take the stage as “Bo Peep,” a timid girl who the Diva guides in her transformation into a confident, sensual woman. Alongside Mel B. & Kelly is a sizzling ensemble of sexy PEEPSHOW GIRLS, showstoppers from film, TV, Broadway and beyond who were handpicked to complete a highly-skilled, voluptuous cast unlike any other on The Strip.

Jimmy Buffett And The Coral Reefer Band Summerzcool Tour 2009 – Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band return to Las Vegas for one remarkable performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 16 as part of Jimmy Buffett’s “Summerzcool” Tour 2009. Tickets go on-sale Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. Parrotheads won’t want to miss their chance to soak in the full Margaritaville experience.

Keith Urban To Bring His “Escape Together World Tour” To Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, July 18 – As if a night with Grammy Award-winner Keith Urban isn’t enough, now comes word that Urban’s “Escape Together World Tour” will feature the legendary Glen Campbell. Urban, one of the industry’s most explosive and critically hailed live acts, and Campbell will perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, July 18.

Metallica To Bring “World Magnetic Tour” To Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, December 5 – Following a triumphant summer European tour, Metallica will return to rock North America this fall for the second leg of its “World Magnetic Tour.” The multi-platinum hard-rock band will perform later this year throughout the United States and Canada and will include a stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Dec. 5.

Paul Anka Returns To The Orleans Showroom May 8-10 – With more than 125 albums, 15 million records sold and 22 Top 20 hits, Paul Anka has been one of the most influential voices in pop music since emerging as a teen idol in the 1950s. On May 8, 9 and 10, Anka will be bringing his incomparable sound to The Orleans Showroom for a three-night engagement.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Love your newsletter. I had a question. Have you seen the table game limits coming down in this economy? I’ve been visiting Vegas for 20 years now. One of the things I used to love was the ability to walk up and down the strip and stop in at a variety of difference casinos and find $5 craps and blackjack tables.

In the past 5 years or so I noticed all the minimums are $10 and your hard press to find $5 tables. I feel am an average gambler and would think I’m not the only one who would like to see the limits back down around $5.

Keep up the good work,

Randy

Ted Responds:

We had a Members Mania letter about this a few months ago. Certainly a topic that people continue to wonder about.

We have heard word of table minimums coming down on The Strip here and there but no major trend we can see as of yet.

We encourage people to gamble downtown where the minimums are still lower and rules still tend to be more favorable to the player.

It is interesting that gaming wins (what the casinos win in total) here in Nevada are plummeting. Execs are blaming it on the economy. But perhaps they are simply making games too expensive or unfavorable for the millions like yourself who will gladly risk your money for hours on end. IF you can do so at reasonable minimums.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends to subscribe. We are a small company that relies on word-of-mouth!

What is the appropriate amount to tip for valet? Does it depend on the hotel? Should you tip when you drop off the car, or pick it up, or both?

Thanks,

Maureen

Ted Responds:

One dollar when you drop it off is a nice token and two when you pick it up is satisfactory. I’d (more or less) double that at the high end hotels and/or if it is really, really busy. Also, the amount of time they take to retrieve your car should come into play. A little more if they are quick, less if it takes forever.

If you drive up to a hotel you aren’t staying at and they have a sign indicating valet for hotel guests only (or Valet Full), you’ll find out that a $10 bill will usually magically make the valet a little less full. IE, they will take your car.

Me? I usually skip the valet and do a little-known parking garage trick: Simply drive to one of the top floors of the parking garage where you’ll usually find plenty of parking within a few feet of the elevator. Sure, you spend an extra 30 seconds driving up a couple extra floors. But you’ll more than make up for the time by not circling a lower level floor looking for a space or having to park a long walk from the elevator. Plus, the view from the top floors of some of the parking garages are pretty cool!

My extra-top-secret Las Vegas Strip parking tip which I noted here a few years ago? The Casino Royale (just north of Harrah’s) has a four floor public parking garage right behind their little casino. The garage is open to the public and literally a 30 second walk from the Las Vegas Strip sidewalk.

Hope this all helps!

Hi! I read your newsletter all the time. We just LOVE Vegas and love to get all the news when we can’t be there in person. We will be coming for a visit next month and have heard recently that the casinos have stopped serving free alcoholic beverages while you’re playing. Just wondering if this is true?

Thanks,

Kristy

Ted Responds:

A few hotels have toyed with not serving video poker players free drinks at the bar unless someone is playing $1 level or more. Also, if you are playing penny slots and literally playing only a few pennies at a time, you might not get served.

Overall, casinos are continuing to serve free drinks to players.

If you ever get refused a free drink while gambling a “normal” amount of money (IE, not trying to scam a drink while only betting one nickel at a time or playing video poker one quarter at a time), cash out and move to another casino.

LOVE you guys. Having a family reunion next weekend in Las Vegas and forwarded your newsletter to everyone who’s going.

Absolutely the best source of Las Vegas information out there!

Keep on keepin’ on!

Johanna Greenfield

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:

  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • 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

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

April 8, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 25, 2009

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! It is starting to feel like the Vegas of old around here. March Madness is in full swing, the Mint 400 race is in town, Fremont Street (downtown) is buzzing with activity and visitors in a way I haven’t seen in a decade (if ever) and it is pool weather every day of the week. Leave your coat at home. The next time we’ll have a downright cold overnight will be sometime in October.

He Who Laughs Last… – You guys (the long-time Las Vegas visitor) are winning! Little back-story for new visitors:

For decades, Las Vegas drew visitors with amazing sights to see coupled with unbeatable value. Even if someone came and lost a bundle, the would brag to their friends for months about the $4.99 complete prime rib dinner, $1 drinks, amazing hotel room (for next-to-nothing) and count the days until they returned.

A few years ago, the hotel casinos started going “Why are we giving all this stuff away? Let’s charge New York City prices for everything. Our profits will soar!” They did and it worked for a while. The economy was booming, Vegas was at the peak of popularity, and it looked like the ride would never end.

Then the government got in on the action. Somebody got the bright idea we needed a Performing Arts Center downtown. This despite the area having more venues than I have fingers to count, ranging from a few hundred to nearly 20,000 in capacity. This despite the fact that we already have our own “culture” with amazing shows ranging from Blue Man Group to Jersey Boys and Phantom to all of the various Cirque du Soleil shows.

Still with me here? Local government decided to fund the Performing Arts Center construction through a rental car tax. (Something I spoke out against furiously here). Like you guys are made of money and just want to pay more.

Guess what? The downturn in the economy (and visitors cutting back by not renting a car) has left the performing arts center well short of the needed construction revenue. Rental car taxes were about 30% lower than projected and local government had to sell redevelopment bonds to cover (which has more of the tax burden falling on the locals).

Serves them right. We don’t need visitors funding politicians pet projects. Hopefully, this will make them think twice before they go to you (our visitor) for revenue. In addition, hotels are being forced to bring room prices into line with the traditional value pricing that we’re famous for here, and restaurants/bars have started getting much more aggressive with food and drink specials.

Which brings me to…

Reinventing Las Vegas – Local tourism leaders (which is a code word for “politically connected people who live off the slush fund of tourism marketing dollars but pretty much have no clue what is really going on”) are now clamoring to re-invent Las Vegas!

These morons cite “studies” of this, that, and the other thing. Studies, my a@@. I’d be shocked if any of our readers (some 50-60,000 per week) have ever been part of a “Las Vegas visitor study.” (If you have, drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com and tell us about it).

How about these “leaders” get off of their well-cushioned behinds and get out and rub elbows with you guys. Get some real feedback. Go stand in line for a buffet. Pay $6 for a beer (out of their own pocket) at a casino bar and see how that feels.

At the very least, read our Members Mania section each week which is packed with true, honest and direct comments (good, bad and in-between) from you guys. The REAL Las Vegas visitor, reading this newsletter from all points on the globe and giving real-world insight and feedback about your stay.

OK… enough of my soapbox, but we’ll never quit fighting for a Las Vegas where you have an amazing vacation, find tremendous value, and crave returning time and time again.

Next week, new photo sets and show reviews. We had a few bumps in the road with construction at our modest headquarters, but we’ve just about back to full steam ahead.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Aliante from $30, Boulder Stn from $30, Fiesta H from $25, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $24, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Tiger Sharks Now Lurk At Mandalay Bay – Species Ranked Second Deadliest To Great White Shark – Two female tiger sharks now rule the waters of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. The only tiger sharks available for viewing in the U.S., these exciting new additions can be identified by their distinct tiger-striped markings in the 1.6-million-gallon aquarium. “We are delighted to unveil these powerful predators to our guests of Shark Reef Aquarium,” said Adrienne Rowland, the facility’s director. “The tiger sharks demonstrate Shark Reef’s goal to raise awareness and appreciation of our world’s fascinating marine life.”

Jennifer Hudson And Robin Thicke To Co-Headline At The Pearl At The Palms – Grammy winning, platinum recording artist Robin Thicke and Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson co-headline a five-week U.S. tour including a stop in Las Vegas at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Friday, May 1, 2009. The tour brings together a powerhouse of two of the most distinctive and enduring voices in the current world of R&B music. World-renowned for her astonishing live vocals, this marks the first official tour for Hudson, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her self-titled debut album.

Penn & Teller Celebrate 35 Years As A Duo – The Bad Boys Of Magic Remain Larger Than Life – This month marks the 35th anniversary of Penn & Teller as a comedy-magic team and the “Bad Boys of Magic” are celebrating the occasion in a big way. The duo has spent most of their lives playing with knives, guns, livestock and fire-eating showgirls and now a 27,000 square image of them graces the side of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The larger than life replica depicts Penn precariously dangling Teller over fire, which perhaps does not qualify as their craziest stunt but certainly the largestùstanding 26-stories high overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

Cr³e Fest 2 Coming To The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, August 1 – M÷tley Cr³e, along with some of rock’s top touring acts, will hit the road again this summer for Cr³e Fest 2. Cr³e Fest 2 will make its stop at The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, August 1. M÷tley Cr³e will perform the entire album, Dr. Feelgood, from beginning to end at Cr³e Fest 2 in addition to their hits. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Dr. Feelgood, which became the Cr³e’s first #1 album on the Billboard charts. To celebrate the anniversary, the band plans to theme the second edition of their festival tour with imagery inspired by Dr. Feelgood.

Strip House At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Unveils The Strip House Burger – Strip House, Las Vegas’ premiere steak house, serves up the Strip House burger at the bar. Available exclusively at the bar and in the lounge for $16.50, the Strip House burger offers guests the opportunity to indulge in Executive Chef John Schenk’s take on an American classic. To start, the 8-ounce burger is served with choice of cheddar, Swiss or American cheese. Diners have the freedom to customize their burger with a variety of toppings including bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, roasted red peppers and pickle. A side dish of steak fries, fried onions or both is also served to complement the creation.

Casting Announced For Disney’s The Lion King At Mandalay Bay Theatre In Las Vegas – Casting has been announced for the Las Vegas production of Disney’s THE LION KING. The eagerly awaited sit-down production will leap onto the Mandalay Bay Theatre stage with preview performances May 5, and celebrate its official opening May 15. It will join the seven other highly successful companies of THE LION KING currently running all over the world, including New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka, as well as the North American National Tour. For the Las Vegas production, Disney hand-selected an international cast of performers who have won acclaim in productions of THE LION KING around the world, including New York, Taipei, South Africa, London, Los Angeles, Australia, Toronto, Shanghai, Paris and Holland.

Pin-Up Superstar Bernie Dexter Visits Love Jones At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Pin-up model Bernie Dexter visits Love Jones inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to greet fans, sign autographs, and model Lucy B lingerie on Friday, April 10 from 5 û 9 p.m. Dexter is arguably the most famous retro style pin-up model today. In addition to regularly modeling for Lucy B lingerie, Stop Staring, EC Star and Lucky 13, she is the creator of her very own rockabilly fashion for women. Dedicated to the art of seduction, sensuality, and the power of the female form, Love Jones features top-of-the-line lingerie, hosiery, jewelry, swimwear and accessories such as paddles, whips, handcuffs, lotions and candles. In true Las Vegas style, Love Jones offers a full menu of lingerie that can be ordered day or night and delivered directly to any room at the Hard Rock.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hello Ted, Thanks for the newsletter and keep up the good work.

Just had another awesome visit to Vegas. TI’s (Treasure Island) new rooms are gorgeous, Jay Leno was good, but Better Midler was a fantastic surprise. I will miss the MGM/Mirage partnership but think I will still be a TI guest if possible.

Also, I think I learned of the lounge at The Range at Harrah’s from your newsletter. The ambiance in the restaurant is enhanced by the nice jazz and being away from the casino. Enjoyed a great meal there too. I can see why someone might want to escape to that lounge!

No long hauling this time, but since when do taxi drivers not even attempt to give you change? They expect 25 -50% tip? One walked into the cab in front of me and then didn’t even open my door on his side of the car, and then berated us for not giving him 40%. Took 3 taxis and all three rounded up to the nearest $5 in their minds. That didn’t make us feel like giving them more. That was our only negative thoughts.

Now it’s back to reality.

Inga

Hi, I’ve just read your piece on your stay at the Palace Station. The very first time I came to Vegas that is where I stayed and found it a very enjoyable experience. I would recommend it to anybody.

I will be returning to Vegas in October for my 5th visit and I’m fetching all my family for our very first holiday together (probably the last too) there will be 7 of us plus my great grandson, so could you tell me if it’s possible to hire a vehicle which can accommodate all of us as my son-in-law is the only driver and driving will be the most economic way to see the Grand Canyon.

We are staying at the Riviera, so I might try your tip for getting an upgrade (hehehe) not sure a family of Brits can carry it off though!! Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hopefully the Exchange rate for the Dollar will have improved later in the year, need plenty of bucks for your great shops

Thanks for the great newsletter, I always look forward to it popping into my inbox.

Kind regards,

Ann

Ted Responds:

Rental car companies rent vans and mini-vans. If you check around, you should be able to find one that comfortably seats 8 people. You will need to provide a child seat or baby carrier depending on your great grandson’s age.

Numerous Strip hotels actually have car rental counters. Dial the font desk and see if yours does. If not, Simply crack open the phone book (usually kept in the nightstand beside the bed) and see which one is closest to you.

I’d try the $20 trick (“bribing the check-in clerk with a folded, visible $20 bill placed with your credit card and ID left on the hotel desk counter) at the Riviera. There really isn’t much to it. If no upgrade, they’ll leave your money on the counter and you take it back. If you are all checking in at once to multiple rooms (with one person handling all the paperwork and payment), you may want to just use $50 in hopes that all rooms will be upgrades (or at least a good view or similar).

Thanks for reading and telling your friends,

I notice that you no longer include dining specials on your website or am I just not finding the link. I will be there later in Feb and enjoy trying new bargain places to eat !!

Linda

Ted Responds:

We’ve replaced that section with our new blog: http://www.easyvegasdeals.com The specials changed too often to keep up on, and we had too many complaints that our info was out-of-date (when we had no control over how long specials ran or when they changed). This way, we post info as it becomes available.

Love your newsletter. I had a question. Have you seen the table game limits coming down in this economy? I’ve been visiting Vegas for 20 years now. One of the things i used to love was the ability to walk up and down the strip and stop in at a variety of difference casinos and find $5 craps and BJ tables.

In the past 5 years or so i noticed all the minimums are $10 and your hard press to find $5 tables. I feel am an average gambler and would think I’m not the only one who would like to see the limits back down around $5.

Keep up the good work,

Randy

Ted Responds:

We had a Members Mania letter about this a few months ago. Certainly a topic that people continue to wonder about.

We have heard word of table minimums coming down on The Strip here and there but no major trend we can see as of yet.

We encourage people to gamble downtown where the minimums are still lower and rules still tend to be more favorable to the player.

It is interesting that gaming wins (what the casinos win in total) here in Nevada are plummeting. Execs are blaming it on the economy. But perhaps they are simply making games too expensive or unfavorable for the millions like yourself who will gladly risk your money for hours on end. IF you can do so at reasonable minimums.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends to subscribe. As I always note, we are a small company that relies on word-of-mouth!

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:

  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • 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

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

March 25, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 18, 2009

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We made the “mistake” of driving the length of The Strip (instead of using I-15) about a week ago mid-Friday afternoon. Thought it would be quicker. After all, nobody is coming to town, right? (OK, we knew better but wanted the change of pace). Take a look:


Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd.


In Front Of The Harley Cafe


Mon Abi Gabi at Paris Las Vegas full of people-watchers. There are few better places to enjoy the Las Vegas Strip in spring and fall than with a light meal and a glass of wine on their patio.


The Deuce double-decker bus next to the fire truck make an interesting contrast. However… look at all the people in line to get on the bus!


The ever-popular O’ Sheas. Where you can still find cheap(er) drinks and lower limit gaming. Plus, people having fun!

Now… some may say “of course it was busy… it was a Friday.” However… Friday afternoon is actually transition time here. Weekday visitors are checked out and headed for the airport. Weekend visitors (many of whom drive in from Southern California) aren’t even in town yet. Las Vegas is still alive and well with people having the time of their lives!

More Pictures From Our Recent Cruise Down The Las Vegas Strip At The Bottom Of This Newsletter.

Hotels In Bankruptcy – Whenever the financial troubles of some of the local gaming companies make national news, we get people worried about booking because the hotel might go out of business. Have no fear: Even now, these monsters are much too capable of generating cold, hard cash to close.

Generally speaking, they are in financial trouble because they over-spent (too much debt) and over-anticipated future demand. Not because they lack basic cash flow. Those who hold the debt aren’t in a hurry to repossess anything. If you think the current crop of MBA’s is doing a lousy job running these places, what success do you think a bank would have? Many big banks can’t even run their own affairs!

Bankruptcy will allow the hotels to reorganize their debt and in the long run may lead to better customer service and more competitive pricing for you (the visitor) because they don’t have to pinch every penny trying to pay their mortgages.

99 Cent Shrimp Cocktail Special – is now available daily in the Players Deli at The Tropicana. The Player’s Deli is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. Of course, if you followed our EasyVegasDeals.com or our Access Vegas Twitter feed, you’d already know that!

M Shuttle Correction – The free shuttle from The Strip to the new M Resorts leaves from Capital Grille at Fashion Show Mall. Information and photos from The M plus the phone number to verify and get the latest shuttle information is available in our March 11, 1009 Las Vegas back-issue.

Take Advantage While You Can – For years, I’ve been saying that the “new” (now overbuilt) Las Vegas would allow you to stay in top-quality rooms for dirt-cheap prices. That the market would be flooded with upscale rooms and not enough “rich” people to fill them.

We’ve hit that point. I honestly don’t think we’ll see rooms quite this cheap again once the economy starts humming along (which may be sooner rather than later, as some politicians and economists are now saying maybe things weren’t as bad as we thought).

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to stay at Wynn, Bellagio, or Venetian, now is the time. You can get those rooms for what a mid-level hotel would have cost just a couple of years ago.

And… if you want to brag to your friends about how truly cheap you can get a Vegas room for, our friends atáLas Vegas Hotel Deals have Hooters and The Sahara for as low as $24 a night on selected weeknights (plus great rates on the top-end hotels as well).

Things are starting to get busy around here again. People have quit believing the “doom and gloom” and are headed to town. If you don’t lock up your trip now, expect to be paying a bunch more in the very near future.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Aliante from $30, Boulder Stn from $30, Fiesta H from $25, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $24, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Def Leppard Announces Tour Stop In Las Vegas With Poison And Special Guest Cheap Trick Saturday, September 5 – In what will be one of the biggest rock events this summer, Britain’s great arena rock band Def Leppard will join forces with Poison and special guest Cheap Trick for a 40-city North American Tour set to hit the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Sept. 5. The three bands have a combined sales of 100 million albums worldwide, 65 million from Def Leppard alone, fans can expect hits like “Photograph,” “Rock Of Ages,” “C’mon C’mon,” “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” “Foolin’,” “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak, “Nine Lives,” and countless others, to create an evening of rock ‘n’ roll unlike any other this summer.

Elvis Presley Rocks a Special Appearance at Minus 5░ Ice Lounge in Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino – The King of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley has entered the building. Making a special appearance at Minus 5░ Ice Lounge inside Mandalay Place, guests can pay homage to the 7-foot ice sculpture decked out in iconic garb. The King took more than two days to sculpt from two tons of ice and is able to maintain his bonafide style at a chilly temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit in the ice lounge. Touting the coolest experience in Vegas, 18 tons of ice were used to build and decorate the lounge from the walls and seats to the glasses that chill the famous vodka-based cocktails.

Rod Stewart 2009 North American Summer Tour MGM Grand Garden Arena, August 1 – Rod Stewart returns to Las Vegas with a stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Aug. 1 as part of a limited-engagement tour this summer. The tour will provide fans with the perfect summer setting to enjoy hits from throughout Stewart’s extraordinary four-decade career. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Rod Stewart arguably possesses one of rock’s greatest and most distinctive voices. His trademark voice has successfully commanded nearly every genre of music including folk, rock, soul, R&B, blues and more, even managing to breathe a unique modernity into the classics. Spin has called him “the single greatest male singing voice of the rock era.”

Mac King performs his infamous rope trick for a group of children and parents at the Children’s Park in Town Square to help kick off his annual book drive for National Reading Month. – Mac King kicked off his annual book drive in support of National Reading Month on Wednesday, March 11 with Magic and Storytime in the Square at Town Square Las Vegas. New books are being collected now throughout April 24 at all four Las Vegas Borders locations to benefit Child Haven’s Through the Eyes of a Child Foundation. All patrons will receive a two-for-one offer to The Mac King Comedy Magic Show with their book donation.

Ultimate Fighting Championship« Presents UFC 98: ‘Sugar’ Rashad Evans vs. Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida Saturday, May 23 At MGM Grand – In the UFC« light heavyweight division, one of the most talented weight classes in all of mixed martial arts, every bout is a super fight. This will never be more evident than on Saturday, May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena when champion ‘Sugar’ Rashad Evans defends his crown for the first time against fellow unbeaten Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida in the main event of UFC 98, presented by Tequila CAZADORES. The Evans vs. Machida bout replaces the originally scheduled heavyweight championship bout between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir, which has been postponed due to injury.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’ll be in Vegas in a little over a week. Where is a good place to get coupon books? And in this time of turn down economy, where is the best place to play slots???

Chuck Merica

Ted Responds:

Try the players club desk at each hotel for coupon books, plus your in-room magazines. But don’t waste your time chasing coupon activities unless it is something you really want to do or see. What good is saving $10 on an activity that takes an hour for you to get to and ends up being marginally enjoyable?

As we’ve always said, gaming odds (both slots and table) are generally better downtown. More and more people are combining their visit downtown (something of a ritual for the seasoned Las Vegas visitor) with that one major gambling session. I’m “all in” with that idea. Head downtown in the late afternoon, stroll around and have a cocktail, then enjoy dinner at one of the great hotel restaurants (Hugo’s Cellar at Four Queens is our pick).

Get into a nice, long (and hopefully profitable) gambling session. Remember that he overhead light show plays at the top of the hour from dusk until (including) midnight, which is a great excuse to take a break if your table or machine turns cold on you. Then, hit another hotel and try your luck again before finally venturing back to your hotel. It will be a night you probably don’t forget!

I thought Cher was no longer performing in Vegas? I see Cher is still listed on your “Vegas Concerts and Headliners” section.

Calvin

Ted Responds:

Cher had canceled a few shows quite some time ago due to a health issue. She is not only going strong with her performances here, but has recently added more dates. We have them listed down the right sidebar of this newsletter. Also, you may wish to bookmark http://entertainment.accessvegas.com where we are always adding the latest available concert dates for all artists!

Hi Ted!

Love your newsletter! We’re coming to Vegas in March for my daughter’s 21st birthday and of course they want to hit the clubs. There are different packages on Ebay that offer VIP passes to most of the clubs and they say no cover, no lines. Do you know if these passes are legitimate and are worth it?

Thanks for the insight!

Sharon from LaPorte, IN

Ted Responds:

I can’t vouch for packages off of Ebay and I’d be careful. The worst thing that could happen is arriving and finding out you bought something that wasn’t valid. We’ve linked to a long-time reputable site in the newsletter for years: Nightclubs.com has VIP passes and other nightclub options for Las Vegas and a number of other top club cities.

My husband and I had been planning for 3 years to introduce our son to Vegas when he turned 21. However,my husband passed away a few days before our sons 21st birthday. My son and I decided to still go to Vegas for New Years. It was a great experience for our son though it was bittersweet.

Dora

Ted Responds:

What a touching story and my deepest sympathy on your loss. Hopefully, your son was able to see many of the things that his father enjoyed and I’m happy to hear that it was satisfying experience in light of the circumstances. Taking a (grown) child to Las Vegas on their 21’st birthday is an amazingly popular activity and a great way to introduce them to some of life’s true pleasures.

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

  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • 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


Work is coming along on the new Hard Rock Cafe (just a little bit north of MGM Grand).


Missing some of your at-home familiar sites? Both this McDonald’s and Walgreens sit just south of Planet Hollywood. Our advice? Forget the expensive mini-bar and grab what you need at Walgreens.


CityCenter is still up, up, and away. Maybe. They need another
$$$ billion-plus to finish it.


More visitors enjoying the stunning 75 degree weather.


Terry Fator and Cher both lighting up The Strip with their respective marquees. Both are selling well.


Tired of the doom and gloom on the news? Trust me… it will be far from your mind as you take a relaxing afternoon stroll in front of The Venetian.

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.


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

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March Yo-Eleven, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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! Daylight savings time has hit, and I couldn’t be happier. This is Las Vegas… who needs light in the morning when it is cold? You are on vacation… sleep in a little! Especially this time of year with promises of temperatures in the upper 70’s (F) this coming week leading to stunning springtime desert afternoons and evenings.

St. Patrick’s Day 2009 – is turning out to be bigger than ever this year! I don’t remember when we’ve been deluged by so many events, deals, and specials taking place March 14-17. This means you still have time to book a room and get here for the party!

M Resort Opening Photos – As promised, we have a number of opening-night photos from the new M Resort. This billion dollar resort opened on budget and ahead of schedule in the south part of Las Vegas to huge success. How much success? Most hotels over-hire, then quietly lay off people when needed staffing levels are realized. Within days of opening, the M announced plans to hire 250 more employees because of the patron demand.

Wait Ted… Las Vegas is in the gutter. A poster child for the recession. 10% unemployment. Is this a bunch of false hype? Not in the least, nor am I surprised by the success of the resort so far. It sits in what is (for the most part) a well established area of Las Vegas. People who have had their homes for a number of years, who have stable long-term jobs, and a mortgage they can afford. And, the resort was built in an area not served by a local’s casino. That part of the Las Vegas Valley was literally begging for something like this.

Also… we aren’t going to dive too far into economic analysis, but our area’s unemployment rate is largely attributed to the death of the construction and real estate sector. Tens (and tens and tens) of thousands of people flocked here to swing a hammer and pour concrete. Many thousands more to sell what those people built.

Those are the people who are out of work. While that is very unfortunate, take them out of the economic equation (and many of them weren’t part of the equation 10 and 15 years ago), and we’d most likely have unemployment numbers well below the national average. Most established locals still have a job and cash to spend. And, they seem to like spending it at The M.

M Resort Las Vegas Photos

So, is The M Resort worth checking out? Not if you are a first-time visitor. Too much to see and do on The Strip and Downtown Fremont Street Experience. However… if a somewhat regular visitor, take a couple of hours out of your stay and see The M. They have a free shuttle (open to the public) which leaves from the Capital Grill area of the Forum Shops at Caesars. Call M at (702) 797-1000? for current shuttle times and specifics.

More M Resort photos at the end of the newsletter. Always scroll through the entire issue. You never know what you’ll miss if you don’t!

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Aliante from $25, Boulder Stn from $30, Fiesta H from $30, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $24, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Bon Jovi To Rock The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Friday, April 24 – Opening week at The New Joint just got even BIGGER as the #1 tour in the world returns to Vegas! Grammy Award Winning rockers Bon Jovi are taking the excitement of opening The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to the next level. Bon Jovi will play The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, April 24. “We are thrilled to host such an incredible act in the all new Joint,” said Randy Kwasniewski, President and COO of Morgans Hotel Group Las Vegas and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Rehearsals Begin For The Strip’s Sexy New Production Peepshow At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – Rehearsals are underway for The StripÆs hottest and most anticipated new show, PEEPSHOW, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Starring TV personality and chart-topping musical artist Mel B, a member of the world sensation Spice Girls, and General Hospital star and Dancing With the Stars first season champion Kelly Monaco, PEEPSHOW is a highly stylized, full-throttle production show that combines sexy striptease and celebrity with high-level production values and a dash of passion. Tickets are available now, including specially priced tickets during preview performances, for a glimpse of the all-new, modern striptease revue. Set in a new, custom-designed theater, PEEPSHOW will highlight the art of the tease featuring an all-female powerhouse band and more than 20 sexy dancers from film, TV, Broadway and beyond for a show unlike any other on The Strip.

PEEPSHOW is a story of sexuality and empowerment told through dance and contemporary popular music, featuring the “Peep Diva,” a bold and powerful woman with all the answers, who guides the timid “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who has yet to find her own power and sexuality, on a swift journey of awakening and self-discovery during which sheÆs inspired through sensual awareness and blossoms into a sexy, daring, provocative and more confident woman.

Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood Play MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 27 – After their historic three nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood announced an exclusive 14-city U.S. tour beginning June 10. Their tour will make a stop in Las Vegas to perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 27. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. After a stunning collaboration at the Chicago Crossroads Guitar Festival in July 2007 and much speculation, Clapton and Winwood announced three eagerly anticipated concerts at Madison Square Garden.

Grazie – Martorano’s Celebrates Second Successful Year In Las Vegas At The Rio – Fresh ingredients combined with a unique welcome-to-the-family vibe make Martorano’s an exceptional place for Italian dining. Long known for some of the best South Philly Italian cuisine outside of his grandma’s house, Steve Martorano isn’t like most chefs or restaurant owners. A self-taught Italian cook from the neighborhood, Martorano has been entertaining diners with his unique blend of exceptional food, music and film for more than 15 years at his top Zagat-rated Ft. Lauderdale restaurant. The month of February marks two years at his Las Vegas location in the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

Tiger Woods And No Doubt Team Up For The 12th Annual Tiger Jam Presented By AT&T Saturday, May 16 At The Mandalay Bay Events Center – Tiger Jam is back with renowned musical talent, amazing guests and, of course, a legendary host. No Doubt will join Tiger Woods Saturday, May 16 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center to celebrate Tiger Jam XII presented by AT&T and kick-off their first tour in five years. The event benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation and select Las Vegas-based charities. “I’m thrilled No Doubt is kicking off their tour at Tiger Jam,” Woods said.

SushiSamba Celebrates 10 Years With A Special James Beard Foundation Menu – To kick-off a 10-month promotion to celebrate the 10th anniversary of SUSHISAMBA, the culinary masters who have created the extensive and delectable menu will offer a special James Beard Foundation dinner available to all SUSHISAMBA guests. From March 10-19, guests can enjoy the anniversary meal served to the culinary experts of the James Beard Foundation in New York City. Dine on dishes created by SUSHISAMBA chefs Michael Cressotti, Juliana Gonzalez, Koji Kajawa, Jose Mendin and Fernando Navas in celebration of the cuisine and culture of Japan, Brazil and Peru û the spirit of SUSHISAMBA.

The Legend of Pop, Neil Sedaka, Returns To The Orleans Showroom March 26-29 – For more than four decades, Neil Sedaka’s timeless standards have influenced the sound of popular music. Renowned for his work as a singer, performer, producer and songwriter, Sedaka will perform at The Orleans Showroom March, 26, 27, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. With countless hit singles, platinum and gold records, Sedaka is recognized as one of rock and pop music’s legendary pioneers, with songs that continue to stand the test of time.

Diana Krall To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms – Award-winning Jazz performer Diana Krall is known for applying an artistic perspective and modern twist to a classic era of jazz encompassing the talents of artists such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. She brings her unique sound to The Pearl at the Palms on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. A Canadian-born pianist, Krall began playing classical piano at age four.

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Attends Lance BurtonÆs Magic Show At The Monte Carlo Las Vegas – Muhammad Ali , his wife Lonnie and grandsons Biagio and Nico along with daughter Rasheda attended “Lance Burton: Master Magician” Saturday night. When fellow Louisville native Lance Burton announced that Ali was in the audience the entire audience of over 900 people stood to their feet with a standing ovation that went on for minutes.. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gardunos At The Palms Announces All-New Sunday Brunch Offerings – Gardunos Restaurant at the Palms Hotel and Casino announces spectacular new additions to its all-you-can-eat Margarita Brunch on Sundays at $14.99 per person which also includes all-you-can-drink Margaritas. Beginning March 8, 2009, the new menu will feature the following Mexican specialties: French Toast Caramelo, Chicken Green Chile Waffle ôCooked to Order,ö New Mexico Chili Potato Crusted Mahi Mahi with Chipotle Cream, Southwestern Spare Ribs, Homemade Flan, Warm Arroz Con Leche, and a made-to-order Omelet Station. Click to Read The Full Story…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Members Mania will return next issue. I know, I know… it is a favorite part of the newsletter and I really enjoy answering everyone’s questions.

However, with the opening of M Resort, us ramping up our Access Vegas Twitter Feed and Easy Vegas Deals, preparation for our new PartyVegas.com brand and too many other projects to mention, I been stretched just a little bit thin.

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

More M Resort Las Vegas
Grand Opening First Look Photos

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • 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

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

March 11, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 25, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter ofáAccessVegas.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! No question we are in a different climate zone than most of the U.S. Our own I.T. guy Robert works out of Northwest Alabama and is expecting a winter wonderland. Snow may stretch from the deep south up through New York, Boston, and beyond. Here in Las Vegas? We’re looking at temps in the 70’s (F) for the week and finally (hopefully) a break in the partly cloudy weather we’ve had most of February.

Dixie’s Dam Bar Re-Opens At Hooters – We continually hear your feedback loud and strong. You have no interest in going to an ultra-club and paying hundreds of dollars for a bottle of booze just to be able to sit at a table and look impressive for a few hours. Hooters Hotel Casino agrees!

Taking a page out of Coyote Ugly, the bartenders are called “Dixie’s Dancing Divas” andáboth pour the booze and dance to tunes from the jukebox. No bottle service but you can buy a mini-keg of beer for your table. Tables and booths are first come, first served and they note you better check your attitude at the door. There is a $20 cover. Worth it? We’ll tell you first-hand in a couple of weeks as we’re getting ready to do a photo-feature on the place.

No $15 Martini’s Or $90 Steaks Here – So says the owners of the brand new M Resort Casino opening in the very south part of Las Vegas over the weekend. Although the M is very much a Strip resort caliber property, it is family owned and they have been emphatic that they are going to do things old-school Vegas when it comes to both prices and customer service.

Their staff was hired on the basis of friendly, out-going personalities. Prices even at their high-end restaurants are going to be moderate. (Think more in terms of downtown pricing, not Vegas strip even though their rooftop fine-dining venue will have one of the best views in town). Drink stations throughout the casino promise complimentary coffee and soft drinks to everyone.

Is it worth checking out? We’ll let you know soon. Mark is headed down to do a photo-feature which should run in the next couple of weeks. We’ll find out if they have a free shuttle to and from The Strip as well. If they hold to their promises, everyone should make a point to visit and do some gambling and eating just to reward them for getting back to reasonable prices and a focus on the customer.

Cook E. Jarr Still Going Strong – Every once in a while, we get asked if Las Vegas legend Cook E. Jarr is still playing. Yes, still playing and yes, still worth checking out. Catch him at Harrah’s Carnival Court on Friday and Saturday Nights from 6-8 PM. Jimmy Kimmel once said “If you haven’t seen Cook E. Jarr, you haven’t been to Vegas.” I agree. More info at cookejarr.com

Hugo’s Cellar – A recent review of this venerable long-time Las Vegas fine dining establishment at the Four Queens brought it to my mind for the first time in years. Hugo’s Cellar has received raves from visitors for decades. With the demise of the Center Stage restaurant (Plaza) and The Burgundy Room (Lady Luck), Hugo’s Cellar soldiers on as an excellent slice of Las Vegas the way it used to be.

Cheap? Not really (check out their menu). But well worth it. Fine dining downtown on more of a budget? Check out The Flame Steakhouse (formerly Roberta’s) at the El Cortez.

Party Like A Local, With The Locals – Blue Martini in Town Square (about a mile south of Mandalay Bay) is offering local industry professionals a 50% discount from 11 PM to 5 AM, 7 nights a week. Jobs are tough to find, but if you live here (or are hell-bent on moving here despite the economy), getting a job is often all about who you know. This ongoing promotion is open to everybody (must be an industry professional with ID get the 50% off). Might be a good place to start networking.

Get Out Of Town! – Many of you have been reading our newsletter and visiting Las Vegas for years, and you’ve always thought about taking the day to see some of the gorgeous Desert Southwest scenery.

If coming in the next 2-3 months, this is the perfect time to do it! Temps will be neither too hot nor too cold and if you get lucky, you’ll catch the desert in springtime bloom. (No, we can’t predict when that will happen. It varies each year due to weather conditions).

Even if you only want to spend half a day, see Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam. Both are less than 45 minutes from The Strip. Hoover Dam is amazing. Even if you have seen it on TV and think you have no interest, you’ll be blown away. Pictures don’t to the size and scope of it justice.

zion -! 249---Zion National Park---
Zion National Park

Have a full day? Zion National Park in Utah is about three hours away and will take your breath away. Take a virtual ride via Google. Closer to Las Vegas, the Valley Of Fire state park will make you feel like you are driving across the surface of Mars.

41 Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley Of Fire State Park

You don’t need to rent a car for your entire stay. Crack open the phone book in your hotel, and you’ll find that many of the major car rental companies have locations in hotels (and you avoid paying the airport taxes and fees when you rent).

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Aliante from $25, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $28, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $23, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Rock Icon Paul McCartney To Headline Grand Opening Weekend At The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas – The legendary Paul McCartney will headline grand opening weekend of The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Sunday, April 19. (Tickets) “I’m looking forward to Rockin’ The Joint!” said Paul McCartney. “We are honored to have the multi-Grammy award winning artist and rock legend, Paul McCartney, launch us into a new era of rock ‘n’ roll at the all new Joint concert venue scheduled to open at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in April,” said Randy Kwasniewski, President and COO of Morgans Hotel Group Las Vegas and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Click to Read The Full Story …

Comedian Vinnie Favorito Ups The Ante At Flamingo Las Vegas – Favorito Extends His Run With A Three-Year Contract – After continued success performing at Flamingo Las Vegas, comedian and celebrity roaster Vinnie Favorito has announced that he will extend his run for an additional three years. (Tickets) Favorito’s edgy, in-your-face style of comedy has made him a favorite among Las Vegas locals and tourists alike. “Anyone coming to Vinnie’s show should check their humility at the door, no one and no topic is off limits in his theater,” said Don Marrandino, President of Flamingo Las Vegas. “Vinnie never does the same show twice and audience members will never forget their turn in the hot seat, it’s a wild show.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Country Rock Legend Kenny Chesney To Play The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, April 25 – Country great Kenny Chesney will be bringing his Sun City Carnival 2009 Tour to Las Vegas this spring and will be joined by Miranda Lambert & Lady Antebellum. (Tickets) Chesney will play The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, April 25. Following his Poets & Pirates Tour – the most attended tour in any genre of music for 2008 according to Pollstar – the man who’s already sold out the home of the New England Patriots, Boston’s Gillette Stadium, in less than 10 minutes is looking to pick up the tempo, rock a little harder and increase the fun, friends and music. Click to Read The Full Story …

The OASIS Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch – The Oasis Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch is back every Sunday, 11a to 2p, at Panevino Ristorante. (Sunset Road one block of Las Vegas Blvd. literally 5 minutes from Mandalay Bay with a nice view of The Strip in the distance). Treat yourself to a glass of Korbel California Champagne, a delicious brunch and live Smooth Jazz! Call Panevino Ristorante for reservations at 222-2400.

“Hit Man: David Foster And Friends” In Concert At Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, May 9 – Back by popular demand, a concert celebration featuring musicÆs premier songwriter and producer David Foster will take place Saturday, May 9 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center (Tickets). The event will pay tribute to the 15-time Grammy winner and will feature Philip Bailey from the chart-topping band Earth, Wind & Fire, Brian McKnight, Peter Cincotti and Oprah WinfreyÆs protÚgÚ, Charice. Foster also will perform some of the hits he has written or produced during his 40-year musical career.. The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.Click to Read The Full Story….

Junior Welterweight Championship Fight To Take Place Saturday, May 2 At MGM Grand – Two of boxing’s biggest stars will meet in the ring for what could be the year’s biggest pay-per-view event. Five-division world champion MANNY “Pac Man” PACQUIAO and Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight champion RICKY “The Hitman” HATTON, will fight for Hatton’s World Junior Welterweight titles Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. (Tickets) These two boxing artists will have a 20′ x 20′ canvas on which to paint the black and blue masterpiece that the world has been waiting to watch. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Our last issue garnered a couple of very different responses, both of which have merit. For review: I’ve been quite emphatic over the past few months regarding the overblown national and international news accounts that would suggest that Las Vegas is on the verge of demise as a tourist destination. I culminated last week with a published report that Las Vegas was still the #1 U.S. visitor destination and would likely continue.

Responses ranged from those who say “OK, your point is made, move on” to those sharing their excitement about Las Vegas and plans to continue to enjoy the destination. What follows are two very divergent letters in response to last week:

I absolutely love your newsletter for all the information that it provides and all of your insights. However, I do have a little bone to pick with you. You do not have to constantly remind us of how great Las Vegas is and that we should all ignore the gloom and doom that is in the news media. You are preaching to the choir. We get, and read your newsletter because we are interested in the goings on in LV. Stop cheerleading for LV. People will come because we like it there.

If the economy is terrible, well, people will still come, maybe just not as many. LV doesn’t have to be #1 to make it fun to come to. Too much of your editorial is spent on making sure that everyone knows that LV is great and that anybody who says it’s not doesn’t know what they are talking about. Yeah us!!! We get it. Please keep up the great work in informing us of the goings on in Vegas.

There is not a better source available on the web.

Kip Abelson

Ted Responds:

Your point is very well taken and I appreciate the constructive criticism. And we will be moving some of the “how is Las Vegas doing” to the new segment at the end of the newsletter. W

Yes, we have many long-time loyal readers are already sold on Las Vegas and very appreciative of the continued support of our newsletter. But, please keep in mind that we have a churn of readers with new readers all the time, many planning their first visit (or considering planning a visit here). They are truly under the impression that Las Vegas is a dying destination and perhaps they aren’t sure if they want to visit.

Yes, many you would visit regardless of how popular the city is as a destination. But… many first-time visitors (which are the backbone of tourism growth here) visit because Las Vegas is #1 and popular and feel that they should check it out if that many other people are interested in it. Similar to a restaurant or book or popular music artist that people check out because of the buzz. Because the restaurant got a top grade or the book or music artist is #1.

I’ve also emailed journalists and posted on blogs which have propagated the Vegas is dying stories to educate them on how tourism numbers have little to do with the local housing situation (or even our stagnant population growth). I’ve been somewhat of a lone voice on this, but am pleased to report that these types of stories have greatly diminished in the national media and I’d like to think that I played a pretty significant role in that.

Bottom Line: I do appreciate the patience you and other readers have shown with this. The nice thing about our newsletter is you can scan right over a section that isn’t of interest to you, but the continued Vegas is still #1 has obviously been reaching the targeted readers (new visitors and journalists).

As winter turns into Spring, we’re already headed out stronger than ever with our traditional coverage of all that Las Vegas has to offer and back to a 100% focus on the fun and the deals.

Once again, thanks for reading and thanks for the input.

I found this newsletter about a year ago and I really enjoy to read all the news about Las Vegas every time!

At the end of may I will visit Las Vegas again for 3 weeks! I try to do this every year (to be honest, it’s the only reason for me to go to work). We had the first snow this year October 31st and today it’s still snowing. We do have tons and tons of snow and even can’t go outside with the car. Also the last few ‘summers’ were not the best. The last really great summer we had was back in 2003.

I usually travel alone (nobody else stays for 3 weeks in Vegas) and my friends from Switzerland visit me and then travel to other places. This year my boss is in San Francisco and will drive with the car to Vegas for one week. And later another couple visits Vegas for 3 days and we will meet.

Last year I was staying at the Luxor in a tower room. It was so great there that I will stay there again this year. It’s also never a problem to book for such a long time. People here in Switzerland usually stay for 3-4 days in town and then drive or fly away. Back at home they jump in another airplane a travel to a Greek or Spain island and lay in the sun at the beach. That makes no sense for me. I can do all this in Vegas too. The pool areas are so great and relaxing.

Of course I was on several islands in Europe too, but when I went to Vegas the first time in 1998 it was clear for me: that’s the town I will return as often as I can, and it’s every time the best time of the year I have.

I can’t tell you how much I look forward to may 28th when the plane starts!!! There are so much more things to do in Vegas than the Casinos. I travel with empty suitcases and buy as much as I can carry. Then the Motorspeedway is a must too! We also like to walk a lot or drive to Arizona or Utah and visit the National parks. This area is also very interesting. Sometimes I think 3 weeks is not enough…. 😉

Barbara Eichhorn from Switzerland

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great letter! Sometimes, new readers (who have never been to Las Vegas) will write and say “We are coming for three days… what should we see?” I politely tell them that they could stay for a month and not run out of things to do or see as there is plenty for almost every interest. Simply reading our newsletter is the best way to find out what is currently happening.

May is a great month to be here as our 100 degree (F) temps generally have not hit yet, but it no longer gets cold at night. Every day is a perfect day to hang out by the pool or go see some of the amazing scenery of the beautiful Southwest U.S. and every night is perfect for strolling in the neon or taking in a show.

Thanks again for reading and telling your friends. We have a very loyal international readership base (about 25% of our readers) and are very appreciative of the time and effort it takes to visit us regardless of what part of the globe you transverse to get here.

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:

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • 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.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

February 25, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 18, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ticket Info:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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

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

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

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

Bebe

Ted Responds:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks,

Alisha Sumpter

Ted Responds:

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

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

Hi Ted and Crew,

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

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

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

Keep up the good work!

Cheryl from London England

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Las Vegas Economy, Housing, Politics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

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

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 4, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Doom and gloom, doom and gloom… you would think that people have simply quit visiting Las Vegas if you listen to the national media. And a few new-resident bloggers who only have the past couple of years as their reference base.

Nothing could be farther from the truth! If your visit is planned, you won’t be lonely or find a shortage of amazing things to do. If you are holding off visiting, someone else WILL be enjoying that great room (and at a rock-bottom room rate) instead of you.

In fact… the bargain rates won’t last forever. Soon, people will realize that the sky is not falling and everyone is going to start to want to vacation at once. My advice? Book your Las Vegas room now before that crowd starts driving up rates again.

My Personal Trip Report – To ease things during the recent move (which was a combination of personal and business move combined), I spent a couple of dirt-cheap nights in a pretty nice hotel casino. I’ll put those details down in Members Mania including the $20 trick and other advice.

39,000,000 – This is the number of people projected to visit Las Vegas this year, 2009… in the midst of a “terrible” recession. (Actually, some note that the recessions of the 70’s and early 80’s were possibly worse when you look at economic contraction to date).

Just to compare, remember 2006? The red-hot year when everybody from no-name Florida developers to George Clooney were talking about building in Las Vegas because the city was so hot as a destination? Guess how many people visited in 2006: 38,9000,000. Which means…

More people are projected to visit Las Vegas this year than visited during the tourism “boom” year of 2006.

So why are all the gaming companies going broke? Two reasons:

1. They overbuilt. MGM Mirage has CityCenter (too ambitious), Harrah’s built onto Caesars and bought a ton of land at top-of-the-boom prices, and Station Casinos built Aliante smack-dab in the middle of one of the newest (and most highly foreclosed upon) areas of North Las Vegas. For 50 years, people have been saying that Las Vegas would get over-built. It happened.

2. They strayed away from value. When you think you are getting a deal (whether it be on food or good gambling odds or whatever), you actually spend MORE money. How many times have we gone into Target (or even the grocery store) to buy a sale item and end up walking out with a $100 worth of stuff we never intended to buy? Such basic marketing, and yet so lost on many major gaming companies. Which brings me to…

Don’t Be THAT Visitor – Local writer Corey “Oops, I forgot to mention Access Vegas Insider Vibe blog in a recent article” Levitan wrote a humorous piece about what it is like to live here and entertain out-of-town guests. If you live here, you’ll get a kick out of it. If you don’t live here, but regularly come to town to shack up with (and party with) friends that do live in Las Vegas, please… please read It’s deja vu all over again when friends come to visit Las Vegas (and don’t be “that guy” when you visit).

89110 Booziest Zip In Las Vegas – According to a recent article in the Review-Journal, local zip code 89110 has 56 liquor outlets. More than twice of any other Las Vegas zip code. This is an urban/suburban zip code about 3 miles from downtown, not a sprawling rural area. Needless to say, officials are looking to reduce that number. I live nowhere near that area, but I say “What better way to keep people from drinking and driving than to have a bar every two blocks!”

Still Not A Good Time To Move – We always have new readers, some subscribing because they are considering moving to Las Vegas. And we continue to say… Don’t. Unemployment is headed toward 12% (as the construction bust has resulted in empty mini-malls city wide), anyone hiring will first hire locals who are out-of-work, and the federal economic stimulus package has nothing for the gaming/resort industry that drives our economy (not that it should).

Treasure Island New Ownership Means… – We reported on this a few weeks ago, and I’ve been meaning to comment on it but the past few weeks have been a little chaotic around here.

As many of you know, financier Phil Ruffin bought Treasure Island (TI) from MGM Mirage. This could be the first in a number of casino sell-offs as some of the gaming giants are temporarily cash-strapped.áAnd let’s face it: With CityCenter opening later this year, did MGM Mirage really need Treasure Island? Does Harrah’s really need all of their properties with all that great land they own to expand on?

This is a good news for the consumer. Do you know why downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street Experience) has so many better food deals and better gambling odds than The Strip? They have to. Almost every downtown casino is owned by a different owner. Tons of competition, pure and simple.

If (and that is a big IF) more sell-offs diversify hotel ownership on The Strip, expect a return to the heavy competition that established Las Vegas as a bargain resort destination that offered a world-class experience. If you missed this story completely a few weeks ago, reference:

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Aliante from $57, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $28, Green Valley from $125, Palace Stn from $24, Red Rock from $125, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $23, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Jersey Boys Is Las Vegas’ Number One Show – Jersey Boys Takes The Top Spot In Las Vegas Review-Journals’ 2008 Top Ten List – The smash hit Jersey BoysClick Here at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino has been named the number one show of the year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s largest newspaper. In a year of stiff competition, JERSEY BOYS claimed the top spot for entertainment in 2008 ahead of such celebrated productions as Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On,” Cher and Donny and Marie Osmond. Click to Read The Full Story …

Wolfgang Puck Satisfies Dessert Cravings with the New Seasonal 15-Layer Carrot Cake – Wolfgang Puck invites patrons to indulge in the 15-Layer Carrot Cake, a unique take on the traditional dessert. Director of Pastry Kenny Magana created this mouth-watering temptation which is composed of fifteen savory layers of cake and adorned with candied walnuts, filled with a delectable cream cheese filling and complemented with ginger ice cream. For $12, the seasonal dish is available at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois and Spago, located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, as well as at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, located inside MGM Grand. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted’s “Trip Report” – Living here, the one thing I admit we cover the least is the actual hotel experience. Fortunately, many of you write in with your experiences to share with everyone. We’ll get back to those next issue and you can always write in your Vegas experiences to us at allvegastv@aol.com

Having spent a couple of recent hotel nights, I’ll briefly share my experiences:

Needing to “get out of the way” (of movers, maintenance/construction people and everything else), I looked for three things in a hotel: Good, cheap, and near The Strip. Palace Station came to mind, and a quick search of their site showed a $25 a night rate. Not bad!

However… you should never book anywhere else without checking our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals. Guess what… they were doing Palace Station at “stay one night, get one free” for much of the month of January. My total for two nights with tax? $30 and change. Not bad for a place literally one mile from The Strip (The Sahara to be specific, but Sahara has a monorail stop that will get you just about everywhere else).

Now… Palace Station has their older courtyard rooms and their newer tower rooms, both of which have been extensively remodeled. Usually, booking the rock bottom rate will get you in the courtyard. Not bad… the room surround a surprisingly nice pool area. But nothing fancy. Here’s where the “tip the desk clerk” situation comes into play:

Upon checking in, I took my ID and my credit card and placed a folded $10 bill in between them, with it sticking out just far enough to see the denomination. I told the clerk “if you have any tower rooms, the higher, the better (for the view), I’d appreciate it.” He punched a few things up, said he could take care of me, and thanked me (for the tip) as he picked up the credit card.

The result? A 19’th floor room with great Strip view, a 42 inch flat screen, modern decor, tile shower (no bath) with upscale toiletries, granite counter tops in the bathroom, King Size bed plus all the usual nice amenities (hair drier, iron and board, safe, big closet, quietá heat/air).

Plus… make sure you ALWAYS look through a coupon book if your hotel gives you one. Mine had everything from a free beer in their Irish Pub to 25% off room service (not to mention a bunch of gambling coupons and other specials).

Final thoughts:

1. I tipped $10 at the desk because it was (after all) Palace Station and a slow Sunday night check-in to boot. Consider $20 a minimum tip anywhere on The Strip or downtown or on a weekend anywhere. Staying at one of the really nice hotels? Make it a $50 if you want them to try to pull an ámajor upgrade (to a full suite, for example).

2. Is Palace Station for the novice visitor? Maybe not unless you are really staying on a budget. There is something to be said for staying right on The Strip. However… with a free shuttle to/from both the airport and The Strip, it might be a small inconvenience for the budget-minded. In addition, you’ll find the usual assortment of casino restaurants with prices well below Strip pricing, and lower table limits as well.

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

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

February 4, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 21, 2008

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We continue to escape the bitter cold that has even enveloped South Florida this past week. Highs generally well into the 60’s although we are having a couple of rainy (yes, real rain in the desert) days as I type. Should be moving through soon.

Speaking of moving… we are in the process of relocating locally to be closer to the heart of The Strip and downtown to provide even a better level of coverage for you! Because of those responsibilities, my sections will be abbreviated this week. However, this issue still has the great Las Vegas news and happenings that you come to expect from us, and we’ll be back with our next issue the first week of February.

Folies Bergere Las Vegas Showgirls

The End Of The Showgirl? – After a nearly 50 year Las Vegas run, Folies Bergere is calling it quits. The 80 person cast and crew apparently no longer works out economically for a mid-priced show. This is a true shame as we’ll be losing one of the last remaining vestiges of “Old Vegas”.

Folies Bergere Las Vegas Showgirls

My advice? See this show while you still can. Many of you may not be able to say that you were ever in the Copa Room at The Sands (where the Rat Pack played and subsequently hosted other big name performers over the years) or that you actually drove a car down Fremont Street (the part which is now the Fremont Street Experience downtown) or that you even saw the Siegfriend and Roy show live.

If you are visiting between now and the end of March, absolutely make a point to see Folies Bergere. Whether you are 21 or 81 (or any adult age), you’ll enjoy this true, living slice of the way Las Vegas used to be. Even the ticket price is easy on the wallet compared to many other Las Vegas shows. Click for Folies Bergere Las Vegas Tickets.

Side Notes: The showgirls are covered (have tops on) in some shows and are traditional (sans tops) in others.

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 7:30p Covered, 10p Adult.
  • Tuesday & Friday – 8:30p Adult.
  • Saturday – 7:30p & 10p Adult.

Can’t make it to town in time? Treat yourself to Jubilee! (Click for Jubilee! Las Vegas Tickets). Not quite the same, but still that Old Vegas stage show vibe and well worth seeing while it is still around.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Aliante from $40, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $125, Palace Stn from $24, Red Rock from $125, Sunset Stn from $40, Texas Stn from $25, Wild Wild W. from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Jersey Boys Is Las Vegas’ Number One Show – Jersey Boys Takes The Top Spot In Las Vegas Review-Journals’ 2008 Top Ten List – The smash hit Jersey BoysClick Here at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino has been named the number one show of the year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s largest newspaper. In a year of stiff competition, JERSEY BOYS claimed the top spot for entertainment in 2008 ahead of such celebrated productions as Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On,” Cher and Donny and Marie Osmond. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Mirage Las Vegas Launches Wine Nights Featuring Half-Prices Bottles Of Wine – The Mirage Hotel and Casino, much like a fine wine, gets better with age. This year, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, The Mirage is offering its vino-loving guests the chance to purchase bottles of wine at 50 percent off the regular price. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, half-priced bottles of wine are available for purchase at Onda Wine Lounge, Kokomo’s Steak and Seafood, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, Caribe CafÚ and Cravings. With more than 900 labels available, even the most discerning palate will find a wine of their liking.Click to Read The Full Story…

Wolfgang Puck Satisfies Dessert Cravings with the New Seasonal 15-Layer Carrot Cake – Wolfgang Puck invites patrons to indulge in the 15-Layer Carrot Cake, a unique take on the traditional dessert. Director of Pastry Kenny Magana created this mouth-watering temptation which is composed of fifteen savory layers of cake and adorned with candied walnuts, filled with a delectable cream cheese filling and complemented with ginger ice cream. For $12, the seasonal dish is available at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois and Spago, located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, as well as at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, located inside MGM Grand. Click to Read The Full Story …

Special Performances Of The Beatles LOVE To Benefit Nevada Public Radio – Nevada Public Radio listeners and members have a special opportunity to support public radio while experiencing a little love. Two benefit performances of The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage Hotel and Casino are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5. (Ticket Link For Non-Benefit Shows) All of the proceeds will benefit Nevada Public Radio and must be purchased through Nevada Public Radio. A special feature to this benefit is the “Help! I need somebody” section. When a single ticket is purchased through Nevada Public Radio, that seat will automatically be placed with other single public radio fans. You never know, you might just “find somebody to love.” Click to Read The Full Story and Benefit Ticket Info …

Celebrate Year Of The Ox At Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ushers in the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox, with a spectacular new exhibit. The majestic centerpiece will be a 15-foot-long ox comprised of more than 10,000 living plants. The ox is the second animal in the Asian zodiac. Just steps away, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune will stand amidst golden lucky coins. Visitors also will delight to discover a trio of charming, 6-foot-tall giant pandas. Made of more than 9,000 living plants, the pandas will frolic in a lush garden filled with towering bamboo. Click to Read The Full Story …

“Defending The Caveman” Settles In Permanent Cave At Excalibur – “Defending the Caveman,” Broadway’s smash hit about the sexes, will begin a permanent performance schedule at Excalibur Hotel Casino beginning Tuesday, January 13. (Tickets) “Defending the Caveman” performances take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with additional performances at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. “Defending the Caveman” has experienced tremendous success in Las Vegas, racking-up an impressive 700 performances since its Las Vegas debut in June 2007. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Memebers Mania will return next issue. This is the section where we feature reader feedback and questions and I give my personal insight to help you have a great Las Vegas vacation!

Wish me luck on this move.

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

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 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)
  • 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)

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

January 21, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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