Tag Archives: luxor

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 19, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

I’m somewhat on my own this week putting the newsletter out so have mercy! Amy and her family went to Southern California for a well-deserved spring break family vacation. Mark was last seen monitoring beer pong tournaments on The Strip (but sobered up long enough to produce the news section). However, our new writers are really kicking up some dust with brand new show reviews! So…

Extra show reviews this issue, extra Members Mania where readers comment and tell us about their Las Vegas experiences, and extra answers from me. Lets dive right in…

Hooters Hotel Casino Swan Song – Regular readers saw the link to the story about how Hooters Las Vegas may cease to be in the next couple of years. I say “cease to be” because the new owners are pulling that “boutique hotel” thing that has yet to gain significant traction here in Las Vegas.

Many visitors never headed over to check the place out. And… it has only been a couple of years since the property was changed over from the established San Remo to the Hooters brand. If you missed it (or won’t be back to check it out), enjoy our full photo set of Hooters Hotel Casino Las Vegas.

Mirage Volcano Repairs – Wet Design, the company responsible for The Fountains of Bellagio, is leading the design team to revamp the volcano so we are expecting something pretty spectacular. (They owe that much to us after ripping out the tiger display at the entrance to The Mirage). Details and the date of re-opening have yet to be released but we’ll keep you posted!

March Madness is in full swing and The sports books are jammed. Every TV in every resort, restaurant, and bar is tuned to the games from morning until night. Although Las Vegas is a great place to be this time of year, nothing beats seeing these games in person. If your team is on the move or you just want to enjoy this spectacle live and in person, we have NCAA Sweet 16 Basketball Tickets available. Just click the link.

No-Fee ATM’s – A few months ago, I gave some advice on how to get cash from your debit card at various Las Vegas Strip locations without paying any service or ATM fee. (Click to Read AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe Dec. 26, 2007). Numerous readers wrote to tell their appreciation including Mimi from Canada who said “I have been coming to Vegas since 1976 from Canada and this is the first time I’ve ever heard of this tip. And believe me, I use my bank card often. Thanks a million!”

We also solicited some advice from readers about no-fee ATM’s they had discovered:

  • A hidden gem – in the middle of the strip – is the Wells Fargo ATM located at Carnival Court at Harrah’s. Located between the Starbucks and Ghirardelli Chocolates, it is a standard bank ATM and has no more fees than any other Wells Fargo ATM. And if you’re a Wells Fargo customer, no fees!
  • Bank of America has a regular ATM in the new part of The Forum Shops at Caesars on the second floor next to the patio of Casa Fuente . It is almost hidden back in the corner. This is a regular B of A machine (no fees if you are a B of A customer).

We know very few non-fee ATM’s exist on The Strip. If you run into one (or have any other feedback on Las Vegas or our newsletter), you can always drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com

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

Featured Review:
Take A Journey Into Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular

By Erin Guernsey

Your journey into the world of Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular (Phantom Of The Opera) begins as you make your way into the impressive Phantom Theatre, which has been modeled after the Opera Garnier in Paris. Once inside you are met by a chandelier hanging in pieces just above the seats and gray curtains covering the walls. This dilapidated look does not last for long. Shortly after the opening of the show you are transported back in time to see the magnificent opera house in all of its former glory.

Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian beautifully unfolds the story of Christine Daae and The Phantom of the Opera. During this classic tale of love and heartbreak the audience watches as Christine struggles to move past the loss of her father while becoming entranced by The Phantom, whom she calls “the angel of music.” The Phantom begins terrorizing members of the cast and crew when he realizes that Christine has fallen in love with another man. His revenge is taken in the form of murder and a shattered chandelier.

Click to Read Entire Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Review…

Featured Review:
Rita Rudner Comedy at Harrah’s Las Vegas

by Mara M. Mannella

Tucked inside a casino whose name is synonymous with glitz and glamour is a comedian who has paid her dues here in Las Vegas and her experience shows. Rita Rudner represents classic Vegas in a way that is both entertaining and unpretentious. An intimate theater is the setting for Ms. Rudner’s one woman show that keeps audiences laughing every night.

A woman comedian in a sea of male headliners is an eye-catching marquee on the Strip, where Rita Rudner makes her home at Harrah’s. The audience is welcomed to share in Rita’s life experiences, from the trials and tribulations of married life to the harrowing but hysterical journey of getting older. The unique delivery of Rita’s humor makes it so the audience isn’t sure what the next zinger will be. Poking fun at herself, her husband, and select audience members, you never know who the next victim will be.

Click to Read Entire Rita Rudner Review…

Featured Review:
Wayne Brady: Making %@It Up!

By Devon Brooke Clasen

A true Vegas variety show incorporating singing, dancing, acting, comedy and even that most perplexing of art forms: mime, Wayne Brady’s Making %@It Up takes the theatrical task to the next level, with fully improvised performance vignettes interspersed among prepared musical tribute performances.

Dialing the pressure up even higher, show business virtuoso Wayne Brady has to not only make everything up on the spot, but also make it consistently funny. Fortunately, Brady delivers with heavy doses of witty, sharp, topical humor, keeping even a Monday night audience in complete hysterics.

Housed in an intimate theatre, there really isn’t a bad seat in the venue, unless stage-shy attendees are seated just off the stage. This “danger zone” provides Brady, as well as his improv partner Jonathan Mangum, a proficient performer in his own right, the pick of the litter when summoning audience members to the stage to take part in an act.

Click to Read Entire Wayne Brady: Making %@It Up! Review…

Banned for Decades, Forbidden Cocktail Now Available at Luxor – Nicknamed the “Green Fairy” for its occasionally milky green color and mythical hallucinogenic effects, absinthe is legal in the U.S. after a 95-year ban. Patrons of Luxor’s new center bar, Liquidity, now can experience the once-forbidden liqueur for themselves. Available for $300, “Absinthe Envy” is served in an elaborate tableside presentation that offers a modern take on the tradition of serving the illicit concoction with a sugar cube and chilled water.

Indulgence of the Most Sensual Kind – With tax day right around the corner, why not use your refund to spice up your nights? Take your significant other to a provocative show sure to send sparks flying û MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris, Fantasy at Luxor, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay or Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York.

  • MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris (Tickets) elegantly balances sensuous choreography with a combination of light effects and projections to create a moving canvas, where reflections and images meet in a kaleidoscope of colors. The show combines the best of cabaret with the best of Parisian fashion, art and women in an elegant, surprising and innovative manner. The result is a unique show that engages the mind as much as the eye. Performances are nightly at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., dark Tuesdays.
  • Fantasy at Luxor (Tickets) ushers in a new era of seductive dance on the Las Vegas Strip. Choreographed by Cris Judd and Tiger Martina, FANTASY features sultry costumes and delicious dance numbers which offer just the right amount of seduction. Performances are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:30 p.m.; Tuesday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 p.m.
  • Zumanity at New York-New York (Tickets) is a provocative cabaret-style production offering a seductive twist on reality. Audiences are encouraged to leave inhibitions at the door and let loose at this adult-themed, 90-minute show filled with sensational acrobatics and naughty fun. Performances are nightly at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., dark Mondays and Thursdays.

Celebrity Colorist Kim Vo Lists Hot New Trends for Summer and Beyond – Make your summer sizzle with a hot new ‘do.’ According to celebrity colorist Kim Vo of his eponymous salon at The Mirage, the “it” look for hair is full, shiny and cascading, perfectly highlighted from root to tip. Extensions are a hot new way to create this total concept. Vo says strategically placed extensions can add volume and create effortless, multi-dimensional highlights and lowlights while protecting natural hair. For the “it” cut, Vo says to look no further than Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank’s sweeping, layered bob.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hi Ted,

I’m going to be coming out to Las Vegas in April for a bachelorette party. I will be arriving one night earlier than the other women, and I would like some suggestions on solo-dining-friendly locations.

I don’t want to feel the need to order room service, or go to a buffet, simply because I am by myself. Thank you for your help!

Amy R.

Ted Responds:

Fortunately, solo dining for both men and women in Las Vegas is more common than in other places. More and more visit for business, conventions, just-passing-through, and your situation where someone is in town longer than their group.

Don’t discount one of the nicer buffets like the ones at Planet Hollywood, Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas or Cravings at The Mirage. While not cheap, all of these have an amazing variety of top-notch food and it can be more fun to sample and enjoy when alone. If you want low-key and less expensive, you’ll be quite comfortable dining solo in any hotel coffee shop. This can also be a great time to try one of the celeb chef restaurants without the pressure of how to split the check!

I’d avoid a theme restaurant or a place that will have more of a party atmosphere as they tend to draw groups having fun and you may feel slightly self-conscious or alone. If you feel slightly self-conscious asking for a table for one, just tell the hostess “It’s just me this evening… my friends are flying in later.” If comfortable with it, most restaurants serve their full menu at the bar, no reservation necessary.

Bottom Line: Go eat and have fun. This is your one chance to do what you want without it having to be a group decision!

Ted:Many thanks for your news letter! We had a great time over Christmas, but the weather was COLD! Will not come in winter again, since we’re from Maine. Also many shows were dark for various reasons. We decided to visit Laughlin and some friends there. GREAT!

We stayed at Ballys in Vegas GREAT! but returned for 2 nights more and stayed in an off strip casino/hotel and checked out early because we HATED it there! We thought it would be o.k. because they have renovated, but we got an old room and UGH! The Bellagio Gardens were beautiful!!

Keep up good works on news.

chocolatecat11

Ted Responds:

Every fall, I do try to remind everyone that we are not a balmy winter destination (yes sunny, but not warm) as I did in our November 30, 2007 issue. Winter average is 57 F but our highs can be 15 degrees on either side of the average at any given time. Our desert has a mind of its own!

Because mid-December is the lightest visitor volume of the year, many of the shows take a week or two off and give everybody a well-deserved rest. Most shows perform 6 nights a week just about all year long. The upside of mid-December is some of the cheapest room prices of the year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Just wanted to thank you for your informative newsletter. It really helps keep me up to date on what’s happening in my FAVORITE city! I also appreciate your reliability in sending it out on a regular basis. Keep up the GREAT work!

Sincerely,

Kerry Espenschied

We will be coming to Las Vegas Oct. 31 for the Professional Bull Riding Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center. There are several off-strip motels within walking distance and I was wondering if the area is safe to walk in at night.Thanks!

Debbie

Ted Responds:

I assume you are talking about the various hotels in the Harmon/Paradise (and Swenson) area. That area isn’t a problem area. Plus, there will be plenty of other PBR fans most likely walking to and from the T and M around the same time.

You may want to use Google or Yahoo maps to track the actual distance from the hotel of your choice to the T and M arena and measure the comfort of the distance you want to walk.

I was in Vegas a couple of years ago and am coming back in late March an we were at a casino, went to a food court and shopping stores and it started raining in the court! What is the Hotel/Casino was that? I can’t remember right off the top of my head! We love your news letter and podcast! Keep up the wonderful work!Keith

Ted Responds:

That was the Aladdin when you visited, now Planet Hollywood in the Miracle Mile shops behind the casino. They make it “rain” in an area of the mall every hour (more often on weekends). Check for the times when you get there.

The podcast would have been back earlier this week, but I got hit with a head/chest cold including a mild fever. 78 degrees everyday recently and I have a cold! All the equipment is dusted off and ready to go. Stack of topics in a big pile. As soon as this thing clears, I’m finally “back on the air.” Thanks for the interest!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

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.

March 19, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 5, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! NASCAR weekend came and went with a big bang… as in a number of top drivers plowing into the wall with a flat tire or simply “getting loose” with the high winds. It wasn’t cold, but our desert can have unpredictable high winds in the early Spring.

One of the highlights everyone could enjoy was the parade of these huge NASCAR “haulers” right down The Strip! These oversized vehicles (even by truck standards) haul two race cars plus all the crew gear from race-to-race.


You can click on the above photo to see our complete photo gallery set of this unique event!

My favorite driver is Las Vegas native Kurt Busch, who pilots the Miller Lite #2 Dodge car. I moved here before Kurt was old enough to drink and have enjoyed watching both he (and his brother Kyle’s) rise through the ranks of racing.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to be front-and-center at the Kurt Busch autograph signing at the Sierra Gold “ultra-lounge” last week. Close to a thousand people (maybe more) lined up around the building to wait their turn. Inside, the Miller Lite and Jack Daniel’s girls were handing out free beer and swag in probably one of the most festive atmospheres ever for a NASCAR driver signing. We have the pics:


Las Vegas Native NASCAR Driver Kurt Busch
Click on above photos to view this entire photo set!PT’s Pubs (a chain of bars around the Las Vegas area) owns Sierra Gold and is a sponsor of the Kurt Busch car, so they went all out to do it up right. You can view the PT’s/Kurt Busch commercial (YouTube) that has been in heavy rotation on local TV here in Las Vegas.OK… OK… hold the emails and complaints. We realize everyone isn’t a NASCAR fan. This is a once-a-year deal. As always, we have our usual huge newsletter with everything you need to know about all the latest happenings in Las Vegas, plus our regular Members Mania and News sections.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Featured Review – Hooray for HATS!

Reviewed March 2008
by Terri Feld

A life-affirming musical review inspired by the The Red Hat Society. Founded 10 years ago in California, the RHS is a diverse network of women 50 years and older who meet for outings dressed in colorful purple clothing crowned with red hats. Today nearly 40,000 chapters exist throughout the U.S. as well as 30 other countries. HATS! the show promotes the organizations’ mission of maintaining a positive outlook on aging, by emphasizing sisterhood and the empowerment of maturity.

At least a dozen genuine Red-Hatters in full regalia comprised part of a recent Sunday matinee audience dominated by fellow female fifty-somethings. The intimate venue consists of floor seats and table banquettes, giving audiences optimal accessibility to the performances throughout this one-act production. Ushers point out the bar located at the rear, however, purchasing drinks is not required. In fact, despite signage to the contrary, they gallantly wave me and my Starbucks to our seat. Click to read the entire review…

Comedy Superstar David Spade Returns To Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – After successfully completing his first two shows to a packed house, comedy superstar and long-time Las Vegas headliner, David Spade, will continue his 2008 series at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino from March 14-15, with two more nights of hysterical comedy. (Tickets) A Las Vegas favorite, Spade joined the Planet Hollywood entertainment line up for a series of weekend dates through 2008: March 14-15, April 11-12, July 25-26, August 30-31, October 10-11, October 24-25 and November 28-29. Click to Read The Full Story …

‘La Cage’ Plays Celebrity Judges For ‘Next Best Food Star’ – CELEBRITY JUDGES – From left Crystal Woods as Diana Ross, Frank Marino as Joan Rivers along with Steven Wayne as Cher were selected as judges recently for the Food Network’s next big show “Next Best Food Star” to begin airing this coming August and September. The gentlemen from “An Evening at La Cage” (Tickets) at the Riviera Hotel & Casino judge the finale held in Las Vegas by taste testing the various dishes. Frank Marino is on a self-proclaimed mission to become the next wax figure in Madame Tussaud’s. Marino is photographed with his mannequin but says, “Rue Paul is in NYC and Dame Edna is in London. Why not?”

Banned for Decades, Forbidden Cocktail Now Available at Luxor – Nicknamed the “Green Fairy” for its occasionally milky green color and mythical hallucinogenic effects, absinthe is legal in the U.S. after a 95-year ban. Patrons of LuxorÆs new center bar, Liquidity, now can experience the once-forbidden liqueur for themselves. Available for $300, “Absinthe Envy” is served in an elaborate tableside presentation that offers a modern take on the tradition of serving the illicit concoction with a sugar cube and chilled water.

Venetian Headliner Wayne Brady Extends Hit Show Through August 2009 – Wayne Brady has captured the hearts of Las Vegas audiences with his one-of-a-kind show, Making It Up, at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. (Tickets) Due to the show’s success, BASE Entertainment and The Venetian are pleased to announce Making It Up has been extended for another year, which will keep Brady entertaining on The Las Vegas Strip through July 2009. “I couldn’t be happier being in Las Vegas doing what I do best, entertaining audiences,” says Brady. Click to Read The Full Story …

Nevada Ballet Theatre Set For Creative Exchange With The Seoul Ballet Theatre – Nevada Ballet Theatre continues its 2007-2008 season with the most cultural of all productions — the highly anticipated East Meets West. Nevada Ballet Theatre will host members of the Seoul Ballet Theatre of Korea for a unique exchange production — uniting dancers from two different continents on the same stage! This stylized and distinctive performance will take place on Friday, February March 21 at 8pm, and Saturday, March 22 at 2pm at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. Click to Read The Full Story …

Ago Officially Opens At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas – AGO, the elegant Italian trattoria named after its celebrated Executive Chef Partner, Agostino Sciandri, officially opened its doors at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, hosted by Robert DeNiro and Sciandri. The opening of the Las Vegas restaurant coincides with the tenth anniversary year of the landmark Los Angeles eatery. Click to Read The Full Story …

Circus Circus’ Carnival Midway Debuts New Acts In 2008 – Circus Circus’ hallmark is the wonderful array of circus acts that perform center stage at the Carnival Midway. Performers from around the globe grace the Midway stage under Circus Circus’ big top, comprising the world’s largest permanent circus. From the dazzling aerialists to the fearless trapeze artists to the amusing clowns, the performances on the Midway stage take place daily, twice every hour from 11 a.m. to midnight with complimentary admission. Several amazing new acts will entertain audiences at Circus Circus this year. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Seven – with Victor H. Royer. Four Card Keno – This is currently my all-time favorite keno game, and the one on which I have won the vast majority of my most recent Video Keno jackpots. It was on this game that I have hit numerous 8 out of 9 hits, for $4,700 plus all the other pays, as well as solid 9s for $5,000 pays (2 coins) plus all the other pays in the “wheel”, many, many 8 out of 10 hits for $500 (2 coins) and $1,000 (four coins), plus all of the many other pays this provided for the combination hits. Click to Read Complete Article…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Rick Bobst submitted a number of amazing Las Vegas photos. Enjoy these, and see the rest in our AccessVegas.com Reader Submitted Photos Gallery!

Ted,
My nephew is going to Vegas in a couple of weeks for his 21’st birthday. He wants to go to clubs like Pure and Studio 54. What is his best chance of getting in? They are staying at The Palms. Is he better off trying to get into Rain or Ghostbar?

Thanks,
Bob

á

We are going to get into a lot more club stuff this year. In the meantime, the best bet is to hit our friends at Nightclubs.com. Have him hit that link and punch in the dates to see what is happening and what is available.

Staying at a hotel is no sure way to get into their club. And… unfortunately if you are a group of guys, it makes it even more tough (as the clubs want plenty of women in the club also). Even if you are a mix of males and females, that won’t always speed things up.

The bottom line is that the non-VIP line can be 1-2 hours (or more). Purchasing VIP tickets usually cuts the wait substantially.. (A club can only hold so many people… virtually no one except celebs get in right away). Also, tell him NOT to club hop. Las Vegas is huge, traffic is a problem. He should pick the club he and his friends want and do the night there.

Hi Ted,My name is Ed Robinson from Manchester, Michigan and I read one of your articles about the traffic on the Vegas strip and the monorails design to help it. My question/comment is why I never hear or read anything about running the monorail right down the center of strip itself instead of behind the hotels. Being elevated, it would not take up much space and would be a hundred times more efficient and convenient.For starters, just being out front, people would see it and I am sure use it instead of driving. The way it is now, nobody in my family or any of our friends ever uses it because in the time it takes to walk through the casino and find the stop, we can just as easily and for free, walk to where we are going or use the bus system (which I think its the Best way to get up and down the strip for a small fee).

I am willing to bet that the monorail could be built to utilize the existing overhead crosswalks and maybe build some more to get people from crossing the side streets and further congesting traffic. Imagine walking out of the Mandalay Bay and having a monorail right there that could get you all the way downtown or just up to the Monte Carlo or any stop along the way and never have to worry about cars on the strip. It will never be that way with the monorail behind the buildings as it is now, never.

Right now it is just an inconvenience to use the system. Even when my wife and I stayed at the MGM last year, our one ride on the monorail was an expensive pain in the butt and probably won’t happen again.

I love going to Las Vegas but I always thought the monorail was a mistake and one that was not planned out enough to be worthwhile.

Thanks,
Ed Robinson

á

I couldn’t have said it better myself. The monorail is on reserve funds and may face either a demise or an expensive local government takeover.

Rebuilding it down the center of The Strip (no matter how much sense it makes) may be cost prohibitive. Especially since people are gun-shy about the failure of the current one.

I keep touting an elevated cable tram, just like they have in Palm Springs and Albuquerque. Cars holding 50+ people, running above the traffic lanes, making stops at selected casinos with one car running after the other after the other. The cars would stop on (what amounts to) the third floor of various casinos and the ride above traffic would be scenic with great photo-opts without the need for an unsightly structure disrupting the center of The Strip.

Our local officials and the gaming companies better figure something out. If we can’t get our loyal visitors around when you are here, you might not want to come back so often.

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 March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

March 5, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 13, 2007

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

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

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

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We stopped by The Frontier (New Frontier, whatever) on Monday just for a final walk-through before they close it later this week. The Frontier never had that special distinction that The Sands or The Stardust had, but certainly a landmark none-the-less.

Treat Dadá To A Concert – Just a reminder that we have great tickets for sports and concert events nationwide, not just here in Las Vegas. Can’t think of that perfect Father’s Day gift? Nothing like tickets to his favorite band or sports team. Check out our huge selection at Tickets.AccessVegas.com

We are happy to answer questions… but: We very much appreciate reader feedback and questions. It helps shape our content and keeps this newsletter the very best it can be. However, a couple of important notes…

  1. Many times, we are asked about something discussed or linked to in a recent newsletter. We put significant hard work into gathering all of the information we send you. Please at least do us the courtesy of looking over the last few issues in our archives before sending in a question. You might be amazed that we already covered the topic (and many others you were interested in).
  2. Almost every week, people ask “When will (insert name of concert or show) tickets be on sale.” We publish as often as we do to get you the most fresh info possible. If we have tickets available, you know right away!Sidebar: A rumor of a pending performer (including but not limited to the perpetual rumor that Michael Jackson is going to have a show here) does NOT mean a show is pending or that tickets are available. Once again… if you are a regular reader, you find out about new shows and tickets as soon as we know!

Las Vegas Still Cigar Friendly – Although the (often flouted) smoking ban has attempted to impact both cigar and cigarette smoking, cigar aficionados and those who just indulge on special occasions still have places to enjoy the “long ashes” of a good cigar. The L.A. Times recent article Las Vegas cigar lounges roll out the welcome mat is a nice primer.

Legally, you can enjoy them outdoors, on the casino floor (including bars on a casino floor) and in nightclubs/lounges that do not serve food. As always, be polite and ask the bartender if cigar smoking is acceptable or simply patronize the places mentioned in the article. Also, a tip of the hat to the nationally syndicated, fine living oriented Cigar Dave Show who has our own gaming expert Victor H. Royer as a guest every year. (Click for audio archives of Victor H. Royer on the Cigar Dave Show).

Enjoy This Issue!

Michael Buble Will Perform Live At The MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, July 14 – The young singing sensation Michael Buble (Tickets) brings his 2007 tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, July 14. In what many believe will be one of the hottest concerts of the year, Buble brings his irrepressible spirit, engaging humor and confident charisma to the concert stage. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …

Fantasy Adds Provocative New Dance Numbers – Fantasy, the seductive adult revue at Luxor, recently added several dance numbers to the steamy production. (Fantasy Tickets) The new spellbinding routines captivate audience members as the beautiful cast acts out sensual fantasies nightly. Earlier this month, FANTASY introduced several numbers including a new opening dance routine and an original song entitled “Goin’ to Vegas” written and performed by FANTASY songstress Stephanie Jordan. In 2006, FANTASY introduced “Don’t Stop,” an upbeat number featuring an original song by Cris Judd and Darren Sher. Click to Read The Full Story …

Bernard Hopkins Battles Winky Wright Saturday, July 21 At Mandalay Bay Live On Pay-Per-View – When boxing historians look at the current era of boxing, two names will stand out among the finest of this generation û Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright (Tickets). However, for these fierce competitors, being one of the elite is not enough. On Saturday, July 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center live on HBO Pay-Per-View, Hopkins and Wright will battle one another to claim supremacy. “I’m back and my record speaks for itself,” said Hopkins, the former undisputed middleweight champion whose Ring magazine light heavyweight belt will be on the line in this 170-pound bout. Click to Read The Full Story …

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country – The Newest Place To Round Up – Nightspot To Become Hottest Destination For Country Fans – Stoney’s Rockin’ Country is the latest venue offering foot-stoppin’ good times for the cowboys and cowgirls at heart. Conveniently located on Las Vegas Boulevard, just north of the South Point Hotel and Casino, Stoney’s is the largest one-level nightlife spot in Las Vegas with more than 20,000 square feet dedicated to country fun. Scheduled to open late July, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country will feature weekly live entertainment on the 45-foot by 25-foot main stage using a state-of-the-art Meyers Concert Series sound system to amplify the sounds of local, regional and national talent acts. The elevated 2,500 square foot hardwood dance floor is flanked by two full-service bars, that at 40 feet and 50 feet ensure quick drink service. Other bar highlights include three 44-foot mini bowling lanes and four pool tables. Click to Read The Full Story …

Lance Burton Charity Work: Working With Children Can Be Magical – Nobody was more surprised and pleased then Lance Burton (Tickets) when he was named “MOST GENEROUS LAS VEGAN” by the editors of the 2007 Las Vegas Review-Journal’s 26th ANNUAL BEST OF LAS VEGAS POLL. He was in good company with Andre Agassi chosen by the readers. This was in addition to winning “Best Magician” for seven consecutive times in the coveted poll. The R-J staffers summed it up in a nutshell saying, “No matter how masterful a magician Lance Burton is, he can’t expand time. So the time and talent he contributes may be even more valuable than the financial support he lends to organizations from the Animal Foundation to the Shriner’s Zelzah Temple Transportation Fund, which buys vans equipped with wheelchair lifts to bring disabled children to The Shriner’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Click to Read The Full Story …

Sushi Roku Showcases The Midas Touch with Its Lustrous Cocktail Restaurant Creates Signature Drink For One Day Only, July 7, 2007 – Sushi Roku launches a signature drink, Shichi meaning seven in Japanese, designed for the luckiest day of the century: July 7, 2007. Sushi Roku’s Shichi cocktail is a superstar citrus blend that is sure to strike gold. Named after the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, this drink is assembled with 1 ounce of Hangar One Kaffir Lime vodka and Midori, a 1/2 fresh-squeezed lime, a splash of triple sec and 1 ounce of lemon sour. After the ingredients are mixed in a shaker, the liquid is strained into a martini glass and garnished with a 24K gold leaf-wrapped lime. Click to Read The Full Story …

Alexis Gershwin, Niece Of Composers George And Ira Gershwin, Pays Tribute To Her Uncles’ Timeless Music In “Gershwin Sings Gershwin” At The Suncoast Beginning July 20th Through July 22nd – A beautiful Gershwin will sing beautiful Gershwin music July 20th through July 22nd at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino’s Showroom located at 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas with showtime at 7:30 p.m. Alexis Gershwin, niece of famous composers George and Ira Gershwin, will perform the Gershwins’ memorable classics including “Embraceable You”, “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”, “Our Love Is Here To Stay”, and “S’wonderful,” among others. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Second City — Las Vegas Opens All New Revue At The Flamingo – Sin City’s Favorite Improv Comedy Troupe Launches Sixth Season Of Side-Splitting Laughs – The Second City and Jam Theatricals are proud to announce the opening of an all-new revue at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel on Monday, June 11th at 8pm. Under the direction of Jim Carlson, the Las Vegas edition of The Second City (Tickets) features a variety of scenes, songs and improvisation, including bad hypnotists, maniacal helicopter pilots and a rap inspired by the fall of Don Imus. Click to Read The Full Story …

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Tao Nightclub Las Vegas Photos – Located in the beautiful Venetian Hotel and Casino, Tao Nightclub (Info and VIP Passes) is a city to itself, an Asian city. This 40,000 square foot monster is a work of art. With tubs filled with naked ladies and rose petals to all the far east decor, to the 40 foot buddah, the partners of the New York Tao has successfully brought the Pacific Rim to the City of Sin. The nightclub is divided into three areas, the main room with the dance floor and the skyboxes, the House room and the Ultra Lounge downstairs.

Gambling Talk: Playing Middle Pairs In Tournaments – Part One – with Victor H. Royer. Middle pairs can be very troubling for a great many players, particularly in poker tournaments. Some of them tend to look very good, and as a result they can very often be misplayed. These are the pairs that are traditionally considered to be middle pairs. All of them are highly vulnerable to overcards, and therefore all of them should be played extremely cautiously. In late positions, you can play pocket 9s as if they were pocket 10s, but other than that any of these medium pears are usually a candidate for the muck. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week: Sunset Strip – “Sunset Strip” is a rockin’ band that fills the room with great sounds and funky beats. Bringing together some of the finest musicians and performers in the industry, “Sunset Strip” proudly presents two of the most talented vocalists to one stage. Lorena Peril and Sina Foley each possess unique styles and amazing vocal strength. Sunset Strip performs in the lounge of the Las Vegas Hilton.

  • Click To View Sunset Strip: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:

Attached is a photo of the Stratosphere-close up! This was taken from a Maverick Helicopter tour chopper on our way back from the Grand Canyon. The Stratosphere is where we got engaged, so it’s a special place for us. You just got to love Vegas!

Kent Richardson

á

Ted Responds:

We haven’t talked about Maverick Helicopter Tours much lately, so now is a great time to remind everyone that I consider it a “must do” on a Las Vegas vacation. I’ve done almost everything there is to see and do in town, and nothing compares to flying over the Las Vegas Strip in a Maverick Helicopter.

Those who take a Grand Canyon Tour get to fly over The Strip on their return from the Canyon. Maverick also offers stand-alone night flights over The Strip are are nothing short of amazing. (Note to self: I haven’t been up over The Strip in a Maverick chopper lately… arrange to do so).

Maverick isn’t a discount company. They are professional, top-notch, newest and most comfortable equipment, and no accidents or incidents. Also, their terminal is just south of Mandalay Bay so you spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time in transit. Click for Maverick Helicopter Information.

More Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas Photos
Here is my photo taken from my room at the Excalibur. Let’s call this one “Sunrise on the Strip”.Thomos Grossá

More Las Vegas Strip Photos

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com.

Dear Ted:We recently returned home from our umpteenth visit to beautiful Las Vegas over the last ten years, and I would like to make a comment about the so-called Californication of Las Vegas.One of the best things about your town, and Nevada in general, is its permissive, tolerant attitude. Now, we noticed, since the last time we were in Las Vegas in December, that suddenly there is no smoking in restaurants and also rest rooms, in most of the casino properties. This is simply stupid. There was never a big problem of people smoking in restaurants anyway, and smoking in rest rooms may have made it harder to keep the rest rooms clean, but now the people who maintain rest rooms just get smaller tips. Is this good for your economy?

For your info – I am a 53 year old pipe/cigar smoker who would never think of lighting up in a restaurant, since I wouldn’t want to offend anybody, because I am a polite person.

What we all need is a return to common courtesy, not legislating the Wild West out of Las Vegas. If they ever ban smoking in the casinos, we wouldn’t want to come visit anymore. Gamblers smoke – LIVE WITH IT!

Sincerely,

Kevin Cardiff
Baltimore, MD

Ted Responds:

I am someone who enjoys a cigar from time-to-time (only where appropriate), and we followed this issue in a huge way in our newsletter last year and earlier this year.

If you scroll down to the “More News” area with news links in our newsletter, we continue to stay on top of it. Rebellion and lawsuits are rampant, and certain businesses (and people) are thumbing their nose at this law that barely passed with 54% of the vote.

Even though your visit is done, I encourage you to stay subscribed to our newsletter as we will continue to feature news links regarding this in the second half of our newsletter. Also, please do consider telling friends and family about our newsletter if they have any interest in Las Vegas. Sign-up is at no cost at AccessVegas.com.

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

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

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

  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

June 13, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 3, 2007

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! If it seems like you just heard from us, I agree… this is a bonus “reader appreciation” issue in celebration of Eight Years of Publishing this newsletter! A little more actually, as we started on May 20, 1999 with just over 450 subscribers. My postings of Las Vegas information online started with contributing to an internet newsgroup in the mid-90’s (newsgroups were old-school message boards) and with demand that I make the information more widely available. My how time flies when you are having fun and we thank each and every one of you for reading!

We have new info in this issue that didn’t make the last couple of newsletters, the current news links you expect, plus a heavier-than-usual dose of reader submitted Las Vegas photos. This is an issue to take your time with and (as with all our issues), save it on your email for later reading.

Typos and Such – If you are a regular reader, you know this newsletter is infamous for not letting a week go by without some minor error. Last week, a sentence about Jimmy buffet slipped into a Jerry Lewis piece (template issue), the week before we had a run-on sentence.

Thanks for your patience in understanding. We have a very small group of people (Myself, Amy, Mark, and Nancy) who crank though an incredible amount of information each week. Press releases, news stories, news links, our photos, your photos, reader feedback, show reviews… I could go on. You literally can’t find another source putting out so much unique and varied Las Vegas info a weekly basis. Minor errors are going to happen. We don’t mind being alerted to them, and we do immediately fix the online version when we goof.

None of us have communications or journalism degrees. We are just a group of long time (five years or greater… almost 15 years in my case) locals who love our city and love giving you the scoop about Las Vegas!

Enjoy This Issue!

Ronn Lucas Show Open At The New Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex – International comedian-ventriloquist Ronn Lucas is proud to announce his show, “The Ronn Lucas Show” performing daily at 3 p.m. (Tickets), inside the new Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex in the Miracle Mile Shops (Desert Passage) at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. “The Ronn Lucas Show”, a favorite for adults and children, is unlike any show in Las Vegas. With his sidekicks Buffalo Billy (the puppet comedian who thinks he’s a ladies’ man) and Scorch (the lovable, green, teenaged dragon) Lucas mixes stand-up comedy, improvisation, audience participation, puppetry and vocal gymnastics to astonish and delight audiences worldwide. Click to Read The Full Story …

Tao Las Vegas Hosts Events Tuesday Through Sunday Nights – TAO Las Vegas located on the Las Vegas Strip at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino hosts weekly events for those seeking a trendy and stylish destination. The weekly events are as follows: Temple Tuesday: TAO’s Ultra Lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere, casual attire and house music spun by resident DJ Galeano and special weekly guests. Doors open at 11 p.m. and bottle service is available. Call 800-696-5721 to arrange bottle service or VIP passes.

Jackie Collins Launches Her 25th Book At Harrah’s Las Vegas – Top-Selling Novelist Invites Public To Exclusive Pre-Publication Book Signing Event For “Drop Dead Beautiful” – Jackie Collins, one of the world’s top-selling novelists, will launch her latest book tour in support of DROP DEAD BEAUTIFUL, her 25th sizzling novel that centers on the glamour of Sin City, with a book signing and reading at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Set for Saturday, June 23rd from 1:00 p.m. û 3:00 p.m., the event will be held in The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s Las Vegas and is open to the public. Click to Read The Full Story …

KC & The Sunshine Band To Play 7/7/07 Mandalay Beach Wedding Reception – Lucky Guests Receive Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity – Upping the ante on the lucky 7/7/07 Beach wedding ceremony, Mandalay Bay has signed one of the most popular dance bands of all time to play the reception. Imagine a beach wedding at sunset followed by a lavish dinner with open bar, topped off by the ultimate dance party reception under the stars. All in Las Vegas and on the luckiest day of the year! Now couples will have the unique opportunity to boast “KC & The Sunshine Band played at my wedding reception.” The combined ceremony, offering weddings, renewals and commitment ceremonies, will take place on Mandalay Beach at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …

Martina McBride To Bring Her 2007 Summer Tour To Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, July 27 – Country music superstar Martina McBride will bring her 2007 summer tour to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, July 27 at 8 p.m. Country sensation Little Big Town is scheduled to open the show. (Martina McBride Tickets) On April 3, McBride released her ninth album, Waking Up Laughing, which she produced on her own. “Anyway,” the debut single, currently sits at No. 9 after only eight weeks on the country charts, making it her fastest-rising single ever and marks her first songwriting credit. She co-wrote two additional songs on the new album as well. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Mirage Dolphin Habitat Earns Prestigious Honor – Dolphin Care Facility Recognized For Excellence In Marine Mammal Care, Conservation And Education – The Mirage Dolphin Habitat has earned accreditation by one of most respected marine care and conservation societies, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Collectively, the Alliance represents the greatest expertise in caring for marine mammals in the world. “Members of the Alliance are committed to standards of care that surpass current regulatory requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Act,” said Alliance Executive Director Marilee Menard. “The recent accreditation of The Mirage Dolphin Habitat indicates the facility excels in providing care for their dolphins.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Classic Cigar Art Announces Debut Art Show and Sale – VIP Event Will Launch Two-Day “Timeless Treasures” Showcase – Classic Cigar Art has announced it will launch its debut art show, with a VIP reception on Thursday, June 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., followed by a public art show and sale on Friday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Both events will be held at the JW Marriott Conference Center in Summerlin. The display area will evoke the elegance of the “golden age” of the cigar and highlight the show’s theme, “Timeless Treasures.” More than one hundred of Classic Cigar Art’s original, antique lithographs and collections will be on display and available for purchase. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:

Hi Ted

My Husband and myself were in Las Vegas June 06 and took loads of photos. This is one of my favourites, which is the Luxor. Here’s looking forward to revisiting in 2008!

Kind Regards,

Claire from rainy England

Click for more Photos of Luxor Las Vegas

Hi, Ted,Our life goal is to move to Las Vegas. In the meantime, we must settle for working and coming out a few times a year. On one of our trips a couple years ago, we were staying at Harrah’s. As we were getting ready to head out for the day, I happened to look out and see the rainbow. Although we didn’t find a pot of gold that day, we did have a fabulous time.

Thanks so much for the fantastic newsletter.

The Benders (currently of CO, soon to be of LV)

Click for more Photos of Mirage Las Vegas

Martin C. Grube submitted this Venetian shot with a couple of airplanes high above… on each side of the tower:

Click for more Photos of Venetian Las Vegas

Sharon Jagger submitted this shot of the front Liberace Museum, which is located only a few minutes east of The Strip on Tropicana:

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com. Click to more Photos of Wynn Las Vegas.

Dear Ted,My best friend and myself would like to obtain tickets to the Country Music Awards show for next year in May, how would we go about getting those tickets?? Would we be able to get them in Vegas and would we be able to sit among the celebrities or would we have to sit in the nose bleed section?

Also, how would we find out what hotel the Award Show is going to held at? It’s been at the Mirage a few times and this last time it was held at the MGM Grand. Any info will be appreciated.

Love Access Vegas, so much info.

R. Rhodes from Florida

Ted Responds:

Tickets for concerts and award shows go on sale generally 2-4 months in advance (sometimes slightly longer).

We always post ticket information as soon as we are notified it is available in the newsletter and on the site, both in the concert listings in the sidebar of every page, the concert listings in every newsletter, and at our entertainment calendar at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

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

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

  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

June 3, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 16, 2007

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas!

Lots of focus on the north end of The Strip this week with the news of the sale of The Frontier, plus our brand new Sahara Photos and Riviera Computer Wallpaper.

Pretty big week of news with (finally) the sale of The Frontier hotel. As many of you have heard, the owners of New York’s Plaza hotel have bought The Frontier (across from Wynn, next to Trump’s towers… yes, a second one is going up). They plan to use the Plaza brand, which is interesting because Las Vegas has had a “Plaza” hotel downtown since the 70’s. According to the Associated Press,

Elad Group intends to build a luxury hotel with about 3,500 rooms, private residences, retail space and a casino bearing The Plaza brand on the New Frontier site, Elad president Miki Naftali said in a statement. Opening for the 34.5-acre site across from the Wynn Las Vegas is targeted for 2011.

Ya, ya, ya… whatever, guys. I’ve run out of fingers and toes trying to county the number of “big time, going to be huge, going to take Vegas by storm” projects out of New York, Los Angeles, Miami and other places that have failed to materialize. Among the most very recent, W Las Vegas resort project canceled and a few months ago, Las Ramblas. (I was laughing at the concept and viability of Las Ramblas from day one).

For the most part, the successful multi-billion dollar multi-use projects going up have been built by one of the established local operators (MGM’s CityCenter, Boyd’s Echelon). Bottom line is that we’ll know these new “Plaza” plans are serious when they pony up to buy the name locally from the downtown hotel. For now, I’m treating this as a lot of hot air.

Tickets, Tickets, and more Tickets – Just a reminder that we have tickets to far more than just Las Vegas shows and concerts and usually at some of the best prices you will find for good and premium seats. Among them, NBA Playoffs, American Idols Live, Jimmy Buffett, and other Top Touring Acts. If you can’t make it to Vegas soon, treat yourself to a concert! Side Note: Sending good luck to Reed Waddle, a friend of a friend and a finalist in the American Idol Songwriters search!

Dunkin’ Donuts Coming To Town – As usual, we were way ahead of the curve on this one. In our April 11 issue, reader Kristen asked why we have none and I suggested:

I do understand how Dunkin’ Donuts is revered in other parts of the country, and with a large contingent of east coast visitors and transplants, I agree it seems strange that we have no locations here. We know a number of hotel management types read our newsletter. Consider your request delivered!

Lo and behold, the news is official: Dunkin’ Donuts to open 62 LV stores in seven years

Enjoy This Issue!

The Fashionistas – Show Review

The Fashionistas

Reviewed May 2007
by Nancy Dickinson

The fashion industry probably didn’t know the raw passion it could spawn through music, story, and dance… but leave it to Vegas to bring forth the goods. Fashionistas, a hot seam ripping show at the Empire Ballroom is based on tales of an innovative fashion fetish company, vivacious women seductresses, and the domineering love triangles some very sexy (and certainly masochistic) characters have managed to sew together. The result stitches a new, dark, seductive face upon the fashion industry that is unafraid of celebrating shape and form in all things. Click to Read The Full Review…

Mandalay Beach Ups the Ante – Mandalay Beach will redefine fun-in-the-sun this June with the addition of Las Vegas’ only climate-controlled poolside gaming venue at Mandalay Bay. Just feet from crystal-clear waves, a new three-story, glass-fronted Beach casino will invite guests to indulge at their leisure.

The first level will offer a casual bar and grill while the second level will feature table games with expansive, open-air views. On the third floor, guests will find the spectacular Villas Soleil, luxury pool villas ranging from 250 to 500 square feet. Click to enjoy Mandalay Bay Las Vegas Photos

Lewis keeps Labor Day telethon in Las Vegas– Jerry Lewis’ annual Labor Day telethon to fight muscular dystrophy, which aired from Las Vegas last year, will return this year. The broadcast, which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association, will air Sept. 2-3 from the South Point hotel-casino south of the Las Vegas Strip, organizers said Wednesday. Lewis moved the telethon out of its longtime home in Los Angeles last year, saying it had been overshadowed by other productions there. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Sahara Las Vegas Photos – The Sahara offers 1,720 classically styled guestrooms and suites decorated in a Moroccan motif. The spacious rooms include comfortable accommodations and a variety of television-viewing options. The pool is open daily throughout the summer. The spa is open year round. Live entertainment can be found by visiting the Casbar Theatre Lounge

Gambling Talk: Is There An Internet Poker Ban?– with Victor H. Royer. First of all, there is NO Internet poker ban, and NO Internet gaming bad. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 does NOT prohibit Internet gaming. It is designed to stop banks from financial transactions directly with Internet gaming sites. This is something that was already done several years ago, when the Credit Card companies decided to pull out for fear of being targeted by the Justice Department, even though the DOJ had NO LAW to fall back on. The Wire Act of 1961 was ruled by the Supreme Court as applicable ONLY to sports. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – In honor of our friends down on the Gulf Coast and the continued recovery of the area including the planned Margaritaville Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, we bring you this previous look at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Las Vegas at The Flamingo. Margaritaville is a mecca for Parrot Heads or anyone else who wants to have a good time and a great meal in the ultimate tropical setting.

  • Click To View Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: Broadband (only)

Riviera Las Vegas Computer Wallpaper – More about the north end of The Strip with this amazing photo of The Riviera. The Riviera Hotel and Casino enjoys over 2000 refurbished oversized rooms offering maximum comfort and breathtaking views of the glittering Las Vegas Strip. Guests also enjoy a variety of entertainment. Click and view Riviera Las Vegas Computer Wallpaper.

More Bellagio info and pics:

á

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Sheena Foster submitted this photo and titled it The LUXOR at daytime.

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com. Click to more Photos of Luxor Las Vegas.

Dear Ted:I have been to Vegas several times now and each time is a new experience. Myself and three other girls are going to Vegas in December and would like to attend the NFR at the Thomas Mack Centre. I wondered if you could tell me where is a good location to be seated to view the action of the rodeo without paying an arm and a leg for seats. Never having been at the centre I am unsure as to whether the 200 section is so high up that we wouldn’t be able to distinguish the cowboy from the bull or horse. Any insight you could give me in this matter would be greatly appreciated. I thoroughly enjoy reading your newsletter and look forward to it in my in box. Keep up the good work.

LuAnn McQuillan,
Ontario, Canada

Ted Responds:

I have never been to NFR. Having said that, most people are just happy to get tickets to it!

Your other option is to just come during NFR time. Most of the hotels have it on all their screens, some set up special viewing rooms. Many come for the country atmosphere.

Perhaps we can hear from readers who have been to NFR, where they sat, how they enjoyed it. We do have National Finals Rodeo tickets available. Note: These are resale tickets as the event sells out ever year, year-after-year (IE, you just can’t walk up and buy a ticket).

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • 2007

  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

May 16, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 21, 2007

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Wow, wow, wow… what a past 10 days here in Las Vegas. NASCAR blazed into town with record crowds (unlike the NBA All-Star game, NASCAR produced no shootings or significant arrests) followed by The Stardust going BOOM! The entire week saw highs brushing 90 F and March Madness combined with St. Patrick’s Day and Spring Break to make it one of the most crazy weekends of the year.

Add in the locals celebrating UNLV making the NCAA Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 (who needs the NBA), two more weeks of basketball March Madness, pool weather kicking in and Las Vegas is the only place to be! (Did it snow somewhere last weekend? We don’t shovel snow here).

Maverick Helicopter Tours In The News – Our friends at Maverick Helicopter Tours were recently featured in the local news article Why crawl when you can fly? about all the celebrities, high rollers, and even race drivers that they take care of on NASCAR race days. However, you don’t have to be a celeb or high roller to enjoy their memorable, top-quality tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (including some that actually land in the bottom of the Canyon)! They also have amazing, beautiful night flights over the Las Vegas Strip.

Cirque du Soleil and Luxor executives are announcing details of a new production set to open at Luxor Las Vegas in 2008. I’m taking a wild guess that it involves magic and Chris Angel, but every once in a while, Las Vegas throws a curve. We’ll have details next issue!

Don’t Get Lost In Vegas – So many people tell me that they do rent a car when they come to town so they can travel at their own whim (valet parking is free at all Las Vegas hotels, and cab fares add up). They also tell me they would like to venture off The Strip a bit, perhaps check out some of the “local’s casinos” they keep hearing about, but are not real fond of driving in an unfamiliar city. If you rent from Enterprise, they are offering our readers 50% OFF GPS Navigation unit rentals at airport locations at Enterprise.com (Valid until May 31, 2007)

Enjoy This Issue!

Stardust Implosion Stories:

Dragon Boat Races At Lake Las Vegas Resort Offer Interactive Cultural Entertainment – Lake Las Vegas Resort and Facility Marketing Group Inc. invite teams to participate in Dragon Boat Races: a unique, interactive sporting and cultural event on May 4 and 5. Bringing to life ancient Chinese traditions, community gathering and celebration, the Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Las Vegas pits more than 25 teams against each other in a high-energy competition on the lake. The Las Vegas community is encouraged to join in the outdoor adventures by collecting a team of at least 16 members for a chance to win fabulous prizes and raise money for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Click to Read The Full Story …

Cutting-Edge Ways to Turn Back the Clock – America may have just leapt one hour forward, but new spa advances offer innovative ways to turn back the hands of time. Rejuvenating jewels? Wine for well-being? Learn how the key to unlocking a whole new you may be one inventive spa experience away:

  • Toast Your Health at Nurture — The Spa at Luxor One of the hottest spa trends can now be found at Nurture — The Spa at Luxor. Vinotherapy uses the powerful anti-oxidant qualities of wine to firm the skin and slow aging. Nurture captures this healing essence in its popular Escape to Sonoma treatment. The indulgent experience begins with a relaxing full-body, grapeseed oil massage. Next, a sea salt scrub combined with crushed grape seeds exfoliates the skin before a wine body wrap restores much-needed moisture. This revitalizing 80-minute treatment is priced at $200. Luxor Las Vegas Info and Reservations
  • Spa Monte Carlo Offers Sparkling New Service – Spa Monte Carlo is harnessing the healing power of one of the world’s most beautiful jewels. The Royal Aquamarine Formula Micro-Dermabrasion treatment uses pulverized aquamarine gemstones to attain smooth, supple skin without the discomfort and high cost of other micro-dermabrasion procedures. Said to possess life-giving powers, aquamarine gems provide a gentle way to achieve radiant skin. This 50-minute treatment is priced at $185. Monte Carlo Las Vegas Info and Reservations

Another Award For A Hilton Restaurant – The Cuisine Club of Las Vegas has presented “The Award of Excellence” to Andiamo at the Las Vegas Hilton. Valentina Columbo, Chef de Cuisine of the club, made the presentation following a dinner by club members at the restaurant. Andiamo, which just celebrated its 20-year anniversary, now sports a new name: Casa Nicola. It features an enhanced menu and will continue featuring authentic flavors of Italy.

Gambling Talk: Poker Theory vs. Reality — Part One – with Victor H. Royer. In order to become good at any kind of game, poker included, it is not only necessary to learn the required rules of the game itself, but it helps if you also learn the game theory behind your game of choice, or perhaps the general game theory as that may apply to such relevant game concepts. Game theory itself is a universal concept that spans and transcends the human animal’s instinctive and innate propensity to engage in such activities, which we as sentient human beings tend to describe as “playing”, or “games”. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Clarion Hotel & Suites Emerald Springs – Best kept secret in Las Vegas. Complimentary limo or shuttle to and from McCarran International Airport. Complimentary limo or shuttle service to MGM Grand and Flamingo, Las Vegas Convention Center and Sands Expo. All rooms include coffeemakers, hairdryers, and irons/ironing boards. Suites with micros. 24-hour pool, spa and fitness center. Located only 3 blocks from the Las Vegas Strip. Business services available.

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week: El Cortez Hotel and Casino – Having just undergone $18 million in renovations and new management, The El Cortez Hotel and Casino is quaint and cozy, amidst the hustle and bustle downtown Las Vegas. The hotel features ADA approved rooms as well as non-smoking rooms upon request. All accommodations are equipped with the latest in convenience and up-to-date amenities. Each guest room is tastefully appointed and spacious.

  • Click To View El Cortez Hotel and Casino: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Susan Muszynski submitted this great photo of Venetian Las Vegas taken from The Mirage across the street:

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com. Click to more Photos of Venetian Las Vegas.

Dear Ted,Visit 15 now over and back in NE England and reality. Still I returned with a gambling profit of $24 so I’m pleased. Saw some shows again and highlight was The Scintas @ The Sahara. Ultra-talented family + one group with truly excellent comedy and impressions and Chrissi Scinta has got one of the nicest singing voices in the USA. Joey and Frankie Scinta are two of the funniest around and Pete O’Donnell compliments with classy percussion.I recommend anyone who may be feeling down to see this show because the Scintas will lift you up as it did me. Next time in LV may be 2008 but The Scintas are my no.1.

On a down side – too many condos getting built on and around the Strip, before long there’ll be no room for new casino/hotels.

Keep up the good work Ted!

All the best from Owen (NE England)

Ted Responds:

I first enjoyed The Scintas when the started here at The Hilton, and have been thrilled to see them moving on to big crowds at The Rio and finally their long dreamed spot on The Strip at The Sahara. This is old school fun and variety done modern Vegas and I’ve never talked to anyone who attended that was disappointed. Here’s some Scintas info for everyone to enjoy for themselves:

Hi,I am retiring from my job after 20 yrs May 31st and my husband is bringing me to Las Vegas for our anniversary June 7th. I want so much to go see ‘O’, where can I find the cheapest tickets without being in the nosebleed section? Any help will be greatly appreciated.Mrs. Adams

Ted Responds:

Congratulations on your retirement! Unfortunately, there are no “cheapest tickets” as Cirque du Soleil’s O is one of the most in-demand shows in Las Vegas.

For any shows that someone really wants to see, we suggest purchasing tickets as far in advance as possible. Do keep in mind that some shows don’t release tickets more than 3-6 months in advance.

Also, given that the “good seats” are first come, first served (the farther ahead you book, the better your seats will be), anyone desiring the best seats possible for a show should book in advance. Even if some tickets for a show are still available the day of the show, you’ll much more likely to be in the last (worst) seats by booking last minute.

If you have further questions or want help deciding, please call our reservations agents at 800-696-5721.

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • 2007

  • March Madness (NCAA Basketball Playoffs)March 22-25, Final Four March 31-April 2
  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

March 21, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 28, 2007

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Our thanks to reader Mike Jauken who found the source of the “hit you three ways” quote in our last issue. It was part of a routine by Christian comedian Mike Warnke during the 70’s.

Mamma Mia! Celebrates Four Years – A big congratulation to Mamma Mia! on four successful years in Las Vegas. Many shows have come and gone during that time, and Mamma Mia continues to draw rave reviews. In celebration, we have added some new Mamma Mia photos to our online photo gallery this week. We want to celebrate and hook you up: Save $30 right now on Mamma Mia tickets!

St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness – start at the same time on March 15-18 with St. Patrick’s day on Saturday March 17, 2007!

Combined with some spring break dates around the country, this is already shaping up to be one of the big-time fun weekends of the year. Check your schedule, put in for the time off, get a friend who will call you in sick… whatever it takes. Get your friends together, check with our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and get your rooms before they are sold out. This is a guys weekend not to be missed.

NASCAR UAW Daimler-Chrysler 400 – The March 11, 2007 Las Veags race is sold out at the box office, but we have tickets available for what is one of the premier (and most viewed) races on the cup circuit: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series: UAW Daimler-Chrysler 400 Tickets

Correction On Poker – In our last issue we posted a note from Rita Hawn of Ultimate Poker Challenge about how you can all go down and watch the show film downtown, and even have a chance to sign up and play. The good news? We printed the URL just as they sent it. The bad news? Then sent a wrong web address. The correct one is http://www.ultimatepokerchallenge.com

Insider Tourist Traffic Tips – Our local “Road Warrior” traffic columnist Omar Sofradzija wrote an article called Survival tips for NBA fans a couple of weeks ago. It was to help the NBA All-Star fans get around (car, cab, public transportation), but has tons of good info for any visitor coming at any time.

Canadian Correction – Our apologies to our Canadian readers as we had Canadian Thanksgiving incorrectly listed in our “Hot Holidays” at the end of the newsletter.

Enjoy This Issue!

Celine Dion – A New Day

Celine Dion - A New Dayby Amy Rayner-Cooley

Celine Dion in “A New Day…” is, in one word amazing! After only one song, I was not only completely enthralled, but I could see why “A New Day…” is one of the hottest tickets in town.

Featuring many of Celine’s most recognizable songs including, “The Power of Love”, “Because You Loved Me”, “I Drove All Night” and “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now”, no one will walk away from this masterpiece disappointed. Celine’s powerful voice is even more beautiful in person than I could have imagined and completely explains why this show sells out weeks in advance. Click to Read The Full Review…

Two Cases Of Mistaken Elvis Identity ‘Legends’ Impersonator On Two Mag Covers, Each Wrong Name – In a town with nearly as many Elvises as there are buffets, those who impersonate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with style, grace and real talent stand far and above the rest of the sideburned wannabes in jumpsuits. At the top is Matt Lewis, featured performer of Legends in Concert (Show Ticket Link), the celebrity tribute spectacular now in its 24th year at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino. Lewis first impersonated Elvis for a school talent show when he was 12 years old. Now, six nights every week, two shows per night for the past four years, Lewis leaves the ladies swooning in the aisles with his charm, boyish good looks, commanding voice and dead-ringer compelling impersonation of the truck driver from Tupelo. Click to Read The Full Story …

Sahara Sold To California Businessman: Resort Facing ‘Tremendous’ Renovation – A Hollywood movie producer, restaurateur and nightclub owner has bought the aging Moroccan-themed Sahara, the Review-Journal learned Friday night. Sam Nazarian, through his Los Angeles-based SBE Entertainment Group, agreed to purchase the Sahara from the family of late casino pioneer William Bennett. No purchase price was disclosed, but sources said the transaction was between $300 million and $400 million for the 17.45-acre parcel on the Strip that includes the 1,720-room hotel-casino. Click to Read The Full Story …

Indulge in a Decadent Tequila Toast – Take your taste buds on a decadent journey south of the border inside Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar at Treasure Island. For $99, a beautiful and seductive Tequila Goddess will come to your table and create your very own “Goddess Elixir” right before your eyes. This indulgent yet tasty concoction features Herradura Seleccion Suprema, one of the world’s finest aged tequilas, 100-year old Grand Marnier, Cointreau and fresh citrus syrup.

Inspirada, One of the Largest New Urbanist Communities in the U.S., Officially Opens in Southern Nevada – Inspirada, a precedent-setting nearly 2,000-acre master-planned community in the southern foothills of the Las Vegas valley, will open its information center on Saturday, February 24. The Information Center will allow prospective homebuyers to get a firsthand glimpse of the design and vision for the community which features progressive architectural design and the integration of residential, commercial and recreational areas within the master plan. In conjunction with the opening of the Inspirada Information Center, KB Home’s 17 model homes and sales office will open. Click to Read The Full Story …

Fred Leighton Bellagio Celebrates Women with Rare American History Exhibit – March is WomenÆs History Month and what better way to celebrate women than with fine jewels! Join Fred Leighton Bellagio now through April 5 as they offer a rare chance to view and own extraordinary, collectible pieces of American history. Many of these acclaimed works of art have graced dignitaries, historical figures and legendary celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Loretta Young and Georgia OÆKeefe. All the jewelry was crafted by American artists and each design is reflective of the year it was created. Fred Leighton is located among the luxury retailers of Via Bellagio and is the only Nevada location to feature the display.

Gambling Talk: Playing Internet Tournaments — Part 5 — Faster Play – with Victor H. Royer. Real world poker players, especially those used to land-based poker tournaments, tend to be comfortable in sitting around for many hours without actually playing any hands, because they understand that the real world poker tournaments are marathons that usually take many hours, and often many days to complete. As a result, they pace themselves differently compared to the world of the Internet poker tournament. Therefore, when they now find themselves sitting in front of their computer and playing on Internet poker tournament, they tend to be overwhelmed by the very nature of the game, and its accompanying speed. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian – Whether it’s a stroll along a cobblestone walkway, or a relaxing ride in an authentic Italian gondola, The Grand Canal Shoppes offers a shopping experience like no other. Enjoy world class dining, shopping and elegance in an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement. Enjoy all that life has to offer… indulge in the uniqueness of The Grand Canal Shoppes. Benvenuto!

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week: MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas – The theme of this mega-resort is unmistakably Mediterranean. If you’re looking for a resort away from the electricity of the Vegas strip, yet want everything that Vegas has to offer, the MonteLago will surpass your expectations. The MonteLago Village Resort is located about 18 miles from the Vegas strip, on the shores of Lake Las Vegas. Not that you’ll want to leave the resort..

  • Click To View MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Roy Rawlinson submitted this great photo of Luxor Las Vegas:

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com. Click to more Photos of Luxor Las Vegas.

Hi Ted,I was wondering if you could email the newsletter to my home email as well as my office? My home email address is (redacted for privacy).

Great newsletters by the way. My fiance and I love Las Vegas and would love to live there, not just for the strip, but for everything including it’s proximity to other attractions. We’ve been twice in the last two years and getting regular newsletters makes be feel better about not being there.

Thanks again.

Linda Clifton

Ted Responds:

Linda, Not a problem! Everyone is welcome to subscribe both with a home and work (or secondary) address so they get enjoy reading wherever they are. Anyone wishing to subscribe a first (or second) email address can use the form on our main newsletter page.

Most people who live here generally don’t go near The Strip (unless they work there or for a special night out). Las Vegas is a very different place being in the desert and with the mix of new residents from all over the world. People who move here with the attitude of enjoying the entire area as a place to live enjoy living here the most!

Hi Ted,Love the newsletter. Have a question for you. I like to rent a vehicle while we stay in Las Vegas. I’ve heard a lot of rumors about the new central rental car facility but haven’t been able to pinpoint when it opens and exactly where it’s going to be. Do you have any updates?

Thanks and keep up the good work.

Rich

Ted Responds:

Rick, I drive by it a couple times a month. It is at 7200 Gilespie Street, Las Vegas, 89123 (Google Map Link). It is on the left side of the street. I don’t have a definitive date, but it is getting close. Certainly will be sometime this year.

Special personal tip when using it:

From the looks of the traffic set-up already in place, it looks like they will encourage people to head south out of the facility, and use Warm Springs over to Las Vegas Blvd. Screw that. Turn north out of the rental car facility, and take Gilespie north up to Sunset. Left (west) on Sunset to Las Vegas Blvd. You’ll miss a lot of traffic and the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd. and I-215 (our beltway).

Or for you who enjoy using Paradise to avoid Strip traffic, north on Gilespie, turn right (east) on George Crocket Rd which will directly put you into the airport tunnel onto Paradise. Just for fun, don’t miss glancing at the Harrah’s World Headquarters at George Crocket and Bermuda if you take that route. Hope it helps and makes it more fun to look forward to your next trip!

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • 2007

  • St. Patricks Day March 17 (Falls on a Saturday)
  • March Madness (NCAA Basketball Playoffs) March 15-18, March 22-25, Final Four March 31-April 2
  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

February 28, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 17, 2007

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We are running late this week, and my how time flies when you don’t know what you are doing. I could blame it on the very unusual bitter cold. Most of the United States was slammed by unusually cold weather, and we were no exception with lows in the 20’s (F) for a week.

Truth be told is that we’ve been hard at work implementing the first stages of a major upgrade to the look, feel, and usability of AccessVegas.com. The first step was to get all of the computer stuff running faster, and you should especially notice the difference. Remember the frustrating, incredibly slow wait for some of our news stories and message board posts to appear? Fixed. Click away on all the links with no more waiting time!

Where Is The Podcast? – Not a week goes by without people writing and asking when we are going to revive our podcast. I’m flattered that the demand is still there (the last podcast was in July of 2006). Here’s the deal: I’m (unfortunately) not just a figure-head CEO. I’m actively involved in all aspects of AccessVegas.com including our soon-to-debut major upgrades, and there are only so many hours in the day. Our projections are to have the upgrades done by April, and that should free up time to get back to stuff like the podcast.

In the meantime, I recently did an intro for the Living In Las Vegas Podcast in celebration of their one-year anniversary! Living In Las Vegas is a really fun, informative podcast by a couple who moved here a little over a year ago, and talk about the entire process from buying a home, to landscaping, to getting around town, what they go do and see, you name it.

If you want to hear my intro, you can check out Living In Las Vegas #38 but I highly suggest starting with Episode #1 and listening to them in order. Then you’ll understand what I am yapping about!

The Calendar Giveaway has ended. We’ll be notifying the winners by email this week. If you want to jump the gun and peek to see if you won, go back to our December 20, 2006 issue and click on the entry links (which now display the winners). That was just a taste. We are already lining up more cool giveaways! (Hint to PR people: Contact us at allvegastv@aol.com so you can get in line to promote your clients with some stuff for our readers).

Enjoy This Issue!

Shooting Stars Will Collide – Tickets To Witness Stars From Across Entertainment World Compete In McDonald’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game – Top Acting and Musical Talents Including David Arquette, James Denton, Taye Diggs and Michael Clarke Duncan Will Team Up with NBA and WNBA Players for the Game Airing on ESPN Friday, Feb. 16. Tickets for the McDonald’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by 2K Sports, showcasing the athletic skills of some of the most recognized stars in the entertainment world are on sale. The game will take place on Friday, Feb. 16, at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Center Court inside NBA All-Star Jam Session and will feature a star-studded cast of celebrity players. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchases Tickets …

Gear Up For An All-Star Fashion Weekend – Get geared up for NBA All-Star action, live in Las Vegas this February, with a stop at The Mirage. The Mirage Shop now offers official paraphernalia from the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans and team admirers can purchase assorted items such as clothing, decals, plush bears and more for $3 to $240. The store also features a display of championship rings from the Lakers’ long and successful history. The shop is located next to Carnegie Deli and across from the Royal Tiger Habitat at The Mirage.

The Review-Journal Names Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Number One Show Of 2006 – The Las Vegas Spectacular has been named Las Vegas’ number one show of the year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s largest newspaper. With dazzling special effects, a breathtaking $40 million theatre inspired by the Paris Opera House and a Broadway caliber cast, this all-new production of The Phantom of the Opera is a 95-minute awe-inspiring experience unlike any other. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

UFC 67: All Or Nothing Saturday, February 3 At The Mandalay Bay Events Center – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) organization announced UFC 67: ALL OR NOTHING featuring the UFC Middleweight Championship bout between Anderson “The Spider” Silva and Travis Lutter. The evening also will be highlighted by the debut of two fighters new to the UFC, but definitely not new to the world of mixed martial arts. Mirko “Cro Cop” and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will step into the Octagon for their UFC debuts and will face Eddie Sanchez and Marvin “The “Beastman” Eastman, respectively. Silva (17-4), fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil, defeated Rich Franklin by first round KO at UFC 64 to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Marilyn, Blues Brothers Join ‘Legends in Concert’ Popular Impersonators Return to IP Celebrity Tribute Show – “Legends in Concert,” the celebrity tribute show at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino, kicks off 2007 with the return of two popular acts — Marilyn Monroe and the Blues Brothers. Beginning Monday, Jan. 8, Stacey Whitton performs as the blonde bombshell, and Dan Meisner and Joe Messina once again bring audiences to their feet as Jake and Elwood Blues, respectively, as they fill the showroom with a jumping, toe-tapping, fun-loving frenzy. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Nurture Yourself At The Spa At Luxor – Featuring a new name and treatment menu, Nurture, The Spa at Luxor offers a chance to unwind amid the exciting hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. Relax in this intimate facility with treatments designed to soothe tired bodies and calm weary minds. Innovative services include a Peppermint Foot Therapy, a stimulating foot and leg massage complete with warm peppermint towel wrap; Citrus Marine Detox Body Toner, a three-stage treatment that includes a sea salt and seaweed scrub, Mediterranean marine mud body mask and a toning and firming gel; or Escape to Sonoma with a full-body, grapeseed oil massage followed by a sea salt scrub and a wine body wrap to nourish dehydrated skin.

‘Sopranos Last Supper’ Moves To Empire Ballroom – “The Sopranos Last Supper” is moving to The Empire Ballroom on Thursday, Jan. 11th with their show along with a free Sopranos bus and being featured guests on Chopper’s “King of Cars” hit infomercial. The Empire Ballroom is across from the Monte Carlo; behind Fatburger. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Poker Is Not Gambling — Part Two – with Victor H. Royer. A successful and steadily profitable poker player should never allow himself or herself to experience such highs and expose themselves to such lows. Making steady profits in poker, regardless of whether you are playing professionally, semi professionally, or only casually, requires you to have discipline of mind, body, and soul, and in particular the ability to avoid becoming angry over bad beats, or becoming overly exuberant in times of great good luck and good fortune. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: MGM Mirage Project CityCenter Preview – CityCenter is an unprecedented architectural paradigm for the ideal modern city that has the potential to redefine contemporary urban design throughout the world. The mixed-use development, built on 76 acres along the Las Vegas Strip between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts, confirms a cultural and lifestyle revival of city living. The groundbreaking design introduces a dazzling vertical city in the heart of Las Vegas’ sprawling horizontal grid.

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week – American Storm Male Revue – The temperature in Las Vegas is going from hot to downright steamy as American Storm plays at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. From the same producers of the Internationally acclaimed Australia’s Thunder From Down Under comes the newest male revue with a definitively All-American flair.

  • Click To View American Storm Male Revue: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Readers Write:

Ted, I thought you might appreciate the “Emerald City” effect, the morning it had snowed. My daughter and I are early riser’s (4am) and by the time we got out she took some really “wicked” shots. We have a few more, but I think this was the best at showing the low ceiling clouds and the reflection.

Have a great New Year, and keep, keeping us informed. I enjoy your letter,

Thanks,

Chet

Ted Responds:

Chet,

Thanks for sharing such a great picture! One of the very rare and special sites in Las Vegas is when we have low clouds (and even more rare fog), setting this scene that so few get to see.

Attention Readers: Don’t be shy about sharing some of your great Las Vegas photos with us. Simply drop them our way at allvegastv@aol.com so we can share them with everyone.

Note: Sending them our way does imply permission to use them in the newsletter or in other association with AccessVegas.com so we can share them with readers and site viewers. However, you retain all other original ownership rights. IE, we can’t pass them along commercially.

Ted,I was in Las Vegas from Dec. 14. thru Dec. 18. I had a great time and will definitely return in the future.

I found the people friendly, the hotel and service workers very friendly, and the quality of the Paris Hotel to be excellent. It was a great time.

Rob Hammons

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call, and use some of them on our Radio.AccessVegas.com Streaming Broadcast! (Don’t worry … we never broadcast your personal information. All calls used are edited to insure caller privacy).
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • 2007

  • Valentines Day February 14
  • Presidents Day February 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend)
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17 (Falls on a Saturday)
  • March Madness (NCAA Basketball Playoffs) March 15-18, March 22-25, Final Four March 31-April 2
  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) September 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2006 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

January 17, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 10, 2007

Posted on by

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Everyone’s hangover from New Year’s Eve is starting to subside. Even presumably Britney Spears’, whose passing out or falling asleep (depending on which source you believe) overshadowed the fireworks, all the other celebs, and the 300,000 revelers that jammed our fine city.

For those who want a recap, enjoy the following:

Is it just me, is the conversion of The Aladdin to Planet Hollywood taking forever? Doesn’t it seem like this things started about the time they started building Wynn Las Vegas (which is already well underway on their second tower)? They actually are making headway, and we have brand new photos later in this issue.

In the biggest non-news of the week, Celine Dion is wrapping things up on December 15, 2007. Her run was scheduled to end this year, and there was no indication otherwise. But the clock is ticking, so don’t keep putting it off if interested.

In more interesting news, Mamma Mia! will be closing at Mandalay Bay in about 18 months. Lots of speculation that yet even another Cirque du Soleil show will take its place. But, 18 months is a LONG time. Two years ago, predictions of Las Vegas turning into Broadway West were all the rage based on the success of shows like Mamma Mia. (Anyone remember Avenue Q or Hairspray)? Now the predictions are Cirque. My opinion? Fun, entertaining shows have awesome, long runs here in Las Vegas.

With the nightclub scene stealing patrons away from the traditional shows, I’d be inclined to bet more investors start exploring combining those two activities. Steve Wyrick is giving it a shot (see story in news links).

Because we didn’t publish last week, we have extended our calendar giveaway! You still have a chance at Fantasy at The Luxor and Thunder From Down Under calendars as we have 15 of each for lucky readers. Missed the details? They are in our December 20, 2006 Insider Vibe issue.

NBA All-Star weekend is in just about a month, and we have tickets to the game and all the secondary events. If you are a local, or you are going to be in town the weekend of February 18, 2007, you need to check out our NBA All-Star Tickets Section. Can’t make it to Las Vegas? Grab yourself some NFL Playoff Tickets.

Enjoy This Issue!

Important Note: During peak times, some of our news and event story links may take extra time to load. We are working on significant upgrades to handle this increased demand. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience during the extra few seconds a story may take to appear when you click on it.

Show Review: Chippendales

Reviewed December 2006
by Nancy Dickinson

Attention all red-blooded healthy females (and surely males): Someone has gathered all the most beautiful men from all over the world and shoved them in a Theatre at The Rio for your viewing pleasure. Oh, and they’re not exactly clothed. And talented, too! Was it mentioned that they’re not really clothed? The Rio showroom is home to one of the most renowned male review shows this side of the six-pack… er… western hemisphere. Since 1981, Chippendales has been celebrating all that is MAN with the sexiest, most crowd pleasing party ever thrown. The secret to the show’s success lies in the magical mixture of the unparalleled chaos from a “girls night out” on steroids (the audience) and the impeccable pecs that flood the place.

Click to Read Complete Review

First Creative Session with Susan Stroman and David Hasselhoff as The Producers’ “Roger DeBris” – For Las Vegas, the legendary, eye-popping and drop-dead funny production will be reconceived as a 90-minute extravaganza (with no intermission), especially for the resort’s Paris Le Theatre des Arts. Like its New York counterpart, the production at Paris Las Vegas will feature music and lyrics by comedy icon Mel Brooks, book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Hairspray, Annie) and direction and choreography by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Crazy for You, Contact, The Music Man, Oklahoma). THE PRODUCERS has a Tony Award-winning book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, Tony Award-winning music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and Tony Award-winning direction and choreography by Susan Stroman. The musical also has scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long and lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski (Tony winners all for their work). Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Rod Stewart To Bring 2007 North American Tour To The MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, March 17 – Rock ‘n roll superstar Rod Stewart will roll his 2007 North American tour into the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, March 17 at 8 p.m. The tour, which will celebrate Stewart’s return to his rock roots, will highlight songs from his No.1 chart-topping album Still The Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time. The album features a number of classic hits from his more than three-decade career. For the first time in more than a decade, Stewart’s stage will be designed in-the-round giving fans an intimate 360-degree view of his energetic performance. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

2007 Grammy Award Nominee Jamie Foxx Brings His Unpredictable Tour To The Aladdin Theatre For Performing Arts Friday, February 16 – Academy Awards winner Jamie Foxx, nominated for three Grammy Awards including Best R&B Album for Unpredictable, Best Rap Duo/Group for “Georgia” with Ludacris and Best R&B Performance by a Duo/Group for “Love Changes” with Mary J. Blige, will be bringing his Unpredictable Tour a night of comedy and music – to The Aladdin, future home of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Theatre for the Performing Arts on Friday, February 16 at 9pm. Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005 for his portrayal of the legendary Ray Charles in the Taylor Hackford-directed biopic “Ray.” Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Rascal Flatts Brings “Me And My Gang 2007” Tour To Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, March 10 – Rascal Flatts will bring their 2007 concert tour, “Me And My Gang 2007,” to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m. The concert will feature Jason Aldean as the opening act. Aldean performed on select Rascal Flatts dates during the 2006 tour. Rascal Flatts’ highly anticipated new album, Me And My Gang, was released earlier this year and debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen’s Soundscan Top 200 album chart and the country album chart, making it the highest-selling CD across all genres. Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Slater Mario Lopez Dances His Way Into The Miss America Spotlight As Host Of The 2007 Miss America Pageant Live On CMT From The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino In Las Vegas – Television star Mario Lopez (“Dancing With The Stars,” “Nip/Tuck”) has been tapped to host the 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT, airing live from The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (Aladdin) in Las Vegas on Monday, January 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT* on CMT. Don Mischer Productions will produce the 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT. Sarah Brock, CMT executive producer and vice president, production, music and events, notes: “Mario Lopez is a fantastic choice to host the 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT. With his soaring popularity, his former hosting experience and his undeniable charm, he will certainly excel as this year’s host.” Click to Read The Full Story and Purchase Tickets …

Gambling Talk: Poker Is Not Gambling — Part One – with Victor H. Royer. The entire history of the United States, particularly the Western lore, were all about gambling, and in particular all about poker. Even though for many years playing poker was not considered something that nice people would want to do, the fact remains that many presidents of the United States going back to the Revolutionary war, and soon thereafter, and for all the years since, all played poker. Poker played well is not a gamble, but a game of skill and knowledge. Although there is a significant element of luck, such is present in all aspects of human life, and not relegated only to poker. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Construction – Slowly (amazingly slowly) and quietly, the changeover of The Aladdin to Planet Hollywood is taking place. If you haven’t been to town lately (or simply haven’t been inside the place in a while), we have great photos of both the continuing changes inside and outside. (Photo Credit Mark Jacobs)

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week – Chef Live – Where else can you cook with glamour and glitz? No where! Cheflive is Cooking VEGAS-Style! FOOD and VEGAS û What else could you ask for? Cheflive presents a state-of-the-art exhibition kitchen and cooking demonstrations featuring chefs from around the world and Las Vegas. Experience the taste of the Strip. Cook like a Gourmet VEGAS chef. Take a little of VEGAS home with you as you will be able to watch and cook along with your VEGAS Chef at HOME!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Readers Write:

Hi Ted,

6 of us are coming to Las Vegas 22nd January for a weeks holiday. We are traveling from Wales in the UK and we are wondering if you could tell us what the weather will like then eg. rough idea of the temperature so we know what to pack.

Thanks for your help,

Cheryl Morcom

Ted Responds:

Good question. We have the info at http://www.accessvegas.com/faqs/las-vegas-weather.htm and realize we should make that info easier to find!

We are going to be in Vegas l/11/07 thru 1/14, any suggestions for a show?Four of us all sisters for the first time ever in Vegas and we are sooooooooo looking forward to our trip, we thought we would do a show or something!

Thanks for the news and any suggestions,

Sarah Rosser

Ted Responds:

Celine (if you can get tickets). Or if Celine isn’t to everyone’s liking, you can’t go wrong with any of the Cirque shows (although keep in mind that Zumanity is R-rated, the rest won’t offend anyone).

Le Reve isn’t a Cirque show, but was created by some of the same people, and has been getting very good reviews the past few months. If you want Broadway, Phantom for something serious, Mamma Mia! for something fun.

Why do never suggest a certain specific show? Everyone’s tastes are different, and there is no “one best” show!

The best thing to do is go to our shows page: Do a search for your dates (left hand sidebar of that page) and see what is available at what price.

(Note: I personally wrote Sarah back on this last month, and even though she’ll be in town as you read this, I thought it was a great question).

Dear Ted,In November I completed my 14th Las Vegas vacation from England and have booked the 15th for Feb 07. I got to see several shows I would recommend to other Vegas lovers.

1) Fantasy @ the Luxor, highly entertaining dancing high energy show with fantastic looking girls and a good atmosphere created.

2) Jeff Trachta @ The Rio – a good afternoon cabaret style show, Man that guy can really sing. Totally unknown in the UK (sadly) but worth seeing.

3) Carrot Top – radical.

As stated in my letter to you Feb 06 regarding The Gold Coast Buffet, I would say it ranks top 3 in Las Vegas for value for money (where else can you eat Mongolian Ribs?) under $10. It took a 15 mile run to burn off what I’d eaten next morning.

Several more folk from NE England have booked Vegas vacations on my recommendation – more will follow.

Keep up the good work Ted.

Owen (South Shields, NE England)

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call, and use some of them on our Radio.AccessVegas.com Streaming Broadcast! (Don’t worry … we never broadcast your personal information. All calls used are edited to insure caller privacy).
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Important Note: During peak times, some of our news and event story links may take extra time to load. We are working on significant upgrades to handle this increased demand. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience during the extra few seconds a story may take to appear when you click on it.

Special Section: Nevada Smoking Ban Stories Updated

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

  • 2007

  • Martin Luther King Day January 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Presidents Day February 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend)
  • St. Patricks Day March 17 (Falls on a Saturday)
  • March Madness (NCAA Basketball Playoffs) March 15-18, March 22-25, Final Four March 31-April 2
  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) September 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

January 10, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 20, 2006

Posted on by

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

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your families from Las Vegas this year. This slightly abbreviated edition (due to the holidays) still contains piles of the latest news you need to know, plus two new giveaways!

We have a great new photo set of the Bellagio Christmas display for those of you who can’t make it here this season. If you have have seen the display in the past will recognize a few familiar themes along with some great new ideas and themes in this spectacular display. Click to view Bellagio Gardens Holiday Display 2006

Forgot to send a few holiday cards this season? It is never too late! Any of the photos from our Las Vegas photo gallery including the Bellagio Christmas Display pictures can be emailed to friends and family with the click of a computer mouse. Surf to the photos of your choice in our gallery and use the Send As A Postcard link below a any photos you like. Click to view our AccessVegas.com Las Vegas Photo Gallery

The countdown to New Year’s Eve is going strong, and this is literally getting to be “last call” for booking rooms, tickets to the nightclub parties, or that special New Year’s Eve concert. Two words of advice:

  • Still need a room? Do not wait. Book now. End of story. The rates aren’t exactly going down as rooms get scarce heading into the final week. Let us suggest our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals where you can search your dates and what availability is left at the various hotels. Special Note: Most hotels are requiring a Friday arrival. If you try to check for a Saturday or Sunday arrival, it will limit your options and cost even more.
  • We have a huge listing of concert and nightlife events on our December 31, 2006 Concert Listings. Tickets are going quickly for the events not yet sold out. If you want expert help choosing which nightclub party is best for you, call our nightlife experts at 800-696-5721.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

New Year’s Eve:
All The Details On The Coming Spectacle

Calendar Giveaway:
Fantasy at The Luxor and Thunder From Down Under

These two hot shows sent us a stack of Christmas cheer to spread with the rest of you in the form of 15 calendars per show that we are giving away! Unlike most contests, we let you increase your odds of winning by letting you enter once per day, per contest through January 5, 2007.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Special Section: Nevada Smoking Ban Stories Updated

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:

  • 2006

  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend – Christmas on Monday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (3 day weekend – New Years on Monday)

  • 2007

  • Martin Luther King Day January 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Presidents Day February 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend)
  • St. Patricks Day March 17 (Falls on a Saturday)
  • March Madness (NCAA Basketball Playoffs) March 15-18, March 22-25, Final Four March 31-April 2
  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) September 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2006 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

December 20, 2006 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Page 1 of 2
1 2