Tag Archives: nba

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 14, 2007

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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! Running a few days late here. I’d love to tell you it was because of lounging around the pool in flip-flops with Jimmy Buffet playing, but I was a little under the weather. Doing better, and looking forward to enjoying our unusually warm weather.

Las Vegas Kings? – This weekend is the crescendo of the NBA All-Star game hype, which has driven intense speculation of Las Vegas getting an NBA team. The biggest buzz is the possibility of the Sacramento Kings moving to town. Kings owners are the same family that own The Palms and the city of Sacramento has been loathe to give them a new arena.

My take? I grew up in an NBA city loving the game. But the very reason that most cities chase a pro sports franchise is for the validation of being a “major league” city. It brings an identity, and gets your city lots of TV mention during the sports season.

People already know where Las Vegas is and what we are about. We don’t struggle for recognition! Add to that the fact that most people living here are transplants, and already have allegiances to their team from “back home.”

Would every game sell out? Absolutely. Probably with 40% locals and 60% visitors from the other teams’ city. This would add another 500,000 tourists a year (provided that every visitor was taking a trip here outside of their normal visiting pattern), but are the Las Vegas team players going to enjoy playing in front of a hostile crowd on their home court night after night? Just something to think about that no one has yet brought up.

Bottom Line: The longer Las Vegas begs for any major league team regardless of sport, the more it makes us look like a second rate city begging for a team to help our identity. Not needed.

Every Breath You Take – I’ve rarely seen a buzz like the one surrounding the Police reunion tour. They are stopping in Las Vegas on June 15, 2007. Tickets have sold out quickly but we do have limited tickets available for shows in most cities (not just Las Vegas): Police Reunion Tour Tickets

Enjoy This Issue!

The Mel Brooks Musical Comedy The Producers Sells Out First Preview Performance At Paris Las Vegas – Following in the tradition of the Broadway production, the MEL BROOKS musical comedy THE PRODUCERS (ticket link) at Paris Las Vegas announced today, yesterday’s first preview performance was a sell out. “When The Producers opened on Broadway they performed to sold out audiences in New York,” said Michael Weaver, vice-president of marketing for Paris Las Vegas. “We are thrilled the Las Vegas production is following the same pattern.” Based on Mel Brooks’ Academy Award-winning 1968 film of the same name, the show tells the story of down-on-his-luck theatrical producer, Max Bialystock (Brad Oscar) and Leo Bloom (Larry Raben), a mousy accountant. Together, with the help of their flamboyant director, Roger DeBris (David Hasselhoff), they hatch the ultimate scam: raise more money than you need for a sure-fire Broadway flop and pocket the difference. Click to Read The Full Story …

“Forever Plaid” Returns To The Gold Coast Casino For Encore Performances – Feb. 6 Through April 1 – The boys in plaid are, once again, heaven-sent to perform “‘Forever Plaid’-The Heavenly Musical Hit!” (ticket link) in the Gold Coast Showroom for eight more weeks, beginning Feb 6 through April 1, 2007. “Forever Plaid” is a story about an endearing harmony group whose dreams of musical glory ended suddenly one fateful night en route to their professional debut in 1964. The group was slammed broadside by a school bus of Catholic teens on their way to see the Beatles make their television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Click to Read The Full Story …

Keith Urban’s “Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour” Lands At Mandalay Bay Saturday, June 9 – Keith Urban’s (ticket link) much-anticipated return to the concert stage is set for the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, June 9 at 8 p.m. The electrifying show will feature hits from Urban’s recent multi-platinum album, Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing, as well as many of the No. 1 hits that have defined his career. The Wreckers, featuring Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp, will open the evening’s performance. “I am looking forward to getting back on the road, reconnecting with everyone and to doing what it is that I love to do,” said Urban. Click to Read The Full Story …

Jay’s White Hot Diamond! – Since 2002, dozens of shows in Las Vegas have opened and closed each year. During this same period, Jay White as Neil Diamond (ticket link), with his powerful band, has continued to heat up the Riviera’s Le Bistro stage with a concert style performance that captivates all ages. Rumors seem to spread quickly in this town and the word is that Jay White is “Truly Amazing!” At least that’s the quote from Leeza Gibbons of “Entertainment Tonight” and the reviews are the same from Jay Leno to Neil Diamond’s mother. Even Diamond himself was quoted saying; “Jay’s tribute is my favorite!” and upon meeting, the original signed their photo; “Jay keep singing, so I can stay home and relax,” a true testament to White’s talent. Click to Read The Full Story …

Mural, Mural On The Wall – The Las Vegas Hilton is now home to the largest hand painted mural in Las Vegas, a 128′ X 56’10’ image of Hilton headliner Barry Manilow (ticket link) on display on the property’s main tower (South facing). The mural was installed over a five day period using a grid system to prepare the image and three painters using brushes and rollers Sky Tag, the company responsible for the mural, specializes in spectacular images in metropolitan areas. This is the biggest superstar mural the company has painted in Las Vegas.

Sorrentino Headlines ‘Legends in Concert’ At IP – Comedian Performs ‘Voices in My Head,’ Elton John Impersonation – “The Bitch is Back” û and with him are voices in his head. For the first time ever in its 24 years, “Legends in Concert” (ticket link) at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino will headline a comedian to host the show. Click to Read The Full Story …

Carlos Mencia To Perform At The Pearl Concert Theater At The Palms March 23 – Comedy Central Favorite To Bring Spice To Las Vegas With His Unique Brand Of Comedy – Carlos Mencia (ticket link) makes audiences laugh each week on Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia” with his unique blend of political, man-on-the-street, physical and sometimes racial humor. On March 23 Mencia will bring his melting pot of wit to The Palms Casino Resort with a performance at the newest hotel addition, The Pearl. Both provocative and thought provoking, Mencia takes comedy one step beyond socially acceptable and uses his point of view to express to diverse audiences the absurdity and humility found in our everyday lives. Click to Read The Full Story …

The 2007 Entertainment Book – $5 Off – This book has has great coupons and discounts for restaurants, cinemas, shopping and sporting events. This month the deal is for $5 off the regular price of the book. Get $5 OFF any 2007 Entertainment book!

Footwear Designer Donald J Pliner To Appear At His Signature Store Inside The Forum Shops At Caesars Palace – Event To benefit The Public Education Foundation – Shoe designer Donald J Pliner and The Public Education Foundation have partnered up to sponsor a fundraising event in association with Pliner’s upcoming appearance in Las Vegas. The event will be held on Thursday, March 15 inside the Donald J Pliner boutique at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Pliner will make a personal appearance from 1:00 p.m. û 4:00 p.m. to introduce his spring/summer collection and meet and greet his customers. Click to Read The Full Story …

Crazy Superbowl Bets That Paid Off – The Colts beat the Bears 29-17 this to claim the world title as Super Bowl champions. The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook was jammed with fans for all the exciting action. There was a couple of ‘firsts’ in this year’s game. It all started right from the opening kick: The first time ever a team ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. The SuperBook has already posted the odds for next year’s champion. Some of the favorites include: San Diego 6-1, Indianapolis 7-1, Chicago 8-1, and the Patriots at 10-1. Visit the SuperBook for all the current odds.

Gambling Talk: Playing Internet Tournaments — Part 3 — Sit-n-Go – with Victor H. Royer. The other alternatives are the very popular Sit-n-Go tournaments. These take the form and structure of usually only one table tournaments, which in the game of Texas Hold’Em will mean a table of 10 players, and that is all that there will be for that tournament. This is the same structure that is usually used in the brick-and-mortar casino poker rooms and card rooms for satellite tournaments, usually referred to as one table satellites. These are also offered on the Internet in precisely the Sit-n-Go format, and they also can qualify players to other tournaments, including many of the land-based tournaments on the WPT and WSOP circuits. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Artisan Hotel and Spa Las Vegas – The Artisan Hotel is Las Vegas’ first luxurious, non-gaming boutique hotel. Experience the Artisan Hotel where you’ll find an elegant atmosphere with exquisite fine art adorning the lobby, hallways and ceilings. View artworks from both contemporary and classic artists such as Cezanne, Chagall, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more. They have 64 finely-appointed rooms of which all are non-smoking rooms. Smoking rooms are not available at the Artisan; however, smoking is allowed in the lobby and the Artisan Cafe.

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week: KA – Cirque Du Soleil – KA, the unprecedented new theatrical show from Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, brings together astonishing acrobatic performances, the thrills and action of martial arts from all over the world, plus astonishing innovations in puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics. Together, they tell the epic story of a set of twins on a perilous journey to fulfill their shared destiny. KA brings the visual language of cinema to a dazzling live event that is more about storytelling than any previous Cirque production.

  • Click To View KA – Cirque Du Soleil: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Dear Las Vegas Newsletter Editor,

My husband will be in Las Vegas for about four days from in 24- out28 March 2007. It is part of a 40th wedding anniversary holiday we are taking. We are staying at the Bellagio Hotel and have heard that Cirque De Soleil O is very good to see.

We are very interested in hearing some good jazz and as it doesn’t feature in any of your newsletters so far, can you tell us if there is anything good on in jazz at that time? Also, we both like swimming. I am assuming there will be indoor pools. Is there any aquacize classes available in the Bellagio pool if there is one? Sorry to be so ignorant, but have no real information on Las Vegas at all. We are also interested in the desert and its features.

Penelope Toltz.

Ted Responds:

Las Vegas is a great place to spend an anniversary, and congratulations on your 40’th. What a milestone!

You didn’t mention whether you were interested in traditional jazz or smooth (modern) jazz. We do have a traditional jazz radio station KUNV 91.5 FM which you may want to tune to when you hit town. If smooth jazz is more your taste, 105.7 FM Smooth Jazz website lists a number of events. Sorry… neither stations stream at this time. An updated list of all jazz related events usually appears here: Smooth Jazz Hotspots

No indoor pools at any of the major resorts last time we checked. Pools in Las Vegas are geared toward relaxation and recreation, not so much exercise. While I certainly applaud your commitment to exercise, this is a special occasion and it is OK to come here and enjoy letting yourself go for a few days! If anyone

Is there anyway you can create your links to articles so that they do not hijack the web page? When I click on most of your article links they go to your web site for the article which is fine, but when I am finished reading the article and I hit the back button, most of the time the article will re-appear rather than sending me back to the newsletter.

If I go to the history for the back button and click on the occurrence before the article link, it takes me completely out of my email account and I have to re-log in.

Gail Heverly-Smith

Ted Responds:

I’m guessing you are among the growing number of people who read their email online (on a web page, not using an email program) and certainly more and more people are doing so. While most of these services open up links to other web pages in new browser windows, yours evidently doesn’t. There is a simple solution:

When putting your mouse arrow (on your screen) over a web page link, click the link with your RIGHT mouse button, not the usual left button. A small menu will appear. Choose “Open In New Tab (or Window) or similar command depending you your setup. This will open the story link without closing your email!

We don’t purposely create our newsletter to “hijack” any web pages. What is happening is that when you click to read the stories, you are simply “surfing” to the page with the story and away from your email. We will consider what we can do in the future to rectify this on our end. In the meantime, the above tip is useful in any internet surfing situation where you don’t want to completely leave the present page you are on.

Hope This Helps!

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) 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.

February 14, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 17, 2007

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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

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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)

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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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!

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All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

January 10, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

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