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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 25, 2008

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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.

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! The ONLY July 4’th fireworks on The Strip appears to be at Mandalay Bay this year following a performance by the band Vertical Horizon at about 10:30 PM. Since they will occur over Mandalay Beach, best bet to see them is somewhere south of the hotel (down by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign). No word on displays from The Stratosphere or Hilton (who have traditionally done a show).

Bad Move. Whenever July 4 falls on a Friday or Saturday night, the LVCVA (Visitors Authority) should spend a couple hundred thousand shooting off fireworks from selected casinos (a la New Years Eve). Station Casinos is doing such with their own private money at a number of their local casinos just for locals. Go figure!

Fireworks will be happening all over most of the Las Vegas Valley (way out in those suburbs). My advice? There will be fireworks in Henderson (Southeast), Anthem (South) and a bunch in the Northeast part of town. If you are on a higher floor with a view in those directions, you should be able to see various displays between about 9 – 10:45 PM.

Elvis is close to getting a star on the Las Vegas Strip if the local Viva Las Vegas Club can finish raising the needed cash. (The stars themselves or their fan clubs must fund the placement). They are only $2000 short according to local columnist Norm Clarke. More info on the effort and how to contribute at http://www.astarforelvis.com

We found some great photos from a couple of months ago that never made it up. If you are between Las Vegas visits (and a little longer between visits than you’d like to be because of the U.S. economy or you simply can’t make it here soon), these should help keep you going!

Las Vegas Strip including Wynn Las Vegas construction, the site of Frontier implosion (future Echelon Place, construction on the Mirage volcano and some surprises:

Wynn Las Vegas plus Encore

We’ve also added new photos to our Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas section:

Wynn Las Vegas plus Encore

Click on both of the above photos to enjoy their respective photo sets. We have some amazing brand new photos coming over the next few weeks!

Southwest Airlines is bucking the trend by maintaining their level of service to Las Vegas! They are bucking the trend of airline service cuts (especially to tourist markets) and will continue their strong presence here. Because they are profitable, Southwest has a history of picking up the ball when other airlines have to cut service. This is great news U.S. residents who are missing Las Vegas! Keeping the level of air service here helps mute continued airfare increases.

Now if the casino bean counters would get their heads out of their hindquarters and realize that Las Vegas was built for decades on loose slots, cheap rooms and cold (frequent) beverage service. They think “tighter slots equal more revenue” when the reality is “tighter slots drive people away from playing.”

Speaking of… I think one of our readers got a letter to the editor of our local paper published. Mary Huber of Archibold, Ohio wrote the letter Soaking Tourists (click the link and scroll down to that letter).

The MTV awards are headed back to Los Angeles after playing The Palms last year (the show that an infamously pudgy and “out of it” Britney Spears opened, seemingly sinking what was left of her career). No word on why the move, although the awards have generally rotated between New York and Miami.

Tropicana is advertising “A Real Pool Party For Real People” with DJ’s, live entertainment, dancing, and food/drink specials from Noon until 11 PM (evidently daily) at their pool. I’m guessing this is a pool event where you it is OK to NOT dress and act like the latest “in trouble” celebrity.

Jay Leno raised around $200,000 during his two benefit shows (mentioned last issue) for Iowa flood victims. ALL proceeds went to those affected as The Mirage donated the room. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to not just those in Iowa but all affected by these weeks of Midwest weather and flooding related disasters.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Can’t Make It To Vegas?
Get Tickets To Your Favorite Event!

Madonna, American Idols Live, Dave Matthews Band, The Eagles, Tina Turner, Jonas Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, James Taylor, Kenny Chesney, Elton John, Iron Maiden, Rascal Flatts, Rush, Chris Rock, 3 Doors Down, ColdPlay, Janet Jackson, Van Morrison, Carrie Underwood, Nine Inch Nails, Maroon 5, Trace Adkins, NASCAR, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events

Featured Review:
Blue Man Group Las Vegas – A Show With No Rules

by Mark Marino

Before any performers take the stage at the Blue Man Group Theatre, there is a looming sense that this kind of show can go anywhere at anytime. Even the theater itself is shell of mystery waiting to come to life. After some mood lifting jokes grab the audiences’ attention, the pulse of the room is jolted with masterful live drums. The first real glimpse of the Blue Man Group in the spotlight brings the audience into their funky universe of light, humor and music. The front few rows might feel the drums raining in their laps as each hit triggers both a sound and a splash of bright colorful liquid. A theme of messy fun makes itself known here whenever possible.

The show is consistently funny, but there is a great wealth of entertainment in Blue Man’s grip of the unexpected. The Blue Men introduce their talent of weaving together rhythms of both music and comedy with lively finesse. It isn’t long into this show that the audience is bracing for the next act with equal parts laughter and exhilaration.

Click to Read Entire Blue Man Group Las Vegas Review…

Featured Review:
Gordie Brown – A Las Vegas Evening With A Lifetime Of Celebs

by Erika Bayer-Polak

If you are looking for a lively fast-paced show filled with music, comedy and impersonations, Gordie Brown is a sure bet for an enjoyable evening. And even though his show is at 10 p.m., he keeps his act rather clean by late show standards. Unless you are an austere puritan, walking away from this show offended is impossible.

Brown manages to seamlessly morph his solid voice to correspond to a wide variety of performers, from Chris Isaak to Roy Orbison, from Willie Nelson to Tracy Chapman, from M.C. Hammer to 4 Non Blondes. Brown also seems to make a point in impersonating performers who had their heydays in the 1950s to performers who are presently at the top of their game. Covering such an assortment of acts is certainly a sure way to appease all generations in the audience.

Click to Read Entire Gordie Brown Las Vegas Review…

The National Hockey League (NHL) Returns To Las Vegas As The Los Angeles Kings Face The Colorado Avalanche In “Frozen Fury XI” At MGM Grand Saturday, September 27 – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Los Angeles Kings return to Las Vegas for “Frozen Fury XI” when they host an NHL pre-season game against the Colorado Avalanche Saturday, Sept. 27 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. (Tickets) Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. “Frozen Fury XI” plans to feature a line-up of NHL all-star players from both rosters including Kings players Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson. Avalanche all-stars scheduled to appear include Paul Stastny and Ryan Smyth. Click to Read The Full Story …

Criss Angel Believe – A New Show By Cirque du Soleil At Luxor – Tickets on sale for preview and regular performances of CRISS ANGEL Believe, the new Cirque du Soleil production set to open at Luxor Las Vegas. CRISS ANGEL Believe starring Criss Angel will open for preview performances September 1 and hold its Gala Premiere September 12, 2008. Criss Angel is recognized as one of the most provocative artists in the world today. In an attempt to pay homage to the late/great Harry Houdini, Criss chose “Believe” as the title for this unprecedented live experience. Click to Read The Full Story …

Unwind With An Unbelievable Happy Hour On The Patio At Dick’s Last Resort – The Strip’s Most Outrageous Outpost Offers Daily Happy Hour – As summer sets in and the temperature in Las Vegas heats up, The Strip’s wackiest watering hole, Dick’s Last Resort, celebrates the season with a spectacular new Happy Hour. From 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily, Dick’s invites guests to its Strip-side patio to enjoy all-you-can-drink Bud Light drafts for $20. Dick’s patio features a full-service bar, flat screen TVs and misters to keep cool while kicking back and catching all the action of the Las Vegas Strip. Famous for its deliciously messy cuisine, zany decor, rowdy wait staff, live music and let-loose atmosphere, Dick’s Last Resort provides a new level of fun in the city known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Come get your kicks at Dick’s!

World Poker Tour« Returns To Bellagio For Bellagio Cup IV July 2-17 – The World Poker Tour« (WPT) kicks off Season VII next month when it returns to Bellagio July 2-17 for Bellagio Cup IV. The two-week event begins Wednesday, July 2 and consists of seven no limit hold ’em tournaments ranging from $2,000-$5,000, along with seven, $1,500 super satellite no limit hold ’em events. The WPT main event, which requires an entry fee of $15,000, begins Friday, July 11 with the final table scheduled for Thursday, July 17. The WPT main event champion will receive the first place prize money as well as a $25,000 seat in the April 2009 WPT World Championship at Bellagio. Click to Read The Full Story …

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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $69, Flamingo from $63, Gold Coast from $34, Planet H. from $89, Rio Suites from $60, Sahara from $31, Strat. from $35, Tropicana from $45, Tuscany from $49, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

This section will return next issue. Because of new software installs that will bring major improvements to AccessVegas.com and our sister sites in the next few weeks, I’m running behind this week.

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

  • 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:

  • 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
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 25, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 22, 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
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! The cab drivers are up to their usual garbage… resisting more cabs on the street while they basically ignore most of the city, run visitors the long way, and hustle to get people to certain adult establishments that give them huge kickbacks.

If you are a newer reader, this is good stuff to know. If you’ve been following this over the years, this will get you up-to-date.

More Crap from Las Vegas Cabbies – The secret has been out for quite some time now about Las Vegas cabbies. Our reports, newspaper reports, and even on cable TV travel specials warn about the tricks and stunts cab drivers pull on you. We’ve been reporting on it for years.

So… a couple of recent local news stories caught my attention:

First of all… DUH. Of course you are skipping the cab lines at McCarran. You don’t want to wait outside in a big line (common during peak periods). You don’t want a cabbie taking you the long way (through the airport tunnel) to run up the meter. You don’t want to cabbie trying to sell you tickets for crap you aren’t interested in, nor giving you worthless advice on stuff they know little-to-nothing about. Just hoping that being “helpful” will net him a bigger tip. (Co’mon… you think that after their shift, cab drivers head out and hit every attraction on The Strip? They can’t wait to get to their suburban homes far away from their work environment).

In addition, getting a cab outside the tourism areas of Las Vegas is pretty much a very bad joke. Cabbies all want to be running people from hotel-to-hotel. Short rides, big tips. If you want to venture to an off-strip attraction or destination, good luck on getting a cab back. You’ll find out what locals have always known: Cab service outside the tourism core is almost impossible to get. (Locals who fly often know that if they call for a cab to get them from their house to the airport, they might as well kiss their flight goodbye).

Now, cabbies are complaining about the move to put more cabs on the street. Despite the fact that you often stand in long cab lines at the airport, and often can’t get a return cab if visiting an off-strip attraction (putting aside what us locals go through if we need one).

Hello Cabbies: No wonder fewer people are taking cabs at the airport. If only one or two in a party, much better, quicker, and cheaper to take one of the many airport shuttles. If a number of people in your party (or if you just want to travel in style), you can often get a town car or limo from the airport for not much more than a cab ride (especially when you factor in the long routes that many of them still use). I say this from experience: Many of our staff often use the tunnel that runs south of the airport, under the airport. We almost always see cabs full of (what is clearly) tourists. Guess what… The Strip is NORTH of the airport, not south of it.

Message to Visitors: Use shuttles or limos, and don’t expect to get a cab back to your hotel if you venture away from The Strip. Do expect for a cabbie to feed you lines of crap about stuff, just trying to get a bigger tip for being “informed” (ya… right). Note to Locals: You already know not to try to get a cab to come and take you anywhere. Perhaps it is time to support the efforts to put more cabs on the street. Between wait lines at the airport, and the inability to get timely cab service anywhere in town… it sounds like we need a LOT more cabs on the streets of Las Vegas.

Features Will Return – Many of your favorite features like the photos of the week, reader questions, gambling tips, and reader submitted photos will return in September. Still plenty of news and information this week.

Enjoy This Issue!

National Hockey League (NHL) Returns To Las Vegas As The Los Angeles Kings Face The Colorado Avalanche For “Frozen Fury X” At MGM Grand Saturday, Sept. 22 – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Los Angeles Kings return to Las Vegas for “Frozen Fury X” (Tickets) when they host an NHL pre-season game against the Colorado Avalanche Saturday, Sept. 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. “Frozen Fury X” plans to feature a line-up of NHL all-star players from both rosters including Kings players Anze Kopitar, Michael Cammalleri and former Avalanche Defenseman Rob Blake. Avalanche all-stars include future Hall of Famer Joe Sakic, second-year standout Paul Stastny and former Kings Forward Ian Laperriere. Click to Read The Full Story …

RA Sushi Announces 93.1 The Party’s “Rollin’ with Whoopi” Creation Won Over Local Celebrity Judges And Is The Champion Of RA N’ Roll – Whoopi Goldberg To Sample The Roll Named In Her Honor – RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, located at the Fashion Show Mall, invited local media outlets to participate in RA N’ ROLL, a competition to create, name and submit an original recipe for a sushi roll. On Wednesday, August 1, a panel of local celebrity judges including Nathan Burton, Anthony Cools, Amazing Johnathan and his assistant Psychic Tanya, Ronn Lucas and Kevin Burke, sampled five rolls RA had selected as finalists. Considering overall taste, presentation and creativity of name, the judges then named the roll created by KPLV û FM 93.1 The Party, “Rollin’ with Whoopi,” as the winner. Click to Read The Full Story …

Health District Prepares To Issue Smoking Citations – After nearly eight months, health authorities are taking off the gloves in the fight over Nevada’s smoking ban. Since December, the Southern Nevada Health District has been trying to figure out how to enforce the ban around Las Vegas. They started by trying to get bars and restaurants on their side. But now they say that has not worked well enough, so it is time to go after the smokers themselves. If you are a smoker, the fines could be a real drag. Smokers who light up in restaurants or other locations could face a $100 fine. The health district says the time has come to target smokers, and not just the places they light up. Click to Read The Full Story …

Karaoke Comes To The Orleans Hotel And Casino – Brendan’s Irish Pub Features Karaoke Gurus, Jimmy Z And Sally Z – Brendan’s Irish Pub, inside The Orleans Hotel and Casino, is the newest spot to sing karaoke favorites, win cash prizes and dance the night away with friends. Karaoke-duo Jimmy Z and Sally Z will be hosting the festivities every Monday and Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and continuing the fun until midnight. All participating guests can enter to win cash prizes. Drawings will be held twice nightly. Jimmy Z and Sally Z have been amusing Las Vegas audiences since 1995 and are established hometown entertainers. Click to Read The Full Story …

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • Labor Day 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.

August 22, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 5, 2006

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In This Issue: Kimo’s Vegas TV, Imperial Palace Update, MGM CityCenter Progress, Mandalay Bay Beach, NHL In Vegas, MGM Spa Signatures, Gambling Talk Blackjack Advice, New Mirage Photos, Advice For Comps, more…

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!

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!

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos
Free Online Games!

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Plenty of hot new information this issue. A couple of regular features are missing due to the July 4 holiday, but we never halt bringing you tons of great Las Vegas information. Read on!

Imperial Palace Update – A number of you wrote in saying “I have reservations later this year at the Imperial Palace and am worried what will happen if they close it sooner!”

I contacted our friend Rhonda at I4Vegas (the company that handles the reservations if you use the booking box search on our site). She said this:

“I’m sure they will know a closing date so far in advance that existing reservations will not be affected, but should that be the case, you would be given comparable or upgraded accommodations at no additional cost. Just for your information, they do also own Harrah’s, Bally’s, Flamingo, Paris and Caesars all in that same area of the Strip.”

Note: This is from our travel partner and applies to those of you who have booked the Imperial Palace through our booking box or Imperial Palace information page here on AccessVegas.com. We can not speak for any other travel company.

If you didn’t make your reservations with us, you may wish to contact the customer service contact with wherever you made your reservations to find out their policy. We try to be as helpful as we can, but if (for example) you buy an Acura and you have a concern, it won’t do you any good to ask the people at the Lexus dealership. My point: We can’t speak to the policy of other companies.

For those who do make any type of reservation through our travel partners using the main booking boxes on AccessVegas.com, we are always more than happy to help. We choose the companies we associate with very carefully. Provided you book with one of our travel partners, always feel free to drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com with any concern and we get right on it!

Kimo’s Vegas TV – Our good friend Kimo Akane is a native Hawaiian and a Vegas expert. Over a million Hawaiians visit Las Vegas every single year and Kimo has teamed with Time Warner Cable Television in Hawaii to create a new video show about Las Vegas! Fortunately, you don’t have to live in Hawaii to enjoy the show. You can view it online streaming right now. Click to Kimo’s Vegas TV

Enjoy This Issue!

The CityCenter of attention – MGM Mirage unveils model of its $7 billion mixed-use megaproject – As Bill McBeath sees it, the last thing Las Vegas needs is another hotel-casino. And on Monday, McBeath, president and chief operating officer of MGM Mirage’s Bellagio, showed media and gaming-industry watchers just how far beyond the traditional Strip-resort concept his company is going with its $7 billion Project CityCenter. Standing over a model of Project CityCenter inside an office on the construction site, McBeath pointed out the 66-acre development’s variety of components: In the back, up against Frank Sinatra Drive, a 60-story, 4,000-room hotel-casino with a curved, contemporary design will dominate the project’s skyline. An ebony condominium-hotel tower with 1,543 units will flank the hotel. Click to Read The Full Story …

Riviera “La Cage” Star Returns To Maury Povich Show – Word-of-mouth, repeat business, fresh material and controversy contribute to the success of the long running hit “An Evening At La Cage,” now in its 22nd year at the world-famous Riviera Hotel and Casino. Controversy? Recently, headliner Frank Marino, who appears in the show as Joan Rivers and as the femme fatale MC, flew to New York to make an appearance on “The Maury Povich Show” to appear with a panel discussing plastic surgery. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Beach Just Got Better: Mandalay Bay Beach Bungalows First Step In Exciting New Pool Offerings – The Mandalay Bay Beach — Las Vegas’ best pool experience — now offers more. More glistening sand, more exclusive seating and more of what visitors come to Vegas to find. Many guests choose their hotel based on the pool, and the Mandalay Bay Beach is one of the best draws in Vegas! Due to extraordinary demand, the resort has expanded its pool amenities for 2006 and plans more exciting additions for 2007. The real sand beach makes the Mandalay Bay Beach special — 1,700 tons of sand simply wasn’t enough. For 2006, the resort has added more than 1,000 tons, creating additional premium beach seating for its guests. Click to Read The Full Story … or View Mandalay Bay Photos

National Hockey Leagueá Returns To Las Vegas As The Los Angeles Kings Face The Colorado Avalanche For “Frozen Fury 9” At MGM Grand Saturday, Sept. 23 – The Los Angeles Kings return to Las Vegas for “Frozen Fury 9” when they host an NHL pre-season game against the Colorado Avalanche Saturday, Sept. 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. “Frozen Fury 9” plans to feature a line-up of NHL all-star players from both rosters including Kings players Mattias Norstrom, Craig Conroy and Michael Cammalleri. Colorado Avalanche all-stars include Alex Tanguay, Milan Hejduk and former Kings Forward Ian Laperriere. Click to Read The Full Story …

5 Millionth Showgoer Sees ‘Legends in Concert’ As Imperial Palace Celebrity Tribute in 24th Year Marks Major Milestone – Veronica Flori, and her fiance, Charles Bray, were just entering the Imperial Theatre last night to see the 7:30 p.m. show of “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino when they were asked to step out of the line. Bray said at first he thought they were in trouble, but how could that be? “We didn’t cut in line, so we didn’t know what was going on,” Bray said. Click to Read The Full Story …

A Penny For Your Slots – The SpaceQuest Casino at the Las Vegas Hilton is the newest home to penny slots: 12 new Bally’s CineVision games with four different versions – Gold & Gems, Green Stamps, Bonus Frenzy, and American Original. Additional features are great graphics and some fantastic new bonuses.

Exclusive Ritual Treatments Add Cultural Flavor to Grand Spa Offerings – MGM Grand Spa recently introduced three signature ritual treatments. The new options join the popular Australian Aboriginal-inspired Dreaming Ritual to provide guests with an extensive menu of exclusive, indulgent global experiences that combine modern spa treatments with ancient cultural flavor. Rituals can be enjoyed either as a private journey or as a couple’s experience. All rituals include a private hot steam session and a Swiss shower.

  • The Dreaming Ritual — 120 Minutes – $295
    This original signature ritual has received acclaim and loyalty among Grand Spa guests for years, making it their most popular signature service. The Dreaming Ritual is a tribal-inspired service that begins with a foot soak and proceeds into an exfoliation, body-mask and scalp treatment with indigenous healing elements from Australia. This profound experience is made complete with an Australian Aboriginal Massage. You will feel both deeply relaxed and deeply renewed.
  • Japanese Yuzu Ritual — 100 Minutes – $265
    Yuzu, known as Japanese grapefruit, is rich in organic acids that aid in pain relief, improved circulation and skin smoothing. This refreshing ritual begins with a yuzu body scrub, followed by a choice of a sake or white tea body wrap and a Shiatsu scalp massage. Both sake and white tea are known for their anti-oxidant properties. Finally, unwind with a 50-minute Shiatsu-Combination Massage performed with yuzu body butter.
  • Amazon Rainforest Ritual — 100 Minutes – $265
    This healing ritual begins with a plantain and cocoa powder body scrub. A healing and moisturizing body wrap, featuring the native South American herb “Una de Gato,” used for many years to stimulate the immune system and to reduce inflammation, follows. A rejuvenating foot massage is provided during the body wrap and the service ends with a 50-minute rhythmic massage using cocoa butter or passion flower oil. This service is sure to release any tension you might be carrying.
  • Turkish Hammam Ritual — 100 Minutes – $265
    This treatment originates from the Turkish Hammam, a spa tradition dating back thousands of years, popular throughout the Mediterranean region. The ritual begins with a scrub made from Turkish coffee grinds and brown sugar blended with crushed walnut husks and fragrant cinnamon and cardamom. The body wrap that follows contains coffee extract, which will stimulate the tissues for cellulite reduction, along with milk proteins, aloe and seaweed to help nourish the skin. Enjoy a scalp massage during the body wrap before beginning a final vigorous, deep pressure massage, performed with orange or lavender body butter.

World Series Of Blackjack Kicks Off Schedule – The “World Series of Blackjack” taped at the Las Vegas Hilton, kicked off its schedule Monday in primetime (10 p.m. Eastern / 7 p.m. Pacific) on GSN (formerly the Game Show Network). The show features a new episode each Monday (then repeat two additional times during the week) for 13 weeks through August 28. The series can be seen on GSN (consult local cable listings) and nationally on Direct TV Channel 309 and Dish Network Channel 116.

Gambling Talk: Victor Royer on Cigar Dave Show Part 2: Blackjack and Video Poker – with Victor H. Royer. Victor H. Royer appeared on famed fine living guru Cigar Dave Show radio program. In this segment, Victor gives exclusive insight into playing and winning at blackjack and video poker! Click to Listen To Poker Advice Interview (13 minutes)

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: The Mirage Las Vegas – Upon entering the Mirage, your first thought will be that you’ve discovered a palace in a tropical jungle. The remainder of your stay at the Mirage will elicit awe, whether you’re dining, relaxing, or playing. The Mirage is located in the middle of the electrifying Vegas strip. From your hotel, you can literally walk to a myriad of shopping, convention, gaming, dining, and entertainment venues.

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week – Siegfried and Roy Highlights 1995. The new Cirque du Soleil “Love” Show now occupies the amazing theatre at The Mirage that was home to Siegfried and Roy for so many years. As Love opens, let’s look back in time 11 years to what was Las Vegas’ premiere show. This is part one of two parts. Part Two (1996) will be featured in a future issue. Siegfried and Roy Highlights 1995: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Readers Write –

Hi Ted,

I truly enjoy the newsletter. I am curious about 1 thing though – does everyone try and get something for nothing in Vegas? I love Vegas make no mistake. I have played everything from penny slots up to and including black and purple checks on the craps table. Other than drinks, I have never ever taken a comp for anything. Nor do I intend to.

I come to play – not collect freebies. Last thing I want is some casino toadie looking over my shoulder offering me a room or a dinner. I gamble to gamble. I don’t want gifts – I want to be left alone. If I want a suite, I’ll pay for it.

All I want is a room where I get no phone calls, no one bothering me and no distractions. I’ll buy my own dinner thank you. If you are comping me dinner to the gourmet room, chances are it will be more crowded than anyplace I want to be. Let me alone and I’ll win or lose 5 figures, try and comp me and I will walk out the door. Just my nature,

Dicedoc from Chicago

Ted Responds – Thanks for reading! No question that many want to enjoy all the freebies they can, although it comes at a price to a higher limit player such as yourself. They want to track your play, get your home address, cell phone number, run your credit and practically name your first born in return for the higher level comps (free suites, fine dining, top show tickets all on the house).

That comes with a price. Your new “best friend” is the casino host at the place you frequent. It is nice to have them inviting you out to Vegas all the time with the comps, but in reality it is their job to get you locked in. Visiting only their place as often as possible while keeping you away from the competition. In addition, two risks come to mind:

  1. Comps are not actually free. They are based on your play. The more money you are likely to lose, and the more often you come and visit (creating more losing visits in the big picture), the more stuff they give you. But it is only a fraction of what they expect you to lose over the course of your many visits.á

  2. Familiarity breeds contempt. For years, I had a friend come to town and toss some pretty serious money around playing at one of the major Strip properties. He only stayed there no matter what. Over time, he noticed that his treatment wasn’t as good as it used to be and the comps weren’t as generous.What should he have done? Taken his action to other hotels, told them he was a longtime Hotel X customer but he wanted to see what they could do for him. They would have rolled out the red carpet! But alas my friend felt obligated by his “friendship” to the host of Hotel X and just kept visiting and being disappointed.

Note: Hotel hosts are not nor every will they be your friend. Their job is to get you to visit often enough to separate you (over the years) from as much of your money as possible. And they succeed because since you want to keep your comp level up (and keep the freebies and their “friendship” intact), most people tend to gamble more than they normally would have.

How much more? When all is said and done, they gamble away more to stay in the host’s good graces than it would have cost just to buy the suite, buy the fine dining, and buy excellent tickets to a show (fight, whatever) from a broker!

This is not a blanket condemnation of casino hosts or those of you who gamble lots of cash and expect good comps. Just remember that it is you against them, and plenty of competing properties want your business. Your host does his job, which is to try to keep you happy. But your job is to be a smart customer, not afraid to take your business across the street in search of a better deal (better treatment, more comps).

Many choose to go Dicedoc’s route: No pressure from the host, no pressure to gamble a certain number of hours per day, no pressure to stay at only a certain hotels. And for those of you that gamble at the higher levels, this might be a great time to review what’s going on. Are you happy with your host? Have you had some bad losses trying to put in the expected number of hours where the money would have better been spent paying for your suite and only gambling when you feel in a “lucky” mood?

I’m not here to take sides. Have nothing against casino hosts. Use them wisely if you use them. Just reminding all our readers who play higher-end to that you have many options.

Live From Las Vegas,

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July 5, 2006 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

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