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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 16, 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! Welcome to the hot, hazy, humid days of a Las Vegas summer. Yes, I said humid as bands of clouds (and intermittent rain) has graced us the past week. Fortunately, this has kept temperatures a few degrees lower than usual. Think more Miami than Vegas. Temps are only going to be in the high 90’s most of the coming week. That’s almost downright chilly for Las Vegas this time of year!

Morris Day and The Time are getting great reviews and really generating a buzz with their run at The Flamingo. Check out the recent review There’s Still Time. Their next run is July 29 – August 2, 2008: Morris Day and The Time Tickets

If Not Downtown Nor On The Strip… – We have two new photo sets this week of a couple hotel casinos often favored by visitors: Palms Las Vegas and The Orleans.

Both resorts are only a couple of miles apart, but popular for two very different reasons. The Palms is upscale/celeb/MTV meets Las Vegas with top amenities and a Los Angeles crowd in touch with everything pop culture.

The Orleans is “local, local, local” with with a popular race and sports book and a bowling center upstairs (which must be seen to be believed).

What they have in common is that The Palms has an interesting design where the west half of the casino (with a food court, lots of slots, and easy parking) brings the the area locals in with regularity, making both resorts both “local’s favorites” with guest shuttles to the Las Vegas Strip.

The Palms Hotel Casino Playboy Club Las Vegas Nevada
View Palms Las Vegas Photos

Orleans Hotel Casino Las Vegas Nevada
View Orleans Las Vegas Photos

Steve Wynn is preparing to hire 5300 people to staff his new Encore tower. Before you pack up the car and move to town with thoughts of a $100,000-a-year gig parking cars, think again: He’s going to steal the cream-of-the-crop from other resorts. In addition, he’ll grab the best of those laid off the past few months in the industry. And… he’s probably very unlikely to hire anyone who isn’t an established local (common with almost any business here right now). With higher than (U.S.) average unemployment in Nevada, he’ll have plenty of qualified, experienced talent to choose from.

Will Rogers Fillies… Has Its Charm – We don’t often cover local theatre here as many of you are from out of town (and outside the United States) and are simply coming for a vacation. However, a tip of the hat to our own writer DW Grant (see his Rat Pack Is Back review later in this issue) who is involved with the local Will Rogers Follies production.

Local theatre critic Anthony Del Valle says this about the show:

I got lulled into “The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue” halfway through. There’s something about the soft, steady flow of elegance that keeps you smiling.

The 1991 musical pays tribute to the folksy commentator in the style of a Florenz Ziegfeld extravaganza. That is, long, leggy numbers are often interrupted by jokes of wisdom by our star (Michael Brown), infiltrated by scenes of family and hearth.á

Click to Read Entire Local Will Rogers Follies Review including venue and ticket information.

Correction: The Tropicana’s free pool parties are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays from noon until 11 PM and are open to the public with DJ’s, live entertainment, food, and drink specials.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $69, Flamingo from $63, Gold Coast from $34, Planet H. from $89, Rio Suites from $58, Sahara from $35, Strat. from $48, Tropicana from $45, Tuscany from $37, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Featured Review:
Cirque du Soleil’s KA – Set Fire To Your Boundaries And Ignite Your Imagination!

by Nicole “Niko” Acevedo

Experience another world in another time, perhaps another universe. The melodies that echo are unfamiliar yet enchanting and the passionate gestures, mastered martial artistry, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics will guide you through this journey of the Imperial Twins and their struggle through the tragedies of war, loss and separation, and the dawn of new love and reunion.

Accompanied by a powerful and enigmatic original musical score, this spectacular theatrical production will draw you into the depths of a transcendent voyage. Ka is like a compelling visionary experience and vibrant dreamscape where there are no limits to the incredible abilities of the human body, joined with the mind’s imagination.

Click to Read Entire Cirque du Soleil’s KA Las Vegas Review…

Featured Review:
Indeed, The Rat Pack Is Back In Las Vegas

by DW Grant

Returning to 1962 to catch the greatest act in Las Vegas history is now as easy as buying a ticket. “The Rat Pack is Back,” The Sands has been resurrected, Las Vegas has only one sensational act, and the production is as hot Vegas has ever been or may ever be.

Forget about blue men, tumbling clown shows, red pianos, and all Elvi. Sizzling hot Vegas nights have returned and the chaotic Corporate Canyon has been turned back to a dazzling Neon City again. The show room is gaudy red curtains, dinner booths and tuxedoed waiters dashing from table to table. The New York strip steak is worthy of praise and the live 13 piece orchestra warming up behind the half circle of gold waterfall curtains is ready to pump out gobs of showroom glitz.

Click to Read Entire The Rat Pack Is Back Las Vegas Review…

Comedian Chris Rock To Return To The Colosseum At Caesars Palace – “No Apologies” Tour Slated for Two Night Engagement August 29-30. (Tickets) Comedic heavy-weight Chris Rock is bringing his critically acclaimed “No Apologies” tour to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30. The extended Labor Day weekend performances are presented jointly by Caesars Palace and AEG Live. Click to Read The Full Story …

Ron White Performs His Down Home Comedy At The Mirage December 5 – 6 – Ron White, best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour,” will perform his hilarious stand-up comedy inside the Danny Gans Theatre at The Mirage December 5 and 6 at 10 p.m. (Tickets) Guests must be at least 16 years old to attend. White, a Texas native, is known for his performances with fellow Southern comedians Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy during the highly acclaimed “Blue Collar Comedy Tour.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Hot Buys: From Sizzling Fashions to Indulgent Beauty Treats – Look cool in the heat of summer with hot retail buys from Mandalay Place at Mandalay Bay. Check out what will be open on your next trip to The Strip:

  • Metropark – Mixing contemporary fashion with a high-energy atmosphere, this edgy retailer will offer modern, urban apparel and accessories typically found only in specialty boutiques. Targeting trendsetting shoppers in search of more sophisticated fashion, Metropark will feature such brands as Obey, Affliction, Sinful, True Religion, Ed Hardy, Howe, Kid Robot and Betsey Johnson.
  • LUSH – Known for its ethical and innovative approach to beauty, LUSH will offer fresh handmade cosmetic, bath and body products. Traditional and non-traditional merchandise will range from fragrant soaps to fizzing bath bombs. A self-proclaimed “cosmetic grocer,” LUSH offers the atmosphere of a beauty deli with bars of soap piled high on wooden tables and ice-filled fridges full of chilled face masks.á

    LUSH products are created without animal testing and are 100% vegetarian, 74% vegan and 65% preservative-free. Mandalay Place will be the first and only location to offer LUSHÆs distinct brand of beauty to Las Vegas.

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

Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond, Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, Jonas Brothers, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, Rush, Kenny Chesney, The Police, Rascal Flatts, Crue Fest with Motley Crue, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, ColdPlay, Bruce Springsteen, Janet Jackson, Madonna, American Idols Live, Carrie Underwood, The Eagles, Tina Turner, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, James Taylor, Elton John, NASCAR, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted,

1’st just want to mention that I checked out the i4vegas.com room prices recommended on your site, and found the room prices unbeatable.á

We always fly SW airlines, flying in from El Paso or Albuquerque…The round trip cost per person has increased about $100 in the last 5 years….but still it is a direct flight of about an hour, and Time is worth a lot….

We always stay “Downtown” on Fremont Street…because we find it more economical, and have found the food to be good, and lots of places to eat…and the availability of Casino’s in close proximity to be a real benefit! Not big high rollers, staying 3 to 4 days with a gambling account of $1000. each…it is vacation money…win or lose we tend to have a great time.á

Miss the Lady Luck, and do hope it reopens eventually…very impressed with the new look of The El Cortez, and enjoyed our gambling there, also had a nice breakfast there….this is the 1’st time that we did not go to the Strip….but stayed a day longer, did not charge any meals this trip on credit cards, and stayed within the total budget.á

Best paying slots were found at Binion’s, Fremont and Las Vegas Club, also did OK at the Golden Gate….love to be on Fremont Street…feel safe alone, and only 10 minutes from the room in any direction it seems…..

S. Brickey

á

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great letter! Seems like so many are acting like they can’t come here and have fun unless they are staying at The Wynn or Bellagio (both of which are also very inexpensive right now compared to their usual rates).á

But even with higher airfare, Las Vegas is still the most value-conscious vacation destination no matter what your budget. Certainly, I do agree that our friend at Las Vegas Hotel Deals very often come up with the best rates you will find. Can’t hurt to look and see what they have.

Thanks for the great note, and I love hearing about how everyone continues to enjoy visiting our insane city!

Hi Ted,

My youngest daughter and I are coming to Las Vegas the end of October, for a mom/daughter trip (she is 35).

We are staying at the Mirage and I would like to explore Fremont Street, but have been told it is not safe, is this true? We would take a taxi to and from the area.

Looking forward to coming to Las Vegas for my second trip and daughter’s first trip.

Marsha from Auburn Hills, Michigan

á

Ted Responds:

Good question! Fremont Street and that tourism/hotels area is as safe as The Strip. Maybe safer as the area is more concentrated. It is like an outdoor shopping mall (in terms of safety and everything being in close proximity). Maybe a little more energized and “wild” (in a good way) but certainly not unsafe.

You don’t want to wander away from the tourism area downtown, but the same can be said for The Strip. There are areas just a few blocks east of The Strip that I wouldn’t walk through at night.

Taking a cab down and back should present no issues, and a return cab home can be found at many downtown hotels (ask the cabbie to drop you off at the same place that you’ll find cabs waiting to take you back).

Best advise is to check it out in the evening when the overhead light show starts up just after dusk, playing on the hour until midnight.

Dear Ted,

A recent newsletter had a story in your “More Las Vegas News” section about the lease Steve Wynn signed for leasing his personal villa. It stated he will be paying $540,000 per year for a 2 year lease.

I admire him for all he has accomplished. This kind of wealth is very impressive to me. (his lease for one year is 2 times the value of my home). What I am curious about is what does he get for the price? The article didn’t say anything about what the villa included for the price such as size, number of rooms etc.

Is there somewhere one could read about this or if possible could you give us the details. Thanks for the great newsletter and will be looking forward to the new format.

Thank You,

Roy Winkelman

á

Ted Responds:

I’m guessing that somewhere in Wynn Las Vegas corporate documents (probably available to the public as it is a public company) are some of the details. If not, what is generally assumed on an agreement like this is the normal amenities which come with a high-end suite: Maids, butlers, limo (or similar) transportation and other use of the facilities.

Plus… as his position of CEO, he already would get free food, transportation (often including access to a jet at his disposal) and similar. Why he is leasing the suite (instead of having it included as compensation) is possibly more of a book keeping issue or something to appease stockholders.

If anyone has more insight, please do use our contact information listed below.

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

  • 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
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4

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

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

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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

July 16, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 11, 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! Hot and windy is the word here this week. Those constant 100 degree days look like they are here to stay for the summer. Still… there is something nice about being able to enjoy the Las Vegas Strip well into the evening and late night without getting chilly. Speaking of summer parties and events…

What do you get by adding one part Ditch Friday pool party and one part LA Sunset Tan? One amazing afternoon at Palms Las Vegas!

Ditch Friday Pool Party Palms Las Vegas

LA Sunset Tan launched their 2008 Sexy Swimwear Collection with a poolside fashion show at Ditch Friday on May 30’th. (Another tough assignment for news editor/photographer Mark Jacobs). Ditch Friday is the weekly Friday afternoon lounge/party at The Palms pool area and features live musical performances, prize giveaways, and designer fashion shows throughout the summer.

This weekly event runs through October 3, 2008 and is open to the public ($20 cover, local ladies complimentary).

LA Sunset Tan Bikini Show

At this event, the entire cast of E!’s hit reality show “Sunset Tan” was on hand including the Ollie Girls, LA Sunset Tan owners Devin Haman and Jeff Bozz, Janelle Perry, Nick D’Anna, Ania Migdal and Erin Tietsort and can be seen in many of the following photos:

Spamalot closes in about one month so this is your last chance to see it on Las Vegas. Click on the Spamalot button in the right sidebar of this newsletter to save on some of the final tickets available!

We receive weekly reader email expressing concern over what many of you feel that Las Vegas has become. Everything went so upscale that the price of visiting went through the roof. At the same time, the slots and table games both got tighter. To top it off, traveling to Las Vegas from international destinations continues to get more difficult.

A word to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau and our elected leaders: You can advertise internationally all you like, but until it gets less difficult for worldwide visitors to get here… much of that advertising will fall on deaf ears.

In addition, Nevada has two prominent U.S. Senators that should be doing something about about this. Stopping terrorism is one thing, but harassing people with two-hour waits in immigration lines at the airport is out-of-line. Perhaps Senators Reid and Ensign (both of who are in powerful positions working on the coming elections) shouldn’t forget that the state they represent relies especially on international visitors because of current local worldwide economics.

What can you as readers do? Continue to write a “Letter To The Editor” of our Review-Journal newspaper (as it is read by the politicians).

Last month, the Sunday paper contained a number of protest letters (scroll down that page to Shakedown and the following letters). Time for more of them!

Don’t be shy… You can submit your own comments to our local paper online at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/about/print/press/letterstoeditor.html

Don’t assume the “other guy” will do it. If our readers unite and bombard our paper, you’ll see plenty of new coverage our politicians can’t ignore.

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 An Event Near You!

Madonna, American Idols Live, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, ColdPlay, Jimmy Buffett, Radiohead, Jonas Brothers, The Police, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Rush, Tim McGraw, Eric Clapton, New Kids On The Block, NASCAR, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events

Featured Review:
Las Vegas Showgirls Shine On In Jubilee! at Bally’s

by Lincoln Hudson

Having observed how the Las Vegas Strip has dramatically changed over the years in order to exclusively cater to the palette of the under thirties, sometimes it is good to come across a show that makes one pinch oneself and remember the entertainment that built Las Vegas and continues to cater to adults of all ages.

One of the shows doing such is Jubilee! at Bally’s Hotel and Casino. If you need a break from watching French Canadian clowns pushing life size plastic balls across the stage, then Jubilee! is the right piece of camp, topless, musical brain candy for you.

Click to Read Entire Jubilee! Las Vegas Review…

Madonna’s Yummy “Sticky & Sweet Tour” Lands At MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, November 8 – Madonna, the world’s sweetheart, has announced more non-stop treats for her legions of legendary and devoted fans. (Tickets) Following the latest news that her album Hard Candy has debuted at No. 1 around the globe, it has been confirmed that Madonna’s “Sticky & Sweet Tour” will stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena November 8 and 9, 2008. Click to Read The Full Story … Free Cash For Gas Promotion Rolls Out At The Tropicana – The Tropicana Las Vegas introduces the “Roll 4 Gas” promotion, allowing guests a chance at winning $100 cash for gas. “With the continual increase in gas prices, who wouldn’t want a chance at winning cash to help pay for travel expenses?” says John Sevilla, Tropicana’s Hotel General Manager. To participate in the “Roll 4 Gas promotion,” simply book a room at the Tropicana for travel during the dates of May 25 – August 28, 2008. Upon arrival, during check-in at the hotel’s front desk, roll four dice for a chance to win. The different outcomes, earn certain prizes: Click to Read The Full Story …The Showgirl Goes On With New Block Of Tickets For Sale – Performances Through The End Of 2008 Of Bette Midler’s Vegas Hit On Sale Now – Mark your calendars because Bette Midler is back! Returning on June 24 from her hugely successful opening in February, The Divine Miss M. is celebrating her next set of shows by putting 29 more up for sale. (Tickets) As of Sunday, June 1 Midler fans can reserve tickets to see her sassy stage show during performances from October through December 2008. “If you haven’t been to Vegas to see me,” says Midler, “hop a plane or steal a car, but get your butt out here. I’m giving Sin City a roasting and toasting she’ll never forget.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Denver Dancer Cheryl Loves Performing In ‘Crazy Girls’ Nightly – Cheryl move to Las Vegas from Denver five years ago and never looked back after joining “Crazy Girls” as a professional dancer in 2005 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. (Tickets) Dance was always a good behavior reward from her parents. She said, “I grew up as an only child and my mother was a secretary and my father worked as a building inspector. I feel like I’ve been dancing my whole life. I’m living my dream now. Click to Read The Full Story …

Country Superstar Alan Jackson Takes The Stage At Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, August 16 – Country superstar Alan Jackson will perform live in concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Aug. 16. (Tickets) The “Good Time” tour will complement Jackson’s most recent album release, Good Time, as well as his impressive catalog of crowd-pleasing, chart-topping hits. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The single “Good Time” from Jackson’s new Arista Nashville album, is a honky-tonk jam that is tremendously easygoing yet edgy. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: N-k-d Eskimo – with Victor H. Royer. No, this article is not about the famous poker player Eskimo Clark, clothed or otherwise. It is instead a fable from a time more innocent, a time of great joy, and a time when poker was not just a game û it was an event. The time is 1983, in the weeks spanning Christmas and New YearÆs festivities. It is a story personal to me, and one that to this day warms my heart. It is also a story of something quite funny û but IÆm getting ahead of myself. First, letÆs set the stage à Click to Read Complete Article…

Editors Note: We aren’t trying to play Wheel of Fortune with the article title. Certain words trigger spam filters which could prohibit this newsletter from reaching you.

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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $59, Flamingo from $59, Gold Coast from $34, Planet H. from $89, Rio Suites from $60, Sahara from $38, Strat. from $35, Tropicana from $45, Tuscany from $48, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just a question about taxi fares. Do the drivers charge a flat rate or do they charge by the person?Thank you,
Shirley

Ted Responds:

Up to 5 can ride for the same price. They charge per mile (plus an initial fee and wait time) but there is no extra per-person charge.

There is a coupon for the additional Maine lobster tail. Ordinarily you are charged $5.99. They are hard to find. Could you do some research and find out where you can get the coupon?

Also there is supposed to be a discount coupon for the buffet at the Rio as well.

Thanks,

MikeTed Responds:With so many different coupon books and tourist magazines floating around town (and the fact that any coupons or offers in them can change weekly), tracking or finding one particular coupon is next to impossible.

Best advice is to flip through the tourist magazines when you hit town and see if there is a coupon for something you specifically want to do or see.

In general, a couple of notes on coupons:

1. Don’t use one to go out of your way to something you weren’t already interested in. Your time here is often short and precious. Spending an hour or two going out of your way to save a few bucks on something you aren’t sure about can turn into a waste of time.

2. Don’t expect to find coupons for the top shows. If you have one or more “must see” shows, buy the tickets in advance or you may face a sold-out situation when you arrive.

Hope this helps,

Hi Ted,

My wife & I have just got home to England from our annual trip to your wonderful city. We saw some great shows, the Rat Pack was one of the best ever. The Dean Martin impersonator was almost as good as the “Dean” himself. We will be back next year (hope we recognise the place with all the new buildings) for our yearly pick me up.

By for now,

John & Jean (Manchester)

Ted Responds:

The Rat Pack Is Back is one of those often overlooked shows that always seems to get raves from those who check it out. Adding to the ambiance is the very retro showroom at The Plaza hosting the show. We’ll be sending a writer to do a full review soon.

In the meantime, those wanting to enjoy the show for themselves can click to The Rat Pack Is Back Tickets

Hi, My husband and I just returned from Vegas. we had the the best time at the Cher concert. What a lovely lady she is and her show was worth the trip.

I love Vegas! Keep up the good job you do on your newsletter. I read it every time.

Thank You,

Kay

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:

  • 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
  • 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

Link To Us! – Have a homepage, 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 11, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 7, 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.

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! Back after a scheduled week off. Weather is a perfect 85/65 F. No better time to enjoy walking The Strip and Downtown or get a round of golf in.

Jersey Boys opened with a bang at Palazzo. The night was extra special: Jersey Boys is the award-winning musical that tells the story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli was in attendance celebrating his 74’th birthday!

Valli was joined by the remaining original Four Seasons – legendary songwriter & producer Bob Gaudio and Las Vegas resident Tommy DeVito. Wayne Brady, John Cleese, Nigel Lythgoe, John O’Hurley, Sex & the City’s Willie Garson, Ugly Betty’s Michael Urie, Comedienne Rita Rudner and Palazzo owner Sheldon Adelson were also on hand.

Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and is the story of how a group of blue-collar guys became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide. Many of the biggest hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Oh, What a Night,” are performed.

Jimmy Buffett heads back to Las Vegas for his two annual shows on October 18 & 25 as part of Jimmy Buffett’s “The Year Of Still Here” Tour 2008. Parrotheads fly in from around the world for one (or both) of these shows and the Las Vegas Strip turns into a Parrothead Paradise.

A few issues ago, a reader asked about good Chinese food and we received a number of replies:

  • Adrienne & Bill Sheneman wrote: My choice for excellent Chinese Cuisine is Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast. Real Chinese Food prepared and served properly. A large percentage of their clientele is Asian so they must be doing things the way Mom used to.
  • Julie wrote: A great but expensive Chinese restaurant is Pearl at MGM Grand. Their Almond Crusted Lemon Chicken is fabulous.
  • Gail Hubbard wrote: I enjoy dining at Ming’s Table located in Harrah’s. It has a great variety of dishes and is reasonably priced. The service is excellent. The dining area is rather small, but I find that seating is easy to get in “off hours”.

One of the most frequent questions we get is about seeing jazz here in Las Vegas. All events are complimentary (no admission charge):

American’s Got Talent is auditioning this coming Sunday May 11 at the Planet Hollywood Performing Arts Theatre. Auditions will be taped for future use on the show. Tapings are open to the public and take place at 10 AM and 3 PM. Producers have been quoted as saying that anyone arriving an hour before taping should be able to get in. Makes sense as the auditorium holds about 7000 people.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Featured Review:
Fab Four Mania Replicates Every Beatles Note Live

by Terri Feld

“Help! I need somebody…” to tell me, is it real or is it lip-synching?! “Beatlemania” redux in this incredible live performance that replicates every note in the original key. Playing nightly (Mon-Sat. 7:00pm) in the Sahara Showroom, David Saxe’s current Las Vegas production, “Fab Four Mania”, does, however, distinguish itself from the late 70’s Broadway hit “Beatlemania”.

Entering the showroom off the Party Pit Blackjack lounge which boasts lava lamps, tie-dye t-shirted dealers and a Beatles soundtrack (all in full swing when the show lets out at 8:15PM), show-goers immediately get the vibe, taking a photo-op in front of the groovy, painted VW mini-bus located at the theater entrance. Beatles trivia questions displayed on large monitors stage right and left amuse and occasionally stump audience members already seated, awaiting the show’s start.

Click to Read Entire Fab Four Mania Las Vegas Review…

Featured Review:
Mega Bubble – An Ethereal And Magical Quality Like Nothing Else

(Editors Note: The name of this show just recently changed to Gazillion Bubble Show. It is the same show).

by Devon Brooke Clasen

Finding even a modicum of innocence in “Sin City” is a challenging feat to be sure, but a world of innocence, wonder and enchantment awaits visitors to the Mega Bubble Show, playing in the Steve Wyrick Theatre in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile shops from Thursday through Sunday at 3 p.m., with an additional 11 a.m. show on Saturday and 1 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Innocuous enough, bubbles enraptured us all as wee little ones, with an ethereal and magical quality like nothing else found in nature. Eventually the novelty wears off and as we grow up, bubbles receive nary a thought… The Mega Bubble Show reintroduces us to the beguiling fascination of the bubble, which we recognized and appreciated as children and perhaps need the occasional reminder of as adults.

Click to Read Entire Mega Bubble Las Vegas Review…

Tao Las Vegas Adds More Sizzle To The Strip With The Return Of Tao Beach – “Good Fridays” And “Sunset Sessions” Set To Launch – TAO Beach, the latest addition to the hugely successful TAO Las Vegas venue at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, opens for their second season Saturday, April 12. VIP Entry and Table/Bottle Reservations TAO Beach guests can experience a new level of luxury seven days a week when lounging poolside in one of seven luxury cabanas that feature such amenities as air conditioning, high definition plasma screen televisions with X-box gaming consoles, a DVD library, WiFi service and customized mini bars. Other amenities include sunglass cleaning and a staff of masseuses. Click to Read The Full Story …

Manny Pacquiao And David Diaz Ready To Explode In “Lethal Combination” For WBC Lightweight Title – When two explosive world champions at the top of their game mix it up for the world title, it’s a “Lethal Combination.” Newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao and WBC lightweight champion David Diaz will battle in a 12-round rumble with Diaz’s title at stake. (Tickets) Promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions, Pacquiao vs. Diaz will take place Saturday, June 28 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. Click to Read The Full Story …

BRIO Tuscan Grille shares recipes from their Bellini Brunch menu to make this Mother’s Day at home special for any mom. The delectable brunch menu featuring French Toast With Berries, Cinnamon Apple Pancakes, Eggs Benedictano and Grilled Salmon & Sweet Potato Hash is served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Create a delicious breakfast in bed with these mouth watering recipes from BRIO Tuscan Grille.

French Toast With Berries

  • Dip 2 slices of brioche in 4 oz. french toast batter and allow excess to drip off
  • Heat 1 oz. oil in a saute pan
  • Add bread to pan and sautÚ until golden brown on both sides
  • Place french toast on plate and top with 3 oz. mix of seasonal berries
  • Drizzle with mascarpone cream cheese and sprinkle with powered sugar
  • Serve with 2 oz. of warm syrup

BRIO is located in Town Square Las Vegas, on The Strip two miles south of Mandalay Bay.

Poison To Perform At The Pearl August 22 With Special Guests Dokken And Sebastian Bach – The “Live, Raw & Uncut Summer Tour 2008” stops in Las Vegas at The Palms Casino Resort. In the ’80s Poison found themselves in a category of popularity occupied by such acts as Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. Some of their top hits include “Fallen Angel,” “Nothin’ But a Good Time” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Poison brings their rock ‘n roll, metal sound to The Pearl at the Palms with special guests Dokken and Sebastian Bach on Friday, August 22, 2008, at 8 p.m. for the Live, Raw & Uncut Summer Tour 2008.(Tickets) Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: The Lady M – with Victor H. Royer. It was a cold January day, the week after the New Year’s crush of tourists. Among the real gamblers and high rollers, the early weeks in January are often the times when they like to come and play. For any type of gaming, other than live poker, coming to a casino after all the crowds have left is better, and often more profitable. High-stakes players like to be the center of attention, but at the same time most of them dislike being bothered by the gawkers and onlookers. Click to Read Complete Article…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am coming to Las Vegas the end of March. What are the streets that go to downtown(not on the freeway). Last time I was there the driver turned west on Tropicana to I 15 and then to downtown. Seemed a long way out of the way than what I had done before with other cabs.

I would like to tell them where to go and not the long way IF they will listen to me. I did tell the other driver that I did not want to go the tunnel and he seemed upset so when we got to Tropicana and he turned to the west, I did not have the nerve to tell him otherwise as he said he always took the tunnel. Need a good map for me to give to them! Otherwise the tip will be minimal.

Thanks for all the good things in ACCESSVEGAS.com.

Jane

You referred to this in a reply in the last newsletter. Can you please tell me more about long hauling? I was just in Vegas last week, and it seemed that the cab ride cost a whole lot more than the last time I visited. We were going to the Mirage, and the cabbie took the freeway, something that had never happened before, and it didn’t seem right. Did we get long hauled, and how do we avoid that in the future?
Thanks!

Cathy

á

Ted Responds:

I-15 runs parallel to The Strip all the way to downtown. It is a couple of miles longer, but usually quicker. Many in a rental car my prefer to scoot over to Paradise (east of The Strip) and head north. Paradise basically ends at The Stratosphere where you can get back on Las Vegas Blvd. (The Strip) for the rest of the trip downtown.

The tunnel only applies if you are going to or from the airport. It is not in the vicinity of The Strip. Unless a cab driver specifically asks your permission, a trip from the airport to any Strip hotel should not involve the freeway. If the cabbie is aware of a serious and unusual traffic issue that makes the tunnel option more attractive, your driver should specifically note such.

We have a map section in beta at http://maps.accessvegas.com. The maps are working and ready to go. We still have to put some touches on the design.

I am planning to visit Vegas in Dec for about a week. I understand there is a period (I am not sure whether the week before Christmas or the week after Christmas) where many shows have a dark period.I would be grateful if you would let me know whether it is better to visit during the week before or after Christmas. Many thanks.By the way I love your newsletter. Keep up the good work.

Regards,

Denis Wan

á

Ted Responds:

Both, although some shows start to get back going after Christmas. The week before Christmas is the slowest week of the year, usually with the lowest room rates.

Thanks for reading and please tell all your friends. We depend on word-of-mouth to grow readership. More readers, the more we can do for our readers!

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:

  • 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
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12

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.

May 7, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 23, 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 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! The Super Bowl is looming and we always get a flood of “What is happening Super Bowl Sunday” emails. I’d love to tell you… but we’ve heard very little. No, Las Vegas didn’t forget how to party for big events. However, the NFL (No Fun League) certainly did, and has used court orders and legal threats the past few years to keep our resorts from throwing the once famous huge events surrounding the big game.

Specifically, admission can’t be charged for any event displaying the game, and the game can’t be shown on TV’s larger than would be used for normal home viewing. (This came as a result of The Palms plans to show the game in one of their movie theater screens one year).

This is really a complete shame. In the past, casinos threw these lavish events where one fee would cover an open bar, food, tons of giveaways, the Miller/Bud/Coors girls and tons of fun for a pretty modest fee. Profit wasn’t the goal. The goal was fun!

Do not despair! Las Vegas is still the best place place in the world to watch the game (short of attending the game live). Every TV in every casino is tuned to the game, millions of dollars are bet, and every play generates unmatched whoops and excitement. You still have time to book a trip here. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and see what rooms they still have.

The game is February 3, 2008. If you really want to splurge, we do have a few Big Game Tickets available. If you really, really, really want to splurge: Buy tickets to the game, book a Friday – Monday room here in Las Vegas, fly down to Phoenix on Sunday to see the game in person, then back for the evening in Las Vegas!

P.S. I can hook you up with a stadium suite at the actual game in Phoenix for around $200,000. Serious inquiries only on this one to ted.newkirk@gmail.com (and don’t delay… this will be snapped up quickly).

Palazzo is fully open, generating more world-wide publicity for Las Vegas. The combination of Venetian and Palazzo (two hotels operating under one roof and jointly run as one hotel) along with the Sands Convention Center is being billed as the largest indoor complex of its type (in terms of square feet) in the world.

My advice: Visit Palazzo and Wynn Las Vegas back-to-back. They are just across the street from each other. Doing this creates an interesting compare/contrast in the styles of two of the biggest casino titans of the modern era. Missed last week’s issue? Then you missed our exclusive sneak peak. Check out Palazzo Las Vegas Photos

Palazzo Las Vegas News Stories

You heard it here first… our political caucuses were a joke. (As usual, skip this section if no interest). This will be the last we talk about this, but last week I noted just some of the surface problems which I anticipated with our Presidential political caucuses and why to not read too much into the results. The sparks are still flying and my comments follow:

On the Democratic side, the entire system was geared to get Obama the nomination. This included a union endorsement from that union that 80% of the Strip resort workers belong to, and nine “special” at-large caucuses in actual Strip hotels. Let’s see here… a very powerful union, caucuses at the union’s job site, and a caucus format that makes one’s vote very public. Nothing strange about that? (Correction from last week: The Democratic caucuses were at 11 AM. Also, the legality of these special caucus sites was still being disputed when I wrote last week).

The Clinton’s fought back with a vengeance. Hillary campaigned heavily and publicly in working class neighborhoods likely to have a high percentage of hotel workers. Bill spent much of the week walking (working) the “back of the house” at numerous Strip properties and visiting a number of hotel caucus sites.

On the GOP side, only Mitt Romney and Ron Paul actively campaigned here. Both poured a ton of money and time into Nevada. However, the time of the GOP caucus (Saturday morning at 9 AM) was tailor-made for Romney’s voters. The Mormons and Evangelicals who made up a large chunk of his support here were most likely to actually be up at 9 AM on a weekend. Ron Paul’s base of libertarians and younger people (both groups most likely to party into the wee hours on a Friday night) may have suppressed his vote. (Disclaimer: None of the candidates I’ve mentioned from either party are my first choice for the Presidency. I’m just speaking as a pundit).

Those who want to read more can check out the numerous letters to the editor or our local paper from earlier this week: Next time, Nevada should try a primary. I couldn’t agree with them more.

Quick Amazon Tip – This isn’t Las Vegas related, but a very cool idea I stumbled across. If you are like me, you go to Amazon.com for one or two items on a regular basis. This leaves you short of the “free shipping on a $25 purchase” deal they have. What do I do? Simply add some printer ink to my order. It is something I know I’ll need. Plus… it puts me over the free shipping limit.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Sammy Hagar To Perform At The Pearl Big Game Weekend – Legendary Rocker Makes A Stop In Las Vegas At The Palms On February 2 – While thousands are in town for football, some have good ol’ fashion rock ‘n’ roll on their minds. This Big Game weekend, The Palms will be chock full with festivities, including a headlining concert with one of the most distinctive voices in rock, Sammy Hagar. (Tickets) The singer truly began to be a household name in the mid ’80s when he fronted the already formed Van Halen, replacing David Lee Roth. Hagar comes to The Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 8 p.m. for what is sure to be a winning performance. Click to Read The Full Story …

American Superstars Show At The Stratosphere Casino Hotel And Tower Adds Rod Stewart Tribute – The American Superstars show at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower has added veteran tribute artist John Anthony as Rod Stewart to its line-up of celebrity tributes to yesterday’s and today’s hottest music stars, announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials. (Tickets) “Rod Stewart has a look, voice, and energy level that are uniquely his own. It takes an accomplished performer like John Anthony to nail a tribute that is sincere and accurate while covering the scope of Stewart’s enduring career,” says Mark Callas, who produces American Superstars with his Springtime Productions partner, Donny Moore. Click to Read The Full Story …

MGM MIRAGE Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars Highlighted by Only Restaurant to Receive Three Star Honors, Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand – The November 2007 debut of the Michelin Guide in Las Vegas is a European nod to Las Vegas’ evolution into one of the world’s top dining destinations. Sixteen restaurants were honored with at least one Michelin star, and seven of those restaurants are within MGM MIRAGE properties. Receiving top honors is the Michelin three-star restaurant, Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand. The only Las Vegas recipient of this well-respected distinction, Joel Robuchon represents “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” according to Michelin’s three-star criteria.

Earning an impressive two stars is Chef Julian Serrano’s Picasso at Bellagio. Two stars is defined by Michelin as “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” Rounding out the honors and capturing one star for “a very good restaurant in its category, offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard” are five impressive restaurants — L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, MICHAEL MINA Bellagio, Aureole at Mandalay Bay and miX atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

AOL Names ‘Crazy Girls’ ‘Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue’ – In Its 22nd Year The Riviera Show Is Now To Be Featured In A Series Of New Movies – “Crazy Girls” has appeared on hundreds of magazine covers and has proven itself as the best long-running show as well as “Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue” time after time and now a series of movies are being made about the famous revue. (Tickets) No show in Las Vegas’ history has raised so much controversy as the “Crazy Girls” at the Riviera Hotel & Casino by virtue of performing and entertaining the 10’s of millions of visitors who flock to Las Vegas each year with the type of style of entertainment that made “The Entertainment Capital” the success that it is today. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Three – with Victor H. Royer. I have often written that knowing the pay tables for machine-based gambling games is essential, and paramount to your ability to win money. While powerful profits are possible even on games whose statistical profile distinctly classifies them in the “not so good” category, knowing this before playing is equally as important as knowing the information that statistically so classifies them. Just as important is knowing the odds on such machines, and the payback percentages. Click to Read Complete Article…

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Got a couple of great responses to last week’s question about coat-check and what to do with your coat in Las Vegas during the winter:

Hi Ted & Others,

Re this question in your latest column, being a woman, I’m “hot and then cold” while in Vegas (both weather-wise and luck-wise, for that matter). I try to layer a couple of sleeves. That way I can take off a sweater or jacket once I’m inside if the casino’s too warm. But I wouldn’t recommend putting a coat or sweater on the back of a chair, especially if you’re playing the slots. Most of us machine-hop fairly often, and what are the odds you’re going to remember that coat or sweater on the back of a chair? I’ve had to try to retrace my steps to locate a sweater (in that case) that I left on a particular chair.

In wintertime Vegas, the daytimes are most often sunny, and it means you won’t need a heavy coat. But a couple of layers of sleeves is a good idea, especially if you’re walking from property to property on The Strip–quite a distance in some instances.

Another thing that works for me is tying my sweater/jacket sleeves around my waist after I remove the sweater/jacket. No easy answer, but wintertime Vegas beats summertime heat for me, without a doubt! Have a great time,

J. Steele
from the Texas Hill Country

At Delmonico’s in the Venetian they offer to take your coat. Where they put it I don’t know, but of course we all got our coats back after dinner!

Barbara Smith

Russell, PA

Hi Ted,

Like many other readers I enjoy your newsletters. I have to ask……I haven’t seen any mention of any Mega Buck winners for almost a year now. Think the last big news was a nickel machine at the Golden Nugget a long while back. Has the ticket in ticket out put a drought on the winners?

Regards, John

Great question! It seems like there were record jackpots a few years ago, and people were hitting them every few months. A check with Megabuck creators IGT Gaming shows that someone hit $1.00 Megabucks for $10,762,067 in May of 2007 at The Fremont downtown. The current jackpot is over $16,000,000.

Some conjecture that the machines were tightened up to create the series of record jackpots. A downside of tighter machines? People give up and stop playing them.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 7
  • Lincoln’s Birthday February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day February 16-18 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday February 22
  • 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)

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.

January 23, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 19, 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
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Christmas is in the air, New Years Eve is getting close, and this newsletter is jammed with amazing info and photos. Let’s get started!

New Years Eve, New Years Eve, New Years Eve, New Years Eve…

The fireworks are set, the concerts ready to roll, and the nightclubs all trying to top each other. The theme is “The Best Is Yet To Come” and the fireworks show will reach from the MGM Grand to The Stratosphere with an display lasting more than eight minutes! (As always, sustained winds at the top of the hotels could put a damper on the display, but so far it has always gone off).

We have an extended listing of New Years Eve events running down the side of the newsletter this week or you can go direct to http://www.accessvegas.com/new-years-eve-2007

Bellagio’s Holiday Display is attracting droves of visitors and features some new twists not seen in years past:

Click on either of the above photos to enjoy the entire amazing holiday photo set for a taste of the season from Las Vegas. Don’t forget to spread the Christmas cheer: All photos in our Bellagio Gardens Christmas 2007 can be sent as a free E-Card. Send friends and family members some holiday E-Cards on us!

We say goodbye and a big Thank You to Celine Dion. Her five year run just wrapped up at Caesars, lasting far longer than originally anticipated. 3 million people saw the 717 shows. Whether you love or loathe her, no one can deny the amazing track record (4000 seats nightly) for a single headliner in the modern Las Vegas era.

What’s more, she adopted Las Vegas as her “hometown” and was very active in the community with charity and other events. She even occasionally was spotted shopping at the Henderson Walmart (closest to her Lake Las Vegas home)! If you missed her here, we do have tickets various dates of her pending tour: Celine Dion World Tour Tickets

Bette Midler is Celine’s replacement, and everyone will be watching to see how she does. Elton John will also be playing his selected Ceasars dates. Here are related links:

Hannah Montana Hits Las Vegas – With Las Vegas now having more than two million residents, Miley “Hanna Montana” Cyrus’ two tour dates here sold out in a matter of minutes. A third date was added, and sold out immediately. If your kids are old enough to visit and young enough to enjoy Hanna Montana (and you understand that sold-out concert resale tickets are going to be a bit expensive), you can check out Hanna Montana Las Vegas Concert Tickets

Vegas On TV – The Las Vegas Bowl (Tickets) airs on ESPN at 5:00 PM Pacific Time on December 22, 2007 with BYU looking for revenge over a struggling UCLA team. Again this year, NBC’s Holiday On Ice airs on Christmas Day (check local NBC listings). The event was taped a couple of weeks ago at The Orleans.

Goodbye Sweet Louie – Checkmates singer Marvin “Sweet Louie” Smith passed away last week while performing aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean. If you have visited Las Vegas for more than a few times, you probably saw The Checkmates performing somewhere. It would be easier to list the places they didn’t play over the decades!

The past few years they alternated between The Sahara, Casino Montelago (Lake Las Vegas) and Arizona Charlies East. Sweet Louie was fond of saying that every night was a Saturday night when they were performing, and I saw them light up more than one casino lounge over the years. Video, photos and other info is still online at http://www.thecheckmates.com

Enjoy This Issue!

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

UFC Fight Night Live From The Pearl At The Palms Casino Resort – The UFC and Spike TV will return to The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday, January 23 for the first UFC Fight Night of 2008,(Tickets) featuring a welterweight battle between Mike Swick and Josh Burkman. “Mike Swick and Josh Burkman, two tough veterans of The Ultimate Fighter will be facing each other for the first UFC Fight Night of 2008,” said Dana White, UFC President. “Swick is dropping down to 170 pounds for this fight. He has always had speed and power, so this will be an exciting new look at him in a lighter weight class. Burkman is a great wrestler, and he brings it every time he fights. This will be an explosive main event and real test for both fighters.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Orleans Arena Hosts Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Classic – The Orleans Arena will host the third round and championship round of the sixth annual Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Classic college basketball tournament. The competing teams are Iowa State, Purdue, Alabama, Missouri State, UT Pan American, Wofford, Bethune Cookman and Texas Southern. Click to Read The Full Story …

Lance Burton & Friends Entertain At Zelzah Shrine Temple Christmas Party For Kids – Lance Burton (Tickets) finished up “The Vanishing Birdcage” at the Zelzah Shrine Temple for over 300 children on Sunday, Dec. 9. The Shriners invited the children’s families for a Sunday brunch and their annual show. This tradition began with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the early 1950s. Special Guest Star Michael Goudeau entertained at the show for The Shriners’ clients. The comedy-juggler Goudau has performed with Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo since it opened in 1996. Gabriella Versace sang a couple of Christmas songs and comedian Magician Fielding West also performed his act at the event.

Holiday Season Computer Wallpaper – One of the big questions the past few weeks has been What happened to all the great computer wallpaper you used to make available? We’re in the process of revamping and expanding that area of AccessVegas.com. In the meantime, a couple of great wallpapers to hold you over and help out the holiday spirit.

Click on the photo of your choice to view full size and see computer wallpaper simple instructions to make the selected photo your desktop wallpaper:

Atrium at Sam’s Town Hotel Casino decorated for Christmas. The atrium features free laser light and water show. At 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM., 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM daily all year.

Bikini Greetings from the Crazy Girls (Ticket Link) at Riviera Las Vegas.

2 Million And Still Going Strong Mamma Mia! To Record Its 2 Millionth Guest At Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino – After breaking every rule on the Las Vegas Strip, MAMMA MIA! (Tickets) raises the bar again as it prepares to welcome its 2 millionth guest at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Thursday, December 13, 2007. Based on the songs of ABBA, MAMMA MIA! continues to be the longest-running and most successful full-scale Broadway musical to ever hit Las Vegas. Currently in its fifth year, MAMMA MIA! sets the precedent for Broadway musicals in Las Vegas. 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:

  • 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.

December 19, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 12, 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
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Some of you may notice the absence of my photo from this column. As we continue to grow, this newsletter is becoming a collaboration of so many great people, and we have even more writers coming on board in January. I’m the boss and have decided that removing my mug is a great way to reflect the efforts of many and free up more space. Co’mon… looking at Vegas photos is a lot more fun than looking at me!

Christmas is in the air, and next week we’ll be publishing photos of the current holiday display at the Bellagio. For those staying downtown, huge Christmas tree down there should be lit by the time you get this, and all of the hotels are decked out for the season. If you are going to be here on Christmas Day, you’ll find most all of the restaurants and buffets with a special holiday menu.

Our MySpace Is Up… Get Locked In As Our Friend! – We grabbed MySpace.com/AccessVegas a long time ago. But let’s face it… MySpace used to be mostly full of people under 21. We market only to people who can enjoy all that is Las Vegas.

Times have changed, everyone is using MySpace, and we’ve cranked up our MySpace page. This isn’t just about being our Friend. We’ll be doing special giveaways and bulletins just to our MySpace friends, plus more frequent updates about all that is AccessVegas.com.

Not into MySpace? Have no fear. We are going to continue to publish this newsletter. In fact, we have recently increased publication from 3 times a month to weekly! But if you want to hook up with us on MySpace, don’t delay. Put in an invite request right now at MySpace.com/AccessVegas

More Vegas Photos, More Often! – Regular readers know we have increased the number of photos we are posting just for our loyal readers! We know that many of you visit on a regular basis. Sometimes a few times a year, for others once every year or two. Las Vegas changes so fast, that we continue to bring you looks at everything new plus many of the tried and true scenes. New to our photo gallery:

Evel Knievel’s Last Ride – Unfortunately, this column has read like the obituary section the past few weeks with the passing of legendary Las Vegas locals Robert Goulet and Kevin Dubrow. We unfortunately add Evel Knievel to that list. Most will associate him to Las Vegas with his jump over the fountains of Caesars Palace. What few remember is that he lived in the Maxim hotel (now Westin Casuarina) here in Las Vegas for a number of years in the early 90’s around the time I first moved to town. He did TV commercials and public appearances for them.

This past Monday, Caesars Palace had the actual Triumph motorcycle used in the jump on display:

I had a happenstance meeting with him in my hometown of Portland, Oregon in the mid-80’s. I was working my way through college at Greyhound Bus Lines and he came in to pick up a package from Butte, Montana. Unfortunately, we had no cell phone cameras back then. That would have been a photo nice to have about now. When I was a kid, we all wanted to be Evel Knievel.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Simon At Palms Place Debuts At New Palms Place Hotel, Condo & Spa – Culinary genius and famed restaurateur Kerry Simon has announced that he will open his latest epicurean paradise, Simon at Palms Place at the new Palms Place Hotel, Condo & Spa. The Rock & Roll chef, who has catered to the stars for almost two decades, will bring his style of cutting-edge, globally inspired fare to the eagerly anticipated new property. Specializing in sushi, steak and seafood with more than 8,400 square feet of dining space, Simon at Palms Place will be a hip, edgy and delectable new dining destination unlike any other in Las Vegas. Click to Read The Full Story …


Click Photo To See All Shark Reef Photos

Go Deep Behind-the-Scenes at Shark Reef Aquarium – In addition to more than 2,000 exhibits, Shark Reef Aquarium now offers a 30-minute, behind-the-scenes guided tour. Guests 13 years of age and older are invited to learn about the facility’s chilling predators and the place they call home. This in-depth, fully guided tour explores the wonderful worlds of water filtration, saltwater-making, food preparation, SCUBA diving and animal care. Visitors will see what it takes to operate a 1.6 million gallon aquarium in the middle of the desert. Tours are available every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 with the purchase of an admission.

Spa for the Holidays – Fall into a luxurious spa experience this season with treatments designed to evoke the warmth of the holidays. Don’t delay — these indulgent services are available for a limited time.

  • Warm yourself from the outside in with a Hot Spiced Rum Stone Massage at BATHHOUSE inside THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. This cozy treatment combines traditional stone massage with essential oils of cinnamon, clove and arnica.
  • Guests of WET — The Spa & Salon at TI are invited to indulge in a Tea Party or enjoy a Double Shot of two salon favorites — a manicure and pedicure. Tea Party features the soothing elements of green tea while Double Shot offers the stimulating effects of coffee. During the service, guests enjoy complimentary tea cookies, coffee cake and a beverage befitting the experience.
  • At Spa Bellagio, guests are invited to purify with pumpkin or relax with cranberry. A Purifying Pumpkin Facial energizes the skin with a delectable blend of botanicals, while cranberry lovers can choose between an exfoliating Cranberry Vichy Shower, Cranberry Hydrotherapy Bath or Cranberry Relaxation Massage.
  • Visitors of MGM Grand Spa can enjoy a luxurious Cocoa Mud Massage — a sinful cocoa mud body wrap followed by a heavenly massage with creamy Swiss chocolate body butter.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos: – Scott Misener submitted this beautiful photo of Las Vegas at night:

Everyone I show this picture to, cannot believe it yet they want one. It is a sliced brisket sandwich from the Carnegie Deli located at the Mirage. I was there in December 2006. This is a great sandwich, and its almost impossible to eat it all. Almost. Everything in Vegas is Great!John Hewitt
Dallas, TXá

Here is a pic we took of the rotating statue (taken in May ’07) inside Harrah’s casino. We thought it was a hidden gem of kitsch.Betty Suydamá

Excuse me but what is the problem with a cabbie making a referral fee for recommending a particular business? or as you call them “fat kickbacks”? Seems rather hypocritical for a website owner who recommends specific businesses for affiliate referrals to be whining about a cabbie recommending some strip club who will pay him a single referral fee. BTW, would it be better to take a customer to a dead club where the girls are not since the girls follow the guys and that is where the cabbies drop off? It would be the ultimate rip-off to take a customer to places that do not pay referrals. Taking a customer to a dead club is allowing them to be ripped off. There is not a damn thing wrong with a cabbie making a referral, nothing. They pay because our advertising makes them tons more money, simple.

As to this business about longhauling, again, way overblown and little more than another attempt to blame a cabbie for every rip-off a typical visitor is exposed to when staying here. Cabbies are not responsible for $200 to $800 rooms, $100 to $200 show tickets, $35 buffets, $8 beers, $5 waters, $65 limo fees, $5 monorail rides, $2 bag handling charges by airlines, $10 fees to clean a shirt or $25 bottles of $10 wine. Stop blaming the cab driver for a town designed to screw every visitor who exits a plane at McCarran. Do some cabbies longhaul, sure but if you understood how a cabbie is paid you would see how silly and overblown that issue is. The ongoing road construction in this town alone makes longhauling a must or we sit and the meters run, which is cheaper? the longer route 9 out of 10 times. We get paid to move butts not take one butt for a tour.

Next time you want to spout off about the evil cabbie do some research. Understand who owns the cabs and sets the rates. Understand cabbies do not get overtime (most work 60 hours a week) or any other Labor perk most Americans take for granted. We are exempt commissioned sales people according to Federal and State Laws. What the hell do you care if I make an extra $40 to take some guys to a kickass club on a Friday night? A club which will RIP them OFF for an average of 4 bills each. This club cannot pay me a marketing fee of 10%?

Las Vegas cabbies do not own their own cabs. We cannot even lease a cab. We have absolutely no equity stake in the business. Most have no retirement and most work all the Holidays with absolutely no extra compensation.

Las Vegas cabbies move this town. We do over 20 million trips per month, 250 million trips a year. We move 45 million tourists around. We do it because we are hands down the best value even if the rates were double what they are now.

Columns like yours are nothing more than arrogant racially based assaults on working people. You have not a clue about what you are even speaking about.

BTW per State law it against the law to stage a Limo at a Hotel. There is no such thing as un unsolicitated Limo hire. Next time you are at WYNN for example, see if you can see limos staged. Bet you do and guess what, Wynn rents Executive Limo the space. That is completely illegal but does Taxicab Authority do anything about it? Guess who then gets to cherry pick a cabline for those “strip club rides”. Hint, the doorman and limo drivers who already make a killing steal our rides and spilt the “fat kickbacks”. Course most of them are white so no biggy to people like you I guess. Instead bag-on those losers driving cab.

Stephen Brown
Taxidriver Las Vegas, NV

I certainly welcome the opportunity to respond to this letter publicly:

——————–

Dear Mr. Brown,

  • A significant number of the advertisements we run are paid placement. Others are for commission. This keeps our newsletter free. However, I am proud to say that we have never steered someone toward a show or attraction based on advertising or commission. In fact, when I send someone to do a show review, I have but one set of instructions: Review the show in such a manner that people who may enjoy it will understand what they may like about it, and those who wouldn’t be as interested are so informed as well.In cases where sales are commission-based, we make the same small commission whether you buy a ticket to Jubilee or Folies Bergere. Whether you book a room at Bellagio or Venetian. In this issue, we are running photos of Shark Reef taken at our expense for something we get no advertising fee or commission. We are about covering Las Vegas, and simply hope that our readers will patronize our advertisers and use our booking links if they appreciate our information.Cab drivers have been well known over the years to practice strong diversion tactics. This practice has been well documented. Yes, I am well aware that limo drivers also get fees from various venues for delivering passengers. Here’s the difference: The doorman and limo drivers are asking people ahead of time if they want to go to such and such club.

    Side Note: I have no problem with commissions or fees for generating business. This is a free market economy. I do have issues with a hard-sell to a captive audience.

  • I’m not sure what $100 show tickets have to do with cab drivers long-hauling tourists. If this is such a rare practice, why was it highlighted at the top of a USA Today travel chat article about Las Vegas in addition to many numerous local articles.People choose to pay $200 for a hotel room or $25 for a bottle of wine. People do not choose to be long-hauled. Even if someone is staying in a $300 a night room, that is no justification bilking them illegally on their cab ride.
  • I’d take up your work hours, pay and conditions with your employer. Or, find other work. You do not have the right to divert or long-haul passengers just because you feel you are underpaid.
  • Moving 45 million people around each year doesn’t make you the best value. In fact, Las Vegas has some of the very highest cab fares in the nation! Reference:

    You claimed that cabs would be a value at double the rates. Co’mon… you can’t be serious!

  • I’m at a complete loss how questioning the ethics of cab drivers is a “racially based assault.” I didn’t realize that all cab drivers were of one color or race. Once you figure out what race all local cab drivers are, I’d go picket the Review-Journal for their “racist” articles about local cab service. Their circulation is still a bit larger than this newsletter.

——————–

So, there you have it. Las Vegas cabdrivers who think that the fares they charge are a bargain, and how feel it is OK to bilk you on the assumption you are spending a few extra bucks for an upscale room or a nice bottle of wine during your stay.

Kind of makes you want to take an airport shuttle to your hotel next time, doesn’t it? Many of them are owned by the same companies that put cabs on the street, but at least a shuttle is flat-rate.

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:

  • 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.

December 12, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 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
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! I’m still getting used to the end of Daylight Savings Time. The sunsets are amazing, but the sun is setting about 5 PM this time of year. This week, we are also dealing with the sudden end of “summer” weather. Long time Las Vegas residents will tell you that we always seem to have one definitive time in the fall and another in the spring where the temperature makes a sudden shift. This week started with highs near 80 and will end with highs near 60. Every spring, we seem to jump from the mid-60’s to the low 80’s over the course of just a few days in April (all temperatures Fahrenheit).

This is a special photo issue! Usually we post many of the great photos that readers send in, so this week it is our turn. We had Mark Jacobs out shooting photos of the aftermath of The Frontier implosion, over to The Bellagio for their Botanical Gardens Thanksgiving Display, and then to the new Planet Hollywood for the pre-opening of the Hawaiian Tropic Zone bikini bash! (Yes, he really gets paid to do this and no, we don’t have another similar position open right now). Links to all those great photo sets are later in the newsletter.

The L.A. Times did a solid, accurate update on how things are going with the Nevada smoking ban. The bottom line is that enforcement has been all but given up on. Bars have found creative ways around it, and a judge has ruled that violating the ban is only a civil matter. IE, the police aren’t going to do anything about it. This leaves a health department staff without the manpower to enforce the law responsible for trying to catch and deal with violators. The fine if you are caught? $100. The number of people fined to date? 0.

Because this story has generated so much reader feedback over the past year, we’ll continue to follow it. Those interested in the details can read the article Las Vegas bars working around Nevada smoking ban.

As this issue goes out, it is the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States and we hope all celebrating have an enjoyable time with family or friends. This would be a great time to tell everyone you know about this newsletter. If you are checking your email at someone else’s place or have a group of people over at yours, gather a few around and share some of the Bellagio Thanksgiving Season photos we feature later in the newsletter. If they are Las Vegas visitors (or just thinking about visiting), click on over to our newsletter website and get them signed up.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Ring In 2008 With The Biggest Concert In Vegas – Kanye West Live At The Pearl At The Palms – Following an amazing performance in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa during the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West returns to the Palms Casino Resort to perform live on New Year’s Eve inside the Pearl Concert Theater. (Tickets) The evening with Mr. West will begin at 10:45 p.m. There is no doubt that Kanye West is one of most influential artists in hip-hop today. Click to Read The Full Story …

Dancing With The Stars Tour Performs At The Orleans Arena – Dancing with the Stars, ABC’s #1 rated unscripted show, is hitting the road this winter and bringing its most popular team of stars and professional dancers to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. (Tickets) The third Dancing with the Stars tour will feature a cast of the show’s most popular competitors, combining established favorites from previous tours with newcomers from the show’s current season. Las Vegas audiences will be treated to an exciting new line-up of stars including season two winner and special guest star Drew Lachey with Cheryl Burke, Sabrina Bryan with Mark Ballas… Click to Read The Full Story …

Strip House Boasts The Sexiest Uniform In Fine Dining Thanks To World-Renowned Designer Kiki de Montparnasse – Strip House, along with luxury lingerie designer Kiki de Montparnasse, heats up the Las Vegas Strip with Studio Manasse-inspired cocktail dress uniforms. Strip House’s coy but classic cocktail mini-dress, designed by Kiki de Montparnasse, is perfectly executed in a soft, black, fine rib jersey. A high elegant front harmonizes a dangerously low back to reveal a signature satin lace-up corselette bra embellished with tulle lace. Complete with flutter sleeves, Kiki de Montparnasse’s style reflects the sexy sophisticated atmosphere of Strip House. Click to Read The Full Story …

Bellagio, Picasso And Le Cirque Receive 2008 AAA Five Diamond Award – Bellagio Continues To Shine As Only Hotel In The Country Featuring Two Five Diamond Restaurants – For the seventh consecutive year, Bellagio received AAA’s prestigious Five Diamond Award as did Julian Serrano’s renowned restaurant, Picasso. Additionally, Le Cirque received the distinction for the fifth consecutive year, making Bellagio once again the only hotel in the United States to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants. Click to Read The Full Story …

J.R. Johns’ Presents ‘Dog Gone Silly’ At Harmon Theater In Krave – ‘America’s Funniest Dog Show’ Comes To Las Vegas As The Newest Afternoon Show – “Dog Gone Silly” is… Doggone funny! Reno favorite J.R. Johns and 14 of his best friends romp their way on to The Strip and into the audience’s hearts in the Harmon Theater at 3 p.m. daily. (Tickets) This general audience offering is unlike that of any other as veteran physical comedian/dog trainer takes you on a four-part journey through what some press have called a living cartoon. J.R. plays straight man to a constant barrage of pranks perpetrated on him by his canine co-stars. Click to Read The Full Story …

It’s “Cuchi-Cuchi” Time As Charo Brings Her Celebrated Variety Show To The Rampart Casino On November 25 – International superstar Charo visits the Rampart Casino for a one-night engagement on Sunday, November 25. Recognized the world over for her witty humor, loveable accent and mastery of the flamenco guitar, this truly multi-talented icon brings a smile to people’s faces with the mere mention of her name. Her trademark statement, “cuchi-cuchi,” has become the international term for fun and excitement. The performance will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the adjoining JW Marriott starting at 4:00 pm with doors opening at 3:00 pm. Click to Read The Full Story …

Wolfgang Puck Continues To Revolutionize The Fine Dining Scene In Las Vegas – Master Chef To Open Award-Winning Steakhouse CUT – Master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck is bringing his critically acclaimed, award-winning restaurant CUT to Las Vegas. The Beverly Hills, super-chic steakhouse will open at The Palazzo late December. CUT will mark the sixth fine dining restaurant from the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group in Las Vegas, recognized as a leader in revolutionizing the dining landscape of the city. Click to Read The Full Story …

The M Resort, Spa And Casino Unveils Plans For New Local Las Vegas Resort Destination – M Resort, Spa And Casino To Re-establish Las Vegas Hospitality With Next Generation Of Architectural Design, Service Ane Amenities – M Resort Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anthony A. Marnell, III, unveiled the 12′ x 16′ M Resort, Spa and Casino model and announced details of the project during yesterday’s press conference. M Resort, Spa and Casino will be located on approximately 80 acres of land at the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Click to Read The Full Story …

Michelin Announces First Ever Ratings For Las Vegas:

ONE STAR (by neighborhood)
ESTABLISHMENT NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL
Alize West of the Strip Palms
Andre’s (downtown) Downtown None
Aureole The Strip Mandalay Bay
Bradley Ogden The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Daniel Boulud Brasserie The Strip Wynn
LÆAtelier de JoÙl Robuchon The Strip MGM Grand
Le Cirque The Strip Bellagio
Mesa Grill The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Michael Mina The Strip Bellagio
Mix The Strip Mandalay Bay
Nobu East of the Strip Hard Rock
Wing Lei The Strip Wynn
TWO STARS (by neighborhood)
Alex The Strip Wynn
Guy Savoy The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Picasso The Strip Bellagio
THREE STARS (by neighborhood)
Joel Robuchon The Strip MGM Grand

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Usually we post great reader photos and comments in this area. This week, we give you these great photo sets we’ve taken the past week for you and your friends to enjoy online!

Click on any of the photos below to see the
respective complete photo sets!

Bellagio Gardens Thanksgiving 2007

Frontier Las Vegas Post Implosion

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Pre-Opening


Hawaiian Tropic Zone Restaurateur Dennis Riese

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:

  • 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.

November 21, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy PolicyProud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – October 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
Featured Shows
Free Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Never a dull moment around here. The Venetian’s new Palazzo Tower is topped out and looks finished as a building. They are working around the clock on interior and ground level exterior in preparation for a late December opening.

The resort in part gives this description of what is coming:

The Palazzo Casino Resort will include over 375 concierge-level suites and will also include six villas (up to 11,000 square feet each) which will have 3-4 bedrooms, 3.5-4.5 baths, extensive living areas, media rooms, private pools, private jacuzzis, private salons, massage areas, heated spas, personal gyms and, in some cases, private putting greens.

The presidential suites and the villas will also offer private butler services. The Palazzo hotel will have 296 multi-room suites, including six presidential suites. The Palazzo hotel will also have an elaborate pool deck (with seven pools, gardens, sculptures, cabanas and fountains) and an adjacent spa facility.


Rendering of Palazzo Las Vegas

Las Vegas Taxi Fares On The Rise – I guess long-hauling you and trying to divert you to places you otherwise didn’t ask to go (so they can get a fat kick-back) just isn’t enough. This according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

Beginning Oct. 1, passengers will be charged $3.30 for the initial cost of hiring a cab, or drop fee, a dime increase from the current rate. The cost per hour for the time spent traveling slower than 8-12 mph, known as the wait-time charge, will rise to $28 from $22. Even before the increases approved last month, those fees were higher than similar charges in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Chicago.

Drivers complain they don’t make as much money in Las Vegas as they would elsewhere because of the close proximity of the city’s prime destinations. McCarran International Airport is a four-mile trip to the Strip, and most of the hotels are located within a short drive, Jones noted.

The last paragraph would hold more water if the local cabbies weren’t famous for long-hauling customers on a regular basis (which I discuss and condemn every few months in this column). I’ve been long hauled many times and I’ll share a few of those stories in my next podcast (coming soon). For those wanting to read the full story, go to Taxi fares keep pace with nation’s highest

We have Hanna Montana tickets in all cities of the current tour. Brace yourself because they are resale tickets (pretty much every show sold out instantly) so good seats are going to be a little spendy. However… if your teen or tween watches you go off and enjoy yourself in Las Vegas, this is a great way to spend some time with them and calm some of that guilt! Tickets at Hanna Montana Tickets

Enjoy This Issue!

Roger “El Matador” Huerta vs. “The Carpenter” Clay Guida At The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 Finale Live From The Pearl At The Palms Saturday, December 8 – Rising UFC superstar Roger “El Matador” Huerta (20-1-1) headlines his first nationally-televised fight card as he takes on hard-hitting Clay “The Carpenter” Guida in a battle of top lightweight contenders on Spike TV, Saturday, December 8 at 9:00pm ET/PT. (Tickets) The fight takes place live from the Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, featuring Huerta vs. Guida, and the two season finalists from The Ultimate Fighter 6: Team Serra vs. Hughes. Click to Read The Full Story …

The “Best of Las Vegas” Gets Even Better! Rio’s Bevertainers Spice It Up With Sexier Costumes – Voted as “Best Cocktail Server” by the Las Vegas Review Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” four years in a row, the Bevertainers at Rio-All Suite Hotel & Casino are sexier than ever with brand new attire sure to tantalize the senses. The new costume was designed by Meg DeAgostini, wardrobe supervisor for Dick Foster Productions, to create immediate sex appeal. The lace material sprinkled with black diamond stones teases the eye by revealing a little skin and exuding elegance. Complimented with black suede shoes, the female Bevertainer captures the essence of glamour and class. Each individual’s style and appearance allows for their personalities to shine in their new attire. Click to Read The Full Story …

Master Keg Tapper Too – The Monte Carlo’s Master Magician Lance Burton taps the keg at the Hofbrauhaus on Sunday, Oct. 7th in honor of Octoberfest. His name was on the marquee. This is the third year he has done the honors. He recently completed a 90-minute TV special that will air in Germany this December. His friend Gabriella joins him on stage at the Hofbrauhaus. Lance Burton Tickets

Bjork To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms December 15 – One of the most influential and unique singer-songwriters of all time, Bjork is set to play The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 8 p.m. with special guests Ratatat. (Tickets) Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Bjork showed an interest in music very early in life. She studied classical music in elementary school and her stepfather recorded and released her first album when she was only 11. Throughout her teens, she was in several bands, mostly punk rock, including Spit & Snot, Exodus, Jam 80, Tappi Tikarrass and Kukl. Click to Read The Full Story …

Harmon Theatre In Krave Offers Fun Shows – “Little Legends” Little People, Big Show At 5 p.m.; “Bottoms Up II: Burlesque Strikes Back” Back Again – It may seem like a May-December marriage but it works in Las Vegas where at 10 p.m. the Harmon Theatre revs up into the KRAVE Nightclub six nights a week catering to the alternative lifestyle. “Little Legends” Little People, Big Show is without a doubt the Biggest Little Show in Las Vegas. (Tickets) If you want to see Mini Britney sing and dance live come and see Terra Jole with her dancer Abdoul and Adam. Check out Terra’s web site at http://www.mini-britney.com/ The San Antonio native began singing at age five. The upbeat Litter Person loves showbiz. Click to Read The Full Story …

New ‘Crazy Girl’ Jennifer Stowe Danced Since Age 3 – Ohio Native Has Bachelor’s Degree In Engineering But Prefers Showbiz – Jennifer Stowe moved to Las Vegas from Trenton a small town in Ohio growing up as an only child and moving on to getting her bachelor’s degree in engineering from Wright State University. Jennifer said, “I began dancing at age 3 and my father passed away when I was young. I was a cheerleader-dancer for the university basketball team. I did the same thing in high school too. I came to Las Vegas the day after I graduated at age 21 and drove here to be a showgirl. (Crazy Girls Tickets) Click to Read The Full Story …

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Innovative Dining Group’s Sushi Roku Is Bringing Spooky Back – This Halloween, Sushi Roku offers some creative menu items for the frightening holiday. Guests can enjoy the Sushi Roku Jack O’lantern along with the scary scrumptious shot Okiku. 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:

  • 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.

October 17, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 29, 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! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and I’m not talking Christmas. We men are celebrating the start of (American) Football season, unquestionably the most popular sport in the U.S. For the next four months, I’ll hear multiple excuses about why various staffers need to run errands… at right about 4 PM. (Prime Time college games start at 5 PM our time, NFL games at 6 PM). Funny… they seem to always return with a stack of sports book betting tickets!

The moms are happy the kids are back in school, and the singles are psyched about the opening of clubs Blush (Wynn Las Vegas) and LAX (Luxor). BTW… we can hook you up with VIP passes and table/bottle reservations at 800-696-5721.

VMA’s and AVP – Combine to make the biggest weekend in a long, long time this coming Sept. 6-9, 2007. The MTV Music Awards air live from The Palms on Sunday Sept. 9 at 9 PM Eastern. A few premium tickets are available but you better have one fat wallet to see this history-making Las Vegas event in person.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is live from Caesars Palace on the 6’th – 8’th (Tickets). Finals are televised on the 8’th on MyNetworkTV (check local listings) This is of special interest to us: The Gods and Goddess’ Tourney contest. Our good friend and business associate Harley Van Hyning won the Atlanta God of the Beach contest and is in the town for the festivities and finals.

Harley is currently best known for his DestinFloridaPodcast.com, which is well worth a listen for our friends from the south and Midwest who enjoy visiting Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida. He’ll also be doing some reporting for us here over the weekend on the recent opening of Blush Nightclub and other nightlife activities.

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!

King For A Day! Or At Least For 45 Minutes! Monty Python’s Spamalot Inaugurates “The Very Important Person Package” At Wynn Las Vegas – Monty Python’s Spamalot At Wynn Las Vegas Will Reveal “Secrets Of The Grail” With The Launch Of The Very Important Person Package (V.I.P.P.) On August 31. (Tickets) V.I.P.P. ticket holders will be escorted behind the curtain and taken backstage to see the inner sanctum of the Strip’s funniest show. They will sign a blood oath, swearing not to reveal any of the secrets, and violators will be impaled on a spike. The V.I.P.P. tickets go on sale August 22 and include premium seating, a 45-minute “Secrets of the Grail” backstage tour after the show and, a commemorative Grail cup (filled with beer or soft drink). Guests will be able to take once-in-a-lifetime photos with cast and crew, set pieces and props. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gwen Stefani Returns To The Pearl At The Palms October 26 – Pop Music Sensation Sean Kingston Joins Stefani – The Palms Casino Resort announced today that Gwen Stefani will return to The Pearl (Tickets) at the Palms Casino Resort following performing at the Grand Opening of the theater to a sold out crowd earlier this year. Stefani is set to return for an intimate performance on Friday, October 26, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. with support from pop singer Sean Kingston. Gwen Stefani is a music and fashion icon. Beginning with her career as the lead singer of the multi-platinum Grammy award winning band No Doubt, Stefani has performed the world over including the Super Bowl half-time show and opening slots for the Rolling Stones and U2. Click to Read The Full Story …

Velvet Revolver And Alice In Chains To Perform At Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, September 21 – Creative sparks fly each night Velvet Revolver, one of rock’s most electrifying bands, takes the stage throughout their current North American tour. (Tickets) This is certain to continue when they perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, Sept. 21. Alice in Chains, the popular metal rock band from Seattle, is scheduled to open the show at 8 p.m. The rock supergroup is comprised of Scott Weiland (lead vocals), Slash (guitars), Dave Kushner (guitars), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums). Click to Read The Full Story …

Kellie Pickler Set To Perform At Whiskey Pete’s Showroom – Proving you don’t have to win “American Idol” to become one, Kellie Pickler will perform at Whiskey Pete’s Showroom in Primm, Nev., on Friday, September 14 at 9 p.m. Tickets, priced at $24.95, plus applicable tax and fees are available at Whiskey Pete’s Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets. Pickler, an “American Idol” finalist last year, quickly became a fan favorite with her homespun, Southern-style charm and incredible vocal range. BNA Records, a subsidiary label of Sony BMG Music, released her debut album, “Small Town Girl” in late 2006. The first single from that album, “Red High Heels,” quickly climbed the country charts. Sales from Pickler’s album made her the best selling new country solo artist for 2006. Click to Read The Full Story …

Bottoms Up II: Burlesque Strikes Back – Las Vegas arguably longest running show (with only a couple of interruptions) is back. Bottoms Up is a rollicking romp in the bawdy style of old-fashioned burlesque comedy. Neither politically correct nor remotely for the kids, show Producer Breck Wall costars with David Harris, Sue Motsinger, James Dalton and a supporting cast of alluring male and female dancers. Click to Read The Full Story …

“Undefeated”: Mayweather vs. Hatton Lands At The MGM Grand Garden Arena In Las Vegas – The records are pristine and spectacular û a combined 81-0 with 55 knockouts. However, the stage is now set for “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather or Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton to face a blemish on their record Saturday, Dec. 8, (Tickets) something both men are willing to go to war to prevent. Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions are proud to present “UNDEFEATED”, a historic night of boxing featuring two undefeated champions battling for Mayweather’s World Welterweight Championship at the MGM Garden Arena. A fast sellout is expected as the fight already has the world buzzing in anticipation of seeing two of boxing’s premier, undefeated superstars finally meet in the ring. 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:

  • 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 29, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 18, 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! Running very late this week, but with excellent reason. This issue is jammed with more photos (and links to more photos) than ever before in our history! Staff member Mark “Yes, I really get paid to do this” Jacobs was busy this week staggering up and down The Strip, catching images of the “new” Planet Ho(llywood) inside and out, plus some amazing shots of the progress of MGM CityCenter construction. Speaking of…

Oopps I Did It Again – No… not talking about Britney Spears and her recent (alleged) visit for LipoDissolve here in town. I screwed up some important newsletter links again in the last issue. (Hey… cut us a break. Look at the massive amount of info we crank out each week)! So, for the record, these are the working, valid links: 1. Jubilee! at Bally’s and 2. Online edition of April 11, 2007 newsletter.

Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. – are the hottest tickets of any kind we’ve seen in nearly a decade. We still have some left and they aren’t cheap, but this isn’t one to miss. Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Tickets

New Car Rental Facility – is now open. I talked about it in our February 28, 2007 issue (where it is, tips for getting out of there, etc.) and want to add a couple more tips: If you find yourself with time to kill (checking out early, get to the area of the rental facility early, here is a couple great ways to kill time:

1. One of the area’s biggest outlet malls is 1/2 mile west of the car rental facility at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. South (the “new” South Strip) and Warm Springs Road and 2. Winchell’s Pub & Grill just across Warm Springs to the south of the rental facility has great food, full bar, and video slots (just like in the casinos). Beats killing extra time at the airport and paying airport prices for food/drink if you are really running early.

Planet Ho(llywood) – has unwittingly branded themselves the permanent name Planet Ho among Vegas insiders, but not for reasons you may suspect. See… they were putting the new sign on top of the hotel the past couple of weeks, and for some reason stopped for a couple of days just when they had reached:

Click for brand new Photos of Planet Hollywood Las Vegas and Miracle Mile (former Desert Passage) Shops and Shows.

2007 American Casino Guide – is still available and worth 10 times the Amazon price of $11.53. In addition to the $1000+ dollars worth of coupons, the book is even worth buying if you may not be visiting a gaming destination between now and the end of the year. Excellent advice on getting best gambling odds and best chances to win on everything from slots to video poker to table games. Order the 2007 American Casino Guide.

Enjoy This Issue!

First-Ever Official Bettie Page Boutique Now Open In Sin City! – ’50s Pin-up Legend Reflected In Clothing, Lingerie, Accessories And The Largest Selection Of Artwork By Famed Artist Olivia At Bettie Page Las Vegas – With fans world-wide, it’s only fitting that the first-ever official Bettie Page boutique opened doors this month in Sin City û a major hub of international travel. Outfitted in classic Bettie style with leopard print, pink and black, Bettie Page Las Vegas is located at the Shops in Desert Passage at the Aladdin. “I look forward to the grand opening of the Bettie Page store in Las Vegas, and couldn’t think of a finer city to act as its home,” said the legend herself, Bettie Page. Click to Read The Full Story …

July Opening Of The Signature At MGM Grand’s Tower 3 Marks Completion Of Las Vegas’ First Condo Hotel Project – The Signature at MGM Grand announced today the July opening of its third 576-suite tower. The debut of this all-suite tower will mark the completion of The Signature at MGM Grand complex, a first-of-its-kind hotel concept in Las Vegas that features an entirely non-gaming, non-smoking environment focused on personal service within an intimate, exclusive environment. Click to Read The Full Story …

David Hasselhoff To Complete His Run As The Flamboyant “Roger DeBris” In The Mel Brooks’ Musical Comedy The Producers At Paris Las Vegas Sunday, May 6 – Paris Las Vegas announced today that David Hasselhoff, due to a prior commitment as a judge on the hit TV series America’s Got Talent, will leave the cast of the MEL BROOKS’ musical comedy THE PRODUCERS (Tickets) on Sunday, May 6, as scheduled. Hasselhoff, who plays the outrageously flamboyant character “Roger DeBris” in the most critically acclaimed show in Broadway history, leaves as an original company member in the new 90-minute production that opened to sold-out houses on January 31, 2007. Mr. Hasselhoff will be replaced Lee Roy Reams, currently starring as “Roger DeBris” on Broadway. Click to Read The Full Story …

MTV Scores Winning Hand Greenlighting First Ever Reunion Series “Reunited: The Real World Vegas: – Production Begins This Month At The Palms Casino Resort In Las Vegas – MTV: Music Television and Bunim-Murray Productions announce today a first-ever for the “The Real World” franchise as they take a trip back to Sin City in “Reunited: The Real World.” This new series turns the tables on the original cast of “The Real World: Las Vegas” as they head into their former home û the “The Real World” suite at the Palms Casino Resort — to see what’s happened in the five years since the seven cast members lived together. Production begins this month and will premiere on MTV later this spring. Click to Read The Full Story …

Rush Announces “Snakes & Arrows World Tour” At The MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, July 28 – Renowned rock trio RUSH will arrive in Las Vegas with the “Snakes & Arrows World Tour” (Rush Tour Tickets — All Shows) Saturday, July 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The tour will kick off in North America June 13 at Atlanta’s HiFi Buys Amphitheatre and will visit more than 45 cities throughout the United States and Canada before heading to Europe. Click to Read The Full Story …

Ultimate Fighting Championship Presents UFC World LIght Heavyweight Championship UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson – Over the last four years Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell has been unstoppable. He has dominated his last seven fights and gained legendary status in the OctagonÖ as the UFC World Light Heavyweight Champion. In what many believe will be the mega-fight of the summer, Liddell will meet Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in an attempt to avenge his loss to the last man who defeated him. Liddell will face his greatest challenge to date when The Ultimate Fighting Championship« organization presents UFC 71: LIDDELL vs. JACKSON (Tickets) live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 26. Click to Read The Full Story …

Rio Masquerade Show in the Sky Computer Wallpaper – Experience the excitement of Brazil’s Carnivale Masquerade Show In The Sky, Las Vegas’ best free show! The Masquerade Show in the Sky features state-of-the-art floats that suspend from the ceiling above the casino floor. click and download Rio Masquerade Show in the Sky Computer Wallpaper

Noodling During Lunch – The 888 Noodle Bar at the Las Vegas Hilton, which has been open only for dinner since it opened last year, has lunch hours as well. The bar features Pan-Asian noodles, congee, and rice dishes, as well as other Asian specialties prepared by expert chefs in an open exhibition kitchen. Appetizers, soups and salads range from $7 to $9 and entrees range from $10 to $28. 888 Noodle Bar is located in the heart of Benihana Village at the Las Vegas Hilton and is open 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m-8:00 p.m. Reservations are not required (guests are served on a first come first serve basis).

Steve Martorano Brings South Florida’s Acclaimed Cafe Martorano To Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino – What do you get when you combine a South Philly boy and his wildly popular South Florida Italian restaurant and late-night hotspot with Sin City’s Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino? You get a good time and great food with a little Philly ‘tude on the side. Cafe Martorano Las Vegas, now open, promises to be a one-of-a-kind restaurant/nightclub combo. Netting top Zagat ratings, Cafe Martorano Florida is as widely known for its celebrity clientele as its South Philadelphia-style Italian-American cuisine. Click to Read The Full Story …

Holding Four Queens, Las Vegas Businessman Bets $20 Million – Addition Of The Canyon Club Brings New Energy And Live Music To Neon-Laden Downtown Icon – Since acquiring the Four Queens Hotel & Casino three years ago, local businessman, Terry Caudill, has invested over $20 million in the historic downtown property. Having remodeled its guest rooms and public areas, added new dining options, refreshed the casino floor and upgraded its gaming machines, the Four Queens announces its latest achievement — the anticipated April opening of the Canyon Club. The mastermind behind the successful launch of the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay, Lance Sterling, reenters the market with the Las Vegas version of his prospering L.A. nightspot, the Canyon Club. Click to Read The Full Story …

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: MGM CityCenter Construction April 2007 – The huge pit between Monte Carlo and Bellagio is rising quickly out of the dust of the ashes of the former Boardwalk Hotel. Enjoy these photos taken this past week!

Gambling Talk: Playing Small Pairs In Tournaments Playing 9s, 8s, and 7s – with Victor H. Royer. 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 especially in early and middle positions, and particularly if there has been any kind of action before it becomes your turn to act. Click to Read Complete Article

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Susan of Buffalo, NY submitted these two great photos. She writes:

My husband and I were in Las Vegas at the end of January and took about 500 photos but these are my 2 favorites (Venetian & the Mirage). Great job on the newsletter! I look forward to getting them every week. Keep up the good work!

Click to more Photos of Mirage 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 Venetian Las Vegas.

Hi Ted,

Your comments regarding the NBA All-Star Game in comparison with NASCAR seem to me to have racial overtones, or at the least a dislike of a sport that is dominated by none white players as opposed to NASCAR?

You say:

“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)…”

I could be wrong but I really don’t think that the NBA All-Star game produced the shootings or arrests. Could it be that some unsavory people took that opportunity to try and turn a memorable and fun weekend into a tragic one???

I visit Las Vegas often and I have heard of the thousands of gangs that are there… and during one of my many visits, when there were no sporting events taking place, I heard on the news of a day time shooting at the stop-and-go that took place not to far from the Tropicana Hotel and a car jacking that occurred in the underground parking facility of the Fashion Show Mall and don’t forget about the beating of a MGM security guard that made the world news. I could go on… Therefore, please don’t insinuate that a sporting activity is causing violence, when in actuality it’s some unsavory people causing the violence and mayhem.

In closing, I love Las Vegas and I enjoy reading your newsletter about Las Vegas but you really need to leave your unwarranted comments on the editing room floor, or maybe I should just unsubscribe to your newsletter?

Kind Regards,

Angella Moore

Ted Responds:

I’ll already addressed this 5 minutes into my last podcast, but for those who didn’t listen: My anti-NBA feelings preceded the event and had nothing to do with race.

I’m unhappy with any event that brings 5 shootings and over 400 arrests during one weekend. That is unheard of. Even New Years Eve (250,000 very racially diverse visitors) doesn’t even begin to come close.

Comparing sporadic gang violence normal for a city this size (the vast majority of which happens away from The Strip) to the most concentrated number of shootings and arrests ever during one weekend in the tourism area is apples and oranges.

The “Don’t Come Back, NBA” cry was echoed by everyone from the rank-and-file dealers, waitresses, and other service workers as reported by virtually every media outlet here. In fact, the sentiment so so strong that Mayor Oscar Goodman recently submitted a proposal to the NBA for a team here that was sure to get vetoed. Even the mayor who has been groveling for an NBA team for years heard the cry of the entire area: “NBA… Don’t Come Back”.

I challenge anyone to comb the past eight years of the archives of this newsletter and/or the many podcasts I have done and find even anything remotely racist. I celebrate the diversity of our readers and visitors and this is reflected in the stories and photos we run.

I will be coming to Las Vegas in June and would like to know if there are any Jazz Clubs on the South end of the strip. Really enjoy reading your newsletter.

Doris

Ted Responds:

I enjoy both traditional and smooth jazz (a far cry from the rock I was raised on… which I still also enjoy). Events and concerts come and go, so I’m going to simply provide these links to local jazz concerns:

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)!
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  • 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

  • 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.

April 18, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

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