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

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

For those who want a recap, enjoy the following:

• America’s Party 2007 Highlights (streaming videos)

• New Year’s Eve In Pictures

• Revelers Find Bond – Party Rocks, Rolls With ‘007’ Spin

• Rock Star Supernova fails to impress out of the block at Las Vegas opening

• Britney Spears passes out at Pure

• New Year’s hotel rates slide, Web site suggests

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Show Review: Chippendales

Reviewed December 2006
by Nancy Dickinson

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

Click to Read Complete Review

• Chippendales Tickets and Info or Call 800-696-5721

• Chippendales Streaming Video Preview (broadband)

• Chippendales Picture Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Construction Las Vegas Photos

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

• Click To View ChefLive: Broadband (only)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Readers Write:

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

Ted Responds:

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

Ted Responds:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Trip Report: Flamingo – Barbary Coast – Legends, Dec.19-22

• Does anybody know if Elvis-A-Rama is still open? Or another place you can get some good Elvis stuff?

• Regarding the “NEW” Vegas for the over 21, My wife and I tend to stay away from the “hip” hotels except for seeing a show there. We do not connect with nor care to be with the “beautiful” people that the hotels now cater to…

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

• Nevada Opera Theatre Presents “La Boheme” Sunday February 11, 2007, 2pm

• Clinton Jackson To Headline Riviera Comedy Club, January 8-14

• Wake-Up Poker & $44 Entry Fees At Riviera!

• ‘Freedom Rings. . . So We Sing’ Musical Drama to Premiere January 14 at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre

• All-Ages Concerts Return To Las Vegas With The Opening Of University Theatre: Grand Opening January 22 Will Showcase MTV’s Discover & Download Featured Act Meg & Dia

• The Rampart Casino Presents Little Anthony & The Imperials on January 7

• Octane Opens At Excalibur

• Tickets For The 2007 NBA All-Star Practice Presented By Toyota Go On Sale: The World’s Greatest NBA Players to Practice at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Sat., Feb. 17

• The Rampart Casino Presents the Bonk Show January 7 – 11

• Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex Scheduled to Open at Desert Passage Inside Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

• DJ Homicide Now Spinning At rumjungle

• Bruce Baum Stars In Riviera Comedy Club

• Triq Ultra Lounge Scheduled to Open Doors to An Anticipated Crowd – Las Vegas’ Newest Nightclub is Part of the Multi-Million Dollar Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex

• Hannah’s Introduces New Promotions Including Wine Down Wednesdays

• RA Sushi Bar Restaurant Hosts Events Sunday Through Friday Nights Featuring Locals’ Favorite DJs

• Optica Debuts at The Mirage

• Public Invited To Conclude This “A December To Remember” Celebration With A Very Vegas Holiday At The Neon Museum Boneyard

• Hipster Clothier Urban Outfitters Now Open Inside The Shops In Desert Passage

• Start The New Year With The Turban Cowboy!

• New Years Eve At The Fabulous Renaissance Hotel With David Van Such

• Come Together At The Beatles Revolution Lounge Opens To The Public December 22 At The Mirage

• The Cannery Casino & Hotel Presents Original Members Of The Comets On February 10

• Criss Angel Mindfreak- The Official Store @ Luxor

• At the Party, Urging a Sin-Free New Year

• Poker Lawsuit: Half Of $12 Million Winnings Frozen

• Spanish View Towers to push forward – Developer says stalled high-rise project now has enough finance

• Station makes first move in Palace revamp

• Readers know their steak and eggs

• Hasselhoff gets ready for Roger

• Plans advance for Fremont East – Construction to begin next month on downtown entertainment district

• Fringe Benefits – Three ‘Phantom’ performers get more than a paycheck out of the job

• Arizona edges Nevada as fastest-growing state

• Previews Now Underway For Phantom The Las Vegas Spectacular At The Venetian

• Ridership up, revenues down on Las Vegas Monorail

• All that snow won’t help valley water supply – Storm pounded wrong side of Rocky Mountains

• Las Vegas needs another Question 10

• Casino owners invest millions to reverse long slump for old Vegas

• Michael Jackson landing on Strip?

• Underdogs deal early Christmas cheer – Sports books quiet on day full of upsets

• Las Vegas home prices rising, but …

• Awards ceremony could use Vegas vacation

• Historic preservation – Las Vegas style

• Michael Jackson: Investing With Brunei Prince In Vegas?

• Station on the move again

• Grinch-style Christmas at Harrah’s?

• Two top Harrah’s execs leave company – New Year could bring job cuts

• Crackdown Continues on Smut Card Peddlers

• Upgrading of Santa Fe cost equivalent of new property

• We’re No. 2! Thank goodness for just a little break in growth

• Jackson prepares to settle down

• Showrooms, nightclubs discourage use of video phones

• Stack at The Mirage similar to its cousin at Bellagio

• Which Way to Las Vegas?

• In Las Vegas, Take a Gamble on Non-Gaming Activities

• First look into MGM Mirage’s Project City Center

• A new sheriff in town

• Ballroom Blitz: Modest ‘Simply Ballroom’ latest show to cash in on dance craze

• Jealous rocker gets some incorrect info

• ‘Phantom’ proves big musical can succeed in Las Vegas

• Blow the rent money just once and try L’Atelier Joel Robuchon

• Celine Dion’s Las Vegas show to close

• Entertainment Gets Spotlight at CES in Las Vegas

• Vegas Mamma Mia! Set for 2008 Closing

• 1,200 want condos in MGM Mirage’s new Vegas megaresort

• Wynn’s Mountain on the Las Vegas Strip

• 12 sure bets for Las Vegas – Some ideas are free. At some you pay. but all you should enjoy

• County finally meets federal dust control standards

• Las Vegas back on terror funding list

• North Las Vegas Adding 16,000 Homes

• Vegas To Receive Federal Homeland Security Funding

• Thieves Steal Jewelry Given to Woman by Liberace

• Slice of the high life – CityCenter sales pavilion offers peek at posh condos

• Tropicana gets new ownership – Columbia Sussex completes purchase of Aztar

• Hard knocks at Hard Rock door

Special Section: Nevada Smoking Ban Stories Updated

• Judge okays most of Question 5 – Criminal penalties nixed

• Smoking initiative will go into effect

• Nevada Voters Claim Victory in Smoking Ban Lawsuit Case

• Challenge: Ban unfair, vague – Casinos vs. taverns one issue

• Smoking foe optimistic about law

• Judge upholds smoking ban: Casinos remain exempt — for now

• Smoking Ban Limbo (streaming video)

• Smoking law’s enforcement ‘still cloudy’

• Famed pub to close kitchen, lay off 25 – Kilroy’s cutback is fallout from Question 5

• There should have been a smoking compromise

• Officials: Smoking Ban Being Ignored

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

• 2007

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

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

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http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

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All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

January 10, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

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