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Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 21, 2011

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and pleasant whatever-you-are-celebrating. Normally, we have a new photo from the Bellagio Gardens holiday display in the newsletter leading up to the 25’th, but we’ve been so busy, I haven’t even been over to see it this year! Rest assured, I have Christmas music playing in my office here.

This will be the final issue of 2011. With many reading at work (and not at work many days until the end of the year), this issue could be read at any time over the next 10 days.

The Lion King Comes To A Close – We’d like to thank The Lion King for being a long-time sponsor and helping us keep the lights on around here. It had a fantastic run in a town where shows can be fleeting. Some fun facts they sent us over:

When THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay ends…

  • The cast will have performed a total of 1,078 performances.
  • 1.4 million guests will have seen the show.
  • The cast will have participated in 2,000 rehearsals.
  • Makeup will have gone through 34,000 makeup remover wipes.
  • Scar will have spent more than 800 hours in the makeup chair.
  • Wardrobe will have spent 500 hours fitting cast members.
  • 17,000 hours will have been spent in the puppet workshop repairing and maintaining puppets.
  • Rafiki will have climbed Pride Rock more than 2,000 times and walked nearly 6,400 miles up and down since the first show.
  • Timon and Pumbaa will have said Hakuna Matata more than 38,000 times.

Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks Info and Insider Party Tips – We published this last year, but we’ve updated it including a recent news video. You can check it out and http://x.co/bxm1 and make sure to repost the link elsewhere if you find it helpful (or feel that others will)!

Coupons – We occasionally get asked if we put out a coupon book. Not at this time. Las Vegas if full of so many deals (we publish ones we find, and tweet those that don’t make deadline) and the problem with coupons is the time burn you spend chasing them. We recently noted that (on average) your time in Las Vegas is costing you over $15 per waking hour. Is it worth going out of your way for a $5-10 coupon (if that) on something that you otherwise probably wouldn’t have thought about seeing or doing?

As previously noted, we do plan to do an amazing job of aggregating all the deals and specials out there once we go to a paid subscriber model (which will allow us to hire someone for that daunting task). No coupons needed!

Don’t Believe It – Men’s Health just ranked Las Vegas as the 10’th “saddest” city in America. (St. Petersburg, FL worst, Honolulu was best). There of the big factors used were unemployment, use of antidepressants, and suicides. No question that people in Florida and Nevada are more “pilled up” than the norm. Doctors are quick to write scripts. Also, with the number of visitors and new residents (who find out that living here isn’t the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow), we’re going to have higher suicide numbers. On a related note…

Another “Great” Showing – Las Vegas ranks 136’th (out of 143 cities) for having the worst credit! Why I won’t toss that into the “blame the recession” basket? Las Vegan’s have always had terrible credit (as a whole). When I bought my first condo in 1995, I was told “Wow, you have really good credit. That is unusual here”.áThe average Las Vegan who uses credit owes just under $25,000. Best credit cities? Wausau-WI, Minneapolis-MN, and Madison-WI. Interestingly enough, all cities within 300 miles of each other.

Condo City – The median price of a condo in Las Vegas is a paltry $50,000. This will generally get you around 1000 sq. ft. and two bedrooms, two bathrooms in a decent area. (If you want to go high-rise on/near The Strip or downtown, you’ll looking at low six figures for a smaller one bedroom). Bring your wallet for the cheaper places. Getting a mortgage loan for a place under $50k is almost unheard of and about 90% of the closings are cash sales.

International Traffic WAY Up – October saw a 31% increase in international traffic to McCarran (Las Vegas) airport. As usual, no surprise to me. This year, the percentage of visitors to AccessVegas.com from outside the U.S. has gone up from 25% to 29%.

We know it is a hassle flying such long distances and having to deal with security and immigration. We appreciate you reading and appreciate your patronage. Overall traffic to the airport was up 5%. Among the domestic cities showing big gains sending visitors here? My hometown of Portland, OR. All visitor numbers continue to climb.

I’m Shocked! (Not) – The company that blew up The Frontier (across from Wynn) has announced they are scrapping plans to build a hotel there. As it is, the name of the property was going to be The Plaza (as in the New York City hotel). That alone shows how brainless these people were. Las Vegas already has a Plaza and at the time plans were originally announced, the downtown Plaza wasn’t a property you’d want a high-end hotel confused with. The Frontier was a dump in its latter years, but it was a fun dump. And much preferable to empty real estate with will stay that way for years to come.

Strip Clubs In Casinos – Yet another topic which I couldn’t address before as it would have gotten stuck in email filters. Rumblings have been heating up again about the option of putting strip clubs inside casino resorts. Casinos hate to see their customers walk out the door, and all that time and money spend at off-strip strip clubs adds up to money not spent on site.

I believe this is a bad idea all around. A significant amount of Vegas visitorship comes from “conservative” middle America. They (perhaps this is you) will have a few drinks and cut loose and perhaps aren’t a prude. But putting the “Sin City” image over the top may take the playful nature of the image one notch too far. Also, we have to think of our convention traffic. Does the wife really want the husband running off to a hotel that has a strip club in it? Let’s keep the strip clubs over in the industrial area behind the hotels where they belong.

The Las Vegas Line – When you read a sports page or watch sports programs here in the US, you’ll hear them say “Las Vegas likes Team A by 6 points over Team B”. Believe it or not, no one here in town sits down and figures out how much a team will win by. The betting line is actually determined by the betting public. For any given game, the sports books want to get an absolutely even amount of money bet of both sides. They want to see (for example) one million dollars bet on Team A and one million on Team B. Because they make you bet $11 to win $10, they simply want to sit back and give the losers’ money to the winners, pocketing that extra $1 on each $10 bet.

To get an even amount of money on each side, they set the line (which team is favored and by how much) to a point that will draw bets on both sides. If one team is perceived by the public to be better, the line will reflect that to get people betting on the underdog. Bet the “dog” on a game where the point spread is 6, and you automatically get 6 points added to that team’s score at the end of the game (for betting purposes… whether you “win” or not). Bet the favorite, and you need to subtract 6 points from your teams score at the end of the game.

Using our original example, if Team A wins by 3 points, they may win the game, but the bets on Team B are actually the winning bets. Because although they lost by 3, they got to add those 6 points on for betting purposes.

A Slot Machine Ate My Midlife Crisis – This darkly funny novel describes Wendy SinclairÆs spin-crazy life in Las Vegas after she impulsively decides to not return to Houston following a bizarre girls’ weekend in 2005. I’m a guy, so can’t say it is my cup of tea. But some of our female readers may want to check it out for their Vegas fix. Click over to A Slot Machine Ate My Midlife Crisis

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

PBR, Menu, Miracle Mile Shops, Planet HollywoodPBR Rock Bar And Grill Introduces Savory New Menu Selections – Known for an extensive drink menu and an endless array of hearty American comfort food, PBR Rock Bar & Grill announces the introduction of several highly anticipated new menu items which include cocktails, breakfasts, appetizers, entrees and desserts that are sure to leave your mouth watering for more. The wide variety of new menu additions include sweet potato tater tots, a hearty chili cheeseburger and bloomin’ onion sliders served inside an onion ring with sautÚed onions, Swiss cheese, bacon and tomato on a warm onion roll.

Ring in the New Year at Miracle Mile Shops With Food and Drink Deals – Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve (Saturday, Dec. 31) and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on New Year’s Day (Sunday, Jan. 1).

Venetian, Palazzo, HELP, charity, Adopt-A-FamilyThe Venetian and The Palazzo Give Back to HELP of Southern Nevada – In the true spirit of the season, Team Members from The Venetian and The Palazzo adopted 55 families through HELP of Southern NevadaÆs Adopt-A-Family program and donated more than 35 bikes. Please see attached photos of the Team Members with all of the donated gifts.

Old Homestead Steakhouse, Caesars PalaceOld Homestead Steakhouse’s Annabelle the Cow is now Welcoming Guests at Caesars Palace – Annabelle, Old Homestead Steakhouse’s celebrity cow, has completed her cross-country journey and was unveiled this morning at the new Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace. During her trek, the iconic brown and white cow visited several major U.S. landmarks including Times Square, the St. Louis Arch, the Lincoln Memorial, Mt. Rushmore and the Alamo. She also found time to visit her family in Nebraska on the farm where she grew up and do a little shopping in Chicago. Before being placed at the entrance of Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace, she made one last stop at the ”Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Photo (L to R) Greg Sherry, Gary Selesner and Marc Sherry in front of Old Homestead Steakhouse.

Miracle Mile Shops Launches 2012 Caring, Giving, Changing Campaign With Fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals – Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino aims to raise more than $100,000 over the course of a year during its Caring, Giving, Changing campaign, which kicks off in January with a fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The year of Caring, Giving, Changing begins on January 1 with a month-long fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All change tossed into Miracle Mile Shops’ fountain as well as the center’s indoor rainstorm will be donated to the children’s charity, which is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children at its 170 member hospitals in North America.

Like And Tweet – Enjoy our information? Share it with your friends and followers (Click to Like or Tweet, hover over the share button for Email A Friend menu):

 

Maverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing TourMaverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour û Landing tour with a Continental breakfast or Hors d’oeuvres on the Canyon Floor. Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Descend deep into the Grand Canyon and land on the Hualapai Indian territory on the canyon floor for a champagne toast, beverages and hors d’ oeuvres in the heart of this spectacular wonder of the world.

Click To Book Maverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Both Members Mania and What We’re Watching (two very popular segments) will return in 2012. With the attention of most focused on family, friends, and the holidays, we’ve decided to keep this issue more brief than most.

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 7, 2008

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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! All year long, national and international news stories have predicted the demise of Las Vegas. Yet, if New Year’s Eve was any indication, 2009 is going to be bigger and better than ever.

More people came for New Year’s Eve this year than last year, despite the doom and gloom of current economic news. Both ESPN and Fox (Network) broadcast their New Year’s Eve shows live from The Strip and both featured incredible daredevil stunts:

Fox last generated their NYE show from Las Vegas twelve years ago when they blew up the Hacienda hotel (site of Mandalay Bay) live at midnight eastern time. If you missed that, I dug out the video from the reams of local TV recordings I make every New Year’s Eve and we have it posted online: The Hacienda Hotel imploded live on the Fox Network

The only downer? This years fireworks were a joke. Because of the Monte Carlo fire, the county has dictated that a structural report must be done from the top on every hotel prior to using it to launch fireworks. Instead of spending the lousy $200,000 to do the reports, the fireworks were shot off from various parking garages and not even visible to the entire Las Vegas Strip.

This was an embarrassment and indications are that next year, things will be back to normal. Editorial note: The head of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors authority has a $100,000 slush fund to buy himself humanitarian awards with, but our leaders can’t find $200,000 to do the reports needed for our trademark world famous fireworks show. Shame, shame, shame on those who made this decision. $200,000 is a drop in the bucket compared to the almost $300 million spent to market Las Vegas each year.

Top 10 Shows In 2008 – The Las Vegas Review-Journal has named what they feel were the best shows of the past year. Click each show for tickets:

  1. Jersey Boys
  2. Tony Bennett
  3. Bette Midler’s Showgirl Must Go On
  4. George Carlin (RIP)
  5. Cirque Du Soleil’s “O”
  6. Tom Jones
  7. The Second City (closed)
  8. Blue Man Group
  9. Donny and Marie Osmond
  10. Cher
famous las vegas sign
Hint: Click on the photo to send it to a friend,
or to download the full-sized version!

Welcome To Las Vegas – 40 million visitors a year come to town, yet very few stop by and see the famous Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Many simply don’t know where it is (just a couple blocks south of Mandalay Bay) and it has had limited accessibility. Until now.

A new small parking lot (12 spots) has opened at the sign, making it safe and convenient to see it up close and get that memorable photo. No access to a car on your next trip? Tell the cabbie to run you by it on your way in from the airport. It will only add a few dollars to your fare. Of you can catch The Deuce bus down Las Vegas Blvd. southbound. After passing Mandalay Bay, the bus will be getting pretty empty. Simply ask the driver to drop you off at the bus stop closest to the Las Vegas sign. The return (northbound) Deuce runs every few minutes.

viva mcdonalds las vegas strip

viva mcdonalds las vegas strip

Viva… McDonalds? A few issues ago (December 3 Las Vegas Insider Vibe), we told you about the cutting edge “only in Vegas” McDonalds opening on the upper-Strip (near Circus Circus… you really can’t miss it). As promised, we sent Mark down to the opening with camera in hand and got some great shots. Check out our Viva McDonald’s Restaurant Grand Opening Las Vegas 2008 Pictures

david copperfield las vegas ticketsFake Or Real – No… we aren’t talking about what you might be thinking (female anatomy). We’re talking magic. How many times have you seen an illusion where the magician supposedly bangs metal plates together or passes through a “real” jet engine (or similar) and you think: Real… my a**. That thing is made of plastic.

Evidently, David Copperfield uses very real steel and metal in some of his illusions. Last month, an assistant in his show was banged up pretty bad when caught in fan blades during an illusion (blades that Copperfield later appears to pass through). He spent a number of days in the hospital.

I’ve had the good fortune to see Copperfield’s show from the front row a number of years ago (archived 2002 David Copperfield review), and it was jaw-dropping. I was literally no more than 20 feet from some illusions and could see no mirrors, trap doors nor how he pulled off a number of his major illusions.

If you are going to be in town while Copperfield is playing, I rate it a “must see” even at the somewhat steep ticket price. The MGM Theatre he plays in here is much smaller than the usual auditoriums and arenas he plays around the world and it is a special opportunity to see one of the great performers of our time like few others get to. Click to check out David Copperfield Las Vegas Tickets

Buying A Las Vegas Home? – While we primarily a newsletter for Las Vegas visitors (and locals who enjoy doing all the fun stuff this town offers), we know that many visitors have a little bit of “What if we moved to Las Vegas” rolling around in the back of your heads. Hence, we do continue to cover the local housing scene from time-to-time.

So… is it a good time to buy in Las Vegas? A recent study called Las Vegas homes “undervalued” and 3008 saw around 30,000 foreclosed homes. Those conditions would seem to make it a perfect time to buy. But even if you have extra investment cash, don’t be too quick to buy that second home here. Las Vegas homes are undervalued on paper, but the true value of a house is if anyone can afford to buy it. With local unemployment heading toward 10% and population growth grinding to a halt, you may be sitting on that “investment” for years before it pays off.

If you are independently wealthy (or have a stable job you can perform from any city) and you are looking to make a permanent move here, I agree: great time to buy. But the quick bucks flipping homes in the Las Vegas housing market are long gone.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
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44th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards Live From The MGM Grand Garden Arena Sunday, April 5, 2009 On CBS – Country Music’s Party of the YearÖ, the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, honoring country music’s top talent and the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8 p.m. EST/PST on the CBS Television Network. (Tickets) In addition, the Academy has announced the Artist of the Decade Special Honoring George Strait which will be taped at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Monday, April 6, 2009 to air at a later date on the CBS Television Network. Click to Read The Full Story …

New Year to Bring New World-Class Entertainment to Las Vegas Strip – Already home to world-renowned productions, Las Vegas will soon welcome more entertainment powerhouses to The Strip. Here are the must-see productions for your next Vegas vacation:

  • At The Mirage, celebrity impressionist, singer, comedian and ventriloquist Terry Fator will debut his new show. Fator won NBCÆs 2007 season of “America’s Got Talent” and has performed to rave reviews on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Click for Terry Fator at Mirage Las Vegas Tickets
  • At Mandalay Bay, award-winning Broadway phenomenon DisneyÆs The Lion King will debut May 2, 2009. The spectacular production will join the six other highly successful companies ofáThe Lion King worldwide.áClick for Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art to Debut “Classic Contemporary” – On January 23, 2009, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) will debut “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends.” On loan from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the collection will feature contemporary masterworks by such iconic artists as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol Lewitt and Frank Stella, to name a few. The compelling exhibition will be on view at BGFA through September 8, 2009.

Billy Joel Returns To MGM Grand To Celebrate Valentine’s Day With A Marathon Of Hits – Billy Joel will make his triumphant return to Las Vegas with an appearance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Feb. 14 as part of a limited number of shows in select cities this winter. (Tickets) The engagement will be one of the first in North America since his record-breaking and critically acclaimed “Last Play at Shea” at New York’s Shea Stadium in July 2008. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Since his worldwide return to the stage in 2006, more than one million people have seen BILLY JOEL in peak form, delivering more than two hours of hits at each performance. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’ve been coming to Vegas for many years and have visited at least twice a year in the past 5 years. I love Vegas and I don’t even gamble. We visit during New Years mostly, bet on Bowl Games, flew in from Pittsburgh just to be with a great crowd at Caesars when WE won the Super Bowl year before last. It was spectacular, we were offered a lot of money for our terrible towels. Didn’t sell them. They’re originals from the Iron Curtain days.

Anyway, I am so happy to find this site. Don’t know why I never found it before. I love to hear all the info there is about Vegas. We stay at the Flamingo. It’s affordable and right in the middle of things. I always beg for a room with the a good view of the strip.(and thankfully always get it.) I open the drapes and see the Fountains at the Bellagio and the beautiful front entrance of Caesars and the big flashing billboards and I know I’m in Vegas and I’m in heaven. Last year a saw the Family Stone (Sly) at a casino off of the strip. It was really a great show. If anyone gets a chance to see it GO it was one of the most affordable shows I saw in Vegas.

I enjoyed Earth Wind & Fire and the Venetian last New Years Eve (2008). The first new years eve that I spent in Vegas I did go down to the street right in front of the Flamingo and watched the crazy parade and the fireworks. Again the Flamingo is great because I was right in the middle of things and just turned around and got back into the hotel.

A REMINDER: Right after the fireworks, there is a big crowd that are trying to get into the casinos. My friend did not come downstairs to watch the fireworks (watching a bowl game) and LUCKILY I brought my key) because of the crowd, the hotel staff will not let anyone up to the rooms without a key. The crowd of partiers usually subsides around 1:00 AM.

We’re going back this year leaving Pittsburgh on the 30th and coming back on the Jan 5. I won’t have as much money this year as last. I am looking for some good places to eat that won’t cost very much. We’ll splurge a few nights on dinner but will have to watch our money. I still going to Vegas and I’m sure there are places I can go, not spend to much and have a good time,. Any one with some actual experiences of good affordable places to eat and or places to go, Please post it. I will be checking this site often.

Bebe

Greetings! I thought you and your readers might enjoy this story. My wife and I had planned a trip to Vegas arriving December the 6th. We made our reservations months in advance. However, in early October, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had her surgery and the doctor told us she should do just fine after treatments. She has started her radiation treatments and should finish them in late December.

Now to reason I am writing. We had our plane reservations with Delta Airlines. We live on east coast. After trying to make new arrangements, refund (no way), or credit for later travel, I got in touch with the nicest lady (Ms Walker) from Delta and she worked out a new schedule with us. We will be flying to Vegas on January the 10th for 5 days. The only charge I will incur will be $10 plus change because taxes have gone up since we purchased the original tickets. We just have to give ‘Kudos’ to Delta and its employees for being so helpful in our time of sickness.

Thanks for you great and informative website.

Astor Kinney

Ted Responds:

My best to you and your wife and my thoughts and prayers are with her for a complete recovery and full health. It is really nice to hear about an airline that goes out of their way for you like this and we appreciate our readers sharing things like this.

I go to Vegas 3 to 4 times a year and love it. There are many things to see and do away from the strip. I urge travelers to see all of your city. ( the Springs Preserve etc.) I do the Strip also, but won big at the Orleans!! I’LL BE BACK

Jon from Montana

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

  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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:

  • 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
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (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.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

January 7, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 24, 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! Highs in the 90’s (F) and lows around 70 make this time of year oh-so-perfect. If you are starting to feel a chill in the air where you live, you may want to plan a Las Vegas getaway in October while we still have pool weather.

Can You “Believe” That Criss Angel’s Show Is Actually Going To Start? – After numerous start dates being pushed back, it actually looks like Criss Angel: Believe is ready to launch at The Luxor. We have tickets available starting for October 3, 2008 – Criss Angel: Believe Tickets. This is probably the most anticipated show opening in some time given the soft economy and flat visitor volume. We’ll let you know how early reviews go and have one of our writers report on it once the show is in full swing.

If You Haven’t Been To The El Cortez Lately – Then you really have not been to the El Cortez. We were pretty blown away by a recent visit. This once somewhat run-down hotel has been improved and returned to all the glory it once held. Worth checking out when you are downtown and a decent place to stay for the money. My tip? Try Roberta’s Cafe for dinner. Upscale dining steak and seafood style atmosphere but served with “old school” reasonable Las Vegas prices.


Click either photo for complete El Cortez photo set

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Continue Seeking Applicants – (from Wynn Las Vegas) Despite the escalating unemployment rate in Nevada and nationally, Wynn continues to accept applications for 5,300 newly created job opportunities, as it prepares to unveil Encore, the new signature resort in the Wynn collection. Wynn and Encore began accepting applications in July and have already received more than 65,000 job inquiries.á

SaysáStephanie Rosol of Wynn Las Vegas. “…we are still looking for people who share our dedication to excellence and passion for impeccable, personalized service. These openings present an opportunity to join the only Mobil Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond, Michelin Five Red Pavilions award-winning team in Las Vegas. Candidates should apply directly online at http://www.wynnjobs.com

M Resort Also Hiring – for their new resort to open in South Las Vegas. Property officials at the M Resort, Spa and Casino announced the resortÆs campaign to recruit up to 2,000 new team members for the $1 billion project scheduled to open March, 2009 on the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online today at www.theMresort.com

Possibly The Best $19.78 Burger You Will Enjoy – The $19.78 Morton’s and Make-A-Wish Prime Sirloin Burger is being offered on Sundays through November at Morton’s (400 East Flamingo, less than a mile from The Strip). Guests can indulge in the juicy burger with fries, while helping children at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Morton’s is donating $5 from each Prime Sirloin Burger entrÚe sold to the Foundation. Available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays through November.

Call Morton’s at (702) 893-0703 for questions or directions. My take? With Las Vegas being he new center of gourmet burgers (Burger Bar, BLT, etc) this is an amazing chance to sample this otherwise very expensive (and worth it) prime rib house while enjoying doing something good for others.

Las Vegas Real Estate Free Fall – Plans for new home developments are being mothballed just as quickly as plans for new Strip resorts. Just a couple of years ago, it looked like the Las Vegas area would sprawl like Southern California to new communities 1-2 hours from town, and small amounts of developable land (land not owned by the federal government) around the edges of Las Vegas would blossom with new homes.á

All bets are off and new home sales are way down (partially as people discover that for the same price as a new home, they can buy in an established Las Vegas neighborhood and get a much bigger lot, a real yard, and be closer to work and play). Related articles:

Church In Sin City – For years (perhaps decades), the myth that Las Vegas has more churches per capita than any other U.S. city has made the rounds (and was debunked a number of years ago).á

However, if you want to see how they do church in Las Vegas, one of the areas biggest churches is now holding virtual services for a worldwide audience. This is more than just a podcast: Services start at set times throughout the weekend to accommodate worldwide time zones and you can (if you wish) engage in pre- and post-service chat rooms and other social networking opportunities. More at http://www.centralonlinecampus.com

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Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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Dick’s Las Resort Brews Beer Pong – The Wackiest Joint on The Strip Puts a Silly Spin on Drinking Sport. Dick’s Last Resort invites you to test your skills at Bar Pong, the restaurant’s very own rowdy rendition of the popular past time that is beer pong. With Dick’s entertainer extraordinaire Taco acting as the rambunctious referee, the game has never been this fun. A touch of truth or dare is tossed in to add a twist as missed shots result in kooky challenges that will have everyone laughing. Whether flying solo or with friends, pick one of Dick’s 18 draft beers and join in the everlasting excitement where everyone is a winner.

Stagecoach Depot’s Haunted Corn Maze Opens Friday, Oct. 3rd In Glendale – Nevada’s largest Halloween festivity features a humongous corn maze in the crop circle style of a fire truck and it runs from Friday, Oct. 3-31 and ends with a barbecue and entertainment. The admission prices are $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under includes entrance to the haunted corn maze. On Oct. 3 there will be an outdoor bar and “Rock Star Karaoke” by Myke and Miranda. The band Evenflow will play on Halloween night. Bring a can of food to donate to the poor and receive a dollar off admission prices. The drama department of the local high school will play the spooks. Click to Read The Full Story …

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hi Ted,

We recently took both our daughter (25) and son (22)and their partners to visit Las Vegas after spending 4 days at San Francisco. We all loved San Francisco! But all loved Vegas as well! If I sound surprised, I am I was not sure they would see why we keep coming back.

We have been yearly for the last 4 years and this year came in February as well as July. They said it was like being in a nightclub for a week!!

We have stayed at the Luxor every time but its looking a little scruffy now. I know that there is a lot of construction work going on inside but its dirty and not too mention smoky inside the pyramid.

We are staying next, at The Planet Hollywood. We seem to spend a lot of our time in there and it will be nice to stay somewhere that is finished!!! Not to mention the beer in Sin City brewery is the best!!!!

Love the news letter and read it avidly every week!á

Best wishes, Kim and Glyn from Somerset England

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Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great note! Hitting Las Vegas plus another U.S. city is a popular thing to do for those of you who have to come so far to visit us.

It is interesting how most people (even those who don’t see themselves as a Vegas type of person) end up enjoying their visit here. It is like the worlds biggest indoor/outdoor nightclub for those who wish do live up the nightlife. Others prefer to be up at the crack of dawn (when it is cooler in the summer) for golf or a tour or just to see what all the casinos look like.

The Luxor is being remodeled one piece at a time, and it creates a strange mix. We’ll be over to check out the progress soon as we hear things are really shaping up.

Thanks for the great note and for being a regular reader. Glad you enjoyed your trip and please do remember to tell others who are thinking about visiting (or who come here already) to subscribe as well.

Hi, we usually stay at Sunset Station 2 times a year when we come out but no longer will. The place needs upgrades badly and now charging for drinks at the bar when gambling. What a ripoff, the bartender told us this was managements new policy to save money. The bartender said all his regulars have left there and now go somewhere else to play there money.á

They lost the whole family of 8 of us of ever returning there, poor management is the answer. Fuck them and there comps.á

Bob from Florida

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Ted Responds:

I hear you. The worst thing you can do is be loyal to one place no matter what. Take your business to a place that wants it!

Next time in town, perhaps stay downtown, rent a car, and check out some non-Station/Fiesta properties. South Point is really nice (and new). Arizona Charlie’s on Boulder isn’t bad. Orleans and Gold Coast are worth a try and close to The Strip.

I just came back from a second stay in Las Vegas and loved it once again! It is truly a unique vacation destination. I enjoying reading your column and I just have a question.á

Since Las Vegas is such a wonderful place to visit and family friendly, why is it that there are so many solicitors of prostitutes all along the strip. I know that prostitution is legal, but really, do they need to have hundreds of people lined up everywhere where you see people with small children and strollers and happy couples walking along the streets. All this does is bother people and create a lot of unnecessary pollution on the streets as most of those papers and cards just end up on the ground.á

I truly loved each visit to Las Vegas because of all the wonderful sights to see, shows, excellent food and service in the hotels and the surrounding natural beauty of the terrain, however I am curious to know if there has ever been any thought to just creating a red light district so that all those hustlers on the streets could be confined to one particular area where people in search of those services could go there directly rather than being such a nuisance to an otherwise wonderful place.á

I will certainly go back to Vegas again and keep up to date with your column but I was just really wondering if this point has ever been discussed with any of the city’s leaders or councilmen. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or info on the subject. Thank you.á

Sincerely, Angela Salera

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Ted Responds:

Prostitution is actually illegal in Clark County (the county that Las Vegas is in). It is legal in neighboring counties some 60-80 miles from Las Vegas. A couple of years ago, Mayor Oscar Goodman floated the thought of an actual red light district, but nothing has come of it.

The ACLU has fought for the rights of them to hand out what they want. It is a freedom of speech issue, in the same way you could hand out religious information if you wanted. Believe me, every trick in the book to get rid of them has been tried, including the thought of giving the sidewalks to the casinos (which would make them private property) but that was ruled not legal.

Las Vegas is no longer a family-friendly destination and has not marketed itself as such since the 90’s. The “What happens here…” ad campaign was part of dispelling that. However, I’m an adult and would prefer not to have to deal with the solicitors.

Thanks for reading and please telling your friends!

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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 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
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19

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September 24, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy