Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 9, 2007

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.


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

Hello From Las Vegas! We took last week off (scheduled off-week) and are you kidding? The heat is here, May 5 was one of the biggest weekends in a long time with the big fight, Kentucky Derby, and Cinco De Mayo… all on the same day!

Exclusive Planet Hollywood Casino Photos – Everyone has been talking about the unique, amazing interior of the new Planet Hollywood gaming floor. If you remember the old Aladdin, you won’t recognize the place. I pride myself on knowing just about every hotel in town like the back of my hand, but I got “lost” in the new design! Check out our brand new exclusive Planet Hollywood “Inside The Casino” Photos
Casino Security – By now, many of you have heard about the parking lot murder at The Luxor which was accomplished with a small bomb. This is a local issue, not terrorist related and just happened to take place at a hotel instead of (for example) a local shopping mall. However, it does prompt us to remind you that casino security is there to serve you, even if you aren’t staying at that particular property:

  • Never hesitate to contact security if you notice anything remotely suspicious, ranging from a person or group of people to a package, purse or suitcase left unattended. They want to know, and can address the situation.
  • If someone or a group of people are bothering you, creating problems, or simply unruly, do report them to security. Even if the people in question move on or bolt, they can be watched on cameras both inside and outside the casino. Security will appreciate keeping an eye on them.
  • Casino security will walk you out to your car if desired. You may have just hit a nice jackpot and have some cash on you, or used the parking garage and for some reason are concerned because of the hour or seeing suspicion activity.

Bottom Line: Casino properties are amazingly safe and secure. Live humans monitor (and record) virtually every square foot of the hotel’s public areas, inside and out. I’ve never had a worry or concern in 15 years of living here and covering Las Vegas. However, don’t hesitate to contact security if needed. They are there to help!

More “Screw The NBA” – Amazing how we just had a weekend (May 4-6) of convergence of cultures, interests, people of all backgrounds and races… (HUGE boxing match, Cinco De Mayo and Kentucky Derby) and no violence to note. After the NBA All-Star fiasco, the “we don’t want an NBA team” chant has reached a crescendo.

MGM Mirage Chief Executive Officer Terry Lanni recently noted that tourists stayed in their hotel rooms instead of playing slots and blackjack during the Feb. 17 and 18 (All Star) weekend, when two separate shootings left three people in critical condition (according to the Bloomberg story MGM’s Lanni Says NBA All-Star Weekend Was Bad for Las Vegas).

Someone tell Mayor Goodman (who is otherwise among the top ambassadors Las Vegas has ever had) to trash can the “bring an NBA team” here idea. We are already on the map, and don’t need a pro sports team to make us an “important” city.

Bette Midler is replacing Celine Dion at Caesars and tickets are now available. More on this as it develops.

Enjoy This Issue!



Pamela Anderson To Join Celebrated Illusionist Hans Klok In “The Beauty Of Magic” At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – International television and film star Pamela Anderson will join illusionist Hans Klok û the world’s fastest magician — in The Beauty of Magic (Tickets), the new show at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theater for the Performing Arts. The stage spectacular will combine the illusions of Klok, fresh off his sold-out European tour with brand new illusions created just for Las Vegas, with the electrifying Anderson in a completely new and unique production. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gwen Stefani “Sweet Escape Tour” Lands At The MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 30 – Gwen Stefani will bring her “Sweet Escape Tour” to Las Vegas (Tickets) and the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 30. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with special guest Lady Sovereign opening the evening’s performance. In 2004, Stefani released her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., which sold seven million copies worldwide, including nearly four million in the United States. A number of smash hits were released including “Hollaback Girl” (No. 1 for four weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100), “Rich Girl” (which featured Eve), “Cool,” “Luxurious” and “What You Waiting For?” Click to Read The Full Story …

Lance Burton To Appear On CBS “The Late, Late Show” on May 14’th – Stay up or set your DVR/VCR’s… Lance Burton (Tickets) the magic star of the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino will appear on “The Late, Late Show” with Craig Ferguson on Monday, May 14th. The master magician who was chosen by Variety Magazine as one of the top 10 magicians of all-time will perform some of his magic and do his first interview with Craig Ferguson. “The Late, Late Show” With Craig Ferguson airs on CBS, check your local listings for air time.

Free Jazz Fridays Series Poolside At The Orleans – Join us for the launch of our Free Jazz Fridays Series Poolside at The Orleans. The Oasis air staff will kick off every weekend with free concerts by the pool. It’s the best way to escape the stress of your work week. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Best Thing About A Las Vegas Summer Is Here… Mandalay Bay Presents 2007 Concerts On The Beach – Some new names, a few old favorites and a couple of “must sees” make up this year’s outstanding lineup for Mandalay Bay’s “Concerts on the Beach” series (Tickets). The beach concert season runs May through September on the Mandalay Beach Stage, which rises over the Four Diamond resort’s signature sand and surf wavepool. Concert-goers are invited to bring their blankets, sit on the beach or wade in the surf and listen to the music from the cool confines of Mandalay Bay’s 1.6 million gallon wavepool. Click to Read The Full Story and Artist Line-Up …

David Copperfield’s An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion Announces Spring And Summer Dates At MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre – Master magician and illusionist David Copperfield (Tickets) continues his 2007 tour at MGM Grand’s intimate 740-seat Hollywood Theatre. David Copperfield, whom the New York Times calls “our era’s giant of magic,” is touting An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion as his most spectacular stage show ever. Dazzling new illusions include “Lottery,” one of the most incredible predictions in the history of magic. Click to Read The Full Story …

Spring Ahead, Enjoy a Taste of Summer Now – Spring may be just beginning, but the tastes of summer are just a refreshing cocktail away. Whether you’re dreaming of a lazy day in the sun or a sizzling night on the town, these seasonal libations are sure to please any palate:

Bellagio Mist (created by Bellagio Mixologist Drew Levinson)

  • 2 oz. Monchhof Riesling
  • 1/2 oz. Amaretto Disarrono
  • 2 oz. fresh sour
  • 1/2 oz. orgeat syrup
  • In a shaker, combine all ingredients. Shake and strain into ice-filled cup. Top with soda, stir, garnish with Star Fruit and enjoy!

Orange Colada (created by TI Mixologist Kay Kolbo)

  • 2 oz. Cruzan Orange Rum
  • 2 oz. Pina Colada mix
  • 2 oz. orange juice
  • 2 oz. pineapple juice
  • Combine all ingredients with ice and blend until smooth. Serve in a Hurricane glass, garnished with orange wheel.

Lavender Cucumber Mojito (created by Fleur de Lys’ Rebecca Anhert)

  • 1/8 fresh European cucumber
  • 1/2 lime
  • 15 mint leaves
  • 1 oz. Bacardi Light Rum
  • 1/2 oz. Cointreau
  • 1/2 oz. Trader Vic’s Rock Candy Syrup
  • Combine all ingredients, shake and strain over ice into tall glass before topping with club soda.

Lladro To Unveil New $135,000 High Porcelain Sculpture With Exclusive Signing Event Featuring Maria Jose Lladro – Proceeds From The Tour To Benefit Operation Smile – As a part of a seven city tour, the exclusive Lladro boutique inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino will be unveiling a new 152 centimeter (5-foot) piece called the Queen of the Nile. Retailing at $135,000, the Queen of the Nile will be onsite for through the end of May. Queen of the Nile is a breath-taking piece recreating the look of an Egyptian boat. All the intricate details took five years to develop, 400 hours to paint and approximately 150 hours to assemble its many fragments. The complex composition is brought to life by 12 characters, creating a number of lively scenes. Click to Read The Full Story …

Midwest Gaming & Travel Magazine Takes Readers along for ‘A Day in the Life of Poker Diva Liz Lieu’ – Viewers have fallen in love with the final table suspense and million dollar payouts of major poker tournaments televised from casinos around the world. They are the quintessential reality show. Every bet, raise, bluff and fold in this high-stakes arena can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Top poker tournament players have achieved celebrity status and become household names. And as their popularity increases, so do questions about their personal lives. What do these men and women do in those “off-hours” when they’re not pitted against other top pros around a poker table vying for a multi-million dollar prize. Click to Read Complete Article

Mandalay Bay Redefines Casual Elegance with New Room DesignsMandalay Bay’s new room designs set a new standard in accommodations. With plush textiles, vibrant colors and luxurious amenities, five new room choices û Deluxe, Spa, Great Room, eXtra Bedroom or Sky View û combine modern comforts with chic sophistication. Ranging in size from 550 to 1,500 square feet, each room type assures a perfect night’s rest with pillow-top mattresses, triple-high-count sheets and down comforters. Guests also will discover floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious tubs, wireless high-speed Internet access, cordless phones with dual lines, iHome clock radios for iPods, in-room safes and his-and-her closets.

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Planet Hollywood “Inside The Casino” Photos – Everyone has attempted to describe what Planet Hollywood looks like now that the casino remodel is pretty much completed, but we bring you our exclusive photos! Anything you remember about the old Aladdin is gone. A modern, rich high-tech feel permeates while giving incredible warmth with dark woods and bright accents. See for yourself:



Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Mark R. Chrusciel sent this awesome photo of Bellagio Fountains. He noted:

My favorite Las Vegas photo It was taken from the balcony of Olives.

Special Bonus For Our Readers – We’ve made newsletter member Mark’s photo our computer wallpaper of the week for everyone to enjoy on their computer at full quality size!

Bellagio Fountains with Paris Background Computer Wallpaper – A Leading Hotel of the World, Bellagio begins with approximately 1,000 fountains dancing to opera and classical music in front of the 37-story Tuscan-style hotel. Located on the Strip, Bellagio received the Conde Nast “Traveler Gold List” and “Travel + Leisure 500,” awards in 2006. Click and view Bellagio Fountains Computer Wallpaper.

More Bellagio info and pics:

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I love your newsletter.For the 9th year in a row, four of us girlfriends are meeting in Las Vegas 5/21-5/26/07. This year we would like to find the ôMust see Lounge Actsö So can you tell me which one’s we should not miss?

Sherry Miller

Ted Responds:

Lounge acts are often changing, both the location and time and place they play. Here are the pretty consistent ones that put on a great show, and at least one of them should suit almost any particular groups interest (click their links to find out more about them and when/where they are playing):

  • Sunset Strip at the Las Vegas Hilton. They are electric, amazing, look great (both the women and men) and regularly garner good feedback from our readers.
  • Cook E. Jarr at Carnival Court at Harrah’s. Cook E. is a Las Vegas legend, good friend of Tom Jones, and can belt out an “old school” song followed by the latest radio hit all with his unique style that millions love.
  • Twin Keys dueling piano show, also at Harrah’s in their own lounge inside. I’ve seen numerous dueling piano shows in various tourist areas (plus the many that play here), and these are tops. If one doesn’t have a good time at their show, one is not capable of having a good time anywhere.
  • David Van Such is our local king of smooth (light) jazz and his band is the perfect music for chilling with a cocktail while keeping you entertained with the perfect Las Vegas feel.


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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:

  • 2007

  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • 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

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All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

May 9, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 2, 2003

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that you really care about.

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to allvegastv@aol.com

This Issue: Reader Questions And Feedback Answered

Shows | Headliners | Tours | Dining | Golf | Rental Cars | Airfare | Packages

Print Out This Number! – Call (toll free) 866-828-9849 x143 to book all hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining reservations. Bring number to Las Vegas for last minute reservations too! (New reservations only. Existing reservations use contact information given when reserving. Online room deals must be booked online).

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

Senior’s Las Vegas Newsletter Is Free – In case there was any confusion, our new Seniors newsletter about Las Vegas is completely free, just like this one. What? You haven’t heard about it? Check out our March 26 Newsletter in the archives for all the details.

Dirk Arthur Room/Show Contest – is still going strong! If you have yet to enter, do it before you forget Tell your friends! Click To Enter

McCarran Airport Security – Those traveling know that general airport security is a little tighter due to the war. After 9/11/01 we posted a short video noting the upgrades to security at Las Vegas McCarran Airport. Click To Watch

Reader Feedback

Message Board Member “LuvToGetLucky ” wrote:

Recently, my spouse and I have experienced the excitement of penny slots. It just seems like it is more fun to win 7500 credits on a penny machine than to win 300 credits on a quarter machine even though you’re winning the same amount in either case. We’re planning a trip to Vegas in the near future and plan to do a lot of casino-hopping. Can anyone tell us where to find penny slots? Who has the most? Where you’ve had the best luck?

Penny slots are getting very popular, especially now with the “ticket in, ticket out” technology so you don’t have to scoop up your winnings in pennies. We know many of you enjoy them when you hit town! Which machines are your favorites? Do you play a few coins at a time, or do you play the machine loaded?á Tell us about it in our Penny Slots forum.

Meg from Northern California wrote:

I have enjoyed reading your news letter for over a year now. I travel to Vegas once or twice a year and and your newsletter has been a big help in “seeing the town.” I recently had a very unpleasant experience with a cab driver who went the long way to my hotel. I guess he thought I was a rookie to Vegas. When I asked him why we was taking me on this route, he told me the other road was under construction. WRONG! I was pretty upset and told him he ate up his tip. What I didn’t do was get his name and the taxi company’s name. I will never make that mistake again.

On my return to the airport, I had a great cabbie and told him what happened on my arrival. No, the road wasn’t under construction and yes, I did get taken. Unfortunately, I read about taxi rip offs in your newsletter AFTER I returned. At least I’ll be aware in the future. Thanks for covering that subject. At least I’m not the only one who got suckered.

We bring this up from time-to-time because cab drivers are notorious for “long hauling” riders. All the while, they pretend to be friendly and helpful, trying to sell you tickets to a Strip Club or other show that they are getting a healthy kick-back for.

I’m not saying that all cab drivers are bad, but it doesn’t hurt to beware. If they take you through the airport tunnel (without informing or asking you), they are taking you the long way. The Strip is north of the airport. The tunnel heads south!

We have a complete page on Getting Around In Las Vegas that includes information on cabs and other forms of transportation. If you feel you were “long hauled” or experience any other problem with a cab driver, just quietly note the cab company and car number and (if you can) their name on the drivers certificate posted in the cab. Do not call the cab company. Like they care!

Call the Taxicab Authority at (702) 486-6532. They do keep records, and can suspend drivers with repeated complaints. Don’t feel bad! Your call alone won’t cause a driver hardship. If a number of complaints develops against a driver, they need to be weeded out. We want you to have a great time in Las Vegas!

Message Board Member “Scott ” wrote a great trip report about his December visit. Talked about his flight, cab ride, gambling, drinking and just having a good time at Excalibur, Mandalay Bay, Rio Suites, Luxor, Bellagio, Caesars, and more. This is a great read whether you are getting ready for your next trip, or missing the Las Vegas experience.

Check out his Dec. 14-16 Trip Report. And don’t forget to contribute your own trip report or thoughts on your trip when you return. It is a great way to relive the fun and excitement as well as helping others plan for their trip!

Message Board Member “Laree” wrote:

I have been travelling to Vegas for years, and have enjoyed fishing the parks near the Strip stocked with trout. This year though I have the time to extend further out, maybe to Lake Mead or the Colorado river. Any advice, or links to finding fishing info would be greatly appreciated (trip is late February!)

Unfortunately, our backlog prevented us from asking before Laree came to town, but if you fish this area, step up to the plate and help your fellow anglers out with some basic (or advanced) info about fishing in Las Vegas in our Any Fishermen In Vegas forum.

Message Board Member “bill67 ” wrote:

Which club (green Door, Red Rooster, Hid-n-seek, Fantasy Social club) is better for a couple? Which is cleaner, more respectable? Which has a better ratio of couples versus single men? Any help would be great.

This is a good time to emphasize that our forums let you pick a “screen name” so you can be anonymous. If someone emails you from your forum profile, it goes through our machine. Your actual email is never revealed to someone unless you write them back and tell them.

We do not have any association with these clubs, but if you have advice for “bill67” feel free to respond to his post in the Adult Swing Clubs forum. Please post and/or contact someone through their profile. Our forums are great for sharing info, but we will draw the line at personal ads.

Message Board Member “sandi527 ” wrote:

I saw Thunder From Down Under last October and they were fabulous!! It’s a very interactive show – so the shy ladies should sit way in the back!!!! The show is funny, sexy and exciting. Some of the best looking men I’ve seen in a long time!! Saw the Chippendales many years ago…I much prefer Thunder. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Also, plenty of opportunity to meet the men…

In my 10 years here, the biggest (and possibly best) change I have seen is more women enjoying Las Vegas! It used to be rare to see groups of women out and about, having fun, cutting loose, maybe having a couple too many cocktails but the tide has turned. “Girls Night Out” vacation now means Las Vegas!

Two popular shows are Thunder From Down Under and Chippendales The Show. If you have seen either one, or want to know what others are saying, check out our For The Ladies (Male Revues) forum.

Message Board Member “gsanta ” wrote:

My wife and I are yearly Las Vegas regulars and both in our early thirties. Can someone out there recommend a dance club where we won’t feel out of place and “old”.

Thirty-something includes me (Ted) and I imagine a fair number of our readers. We know you come here to do more than gamble so tell us your favorite nightlife in our The Thirty-Something Crowd forum. I posted a couple of my favorites and someone else has already chimed in. Where do you love to dance and lounge?

Featured Shows!

V – The Ultimate Variety Show
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Legends in Concert

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Hypnolarious starring Terry Stokes
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See you on the boards!

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter please post to our message boards so that others may read and help or write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

See you on the boards!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

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All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
April 2, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770