Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 28, 2008

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.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.


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

Hello From Las Vegas! As usual, both the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street were jammed over Memorial Day weekend. The cool weather (partly cloudy, mild temps) keep the mood slightly more subdued than usual but hey… 70 degrees (F)á beats the 108 we had the week before!

A big congratulations goes to Mac King for being named the top Comedy Magician in the world according to Magic Magazine (April 2008 issue). I have the actual issue and was very impressed that this wasn’t just some “award” but a careful, scientific, peer-chosen determination.

He actually beat out both Penn and Teller and The Amazing Johnathan, two names which have had far greater media exposure. Plus, the price is right. Mac King is an afternoon show that will be both easy on your wallet and get you our of our pending summer heat.

Tickets for Las Vegas’ top comedy magic shows:

Las Vegas Rio Sky ShowThe new Rio “Show in the Sky” has just (and I mean JUST) launched. We haven’t even had time to pop over and see it, but the press stuff they sent out notes it is much more sexy and sensual, including three different shows:

With three different shows, guests are encouraged to stay a while for an all new experience to see a unique show each time. The bedroom style performance will feature a 17 foot-long bed with high-energy performers of seduction. The bath/spa style performance will encompass a glamorous stage with sexy girls in towels. The modern-day club performance brings the feeling of old Hollywood glamour meets classic burlesque with accents of rhinestones and feathers throughout.

Shows play nightly on the hour from 7 PM to Midnight.

Las Vegas Second Most Digital Savvy – I never thought I’d see this day, but Las Vegas recently ranked second (behind Austin, TX) as the nation’s most digitally savvy city. This is a huge turn-around. When I launched AccessVegas.com in 1997 (and the predecessor two years earlier) as strictly online publications, casinos didn’t have websites and it seemed rare to find someone in upper management who knew what the internet was.

The Scarborough Research study cited the relatively young average age of residents, median household income of $53,000, higher tech penetration of warm, Western (US) cities, and the transient nature of the residents. This makes sense as people in their 20’s and early 30’s move here thinking they’ll have some fun, make some cash, then move back home (or move on to Southern California, Phoenix, or San Francisco). More of this story available here: Digital Savvy In Sin City

On the party front…

Dick’s last resort is brewing up beer pong, putting a silly spin on this infamous drinking game. They note:

DickÆs Last Resort invites you to test your skills at Bar Pong, the restaurantÆs very own rowdy rendition of the popular past time that is beer pong. With DickÆs 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 DickÆs 18 draft beers and join in the everlasting excitement where everyone is a winner.

Where: DickÆs Last Resort at Excalibur. When: 7 pm û Late, Wednesday û Sunday.

June 5 brings another edition of “Cinco de Taco” at the Pink Taco inside the Hard Rock Hotel offering $2 Coronas and Corona Lights, $3 Sauza Hornitos shots, $3.75 Sauza Hornitos margaritas as well as half-off appetizers from 4 p.m. until closing. “Cinco de Taco” features a live Mariachi band beginning at 6 p.m., and girls dressed in lingerie will be participating in three unique Pinata bashings filled with Love Jones lingerie. Click the above photo for previous “Cinco de Taco” photos.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


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Featured Review:
Take a Plunge Into The Mystical World Of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere

by Denise Almas

The circus is coming. The circus is coming! Don’t be late or you may find yourself following an unconventional looking clown instead of an usher to your seat — or perhaps someone else’s seat. Thus begins the stunning and surrealistic Cirque du Soleil production of Mystere. As soon as the doors close, the ringmaster takes over and the true action begins with a baby playing ball and looking for his “papa”. After finding a “papa” in the audience, the story begins to unfold in a vibrant and visually stimulating performance.

With the exit of the ringmaster, the performers come alive with unusual costumes, dancing, and death defying acts that only highly trained professionals could deliver with poise, grace, and beauty. As music heightens the performances, these athletes fly through the air, balance on top of each other, and bring to life the mysteries of human emotion and capabilities. Without missing a beat, these international athletes perform feats such as the aerial high bar, bungee, and Chinese Poles.

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


Featured Review:
Elton John Songs Improve With Time In Red Piano

by Lincoln Hudson

Stepping out onto the stage at Caesars Palace one can only gasp at the enormous enigma that Sir Elton John has become. Clearly older and wiser this superb and universal entertainer has lost none of the talent and passion that makes him easily one of the worlds greatest performers.

Red Piano is a magnificent show that beautifully uses the technology of both multi-media and film to tell the story and sub text of his songs. Elton John is not just a talented rock star but he is also quite clearly an Artist whose talent also includes writing hit musicals and adapting opera’s. Most amazing of all I find is the forever deepening sub text of his songs that go back almost thirty years.

Click to Read Entire Elton John Red Piano Las Vegas Review…


Harrah’s Hosts World’s Most Esteemed Flair Bartending Competition June 3 – 5 – Bartenders vie for cash and the coveted Ultimate Flair Bartending Championship Title. Harrah’s Carnaval Court welcomes the world’s most skilled flair bartenders June 3 -5, for the fourth annual international bartending competition, Ultimate Flair Bartending Championship (UFBC). The outdoor, Strip-side venue has earned the reputation as the world’s premier flair bar, thus it is fitting that the best-of-the-best flock to Carnaval Court to compete for the title of UFBC champ. Click to Read The Full Story …

Legendary Entertainer Wayne Newton Will Perform At MGM Grand July 31 – August 6 – “Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton will light up the stage inside MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre for a seven-night engagement July 31 û August 6. (Tickets) Show time is 8:30 p.m. nightly. Additional performances will go on sale later this year. This appearance marks Newton’s first performance at MGM Grand since 1999. Newton has been entertaining audiences worldwide for more than 60 years having started at the age of four years old. After several appearances on ABC’s popular hit series “Dancing with the Stars,” Newton returns to MGM Grand to perform alongside a 22-piece orchestra. Click to Read The Full Story …

Love Bites at Shark Reef Aquarium – Imagine tying the knot as sharks and other dangerous predators float by. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay offers couples the chance to say “I do” in this unforgettable setting. Coordinated by the professional staff of “THE wedding chapel” at Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef Wedding Package includes a bouquet and garter for the bride, boutonniere for the groom, minister, pianist, a wedding album and more. Priced at $1,175, tax excluded. Call 702-632-4555 for more details.

Star-Studded Lineup Gathering For Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Poker Event June 8 At The World Series Of Poker – Stars Teri Hatcher, Joely Fisher plus Cheryl Hines, Camryn Manheim and Mindy McCready among Celebrities Scheduled to Participate at Rio Las Vegas. While poker continues to grow worldwide, one of the biggest areas of growth is coming from female participation. Thus, the anticipation for this year’s World Series of Poker female-only event, the $1,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em World Championship, is greater than ever before. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Time Reunite At Flamingo Las Vegas – All-Time Greatest Party Band Together Again For The First Time In 18 YearsFlamingo Las Vegas presents special limited dates of legendary Minneapolis funk band, The Time, June 24 – July 5 and July 29 – Aug. 2. (Tickets) These exclusive performances mark the first time the original band members have performed together in 18 years, following their acclaimed appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards. The master of cool, Morris Day, will reunite with his original band mates, valet Jerome Benton, drummer Jellybean Johnson, bass player Terry Lewis, guitarist Jesse Johnson and keyboard artists Jimmy Jam and Monte Moir to perform all of their classic hits. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: The King and I Part Two – with Victor H. Royer. Neither Lady M nor the King ever had to worry about announcing themselves, or about reservations. They just showed up whenever they felt like it. In this case, the King had a problem with Lady M, and so the casino thought they had a problem. But the King was very well adjusted. He wasnÆt fretting about it. He simply did whatever it was that he did in his suite, and when Lady M finally left, he came down to play his machines.á

Me being there must have, at first, seemed like it was going to be another problem for everybody, but the KingÆs graciousness and understanding resolved the situation and rendered a potential problem totally moot. I was actually quite impressed by him, the way he acted, and his royal persona. Click to Read Complete Article…


Can’t Make It To Vegas?
Get Tickets To An Event Near You!

NBA Playoffs, Tina Turner, Madonna American Idols Live, New Kids On The Block, Bon Jovi, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Stevie Wonder, Widespread Panic, Cold Play, Carlos Mencia , Melissa Etheridge, Music Build Tour, Ringling Bros Circus, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just reading your news letter and especially the part about the planes. This bit made me smile: “However, many of you are flying 12-16 hours to get here and that commitment to come visit isn’t lost on us either.”á

Not lost on you but for many of us Brits who used to come over regularly ( I came at least once a year ) we’ve decided that enough is enough and we are no longer prepared to queue for two hours or more once we get off the plane at Chicago or Atlanta or Washington, as we crawl towards the Immigration desk where we are finger printed and photographed.á

12 hours on a plane, then two hours to pass thru Chicago. Normally you miss your connecting flight to Vegas and then have to kill another 3 or 4 hours before making the next 3 hour leg of the journey.

I tried going direct last time ( not a lot of cheap direct flights for those of us living in the North of England ) and the wait to pass thru Immigration at McCarran was nearly two hours as well. I love Vegas but I just can’t do the immigration- Homeland security bit any more.

Regards,

Dave Kendall

Ted Responds:

I appreciate the note and understand the hassle. We call the TSA here the Transportation Screw-Up Administration. And something should be done to speed up the immigration lines here, especially with the number of international flights.

May I suggest sending the same note you sent me to our local paper as a letter to the editor? They have even an bigger voice than I do (politicians generally don’t read tourism publications like ours, but they read the newspaper). You can even submit it online at
http://www.reviewjournal.com/about/print/press/letterstoeditor.html

In fact, I suggest all of our international readers frustrated about this to spend just a couple of minutes doing so. A barrage of complaints will have to be noticed by our newspaper and it might even create extra coverage (or a feature story) that the politicians can’t ignore.


My husband and I have been coming to Vegas for the past 15 years and if you can believe it our latest trip in April/08 is the first time we have been to Fremont Street and we fell in love with it.

My questions is this-is Fremont Street a safe place to stay for a few days at one of their hotel/casinos? This concern for safety has been the reason we have never ventured downtown before now but we spent 3 days of our trip playing/eating/shopping/enjoying the shows during our latest visit and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Keep up all the wonderful work you all on the newsletter, we look forward to it and have learned so much from it. Thanks so much,

Wayne and Sandy M.
Rochester, NH

Ted Responds:

Downtown is as safe as The Strip provided you stay in the tourism areas. But one should never wander off (on foot) well away from normal tourism areas anywhere unless they specifically know the area. The upside of downtown is the more reasonable priced rooms, food, and entertainment. Also, the casinos are all right next to each other. No long walks when you want to change scenery.

The downside is the bus or cab right to The Strip. What many do is buy an all day pass on The Deuce (bus running from downtown to The Strip every few minutes, 24/7). For those looking at the price of airfare and Strip hotel rooms and cringing but still really wanting to come visit, I suggest this: Stay downtown where you’ll still find the Vegas that everyone used to talk about where prices are much easier on the wallet.


Do you have any insight into valet parking at Las Vegas hotels? Reason, we were in town a week ago and valet parked at every hotel. Our camera and GPS unit were stolen from our car and the only time it was unlocked is when we valet parked.á

We didn’t discover they were missing until a couple of days later when we went to use them and there is no damage on the car. Is this a problem in Las Vegas? Any ideas of what can be done? Any help would be appreciated.

Evelyn Dotson

Ted Responds:

This is the first time we’ve had anyone bring this issue up in the 9 years of the newsletter so it probably isn’t widespread. Valet parkers make really good money and would be stupid to jeopardize it. Also, they have casino surveillance cameras on them pretty much at all times.

However, it is a good reminder for people to check their stuff after they valet. If something is missing, security can roll back all the cameras that your car was on and probably catch who did it. If you know the license plate on the car you were driving, you can write the property and tell them your problem. Don’t delay as I don’t know how long they keep surveillance video.

In the future… for any theft on a casino property (purse/wallet theft or anything): Keep track of your stuff the best you can (so you know when it is missing) and report any theft as soon as possible. Pretty good chance they can roll some video back and try to see who did it. At the very least, they can then keep an eye out for the thief.


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 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

May 28, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 12, 2008

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:

Ted will return next week. He was last seen muttering something about sunny 75 degree days, March Madness, his cabana by the pool…

Actually, he’s finishing getting everything in order to resume his Las Vegas podcast and arranging all the great new content we’ll debut over the next few weeks. However, visitors have been enjoying 75 degree days, March Madness, and hitting the pools.

Special Note: In the next few weeks, we bring you brand new show reviews of Stomp Out Loud, Rita Rudner, Lance Burton, Mac King, Crazy Girls, American Superstars, Blue Man Group, Wayne Brady, and many more!

Please enjoy these new show reviews and great Las Vegas information prepared by staff!

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


Featured Review:
Monty Python’s Spamalot

By Guy Chapman

For those who consider themselves a Monty Python fan, there is a special breed of humor found within the absurdity of the British comedy troop. While the classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” carried its fair share of catchy tunes, it would have never been considered a Broadway-scale musical… until now. “Spamalot” takes the troop”s second film and turns it into a full tour de farce that showcases a spectacle that is “lovingly ripped off from” the Python”s parody of the Arthurian Legend.

So is “Spamalot” simply an adaptation of the film? Monty Python fans know that nothing is ever as it seems when it comes to comedy, and to always expect the unexpected. While “Spamalot” lifts primarily from the original film, it also serves up a buffet of classic Python songs from past “Flying Circus” skits, and includes them into the story in clever and seamless ways. The rest of the production adds new extended scenes into the story that fit well with the absurd sense of humor the film is known for. Click to Read Entire Spamalot Review…

Featured Review:
Tony and Tina’s Wedding

By Sarah Steinberg

“Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” at the Calypso Room at the Rio Hotel & Casino is a must-see! It pulls you in immediately. Literally the actors, in character, pull you in the minute you walk through the door. You will be ushered to your table and then greeted by your emcee for the evening, the obnoxious, loud Vinnie Black and his tacky wife Loretta. Vinnie is like a shock to the system, but in a good way, pulling you right into the fun. “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” is the story of two crazy Italian families, the Vitale’s and the Nunzio’s, coming together for an evening of mayhem and shenanigans. Don”t think you’ll be just sitting back and watching the show. This is an interactive experience and you will be a part of it.

Before the wedding ceremony even begins, the macho groomsmen with attitude will make you feel like you”re part of the family, but not just any family. Everyone, including the bride and groom-to-be, make their rounds greeting the guests. That would be you and me folks, so get prepared to experience two hours of zany fun. Family “issues” delay the start of the wedding while Sister Albert Maria is appalled by the certain behavior of the sleazy Italian men. With the help of Father Mark, the mild-mannered priest, they try to get this motley crew under control and get through the wedding ceremony. Click to Read Entire Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding Review…

Ultimate Fighting Championship« Presents UFC 84: Ill Will Live From MGM Grand May 24 – The war of words between UFC Lightweight Champion “The Prodigy” BJ Penn and former champion Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk is about to end and the fighting is set to begin. (Tickets) On May 24 both men will step into the UFC Octagon to determine, once and for all, the undisputed king of the 155-pound division. Also, in back-to-back light heavyweight superfights, “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz will face undefeated Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida and “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva will battle Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine. The Ultimate Fighting Championship organization presents UFC 84: ILL WILL live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 24. Click to Read The Full Story …

Tiger Woods To Host Rock Icons Van Halen At Tiger Jam XI Presented By AT&T Saturday, April 19 – The Tiger Woods Foundation announced today that Tiger Jam XI presented by AT&T will take place Saturday, April 19 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. (Tickets) Golf legend Tiger Woods will welcome rock icons Van Halen to Tiger Jam XI to raise funds for the Tiger Woods Foundation and select Las Vegas-based charities. Saturday evening’s highlights will include top-notch epicurean fare as well as an exclusive live and silent auction featuring unique items. Click to Read The Full Story …

Reunited After Eight Years, The Verve To Play The Pearl April 26 – British contemporary rock band, The Verve, best known for their hit “Bittersweet Symphony” brings their unique sound to The Pearl at the Palms on Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. (Tickets) After splitting in 1999, members of The Verve went their separate ways, some on to solo projects, until 2007 when they announced their return to the pop/rock scene. The announcement included information on a tour and a new album, their first original album since 1997’s Urban Hymns. Click to Read The Full Story …

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Weekend At Fremont Street Experience – Las Vegas’ legendary Fremont Street Experience will be the place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day when a weekend of live entertainment kicks off on Saturday, March 15. St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at the Fremont Street Experience brings three days of free concerts with Whiskey Galore and Wild Celts. The performance schedule is as follows: Saturday, March 15, Wild Celts , 6-8 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Whiskey Galore, 9-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Sunday, March 16, Whiskey Galore, 8-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Monday, March 17, Whiskey Galore, 8-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage. Click to Read The Full Story …

Boa Steakhouse Struts Its Stuff With Its Red High Heel, A Cocktail For The Ladies – A concoction sure to put a pep in any woman’s step, BOA Steakhouse’s Red High Heel blends Bombay Sapphire Gin, simple syrup, lime juice, fresh raspberries, rosewater and champagne to create a lovely mixture ù perfect for a night on the town.

Red High Heel Recipe

  • 1 1/2 ounces of Bombay Sapphire Gin
  • 1 ounce of simple syrup
  • 1/2 juiced lime
  • 8-10 fresh raspberries
  • 1 ounce of rosewater
  • 1 ounce of champagne

Combine all ingredients into a drink shaker and serve in a champagne flute garnished with raspberries and a lemon twist.

Sirens Of TI Sizzle Into Summer With New Late Hours – Dancing into their fourth year as Vegas’ most brazen beauties, the Sirens of TI will lure guests into Sirens’ Cove with new summer hours beginning March 10. The Sirens will perform nightly at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. From daring swordplay to high-diving acrobatics and eye-popping pyrotechnics, the Sirens of TI is packed with countless thrills. Created by award-winning director Kenny Ortega, the music, dance, excitement and seduction in this modern musical-meets-action-movie spectacular has captivated the attention of more than 9.6 million spectators to date. Since 2003, the Sirens of TI cast has performed more than 4,250 shows.

Blue Man Group & Allegiant Air Announce Innovative Partnership – Launching March 13, this unprecedented partnership will focus on communicating the Blue Man Group message to the Allegiant customer at all phases of the experience û from booking the flight to experiencing the Blue Man brand inside the carrier’s aircraft on cups, napkins, overhead bins, service carts, and on in-flight crew uniforms. (Blue Man Group Tickets) The Blue Man Group iconic image will also be featured on the exterior of the Allegiant aircraft. In a mutual advertising relationship, the Allegiant brand will be incorporated into the Blue Man Group Las Vegas show, including the Allegiant logo on the aircraft featured during the show and an official Allegiant sponsored VIP room. Click to Read The Full Story …

New Days Of Operation At Monte Carlo Brew Pub – The Monte Carlo Brew Pub now is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It remains open daily, Wednesday û Sunday, 11 a.m. û 11 p.m., with a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, 11 p.m. û 2 a.m. In addition to live entertainment, the spacious pub also features 38 flat screen televisions, three big screen televisions and a 10-by-10 projection screen making the Brew Pub an ideal place to enjoy your favorite sporting events. The Monte Carlo Brew Pub provides a menu of freshly baked brick-oven pizzas, calamari, steaks, hamburgers, large salads, sandwiches and desserts accompanying refreshing signature cocktails, 21 bottled beers and a selection of draft beers.

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Eight – with Victor H. Royer. Four Card Keno Continued – You must remember that each time you do anything, to the machine this is a “user command”, and it will do what it’s programmed to do with such commands. So, unless you start from the start, the machine won’t “know” you only wanted to make one change. It will take that as a “new event”, and if you don’t start at the beginning, nothing that you had been playing before will so remain.

This becomes even more important when it comes to the making of wagers, because many people habitually change one card or another, and forget to go through the procedure from the start, and then wonder why the machine either doesn’t play, or somehow doesn’t play all the cards or numbers they had previously marked. Click to Read Complete Article…


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:

  • 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)
  • 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

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.

March 12, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 20, 2008

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! Running a little late this week. We have been hard at work on a Vegas online map that should pretty much blow everything else out of the water. Some Las Vegas maps only show where the hotels are and others are far too general. We’ve taken your feedback to heart and think you’ll be thrilled with this new feature. We’re hoping (knock on wood) to debut it in about three weeks.


Click on above photo to view photo set

We have some great new photos of Caesars Palace in our photo Gallery! Flip through them and maybe you’ll find that slot machine you enjoyed, and remember that sports bet you placed, see the restaurant or lounge you enjoyed. Or… get pumped up for your next visit!

Las Vegas Nightclub Offices Raided By IRS – We occasionally get notes from people who want to know what the secrets are to getting into the major Las Vegas nightclubs. The answer is simple: Cash. And, all this cash has attracted the attention of the IRS:

We’ll follow up as the story develops. It has never been a secret that the nightclubs seem only second to gambling as a cash cow in Las Vegas and the tips in that industry can be second to none.

Jimmy Hopper Returns – All-around singer and magician Jimmy Hopper is a favorite of long-time readers. Many times a year, we get a “what is up with Jimmy Hopper” email. After being gone from town for three years (he was a mainstay in the Fontana Lounge at Bellagio), he’ll now be performing in the Lava Lounge at Trader Vic’s (Planet Hollywood) Thursday through Sunday nights. He starts February 21’st. Welcome back Jimmy!

Last couple of issues, we have reported on the five year anniversary of Mamma Mia! here in Las Vegas. A tremendous run indeed! Mamma Mia! (Tickets) companies from around the world sent their best wishes and congratulations on this amazing milestone and you can view the video at http://www.mamma-mia.com/lasvegas5anniversary.asp


Click on above photo to view photo set

The Las Vegas NASCAR race is less than two weeks away. This is by far one of the biggest events of the year. The race is usually sold out and hosts one of the biggest crowds of any race on the NASCAR circuit. NASCAR Las Vegas Tickets: Las Vegas Pole Day, Sam’s Town 300, UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400

We made a photo run and grabbed some great photos of the interior of the NASCAR Cafe at The Sahara. Lots of full size replica cars, memorabilia, and the food/drink isn’t too bad. However… if you are coming in for the race, skip it. Enjoy the photos for now, and enjoy the actual Cafe another time. Just about everybody (literally) in town over race weekend is a NASCAR fan and you don’t want to fight anymore crowds than you’ll always have to.

PS I won’t call it The Sprint Cup. Sprint cell phones seem to have the worst reception in Las Vegas and their customer service is terrible.

Las Vegas Native Kurt Busch Meet/Greets – The driver of the Miller Lite #2 Dodge car is doing two meet and greets in conjunction with NASCAR weekend. The first one will be on February 28 at PT’s Sierra Gold Ultra-Tavern, 6515 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89118 from 7 – 9 PM (limited to the first 300 people in line). The second will be at The Palms, February 29 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM.

The Podcast Finally Returns… We’ve dusted off all the equipment, tested everything, and the Insider Vibe Podcast will return in about 10 days. So please… no more emails about bringing it back. We appreciate the interest, and are extremely close to cranking it up.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


MAMMA MIA!, the longest-running, most successful Broadway musical to play the Las Vegas Strip, marks its fifth anniversary this week. (Tickets) To celebrate, Mayor Oscar Goodman took chance as a spandex-savvy Dynamo. – The show opened in the ‘entertainment capital of the world’ on February 13, 2003 and set a new house record within a week of opening at the Mandalay Bay Theatre. In five successful years it has played almost 2,000 performances and been seen by more than 2,000,000 people in Las Vegas.Las Vegas Strip To Host NASCAR Hauler Parade On Feb. 28 – On Thursday, Feb. 28, the colorful NASCAR team haulers, transporting the Sprint Cup race cars that will compete later that week, will parade north on the Strip. The transporters will be staged at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the south end of The Strip. The haulers will then move north using the middle lane of northbound Las Vegas Boulevard.

The haulers will proceed the roughly five miles to Sahara Avenue before returning to Interstate 15 and the short ride north to the speedway. Race fans will be able to watch the hauler parade from both sides of the Strip and from any of the properties along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Our tip? The convoy is expected to start rolling and will have a police escort (no red lights) so the entire trip is only going to take 15-20 minutes. I’d be on the east side of The Strip no later than 2:45 PM.

Panic At The Disco To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms June 13 – The Honda Civic Tour returns to the Palms Casino Resort featuring Panic at the Disco. (Tickets) Along with special guests Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound and Phantom Planet; Panic will perform inside The Pearl Concert Theater on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. Las Vegas natives Panic at the Disco made their debut in 2005 releasing the album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Their single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” became a hit on the music charts and propelled the band into stardom. Click to Read The Full Story …

Get Your Motor Running, Head Out To Fremont Street Experience Looking For Adventure At Race Jam – The Fremont Street Experience roars its engine for the annual Race Jam beginning Friday, February 29. The racing weekend will feature free live concerts, NASCAR merchandise booths and plenty of fast-paced fun. (NASCAR Tickets) The annual Race Jam brings two days of rocking entertainment to Fremont Street with Blake Shelton, LoCash Cowboys, Bruce In the USA and Garage Boys.

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art To Present ‘American Modernism’ Beginning February 2008Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will showcase the best of “American Modernism” February 8 through October 15, 2008. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibition will feature masterworks by American modernists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, Arshile Gorky and others. An engaging retrospective, the carefully chosen display will showcase more than 30 of the MFA’s most renowned paintings. The contemporary presentation will advance Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s dedication to enhancing the cultural landscape of Las Vegas. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Five – with Victor H. Royer. Top and Bottom Keno – This is quite a popular game, one that got its video version interest from the Lounge Keno version. In the Lounge Keno game, there are two versions of precisely this same game. The original version was the classic Top/Bottom ticket, where you bet on how many numbers would appear either at the “top” of the ticket — the “top” numbers 1-through-40 as shown on the ticket layout — versus the “bottom” portion of the ticket, showing the numbers 41-through-80, as printed on the keno tickets, and as being displayed on the keno board, and also on Video Keno screens. Click to Read Complete Article…


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I absolutely wait for your newsletter each week. I’m flabbergasted it’s free but I love that because it is the best source of unbiased reporting of all things Vegas around. I make one to two trips a year to Vegas and read a Vegas paper everyday but your newsletter keeps me up on what to do and what to avoid when in Vegas. Bravo!

For the life of me I cannot figure out why these people keep taking cabs to hotels from McCarran. You know they rip you off. Take a little more time and pay a lot less for a round trip shuttle. I love the shuttles and they are every inexpensive compared to the cabs. Also another way to beat the cabs is take the DEUCE around Vegas. This is another great bargain and beats walking to the monorail stations.
Michael Lewis
Lowell Indiana

Michael,

I’m flabbergasted we can do this also! I keep telling Mark and Amy (who do so much of the news research and story prep) and all of the new writers coming on board that the newsletter is at no charge so they should work for free. For some crazy reason, they don’t quite go along with that one.
In reality, we all do work very hard and appreciate the great advertisers like Las Vegas Hotel Deals, Blue Man Group, Stomp Out Loud, Mamma Mia!, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.

á

Two huge things that you and every single reader can do which will help us maintain the sheer amount and quality of our information, and keep it all completely free:

  • Please tell as many people as possible about our newsletter. They can sign up on any page of AccessVegas.com and check us out. If it isn’t their thing, we have a working unsubscribe button at the bottom of every newsletter.The costs to produce the newsletter are pretty much fixed. We might as well have as many people as possible reading, which keeps our advertisers happy. Happy advertisers pay the bills and the newsletter remains available to all!
  • Patronize the advertisers and booking information listed here in the newsletter and at AccessVegas.com. We only work with top hotel providers and shows. The biggest Las Vegas shows advertiser here, often with discounts to our readers (see the upper right sidebar on this newsletter).Las Vegas Hotel Deals has some of the best prices you will find anywhere, for every major Las Vegas hotel. You can kill two birds with one stone by getting some great rates and show prices, and showing your appreciation for the top Las Vegas companies and shows that keep this newsletter coming your way.


Seeking Vegas Family for Prime Time!My name is Rachelle Mendez, Casting Associate Producer for Wife Swap (airing on ABC). I work with families to learn how their households run, what their philosophies are, to answer any questions about the show, and hopefully help families get cast on the show!I am currently hoping to cast from Vegas who embodies the Vegas lifestyle. Maybe you know a family who works in the gaming industry. Maybe you’ve moved your family to Vegas because you’re following a dream that you can only achieve in Las Vegas.Wife Swap is a hit family program airing on Disney-owned ABC. The show focuses on different family dynamics and parenting philosophies across the country.

This is a unique opportunity that can be life changing experience for everyone involved. We hope this is an experience where families share their lifestyle and experience a different family’s way of doing things.

All families featured on the show receive a $20,000 honorarium.

Potential families can live anywhere in the United States, but we ask that families applying for the show consist of two parents and have at least one child, age 5 or older, living at home.

To submit for the show please call: 646-747-7948, or email a family photo and description to: rachelle.mendez@rdfusa.com

Thank you!
Rachelle Mendez
Casting Producer
ABC Television’s “Wife Swap”/RDF Media
1790 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 646-747-7948
Email: rachellemendez@gmail.com or rachelle.mendez@rdfusa.com

This sounds really cool, and with so many readers I’m sure there is someone (or someone who knows someone) who would be perfect for this. Plus, the $20,000 for the participants isn’t a bad chunk of change.

á

So Rachel knows you are a legitimate inquiry, make sure you mention that you read about the casting in the AccessVegas.com newsletter. And if you or a friend of yours gets picked, make sure to let us know!


Hello,I have a question from this weeks newsletter regarding The Producers ending in February. It seems that Las Vegas shows stick around for a while, and The Producers is closing only after a year. Is there a reason behind that, was it not profitable? If it has to do with profitability, what would this mean for future Broadway shows coming to stay for a long while in Las Vegas? Just curious, thanks for your time.Sandra KorbarThere isn’t any one single answer. Mamma Mia has been successful for years. Phantom is doing solid business, although it is somewhat of a derivative with the theater itself playing a role in providing the wow factor. (We don’t want to ruin it for those who have not seen it).

á

With The Producers, a run of a year isn’t bad. Shows that are complete failures don’t last that long. Numerous factors go into a show having a buzz and being successful. Just as one can’t pick a guaranteed winning slot machine ahead of time, there is no way to know what works in Las Vegas until someone tries it.


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:

  • 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)
  • 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

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.

February 20, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 07, 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.


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! Daylightá Savings Time is over and the sun is dipping behind the mountains before 6 PM local time here. The sunsets are still spectacular, just way too early.

Robert Goulet’s funeral will be this Friday and is open to the public. There is also a big push to have the Strip Hotel marquees honor him on Friday. This issue is already way too jammed, so I’ll simply link you to the local news story about it: Marquee tributes urged for Goulet

David Copperfield’s run at the Hollywood Theater (MGM Grand) isn’t presently being affected by his legal troubles. While MGM officials have noted that his contract does have a “moral’s clause” (allowing them to cancel the contract for morally inappropriate behavior), I’m happy to see that Copperfield is pretty much universally being given the benefit of the “innocent until proven guilty” clause that is at the heart of U.S. justice.

It would be different if Copperfield had a long list of run-ins with the law of if obviously damning evidence existed (a video of the alleged offense or similar). Certainly if he is proven guilty, it could put an end to his career. However, I think we are all wising up when it comes to allegations of rape or similar crimes of violence. High profile cases the past couple of years have taught us to keep an open mind until and unless he is convicted.

When is what movie shooting in Las Vegas and how do I spot my favorite star? A common question and one I’ll answer later in the newsletter.

Another Implosion? You know I try to steer far clear of rumor, but we’ve heard from a pretty justifiable source that a certain tropical-themed casino may actually be doing away with one of their towers after all. We’ll be following up and letting you know if we can substantiate it.

Enjoy This Issue!

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


Featured Review: Blush at Wynn Las Vegas

by Harley Van Hyning

A hot new club recently opened at the Wynn over Labor Day weekend. What was once Club Lure, is now Blush! Blush is descriptive in its name. The well-lighted dance floor and illuminous lantern shapes that hang above the dance floor create the intimate vibe of Blush. The dance floor is the centerpiece of the club. It stretches from the entrance all the way back to the open air patio. The dance floor illuminates red lights that glow beneath your feet and the luminous lanterns above come together creating a unique atmosphere. This definitely draws the attention to the dance floor where the life of the party can easily be found. Unlike many dark clubs, Blush illuminates an intimate energy.

Blush has many lounging areas to choose from. You can get a table right along the dance floor with bottle service and be only a step away from the party. If you want to have a comfortable distance from the dance floor and still view the party, there are tables in a sensual booth-like setting. The open air patio in the rear of Blush offers a view of the sky and fresh air if a breather is needed.

Blush is not a large club, but packs a great nightlife experience! One great thing about Blush is the very accessible bar. The bar takes over the left side of the club allowing lots of room to comfortably order your beverage. Unlike a much larger nightclub such as, Pure, Blush is much smaller. Nightclub operator Sean Christie described it perfectly as “the boutique nightclub”. The name and experience are unique in itself and a must when in Las Vegas!

Harley Van Hyning is a graduate of the University of West Florida with interests in marketing, communications, and surfing (not in that order). He’s currently the host of Destin Florida Podcast.


Country Superstar George Strait Returns To MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, February 2, 2008 – Multi-platinum-selling country superstar George Strait returns to Las Vegas for a Big Game weekend performance live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008. (Tickets) The in-the-round concert, allowing him to perform to all sides of the arena throughout his show, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Singer and songwriter Josh Turner also is scheduled to perform as the evening’s special guest. During his 2007 arena tour, Strait continued his streak of sold-out shows while setting attendance records. Click to Read The Full Story …

Larry G Jones.com The Man of 1002 Voices Show – Medicine For The soul: Military, Fire, And Police Get Month+ Of Free Vegas Show Tickets – ‘Larry G Jones û The Man of 1002 Voices Show’, is offering free tickets to his Singing Impressionist-Comedy performances in his Las Vegas showroom for our men and women in uniform now through at least Dec. 10, 2007! (Tickets and Offer Info) (Including all army, navy, air force, marines, coast guard, reserves, law enforcement, and firemen) “Everyone loves to laugh; people need it today more than ever! It’s good for your health! Our Veterans deserve more than just one day for special benefits, I’m finally in a position to give back something to them,” Jones said. Click to Read The Full Story …

Siegfried & Roy Take Big Strides For Opportunity Village’s 2007 Las Vegas Great Santa Run – Magicians Of The Century Encourage Runners To Participate In The 5k Race And Sign Up With Team Siegfried & Roy – Siegfried & Roy and Opportunity Village unite forces for the second year in a row in an attempt to break the World Record for the Largest Santa Gathering at the third annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007. Siegfried & Roy serve as Honorary Team Captains for the 2007 event, giving participants a chance to be a part of something truly magical during the season of giving. The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is a fundraising effort benefiting Opportunity Village and serves as a light, spirited warm-up run for participants in the Las Vegas Marathon the following day. Click to Read The Full Story …

Famed illusionist Hans Klok Unveils Magical Good Luck Tiki As He Welcomes New Trader Vic’s Restaurant To Las Vegas – To mark the opening of the Polynesian-themed Trader Vic’s restaurant, famed illusionist, Hans Klok, performed a magical welcoming gesture. With the aid of his beautiful divas, the world’s fastest magician conjured a tiki as part of his renowned fire-spikes illusion. The hand-carved tiki stands 6-feet tall by 3-feet wide and was unveiled on stage at the Planet Hollywood Theatre for the Performing Arts. Click to Read The Full Story …

Fremont Street Experience Lights Up Red, White and Blue When It Hosts The Annual Patriot Party November 10 and 11 – Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience invites all to come out and salute America with a weekend of free concerts and a Veterans Day parade. The festivities include an exciting line-up of renowned Air Force performers and headline acts by country music stars David Lee Murphy and Halfway To Hazard. The Patriot Party kicks off an all-American good time when the Singing Sergeants take to the stage at the 1st Street intersection between Binion’s and the Golden Nugget. Click to Read The Full Story …

Vegas To Receive Fresh Selection Of Designer Wares At Exclusive Shopping Experience – Fashion Elements Brings Hottest Los Angeles Designers To Las Vegas For One-Day Event Sunday, December 2 – Fashion Elements, an exclusive designer shopping experience showcasing the hottest new and established designers, is bringing the event to Las Vegas from Southern California for the first time on Sunday, December 2. The one-day only event features current overstock from more than 30 designers at discounts of up to 60% off retail prices. Fashionistas will not want to miss out on an unbelievable selection of designer clothing, jewelry, accessories and beauty items. Click to Read The Full Story …



Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:


Hint: Click on the photo to see photos of Las Vegas At Dusk

This was a picture that I took on the bridge between MGM and NYNY.

Sami Forrest, Rosemount, MN


I applaud your article on the cab situation in Vegas. On our last trip there we went to a restaurant off the strip that had been recommended by Rachel Ray on her food program. We took a cab over from our strip hotel in the early afternoon and really enjoyed the restaurant and it’s friendly staff and good food.

The problem came in the return trip. The restaurant called a cab for us and we were told a cab would be there in twenty minutes. Fourty-five minutes later and still no cab came. We tried to no avail for twenty more minutes to hail a cab and decided to walk to Sam’s Town which was a considerable distance away. As we were walking we tried to hail a cab and finally a very nice cab driver heading in the opposite direction turned around and picked us up right after we started walking.

If I had known we were going to have this much problem we would never have ventured off the strip. This was my 21st trip to Vegas and really wanted to try the hidden gems of Vegas as presented on TV. Needless to say I was disappointed. Too bad these establishments are not able to attract tourist business because of the messed up cab situation.

Keep up the good work!! I really enjoy your newsletter.

Michael T. Lewis
Indiana

Ted Responds:

Michael is referring to my comments about the local cab drivers in our August 22, 2007 Issue. We did receive a very well written rebuttal by a cab driver that we will give adequate time to in the future. But the bottom line is this: Cabbie issues continue to be the #1 complaint we get from readers year after year after year. This isn’t about me being on a soapbox. This is an ongoing, real issue that needs to be addressed.


We are going to be in Vegas. Can you please tell me if there are going to be any films being made at this time or TV shows being taped. We’d love to see that in person.

Thank you,

Darlene

Ted Responds:

Film and TV companies go out of their way to keep their shooting schedules under wraps. The last thing they usually want are crowd control problems or having to pay for additional security. Although long shots, there are two ways to try to catch shoots in action:

  1. Check the paper each day. Sometimes Norm Clarke will have a tip about a pending shoot in his daily column. Also, every Friday you can check a column called Shooting Stars. It will often have tips about what is headed to town to shoot, and sometimes locations and details.
  2. Get lucky. I’ve happened to be downtown a couple different times when a made-for-TV movie was being shot. I was downtown late one evening when they were shooting the Puff Daddy and Mase video Feel So Good (YouTube Link) and enjoyed watching it for a couple hours. I’ve also seen a couple of car commercials shot downtown that I later saw on national TV.

    I played craps next to Matt Sorum of Guns and Roses a few years ago at the Hard Rock, and it is pretty usual to spot 80’s metal stars (and local residents) Vince Neil and Kevin Dubrow around town. A few weeks ago, friend and business partner Harley Van Hyning (see the Blush write-up in this issue) spotted rapper Lil Jon at The Mirage.

    I think the most notable was one evening when I was at the (now shuttered) Klondike at the very south end of The Strip having one of their infamous cheap meal specials. Movie crews were setting up for scenes from Vegas Vacation. These were the scenes where Clark Griswold plays (and loses) at all those crazy casino table games no one has ever heard of.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is just to keep your eyes open. Celeb spotting is easier than one might guess, especially in some of the more trendy hotels.


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 7, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 8, 2006

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Need to contact us? Send feedback to AllVegasTV@aol.com.
Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online. This newsletter is free!


In This Issue: Special Report: Las Vegas On A Spring Break Budget plus Tons of Exclusive Las Vegas Travel Tips ….

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

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

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

Hello From Las Vegas! This is a special edition of the newsletter. I was recently asked to contribute to an article about doing Las Vegas Spring Break on a budget. My spring break years are behind me, but you are much more likely to find me still out hitting the most fun drinks and places that don’t cost a fortune and I’m never far from a party!

Special Notes: While this article is aimed at the Las Vegas spring break crowd, it has tons of information that will help any budget traveler or those just trying to spend wisely when in Las Vegas. This contains helpful information that every visitor should read!

Newsletter Archives: This long-form article we publish this week is not our regular newsletter format. Week after week, we bring you tons of information on hot Vegas happenings! If you are new to the newsletter, please also enjoy our recent newsletter archives so you can come to town informed.

Latest Insider Vibe Broadcast/Podcast Is “On The Air” – The latest edition of our new broadcast/podcast is available now! I keep you updated on the latest news, events, and exclusive commentary so you can have the true scoop on what is happening in Las Vegas.

You can listen online right now at your computer (streaming audio). Choose your connection to listen now: Dial-Up or Broadband.

Podcast users: Download and listen anytime. Click over to Radio.AccessVegas.com and download now.

iTunes Users: Go to the Podcast section of iTunes and do a search for Insider Vibe.

RSS Feed Users: Instructions available at Radio.AccessVegas.com. Subscribe and don’t miss an broadcast.

Enjoy This Issue!



Las Vegas For The Spring Breaker On A Budget

General Advice – Las Vegas is very, very strict about 21 and over. No clubs are 18 to enter, 21 to drink. Casinos and clubs/bars have seen ID from every state and nation in the world. A nice smile and that half-assed fake ID isn’t going to work.

There are still things to do and see in Las Vegas for those under 21, and obviously your older friends may be insuring that the entire groups has liquor available (in the room). But to do “The Vegas” that you see on TV (bars, gambling, hanging out in casino areas), you really need to be 21. Oh … and you need to be 21 to book a room.

Gambling: What is your advice for those would like to gamble on a limited budget? – You are coming to Las Vegas. You are going to gamble. 1. Divide up your gambling budget by day. If you are bringing $200 to gamble with on a 4 day trip, you’ll be miserable if you blow it all the first day. 2. Don’t play games you don’t understand (except for some of the basic slots where you simply push a button over and over).

Blackjack and craps have a very low house edge (win percentage for the casino) if you know what you are doing. If you don’t, you might as well just hand them your money and walk away. If you plan to play table games or video poker (a skill based game), buy one of those basic “how to gamble” books in a bookstore and a cheap Vegas games software program (bargain section of any department or computer store). Practice on your computer until you get the feel of it.

Specific Games? – Don’t play roulette or the big money wheel. Both look fun and easy … and they should. They are cash cows for the house.

Don’t expect to win, but when you do, it is OK to quit! It is not just a pile of chips or credits, it is your money. If you get ahead on a good run and then the machine or table takes back 1/3 of what you have won, walk. Go have a drink, get something to eat, take a walk and people watch. If really late, go to bed (Vegas will be there when you get up). All of those options are cheaper than losing all your money back to the casino right away.

Once again, money won is your money. They don’t feel bad about taking your money when they win. You should feel great about taking their money and being able to tell your friends “I got on a good roll and left $40 (or $400) up!” You can’t brag about giving it all back.

Ways to spend a good deal of time and have a good time with a small bank roll? – The Las Vegas Strip is about five miles long and by itself is one of the most incredible experiences on the face of the earth. Just spend some time walking through as many casinos as possible (which will take hours and hours … and is fun)! One of the main, huge mistakes first time visitors make is acting like they are chained to their hotel or their little part of The Strip or downtown. Get out and explore!

Double Decker buses run up and down The Strip (and all the way to downtown Fremont Street Experience) every few minutes, 24/7 and an all-day pass is $5.00. So no reason to limit yourself. If you walked way too far down The Strip, just hop a bus back!

Any suggestions for finding low priced cocktails? – Boozing is important in Las Vegas … part of the experience! It can be expensive if you buy drinks at most hotel bars. You can have an open container anywhere on the Las Vegas Strip or Fremont Street Experience (where all the hotels are downtown).

My four tips for boozing:

1. Stock up at a convenience store and/or liquor store. Much, much, much cheaper than buying drinks out and about. However, you’ll often find yourself nowhere near your hotel room. So …

2. There are convenience and sundry stores both downtown and every few blocks along The Strip. Virtually all have huge beverage sections with a wide variety of ice cold booze. The prices are a little jacked up (think $3.00 for a 24 once ” tall boy” beer that will cost you $1.29 at the grocery store), but 24 ounces of beer is going to cost you $7-12 at the hotel bar.

It is 100% allowed to walk right into a casino with beer you bought at the store somewhere (or bought at another hotel). Not a problem. Even if it is a 24 once beer. They might have a problem with a 40 just because it is a big piece of glass. But 24 once can of Bud, Fosters or similar … not a problem.

3. Only buy your drinks at a hotel bar as a last resort. Except for a couple of exceptions (which I’ll get to in a minute), drinks at hotel bars are expensive. Usually $5.00 and up. Way up. If you are in a hotel and need booze, instead go to the gift/sundry shop in the hotel. Most sell cold beer, wine, Mikes (and similar), and hard liquor.

4. Even though spring break features moderate temperatures here (generally in the 70’s or low 80’s*), we have a dry climate. Combine that with booze and you get dehydrated quickly without realizing it. Which compounds your hangover and general energy level. Have a few bottled of water throughout the day and night in between the cocktails or you’ll hate life the next day.

* The weather is rarely “average” here. Look up the 10 day forecast online the day before you come so you can pack properly.

Food: Are there any cheap buffets left in Vegas? – Few and far between. Cheap now means $10 for dinner. When you are walking through the other hotels close to yours, scout out the buffet entrance. A sign with prices will be posted.

A buffet is much more preferable than the coffee shop. Even if there is a line to get into the buffet, once you are in you chow right away. And on decent to very good food. Except for the celeb restaurants, hotel kitchens usually service the buffet, coffee shop, and room service. So the food is all the same decent stuff.

Does someone always have to sacrifice quality for low cost? – Quality is a relative term. Not much in Las Vegas is really, really lousy. And some of the really high end stuff is over-priced. So when it comes to Las Vegas, no. Provided that you don’t go overboard gambling, you are going to have a great time for the money!

Where are the deals and how do you find them? – Las Vegas rooms are booked and sold a little differently than in other places simply because of the sheer number of rooms (130,000) that need to be sold each night. So just hitting one or two major travel sites isn’t going to find you the best deal. We keep a list of some of the current Las Vegas Discounts on and here is the real secret to that page:

Scroll down past the current discounts and you will see our exclusive information on how Vegas rooms are sold as well as multiple links to booking sites you should check and compare, including some of the bigger Vegas room companies that move large numbers of rooms a year here, but aren’t a national travel site brand name. Sometimes the best deals are Vegas specific companies!

Drink: If you’re a low roller, will you actually get free drinks? – Yes … if you are gambling. Here is the Catch-22: If you are sitting and playing a machine (and I mean actually playing it, not simply keeping the chair warm and hitting the play button once every 10 minutes), you will get a free drink from the cocktail waitress. Even if you are playing a penny or nickel machine. You are expected to tip the waitress $1 per drink when she returns with your free drink. Tip her more, you might see her more. Stiff her and it might be a while.

This is especially true if you are playing penny or nickel machines, as these players usually are the worst tippers and yet the most demanding with their drinks. (Vegas is going high-end for a reason: People buying $500 a night suites get what they pay for, and don’t bitch). So you already have one strike against you. Also, you can ask for whatever drink you want, but they won’t be pouring you the good stuff in the nickel area unless you are tipping big time.

Waitresses tip out their bartender at the end of the shift and they have all the control in the world. They can say “vodka and cranberry” or they can say “Grey Goose and cranberry.” And … they can say “I need a good rum and coke.”

Vegas is about cash, even with budget travel. If you are tipping the waitress well, the bartender gets more from the waitress at the end of the night. So the bartender works with the waitress to make sure the best tippers are getting the best drinks (within reason).

Couple of things: You can’t order two drinks at one time for one person. Don’t even try. Also, be nice to the waitress. You can be tipping her well and if you are a jerk, it won’t mean a thing.

Having said all of that, losing $20 (or a lot more) at a machine just turned your drink into a $20 drink. Plus tip.

How Free Is That Drink? Think about it: You sit down and start playing. Unless you start winning right away, you are losing money. Plus, you might not see a waitress for 10-20 minutes. Then she comes and it will be another 10-20 minutes before she gets back with your drink. Remember, she has a large area of the floor to cover, has to get orders from everyone, has to wait while her drinks are made, then has to deliver to everyone.

If you are winning or even breaking even, that is fine. But if you are losing, that gets expensive. Let’s say you start winning and you are up when you order. You are conveniently (for the casino) stuck playing until your drinks arrive. Giving the machine or table plenty of time to take back all of your money. And then some.

My advice? Buy your booze at a convenience or sundry store (whether on the street or the one in the hotel), then go sit down and play. If you are winning, you can enjoy that drink while you order up a new one from the waitress.

It is fine to order another before you finish your first one (even if it is a tall boy you bought at the store). But you can’t order two drinks per person from the waitress. And at table games, you are often allowed to have only one drink on hand. So when you see her coming, finish your first drink.

Hotels: Is it always best to book in advance from a travel website? – Las Vegas sells hotel rooms the way airlines sell plane tickets. The further ahead you book, the better the price you are going to get, within reason. Some hotels don’t release rooms for normal dates (except big events like New Years, NASCAR, big conventions) more than six months ahead. When possible, target 3-6 months out, but even 2-3 week ahead of time beats booking the week you want to visit under most all circumstances.

Can you haggle for room prices or free upgrades? – No and Yes. The prices are all computerized. Heavy gamblers and high rollers get cheap or free rooms. The rest of us simply pay the price listed.

But … there is the “$20 Trick” for room upgrades. Many Las Vegas hotels charge a premium for a Strip view or similar upgrade. Front desk staff have some latitude on upgrading guests. Place a folded up $20 bill on the counter partially under your ID and/or credit card so that the denomination is visible. As you slide them across when asked for your credit card, ask if a room with good view or something slightly nicer is available.

If they can’t accommodate you or insist on an extra charge you can simply retract the bill. If they accommodate you, this is a small price to pay!

AccessVegas.com has these and many other helpful tips at our Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions page.

What hotels are the best bargains? – The cheapest hotels are flea-bag motels blocks away from the action downtown. And guess what … they aren’t always going to be cheaper than some of the more inexpensive hotel casinos. Remember, the casinos are thinking you’ll lose a few bucks so they try to keep the rates reasonable.

What is more important is what hotels are good for Spring Breakers and in general for 20-somethings on a budget!

1. The Plaza downtown always goes after the Spring Break crowd. Rooms are usually very moderately priced, and downtown Las Vegas is the best place to do Las Vegas on a budget. Hotels are older (anything over 15 years old is “old” by Vegas standards), but in good shape.

Anywhere on the Fremont Street Experience downtown will usually be cheaper than The Strip. You get much more of a party atmosphere (not quite Mardi Gras, but close sometimes) because all these hotels are on the same few blocks. Drinks are cheaper. $5.00 you can buy 24 hour bus pass to get you to The Strip (about 4 miles away … and don’t walk it … your time is valuable in Las Vegas … much more valuable than saving $5.00). Plus remember, the bus runs 24/7. See Fremont Street Las Vegas Photos

2. The Stratosphere is at the top of The Strip and tends to go after the Spring Break crowd with moderate hotel rates. The hotel is only a few years old, so it is nice for the money. And the tower is cool! 1000 feet above The Strip. (You don’t stay in the tower, but as a guest you get to go up to at discount). Plus, cool rides at the top of the Tower.

3. Imperial Palace is in the heart of The Strip, a fun party place, and right next door to Harrah’s Carnival Court (best outdoor party spot with live music all afternoon and night). Moderate rates, absolute best location on The Strip. Reference our Las Vegas Strip Map.

4. New Frontier has the best location … across from Wynn Las Vegas and in the heart of The Strip. Gilley’s in in the hotel with bikini bull riding, female mud wrestling, and similar. Place to party even if you aren’t country although I wouldn’t walk in dressed all hip-hop. It caters to a more middle-of-the-road and country crowd.

Honorable mention strictly based on price and being on The Strip: Sahara and Circus Circus. Probably won’t be party central, but will keep you closer to the Strip action than staying downtown.

Hotels to avoid for the budget Spring Break traveler:

1. The Palms. Yes … it is as cool as it looks on TV. And as expensive as it looks on TV. The women the ones Kanye West talks about in Gold Digger (with looks and fake body parts to match) and you guys have to compete with a bunch of rich Californian’s. Plus, it is too far from The Strip to really walk.

2. Hard Rock. See above, except that the guys are a bunch of “Vinnie’s” from Philly and the Hard Rock is almost two miles from The Strip.

3. Hooters. Unless you want to be hanging around 90% guys (most of whom are over 40). Yes, the Hooters girls are cute. But the cocktail waitresses at places you’ll want to visit like The Venetian and Mandalay Bay are much smoking hotter. And ladies … do you really want to stay at Hooters with all those cute girls in shorts running around? Stay somewhere the attention will be on you!

Please … no hate mail if you are a wealthy Californian, a “Vinnie” from the east coast, or a female hottie with a good plastic surgeon. If you can afford to stay at the trendy places, that rocks! And hotties … we are looking for calendar girls. But this article is for budget minded travelers, specifically spring breakers.

Attractions: What are the best ways to enjoy free entertainment? How about low prices/discounts? – In your hotel room will be a magazine (or two … or three) with plenty of ads for attractions, many with coupons. That is a good place to start. But don’t fall into the coupon trap! The “coupon trap” is where you spend two hours of your time going out of your way to do something just to save $5.00. Remember … your time is valuable!

You are paying all that airfare and hotel costs to be in Las Vegas, and you only have so many hours. If you spot a coupon for something you really want to do, that is great. But the quickest way to piss off your group is to drag them somewhere for something marginal just because you saw a coupon for it.

And think about it: The stuff really worth doing and seeing sells out ahead of time. If there is something you really want to do like seeing a certain show or getting a limo, book online ahead of time.

Anything that simply must be included in a Vegas trip regardless of cost? – Outside of a Cirque show, dinner at a celeb chef restaurant, or something high-end like that (which may not be something everyone appreciates anyway), here are a couple of things you should try to scrape up the money to do:

1. Get a limo. Either from the airport to your hotel, or just to ride up and down The Strip in for an hour or two. If you get it for two hours, have them take you over to Palms, go in for a lap around the hotel and a quick, expensive drink at the bar, and then say in front of all the gold digger women (or cute but snobby rich guys) … “We gotta go! The limo was supposed to be waiting for us out front 10 minutes ago!” Do remember that you are paying for the limo by the hour, so don’t start wasting time at the hotel you are visiting. Have them get back to cruising you up and down the entire Strip where the real party is!

Limos only seem expensive until you realize that you are splitting the cost with your friends. But due to availability and the problem with getting everyone on the same page after you have arrived, you should book one online in advance of your trip. We have some of the best limo rates and packages: Las Vegas Limos

2. Take a helicopter tour of The Strip at night. Cost is about $85 which includes transportation to and from your hotel and is money well spent. Don’t go with a company located on middle of The Strip. You aren’t doing this to go around the block. We suggest Maverick Helicopter Tours. You fly from the very bottom of The Strip (starting well past Mandalay Bay and the Welcome To Vegas sign, which you will see on your way to their private terminal) all the way up The Strip, past the Stratosphere Tower, all the way downtown to see the Fremont Street Experience from the air, and then all the way back again.

Maverick Helicopter Tours can be reached at 800-571-6037 or online at Maverick Helicopter Tours. They are the company that many hotel concierges recommend to their clients. Maverick has a perfect safety record, and some of the most comfortable and modern aircraft. This is a memory of a lifetime.

Things you should do even though they are cheap or free?

1. The Bellagio Fountains play every 15 minutes after dark until midnight. Must be seen, and the price is right: Free. View Fountains of Bellagio Photos

2. Sirens of TI (Treasure Island) pirate show. Hot lady pirates battle buff guy pirates in this over-the-top spectacle which features stunts and plenty of pyro. Times vary depending on season, so call over to Treasure Island when you arrive to see when show times are. Insider tip: Get out there in front of the hotel 30 minutes before the show, or most of what you see will be the back of someone’s head in front of you. See Sirens of TI Photos and special bonus: Sirens of TI Computer Wallpaper

3. Stratosphere Tower (if not staying there). $10.00 to get up, but pay the $30 for unlimited rides on top of the tower if you are a thrill seeker. Rides that hang you over the edge or shoot you high above the top of the 1000+ foot tower and you’ll want to go more than once.

If not a thrill seeker, the $10 is well worth the incredible view. Try to time your arrival for about an hour before sunset and watch The Strip light up. Great way to relax for a short while (drinks are available in the lounge) and watch Las Vegas come alive. You will get chills just seeing it happen. See Stratosphere Hotel and Tower Photos

Where To Party An Night – Stay out of the clubs. Sure, they look great on The Travel Channel and MTV. But you will wait in line for hours, pay $20-30 to get in, pay $10 for a beer, and it will be so noisy you can’t meet anybody (which is why you went on spring break, right)?. The clubs are full of rich guys buying $500 bottles of liquor in hopes of attracting the hot women (who are usually locals getting in for free to create atmosphere, but aren’t planning on going home with anyone). Once again, unless you guys want to compete with really wealthy guys for the girls, skip it, Ladies … unless you want to compete with a bunch of women are are an 11 on the 1-10 scale and spent more on body enhancements than your tuition costs this year, stay away.

But then where to party? Right in the dead center of The Strip is the best party scene around, and it is very budget conscious. Start off at Casino Royale (between Harrah’s and The Venetian) where they have $1.00 bottles of beers (brand varies), $1.00 margaritas, reasonably priced shots and mixed drinks (think $4-6 instead of the $7-10 at other hotels), cheap table limits, and a great party atmosphere. Get your buzz on there, at these prices.

Head next door to Harrah’s and catch a little bit of the dueling piano show. Hilarious and fun … and free. But keep moving along .. remember … this is Vegas, baby! Always more to do and see and you can always come back to something that looks good. Walk out (south) towards Imperial Palace, passing Carnival Court on your left. Great party atmosphere later at night, flair bartenders, live bands … just one of the best places to party. But don’t go in there yet.

Just past the Imperial Palace is O’Sheas. Inexpensive and strong drinks, decent table limits, a fun Irish theme … just a great place to party and meet people. In fact, Casino Royale and O’Sheas are famous as fun, bargain places for college and 20-somethings all year long. Always happening on any evening and well into the night.

Just past O’Sheas is Margaritaville. Now … this is no budget place. Drinks are not cheap. But a great atmosphere and there will probably be someone in your party who wants to check it out. Take a swing through it. Head up to the very top floor for a great laid-back view of The Strip, and maybe even get a drink if you need to kick back or chill out for a few minutes. The drink won’t be cheap, but you are paying for the view and vibe in a laid-back atmosphere. After 10:00 PM, a live band cranks up for a party vibe.

Now you’ve checked it all out and you can just work your way back, stopping where you are inspired to. Want to save on liquor costs? Between the Carnival Court and Imperial Palace is (drum roll please … you guessed it): A sundry store that sells cold beer and liquor! If you are losing that buzz from Casino Royale and don’t want to pay the drink prices at the dueling piano bar and/or Margaritaville, simply stop and and reload. Just don’t open the booze in the store! Even Vegas has pesky little laws like that. Or … head right back over to Casino Royale for a few more dollar beers and margaritas! Then off to Carnival Court!

Do the above over and over and over and over and over and over … you get the picture!

Tipping Your Bartender -á Just because beers and margaritas are $1.00 at Casino Royale and you are on a budget doesn’t mean that you should stiff the bartender. They are your friend. You are probably going to be in town for a few days. The better memory they have of you, the better your cocktails will be. I don’t care how tight you are with money: Tip $1 a drink at any bar ($5 is fine for a round that is bigger than five drinks). And the bartender might just pour a little extra liquor in your mixed drinks next time as his way of saying thanks.

Special Note About Strip Clubs – Guys, leave those to the old dudes who have hundreds of dollars to spend and no game (or are married). Here is why this is important: Strip clubs pay taxi and limo drivers $20-50 per person that they deliver to a strip club. These clubs are off the Vegas Strip, and think about it: If these places were the hot party spot, they wouldn’t have to bribe drivers to take you there.

When getting into a taxi anywhere (if you are a group of guys), the driver will try to get you to go to a strip club no matter where you are headed! Don’t! You’ll pay a cover charge, expensive drinks, and … you’ll be facing a pretty expensive cab ride to get back to your hotel on top of it!

Even if you have a couple hundred dollars burning a hole in your pocket to spend on women, you just take that to the Carnival Court at Harrah’s, or the bar at places like O’Sheas or Casino Royale, or even Shadow Bar at Caesars (not cheap, but nice … fun and happening bar). Spot a cute group of girls. Have a little conversation and if they aren’t dissing you … buy them a round for drinks.

Think about it: you will never go home with any of the strippers (and frankly … you may not want to … there is a reason they keep the lights so low in those places). But you may hit it off with one of the cool women that hang at the fun party bars and casinos!

Getting Advice From Cabbies -á Don’t do it. Las Vegas has almost 2 million people. The suburbs stretch as far as the eye can see. Only a small handful of us actually hit The Strip like a tourist on a regular basis. (Hey … it’s tough work, but somebody has to do it). Virtually everyone who works on The Strip (hotel workers, taxi drivers, etc.) gets the hell out at the end of their shift. They put in their 8-12 hours and want to go home, not keep mingling with tourists. Asking a taxi driver about anything you want to do or see is like asking Donald Trump what it is like to drive a Hyundai. They have no clue. They will tell you anything just to seem helpful and get a bigger tip.

Bottom Line: Las Vegas is a great place for Spring Break. Enjoy your stay! Oh … and the minute you get back home, start making plans for Las Vegas New Year’s Eve!

——————–

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For guidelines regarding authorized use of this article for print or web publication, please contact us at allvegastv@aol.com and put Article in the subject line.

Special thanks to writer Raymond E. Dean of Missouri State University for submitting many of the questions used in this article.


Nothing Like A Hummer In Vegas! – Girls Go Wild and Boys Go Crazy! That’s what happens in H2 Hummers in Las Vegas on The Strip. Click To Cruise The Vegas Strip Like You Own It!

Flying Into Vegas? Get A Limo To Your Hotel or Special Event (dinner, show, etc): For only a few bucks more than a cab, arrive in style after cruising up The Strip. Be the one everyone else envy’s by booking your Las Vegas Limo Reservation now!


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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:

  • March Madness (NCAA College Basketball Playoffs) March 16-19, March 23-26, and April 1-3
  • Mother’s Day May 12-14
  • Memorial Day May 26-29 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 16-18
  • Independence Day June 30 – July 4 (4 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparents Day September 8-10
  • Columbus Day October 6-9 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veterans Day November 10-12 (3 day weekend – Friday off)
  • Thanksgiving November 23-26 (4 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 22-25 (3 day weekend – Christmas on Monday)
  • New Year’s Eve/Day December 29 – January 1 (3 day weekend – New Years on Monday)

Claim your Complimentary Las Vegas Vacation for 2! We’ve partnered with top companies who want to give Vegas lovers some hot freebies. Here is a Las Vegas Vacation for 2 – yours to keep pending participation (not a timeshare promotion)! This and other Great Free Stuff, Bargains, and More on our AccessVegas.com Advertiser Deals page. Click there now!

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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See the Grand Canyon in a Jet Helicopter! For years Maverick Helicopters has been providing a true VIP Helicopter experience of the Grand Canyon. We do things a little different than any other helicopter Company. We give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas Strip tours plus Helicopter Weddings also available!

For comprehensive regular updates of Las Vegas news concerning visitors, events, entertainment, hotels, gambling, real estate, and tourism, please visit our Las Vegas News Update Site and enter your email address there to subscribe and stay informed!

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All contents copyright 2006 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

March 8, 2006 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 10, 2002

WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 80 countries around the world! This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about.

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THIS ISSUE: Caesars Magical Empire

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for April / May:

* Palace Station Hotel & Casino from $26.00
* Bally’s Las Vegas from $51.00
* St. Tropez All Suite Hotel from $62.00
* Caesars Palace from $116.00

All of these deals and more available at http://www.res99.com/nexres/search/specials.cgi?src=10004558&lang=ENG

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com !!!




NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello from Las Vegas! Another beautiful week, but it is warming up a bit. My parents are in town and enjoying the 85 degree days after flying in from the cool, rainy Pacific Northwest. They aren’t much for traditional “Vegas” (boozing, gambling, and shows) but there is so much to do and see that this is a great place for everyone now!

WORLD SERIES OF POKER – has cranked back up at Binion’s Horseshoe. One of the top (if not the most prestigious) poker tournament in the country, players pay $10,000 just to buy in! The tournament runs through May 24 so if downtown during next few weeks, feel free to stop in and watch. Seeing top players bet tens of thousands on poker hands is a “Vegas Attraction” if there ever was one.

ROOM RATES – The Review-Journal recently noted that while weekend rates are up, midweek rates are still stagnant. Thankfully, tourism is coming back so if you were thinking about taking advantage of the terrorism induced lower rates you might not want to wait. Especially since airfares are still pretty moderate.

5 STARS AGAIN – Congratulations to Picasso at Bellagio and Renoir at The Mirage for winning Mobil Travel Guide 5 Star honors for the third straight year (each). With only fourteen restaurants in the US qualifying this year, having two in our backyard is indeed an honor.

FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY – With the weather warming up, The Plaza’s street party (downtown) heats up from 5 – 9 PM on Fridays under their famous lit canopy at the beginning of the Fremont Street Experience. Drinks are only $2 and the party is hosted by the “Naked Angels.”

STEVE ROSSI – The singing half of the world famous comedy team of Marty Allen and Steve Rossi is meeting fans and signing autographs every Monday in the Casino Legends Hall of Fame at the Tropicana from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

GOLF – Golfers, you can now book tee times or complete golf vacation packages on our site! We have course information on courses ranging from inexpensive city courses to “known” courses like Rio Secco (Tiger Wood’s reported “home” course here that he visits regularly). Enjoy our new information at http://www.accessvegas.com/golf/index.htm

RUSSIAN FLARE – Our friend Sasha from Guggenheim passed this along:

Spend the afternoon touring the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum with masterpieces from the Solomon R. Guggenheim collection and the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Masterpieces and Master Collectors exhibition features works of art from Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, van Gogh and more. After visiting this world-class Museum, enjoy authentic Russian cuisine from Eliseevsky, featuring traditional dishes, such as
pelmeni (small, meat-filled ravioli and beef Stroganoff).

End the evening in style, by experiencing the Moscow Grigorovich Ballet: Spartacus at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. Called a ballet genius, Grigorovich ran the Bolshoi Ballet for three decades. He brings an updated version of his original Bolshoi production of “Spartacus” to Las Vegas for the first time. Packages are $200 per couple and limited. For further questions or reservations call 702-414-2449

BEAUTIFUL HOME – If you have a couple million to invest, or you just enjoy looking at beautiful homes, stop by http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-real-estate-video.htm and take a photo or free streaming video tour of one of the finer homes in Las Vegas. Gail Kessler also handles more moderately priced homes, so this page is worth visiting if you are thinking about relocating. Even if not, the video is fun to watch — pretend you are living large in Vegas!




ITCHING TO GAMBLE – and Vegas is too far but you still want to visit a REAL gaming destination? We offer the same great discounts, guaranteed lower rates, and the $100 Rebate Spectacular for rooms in Atlantic City, Gulfport / Biloxi, and Reno as we do in Las Vegas!

* Reno:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&Dest=RNO
* Atlantic City:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=ACY
* Gulfport / Biloxi:
http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=BIL

* $100 Rebate Spectacular good on above rooms:
http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

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SHOW REVIEWS:

CAESARS MAGICAL EMPIRE – I’ve put this review off forever. First, because the show was always on the verge of closing as Caesars wanted the space for a nightclub. It has been given a permanent reprieve from that (as permanent as anything in Las Vegas ever is) but then got lost in the shuffle of my “to do” list. Well, I’ve finally done it and walked away very impressed.

Caesars Magical Empire isn’t just a dinner show, nor a traditional Las Vegas show. It is an experience that immerses you in a world of mystery and magic with an ensemble cast to lead you on your way, never leaving you without entertainment.

While waiting for your dining group to assemble, you are entertained by close up magic from one of the wizards. Then into an eerie, darkened chamber that transports you down into the Magical Empire. You are guided through medieval cave-like halls to your group’s private dining area and introduced to your host or hostess and their assistants.

After welcoming you, wine is liberally poured as you get aquatinted with your host wizard who tells stories and performs tricks that make the room come alive. It is just enough to be interesting without anything that would give nightmares. A lighthearted mood emphasized, with the host and assistants leaving you to eat then returning between each course for more entertainment and amusement.

I’ve heard many tell me about the Empire (all good), but people get so caught up in the experience they never mention something very important: the food! You are served a three course meal starting with soup or salad, then on to your selection of beef, chicken, or fish, (vegetarian and children’s meals available) and then finishing with desert.

They don’t order out from Dennys. These meals are all artfully prepared, beautifully presented, and a treat for the palate. This is fare you would expect to get in a finer dining establishment and my entire table was raving about how good their selections were.

After dinner, you are led to the Sanctum Secorum, a spacious but mystical area keeping with the theme that has fire, water, two lounges, and roaming wizards performing various magic for those who choose to watch. Unlike some tourist shows or attractions where you feel like you are rushed from one thing to the next, you are allowed to relax as you’d like and do as you please. (When a feature is starting, they do encourage you to go in and see it, but you can continue to wander or sit as long as it isn’t the end of the night.) Some simply enjoyed after dinner cocktails. Others wandered, taking in the sanctum or stopping to view the entertaining wizards perform magic specialties.

You are invited into the Secret Pagoda to view a featured close-up magician who had our small group in disbelief at everything from standard card tricks to spoon bending to mind reading. Then back out to the sanctum for more drinks, chatting with new friends, or taking in more magic from the roaming wizards.

The finale is the Sultan’s Palace, a theater where everyone is directed to enjoy the finale stage magic show. Featured magicians rotate, but I’ve seen a couple of these acts (in other settings) and can assure you these are quality, entertaining stage magic acts.

As mentioned, Caesars Magical Empire is a complete entertainment experience. Allow three hours and that is if you choose not to linger much. You can hurry through or even leave early if you are bored, but that is highly unlikely. The time flew by for us. Magical Empire is comparable in price to many of the stand alone shows in town that only last 80 minutes and don’t feed you. This alone makes it a true entertainment value.

Caesars Magical Empire is open Tuesday – Saturday with dinner seating starting at 4:30 and going through 8:30 PM (every 10 minutes). When booking, please note the approximate time you would like to eat. Pricing and advance reservations available at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&showid=46&cityid=1

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Show Review Criteria: We understand that Las Vegas attracts visitors of varied budgets and interests. Shows are reviewed on the basis of value for dollar spent as well as to present the reader enough knowledge of the content to make an informed decision.

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EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm
* HEADLINERS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm
* CONCERT – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

CONVENTION CALENDAR:

Your best hotel deals are the weeks when convention traffic is light. If you are flexible, check our convention calendar at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-conventions-hotels.htm before choosing the dates of your Las Vegas visit!

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding topics in the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all. They help shape our content and we do personally answer specific Las Vegas related questions!




QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

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* Low Airfare: http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air): http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free 24 Hour Discount Room Hotline: 1-800-666-5268

MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas opinions! Our boards are new so let’s fill them up with the good, bad, and just general comments on your last visit. Ask questions before you go, help others with comments when you return! Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com

FREE BEACH SCREENSAVER! – Brighten up your day, every single day with our free Florida screensaver! Simply download at http://www.beautifuldestin.com/free-streaming-videos-screensaver.htm

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
April 10, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 4, 2001

WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 50 countries around the world! This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about.

This weekly newsletter is free and only sent to those who request it. If you receive this by mistake or wish off our list, simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this to friends and associates in its entirely. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to (click) mailto:newsletter@las-vegas-news-reviews.com

QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Condos and Vacation Rentals: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcondo?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours
* Airline Tickets, Specials: http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free 24 Hour Hotel Reservation Hotline: 1-800-666-5268

THIS WEEK’S CITY ON SALE: Boston — rates starting at $99.95! Choose from Midtown Hotel, Swissotel, Days Hotel, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Radisson Cambridge and more. For details, click http://www.accessvegas.com/city-on-sale.htm

VEGAS SPECIAL: Las Vegas’ Excalibur from $75.95, Sun-Thurs., 6/25/01-7/26/01:
http://www.accessvegas.com/vegas-special.htm

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions!

(New expanded message board coming in three weeks.)

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THIS ISSUE: David Darkstone – Illusions and Beyond

EDITOR NOTES: What a week so far: rolling blackouts, a Greyhound Bus wreck north of town … this isn’t quite the news we like to bring you but that slot machine doesn’t always come up double diamonds. We were baking under 114 degree heat on Monday … I love it! Granted, I don’t work outside but I’ve been out and about and there is something very cleansing feeling about it. Summer separates those of us who truly love Southern Nevada from those who thought it would be a cute idea to move here.

Don’t bother asking me how we deal with it … we don’t shovel snow, have 7-8 months of pool weather, low taxes, and well over 300 days of sun a year! The good news? Expected thunderstorms over the 4’th calmed just in time for fireworks. One note: Stratosphere got their fireworks info to me too late to include last issue. Next year if I have not heard anything, I’ll get on the phone and check with them myself.

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

BUS CRASH – Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way first. 37 people were injured early Tuesday morning when a Greyhound Bus went off the road and rolled when it failed to negotiate the off ramp. This happened in Glendale, NV (basically a highway offramp 30 miles north of town). Early word is that the driver may have been falling asleep more than once in the middle of the night. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-04-Wed-2001/news/16466814.html

BLACKOUTS – We are doing our California imitation. Nevada Power thought they had purchased the rights to enough power this summer, but record temperatures hit across the West. Only 10,000 customers lost power for 45 minutes (not bad for a metro area of 1.3 million people). For those of you prone to worry, the tourist areas won’t go dark in any future events. In fact, the Strip casinos helped out by running off their backup generators which helped keep the lights on for more residents that otherwise would have happened. Full stories at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-03-Tue-2001/news/16458159.html and http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-04-Wed-2001/news/16466351.html

NEW YEAR’S EVE – What am I talking about this in July when many of you are having pool parties? Because if you want to attend the singular party of the year without paying 5 times the going weekend rate for a room (or not getting one at all — some hotels already showing “sold out”), you need to think about booking now. You are still going to pay 3 times the normal, but save your pennies: this party is worth it. Don’t take my word for it — check out our complete photo archive from last year at http://www.las-vegas-new-years-eve.com featuring the buildup, the aftermath, the happy couples, the crazies, and (of course) the pretty girls.

BETTING BAN DEAD! – Sen. Harry Reid has stopped worrying about a ban on college sports betting being passed by Congress this year. “The bill won’t pass out of Congress,” Reid, D-Nev., said Monday. “We’ll kill it. I am confident. I wasn’t confident last year but I am now. It has lost support.” Nevada allows wagering on professional and college sports but not on high school and Olympic Games. No other state allows wagering on college sports. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-03-Tue-2001/news/16456031.html Start thinking about those college football games you are going to be betting on when you visit this fall!

HAVE YOUR LAS VEGAS WEDDING ON TV! – I just talked to the producers of new series for the Travel Channel entitled “Two For Las Vegas.” They are looking for fun and interesting couples to be featured on a national television show. You must already have wedding plans confirmed for July 9th through the end of September 2001. The more unusual, the better, but traditional is fine too! If you are interested please send an email to (click) mailto:twoforlasvegas@filmgarden.net — and request an application. Selected applicants will be notified approximately a week before their actual wedding date. Best of luck!

CAESARS OVERHAUL – Caesars Palace has a new tower, new facade, new “hip” lounge, and more. The 1/2 billion dollar renovation is an attempt to restore Caesars to the prominence it had on The Strip two decades ago. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jun-24-Sun-2001/business/16373504.html

SHOPPING IN VEGAS – Casinos no longer are the only place to drop a bundle in Las Vegas. The megaresorts that dominate the city’s neon-splashed Strip are locked in an escalating competition to land retailing’s most exclusive names and show them off in extravagant environments that re-create ancient Rome, Marrakech or the canals of Venice. Story at http://www.sltrib.com/07012001/business/109958.htm

3 MILLION WEDDINGS – Only the ministers were authentic at Tuesday’s celebration commemorating the 3 millionth Las Vegas wedding. Everything else, including the hoards of celebrity look-alikes and even the weddings themselves, were in typical Vegas style: gaudy beyond belief. Three couples, the 3 millionth wedding registered and the ones before and after, were invited back to Las Vegas to re-create their ceremonies, flanked by eight Las Vegas showgirls in full garb. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-04-Wed-2001/news/16467469.html

HOTEL LOBBIES – Twenty years ago would Strip hotel lobbies have been part of their trip? “It didn’t even enter my mind,” said Scardina, who visited Las Vegas years prior. “We were strictly here to gamble.” But Las Vegas has changed. And along with excessively European-themed resorts came the evolution of the hotel lobbies, which in many ways have become destinations themselves.

TEACHER SHORTAGE – Las Vegas has a tremendous shortage of teachers, which makes it a good place to move if you are a teacher, and a lousy place to send kids to public school. Full teacher shortage story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-01-Sun-2001/news/16447647.html

MCCARRAN AIRPORT – If you have to deal with a flight delay, McCarran isn’t a bad place to have it happen. You can work out at 24 Hour Fitness, rent and watch a movie, and more. Full stories at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-01-Sun-2001/living/16336109.html and http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-01-Sun-2001/living/16410446.html On a related note, McCarran’s radar control room was just named the best in the nation. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jun-25-Mon-2001/news/16387960.html

$100 REBATE SPECTACULAR! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you up to $100 back on any stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. (Full details and list of all eligible cities at http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/coupon?SID=IVC&Dest=LAS&LKF=IVC&PROD=HOTEL ). Claiming your cash is simple:

1. Print out: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/coupon?SID=IVC&Dest=LAS&LKF=IVC&PROD=HOTEL
2. Book a room online at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.

It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee
to boot!


Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!


CONCERTS AND SHOWS:

TIM CONWAY & HARVEY KORMAN – Play the Las Vegas Hilton this weekend, Call (702) 732-5755 for tickets.

CLINT HOLMES – is on Pay-Per-View Saturday, July 7’th featuring his full show from Harrah’s. The 90 minute show is only $14.95 so this sounds like a great way to scratch that “Vegas itch” of enjoy one of the better shows in town from your easy chair. Call your local cable operator or DirecTV channel 120.

DARUDE – performs in a live electronic stage performance at Studio 54 (MGM) on Friday, July 6, 2001. Doors open at 10 p.m. and show time approximately 1 a.m. Darude is currently No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music chart with “Feel the Beat” and No. 12 on Hot Dance Music singles sales with “Sandstorm” according to recent US Billboard charts. $20 cover charge for men. Tickets sold at the door only. Complimentary cover for ladies. No advance ticket sales.

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE PRESENTS GROOVE POWER – Get your groove on at the Fremont Street Experience Groove Power event Friday and Saturday, July 13th and 14th, 2001. This two-day celebration includes five city blocks groovin’ all weekend long with free entertainment on two stages, food and drink specials, and one-of-a-kind Fremont Street Experience Light and Sound Shows.

The entertainment lineup includes Otis Day and The Knights at 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Big Fat Elmo at 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 13th. Saturday, July 14th features Otis Day and The Knights at 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and The Spinners at 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Free performances are presented on two stages all weekend long.

STEVE MARTIN ART COLLECTION – is at Bellagio through Labor Day. Story at http://www.accessvegas.com/story-3.htm

SHOW REVIEWS – Recent reviews appearing in the media:

* Buck Rams “Platters”, Cornell Gunther’s “Coasters” and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas (New York, New York) – http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/coasters-platters-reeves.htm
* Clint Holmes (Harrah’s) – http://www.accessvegas.com/story-1.htm
* La Femme (MGM) – http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2001/departments/2001_06_28/stage.html

SHOWS, GOLF, DINING:

* SHOW TICKETS – See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=1
* GOLF RESERVATIONS – BookVegas let’s you grab that tee time GUARANTEED before you get to town! Click to http://www.bookvegasteetimes.com/gvpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5
* DINING RESERVATIONS – For a small service fee, you can now guarantee reservations for that “special night out” during your visit at http://www.bookvegasdining.com/dvpricing.cfml?amid=143&cscheme=5

EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS AND HEADLINERS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm
* CONCERT – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/concerts.htm

RESTAURANT REVIEWS – Recent reviews appearing in the media:

* Andre’s French Restaurant (Downtown) – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jun-22-Fri-2001/weekly/16352786.html
* Cili (mile south of Mandalay Bay) – http://www.accessvegas.com/story-5.htm
* Le Village Buffet (Paris) – http://www.accessvegas.com/story-2.htm

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LAS VEGAS WEATHER – This 6 day forecast is courtesy of Weather.Com:

Friday – 99 ░F / 84 ░F Sunny
Saturday – 96 ░F / 74 ░F Sunny
Sunday – 101 ░F / 79 ░F Sunny
Monday – 106 ░F / 79 ░F Sunny
Tuesday – 109 ░F / 81 ░F Sunny
Wednesday – 107 ░F / 82 ░F Sunny

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FEATURE STORIES: David Darkstone – Illusions and Beyond

Magic in the afternoon is alive and well in Las Vegas, but can The Strip support four afternoon magic shows? After seeing all four, my answer is … Yes! 24 year old magician David Darkstone and his business partner 23 year old Will Roya are doing something that most magicians only dream of, and that is starring on the Las Vegas Strip in a self-produced show.

They are smart: The Las Vegas Strip is four miles long. The Tropicana at the south end of The Strip already has Rick Thomas, a general magic show that includes a white tiger and comes in at about $20. Mac King plays mid-Strip Harrah’s and will tickle your funny bone with magic at Harrah’s for $15. Dixie Dooley is all the way downtown. Toward the northern end of The Strip, the accommodations are more budget conscious, and include the more family oriented Circus Circus. Darkstone puts on a show that fits those demands like a glove.

You have seen these tricks before, both on TV and perhaps in other Las Vegas magic shows. Darkstone isn’t yet at a place in his career to attempt to break new ground like David Copperfield. However, the amazement from seeing them up close is a real treat. The showroom at the Frontier only seats about 280. I usually sit in the back when I review a show to take in the entire spectrum of performer and audience and I still felt like I was in the middle of the action.

A great example was his performance of Houdini’s Metamorphosis. (Tie the magician up in a bag, put him in a wooden box, lock it shut, raise a curtain, and in a split second his assistant is tied up in the locked box and magician is free.) Houdini used to perform this one before his shows, outside the theater and among the people, as a “come-on” to help persuade people to buy tickets, and Darkstone performs the illusion in similar fashion with plenty of audience participation.

Four men from the audience are chosen to completely inspect the box, test the padlocks, and everyone in the audience who wanted to is invited to inspect the bag used to tie Darkstone up to insure no velcro, etc. One of the volunteers ties the bag tight. In the box Darkstone goes, and volunteers put on the locks. His assistant lift up a curtain, and in the blink of an eye she is in the locked box tied in the bag and he is free. All so relatively close to the audience that you are truly left scratching your head with that “Did you see that … how’d he do that” (which is what you are paying for in the first place).

Juggler Will Roya provides both the talent and comedic relief to balance the serious side of Darkstone. This guy is funny! Instead of a plain, old juggling act, he incorporates a James Bond style skit into the first act, then moves on to juggling glowing balls in the completely darkened room in a manner which creates quite a light spectacle. He finishes off with the prerequisite fire juggling and them multiple hoops, both of which he adds his lighthearted musical and acting touches to.

If anything is working against these guys, it is their age. Darkstone probably has another couple years to go before he can truly pull off the “mystical magician” look strictly because of his good (young looking) genetics, but that doesn’t stop him from being a riveting performer. Roya still has a little bit of that “Wow, I’m playing on the Vegas Strip” in him but channels it in a positive way with his onstage goofball persona.

However, both men have years of performing under their belt and not only put on a talented show, but are up on all the latest advantages of show technology. For a smaller venue, the room has great computer-controlled lighting which is put to good effect as the audience is seated. The music soundtrack is top notch. It was apparent that much time and care were taken in selecting exactly the right music for each illusion and segment, and it is extremely well edited and blended to enhance the show.

The show is very suitable for children, but with plenty of punch for adults. At the inexpensive asking price, these guys are worth seeing now. They could very well end up like another magic team which once performed regularly at The Frontier. Who? Siegfried and Roy.

“David Darkstone – Illusions and Beyond” runs daily (dark Monday) at Noon and 2 PM. Tickets are $12.95 and include two drinks. You can get them at the box office or call ahead to (702) 794-8200 for reservations. Note: As of this time, the showroom doesn’t have cocktail service. Redeem your drink coupons at the bar (you can get pop, juice, or water for the kids) and bring them in with you. We have two David Darkstone packages to give away in the contests section that include two free tickets, a T-shirt, and an autographed poster.




LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

E.L. Mikel wrote:

>We were in Las Vegas in March and one of the employees at the Venetian
>said that there were plans underway to build a Titanic-themed
>Casino/Resort. When I got back, I asked my travel agent and she had
>not heard this. Do you know anything about it?

We reported on this proposed project way back on June 17, 1999. For the benefit of later subscribers … here is the original story:

Las Vegas legend Bob Stupak’s plans to build a casino with the theme of the Titanic were sunk by the Las Vegas city council because of objections by neighbors backing the area. He was planning to build in on the site of his Thunderbird Hotel which is located halfway between Fremont St. Experience and the Stratosphere on LV Blvd. (the Strip). The area isn’t designated as a casino development district. (End of story.)

You just hit the nail on the head why I started this newsletter. Resort employees are the second least informed people in town, next to cab drivers (who are pretty much only interested in steering you to a strip club that pays them a $10 per person kickback). Once these people get off work, they get as far away from The Strip as they can, and they aren’t exactly home pouring over the newspapers and press releases. On the other hand, I guess that is good: as long as old and misinformation about Vegas continues to abound, there will be room for this newsletter!

John Krogh wrote:

>Hi Ted…
>
>Just a quick observation with respect to your “free contest” section.
>As you claim this newsletter hits 50 some odd countries, announcing
>the 20th response will win, would seem to be
>slightly biased <G>. Cool newsletter!

Just as Superman sometimes forgets his own power, I too truly feel like I am writing this newsletter to one person and forget we are pushing 20,000 subscribers. I woke up to that when the 20’th entry for the last contest took little time to come in. From now on, we will use a random number generator to pick a winner from all entries received by the contest deadline. As for the country count claim, all we have are subscribers email addresses to go by. We have subscribers with email addresses that originate in over 60 countries now.

Donna wrote:

>I was just curious about what Las Vegas is like around
>the Christmas season. My husband and I are planning
>on taking a four day getaway to Vegas sometime around
>the 15th of December. We’d like to know whether this
>is a good or bad time of year to visit Vegas.

The town is crowded until Dec. 16’th when the National Finals Rodeo is done. Between then and Dec. 25’th, you can practically shoot a cannon down the Strip and not hit anybody. If you dream of coming to Vegas when the rooms are going to be about the cheapest of the year and the lines will be small or nonexistent (plenty of elbow room at the games and slots also), the week before Christmas is your time. Especially if you can come on weekdays and not a weekend.

Rodney & Kathy Baker wrote:

>Just returned from a 4 day stay at Treasure Island, the hotel was a
>great room with slightly stingy slots…didn’t hear many bells
>ringing … before we left your newsletter asked for reviews on high
>end restaurants. Didn’t really expect to do this for you but just
>happened in at the MGM … and went to “OLIO,” looking forward to a
>nice meal before the 10:30 EFX show. We were not dressed for either
>the show or the meal but decided while we were at that end of the
>strip we would do the “as you are” thing. It worked perfect for the
>show…they took our money….gave us great seats and we were
>fine…the dinner was another ordeal. When we arrived the hostess was
>very sweet and smiling…after being instructed on where to seat us by
>a not so friendly sounding French(?) speaking man dressed in a
>suit…we were ushered to the back of the room…WHERE WE SAT FOR OVER
>15 MINUTES….no water…just stares from other waiters roaming back

The Bakers went on to note a total terrible experience. I have one word of advice: stay away from any hotel, show, or attraction for the first couple of months after it opens. While unpleasant experiences are the exception, they are going to happen more during the stages while the kinks are still being worked out. It never hurts to write the management with your concerns when you return home. You just might find yourself a free chance to sample it again on your next trip.

>Andrew Simpson of Glasgow UK wrote:

>Ted, Firstly thanks for the newsletter, it’s great. Currently there
>is a programme on UK TV which is portraying Vegas as a clubbing city
>and the “new Ibiza” For those who don’t know what Ibiza is, it is a
>Spanish Island famous in Europe for it’s clubs — unfortunately also
>famous for it’s related drunkenness, violence and drugs. Do you or
>your readers feel that Vegas may be heading in the same direction,
>because frankly it would put me off returning to the place that I
>love.

Las Vegas is no stranger to drunkenness, and I assume one can find drugs in the clubs just like anywhere else. But it is true: with clubs like Studio 45, Rum Jungle, and others as well as all the new posh “old school” lounges opening up, the new reputation as a clubbing city is well deserved. Violence doesn’t seem to accompany this here, as most of these are attached to casinos which are VERY concerned about security.

Allen wrote:

>Thank-you for all the ideas on what to do with only a short time in
>Vegas. I surprised her with a Suite that faced the strip. It was
>great at night when the strip was bright with lights. We had 2 days
>to fit everything in so here is what we did.
>
>We started off Thursday evening with dinner at the Steakhouse at
>Circus Circus. The meal was, well “WOW.” About 15 minutes into the
>meal (gaming executive) Bill Boyd and some friends sat in the booth next to us. It was
>fun to watch the attention he received. From there, we headed to
>Fremont Street. She shopped and we watched two light shows. She
>enjoyed it, but was less than impressed. In between the shows, we
>played craps at the Four Queens. My wife is a beginner gambler but
>the dealers were very nice and very patient and made her time winning
>$12 very enjoyable. We headed back to the room and watched the lights
>on the strip from our balcony.
>
>Friday was our big day, we had tickets to “O.” This was the one thing
>I planned months in advance. We spent the morning shopping at the
>Bellagio and viewing the Atrium. My wife fell in love. She again,
>found time to keep me amused with some gambling. She played Sic Bo.
>The dealer again was great with a beginner gambler. We ate dinner at
>the Mirage Buffet. Absolutely the best buffet in Vegas. Then it was
>off to “o.” Without getting into the gory details let me say that “O”
>was the worst experience of the trip. The staff was rude and the $200
>front row balcony seats purchase 2 months in advance were very bad.
>In fact, if any of your readers plan to go to “O,” the entire balcony
>has no view of the front of the stage and a lot of the show takes
>place there. When we got back from the show, she hit the slots and I
>hit the tables. She visited me 3 times taking what I had won and
>putting it in the slots.
>
>The last day we went to Caesars Palace to the shops. My wife was less
>than impressed. We ate lunch at the Paris and went up the tower.
>Again, she was very disappointed with the atmosphere. My wife
>actually enjoyed the Desert Passage shops at the Aladdin the most.
>She liked all the art galleries and spent over an hour in the
>Build-a-Bear shop spending everything I had won. From there, we
>headed to the Stratosphere. We were planning to eat at the restaurant
>but were not dressed appropriately for it. They don’t allow shorts
>for dinner. So were enjoyed the view headed to the Italian Restaurant
>at the Riviera. The food was great. My wife loved the accents of the
>waiters. Two thumbs up. We ended the evening on the balcony again.
>
>In the morning we used the CAPS service for our bags. This gets a big
>plug. For $6 you can check your bags at the hotel and get your
>boarding pass. Then it was a private limo to the airport and back to
>reality.

D.S. wrote:

>While visiting Las Vegas in May of this year, we used the Bell Trans
>Limousines & Buses for our transportation from the airport to downtown
>Las Vegas (California Hotel). We always use this transportation
>service to and from the airport. Only this time we happen to notice
>there was a price for a round trip, so we purchase a round trip
>ticket. When we tried call the day before our departure we could not
>reach this company and tried through the night, until I spoke to the
>bellman at the hotel and he said that they would not recommend this
>company because they found them unreliable. Other guest complained
>about shuttle not showing up and if they do they late. The bellman
>had to call another company to take us to the airport. I’ve learned
>not to purchase around trip shuttle service again. (Bell Trans
>Limousines & Buses 702-739-7990) Mahalo

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com While space doesn’t permit publishing every letter, we do certainly read them all and they help shape our content. Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc., if accepted.




ONLINE POLL – “Which Las Vegas hotel has the nicest lobby?” Let’s hear your opinion at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published next issue!

Results from last poll: “How do you feel about coinless slots?”

They are great — no muss, no fuss! 45%
I came to Vegas to play a ROLL of quarters, not paper credits. 33%
I like the ones that give you a ticket on a big win, but let you cash out coins otherwise. 20%

FREE CONTEST:

DAVID DARKSTONE – We have two David Darkstone packages to give away! Each package contains two FREE passes to the show, one David Darkstone T-shirt, and a personally autographed poster. Enter by sending a blank email to (contest closed) One entry per person. Deadline for entries: Sunday July 8, 2001. Winners will be chosen in a random drawing from all eligible entries received before deadline and be notified by email.

CORRECTION: Past issues noted that you could sign up for Weatherbug and get a free trip to Las Vegas. More accurately, you sign up and can possibly win a Las Vegas trip, keeping in line with the fact it is featured in the contest section. We apologize for any inconvenience.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

All contents copyright 2001 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
July 4, 2001 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 26, 2000

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

ROOM SPECIALS – Jackie Gaughan’s Plaza from $45.95 – Subject to Limited Availability: 7/20/-8/20/00 – Book Online at: http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/hotdeals?SID=IVC Yes, this qualifies for the additional $25 rebate mentioned later in the letter!

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions!

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This Issue: Jubilee!

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com



á
 


LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

DESERT INN – continues to move up it’s closing date as they lose employees. See the place fast … it will possibly be closed by the time the Aladdin opens up on Aug. 17. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-27-Thu-2000/business/14050404.html

NEVADA TRIVIA – This new The book has 1,200 trivia questions divided into sections: geography, entertainment, history, arts and literature, sports and leisure, and science and nature. You can take a sample Nevada Trivia quiz in the article at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-27-Thu-2000/lifestyles/14010868.html and the book is for sale from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1558537309/invegascom

RESTAURANTS – No, it’s not your imagination. Just about every major casino has or is building some kind of noodle shop to appeal to their Asian clientele. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13920282.html If you have never had the pleasure of watching Chef Kin Mark spin one roll of flour into thousands of noodles by hand (no cutting or tools), check it out next time you are at the MGM. Lots of fun to watch — combine it with a stop to see the Frank Sinatra impersonator at the Hollywood Brown Derby Wed. – Sun. nights! Kin Mark story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13928898.html

We took a recent visit to the Rio Carnival Buffet (not to be confused with their Seafood Buffet which we reviewed at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-02-02.htm ) and found it to be quite improved. Still spendy at $11 for lunch and $14 for dinner, but the quality is back making it more worth the money. Gatsby’s in the MGM is reviewed at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-26-Wed-2000/lifestyles/14003743.html

The Stratosphere Tower is serving lunch in the Top of the World restaurant, and the $6-12 price range gives you all the view for a fraction of dinner. Plus the lounge (one floor up) is having happy hour, and more added TVs to view sports on … might be a good place to grab lunch and watch that afternoon ball game you get on. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-28-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13827722.html Finally, if visiting the three high-end steak houses we reviewed over the last 6 weeks hasn’t left you broke, you can check out Charlie Palmer’s at the Four Seasons (Mandalay Bay). Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13922285.html

$25 HOTEL REBATE – Expires soon! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you $25 back on any 2+ night stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve! Claiming your cash is simple:

1. Go to http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm and print out that page
2. Book a room online at http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC by July 31
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.

It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee to boot!

DOWNTOWN TO GROW – The City of Las Vegas and Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. have reached an agreement that gives the City a key 61-acre parcel of land immediately west of downtown. Said Mayor Goodman, “All of our dreams can now be achieved.” Full story at http://www.ci.las-vegas.nv.us/real_estate_deal_gives_City_of_l.htm and this week’s poll at http://www.accessvegas.com asks if you visit or stay downtown during your trips here!



á
 


Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

‘Notre Dame de Paris’ – at Paris Las Vegas is done. It just never caught on. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-26-Wed-2000/news/14041938.html

Aladdin – Enrique Inglesias on Aug. 19. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Aladdin discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Aladdin link).

Hard Rock Hotel – Lenny Kravitz on July 28, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, B-52’s on Aug. 5, K.D. Lang Aug. 11, Deftones on Aug. 13, Jimmy Page plus The Black Crowes on Aug 16, and Culture Club on Nov. 14. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour July 28-29, Def Comedy Jam on Aug. 4-5, “The Dream King” Elvis tribute starring famed impersonator Trent Carlini on Aug. 15-19, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Face To Face Sept. 30, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement), Sinbad Nov. 2-4, Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3, and Brooks & Dunn Dec. 4-6. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on July 29, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, Kiss with Ted Nugent Aug. 2, Psychedelic Furs Aug. 5, D’ Angelo Aug. 7, Brian Setzer on Aug. 8, Paula Cole Band Aug. 9, Rollins Band Aug. 11, Unwritten Law Aug. 12, Earth, Wind, and Fire on Aug. 16-19, Ziggy Marley Aug. 19, Duran Duran Aug. 25-26, Isaac Hayes Aug. 25-26, Jethro Tull Aug. 27, Godsmack on Aug. 31, Static X Sept. 1, Savage Garden Sept. 10, Steve Miller Band Sept. 17, Luther Vandros with Boyz II Men Sept. 22, Little Feat Sept. 22, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Penn and Teller now – Aug. 9, Sting on Aug. 19, Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13, Pearl Jam on Oct. 22, and Tina Turner with Joe Cocker Nov. 18. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Riviera – Rich Little on Oct. 6 and 7, Tony Orlando on Oct. 13 and 14, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling on Oct. 20 and 21. Tickets at (702) 794-9433 and Riviera discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Riviera link).

Station Casinos – Paula Poundstone on July 28 at Sunset, and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes Aug. 4 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).

The Orleans – Smothers Brothers now – Aug. 30, Marty Allen and Karon Kate Blackwell now through Aug. 7 (Fri. – Mon. Nightly): one drink min., The Little River Band on Sept. 1-3, and The Everly Brothers Oct. 25-29. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).

Thomas & Mack – Korn, Powerman 5000 and Papa Roach on Aug. 9, Up In Smoke tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Eminem on Aug. 11, Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots on Sept. 13, AC/DC on Sept. 14, and Phish on Sept. 29. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

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FEATURE STORY: Jubilee!

jubilee.jpg (35641 bytes)“Don Arden’s Jubilee!” at Bally’s has been a staple on the Las Vegas strip since 1981, and with good reason. This is very much a throwback to the television variety shows of 30 years ago, featuring an impressive array of song, dance, theatrics, magic, and specialty acts.

Act 1 features all of the almost 100 singers, dancers and showgirls in seven scenes that remind us of the golden age of Hollywood musicals (with the exception of the topless showgirls). This act continues to build into a crescendo of entertainment that covers the entire stage, and gives us a taste of what is to come.

Act 3 entitled “Samson and Delilah!” was a loose theatrical interpretation, featuring some of the very elaborate staging that this Jubilee! is famous for. The story of lust and deceit featured risquÚ costumes on both the male and female singers and dancers, recreating the decadence of that period. As expected, Samsom brought down the set in a burst of fire and falling debris.

Act 2 and Act 4 were perhaps the weak points. Act 2 features the balancing artistry of Jean Nedel. This man’s upper body strength is phenomenal, as he balances with his hands and arms on dual and single poles with his entire body moving and twisting above him. But … once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it, and this segment could be shortened. Act 4 was the first of two by feature magician Dirk Arthur, featuring standard illusions and a couple of his exotic leopards and tigers. A piece of close up magic was broadcast large-screen as he performed it so that everyone could see, but between the poor lighting and picture quality, most of us were straining to see what would have otherwise been a great trick in a more intimate setting.

Act 5 picked right back up again with the “Titanic.” With impressive staging and props, we are taken on a journey aboard the ill-fated voyage with a spellbinding tribute to the French follies shows of old. The replication of the ships grand ballroom provides fun and frolic that is interrupted by news that the Titanic has hit an iceberg. The stage is transformed into the engine room in a flood of water as havoc breaks loose and the ship sinks in grand form. This must be seen!

Act 6 brings back Dirk Arthur, and this time he gets the ball rolling with a number of incredible illusions. He escapes a rock cutting drill, makes a tiger vanish in thin air from a cage above the stage, makes a sports car levitate and vanish, and finishes by making a helicopter appear. He certainly was saving the best for last!

Act 7 is “The Finale,” a formal ballroom-based tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers with nods to Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and Gershwin full of music, romance, impressive costumes, singing, and dancing.

If you want to see one traditional Las Vegas show, it would be hard to pick between Jubilee! and Follies Bergere (reviewed at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-03-29.htm ). Follies has more of a warm “good mood” vibe to it, and relies more on a “wink, wink” sexiness, the charisma of the hosts, and comedy. Jubilee! is the full-scale variety show (minus comedy) that goes for an over-the-top feel in every category. You shouldn’t be disappointed by either.

Jubilee! is presented at Bally’s twice nightly at 7:30PM and 10:30 PM, dark Tuesdays. Tickets range from $50-60 plus fees, and this is an adult show because of topless and risquÚ costumes. More info and online ticket purchase available at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=10&amid=143&cscheme=5 We are giving away two Jubilee! programs in the contest section of this newsletter.


Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Frank Kammerer wrote:

>Ted,
>
>We just got back from our Vegas Vacation.
>After reading your review of the
>Center Stage Restaurant at the Plaza, we decided to have dinner there.
>What a good choice.á It was the best dinner we had all week.á The French
>onion soup was delicious, along with the rest of the meal.á The service
>was personal and friendly, and the price was
>less than we spent at some of the other
>buffets in town.á We would recommend the Center Stage Restaurant to
>anyone going to Vegas.
>
>Thanks for reviewing this “Dinning Experience”.á It truly is one of
>Las Vegas best kept secrets!

Glad you enjoyed it — it continues to be a personal favorite of mine. For those that missed it, the review is archived online at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-05-10.htm

Shelli Wolis wrote:

>To the reader who just returned from Las Vegas and wanted info on salsa
>dancing:
>
>Go to:áhttp://www.salsaweb.com and follow the prompts.á FYI, the Gold Coast Hotel
>has a great Latin band on Saturdays, large dance floor, good DJ, and some
>really good dancers.
>
>I’m a NY salsera/chanaguera and I know what I’m talking about.á I haven’t
>checked out the other clubs yet, but intend to do so when I visit from 8/26
>through 9/5.
>
>Have fun and remember — VIVA LA MUSICA!

Allen wrote:

>I read that a new C d’ S was opening in Vegas in July or August but don’t
>know for sure. Can you tell me please.
>Coming to Vegas in October.

For those that missed it, we noted this in our June 21 edition: NEW SHOW – According to R-J columnist Norm, the Rio is unveiling a new Cirque du Soleil called De la Guard next month, and will be one of the most unique ever. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-19-Mon-2000/news/13796400.html and we’ll give you more details as they become available. UPDATE: They are running a little behind due to getting all the required permits for the building, but an August opening is expected.

Dale Jackson wrote:

>I have been following your articles and letters about Las Vegas casinos
>proposing the use of coinless slot machines.á SAY IT AIN’T SO!á We have
>thoroughly enjoyed our past visits to Vegas (and look forward to many
>more in the future) and wouldn’t know what to do without the melodious
>CHING CHING CHING… of those wonderful slot machines.á That is a very
>integral part of our whole Las Vegas experience and we would miss it
>very much if they decide to go coinless.á We, also, have Indian casinos
>(two of them) very nearby up here in Oregon and we refuse to go inside
>these poor imitations ofá real Vegas casinos.á We think that they are
>insulting and exploiting our love for Las Vegas.á Maybe the (Las Vegas)
>casino owners need to hear more from people like us who will pass up a
>nearby “Indian casino” for the real thing in Las Vegas. áá This is only
>our opinion and we hope there are many more people out there who share
>the same opinion.á Is there some way to get in contact with someone
>associated with the casinos to let them know of our concerns on this
>subject?
>Thank you for your time.

As a born and raised Oregonian, I too have visited an Oregon Indian casino and thought that the coinless system they use is a bad joke. I’m with the rest of you — I want to hear those coins hit, and enjoy scooping them up!

Our thanks to all who wrote to express an opinion on coinless slots. More than we could print, but most agree you don’t want them.

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc., if accepted.

ONLINE POLL – “Do you visit Downtown and the Fremont St. Experience when in Las Vegas?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks!

Results from last weeks poll “Do you believe a cocktail waitress job involves there looks?”

Yes, they are like a model in an advertisement and hired/fired on that basis. 81%
The double standard is wrong – hotels let dealers work whether pregnant or overweight. 18%

FREE CONTESTS:

Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

JUBILEE! – We have two programs from this show to give away to the 20’th and 30’th entries at (contest closed).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
July 26, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 10, 2000

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it, but only in it’s entirety.

This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com Quality Las Vegas Tourist Information – Hotels, Casinos, Insider Tips, and more. If it’s about Las Vegas, it’s AccessVegas.Com!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions.

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This Issue: Center Stage Restaurant

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com


 


LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:BYE-BYE BELLAGIO ART – If you have not seen the masterpieces yet, and you want to, do it soon. MGM is going to be selling off most of the infamous art pieces currently on “permanent” display at Bellagio. In it’s place will be exhibitions arranged with private collectors, museums and other art galleries. Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2000/may/11/510243165.html

BIRDMAN OF LAS VEGAS – is opening at The Tropicana. Famous trainer Joe Krathwohl’s show features unique and rescued birds from around the world flying through hoops held by audience volunteers, majestic eagles that fly overhead, beautiful parrots and cockatoos that talk and sing, and more. The best part is the price: FREE and open to all ages! Show times are 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:00 PM (dark Thursdays) in the Tropics Lounge.

MOTHER’S DAY – A variety of restaurants both on and off the Strip are offering specials for Mother’s Day. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-10-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13423010.html

10TH ANNUAL EPICUREAN AFFAIR 2000 – This dine-around affair at the Rio is billed as the “hospitality event of the year”, held poolside, and is open to the public. 60 Las Vegas restaurants and resorts serve an array of their house specialties. All cuisines are represented in abundance: American, Continental, Cajon, Italian, Asian, Mexican, French plus a variety of spirits and non-alcoholic drinks will be available. Top chefs display their restaurants’ culinary specialties and signature dishes. Plus, there will be a live band, DJ’s with go-go dancers, and a cigar lounge. Tickets are $100 a person if ordered before June 12 ($125 after). The event will commence June 14’th at 7:30 PM at The Rio. We’ll be at this one!

NEW MEXICO – People from New Mexico seem to love Las Vegas, so I imagine we have quite a few readers from that state. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those being impacted by the terrible fires there. I’m especially close to this as personal friend and former Las Vegas radio talk show host Jim Villinucci is the afternoon talk host on the #1 50,000 watt 770 AM KOB, which reaches most of the state including the affected area. During the day, you can listen to the station’s live breaking coverage online by going to http://www.radiojim.com

Winners! – Karen Wilcox of Raymond, OH won the T-shirt. Patricia Le Barron from Dunkirk, NY won the Hard Rock keychain.

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

Junefest – This annual classic rock festival is the party of the year for many locals and tourists alike. This year’s lineup: Sammy Hagar, George Thorogood, Pat Benatar, Paul Rodgers, BTO, and Mark Farner plus a “huge fireworks display” after the show. Tickets are only $25.96 and available at (888) 464-2468.

Mandalay Bay – Johnny Winter on May 18, David Sandborn on May 19, Kenny Wayne Shepherd on May 20, Motorhead on May 21,Toto on May 26, Jefferson Starship on May 27, The Young Dubliners on May 28, Cowboy Junkies on Jun. 3, Cheap Trick on July 3, Queensryche on June 16 and 17, and Hall and Oats on July 21. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Rodney Dangerfield on July 6-12 and again on Aug. 24-Sept. 6. Tickets are $85 and available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).


 


FEATURE STORY: Center Stage RestaurantA few years ago, I stumbled across what I still consider one of the best kept secrets in town: The Center Stage Restaurant at the Plaza hotel. I had avoided it for the very reasons many people avoid the Plaza all-together — the place is not exactly The Mirage. Low limit games, cheap drinks, older slot machines, a carpet that needed replacing years ago, and some of the worst lounge acts in town all combine to make The Plaza one of the last places you would consider getting a decent meal . Which is a shame …

center-stage.jpg (20547 bytes)If you stand in front of the Golden Gate at the end of Fremont St. and look straight up at the Plaza, you notice a glass dome. Tucked away upstair in a quiet part of the hotel where the carpet hasn’t worn out yet sits the very best view of Fremont St. available to the public. The restaurant is actually pretty nice (they used it for the fine dining scene in the film Casino), and in keeping with owner Jackie Gaughn’s “low roller” tradition, the food is good, the view is great, and the prices are very reasonable.

Appetizers are well portioned, running for compote of fresh fruit ($3.50) to lobster or jumbo shrimp cocktail ($7.50). However, you might want to skip them and save room for the main course as they don’t skimp on the food.

I’m a sucker for their prime rib. Mr. Gaughn is originally from Nebraska and word has it that he gets his beef from that part of the country. The complete prime rib dinner only runs $11.95 and all dinners come with choice of French Onion Soup, Soup ju Jour, or dinner salad, Vegetable du Jour, as well as choice of potato, rice, or Fettucine Alfredo and a wonderfully unique fresh baked loaf of bread.

Dinners start at a very modest price with the Southern Fried Chicken ($7.50) and Chicken Sicilian ($9.50). Meat eaters will enjoy Baby Back Pork Ribs (a full rack, $11.95), New York Steak (regular or Cajun, $11.95), Porterhouse ($13.95), Filet Mignon ($15.95) and Broiled Lamb Chops ($16.95).

From the sea, I love their Idaho Broiled Rainbow Trout ($11.50) but don’t limit yourself: they offer Shrimp, Orange Roughy, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Scampi Meuniere ranging from $11.95 to $16.95. Another great meal is the Whole Fresh Maine Lobster with Crab stuffing ($19.95). Combos are available: New York Steak & Shrimp is always good ($13.95), as well as New York Steak & King Crab Legs ($16.95), but I like to go all out with the Lobster Tail and New York Steak Combo ($27.95).

Desert selection is limited and runs $3.00 to $4.50. Don’t ask me about them — I’ve always been too stuffed to try one but they look good!

This isn’t Picasso or Delmonico. While it is their “gourmet” room, please remember that you are at the Plaza. However, the value is unmatched. You are paying coffee shop prices for the food, but atmosphere and service are well above coffee shop standards, even when the view isn’t taken into account. Add an unparalleled, splendid view of Fremont St. and you have my #1 best kept secret in Las Vegas. I have taken friends, family, dates, and clients to the Center Stage and never had a bad experience.

The Center Stage Restaurant is upstairs in the Plaza Hotel downtown. They open at 5:00 PM and last seating is at 10:30 PM. Reservations are suggested — smoking needs to be requested in order to be seated in the dome with a view, although the dome’s high ceiling and good ventilation make is a moot point to all but those who are very sensitive to smoke. They generally make every effort to seat people in the dome. However, when busy, a discrete $5 tip to the maitre d’ with a view request will be honored although you may have to spend a few minutes at the bar if dome seating isn’t immediately available.


 


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:Donna wrote:

>I would like to know if any of Vegas hotels offer a behind the scenes
>tour of the building. My husband is in building maintenance and was
>fascinated by a program on Discovery about the Venetian. We are
>visiting in two weeks and will be staying at Harrahs.

There are none that I’m aware of that individuals can take at this time. The closest might be the “behind the scenes” tour of the Secret Garden’s of Siegfried and Roy (info archived at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-12-01.htm ). Also, if you have a group of 15 or more, EFX at the MGM has a backstage tour available.

I imagine security issues have much to do with this. If there are building tours that we are unaware of, please drop us a note: allvegastv@aol.com

Jim and Judy from Peoria wrote:

>I am surprised to hear your glowing report on the Flamingo garden
>buffet.á Three years ago we tried it — It came with a nice little
>bottle of wine.á The food was ok but that’s all.á The price was NOT
>$15 however it was much cheaper and we had a “toofer” It was a nice
>experience however for the price and the wine.á Two years ago we went
>back and the wine was gone and food was truly blah.á Not bad — just
>blah.á This year we did not go even though the setting is quite nice.
>Maybe the price increase made the difference.á They really needed to
>work on that uninspiring buffet.á We will try again on your word but
>if it doesn’t pan out we will let you know.

One of the very reasons we publish this newsletter is because things change so quickly in Las Vegas. Three years ago, you could get a room at The Sands, The Hacienda, or the (old) Aladdin. Three years ago, Enter the Night was the long running show at the Stardust. Three years ago, the Flamingo’s buffet was lousy for the money.

Interestingly enough (and for that very reason), I had no interest in checking the “new” Paradise Garden Buffet out but the requests for info as well as the buzz have been overwhelming. I not only enjoyed it, but I’ll be a regular.

While I’m on the topic and since people ask: I do request and accept media comps for shows, but pay my own way into restaurants. Neither influences a review. The majority of my reviews are pretty positive, but that is to be expected as I give priority to longer running shows that have proven themselves and dining establishments that are known good values.

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc. if accepted.


Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours


FREE CONTESTS:Note: You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest). Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

Sun Country has brought back its Fly Free For A Year giveaway. To enter, visit http://www.suncountry.com/flyfree.htm and tell, in 50 words or less, what you would do if you could fly free for a year.

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

New to the list? Back issues can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

You may subscribe to this newsletter by going to:
https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com or sending a blank email to below

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
May 10, 2000

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 23, 2000

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it, but only in it’s entirety.

This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com Quality Las Vegas Tourist Information – Hotels, Casinos, Insider Tips, and more. If it’s about Las Vegas, it’s AccessVegas.Com!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions by posting a note to our new board at http://boards.accessvegas.com We want to hear from you!

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This Issue: STAR TREK: THE EXPERIENCE

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com


 


LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:MEGABUCKS – hit yet again for 7.8 million dollars on Valentines Day. While the winner has remained anonymous, one of my sources indicated that the local man’s wife left him a couple of years ago (no kids in the relationship) because she was upset he wasn’t providing her a higher standard of living. Revenge must be sweet. He’s a computer consultant who plans to keep working. Full story at http://news.excite.com/news/pr/000215/nv-igt-megabucks-hit

THE ALADDIN – construction is moving right along. This $1.3 billion resort is slated to include more restaurants, shops, entertainment and casino options that any other destination in Las Vegas according to their web page. Full story at http://www.msnbc.com/news/368176.asp?cp1=1 and discount Aladdin rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Aladdin link).

LEGEND AIR – starts service to Las Vegas from Washington, DC and Dallas TX next month. Legend appears to be an “all business class” airline like Midwest Express. Story at http://www.frommers.com/newsletters/02-21-00/article6.html

VENETIAN GOES HIGH TECH – and will provide in-room office systems to every one of The Venetian’s suites including all-in-one color printer/fax/scanner/copiers to all of its guests who will be able print reports, email and other business or personal information, in color, in the convenience of their room. In addition, the fax service gives each guest gets a private fax number for direct faxing in and out of the suite. Story at http://news.excite.com/news/bw/000218/nv-the-venetian-reesort Also, a story about the Venetian’s gondola ride at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-04-Fri-2000/weekly/12836378.html Venetian discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Venetian link).

RAIN, RAIN — After 140 days without rain (which ended with a sprinkle a couple of weeks ago), winter storms are here with steady rain on Monday and Wednesday. We are happy to report that the clouds have left, but we needed the rain. At least it’s winter and didn’t ruin anybody’s tanning plans! Stories at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-22-Tue-2000/news/13008611.html and http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-24-Thu-2000/news/13028248.html

STUNTSHOW SPECTACULAR – Super Joe Reed is putting on 3 days of world record breaking stunts this weekend at The Reserve. Featured will be building-to-building jumps, blindfold motorcycle jumps, helicopter bungee jumps, walls and tunnels of fire, car stunts, female daredevils, and motocross races. Ticket available at the gate. One day: Adults $20, kids (12 and under) $10. 3 day pass: Adults $45, kids $20.

MGM GRAND – is looking to take over Mirage Resorts. This isn’t a stock or financial newsletter so we generally don’t follow things like that. But, we do have links to various stories regarding the possible takeover at http://www.accessvegas.com

LAS VEGAS – Visiting this city seems to be catching on. 33.8 million people found their way here last year. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-19-Sat-2000/business/12995902.html

RIO CARNIVAL BUFFET – As most locals know, the buffet’s prices have gone up while the quality has sunk dramatically. Put this one on your “must avoid” list. Full story at http://www.lvcitylife.com/dining/stories/00021701d.html

OOOOOOPS – A couple of weeks ago, someone wrote me and asked me how many rooms The Venetian has. I said 6000+ when it’s actually a little over 3000. That 6000 figure was stuck in my mind after reading an article regarding The Venetian seeking financing to double the size of their hotel to 6000 rooms.

Winner: Carolyn O’brien of Brandon, FL was the winner of the Las Vegas Dining Guide

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

LAS VEGAS HILTON – Broadway Musical “Buddy” through March 5, humorist Steven Wright on March 10 and 11, Sinbad March 17 and 18, Reba McEntire March 23 to 26, Tim Conway / Harvey Korman April 7 and 8, Kenny Rogers April 14 and 15, Jeff Foxworthy April 28 to 30, and Trisha Yearwood May 5 and 6. Tickets available at (800) 222-5361 and discount Las Vegas Hilton rooms available at http://hotels.nevada.nu/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).


 


FEATURE STORY: STAR TREK: THE EXPERIENCEstar-trek-01.jpg (9101 bytes)“To boldly go where no man has gone before” — or at least to boldly go to the Las Vegas Hilton on a rainy Wednesday afternoon was my mission. While I enjoyed the original Star Trek series reruns growing up, I have seen none of the movies nor watched any of the subsequent TV shows so I went into this pretty green.

The Star Trek casino area is a far cry from the stuffy, upper crust atmosphere of the regular casino at the Hilton. With a combination of uptempo rock music, futuristic looking slots, a bar area straight from the the 24’th century, and laser lights streaming across the sky, this puts a whole new dimension on the word “casino”. The blackjack tables were closed, but I assume those are open during the weekends and perhaps busy week nights. If you don’t want to gamble, they have a four pool tables for those more inclined to play in this unique setting.

star-trek-02.jpg (11287 bytes)First stop on your adventure through The Experience is the “History of the Future” museum area where more than 200 items used in the filming of the Star Trek television serious and movies are displayed. It is the largest permanent collection of Star Trek props and costumes in the world including 23 original costumes from the series and movies, eight starship models built to a 1:80 scale, 12 hand-painted alien head displays (so real, they are almost scary) and more than 100 hand props like the 3D chess set, communicators, phasers, and the like.

As you walk along, you follow an illustrated timeline of the universe with a special twist. From the time of Galileo and Newton to the present, it is (of course) factual. But from our time through the year 2372 (Stardate 47779.4) it follows the evolvement of the world, planets, political situations and the like as depicted from the original television series all the way through the movies and new series.

star-trek-03.jpg (11892 bytes)You may take all the time you wish viewing the museum as the as the actual adventure portion starts every 10 minutes. We’ve been asked not to give away the “good parts”, but this is a real interactive experience. Among the highlights are getting to experience being transported and ending up in the transporter room of the Enterprise, venturing onto the bridge as the crew goes about it’s duties, riding a turbolift (the “elevators” that move people around the ship), walking down the incredibly realistic corridors (all sets are constructed on a 1:1 scale from the originals), and taking a shuttlecraft mission through space and time.

The shuttlecraft is the finale, and what a finale it is! Featuring a six-axis simulator in a domed theatre, this motion simulator puts the Luxor’s (reviewed https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-06-09.htm ) to shame. These screens give you a 160 degree view — at no time do you see anything stationary outside the shuttle. A WORD TO THE WISE: This is an intense experience. I had a couple of slices of pizza before going on, and while I didn’t feel like I was going to lose it, I still wouldn’t suggest it. And anyone going on this after boozing it up would have to be nuts. Also, if you are older or get a little nauseous easily, stay away.

star-trek-04.jpg (8015 bytes)Having said that, the ride was incredible. You truly see and feel like you are being transported though time and space in a crystal clear universe you have never seen before with heart-pumping action taking place all around you! I don’t want to spoil the ending too much except to say that you get a unique perspective on the Las Vegas strip. The total post museum experience runs about 25 minutes. Hit the restroom first.

Afterwards, you exit through the obligatory shopping area containing everything from exclusive Star Trek clothing, the largest collection of Star Trek products and souvenirs, authentic collectibles, and the “your photo with a Star Trek star” image chamber.

The verdict? Trekkies should be put to death if they come to town and miss this. If you enjoy the series and movies, or enjoy first-class virtual entertainment with lots of surprises, this is also a must see. If you are on the strip without a car (the Las Vegas Hilton is a few blocks off-strip) and just looking for something to do, it’s worth a visit but you will live if you miss it.

Admission is $15.95 (includes tax) and you must be 42″ tall. There is no admission to visit the shops or Quark’s bar and restaurant (unique dinners in a futuristic setting running about $12 a plate). Just ask the ticket office to point the way. The Experience is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.


Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:Donna Ardbowman of Cincinatti, OH wrote:

>Dear Ted,
>
>I am a huge fan of your
>newsletter, never stop.á My family and I will be in Las Vegas for a
>week in April.á As always, we will be staying at New York-New York.
>Our casino host Leslie, always makes us feel special and our room and
>meals are always fully comped.á During our stay we tip everyone.á But,
>I am unsure how or if I should tip my casino host.á Can you or some of
>your newsletter readers give me some advice on this issue?á If tipping
>or a gift of gratitude is acceptable what do you suggest?á One more
>question, what night is the all you can eat seafood buffet at Ellis
>Island?á Regards, Donna Ardbowman

Thanks for the kind words. I understand that the preferred way to tip a casino host is with a gift of some kind. Food basket, wine, or something along that lines for a lady, or perhaps cigars or a tie or similar for a man. In fact, I believe that they can’t accept tips of cash. However, I claim a lack of first hand knowledge here. Any readers with a regular casino host, how do you express your gratitude for their hard work? Write us at allvegastv@aol.com

Ellis Island has unfortunately cancelled it’s all you can eat crab legs buffet. It was a deal while it lasted.

To the writer of the following I apologize — I cropped your name and deleted the original before I realized it:

>Hi Ted,
>
> We are planning a trip to Las Vegas in May. Our plans are to rent a car,
>do some sight seeing and then spend a three day weekend in Las Vegas. This
>will be my fifth trip in as many years and I’ve never rented a car. The
>taxi’s and trolley’s were fun and quite an experience, but since our rate is
>terrific for a week, we’ll just keep the car a week. Question?
> What is the best route to take to downtown(Fremont Street)from Treasure
>Island and where does one park? I am probably worrying about
>this more than I need to, but I’ve seen the amount of traffic jams and would
>like some knowledgeable advice.

It’s a good question. When downtown, I like to valet park at The Plaza (one
block south of the Fremont St. Experience — follow the signs). The Golden Nugget also has an easy valet area, but kind of hard for a novice to find. Don’t valet at Binions — long walk considering it is valet. On the flip side, I usually garage park when on the Strip because
valet can take so long to get your car at times and most garages have
convenient quick walks to the main gaming area.

If it’s not the weekend, head up the Strip and make a left onto Main St.
just past the Stratosphere. Main and Fremont is the foot of downtown — you
can’t get lost. On a weekend, at Treasure Island turn onto Spring
Mountain (west — toward the freeway) and take the freeway downtown. From
I-15, you exit onto US 95 South (Phoenix) and then make the first quick
exit onto Casino Center Blvd. and you are downtown. Trust me, you can’t
miss downtown. Even if you get off an exit too late, just point your car at
the casinos!

Tim wrote:

>We recently ate dinner at the Samba Grill @ The Mirage.á This is a fun
>place with great food.á The Brazilian themed establishment is a meat
>lover’s delight.á The meal starts with some rum drinks.á Then the
>waiter brings out a salad that is fantastic.á Don’t fill up too much
>because the vegetables and meats come next.á There is turkey wrapped
>in bacon, chicken, marinated pork tenderloin, flank steak, salmon and
>on and on.á These meats are served on big skewers and you can have as
>much as you want.á What a fun place and all for 29.00.

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc. if accepted.


Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!


ONLINE POLL – “How much per night do you usually pay for a room in Las Vegas?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in 2 weeks!Last poll results: How many times a year do you visit Las Vegas?

Never Been 5%
Less than once a year 8%
About once a year 25%
Couple of times a year 34%
A number of times a year (3-5 times) 25%
You should see my slot club points! (6 or more visits) 3%

FREE CONTESTS:

Note: You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 10’th entry in each contest will be the winner (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest). Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

LAS VEGAS 2000 – Station Casinos Passport to Value contains hundreds of dollars of 2-1 and discounts for food at any of the Station Casino properties. We have one to give away at (contest closed)

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://hotels.nevada.nu You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

New to the list? Back issues can be found on the web at: http://www.las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

You may subscribe to this newsletter by going to:
http://www.las-vegas-news-reviews.com or sending a blank email to
below

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
February 23, 2000