Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 11, 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.


AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

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

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

Ditch Friday Pool Party Palms Las Vegas

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

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

LA Sunset Tan Bikini Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


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

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


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

by Lincoln Hudson

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

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

Click to Read Entire Jubilee! Las Vegas Review…


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

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

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

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

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


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

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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

Ted Responds:

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


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

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

Thanks,

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

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

In general, a couple of notes on coupons:

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

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

Hope this helps,


Hi Ted,

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

By for now,

John & Jean (Manchester)

Ted Responds:

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

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


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

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

Thank You,

Kay


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

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10

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

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

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!


For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

June 11, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – October 2, 2002

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

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


Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:Hello from Las Vegas! Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. We’ve done a little face lift on the newsletter. Don’t worry … no drastic changes. We moved hotel specials back to the top to give you easy access to them and added the “What’s New” section to highlight the great stuff we add all the time.As usual, we were out all over the place last week. We ran into a reader at Tequila Joe’s (Imperial Palace) which we always enjoy. When at a resort area bar or lounge, I never tell anybody who I am or what I do so I can get people’s honest views of Las Vegas. It is always fun when I find out the person is a reader.Steve and his wife Maria from Windsor (Ontario, Canada) had noted his frustration with cocktail service at some slots. I shared some tips with him and he wrote me a couple of days ago to say hello and thank me. The letter is in feedback along with my tips. We enjoy being able to help!

Las Vegas News: Of Interest To Tourists

Calendar For Charity – Now is the time to get a 2003 Las Vegas calendar and help a good cause. These are the same high quality Las Vegas calendars you find in hotels and gift shops at or below the gift shop price with all proceeds going to charity. See the beautiful photos and purchase info atá 2003 Las Vegas Calendar.

Best “Local’s” Casino – You voted and the results are in! Here are the top Las Vegas local’s casinos (casinos away from the tourist areas usually frequented by residents):

  1. Sam’s Town – Newly remodeled, Sam’s Town appeals not only to the country music fans, but those who want a comfortable place where the rules are good, the food is better, and Mystic Falls indoor park is one of the nicest faux outdoor places to enjoy a cocktail.
  2. The Orleans – Just a mile east of The Strip on Tropicana, The Orleans boasts a comfortable atmosphere, good buffet, great specialty restaurants, regular headliners and concerts, and one of the hottest cocktail waitress outfits in town.
  3. Sunset Station and Gold Coast (tie). You can’t go wrong with either. If you haven’t been in the Gold Coast the past year, you have not been. Remodeled and upgraded to compete with The Palms (across the street), they continue to have great gaming, cheap rooms, and a new buffet that is the best in town for the money.Sunset Station was the top-of-the-line of the Station Casino group until Green Valley Ranch opened. However, few must have made it up to Green Valley Ranch (a favorite of ours) and Sunset gets the win.

This goes to show that we don’t rig our polls! You readers and other site visitors visit AccessVegas.Com and cast your votes, and our double-redundant system insures that nobody can stuff the ballet box. This month, we want to know “What is the best Las Vegas magic show”? Vote now on the main page of AccessVegas.Com

Sahara Korean Barbecue – Chef John recently enjoyed his visit and noted “The Kun-Mandu are beef pot stickers served with an excellent dipping sauce and our other main entree was Kalbee a.k.a. barbecued pork” andá “a Korean restaurant would also be a very good stop for a vegetarian looking for something beyond a tofu burger.” This restaurant is close to The Strip. Read the review with photos.

Larry G. Jones – continues his great, free show at the Fitzgerald’s downtown. So successful has he been, that the hotel has expanded and upgraded the showroom to meet demand! Jones is the “Man of 1,002 Voices.” Go see him now before the hotel figures out it should be charging much more than the one drink minimum to see him. For more info including show times, click to Larry G. Jones – Man of 1,002 Voices.

Readers Are Winning! – Message board members “kimimurad” and “kay” separately reported on recent jackpots here in Las Vegas. “kimimurad” hit at the Luxor for $1600 and $1200 and “kay” played Roaring 20’s slots at the Stardust for 8 hours on a $20 bill and walked away $750 ahead. Tell us about the big jackpot or the nice run you had at the slots in our Gambling / Jackpots forum!

Ladies Day Out – Treat Yourself to Something Special! Spend a fun-filled day doing what we love to do most and are great at…shopping, dining, and relaxing. More details at Ladies Day Out

Nellis Air Show – Nellis Air Force Base will host a two-day air show called Aviation Nation Oct. 5-6. The objective of this event is to give our friends and neighbors throughout Southern Nevada and visitors from throughout the world a behind the scenes look at AmericaÆs Air Force.

The air show will also depict the history of American aviation through numerous additional military and civilian air demonstrations and ground displays. Nearly 100 aircraft from a replica of the original Wright Flyer to some of the nationÆs newest military aircraft will be on display. Details at Nellis Air Show.

Legal Pot – You may have heard that Nevada will legalize marijuana. Maybe, but it won’t be this year. A measure on the ballot would basically legalize 3 oz. or less. It is trailing in the polls, but conjecture is that people don’t answer poll questions of this nature honestly. The bottom line: Nevada law requires constitutional measures to be passed twice to become law. So if it passes this time, another two year wait is ahead.

Subscription “Dues” – This newsletter is absolutely free! We enjoy bringing you great Las Vegas information. If you enjoy our newsletter, we ask two small things: Consider booking your hotels, showstours, and golf through AccessVegas.Com or the links in this newsletter. We have great rates and fantastic selection in every category. Also, turn your friends on to Las Vegas by forwarding a copy to them and suggesting they subscribe. They’ll thank you and we thank you.


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!


Show Review: V The Ultimate Variety Show

Las Vegas is home to some of the greatest entertainment on earth, and because of that many great entertainers and entertainment groups make their home here. Many work in the shows, but what do the rest of them do all the time? Many do well performing private corporate events or home base out of here while spending time on the road.

Producer David Saxe found himself in an interesting situation lately. He had produced Melinda – The First Lady of Magic at The Venetian for the past few years and Melinda recently retired to start a family after a long successful career. Having been a successful Las Vegas show producer, he was familiar with all of the great acts around town and a light bulb went off: Why not bring Las Vegas a show full of cream of the crop acts for an entire show?

Click to read the rest of our review

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.

Featured Golf Course:

Rio Secco Golf Club – Set among the rolling foothills of the Black Mountain Range in Las Vegas, Rio Secco Golf Club provides a world-class golf experience unlike any other. á Designed by Rees Jones, Golf World Magazine’s 1995 “Golf Architect of the Year” and mastermind behind over 100 of the world’s most fabulous courses, the Rio Secco provides both stunning scenery and challenging play.

Additional Las Vegas Golf Courses and Golf Vacations

Featured Tour:

Hoover Dam Express – If you’re short on time, we offer a Hoover Dam Express Tour. You’ll have two full hours at the dam, and your step-on guide will be available to assist you throughout your trip.Our specially designed tour gives you comfort in a customized vehicle where you’ll view a complimentary movie on the construction of the Dam on your way.

Additional Tours Including Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, City, Scenic, National Parks, and Adventure


Reader Feedback

Steve from Windsor, Ontario wrote;

I took your advice and sat down on quarters slot machines to see if the drink service was any better than when I sat down on a nickel machine. I tried this at the Palms and knowing my luck it was no better so I went to the Rio and the service was excellent. I couldn’t even drink the first one fast enough and she was back with another one. I tipped her a dollar every time she came around and after the third one she didn’t even bother to ask me if I wanted one she just brought me one and kept doing so until I told her I was leaving.Why was I leaving a place where I was in my glory you might ask, because the Red, White, and Blue two coin machine I was playing hit on the Double, Red 7, Red 7 so I cashed out. I only had put 20 dollars into the machine and had been playing it for quite some time. Then I went to the Strat to try my luck. I sat at a nickel machine right near the bar and the service was excellent. At the Sahara I played one dollar craps and service was excellent. Actually at Slots Of Fun and Casino Royale where they also had dollar craps the service was good, so I think from my experience your advice worked on where to go to get good drink service.Looking forward on returning to Vegas in January. Keep up the good work on the newsletter as I look forward to seeing it.It was great to meet Steve and his wife. He was telling me how bad cocktail service had been in the nickel areas of various casinos. Turns out that he was often playing the nickel games “loaded” (full coins in — couldn’t get good enough cocktail service to get loaded the other way). Some of those nickel machines take 45 coins ($2.25) a pull and nickel machines are generally the tightest in the casino (letting you win the least).

I noted the simple fact that nickel areas often get the worst cocktail service because nickel players have the reputation for being the worst tippers. Don’t blame the messenger here. That is the perception of cocktail waitresses who work the casino floor day in and day out. I suggested that instead he move up to quarter or even dollar machines.

You can play many quarter machines loaded for 3-5 quarters, and some dollar machines are loaded at $2. This gives you a much better shot at great cocktail service, you are actually playing less per pull than nickels loaded, and the higher denomination machines are usually looser! Of course, tipping the waitress $1 each time doesn’t hurt (which he had already been doing). Speaking of, check out our new In-Depth Tipping Guide.

Gulf Coast Question – Message board member “GulfCoast” is headed here with his wife this fall from the Panama City, Florida area and is wondering if he should fly out of there, Pensacola, or even Atlanta. I know we have readers in the great Southeast and Gulf Coast regions (and we are hoping many of you aren’t harmed by the approaching Lili). Help a neighbor out by letting them know which city you fly here out of in our Travel Questions/Trip Suggestions forum.

Watching The Fireworks – Message board member “me me” asked us about a good place to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Read our suggestions or tell us where you watched them from in years past at our New Year’s Eve forum. Check out our Las Vegas New Year’s Eve page to see what all the fuss is about New Year’s here with photos and free streaming video.

Buffets – The buffet discussion is getting hot and heavy in the forums. If you are a new visitor, stop by and get some great opinions. And if you have been here … co’mon … you know you hit a couple of buffets. Good or bad, go for it in our Interactive Information Forums (message boards). Get on board!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

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

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

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter please post to our message boards or write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. We do certainly read them all and they help shape our content.

New to the list? Click Here for back issues and subscription info.

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000! Click Here To Win

Need quality, inexpensive web hosting to suit any and every need? We trust our hosting to High Logic

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