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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 19, 2003

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Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! 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.

Featured Story:
Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas

Also In This Issue – Nov. 19, 2003: Newkirk’s Notes, Megabucks Hits, Cheap Meal Deals, Thanksgiving, Free Golf Lessons, $100 Rebate, Video Spotlight, More

Book online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining.

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

Hello from Las Vegas! The national news has been chasing Michael Jackson all over town. Never a dull moment here.

Got a couple of great feedback emails this week:

Myron Shulman had me laughing with this one (regarding Treasure Island now calling itself TI): I also heard rumors that MGM/Mirage plans to re-do the Mirage motif. All references to the south seas, as well as tigers, will be removed. What will they do with the tigers? They will need to come-up with a new name, too. They probably will call it “MI” as it’s next to “TI”. They can call the area “Mi-Ti“.

Frank Coccho wrote: Your newsletter is the best….very helpful and informative; packed with ideas, hints, etc. Keep up the great work!!!!

We appreciate the feedback and suggestions you send to allvegastv@aol.com and if you have Vegas questions or comments, please post them to our Vegas Travel Boards.

Megabucks Hits – A 69-year old retired Marine won $19.6 million playing this progressive state-wide slot at The Stardust this past Friday. Read full story …

Thanksgiving Weekend – is Nov. 27 – 30. Almost all of the hotel restaurants from the buffets to the fine dining houses host a Thanksgiving menu, and the town is full of people taking advantage of a four day weekend. Many get their family and friends all together to meet in Las Vegas! Check room rates now.

Cheap Meal Deals Updated – Our comprehensive list of cheap meal deals is a must-have for your coming visit. Click to view Cheap Meal Deals and use the printable version for your next trip.

Las Vegas Golf Lessons: Aim – We’ve teamed up with Revere Anthem Golf Club Director of Instruction Chris Eastman (in conjunction with ChefLive.com) and put together a series of eight streaming video golf tips.

Chris starts with fundamentals like aim and grip, and works through some of the finer points of the game. This week: Lesson 2 – Grip. Click to view lessons.

Searching For My Lost Shaker Of Salt – Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is scheduled to open December 11 inside the Flamingo Las Vegas. The multi-level restaurant will serve Caribbean/American style cuisine, host nightly live music and entertainment and house the largest Margaritaville retail store.

Can’t wait? Check out our Parrothead Paradise photos from last summer in our Las Vegas Event Photos area. Also enjoy our streaming video coverage: Dial-Up or Broadband. Parrotheads: Forward this info, and feel free to link to it!

$100 Rebate Returns – Get up to a $100 rebate when booking hotels in the U.S. and worldwide on your next trip! This on top of great deals and low rates. Must book through this special rebate coupon link. Make sure to print out. Great thing about this offer? The rebate is credited back to your credit card within three weeks of submission. Solid deal.

Palms 1/2 Price Buffet – Guests to the Palms Casino Resort can enjoy the Fantasy Market Buffet for half-price November 24 – 26, Monday – Wednesday. The Fantasy market Buffet is open for breakfast Monday -Friday, 7 -10:30 a.m.; Lunch Monday – Friday 11a.m. ¡ 3 p.m. and dinner Saturday ¡ Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Click for Palms Casino Resort info.

Video Spotlight – We are always adding new streaming video to our All Vegas TV site, over 100 Las Vegas videos to date! This week, feature video is Hotel San Remo. Check out a video preview: Dial-Up or Broadband

á 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!

Las Vegas News: Of Interest To Tourists

Click To Read Latest News:

Travel Agents – We have a special offer of you. Please read it at the end of this newsletter.

Caribbean Hotels On Sale – Save Up To 45%

Aruba? Jamaica? Travelocity has the deals to take you! Book your stay in the Caribbean and save up 45% during peak season, with hotel rates starting at just $61 per night. Choose from Wyndham, Sun Village, and Divi Resorts at some of the top destinations in the Caribbean, including St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, and more. Book now and enjoy a peak-season getaway at an off-season price.

Featured Story:
Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas

Quick Show Info: Our Full Review, Show Tickets, Free Streaming Video (Dial-Up or Broadband)

Magician Rick Thomas just celebrated six years of wowing crowds with his afternoon show at The Tropicana. I’ve seen the show before and this great show just gets better with age.

Rick takes the audience on a magical journey, weaving music, magic, dance and exotic animals that in many ways is more reminiscent of an evening show, but without the evening show price. If you’ve seen the show before, you have two great reasons to see it again. New Illusions “Street Beat” and “Incredible Shrinking Tiger.” Read More …

Click For Great Las Vegas Hotel Values

Frequently Asked Questions:

Best Hotels | Cheapest Seasons | Finding Best Rates | What To Wear | Getting Around Town | Dining Resources | Las Vegas Weather | Tipping Guide | Concierge Service | Vegas For Families | How To Gamble | Where to Gamble | Casino Comps | Players (Slot) Clubs | Adult/Topless Shows | Strip Clubs | Escorts/Prostitution | Online Booking 101 | Living In Las Vegas | Moving To Las Vegas

Vegas Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it.

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

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

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

Attention Travel Agents: Tired of fighting the airlines and internet travel eroding your business? Let us help! What if you were guaranteed respectable commissions on not just hotels, but shows, tours, golf, dining and more? Not just in Vegas, but resorts across the US including Hawaii!No starting costs, maintenance fees, or minimums. Oh, and we won’t steal your customers. Our “customer for life” policy guarantees you get paid even if they book direct, time after time. Email us now: allvegastv@aol.com (subject line Travel Agent). We’ll get the details right to you.

All contents copyright 2003 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
November19, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – October 8, 2003

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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.

Featured Stories:
Tabu Ultra Lounge, Shady Grove Lounge

Special Notes and Information: Siegfried and Roy

Also In This Issue – Oct. 8, 2003: Newkirk’s Notes, Other Tiger Shows, Fitzgerald’s Video Spotlight

Book online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining.

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

Hello from Las Vegas. Usually I end that phrase with an exclamation point, but the serious injury of Siegfried and Roy’s Roy Horn has cast a dark cloud over Las Vegas this week.

I delayed this issue because so much uncertainly and conjecture surrounded this incident, Roy’s health, the future of the show, and more. The basics have been broadcast worldwide, but many questions have continued to pour in.

Instead of trying to relay this information, I have provided links to both print and video stories straight from local news sources so you can get the very best and latest information on this tragedy.

Other Tiger Shows – The Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas just celebrated six years at The Tropicana. We were pleased to be guests at this event, and treated to the latest version of this outstanding show which also features tigers. That review was to run this week, but we felt it would be tainted by the current events. We will publish it soon.

Dirk Arthur also uses the big cats in his act. We enjoyed his show a few months ago, and he has moved from the Silverton to The Plaza hotel downtown. Both are great shows and we encourage you to check one or more out in lieu of Siegfried and Roy.

Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas
Dirk Arthur: New Art Of Magic
  • Toll Free Tickets Number: 800-270-2276
  • Streaming Video Preview: Dial-Up
  • Streaming Video Preview: Broadband

Video Spotlight – We are always adding new streaming video to our All Vegas TV site, over 100 Las Vegas videos to date! This week, we want to feature Fitzgerald’s Hotel Casino downtown. Enjoy a streaming video peak at this popular downtown property: Dial-Up or Broadband

á 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!

Las Vegas News: Of Interest To Tourists

Click To Read Latest News:

Regular News:
Siegfried and Roy:

More resources for those wishing to follow this story: KVBC, KVVU, KLAS

 Learn What People Are Saying On Our Travel Boards:

Travel Agents – We have a special offer of you. Please read it at the end of this newsletter.

Come out and play for as little as $99! – Only Vegas offers you more fun, more excitement, and more entertainment and gaming options than anywhere else. And only America West Vacations can offer you complete Vegas vacations for under $100. Book your Vegas vacation today! But hurry–at these prices, every minute you wait is a gamble!

Featured Stories:
Tabu Ultra Lounge, Shady Grove Lounge

Here’s a couple of brief stories on two relatively new local lounges. Tabu at MGM absolutely appeals to the upscale tourist crowd. Shady Grove at Silverton is a retro, fun, comfortable lounge aimed at the local’s crowd but worth checking out for tourists as well.

Tabu Ultra Lounge – What is an “ultra lounge?” This is something out of a James Bond movie … 10 years from now! This upscale lounge doesn’t have a bar band in it. We are talking about a classic comfortable feel with couches and tables combined with some incredible modern touches.

DJ’s spin modern dance music, but at a volume you can talk over. If you want to dance, go “next door” to Studio 54. A cool feature is the bar and tables. They look granite. No, they look tile. No … now there is a picture of a nude woman moving along the bar. Images are projected on these surfaces that seem real as life, but evolve before your eyes.

Nobody’s out front handing out coupons for this place. It is one of those “if you have to ask when it opens, when it closes, or how much anything costs … go elsewhere” establishments. For the record, it opens around 10 PM and goes all night long. Table service requires bottle purchase (and often reservations). Cover is $15 for men and free for ladies. While they claim dress is “casual” (saw a guy in a golf shirt and shorts), when you are spending for this kind of atmosphere, dress up.

Tabu Ultra Lounge is located inside the MGM Grand.

Shady Grove Lounge – “Gas, Food, and Lounging” is the motto of this new lounge at The Silverton. Just a few minutes south of The Strip, The Silverton Hotel Casino is undergoing a major renovation and upgrade. The former cowboy theme catering to the snowbird crowd is being changed to more of a retro, Route 66 Southwestern adventure feel.

When I moved here over ten years ago, the Silverton was called Boomtown and it was just off the freeway in the middle of nowhere. The growth of the valley now has the location surrounded by mid-level and upscale housing and the Silverton is making a strong grab at south Vegas Valley residents.

From the looks of it, they are succeeding nicely. Shady Grove is a combination upscale sports bar and lounge set in a faux hunting lodge setting with dark wood and stone features. While open to the casino, the area envelopes you and makes you feel like you’ve walked into another dimension.

Miniature bowling is housed in a vintage full-length Air Stream trailer complete with an Elvis bumper sticker on the back. The bar has the prerequisite huge flat screen TV’s not only over the bar but near the solo pool table, assuring that you’ll catch almost every play of every game simultaneously.

However, lounging areas away from the bars and TV’s let you sit down relax with a drink and friends. The female bar and cocktail staff sport sexy, skin and cleavage baring brown leather outfits and go out of their way to be fun, flirty, and friendly.

While strongly after the local’s crowd, tourists will enjoy the new sexy, retro, fun Shady Grove Lounge. Lounge is open 24/7 although food, cocktail waitress service, and miniature bowling may not be available at all hours inside the lounge. Happy hour specials are from 4-8 PM, Tuesday – Saturday.

Shady Grove Lounge is located in the Silverton Hotel Casino.

Take $50 off any Travelocity Last Minute Deal!
To redeem your $50 discount, simply type BEFREE50 into the Promotional Code field on the billing page during check out and $50 will automatically be deducted from your final price.

Vegas Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it.

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

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

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

Attention Travel Agents: Tired of fighting the airlines and internet travel eroding your business? Let us help! What if you were guaranteed respectable commissions on not just hotels, but shows, tours, golf, dining and more? Not just in Vegas, but resorts across the US including Hawaii!No starting costs, maintenance fees, or minimums. Oh, and we won’t steal your customers. Our “customer for life” policy guarantees you get paid even if they book direct, time after time. Email us now: allvegastv@aol.com (subject line Travel Agent). We’ll get the details right to you.

All contents copyright 2003 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
October 8, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 21, 2002

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

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

THIS ISSUE: La Femme


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

Hello from Las Vegas! I’m back from a week in Florida to stick my toes in the sand and get a little rest and relaxation. It was interesting to be in traditionally hot and humid Florida and see places like Philadelphia, Boston, and even Bangor, Maine hotter than Florida and with a heat index above Las Vegas. Whew … I bet you guys are happy to see fall on the horizon!

Flying was uneventful. I continue to show up 1.5 hours before flights, clearing security in 15 minutes or less. I had a bit of a layover at Hartsfield (Atlanta) airport on the way down so I left the secure terminal area, got in line, went through security there in … 12 minutes. I should note that I usually travel midweek. If you are flying Friday noon or later, Sunday evening, or Monday morning you might want to follow the 2 hour rule just in case. In my book, flying is easier now than it was a year ago and you can’t keep me out of the skies, whether it is vacation or visiting family and friends.

CHEAP FOOD AND BOOZE – You’ve heard about all the great food specials and cheap booze in Las Vegas. But then you just end up paying $10 for a coffee shop sandwich because you didn’t know a $5 steak dinner was right next door. Or you pay $4.50 for a beer because you didn’t know which casinos have $1 beer. Not any more you don’t! Check out our new Food Specials section at Meal Deals — we even have a printable version you can print out and stuff in your suitcase. Enjoy!

MONORAIL – Construction on Las Vegas monorail is moving right along. The monorail will run from The Sahara south with stops at Las Vegas Hilton, Convention Center, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Bally’s and MGM. Scheduled completion is early 2004 and there is talk of extending it north to downtown and south to the airport. More info at Monorail

BEST BUFFET – You voted and the results are in! Bellagio Buffet topped the list with 24% of the vote, followed by Rio Seafood Buffet (18%), and Paris Las Vegas Buffet (13%). Honorable mention to Aladdin at 12%. This month, stop by AccessVegas.com and cast your vote on “What is the best Las Vegas area scenic attraction?”

NEW LIMO SEARCH – We have made it much easier to check limo rates, and you might be surprised at how inexpensive they are here. Grab a couple of friends to split the cost or treat that special lady to a special ride and live it up! Limo info at Limo

THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS – We are putting together a huge (and I mean HUGE) Frequently Asked Questions area on AccessVegas.com and we need your help! We live here, and that is a huge advantage when it comes to providing you firsthand information. We also understand our town can be overwhelming!

If getting ready for your first ever visit, what are you are wondering about, or want to be better prepared for? If you are a Vegas veteran visitor, what are some of the things you wished you knew ahead of time? What caught you off guard? What are you still curious about? Please ask us at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com so we can build the most helpful site possible. Plus, we’ll do our best to answer your questions and concerns personally.

RESTAURANT REVIEW – Chef John says about McCormick and Schmick’s: “The selection of items on their menu can’t be beat in Las Vegas where seafood is concerned. Oysters, clams, mussels, lobster, shrimp, King crab, salmon, tuna etc. For the meat eaters they have some great cuts of meat and a wonderful rack of lamb.” Read his full review with photos at http://www.accessvegas.com/restaurants/mccormick-schmicks-seafood.htm

SHRINKING TIGER – is the latest illusion from Rick Thomas, whose great magic show plays twice each afternoon (dark Fridays) at The Tropicana. Thomas takes a live 500 pound royal white Bengal tiger and turns it into cuter, much smaller live tiger. This is an afternoon show that borders on evening show quality for a very modest afternoon price. Our review and ticket information at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/rick-thomas-magic-las-vegas-shows.htm

LAS VEGAS SEARCH – If you visit AccessVegas.com regularly (and you should … we always add great new stuff), you have noticed our Las Vegas Search box on every page. This new search box is your gateway to Las Vegas info from a number of top tourism resources. If you have a website or home page, we’ve made the code available for free so you can add this great search tool to your site! Grab it now at Search

LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS – AccessVegas.com Food Guide Chef John Guinivere and his ChefLive.com are on track to bring live cooking shows to you from Las Vegas via streaming video. Programming will originate from the new AQUA Center under construction near the posh Anthem area of the city (10 minutes from The Strip by freeway).

ChefLive.com will feature chefs from AQUA Center’s eight new restaurants along with other Las Vegas chefs and special visitors from famous restaurants around the world. Surrounding the studio will be gourmet food boutiques offering wonderful food products in a bright farmers market setting with a Provence accent. Details at http://www.cheflive.com/cheflivtv.com.html and you can enjoy Chef John’s recommended restaurants at http://www.accessvegas.com/restaurants/las-vegas-restaurant-dining-reviews.htm

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, shows, and tours 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.


SHOW REVIEW: La Femme

Last year, MGM put one of the final nails in the “family friendly” Las Vegas concept by closing their theme park and it is probably no coincidence Le Femme (pronounced La Fawm) opened around the same time. Unlike many Las Vegas shows which were inspired by famous productions, this is the original Crazy Horse show that has been titillating France since 1951. The name change was simply to avoid comparison with a local strip club of similar name.

The dancers are from the original troupe and meet rigorous specifications to get this prized job. You won’t see any bad boob jobs here. You won’t see any body modification, for that matter. The emphasis is on a natural, slender female form and dancers must be under 25 to be hired. La Femme is the unabashed celebration of the natural female nude.

The show is art. Each number is choreographed and lit in a way unique to La Femme. This isn’t a peep show, nor a jiggle show. During some of the numbers, you are taken to a place in your mind where you almost forget that nearly nude females are the centerpiece. This is not a bachelor party “whoop and holler” event.

The show is also erotic. The first number “God Save Our Bareskins” puts a new twist on the changing of the guard. Numbers like “See Thru, Peek-A-Boo” and “Vestal’s Desire” highlight the sexuality just by the titles (not to mention the shimmering female figures onstage).

The La Femme theatre was designed to re-create the Crazy Horse located on Avenue George V in Paris. The stage, design, fabric, colors and tabletops duplicate the original and this intimate theatre seats only patrons.

This is an upscale presentation geared to those looking for an artistic experience, a sampling for foreign culture, and a large dose of natural female form. Must be 21 to attend. Unlike the original, this one does not feature full nudity because of local laws. However, it comes very close.

La Femme plays at the MGM Hotel and Casino. For current times and ticket prices, please click Le Femme and enter the dates of your visit to display prices and availability.

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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 Shows
* HEADLINERS – listings available at Headliners
* CONCERTS – listings available at Concerts

For comments or questions regarding the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all and they help shape our content.

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

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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. August 21, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 22, 2002

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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.

This monthly newsletter is free and supported by commissions from sales of hotel rooms, rental cars, and other travel services we offer. Your bookings using the following links support this effort.

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
* 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: 1-888-254-0637 (Give Promo Code 4558 when calling)

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others in its entirety. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to (click) mailto below

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. Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com

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

Thanks to those of you who noticed I was missing the past few weeks. It’s been crazy, and I have a couple of VERY exciting things to tell you about.

First, we’ve launched All Vegas TV! Now you can go to http://tv.accessvegas.com and SEE Las Vegas anywhere in the world you can get online. Our February 2002 show features Guggenheim — Art of the Motorcycle (at The Venetian), a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour video, and the uncut version of Las Vegas New Year’s Eve 2001 fireworks show. Future episodes include a Wolfgang Puck interview, a wedding chapel feature (with a big giveaway … stay tuned for that one), and much more. Enjoy!

New Year’s Eve was incredible! 265,000 people packed the Strip to watch $500,000 worth of fireworks like up the sky non-stop for a full seven minutes. The fireworks were shot off from all four miles of the Strip, so there wasn’t a bad view anywhere! With all due respect to New York City for what they have been through, let’s do a little comparison:

Weather at midnight:

New York City: 24 degrees
Las Vegas: 42 degrees

Waiting factor:

New York City: Reports of people arriving 18 hours early to get a decent spot.
Las Vegas: I parked my car on the street 2 blocks from the Strip at 6 PM. (No … I’m not giving that spot away, LOL). Not one of the 265,000 people had a bad spot for fireworks viewing.

Party Factor:

New York City: Zero alcohol tolerance
Las Vegas: They were selling half gallon buckets (I kid you not) of beer right on the street. As long as it was in plastic, drink up!

Don’t take my word for the above — go view our New Year’s Eve bonus footage at http://tv.accessvegas.com/videos/attractions/index.htm#nye-2001 (not part of this month’s regular program). We’ll see you next year here in Las Vegas!

Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday this year. If you are looking to whisk that special lady away to Las Vegas for the weekend, I’d book ASAP as hotels are filling up quickly. Check our rates at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm — our hotel partners buy rooms in bulk, in advance and thus can usually offer a better deal than contacting the hotel directly.

Congratulations to Rick Thomas on receiving the Academy of Magical Arts “Magician of the Year” award. Rick’s afternoon show at the Tropicana is value-priced but well worth seeing. My review and ticket info at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/rick-thomas-magic-las-vegas-shows.htm

“Vegas Showgirls: Nearly Famous” is the new series on E! Entertainment Television (cable network) which follows four showgirls and two males through their daily lives both on and off the stage. Airing Monday night, check local listings for time.

We saw the new show Tease playing at Blue Note Showroom (Aladdin) and it was a lot of fun. It’s a very sexy musical comedy centered on the lives of dancers and other employees at a fictional strip club. There is enough jiggle for the guys (the show is just shy of topless — pasties are used), enough hunky actors for the ladies, and comedy that both will enjoy. Check ticket availability and prices at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&showid=334 Well worth seeing!

Driving here from both Southern California and Phoenix is going to get easier over the next couple of years! Interstate 15 is being widened to 3 lanes (each way) all the way to the NV / CA border, and Nevada is working with California to expedite lane expansion on other parts of the route.

Those coming from Phoenix can celebrate: Right now, much of the drive is two lane road plus the long, winding path over Hoover Dam. Over the next two years, 50 miles of US 93 is being widened to 5 lanes, and straightened to accommodate a 65 mile per hour speed. 2005 will see the completion of the Hoover Dam bypass, a 4 lane road and bridge over the Colorado south of the dam.

Citizens Area Transit (CAT) Las Vegas bus system is offering service to from the Las Vegas Strip to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for NASCAR races this year. Full details at http://www.rtc.co.clark.nv.us/cat/special/racepass-2.htm (Yes, the info is current — in the first paragraph, they mistakenly noted the dates from last year).

The cab drivers are still screwing you over. Despite a court order not to divert you (hard sell you a destination other than your own, or take you the “long way”), they keep doing it. Why my beef with the cabbies? Twice (out of 4 rides in the resort corridor) in the past two years I have personally been taken a longer way when traffic and the time of day didn’t warrant it. Not even close.

Review-Journal “Road Warrior” Michael Squires did a recent undercover story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Jan-20-Sun-2002/news/17906018.html As usual, my advice is to rent a car. The price of a few cab rides (especially ones that take the “long way”) will easily cover your rental, and you can go where you want on a whim.

Las Vegas is a hotbed of magic, and prominent local magicians Denny Haney and the husband/wife team Scott and Jenny Alexander have opened Denny and Lee Magic studios. Visit them in Las Vegas at 5115 S. Industrial #104 or online at http://www.dennymagic.com

A quick tip of the hat to an acquaintance of mine, Larry Ahrens. Much of New Mexico has woken up to him on top-rated KKOB 770 AM for two decades, and he’s tossing his hat into the ring for governor. More info at http://www.votelarry.com

Free beach screensaver! It’s my pleasure to tell you about a comprehensive site I just completed for one of my favorite tourism destinations: Florida’s Emerald Coast. If you think of South Beach, Palm Beach, Tampa or other crowded, high-priced areas when someone says Florida, visit http://www.beautifuldestin.com and get aquatinted with the Florida that is closer, less expensive, more beautiful, and less crowded. We have information, photos, and streaming videos. The free beach screensaver at http://www.beautifuldestin.com/free-streaming-videos-screensaver.htm

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

LAS VEGAS NEWS, INFO, and SPECIALS:

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for January / February:

* Sahara — from $35.95 until 02/28/02
* Palms Casino Resort — from $59.95 until 02/28/02
* Fiesta Rancho Hotel Casino — from $29.95 until 02/28/02

All of these and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

CONDO SPECIALS – Driving in or renting a car, enjoy the luxury of a condo at prices that rival a hotel room:

Westgate Flamingo Bay features over 200 villas in a lush tropical oasis style complex. You’ll be only minutes from the world famous Las Vegas Strip. While on site, you’ll enjoy soaking in the hot tub or taking a swim in the outdoor pool. For your convenience laundry facilities are available on site.

Special Internet pricing and accommodation info for Westgate Flamingo Bay at http://www.accessvegas.com/condo-specials.htm

LOCAL NEWS – updated daily at http://www.accessvegas.com

PREFER NOT TO FLY – and Vegas is too far to drive 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!

* 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
* Reno: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&Dest=RNO

$100 HOTEL COUPON! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you a coupon for up to $100 back on any hotel stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. Full details at http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

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:

* SHOW TICKETS – See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Search by date at http://www.accessvegas.com/show-tickets.htm

SHOWS, GOLF, DINING, WEATHER:

* SHOW REVIEWS – Read our unbiased, archived show reviews at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com

* GOLF RESERVATIONS – Grab that tee time GUARANTEED before you get to town! Search by date, see prices at http://www.accessvegas.com/golf-reservations.htm

* DINING RESERVATIONS – For a small service fee, you can now lock up reservations for that “special night out” during your visit at http://www.accessvegas.com/dinner-reservations.htm

* LAS VEGAS WEATHER – http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Las_Vegas.html

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!

GIVEAWAY:

McCormick and Schmick’s — We have a $50 gift certificate to give away for this spectacular seafood house, located just a few blocks from the Strip on Restaurant Row (Flamingo and Paradise). Entry information in the February 2002 All Vegas TV show at http://tv.accessvegas.com

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!

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Have a request for a review? Confused 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 the “articles” are tied in with paid ads, our sites give you the honest scoop.

If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us using the travel links listed at the top of each issue. You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

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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.
January 22, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770