Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 21, 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! What a wild, wacky, weird week in weather. This past Monday we hit 108 degrees (F) with Tuesday checking in at 101. The 108 was one degree shy of an all-time May record.

However… as I write this on Friday afternoon we’re experiencing scattered showers and a “balmy” 63. Average high for May? 88 degrees.

Free Wi-Fi and slots for fun are two of the things that make Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport the second highest airport in a recent J.D. Power survey. Actually, the survey really studies cleanliness, ease-of-use, parking, and similar. But the free Wi-Fi and plenty of slot machines (plus a pretty decent restaurant selection) doesn’t hurt!

Unlucky $50 bills – NASCAR Racer and Las Vegas native Kyle Busch turned down a $50 bill from the outgoing speedway president of Charlotte Motor Speedway this past week. Speedway president Humpy Wheeler was handing out personally signed $50 bills to various drivers as a going-away souvenir.

So what’s the big deal? Long time Las Vegas gamblers have always been superstitions about $50 bills, considering them bad luck. I’ve personally seen people sit out a hand of blackjack or call their craps bets off when a $50 bill has been placed on the table.

I’m not sure of the origins of this notion, but I’ve always made it a point to change a $50 at the casino cage if I was going to play a table game. Bottom Line: Next time you put down a $50, now you’ll know why if some funny looks come your way!

Thinking of moving here? Paying cash for your house will get you a great deal, but don’t expect any easy mortgages out there. Lenders got burned so bad here in Nevada that experts guess it will be early 2010 before lenders lighten up on Nevada home loans. Plus, during tight times when hiring is light, new residents find themselves at the bottom of the job heap.

Thinking of visiting? Plenty of deals to be had! However, don’t expect an empty Las Vegas. áThe lower room rates are keeping the rooms full and that money you save on the room helps offset the gas costs or airfare to get here. Check out all the current special prices that ouráfriends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals are offering right now.

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!

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 B&B Circus, Major League Baseball, NFL Football, College Football


Featured Review:
Mamma Mia! Keeps You On The Edge Of Your Seat

by Denise Almas

With your toes tapping until the very end, the story is both delightful and, at times, mysterious.

As told through the energetic music of Abba, this big fat Greek island wedding is a comical look at how the women’s liberation movement affected two generations. Though the audience is warned of the large amounts of spandex and late 70’s garb, the music and talented performers bring to life a contemporary view of a culturally interesting time.

Having no information about the true identify of her father, Sophie, the blushing 20 year old bride-to-be, invites the three men her mother had written about in her 1979 diary to her upcoming wedding. This is the backdrop to the captivating musical Mamma Mia, a story of a young woman who attempts to find her father and her own identity at a pivotal moment in her life. Sophie’s mother, Donna, who is also unsure of the identity of her daughter’s father, is upset by the unexpected arrival of all three men the day before the wedding.

Click to Read Entire Mamma Mia! Las Vegas Review…


Featured Review:
Trent Carlini Is… Elvis In Las Vegas

by T. Feld

A shoe-polish black forelock dangles precariously over his forehead. The hips gyrate and swivel with unerring accuracy. His eyes beckon the crowd with a knowing twinkle. The upper lip curls into a familiar quiver. Showcasing a powerful vocal range throughout all the standard hits, you may think Elvis really is in the building after seeing Trent Carlini do his thing at the Sahara Showroom.

More than just an impersonator or tribute performer, this son of Italian immigrants breathes life back into the King himself by uncannily recreating the music, mood and moves of an authentic Presley performance. An audience spanning generations filled the 800 seat venue nearly to capacity at a recent Saturday night show that evoked the spirit of a genuine Elvis Presley concert, complete with screaming, swooning women rushing the stage for a chance to touch their idol.

Click to Read Entire Trent Carlini Dream King Las Vegas Review…


CityCenter Commemorates Construction Milestone With “Topping Out” Of First Tower, Vdara Condo Hotel – CityCenter today commemorated the “topping out” of its 57-story Vdara Condo Hotel, the first of six distinctive high-rise towers that will be topped within the coming months. The completion of Vdara’s structure is a milestone for the construction progress of CityCenter as it moves toward opening in late 2009. “CityCenter commenced in 2004 as a blank canvas imagined by a diverse group of people. With the topping out of Vdara, we see our vision of creating one of the world’s most ambitious developments coming to fruition,” said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of CityCenter. “In less than 20 months, we’ll open the doors to CityCenter and introduce the world to this urban metropolis that will redefine Las Vegas.” Click to Read The Full Story …“America’s Got Talent” Million-Dollar Winner Terry Fator Lands Gig On Las Vegas Strip At The Mirage – Ventriloquist, Singer, Comedian and Impressionist Signs Multi-Year Contract to Perform at Resort Renowned for Extraordinary Entertainment Offerings. Terry Fator, winner of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and The Mirage announced Fator signed a five-year deal, with an option for an additional five years, to perform at the iconic resort. (Tickets). Click to Read The Full Story … Slip Into A Sexy Two-Piece With Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s Bikini Punch CocktailHawaiian Tropic Zone, located inside Miracle Mile Shops, offers the perfect liquid libation for swimsuit season û the Bikini Punch cocktail. A sweet concoction of passion fruit juice, Bacardi light rum, Malibu coconut rum, fresh lime juice, pineapple syrup and orange juice, the Bikini Punch cocktail reflects the sexy and flirtatious atmosphere of Hawaiian Tropic Zone. Served up by one of the beautiful and bikini clad Hawaiian Tropic Zone girls, the mixture is refreshing, tantalizing and ideal for the summer heat. The Bikini Punch cocktail is garnished with a delicious strawberry, making it the perfect treat to enjoy while soaking in a sunny afternoon on Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s strip-side patio. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: The King and I – with Victor H. Royer. Back in the days of grand and glorious Hollywood, there was once a famous motion picture made, based on a Broadway play, starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. It was the title of my story here — The King and I. As much as I would have liked to be either a King, or at least Yul Brynner — I actually always fancied myself either as Elvis, or Jerry Lewis, or perhaps Jack Benny — I did once have a close encounter with royalty. This was many years ago, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, back in those days when Las Vegas was still considered ôold Vegasö. This was a time when you still could drive up and down the strip at two oÆclock in the afternoon at 55 mph, and barely see three or four other cars. Click to Read Complete Article…


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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $69, Flamingo from $63, Gold Coast from $45, Planet H. from $89, Rio Suites from $60, Sahara from $41, Strat. from $48, Tropicana from $50, Tuscany from $42, All Vegas Hotels!


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hi There Ted,We have just returned to U. K. after 14 days in Vegas. What a place, had a fantastic time saw some great shows, we got The Deuce and went up and down strip. everyone there are friendly helpful and they offer you a seat if your a bit of a an old codger [used to do that in UK once]á

Iálove magic and saw some great shows but the man to take top prize must go to Steve Wyrick and what a show he puts on amazing. I was very disappointed with Penn and Teller, just a couple of cheap tricks and the bullet trick which they have been doing for years.á

Even the free shows were great especially T.I. Pirate Show we are planning a return in September.Denny Brown

Ted Responds:

Always happy to hear great trip reports! We’ll be sending a writer to check out Steve Wyrick soon. I saw him years ago at The Sahara and had a lot of fun.

Sirens Of TI Pirate Show

If you want to relive a few memories, check out our Sirens of T.I. Pirate Show photo gallery!


Hi Ted,Just wanted to say i love your newsletter! i went to Las Vegas two years ago with two of the girls from work, and am returning this fall with my youngest daughter who is 35.When can we find out if Elton John will have dates the end of October? We arrive on the 28th and leave for home November 1. Thanks and keep up the good work.Marsha
Auburn Hills,MI,

Ted Responds:

We always post concert and event dates when we get them and we add new concert dates every week. Just scroll down the right side of the newsletter every issue to see what is playing.

Also, don’t forget to tell friends and family that enjoy Las Vegas to go to AccessVegas.com and subscribe. We rely on word-of-mouth, and the more subscribers we have the better we can continue to providing the kind of info we do!


My husband and I just returned from our yearly vacation to Vegas. We always stay downtown at the 4 Queens, this may not be for the upper class folks but let me tell you, they have been good to us. Service is good, staff is friendly and the video poker there is our favorite.áWe both hit a royal flush while we were there. The strip is nice to see but there’s nothing like “Ole Vegas” I have been going there since 1977 and look forward to it every year as much as I did the first trip. Keep up the good work, I look forward to your newsletter!!! Thanks so much Jeanette from NYTed Responds:

Thanks for the great note and congratulations on the royal flush! I still love downtown, and the Four Queens has undergone some great renovations. For all of the doom-and-gloom predictions about the future of Las Vegas tourism, the reality is that things are really picking up downtown. News Editor Mark Jacobs had his parents in town last week, and everyone couldn’t believe how busy downtown was on a Wednesday night.

Because times are tight for many in the United States, visitors are rediscovering the value offered downtown. Plus, it is a little easier on the feet. For those who have never been downtown, imagine four main blocks (plus a number of side blocks) with casinos, restaurants, and bars side-by-side-by-side.

Even though your trip is done, certainly feel free to stay subscribed. Many do just to glance through and keep up on what’s happening here.


Three or four years ago I enjoyed seeing Rick Thomas the Magician at the Tropicana. Then the next year I saw him at the Stardust. Last year I again was able to see him at The Orleans. This year (In February) I was unable to find any performances by Rich Thomas.áDo you know if he will ever be back in Las Vegas again (or was he there in February and I couldn’t find his performances)? I really enjoyed his act and his performances were very reasonable compared to other more famous magicians. Thank you. Mike HeadyTed Responds:

No clue. His siteáwww.rickthomas.com has nothing new on it. We enjoyed his show also. As usual, we’ll publish info right away if he gets a new show here.


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:

  • 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
  • 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 21, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

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 – January 9, 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 (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:

Ted is working on an AccessVegas.com expansion project this week. Enjoy these links and stories as prepared by staff.

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


Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On To Premiere At The Colosseum On Feb. 20 – Known for her incomparable humor, over-the-top imagination and captivating charisma, the Divine Miss M. has appropriately titled her new Las Vegas production Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On. (Tickets) The show, which is created exclusively for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, will make its highly anticipated debut on February 20, 2008.

With plenty of girls and gags, The Showgirl Must Go On will feature some of Midler’s favorite colorful characters, from Delores Delago — the wheelchair-bound mermaid — to the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas, old, old, old Soph. Midler and her entourage of talented performers, comprised of the staggering Harlettes (Jordan Ballard, Kyra Dacosta and Kamilah Martin), a 13 piece band– which includes a six piece horn section from the Las Vegas band “The Fat City Horns” — and 20 female dancers, are rehearsing in New York and Los Angeles before heading to Las Vegas to continue rehearsals in January 2008. Click to Read The Full Story …

Experience Nature’s Beauty at Bellagio – This winter, guests of Bellagio are invited to enjoy spectacular botanical displays featuring sights, sounds and aromas of the season. At Bellagio’s Conservatory, visitors can celebrate the 2008 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat, January 14 through March 15. The unique exhibit, featuring a botanical rodent made of living plants, zigzag bridges and a Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune, is guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui.

Sirens of TI Welcome Metropolitan Choppers To Las Vegas – The Sirens of TI, the local beauties and the inspiration behind Metropolitan Choppers’ most intricate design piece — the “Sirens of TI Chopper” — signed autographs and met with fans along with Metropolitan Choppers (Frederick, MD) owner Rick Hill on Sunday, December 30.

Completely sculpted from metal, the main frame of the “Sirens of TI Chopper” showcases the face and body of a tantalizing Siren with hair streaming back and knee-high stiletto boots covering the exhaust pipes, while sculpted filigree waves form the bike’s rear fender and grace the front wheel. Metropolitan Choppers creates each bike with such care and attention that the company builds only 12 per year.

Related Photo Gallery Links:

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part One – with Victor H. Royer. Even though I have written an entire book on the subject, called: Powerful Profits from Keno, more than half of which is about Video Keno, this subject has generally been absent from our columns here at AccessVegas.com. Therefore, to remedy the situation, over the next 10 columns I will present an outline of Video Keno, and some of the interesting aspects of playing it. 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:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 7
  • Lincoln’s Birthday February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day February 16-18 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday February 22
  • 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

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.

January 9, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 18, 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
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! It’s been about 10 days since we last published. Chalk it up to a miserable combination of an internet outage earlier this week combined with a bad networking cord leaving us scratching our head and doing a lot of troubleshooting. It reminds me how much we talk the internet for granted, especially a power user such as myself who listens almost exclusively to radio online and looks up everything from business info to the TV listings online. (I do keep my phone book every time they deliver it. I find they make great doorstops).

World Series of Poker Has A Winner – California psychologist Jerry Chang won the main event, beating 6,358 people to capture the famed bracelet and the $8,250,000 first prize. The 39-year-old psychologist and social worker from Temecula (California) caught an inside straight on the final card of the final hand.

The rest of the top 5:

  • 2nd Place: Tuan Lam, 41, of Mississauga, Ontario (Canada), $4,840,981
  • 3rd Place: Raymond Rahme, 62, of Johannesburg, South Africa, $3,048,025
  • 4th Place: Alex Kravchenko, 36, of Moscow, Russia, $1,852,721
  • 5th Place: Jon Kalmar, 34, of Chorley, Lancashire (UK), $1,255,069

Pictures, Pictures and More Pictures – We’ve had staff photographer Mark out and about. Many new photo sets soon to be posted, including this weeks set from the Siren’s of Treasure Island Tryouts. (Mark should have paid us for getting to do that assignment)! Click photo for complete gallery:

Sirens of TI perform nightly at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. in front of of Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Schedule does change seasonally and is usually posted in front of the hotel. Also available: Sirens of TI Performance Photos

If that isn’t your thing, next issue we’ll bring you the spectacular Route 66 Themed Display currently at The Bellagio. Although the display (which changes seasonally) is always a must-see, this one is particularly spectacular. Here is a preview:

Tickets, Tickets and More Tickets – We not only have tickets to all the great Las Vegas shows, but concerts and sporting events across the United States:

If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats to your favorite events!

Charity Concert and Bike Show – If you are a local or going to be in town Saturday night July 21, check out the flyer for the charity concert posted in this issue taking place at Steiners Pub, just four miles south of Mandalay Bay, on Las Vegas Blvd. (The Strip). Going to be both a fun and worthwhile time!

Victor H. Royer’s gambling columns will return in August with a great series on video poker. In the meantime, you can enjoy all of his archived Casino Gambling Tips.

Enjoy This Issue!



Ultimate Fighting Championship Presents UFC 74: Respect Live From Mandalay Bay August 25 – Randy Couture Takes On Gabriel Gonzaga In First Heavyweight Title Defense; Georges St-Pierre Returns To The Octagon To Battle Josh Koscheck In Special Feature – Fight fans around the world watched this past March as Randy “The Natural” Couture dominated Tim Sylvia for five rounds to become the only man in mixed martial arts history to win the UFC World Heavyweight title three times. Seven weeks later, millions sat in awe as Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga scored a devastating knockout over Mirko “Cro Cop,” one of the most skilled and feared heavyweights in the world. Having earned the respect of sports fans worldwide, the two best heavyweights in the UFC, Couture and Gonzaga, will face each other in one of the most highly anticipated title fights Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Mandalay Bay Event Center (Tickets). Click to Read The Full Story …

Hooters Casino Hotel Sizzles This Summer With Live Music At Porch Dogs – Porch Dogs Offers Free Live Music Wednesday Through Sunday All Summer Long – This summer, Hooters Casino Hotel welcomes locals and visitors alike to enjoy the greatest live music on The Strip – without spending a dime. Every Wednesday through Sunday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Porch Dogs, inside Hooters Casino Hotel, invites guests to dance the summer nights away to live music from local favorites including the soulful Mike Soli and the always popular Scotty Alexander. Starting the weekend early is Mike Soli, performing Wednesdays and Thursdays. Soli is an expressive and soothing solo acoustic act known for his pure raw talent. With a serene tenor voice and acoustic-based arrangements, Soli will give guests the chance to relax and unwind at Porch Dogs. Click to Read The Full Story …

Eagles-Great Joe Walsh Is Set To Perform At Buffalo Bills Star Of The Desert Arena – The legendary Joe Walsh will kick off his 15-stop coast-to-coast tour with a performance at Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev., on Friday, July 27 at 9 p.m. (Tickets) Walsh is best known for his solo hits “Rocky Mountain Way,” “Life’s Been Good” and the Eagles classics “Love Will Keep Us Alive” and “Hotel California.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Smashing Pumpkins Add Stop To The Pearl – Influential rockers Announce North American Tour Dates Including A September 13 Stop At The Palms – Fresh off of the success of their latest single “Tarantula” from the most anticipated album to date Zeitgeist (July 10, 2007), underground rockers Smashing Pumpkins announce their North American tour dates (Tickets) including a stop at the intimate Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The show will take place Thursday, September 13, 2007, at 8 p.m. following just days after the MTV Video Music Awards take the stage at the very same venue. Click to Read The Full Story …

Summer Concert And Charity Bike Fest In Las Vegas: Two Bands, DJ’s, And Sik-n-Twisted Psychles On Display – Entry Fee Only $1 Plus One Canned Good – The event is on Saturday, JULY 21, 2007 it will benefit Child Haven & the Salvation Army Food Bank. It is co-sponsored by Las Vegas Harley Davidson & Nevada Beverage. For each motorcycle that shows up and donates $1.00 Steiner’s will match that $1.00, also each biker is being told to bring at least one canned or dry good item. Guest’s are also being told to bring dry or canned goods and Steiner’s will buy them their first draft (max.1 draft no matter how many items). Click to Read The Full Story …

Local Wichita Couple Made Las Vegas History As The First Couple To Wed At Midnight On The Luckiest Day Ever – Atop The Stratosphere Tower Thrill Ride, The Big Shot 7-7-7Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower set a property record for performing wedding ceremonies in one day on July 7, 2007 (7-7-7). Wichita couple, David and Amy Feather, chose to make their experience truly memorable by performing their ceremony atop The Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck, approximately 1000 ft overlooking the fabulous Las Vegas Strip at exactly midnight. The couple completed their experience by riding on the Big Shot, the world’s highest thrill ride. Click to Read The Full Story …

Comedic Jimmy Emerson Transforms Into Roseanne Barr To Host ‘La Cage’ (Tickets) – He Also Plays Anna Nicole Smith, Peggy Lee, Ethel Merman, ‘Madonna’s Big Sister’ & ‘Tammy Spraynette’ – Jimmy Emerson will host “La Cage” at the Riviera as Roseanne Barr beginning Wednesday, July 11th. He said, “I will still be doing my comedic characters of ‘Madonna’s Bigger Sister’ and ‘Tammy Spraynette’ but now you will get to see my monologue as Roseanne Barr who recently played The Strip. I’m going to include a little Ethel Merman, Peggy Lee and Anna Nicole Smith along with a couple of other big gals.” Click to Read The Full Story …



Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos: – Paul Gatenby said

Enjoys these photos for the newsletter… Thanks.

Click on any of the above photos for more photos of each hotel, or enjoy all the photos in our Las Vegas Photo Gallery.

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com.


Dear Ted:My husband and I stayed at the Mirage Hotel from June 2-7th. On the morning of June 7th, at about 8:30 a.m. there was a loud alarm that sounded loudly in our hotel room. It said something to the effect that the hotel was “investigating an incident.” Although we were already awake, it was rather frightening. About 5 minutes later, another message came on stating that the “incident has been resolved.”

When we went downstairs, I had asked a casino manager what it was about and no one seemed to even be aware that there had been an alarm that had sounded, or at least they acted like they hadn’t. Would you happen to know WHY this alarm went off and WHAT it was about on June 7th? We have stayed in many hotels on the Las Vegas strip and have never experienced this before.

Kevin Cardiff

Ted Responds:

Sounds like the fire alarm. I’ve experienced quite a few because of the time I’ve spend in casinos over the years.

Because even a little smoke somewhere in the “back of the house” (away from guests) or any number of other minor fire or smoke incidents set off the alarm, they don’t want everyone going crazy and running for the doors right away.

With all of the hotel staff and surveillance, they can usually source the smoke or small fire incident pretty quickly. If it is more than a very tiny fire (perhaps some paper in an ash tray or something small), they would then ask people to vacate the building. If they investigate and find no problems or something quickly taken care of, the incident is resolved.

When in a hotel here and the alarm goes off, I pretty much go about my business. But I do keep my ears open to any announcements. The hotel will err on the side of caution if at all they feel the building should be vacated.


Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • 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!

Readers Rants, Raves, and Questions – Great reader questions and comments from our Access Vegas Message Boards. Help someone out or post your own comment or question!


More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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.

July 18, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 28, 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
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Spring Break and March Madness are pretty much in the rear-view mirror with our typical unpredictable spring weather. Clouds and 60’s (F) last week, sun and 80’s this week with some wind. However, the cold is gone for good and pool weather looks here to stay until mid-October!

Bill’s Hotel and Gambling Saloon – sounds like the name of some small joint in Reno. But in reality, it is the new name of the Barbary Coast on The Strip. The disdain for this new name is pretty much universal, especially since the hotel actually has a great location and nice rooms and it now sounds like a third-rate joint.

They couldn’t keep the previous name because they bought it from the group that owns the other Coast Casinos around town. But how about just calling it the Barbary, or Barbary Point, or the New Barbary? It is too late now… the expense of swapping out all the chips and signs and everything else would make them think twice. But thumbs down to whoever decided on Bill’s.

Construction Updates – In the next few weeks, we’ll have a few features on all the new construction on The Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas is always changing… always something new even for regular visitors.

Enjoy This Issue!



“X” Burlesque Brings Sexy Back To The Flamingo Las Vegas – World Famous “X” Girls Take Audiences On A Wild Ride Beginning Feb. 12 – “X” marks the spot at Flamingo Las Vegas with the arrival of the provocative new show, “X” Burlesque (tickets) on February 12. The sexy production is housed in the intimate 180-seat Flamingo Cabaret, allowing audiences to get up close and personal with the six beautiful and talented female dancers. “X” Burlesque combines imaginative choreography with outrageous props such as bungees, bathtubs and beds to excite the crowd and leave them anxiously wondering what’s next. Click to Read The Full Story …

Roger Waters The Creative Genius Behind Pink Floyd Will Perform His Masterpiece, The Dark Side Of The Moon, At The MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 16 – Roger Waters, co-founder and principal songwriter of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, will stop in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, June 16 to perform the epic rock masterpiece, The Dark Side Of The Moon, in its entirety (tickets). The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The arena will feature state-of-the-art staging, lighting and sound. The show will utilize elaborate, large-scale video projections and theatrical staging to underscore and accentuate the power of the music, delivered via a state-of-the-art 360-degree quadraphonic sound system. Click to Read The Full Story …

Aerosmith To Headline The Lili Claire Foundation’s ‘A Concert for Lili Claire’ Saturday, April 28 At Mandalay Bay – Rock ‘n Roll Legends to Raise Money for Foundation to Benefit Children with Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Autism and other Neuro-Developmental Disorders. After much anticipation, The Lili Claire Foundation announced today that rock ‘n’ roll icon band Aerosmith will perform at The Lili Claire Foundation’s ‘A Concert for Lili Claire’ (tickets) Saturday, April 28á at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Sirens of TI New Show Times û Continuing their celebration as TI’s sauciest vixens for three years running, the Sirens of TI are gearing up for summer with new show times. Sure to pack The Strip in front of Treasure Island with every show, beginning March 12, the Sirens will appear 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. The music, dance, excitement and seduction in this modern musical-meets-action-movie spectacular captivate viewers nightly.

Ricky Martin Brings His Black & White Tour To Mandalay Bay Saturday, April 21 – Following on the heels of his critically acclaimed No. 1 debut album MTV Unplugged, and its international chart-topping first single. “Tu Recuerdo,” Ricky Martin (tickets) kicks off his Black & White Tour in April and will stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, April 21. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Click to Read The Full Story …

Vegas Grand Prix Announces All-Star Lineup For Friday Night Street Party – Performers Include Big & Rich With Cowboy Troy And Chris Cornell – Vegas Grand Prix organizers announced today that the entertainment lineup for the Vegas Grand Prix Friday Night Street Party on April 6 will include hit country duo Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, alternative rocker Chris Cornell, rock amalgamation Army of Anyone and up-and-coming indie band the Teddybears. “This will be an amazing night. We’re presenting one of the most eclectic concert lineups downtown Vegas has ever seen,” said Dale Jensen, partner in DDB Ventures, the company that owns Vegas Grand Prix. Click to Read The Full Story …

PT’s Entertainment Group was awarded “#1 Non-Hotel Bar” in Las Vegas in this year’s Las Vegas Weekly 2007 Readers’ Choice Awards. – PT’s Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of the Golden Tavern Group and Nevada’s largest tavern operator, accepted their award at a party commemorating all winners at TAO Nightclub located in The Venetian on Thursday, March 15. “It is such a thrill for us to receive this award on behalf of the readers and guests whose loyalty to PT’s makes us the success we are today,” said Christopher Abraham, vice president of marketing of Golden Gaming, Inc. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Poker Theory vs. Reality — Part Two – with Victor H. Royer. Assuming that we accept the three items outlined in the last issue, Part One of this two-part article, what exactly is it that we find? Is it the reality that we will receive pocket Aces exactly each 220 deals like clockwork? Well, of course not. Nevertheless, the theory indicates that that should be the case. The same applies to the winning percentage when beginning with pocket Aces being about 1/3rd of the time. Does that mean that it will always happen like that each and every time? Well, of course not. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Celebrates Year of the Boar – If you weren’t in town during the past couple of months, you missed Bellagio’s most recent Botanical Gardens display featuring A Regal Pig, Benevolent God of Wealth and Fortune, and Tranquil Koi Ponds to Bring in Chinese New Year which included an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune atop a gleaming pile of golden lucky coins and Koi ponds and formal rock gardens filled with rare Taihu stones. Have no fear… we have the photos right here!



Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photo – Paul Maskew submitted this great photo of Bellagio Las Vegas taken from The Aladdin across the street:

Hi Ted,

Thought you might like this photo I took from my room at The Aladdin in August 2005. This was my last visit with my wife and we’re missing the place already!

This was our 4th visit since my wife and I were married at The little Church of The West in October 2001 and we can’t get enough of the place. Hopefully back next year.

Incidentally, the room at the Aladdin was a complimentary upgrade since my wife complained about the “tired” looking bedding!! It has to be the best view ever.

Paul Maskew,

Manchester, England

If you have a great photo of Las Vegas to share with our readers (can be artistic or just a really enjoyable photo), send them to us at allvegastv@aol.com. Click to more Photos of Bellagio Las Vegas.


Important Note: Due to volume of email, we can’t answer every email question personally, nor begin to include them in this section. However, we will respond to all questions posted to our Message Boards. Many of the same questions are asked on a regular basis, and letting us reply in the message boards helps other travelers who may have the same questions or who can share their first-hand answers.


Hi Ted:I am a Vegas-aholic. In the last three years I’ve been to Vegas 5 times, staying at the Riviera, Excalibur, NYNY, Stratosphere and Flamingo. I will grace your city in August, I’ll be staying at the Stardust. I visit your website frequently.

I am worried about my beloved Las Vegas. Every time I come down I see more and more condominium developments going up on the strip!! The strip is busy enough with tourists, we don’t need thousands of people LIVING there. As middle-class hotels like the Stardust are torn down, up goes a multi-million dollar condominium complex. So in 10 years what will become of the LV strip? A haven for millionaires only? After all, who will be able to afford these condos except for millionaires? Is that what the goal of the city planners is? Do they no longer want to attract the middle class?

If you have any information on what the goals of the city planners are, I’d really like to hear from you. Thanks

Marty

Toronto ON

Ted Responds:

The condos in question are (for the most part) glorified hotel room or suite. Basically not much more than a hotel room with a full kitchen, perhaps a separate bedroom. Very few people are likely to make them a full time residence. For the price of one of these condo units right on The Strip, you can buy a really nice, big condo or home within 10-15 minutes of The Strip much more suitable for a full time local.

Most of these condo units will be used as a regular place to stay when the owner is here, and rented out to visitors the rest of the year. This will actually in effect create more visitor rooms in Las Vegas, helping keep the price of rooms down in general (more supply of anything tends to drive down prices).

The city planners have no say or “goal” in attempting to influence what kind visitor that comes to Las Vegas. It is 100% driven by the free market. If the demand for condos on The Strip exists, developers build them. As we’ve seen from some of the failed projects, the demand wasn’t quite as high as some thought.


Hi Ted,We enjoy visiting Vegas during quiet times(a relative term). Of these three dates,which one would best meet that criteria and be less crowded? June 3-8 June 10-15 July 8-13?.

The very hot weather is not a concern, nor is the possible lack of Headliners at that time. We stay Downtown, so conventions being held should not be a problem,although we do have to arrive and leave from the airport.

Sue & Sam

Ted Responds:

Rule of thumb, the hotter the weather, the less people in town and lower the rates. However, Las Vegas really doesn’t have any “off” times like it used to. And except for December, the flow of concerts and entertainers is pretty constant.

Here is some really good and easy rules of thumb to book the less crowded times:

1. Room rates are subject to demand. If flexible, picking the dates where the rates are lower will generally be less crowded (if you can ever call Las Vegas “less crowded” anymore).

2. The second thing you may then wish to do is check out our Concert Calendar for your dates at www.accessvegas.com/entertainment

You may see that a concert or headliner you really want so catch is coming during one of the times you are looking at visiting, and this may be worth paying a few more bucks for the room where you are here. There is nothing like seeing a concert here. No worries about going to work the next day, fun, relaxed… totally different vibe!

Side Note: We post concerts as soon as we have ticket availability, but keep in mind that many events don’t go on sale until 2-3 months before the event.

Hope this helps!


Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • 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!

Readers Rants, Raves, and Questions – Great reader questions and comments from our Access Vegas Message Boards. Help someone out or post your own comment or question!


More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

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

  • 2007

  • Victoria Day (Canada) May 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 26-28 (3 day weekend)
  • Mothers Day May 13
  • Fathers Day June 17
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day September 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Columbus Day (USA), Thanksgiving Day (Canada) October 6-8 (3 day weekend)
  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

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

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

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.

March 28, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 8, 2006

In This Issue: Valentines Day Suggestions, Exclusive Radio Show, Win Lance Burton Tickets and Poker Books, Carrot Top, Mirage Volcano, Sirens Of TI Wallpaper, Luxor Photos, more ….

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! Super Bowl weekend was huge, with about 285,000 people in town, and it seems like everybody had a bet on the game. I have little interest in either team and simply bet for fun. In Nevada, we call it a “TV bet” when you bet on a game just to have some rooting interest. I lost my bet (Seattle to win +165 … that means I picked Seattle to win and would have been paid $165 for every $100 I bet … getting a bonus for taking the underdog) but had fun watching the game.

February 5 Insider Vibe Broadcast/Podcast Is “On The Air” – The latest weekly edition of our new broadcast is available now! I’ll 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. Click over to Radio @ AccessVegas.com and listen now so you don’t miss a thing. I cover exclusive information in the broadcast that isn’t in the newsletter!

Valentines Day is almost here. Guys … if you are like me, you forget about it until the last minute. Well … now it’s the last minute and if you want to bring that special lady to Las Vegas, don’t delay. Rooms are going very, very, very fast. I would do the following:

1. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and lock up that room immediately.

2. She’ll forgive that you flew in coach on some discount airline (and almost forgot about Valentines) if you treat her with a limo ride from the airport. So book your Las Vegas Limo Reservation now. And if you can’t get the mid-week off to take her, make her day special with a card that says “We are going to Vegas soon!”

Current Contests

Gambling Talk: Win The Hot New Book “Powerful Profits From Internet Poker – by our gaming writer Victor H. Royer. The games are virtual — the profits are real!

Click To Enter and Win:
Powerful Profits From Internet Poker

Win four tickets to see Lance Burton! Two (2) winners will be chosen at random to receive 4 complimentary tickets to see Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo Las Vegas.

Enter To Win Lance Burton Tickets!

Quick Note – We will not be publishing next week. The explosive growth of AccessVegas.com means we are upgrading to handle growth (don’t worry … no downtime for the site or reservations). So I just want to say a huge “Thank You” to all of you who are reading often, telling your friends, and linking AccessVegas.com from your blogs and websites. You are the reason we do it. Thanks for telling the world about us!

Enjoy This Issue!


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!


Carrot Top Review: I Can’t Believe I
Watched the Whole Show, and I Liked It!

By Phil Arnold
December 2005

Carrot Top las vegas hotels hiltonHow long has Carrot Top been around and how famous is he? I don’t have a clue about the answer to those questions, and his web site certainly didn’t help me find out information. Carrot Top may be a publicity hound, but what does that have to do with his show? Nothing I guess. I enjoyed watching this show and I was surprised.

Carrot Top does annoying commercials, kind of looks like the Wendy’s girl as he brings up in his show, but he is a unique type of comic. He is what I call a prop comic. I have seen this before in Las Vegas with a comic by the name of Joe Trammel. But Carrot Top is much more accomplished and has about four trunks of props he goes through during a show, maybe more. Click To Read The Complete Review

Volcano Time Change At The Mirage – The Mirage volcano now erupts at the top of each hour from 6 p.m. to midnight. Each night the explosive show transforms a dramatic waterfall in front of The Mirage into a spectacular, flame-throwing volcano with molten streams of lava. More than 3,000 computerized lights create this nightly optical illusion. The nightly show is free to the public.

Las Vegas’ Sultry Sirens Of TI
To Perform In Chicago

Leaving their ships and the Las Vegas Strip behind, the cast of the Sirens of TI will transform Chicago’s “reserve” ultra lounge into a steamy one-of-a-kind affair. The sultry Sirens and Pirates, who perform nightly at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, will present a special evening of seductive moves and sensual songs at the club Friday, Feb. 24 from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Special Bonus – Click To Download
Sirens Of TI Computer Wallpaper!

The Shops in Desert Passage (Aladdin) Entertainment Schedule:

V Theater:

Laugh, sing and be amazed by the stunning shows inside the V Theater, located by the Desert Passage main stage. Reminisce with the Beatles tribute, The Fab Four, watch the sensual dancers of “X” – An Erotic Adventure and be dazzled by the stunning acts in “V” The Ultimate Variety Show.

Pianos:

Enjoy the music of talented solo pianists located near The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Jazz and Pop standards will serenade you on your shopping excursion.

Saturday – Sunday
Every hour 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Segways:

Helpful Desert Passage ambassadors scoot around the center on Segways, answering shoppers’ questions.

Daily
12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Indoor Rainstorm:

One of the miracles not to be missed during your Desert Passage visit is Las Vegas’ only live, indoor rainstorm at Merchants’ Harbor, featuring thunder, lightning and pouring rain.

Monday – Thursday: Top of each hour
Friday – Sunday: Every half hour

Pedicab Rides:

Shop in style. Hail a pedicab at Customer Service or in the hall of lamps and rest your weary legs while you feast your eyes. Fares are $4 per ride.

Sunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Valentine’s Day In Las Vegas – Something for the Body… Looking for some sensual attire for your sweetie? We have some shopping spots that offer the perfect solution:

  • Ranging from intimate apparel, tanks, tees, candles, accessories and more, the La Femme gift boutique at MGM Grand has a wide variety of ideas for that special someone. How about a red satin La Femme robe or a La Femme black mini skirt with ruffle? Ooh la la! Le Femme Show Info
  • Ivan Kane and Champagne Suzy, the royal couple of Hollywood and Las Vegas nightlife, brought the American art of burlesque back into vogue with their Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce nightclubs. Now the duo has opened their first-ever Champagne Suzy Boutique at Mandalay Bay, featuring the Forty Deuce and Champagne Suzy collections – sexy branded merchandise and a burlesque-inspired couture line. From signature Forty Deuce nude mesh bras with pasties to glamorous gowns that wrap your love in timeless elegance, the boutique has a fantastic selection of sensual attire.
  • Sirens Apparel at Treasure Island has a seductive selection of sexy women’s fashions, inspired by the sultry Sirens of TI.

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week – George Wallace. George Wallace, who has been selling out comedy clubs and concert venues all over the country, derives his comedy from the everyday and simply shares moments of life. Among other comics, Wallace is known at “the guy who can roll the room over if it’s dead.” Click To Watch George Wallace At The Flamingo: Dial-Up or Broadband

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week – Check out the fantastic photos of The Luxor. A marvel of modern architecture, Luxor’s great onyx-hued pyramid has become the most distinctive landmark on the Las Vegas Strip. Rising 350 feet into the sky and crowned with the world’s brightest beam of light, Luxor guides you across the desert to experience the excitement and luxury of this Las Vegas oasis.

Readers Rants, Raves, and Questions – Great reader questions and comments from our Access Vegas Message Boards. Help someone out or post your own comment or question!

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:

  • Valentines Day February 14
  • Presidents Day February 17-20 (3 day weekend)
  • 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)

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed on the main page of AccessVegas.com! Not sure what that is? It’s a cutting edge way to see What’s New and What’s Hot all the time. Or you can simply visit AccessVegas.com often check out the What’s Hot section. 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

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!

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



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

Vegas Comments and Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it. And don’t forget our comprehensive Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions area.

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 2006 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

February 8, 2006 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 05, 2003

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:
Las Vegas News and Deals

Also In This Issue – Nov. 15, 2003: Newkirk’s Notes, Thanksgiving, Free Golf Lessons, New Thrill Ride, Sirens of TI, 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! We’ve been playing hooky on getting the newsletter out. I’d like to tell you we’ve been around the pool relaxing, but actually we are hard at work on the next version of AccessVegas.Com.

Even more information, new look, better navigation, tons of contests and giveaways, and an expanded improved members section (still and always free). Should debut in January! If you have any suggestions you would like incorporated, please drop us a line: allvegastv@aol.com

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.

Coming Concerts and Headliners – Lots and lots of great entertainment on the way. Book now online to lock up the best available tickets or call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining:

Free Las Vegas Golf Lessons – and you can take them from anywhere in the world! 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. We’ll be posting a new lesson every week and reminding you here in the newsletter.

If you want to improve your game or just get a taste of Las Vegas golf, see the videos and learn more about Chris and The Revere at our Streaming Video Free Golf Lessons page. He is also available and highly recommended for private instruction.

X-Scream – thrill ride has opened on top of the Stratosphere Tower. X-Scream tilts you 30 feet over the edge as it plunges you toward the ground almost 1000 feet below! Hint: Buy the “all day pass” if you go up to ride the Stratosphere rides. For about the price of riding any of the rides thee or four times, you can go again and again and again. And if you are like me, you’ll want to!

Sirens of TI – has replaced the old Pirate Show at Treasure Island. OK, ok … we are supposed to call it TI. The show is supposed to be better than the previous one. The “new” TI is supposed to be young and hip like The Palms or Hard Rock. I think the less-than-tepid applause after a recent “Sirens” show said it all.

The new Sirens are great eye candy for the guys (I enjoyed that part), but trying to do a short form production show using props meant for a previous show to an audience too far away to enjoy the subtleties fell a little flat. But hey … the price is right: Free performances nightly at 6:00, 8:00, and 10:00 p.m.

MGM-Mirage is reportedly considering doing away with the Mirage’s south seas theme. What look are they going to go after? Green Valley Ranch? Hey … their executives are making more than I am so they must know something I don’t.

New Year’s Eve Concerts – The list is getting longer and longer, and we are posting them as we get the news. Check out our December 2003 Entertainment Calendar. What … you don’t know how hot New Year’s Eve is here in Las Vegas? We have the insider tips, and plenty of free photos and streaming video from past years on our Las Vegas New Year’s Eve site!

Veterens Eat Free McCormick & Schmick’s is offering all veterans free lunch or dinner (designated menu itens, served with coffee or tea) this Tuesday Nov. 11 in celebration of Veteren’s Day. Veterens ID or discharge papers required. You can reserve ahead at 702-836-9000. McCormick & Schmick’s is a fine dining restaurant. Watch Executive Chef John Botkin prepare one of their famous dishes and take a peek via streaming video: Dial-Up or Broadband

Top Restaurants – Michael Politz, publisher of Food and Beverage Magazine recently appeared on Extra TV, highlighting some of the great restaurants of Las Vegas. Click to watch.

New Mandalay Bay Tower – is already gracing the sky (under construction). Simply called The Hotel, this 43 story tower will feature softer colors and a south seas theme. (Hmmmm … the same theme Mirage is thinking of dumping). A restaurant and lounge on top will be open to the public and feature a stunning Strip view. The hotel will have it’s own check in area and two restaurants (including a 24/7 coffee shop) essentially creating a stand alone hotel.

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 feature video of the Ambassador Strip Travelodge. Who? What? A Motel 6???

No … no, no, no! Set against the MGM and Tropicana hotels, this inn is a couple minute walk from The Strip, free airport and convention shuttle, complimentary continental breakfast, and even wireless broadband around the pool. Check out a fun, humorous look this property for yourself: 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:

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.


Click For Great Las Vegas Hotel Values


Featured Story:

Because of all the news and information packing the top of the newsletter, no review this week. We’ll see you next week with a great new show review!


It’s “low season” in Vegas … and that means you have a high number of reasons to go! Here are the top 5 reasons why now is the perfect time for a Vegas getaway:

1. Save up to 30% on already low rates: Hotels from $29/4-star from $49
2. Get your flight and your hotel from $225
3. Add Cirque du Soleil tix, golf, Grand Canyon tours, more!
4. Get free bonuses when you add fun extras to your trip 5. See New York, Paris, and Venice … all in one day!
Book your Vegas trip by November 30; travel through January 15, 2004.

Click here to save on 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.
November 5, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us