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Newkirk's Notes - comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! Super Bowl Sunday brought some miserable weather with high winds and rain. Fortunately, just about everyone was inside watching one of the most exciting NFL championship games in some time! I had no rooting interest in either team, and am kicking myself for breaking a long tradition I have of betting on the Super Bowl: If I'm ambivalent about both teams, I'll toss a few bucks on the underdog to win outright. If they win, the bet will generally pay 2 or 3 times my original wager (depending on how much of an underdog the team is). New England looked so strong this year, I skipped making an underdog bet on The Giants. Big Mistake! Moral of the story? Get your bets in, especially when it is just a few bucks for fun!
Prior to the game, huge hoopla surrounded the notion that betting on the game here in Nevada would top $100,000,000. In reality, the "handle" on the game was $92,000,000 and not even a record. Many conjecture that this number keeps from growing despite growth in tourism here because the sports books are more hesitant to take larger wagers (in the tens, and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars) which may hurt them. As it is, the books lost $2,600,000 on the upset as people were betting the underdog.
Bonus Super Bowl Trivia Questions - We have some fun stuff collecting dust in the prize closet, and we are cleaning it out to make way for some very cool new contests and giveaways (as soon as we get our slick new contest software up and running). You need to answer all of the the following questions:
What famous (infamous) casino owner put a million dollar bet on the Super Bowl at a small, dive casino on The Strip?
What was the name of that casino?
What sits now where that casino used to be?
We'll have a random drawing from correct answers. Send your answers to our special email radiovegas@aol.com. The winner will receive the following prize package:
The Prize Package: The book Las
Vegas: The Fabulous First Century
Click Above Photo To View Complete Photo Set
Finally, congratulations to Mamma Mia! on the fifth anniversary of this amazing show playing Mandalay Bay. Five years is a lifetime in Las Vegas, and the success of this show is no fluke. I've talked to so many people, young and old, male and female, from all over the world who have seen this show and had nothing but great things to say about us!
Mamma Mia! is one of our fine advertisers. We only accept advertising from entities that we believe in... some of the top hotel providers, shows, and activities in Las Vegas. We thank them for helping keep this newsletter free. Check out their advertisements on the sidebar to the right and enjoy one (or more) of these top shows on your next visit.
Enjoy This Issue!
Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor
Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs
Feature Story:
Bellagio Gardens Chinese New Year Display
Click Above Photo To View Complete Photo Set
Striking New Display Incorporates Ancient Art of Feng Shui to Welcome Year of the Rat -- Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is celebrating the 2008 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat, with a unique display filled with hidden meaning. The Conservatory's design is guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui-- the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. The dramatic centerpiece of this exhibit will be found perched atop an oversized, flowering branch. Here, a botanical, 5-foot-tall rodent will watch guests with an inquisitive eye. The auspicious rat's lush coat will be made of red Alternanthera, a low-growing herb, with a touch of pink Hypoestes, a tropical plant. His long curling tail and delicate whiskers will be made of metal.
Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came. The rat is revered for its place as first in the Asian zodiac and is a symbol of renewal. Those born in the Year of the Rat tend to be intelligent, charming and practical. Just steps away from Bellagio's delightful rodent ambassador, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune will be found amidst gleaming I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese money symbol. Widely recognized as the strongest symbol of good fortune in China, the God of Wealth and Fortune will be flanked by two Ming Dynasty-styled dings, ancestral vessels that protect against bad luck.
Nearby, visitors will find a zigzag bridge leading to a beautiful, wing-tipped gazebo painted a deep red lacquer with shimmering gold trim and green-tiled roofs. The color red signifies happiness while the upturned roofline will ward off evil spirits and the sharp pattern of the bridge will protect against negative energy and bad spirits. A majestic mountain, seen as a pillar between heaven and earth, will serve as a dramatic backdrop. The teachings of Feng Shui also will be used to purposely position the flow of water into Bellagio's Conservatory, and not away, ensuring the flow of positive energy. From a tranquil Koi pond to a shimmering waterfall, water will denote the larger world we live in while carp will signify good luck and everlasting good fortune. Visitors are invited to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens through March 15, 2008. (Article courtesy of MGM Mirage)
Chinese New Year Conservatory Facts:
- 5-foot-tall rat comprised of red Alternanthera and pink Hypoestes
- 18-foot-tall God of Wealth and Fortune
- I-Ching coins are traditional money symbol
- Zigzag bridges, color red, water and Koi protect against evil, ensure positivity
Related Links:
Bellagio Gardens Las Vegas Chinese New Year 2008 Photos
Celebrate Chinese New Year With MGM Mirage - Resorts Offer Festive Cultural Offering
Sushi Roku Gives Guests A Smooch With Its Valentine's Day
Cocktail Dragon Kiss - Sushi Roku offers a fiery liquid concoction, Dragon Kiss,
for a hot and blazing Valentine's Day. Sushi Roku's Dragon Kiss cocktail is a delightful
blend created to make lovers melt and set hearts on fire. This libation is assembled with
8 mint leaves, 1 whole lime, ½ ounce of White Tea Fusion, 1½ ounces of Disaronno and 1½
ounces of lemon sour. Click to Read
The Full Story ...
Celebrate The Chinese New Year At Gold Coast - Gold Coast Hotel and Casino will celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 12 with one of the largest traditional Chinese Dragon Dances in Las Vegas. At 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. a traditional Chinese lion and a 62-foot Chinese dragon will dance through the casino to bring good luck to all in attendance. It is believed that the lion will chase away evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity. The dragon represents wisdom and a long life. Kung fu practitioners from the Lohan School of Shaolin will perform the dances.
Gambling Talk: Video Keno - Part Four - with Victor H. Royer. Cleopatra Keno - The base game is Video Keno, simple, as I have described it earlier. The difference lies in the last ball drawn (the last number, displayed on a ball which you can see being drawn from a device that looks like the Lounge Keno "blower" or "tumbler"). If this last number matches your selected numbers, and if this makes it into a winner for you, in addition to the wins you get for this hit you will now also receive 12 free games. During these free games any wins you get are doubled, so you win twice the amount you would have normally won, and for free. Click to Read Complete Article...
More Las Vegas News - Concerts - Events
Rush Extends The "Snakes & Arrows Tour," Bringing It To The Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, May 10
Rush TicketsComedian Margaret Cho To Perform At The Pearl March 29 - Witty Remarks Will Flow During The Beautiful Stand-Up Tour
Margaret Cho TicketsYour Next Best Bette Is At The Riviera In 'An Evening At La Cage'
La Cage TicketsJersey Boys Tickets On Sale Now For The Hit Musical In Las Vegas
Jersey Boys TicketsMidler to retire after Vegas residency
Bette Midler TicketsMadame Tussauds Las Vegas Honors Evel Knievel
Madame Tussauds Tickets'Fashionistas' too hard a sell despite moments of genius
Fashionistas TicketsStill Going: Repeat business no problem for singer Tom Jones
Tom Jones TicketsHard Rock Hotel & Casino Heats Things Up With Provocative Valentine's Day Offers
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Info and ReservationsDisaster Avoided in Vegas Casino Blaze
Official orders fire-damaged Vegas Strip casino facade removed
Winds postpone repair work, damaged Vegas casino stays closed
Hundreds of workers at fire-hit Monte Carlo casino in Vegas
No cause found yet for Vegas Strip hotel fire
Workers Begin Monte Carlo Repairs - Casino Remains Closed To Public
Workers' torch started Vegas casino fire
Dance In The Street With Space Oddity -- David Brighton's Tribute To David Bowie At The Cannery Casino & Hotel
Black Diamond "The Ultimate Tribute to KISS," To Perform At The Club Inside The Cannery Casino & Hotel
Rampart Casino Features Valentine's Day Dining Specials
Celebrating a Legend: Liberace!
BLT Burger To Open In Spring 2008 At The Mirage
Peace Frog--Tribute To The Doors, Breaks On Through To The Cannery Casino & Hotel
T&T Explodes At Luxor With Hot Mexican Fare And Edgy Design Is Set To Open Summer Of 2008
DJ Craze, Smalltown DJs And Mat The Alien February 14 At Eyecandy Sound Lounge & Bar
The Frisco Market Buffet At Arizona Charlie's Decatur Is Now Featuring The "Hawaiian Night Luau" On Wednesdays - "Prime Rib And Potato Bar Night" Is Featured On Sundays
Citysearch And Zagat Name Strip House One Of The Top Ten New Restaurants In Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Art Museum Is Pleased To Present An Exhibition Featuring Recent Works By British-Based Artist Paul Morrison
OriginIndia To Tantalize And Excite With An Aphrodisiac Inspired Valentine's Day Menu And Event On February 14th 2008
Super Bowl Bets in Vegas May Exceed $100 Million for First Time
Las Vegas Tourism Immune to Economy Woes?
Palazzo Praised in Early Returns
Dancers pull out all the stops at open auditions for Cirque du Soleil
Nightclubs causing problems for Brown
New owner plans to close, implode Greek Isles resort
Ready to Steak Their Claim - Three high-profile steakhouses will be among Palazzo's dining options
$40 billion boost in tourism coffer helps Sin City keep on growing
Vegas the only place Patriots don't win
License OK'd for Binion's owner
Harrah's Entertainment goes private after $17.1 billion buyout
Vegas on building spree
Boyd Gaming now industry giant, but founder aims to keep family-owned touch
Material that burned in Monte Carlo fire used at other sites
Las Vegas Resorts Never Looked Better
Vegas race books buck trend - Millions of dollars in upgrades prompt increase in parimutuel wagering
Las Vegas business sentiment flags for 2008
Topless party pools endangered in Vegas??
Clear Channel Spectacolor Bookends the Las Vegas Strip
Locals Worry About Economic Future
Nevada Unemployment Hits 5.8 Percent in December
Vegas visit whirl of color, consumption
Horizon Air Announces Flights from Santa Rosa to Las Vegas
Casino connection not novel to Vegas
North Las Vegas has come a long way
Adelson comments on building walls
Probe of Harrah's remodeling jobs turned over to DA in Las Vegas
Piaget brings Swiss luxe to Vegas
Weekly Nationwide Broadcasts Will Introduce WSOP to New Audiences
NFL asking judge drop it from 'Pacman' Jones lawsuit in Vegas
One-of-a-kind payoff - BJ's Cocktail Lounge has great food for a video poker bar
With Italy's seal of approval ...
Officials Plan For New Valley Airport
When Harry Met Vegas
Counter Terrorism Fusion Center Opens in Las Vegas
Bootlegger's legend keeps growing - Family's restaurant legacy includes feeding Sinatra and the Rat Pack
Officials discuss adding roads to, from Ivanpah airport site
Photo enforcement vans set up on U.S. Highway 93
It's Nuh-VAD-uh, not Nuh-VAH-duh
Makeovers, smiles among contestants
New spins in Vegas
For travelers from Indiana, Vegas rules
Fantasy cars are for rent in Vegas
Reporter treats himself while in Las Vegas for assignment
Vegas chapels' unholy hustle
Made-over beauty queens vie for Miss America crown in Las Vegas
Tourism slump may be afoot
Las Vegas market makes a splash
Johnny Rockets chain to open stores throughout valley
Federal judge issues injunction in newsrack fee dispute
Las Vegas Park Gets Historic Designation
Barney's on the Las Vegas Strip -- oh, so swanky
Moody's downgrades Vegas monorail
President Bush Visits Las Vegas
Miss USA pageant heading to Vegas
Plan to widen I-15 along Las Vegas Strip gets OK
Hush Puppy recreates the rural Southern eating experience
Hands off the dunes, off-roaders tell county
Gambling for God - Converting casino chips to cash for the church is Arthur Nelson's job
Las Vegas Art Museum plans to relocate near Strip
Utility officials water down pipeline fears
Plans prompt water scrutiny
Nevada caucuses provide lazy national media a stage for cliché-ridden coverage
Design duel in the desert - Reality show's room transformations pit 'Cher' against 'Elvis'
E.T Can Phone Homey - Classified Base at Groom Lake Has a New Handle
Some caucus-goers carry more weight
Air of the Past: Golden Steer Steak House a nice blend of Old, New Vegas
Great Mall of Las Vegas plans altered by Triple Five
Housing Market Takes Hit in 2007
Las Vegas Housing Market Looks to 2008
Metro Warns of Growing Real Estate Fraud
Vacancy rates climb in local office market
Las Vegas businesses have bleaker outlook for 2008 than for previous years
Nevada tops in population growth - Is that good? Well, would you rather be in Michigan?
Downtown's numbers add up - New construction, businesses boost property tax receipts, attract people
McCarran Airport Looks to Help Certain Small Biz Owners
Ideas traded in tax debate
State jobless rate at five-year high - Rate of 5.8 percent makes Nevada eighth-worst in U.S.
Vegas crime stats way too high
Las Vegas Worst Place To Have Baby?
Local Business Struggles to Hang on in Las Vegas Economy
Nevada atop the mortgage meltdown list
State Sales Taxes Down In November
Analyst details housing slump - Sales volume, prices sink locally in 2007
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:
- 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
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
- Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
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All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights
Reserved.
February 6, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About
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