AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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.

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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.  The 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 our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations 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...

• Mamma Mia! Las Vegas Tickets

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...

• Trent Carlini Dream King Las Vegas Tickets

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 Cocktail - Hawaiian Tropic Zone, located inside Miracle Mile Shops, offers the perfect liquid libation for swimsuit season – 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 “old Vegas”. This was a time when you still could drive up and down the strip at two o’clock 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] 

I love 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. 

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.

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. 

We 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 NY

Ted 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. 

Do 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 Heady

Ted Responds:

No clue. His site www.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

• Award-Winning Comedian Kathy Griffin Returns To Mandalay Bay Friday, July 18
  
  Kathy Griffin Tickets

• Tabu Celebrates Memorial Day Weekend With Second Annual 'Surreal Las Vegas Party'
  
  Tabu Tickets

• '80s Synth-Pop Act Yaz To Play The Pearl At The Palms July 6
  
  Yaz Tickets

• Casting Announced For Disney's High School Musical A New Stage Musical Based On The Smash Hit Disney Channel Original Movie
  
  Disney's High School Musical Tickets

• Studio 54 Welcomes Tito Ortiz To Host His Official UFC 84 After-Fight Party, Memorial Day Weekend
  
  Studio 54 Tickets

• Best All-Around Performer, Wayne Brady, Continues To Entertain The Las Vegas Strip - Tickets On Sale Now For Performances Through October 2008
  
  Wayne Brady Tickets

• Carlos Santana "Live Your Light" 2008 World Tour MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, October 4
  
  Santana Tickets

• Toni Braxton's Las Vegas show to remain dark until June
  
  Toni Braxton Tickets

• Cher settles into Vegas
  
  Cher Tickets

• Fab Four Mania Brings The Beatles Music To The Las Vegas Strip
  
  Fab Four Tickets

• Toxic Audio Puts Voices Up Front In A Unique Las Vegas Show
  
  Toxic Audio Tickets

• Mega Bubble Show Provides Las Vegas With Visual Excitement
  
  Mega Bubble Show Tickets

• Silverton Casino Lodge Wins "Best Budget Hotel" And "Best Free Attraction" In The Best Of Citysearch 2008 Awards
  
  Silverton Hotel & Casino Info and Reservations

• Burlesque Hall Of Fame, Keep A Breast Foundation And The Fallout Gallery To Raise Funds, Awareness For Breast Cancer With Unique Works By Top Artists

• Comedy After Hours Will Showcase The Country's Top Comics At Fitzgerald's Las Vegas

• Superstars Latinos Comes To Texas Station For One Night Only, May 30

• Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Announces Enhanced Membership Program

• Green Valley Ranch Resort, KOAS 105.7 FM "The Oasis" And 10 Cane Rum Team Up To Host Free Poolside Jazz Series

• Cannery Casino & Hotel's Sixth Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival Offers Up Treats For The Ears And Taste Buds

• It's The "Time Of The Season" To See The Zombies Perform At The Club Inside Cannery Casino & Hotel

• Continue The Ladies Night Out With Aradia & Pole Fitness Studio

• 5 Reasons Why Gas Prices Shouldn't Cancel Your Summer Fun

• Las Vegas Collects Contemporary Presented By Las Vegas Art Museum May 23 To October 26, 2008

• Tenor Joins Las Vegas Tenors

• Rio Offers Free Poker Lessons On One-Of-A-Kind Teaching Table

• Brio Tuscan Grille At Town Square Las Vegas Utilizes Seasonal Delicates To Lighten Up Warm Weather Menu

• Wet Republic - Las Vegas' First Ultra Pool - Hosts A Sizzling Line-Up Of Celebrated DJ's Memorial Day Weekend

• Nevada Ballet Theatre Announces Its 2008-2009 Season

• Peter And Gordon And Chad And Jeremy To Perform At The Club Inside Cannery Casino & Hotel

• Southern Nevada Firefighters Suit Up For The 9th Annual "Fire And Rain" Firefighter Bachelor Auction

• The 4th Annual Amplify Music Festival In Downtown Las Vegas Returns August 5-8

• The Riviera Marks A Culinary Milestone - Kristofer's Steak House Celebrates 20 Years Of Dining Excellence

• 'America's Got Talent' ventriloquist winner gets Vegas gig

• Mayor Goodman Says 'Las Vegas' Name Worth Big Money

• Viva Las Vegas!

• First trip to Las Vegas so enjoyable it started lifelong hobby

• Las Vegas, Reno see double-digit drops in quarterly housing prices

• Sink it, soak it, dip it: Nippon fondue at Shabu-Shabu

• CityCenter Tops 1st Of 6 Towers

• Former Showgirl Finds New Life in Unlikely Place

• Barkley will repay $400K in Vegas debt

• Vegas the new Ibiza?

• Officials plan massive heliport south of Las Vegas Strip

• Las Vegas marks anniversary of Frank Sinatra's death

• The Golden Greek shares its menu with Italian fare, to varying effect

• Urban legends build or deflate image of Las Vegas

• Off-Strip hotels push harder

• For fans, things are just Cher-rific

• CityCenter budget hits $9 billion

• Jacko six degrees from LV Hilton

• Casino tax revenues may mean more cuts

• Las Vegas Valley's faults different from China's

• Fator finds fame, fortune

• Hilton Star Trek attraction may seek out new life elsewhere

• Las Vegas looks to capitalize on cachet

• Guggenheim's closure makes some wonder whether high culture has a future on the Strip

• Tropicana officials calm fears in wake of bankruptcy filing

• 'For sale' sign could be headed for Fitzgeralds

• North Las Vegas neighborhood gets a makeover

• Casinos, teachers discuss tax plan

• Fusion for the Masses: Fusia's menu reflects Luxor's new 'everyman' approach

• Goodbye, Guggenheim

• Cher's new show a cross between one-night rock concert, permanent production

• Model-home openings delayed for Coyote Springs

• Long Gaughan: El Cortez owner sells stake in downtown casino

• Less appetite for dining out

• Las Vegas Is Not In A Recession... Puhleeeze

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:

• 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!

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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

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