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Archive for November, 2007

November 28, 2007

Access Vegas Insider Vibe - November 28, 2007

November 28th 2007 Posted to Las Vegas News

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:

Hello From Las Vegas! We usually like to start the newsletter on a happy note, but the past couple of weeks have brought us the death of two long-time Las Vegas locals from completely opposite sides of the musical spectrum. We recently reported on the loss of Robert Goulet, and this past week Quiet Riot’s Kevin Dubrow passed away at the age of 52 inside his east Las Vegas home. I didn’t know him personally, although we had numerous mutual acquaintances. His band kick-started what became the “hair metal” craze of the 1980’s that led to the popularity of bands like Bon Jovi and Motley Crue.

Kevin was the co-host of the KOMP radio morning show here for a year in the mid-90’s. The show did well, and co-host Craig Williams noted that there were talks of national syndication. However, it was well known that Dubrow wasn’t fond of the early mornings required and went back to re-form Quiet Riot on the hopes that his genre would make a come-back.  Grunge music pretty much skipped Las Vegas (only a fool is going to wear flannel in the summer) and Las Vegas was still very much a hard-rocking town through the 90’s leading people like Dubrow and Motley Crue singer Vince Neil to move here permanently during that time.

Neil has kept himself in the local spotlight at various events around town plus the opening of his Vince Neil Ink tattoo shop. Dubrow seemed to keep a lower profile, focused on Quiet Riot’s touring and was somewhat settled down for a number of years (until recently) with local radio and TV personality Lark Williams (who was credited for helping Dubrow get clean and sober). Cause of the death is not yet known.

I often receive emails like this one: Hello, we are coming to Vegas and would like to know which casinos you would recommend for more winnings. Thank you.

Over the years, slots at “local’s” casinos tend to be the loosest, followed by downtown with The Strip being the worst. When it comes to table games, it all depends on the variations in the specific rules. Any blackjack game paying 6:5 for a blackjack is worst than one paying 3:2 (7.5:5). Single zero roulette is better than double zero roulette. Craps with higher odds limits are better.

Here’s the bottom line: Unless you are coming here once or twice a month and want to take a few hundred hours to learn the nuances of perfect play for all table games (plus video poker), anything can happen anywhere on one trip. Play where you feel lucky and where things seem to be going well. No matter where you are playing, if you get on a cold streak, stop for a while. Take a walk, have a drink, get something to eat. Then try another casino and give your luck an chance to come back.

This Sunday (December 2, 2007) marks the running of the third annual Las Vegas Marathon. In an interesting twist, Blue Man Group is going to do a performance along the route for spectators and participants. The location is supposed to be secret, but the word “downtown” seemed to sneak out. The marathon starts at Mandalay Bay at 6 AM and heads north to downtown, so if you hear a lot of racket about 6:30 AM downtown, you’ll know what is up. If 6 AM is too early for your taste, Blue Man Group is well worth the regular ticket: Blue Man Group Tickets

As some of you have heard, The Royal White Tiger Habitat at The Mirage has closed to make way for a restaurant called BLT Burger. The restaurant is going to be run by some famous chef from New York and opens this spring. The bummer? No more tigers to look at when you enter The Mirage. The good news, you can still see them (and the rest of the animals) at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (click for pictures). If you’ve never visited the Secret Garden, it is worth the price of admission and I’d plan to see it soon. The land it sits on is probably too valuable to leave undeveloped.

Bruce Springsteen doesn’t have a Las Vegas date set, but it seems like he’s playing just about everywhere else and we have great tickets. Check out Bruce Springsteen Tickets

Enjoy This Issue!

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

The Gold Coast Partners With “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk” To Host National Finals Tonight - The Gold Coast Showroom will be transformed into Billy Bob’s Texas Las Vegas Outpost from December 6 - 15, hosting the ultimate rodeo after-party. Adding to the excitement, eight-time World Champion and Hall of Fame Cowboy Don Gay along with TV Host Dan Miller will host the nightly National Finals Tonight, a wrap-up of each day’s rodeo events. They will be talking all things rodeo, featuring interviews with riders and a variety of rodeo celebrities. (National Final’s Rodeo Tickets). Click to Read The Full Story … Beyonce Returns To Las Vegas To Perform At The Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, December 30 - Superstar and cultural icon BEYONCE is set to return to Las Vegas to celebrate New Years Eve Weekend. (Tickets) BEYONCE will appear at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, Dec. 30 and the show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Music World/Columbia Records recently released BEYONCE’s B’DAY Deluxe Edition, an expanded two-disc edition of the pop icon’s best-selling Grammy-winning solo album. The first single from the album, “Beautiful Liar,” an irresistible Latin/pop anthem of feminine empowerment, entered the Billboard Hot Digital Songs and Hot Digital Tracks charts at No. 1. Click to Read The Full Story …

Larry The Cable Guy Performs At The Orleans Arena- “Eat, Drink And Be Larry,” On Dec. 15th - The man who coined the catchphrases “Git-R-Done” and “Lord, I Apologize,” is coming to the Orleans Arena. Dan Whitney, better known as Larry the Cable Guy, has proven to be one of the most successful comics of his era and will be spouting his country wisdoms at the Orleans Arena on December 15, 2007 at 9 p.m. (Tickets) Larry’s one-liner filled act earned him appearances on “Evening at The Improv,” “Comic Strip Live” and the nationally syndicated “Bob and Tom Show.” His success with radio continued when he became a regular on “Jeff Foxworthy’s Country Countdown.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Merry Christmas Las Vegas Being Taped For Local And National Television - The producers of the award-winning weekly television show, Entertainment Las Vegas Style, presents the 22nd Annual “Merry Christmas Las Vegas” a joyful program of seasonal song and laughter. “Merry Christmas Las Vegas” is presented as a Christmas gift from the headliners of the Entertainment Capital of the World, in support of the children known as “Helen Joy’s Young Entertainers” through the Youth Foundation for the Performing Arts. “Helen Joy’s Young Entertainers” and Entertainment Ambassador “Tony Sacca” have once again been invited to perform at the White House on Saturday, December 8, at 7:00 pm, representing the City of Las Vegas. Click to Read The Full Story …

Goodman Meets With ‘Little Legends’ - Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman met with the “Little Legends” cast in his office Thursday, where the performers invited him to their grand opening show Tuesday at the Harmon Theater inside Krave nightclub. (Tickets) “Little Legends” performers Abdoul and Adam Kone, Terra Jole and her boyfriend, who impersonates Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee take a photo with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman on Thursday at his office. Click to Read The Full Story …

Roy’s Is Filling All The Good Boys And Girls Glasses This Holiday With Roy’s Chocolate-Peppermint Kiss Cocktail - Making the holiday season bright, Roy’s is offering a Chocolate-Peppermint Kiss cocktail to sweeten even the grumpiest holiday-goer. Combining all the magical spirit of the holidays in a sweet concoction, Roy’s drizzles heavenly Godiva chocolate liqueur to the bottom of a glass and then mixes in Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps and Mt. Gay Vanilla Rum for a decadently divine, chocolate libation. This season be sure to spoil those who have been nice and even those who have been naughty with the below recipe.

Roy’s Chocolate-Peppermint Kiss

  • 1.5 oz of Crème de Cacao
  • .75 oz Peppermint Schnapps
  • .75 Mt. Gay Vanilla Rum
  • .5 oz Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
  • Splash of water

Method: Shake the first three liqueurs vigorously with ice. Then drizzle the chocolate into the chilled Martini glass (chocolate should be drizzled only on one side of martini glass). Slowly sink the .5 oz of Godiva chocolate liqueur onto bottom of the glass and garnish with a York Peppermint Patty. Visit Roy’s in Summerlin 8701 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89117. Click to Read The Full Story …

It’s Time To Start Planning For The Holidays At The Magical Forest - Hundreds of trees frosted with millions of lights, incredible holiday displays, a ride on one of our two “Forest Express” passenger trains, a spin on an antique carousel, a windswept trip down the Alpine Slide, a visit to Santa, and finished off with a heaping holiday dose of hot cocoa and funnel cakes, the Las Vegas holiday classic, The Magical Forest, opens its doors to holiday revelers Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd through December 30th. Every year The Magical Forest reinvents itself with something new just around the next turn on the Forest path, and this year is no exception. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania - We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:

Hello, We are in Vegas 3 to 4 times a year and really enjoy all of it. Here are some pictures we have taken over the years. Hope to see some of them in your newsletter.

Jack & Caroline
Pinellas Park, Florida





Hint: Click on all photos above to see more.

Dear Ted:I visit Vegas 2 to 3 times a year and this is the first year that I will be there on New Year’s Eve. I am trying to find out what options are available for celebrating the new year in Vegas. Can you tell me how to find out what the hotels on the strip are offering for New Year’s Eve? Do they normally have dinner/party packages available for the evening? What about bands, dancing, etc? Are you going to be publishing this in an upcoming newsletter? Thanks for any help you can offer.Julie in Ohio

Ted Responds:

We’ve been adding them to our concert/event calendar to the right side of this page, plus we have pulled together a comprehensive list of everything we have (to date) at http://www.accessvegas.com/new-years-eve-2007. Please understand that it seems like the hotels would be making these plans and letting us know months in advance (especially for a huge date people plan ahead for). But realistically, most New Year’s Eve info only starts to roll into us starting late November each year. Hope this helps!

Hi Ted,I was wondering if you knew what happened to David Osborne. He used to play the piano at Cafe Lago at Caesar’s Palace. I was wondering if he was performing anywhere else in Vegas right now?I really enjoy your newsletter!

Jane Penny
Brady, Texas

Ted Responds:

I was able to contact David who got back to me with the following:

Hi Ted, I am still playing in Las Vegas, I moved to Bellagio after being at Caesars Palace for 12 years. I perform solo piano at the Petrosian 8pm-12:45 on Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s. I perform with a bass player at the Baccarat Bar from 8:45pm -1am on Sunday’s and Monday’s.

I have signed with Alkahest Artists and Attractions and travel with a bass player and a drummer, we are known as the David Osborne Trio. Here is some information on my upcoming performances.

 

  • Tuesday, January 8, 2008 1:30PM, South Florida Community College, Avon Park, Florida
  • Friday, March 28, 2008 8:00pm, Saturday, March 29, 2008 8:00pm, Center for Arts & Humanities, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Tuesday, April 8, 2008, Hawkeye Community College, Tama Hall Auditorium, Waterloo, Iowa

I also might add that if  you can listen to most of David’s music at his David Osbourne Rhapsody Page

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:

  • 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.

November 28, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

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November 21, 2007

Access Vegas Insider Vibe - November 21, 2007

November 21st 2007 Posted to Las Vegas News

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:

Hello From Las Vegas! I’m still getting used to the end of Daylight Savings Time. The sunsets are amazing, but the sun is setting about 5 PM this time of year. This week, we are also dealing with the sudden end of “summer” weather. Long time Las Vegas residents will tell you that we always seem to have one definitive time in the fall and another in the spring where the temperature makes a sudden shift. This week started with highs near 80 and will end with highs near 60. Every spring, we seem to jump from the mid-60’s to the low 80’s over the course of just a few days in April (all temperatures Fahrenheit).

This is a special photo issue! Usually we post many of the great photos that readers send in, so this week it is our turn. We had Mark Jacobs out shooting photos of the aftermath of The Frontier implosion, over to The Bellagio for their Botanical Gardens Thanksgiving Display, and then to the new Planet Hollywood for the pre-opening of the Hawaiian Tropic Zone bikini bash! (Yes, he really gets paid to do this and no, we don’t have another similar position open right now). Links to all those great photo sets are later in the newsletter.

The L.A. Times did a solid, accurate update on how things are going with the Nevada smoking ban. The bottom line is that enforcement has been all but given up on. Bars have found creative ways around it, and a judge has ruled that violating the ban is only a civil matter. IE, the police aren’t going to do anything about it. This leaves a health department staff without the manpower to enforce the law responsible for trying to catch and deal with violators. The fine if you are caught? $100. The number of people fined to date? 0.

Because this story has generated so much reader feedback over the past year, we’ll continue to follow it. Those interested in the details can read the article Las Vegas bars working around Nevada smoking ban.

As this issue goes out, it is the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States and we hope all celebrating have an enjoyable time with family or friends. This would be a great time to tell everyone you know about this newsletter. If you are checking your email at someone else’s place or have a group of people over at yours, gather a few around and share some of the Bellagio Thanksgiving Season photos we feature later in the newsletter. If they are Las Vegas visitors (or just thinking about visiting), click on over to our newsletter website and get them signed up.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Ring In 2008 With The Biggest Concert In Vegas - Kanye West Live At The Pearl At The Palms - Following an amazing performance in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa during the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West returns to the Palms Casino Resort to perform live on New Year’s Eve inside the Pearl Concert Theater. (Tickets) The evening with Mr. West will begin at 10:45 p.m. There is no doubt that Kanye West is one of most influential artists in hip-hop today. Click to Read The Full Story …

Dancing With The Stars Tour Performs At The Orleans Arena - Dancing with the Stars, ABC’s #1 rated unscripted show, is hitting the road this winter and bringing its most popular team of stars and professional dancers to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. (Tickets) The third Dancing with the Stars tour will feature a cast of the show’s most popular competitors, combining established favorites from previous tours with newcomers from the show’s current season. Las Vegas audiences will be treated to an exciting new line-up of stars including season two winner and special guest star Drew Lachey with Cheryl Burke, Sabrina Bryan with Mark Ballas… Click to Read The Full Story …

Strip House Boasts The Sexiest Uniform In Fine Dining Thanks To World-Renowned Designer Kiki de Montparnasse - Strip House, along with luxury lingerie designer Kiki de Montparnasse, heats up the Las Vegas Strip with Studio Manasse-inspired cocktail dress uniforms. Strip House’s coy but classic cocktail mini-dress, designed by Kiki de Montparnasse, is perfectly executed in a soft, black, fine rib jersey. A high elegant front harmonizes a dangerously low back to reveal a signature satin lace-up corselette bra embellished with tulle lace. Complete with flutter sleeves, Kiki de Montparnasse’s style reflects the sexy sophisticated atmosphere of Strip House. Click to Read The Full Story …

Bellagio, Picasso And Le Cirque Receive 2008 AAA Five Diamond Award - Bellagio Continues To Shine As Only Hotel In The Country Featuring Two Five Diamond Restaurants - For the seventh consecutive year, Bellagio received AAA’s prestigious Five Diamond Award as did Julian Serrano’s renowned restaurant, Picasso. Additionally, Le Cirque received the distinction for the fifth consecutive year, making Bellagio once again the only hotel in the United States to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants. Click to Read The Full Story …

J.R. Johns’ Presents ‘Dog Gone Silly’ At Harmon Theater In Krave - ‘America’s Funniest Dog Show’ Comes To Las Vegas As The Newest Afternoon Show - “Dog Gone Silly” is… Doggone funny! Reno favorite J.R. Johns and 14 of his best friends romp their way on to The Strip and into the audience’s hearts in the Harmon Theater at 3 p.m. daily. (Tickets) This general audience offering is unlike that of any other as veteran physical comedian/dog trainer takes you on a four-part journey through what some press have called a living cartoon. J.R. plays straight man to a constant barrage of pranks perpetrated on him by his canine co-stars. Click to Read The Full Story …

It’s “Cuchi-Cuchi” Time As Charo Brings Her Celebrated Variety Show To The Rampart Casino On November 25 - International superstar Charo visits the Rampart Casino for a one-night engagement on Sunday, November 25. Recognized the world over for her witty humor, loveable accent and mastery of the flamenco guitar, this truly multi-talented icon brings a smile to people’s faces with the mere mention of her name. Her trademark statement, “cuchi-cuchi,” has become the international term for fun and excitement. The performance will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the adjoining JW Marriott starting at 4:00 pm with doors opening at 3:00 pm. Click to Read The Full Story …

Wolfgang Puck Continues To Revolutionize The Fine Dining Scene In Las Vegas - Master Chef To Open Award-Winning Steakhouse CUT - Master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck is bringing his critically acclaimed, award-winning restaurant CUT to Las Vegas. The Beverly Hills, super-chic steakhouse will open at The Palazzo late December. CUT will mark the sixth fine dining restaurant from the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group in Las Vegas, recognized as a leader in revolutionizing the dining landscape of the city. Click to Read The Full Story …

The M Resort, Spa And Casino Unveils Plans For New Local Las Vegas Resort Destination - M Resort, Spa And Casino To Re-establish Las Vegas Hospitality With Next Generation Of Architectural Design, Service Ane Amenities - M Resort Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anthony A. Marnell, III, unveiled the 12′ x 16′ M Resort, Spa and Casino model and announced details of the project during yesterday’s press conference. M Resort, Spa and Casino will be located on approximately 80 acres of land at the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Click to Read The Full Story …

Michelin Announces First Ever Ratings For Las Vegas:

ONE STAR (by neighborhood)
ESTABLISHMENT NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL
Alize West of the Strip Palms
Andre’s (downtown) Downtown None
Aureole The Strip Mandalay Bay
Bradley Ogden The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Daniel Boulud Brasserie The Strip Wynn
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon The Strip MGM Grand
Le Cirque The Strip Bellagio
Mesa Grill The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Michael Mina The Strip Bellagio
Mix The Strip Mandalay Bay
Nobu East of the Strip Hard Rock
Wing Lei The Strip Wynn
TWO STARS (by neighborhood)
Alex The Strip Wynn
Guy Savoy The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Picasso The Strip Bellagio
THREE STARS (by neighborhood)
Joel Robuchon The Strip MGM Grand

Members Mania - We Love Our Readers!

Usually we post great reader photos and comments in this area. This week, we give you these great photo sets we’ve taken the past week for you and your friends to enjoy online!

Click on any of the photos below to see the
respective complete photo sets!

Bellagio Gardens Thanksgiving 2007

Frontier Las Vegas Post Implosion

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Pre-Opening


Hawaiian Tropic Zone Restaurateur Dennis Riese

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:

  • 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.

November 21, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy PolicyProud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Comments(0)

November 14, 2007

Access Vegas Insider Vibe - November 14, 2007

November 14th 2007 Posted to Las Vegas News

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:

Hello From Las Vegas! The Frontier went boom with one of the better implosion shows in recent memory. Things have come a long way from the attempt to make a big show out of the Hacienda Implosion (Broadband Video Link).

We had various invitations (both official and unofficial) to cover it. However, we couldn’t hold a candle to what some of the local TV stations did (including 12 camera coverage in HD by KLAS Channel 8). Here are some great links to stories, photos, and video of the implosion:

The old saying notes “Out With The Old, In With The New” and our photographer Mark Jacobs captured this telling photo of The Frontier (as it is prepared for implosion) and of the new Wynn Las Vegas Encore Tower, which sit across the street from each other:

See more of Mark’s photos of the construction of Palazzo Las Vegas.

A quick follow up on my speculation last week of a future implosion at The Tropicana: I have a good source that The Tropicana is getting very serious about imploding their rear tower. This after months and months of The Tropicana publicly noting that their expansion would be built around (and incorporating) the existing towers.

This makes an immense amount of sense when you look at The Tropicana’s lack of interest in cutting a new contract with their workers union. Also, this would accomplish two other goals: 1. Give them much greater options about the design and layout of the new expansion and 2. Let them keep the casino and one tower open so they can continue to service guests and bring in revenue.

Monty Python’s Spamalot has a very cool V.I.P.P. (Very Important Person) Package that is pretty much unique to the Las Vegas show scene. For $159 per person plus tax, you get the following:

  • Premium Seating
  • A 45-minute “Secrets of the Grail” backstage tour right after the show
  • A commemorative Grail cup (filled with your beer or soft-drink)
  • Once-in-a-lifetime photos with cast and crew, set pieces and props.

As I noted, this is unique among Las Vegas shows (especially a show of this caliber). The tickets are extremely limited and well worth grabbing if you can get one during your visit. Visit the official Monty Python’s Spamalot Las Vegas show site for details and availability.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Cast Members Of Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular Celebrated The Holiday Season By Sponsoring A Tree In The Magical Forest At Opportunity Village - In support of Opportunity Village’s annual holiday celebration, The Magical Forest, Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular (Tickets) cast members decorated a tree and took a tour of the beautiful campus. The Magical Forest, featuring hundreds of trees frosted with millions of lights, incredible holiday displays, rides and a visit with Santa, opens its doors to holiday revelers November 22 - December 30. Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Click to Read The Full Story … From Sugarplums To Snowflakes… Nevada Ballet Theatre Brings It All Together For Locals And Tourists Alike - Guests And Surprises Add To The Excitement Of This Year’s Nutcracker - Colored lights, hot cocoa, parties, shopping.and The Nutcracker! A Las Vegas Valley tradition for over twenty years, a joyous and jubilant season begins with Nevada Ballet Theatre’s tale of warmth and wonder. The most famous holiday fairytale of all brings Clara, Fritz and all of their friends to life at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre, from December 14 - 27, 2007. Sugarplums will be dancing in the heads of children - from thousands who live here to the almost one-hundred that are in the production! Click to Read The Full Story …

Legendary Performer Wayne Newton Brings His Holiday Show Back To Harrah’s Las Vegas - Fresh from appearing on television’s “Dancing with the Stars,” Wayne Newton, whose voice and singing style are synonymous with great Las Vegas entertainment, returns to the stage at Harrah’s Las Vegas with his exhilarating Holiday show (Tickets). “Mr. Las Vegas” will perform an exciting compilation of his classic hits, holiday tunes and favorite songs of the season on a winter wonderland set. Click to Read The Full Story …

Lance Burton, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Barry Manilow, Lyle Lovett & His Large Band And Wayne Newton Are Among The Acts Lined Up For Ellen’s Really Big Show, TBS Comedy Variety Special Presented By Ellen DeGeneres - Ellen’s Really Big Show (Tickets) Premieres on TBS Monday, Nov. 19, at 9 p.m. with an encore immediately following at 10:30 p.m. and will be taped during HBO and AEG Live’s The Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas Recording artists Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Barry Manilow, Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, and Wayne Newton are among the stars on tap for ELLEN’S REALLY BIG SHOW, Emmy®-winning talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres’ throwback to the beloved variety shows of years past. Click to Read The Full Story …

Jay-Z and Friends to Host New Year’s Eve 2008 Bash at The 40/40 Club Las Vegas - WHO: Legendary business mogul Jay-Z and celebrity friends from the world of sports, entertainment and music. WHAT: The ultimate New Year’s Eve bash at Jay-Z’s highly anticipated addition to the Las Vegas Strip - The 40/40 Club. WHEN: Monday, December 31, 2007 Doors open at 9 p.m. WHERE: The 40/40 Club Located inside The Palazzo 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV. Tickets for the ultimate New Year’s Eve 2008 bash are on-sale now and available: 800-696-5721. Click to Read The Full Story …

Featured Book: Historic Photos of Las Vegas By: Jeff Burbank - (Amazon Review) Las Vegas is the most populous city in the State of Nevada and a hub for entertainment. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the Entertainment Capital of the World is the largest U.S. city founded in the 20th century. With nearly 200 photographs of this dynamic city like no other city, this coffee-table book like no other book is sure to be a hit with residents, visitors, and history buffs alike!

About the Author: Jeff Burbank is a longtime journalist and editor who has been writing about Las Vegas history since the 1990s. He has been published in many venues, including The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Hartford Courant, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Globe, Las Vegas Review-Journal and Sun, Reno Gazette-Journal and Newsweek.

Book available for purchase: Historic Photos of Las Vegas By: Jeff Burbank

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Palazzo Las Vegas Construction Photos - The Palazzo Casino Resort opens in late December and will include over 375 concierge-level suites. The hotel lobby will feature a 60-foot glass dome, multiple two story fountains, imported marble, bronze case columns and special custom wall finishes. Guests arriving from the street will enter the domed entry lobby. The landscape will be made up of palm trees, tailored paintings and exotically shaped topiaries.

Members Mania - We Love Our Readers!

Reader Submitted Photos:

Hi Ted:

Here is a picture of the flamingos at the Flamingo. They are so pink and the sunlight makes them shine and shimmer! Can’t wait to return to Vegas.

Boston Sheena

 


Hint: Click on the photo to see photos of Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great photo! Despite the Flamingo Wildlife habitat being so huge, beautiful, and free to the public… it is still continues to be a “best kept secret” in Las Vegas. Finding it is easy:

Head toward the back of the Flamingo Hotel and out the back doors. Let them blow up The Frontier, but I hope that Flamingo doesn’t do away with this incredible area anytime soon.

My husband and I love getting your newsletters and boy, how we love your lovely Las Vegas. We have been 13 (unlucky for some!) times now. Planning to visit again in October. My husband reckons he owns half a hotel now because of all the money he has left there….ha! ha! Great place.We look forward to receiving your next newsletter so we can get some of the fantastic offers you have advertised.Bye for now - see you in October hopefully and thank you for a brilliant newsletter.

Pat & Doug Johnstone - London - England

I am traveling to Vegas with a group of friends, both male and female. A few of them have never been to Vegas before.I would like to maybe get them to go dancing however the lot of them are not “club chic”. We are staying at South Point Casino/Hotel. Is there a club where us 40 somethings could go and not feel too out of place. Money is an object so paying for bottle service and such is out of the question. Help!

Denise

Ted Responds:

South Point actually has a fun atmosphere with various live bands coming through. One of our staffers is 40 and enjoys it on a regular basis. The first thing to do when you check in is ask what/who is playing there. Once in a while it will be a bigger act with a regular ticket price, but usually it is free or a small cover charge.

Mix at Mandalay (The Hotel) is usually free until 8 PM, and with the sun setting at 7 PM, a good place to kick things off. Also, South Point shuttle runs to Mandalay so your trip is free. Voodoo at Rio similar… go early and the cover will be free or cheap plus you get to watch the sunset and The Strip light up. Plus, a wide range of ages. Very important: Times and prices are subject to change. Ask the desk at South Point details on their club, and call ahead on other stuff so no surprises.

South Point is really nice for the money. Only downside is the shuttle ride to The Strip, but you might find yourself having quite a bit of fun right there on property. Also, the intersection it is located on has a mini-mall with really good (no frills) BBQ place, and the wine/liquor store in that mini-mall has free wine tasting on Thursday evenings plus a nice cigar selection for those inclined.

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