AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Nightlife and Evening Entertainment Local Business Directory Easy Vegas Deals Access Vegas Twitter Feed Access Vegas Facebook Fan Page Access Vegas Myspace Page Seasonal Vegas Information New Years Eve/Week Superbowl Events Valentine’s Day Events Mardi Gras Events St. Patrick’s Day Events March Madness Events Spring Break Events Cinco de Mayo Events

Featured Shows Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Peepshow The Lion King Blue Man Group Jersey Boys Photos and Wallpaper Las Vegas Photos (Send A Free E-Card!)

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We often don’t put out an issue right at the end of the year, but I wanted to personally wish each and every one of you an amazing 2010 and thank you for reading. Next issue, I’ll delve in to my thoughts on Las Vegas in the coming year and we’ll have coverage of the 300,000+ people who are in town right this very minute getting ready to enjoy the countdown!

In this issue, we’ll get some news updates, information about what has been happening at AccessVegas.com, plus I want to link you to some of the more interesting Las Vegas stuff I’ve found on the web.

Tours, Tours, Tours And More Tours! – Amy has been very hard at work adding just about every conceivable type of are tour to our tours section. Grand Canyon? Check. Skydiving? Check. Horseback rides? Las Vegas Strip? Check. Hoover Dam, Valley Of Fire, Red Rock, Mt. Charleston, Lake Mead and other parks? Check.

Our pick? Maverick Helicopters Tour of the Grand Canyon that actually lands you IN the bottom of the canyon. Are you kidding me? That is amazing! Plus, you get to see Hoover Dam on the way out, then an air tour down the entire Las Vegas Strip on your return. All on the same tour!

Don’t take my word for it. Settle back for a stunning 10 minute video preview of this great tour. Even if your next visit isn’t on the horizon for a while, you’ll want to enjoy watching this one. Click for Maverick Helicopter Tour of Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, and the Las Vegas Strip Video

Looking for something different? We now have hundreds of tours available to suite every interest:

AccessVegas.com Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and Southwest United States Tours

Suzanne Somers Live In Las Vegas – I found this 7 minute clip on YouTube. I’m guessing from the early 1980′s after she bailed Three’s Company. Long before Cher, Celine, or Bette, Suzanne Somers was the queen of the Las Vegas Strip. Click to watch Suzanne Somers (Live In Vegas)

James Bond Diamond Are Forever Filmed In Las Vegas – If you want to go back even a little bit further in time, many forget that James Bond’s ‘Diamond Are Forever’ was filmed extensively in Las Vegas (and parts of the surrounding desert). Including significant scenes inside Circus Circus (which surprisingly has not changed that much). However, Fremont Street downtown has changed quite a bit! Well worth Netflixing if you have an account. Click to watch James Bond Diamonds Are Forever 1971 Trailer Filmed In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Dining Listings – Did you know that we have an extensive Las Vegas Dining Page featuring listings by hotel, cuisine and area (Strip, Downtown, etc.)? And, did you know that we’ve partnered with Open Table so that you can book most of these restaurants online and ahead of time? We know that you like to plan your trip ahead getting show tickets and arranging activities. After all, the early bird gets the worm (or the best seats and dining times).

Now, you can plan that special meal in advance and lock up your reservation before arriving in Las Vegas. Check out our Las Vegas Restaurants and Dining Section.

Don’t Forget The Pictures – We have hundreds of Las Vegas photo sets containing thousands and thousands of Las Vegas photos. Mark has re-organized them to make every photo set easy to get to and enjoy. Click to visit our new Las Vegas Photo Gallery

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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

Bally’s from $39, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $21, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $24, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $22, Stratosphere from $25, Tropicana from $28, Tuscany from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

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Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On FINAL DATES – Performance Schedule: Dec. 30, 31 Jan. 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31 — Show Time: 7:30 p.m. — Dark Days (No Show): Monday, Thursday, and Friday — Click For Bette Midler Final Las Vegas Show Tickets

Le Reve At Wynn Las Vegas Celebrates 2,000 Performances – Wynn Las Vegas breathtaking show, Le Reve, celebrated its 2,000′th performance on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 7 p.m. The show opened concurrently with Wynn Las Vegas on April 28, 2005 and has since astounded audiences.

Interesting Facts: More than 250 cast and crew work on Le Reve each day. Thirty-two performers and 58 production staff have been with the show since the very beginning. In all 2,000 performances, 1,200,000 towels have been used, more than 12,800 pairs of red tango shoes have been repaired and some 104,000 loads of laundry have been done — just a portion of the work involved in keeping a show like Le Reve running 2,000 performances strong.

Le Reve redefines the traditional theatrical experience with an evocative aqua spectacle in-the-round. The show features an ambitious blend of aerial acrobatics, provocative choreography, powerful performances and elaborate effects. Click for Le Reve At Wynn Las Vegas Tickets

Monte Carlo’s Street of Dreams now offers the following venues:

• Art of Music – Known as the largest distributor of certifiably authentic music memorabilia in the U.S., Art of Music features a large collection of celebrity artwork, fine art and collectibles. Hours of operation: Daily, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Harley-Davidson – The freedom and passion of the Harley-Davidson lifestyle is celebrated in this name brand store. The motorcycle company’s instantly recognizable logo adorns clothing, accessories, souvenirs and collectibles.
• Marshall Rousso – Marshall Rousso offers discriminating women stylish fashions for any occasion. Patrons will find casual and formal attire by such noted brands as Juicy Couture, BCBG, Betsey Johnson and more. Footwear and accessories also are available for purchase.
• The Big Chill – This full-service walk-up bar provides a mix of modern libations and classic cocktails. Frozen specialty drinks include such tasty selections as Strawberry Daiquiri, Tropical Mojito and Pina Colada. A wide array of bottled and draft beer also is on tap.
• The Cupcakery – Tasty cupcake treats are baked fresh daily from only the finest ingredients. More than 16 signature flavors include such delectable choices as Strawberry Shortcake and Oh, My Gosh – Ganache!

World Series Of Beer Pong At Flamingo January 1-4 – More than 900 fierce competitors will come together at Flamingo Las Vegas for the opportunity to vie for $50,000 and the title of “World Series of Beer Pong Champ” (WSOBP). Beer Pong, widely known as “Beirut,” was born in frat houses and college basements across the country, but has since grown into a world-wide phenomenon. The four-day tournament guarantees that all competitors will play a minimum of twelve games with the champions earning $50,000.

Best place to play beer pong on the Las Vegas Strip? O’Sheas (next to The Flamingo).

Luxor Opens New Spa and Salon – Nurture Spa and Salon. Providing everything from skillful cuts and styles, to image-transforming color and highlights to make-up services, the salon also features a complete nail care menu. For brides–to-be, special Bridal and Ultimate Bridal Packages make preparing for the big day easy. Nurture Spa and Salon at Luxor is open daily to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to book an appointment, call (702) 730-5720.

Devi Kroell Now Open At The Forum Shops – This is the New York designer’s first and only store outside of New York City. Check out the fantastic and exotic handbags and accessories.

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• Blush Boutique Nightclub Announces New Year’s Week Festivities – Keep The Party Under One Roof All Week Long With Sindustry Eve Featuring LMFAO and High Society 2010: An Upscale New Year’s Eve Bash

  Blush Boutique Nightclub Tickets

• Grandma Lee, Unleashed And Uncensored, Headlines At Bonkerz Comedy Club – “America’s Got Talent” Finalist To Film DVD During All Shows

• Join PT’s And Sierra Gold In January For The $25,000 Bud Bowl Parties And The Flip UltraHD Camcorder Giveaway

• Special Guest Appearance By American Idol Winner Kris Allen At B.B. King’s Blues Club

• The Cupcakery Opens Third Las Vegas Location At Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

• “Seinfeld’s” Jason Alexander Takes The Stage As “Donny Clay” For Limited Engagement At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

• Nathan Burton as good of an emcee as he is a magician

  Nathan Burton Tickets

• Lawsuit seeks to allow Nevada convention smoking

• In Las Vegas, Sports Books in a Pocket

• Hard Rock’s Newest Tower Opens

• You can still get a taste of Old Vegas at Casa di Amore

• Even amid severe slump for Las Vegas, casino operators can guide destiny

• Local existing-home sales jump in November

• Promoter says Pacquiao-Mayweather likely off

• Vegas May Get Super Bowl Exposure

• Vegas Named Top Destination Of 2009

• Crystals at CityCenter opens doors to Vegas’ big spenders

• Las Vegas has first increase in air passengers in 21 months

• Free bus rides in Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve

• New Year’s Eve To Draw 315K To Vegas

• Be prepared for tasty, large portions at Hash House A Go Go

• Body English closing doors after New Year’s Eve bash, auction

• Fireworks, concerts, parties among wide variety of New Year’s Eve entertainment

• Las Vegas air traffic finally up – Jump in November is first in 21 months

• Bankruptcy filings drop month to month in Nevada

• More sour grapes from Wynn-wannabe (Donald Trump)

• UNLV football coach’s replacement by Hauck first among local stories

• Brothel owner plans to hire men to service women

• Megamyth shadows casino openings

• Recession continued to grip nation, waging a brutal war on Nevada

• Rock art can be found in abundance at Nevada public lands

• Residents spend morning searching for work, not last-minute shopping

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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:

• New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
• Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 16-18 (3 day weekend)
• Super Bowl Sunday February 7
• Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
• President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
• Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
• Valentine’s Day February 14
• Mardi Gras February 16
• Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
• St. Patrick’s Day March 17
• Easter Sunday April 4
• Cinco de Mayo May 5
• Mother’s Day May 9
• Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
• Father’s Day June 20
• Independence Day July 4
• Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
• Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Jewish New Year September 9
• Halloween October 31
• Veteran’s Day November 11
• Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
• Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
• Christmas December 25

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

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Nightlife and Evening Entertainment Local Business Directory Easy Vegas Deals Access Vegas Twitter Feed Access Vegas Facebook Fan Page Access Vegas Myspace Page Seasonal Vegas Information Christmas Day Events New Years Eve/Week

Featured Shows Peepshow The Lion King Blue Man Group Jersey Boys Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Photos and Wallpaper Las Vegas Photos (Send A Free E-Card!)

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

The “winds of change” are blowing into Las Vegas literally as we get ready to turn 2009 into 2010. Those of you who watched the Las Vegas Bowl saw conditions so windy that one of the field goal nets was blown into the goalposts and the overhead camera (the one that runs on wires above the entire field) had to be taken down for saftey reasons. From time-to-time, we do get the reminder that we live in the middle of a desert!

We’re crossing our fingers for NO wind on New Years Eve so that the world-famous fireworks can go off without a hitch. Might be a little chilly New Years Eve with an overnight low of 32 degrees (F), probable temp of around 38 degrees at midnight. Granted… that is the 10 day forecast and with any luck, we’ll be a bit warmer. Temps at midnight have traditionally been in the low-to-mid 40′s when the fireworks bring in the new year. So… bundle up or check the sidebar of our newsletter and get a ticket to one of the hot indoor parties!

Bellagio Conservatory Christmas Display – As has been our Christmas tradition for many years now, we present to you photos from the always amazing holiday display at the Bellagio Gardens. You have an added incentive to view it this year if in town the next three weeks: It is on your way from the Bellagio casino to the CityCenter tram.

Click To View Entire
Bellagio Gardens Holiday Display Photo Set

Hint: Once you go to the individual photo pages, you can click on the Full View link, which will then bring up the full screen version that you can save to your computer or right-click on to use as your holiday computer wallpaper.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from AccessVegas.com!

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

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

Bally’s from $39, El Cortez from $26, Fitzgeralds from $21, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $24, Riviera from $29, Sahara from $22, Stratosphere from $28, Tropicana from $28, Tuscany from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Special Offer: Guests who stay at El Cortez and pay for two consecutive nights in January will receive a complimentary two night stay in April.

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Carrie Underwood Brings ‘Play On Tour’ To Orleans Arena May 22 – One of country music’s most prolific and versatile power vocalists, Carrie Underwood, announced her new headline “Play On Tour” and a stop at the Orleans Arena May 22 with tickets for all shows going on sale next Friday, December 18. Underwood’s new headline tour kicks off March 11, 2010 with special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia. “I am getting so excited about next year as we are currently working through all the big plans for the tour,” says Underwood. “I cannot wait to perform new music and see familiar faces across the U.S. and Canada!”

• Click to read full Carrie Underwood Brings Coming To Orleans Arena story.

• Carrie Underwood Las Vegas Tickets

Sweet Surrender Cupcake Shop Now Open At The Palazzo Las Vegas Please Bow, Cupcake Royalty Has Arrived! – Cupcakes, cookies, lollipops, toffee, licorice, hard candies and dipped treats, oh my! The Palazzo Las Vegas cupcake and candy store, Sweet Surrender, brings together remarkable pastry chefs and the finest ingredients to create irresistibly indulgent treats.

• Click to read full Sweet Surrender Cupcake Shop Now Open At The Palazzo story.

Aria Resort & Casino Opens Forever Changing The Las Vegas Strip – Grand Opening Day And Gala Party Highlighted By Rooftop Fireworks Finale – Under a canopy of fireworks illuminating the night sky, ARIA Resort & Casino opened its doors and welcomed its first guests. Located at the heart of CityCenter, ARIA is the centerpiece of this extraordinary urban resort destination. Its debut signifies the official grand opening of this city-within-a-city, following two weeks of celebrations for the reveals of Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Crystals retail and entertainment district.

• Click to read full Aria Resort & Casino Opens Forever Changing The Las Vegas Strip story.

M Resort Lights Nations Tallest Christmas Tree – Our White Fir came on the largest allowable flatbed truck, a 900-mile journey from Oregon and on Saturday it “came alive” with thousands of lights. M Resort Spa Casino Chairman and CEO Anthony A. Marnell III and his children flipped the switch to lit the tree. More than 3,000 people came out to our piazza. Hot chocolate, sugar cookies, warm cider, candy canes put smiles on faces. The lighting was hosted by KSNE 106.5′s Melanie and Michael and a special thanks to Cannon Junior High School, Las Vegas Academy Advanced Women’s Choir, Dance Zone and Phat Strad.

• Click to read full M Resort Lights Nations Tallest Christmas Tree story.

A Classic Taste Of Motown, The Temptations Return To The Orleans Showroom January 22-24 – For more than 40 years, The Temptations have shined as pioneers of popular music with decades of smash hits and sold-out performances. Otis Williams, Bruce Williamson, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon bring classic Motown back to The Orleans Showroom January 22, 23 and 24 starting at 8 p.m. each evening. The Temptations are central characters in the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical career in Detroit in the early ’60s.

• Click to read full The Temptations Return To The Orleans story.

• The Temptations Las Vegas Tickets

The 2nd Annual Tribute Palooza To Rock – Fremont Street Experience For New Year’s 2010 Weekend – Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience is ready for a rockin’ New Year’s 2010 Weekend celebration with its 2nd Annual TributePalooza. The spectacular New Year’s Eve includes live concerts by eight of the world’s best tribute bands, a 2009 year-in-review show on the Viva Vision screen, followed by a countdown to midnight.

• Click to read full Fremont Street Experience For New Year’s 2010 Weekend story.

Famous Faces Wish Las Vegas A Happy Holiday Season On Miracle Mile Shops’ Strip-Side LED Screens – Some of the city’s most recognizable residents, headliners and show cast members wish Las Vegas a happy holiday season in a series of special video messages on Miracle Mile Shops’ Strip-side LED video screens. Every half-hour from 10 a.m. to midnight today through Dec. 31, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will broadcast a few special holiday messages from famous Las Vegas personalities, headliners and show cast members. Each video is unique and can be seen and heard by anyone cruising The Strip.

More than 20 different messages will be shown throughout the month, including greetings from Mayor Oscar Goodman, Blue Man Group, Chester Bennington, PEEPSHOW star Holly Madison, rocker Sammy Hagar, Donny and Marie Osmond, Zowie Bowie, George Wallace, Coach Lon Kruger, Gordie Brown, and Santana band members among many others.

Authentic Coal From The RMS Titanic Makes Fun Last Minute Stocking Stuffer! – This is coal you WANT to find in your stocking this year! Whether a prince or a pauper, every history buff can have a memento of the RMS Titanic now available at the retail shop inside Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor. Come see the half million dollar, 55 pound piece of coal currently on display and if $500,000 is slightly out of the budget, pieces are available for $20 and $45.

• Click to read full Authentic Coal From The RMS Titanic story.

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Las Vegas Deals

• Miracle Mile Shops Shines As Premier Shopping And Entertainment Destination This Holiday Season

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

• Bookmark and Visit EasyVegasDeals.com daily (Monday – Friday) or

• Enter http://www.easyvegasdeals.com/feed/ into your RSS feed list (for those of you who use RSS/XML feeds) or

• Follow our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/accessvegas

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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After seeing all the stereotypes on television and in the movies of seedy hotels and nothing but drinking and sleaze, we decided to take our first trip to Las Vegas back in March to see for ourselves. I’m glad we went against what we were made to believe because I immediately fell in love with the city.

To our surprise, it was absolutely gorgeous! The media didn’t capture a fraction of the beauty we saw in person. We didn’t gamble, barely drank, and didn’t do too much partying; just admired the gorgeous lights and buildings when we weren’t enjoying some R&R in the Trump which made it the perfect, well-needed getaway for us.

I love that Las Vegas has something to offer everyone no matter what each person’s tastes are and is a trip I’m now looking forward to every year. Trying to bump my March 2010 trip up sooner

Candice

Ted Responds:

You found what others find out on their first visit: We’re simply a world-class resort destination with virtually unlimited activities to suit almost every taste and palate. One can go to New York to see a Broadway-style show and pay $400 a night for a good hotel room, or come here and see the same (and more) staying in a world-class hotel for $150 a night.

The other great thing is that you have an option on how much or little R&R you want to get. Some people come and sleep only 3-4 hours a night and cram as much possible into their trip (as we’re truly the city that never sleeps). Others come just to unwind.

Trump is a solid choice for those who want a more peaceful stay. Those rooms were originally meant to be condos but are rented out as hotel rooms until the market improves enough for them to be sold, and you don’t walk through a big, noisy casino to get to your room.

Since you’ll be telling all your friends about Las Vegas, make sure to tell them to subscribe to our newsletter!

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I just wanted to say its not the economy that keeps my wife and I from returning to Vegas this year. We have been regular Vegas customers for 15 to 20 years now. Last year we had such tight slots all four days that we was there we ran out of money early in day and then was bored to death. Aside from that meal prices have skyrocketed, hotels have turned to the charge you extra for every little thing, such as a $9.00 charge for a phone in your room that no one uses.

They need to go back in time with better gaming, cheaper meals, and better comps. Other wise we have no reason to return to Vegas with almost every state now having casinos. Again I say its not just the economy keeping people from returning to Vegas.

Michael Vigor

Ted Responds:

I continue to agree. Las Vegas has always been recession-proof. We don’t have a recession problem. We have a “casinos tried to screw people too hard in the mid-2000′s” problem and it is going to take a while to reverse some of the negative memories.

The good news is that things are changing. We’re hearing about people winning again, and there is a buzz of electricity on The Strip not seen in quite some time. Follow our Vegas Deals Blog EasyVegasDeals.com and you’ll see we are listing food and drink specials with regularity again. And… room rates will stay at historic lows throughout 2010!

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Thanks for putting out an awesome newsletter so often! Las Vegas is my favorite city in the world!

Geno from Ontario, Canada

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• New Cirque show ‘Viva Elvis’ blends symbolism, music in tribute to the King

  Viva Elvis Tickets

• Vegas Rolls Dice on City Center

• Can CityCenter Save Las Vegas?

• CityCenter gives Las Vegas a huge twist

• Vegas bets it all on new CityCenter complex

• New Vegas Mall Shuns Shopping Cliches

• CityCenter’s pocket parks, traffic circles stand as symbol of Strip’s evolution

• Walkability is watchword for MGM Mirage’s decidedly upscale CityCenter

• CityCenter counting on cost cuts, project debut to spur condo sales

• CityCenter’s art makes works accessible to the public

• Bellagio exhibit a primer on CityCenter art, architecture

• This upscale bar may be too exclusive for its own good (Mandarin Oriental)

• Trump fires back about CityCenter

• Restaurants of CityCenter’s Aria offer variety of dining options in well-designed setting

• Wear comfortable shoes, stylish clothes to see all of CityCenter

• At CityCenter, firsts are foremost

• Newest, most expensive joint on the Strip opens with fireworks, fanfare

• The Donald slams new megaresort

• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Rings In 2010 With Multiple Parties This New Year’s Eve

  John Mayer Trio Tickets

  Vanity Tickets

  Body English Tickets

• The Palazzo Las Vegas And The Venetian – Ring In The New Year With Exciting Parties

  Lavo Tickets

  Lagasse’s Stadium Tickets

  FIRST Food & Bar Tickets

  TAO Tickets

  V Bar Ultra Lounge Tickets

• A Journey For The Senses Awaits At The Spa At Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

• Original Teen Idols Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell Team Up For Show At Orleans Showroom

• Flamingo Las Vegas Hosts World Series Of Beer Pong V Jan 1-5

• International Multi Award Winning Tribute To Nat King Cole – Donny Ray Evins Performs At Sun City MacDonald Ranch New Year’s Eve

• Rio, Paris And Bally’s Offer Seven Ways To Toast 2010 With Taste

• Chef Pierre Gagnaire To Open First U.S. Restaurant In The New Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas At CityCenter

• New Home Sales See an Uptick (with video)

• Hard to Find Work for Construction Workers (with video)

• Mayor Goodman still mulling run for governor (with video)

• Will the real Las Vegas please stand up?

• NFL will permit ads promoting Las Vegas on postseason telecasts

• Vegas Monorail considering bankruptcy protection

• Famous Las Vegas Sign Vandalized Again

• Savvy local business owners are expanding and profiting during the downturn

• Unemployment drop may signal troubling trend

• NFL Allows Las Vegas Ads In Super Bowl Telecast, Is Gambling Next?

• Encore Adding ‘Beach Club’ On Vegas Strip

• More cuts by US Airways raise doubts for airport retailers

• New UNLV Football Coach Named

• Khotan focuses on Chinese, Thai cuisines and sushi

• Harrah’s CEO Loveman looks to China

• Home resales surge in November

• Magical Forest brightens season for 18th year

• Southwest-area store stocks hundreds of soda, candy brands

• Boyd Gaming sweetens bid for Station Casinos

• More suffering seen for valley

• Repairs that hung over Harrah’s two years await final inspection

• Expect long wait for monorail ride to airport

• LVCVA sued over smoking amendment

• Vince Neil flying all over the map

• ‘Pawn Stars’ reality TV show glitters

• Moapa Valley wildlife refuge offers chance to see area’s creatures

• Monorail needs to go to airport to make money

• Decade has seen its ups, downs

• Boyd, state discuss Station buyout bid

• Does Las Vegas face a similar fate as down-and-out Detroit?

• LV sign damage leads to arrest

• Yolie’s Brazilian Steakhouse stays true to rodizio style of cooking

• VooDoo Lounge mixes fun, flavor in distinctive setting

• Trump has history of insulting rivals

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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
• New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
• Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 16-18 (3 day weekend)
• Super Bowl Sunday February 7
• Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
• President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
• Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
• Valentine’s Day February 14
• Mardi Gras February 16
• Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
• St. Patrick’s Day March 17
• Easter Sunday April 4
• Cinco de Mayo May 5
• Mother’s Day May 9
• Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
• Father’s Day June 20
• Independence Day July 4
• Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
• Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Jewish New Year September 9
• Halloween October 31
• Veteran’s Day November 11
• Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
• Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9

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!

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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 2009 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

December 23, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Nightlife and Evening Entertainment Local Business Directory Easy Vegas Deals Access Vegas Twitter Feed Access Vegas Facebook Fan Page Access Vegas Myspace Page Seasonal Vegas Information Christmas Day Events New Years Eve/Week

Featured Shows The Lion King Blue Man Group Jersey Boys Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Peepshow Photos and Wallpaper Las Vegas Photos (Send A Free E-Card!)

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

I’m back in the saddle, but with a bit of a heavy heart (which I’ll briefly note later). CityCenter has been in the process of opening and parent company MGM Mirage (and other agencies associated with it) have been very gracious in extending me all of the top level invites. I opted to sit out as my heart just wasn’t in it. However we have been running all the info and linking to all of the major stories and continue to do so.

You see… this section and all of the “rah-rah Vegas” I write about isn’t just an act for me. I couldn’t do this in Orlando or Chicago (with all due respect to those fine cities). I’m going on 17 years living here and I still — to this day — get a tingly feeling in my body when I’m on The Strip. That surge of electricity. I love everything about this town more than ever.

Some people move here for a while, but they never really like it. You’d have to pay me incredible money to even get me to think about living somewhere else. The main road in my neighborhood has a view of half of The Strip and even just driving home, I never tire of it.

And… what I write is from the heart. The joys of this amazing vacation destination. So, for the past two issues I stayed active behind the scenes (and penned the New Years Eve tips in our last issue) but just had to sit out writing my column. I am happy to be back.

Oh, and as for coverage of CityCenter? Those of you coming in the next few weeks will (and must) certainly check it out. What $8.5 billion can build is beyond breath-taking. If your hotel plans are still up in the air, you have no choice: Stay at Aria. There isn’t anything else quite like it. More details and great rates: Aria Resort at CityCenter Las Vegas (Make sure to click on the Photos and Rooms tabs).

If your vacation is a little further off, have no fear: Starting in January, we’ll be doing a six-part story (one for each of the hotel/condos and one about the shopping) accompanied by lots of fantastic photos. Stay subscribed!

CityCenter Latest News And Updates

• ‘Viva Elvis’ aims to restore king to his Vegas throne

  Viva Elvis Tickets

• Aria President Looks Forward to Opening (with video)

• Newest Las Vegas Casino Prepped for Opening (with video)

• CityCenter offering financing to buyers

• In Las Vegas, one final echo of the boom years

• Observers see CityCenter siphoning business from other MGM Mirage hotels

• CityCenter’s pocket parks, traffic circles stand as symbol of Strip’s evolution

• ARIA Taking Hotel Stay To Next Level

• CityCenter born of collective creativity

• CityCenter opening is Murren’s moment

• Native’s gaming know-how earns him spot at top of Aria

• Calling on the King

Clarification – Last issue in the New Years Eve tips I noted a new “best kept” parking secret for New Years Eve if you want to get to The Strip and enjoy the action, but don’t want to end up parking well over a mile away (or get stuck in street closings). I need to clarify the following:

This is a “best kept secret” because it is only a couple of blocks from CityCenter but in an area filled with No Parking signs. With one exception: Harmon Ave. between Polaris and Ziebart has parking allowed on the south side of the street. Google Map

Governor Goodman Alert – We were way ahead of the curve letting you know that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman had a high probability of running for Governor (something gleaned through a conversation I personally had with the man himself). Goodman has just (as of today) switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Independent, something that he noted would be doing if he ran.

Goodman was a registered Republican up until he moved here in the mid-60′s. He told me that as an attorney living in Las Vegas in that era, you were a Democrat and that-was-that (explaining his Democrat party affiliation).

With the financial crisis facing Nevada State government for the next few years, being governor won’t be an enviable job. However… Mayor Goodman is now dipping more than just a toe in the water.

Sahara Closing? – I took the above picture recently at The Sahara. Their “big as a baby” burrito is free if you can finish it all! Sahara has also been in the news because they recently closed two of their hotel towers and their buffet. Some are calling it the demise of The Sahara. Not so fast:

• One of their towers remains open with more rooms available than most hotels in the U.S. even dream of having. The two shuttered towers look to be used during New Years Eve and also will be brought back online when demand increases. Why? With the opening of Aria flooding the market with even more rooms, rates are really low and people who would normally stay at The Sahara are taking advantage by staying at higher end properties for cheap.
• The buffet closing is said to be seasonal. They note it has been closed for periods of slow demand in the past. Note: If you have a car and miss the Sahara’s sub-$10.00 dinner buffet, take the three minute drive to Palace Station where prices and selection are similar.
• I was over at The Sahara the week before Thanksgiving (traditionally a slow/dead week) on a weeknight and the place was hopping! All of the tables in the party pit were full, craps tables were full, slots and table games had nice crowds. Not exactly the picture of a place fixing to close permanently.

In Loving Memory – This newsletter is all about Las Vegas. If I have a health issue or my dog has fleas (actually, I don’t have a dog) or if I get in a fender-bender… that has nothing to do with Las Vegas. We’re here to bring the Vegas Vibe to you, give you a “being in Las Vegas” feeling when you can’t be here, and get you all revved up for your next trip.

However, I had the great misfortune of losing my Great Aunt Helene recently (pictured to the left on her 100′th birthday). My paternal grandparents died when I was young and my maternal grandparents lived 1000 miles away. Helene and (Great Uncle) Harold couldn’t have kids and lived in the same town as us, becoming default grandparents. Some relationships with relatives are closer than others, but Helene’s kind and undying support and encouragement from my very earliest days as a child to even my most recent years was unparalleled. Always helpful, always willing to listen, always full of kind words, never overly judgmental.

Financial help in school, early endeavors, and even in the early days of this business (no one knew what the internet was in 1996) can’t be understated. Even more important was the thoughts, prayers, notes, cards, and letters. Even though she now lived almost 1000 miles away, we wrote back-and-forth every couple of weeks with her last letter to me coming just a couple of weeks before her passing.

She would have been 102 in January and until this past year lived a wonderful life in great health. Trust me… we should all only hope to be that lucky. She took a serious fall a few months ago, had some complications, and went downhill from there. Knowing that she’d need a walker and could never garden again (her true passion) took its toll and she decided to call it a day. She was content knowing where was going. I will miss her until my final day.

I’ve been sharing my joy Las Vegas with you for over ten years now in this newsletter. Thank you for allowing me to share this memory with you.

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

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

Bally’s from $39, El Cortez from $26, Fitzgeralds from $21, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $25, Riviera from $29, Sahara from $21, Stratosphere from $27, Tropicana from $29, Tuscany from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

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Mayor Oscar B. Goodman Turns On The Holiday Lights At The Fremont Street Experience Tree Lighting Ceremony – Mayor Oscar B. Goodman brought holiday cheer to the Fremont Street Experience on Tuesday, December 8 when he flipped the switch to light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree.

The 50-foot tree was garnished with festive decorations and will stand below the 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen. Directly following the ceremony, Fremont Street Experience’s holiday show, Candy & The Canes, performed a live song and dance show to holiday music hits. Also in attendance were Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese, Fremont Street Experience President, Jeff Victor, and Santa Claus. The official Las Vegas Christmas tree will be on display at the Fremont Street Experience through the Christmas holiday.

Mayor Oscar Goodman, along with Santa Claus, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese and Fremont Street Experience President, Jeff Victor and friends, pose in front of the Fremont Street Experience Christmas tree moments after flipping the switch.

Chef Pierre Gagnaire To Open First U.S. Restaurant In The New Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas At CityCenter – Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, prominently situated at the entrance of CityCenter, the extraordinary new urban resort destination, will introduce the award-winning cuisine of three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Twist by Pierre Gagnaire. Opening in December 2009, Twist will be Gagnaire’s first restaurant in the United States. The innovative menu will infuse the simplicity of classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is known. Located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, the Adam D. Tihany designed signature restaurant, seating 74, will feature a dramatic, glass staircase leading up to a suspended wine loft.

• Click to read full Chef Pierre Gagnaire To Open First U.S. Restaurant story.

Grand Opening Of Crystals At CityCenter Brings Unprecedented Shopping Experience To Las Vegas Strip – Crystals at CityCenter opened its doors to the world, showcasing an unparalleled array of the world’s most exclusive retailers and forever redefining the Las Vegas retail experience. Opening day activities gave invited guests an early preview of this unique retail and entertainment district at the core of the extraordinary urban resort destination, CityCenter. Festivities began at noon with an invite-only shopping event for several thousand Las Vegas locals, for which a portion of the proceeds were donated to local charities including Nevada Cancer Institute, Keep Memory Alive, Nevada Ballet Theatre and The Smith Center for The Performing Arts. Crystals opened its doors to the public at 5 p.m.

• Click to read full Grand Opening Of Crystals At CityCenter Brings Unprecedented Shopping story.

• Crystals Las Vegas

• Nutcracker In Paris – Nevada Ballet Theatre Brings Las Vegas An All-New Production Of The Nutcracker To The Paris Theatre

• Nutcracker Las Vegas Tickets

Vanity Is Las Vegas’ Favorite Sin – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Opens Opulent New Nightclub With Grand Opening Party Hosted by Diddy – Celebrate your inner “Vanity” this New Year’s Eve inside the latest indulgent nightlife creation at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Located in the luxurious new HRH Tower, Vanity nightclub opens its doors Thursday, December 31st to ring in 2010, followed by the official grand opening party January 2nd with illustrious party host Diddy. Brought to you by The Nightlife Group (Body English, Rare 120, Rehab, Wasted Space) and co-owner Jason Giambi, Vanity focuses on the most important person in the room – you.

• Click to read full Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Opens Opulent New Nightclub story.

• Vanity Las Vegas New Years Tickets

Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis Tickets Available! – Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil®, at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is a harmonious fusion of acrobatics, dance and live music, and a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley.

Created in the image of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – powerful, whimsical, sexy, truly unique and larger than life – the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and whose image embodies the excitement, freedom and turbulence of his era.

Significant moments in his life blend with the timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts.

Click For Viva Elvis by Cirque du Soleil
Tickets And Availability

Las Vegas Rocks Cafe At Neonopolis Is Open – Downtown Las Vegas’ Newest Restaurant Is A Historical Dining Experience – The Las Vegas Rocks Café downtown at Neonopolis, located at the corner of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Blvd., had the outdoor sign installed and opened at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. After a remodel, the restaurant’s founder Tony Sacca, longtime producer, host and entertainer, is unveiling his Las Vegas history-themed restaurant in the space once occupied by Jillian’s. The new eatery, open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, offers themed-style foods, an atmosphere filled with a historical perspective on Las Vegas, and live entertainment.

• Click to read full Las Vegas Rocks Cafe At Neonopolis Is Open story.

Hash House A Go Go Opens At Imperial Palace Las Vegas – Sin City’s Favorite Twisted Farm Food Makes Strip Debut – One of Las Vegas’ favorite restaurants, Hash House A Go Go is proud to open the doors of its newest restaurant today inside the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Palace location of Hash House A Go Go will offer the same over-the-top, unique and mouth-watering menu as its now famous off-the-Strip location and will operate under the direction of Hash House A Go Go co-owner and Nevada Restaurant Association’s 2009 “Nevada Restaurateur of the Year,” Jim Rees.

• Click to read full Hash House A Go Go Opens At Imperial Palace Las Vegas story.

Two Legends Collide At UFC 109 When Randy Couture Battles Mark Coleman At Mandalay Bay Saturday, Feb. 6 – Scheduled Fights Include Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thiago II; Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Brandon Vera; Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen and Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg. In 1998, two of the greatest amateur wrestlers in the United States – Randy “The Natural” Couture and Mark “The Hammer” Coleman – were scheduled to meet in a relatively new battleground called the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The colossal meeting of Hall of Fame fighters in the making for more than a decade will be live on pay-per-view from the Mandalay Bay Events Center and presented by Bud Light.

• Click to read full Two Legends Collide At UFC 109 story.

• UFC 109 Las Vegas Tickets

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Las Vegas Deals

• The Cupcakery Hosts A Toy Drive Benefitting Toys For Tots – Bakery Visitors Receive One Free Cupcake Per Donation
• El Cortez Hotel & Casino December Food, Drink, Gaming Promotions
• Have a “Holly Jolly Christmas” With Lotus Broadcasting And Holly Madison To Benefit Toys For Tots And The Salvation Army – Donate Toys For A Chance To Win A 2010 Lease From Findlay Kia
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Commemorates One Year At Luxor Hotel & Casino – Guests Enjoy Special Offers During Anniversary Weekend, December 18 – 20
• Station Casinos’ December House Entertainment Ends The Year With A Bang

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

• Bookmark and Visit EasyVegasDeals.com daily (Monday – Friday) or

• Enter http://www.easyvegasdeals.com/feed/ into your RSS feed list (for those of you who use RSS/XML feeds) or

• Follow our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/accessvegas

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My wife and I visited Vegas from Nov.8 to Nov. 13. We had a great time and felt relatively safe, but I have a concern.

We were in Las Vegas in the early ’80′ s. It was nothing to see people walking on the streets with drinks, but I don’t remember ever seeing anyone intoxicated, or witnessing any rowdiness whatsoever. When the city was catering to families, I noticed drinks on the street were cut to a minimum.

This time I wasn’t surprised, since the focus is on adults again, to see the drinks, as before, but the control seemed to be missing. Many people were drunk and very, very boisterous. When at a machine in the Flamingo, I heard shouting right behind me and turned in time to see a man pick up a chair and forcefully throw it at another person. Others in the group tried to intervene. The security guard that arrived was an elderly man who just stood there, because he certainly couldn’t physically handle the situation and then a girl who was thin and seemed to be not much more than 5 ft. tall, and she couldn’t stop it either. The police arrived very soon and broke everything up.

My memory in my last visits to Vegas was that the casinos seemed to have complete control over the behavior and atmosphere, and the security guards were physically able to handle security problems. Consequently, I never saw anything like this before. In Casino Royale, a man was so inebriated, that, as he was trying to cash money at the cashier’s cage, he fell down and had to be helped to his feet by the security guard who leaned him against the counter and walked away.

On the street, as I was crossing from the Bellagio to the Planet Hollywood, I met a young man who walked leaning on the girl he was with. He had shaken a beer bottle so it was foaming and he was yelling vulgar comments about it as loudly as he could. He stare at me and I just smiled. He then yelled, “You think I’m crazy!” and started cursing at me. The girl dragged him away and I kept walking.

As I mentioned, I still felt quite safe during the extent of my stay. I’m wondering, though, if this type of atmosphere continues, it inevitably could worsen and adversely affect safety in the future and discourage people from coming.

Fred

Ted Responds:

The hotels have privately (and sometimes not so privately) lamented that the extremely low room rates have brought in more of a “spring break” crowd year-around. You’ll see that start to fade away over the next 12-18 months as rates bounce back to normal (for Las Vegas). When you are letting people essentially rent a luxury sports car for the same price as a compact, you’re going to get people who take the thing out and crash it.

You’ll likely never see the return to the “100% family friendly” Las Vegas. That experiment was tried throughout the 90′s and deemed a failure. People with kids along generally don’t spend as much. You can’t gamble while keeping track elementary school kids, nor are you likely to take them to a high-end celebrity chef restaurant.

The exception is our upscale international visitors who who come to the U.S. for a couple of weeks at a time, spending a few days in a number of western U.S. cities and tend to enjoy shows such as The Lion King and some of the finer dining with their families.

Per security having control of things: I think that Las Vegas hotels made a major (and I mean major) mistake about 10 years ago when they decided to quit arming their security guards. Side Note: Many are still armed with a concealed weapon, not something publicly visible.

The notion was that they didn’t want the patrons to be scared by seeing a gun on an officer. It felt too wild-west. Big mistake. I know that I felt much safer seeing security armed. And believe me… all but the most rowdy drunk is going to pipe down at the sight of an armed officer.

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I really enjoy your newsletter and have been a subscriber for a few years. I live in Las Vegas and would like to see a section for locals and special deals on show tickets etc.

Thanks,

Jeaninne Oliver

Ted Responds:

As only 11% of our newsletter readers are locals, we really can’t go overboard with locals only deals in the newsletter. However… Much of that stuff goes on our EasyVegasDeals.com site and our Access Vegas Twitter Feed.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends!

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I really enjoy your newsletter and have been a subscriber for a few years. I live in Las Vegas and would like to see a section for locals and special deals on show tickets etc.

Thanks,

Jeaninne Oliver

Ted Responds:

As only 11% of our newsletter readers are locals, we really can’t go overboard with locals only deals in the newsletter. However… Much of that stuff goes on our EasyVegasDeals.com site and our Access Vegas Twitter Feed.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends!

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My wife and I have been coming to Vegas once or twice a year on business for a little more than 20 years. We decided to celebrate our 35 wedding anniversary in your great city this year. Here are just a few of the stats from our jam-packed 5 day stay at Trump Las Vegas.

We played slots and table games in 19 casinos. We placed bets in 5 different sports books. We ate in 10 different restaurants. We took 17 cab rides. We perused 5 different hotel and retail shopping malls. We went to 8 shows. (I failed to count the adult beverages consumed.)

Our results: Newest, cleanest casino – The M. Best slot win – Bally’s. Best table win – Palms. Best sports book win – Caesar’s. Best restaurant (and view) – VooDoo Cafe atop the Rio. Best cab ride – All but 3. Best shopping – Caesar’s. Best show (and the most fun) – The Improv Comedy Club at Harrah’s. Best adult beverage – Toby Keith’s.

Thanks for all of your insights that keep us up to date between visits. We’ll be back in March 2010!

Chuck & Elaine From Maine

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the fantastic report and congratulations on your 35′th anniversary!

I second the best view being Voodoo Cafe atop The Rio. Especially at sunset watching The Strip light up (although keep in mind that they don’t open until 5 PM so it might be February before they open in time for sunset).

Crystals at CityCenter is going to give Caesars Forum Shops a run for the money. Make sure to check it out on your next visit!

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• Spend New Year’s Eve With The Best View Of The Strip At FIRST Food & Bar – Inaugural New Year’s Bash Provides Great Food, Delicious Libations And Easy Access To The Strip

  First Food & Bar New Years Tickets

• American Superstars Receives Two-Year Extension At The Stratosphere

  American Superstars Tickets

• ‘Fighters Only’ World Mixed Martial Arts Awards Show Honors Fan Favorites At The Joint By Rogue Inside The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Dec. 30

  World MMA Awards Tickets

• Start 2010 In Style At Caesars Palace In Las Vegas – Renowned Chef Bradley Ogden To Be In Las Vegas For New Year’s Eve

• Newly Remodeled Lobby And Wine Bar Add To The Beauty Of MonteLago Village Resort At Lake Las Vegas

• Mystic Falls Park Lights Up The Holiday Season With A Winter Wonderland Experience Through January 2

• Jerry’s Nugget Casino Is The Place To Be This New Year’s Eve

• Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar At Town Square Rings In The New Year With Rock ‘n’ Roll Flair

• Krave New Years Eve Updates

• Special Christmas Dining Selections Available at Multiple Boyd Gaming Properties

• Celebrate Christmas At Simon At Palms Place – Special Christmas Menu From Chef Kerry Simon Includes Holiday Classics Such As Roasted Turkey And Home-Style Sides

• Station Casinos And Fiesta Buffets Celebrate Hanukkah With Featured Holiday Dishes

• Ring In The New Year With MGM Mirage Resorts

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve Center-Strip At Harrah’s And Flamingo Las Vegas

• Devi Kroell – Now Open At The Forum Shops At Caesars

• Enjoy Christmas Dinner This Year At Station Casinos

• Bridges among changes that keep ‘Fantasy’ fresh, full of personality

  Fantasy Tickets

• Mr. Las Vegas Wayne Newton takes a look back – and ahead

  Wayne Newton Tickets

• Rave reviews in Las Vegas? That’s just Human Nature

  Human Nature Tickets

• An oasis of wine culture near Vegas

• Beyonce talking Vegas shows with Wynn, but no deal

• Fremont Street shows off old, new Las Vegas

• Vanity Nightclub Dazzles at Hard Rock Las Vegas

• Report sees flat market for LV real estate

• Momentum for Pacquiao-Mayweather megafight grows

• Bank gambles on a Las Vegas casino (Cosmopolitan)

• Las Vegas Strip Gets New Fire Station

• Stock-market rebound bodes well for Vegas’ fortunes

• Beijing Noodle No. 9 makes its own namesake goods – and those goods are great

• Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree at M Resort

• Nevada casinos winnings report down for 22nd month

• Vegas’ Sahara closing two towers for the winter

• Vegas mayor changing parties, mulling governor bid

• Vegas New Year’s Eve A Musical Celebration

• Will the real Las Vegas please stand up?

• Cowboy crowd proves loyal despite economy

• Savvy local business owners are expanding and profiting during the downturn

• Magical Forest brightens season for 18th year

• Brookings report finds LV among hardest hit

• For a Vegas time, call Charlie Sheen

• Regular-guy Brooks’ show personal, unadulterated

• Critics applaud Brooks’ comeback

• Tiger scandal puts VIP hosts on spot

• Supporters of county-owned CCTV tune out critics

• Water authority digs deep for third intake pipe at Lake Mead

• Savor springs on Lake Mead trek

• Snow blankets Spring Mountains, rain falls on valley

• Revolution Lounge celebrates everything Beatles

• Brooks says he hopes audience members can keep surprises to themselves

• Newest Strip resorts let the sunshine in

• Bankruptcy filings continue to increase for No. 1 Nevada

• Statewide gaming win continues decline – October tally is lowest one-month total since 2003

• Well, NASCAR, wasn’t that a party?

• More restaurants providing live entertainment as part of the dining experience

• Buyers chasing homes in Las Vegas as prices continue falling

• Tabu aims for lounge-style atmosphere with modest size, cozy setting

• ‘Miss Spectacular’ waiting patiently – Creator believes musical will be produced

• More than 27,000 runners (and Elvises) embrace revamped Las Vegas marathon

• High roller ways natural for Tiger

• Vote to regulate, tax marijuana use sought

• Economic indicators up slightly for Southern Nevada in November

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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
• New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
• Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 16-18 (3 day weekend)
• Super Bowl Sunday February 7
• Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
• President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
• Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
• Valentine’s Day February 14
• Mardi Gras February 16
• Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
• St. Patrick’s Day March 17
• Easter Sunday April 4
• Cinco de Mayo May 5
• Mother’s Day May 9
• Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
• Father’s Day June 20
• Independence Day July 4
• Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
• Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Jewish New Year September 9
• Halloween October 31
• Veteran’s Day November 11
• Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
• Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9

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!

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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 2009 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

December 16, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Nightlife and Evening Entertainment Local Business Directory Easy Vegas Deals Access Vegas Twitter Feed Access Vegas Facebook Fan Page Access Vegas Myspace Page Seasonal Vegas Information Christmas Day Events New Years Eve/Week

Featured Shows Blue Man Group Jersey Boys Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Peepshow The Lion King Photos and Wallpaper Las Vegas Photos (Send A Free E-Card!)

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

Ted has been on leave due to his family’s loss. He is scheduled to return next issue. Please enjoy all of the great information prepared by staff!

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

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

Bally’s from $39, El Cortez from $26, Fitzgeralds from $21, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $25, Riviera from $29, Sahara from $25, Stratosphere from $27, Tropicana from $29, Tuscany from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

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Las Vegas New Years Eve 2009
Events Available Now!

Eve The Nightclub Las Vegas – Toast the night away at Eva Longoria Parker’s new Hotspot
GhostBar Las Vegas – Ghostbar presents: The Spectacular Spectacular New Year’s Eve
Prive Las Vegas – NYE hosted by Holly Madison w/ sounds by Jermaine Dupri!
Rumjungle Las Vegas – 5 Hour Open Bar – New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas Strip
Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas – The ultimate NYE destination in Las Vegas
Lavo Las Vegas – Lavo New Year’s Eve hosted by Nicole Richie
Rain Las Vegas – Featuring “The Spectacular Spectacular” with Paul Oakenfold
Vanity Las Vegas – Vanity New Year’s Eve with DJ Vice
Pure Las Vegas – Pure New Year`s Eve featuring 50 Cent
Body English Las Vegas – Body English New Year’s Eve with Eric Cubeechee
Blush Boutique Nightclub Las Vegas – High Society 2010: An Upscale New Year’s Eve
Moon Nightclub Las Vegas – The Spectacular Spectacular New Year`s Eve ft. DJ Z Trip
LAX Las Vegas – LAX New Year`s Eve hosted by The Black Eyed Peas
Christian Audigier The Nightclub Las Vegas – New Year`s Eve at Christian Audigier with Schwayze
XS Las Vegas – XS NYE 2010
Tryst Las Vegas – TRYST New Year`s Eve
Drai’s Las Vegas – Drai`s NYE Afterhours : Ringing in 2010
TAO Las Vegas – Tao NYE hosted by Christina Aguilera
V Bar Las Vegas – Dance the night away w/ Video DJ Andrew B.
Lagasse’s Stadium Las Vegas – New Year’s Eve 2010
Gonzalez y Gonzalez Las Vegas – New Year’s Eve 2010 at Gonzalez Y Gonzalez
Caramel Bar & Lounge Las Vegas – New Year’s Eve at Caramel in Bellagio
Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas – NYE 2010 w/ Mix Master Mike (Beastie Boys) and DJ Muggs
Brand Steakhouse Las Vegas – New Year’s Eve at Brand Steakhouse in Monte Carlo Casino
Diablo’s Cantina Las Vegas – New Year’s Eve at Diablo’s
Gold Lounge Las Vegas – New Year’s Eve at Gold Lounge
Revolution Lounge Las Vegas – New Year’s Eve at The Beatles Revolution Lounge
The Bank Las Vegas – Robin Thicke performs live for NYE 2010
First Food & Bar Las Vegas – FIRST Food & Bar New Year’s Eve
Jet Nightclub Las Vegas – JET New Year`s Eve featuring Pete Wentz and DJ Skeet Skeet
Haze Nightclub Las Vegas – David Guetta
Cathouse Las Vegas – Special New Year’s Eve 2010 Celebration

Our Las Vegas New Years Eve Tips:

• The Clubs – As you’ve seen above, absolutely no shortage of amazing nightclub activity happening for Las Vegas New Years Eve. You’ll be (for the most part) inside, out of the cold and each club pulls out ALL of the stops to make it their biggest, most incredible night of the year. Clicking the links in the above club list will give you details for each event. You may not see the outdoor fireworks, but you’ll certainly be creating some of your own!
• Downtown Fremont Street Las Vegas – Note: At press time, we have no info on the specifics yet, so we’re just telling you about years past. Consider this controlled chaos. For an entry fee of about $30 (no charge for downtown hotel guests), various bands play throughout the evening as revelers fill the Fremont Street Experience. At midnight, a special “fireworks” show plays out on the four-block long overhead screens. Still outdoors and still a party, but easier to duck inside and not quite as rowdy as The Strip.

  

• The Las Vegas Strip – If you want to party with hundreds of thousands of your “closest” friends, this party can’t be beat. The entire Las Vegas Strip is shut down to traffic (generally starts closing down around 8 PM) and you get the chance to booze it up standing right in the middle of one of the world’s most famous streets.During this time, hotels only allow admittance for their guests (including parking in their garages), so scope out the porta-pottties early in the night. Hint: Ask any cop. Temps are usually in the low 40′s, although that doesn’t stop many from wearing very little. How much of a crowd do you want to be in? Simple: The closer to the center of The Strip, the more tightly pack the crowd. Want elbow room? Get yourself south of CityCenter or north of Wynn and keep walking away from the center of The Strip until the crowd thins.

  New “best kept” parking secret with The Strip closed down? Use Russell to get across The Strip (which is not closed that far south) and park in the industrial area just across the I-15 from CityCenter. Quick walk across the overpass and you are in the (city) center of the action. Google Map Example

  You’ll have a good view of the fireworks just about anywhere from The Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay as they erupt at midnight from the roofs of various hotels up and down The Strip.
  Use these resources to help you decide if The Strip is where you want to be:

  Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks Video
  Las Vegas Strip New Years Eve Partiers/Crowds Video
  Las Vegas Strip New Years Eve Partiers/Crowds Photos (NSFW)

• Other Events – No shortage of activities (many with little or no charge) both up and down The Strip and at hot spots around Las Vegas. For the most complete, constantly updated list we have (bookmark it and keep checking back), click to our Las Vegas New Years Eve 2009 page.

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The King Of Country George Strait Announces 2010 Tour With Special Guest Superstar Reba McEntire – The “King of Country” and 17-time Country Music Association “Entertainer of the Year” nominee George Strait will kick off his 2010 arena tour early next year and this time, he is bringing along a special lady – Reba McEntire. The two superstars are scheduled to perform together on the MGM Grand Garden Arena stage Saturday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. With a career spanning more than 25 years, Strait has the most No. 1 singles (57) of any artist in history, including Elvis.

• Click to read full George Strait Announces 2010 Tour With Reba McEntire story.

• George Strait Las Vegas Tickets

Holly Madison Ushers In The 2009 Harvest Of Beaujolais Nouveau At Paris Las Vegas – Celebrating the classic French tradition at Paris Las Vegas, blonde bombshell Holly Madison and a Lucille Ball impersonator kicked-off the resorts 3rd annual Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau celebration with a traditional grape stomp, reminiscent of the iconic “Lucy” scene. According to French Law, Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of November. The time-honored event is celebrated at midnight throughout the world as people anxiously await the current year’s vintage. The Las Vegas festivities were held at 3 p.m., coinciding with midnight in Paris, France. Holly Madison, “Lucy” and Yann Bourigault, North America Export Director of Les Vins Georges DuBoeuf were on hand at Paris Las Vegas to unveil this year’s custom designed bottle and were among the first to sample the 2009 harvest.

• Click to read full Holly Madison At Beaujolais Nouveau story (includes additional photos).

Las Vegas Nascar 2009 Championship Week – Event was a huge success. Even if you don’t care about NASCAR, you must check out the videos of NASCAR drivers doing burnouts on the Las Vegas Strip!

Cookin’ With Jazz Brunch At Country Club – A Modern American Steakhouse At Wynn Las Vegas – Every Sunday, The Country Club brings a bit of The Big Easy to Vegas with a new “Cookin’ with Jazz Brunch.” Guests start with a complementary “Eye Opener” cocktail and indulge in country-inspired dishes from the appetizer buffet, grilling stations and entrees from chef Carlos Guia’s a la carte brunch menu. A live jazz band further enhances the New Orleans vibe. The “Cookin’ with Jazz Brunch” prix fixe, Sundays from 11:30am-2:30pm.

• Click to read full Cookin’ With Jazz Brunch At Country Club story.

• The Country Club Las Vegas Information

Photo credit Las Vegas News Bureau/Glenn Pinkerton

The Mirage Celebrates 20 Years of Trendsetting on the Las Vegas Strip – Las Vegas’ first true destination resort, The Mirage, commemorated 20 years of fun and excitement on The Strip with a special celebration in the hotel’s lobby. Guests marveled at the three-foot-tall cake, a replica of the building itself with three distinct sides, created by executive chefs at the property. Scott Sibella, COO and President of The Mirage, and dozens of the property’s “day one” employees were also on hand to celebrate the exciting last two decades. Almost 600 employees have been with the property since it’s opening in 1989, including current Vice President, Franz Kallao, who started his career checking in guests on opening day.

• Click to read full The Mirage Celebrates 20 Years on the Las Vegas Strip story.

• The Mirage Las Vegas Information & Reservations

Nutcracker In Paris – Nevada Ballet Theatre Brings Las Vegas An All-New Production Of The Nutcracker To The Paris Theatre – Nevada Ballet Theatre announced today it will present a new production of its annual holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, at the beautiful Paris Las Vegas. Choreographed by Peter Anastos, this production will make its Las Vegas debut on Friday, December 18 in the 1,533-seat Paris Theatre, Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South. The show will run through Thursday, December 24. A traditional story ballet, The Nutcracker has become a highly-anticipated holiday event, beloved by families across the country. Anastos’ unique version includes imaginative and lighthearted choreography complemented by ornate sets and costumes by designer A. Christina Giannini.

• Click to read full Nevada Ballet Theatre Brings The Nutcracker To The Paris Theatre story.

• The Nutcracker Las Vegas Tickets

Winter Treatments And Packages At Canyon Ranch SpaClub Enrich And Rejuvenate Skin For The Holidays – Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian and at The Palazzo introduces spa treatments designed specifically to prevent winter dullness and dryness and to protect and nourish-a perfect holiday gift for the skin. Special packages of multiple treatments include breakfast or lunch at Canyon Ranch Grill and access to the incredible Aquavana thermal suite. Canyon Ranch SpaClub Winter Services include: Enrich Massage – Massage with the amazing new Enrich body oil – pure nature, with nothing added. This natural dry-skin oil will nourish and soften parched skin. Macadamia, olive, coconut and evening primrose oils condition, while geranium, ylang ylang and vanilla leave skin exotically scented. Guests will be able to see and feel the difference with seriously soft, smooth and healthy-looking skin. Treatment lasts 50-minutes.

• Click to read full Winter Treatments And Packages At Canyon Ranch SpaClub Enrich And Rejuvenate Skin For The Holidays story.

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Las Vegas Deals

• The Cupcakery Hosts A Toy Drive Benefitting Toys For Tots – Bakery Visitors Receive One Free Cupcake Per Donation
• Celebrate The Holidays With The Vogues At Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel
• El Cortez Hotel & Casino December Food, Drink, Gaming Promotions

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

• Bookmark and Visit EasyVegasDeals.com daily (Monday – Friday) or

• Enter http://www.easyvegasdeals.com/feed/ into your RSS feed list (for those of you who use RSS/XML feeds) or

• Follow our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/accessvegas

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted has been on leave due to his familie’s loss. He is scheduled to return next issue.

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• Jubilee! Celebrates 28 Years Of Las Vegas Glitz, Glamour And Glitter – Classic Vegas Isn’t Gone, You Just Have To Know Where To Look For It

  Jubilee! Tickets

• Barry Manilow Brings New Show To Paris Las Vegas – Celebrated Music Legend Signs Two-Year Deal With Paris Las Vegas And AEG Live

  Barry Manilow Tickets

• M Resort Spa Casino Receives 2010 Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Award

  M Resort Info and Reservations

• LBS: A Burger Joint Encourages Las Vegas To Help Raise Money For The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Nevada

• Ring In The New Year With Frankie Avalon At The Cannery Casino & Hotel – New Years Eve Tickets On Sale Now

• City Of Gold: Vegas’ CityCenter Earns Six LEED Gold Certifications For Hotels, Residences And Retail District Opening This December

• Don Rickles Signs For Third Year At The Orleans Hotel and Casino – New Contract Marks “Mr. Warmth’s” 51st Consecutive Year Performing In Las Vegas

• Tiffany & Co. Opens Doors To Crystals At CityCenter – Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Offered First Look Inside New Store

• The Family Stone Brings Classic Funk to “Everyday People” at The Orleans Showroom January 1-2

• Celebrate the Holiday Season with Rampart Casino – Christmas and New Year’s Eve Dining Specials

• Celebrate the Holiday Season with Cannery Casino & Hotel – Christmas Dining Specials and New Year’s Eve Dining Specials for the Frankie Avalon Show

• Celebrate the Holiday Season at Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel – Christmas and New Year’s Eve Dining Specials

• The Forum Shops At Caesars Announces 2009 Holiday Hours

• Cher Celebrates 100th Las Vegas Show With A Big Party

  Cher Tickets

• Oregon State, BYU to play in Las Vegas Bowl

  Maaco Las Vegas Bowl Tickets

• Ticketed shows not focus of CityCenter

  Amazing Johnathan Tickets

• Manilow breathing life into Paris

  Barry Manilow Tickets

• NFR riding strong, other shows benefit (with video)

• Hash House A Go Go Opening On Strip

• NASCAR goes West for a Las Vegas-style party

• Mandarin Oriental opens at CityCenter in Las Vegas

• CityCenter Openings Put Vegas In National Spotlight

• Excellent Cajun eatery Lola’s sneaks into Holsum – and into the chatter of local foodies

• Shopping plentiful at CityCenter’s Crystals complex

• Rodeo, Racing To Boost Vegas Economy

• CityCenter’s Opening Means Job Cuts for Construction Workers

• RTC Transit finds its future in Las Vegas’ past

• Vegas and NASCAR are a perfect fit

• Report sees flat market for LV real estate

• Architect Daniel Libeskind creates jewel in the desert (Crystals CityCenter)

• Sushi, for a few dollars more

• World Market Center tenants say rents not lowered even as showcase faces debt problems

• Runnin’ Rebels Basketball Now Ranked No. 18 In Nation

• Clark County has 16.5 percent September sales drop

• Las Vegas Sun publisher lays off at least 20

• Mandarin Oriental brings amenities people willing to pay for

• Mint hotel fades away amid CityCenter’s glitz

• Tiger’s jam puts sponsors on spot

• Caesars’ lost and found packs items ordinary, odd

• Reporter braves the boos as he plays piano man at Pete’s Dueling Piano Barr

• Nascar drivers applaud host city’s efforts – Las Vegas has event locked up for three years

• The last megaresort? I don’t think so (CityCenter)

• Las Vegas mayor says he’s still weighing whether to run

• Eva Longoria’s eatery elicits excitement

• Las Vegas Marathon joins city’s other big events

• Visitors give MGM Mirage’s new megacomplex mostly favorable reviews

• Reid in a battle, poll reveals – Nine Republicans running for seat

• Vacant land prices tumble to six year low

• MGM Mirage wants Crystals to be retail ‘epicenter’ of West

• MGM angles to host possible Mayweather-Pacquiao fight

• Change of scenery suits NASCAR, fans

• Charity roasters not so charitable

• Las Vegas OKs city hall project

• Weight added to city hall vote – Mayor: Run for governor might be next

• Old-school guy lavishes understated optimism on CityCenter

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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:

• Hanukkah Dec. 12 – Dec. 19
• Christmas December 25
• New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
• Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 16-18 (3 day weekend)
• Super Bowl Sunday February 7
• Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
• President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
• Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
• Valentine’s Day February 14
• Mardi Gras February 16
• Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
• St. Patrick’s Day March 17
• Easter Sunday April 4
• Cinco de Mayo May 5
• Mother’s Day May 9
• Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
• Father’s Day June 20
• Independence Day July 4
• Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
• Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Jewish New Year September 9
• Halloween October 31
• Veteran’s Day November 11
• Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
• Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9

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!

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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 2009 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

December 9, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Nightlife and Evening Entertainment Local Business Directory Easy Vegas Deals Access Vegas Twitter Feed Access Vegas Facebook Fan Page Access Vegas Myspace Page Seasonal Vegas Information Football Parties 2009 NFR 2009 Events Christmas New Years

Featured Shows Jersey Boys Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Peepshow The Lion King Blue Man Group Photos and Wallpaper Las Vegas Photos (Send A Free E-Card!)

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

Ted has been off the past week mourning the loss of a very close and important relative. He will return next week. Please enjoy all of the news and information prepared by staff.

We have the very first of what will be many, many photo sets on CityCenter as it opens in stages over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy the first few!

CityCenter Las Vegas Photos

CityCenter Las Vegas News Stories

• MGM CityCenter Unveiled with ‘Sneak Peak’ (with video)

• Can CityCenter succeed in this economy? (with video)

• Inside Vdara, CityCenter’s all-suite hotel (with video)

• CityCenter plans for traffic (with video)

• CityCenter could make – or break – Las Vegas

• CityCenter raises stakes on the Vegas Strip

• The last billion-dollar casino marks end of an era in Las Vegas

• Vdara hotel is first to open, kicking off CityCenter

• Critic: CityCenter ‘a Xanadu’ on Strip

• CityCenter raises fears, optimism

• First hotel opens at CityCenter project in Vegas

• Vegas prepares for mammoth 8.5 billion dollar estate

• CityCenter in Las Vegas Features Unparalleled Fine Art Collection

• First hotel, Vdara, opens at CityCenter project in Vegas

• Walkability is watchword for MGM Mirage’s decidedly upscale CityCenter

• CityCenter Leaves Casino Investors With Fingers Crossed

• Old-school guy lavishes understated optimism on CityCenter

• Vegas opening massive CityCenter hotels, shops

• MGM Mirage’s High-Stakes Gamble

• Luxury Retailers Ready For Crystals Debut

• Gensler Architect boss: CityCenter ‘changes the game’

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

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

Bally’s from $39, El Cortez from $26, Fitzgeralds from $23, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $25, Riviera from $29, Sahara from $24, Stratosphere from $28, Tropicana from $29, Tuscany from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

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Ultimate Fighting Championship Presents UFC 108: Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva Saturday, January 2 At MGM Grand – The UFC announced that the bout between former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans and Brazilian knockout artist Thiago Silva will headline UFC 108, a result of Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira having to pull out of his fight with Cain Velasquez due to a severe left elbow injury. UFC 108: EVANS vs. SILVA, presented by “Bayonetta,” will be held Saturday, Jan. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

• Click to read full UFC 108: Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva story.

• UFC 108 Las Vegas Tickets

Sammy Hagar Rocks The Las Vegas Strip With Opening Of Signature Cabo Wabo Cantina – Sammy Hagar has opened his hard rockin’ dining and nightlife experience, Cabo Wabo Cantina, on the Las Vegas Strip. The two-level, 15,000-square-foot Cantina brings the best of Cabo San Lucas to Vegas, with its prime location at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

• Click to read full Sammy Hagar Rocks The Las Vegas Strip With Cabo Wabo Cantina story.

Mandarin Oriental Opens – Prestigious Luxury Hotel And Residences In New CityCenter Development – Opening December 4, 2009, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Ideally located at the entrance of CityCenter, the extraordinary urban resort destination, the 47-story, non-gaming hotel is poised to bring spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, and the legendary service of the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to Las Vegas for the first time.

• Click to read full Mandarin Oriental Opens In New CityCenter Development story.

Disney’s The Lion King And Mandalay Bay Present A Special Winter Offer For Locals – Just in time for the holiday season, Disney’s THE LION KING and Mandalay Bay are now offering locals an opportunity to take advantage of the newest production on the Las Vegas Strip. Locals can enjoy 50 percent off orchestra and mezzanine seats beginning Wednesday, November 25, 2009. Offer is valid for purchases from Nov.24 – Dec. 24, 2009, and performances from Jan. 4 – Feb. 11, 2010

• Click to read full Disney’s The Lion King Winter Offer For Locals story.

• The Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

Back Alley Bar At The Stratosphere Hotel & Casino Goes Country For NFR – The Back Alley Bar will go country in honor of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) held through December 12, 2009. Back Alley Bar will feature the country/rock band D-Zire, performing nightly from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., along with Jack Daniels prize giveaways, drink specials and delicious down-home dishes like pulled pork sandwiches. American Superstars show tribute artists Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood will also make special appearances. Stratosphere patrons will also be eligible to earn drawing entries to win tickets to attend the NFR.

• Click to read full Back Alley Bar Goes Country For NFR story.

Barry Manilow Brings New Show To Paris Las Vegas – Celebrated Music Legend Signs Two-Year Deal With Paris Las Vegas And AEG Live – Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is making music and magic at Paris Las Vegas with a new resident show. On March 5, 2010 Manilow will throw open the doors to the Paris Theatre at Paris Las Vegas with a reimagined stage show that will be both more intimate and more exciting than ever before. Manilow will perform 78 shows each year for two years at Paris Las Vegas. The shows are produced by AEG Live in conjunction with Paris Las Vegas. Tickets for performances March 5 through July 18, 2010 are on-sale today at 9 a.m. EST.

• Click to read full Barry Manilow Brings New Show To Paris Las Vegas story.

• Barry Manilow Las Vegas Tickets

Hash House A Go Go To Open New Location Inside Imperial Palace Dec. 10 – Restaurant Famous For Twisted Farm Food Makes Its Way To The Las Vegas Strip – Imperial Palace is proud to announce that one of Sin City’s favorite eateries, Hash House A Go Go will open its second Las Vegas location inside the hotel-casino on Dec. 10. Hash House A Go Go is famous for its creative menu offerings, over-sized portions, unique presentation and a tradition of using only the freshest ingredients. Said Rick Mazer, President of Imperial Palace. “It’s a fresh, funky dining experience and there’s not currently anything like it on the Strip.”

• Click to read full Hash House A Go Go To Open New Location Inside Imperial Palace story.

Grand Opening Of Vdara Hotel & Spa Offers First Access To Spectacular Resort Destination, CityCenter – Celebratory events marked the first opening at CityCenter, the extraordinary urban resort destination destined to refine and redefine the Las Vegas Strip. Company executives and local dignitaries participated in a press event and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Vdara Hotel & Spa.

• Click to read full Grand Opening Of Vdara Hotel & Spa story.

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Las Vegas Deals

• Charity Shows For Food & Wine Lovers
• Jerry’s Nugget Casino Warms Guests’ Pockets This Winter With Dining Specials

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

• Bookmark and Visit EasyVegasDeals.com daily (Monday – Friday) or

• Enter http://www.easyvegasdeals.com/feed/ into your RSS feed list (for those of you who use RSS/XML feeds) or

• Follow our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/accessvegas

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

This feature will return next week.

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

• Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

• Find Holiday Cheer This Season With Terry Fator At The Mirage

  Terry Fator Tickets

• Las Vegas Resort Prepares To Celebrate The Holidays In A Big Way – M Resort Spa Casino To Welcome Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree On December 12

• Ring In 2010 At MonteLago Village Resort

• People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive 2009″ Issue Features Caesars Palace, Stars Of “The Hangover”

• Bernard’s Bistro At The Village Lake Las Vegas Pays Tribute To “Ol’ Blue Eyes” With A Sinatra Night

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Alize

• Stratosphere Hotel & Casino Offers Unparalleled Views And Entertainment At Their Ultimate New Year’s Eve Parties: Countdown 2 Twenty Ten

• Rock Into 2010 With Slaughter At Feelgoods Rock Bar & Grill

• ONE SIX Sky Lounge At Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel Offers Amazing Views For New Year’s Eve – Purchase Tickets Now And Ring In The New Year At The Sleek Hotspot Set Atop The 16th Floor

• Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel Presents The 4th Annual Holiday Reception & Christmas Tree Silent Auction In Support Of The Boys And Girls Clubs Of Las Vegas

• Donny Osmond wins Dancing with the Stars, trains in Las Vegas

  Donny & Marie Osmond Tickets

• Mr. Las Vegas is big on the Big Island

  Wayne Newton Tickets

• Barry Manilow details new Vegas show

  Barry Manilow Tickets

• Caliendo walks line between offering fresh, standard impressions

  Frank Caliendo Tickets

• Magician David Copperfield pulls back the curtain on some lingering questions

  David Copperfield Tickets

• ‘Zumanity’ skillfully balances sex, acrobatics, humor, music

  Zumanity Tickets

• Durable ‘Phantom’ anticipating high season during holidays

  Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Tickets

• Opening day employees still at work at The Mirage recall exciting time (with video)

• Golden Nugget debuts new tower downtown (with video)

• Taking a gamble: Investor bids on Fontainebleau (with video)

• Trying Tenderness in Las Vegas

• Officials asking for Las Vegas-area national park

• Frank Caliendo To Host Vegas NASCAR Awards

• Las Vegas Mirage Celebrates 20 Years

• Las Vegas Bets On Cargo Center

• Las Vegas Split Over UNLV Football Future

• It’s a la carte between the buns at Grind, another worthy – and pricey – patty joint

• Gibbons: Jobless Turnaround ‘Temporary’

• Failing economy, successful bettors hurting Las Vegas books

• Economy has Vegas losing out

• Wynns behaving amicably during divorce

• CEO of upscale food store hankers for prospect of opening LV stores

• Las Vegas land values inch up

• Off the beaten track, China MaMa delights

• Ambac Financial says it may face bankruptcy (LV Monorail)

• Las Vegas tops Florida to win UFL championship

• Sammy Hagar Takes Cabo Wabo To Vegas

• Lake Mead water levels dependent on Lake Powell

• Simon Cowell gambling on Internet Vegas talent show

• Binion’s closing Vegas hotel; casino remains

• Off the Strip is perfect for casual Southern Highland diners – and good enough for everyone else, too

• Chains make room for ma and pa as commercial real estate prices collapse

• UNLV hoops ranked for first time since 2007

• Wynns finalize divorce papers

• License approved for Aria

• Groundwater ruling challenged – Supreme Court may take up case

• New Hard Rock Cafe bigger, but features same menu

• City counting on ‘lease-purchase’ financing (New City Hall)

• Last king of downtown, Jackie Gaughan made money, plenty of friends

• From bottom to top, Strip reflects all of Las Vegas

• Arrows point down at casino companies

• Boyd CEO says Station Casinos bid is legitimate

• Stock tumbles after third-quarter report, but Wynn says 2009 better than expected

• Old-school signs to help draw attention to RTC’s new bus line

• Fight for Fontainebleau – Icahn tops Penn bid for property

• Gift of Lights adds sparkle to holidays

• Las Vegas home prices stabilize as threat of foreclosure flood wanes

• Nevada’s jobless rate goes down along with state’s work force

• Illusionists say The Mirage inspired them for 13 years (Siegfried & Roy)

• Steve Wynn’s tropical-themed resort-casino had its critics but kicked off building frenzy (Mirage)

• Reinventing Fast Food – Chefs adding fine point to such favorites as burgers and corn dogs

• Promoter explores possibility of erecting temporary stadium to host Pacquiao-Mayweather

• The Bank nightclub at Bellagio aims to be an exercise in elegance

• Locos rule, for what it’s worth

• Governor Oscar Goodman?

• Las Vegas Country Club makeover not only cosmetic

• Forecasters say Lake Mead has 50-50 chance of rising

• Osmond exults in ‘Dancing’ title

• Comedian Louie Anderson gives back for holiday

• Tribute artist devoted to dream (Jay White)

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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:

• Hanukkah Dec. 12 – Dec. 19
• Christmas December 25
• New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
• Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 16-18 (3 day weekend)
• Super Bowl Sunday February 7
• Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
• President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
• Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
• Valentine’s Day February 14
• Mardi Gras February 16
• Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
• St. Patrick’s Day March 17
• Easter Sunday April 4
• Cinco de Mayo May 5
• Mother’s Day May 9
• Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
• Father’s Day June 20
• Independence Day July 4
• Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
• Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
• Jewish New Year September 9
• Halloween October 31
• Veteran’s Day November 11
• Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (4 day weekend)
• Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9

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 2009 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

December 2, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Comments Off