Vegas Values Report for 6/5/05

The following information is supplied by Scot Krause, our roving reporter, who supplies us each week with information on the best Las Vegas promotions. It’s only available here on the americancasinoguide.com web site so be sure to come back each Monday morning to find out about the best values in Las Vegas.

Hello to all! Welcome to “Vegas Values.” Here’s what we found this week:

http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml

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‘Party at the Palms’ begins filming with host Jenny McCarthy.

! Entertainment’s “Party at the Palms” has a new party girl.

Jenny McCarthy steps into her role as “Party” hostess this week, filming at

the Flamingo Road resort Wednesday through Friday. She’ll be back next week as

the reality series wraps up production.

The half-hour show, which premieres June 15, “gives viewers a VIP invitation

to go behind the velvet ropes at Las Vegas’ hippest resort and the destination

of choice for the world’s most sought-after young movers and shakers,”

according to the E! press-release hype.

Although McCarthy’s the host, “we don’t have to see her addressing the

camera,” explains executive producer Sean Olsen.

That’s in tune with the show’s goal to avoid a “standard look-into-the-camera

feel,” he adds.

On “Party at the Palms,” anything and everything goes in vignettes from the

Skin pool lounge to the top-of-the-tower ghostbar, from hidden-camera sequences

to interviews with guests and employees, “finding out what their stories

are,” according to Olsen.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jun-06-Mon-2005/living/1997484.html

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Hilton pool parties a hot way to cool off

By Len Butcher

As you know, the weather here gets hot — VERY HOT! So you may want to cool

off at one of the poolside parties at the Las Vegas Hilton. First off, the

Hilton’s pool, which is on the third floor, overlooks the Strip and the Vegas

Valley.

These parties, by the way, are for adults only. Tropical Heat takes place

Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. There’s a cover charge ($15 for men/ $10 for

women) but that includes a kick start to the party with a choice of a Bacardi

Hurricane, Coors Light or Tecate, along with complimentary appetizers.

As with any party, there’s lots of music, with DJ’s or bands performing and

I’m told there will be a number of surprise celebrity appearances. The hotel is

also offering VIP bottle service that includes exclusive use of the VIP area

and Jacuzzi.

Then there’s South Beach Sundays from Noon to 8 p.m. The cover charge ($20

for men/ $15 for women) also includes a choice of a Bacardi Hurricane, Coors

Light or Tecate, along with complimentary appetizers. At this party, open

auditions are held for NBC’s hit show, Fear Factor. For VIP reservations to either

party, call Deborah at 702-785-2444. Tickets are available at the door, in

advance at the Las Vegas Hilton Box Office, by calling 732-5755.

———–

New Las Vegas Marathon to Debut on the World Famous Las Vegas Strip.

The New Las Vegas Marathon will debut on December 4, 2005 with an explosion

of fireworks set to Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas” when a field limited to 15,000

participants will become the first in history to run the Las Vegas Strip.

The 26.2 mile race will attract elite athletes from around the world with

$400,000 in cash prizes and appearance fees.  The event will offer the world’s

largest cash bonus, $2.5 million to be split between any man and woman who break

the world record.

The race will start and finish at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the

Official Hotel.  Participants will not only have the opportunity to run the

electrifying corridor past such hotels as New York-New York, MGM Grand, Bellagio, The

Venetian and the new Wynn Las Vegas, they will run through downtown’s Fremont

Street Experience on a fast and flat loop course.  The race will be broadcast

live on CBS affiliate KLAS-TV, “the news leader” in Las Vegas.

Participants will be fully supported with water stations, replacement fluids

and gels, and medical teams throughout the course.  As participants cross the

finish line, they will be awarded a specially designed medal commemorating

their achievement.  Post race, all finishers will be sent a personalized

Certificate of Accomplishment and an Official Results Book.

The race will offer personalized bibs for anyone who registers before

September 1, 2005.  While “Elvis” is taken, participants can have their names or

nicknames on their bibs so spectators can “personalize” words of encouragement as

each step takes them closer to the finish line.

The excitement begins with the New Las Vegas Marathon Expo at the Mandalay

Bay Convention Center on December 2 and 3 and a Vegas style Pasta Party buffet

on the night before the race.  At 6am on race day, participants will be part of

what is undoubtedly the most exciting new event in the world of “destination

marathons.”

Online registration is open now at www.lvmarathon.com and the race is

expected to sell out quickly.  Questions?  Please call Race Director Terry Collier at

(702) 731-1052 or email him at elvis at newlasvegasmarathon.com.

SOURCE  New Las Vegas Marathon

————–

Welcome to the Pleasure Dome.

Live blow-up dolls, agitated Puritans and an S&M hoedown are just a part of

the naughty fun you’ll experience at Zumanity.

Zumanity

Where: New York-New York

When: 7:30 & 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Tues. (dark through June 16)

Cost: $85.00, $95.00, $250.00 (duo sofa, only sold in pairs)

Info: (702) 992-7970 or (866) 80-SHOWS

One thing’s guaranteed: Zumanity is unlike any other Cirque du Soleil show

you’ve ever seen. Unlike the grand scale of ‘O’ or KÀ, the theater feels more

like an intimate cabaret. And perhaps before you’ve even made it to your seat,

you may find yourself the object of the resident gigolo’s flirtatious advances

or being served strawberries by one of the er … buxom Botero Sisters (clad

in nothing but thong bikinis and fishnet bodysuits). It’s at that point you’ll

realize all your inhibitions should’ve been left at the door.

Zumanity is a journey through the beauty of human sexuality. Emceed by the

“Mistress of Seduction,” Joey Arias, the colorful ensemble of characters mesh

into an exhilarating circus with contortionists, dancers and aerial artists

providing endless entertainment. Each vignette helps you explore places untouched,

untasted and unthought of outside the boudoir; by exploring the many sides of

sex, from the experience of a first kiss to an erotic self-bondage ritual,

Zumanity aims to engage your senses and break down societal taboos.

A word of warning — if you purchase the $125 per person seats on the

front-row sofas, you could very likely become a part of the “Orgy” scene, joining the

cast onstage near the show’s finale. Like the rest of Zumanity, it’s wild,

but at the same time, it’s lighthearted fun.

http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature3.html

—————

King of Illusion.

Mac King provides a welcome comic twist in his afternoon magic show at

Harrah’s.

Mac King

Where: Harrah’s

When: 1 & 3 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Cost: $21.95

Info: (702) 992-7970 or (866) 80-SHOWS

“The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” is just what it’s billed in the title—a

stand-up comedian doing magic, making for a fun afternoon of entertainment.

Straight from the heart of Kentucky, (where he was first introduced to his craft as

a kid while reading his grandfather’s magic books), Mac King brings the Las

Vegas afternoon just what it needs: a lot of laughter in a nice, cool theater.

King interacts with the audience from start to finish and makes you feel

welcome the minute you sit down. He acts as if he is eight years old on stage,

playfully interjecting everything he does with a sense of humor.

After a great introduction of comedy to start things off, he begins working

his magic. A great sleight of hand magician, King has a multitude of tricks

that leave the audience guessing and wondering, “How did he do that?”

With such a wonderful show, you would expect nothing less than a great

finish. The finale features a very funny illusion and a tremendous disappearing act.

Mac King perfects his comedy as well as his magic, providing a two-for-one

delight at an afternoon price. What more could you ask for?

http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature4.html

—————

JAX FINDS NEW HOME IN RIVIERA HOTEL AND CASINO

What is Jax?  “It’s a unique restaurant,” says partner/owner Chef Jacques

LeForestier, who, along with Chef Charles Limbach, opened their first restaurant,

La Chirane, in Seillams, France, in 1970.  “The restaurant was so successful,

with a name change to JAX, we knew it had to expand and we wanted to bring it

somewhere to the United States.  We were not sure where it would thrive.

Hollywood?  New York?  Sin City?

“In 2002, a mutual friend, Producer David Wright, knew of a location in Las

Vegas he thought would be perfect.  Before you knew it, we were in negotiations

with Riviera management and after much ‘intercontinental paperwork,’ the

Riviera became our home!”

    

Specializing in European country food, the independently owned room is housed

next to the Splash Bar in the Riviera Hotel and Casino.  The restaurant opens

onto a portion of the casino adjacent to the Riviera’s smash hit production

show, “Splash,” and operates from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for breakfast and

lunch, and 5:30 p.m. to midnight for dinner.

    

LeForestier continues, “I like to think of us as a convivial venue.  You can

sit down by yourself and have a cup of coffee with a croissant and be seated

right next to a family enjoying a five-course meal, while they are next to a

couple who dropped by for sodas and deli sandwiches! 

    

“We are known for our simplicity and quality of food.  We want you to take a

break from your activities, come in for the moment, enjoy. . . . Stop by in

the mornings and you will find freshly baked pastries.”

    

All baking is done on the premises.  Gavina Family coffees are served.  The

Chef adds that live Jazz (”not too loud”) will  emanate from a secluded, yet

open corner.  Good wine and great foods all make this a superb dining

experience.  From the diverse menu, the following are highly recommended:  Confit de

Canard, Toasted Brie, Osso-Bucco and Baked Alaska!

For more information, or to find out what the daily specials are, call: 

(702) 697-4233.  The Riviera is located at 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, and can

be found on the Internet  by clicking www.rivierahotel.com.

—————-   

“SYN CITY, THE NIGHTCLUB,” THE RIVIERA’S NEW

LATE NIGHT SPOT IS A HOT SUCCESS!

The ultra-lounge trend is thriving on the Las Vegas nightclub scene at the

world-famed Riviera Hotel and Casino, combining elements found in many of the

clubs that have recently opened in the town’s mega-resorts.   Celebrating 50

years in the gaming and entertainment industry, the Riviera’s Le Bistro Theatre

converts into Syn City, The Nightclub, every night from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.,

Wednesday through Sunday.

Featuring resident DJ’s Bryan Wyld and Dynamixx of the Syn City Mechanixx,

live music (keyboard, percussion and wild sax), flare bartenders and the Riv’s

“devilishly-costumed” cocktail waitresses, Desire, Climax and Vixen, the party

atmosphere gives you themed nights with “something for everyone.”  The Syn

City slogan? “Bring Only Your Temptation” is perfect for any man or woman, 21

years or older!

Wild Women Wednesdays feature “wild, crazy contests” for great prizes.  All

women get in free and receive one-dollar drinks all night.

    

Prepare yourself for Nuts and Bolts Thursdays and Fantasy Fridays and every

Saturday Night becomes New Year’s Eve in Syn City with a champagne toast and

Balloon Drop filled with more prizes.

    

Exotic fashion shows are featured on Synful Sundays when all female

entertainers get in free and receive a Synful Treat.  Again, for the ladies, all drinks

are one dollar.

    

For Reservations and club information, call (702) 794-9426, or click on

www.rivierahotel.com.  Admission is $20.00, which includes two drinks. VIP Booths

are available.

————-

Stars will shine at CineVegas.

The star power quotient for next month’s CineVegas film festival may be

approaching a “10.”

Check out the confirmed names heading for the Palms-based June 10-18 event:

Nicolas Cage, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Ann-Margret, John Leguizamo,

Bo Derek and birthday boy Tony Curtis, who celebrates No. 80 on June 3.

Walken kicks off the awards portion of the program by receiving the Marquee

Award for lifetime achievement on June 14, Ann-Margret picks up the Centennial

Award at the June 15th “Viva Las Vegas” party, and Cage gets the Half-Life

Award on the 16th.

The festival opens with “Hustle and Flow” and ends with George Romero’s “Land

of the Dead.”

reviewjournal.com — News: NORM: Stars will shine at CineVegas

————

Las Vegas Hilton Has a Monorail Promotion

There are seven stations on the monorail route, but lets face it, were only

going to mention the Hilton station. Thats because we have a lovely model and a

spinning prize wheel welcoming passengers daily, noon-8 p.m. Everybody that

gets off the monorail and spins the wheel wins one of 15 prizes. Prizes include

a Barry Manilow CD, a Star Trek ticket, and a two-for-one ticket to David

Brenner. When it comes to the Monorail, the Hilton has a one-track mind!

————-

SPORTING PROPOSITION

The Hilton SuperBook again leads the field with unique proposition wagering.

The largest race and sports book posted over/under NFL season wins over the

weekend and also posted over 70 NFL “Games of the Year.” These over/under season

wins are one of the most popular wagers of the year and gives players the

opportunity to wager on their favorite teams, according to Jay Kornegay,

executive director of the SuperBook. Our Games of the Year gives players an

opportunity to wager on games even though they might not be in Las Vegas for that

particular weekend.”

————-

New Blackjack Gaming Option “Casino Surrender” Debuts at Legendary Stardust

Resort & Casino.

Casino Gaming, LLC officially launched today a new Blackjack game called “

Casino Surrender” that is now available at the Stardust Resort & Casino. Casino

Surrender is a Blackjack winning option that forces the casino to surrender,

making a player an automatic winner against the house.

Casino Surrender does not change the traditional game of Blackjack. When

playing Casino Surrender, normal Blackjack rules apply but with an additional

winning option.  That option applies when: a player is dealt a two-card 20 and the

dealer’s up card is a 10-value card and the dealer does not have Blackjack;

that player now has the winning option to force the casino to surrender and

automatically win by keeping the original bet and in addition, winning half the

amount of the original bet.

 

For example, a player bets $100 and is dealt a two-card 20.  If the dealer’s

up card is a 10-value card and the dealer does not have Blackjack, that player

has the option to force the casino to surrender and win.  Therefore the

player keeps the original $100 bet and wins $50.

 

This new option is similar to the Insurance option currently available, but

is a better percentage bet for the player.

 

“We believe Blackjack players, informed with the facts, would choose to sit

at a Blackjack table with Casino Surrender instead of a standard Blackjack

table because players will have the option to consider taking Casino Surrender at

no additional risk,” said Frank Mugnolo, developer and owner of Casino

Surrender.  “It is the same ‘traditional’ Blackjack game with an added option for

winning.  The Blackjack layout for Casino Surrender is exactly the same as the

regular Blackjack layout with an added ‘Casino Surrender’ logo printed on it.”

When playing Blackjack, when the dealer’s up card is a 10-value card, the

player has to assume that the dealer has 20.  Statistics show that when a player

has a two-card 20 and is facing a dealer’s 10-value card, the players will

lose or push almost 50 percent of the time.   With Casino Surrender, the player

now has a 100 percent assured winning option against the house when facing a

dealer’s 10-value card without the hand being Blackjack.

————

Members Need Help

Please respond to the email address provided, not to me.

Vegas on the 4th 

Anyone have any idea what Vegas is like on the 4th of July? Thinking of going

on that date but will arrive at night. 

 

Please-mail me at;   thank you. 

margekate at sbcglobal.net

Question for members corner 

Can anyone lead me toward a computer slot CD which has Double Dragons?  At

least, we would be able to enjoy them at home!!!!

Thanks, in advance!

Barb & Bob at rvrose451 at hotmail.com

Steve. I have a question, Does the monrail go by Wynn? What days are the

indoor Swap meets open? Respond to: LaffinEvil at aol.com

I am heading back to LV with the family and staying at Polo Towers.  We are

in LV from June 24-July2.  Go every year and looking for more the following:

 

1. Daily FAmily activities

2. Special things to do for a 40th B’day

 

Please provide some advise.  We love LV and looking forward to a great 10

days.

Respond to: jonesb7365 at aol.com

Paris Las Vegas 

I was just reading the trip report and how Paris is Eileen’s favorite place

to stay currently. I would love to get the low-down on this particular hotel

and what she likes about it, how are the comps, anybody in particular to contact

as a casino host, etc. We stayed at the Treasure Island last trip and really

enjoyed the hotel because it wasn’t too big, the price was great for on the

strip and the comps were good, but it is just too far at the end of the strip.

We are really looking to stay in a place that is more central but a newer hotel

with of course great rates. Any reader’s opinions about Paris Las Vegas?

Thanks in advance, Deanne Aichholz, aichh at aol.com

SUBJECT: Dec 1-10 Rodeo Week

Would like to know if anyone has been during this time.

Appreciate any infomation and tips on what goes on, as I

have never been during Rodeo times. Respond to: astidixie1951 at yahoo.com

Saw someone else aske this question before and need the answers myself. 

Where can motorized wheel chairs or those scooter things be rented in Vegas.

thank you

margekate at sbcglobal.net

I will be in Las Vegas on my 50th Birthday!! Do any of the hotels, casinos,

restaurants. etc.  offer any Freebies??? Thanks, Marla

email marlasturman at charter.net 

———–

Fountains of Bellagio: Behind the Scenes By Rick Garman

Anyone who has been to Las Vegas has probably seen the Fountains of Bellagio.

Heck, with movies like “Ocean’s 11” and TV like “Las Vegas” and “CSI” you

may have seen it without even ever visiting the city. The dancing water,

light, and sound effects show in the lake in front of Bellagio has become an iconic

Sin City visual. But what does it take to make those shows happen with such

perfect precision and high-flying drama? I got a peek behind the curtain (so to

speak) for an exclusive look at the technical side of the Fountains of

Bellagio.

It takes a team of 36 engineers to run the show, controlling more than 1,200

water-shooting devices, 5,000 lights, and a sound system cranking out more

than 56,000 watts of eardrum pounding music. The computerized system pumps water

from the 22 million gallon lake into pressurized tubes that shoot the water in

whatever direction they happen to be pointing based upon the intricate

choreography.

The lake itself is filled with well water so it doesn’t draw from the city

system and in the event of an emergency at Bellagio or any neighboring casino,

water can be pumped from the lake into firefighting equipment. The lake is

treated with mild chemicals, not unlike a really big backyard pool, and a massive

HEPA filtration system keeps the water clear. A water skimming barge and

specially trained divers can remove any debris on the surface or underneath.

There are five primary types of water devices used in the show. The Oarsman

is a robotic water gun that pivots and swivels, allowing the comparatively thin

streams of water it emits to go up, right and left, and forward toward the

street or backward toward the hotel. 208 of these devices throughout the lake

make the water appear to dance in time to the music.

Next in line in terms of size and drama are the Mini-Shooters, a water cannon

using 120 psi to blast water through a nine-foot long, 4” diameter tube.

These and the other water cannons only shoot straight up and that percussive bang

you hear when they go off is not an explosive charge of any kind, it is merely

the release of the air from the device as it shoots the water.

The Super-Shooter uses the same concept only it is a 12” diameter tube

measuring in at approximately 12’ in length. It pumps out 70 gallons of water at

250psi, blasting geysers as much as 250 feet in the air.

New to the lake are the Extreme Shooters, sixteen 14” tubes using a

remarkable 500psi to gain 500 foot altitudes in the water streams. Just hope you aren’t

taking an afternoon nap when these things go off. Better than any alarm clock

I know of. They are used sparingly in each show simply because it takes time

for enough pressure to build up to shoot them off.

The last water emitting devices are the Foggers. These tanks collect water

and put them under enormous pressure, turning it into a fine mist that looks

like fog. These things are strong enough to make Paris Las Vegas across the

street look like foggy London if they want.

The lighting system is comprised of 5,000 575 watt light bulbs, each shaped

like little miniature versions of what you might find in a halogen lamp (they

look like tubes instead of bulbs). Despite the colorful display, these are

energy saving devices and each water show only eats up about $65-70 in

electricity.

Throw in that 56,000 watt sound system (with massive speakers lining the

balustrade along The Strip) and you’re ready for a show.

Well, almost. First they have to set one up. The designers choose a piece of

music and load it into the computer system. Then each of the water-shooting

devices and the lights are accessible through a quick click of the mouse so they

can decide the most advantageous moments to use those Extreme Shooters. Once

the whole thing has been programmed and saved, a show operator, located in a

booth just above the Fontana Lounge balcony, can pull up any show from the menu

and basically press play. The computer does most of the rest of the work

(although to say that diminishes the accomplishments of the folks who are running

all of this, which is not what I intend in the least).

I was lucky enough to get an up-close show played just for me off their

normal schedule –Sinatra’s “Luck Be a Lady” pounded through the sound system as

the Oarsmen danced and the various Shooters blasted the columns of water high

into the air for more than five minutes. The word incredible doesn’t even come

close.

The Fountains of Bellagio run Monday through Friday every half hour from 3pm

until 7pm and then every 15 minutes from 7pm until midnight. Saturday and

Sunday shows begin at noon every half hour until 7pm and then every 15 minutes

from then until midnight. The schedule may vary and high winds can bring about

cancellations since they don’t want to be knocking people out of the Eiffel

Tower across the street by accident.

http://www.vegas4visitors.com/column/05_01_31.htm

————-

Show Review: Chippendales by Rick Garman

It’s a little silly to engage in an academic discussion about things like

production values and choreography when reviewing a show featuring guys taking

their clothes off, but since I don’t exactly fall into the target audience

demographic, it seems like a safer bet all the way around. The big revamping of the

Chippendales show at The Rio extends all the way out to the front door of the

theater, with a groovy new lounge and restroom areas fronting the facility. It

’s all done in glowing blues and purples with cushy seating areas and a big

bar designed, mostly, to eliminate whatever inhibitions the female audience

members may have left before going into the actual showroom.

Once you’ve taken your seat in the big black box of a room you have two basic

choices: try to scream louder and make more of a spectacle of yourself than

the women who stopped at the bar or sit quietly and be amused by same. I chose

the latter option, for the record.

I mention this, not as an indictment against the people in attendance, but

rather as a cautionary tale for anyone with an overdeveloped sense of propriety

and decorum. Granted, if you are one of those people you probably wouldn’t be

coming to see Chippendales in the first place but just in case you feel

obligated because Linda in accounting wants to have her bachelorette party there,

you should just accept the fact that you’re going to be shocked by the behavior

of the other women around you.

Because ultimately, the Chippendales dancers want you to be shocking. The

rules of social engagement officially stop at the doors to the theater and this

becomes the ultimate testing ground for the city’s catch phrase, redone for

these purposes as “What happens in the Chippendales showroom stays in the

Chippendales showroom.”

The updated show features lots of special effects, some high-tech staging,

loud (really loud) music, evocative fantasy fulfillment sketches (construction

workers, cowboys, etc.), and fairly decent choreography that most of the guys

keep up with if not necessarily excel at. There are a couple of honest to

g-string dancers tucked in and amongst the beefcake and these guys were razor sharp

in their execution of the dance moves.

But you don’t care about all that. You just want to know if the guys are hot

and how much of their clothes they take off. The answers: yeah and a lot,

respectively. There’s someone for just about every taste, from the Latin lover to

the long-haired rocker, so long as perfectly toned and impossibly handsome are

the base lines from which you are starting.

There is a certain amount of over-processed rigidity in the show’s structure.

Wait. Can I say rigidity in a review of Chippendales?

Everything seems very carefully timed and placed, essentially eliminating the

“anything can happen” vibe a real strip show should have. The similarly

low-body-fat dancers at “Thunder from Down Under” seem to have a more raucous,

good humor about the whole thing but with that you have to trade off better

production values and overall execution so it’s up to you.

By the way, men are allowed in the audience but you’re going to be

outnumbered. I was one of four sets of XY chromosomes in attendance with a couple of

miserable looking husbands or boyfriends and another similarly bemused reviewer

who had obviously drawn the same short stick I had.

So ladies, this is all about you. Go, enjoy, be crazy, and then return to

your mates with a wide Cheshire grin on your face while refusing to answer any

questions. Remember – it stays in the Chippendales theater.

Vegas4Visitors Grade: B

Chippendales

Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino

3700 W. Flamingo

888-746-7784

Nightly except Wednesday at 8pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and 10:30pm.

Tickets: $35-75

http://www.vegas4visitors.com/

Posted on June 7th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter