Eileen and I are back from my sons wedding in Oregon. The good news is the wedding was perfect. The bad news is that the groom’s Father, me, fractured his ankle about 4 hours before the wedding. I had to hobble down the aisle but I made it.

I am in a bit a pain but the fracture was not the severe type so I did not need to have the ankle put into a plaster cast, just an air cast.

————–
We’re at 117 and still cooking.
Tuesday temperature ties mark for highest ever recorded here.
By:Richard Lake

You know how when you open the oven while you’re cooking and forget to move
your head to the side and that blast of heat hits you in the face like a
blowtorch with a bad attitude and you have to shield your eyes or else your
eyelashes will melt?

That’s exactly what it’s been like outside.

We hit 117 degrees on Tuesday, tying the highest temperature ever recorded
here. That was back on July 24, 1942, five years after record keeping began.

Not that you haven’t noticed, but it’s been so hot this week that records are
falling faster than the popularity of that girl who came in third on American
Idol, air conditioners are burning out quicker than Howard Dean’s
presidential aspirations did, and, sometimes, those who are particularly vulnerable to
the heat are dying.

More Here:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jul-20-Wed-2005/news/26910978.html
———–
RESTAURANT NEWS

Lawry’s the Prime Rib, 4043 Howard Hughes Parkway, will host a centennial
dinner at 7 p.m. July 29. Local historian Bob Stoldal will offer a look of the
forces that shaped Las Vegas, and performers will present scenes from the city’s
history. The three-course dinner, with an entree of prime rib or salmon, is
$79 per person inclusive. Reservations must be prepaid; call 893-4968. …

Bangkok Bowl Cafe has opened at 1201 Las Vegas Blvd. South. It serves all the
classics — such as Pad Thai, Tom Kah Kai and Beef Panang — plus such dishes
as Crispy Belly Pork, Boat Noodles and Spaghetti Kee Mow. Hours are 11 a.m.
to 4 a.m. daily. For more information, call 413-0737. …

Fireside, a fine-dining restaurant, has opened at the Imperial Palace, 3535
Las Vegas Blvd. South. It features steaks, chops and seafood with Southwestern
flair. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. …

Wolfgang Puck’s Riva has opened on the fourth-floor pool deck at The
Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner — including
a lunch takeout window from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more information,
call 414-7482. …

Buffet at Asia IV has opened at 4300 E. Sunset Road in Henderson. It offers
more than 150 items, including a Mongolian grill, dim sum, sushi and Chinese,
Japanese, Thai and American dishes. For details, call 933-7052.
reviewjournal.com — Neon – RESTAURANT NEWS
————
Cook E.’s Fortune
Lounge legend’s booty-shaking act keeps rolling in Vegas.
By Carole Cling

He that happens upon Vegas stays in Vegas.

That’s been true of lounge legend Cook E. Jarr since June 2, 1982, when he
and his backup group, the Krums, arrived from Atlantic City, N.J., for a
two-week gig at the now-imploded Sands.

The Sands may be long gone, replaced by The Venetian. The Krums have been
swept away.

But the Cookster’s still cooking on the Strip, holding court at Harrah’s
outdoor Carnaval Court from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The music may have changed, with hip-hop hits from Nelly, 50 Cent, Usher and
OutKast joining old standbys from Steppenwolf to Kool and the Gang. But the
act remains much the same.

More Here:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jul-18-Mon-2005/living/2489282.html
———–
Slot Reviews by Gayle Mitchell

You may think there are just three slot reviews here, however, with Bally
gathering a group of their top cartoon slots (see #3); there are plenty of
cute characters to go around for players looking for more variety in their
play.

1) Garfield – It’s All About Me: Doesn’t that say it all about this amusing,
yet bigheaded cat?
Garfield is accompanied by his opponent Odie the dog, owner Jon and his
gal-pal Arlene.
Thought balloons display Garfield’s thoughts about a never-ending quest for
food and how to get Odie in trouble.
The bonus events are packaged to occur both on screen and via a top box
grid.
With Mission Refrigerator, the player selects a four square path to the
fridge for Garfield while Jon sleeps.
Each square the cat touches causes either a credit award or a noise. If
Garfield reaches the fridge without waking Jon up, you move on to the
higher-level bonus, played out on the top box wheel.
Target Practice bonus shows Garfield weighing a pie in his hand, with three
potential targets in the background–Jon, his girlfriend Arlene or Odie and
your selection reveals the bonus award.
At that time, a trivia question will appear on the screen with two possible
answers wherein your answer will trigger Garfield to fling the pie.
If the answer is correct, the pie hits the victim and moves you up to the
top box for a spin and reward at the Slice of Life bonus wheel.
Garfield antics are ongoing in this game with the advantages being a hearty
chuckle and additional credits.

2) Men in Black: is back with the truly strange alien characters, Agent Zen,
MIB boss and Frank the Pug, the alien-talking bulldog.
Line up three or more Aliens and you are away to the Find the Alien bonus
round.
The screen opens up to MIB control room where Agent Zen provides a selection
of 20 file folders that will offer extra coin, Frank the Pug or an Alien
Wanted Poster.
If you choose an Alien Wanted Poster, there will be a second level
displaying five characters, one of which is the alien and pays the larger
bonus. If Frank the Pug is located, three of the five characters are
eliminated.
Additionally, the Neuralizer Bonus is triggered with three scattered
neuralizer symbols on the reels. Neuralizer is the pen shaped device used in
the films to erase the memories of people who see aliens.
Extra credits for this round include Extra Picks and/or a top box bonus
event where bonus numbers are displayed within a scrolling device that stops
on a final reward.
If outer space and far-out characters is for you, then look no further than
this appealing game.

3) Bally’s Cartoon Jackpot New Games: Watch for a gathering of all Bally’s
Cartoon Characters as they release a sterling line-up of progressive slots
that offer Instant Wins of $100,000+.
Listed in order of release up to 2006.

Boris & Natasha Super Frenzy
Boris & Natasha Diamond Line Frenzy
Rocky & Bullwinkle Cash Board
Rocky & Bullwinkle Super Frenzy
Rocky & Bullwinkle Lucky Wheel
Felix the Cat Magic Wheel
Betty Boop Love Wheel
Mr. Magoo
Betty Boop Kaleidoscope Cash
Li’l Abner
Underdog
Richie Rich.

Promotion: $10. for 4 Books: 3 Slots books and Video Poker Made Easier.
Details and ordering at: http://www.merchantamerica.com/easycasinogambling
————-
FREE! Fabulous T-Shirts Celebrating the Las Vegas Centennial! Subscribe to
beautiful, full color glossy, Las Vegas Now Magazine, The Pulse of Vegas and
Receive FREE their Fabulous T-Shirt and FREE their Winning Guide To Gambling!
Hurry, check out their website and subscribe to Las Vegas Now Magazine, today!
www.LasVegasNowMag.com!
————-
High Roller Seeks Revenge on the Town That Robbed Him of Three Million
Dollars in ‘MAN VS. VEGAS’ Premiering October 22 On CMT

Ambitious high roller Daren Leverenz seeks revenge on Las Vegas after losing
three million dollars there in the late 1990s in the upcoming eight-episode
CMT original series, MAN VS. VEGAS, premiering Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 PM,
ET/PT.

After capturing the American dream at an early age — home, family, career,
cars and three million dollars in the bank, Daren Leverenz gambled it away in a
city unsympathetic to empty pockets. MAN VS. VEGAS follows Leverenz as he
returns to Las Vegas with a Robin Hood fervor, hell-bent on winning his money
back. Along the way, Leverenz meets everyday tourists who become part of his
mission to take on the town.

After selling most of his assets, Leverenz returns to Las Vegas armed with
one million dollars of his own money and steely determination. It’s smiles and
high-fives as Leverenz takes amateur gamblers and gives them the adrenaline
rush of a high roller, coaching his amateur comrades on how to win — from
newlyweds to senior citizens. “I’m doing it for anybody that’s ever lost,” says
Leverenz, who chants his credo of “go big or go home.”

The half-hour series MAN VS. VEGAS is a roller coaster of risk, wheels,
cards, chips and bags of money, that is jaw-dropping to the lucky onlookers that
gather around to see if Leverenz can beat the casino giants at their own game.

MAN VS. VEGAS is produced by Sokolobl Entertainment, with Sam Sokolow and Rob
Lobl serving as executive producers. Paul Villadolid is executive in charge
of production for CMT.

SOURCE:CMT
————–
From “Mandy,” which begins with a video clip of a very young Manilow
performing his first chart-topping song on the famous show “Midnight Special” in 1975,
through “Daybreak,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” “New York City Rhythm,”
“Weekend In New England,” and, of course, “Copacabana (At The Copa),” even casual
fans will be shocked at just how many tunes they know by heart. (Doubt me?
During the performance, I sat next to the great comedian and magician Penn Jillette
of Penn & Teller, and the shock entertainment master actually knew the words
to “I Write The Songs” during the audience participation portion of the show.)
All in all, “Music And Passion” leaves you with a Vegas memory you won’t soon
forget.
http://www.lvshowbiz.com/
———-
Laughter hours: Plaza’s Comedy Zone keeps stand-ups busy.
By Jerry Fink

The Vegas Comedy Zone opened in 2002, shortly before the Plaza was bought by
Barrick Gaming. At first it was in the casino’s showroom on the first floor,
but the room was too large and had to be shared with others, so Heffron leased
space on the third floor and converted into into an intimate club that isn’t
used by anyone else.

Heffron Talent has been around for more than 25 years. The agency, created by
Brian Heffron, founded the Comedy Zone in 1984.

Comedy clubs were in their heyday, doing a booming business in large
population centers but suffering in smaller cities that couldn’t support the more
traditional clubs where comedians performed for a week or more at a time.

By creating Comedy Zone affiliates throughout the region it was able to
develop a circuit for its roster of comedians who could drive from club to club
within a few hours and stay as long as the market would bear.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/jul/15/519054933.html
————-
Columnist Jerry Fink: ‘Zumanity’ gets a nude awakening.

In the August issue of Playboy magazine, fans will see another side of
“Zumanity.”

Mainly, the bare side.

Ten female cast members, joined by a handful of male cast members who serve
as props, assume a variety of provocative poses — not unlike those you might
see in the production at New York-New York, but for the total nudity of some of
the posers in the photos.

There is no nakedness in “Zumanity,” though in some scenes the performers
flirt with the bare essences.

The photos were taken for the eight-page pictorial last summer. Laurence
Jardin, one of the 10 females who appear in the magazine, has since left the show.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/jul/15/519054919.html
———–
Columnist Muriel Stevens: TI offers up its best Dishes in upscale buffet.

Aroving chili cart is just one of the many innovations at Dishes, TI’s take
on the buffet as an international marketplace. Since opening in November,
Dishes has gained favor with locals as well as TI guests and visitors.

Created by award-winning designer Jeffrey Beers, Dishes is yet another step
in the evolution of the buffet. This is the first buffet design for Beers. It’s
intimate and comfortable and easy to maneuver.

Food stations, though separate, flow together. My companions and I circled
the food stations before making any choices. I like the tapa-size plates. Three
of the small dishes will fit on the large dinner plates offered. We separated
while making our selections and returned to the table to find that we had all
chosen different sushi as starters.

My nigiri sushi with eel drizzled with a little soy sauce was delish. We
shared bites of silky tempura tofu and salmon and tuna nigiri.

Central to the food stations is the regional American barbecue section with a
wood-burning barbecue pit. Selections change almost daily, but typically
include such excellent side dishes as a singular corn pudding; flavorful, tender
collard greens; mashed sweet potatoes and garlic mash; mac and cheese; grilled
vegetables and more.

The pulled pork is a winner; the ribs are smoky and sweet. A carving station
deftly separates the ribs and chicken and whatever else is being offered. For
this section we used a large plate as a sampler, helping ourselves as we
chose. It was the only time we had a variety of foods on one plate. It worked well.

Each food section has a glass-enclosed display of the dishes offered. At the
salad bar there are at least five selections. Choose one and it will be made
to order in minutes. Ditto at the other stations, including the pasta section,
flanked by the pizza oven. Good pizza.

The roving chili cart and soup cart is always on the move. We sampled the
vegetarian chili, a delicately flavored bean-and-vegetable melange; a traditional
beef chili (very spicy); a smooth, savory chilled avocado soup drizzled with
creme fraiche; and ginger-flavored congee, a Chinese rice gruel traditionally
a morning meal.

We shared the soups and chilis and were content.

In a separate room, visible from the dining room, is the bakery. There was
plenty of action here. New items arrived continually. Fortunately, we were still
peering into the showcases when the apple strudel arrived. This we had to
have.

Among the other goodies shared were meringue-topped lemon tarts, berry tarts
and room temp chocolate covered banana chunks on sticks. White porcelain bowls
were nestled in a frosty freezer and filled with jumbo scoops of ice cream.
My joy was complete. Included was my fave flavor, coffee. Cotton candy in a
variety of flavors was making the kids happy.

Big kids, too.

Throughout dinner Dishes General Manager Steve Katz chatted with diners,
answered questions and was an affable host. Also highly visible was executive chef
Keith Hedges, whose eagle eye covered all bases.

Dishes offers breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Monday through Friday, $12; Saturday and
Sunday, 7 a.m. to noon. Lunch: 11 am. to 4 p.m., $15. Dinner: 4 p.m. to 10:30
p.m., $20 Sunday through Thursday; Friday and Saturday $26. Crab legs, small
lobsters and additional gourmet specialties are added. Children 4 and under, no
charge.

NOTE:
I put this in the newsletter rather than in the Dining issue just for the
fact that I have personally met with Steve Katz, the General Manager of the T.I.
buffet. Please mention that your read about the buffet in my newsletter to
Steve.

Las Vegas SUN: Columnist Muriel Stevens
———————
Members Need Help
Please respond to the person asking the question, not to me.

Just wondering if you could post these 2 questions in the next newsletter.

1-I was planning on visiting Vegas in December. Has anyone been there at
that time and if so how is the weather? Are any pools open? Thanks Steve

2 Just had a general quesion on comps. Do you think it is better for me to
ask for comps when I want them or do you think it is best to charge everything
to my room and then at the end of my stay see what they will do for me based
on my play. I am a blackjack player so at what point should I get a host?
Thanks.
Respond to: bsguy2001 at hotmail.com

I will be in Vegas September 9-15. Does anybody know if anything special will
be going on? I am staying at Casers. Love the slots. Thanks.
Respond to: ESF1975 at aol.com

Hi Steve: Thank you so much for putting out my asking for some old pictures
of Vegas. I have received many responds. I appreciate you doing this for me
your the best. You have many fans, who read your articles and all your
info.. thanks again Steve.
Rose

I’ve heard that one can catch a limo from the airport for a reasonable price,
less than a one hour rental. Does anyone know where and how?
Respond to: malbertom at hotmail.com

Does anyone know where i can find a good dance club for the over 40 crowd
that dont cost an arm and a leg,ive been to LV a few times a year and cannot find
one. Please respond to clanc914 at aol.com

I checked out the WYNN during my visit 6/15/05-6/17/05 and found it to
be VERY CLEAN and beautiful as all new buildings are. I was playing the
$5 slots in the “red room” section when a pit man came over and inserted
a red play card and said after 500 points I get to stay for free. He
quickly wisked away. I have the players card, but it must not be
registered to me for I did not fill out any forms. I have a couple
hundred points but not 500. Is anyone more familiar with the card and
its rules/benefits?
Respond to sinkhole at insightbb.com

Posted on July 20th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter