September 23rd, 2005

Please remember that starting in early October, the newsletter will only be able to be read at this website. I will send you an email when something new has been posted at the website along a direct link to the site.

Also please remember that our three most popular features, MEMBERS CORNER, MEMBERS NEED HELP, And RESTAURANT REVIEWS are now at our new Forums at http://www.everythinglv.com/forums. The Forum also has a Trip Report and a Members Meeting Forum and more coming. The Forums are a lot of fun, please check them out.

There is a direct link to the Forum Groups at the top right corner of this website. Please remember you do not have to register to read the Forum posts but you do have to register to post and reply.
It really is very enjoyable and a lot of fun.

Steve
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies

Paris Las Vegas is eliminating the Sunday matinee for “We Will Rock You,” a performance that sells all tickets for $64. Instead there will be two Sunday evening shows, at 7 and 10 p.m.

The “American Idol” audition tour is stopping in Las Vegas again. The show’s producers announced Tuesday that the auditions will be held Oct. 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. They’re looking for males and females who were 16 to 28 years old as of Aug. 15, 2005, and eligible to work in the United States. No line can be started prior to 6 a.m. on Oct. 9. For more information: www.idolonfox.com.
reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

Every Monday night from 6-9pm 98.5 KLUC will be hosting Football Monday Madness at the Rainbow Bar & Grill. Morning Zoo host Chet Buchanan will be broadcasting live from inside the Rainbow Bar & Grill each Monday with contests, giveaways and all the debauchery one can handle on a Monday night. There will be food and drink specials available throughout the game.

For more information on the restaurant or for reservations, please call 702-898-3525. Rainbow Bar & Grill is located on the corner of Harmon and Paradise, across from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and is open 24/7 serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Las Vegas defense attorney David Chesnoff and comedy show producer Jeff Beacher are teaming up on an effort to transfer Mardi Gras to Las Vegas. Chesnoff told US magazine they plan to approach New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin about hosting the event and “turning it into a giant philanthropic event” benefiting Hurricane Katrina victims. Beacher is working on bringing all the local talent together.
reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

More de-construction rumors The Tropicana, and Harrah’s Bourbon Street could be the next properties headed to the implosion graveyard with Bally’s a close runner up, if the new owner, Harrah’s, decides not to rename and keep it.

Nero’s Steakhouse at Caesars Palace has reopened.

In a battle of testosterone, the Chippendales dancers have served a cease-and desist-order on the Men of Russia male review for an advertisement. The Chips want the Russkies to stop using “A Girls Night Out” in their ad, saying it represents a violation of their patent ad, “The Ultimate Girls Night Out.”
reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

Donald Trump has another Las Vegan in his cast of 18 entrepreneurs competing on NBC’s “The Apprentice.” Russian-born Alla Wartenberg, founder of the Dolphin Court Salons & Day Spas, purchased her first building at 19 and by 23 was out front in the spa boom. Wartenberg, 31, has four children.
reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

Frank Marino, the star of the show, “La Cage,” will have a street named after him this month in the western part of the city.
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MGM Mirage Project Citycenter-A Revival Of City Living

MGM MIRAGE today introduced its world-class team of architects and designers giving shape to Project CityCenter and offered up first glimpses of an unprecedented sustainable vertical city, at an approximate cost of $5 billion, that will redefine the Las Vegas experience and influence contemporary urban design throughout the world.

“A paradigm-shifting project fueled by the vision, diversity and resources of MGM MIRAGE demands a team of respected architects and designers, and we have put them to work to give form to an urban experience like none other in Las Vegas,’’ said Terry Lanni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGM MIRAGE. “Project CityCenter confirms a cultural and lifestyle revival of city living, reaffirms the growing sophistication and maturity of Las Vegas and sets a benchmark for new growth and exciting new experiences as the city moves into its next 100
years.”

Led by renowned architects Cesar Pelli, Rafael Viñoly, Sir Norman Foster, James KM Cheng and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, architecture, design and construction teams met with reporters this week in Las Vegas following three days of meetings to share concepts, ideas and passion for Project CityCenter. The project features a stunning 60-story, 4,000-room hotel/casino, two 400-room, non -gaming hotels, about 500,000 square feet of retail shops, dining and entertainment venues and 1,640 units of luxury condominiums.

Project CityCenter, the largest privately financed development in the United States, is nearly halfway through a 20-month design process and is scheduled to open in late 2009. The Perini Building Company is lead contractor on the project, with Tishman Construction Corporation serving as the executive construction manager. The two firms have participated in several Las Vegas projects and have more than 220 years of combined construction experience.

Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE also announced its plans to pursue Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at Project CityCenter. The 18-million square foot, multi-use project will incorporate elements designed to make it one of the world’s largest environmentally sustainable urban communities.

From garden roofs to the use of reclaimed water, to the creation of a central, on -site power plant, Project CityCenter is being designed to promote the most responsible use of water, electricity and natural gas. MGM MIRAGE will pursue LEED certification for the project, implementing to the highest degree possible generally accepted criteria for sustainable construction outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council.

In a related announcement today, Mr. Baldwin said MGM MIRAGE has reached a $100 million agreement with Siemens to design and build a central energy plant to help power and cool Project CityCenter, as well as delivering other building and communications technologies to improve operational efficiencies and conservation.

“Designing Project CityCenter with sustainable elements reinforces its permanence and creates a healthier environment for our future tenants and guests, as well as for the 12,000 people who will ultimately work at Project CityCenter,’’ Mr. Baldwin said.

To assist MGM MIRAGE in attracting top-flight retail tenants to Project CityCenter’s retail district, Mr. Baldwin announced today its plan to partner with Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Taubman Centers, Inc, one of the country’s premiere, high-end retail developers with more than 50 years of experience.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com
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Las Vegas Hilton Announces New Construction And Remodeling Project

The Las Vegas Hilton will begin a multi-million dollar construction and renovation enhancement project for 2005, it was announced today by Rudy Prieto, Ceo And General Manager.

“This project is the beginning of a five-year master plan that will expand this property and fully utilize the entire acreage,” said Prieto.

The key elements of the construction and renovation project are:

Entry Drive Landscaping Enhancement
The Las Vegas Hilton will remodel landscaping from the main front entry to the existing porte-cochere, enhance the existing palm trees located throughout the property, relocate the existing palm trees in front of the Hilton Convention Center, enhance and upgrade the existing shrubs and low specimen trees, and add additional seasonal flower beds for heightened color.

Porte-Cochere Remodel / Re-Theming
The existing porte-cochere structure finish will be enhanced, creating an exciting visual for the arrival of guests. Columns, ceilings, parapets, and fascia will have a dramatic presence. All columns and vertical wall surfaces beneath the porte-cochere will feature their white marble
finishes with added gold trim and gold marble accents. EIFS (exterior finish insulating system) will be utilized for the fascia material with gold and silver metallic accents and faux marble
panels. The stepped, coffered ceilings will be accented with metallic trim, cove moldings, and new chandeliers. New roofing will be installed over the entire porte-cochere.

Casino / Lobby / Registration Remodel
The lobby will feature stunning 24” x 24” stone floorings, imported from Italy and Spain that will sparkle, mixing light colored beige marble and black granite accents; four circular inlaid medallions will add a dramatic touch. The tiles, a mix of crema marfil and black granite ingis, were picked after extensive research and trips to both Italy and Spain.

The lobby ceiling will be accented with trim and paint. Existing recessed light fixtures will be converted from fluorescent to incandescent lighting, wall surfaces will receive new vinyl and/or paint finishes, and there will be new decorative drapery and furniture groupings.

The registration desk will boast new millwork, and the back wall of registration will sport new finishes that will house flat screen TVs, as well as decorative art. The ceiling and soffit over the registration desk will be replaced with new decorative gypsum board ceiling and light fixtures. The car rental desk and bell desk will be relocated to provide a lobby seating area. The remaining wall surfaces will receive new finishes, decorative artwork, and light fixtures.

Main Casino Enhancements
The main casino will be enhanced and modernized in keeping with guest demand. The traditional ceiling over the main pit area will remain with existing crystals and mirror panels, but the casino will feature a modern look with new carpet throughout , new seating, new vinyl wall covering, decorative pilasters, and neon light coves, new finishes for the columns, new paint and trim to surfaces, new laminate finishes for all slot machines and slot bases, and painting of lay-in ceilings. Employees also will boast new attire.

Temposm Casino Bar / Lounge
Tempo, a new, hip casino bar with 100 lounge seats (and 33 bar seats with video poker machines) will be located in the area of the current casino bar and casino offices. This new bar will feature a private lounge area in the rear portion for high-end players. The ceiling will be geometric with circular patterns and decorative wood elements. Flat screen monitors will be located in the back bar, which can be viewed from the lounge seating area for special events.

Fortunasm Coffee / Wine And Pastry Bar
This dynamic new bar will be located in the space currently occupied by Perk Place (across from the Player’s Club booth) and will feature decorative finishes of wood, stone, and wall covering, as well as decorative light fixtures. It also will offer Internet access.

New Poker Room
The new poker room, located just off the race and sports SuperBook, opened on Labor Day Weekend with 11 tables. The room features QueueOS, a state-of-the -art display system used for player waiting lists and tournaments, and plasma screens for race and sports viewing.

Expanded Plaza Bar & New TJ’s Steakhousesm
A new Hilton Steakhouse and Plaza Bar will be home to changes in furniture and new wall finishes, modern table layouts, enhanced bar area and expanded seating.

Remodeled Suites
The Lanai Suites have been extensively remodeled including new cabanas and new furniture and both the Lanai Suites and Director Suites have plasma TVs, new marble floors and granite vanity tops in the bathrooms, a new marble shower with personal body sprays, rain shower heads, and corner seats. There’s also a private terrace.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com
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SHOW REVIEW: Bump(kins) and Grind.
The real fun of the topless country revue ‘Buck Wild!’ is its transparency.
By Mike Weatherford.

Reruns of “The Dukes of Hazzard” may play just fine alongside Tim McGraw and Gretchen Wilson videos on CMT. But live onstage, it’s a little trickier.

Trying to mix the latest in suburban “mall country” with the hay bales and red bandanas of “Hee Haw” might just get “Buck Wild!” producer David Saxe ratted out as Mr. Drysdale in disguise, out to grab the money of poor country folk by pretending to be down with them.

People always did underestimate Jed Clampett.

Truth is, the real entertainment value of “Buck Wild!” is the very transparency of the whole charade. As long as the fun keeps coming with a campy wink, it’s a hoot and a holler.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Sep-23-Fri-2005/weekly/3441608.html
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PLAYER’S EDGE: Riviera offers attractive incentive for new members.

The Riviera Players Club is running an attractive new member promotion. New sign-ups can collect five times cash back for up to the first four days of enrollment, so instead of $200 coin-in on slots and $400 coin-in on video poker earning $1, you’ll get $5 for the same action. Players can earn up to $500 during the four days.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Sep-23-Fri-2005/weekly/3463585.html
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Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

Keith Urban will play the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Dec. 9, with tickets going on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. Deana Carter opens the show. Tickets — $35, $45 and $65 — are available at the box office at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South., and through Ticketmaster at 474-4000.

Sugar Ray will play Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena in Primm on Oct. 15. Tickets, $29.50 and $39.50, are on sale at the venue, 31900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Primm, and through Ticketmaster. To charge by phone, call 386-7867.

Southern rockers the Marshall Tucker Band will play the House of Blues on Dec. 1. Tickets cost $22 general admission, $30 for seats and $35 for special reserved seats. They’re available at the venue box office and through Ticketmaster. Call 632-7600.

Eddie Money and Loverboy will play the Aladdin Theatre on Nov. 19. Tickets cost $35 general admission and $45 for reserved seats. They go on sale Saturday through the box office at 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and through Ticketmaster. To charge by phone, call 785-5000.

The Australian Pink Floyd, a show that coordinates music to light, will hit the Aladdin on Nov. 29. Tickets go on sale Saturday for $28.50 and $38.50. They’re available at the Aladdin box office and through Ticketmaster. To charge by phone, call 785-5000.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - TICKETS
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Visit to ‘Zumanity’ appealing — but not to everyone.
By Jerry Fink

“Zumanity, Another Side of Cirque du Soleil” will never appeal to everyone.

But then, it shouldn’t.

Variety is the spice of life, and this production at New York-New York is one of the spiciest shows in town.

Its adult theme and bold approach to human sexuality creates an evening unlike any other for open-minded fans looking for a little titillation in their entertainment. However, the contents could be offensive to some, especially those anticipating a typical, family friendly Cirque extravaganza. So, beware.

There is partial nudity.

There are adult situations (including males kissing males and females kissing females).

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/leisure/2005/sep/23/519403873.html
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Even in scaled-back production, Crawford comfortable with his Pop.
By Jerry Fink

Douglas Crawford plays the somewhat brain-damaged old rocker Pop in “We Will Rock You,” the Queen-based musical that has been at Paris Las Vegas for over a year.

The last time the actor performed in Vegas was five years ago in the ill-fated “Notre Dame de Paris,” also at the Paris Las Vegas.

In the earlier production, which barely lasted seven months, Crawford played two roles on alternating nights — Quasimodo (the deformed bell ringer) and Phoebus, the handsome captain of the guards.

He didn’t feel overworked. In fact, he says he’s an actor and savors the time onstage.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/sep/23/519403879.html
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Vegas4Visitors 2005 Readers’ Poll Results: Restaurant, Attraction, Show, Nightclub.
By Rick Garman

The 4th Annual Vegas4Visitors Readers’ Poll garnered thousands of votes from around the world, offering our readers a chance to vote on their favorites in more than a dozen categories. This week the results of Favorite Restaurant, Show, Attraction, and Nightclub or Bar:

Best Restaurant
#1 - PF Chang’s China Bistro. With so many restaurants in Las Vegas it isn’t surprising that the votes are widely split in this category, but the fact that the fun and fantastic Chinese food at PF Chang’s won with only 5.4% of the vote should in no way diminish what they have to offer. Have you tried those lettuce wraps? Seriously. By the way, a quick clarification from my column last week – the PF Chang’s at the Aladdin is not going away permanently in the renovations to Planet Hollywood. It will be relocated within the facility.

#2 (Tie) - Delmonico’s and Emeril’s. How’s this for a coincidence? Emeril Lagasse’s two main restaurants in Las Vegas each garnered 4.2% for a tie at number two. Delmonico’s (at the Venetian) offers a Louisiana twist on the steakhouse while the namesake restaurant (at MGM Grand) serves up some of the freshest fish you’ll find in the desert.

#4 – Margaritaville. Parrotheads everywhere rejoice! The Jimmy Buffet themed restaurant at The Flamingo got 3.3% for a fourth place finish.

#5 - Mon Ami Gabi. The delightful French bistro at Paris Las Vegas picked up 3% of the vote to squeak into the Top 5.

Best Show
#1 – Mystère. The first Cirque du Soleil production (playing at Treasure Island) is still the best, at least according to 15.4% of the votes from our readers who put the long-running show at the top of their list.

#2 - Blue Man Group. They may be moving from Luxor to The Venetian, but the odd blue-headed guys will most likely have a big audience following them. 11% of the votes went to the Blue Men and their wild and wacky performance art and music show.

#3 – O by Cirque du Soleil. 10% of the votes in the category went to the water version of a du Soleil show at Bellagio. In a city full of Cirque and Cirque-style shows, a third-place finish is nothing to sneeze at.

#4 - Celine Dion. The Canadian chanteuse wracked up 7.6% of the votes for her show at Caesars Palace, proving once and for all that her heart will, in fact, go on.

#5 - Danny Gans. One guy, a hundred voices. It’s a simple premise compared to the big Cirque spectacles, but Gans’ impressions at The Mirage received 6.5% of the vote for fifth place.

Best Attraction
#1 - Bellagio Fountains. With 49.5% of the vote, the fountain show at Bellagio blew everyone else out of the water. Sorry. It had to be done.

#2 - Fremont Street Experience. The light and sound show in Downtown Las Vegas only received 8.4% of the vote but that was good enough for second place.

#3 - Hoover Dam. Considered be one of the manmade wonders of the world, this triumph of humans over nature picked up 3.9% of the vote for a third place finish.

#4 - Mirage Volcano. The volcano at The Mirage is getting a makeover in 2006 with more lights, fountains, and fire effects. Will it move up on the list next year? For now, it received 3.2% of the vote to come in at number four.

#5 - Bellagio Conservatory. The sights, sounds, and smells of the indoor gardens at the Bellagio got 3% of the votes from our readers for a fifth place finish.

Best Nightclub/Bar
#1 – ghostbar. Is it the cool views, the cool vibe, or the cool cocktails that put it at the top? Maybe a combination of all of those things gave the swank ultra-lounge at The Palms a blue ribbon with 8.9% of the vote.

#2 - Voodoo Lounge. Only a handful of votes separated the number one and two slots in this category, with the views from this club at The Rio (right across the street from ghostbar) picking up 8.8% of the vote for second place.

#3 - Coyote Ugly. The rip-roarin’, anything goes party atmosphere at this saloon in New York-New York got 5.8 % of the vote to come in at number three.

#4 - Studio 54. The legendary disco of the ‘70s is going strong in its Vegas incarnation at the MGM Grand, picking up 5.7% of your votes for fourth place.

#5 - House of Blues. One of the best places to see live music in town, the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay is also a killer nightclub on weekends. Our readers cast 4.6% of their votes to give it a number five spot.
www.vegas4visitors.com
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EEOC files suit against restaurant in casino
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit in federal court on behalf of five kitchen workers at The Noodle Shop at Mandalay Bay.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Sept. 9 in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, claims that a male cook at the restaurant sexually harassed a female cook through unwanted touching, intimidation and leering. When the victim and four witnesses complained to a supervisor about the conduct, the lawsuit claims the harasser and the supervisor then began retaliating against the victim and witnesses.

According to the lawsuit, the retaliatory conduct consisted of verbal threats, physical assaults, vandalism of personal property, unwarranted discipline, reduced work hours and termination. Albarran said that the victim wasn’t disciplined but that she continued to suffer harassment after complaining. It is unclear if the alleged harasser continues to work at The Noodle Shop.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/gaming/2005/sep/20/519385521.html
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‘THE SUNCOAST ON STEROIDS’
Supersized South Coast months away from opening.

Walking through the under-construction South Coast, Mike Gaughan Jr. surveyed the massive $600 million facility on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard on Monday and reflected on the past 17 months of construction.

The property’s opening is at least four months away and more than 2,000 construction workers are toiling to meet a deadline.

Southern Nevada’s abnormally wet winter set back the construction timeline a bit, said Gaughan, South Coast’s vice president and general manager.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Sep-20-Tue-2005/business/3439409.html
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Las Vegas Brunches

The following information is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Special times and prices may apply during special events and holidays. Times are daily unless noted otherwise. Unless indicated, prices do not include tax or gratuity, but do include beverage.

Posted on September 24th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter