November 4th, 2005

How About Doing Me A Favor?

My Stepson Mathew has entered our cat Lucky, whom I rescued over a year ago in a “Pet Of The Month” contest.
Would you be kind enough to go to this link:
http://www.petendipity.com/petofthemonth.htm
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the CAT ICON them look for LUCKY and click on his SLEEPING picture?
You can do this once every 24 hours.

Thanks so much.
Steve
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Also, if any of my members are connected with making business cards, will you please email me at mrvegas98@aol.com as I need to have some new ones made up asap.
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I just want to remind you that I will be in Las Vegas from 11/22-11/28th and I am planning a members get together. If you are going to be in Las Vegas at that time and would like to attend the get together, just email me at mrvegas98@aol.com and include the dates you will be there and the number of people you will be. I will only be making this announcement a few more times as final numbers have to be turned in. As of now, it looks likes the Imperial Palace will open it’s 5th Floor Dining Plaza early to accomondate the get together. They have even offered to bring the bartender in early also!
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BREAKING NEWS:

I have been mentioning that Harrah’s will not be extending it’s contract with Clint Holmes when it expires in early 2006 but nothing official has been said about it. I knew last week from a source at Harrah’s and it has now been confirmed by a Las Vegas Gaming magazine that Wayne Newton will take over the Clint Holmes Theatre once Holmes’ contact has expired.
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies

Rumblings that Mick Jagger and Sir Richard Branson met in Las Vegas in the past week with local Internet concert producer Larry Pfeifer. The project: the concept of having gambling on Las Vegas-bound plane flights.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Some say Jagger eyeing air games

Esquire magazine is honoring two Wynn restaurants, Alex and Bartolotta, today in New York City at a party featuring the 20 best new restaurants in the United States.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Krave, billed as the only alternative club on the Strip, may be heading for a new home.

Boa Steakhouse in the Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, has introduced a new lunch menu, including prime-beef sliders on brioche, ahi tuna on ciabatta and a build-your-own salad.

Triple George Grill, 201 S. Third St. in downtown Las Vegas, has introduced a happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays with live music and free appetizers.

Las Vegas’ Metro Pizza was named one of the 10 best pizzerias in America in a new book, “Everybody Loves Pizza,” by Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby. It’s in such heady company as Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, Conn.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - RESTAURANT NEWS

The Sahara has a mini Blackjack tournament every Wednesday starting at noon. Entry fee is only $25. All money paid in is paid out as cash prizes and players are given a free buffet.

Members have been asking about New Year’s Eve entertainment on Fremont Street. Here is the lineup. Cheap Trick, Gin Blossoms and the Spin Doctors.

Rumors are that Steve Wynn is not happy with the numbers from Avenue Q. He is said to be seriously considering buying out it’s contract and bringing in another show.

Rumors are also getting very strong about Bette Midler getting her own showroom soon.

Danny Gans is now on a three month leave for surgery.

Lots of positive reviews about the entertainment at the Casbah Lounge at the Sahara. There are surprise guests dropping by all the time.

Bally’s Sterling Brunch, the best in Las Vegas is now a whopping $62 a person…and worth every penny.

The Wynn dinner buffet is now $31.95, a $4.00 increase.

Palace Station has two new restaurants. Chang’s a Chinese restaurant and a new coffee shop called the Grand Cafe.

The Las Vegas Hilton now has “Construction Girls” that roam the casino randomly handing out scratch cards good for free shows, buffets and T Shirts. It’s all part of their renovation promotions.

Say good-bye to the Strolling Entertainers at the Excalibur.

The famous Binion’s $1.99 Steak Special has been long gone but you can still get a 12-oz. sirloin steak along with a baked potato and a veggie for $4.95. The special is served in the coffee shop. (It may not be on the menu so just ask fir it…24 hour availability.)

Also don’t forget the #1 rated Ellis Island Steak Special which unlike Binion’s also includes soup, salad and dinner rolls. This one is NOT on the menu and you MUST ask for it.

Penn and Teller are the only act from either Harrah’s or the Rio to have been offered and signed a contract extension at this time.

Once again, reservations are not being accepted at the Topicana for any dates past February 2006 leading to the conclusion that implosion is just around the corner.

Roy Horn’s stem-cell treatment, which appears to be a success based on his progress, cost a cool $500,000, upfront, I’m told. His treatment was to continue, but then came the shocking death of his stem-cell researcher. Dr. Albert Scheller of Germany’s Leonardis Clinic was found dead Aug. 29 in his room at The Mirage while in town to visit Horn.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: 50’s bash could get watchdogs’ eye

The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook is at it again. It will be the first sports book in Las Vegas (probably the first sports book in Nevada) to post first half and second half wagering on every NBA game. The season kicked off Tuesday November 1, 2005, and all the fans are primed and ready. “We wanted to do something different this year for our players so we decided to offer them opportunities to wager on both halves. Some guests don’t have an opinion on games until they see them play and then they develop one as the game goes along,” says Jay Kornegay, executive director of race and sports.

Superstar Barry Manilow, who headlines at the Las Vegas Hilton with “Manilow: Music and Passion” at the Las Vegas Hilton through 2007, will perform a special benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the Hilton Theater on December 16. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. More than 10 million Americans are unknowing, symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene. For benefit tickets (and special room rates) call 800 732-7117.

The Canal Street Cafe at Jerry’s Nugget, 1821 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is offering an 8-ounce New York steak and shrimp dinner for $6.89 for a limited time. The dinner includes soup or salad, potato and bread. It’s available from 4 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - RESTAURANT NEWS

Whatever the cash flow at Wynn Las Vegas, image maestro Steve Wynn is said to be the draw for high rollers — and not so much from Los Angeles as around the world. “It’s the image,” an Asian booking agent said. Visitors from Asia want to roll the dice against the development guru because they believe they will win. Americans want the cachet they win playing against “Steve.” High rollers may try other joints, but they want to play Wynn Las Vegas. “Steve’s genius — or luck — was to make it personal,” another agent said.
reviewjournal.com — Business - INSIDE GAMING
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NORM: Boom times ended in ‘55.

Honk if you’ve heard “Is Las Vegas overbuilt?”

Jack Wishna, who makes a living making Las Vegas megadeals, has the perfect comeback for the naysayers: The June 20, 1955, cover of LIFE magazine.

Wishna, who forged the deal that lured Donald Trump to Las Vegas Boulevard, said Sheldon Adelson, owner of The Venetian, brought the cover story to his attention.

On the LIFE cover, which features cancan dancers at the Moulin Rouge, the headline asks: “Las Vegas — Is Boom Overextended?”

Inside, the eight-page spread is titled “Gambling Boom Town Las Vegas Pushes Its Luck.”

Adelson has earned the right to chuckle at the doubting Thomasinas. When he’s done with his decidedly long-term bullish view of Las Vegas’ future, his 3,000-room, $1.6 billion Palazzo expansion will boost The Venetian/Palazzo to more than 7,000 rooms, largest in the world.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Boom times ended in ‘55
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Strip’s Halloween tradition still going strong.
Performers flock to 39th annual Beaux Arts Ball at the MGM Grand.
A group of Japanese tourists formed a mob around Dallas Fueston as he walked through the MGM Grand on Halloween, his masked helper and giant, furry gromet creature in tow.

Fueston took the attention in stride, posing for photos as the crowd marveled at his black wizard costume and cape, his electric gray animal gaze (courtesy of contacts), and the white creature with oversized blinking eyes.

The sight was a stunning spectacle, but only part of a larger display of outlandishness that waited beyond the entrance of Studio 54.

It was the 39th annual Beaux Arts Ball, one of many events held on the Strip throughout the year but one of the most popular among those in the entertainment industry. The costume extravaganza is known as the party for show kids, as local performers are called, to dress up and act foolish once a year and in the process raise money for a good cause.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-03-Thu-2005/living/4091423.html———
NORM: Pageant may find home in Las Vegas.

Is the Miss America pageant sashaying from the boardwalk to a new home on Las Vegas Boulevard?

No one’s talking on the record, but there are strong signals that the 2006 pageant will be held in January at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood, after 84 years in Atlantic City.

In August, the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority’s board of directors severed the relationship by voting 7-0 to release the Miss America Organization from its contract because of financial issues.

The pageant has been struggling financially and hit rock bottom last year when it lost its TV deal.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Pageant may find home in Las Vegas
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Chocolate Wonderland opening for holidays.

Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas offered a fictitious ride this summer, but visitors are in for the real deal this holiday season.

Ethel M Chocolates will create a Chocolate Wonderland at its local factory and Cactus Garden, filled with the sights and sounds of “chocolate” in addition to the merriment of the holiday season.

From Nov. 17 to Jan. 2, families can stroll down the illuminated cactus pathways of Ethel M Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden and experience the sights, smells and sounds of a Chocolate Wonderland from sundown to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

In addition to the more than 250,000 lights, award-winning pastry chef Patrice Caillot will demonstrate and showcase chocolate houses (a twist on the standard gingerbread assortment) and other sculptures made from chocolate.

At various times during the season, local choirs will perform holiday tunes. Santa Claus will make appearances in the garden on Friday and Saturday evenings (through Dec. 23).

“Our cactus lighting has become an annual tradition, now in its 12th season,” said John Haugh, president of Ethel M Chocolates. “We wanted to create something special this year, something that truly embodies what Ethel M Chocolates is all about; a fun, festive place for the whole family, with of course lots of chocolate.”

During Chocolate Wonderland, visitors are invited to see how Ethel M Chocolates are hand crafted.

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden is located at 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - Chocolate Wonderland opening for holidays
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Second City benefits hurricane victims

Alumni from The Second City will perform at “The Benefit for Laughter,” a fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity.

The evening of sketch comedy and improvisation will feature current members of the Las Vegas cast of The Second City, alongside alumni such as George Wendt, Tim Meadows, Jeff Garlin, Richard Kind, Tim Kazurinsky, Keegan Michael Key, Nell Flynn and Ian Gomez.

Tickets cost $65 and $75. Call 733-3333 for information.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - EYE OPENERS
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Here are the latest slot reviews from Casino Players Ezine.

Slot Reviews

Reviews are listed by Slot Name, Manufacturer, average hit frequency and
payout range offered, (low to high) if information is available.

1) Gilligan’s Island: IGT. 91-93%. 2 spins.
“Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale”.about a bunch of castaways
stranded in a slot that pays an instant jackpot of $20,000 for Gilligan’s
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All your shipwrecked buddies are here: Gilligan, Mr. and Mrs. Howell,
Skipper, Ginger, Mary Ann and the Professor.
The main Shipwreck Bonus is activated when three Shipwreck Shorts appear on
the middle reel. Clips from the famous TV series are shown while you make
your selection for a credit bonus and perhaps select a Bonus Pick for added
credits.
Secondly is the Castaway Cash for three bonus symbols showing up on the
first three reels.
Pick one of the castaways to start up the Professor’s Contraption and
between multipliers and free spins, your total reward is revealed when the
contraption stops.
I have a feeling this crew won’t be saved as long as this slot is paying
it’s way.

2)Animal House: IGT. 88-90%, 2 spins.
This Comedy Classic is set up as a multi-site progressive with a top box
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Scatter pays are Greek letters with bonus returns in the range of 2X-200X
the line bet.
The bonus round occurs when three Delta House symbols appear activating the
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3) Newlywed Game: IGT 88-93%, 2 spins.
This slot is worth the play just to hear what the new mates have to say.
The theme is the classic TV game show completed by the familiar music, funny
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Three or more wedding gift scatter pays will land you at the Wedding Gift
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Pick your favorite couple to reveal a multiplier and then three questions
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All this amusing chitchat and slot play turns into serious money with a
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LANCE BURTON TO APPEAR ON NBC’s `LAS VEGAS’ & `E!’s’ `PARTY AT THE PALMS’

The Monte Carlo Resort’s headlining magician Lance Burton will appear on NBC’s hit series with James Caan and Molly Simms called “Las Vegas’ on Monday, Nov. 14th at 8 p.m. playing himself a Las Vegas magician. The TV drama is in its second season. Two days later you can see the master magician on “E!” with Jenny McCarthy on “Party at the Palms” at 10 p.m. and repeated again at 10:30 p.m. Jenny McCarthy and her entourage did a four-camera shoot at the Lance Burton Theatre and Lance Burton turned her into a magician and floated her offstage. Jenny McCarthy in her 27th day of shooting also interviewed Lance Burton in The Green Room after her performance in his “Master Magician” show on The Strip.
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“STOKES PRODUCTIONS MOVES SHOWS TO STARDUST’S HYPNOTIC LOUNGE”

HYPNOLARIOUS, STARING MICHELLE VANREE, AND HYPNOSIS GONE WILD, ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW HOME AT THE “HYPNOTIC LOUNGE” AT THE STARDUST RESORT AND CASINO.

HYPNOLARIOUS IS A FIVE NIGHT PER WEEK PG-13 RATED SHOW STARRING MICHELLE VANREE AND DEOGEE, THE HYPNOTIC PUPPY. MICHELLE AS THE ONLY FEMALE HYPNOTIST IN LAS VEGAS AND WOWS HER AUDIENCES WITH HER UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE, WHICH IS A NICE BREAK FROM THIS MALE DOMINATED FIELD OF ENTERTAINMENT. THIS SHOW HAS TREMENDOUS FAMILY APPEAL AND HAS ENJOYED A VERY SUCCESSFUL 4 YEAR RUN AT THE BOURBON STREET CASINO. MICHELLE STATES, “I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS CHANGE, AND IS PLEASED TO CALL THE “HYPNOTIC LOUNGE” MY NEW HOME!”

HYPNOSIS GONE WILD IS AN ADULTS-ONLY VERSION OF THE TERRY STOKES TOURING SHOW. TERRY’S CAREER SPANS OVER 35 YEARS AND IS CONSIDERED THE TOP SHOW IN THE INDUSTRY. WITH THE ADDITION OF MICHAEL JOHNS, AS THE ALTERNATING HYPNOTIST, HYPNOSIS GONE WILD IS ABLE TO RUN 7 NIGHTS PER WEEK MICHAEL JOHNS IS QUICKLY BECOMING KNOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC STAGE HYPNOTISTS IN THE COUNTRY TODAY.

SHOWTIME’S HAVE CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGE IN VENUE. MICHELLE WILL PERFORM IN HYPNOLARIOUS AT 8:00 PM, 5 NIGHTS A WEEK, WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY. HYPNOSIS GONE WILD WILL PERFORM 7 NIGHTS A WEEK AT 10:00 PM, WITH ALTERNATING HYPNOTISTS.

TICKETS WILL STILL BE PRICED AT $39.95, PLUS TAXES. STOKES PRODUCTIONS WILL BE EXPANDING THEIR GLOBAL REACH BY INTRODUCING AN ONLINE TICKET AND MERCHANDISE STORE AVAILABLE THROUGH THEIR TICKETING PARTNER CYGNUS ETRANSACTIONS GROUP (OTC: CYGT). IN ADDITION, WITH CYGNUS’ NEW HANDHELD SALES TOOL, STOKES PRODUCTIONS WILL BE ABLE TO ROAM THE LAS VEGAS STRIP TO PROMOTE AND SELL TICKETS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR HYPNOLARIOUS OR HYPNOSIS GONE WILD CALL 702-360-5419.
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“Plaid” Tidings

Jinx, Frankie, Smudge and Sparky are again sent back to Earth to bring “Plaid Tidings” to all in the Gold Coast Showroom beginning Nov. 17, 2005. In the original play (”Forever Plaid-A Heavenly Musical Hit!”), the group was brought back to life for one night to perform the show they never got to perform in life. In “Plaid Tidings” they announce that they have been resurrected once more, but they have no idea why. While performing old favorites, the group soon discovers a strong urge to break into holiday songs. With a little help from above and a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, the group discovers that they must perform the ultimate holiday show or be doomed for all eternity.

“Plaid Tidings” is a show for the whole family, which combines favorite tunes from the ’50s and ’60s, with traditional holiday songs and carols, such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Dreidel Song,” “Home for the Holidays,” “Let It Snow,” and “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.” “Forever Plaid: ‘Plaid Tidings’” is playing nightly at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. Performance dates run from Nov. 17 through Dec. 31.

“‘Forever Plaid’ - The Heavenly Musical Hit!” will return to the Gold Coast Showroom on Jan. 3, 2006.
http://www.igoshows.com
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November Entertainment

The second week in November has Harvey Korman & Tim Conway at the Stardust. Kelly Clarkson will perform her make-up concert at the Aladdin. Carrot Top will be at the MGM Grand, and then moves to the Luxor. David Allan Coe is at Boulder Station, Paula Poundstone will be at Sunset Station, Dana Carvey will be at the Mirage, Roy Clark plays at Suncoast, LDS Music Festival comes to Cashman Center, the Guess Who will be at the Fremont Street Experience, Johnny Rivers plays at Texas Station. This weekend of the 12th & 13th will have Nellis Air Force Base Air Show—which is usually an amazing spectacular.

Week number three brings the Celebrity Impersonators Convention to the Imperial Palace, as well as The HBO Comedy Festival which will take place at both Caesars Palace and the Flamingo. Debbie Reynolds will be at the Orleans, George Carlin -appears at the Stardust, and the Rolling Stones will play at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Moody Blues will play at the Mirage, Al Jarreau appears at the Suncoast, the Ultimate Fighting Championship comes back to the MGM Grand, and Pink Floyd will appear at the Aladdin.

The last week in November, which includes the Thanksgiving weekend, has Neil Sedaka at the Orleans, Comedian Carrot Top will begin his three-year run at the Luxor, Wayne Brady will be at the Mirage, and Paul McCartney will appear at the MGM Grand. Three Dog Night comes to the Silverton. Depeche Mode does a show at the Hard Rock. Foreigner comes to Texas Station, Bill Acosta plays at the Suncoast, and the Miss Rodeo America pageant is at the Orleans.

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: ( www.lvol.com ).
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My views on We Will Rock You closing
By Phil Arnold

This is some bad news for me, and other people that enjoyed live Rock N Roll in a staged show. We Will Rock You is closing on November 27th, five days before my vacation to Las Vegas. This show has been rated third by me of all Las Vegas shows. The music is wonderful, a great live bands and some wonderful vocals.

The show always had trouble selling enough tickets. I think Paris,
when it was owned by Caesars, attempted to sell some discount
tickets, lowered the prices of seats far away from the stage, and
offered a Sunday afternoon matinee with all tickets being around
$60. They did so to get more people to see the show. And the show’s quality was good enough to bring a lot of repeat customers back.

But when Harrahs bought Paris and Caesars in particular, then the
relationship of the show with Goldstar outlets was ended. The Sunday discount matinee was done away with. The lower tier of ticket prices was gotten rid of. All and all, I would say that Harrahs doomed this show with its corporate lack of hustle. In addition, Harrahs corporate policy edited this show down to 90 minutes, cutting it from 2 hours, in show that was already 40 minutes shorter than its London counterpart. I think this drove off some other people, in particular Queen loyalists who didn’t want a shortened show, and considered the time cuts anathema.

I am very sad especially for the cast of the show. I would like to
thank Joey Calveri (Galileo understudy), Carley Thomas (Oz), Aspen
Miller (Scaramouch), and the live band for a wonderful entertainment experience. I called this show the best Rock on The Strip.

Ironically, I think the villain of the show was very comparable to
Harrahs corporate policy. In the show the computerized music,
sometimes called CRAP (I forgot what that stands for), is rebelled
against because of its poor quality, and the Bohemians seek genuine
Rock N Roll. Well, it seems Harrahs corporate policy has doomed
quality entertainment in the form of this show.

However, this show is not alone in being threatened by Harrahs.
Ballys contract with the Society of Seven will end in January. And
strong rumors persist that Clint Holmes and The Scintas will not have their contracts renewed.

So now there will be a big hole in Paris, in a beautiful theater with a show that was a wonderful show no longer being there. To my
thinking, this move by Harrahs will just make it less desirable to go to Las Vegas for vacation than it was before.
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Vegas Values Report for 10/30/05

The below 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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TIP TROUBLE: Do clubs get taken for ride?
Owners say cabbies force them to pay for patrons.

While strippers inside Las Vegas Valley clubs collect G-strings full of dollar bills from customers, club owners say they’re being fleeced by the cabbies who deliver those patrons.

Club owners have lodged several complaints with Clark County, saying they are forced to pay cabdrivers outrageous amounts of cash to bring patrons to their doorsteps.

The payout? Seventy dollars per head, according to some club operators.

If owners don’t pay up, taxi drivers stage a boycott of their business by diverting customers to the clubs that do tip, the owners say.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-29-Sat-2005/news/4058257.html
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NORM: Pope’s 1975 Ford Escort goes for $690,000.

A nicked-up 1975 Ford Escort GL formerly owned by Pope John Paul II sold for $690,000 Saturday to a Baptist car collector from Texas.

John O’Quinn of Houston told The Associated Press he plans to put the papal clunker in a museum. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, a car fanatic, attended the auction at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Meanwhile, over at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood, John Lennon’s white suit from the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album was purchased for $118,000 at Saturday’s rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia auction.

The headdress Elizabeth Taylor wore in “Cleopatra” fetched $13,500; Harry Houdini’s lock, key and pick went for $12,000, and Marilyn Monroe’s personal appointment book from 1961 brought $16,000.

Bidding was fierce for Lennon’s 1956 Austin Princess, a modified hearse featured in the 1973 “Imagine” documentary, and auction organizers indicated a negotiation was being worked out.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Pope’s 1975 Ford Escort goes for $690,000.
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MIKE WEATHERFORD: Memories of venues you’d rather forget.

You can argue all you want about which Las Vegas showroom stands at the top of the entertainment ladder, but everyone knew the bottom rung: The Bourbon Street Casino.

Local juggler Will Roya had the dubious honor of staging “Spotlight,” the last show ever presented in a smoky, decrepit little lounge that was separated by only a curtain from a rundown casino. The show closed last June, ahead of what turned out to be the hotel’s demise on Oct. 17.

The new owner, Harrah’s Entertainment, planned to let the Bourbon Street stay open through Monday, but a water main break pulled the plug. Some of Roya’s less-fond memories include “prostitutes in the bathroom, homeless guys taking baths in there” and drunks knocking over that precious dividing curtain.

“Sometimes people would want their money back without even seeing the show,” Roya says.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-30-Sun-2005/living/4005182.html.
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‘High Stakes Poker’ lands on cable’s GSN
By Carol Cling

Poker’s still in the chips as a TV draw, as cable’s GSN ups the ante for televised Texas hold ‘em with “High Stakes Poker.”

The new no-limit series, debuting in January, shoots Wednesday through Friday at the Golden Nugget.

Unlike other shows that feature a tournament format, “High Stakes Poker” more closely resembles exclusive behind-closed-door games, explains Ian Valentine, GSN’s senior vice president, programming.

Players expected to participate (at a $100,000 minimum buy-in each) range from poker aces Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu to Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss.

“It’s a brand-new format that’s never been done before,” Valentine says. “It’s a money game, not a tournament. Nor is it an entertainment format.”

In other words, he adds, it’s “the way poker was played for decades and decades before tournaments began …”
reviewjournal.com — Living - SHOOTING STARS
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ANNOUNCING THE “VEGAS S&M” PODCAST UPDATE

Welcome to the Vegas S&M Update, a weekly e-mail that will inform you of who’s appearing on the hot new Internet radio show and podcast co-hosted by freelance journalist Steve Friess and his partner, local TV producer Miles Smith. (Get it? S&M? Steve & Miles?)

This week’s show features two acclaimed NYC chefs, Daniel Boulud and Rick Moonen, who took different paths to the Vegas Strip. Hear it through your computer at podcasts.lvrocks.com/player.aspx?showid=375 or find instructions below to download it and hear it at your leisure.
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COLLIN FOSTER ‘QUICKER THAN THE EYE’

“Collin Foster: Quicker Than the Eye” is now playing in the third floor showroom at the Plaza hotel in downtown. Foster is a sleight of hand artist and card manipulator that gives us an hour of close up magic. He will often even repeat a trick to show off his amazing skill, even though the audience is only a few feet away (and there are cameras watching every move) the manipulation is undetectable.

Close-up magic and card tricks have always been my favorite forms of illusions. I will take a sleight of hand artist over a giant prop magic show any day of the week … but they have to be really good. I have seen enough magicians to know and understand the basic principles of most of the tricks, and I generally know what to look for in an illusion, but with all of that said, I still go because I want to be fooled and amazed. I want to be baffled and stunned. I want to see a trick and say, “that’s impossible.” Collin Foster fulfilled those hopes in me and had me at the edge of my seat scrutinizing every movement he made, and he tricked me every time. I loved it.

Not often does an illusionist repeat a trick. A standard phrase used by many magicians is, “the first time is entertainment, and the second time is education.” On a number of occasions, Foster bucked this phrase and did an illusion a second time … daring us to catch on to what he had done. He is so adept at his craft that the manipulations were never detected.

The third floor showroom at the Plaza is not one of the premier showrooms in town. Basically it’s a converted banquet room that is doing its best. Even so, it works fine. There was certainly the necessary intimacy created to make this show come off well. With close-up magic, you want to be close … and we were. The needs of the show are simple: a table, cards, and Collin. We could see, we could hear, Collin created magic, and that’s all we needed.

Another great aspect of this afternoon show is that, for the most part, it’s free. It will cost you the price of a drink, and the drinks are not prohibitively priced. It is a great way to spend an afternoon. I wish Collin Foster well and hope for his continued success. He puts on a fun and interesting show … and for the price, it is certainly a great find and worth the trip downtown. - By Chuck Rounds 10.4.2005

Click here for a free coupon.
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponcollinfoster.html
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Andrea Bocelli to Tape Live Concert Special at Lake Las Vegas Resort.

Lake Las Vegas Resort announced today that Grammy-nominated Italian pop and classical singer Andrea Bocelli and 14-time Grammy Award-winning producer/songwriter David Foster will reunite with Emmy-winning producer/director David Horn for a nationally televised concert special starring Bocelli and airing on Thirteen/WNET New York’s GREAT PERFORMANCES on PBS in March 2006. The television special, a live outdoor performance, will be Bocelli’s first full contemporary music concert.

The concert special will be performed on Lake Las Vegas Resort’s floating stage, a venue that sits on the resort’s signature 320-acre lake. With sweeping views of the Pontevecchio-style bridge and Mediterranean-themed village as a backdrop, Bocelli will perform popular music from his forthcoming album, such as “Autumn Leaves” and “It’s Impossible.”

The concert will be taped at the resort on December 9th and 10th, 2005. Bocelli’s new album, due out in February 2006, will feature collaborations with a number of contemporary pop artists. Several guest artists are expected to perform with Bocelli on stage for the television special.
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Word getting out on New Frontier

Phil Ruffin’s plans for the New Frontier site have been a well-kept secret — until now. The announcement, I’m told, is still two months away, but the word’s getting out.

For starters, I hear the tentative new name is Mondo and the hotel-casino will have 2,000 rooms and 750 suites.

Remember that massive Ferris wheel that was to be part of the Rio’s expansion? Someone who saw the blueprints says the Mondo project, if that’s the eventual name, will feature a Ferris wheel.

A spy says look for the New Frontier demolition to begin in late spring and construction a few months later.
reviewjournal.com — News: NORM: Word getting out on New Frontier

Posted on November 4th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter