November 11th, 2005

Happy Veterans day and a big THANK YOU to all the veterans in the newsletter family.
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LAST CALL: Members Meeting in Las Vegas

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!
Deadline is this Tuesday!
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies:

We may be seeing a lot more of “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul. There’s buzz that she’s choreographing a show for a new theater at the Silverton. Maybe that recent sighting of Abdul at Club Paradise was research to check out some new moves.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Dame Edna, one of the most celebrated comics in the United Kingdom, has signed a 16-show deal starting Dec. 18 at the Luxor. She’s been appearing on Broadway in her all-new “Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance.”
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Street talk is that the four downtown Tamares Group properties are actively being shopped. The Tamares Group, a private, international investment company, in June rescued partner Barrick Gaming with a $10 million bailout for the Plaza, Gold Spike, Las Vegas Club and Western Hotel. Scuttlebutt is that gaming operators have been approached quietly and told a deal can be made if they’re interested. “Everyone who might be interested has been told,” brokers say. So far, few takers and no deals. Operators say no one believes in downtown, not with a downturn on the horizon.
reviewjournal.com — Business - INSIDE GAMING

The Palms is set this week to unveil the world’s only suite with an indoor basketball court. Designed for basketball enthusiasts like the Maloof brothers, who own the Palms, the two-level, 10,000-square-foot “Hardwood Suite” comes with a locker room, scoreboard, pool table, poker table and dance floor. It’s part of the property’s new, 347-room Fantasy Tower, a $600 million expansion that includes a recording studio and a 2,200-seat showroom.
reviewjournal.com — Business - INSIDE GAMING

Executives of the new show “Love is a Pain,” which opens Dec. 26 at the Riviera, FYI, met with drag queen Kenny Kerr last Saturday and offered him a starring role. According to Marvin Lashever, the show’s general manager, Kerr indicated he was in negotiations with another project and could not make a commitment for at least another two weeks. Kerr is reportedly at the top of the list to replace Frank Marino in “An Evening at La Cage” if his feud with “La Cage” producer Norbert Aleman ends in a legal split.

Magic rivals David Copperfield and Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller are trading insults again. This time, Jillette, is hitting below, umm, the belt. Reacting to Copperfield’s plan to make a female audience member pregnant on stage “without sex,” Jillette noted, “The only way Copperfield can reproduce is with a cheesy magic act.” Copperfield countered, “If his reputation were as big as his gut, he wouldn’t need to include me in his press release.” With Jillette soon to host a one-hour live radio show on KSFN-AM 1140, stay tuned.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Menopause The Musical opens February 1 in the Las Vegas Hilton’s Shimmer Cabaret. Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, Writer/Producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Since its first performance, the show has evolved as a “grassroots” movement of women who deal with life after 40 and all the challenges that result in the mental, physical and spiritual freedom of the post-World War II baby boomer generation.

The Las Vegas Hilton is in the middle of its multi-million dollar construction and renovation enhancement project for 2005 (scheduled to be completed by the end of December). The lobby is part of that project and visitors to the Hilton can see the changes on a daily basis: stunning 24” x 24” stone floorings, imported from Italy and Spain that sparkle, mixing light colored beige marble and black granite accents; four circular inlaid medallions adding 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.

For an R-rated good time without the raunchiness see hypnotist Michael Johns in the Hypnotic Lounge (an intimate showroom) at the Stardust. Michael Johns never crosses the line but keeps his adult-oriented show fun and full of laughter. It was Art Linkletter who said, “People are funny.” When Johns brings this out in their subconscious mind it’s a big hit. When Michael Johns is on the road don’t be surprised if you see his world-renowned partner Terry Stokes. Show times are 10 p.m. nightly. Admission is $39.95. See twistedcomedy.com. Call 732-6235.

The Monte Carlo’s headlining magician Lance Burton will be riding the 4.5 miles in the Rose Bowl Parade as one million spectators watch him wave and do his magic live on the FTD Float “Your Wish is My Command.” It all begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2nd (check your local TV listings). It will be the most widely broadcast TV appearance that the renowned magician has ever appeared on and for the first time China’s 730 million TV sets will have access to America’s most famous parade with the theme of “It’s Magic” thought up by Sandra Day O’Connor who is the grand marshal for 2006. About 40 million North American viewers will tune in while 89 territories will see his magic worldwide. Art rendering of float attached Lance will be standing in place of the front smaller genie.

The poker world is buzzing about the divorce of whiz-kid Daniel Negreanu and Wynn Las Vegas.

Negreanu, the 2004 Player of the Year, served as the Wynn’s “poker ambassador” since it opened in April. He confirmed the recent split in a poker chat room, saying he wanted to play in big games and “it was important to them that I played exclusively at the Wynn.”
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: It’s splitsville for Negreanu, Wynn

Harrah’s magician Mac King will have a national presence in Barnes & Noble bookstores during the Christmas shopping season. The book chain will exclusively sell a magic kit based on his syndicated newspaper comic, “Magic in a Minute.” King and the chain connected through the agent who handles his strip.

But the retailer has 673 stores, while fewer than 20 newspapers carry the strip, including the Review-Journal. “They think this is a product that sort of stands by itself,” King says. The $15 kit will include a 64-page book in comic strip format and an instructional DVD filmed at Harrah’s with local youngsters.
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

The Rainbow Bar & Grill, 4480 Paradise Road, has quickly emerged as a hot spot for the late-night crowd. Early birds will find a two-for-one special for the rest of the year on all entrees, 5-7 p.m., seven days a week. My pick: Chicken Francaise, $14.95. For more information: 898-3525.

Rumors persist that Clint Holmes and The Scintas won’t be renewed amid rumblings that Harrah’s Entertainment has been contacting a number of high profile comedians about a rotating lineup. Holmes’ contract runs until October 2006. “Just rumors,” said his spokesman, Dave Kirvin. John Milke, the Scintas’ manager, said he expects “clear direction” sometime in January. Their contract ends in April.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Despite rumors of quick development or sales moves in the works, the Tropicana, across from MGM Grand, is proceeding steadily, at its own pace, with development plans. There’s really no reason for the company to rush, Wall Streeters say. It may be getting strong expressions of interest from would-be buyers, but so is everyone on the Strip. However, Tropicana owner Aztar Corp. has a clean balance sheet, strong earnings and deep pockets. Unlike the owners of the Riviera or the Sahara, Aztar is a company with a dated property that can afford the time to write its own ticket.
reviewjournal.com — Business - INSIDE GAMING

Emeril Lagasse’s star chefs’ fundraiser for kids affected by Hurricane Katrina raised $1.5 million at The Venetian on Saturday. A New Orleans businessman paid the most — $150,000 — to appear on Emeril’s Food Network show. Bidding on Andre Agassi’s private tennis clinic with Steffi Graf stalled at $100,000 until Lagasse jump-started it. He offered to cook steaks and mix margaritas. Larry Ruvo, Southern Wines’ Vicar of Liquor, won it with a bid of $140,000. The chef lineup included: Daniel Boulud, Charlie Trotter, Michael Mina, Mario Batali, Nobu Matsuhisa, Julian Serrano, Bradley Ogden and Sam Choy.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

Whether you want to get away from the family or bring them along, Vegas is ready! So book your Thanksgiving trip and join in the fun from Nov. 24 - Nov. 27, 2005. For a weekend of gluttony, check out our Thanksgiving dining guide. All information is subject to change without notice. Most prices listed do not include tax or gratuity. Reservations are recommended.
http://www.vegas.com/shows/thanksgiving.html
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New Year’s Eve In Las Vegas

Nobody does it like Vegas
The Strip fills with revelers. Fireworks explode over the hotels. The casinos are body-to-body, the showrooms filled with A-list entertainers and Vegas is more gloriously alive than you’ve ever seen it. New Year’s Eve in Vegas is a world-class celebration, and this guide will help you find your way through it with lists of parties, headliners and more.

http://www.vegas.com/newyears/index.html?vc1=1&vc2=cal_txt_newyear
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NEW RADIO SHOW ‘LUNCHTIME WITH IRA, LIVE FROM THE LAS VEGAS HILTON’ DEBUTS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 ON KDWN AM 720 TALKRADIO

“Lunchtime With Ira, Live from the Las Vegas Hilton,” a weekly radio show broadcast from the classic property’s Shimmer Cabaret, will debut on KDWN AM 720 TALK RADIO on Monday, November 14 at noon.

The show will feature Ira David Sternberg hosting celebrities, entertainers, tourism executives, writers and others who make Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world.

“This program will reflect the excitement of Las Vegas, both in its choice of guests and the fact that it will broadcast live from this exciting location,” said Sternberg, whose career includes decades of professional broadcasting as well as public relations, writing and communications. Sternberg was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2000. He previously hosted a long-running weekly talk show on KDWN, “Las Vegas Notebook.”

Prior to joining the Las Vegas Hilton as vice president of communications, Sternberg served as president of IDS Creative Communications and deputy chief of staff to Lt. Governor Loraine Hunt.

The premier show on November 14 will feature Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Norm Clarke, whose man-about-town column, “Vegas Confidential” appears daily in the Las Vegas Review-Journal; and Jay Kornegay, executive director of the Hilton’s race and sports SuperBook.

The broadcast also will be streamed live on www.kdwn.com .
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Shows to Keep Your Heart Pounding

Whether they’re steamy and sexy or tasteful and artsy, Las Vegas adult productions keep popping up. The following is merely a condensed list of productions from the city’s biggest players; they’re also among the best:

• Chippendales: To keep these beefcakes happy, the Rio revamped its space and gave them their own showroom, complete with a posh VIP area and gossip pit-turned bathroom. Sexed-up ladies even get a chance to catch up with the objects of their desire after the show in the aptly-named Flirt lounge.

• “Crazy Girls”: An homage to seven pairs of beautiful buttocks, “Crazy Girls” is a bachelor party on steroids, as the girls turn into biker babes, pole dancers and perform naughty chair routines. If your blood’s not boiling on the way out, there’s something wrong with you.

• “Erocktica”: A hot and sweaty production, courtesy of Greg Thompson Productions (whose other titilating show, “Skintight,” excites guests at Harrah’s). Singer/dancer Gabriella Versace & Co. tear it up to hard rock hits from AC/DC, Aerosmith and more.

• “Fashionistas”: A stage production based on John Stagliano’s adult film of the same name, “Fashionistas” follows the love triangle involving a young fashion designer, her female boss and a world-famous male designer. With fetish fashions, elaborate fashion shows and one of the best production teams in Vegas.

• “Jubilee!”: It’s pure Vegas spectacle: all showgirls, all of the time. Sure, the costumes are among the most lavish we’ve seen, but there’s no kidding that what crowds really want is to see them come off. Watch for the erotic Samson and Delilah scene; you can’t get much hotter than that.

• “La Femme”: Modeled after the famed Crazy Horse in Paris, France, light patterns fuse with the nearly naked body in this sensual, “art-of-the-nude” production. The provocative choreography takes full advantage of the dancers’ ballet training.

• “Splash”: For 20 years, this variety show’s specialty acts — as well as its showgirls — have gotten hotter and hotter, and the production has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, it just underwent yet another update to coincide with Las Vegas’ 100th birthday.

• “Skintight”: From the streets of Rio to the center-Strip, Carnivale has gone wild at Harrah’s, where a bevy of beautiful topless dancers pays homage with brightly colored plumes and barely-there costumes. For the guys, the sultry Shannon O’Keefe will keep your blood racing; gals will enjoy the hot Darryl Ross.

• “Zumanity” — No matter what your persuasion, you’re bound to find something to turn you on here; two female dancers cavorting in a giant fish bowl, a male dance of seduction or a devilish sprite named Jesus are but a few of the options.
http://www.bestreadguide.com/lasvegas/stories/072805/sho_hotshows.shtml
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Las Vegas Historic Museum Opens At The Tropicana Resort & Casino

The newest addition to the Tropicana Resort & Casino is the Las Vegas Historic Museum, an exhibit that allows customers to take a peek into Las Vegas’ underworld, focusing on gaming, mobsters, entertainers and the brothels of Nevada.

Many interesting items can be found in the Gambling & Gangsters section of the museum. At the entrance of the museum, a video focuses on the Las Vegas Mafia and covers the rise and fall of mob influence and involvement. Several giant-size photos of well-known mobsters, such as Bugsy Siegel, Frank Rosenthal, and Al Capone decorate the walls. Bugsy’s death certificate and Los Angeles Times articles with interesting stories about the mob days of Vegas are also on display. A replica of the “black book” can also be found, listing the names of all “bad guys” who have been banned from casinos.

Several entertainers are represented in the museum. Statues of three members of the ‘Rat Pack’ - Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra - are displayed to symbolize their days of performing in the Copa Room at the Sands. Playing on a monitor nearby are scenes from the original “Ocean’s Eleven” movie, starring “Old Blue Eyes.” Memorabilia items of other entertainers, such as Louis Prima, Judy Garland, Wayne Newton, Elvis Presley and Liberace are also on display, including a photo of the Beatles performing at the Sahara.

Another section of the museum focuses on brothels in Nevada, giving customers a look into legalized prostitution. Back in 1950, 35 legal brothels were in operation in Nevada , including Mabel’s Whorehouse, Madam Kitty’s, Sheri’s Ranch, the Green Lantern, the Mustang Ranch, and the Chicken Ranch, all of which are represented in the Las Vegas Historic Museum. Some of the items on display that could be found in a brothel back in their heyday consist of books the girl’s read, liquor decanters from 1960, old calendars, colorful lamps, an old-fashioned pink telephone, and a hairdryer. Brass tokens used to pay the women are also on display.

A variety of items from Las Vegas hotel/casinos, past and present, as well as information on several of the developers, can also be found in the museum. Highly collectible commemorative decanters from the Sahara, Harold’s Club, and Caesars Palace fill one display case. Champaign bottles that were found in the Hacienda and the Landmark are also part of the exhibit. Memorabilia from the El Rancho fire can also be found. Vintage slot machines are set up in several areas of the museum, including one that was housed at the Golden Nugget. Several casino gaming chips and swizzle sticks are also present. Photos and other memorabilia detailing two of Las Vegas most famous developers, Steve Wynn and Howard Hughes, are also available for viewing.

More videos can be seen throughout the museum. One video tells the story of the various casino implosions and fires that have occurred over the past decade in Las Vegas. Another video shows a retrospective of the Las Vegas icon, Showgirls.

The Las Vegas Historic Museum is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p .m. General admission is $6.95 for adults and $5.95 for seniors. Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult to enter museum.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com/Las_Vegas/las_vegas.html
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Rainbow Bar & Grill Announces Two-for-One Early Bird Special
Rainbow Bar & Grill announced today the launch of a two-for-one early bird special. Patrons can enjoy the two-for-one special on all entrees when dining during the times of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week.

When ordering, patrons simply let their server know they would like the two-for-one special and when they purchase an entrée they will receive their second entrée of equal or lesser value for free. This offer is good for both locals and tourists alike. Tax, gratuity and alcohol not included in any discounts; management reserves all rights.

Rainbow Bar & Grill in Las Vegas is open 24-hours serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night meals featuring a similar menu to the original, including its world-famous pizza and homemade chicken soup. Its décor recreates the Hollywood location with red leather booths and rock n’ roll memorabilia adorning the walls. The venue is 7,500 square-feet in size and includes a full-service bar, two dining rooms with plasma television screens, an outside year-round patio and a main lounge for live entertainment. The Rainbow Bar & Grill also offers rooms and menus for private parties and events. Rainbow Bar & Grill is located at 4480 Paradise Road, in the heart of Las Vegas. For more information on the restaurant, please call (702) 898-3525.
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‘LA CAGE’ AU FEUD

Kenny Kerr’s appearance in the audience at “An Evening at La Cage” (Riviera) on Friday has raised some eyebrows.

The sighting of the veteran drag queen comes amid legal wrangling between “La Cage” headliner Frank Marino and the show’s producer Norbert Aleman.

Rumors that Kerr is replacing him are “ridiculous,” Marino said Tuesday. “Our lawyers are trying to work it out. I can’t quit and I can’t be fired, unless the lawyers prove somebody breached the contract.”

Marino, who has five years left on a 10-year contract, has hired local attorney Mark Tratos and is seeking a retraction from Aleman, who spanked Marino in a letter to the media.

Aleman claimed Marino “misrepresented” himself as the producer, co-owner and only star of ‘La Cage’ and, through his self-promotion, caused “many hurt feelings among some very talented performers.”
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-26-Wed-2005/news/4007110.html
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Tommy Lee once again took Vegas by storm, celebrating his (belated) birthday with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at a table on the dance floor at Tao on Saturday night. The Motley Crue rocker was presented with a cake - complete with sparkler candle - prepared by chef Sam Hazen and was had fed frosting by one of the club’s sexy waitresses. Word around town is that Lee stayed at The Palms hotel (where ex Pam Anderson and Kid Rock also had a room) and made a brief appearance at another birthday bash - for Elton John’s boyfriend.
http://www.celebrityweek.net/Pages/VegasNews/1025Headlines.html
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Celine Dion says she is ready to have another baby - by in vitro fertilization - when her engagement at Caesars Palace ends in 2007. “I am approaching 40 years-old, and I have to tend to that,” she tells French entertainment magazine Tele 7 Jours. “This frozen embryo that is in New York is my child waiting to be brought to life.”
http://www.celebrityweek.net/Pages/VegasNews/1025Headlines.html
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From “Eye On Vegas”

Last week SEVEN nightclub’s owner, Zohar Robin, announced that after five years of operations the freestanding venue would be closing its doors permanently. This move is dictated by the impending construction for the massive CityCenter project that will include the land currently housing SEVEN. “We were fully aware of the new projects on the Strip and the effect it would have on the club location,” stated Robin, “However, it could not have come during a better time. I have been working on a new venue with a whole new concept and design in the Downtown Entertainment District.” Robin’s new venue on the corner of LV Boulevard and Fremont Street is set for an early 2006 opening.

With the winter season approaching, the team behind Diego, the MGM’s excellent Mexican restaurant, has released a new menu to coincide with the cold months ahead. After General Manager Joshua Summers and Executive Chef Chris Palmeri showed off their menu to a connected group of locals a few weeks back, they have now unveiled it to the masses. Our favorites three dishes that will warm your soul and make you smile from ear to ear: Sopa de Elote con Huitlacoche (Roasted sweet corn soup with huitlacoche and roasted corn salsa with stuffed squash blossom), Empanadas de Bison con chile Rojo (Crispy empanadas of braised Aerican Bison with spinach, oaxacan cheese, epazote and three chilies, finished with mole rojo, salsa Mexicana, crema and Costillitas carmelizados) and Con chile Ancho (Ancho braised beef short rib, potato and onion “pastel,” radish and orange salad). “The winter season is a special time and we wanted to introduce some new authentic dishes,” noted Palmeri “We have helped usher in a new era to Mexican cuisine in Las Vegas and these new dishes will only further educate our guests on the great flavors of our neighbors to the south!”

Hustler Magazine Publisher Larry Flynt has set his sights on the Vegas strip as the location for his first casual themed restaurant concept, the Hustler Bar & Grille. “We’ve invited hoteliers and developers to contact us with possible locations” said Hustler Bar & Grille’s President Brad Saltzman.

A new gimmick for the fantastic “Avenue Q” show over at Wynn has parts of Vegas getting covered in orange fuzz. It started last week with a selection of bright orange, fuzz covered taxicabs.
http://www.lasvegasfoodservice.com/newsletter.shtml
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Hairspray Brings The Best Of Broadway To The Luxor

The musical comedy phenomenon, Hairspray, brings the best of Broadway to the Luxor. Tony Award winning actors Harvey Fierstein and Dick Latessa will reprise their original Broadway roles. In true Las Vegas form, Hairspray promises to be larger than life with an ending that will bring audiences to their feet.

Preview performances are February 6-14, 2006. Premiere performances begin February 17, 2006. Regular performances will be Thursday-Tuesday. Dark: Wednesday

Preview show times will be 7 p.m. Monday/Tuesday, Thursday/Friday; 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday/Sunday.
Premiere show time will be 7 p.m. Regular performance times will be 7 p.m. Monday and Friday; 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday/Sunday.

Preview prices will be $50 (not including tax or service charges). Premiere and regular prices will be $85 for the main floor and $65 for mezzanine (not including tax or service charges)

Tickets are now on sale at the Luxor Box Office or by calling (702) 262-4900.
www.casinotravelnews.com
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Ra explores new ground with Exotique
By Martin Stein

Since MGM-Mirage took over Mandalay Bay, Ra’s fate has been a question, not helped by the departures of DJs Warren Peace and Mr. Bob, and recently, its hyper-enthusiastic marketing manager Steven Lockwood. (The DJs are at Curve Fridays and Lockwood is now part of the Jet team at Mirage.)

Part of the answer will emerge this week with the unveiling of a twice-a-week performance spectacle being mounted by the Luxor and Masquerade Inc., a two-man partnership consisting of Douglas Leferovich and Seth Yudof, with help from Joe Trammel, recently seen on Wayne Newton’s’ The Entertainer.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2005/10/13/linepass.html
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Update Hotel Review:The California
By Rick Garman

The California is an easily overlooked Downtown property with a very specific niche market. Despite the name, The Cal, as it is affectionately known has a Hawaiian theme, going back to the days when Sam Boyd ran the joint and brought some of the flair from his favorite state to the Las Vegas desert. A marketing effort was born and today many of the people who stay here are from Hawaii. The overlooked part comes mainly from location. Since it’s not right on the Fremont Street Experience people tend to forget it’s there, which is too bad because walk one block and you’ll find a well-tended, unique property that can provide plenty of bargains in just about every category.

The casino is small but well laid out, with all the latest machines making their arrivals to keep the place up to date – more than 1,100 of them total. They also have all of the standard table games, a keno lounge, and a small sports book. It’s all done in a very bold Hawaiian theme, at least in terms of the colors, but the overall affect is more subtle than you might expect. The atmosphere as a whole is quieter than at many casinos so this may be a good place to keep in mind if you need to gamble without all of the din usually associated with such a space.

There are two towers offering a total of 781 rooms. Those in the so-called “West Tower” have been completely remodeled as of this writing and the rest will be getting a similar makeover soon. The end result is a simple but nice accommodation with cozy furnishings, comfortable beds, and all of the basic amenities you could want (although fancier stuff like robes and high-speed Internet are not offered).

As far as décor it’s more of the tropical motif but very, very subtle here – to the point that you kind of have to strain to see it, but that’s ultimately a good thing as far as I’m concerned. So if what you wind up with is a bit on the bland side, it’s better than garish colors keeping you awake all night. The new plantation shutters on the windows are a nice touch, similar to the very nice rooms at sister property Main Street Station just across the street.

The bathrooms are very small so I hope you’re on good terms with whomever you are sharing your room with. But again, it’s all a matter of proportional comparison. These are no smaller than what you’d expect at most chain motels but when you stack them next to the bathrooms at Strip resorts, which are often nicer than my apartment as a whole, these suffer a bit.

There are several restaurants on site including a 24-hour café, a pasta joint, an upscale (yet inexpensive) steak and seafood type establishment, and a snack bar but no buffet. That’s okay, you can go across the street to Main Street Station for one of the best buffets in town. On your way, you can browse through the small “Bridge Shops,” a handful of boutiques on the elevated walkway between the hotels that offers some Hawaiian food items and the local favorite, Ethel M. Chocolates among others. This is where you’ll also find a small video arcade for the young ones to amuse themselves in.

There are only a few hotels in the Downtown area that have pools and The California is one of them. It’s not much to get excited about – small and simple but adequate if what you need is a quick dip or a bake in the sun.

Service throughout the hotel is exceptionally friendly, a hallmark of most Downtown properties and especially the ones in the Boyd Gaming chain. It’s quite a nice change of pace from the brusque attitude you get at the fancier joints.

The price is where you really start to get excited about staying here. I’ve seen room rates as low as $50 a night here, an almost crazy bargain when you consider that you’re getting newly renovated rooms, a good location with easy access to Downtown and the freeway to The Strip,

Highs: Solid and dependable lodging, unique atmosphere, low cost.
Lows: Not the fanciest place in town.

Location: 6 - Close to all the downtown action
Price: 7 - You can find some bargains here
Value: 6 – When rooms are cheap, you get a good deal
Rooms: 7 – Fairly standard but nice and newly remodeled
Casino: 8 - Not usually too crowded, colorful Hawaiian theme.
Amenities: 7 – Missing a few niceties but not many
Facilities: 6 - No real entertainment offerings, small pool, but still good
Service: 8 - Top notch
Fun: 5 - Amusing but not flat out fun
Bonus: 8 – Additional points for new remodeling

Vegas4Visitors Rating: 67
Vegas4Visitors Column for October 10, 2005
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Vegas4Visitors 2005 Readers’ Poll Results: Hotels!
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 final results of the voting as our readers pick their favorite hotels around the city:

Best Off-Strip Hotel
#1 – Green Valley Ranch. On one level this is quite a stunning upset as the locals’ favorite steals the crown from The Rio, a hotel that had won the category in years past. But look at what the hotel has to offer and you’ll understand why it garnered 20.3% of the vote for a first place finish.

#2 –Rio Suites. Slipping to number two is nothing to be ashamed of in a category as fiercely competitive as this one. 18.9% of the vote went to the Rio to put it in a solid second place.

#3 – Palms. This compelling hotel has done a good job of mixing two disparate crowds: the tourists who like things exclusive and expensive and the locals’ who like them cheap. 13.8% of our readers’ votes put The Palms at number three.

#4 – Orleans. 12.4% of the vote went to another locals’ favorite a couple of miles west of The Strip. Big rooms, huge casino, good food, and usually affordable… what’s not to like?

#5 – Sam’s Town. On the far east side of town is this longtime neighborhood joint that mainly appeals to folks who like things affordable. Sam’s Town got 7.8% of the vote to make it into the Top 5.

Best Downtown Hotel
#1 - Golden Nugget. It wasn’t really a contest to be honest. Despite some fading glory, the premiere Downtown hotel garnered an astounding 62.7% of the vote for a commanding first place victory.

#2 - Main Street Station. My particular favorite Downtown hotel had its metaphorical butt kicked by the Nugget but with 9.5% of the vote, this charming Downtown gem got a respectable second place finish.

#3 - Binion’s. The Glitter Gulch legend is still making the cut with 6.2% of the votes picking Binion’s as their favorite for a solid number three.

#4 - Fitzgerald’s. Call it the luck of the Irish or just call it a good hotel at decent rates. Whatever the reason, 4.9% of the votes cast went to the Fitz and put it in at number four.

#5 - Four Queens. Congrats to the Queens, which managed to get 4.1% of the vote to scramble into our Top 5.

Best Strip Hotel
#1 – Bellagio. With more than double the votes of the hotel in the number two spot, the Bellagio pulled off a three-peat to win Best Strip Hotel with 18.7% of the votes.

#2 – Caesars Palace. The massive amounts of money thrown at Caesars over the last couple of years have done a lot for the hotel, at least in this poll. They moved up from #5 last year to capture #2 with 8.5% of the vote.

#3 – The Venetian. There’s something to be said for consistency. Last year the Venice-themed masterpiece got 8.4% of the vote and did the exact same thing this year. The only difference is it was only good for a third-place finish this year instead of number two last year.

#4 – The Mirage. It’s important to compare the hotels in this top five in terms of price. The Mirage, while expensive, is usually cheaper than any of the other properties listed here so the fact that you can do well for (a little) less is important, or at least so sayeth our readers who granted 7.9% of their votes to the Polynesian paradise.

#5 - Mandalay Bay. Although its overall votes and percentage didn’t sink much, Mandalay Bay’s 7.2% of the vote was only good for a fifth place finish this year, down from #3 last year.

Best Overall Hotel
#1 – Bellagio. In a city filled with remarkable hotels the fact that Bellagio has won the crown of Best Overall Hotel for four years running is a true testament to the things they continue to do right there. 11.8% of our readers’ vote makes Bellagio a blue-ribbon winner again this year.

#2 – The Mirage. The hotel that changed Las Vegas can still compete with its newer and fancier neighbors, at least according to our readers who cast 6.5% of their votes to The Mirage for a second place finish.

#3 – Caesars Palace. Finish just a few votes behind The Mirage with 6.4% of the total, Caesars has come a long way baby. Back in 2002 when we started the Readers’ Poll, Caesars didn’t even show up on the list much less capture third place.

#4 - Mandalay Bay. It sank a spot from last year but Mandalay Bay’s 6.1% of the total was still good enough for fourth.

#5 – The Venetian. The Venetian managed to ward off some strong competition from hotels like MGM Grand and Luxor to hold onto a spot in the Top 5 with 5.5% of the vote.
Vegas4Visitors Column for October 3, 2005
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Updated Show Review: Second City
By Rick Garman

Before there was “Saturday Night Live” and “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” there was Second City, the Chicago comedy group that spawned “SCTV” and the careers of John Belushi, Mike Myers, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, and a host of others. For a couple of years now Las Vegas has been blessed by its very own Second City company at the Flamingo Las Vegas and I’m happy to report the show, while totally different, is just as good as it was the first time I saw it. For the uninitiated, Second City is not stand-up comedy, with a guy in front of a brick wall with a microphone. Their specialty is sketch comedy and improvisation, a rapid-fire succession of comedic vignettes lasting only a few minutes – sometimes only a few seconds – barely leaving the audience time to catch their breath, but in a good way.

Five performers and a pianist/sound effects person prove their quicksilver comic chops quickly, launching into a dizzying run of sketches, which, on this particular night included a couple being introduced to their friends’ newly adopted “kid,” a thirty-something cigarette smoking, beer-drinking lech; a workout gone awry; and a running gag about woman who simply wants to change her cell phone but has to deal with a customer service department that has been outsourced to another country. I thought the latter was a little xenophobic until I got home and found my computer had crashed and spent the next three weeks with Hewlett Packard customer support, but perhaps that’s a story for another time.

Sprinkled throughout are Vegas specific bits including a bargain basement version of the Bellagio Fountain Show that should become a staple in every show if it isn’t already. Along the way they throw in more improvisation, audience participation, songs, and some wicked social commentary just for kicks. Some of it is R-rated and most of it leans to the left-wing side of things so parents with younger kids, the easily offended, and people who use terms like “the liberal media” may want to look elsewhere.

The genius portions of the program surround the improve sections, where suggestions from the audience are thrown around in order for the cast to create sketches, songs, and even an entire musical tribute to one guy named Mario who delivered mail and like spaghetti. You try finding something to rhyme with spaghetti. I actually would’ve preferred more improve in the show but if that’s your bag you can get entire evening of “Scriptless” improvisation from Second City on Tuesday nights at 10:30.

Unlike your average episode of “Saturday Night Live” there wasn’t one clunker in the bunch. To be certain, some things worked better than others, but that’s like complaining that some of the diamonds you found are smaller than the rest.

And unlike most Vegas shows, this one can always be fresh. With the rotating cast of performers and new material being phased in all the time, the show will be slightly to totally different every time you see it.

You get all of this for the ridiculously low price of $40 with half-price or 2-for-1 coupons often available (check the local papers or free in-room magazines). There isn’t a better entertainment value in all of Las Vegas.

Vegas4Visitors Grade: A

The Second City
Flamingo Las Vegas
3555 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
888-308-8899
www.flamingolv.com
Shows: Thursday and Sunday through Tuesday at 8pm
Friday and Saturday 8pm and 10:30pm
Tuesdays at 10:30pm, “Scriptless.”
Tickets: $39.95 plus tax
Vegas4Visitors Column for October 3, 2005
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Monorail ridership falls off.

Las Vegas Monorail ridership has tumbled by nearly 12 percent since hitting an all-time high earlier this year, with fewer than 29,000 riders taking the rapid transit system each day last month.

But system officials said this week that they weren’t alarmed by the ridership drop, adding that a seasonal turnstile slip was expected for the $650 million system, which has yet to break even financially.

“That’s normal for Las Vegas,” said Curtis Myles, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Monorail Co. “I’m not surprised by those numbers. I knew we’d be down in August and September. That’s just how this town works.”

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-20-Thu-2005/news/3895405.html
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MIKE WEATHERFORD: Half-price ticket outlets could change the way show tickets are sold.

The quiet rollout of five new same-day, half-price ticket outlets has the potential to reshape the way show tickets are sold on the Strip.

Showtickets.com — formerly Allstate Ticketing — is trying the “if you can’t beat ‘em … ” approach after losing same-day sales to half-price outlets.

It has been very difficult to sell a day-of, full-priced ticket for the producers who sell the two-for-ones,” says Ben Jones, director of operations. “We sat back for a long time, but now we’re trying to recapture some of the same-day sales that we lost.”

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-20-Thu-2005/living/3842622.html
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Hooters gets OK from panel

Hooters, the restaurant chain whose tank top-and-orange-shorts-wearing Hooters Girls have become national icons, won unanimous state Gaming Commission approval Thursday to operate the first Hooters-themed hotel-casino in Las Vegas.

Approval came quickly, although Commissioner Radha Chanderraj questioned whether the 15,000 Hooters Girls employed by the 400-store restaurant chain will receive opportunities to advance into executive positions.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-21-Fri-2005/business/3934916.html
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SHOW REVIEW: Same Songs Say So Much.
Adding a few tunes to Elton John’s ‘Red Piano’ would make for a more complete experience.
By Mike Weatherford.

Most nights, the most amazing sight at Elton John’s Caesars Palace show is going to be the giant inflatable breasts. But on a recent evening, the honors went to something witnessed only by those who kept their eyes on the guy who often takes a backseat to his video and stage trappings.

It was at the beginning of “The Bitch Is Back,” amid the diversion of Pamela Anderson on the giant video screen. The man who created the song planted both of his palms on the top of his red piano and vaulted his portly 58-year-old body a few inches into the air, a faint yet resonant echo of the days when John himself was the focus of his concerts.

OK, it wasn’t much. But fans can only wonder what might happen if the singer put a treadmill and bench press in that big Caesars Palace suite of his. By this time next year he could be kicking over the piano bench again, or even stomping around in the giant “Pinball Wizard” boots from the “Tommy” movie, as one cohort suggested he should do every night to justify a $280 ticket.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-21-Fri-2005/weekly/3898310.html
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Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment
Gwen Stefani will play the Aladdin Theatre on Dec. 3 with Ciara. Prices are $55, $85 and $97.50. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Aladdin box office, through eveningstar productions.com and through Ticketmaster at 474-4000 or ticketmaster.com.

The newly reconstituted INXS will play the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Jan. 28. Tickets are on sale now for $47.25, $68.25 and $89.25. They’re available through Ticketmaster.

B.J. Thomas will play Boulder Station on Jan. 21. Tickets are $23, $26, $34 and $42 and can be purchased at the hotel’s Boarding Pass Rewards Center, 4111 Boulder Highway, and at area malls. To charge by phone, call 547-5300.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - TICKETS: Stefani coming to the Aladdin
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PLAYER’S EDGE: Harrah’s, Rio offer Set for Life giveaway

Both Harrah’s and the Rio are running a major promotion through Dec. 10 called Set for Life. Like most Harrah’s giveaways, this promotion is creative, generous and a little complicated to explain. You must be a Total Rewards member to participate (new members will receive a special Set for Life travel bag). Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 3-7 p.m., members can swipe their card for a chance to win a variety of gifts including $5 cash, movie rental gift cards, Sharper Image gift cards or a $25,000 Simon Malls Visa Gift Card. (You can swipe your card twice daily once at Harrah’s and once at the Rio.)

The two casinos also have daily drawings every hour during the above prize periods. This week the hourly prize is $50, and that increases $25 every week until it reaches $225 the final week. Members earn two automatic entries for every 50 base Reward Credits ($250 coin-in on slots, $500 video poker) earned that day. Winning names are posted at the Rewards Center, and players have one hour to claim their prizes. Details of the Dec. 10 grand prize drawing have yet to be announced.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Oct-21-Fri-2005/weekly/3902280.html
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I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. Please leave a comment if you like.

Steve

Posted on November 11th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Uncategorized