December 2nd, 2005

Well the jetlag is finally easing up so I am sending out the newsletter today instead of Tuesday.

My son, his girlfriend and myself had a very nice time in Las Vegas. None of us were winners but we had a fun time. I should have a trip report soon.

Briefly, the IP was our homebase and everything was perfect. Bob set me up with a great room and my son and his girlfriend were in a Luv-Tub Suite..I never had one of those rooms )-:

Shows we saw were: Larry G. Jones, Legends In Concert, Fashionistas, Delisco and David Brenner. Dining: Ming at I.P., Beni-Hana at L.V. Hilton, Limerick’s Steakhouse at Fitzgerald’s with Larry G. Jones, I.P, wynn Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas and Aladdin Buffets.
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If you haven’t been to the Forum Group, you’re missing a lot of great info. The Forums are here:www.everythinglv.com/forums

The Trip Reports and Restaurant Reviews are also posted at the Forums.
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies

The Las Vegas City Council has agreed to give up an entire street for the premiere Downtown hotel/casino The Golden Nugget. A block of Carson Avenue will be given up so that the hotel’s new owners can expand with a new hotel tower, a second casino, and additional entertainment and/or restaurant offerings. For those of you trying to picture it, Carson Avenue runs parallel to Fremont Street one block away and is the street that runs between the Golden Nugget’s parking structure and the block with The Golden Gate hotel and casino. Formal plans for the expansion and a timetable have not been set but the new owners, Landry Restaurants, are already starting some substantial changes including the closure of several restaurants, a remodeling and expansion of the main casino, and more.
http://www.vegas4visitors.com

The Academy of Country Music’s 40th anniversary celebration, taped May 18 at Mandalay Bay, airs Dec. 3 on CBS (KLAS-TV, Channel 8). Elton John’s “Red Piano” show at Caesars Palace is airing Dec. 14 as an NBC special.

The Society of Seven’s contract with Bally’s runs out at the end of the year. The group is negotiating a return for sometime next year, but spokesman Tony Ruivivar says the veteran show band will spend the early part of 2006 out of town, hitting ports of call as distant as Guam and Australia.
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

Las Vegas Hilton headliner Barry Manilow has announced he will release a new album, “The Greatest Songs of the Fifties,” on Jan. 31 on Arista; he’s reteaming with longtime collaborator Clive Davis.

Be careful out there folks. Longtime Las Vegas publicist Wayne Bernath is recovering from a violent mugging while leaving Ellis Island with his wife, Peggy. He was knocked cold and required four stitches over his left eye. They were leaving the main entrance on their way to the parking lot, when Bernath was jumped. Earlier this year, two dancers in Harrah’s “Skintight” revue had to fight for their lives during a pistol-whipping in Harrah’s parking lot.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Good news for all you poker fans. JC Targon, manager of the Riviera’s new poker room, tells me that the resort will have No-limit Hold’em poker tournaments, every Sunday through Friday at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. The tournaments will be limited to 50 players and it will cost you $55 to enter. The poker room is located near the Sports Book area where Texas Hold ‘Em, 2 & 4 Hold ‘Em, 4 & 8 Hold ‘Em, No Limit Hold ‘Em and Seven Card Stud are featured. For more info, call the Riv’s poker room at (702) 794-9620.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas

Want to get in the holiday spirit? If so, take a drive out to Lake Las Vegas Resort and go for a skate on MonteLago Village’s floating ice rink. The rink is 40 feet by 70 feet, so you’ve got lots of room to show your stuff. It cost $12 per child and $15 per adult for an all-day pass and the rink will be open daily through Feb. 14. Lots of fun and you can also enjoy the Christmas decorations and beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas

Fin, featuring live seafood prepared steamed, baked or wok-fried, has opened at The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Signature dishes also include lobster tail with XO sauce, imperial Peking duck and pork belly Taiwanese-style.

Caesars Palace has a 60-foot Christmas tree and holiday display. The tree features 216,510 twinkling multi-colored lights — more than double the lights adorning the Christmas tree in New York’s Rockefeller Center.

Las Vegas Hilton headliner Barry Manilow has completed his latest album, “The Greatest Songs of the Fifties,” and recruited Phyllis McGuire to join him for a medley of The McGuire Sisters hits “Sincerely/Teach Me Tonight.” The Arista Records CD comes out Jan. 31.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons cut short their three-week engagement at the Luxor, according to the casino’s box office.

The final performance will be at 8 p.m. Sunday. The show’s run began Nov. 13 and was to continue through Dec. 8.
The reason for the cancellation has not been released. A spokesman for the Luxor could not be reached Friday.

“Manilow: Music and Passion” at the Las Vegas Hilton will celebrate its 100TH show on Monday, December 12 with two special performances that will be recorded for the PBS Special, “Barry Manilow: Music and Passion.” The special will be directed by David Mallet, whose work includes “Elton John: The Red Piano,” “Celine Dion: A New Day,” “Rolling Stones: Voodoo Lounge,” “Madonna: Blonde Ambition World Tour Live,” “Janet Jackson: The Velvet Rope Tour,” “U2: Zoo TV Live from Sydney” and “Cher: The Farewell Tour,” for which he won an Emmy. Manilow’s special will air on PBS in March 2006.

The Hilton poker room is busy with “A Full House for the Holidays” starting December 1. A winning hand of a full house or higher will receive a drawing ticket. On December 31, names will be drawn every hour from 12:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. to win $200. If a winner is not present, the prize will roll over to the next drawing. The final drawing at 11:30 p.m. is for $1,000.

The Las Vegas Hilton’s multi-million dollar construction and renovation enhancement project for 2005 is moving along smoothly (it will finish the end of December). Today, walls came down from the porte-cochere, and the scaffolding is being removed by the end of the week. Then the finishing touches will be applied. Get ready for the new grand entrance!

Reba McEntire, who sings the national anthem at tonight’s opening session of the National Finals Rodeo, is heading for the Las Vegas Hilton and a multiweek deal in the main showroom starting in May.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Saturday’s Jermain Taylor-Bernard Hopkins fight at Mandalay Bay is offering an extra add-on. Fans can be extras in a “Rocky VI” shoot that takes place before the fight. For more information, go to www.beinamovie.com.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Mikado at the Mirage has closed.

“Honky Tonk Angels,” which was a mainstay at the Gold Coast for several years before moving on last year, will be at the Sahara’s Casbar Lounge Dec. 6-11 during National Finals Rodeo week.

The free shows will be at 10 p.m. and midnight nightly, except Dec. 11, when performances will be at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
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AMERICA’S PARTY: Goodman promises a big bang on Dec. 31.

Combine Las Vegas and New Year’s Eve and there will be about as much subtlety as there were clothes on the showgirls that flanked Mayor Oscar Goodman on Thursday.

This year’s party, which will also end the city’s centennial celebration, will attempt to out-Vegas what has been an over-the-top annual event since 2001.

Officials promise a bigger and better fireworks show, as well as a goal of getting 12,000 people to simultaneously toast in 2006 together.

If successful in getting the lushes to tip wine glasses at the Fremont Street Experience it would set a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest toast. The previous record was 10,079 sake drinkers, the mayor said, though officials from Guinness could not be reached for comment.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-02-Fri-2005/news/4584337.html
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PLAYER’S EDGE: Terrible’s celebrates anniversary
To celebrate its fifth anniversary on Tuesday, Terrible’s is offering several one-day only promotions including a 5x royal flush promotion from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Penny royals receive a $160 bonus; nickel royals earn an $800 bonus; dime royals qualify for a $400 bonus; quarter royals reel in an extra $1,000; $1 and $5 royals are increased by $2,000. There are numerous restrictions and qualifications, including that each player may win no more than twice, no wild cards, Jacks or Better machines are excluded, progressives are included in the promotion but do not affect the size of the bonus, on multi-line games only the bottom line (or main line in Spin Poker) counts, and the promotion is over once the total bonus paid out reaches or exceeds $25,000. Other promotions include 5x points, a $50 bonus when you hit a four-of-a-kind in 5s, a $5 bonus on all blackjacks, a $50 bonus on every fifth game of every bingo session, and a free T-shirt when you place a $5 bet in the sports book. Again these promotions happen only this Tuesday.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-02-Fri-2005/weekly/4548440.html
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SHOW REVIEW: ‘Erocktica’

A Little Less Live: ‘Erocktica’ drops its rock band, but the backing tracks give the singers more to do. By Mike Weatherford.

Well, rodeo people, never say Las Vegas doesn’t roll it all out for you.

You just know “Buck Wild!” at the Sahara has been ticking off the days until the National Finals Rodeo, itching to sell cowboys a chance to see cowgirls in their Daisy Dukes jiggle around topless to Kid Rock’s “Cowboy.”

But competition is the American way, Hoss. And when “Erocktica” reopened at the Rio in late October, after a two-month break for an overhaul, it came back with its own topless cowgirls and even more current mall-country hits.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-02-Fri-2005/weekly/4550108.html
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Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

Coldplay will play the MGM Grand Garden on Feb. 3. Tickets — $40, $60 and $90 — go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the MGM box office and through Ticketmaster at 474-4000 and online at ticketmaster.com.

Queen will play the MGM Grand Garden with Paul Rodgers on April 7. Tickets cost $45, $85 and $125. They go on sale Saturday at noon at the venue box office and through Ticketmaster.

Kenny Loggins will play the Aladdin Theater with the Pointer Sisters on Dec. 30. Tickets cost $65, $85 and $125, and are on sale at the Aladdin box office and through Ticketmaster.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - TICKETS
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Globe-trotting Sixtiesmania returns by Jerry Fink

Fans of Sixtiesmania, and there are many, will be happy to know that the Australian group that performs tribute songs from the ’60s is back at the Sahara after being away almost a year.

Since leaving the Casbar Lounge, they have been performing in other parts of the world, including a six-month gig in Hong Kong.

Their return engagement premiered Tuesday — but if you want to attend a performance, you’ll have to move quickly. They close Sunday.

Hopefully, more dates can be arranged.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/dec/02/519755685.html
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Holiday Season In Las Vegas

Many people have additional vacation time around the holidays and they plan to spend it attempting to double their holiday bonuses at the tables in Vegas. So book your holiday trip early and join in all the festivities Vegas has to offer during the month of December. For those indulgent holiday meals, check out our dining guide. Many performers put on special shows full of your favorite music of the season and you can join in the fun seasonal events like Ethel M’s Chocolate Wonderland. 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/holiday.html
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New Years 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 Las Vegas Marathon Becomes Nation’s First Marathon to Offer Wagering.

History will be made at this weekend’s New Las Vegas Marathon when runners will not only be able to run the world Famous Las Vegas Strip for the first time, but they will be part of the only marathon in the nation in which you can place a bet. In order to bring an unprecedented level of excitement to the race, bettors will be able to wage on the winner of “The Challenge,” the top male and female professional runners.

This Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the Professional Runners News Conference, the New Las Vegas Marathon will announce the time differential for “The Challenge.” The Challenge is an L.A. Marathon innovation in which the Professional Women Runners start the race in advance of the Professional Men. Historic statistics of this year’s field of professional runners will determine the time differential. The first runner to cross the Finish Line wins a $50,000 first place cash prize and a $50,000 bonus for winning “The Challenge.”

Fans can place bets on the New Las Vegas Marathon starting this afternoon at Mandalay Bay.

“This is a very exciting development that speaks to the quality of our professional runners and instantly establishes the New Las Vegas Marathon as a serious race,” said New Las Vegas Marathon President William A. Burke.

SOURCE New Las Vegas Marathon
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WORLD POKER TOUR RETURNS TO BELLAGIO FOR THE FIVE DIAMOND WORLD POKER CLASSIC.

The World Poker Tour (WPT) returns to Las Vegas for the fourth annual Five Diamond World Poker Classic at Bellagio Dec. 12 – 16. The event is the eighth in a series of 17 scheduled WPT tournaments and the entry fee is $15,000. The champion of the Five Diamond World Poker Classic receives first-place prize money as well as a seat in the World Poker Tour Championship at Bellagio in April 2006.

Bellagio is currently hosting daily No Limit Hold ‘em tournaments through Dec. 10 in conjunction with the Five Diamond World Poker Classic. The entry fees for these tournaments range from $1,500-$5,000 and the entry fee for the super-satellite tournament, scheduled for

Sunday, Dec. 11, is $1,500. Professional and amateur players can register at Bellagio’s poker room.

The 2004 Five Diamond World Poker Classic at Bellagio included a WPT-record 376 participants and a prize pool of more than $5 million. Daniel Negreanu of Las Vegas was awarded $1.7 million for his victory. Negreanu defeated five other players at the final table including Humberto Brenes, who came in second.

“The players enjoy competing and the number of entries and total prize money continue to increase at each tournament,” said Doug Dalton, director of poker operations for Bellagio. “We look forward to ending the year with another successful event.”

The WPT is broadcast weekly on the Travel Channel at Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST/PST. The WPT consists of 17 nationally televised poker events filmed in casinos around the world, with the finalists competing for multi-million dollar prize pools. Season four of the WPT is currently airing and culminates with the 2005 WPT World Championship, hosted this past April at Bellagio.
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THE CURVE TO FEATURE THREE NEW RESTAURANTS

Developers of RA Nightclub at Luxor, Moorea Ultra Beach Lounge and 3950 at Mandalay Bay to add Spice to Southwest Las Vegas

THE CURVE announced today that successful Las
Vegas/New York restaurant and nightclub developers Billy Richardson and James Gundy are collaborating on two restaurants and one nightspot in the first phase of THE CURVE suburban village.

The names of the eating and drinking establishments are Sekkei (a fusion sushi
restaurant), Jack’s (an American style eatery with boutique wines by the glass and half-bottle) and Gasoline Alley (a retro-1940’s style bar with great food and inviting atmosphere).

“THE CURVE is one of the best opportunities in Las Vegas to locate a bar or restaurant,” said Mike Chernine, managing member, THE CURVE Development Company. “Not only will there be people living in and around THE CURVE, Southwest Las Vegas itself is underserved. It is the fastest growing region of the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States.”

“James and I felt that we needed to provide the quality of the Las Vegas Strip dining and nightlife experience while incorporating the village atmosphere of THE CURVE,” said Billy Richardson. “Our establishments will be as hip, fun and exciting as anything found in Las Vegas but created by locals for locals.”

“With these establishments we are helping to bring the resort amenities found on The Strip to the suburban village setting,” said James Gundy. “There is no other location in Las Vegas I’d rather locate a business. It is 10 minutes from everything – the airport, Green Valley, Summerlin, The Strip – it will be the place to live and the place to play.”

All three establishments will be completed early 2007 in Phase One of THE CURVE.

About “Jack’s”
“Jack’s” is named after Billy Richardson’s grandfather, a native Nevadan. Likened to “Blue Ribbon” located in New York, the menu will include a two sided American menu-the right containing classic dining options such as steak and the left containing a seasonal menu offering a diverse selection of options changing four times a year. A unique feature of Jack’s is its “wine-by-the-glass” service. The two-floor restaurant will carry 20 to 30 different boutique wines and a
small selection of wine offered by the half-bottle. The décor will be inviting, upscale and comfortable. In addition, Jack’s will feature outdoor dining. The first floor will be its primary dining room comfortably seating nearly 100 patrons; the second floor will include a speakeasy lounge, outdoor balcony lounge and banquet rooms.

About “Sekkei”
Sekkei,” Japanese for conceptual design, will not be your usual Sushi bar. The menu will include a wide range of Asian dining options sure to please the most discerning palette. Likened to”Ono” in New York, the setting and décor will be unique in Las Vegas. The restaurant will be located on one floor and will include indoor dining area and an outdoor dining patio. The patio will incorporate a Japanese garden. The primary architectural feature of the restaurant will be a
central circular sushi bar that will include recessed preparation area, booth and stool seating, high-definition video screens, and a large circular fish tank as the room’s primary element. Sekkei will seat over 140 patrons comfortably.

About “Gasoline Alley”
“Gasoline Alley” promises to be the hippest bar in Southwest Las Vegas. Designed in the art-deco fashion, the venue will resemble a 1930s/40s gas station drawing inspiration from famed artist Edward Hopper. It will fuse the quality of Las Vegas Strip nightlife with the comfort and familiarity of neighborhood living in an open and inviting space. Gasoline Alley will offer all the amenities of a favorite local hangout including intimate service, great food and a number of entertainment options including video poker.
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From “Eye On Vegas”

With a tremendous amount of pride, the Eye on Vegas is the first to announce that ELEVEN Las Vegas nightclubs have landed on Nightclub & Bar Magazine’s Top 100 Nightclubs in America list! The nightclubs that have been named on the Top 100 list are (in no particular order); Pure Nightclub (Caesars), Light Nightclub (Bellagio), Caramel Bar & Lounge (Bellagio), Club Chameleon (freestanding), Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce (Mandalay Bay), ghostbar (Palms), Ice Nightclub (freestandsing), Rain Nightclub (Palms), rumjungle Nightclub (Mandalay), Studio 54 (MGM) and Tabu Ultra Lounge (MGM). We think the list is pretty close to matching ours, with minor exceptions: Chameleon can’t be described as a nightclub, Caramel is really more of a lounge and Body English (Hard Rock Hotel) should be on that list. With eleven listings, Las Vegas takes over the top spot previously held by New York City, which landed only seven nightclubs on the list. “We are proud to announce the 2006 list of top 100 clubs in america. This years list clearly defines some of the best in the business with Las Vegas once again being recognized with more than ten clubs awarded,” Nightclub & Bar Magazine’s Reigning Queen Jennifer Robinson told the Eye. “Vegas truly exemplifies what nightlife is all about” Congrat’s to All!
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SHOW REVIEW: “Curtis Adams: Adrenaline — Magic That Rocks” By Mike Weatherford

Curtis Adams bills his show as “Magic That Rocks,” because, presumably, “Magic That Teen-Pops” wouldn’t have the same ring to it.

The 23-year-old magician spends much of the first part of his Plaza show dancing his fool head off with two female sidekicks, as though he’s auditioning for the Backstreet Boys. “Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to be in the music videos,” he explains.

Two of the comedy segments that come later have him pushing his cute, ever-smiling face into a video camera until his image distorts on the overhead screens. Sometimes, he even bonks his head right on the lens.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-25-Fri-2005/weekly/4348338.html
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PLAYER’S EDGE: Strip casinos offering holiday enticements

As a way to boost traditionally slow December business, several Strip casinos offer extra benefits that can only be collected in December — but are based on year-round action. For example, if you played at Paris or Bally’s anytime this year, you earned (along with your normal points) special holiday bonus points that may now be redeemed for additional cash before they expire on Dec. 25.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-25-Fri-2005/weekly/4433538.html
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McCartney Quiz
Just how well do you know the former Beatle’s songs?

Paul McCartney’s touring schedule precluded him from speaking us.

So the Review-Journal instead offers a quiz for Paul-o-philes to bone up on before Sir McCartney’s performance at 8 p.m. today and Saturday in the MGM Grand Garden arena.

Award yourself extra points for staying away from the Internet while playing.

Listed at right are the songs McCartney played Nov. 7 at his concert in San Jose, Calif., a set list typical of the shows he’s been playing throughout his current tour.

Each song from the list is an answer to a trivia questions below. Match the letter or letters listed next to each song to the clues below. Answers are printed below.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-25-Fri-2005/weekly/4410810.html
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RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Isn’t it time you started thinking about coming here for New Year’s Eve? If so, here’s a few examples of what you can expect as far as room rates go. If you’re planning on staying for just one night, here, as of this writing, are the rates: Circus Circus $81, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder $154, Cannery $159, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur $169, Sam’s Town $175, Stratosphere $178, Riviera $183, Suncoast $189, Palace Station $204, Orleans $205, Sahara $215, San Remo $215, Boulder Station $233, Bally’s $301, Texas Station $310, Tropicana $318, New Frontier $325, Excalibur $352, Aladdin $403, Harrah’s $406, MGM Grand $450, TI $470, Mirage $499, Palms $674, Venetian $699.

If you’re interested in two nights, look to spend the following: Flamingo $428, Imperial Palace $438, JW Marriott at Rampart $438, Stardust $450, Barbary Coast $460, Golden Nugget $460, Las Vegas Hilton $491, Hyatt Lake Las Vegas $499, Luxor $590, Caesars Palace $624, Rio $660, Monte Carlo $688, Ritz-Carlton $730, Westin Casuarina $755, Hard Rock $798, New York-New York $810, Mandalay Bay $870, Four Seasons $950, Green Valley Ranch $998, Paris $998, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay $1,040, Bellagio $1,217, Wynn Las Vegas $1,398.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lenny/2005/1130.html
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And the Winner Is …
Awards shows showcase variety of music, stars.
By Len Butcher

Lots of news from our town, including the The Comedy Festival that just ended this weekend. More stars in town than you can see in Hollywood and great fun. Looks like we’ll do it all again next year.

Several other big events coming up that you will be able to attend. The 2005 Billboard Music Awards returns to the MGM Grand Garden Arena for its ninth year and will air live Tuesday, Dec. 6, 8-10 p.m. on FOX, so your friends might even see you on TV. Tickets are $175, $90 and $50, and you can get them by calling Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000, or go to www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tom Petty is scheduled to receive the Century Award, Billboard’s highest accolade for creative achievement, and as always, most of the nominated performers will be on hand to receive their awards. Always a big night here.

The biggest names in music will also return to the Aladdin for the 2005 Radio Music Awards on Monday, Dec. 19. The show will be broadcast in a live two-hour telecast (9-11 p.m. EST on NBC). Tickets for this gig are a little pricier than the Billboard Music Awards, with a tag of $350, $250, $175, $150 and $65. You can also order them the same way, but instead of going to the MGM Grand web site, go to www.aladdincasino.com.

This year’s show will include a special salute to country music, featuring a performance by Keith Urban, who is also a nominee, as well as performances by Kenny Chesney, hip-hop heavyweight Fat Joe, Sugarland, Michael Bublé, Ricky Martin and Ashley Simpson. Should be an exciting night.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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NORM: Warm memories of Pat Morita

This is the Pat Morita that so many knew and loved: “It was February 2000 and my father and I were sitting in the lounge at the Brown Derby (in the MGM Grand) listening to (Frank) Sinatra stylist Bobby Barrett,” R-J online reader Steve Snider of Sumner, Wash., said in an e-mail on Thursday, the day Morita, 73, died.

Morita, who was celebrating his wife’s birthday, borrowed the microphone from Barrett and sang an impromptu version of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”

Snider and his father had extra chairs at their table and invited the Moritas and a mother-in-law to join them.

Morita shared many stories over the next couple hours, Snider said.

“But what I recall most about our conversation was his relationship with Redd Foxx. He teared up several times when speaking about Mr. Foxx and the day he had died. Pat told me that he was the first to receive the call about Mr. Foxx’s passing.”

When fans approached the table with photo requests, Morita “would refer to me as his grandson,” wrote Snider, adding that he is blond with blue eyes.

At the end of the night, when the server came to clean off the party’s table, Snider said Morita “stopped the server, kind of pushed her back, then he stood up and slapped his arms down on the table, famously pronouncing, “Wax on, wax off.”

The line became a catchphrase after Morita played Mr. Miyagi in “The Karate Kid.” In the role, which earned him an Oscar nomination, Morita’s Miyagi was a wise and nonviolent instructor who taught Ralph Macchio’s character karate hand movements by waxing a car.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Warm memories of Pat Morita
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Q & A BRECK WALL
Creator, producer, director and star of the revue “Bottoms Up”
By Jerry Fink

At least two things have had major effects on the life of the 71-year-old entertainer — the revue that debuted at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas in 1959 and his friendship with Jack Ruby.

In front of a national television audience Ruby shot Lee Harvey Oswald on Nov. 24, 1963, two days after Oswald was arrested in connection with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Wall brought “Bottoms Up” to Las Vegas in 1964, where it ran almost continuously for 30 years at various venues. Its last home was at the Flamingo Las Vegas — the show closed in October 2004.

Wall says he has spent the past year revamping the production and hopes to reopen sometime in January, with the same principal players at a Strip location.

“I’ve been talking to various hotels for an afternoon slot,” Wall said. “Meanwhile, we’re working on a lot of new numbers — we’re only keeping three from the old show.”

While the show’s future may be uncertain, there is at least one sure thing in Wall’s life: Every year around this time he gets calls from national and international media asking about his relationship with Ruby.

“I think I’m the only person still living who knew Jack well,” Wall said.

Today marks the 42nd year since Wall visited Ruby in a Dallas jail and talked about the events that shocked the world.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/nov/30/519743056.html
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‘Plaid Tidings’ good holiday fit
By Jerry Fink

“Plaid Tidings,” the Christmas version of the popular musical “Forever Plaid,” is a perfect show to get you into the mood for the holidays.

Although “Tidings” is a bit too long and could benefit from a little Christmas trimming, it generally maintains the qualities of its counterpart that makes it an evening well spent.

“Tidings” is about 110 minutes long, compared to the 90-minute run of “Plaid.”

The main problem, other than the length, is that the holiday production is not as smooth as the nonholiday version, with the transition into the Christmas songs and into the yuletide story line somewhat forced.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/nov/25/519718916.html
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North Strip: Brink of a boom?
By Liz Benston

With land prices continuing to rise and condominium towers coming out of the ground at the Strip’s north end, the Stardust and the recent buyers of the nearby Westward Ho have redevelopment plans under way and say they aren’t waiting for others to build first.

Meantime, the owners of the Riviera and the New Frontier are choosing to play a waiting game.

Officials with both hotels say they’re in no hurry to redevelop their properties, which have benefited enormously in recent years from soaring land prices.

The Riviera’s owner decided last week to end a nine-month search process during which the company discussed potential joint venture partners, refinancing deals, mergers and remodeling plans.

LOT’S More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2005/nov/20/519693503.html
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Design of BATHHOUSE Spa in THEhotel at Mandalay Bay Once Again Recognized for Excellence at 25th Annual Gold Key Awards.

BATHHOUSE, located inside THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, continues to set itself apart from other spas. At the recent 25th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality, BATHHOUSE received the Grand Prize in Spa Design by the International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show. Created by New York-based design firm, Richardson Sadeki, the 15,000-square-foot luxury spa features unique elements, which garner attention in both the design and spa worlds.

Richardson Sadeki’s renowned design team drew inspiration for BATHHOUSE from Baroque architecture reinterpreting it for modern times. The final result led designers to coin the phrase: “slow space.” The experience begins at the entrance of BATHHOUSE. The $25 million spa reveals itself to patrons in small moments, creating the feeling of privacy in an open environment. The inventive yet simplistic use of cool stone, polished glass and falling water provide a soothing and tranquil escape for guests – even when they’re enjoying the very public areas of the spa’s plunge pools, soaking tubs, steam rooms and saunas.

This is the second design award for BATHHOUSE and Richardson Sadeki. On June 8, 2005, Hospitality Design Magazine selected BATHHOUSE for its first annual Creative Achievement Award for Best Spa Design. Hospitality Design is the premier architecture and design publication for the hospitality industry.

BATHHOUSE is located on the second floor of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. The two-story complex features 12 treatment rooms, separate hot-and-cold plunge pools, hot whirlpools, eucalyptus steam rooms, redwood saunas, relaxation lounges, vanity/locker rooms, a salon and a state-of-the-art gym. BATHHOUSE offers a full range of treatments including massages, wraps, baths, facials, nail care, UV-free tanning, waxing and personalized fitness assistance.
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Start Me Up With The Rolling Stones.
Satisfaction in ‘Legends in Concert’ is a Gas, Gas, Gas.

You may have missed seeing the Rolling Stones when they recently came to town, but you can still get your “satisfaction” with a show featuring the Rolling Stones.

Musical band Satisfaction pays tribute to the ageless rockers in “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino. Lead singer Chris LeGrand nails the vocal style and theatrics of flamboyant Mick Jagger, and Jim Riddick is dead-on as the eccentric Keith Richards. Together with the rest of their band, Satisfaction will have you jumping like Jack Flash.

The Shreveport, La., -based group has been performing its homage to the Stones at clubs around the country for more than five years.

Satisfaction re-creates the legendary rock group along with incredible look-alike and sound-alike performances currently featuring Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Prince, Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. In addition to the superstar re-creations, “Legends in Concert” features singer-dancers and a live band in an award-winning spectacular full-stage production.

Satisfaction will perform in “Legends in Concert” through Jan. 21, 2006. Cocktail shows are at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday in the Imperial Theatre Showroom. Buffet dinner and show packages are available. For ticket information, call 702-794-3261 or toll-free 888-777-7664 or visit the Imperial Palace Web site at www.imperialpalace.com.

The Imperial Palace is home to the award-winning tribute show “Legends In Concert” and the Dealertainers. The hotel also hosts The Auto Collections, “The World’s Largest Classic Car Showroom.” Imperial Palace is the most central stop on the Las Vegas Monorail. In addition, the resort is famous for “Five Star Friendly Service” and includes a race and sports book, 2,700 rooms and suites, world-class gaming and amenities, a seasonal poolside “Luau,” 40,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, 10 specialty restaurants,
10 bars and lounges, state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, business center, concierge service, medical center and two new wedding chapels with reception facilities.
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FROM ONE SUCCESS TO ANOTHER: HIGH END BOWLING LOUNGE COMING TO RIO

BiKiNiS Beach and Dance Club closing its doors December 4, paving the way for Las Vegas’ first high-end bowling lounge.

Nightlife innovator Pure Management Group is closing BiKiNiS Beach and Dance Club, the successful nightclub at the Rio, to make way for a new and exciting nightlife concept: Las Vegas’ first high-end bowling lounge. The new venue will feature a 12-lane bowling alley and a high-end martini lounge and café. The as yet unnamed venue is scheduled to open in the fall of 2006.

“BiKiNiS has been a successful and fun nightclub for the past three years,” says proprietor Robert Frey. “However we’ve been looking to bring this bowling concept to Las Vegas for quite some time and we thought the Rio and the space currently occupied by BiKiNiS fit the concept perfectly.”

In addition to the state-of-the-art bowling lanes and sound system, the new venue will feature live DJs on the weekend, making for a bowling and entertainment experience unmatched in Las Vegas.

“We are really excited about redefining America’s favorite pastime,” said Frey. “Not only will this be an exciting, interactive nightlife option, but it will also appeal to our corporate clients as a versatile venue for a private party.”

Since October of 2002, BiKiNiS has brought a year-round spring break to the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, all while hosting some the best DJs on the planet and creating a visually eclectic atmosphere.
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Leave the Credit Cards Home by Bill Burton

NEVER BET MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE!

The casinos have a house edge on all games except for certain video poker games, card counting in blackjack and live poker. We refer to casino games as having a negative expectation. This means that over the long run the mathematics of the game will grind away at your bankroll. The built in house advantage is Certain games have lower house advantages than others Video Poker, Blackjack and the passline bet in Craps have a low house edge. Roulette and slots have higher ones. It is the price we pay to play.

Proper money management tells us to budget a given amount to gamble with and stick to that amount, win lose or draw.

More Here:
http://casinogambling.about.com/od/moneymanagement/a/creditcard.htm
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Top 5 Ways to spend a Las Vegas Evening by Zeke Quezada

If you could fall in love again how would you do it? In Las Vegas there are so many places to spend an evening that I often forget about the little things like finding out the first mane of the person I’m with. Before you know it we’re, well, never mind. Take a look at a few places to take your special person.

1) Watch the Sunset from the Eiffel Tower

Look out over the desert and see the sun drop into the mountains. The best thing to keep an eye out for is the transformation that the strip undergoes. The lights come on and the electricity in the air seems to get you going even more.

2) Have a meal at Spago

Sit in the cafe section of the restaurant and enjoy a good bottle of wine and start the night off right. Enjoy the great food along with good people watching and you are guaranteed a fruitful night.

3) Watch the Bellagio Fountains

As the water dances in front of you it makes you feel like the show is only for you. Sure, the guy next to you is getting on your nerves as he snaps photo after photo but relax and just take in the scene.

4) Start your evening at the Peppermill

It’s old school Las Vegas but each and every time I start an evening here I try to convince everyone else that we should stay longer. Sit by the fire and have a few drinks and some wicked conversation.

5) Find a bar or a lounge.

With the introduction of lounges into the nightlife scene in Las Vegas it has really boosted the stock of guys like me who can’t dance. I can talk and the lounge scene is made for lizard like myself.
http://govegas.about.com/od/lasvegasentertainment/tp/tplvevenin.htm
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Posted on December 2nd, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter