December 12th, 2005

You have untill Friday at 10pm est to order the 2006 American Casino Guide through the newsletter offering.
For under $12.00 plus shipping, this is a real bargain.

Here is the offer to my members for this year’s American Casino Guide.
LIMITED TIME

30% Discount
SPECIAL OFFER
Offer Valid though 12/15/05

AMERICAN CASINO GUIDE
2006 - Edition
by Steve Bourie

The American Casino Guide has been
published annually since 1992 and is the most comprehensive book available for information on
all U.S. casinos including all casino/resorts,
riverboats and Indian casinos.

The 2006 edition includes detailed information
on more than 700 casinos in 36 states, plus it includes 191 coupons valued at more than $1,000!

To see a list of all casino coupons Click HERE
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Store/Coupons-2006.shtml

To Order the Guide, Click Here
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Store/mrvegas.shtml
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Just in case you missed it, the Everything Las Vegas Newsletter and Forum group was a topic in Tim Dressen’s podcast this week. I was very flattered with the segment.
http://www.fivehundybymidnight.com/fhbm
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CASINO CLOSING: Lady Luck running out.
Downtown property to close Feb. 12 for renovation; 684 to lose jobs.

The Lady Luck, downtown’s third-largest casino, will close Feb. 12 for a year-long remodeling and permanently lay off 684 workers.

The Henry Brent Co., which has been operating the Lady Luck since 2003 and purchased the property in April, will shut down the 743-room hotel-casino.

Lady Luck executives informed some employees of the plans late Sunday night to close the casino. More meetings were held throughout the day Monday.

In a statement, Lady Luck Chief Executive Officer Andrew Donner said closing the casino for remodeling was a business decision.

“We looked at every scenario possible to keep the property fully open during the renovation,” Donner said. “But in reality it would be difficult to provide guests with a good experience or attract the number of visitors we’d need to maintain our staff during the renovation.”

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-13-Tue-2005/business/4759504.html
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Vegas Comedy Show on 12-28-05

I would like to invite you to The Laugh Corner LIVE!
The Laugh Pack of Comedy Show on December 28th. The
show will take place at the Krave Lounge - Aladdin
Hotel & Casino (outside the Desert Passage Shops on
the corner of The Strip & Harmon Ave).

Come enjoy an evening of comedy hosted by Jason “Van
Urkel” Dinant and featuring the stand up routines of
Dave Russo (The Entertainer on E!) and Mel Aubert
(Funny Bee Productions). The show will also in comedy
skits and improv comedy games.

The doors will open at 8:00pm and the laughs will
begin at 9:00pm.

The Laugh Corner
“The Best Laugh in Town!”
http://www.TheLaughCorner.com
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Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Transforms into Whimsical Winter Wonderland.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens combines the nostalgia of yesteryear with the wonders of modern technology to create a multitude of picture-perfect moments this holiday season. A colorful cranberry bog calls to mind the vision of a plentiful holiday table while the playful antics of festive artic animals capture the hearts of visitors. In the center of it all, a dazzling holiday tree laden with sparkling ornaments sends gazes soaring while joyful sounds of the season evoke fond memories of home.

As guests enter the Conservatory, they are captivated by the vibrant beauty of an illuminated cranberry bog, which pays homage to an American holiday favorite. More than 400,000 individual Ocean Spray cranberries, weighing approximately 1,000 pounds, create this vivid new addition to the annual holiday exhibit. The Conservatory’s cranberry bog is reminiscent of marshes that are flooded causing cranberries to float to the top for harvesting. In the bog’s center, four gold-leafed rose topiaries, overflowing with more than 1,000 fresh roses, rise from the sea of brilliant red berries.

Another new delight this year is a colony of endearing penguins. The group of 20 portly marine birds can be spotted within an artic scene. While most are stationary, state-of-the-art animatronic technology brings five adult and two baby penguins to life.

A short distance away, a family of polar bears can be found sharing a moment of quality, family time. A baby bear frolics playfully on his back on a frozen stream as mama and papa bear watch with affection. The topiary bears’ fur, made of 25,000 white carnations, was carefully hand-applied by Bellagio horticulturists and is kept fresh by a specially designed water drip system.

The dazzling centerpiece of this beautiful exhibit is a towering 45-foot Shasta Fir tree bejeweled with red, pink and silver ornaments, a golden star tree topper and dozens of flickering candles. Powered by electricity, the candles retain an old-fashioned look and feel of an era when fire illuminated the night. Six to 18-foot ornaments hang from above and circle the tree to create a stunning visual. The tree’s dramatic touch is created with thousands of white lights choreographed to music and the dancing waters below.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the delights of this winter wonderland from December 4 through January 4.
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MTV Vegas Casting Call from VegasEd!

If you (or someone you know) is Moving to VEGAS within the next few months and:
- You appear between 18 and 28
- You live a captivating life worth watching
- You are willing to be taped as you prepare to move and settle into your new digs in Vegas
- You wanna be a part of TV history (You remember the Real World Vegas don’t ya? - of course you do!)
If this sounds perfect for you or someone you know, send an email with your NAME, AGE, CONTACT INFO,
and WHY YOU SHOULD BE CHOSEN (along with a pic) to: VegasCasting@yahoo.com

Casting Call Deadline is Dec 17! (so hurry!)

PS: We are also looking for people moving to Chicago, Orlando, Austin, San Francisco and more!

VegasEd!, TradeShowCities, INVEGASmagazine
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From “Eye On Vegas”

Seamless - An Eye On Vegas Exclusive Sneak Peek
When plans were announced for a $20 Million, 10,000 square foot Adult Ultra Lounge that would operate as an adult gentlemen’s club before “seamlessly” turning into an after hours haven we will admit we were somewhat skeptical. Barely a week before opening, Seamless big shot Brandon Roque offered us a chance to check out the first of its kind concept and we offered him a chance to change our mind, it worked.

A seven-foot tall martini glass complete with a bathing beauty will greet guests as they enter the club, as will several statutes showing off the beauty of the female form. The club is drenched in futuristic silver tones with playful blues that blend into maroons and magenta’s as you progress deeper in the venue. At the front of the room sits a unisex bathroom surrounded by cascading water, LCD lighting within the stalls and the requisite iced glass bathroom doors bring the price tag of each stall to $40K. The room will be serviced by a large, five-well central bar and an offset martini bar that will focus on specialty cocktails and martinis. Adjacent to the bar is the main stage of the club, it will feature exotic strip teases during cabaret hours and some of the cities best go-go dancers, like local favorites Skittles and Tara, after hours on three main stage stripper poles and two more poles situated on the bar. What connects the two sets of poles? Ready for this, how about a $700K glass bridge that lowers from the ceiling! The runway will be lowered during cabaret hours and raised during after hours to make room for the hardwood floor dance floor.

The back of the stage is dark, shaded glass and behind that is the VIP room that Roque hopes will become a revenue center in its own right. “We have already started selling lifetime VIP memberships to the club for $5K each. People who buy the membership get to park their own car on a reserved floor, enter the club through a VIP door, enjoy the VIP room facilities and receive a free bottle of Level Vodka each time they visit.” The VIP door he mentions is opened with a magnetic key card each member receives, when they enter the club through that door Roque will receive a text message informing him which of his valuable members is on property at the time. It is a perfect example of the technological advancements that Roque has at his disposal. Want more examples? How about fingerprint check-in for the dancers, four Cadillac Escalade ESV’s in lieu of limousines, a party bus, a handicap elevator to get physically challenged dancers on to the main stage (Roque is convinced he will find a handicapped dancer and put her on stage) and a Spec-Air filtration system that turns over the oxygen in the club every four minutes (”It’s the same thing all the big casino’s use!” boasts Roque). Oh and did we mention, the roof of the club will double as a concert venue facing the entire length of Las Vegas Boulevard. “What we have is so unique to what is out there right now that we have a head start on what we are trying to achieve. I came from the Light Group so I plan on using the skills I learned there to make this work; we will aggressively go after our business and clients. Andrew Sasson taught me well!”

“Starting at 3A we will start turning the room over,” Roque strategize’s, “we have two sets of furniture that will get swapped out through that door [pointing next to the stage], it’s all on wheels and I have a large staff to make sure it all works … or at least that’s the plan.” Roque himself admits that a lot of the details are still being worked out and that their future use will be dictated by success. At the present time, the club will operate as a topless cabaret from noon to 4A daily and an after hours outlet from 4A to noon. “We have already received and confirmed bookings for numerous corporate events, the plan is to offset the slow times in the strip club and the after hours with private bookings and events.”

Seamless is a gorgeous room that gives Roque ammo to go against both established strip clubs and after hour’s hangouts. While other strip clubs have undergone renovation projects (Spearmint Rhino and SCORES coming to mind) it’s been years since a club has opened new and with all the bells and whistles installed at Seamless. If nothing else, a nightclub mentality from the former Light marketing man, combined with an intriguing new concept and a beautiful new venue should give Roque all he needs to make Seamless work. “If we can get just a small percentage of the industry people working late at night to come down to the club, then we can be a success.” Look for Seamless to open this Saturday, December 17th on Arville and Tompkins, across from the Orleans.

A Hilton, Hilton New Years Eve
The Hilton sister’s escapades in Las Vegas are well-documented legendary fodder (well one sis more than the other). That being said, it’s only fitting that both Hilton’s have signed on to host high profile New Years Eve events in Las Vegas. The eldest heiress, Paris, has signed on to host Tao Nightclubs first ever New Years Eve bash in a night that promises to be memorable. The restaurant will be closing down allowing Tao’s nightlife team led by Honcho Jason Strauss to take over the whole 42,000 square foot facility. “We are removing the tables in the restaurants to create a dance floor in front of the Buddha and turn the whole complex into a club for that night,” the New Yawk club guy noted. “We have DJ Reach and Paris Hilton celebrating in the nightclub, Marquee Nightclub (NYC) Resident Jason Angola spinning house music in the up-stairs Opium Room and DJ Omar spinning in the restaurant.” Paris Hilton will be in charge of the countdown (start studying Paris) and will be introduced by Michael ‘The Voice’ Buffer. “We wanted to create a ticket price that offered great value in return,” Strauss, continues “so for the $200 ticket price we are offering an open bar from 9-11P and the entire Tao restaurant menu will be tray passed throughout the place from 9-11P too, there will be service staff with food everywhere!”
Tickets for the New Years Eve bash can be purchased by clicking here

Down the block at Pure Nightclub the younger Hilton, Nikki has signed on as a co-host for the NYE bash with HBO’s Entourage star Kevin Connelly. The festivities however start earlier on in the day with a celebrity poker tournament featuring both Nikki and Paris Hilton, Kevin Connelly, Jennifer Tilly and a collection of Poker pro’s like Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson and Scotty Nguyen (knocking out one of the 11 participating pro’s is good for a $2,000 bounty bonus). Later that night, the Eye has learned, Pure will be transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ theme party throughout the club with servers dressed in sexy white outfits and the male staff decked out in white tuxedo’s. As mentioned, DJ AM will use this night to kick-off his residency at Pure while DJ Frank Richards lays down beats on the rooftop terrace. Speaking of the rooftop terrace, there may not be a better firework-viewing platform on the strip! Tickets for their NYE bash also ring in at $200 and include a champagne toast and party favors.
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Las Vegas On TV From The Las Vegas Advisor

Bravo
Tuesday, 12/6, 2:30 am, Celebrity Poker Showdown
Tuesday, 12/6, 1:30 pm, Celebrity Poker Showdown: Winner’s Round 2
Wednesday, 12/7, 3 am, Celebrity Poker Showdown
Thursday, 12/8, 2 am, Celebrity Poker Showdown
Thursday, 12/8, 1 pm, Celebrity Poker Showdown
Friday, 12/9, 2 am, Celebrity Poker Showdown
Saturday, 12/10, 2 pm, Celebrity Poker Showdown
Monday, 12/12, 1 pm, Celebrity Poker Showdown: Winner’s Round 3

CMT – Country Music Television
Friday, 12/9, 1:30 am, Man vs. Vegas

E! Entertainment Television
Saturday, 12/10, 9:30 pm, Girls Next Door: It’s Vegas Baby!

ESPN
Wednesday, 12/7, 12:30 am, World Series of Poker: 2005 Main Event

ESPN2
Tuesday, 12/6, 2 pm, World Series of Poker: 2005 Main Event
Wednesday, 12/7, 2 pm, World Series of Poker: 2005 Main Event
Sunday, 12/11, 3:30 pm, World Series of Poker: No-Limit Hold’em
Sunday, 12/11, 4:30 pm, World Series of Poker: Pot-Limit Hold’em
Sunday, 12/11, 5:30 pm, World Series of Poker: No-Limit Hold’em
Sunday, 12/11, 6:30 pm, World Series of Poker: Seven Card Stud
Sunday, 12/11, 7:30 pm, World Series of Poker: No-Limit Hold’em
Sunday, 12/11, 8:30 pm, World Series of Poker: Pot-Limit Omaha
Monday, 12/12, 2 pm, World Series of Poker: No-Limit Hold’em

ESPN Classic Sports Network
Tuesday, 12/6, 7 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event
Wednesday, 12/7, 7 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event
Thursday, 12/8, 7 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event
Friday, 12/9, 7 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event
Saturday, 12/10, 12 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event
Saturday, 12/10, 1 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event
Saturday, 12/10, 2 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event
Saturday, 12/10, 8 pm, World Series of Poker: 1993
Saturday, 12/10, 9 pm, World Series of Poker: 1994
Saturday, 12/10, 10 pm, World Series of Poker: 1995
Sunday, 12/11, 12 am, World Series of Poker: 1997
Sunday, 12/11, 1 am, World Series of Poker: 1998
Monday, 12/12, 7 am, World Series of Poker: Main Event

ESPN-HD
Wednesday, 12/7, 12:30 am, World Series of Poker: 2005 Main Event

Food Network
Tuesday, 12/6, 11 am, Top 5: Big Bites

FX
Thursday, 12/8, 2 pm, Fear Factor: Las Vegas Pairs Show

GSN – Game Show Network
Tuesday, 12/6, 1 am, Celebrity BlackJack II

INHD
Tuesday, 12/6, 5 am, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Tuesday, 12/6, 2:30 pm, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Tuesday, 12/6, 11 pm, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Thursday, 12/8, 5 am, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Thursday, 12/8, 2:30 pm, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Friday, 12/9, 1 am, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Friday, 12/9, 11 am, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Friday, 12/9, 11 pm, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Saturday, 12/10, 8:30 am, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Sunday, 12/11, 4 pm, Ultimate Poker Challenge
Sunday, 12/11, 11 pm, Ultimate Poker Challenge

National Geographic Channel
Wednesday, 12/7, 1 pm, Beating Vegas

TLC
Thursday, 12/8, 9 pm, City Cops: Off the Vegas Strip
Thursday, 12/8, 10 pm, City Cops: Vegas Law and Order
Friday, 12/9, 12 am, City Cops: Off the Vegas Strip
Friday, 12/9, 1 am, City Cops: Vegas Law and Order

Travel Channel
Tuesday, 12/6, 5:30 pm, Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo: Las Vegas Extravagant Buffet; Biggest Hamburger; Wedding Cakes
Tuesday, 12/6, 8:30 pm, Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo: Las Vegas Extravagant Buffet; Biggest Hamburger; Wedding Cakes
Wednesday, 12/7, 9:30 am, Great Hotels: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
Wednesday, 12/7, 6 pm, World Poker Tour: Mirage Poker Showdown
Wednesday, 12/7, 9 pm, World Poker Tour: Mirage Poker Showdown
Saturday, 12/10, 2:30 pm, Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo: Las Vegas Extravagant Buffet; Biggest Hamburger; Wedding Cakes
Saturday, 12/10, 3 pm, World Poker Tour: Mirage Poker Showdown
Monday, 12/12, 7 am, Vegas Christmas
Wednesday, 12/7, 5 pm, American Casino: High Limit Expansion
Wednesday, 12/7, 8 pm, American Casino: High Limit Expansion
Saturday, 12/10, 11 pm, American Casino: High Limit Expansion

WGN
Saturday, 12/10, 12 am, Ultimate Poker Challenge
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Showroom: ‘La Cage’ to Titanic by Jerry Fink

As of this writing, Frank Marino is still the star of “An Evening at La Cage” at the Riviera.

“I’m still there,” said Marino, who for the past 20 years has adapted the persona of Joan Rivers to host a revue featuring a troupe of female impersonators.

In October a private feud between Marino and the show’s creator/producer, Norbert Aleman, became public and is in the hands of their respective attorneys.

A recent published report said Marino had been fired and Monday would be his last performance.

“I have not seen the producer of the show in two weeks,” Marino said. “The report that feathers were flying (last Friday) and that Monday night was possibly going to be the last night of my working with ‘La Cage’ was utterly ridiculous.”

He said when the story ran the response was immediate.

“I had 100 phone calls from concerned fans and friends,” he said. “The Scintas called; producer Dick Feeney called me wishing me well. You just don’t realize how many friends you have until something like this happens.”

Wednesday morning he received a bouquet of flowers from Siegfried & Roy.

“I was having a bad morning, and that certainly picked me up,” Marino said. “The card said, ‘Thinking of you during this disruptive time.’

“Between them and the Scintas and those kinds of people, the moral support has been wonderful.”

Marino declined to discuss the conflict.

“Our lawyers are working out the problems,” he said.
Las Vegas SUN: Showroom: ‘La Cage’ to Titanic
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Titanic extended by Jerry Fink

The hugely popular “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” has been extended by the Tropicana through Jan. 31.

More than 100,000 visitors have seen the 25,000-square-foot exhibit.

The exhibition showcases hundreds of artifacts recovered from the wreck site, including a suitcase, a felt bowler hat, the ship’s whistles and glassware etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line.

Also included is the massive piece of the ship’s hull known as the “Big Piece,” the largest piece of the Titanic recovered — it measures approximately 23 feet by 12 feet and weighs 15 tons.

The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Ticket are $16.95 for adults (age 12 to 61); $15.95 (62 and older); $9.95 for children (4 to 11); and $13.95 for Nevada residents.

For information, call 739-2411.
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With magic touch, Adams rocks the Plaza
By Jerry Fink

Magic rocks.

At least it does at the Plaza, where young magician Curtis Adams has a rocking good time performing Tuesdays through Sundays.

Adams, fresh from an engagement at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, has a pleasing blend of magic, humor and choreography — sort of David Copperfield meets Janet Jackson meets Carrot Top.

His takeoff on Steve Irwin (”The Crocodile Hunter”) is hilarious.

His music (taped) is energizing.

His magic is exceptional, from taking a sledgehammer to a Lamborghini and refurbishing it, to making a sweater seem alive.

This is as much a party as a production. The show is called “Adrenaline: Magic That Rocks.” And adrenaline flows like wine in this upbeat production.

Adams — eschewing the tuxedos and other costumes favored by some magicians — wears faded jeans and a T-shirt. His hair is unruly; his smile is infectious.

The 22-year-old quasi-rocker gets funky, he tangos, he pulls the audience into the show, refusing to allow anyone to be bored.

The show opens with Pink’s “Get the Party Started,” accompanied by flashing lights and falling confetti as Adams and two female assistants dance.

It ends an hour later with a floating rose created from tissue paper.

In between, Adams demonstrates the skills he has acquired since becoming a professional magician at age 10.

The show has the feel of a Copperfield production, possibly because Adams’ creative director is Don Wayne, who created a number of illusions for Copperfield’s TV specials, such as Copperfield appearing to make the Statue of Liberty disappear and seeming to walk through the Great Wall of China.

The stage in the Plaza’s showroom is far too small for such dramatic tricks, but one day it would not be too surprising to find Adams in a larger venue somewhere on the Strip where his imagination can run wild and and he can rock around the clock.
www.lasvegassun.com
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10 items for Las Vegas Centennial time capsule
By Barry Hortsman

10. The first burrito served in a Strip buffet. Wait, scratch that — it’s still waiting under the same heat lamp

9. Chunk of nuclear waste headed toward Yucca — it should be safe to get near it by 2105

8. Tape of Wayne Newton’s “Danka Shoen.” Why should we be the only ones to suffer?

7. Costume from “La Femme” showgirl — at least it won’t take up much space

6. Memorable, inspiring speeches from Las Vegas City Council and Clark County Commission meetings — we’ll even provide the quarter sheet of stationery needed to list them

5. Lefty Rosenthal’s Cadillac Eldorado — that’s about how much is left

4. Area 51 refrigerator magnet

3. The first graffiti tagger’s thumb cut off on TV under Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman’s graffiti control program

2. Program from Cirque du Soleil’s “O” — future generations will find it difficult to believe that it once was possible to see people swimming and doing gymnastics with burning sticks for only $150

1. Whatever goes in, deliver it by helicopter because if it’s coming via Interstate 15 at rush hour, it will arrive just in time for the bicentennial.
Las Vegas SUN: 10 items for Las Vegas Centennial time capsule
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Deal for IP clears hurdle.
Control board gives consent to $370 million deal.

After less than 10 minutes of discussion, the Gaming Control Board gave its unanimous consent Wednesday to the $370 million purchase of the Imperial Palace by Harrah’s Entertainment.

“We seem to have Harrah’s on every agenda,” quipped Gaming Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander.

He noted that the purchase of the 2,640-room hotel will be important for Harrah’s from “a real estate perspective.

“With the purchase, Harrah’s controls significant acreage in Las Vegas, mainly along the east of Las Vegas Boulevard between The Venetian and Aladdin.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-08-Thu-2005/business/4682825.html
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NORM: Best-picture odds favor Spielberg

Steven Spielberg’s anticipated blockbuster, “Munich,” is favored to win the Academy Award for best film, and “Walk the Line” star Reese Witherspoon should run away with best actress.

That’s the early word from John Avello, director of race sports operations at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Avello, who puts the odds up for entertainment purposes only, has Phillip Seymour Hoffman, the star of “Capote,” a narrow favorite for best actor over Joaquin Phoenix, who plays Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line.”

“Munich” is a 5-1 favorite. Second choice “Brokeback Mountain” is 7-1, “Memoirs of a Geisha,” 8-1, “Good Night and Good Luck,” 10-1, and “Walk the Line,” 12-1.

Avello has Witherspoon at 4-1 and Judy Dench, “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” at 5-1.

Spielberg is the 2-1 choice for best director. Ang Lee, “Brokeback Mountain,” is 4-1, and Ron Howard, “Cinderella Man,” 6-1.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Best-picture odds favor Spielberg
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PLAYER’S EDGE: Wynn Las Vegas offers perk for new club members.

If you have yet to join the Red Card at Wynn Las Vegas, there is no time like the present — all new enrollees who earn 50 points ($150 coin-in slots, $450 video poker or less than an hour’s worth of quarter play) during their first visit receive two complimentary buffets at one of the best food spreads in town. When you earn 500 points, you can collect another two free buffets plus $10 in free slot play.

Lots more PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-09-Fri-2005/weekly/4646357.html
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BUSINESS EXPENSE: Strip clubs reach deal on payouts.
Business owners agree to stop paying bounties to cabbies.

Owners of strip clubs across the Las Vegas Valley entered a pact this week to resolve the battle over payouts to cabdrivers, eliminating all tips for cabbies delivering customers to their businesses.

Competing clubs had paid limousine drivers, cabbies and other commercial drivers as much as $70 for each patron brought to their business.

Club owners have said the competition is so stiff that businesses regularly try to one-up one another with their payouts. One owner’s business shelled out $1.4 million in one month paying commercial drivers.

The strip club payouts are important to cabbies, whose weekly income is significantly bolstered by them.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-10-Sat-2005/news/4719918.html
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Concert Review
Trans-Siberian Orchestra boisterous and bold.

Las Vegas shows bring to mind spectacular effects, light shows and occasional pyrotechnics, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Thursday performance fit right in.

Though the dazzling staging and robust sound sometimes overshadowed the fundamental holiday message, the audience of more than 5,000 at the Aladdin Theatre seemed to love every over-the-top moment.

The group divides itself during the holiday season, with two orchestras performing nearly 100 concerts in November and December. Music director and guitarist Al Pitrelli led the Las Vegas group, which featured seven singers and included seven members of the Las Vegas String Orchestra.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-10-Sat-2005/news/4716921.html
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DREAM ON

As I’ve said before, it looks like Las Vegas is swinging away from the Cirque du Soleil type shows, thank God. Four — Mystere, O, Zumanity and KA — though all great, were enough. As can be seen by Le Reve at Wynn. Although this wasn’t a Cirque show, it was created by Cirque creator Franco Dragone and it falls far short of his predecessors.

Le Reve opened with poor reviews, from both the media and the public, and those reviews were well-deserved. I went to see Le Reve again the other night, supposedly after it had been tweaked, and found it just as bad. The idea for the show is that it’s supposed to be an unfinished dream (Le Reve means The Dream in French), but what it needs is some kind of thread to hold it together. I found it very disjointed and lacking any sense of direction. Maybe that’s what Dragone wanted, but it doesn’t work.

So I, for one, am very happy to see the days of the headliners returning to Las Vegas, accompanied by Broadway-type shows, although I’m told Avenue Q, also at Wynn, is not doing that well. That would be a shame, if true, because it’s a funny, creative, wonderful show. I think with more promotion for it, it will do fine, as the reviews have been great from day one and I haven’t heard a negative word about it from the many people I know who have seen it.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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BIG WINNER

It would be a lot more upbeat if I had won, but you and I know that’s never going to happen, so let’s put our hands together for Jennifer Peculis of Ohio, who took only five spins of a Wheel of Fortune machine at the Imperial Palace to win $448,714.95.

The 28-year-old Jennifer and her fiancé, Ben, who will now really be in a hurry to marry her, had enjoyed a Thanksgiving weekend at the Imperial Palace and had already checked out Monday morning. But their flight was not until late afternoon, so Jennifer was trying her luck at a Wheel of Fortune Megajackpot quarter machine. She had already played two others before trying the third with $10. Less than five minutes later, she won the progressive jackpot.

“I saw the first Wheel of Fortune symbol, then up came the second and by the time the third came up it was a blur,” she said. She was so excited, she didn’t even realize at first how much she had won. Jennifer said she plans to pay off her house, her car and student loans, “And still have a lot left over,” she added. I’ve already put in dibs for the “lot left over.”
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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NORM: ‘Splash’ hiatus shocks cast, crew.

Shock waves rippled through the showroom of “Splash,” a fixture at the Riviera since 1985, on Saturday.

During a between-shows meeting with cast and crew, a letter from “Splash” owner/producer Meshulam Riklis was read, announcing the show was going on hiatus until early January.

Instead of coming back for the annual Christmas show, the cast and crew of almost 50 were informed that a “re-structuring” was possible and the show could resume Jan. 9 or a week later.

“Everybody’s in shock. We know nothing,” said a crew member, who asked not to be identified.

The show, which features gauchos, ice skaters and motorcyclists, has undergone several makeovers since 2000, including a departure from it’s “aquacade” days.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: ‘Splash’ hiatus shocks cast, crew
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Vegas Values Report for 12/11/05

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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Rio wraps up the season
By Paul Szydelko

Holiday Show in the Sky
Where: Rio
When: 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.
Cost: Free
Info: (702) 777-7777

To experience the colorful atmosphere of Brazil’s Carnivale, infused with a new joyful salute to the holidays, see the Rio’s free Holiday Show in the Sky.

Christmas floats decorated in the yuletide spirit hang from the ceiling and spread holiday cheer throughout Masquerade Village. Performers wearing exotic masks and vibrant costumes entertain with exciting moves and dances. They smile, wave and throw necklaces.

While a lot of attention is drawn to the spectacle in the sky, six women and four men in holiday-themed costumes dance to holiday tunes onstage in front of three Christmas trees and many colorfully wrapped presents. Their crisply choreographed routines quickly put you in the spirit.

Songs such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Santa Baby” and “Joy to the World” delight Carnivale-goers of all ages. Crowds look up from the floor and line the second floor of the Village to gain a good view of the holiday festivities.

But those wishing to get even more involved in the event have another option. Guests can become part of the show by wearing costumes and riding on the floats. Participants must be at least 36 inches tall and must be at the main stage 45 minutes before the show. Tickets to ride in a float are $12.95 per person and are available at the Rio Box Office.
http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature1.html
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Wayne Newton’s holiday show dazzles crowds
By Carla J. Zvosec / Staff Writer

Wayne Newton Holiday Production
Where: Flamingo
When: 7:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. through Dec. 23, 2005
Cost: $68.50, $78.50
Info: (702) 992-7970 or (866) 80-SHOWS

He may not make his entrance flying through the sky in a bright red sleigh pulled by tiny reindeer, as the ad suggests, but Wayne Newton does kick off his exhilarating holiday show at the Flamingo mounted atop his very own white Arabian stallion.

But his entrance is not the only thing grand about Newton’s holiday show. The generously decorated stage is truly a winter wonderland, highlighted by a starlit backdrop; garland and bows galore; many shiny, foil-wrapped presents; a life-size inflatable snowman and Santa; an ice skater (yes, there’s even a small rink); evergreens with all the trimmings; and real snow that falls at the end of the show.

Bringing the festive feelings of the season alive with such jolly classic holiday tunes as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Frosty the Snowman,” Newton’s show is enlivening and full of good cheer. And, since the holidays are a family affair, Newton’s wife, Kathleen, 3-year-old daughter, Lauren, and two pet penguins, Charlie and Hawaii, from his Shenandoah estate, briefly join in on the fun.

One of only a few headliner holiday productions performing on the Strip this season, this is the first time since Newton began his national-touring annual holiday show more than 10 years ago that he has brought the production to Las Vegas. And, by bringing it to the Flamingo, Mr. Las Vegas returns to his roots, as it was there that Newton performed his first headlining gig back in 1963.

Grinning from ear to ear, Newton wrapped up his show by saying, “I’d like to thank you for giving us part of your life tonight.”

And to all a good night!
http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature3.html
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Gordie Brown Extends Contract At The Golden Nugget

Gordie Brown will continue to entertain and delight audiences with his blend of energetic and engaging comedy, music and mastery of impressions at the Golden Nugget through March 2006.

Having won the acclaim of critics and audiences alike, Brown has been called an untouchable force on the comedy circuit and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including “Entertainer of the Year” and “Best Comedian.” Critics have called Brown “hip,” “brilliant” and “a must-see.”

Brown writes his own material, which consists of more than 50 voices, original song parodies, jokes and signature impersonations. Backed by a live band, each show is a culmination of song, comedy and impersonation, showcasing Brown’s kinetic performing style and creating the ultimate Las Vegas experience.

Performances are scheduled Saturday through Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., with a second show each Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Show is dark on Thursday and Friday. Tickets can be purchased for $45, plus tax at the Golden Nugget Ticket Office, or by phone, toll free at (866) 946-5336 or (702) 386-8100 locally.
www.casinotravelnews.com
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The Mirage Adds Wayne Brady, Dana Carvey and Damon Wayans
To 2006 Danny Gans Theatre Line-up.

Wayne Brady
Emmy Award-winner Wayne Brady is best known for his improvisational skills on ABC’s “Who’s Line Is It Anyway” and is widely recognized for his ability to act, sing, dance and make audiences laugh. His upcoming performances at The Mirage will showcase his many talents.

Tickets are $65 plus tax and can be purchased by calling (702) 792-7777. Performances are as follows:

February:Friday, February 10 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at 10:30 p.m.

April: Friday, April 28 at 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 29 at 10:30 p.m.

June:Friday, June 30 at 10:30 p.m.

July:Saturday, July 1 at 10:30 p.m.
Friday, July 14 at 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 15 at 10:30 p.m.

August:Friday, August 18 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 19 at 9 p.m.

November:Thursday, November 23 at 9 p.m.
Friday, November 24 at 9 p.m.

Dana Carvey
Dana Carvey’s hilarious career has seen great success on both television and the big screen. He is best known for his creation of cultural icons such as “The Church Lady” while performing on “Saturday Night Live,” for which he was awarded an Emmy in 1993. His uncanny impersonations of President George Bush and Ross Perot gained him worldwide popularity. Carvey’s big screen credits include co -starring with Mike Myers in the hugely popular “Wayne’s World” and “Wayne’s World 2,” which were based on a “Saturday Night Live” sketch. Additional movie credits include “Clean Slate,” “Little Nicky” and “Master of Disguise.”

Tickets are $75 plus tax and can be purchased by calling (702) 792-7777. Performances are as follows:

March:Friday, March 17 at 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18 at 10:30 p.m.

Damon Wayans
One of the brightest comedic actors in the world, Damon Wayans began his career as a stand-up comic in 1982. His unique style quickly became popular when he was cast as a featured player on “Saturday Night Live” for one season in 1985. Joining his brothers, Marlon and Keenan, Damon became part of television history in 1990 with the show “In Living Color.” The sketch comedy show was the first to be written, directed and produced by a predominantly African-American cast. The show was nominated for numerous Emmy awards during its three year run and launched the careers of Damon, Marlon and Jim Carrey. Damon has starred on the big screen in numerous films including “Major Payne” and “The Great White Hype.” He currently stars as the father in the ABC sitcom “My Wife and Kids.” In 1999, his book Bootleg, a humorous compilation of his observations about family, children, marriage, and politics, became a New York Times bestseller.

Tickets are $70 plus tax and can be purchased by calling (702) 792-7777. Performances are as follows:

April:Friday, April 7 at 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 8 at 10:30 p.m.
www.casinotravelnews.com
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Posted on December 13th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter