Jaunuary 27th, 2006

To all the new members:
Please check out our Forums at http://www.everythinglv.com/forums
Registering is easy and the Forums contain quite a bit of very usefull information and advice. Also there is are individual Forums for Trip Reports and Restaurant reviews.

Also out NEW FORUM — Topic Of The Week will be starting this Monday!

Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies:

Plans for the next version of the New Frontier are revealed in documents recently filed with Clark County. The 62-story, 671-foot high hotel will have a major feature fronting the Strip and a 256-foot high Ferris wheel with 32 specially designed passenger capsules, each able to hold up to 25 people.

Odds are good the Miss America Pageant will return to Las Vegas. The Aladdin, the host hotel, which becomes Planet Hollywood in December, has been informed it has the first right of refusal.

How come no one came up with this idea?

Since Delisco, who recently had a great show at the Las Vegas Hilton, and was the winner of “The Entertainer” that stared Wayne Newton, why not add Delisco as an opening act for Mr. Newton?

There are some really nice food special at the Wild Wild West Gambling Hall which is located at Tropicana and Industrial. There is a $1.99 bacon and eggs breakfast special for $1.99. There is also a $4.99 Great Steak Special that is served 24/7, and a $1.89 Wild Burger Platter that is also served 24/7.

Rumors are getting stronger and stronger that Bette Midler will have her own Las Vegas show very soon.

The Palms has released the famous Palms Girls calendar photos on $5 and $25 casino chips. They will be released throughout 2006 on a monthly basis.

The latest buffet to raise prices is the buffet at the Monte Carlo, which by the way you never read anything about. Breakfast is nor $10:95, lunch is $12.95 and dinner is now $17:95.

If you have a Sam’s Town Player’s Card, you can enjoy their breakfast buffet for only $4.95.

Poker star Annie Duke will star in an upcoming TV show called “Annie Duke Takes On The World.” The show will be on the Game Show Network on Monday, May 1st at 9 p.m.

Also on the Game Show Network will be the first ever 3-Card Poker tournament. The show will be aired April 17th and 24th.

The Sports Kitchen has opened at the Rio near the Race and Sportsbook.

Terrible’s has added a new Saturday Brunch that costs only $9.99. It’s open from 7a.m. till 3p.m.

According to the Venetian, the showroom being created for The Phantom Of The Opera will be the most extravagant in Las Vegas.

The Orleans plans to open a TGIF sometime this spring.

Twelve hotels and 13 restaurants in Las Vegas (up from ten and six last year) have been awarded AAA’s Four Diamond rating. The hotels are Green Valley Ranch, Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, Golden Nugget, Mirage, Treasure Island, Mandalay Bay, Paris, THEhotel, Renaissance (non-casino), JW Marriott, and the Venetian. The Golden received the rating for the 29th consecutive year. The restaurants are Andre’s at Monte Carlo; Aureole and Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay; Eiffel Tower at Paris; Medici Cafe at Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas; Michael’s at Barbary Coast; Nobhill, Shibuya, Seablue, and Pearl at MGM Grand; and Shintaro and Prime at Bellagio.
Las Vegas Advisor - Anthony Curtis - Today’s News

The Peking Acrobats will perform their first-ever free show in Las Vegas when they appear downtown at the Fremont Street Experience for one night only. The 2006 North American tour will bring the Peking Acrobats to town for a one-night-only special free performance at the Fremont Street Experience on the 1st Street Stage Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The Peking Acrobats perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs; they are experts at treacherous wire walking, trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics. During the Fremont Street Experience performance they will be accompanied by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments with high-tech special effects.
Las Vegas Advisor - Anthony Curtis - Today’s News

Employees at Imperial Palace are breathing easier this week. Harrah’s, the new owner, put up a memo Monday announcing the hotel will be accepting room bookings until July 2007.

“It helps us know we’re going to be around a while longer while they figure out what they’re going to do,” said Jackie Brett, director of advertising and public relations.

A trimmed-down Jerry Lewis, more than 100 pounds lighter after reaching 276 pounds, is returning to the Orleans Showroom stage after a five-year absence. Lewis, who turns 80 March 26, is booked at the Orleans July 13 16. His weight gain was because of the steroid prednisone that he was on for about two years. Tickets go on sale in April.

The WORLD POKER TOUR announced today that Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas has joined its roster of host casinos for a new event that will be staged as the second stop of the Season V calendar. The Mandalay Bay Poker Championship, to be held June 4 – 8, will become the next big event on the WPT’s storied 17-stop tour which features exciting poker action at some of the most beautiful, elegant and highly regarded resorts and card rooms around the globe. In Season V, the WPT is expected to surpass its Quarter Billion Dollar mark in prize money!

Barry Manilow not only draws thousands of fans to his long-term engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton, but celebrities love him as well. Frankie Avalon was in the Hilton Showroom audience on Wednesday and Regis Philbin joined Barry on stage for a duet of “I Write The Songs” on Thursday. Barry returns to the Hilton Showroom on February 15.

Michael Bublé, who makes his first ever Las Vegas appearance by performing Valentine’s weekend (February 10-12 and 14) 2006 at the Las Vegas Hilton, will guest on “Lunchtime with Ira, Live from the Las Vegas Hilton” this Monday at noon. He’ll be talking about his love of music, Tony Bennett, and hot dogs. The radio show, which normally broadcasts from Shimmer Cabaret, will move to Tempo lounge for this broadcast. Tempo, the Las Vegas Hilton’s high-energy lounge, features cutting edge music, international wines and champagnes, super premium cocktails, tableside bottle service, and exclusive teas and coffees. Professional dancers add choreographed entertainment into the mix and the bartenders and cocktail servers get into the act as well.

Jay Kornegay, executive director of the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook, is now providing betting line information to the www.reviewjournal.com, the online version of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The betting line information will include major events, from college events to the Super Bowl. What are the odds of Jay ever taking a day off?

Answer from Steve: 50-1
Jays needs about 8 days in a week.

The Chinese New Year (The Year of the Dog) continues to be celebrated at the Las Vegas Hilton. In addition to a drawing for the Prius, the hybrid car that is taking the nation by storm (too bad it’s not powered by the weather, but they’re working on it), the Hilton is selling commemorative chips featuring a Chihuahua (available in $5 and $25 denominations).

Topless poker, anyone? Sin Gentlemen’s Club is putting a new spin on strip poker: The club’s dancers will lose their shirts, instead of the players. The no-limit hold ‘em tournament begins Feb. 7 and runs through mid-December.

Chinois at the Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, celebrates the Chinese New Year with a special menu through Feb. 11. Selections include sauteed curry-spiced oysters with basil-lime aioli, and sauteed black tiger prawns with Asian black-bean butter.

Vegas Values Report for 1/22/06

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.

http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
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Steelers-Seahawks: Let the betting begin.

Although his last name is too long to fit on the marquee, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be the featured star for the favored team in Super Bowl XL.

The Steelers opened as 3 1/2-point favorites over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL’s title game on Feb. 5 at Detroit. The line quickly moved to 4.

“Nobody is playing better than the Steelers right now, and they look like a team of destiny. They deserve to be favored,” MGM Mirage sports book director Robert Walker said.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-23-Mon-2006/news/5492794.html
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NORM: The odds and end of Miss America

Las Vegas oddsmaker John Avello didn’t miss by much on his Miss America pick.

Avello, head of the sports and race book at Wynn Las Vegas, had winner Miss Oklahoma Jennifer Berry as his third choice at 10-1, behind the favorite, Miss South Carolina Erika Powell at 7-1, and Miss District of Columbia Shannon Schambeau, 8-1.

He set the odds for entertainment purposes only, not wagering, after viewing Thursday’s preliminary judging.

His first three choices became Top 10 finalists, and Berry won the crown.

“I’m kind of proud of that,” Avello said.

Miss Georgia Monica Pang, the first runner-up, was Avello’s 17th choice at 30-1.

He posted Miss Nevada Crystal Wosik at 45-1 after seeing her struggle during the interview on her platform issue, cancer recovery.

“She didn’t express herself well. She sort of stumbled, and that hurts you,” he said. reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: The odds and end of Miss America
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Time To Vote: The Best Of Las Vegas 2006

Welcome to the 10th edition of the Best of Las Vegas® Online Poll.

This poll is separate from the print edition Best of Las Vegas® Poll, which requires people to submit a ballot that was published Jan. 22 in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The online version is designed to appeal to both locals and tourists and is shorter than the print version. Only one ballot per e-mail address will be accepted and any ballots that appear to be part of a stuffing campaign will be discarded.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/bestoflv/ballot06.html
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Las Vegas Podcast # 52

In this edition of the original Las Vegas podcast:

Spike TV’s King of Vegas is boring.
Great views of the Strip from Voodoo Lounge at Rio, Ghostbar at Palms,Top of the World and observation deck at Stratosphere, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, Sky Lounge at Polo Towers, Foundation Room and Mix at Mandalay Bay

Shout out to Vegas Tripping and Atlantic City Tripping
Vegas by Vegas in Flames

http://www.fivehundybymidnight.com/fhbm/
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Columnist John Katsilometes: The Readers Digest version of the ‘Big Daddy Burger’ competitive eating contest at the Plaza.

For breakfast Saturday, Rich LeFevre had an energy bar.

For lunch he had a 9-pound hamburger.

The Henderson resident messily known as “The Locust” devoured the massive sandwich known as “The Big Daddy Burger” in front of 200 onlookers at the Plaza Showroom. He and the other 14 top competitive eaters in the country took part in “Big Daddy Burger Contest,” an annual curiosity won for the second straight year by Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas, whose winning time of 27 minutes was more than 20 minutes faster than her winning mark a year ago.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/jan/23/520009040.html
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Folies Bergere By Chuck Rounds

I love “Folies Bergere.” It is a show that I have seen a multitude of times, and once finished, I look forward to the next time I’ll see the show. I have not grown tired of it. I love the acts, the singing, the dancing, and of course, the showgirls. I enjoy seeing how it continues to grow and change over the years–the constant effort to keep it updated and fresh is always appreciated.

“Folies Bergere” is the quintessential Las Vegas show…that last statement should be the sum total of my review. If someone were to think of a “Las Vegas show,” it would be embodied by “Folies Bergere.” “Folies” has everything that a Las Vegas show should have…singing, dancing, showgirls, comedy, spectacle, etc. It is the longest continuously running show in America–having opened in 1959. It is a hallmark and cornerstone of entertainment in this town and as long as Las Vegas exists; so should “Folies Bergere.”

“Folies Bergere” is an extravaganza is packed with all that one would expect with a show of this style–beautiful showgirls, wonderful dancers, good singers, lavish and large sets and settings, and an abundance of both elegant and sexy costumes. This production can satisfy all of one’s entertainment needs. The show supplies us with a wealth of talent. The audience is entertained by a variety of songs–upbeat and entertainment. The singers handle a wide range of styles as well. All of the songs are sung to taped music, however, and we certainly miss the dynamic that a live orchestra can bring to a show.

The show plays at the Tiffany Theatre inside the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, and it has been successful for many reasons–some of which is its ability to change and the times, grow as a production, and never remain contented with the idea that everything is fine. There is a continual process of evaluation and change that keeps this show fresh, contemporary, and a viable competitor amongst the other shows on the Strip.

Dan O’Brien and Tracy Ault are the singers of the evening, and O’Brien works at being the emcee as well. For the most part, he does a decent job. Ault is a dynamic personality and a powerful singer. She has performed in a couple of different Strip productions, and she has always been wonderful.

The featured variety act is Wally Eastwood–a juggler extraordinaire. His skill, talent, and charisma make him an instant hit with the audience. Eastwood has been with the show for a little while now, and I’ve seen his act numerous times, but he never fails to make the dialogue seem fresh and is always able to endear the audience to him. With all of the variety acts in town, Eastwood is still one of the best.

The real star of the show, however, is the dancing. The dancing in the show is very strong. The dancers and the acrobats deliver very upbeat and energetic performances–with abilities that anyone can appreciate. One of the highlights of the production has to be the award winning “Can Can” number. The execution and energy of this number; with its array of movement from the dancers, and the flipping and turning from the acrobats; virtually stops the show.

The adagio team, in the Folies, has always added class and depth to the production. In that respect, this new adagio team is no different.

The showgirls are absolutely gorgeous. They go from floating across the stage like a variety of gleaming Greek statues to jiggling and bouncing, in their near nakedness, across the stage with enough panache to enchant, entice and attract us. They are both sexy and classy. They are everything one expects of the classic Las Vegas showgirl. (The Wagnerian monolithic women section is a bit odd, but…okay.)

The Tropicana has had an impending implosion looming over its head for years now…it prompted Rick Thomas to move to the Stardust (which ironically just announced its date for implosion,) but doesn’t seem to be slowing the Folies down. For the first time in its forty-something history, the show has just filmed its first commercial.

“Folies Bergere” is a show that is worth seeing. Part of the staying power of this show has been its ability to update, change itself to keep things fresh. The first show of the evening is covered, so you can now bring the entire family to see this production. “Folies” does have something to entertain everyone, and it gives you exactly what you might expect from this type of production, and doesn’t make any bones about the fact that this show is here to entertain. The show does its job and does it well. The show entertains us.

Source:
http://www.igoshows.com
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LV off terror risk list

Las Vegas was dropped from a list of cities that the government considers potential high-risk targets for terrorist attacks, federal officials confirmed

Tuesday.Las Vegas and 10 other cities previously categorized as “high threat” fell behind 35 areas declared eligible this year for special grants earmarked by the Department of Homeland Security.

The exclusion, which caught Nevada officials by surprise, could jeopardize millions in additional federal funding that the state receives as a result of being considered a potential terrorist target.
reviewjournal.com — News - WEEK IN REVIEW: LV off terror risk list
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NORM: Porn star voted out of Venetian

Porn star and 2003 California gubernatorial candidate Mary Carey and her boyfriend were evicted from The Venetian late last week after a domestic dispute.

Security was called to their room and 86′d the pair indefinitely from the property after getting a smart-aleck greeting (”We just wanted to see how fast you guys could get here”).

Carey, 25, finished 10th in a field of 135 candidates in the recall election. Her platform included taxing breast implants and making lap dances tax deductible.

Carey, who announced she plans to run for governor again, was given special permission to return for Saturday night’s AVN Awards show.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Porn star voted out of Venetian
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NORM: Jackman prepares for magician role

Hugh Jackman, star of “X-Men,” was in Las Vegas on a real-life mission over the weekend.

To prepare for a new film about dueling magicians, he checked out master magician Lance Burton on Saturday night at the Monte Carlo and dashed over to the Rio to see Penn & Teller.

The former Broadway star left a note for Burton, explaining he was in town doing homework for his film “The Prestige,” which co-stars Christian Bale (”Batman Begins”) as a rival of Jackman’s character.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Jackman prepares for magician role
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SHOOTING STARS: ‘CSI’ returns to Vegas

TV’s top-rated drama — CBS’ set-in-Vegas “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” — returns home this week for a “Killer” episode, shooting today and Tuesday at Glitter Gulch.

“CSI” regulars William Petersen, Paul Guilfoyle and Jorja Fox will make the trek, according to producer Louis Milito.

“It’s about time we came back to Las Vegas,” he says. (”CSI” hasn’t filmed here since August.)

In addition to scenes at the Golden Nugget, “there’s a nice car crash we wanted to do,” Milito notes.

Those crash sequences are scheduled to shoot today on Carson Avenue, between First and Main streets.

Claude’s Bar at the Golden Nugget and Fremont Street Experience exteriors round out today’s locations; Tuesday’s shoot centers on Main Street’s Greyhound bus station.

It’s the Golden Nugget’s second time in the “CSI” spotlight.

The series previously filmed there in August 2004, recalls Nugget public relations manager Sylke Finnegan.

“Killer” will air Feb. 2, leading off the show’s sweeps-month programming, Milito says.

“And we will definitely try to get back for the final sweeps episode,” Milito says, which will shoot in late May or early April for May broadcast.
reviewjournal.com — Living - SHOOTING STARS: ‘CSI’ returns to Vegas
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Implosion slated for tower at Castaways.
Station Casinos has been clearing site since July.

The stripped and gutted tower from the shuttered Castaways will be imploded Wednesday morning, wiping away the last remnants of the casino formerly known as the Showboat.Station Casinos bought the 26-acre site on Boulder Highway 14 months ago in a three-way transaction for $33.7 million.

The casino had been closed since January 2004 after its ownership filed for bankruptcy in June 2003, listing debts of more than $50 million.

The casino operator has not announced any plans for the site. Station Casinos is nearing completion of the first phase of $925 million Red Rock Resort in Summerlin, which is expected to open by the end of March.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-10-Tue-2006/business/5279661.html
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Bye bye, Boardwalk.
Workers, guests spend final day in hotel-casino as MGM Mirage closes doors.

As security guards and gaming agents cleaned out and locked down the Boardwalk’s slot machines and gaming tables in advance of the Strip casino’s Monday closing, longtime customers and employees hugged, posed for pictures and said their sad goodbyes.

The closing of the Boardwalk by MGM Mirage follows last year’s closings of the Westward Ho and Bourbon Street casinos.

The Boardwalk will be demolished over the next few months and the site will become part of MGM Mirage’s planned 66-acre Project CityCenter, a $5 billion development between Bellagio and Monte Carlo that will include a 4,000-room hotel-casino, small boutique hotels, a shopping mall and high-rise condominiums.

MGM Mirage spokesman Gordon Absher said the Boardwalk had 694 employees; more than 300 have been hired at the company’s 11 other Strip casinos. Many have found jobs at other Las Vegas gaming properties or in other professions.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-10-Tue-2006/business/5283056.html
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Now Appearing: Comedy hit nothing to laugh at.
By Jerry Fink

Funny Business opened Dec. 26 at Krave, the avant garde nightclub attached to the Aladdin at the Strip and Harmon Avenue.

At 7 p.m. daily there is a cast of comics that includes hostess Pudgy! Queen of Tease, Joe Trammel, James Bean and Dave Russo. A guest comedian will join the cast each week.

The comedy club shares the nightclub/theater with the bawdy musical “Fashionistas,” which is performed at 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Funny Business is one of five comedy clubs in Las Vegas, joining old-timers Riviera Comedy Club, the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana and the Improv at Harrah’s; and the relatively new Comedy Zone at the Plaza.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/jan/08/519932195.html
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Showroom: Vegas’ gamble with Broadway is not always a sure thing
By Jerry Fink

The musicals “Hairspray” (Luxor) and “Phantom of the Opera” (Venetian) soon will join “Avenue Q” (Wynn Las Vegas) and “Mamma Mia!” (Mandalay Bay) on the Strip, as Broadway productions continue their migration West.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot” is still a year or longer away from setting up residence at Wynn.

Whether others will follow remains to be seen.

Success is not a sure thing for those shows wrapped in the aura of Broadway. “We Will Rock You” barely lasted a year, premiering at Paris Las Vegas in August 2004 and closing in November 2005.

“Forbidden Vegas,” a spoof patterned after the successful “Forbidden Broadway,” ran for only six months, closing in May 2005. But then, it was off the Strip at the Westin, which may have been a factor in the early demise.

Of course “Saturday Night Fever” didn’t fare any better and it was on the Strip (at the Sahara).

Many are hoping to see Las Vegas become a center for theater — perhaps none more than Giovanna Sardelli, a director and actor in New York City who was born and raised in Las Vegas.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/jan/06/519924587.html
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Feature Article: Slots 2006 — Part 3 by Gayle Mitchell

Variety, entertainment value, innovative sound technology and downloading your favorite game are some of the concepts presented in the new line-up of slots.
Penny slots, similar to last year, continue to lead the parade of the new slot selections.

This 4 Part Series covers 8 slot manufacturers, their individual creations and/or slot series.

Additionally, there is great news for slot players in that the majority of these newer versions will be available in casinos within months.

One of the most exciting innovations, in my opinion, is downloadable technology.
This concept involves a central server that permits a casino to download various slot machine games from an equipment provider and reconfigure game content quickly.
The current download offerings of individual slot makers are reported in this series.
It does wear my patience, however, as it is not expected to arrive before 2007.

Part 3 presents the slot manufacturers Atronic and Konami.

Atronic:
The big news with this slot-maker is the nickel wide area progressive eMillions.
Every player has the chance to become a millionaire either by playing max bet and
qualifying for the 1 million dollar jackpot or playing less than max bet for the 1 million credit jackpot.

Max spin in this case is 75 nickels or $3.75 a spin, but there is a secondary progressive of $50,000 for betting 1 coin/line for 75 cents/spin.

Additionally, Jackpot Respin is offered where the player receives up to five chances to grab the jackpot.

Atronic is proud to show off not only their e-motion series with dual screens, but new titles, bonus link systems, Wide Area Progressives and the largest library of game themes ever.

Atronic patented the Two Way betting feature where after an initial bet, the player activates jackpots right to left along with left to right.

Expanding further on the huge library of linked gaming content offered by Atronic is the dynamic bonus link Cash Fever. The new titles Gypsy Fortune and Sneaky Devils, both popular themes on e-motion, headed up the Cash Fever showcase of 7 titles and there’s more to come.

Atronic also demonstrated the continuous progress in their product and quality of content by unveiling added value features such as the new Super Play.

Launched on the new e-motion titles Magic Academy and Passion Coast this new way to play provides an “all wins pay scatter” pay mode, as well as a standard payline pay mode, appealing to a wider group of players.

Creating a focal point is the exhilarating competitive bonus concept Tournamania, designed and developed by Atronic Systems. The new Tournamania competition, where during every tournament the top screen of all e-motion machines displays the ranking of all participating players, provides increased player interaction.

Completing the new range of linked gaming concepts powered by e-motion was the new Deal or no Deal Link, featuring a rapid hit progressive jackpot and two exciting game themes. Both Deal or No Deal game themes give players six different ways to trigger the progressive jackpot including a Mystery Trigger that can hit at any time making the Deal or no Deal Link an extremely attractive game for players.

In addition to all the new game concepts, Atronic also launched a wide range of new game titles for both e-motion and Cashline headed up by the new licensed title Miami Vice Flamingo Fortunes based on the 80’s cult classic TV show.

The fast-paced base game coupled with the Miami Vice theme featuring Crocket and Tubbs proved to be a real hit on presentation.

Other e-motion titles making their debut included Super Wiener Dog saving the gaming world with four additional bonus features that are unlocked by activating the innovative “Super Bet” mode. The wacky Crazy Nest, the exotic Madame Sakura, the hilarious Granny’s Trucking Company, the ancient world of Mistress of Egypt, and the tropical treasures of Money Island.

In Granny’s Trucking, the granny icon is wild and with winning combos will double the jackpot. A second screen bonus round is titled Haul In the Cash where the player chooses from a group of trucks for additional credits.

Additionally, there is a Trucking Free Games Bonus where a map of the US is displayed and the ‘free spins plus multiplier’ is determined by your destination pick.
Speaking of destinations, there’s Johnny Vegas and his group of entertaining characters from Vegas town. When Johnny makes an appearance within a winning combo, the payday is doubled. If Johnny makes three or more appearances, the bonus round is triggered. Now it’s decision time. Want to Cruise the Strip or Visit Downtown or ???

If your activity choice reveals the Higher Roller Bonus, up to 21 free games are your reward.

Complimenting the e-motion titles was the new range of Cashline games including the chivalrous Knights Tale, the magnificent Mysteries of India, the adventurous Mickey Jones and the jungle fever Princess of the Amazon.

This slot manufacturer, while well known in Europe, has surely made a big splash across the pond as well.

Konami Gaming:
This slot maker highlights their Fusion system boasting five progressive jackpots designated at levels of Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum based on player wagering. As many as 30 paylines are represented in penny, 2 cent and nickel denominations. Your play is tracked on a display screen listing the active paylines and progressive jackpot qualifications.

Additionally, some new Konami penny and 2-penny video slots display a pay window based on number of coins bet.

Each winning combo at these slots is multiplied by the number of coins wagered.
Newbies include the very amusing E.R. Fever where the ‘patient-player’ garners a larger win if you are cured.

There’s Super Highway 777, Jungle Fury and Super Sparkling Sevens that feature both multipliers and respin features plus a mystery pay for up to 50X your bet.
Aztek Kingdom weighs in with wild and scatter pays plus a second set of reels where you can spin your way up to 100 free spins to include double and quad winning credits.

Ocean’s Wild, another 30-line game has a free spin round where the whale’s tail stops on up to 15 symbols transforming them into wild symbols for wins.
Dynamoney is a multiline with a unique free spin option. At the free spin round whenever the reels do not come up with a winning combination, the multiplier is increased for the next spins. Turning losses into wins is the name of this game.
As to Konami’s progressive presentations, there are Golden Theater Deluxe and Diamond Solitaire Deluxe slots that offer five levels of progressive jackpot wins.
Toss in a second screen bonus to choose free spins and oh yes, multipliers too.
Dynasty of the Rising Sun has a Mystery jackpot when 2-5 scatter pays appear.
At that time, the free spin option is triggered for up to 50 free games.

You have to be impressed, with not only Konami’s offerings, but also the success they have found in what is certainly a very competitive market.
http://www.easycasinogambling.com/ezine.html
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La Reve
by Nancy Hruska
From www.accessvegas.com

An escape from consciousness to the more colorful subconscious joined by love, hate, joy, pain, and all the bizarre characters a less than perfect world has to offer… This is Le Reve. Oh Franco, this one really hits home.

Le Reve, created by Franco Dragone former Cirque du Soleil creative heavyweight, is thoughtfully built upon a premise every human can embrace- The Dream. The show’s subtitle, “A Small Collection of Imperfect Dreams,” becomes apparent not only scene to scene, but for the real world as well- a reflection of our own imperfect or impeccable dispositions.

Le Reve is the story of a common man’s (named Everyman) search for perfection. Franco states, “this only leaves us feeling guilty all the time,” and he made sure his characters put their heart and soul into showing the strengths, weaknesses, pleasures, pain, and temptations that go along with any human quest. The result is not necessarily a Disney story as humans are capable of both beautiful and ugly endeavors. It is often solemn and dark. These samples of unavoidable black emotions encompassing Franco’s renowned sense of art and acrobatics are a revolutionary recipe for audience consciousness.

Entering the theatre, there is an immediate sense of intimacy with the surroundings. The small, arena-like showroom has no seat more than 42 feet away from the stage inevitably making audience members part of the dreamer’s world. Submerged in water half the time, the stage is a series of platforms rising and falling for a far from conventional ground for performance. Water rushes in and out from large channels onto the stage like dreams collide and melt into one another.

Everyman, guided by a character known as Mephistopheles, remains on the sidelines as the magic and mystery of his dream presents itself. No one, however, remains dry. Most of the acrobatics, whether in the air or on the stage share the same working hazard… they perform everything soaking wet. This includes the hand balancers, working off the strength of one another totally exposed to the elements, totally in control.

But don’t be fooled, for where there is strength and triumph, suffering may be just around the corner. Six angelic synchronized swimmers bathed in soothing green water float carelessly. “Now,” calls a voice from above, Give me the boiling water.”

Still, just when the mood gets a little tense, to the rescue comes the entertainment between the entertainment, the well known comic relief in most Dragone productions, the clowns so to speak. In Le Reve, they take form as four goofy men with a Three Stuges way about them. Stumbling in and out between acts often times wearing something satirical like a tu-tu (and nothing else), these four men remind the audience of what is essentially human and imperfect between the outrageous aerial ballet or 80 ft dives from the ceiling down into the stage pool.

Such acts whether in the air or on the ground have an undeniably different flavor. One for instance involves suspended tables and chairs where in which the dinner guests are the acrobats. Another darker scene evokes a cold winter night in which props from a street scene descend and nightmarish figures such as eerie manikins take place of any friendly faces. And then there is the flipside to such blackness, men celebrating their strength in an almost ritualistic dance circle with powerful drums to fuel them.

The production’s live band with music composed by Benoit Jutras, has left the showroom and released it’s own CD. Benoit has won many awards including a Claude Jutra award for the film “Alegria.” Trip Hop, Electronic Hop, Classical, pop, and world beat infused with eccentricities such as bagpipes, African Guitar, Harp, and ancient woodwinds are as unique a mixture as Le Reve a show. In Benoit’s own words he explains, “Music touches every sense. It can move you to tears, bring joy to your heart, stir sexual passion, evoke memories, and prompt physical responses of all kinds.”

Such as the way of Le Reve, The Dream. Embracing all that is in this world, imperfect or sublime, Franco Dragone exposes and celebrates it all. Le Reve is a true taste of the wonderful mystery that is mankind.
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A New Day for “Legends in Concert” — Celine Dion Joins Celebrity Tribute Spectacular

There’s a new day coming Monday, Jan. 9, with Brigitte Valdez returning as Celine Dion in “Legends in Concert,” the award-winning celebrity tribute at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino.

With an incredibly strong voice and fabulous costumes, Valdez transforms herself into the incomparable diva to perform “I Drove All Night,” “Because You Love Me,” “Power of Love,” “That’s the Way It Is” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Valdez last performed as Celine Dion in Legends in 2003.

Valdez debuted her singing talents at the tender age of 13, hitting the road with her singing machine and microphone and not hesitating to perform “whenever and wherever asked.” Her travels led to gigs singing back-up vocals for Benny Mardones, The Pharcyde and Johnny Angel. She recorded a pop album, “Brigitte,” which was released to critical acclaim in Asia.

Valdez replaces Madonna in the current show, which also includes Prince, Shania Twain, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley. “Legends in Concert,” in its 23rd year, is a full-production spectacular with dancers, singers and live musicians. Enjoy incredible look-alike and sound-alike performances of an ever-changing lineup of superstars. Shows nightly at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. except Sunday. Tickets are $39.95, $49.95 and $59.95; children 12 and under are $24.95. Dinner and show packages are available. For reservations, call 702.794.3261 or toll-free 888.777.7664. For more information, visit www.imperialpalace.com
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Old Vegas Gives Way Again
Stardust Casino Is to Be Replaced by a $4-Billion Complex
By James F. Peltz, Times Staff Writer

Like the Dunes and Desert Inn before it, the venerable Stardust hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip is heading for the wrecking ball.

The Stardust’s owner, Boyd Gaming Corp., said Wednesday that it planned to tear down the 1,500-room resort to make way for an upscale, $4-billion hotel-casino-shopping complex that would compete against the other mega-projects that have risen in a town where new and glitzy usually trumps historic preservation.
Called Echelon Place, the new resort would consist of four hotels with a combined 5,300 rooms, plus shops, restaurants and a convention center.

The Stardust would keep operating through this year. It would be demolished in early 2007 as construction begins on Echelon Place, which is scheduled to open in 2010.

“Las Vegas has experienced an upscaling” of its properties, “and we certainly intend to be a participant in that,” Bob Boughner, a Boyd executive who would be Echelon’s president, said in an interview.

With Echelon Place, Boyd hopes to become a more formidable rival to the two companies that dominate the Strip: MGM Mirage, which owns such properties as the MGM Grand, the Bellagio and the Mirage; and Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., whose resorts include Paris Las Vegas and Caesars Palace.

Boyd, a once obscure hotel-casino operator that has grown steadily over the years, also faces competition from several giant projects that recently opened or are under development.

Steve Wynn’s Wynn Las Vegas luxury mega-casino opened last year. MGM Mirage is planning a $5-billion complex called CityCenter that would include hotels, a casino, stores and condominiums.

Las Vegas Sands Corp., which owns the Venetian, is constructing a $1.6-billion complex called Palazzo that would have 3,025 rooms.

Las Vegas-based Boyd “is swinging for the fences on all aspects of the redevelopment plan and is ready to become one of the big boys on the Strip,” analyst William Schmitt of CIBC World Markets said in a note to clients.

Boyd’s proposed 63-acre project means the end for the Stardust, another of the famed hotel-casinos that were built after World War II and became the early backbone of Las Vegas.

The Stardust opened in 1958 on the northern section of the Strip, and was acquired by Boyd in 1985. For years it was home to singer Wayne Newton - known as “Mr. Las Vegas” - and it still features such entertainers as Don Rickles, the Temptations and Jackie Mason.

But the complex lacked many of the attractions, such as upscale shopping and dining, that tourists now seek when they arrive in Nevada. Recently, Boyd promoted the Stardust as the hotel of choice for those who enjoyed the classic, retro Las Vegas.

“This was inevitable,” said Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor, which chronicles the city and its gaming industry. “The old-style casinos, and the Stardust is one, just can’t compete anymore.

“People come to Las Vegas with their heart set on seeing the latest and greatest and coolest and slickest,” Curtis said. “And these old places don’t qualify anymore.”

Some analysts have voiced concern over whether too many new projects are being built in Las Vegas, threatening an oversupply of rooms. The city had a total of 131,503 rooms at the end of 2004, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

But Boughner discounted the concern, saying that Echelon Place and some other projects would be replacing many existing, aging rooms “with more relevant and compelling” accommodations rather than just adding rooms to Las Vegas’ current capacity.

He also noted that Las Vegas’ tourism business continued to grow, raising demand for rooms. A record 37.4 million people visited Las Vegas in 2004, and through the first 10 months of 2005, the number of visitors totaled 32.4 million, up 2.5% from the same period a year earlier, according to the city’s convention group.

Under the Echelon Place proposal, Boyd would spend $2.9 billion to develop a wholly owned hotel-casino called the Echelon Resort. An additional $1.1 billion would be invested by Boyd and other joint-venture partners who would develop three more hotels and other projects on the property.

Boyd operates 19 gaming facilities in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Louisiana.

After the announcement, Boyd’s stock closed at $46.09 a share, down $2.31, or 4.8%.

Source: L.A. Times
Thanks to Bob for sending the article to me.
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Rental Car Discount Coupons

The American Casino Guide web site has three discount coupons from Alamo Rent A Car which are all valid through 12/31/06 .
They also have a special Alamo booking page which can you save you up to 15% off Alamo’s regular rates and there will not be any extra charges for an additional driver.

If you look on the left side of the booking page you will see a link to the three discount coupons: $15 off a rental of 5-14 days (compact through fullsize); one FREE upgrade with a rental of 1-14 days (comnpact through intermediate); and one FREE day with a rental of 5 or more days (midsize through fullsize).

The URL for the page is: http://www.alamo.com/index.do?source=generic&action=hotDealsTemplate.do&msg=affil_americancasinoguide_page
Please note that if you want to use any of the above coupons you will need to print them out and present them at the time of your rental. The discount of up to 15% off will be applied automatically when you book through this special Alamo page and you won’t need any coupon to receive those savings.

The American Casino Guide web site has two discount coupons from National Car Rental which are all valid through 12/31/06 .

They also have a special National booking page which can you save you up to 20% off National’s regular rates and there will not be any extra charges for an additional driver.

If you look on the lower right side of this booking page you will see a link to the two discount coupons: One FREE day on a weekend rental of an intermediate through fullsize 4-door car (3-day minimum, 4-day maximum, weekend rental with a Friday and a Saturday overnight keep); FREE one-car-class upgrade (must reserve compact through standard 2-door car)

The URL for the page is: http://www.nationalcar.com/index.do?action=hotDealsTemplate.do&msg=ZL_americanCasinoGuide_splash&footer=1&header=1&source=AmerCasinoGuide_logo.gif
Please note that if you want to use either of the above coupons you will need to print them out and present them at the time of your rental. The discount of up to 15% off will be applied automatically when you book through this special national page and you don’t need any coupon to receive those savings.
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JOHN L. SMITH: Sentimentality vanishes with disappearance of Boardwalk, Castaways.

The Dunes, the Sands and the Desert Inn, now those were fascinating joints with amazing histories. Even the Landmark and the Hacienda had their moments.

And the Stardust, when it finally disappears and is replaced by the $4 billion Echelon Place, will be one to pine over.

But this week, I’m suffering from a terrible case of Vegas throat after the closure of the Boardwalk and today’s scheduled demolition of the Castaways. Suddenly, I’m overcome by stage fright.

Try as I might, I can’t think of a reason to sing “The Bulldozer Blues” for those two holdovers from our carnival midway upbringing. In fact, I can’t think of a reason those two joints should be remembered at all.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-11-Wed-2006/news/5303603.html
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Castaways Implosion
Jan. 11, 2006

The Castaways, the former Showboat on Boulder Highway, was imploded early morning on Jan. 11, 2006. Station Casinos bought the 26-acre site on Boulder Highway 14 months ago in a three-way transaction for $33.7 million. The casino had been closed since January 2004 after its ownership filed for bankruptcy in June 2003, listing debts of more than $50 million.

Photo’s Videos’s and News.
Click Here: http://www.reviewjournal.com/webextras/implode/castaways/
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Brett’s Vegas Views by Jackie Brett

Having never seen the former nightclub La Bete that opened and closed rather quickly and only hearing that it highlighted a purple and gold color scheme, it is clear the makeover to the new 12,000-square-foot club Tryst at Wynn Las Vegas was worthwhile. Tryst opened over the holidays and it’s highly dramatic.

The complete renovation added 30 more tables and a new color scheme featuring copper, deep reds, resin blacks, and chocolate browns. Guests are greeted by an open free -floating, winding stairway down to a black and white lounge. The wall affect sets the elegant tone. From floor to ceiling, framed mirrors of varying sizes are applied to the walls like a mosaic pattern.

Next you make an “s”-curve turn through a red paneled hallway with wall lamps with small shades embedded at varying heights in the padded walls.

The grand entrance is into a main room with open air and a sizable dance floor extending into a breathtaking 90-foot waterfall that cascades into a secluded lagoon. On both sides of the lagoon are outside patios enveloped in dramatic white lines and shrouded by a grove of trees. The inside main room features intimate booth-style tables, a private VIP room and a separate ultra-lounge with its own house music.

One of the managing partners is Victor Drai, who is well known for his exquisitely dramatic Drai’s Afterhours and restaurant located in the basement at the Barbary Coast. The one affect that overwhelms his lounge at Drai’s is a wall of candles. This candle glow atmosphere has been extended to Tryst, where you can tell candle lighting can be a full-time job. Tryst is really magnificent.

The Imperial Palace’s “Be A Legend” Celebrity Impersonator Karaoke Contest will kick off its third year on Thursday, Feb. 16. The “Be A Legend” karaoke contest is free and open to the public at Tequila Joe’s, the hotel’s karaoke club on the Strip sidewalk. The quarterly event also will be held May 18, Aug. 17 and Nov. 16. For an entry form and contest rules, visit www.imperialpalace.com, select “be entertained” and then “TJ’s-karaoke” from the drop- down menu.

Celebrity impersonators from across the country will compete for an audition with the hotel’s award-winning celebrity tribute full-production spectacular - Legends in Concert - now playing to packed audiences in its 23rd year. First place also wins $750, second place wins $500, third wins $250 and fourth and fifth place each get $100.

About 20 contestants must be prepared to sing up to two songs in full costume and makeup of the performers they impersonate. The top five, as determined by a panel of entertainment industry judges, compete for the prize money and audition.

Another Strip property will be biting the dust tomorrow. The Boardwalk will be closing to make way for a gigantic Strip development called City Center. You can’t miss the small Boardwalk property because of its roller-coaster facade and the jumbo, looming clown’s face. The Boardwalk was created by Norm Jansen, who passed away eight years ago. His widow, Avis, has continued to run her little gift store inside the property. In fact, when the doors close, Mrs. Jansen will be taking the gold-framed portrait of her late husband off the lobby wall and keeping it.

The Jansens were a couple who enjoyed Las Vegas’ heydays. She arrived in Las Vegas from Wisconsin in 1946 as a 19-year-old and got a job as a waitress. After three weeks of throwing quarters into slots, she swore off gambling but loved the business. She worked the bingo room at the Boulder Club on Fremont Street, where she met a young Norm Jansen, who worked at Boulder Club’s sports book, updating the odds lines on the big betting board. They married in 1950.

Over the years, Norm owned the Pioneer Club, part-owned the California Hotel, bought the Elwell Hotel downtown, and built the old Riverboat on the Strip, which is now Harrah’s. It was there that his wife launched her business, Holiday Gifts Inc.

In the early 1970s, the Jansens opened a gift shop next to a Holiday Inn farther south on the Strip, and then Norm took over the hotel as well. Twenty years later, he took his company public and with the infusion of cash, remade the old hotel as the Holiday Inn Boardwalk Casino. The place got a new look and the 17-story tower.

The next to close will be the Lady Luck in February; however, it will reopen in about a year after a thorough remodel job takes place.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm
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Los Angeles Times Features Unusual Las Vegas Show by an Unlikely Las Vegas Producer

The Fashionistas, John Stagliano’s erotically-charged tale of fetish and fantasy, has been chosen as one of “Las Vegas’ 10 Best Shows,” by the Las Vegas Review Journal. This marks the first ever appearance for a show of this kind on The R-J’s 10 Best List, which beat out such mainstream high-budget productions as Celine Dion’s “A New Day.” Fashionistas” also was picked by the staff of the Review Journal as having the Best Choreography of any Vegas show.

The Fashionistas is a gender-blending erotic extravaganza never before seen on the Las Vegas Strip. With staging techniques critics call “muscular and aggressive,” Stagliano uses Aerialists to come down from over heads and platforms erected behind the audience to create an environment that makes the entire theater feel like a stage. The costumes designs, ranging from simplistic to stunning, are all memorable. And the large cast and high production values found in such an intimate setting enhance the visceral power of the show.

Utilizing music from Evanescence, Madonna, Tool, Lords of Acid, Crystal Method, and Led Zeppelin, the story is told in dance through the mood and words of each song, as well as through the use of dramatic images projected on large video screens. Stagliano goes the extra steps to add impressive little touches that make a big difference, including having a live drummer accentuate the hard driving sound track. The result is a show that’s more erotic than any other show on the strip; it is both humorous and sly without being campy or cheesy.

The Fashionistas produced and directed by John Stagliano, is an erotic extravaganza that pushes the envelope of human form, fashion and spectacle in high style. On the Strip at Krave Nightclub, Las Vegas Blvd. and Harmon Ave. (adjacent to the Aladdin Hotel). 9:30 p.m. nightly except Sundays. General Admission: $54.95, Preferred: $65.95, VIP: $76.95 (all inclusive) For reservations call: 702-836-0833.
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I appreciate your comments. Please feel free to post them.

Steve

Posted on January 27th, 2006 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter