February 10th, 2006

And us spoiled people here in the Northeast thought winter was over? No Way…Most of the Northeast os under a BLIZZARD watch for tomorrow night with up to a foot of snow possible. Another one of those “I wish I was in Las Vegas” days.
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JOHN L. SMITH: Sonny King: The lounge legend who made Vegas Vegas.

I know there would be a Sonny King without Las Vegas.

But now that he has left his final stage, I wonder whether there would be a Vegas without Sonny King.

Sonny, who died Friday at age 83, helped invent the Vegas of no cover charges and two-drink minimums and over-the-top, on-till-dawn entertainment. There were some before him, some after, some with fresher jokes, many with better voices. But nobody sold the whole package like Sonny. He reminded me of a veteran pitcher with no fastball but an endless variety of curves and sliders.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-07-Tue-2006/news/5753680.html
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Las Vegas acts gather in memory of King
By Jerry Fink

Tales of the Fountain of Youth are older than Juan Ponce de Leon, the 16th century Spanish explorer who is alleged to have discovered Florida during a search for the rejuvenating waters.

Sonny King’s Fountain was the spotlight. Despite personal tragedies, sickness and failing health, when he stepped into the light, his youth was restored and his problems retreated into the shadows.

King died last week with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/feb/10/566617012.html
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies:

The Mirage Volcano now erupts at the top of each hour from 6 p.m. to midnight effective immediately. The volcano is scheduled to undergo an extensive transformation later this year. Wet Design, the firm responsible for the Fountains of Bellagio, is enhancing the iconic volcano with fire explosions that will blast taller, lava, which will appear hotter, and sounds, which will boom louder than ever. The project is set for completion in 2007. The nightly show is free to the public.

High-stepping socialite Paris Hilton and poker bad boy Phil Hellmuth are going to be neighbors. Both have reserved a penthouse residence at the W Hotels, which opens in 2009 along Koval Lane. Hellmuth won a studio condo during last week’s W-sponsored poker tournament at the Sundance Film Festival and decided to put it toward the purchase of a penthouse.

Discovery Channel Canada’s science series “What’s That About” hits town this week to explore the inner workings of casinos, from slots to surveillance. In addition to locations at Bellagio, the MGM Grand and the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas, the hourlong episode also plans to shoot at Bally Gaming Systems, Shufflemaster and other locales, according to director Laura Turek.

The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook becomes the home for world-class soccer (call it “La Central de Futbol”) beginning Feb. 15, featuring all the matches of the Mexican National team as it gets ready for this summer World Cup Matches in Germany. Las Vegas Hilton player’s club members will receive two tickets for the game day drawings of a trip (for two) to the Hilton in Cabo San Lucas on Mexicana airlines or the grand prize of a Toyota TACOMA on June 21st. Additional tickets are distributed to club members based on play. The SuperBook also is taking bets on all future world cup matches and all games of the Mexican Soccer federation.

Stefano’s Italian restaurant, once a favorite haunt of Frank Sinatra and friends, is closing, effective Monday, the Golden Nugget confirmed Thursday.

“Havana Night Club” closed at the Stardust on Saturday. Nicole Durr, the show’s colorful producer, said in her farewell speech the show was moving elsewhere in town but the new venue was a secret she would reveal Feb. 22.
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

Only in Las Vegas. On 2.13.06 will be the Third Annual Nympho Valentine’s Lingerie Pajama Mansion Party. This event will be held at the famous Red Rock Mansion
and starts at 10p.

The ever colorful Mayor Oscar Goodman of Las Vegas must have been thrilled when the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl this weekend. Not because he was a big fan of the team but because of the big wager he had placed on the game. No, it wasn’t about money, it was about dressing up like Britney Spears.

That’s right the honorable Mayor Oscar Goodman will not have to stand on a street corner for an hour dressed like the pop starlet while singing her songs.

It’s all part of an annual bet between the mayor and local morning radio hosts Mark and Mercedes. A couple of years ago he backed the wrong team and wound up standing on a street corner as the construction worker from the Village People while singing “YMCA” and “Macho Man.”
http://www.vegas4visitors.com

For swing dancers who have been futilely searching for a place to perform their favorite pastime, vocalist Derek David and his 17-piece big band have arrived.

“Sunday Swing starring Derek David” debuts at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Italian American Supper Club, 2333 E. Sahara Ave.

David will be backed by vocalists Kelly Vaughn, Arnold Parker, Genevieve and Lee Ann Brychel.

The price of admission is $29.95 and includes dinner.

Entertainment will be from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. every Sunday.
Las Vegas SUN: Derek David and his 17-piece big band bring back the swing

The street-renaming trend continues today when Fashion Show Drive becomes Mel Torme Drive. Dedication ceremonies start at 10:30 a.m. at the southwest corner of the Dillard’s parking structure. Torme, a jazz icon and a frequent Las Vegas headliner, joins the company of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, who recently had their names put on streets near Interstate 15. Torme, who died at age 73 in 1999, wrote “The Christmas Song,” with its famous opening, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

“Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” at the Rio opened on Valentine’s Day and is now getting ready to celebrate it’s four-year anniversary.

It’s been announced that the Klondike located on the far south Strip will be shutting its doors after 45 years of operations. The Klondike is probably best known for its 99-cent breakfast and 10-cent roulette tables.

The gals from ABC’s “The View” have a full schedule planned during their Feb. 20-21 return to Las Vegas. In addition to taping multiple shows each day at Caesars Palace, co-host Star Jones Reynolds has a book signing at the Forum Shops at Caesars from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. on the 20th. Joy Behar is staying over to perform her stand-up comedy show Feb. 23 at the Flamingo. Tickets are $65 and $75. Ticket information: 733-3333 or 800-221-7299.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Rumors persist that famous West Coast eatery Trader Vic’s will be opening a Vegas outpost in The Aladdin’s Dessert Passage in the fall of 2006. Trader Vic’s menu is known as Polynesian-fusion with world famous appetizers, wok dishes and Chinese wood-fired oven specialties.
http://www.lasvegasfoodservice.com/newsletter.shtml

Martha Stewart was spotted in sin city last week filming a segment for her television show Martha. One stop along her route was the local eatery Hash House A Go Go where she was joined by food aficionado Al Roker, from the Today Show. Both were overheard marveling at the huge portions, Roker for his 14″ in diameter pancakes and Stewart for her Sage Fried Chicken Bacon Waffles. Look for the show to air sometime next month.
http://www.lasvegasfoodservice.com/newsletter.shtml

The Tropicana started a new Free Spin & Win game where up to 50 guests daily have a free chance to win up to $1,000 cash and other prizes including dinners and show tickets. Each day, 10 Spin & Win players are selected at one of five drawings held at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 p.m. on a stage in the middle of the casino. For contest details, call 702-739-2711.
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PLAYER’S EDGE : Slots A Fun paying extra for heart flushes on Valentine’s Day

As a Valentine’s Day promotion, Slots A Fun will award cash bonuses on all royal flushes in hearts on Tuesday. Players hitting a max-coin royal in hearts will get an extra $100 on nickel machines, $200 on dime machines, $500 on quarters and $1,000 on dollar machines. Blackjack players will receive $250 for every 6-7-8 of hearts with a $5 minimum bet or $150 for the same hand with a $3 minimum bet.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-10-Fri-2006/weekly/5784609.html
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Lenny’s Las Vegas
Hearts & Flowers
Valentine’s Day specials run from romantic to fun.

One week before Valentine’s Day and Las Vegas wants to make sure you have a choice on how you’ll spend it. I like what Lake Las Vegas Resort is offering at MonteLago Village, with a choice of a horse and carriage ride, gondola cruise, live entertainment and find dining. What more do you want for a romantic evening?

You can start off with the horse and buggy ride ($10 for adults, five bucks for kids if it’s going to be a family affair). Then you can sail off into the sunset on Lake Las Vegas while the gondolier serenades you and your sweetheart. You can make reservations by calling 877-4GONDOLA. I know that’s eight digits, but it works.

From there, a short drive will take you to the Vineyard Restaurant where you can dine on a four-course meal over candlelight accompanied by the sweet sounds of live harp and flute melodies. This will cost you $150, but worth every penny. Call (702) 567-9410 for reservations. If this doesn’t impress her, you’re with the wrong woman.

Z PLEAZURE

If, on the other hand, you’d like a Valentine’s Day a little more racy, “Zumanity,” the sexy show at New York-New York, is offering its Z PleaZure Package. Actually, it’s celebrating that special day’s offer throughout the month of February. This $350 package includes two premium tickets to “Zumanity,” two souvenir glasses for unlimited Zumanitini cocktails at the show, a Spa Deluxe room upgrade, breakfast in bed (up to $50) and two spa admissions, and it’s yours for only $159 per couple. You have to book by Feb. 28 and use the package by March 31. Sounds like good deal and a lot of fun. You can reserve by calling 866-815-4365.

KRAVE NAKED HEARTS

Now if you want to get down and dirty this Valentine’s Day, you might want to attend the Naked Hearts event at Krave nightclub. Naked Hearts is a very sexy event featuring live performances by cast members of Las Vegas production shows, including “Celine Dion in ‘A New Day …’,” Chippendales, “Fantasy,” “Folies Bergere,” “An Evening at La Cage,” Culture Shock, Missy Cochran Entertainment, MGM Grand Productions, The Vamps Girlie Revue and more.

Between acts, you can writhe on the dance floor with Las Vegas’ most tempting bodies. That’s if you’re not too busy at the kissing booth or getting a chocolate massage. Tickets are only $20 and you can get tickets or reserve a booth by calling (702) 384-2899. The action starts at 11 p.m. and I don’t have to tell you that you must be at least 21.

reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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Valentine’s Day Dining
Table of love

By Muriel Stevens

Valentine, Valentine, wilt thou be mine? The sentiment in this little query, dated though it may be, is heartfelt and oh so loving. Romance is always in style, and what could be more romantic on Valentine’s Day than dinner in a fine restaurant? It doesn’t have to be French, although that would be my choice, so I’m sharing with you some elegant French dining suggestions and a few that are more casual. Surely, the French did not invent romance, they just do it so well.

French restaurants in Las Vegas run the gamut from casual bistro and brasserie to grand upscale dining rooms that arouse the senses through fabulous food and wine. We even have a French buffet.

Le Village at Paris Las Vegas offers five stations starring French regional specialties, cheeses, breads and desserts, including the famous plate-size crêpes of Brittany, made to order. The Paris buffet also offers private dining areas. Call (877) 796-2096.
Le Cirque at Bellagio is a bedazzling, whimsical, sophisticated circus. A family affair, Le Cirque is owned by the venerable restaurateur Sirio Maccioni and his family. Son Mario directs Le Cirque and the adjacent Circo. A classic Le Cirque tasting menu paired with wines and a fountain of exquisite desserts is a lovely experience. Chef de Cuisine Jeremy Leib and Pastry Chef Frederick Larre do the fine cooking and the superb desserts. Dinner nightly, 5:30 to 10. Call (702) 693-7111.

Bouchon at The Venetian is a terrific brasserie created by Napa Valley’s Thomas Keller, whose French Laundry in Napa has brought him international acclaim. Keller’s Napa Bouchon gave birth to Bouchon at The Venetian. This jewel offers casual French fare in a patio setting. Chef de Cuisine Mark Hopper was formerly at the French Laundry. The menu is offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Oyster bar and lounge service from 3 p.m. to midnight. Call (702) 414-6200.

Andre Rochat’s French restaurant, Andre’s at Monte Carlo, is offering a special seven-course Valentine’s Day menu that includes many romantic touches. Reservations are requested. Call (702) 730-7955.

Fin Chinese restaurant at The Mirage is romantic from the lighting to the divine décor. Waxing poetic over a Chinese restaurant is not the norm, yet Fin is fabulous. Not to worry. The food is infused Asian with many familiar dishes. Call (702) 792-7111. Whatever you choose, be it grand or casual dining, just remember to pull out all the stops on this day that recognizes one of the greatest emotions of all, love.
http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature4.html
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Only Need Simple Ceremony To Tie The Knot
‘Love Is In The Air’ Chapel Special Includes Bottle of Bubbly.

If you’re looking to tie the knot in Las Vegas, but you’re on a tight budget, look no further: “Love is in the Air” at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino through June 1.

The spring wedding special for $150 is simple yet full of love. Available Monday through Friday, it includes use of the hotel’s luxurious wedding chapel and a non-denominational officiant. The special couple will also receive a bottle of champagne to toast their new beginning.

For reservations, call 702.697.8500 or toll-free 866.228.0918.
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Brett’s Vegas Views

General Motors has made a deal to lease the 11-acre parking lot behind the Sahara and turn it into a new attraction. It will be converted into a test track facility called “The Drive,” where the public can take their pick of cars, trucks or SUVs for a spin. The initial lease is for six months with 15 vehicles being available to the public. Hours could run from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The Drive is an outgrowth of AutoShow in Motion, a GM traveling test track that toured nationally and set up shop briefly at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway last year.

Each driver will be given one trip around each test track on a single admission. Drivers will have to be 17 years of age, hold a valid driver’s licenses and pass alcohol breath tests before being allowed to drive with a professional driver riding along. One track will be a traditional half-mile paved track, while the off-road dirt course will include a stream, logs and an incline nicknamed “Hummer Hill.”

The Las Vegas Monorail portion of the deal will allow GM to decorate and rename the Sahara station for a six-month period, with multi-year options to extend the pact and ad-wrap monorail trains.

The drag show “Dragapella” has been making periodic stops in Las Vegas with the hopes of landing a home. At last, one resort was wise enough to give the drag quartet, the Kinsey Sicks, and their hilarious revue an open-ended run beginning on March 3, in the Las Vegas Hilton’s Shimmer Cabaret. The incredibly talented comedy group sings a cappella, thus the play on the show’s title. “Dragapella” will be staged at 9:30 pm. Tuesdays through Saturdays with a base ticket price of $42.50.

Everyone knows that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman was a former local mob attorney. Another colorful defense attorney is James “Bucky” Buchanan and his new show “Las Vegas Law” has debuted on Court TV. The show is about how the law system works in Las Vegas. One interesting case involved people who punched out the center of gaming chips and inserted a $100 chip in lieu of a $1 chip and used them.

The WORLD POKER TOUR® has announced that Mandalay Bay 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.

In Season V, the WPT is expected to surpass its Quarter Billion Dollar mark in prize money. Season V will begin and end in Las Vegas, initially with The Mirage Poker Showdown May 14, at The Mirage and conclude April 27, 2007 at Bellagio. The WPT launched the poker phenomenon when it first aired on the Travel Channel on March 30, 2003, and it continues to lead the way in developing poker as a major international sport.

Bobby Brooks has joined the “Legends in Concert” cast at the Imperial Palace gliding through a five-octave range in his portrayal of the legendary rhythm and blues superstar Jackie Wilson. Last year, he performed in Legends, now in its 23rd year, as Stevie Wonder. Brooks replaces Shania Twain in the current show, which also includes Prince, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, the Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm
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Lunchtime With Ira Update

Sure, radio shows can claim to have listeners, but how many can claim to have rooms? “Lunchtime with Ira, Live from the Las Vegas Hilton” now airs in the 3,000 rooms and suites of the Las Vegas Hilton via in-room channel 30. Ira hosts Mike Weatherford, entertainment writer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal; Elizabeth Herridge, museum director of the Guggenheim in Las Vegas, and Jim Bickford, author of “Las Vegas Dreams” on “Lunchtime with Ira, Live from the Las Vegas Hilton” this Monday at noon (February 13). The show is broadcast on KDWN AM 720 TALK RADIO (and live and archived on www.lvhilton.com.) as well as The CRN Radio Networks-and the 3,000 rooms!
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Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

Industrial rock mainstays Nine Inch Nails will play the Aladdin Theatre on April 1. Tickets cost $42 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Aladdin box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Radio-friendly modern rockers Train will hit Rain at the Palms on March 30. General admission tickets cost $52 and V.I.P. tickets cost $82.50. They go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Stuff store at the Palms and Ticketmaster outlets.

The Isaac Hayes show scheduled for Feb. 17 at the House of Blues has been canceled due to illness. Refunds are available at the point of ticket purchase.

Superstar Latin crooner Luis Miguel will perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on April 15. Tickets cost $57.75, $68.25, $89.25, $141.75 and $157.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the Mandalay Bay box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Contemporary country star Brad Paisley will hit Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena in Primm on May 20. Tickets cost $35.50 and $47.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the Buffalo Bill’s box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Country singer-songwriter Chris Cagle will play Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena on April 21. Tickets cost $15.95 and $25.95 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today at Buffalo Bill’s box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Pop rockers The Rembrandts, best known for contributing the “Friends” theme song, will be stopping at The Showroom at Whiskey Pete’s in Primm on March 3. Tickets cost $19.95 and go on sale today at 10 a.m. at the Whiskey Pete’s box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

R&B, dance pop luminaries Morris Day and The Time will be performing April 14 and 15 at the Railhead at Boulder Station. Tickets cost $26.25, $37.25, $42.75 and $50.45 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at all Station Casinos Boarding Pass Rewards Centers.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - TICKETS
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Hunters Blog

The RateVegas.com blog, twowayhardthree.com, is doing a community interview with DeRuyter Butler, the head of architecture for Wynn Resorts. He designed Wynn Las Vegas, Bellagio, Beau Rivage and is working on Wynn’s upcoming projects. Want to submit a question? Head on over:

http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/2006/02/two_way_intervi.html
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La Femme and MGM Grand Welcome New Ownership of Famed Parent Show Crazy Horse in Paris

New Plans Set for Worldwide Crazy Horse Productions

La Femme (pronounced “La Fahm”) at MGM Grand and its parent show Crazy Horse in Paris are under new ownership. Founded by French entrepreneur Alain Bernardin in 1951, Crazy Horse had been owned and operated by Bernardin’s three children Didier, Pascal and Sophie since his death in 1994. The Bernardin siblings recently sold their rights to a group of shareholders led by Belgian businessmen Philippe Lhomme and Yannick Kalantarian.

Lhomme and Kalantarian plan to expand the Crazy Horse brand and have begun with the launch of a new production in Singapore, which includes an integrated 450-seat theatre, restaurant, cocktail lounge and café. An international Crazy Horse touring troupe also is currently being developed and will begin engagements in Lisbon, Spain and Beirut, Lebanon later this year, with additional cities to be announced in the near future.

Lhomme is an international businessman with more than 15 years of experience in establishing and developing communications, media and events companies as well as cable television networks in several European countries. Lhomme’s background includes the founding of “Canal Plus Polska,” one of the first private television channels in Poland. Lhomme also is a major shareholder in Altice, a cable television company with 2.3 million subscribers in French-speaking countries throughout Europe, and serves as the organization’s Chairman for the Belgian subsidiary. In addition Lhomme is the founder and owner of Fisa, an events management company that organizes consumer and trade shows throughout Europe. Kalantarian, Lhomme’s partner, is the founder and president of Puzzle Advertising, a European advertising, entertainment and events production firm.

While remaining true to the creative and ethic principles Crazy Horse has upheld for nearly 55 years, Lhomme and Kalantarian plan to explore all options in expanding the show’s brand name. “The Crazy Horse is an extraordinary internationally recognized brand that has the potential to be developed worldwide,” said Lhomme. “It has a power synonymous with its rich French history which also has international appeal.”

Changes set for La Femme include the revival of an audience favorite and the unveiling of a revamped routine. The previously performed group cabaret number “Chair Me Up” has returned to the show as well as the solo performance “Teasing.”

La Femme is an exact replica of the acclaimed show Crazy Horse in Paris, famous for its productions celebrating beautiful women and the art of the nude since 1951. La Femme elegantly balances sensuous choreography with a combination of light effects and projections to create a moving canvas of skin with dramatic effects: some subtle, some humorous and all sensual. For generations, the world-famous Crazy Horse has been unsurpassed as a radical innovation that exalts the female form as both artistic expression and entertainment, drawing more than five million guests including international celebrities from film, music, television, theater, sports and politics.

La Femme performs nightly at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and is dark Tuesdays. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to attend the show. Tickets are priced at $59 inclusive and include a show program. Tickets can be purchased at MGM Grand ticketing outlets, by phone at (702) 891-7777 or (800) 929-1111, or online at www.mgmgrand.com.
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VegasTalk Radio Show - The ONLY Internet Radio Variety Show from Las Vegas ABOUT LAS VEGAS!!!

This week’s show for Thursday, February 9, 2006 contains:

An interview with Jay Joseph, the creator and host for “A Touch of Mystery”. This interactive Dinner/Murder Mystery Theatre show opens on February 15th at the Artisan Hotel and plays weekly. A lot of fun and a great dinner for a different type of Las Vegas entertainment

“Show Happenings” with Chuck Rounds - Chuck reviews the events happening this week in Las Vegas. http://www.igoshows.com

The “Vegas Confidential” call with Norm Clarke - live from his “Star trailer” on the TV lot of “Las Vegas”, Norm is voted “Most Connected” person in town and daily columnist for the Review Journal and author of the best selling “1,000 Naked Truths”. http://www.NormClarke.com

“Fine Dining” with Les Kincaid. http://www.LesKincaid.com

“The Godfather of Las Vegas”, Mark Wayman’s Insider Report http://www.godfatherlv.com

Dave Russo form the “Entertainer” television show calls in with his Joke of the Week. http://www.DaveRusso.net

Jay White, the ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute artist calls in with the winner of the Vegas Community Online ticket giveaway to his show. http://vegascommunityonline.com

The weekly variety and entertainment show broadcasts LIVE and will be archived online at the VegasTalk Radio website (http://www.vegastalkradio.com/scian.asp?a=1327) by midnight the same day it plays.
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Vegas Values Report for 2/5/06

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.

Here’s what we found this week:
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
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Please feel free to post a comment.

Steve

Posted on February 10th, 2006 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter