February 17th, 2006

Eileen and I will be going to Las Vegas from April 11th-April 17th. Please send me an email at mrvegas98@aol.com if you will be there during that time. I will try to get a members getogether set up.

We have had a lot of new members recently so I just want to mention the Forum Group again. It’s a lot of fun and there is a lot of Las Vegas info there that is not found in the newsletter.

The Forums are located here: http://www.everythinglv.com/forums“>http://www.everythinglv.com/forums
You need to register to post and reply but not to read the individual posts.
——————
HUNTERS NEW SITE
VegasLists.com Launched

A new site from the folks that bring you RateVegas.com is VegasLists.com. Create your own lists with any related Vegas information. Top ten lists, must do lists or whatever is on your mind. Leave comments on other people’s lists as well. It’s a really fun way to share Vegas knowledge.

Check it out here: It’s already received great acculades in the Forum group.
http://www.vegaslists.com/

Note from Steve:
vegaslists.com was the home to the newsletter untill the new website opened.
—————
Monorail rating, ridership go down.
Bleak outlook puts bond sale at risk.

The Las Vegas Monorail had its worst ridership month ever in January, sinking the troubled $650 million rapid transit line’s bond rating further into “junk” status Friday.

Ridership slid to just 18,187 daily riders last month — roughly half of what it was in July — while Fitch Rating, a credit rating firm, dropped the monorail’s rating to “BB,” two notches into “junk” territory.

That poor showing imperils plans to extend the monorail to McCarran International Airport, which would rely on a multimillion-dollar bond sale to cover the cost.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-11-Sat-2006/news/5833357.html
————

Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies:

Sherie Ray Parker, who is one of the best at doing Bette Midler, has been a busy gal doing her act all over the world. She’s about ready to make a major announcement on a Las Vegas gig.

Nevada Ballet Theatre honored Rita Rudner as Woman of the Year during its annual Black & White Ball Saturday at Wynn Las Vegas.

The award honors women who have contributed to the performing arts and the local community.

Local porn icon Jenna Jameson didn’t spare many details about two Las Vegas trysts with Jenny McCarthy during an interview Wednesday with Howard Stern. Jameson and McCarthy fogged up the mirrors in a bathroom at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Body English and got into trouble in a VIP booth, Jameson told Stern.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

The pop-rock band Chicago is the first ship-jumper from the Stardust since the venerable property announced it would close by year’s end. Chicago will play the MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theater March 16-29.

The popular music band Bon Jovi, featuring vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres, will bring their “Have a Nice Day World Tour” to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Saturday, March 11.

The Eye on Vegas has learned that the Pure Management Group is currently in the process of adding a second floor expansion to the popular Tangerine nightclub. Unnamed sources within the organization tell us that the expansion will feature a Japanese/Sushi style restaurant.
http://www.lasvegasfoodservice.com/newsletter.shtml

“American Idol” judge Simon Cowell is planning a show to find the next Las Vegas headliner, NBC announced on Friday.

Who needs stage lights? Not Harrah’s headliner Clint Holmes, who kept on performing after a power failure halfway through his Saturday show. Emergency lights came on, but the stage remained dark, so Holmes went into the audience. And no one asked for a refund, I’m told.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas will unveil their newest wax statue of the late rap music star Tupac Shakur on April 5 when it opens its new “On Stage” attraction. The
now iconic image of Tupac will join with Prince, Bono, Mick Jagger, Elton John, James Brown, Little Richard, Billy Idol, Elvis and a number of other super stars to
celebrate the diversity of music.

Sapporo, one of Scottsdale’s leading restaurants, will arrive in Las Vegas this March at its new Summerlin location in the Grand Flamingo Centre at Flamingo and the I-215. Sapporo offers a variety of cuisines including Teppan Yaki, Pacific Rim and Sushi. Sapporo offers three distinctive menus in a dynamic environment with outstanding service at an extraordinary value, bringing an innovative restaurant to the Las Vegas valley.

The Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Room at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino
is now located on the main casino floor in the space previously occupied by the Kabuki Lounge.

It’s a birthday party like no other with actress and recording artist Paris Hilton as she celebrates her 25th birthday at PURE Nightclub in Las Vegas on February 18, 2006 with her celebrity friends, a huge birthday cake and many other surprises. Along with Hilton, celebrity DJ Sky Nellor will keep the party going all night.
NOTE FROM STEVE: I got a media invite to this party..wish I was in Las Vegas for this!

The Riviera has opened a new Prime Rib and Barbeque restaurant, BB’s, located on the hotel’s mezzanine level. The new eatery offers slow-roasted Prime Rib, as well as a selection of tender Smoked Ribs and Barbeque Chicken entrées. All entrées include assorted bread with honey butter and side selections (i.e. garlic fries, three cheese macaroni, Cole Slaw, broccoli souffl?, corn fritters, creamed corn or spinach, and bacon and onion style green beans.) The restaurant is open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; call 702-794-2572.

Michael Bublé, is featured on two-denomination casino chips released today by the Las Vegas Hilton. Bublé will be on $5 and $25 chips.

Count on Las Vegas being part of the National Hockey League’s investigation into Janet Jones Gretzky’s role in a nationwide gambling ring. Numerous sightings of her in Las Vegas won’t escape the league’s attention.

Elton John marks the 100th show of “The Red Piano” tonight at the Caesars Palace Colosseum.

A great set of coupons for downtown Las Vegas casinos has recently been
released. Look for a rack card with vouchers/brochures in hotel lobbies and
visitors booths that will get you a set of great coupons, called the Fremont
Street Experience Fun Book.  Turn in the voucher at the tourist booth
located in front of Binion’s Gambling Hall for a set of 10 coupons including
2-for-1 buffets at the Fremont, Main Street Station and Fitzgeralds plus
additional good discount offers from all of the major downtown hotels.  The
coupons expire August 31, 2006.

Source: From a posting by Scot Krause
—————
NORM: Gretzky, Jones often play MGM Mansion.

Las Vegas sightings of hockey great Wayne Gretzky and his wife, Janet Jones, were usually at gaming tables, not in sports and race books.

Jones’ favorite play: blackjack at $1,000 a hand, “and she played all the time,” said a casino insider.

Gretzky and Jones are not considered Vegas regulars but often play in the MGM Mansion, where a guest usually has to risk $250,000 over two to three days.

Gretzky, in his first year as coach of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, and his wife have been under a hot spotlight since a major sports scandal came to light last week.

The Star-Ledger newspaper of Newark, N.J., citing unidentified law enforcement sources, reported that Jones illegally bet $500,000 with a sports betting ring alleged to have been run by Rick Tocchet, Gretzky’s assistant coach.

One of her biggest bets was $75,000 on last week’s Super Bowl, according to published reports.

Jones, who has not been charged, said in a statement issued on Thursday: “At no time did I ever place a wager on my husband’s behalf. Other than the occasional horse race, my husband does not bet on any sports.”
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-12-Sun-2006/news/5834038.html
————
Two tributes have much in common
By Jerry Fink

“The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean” at the Greek Isles and “Forever Plaid” at the Gold Coast have several things in common.

The premises of both stories are the same — fantasies about deceased entertainers who are sent back to Earth from heaven for one final performance. Both are musicals interspersed with comedy, effused with sentimentality, percolating with nostalgia. And both are excellent productions that draw in throngs of fans despite the fact that both are off the Strip.

The plot of “Forever Plaid” centers on four singers killed in a car accident on Feb. 9, 1964, en route to pick up the custom-made plaid tuxedos they were going to wear in their act.

“The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean,” focuses on the music, comedy and friendship of the Rat Pack.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/feb/12/566698122.html
————-
Mardi Gras Celebration in the Heart of The Strip

Harrah’s and Flamingo Las Vegas take the party to the street on Feb. 25
Harrah’s, O’Sheas, and Flamingo Las Vegas bring the excitement of Mardi Gras to the heart of The Las Vegas Strip on Sat. Feb. 25, 2006. The outdoor celebration, hosted between Carnaval Court, O’Sheas and Margaritaville will begin at 4 p.m. and wind down around Midnight.

The block party kicks off with a lively parade starting at Harrah’s, moving past O’Sheas and ending at the Flamingo. The vibrant Mardi Gras-style parade will make it’s way between the three hotels every half hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. joined by a Dixie Band, Harrah’s and Flamingo showgirls, greeter girls, a baton twirler and Margaritaville stilt-walkers.

In true New Orleans fashion, showgirls and greeters will toss ceremonial beads to spectators. Give-a-ways and coupons for Southern Comfort drink specials at Carnaval Court, O’Sheas and Margaritaville will also be distributed. Specialty cocktails created just for Mardi Gras include cleverly themed libations like the Southern Comfort “Harrahcane” and “Southern Lemonade.”

After the parades end, the celebration will continue with live entertainment at Carnaval Court, O’Sheas and Margaritaville. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. Sponsored by Southern Comfort.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com/Las_Vegas/las_vegas.html
————-
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
———-
UPCOMING LAS VEGAS EVENTS
by billhere, Publisher

MARCH 2006

2= New U.S. $10 Note to Begin Circulating.
2-5=Donny Osmond- The Orleans.
2-15=Tom Jones- MGM Grand.
2-15= George Carlin- Stardust.
3= First Friday Art District Tour. Info. at:
http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/next.html
3= “Dragapella” opens - Las Vegas Hilton.
3= Chuck Norris presents World Combat League -
Orleans Arena.
3= Oak Ridge Boys- Texas Station.
3-4= Jay Leno- The Mirage.
3-4= Jose Feliciano - Stardust.
3-5= Glen Campbell - Suncoast.
4= UFC Championship-Mandalay Bay.
4=The Rolling Stones - MGM Grand.
5= TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition” closing-Tropicana.
5-9= Jewelry Show - Mirage.
5-9= Gift Expo - Sands Convention Center.
6= Opening of second level of Tangerine
nightclub - Treasure Island.
7-9= Craft Show - Cashman Center.
8-9= Kenny G - Las Vegas Hilton.
10-11= REO Speedwagon - Las Vegas Hilton.
10-11= Kevin James - Mirage.
11= Auto racing. Sam’s Town 300 (NASCAR Busch
Series) - LV Motor Speedway. Info.:
http://www.lvms.com
11=Bon Jovi - MGM Grand.
11= Eddie Money - Silverton.
12 = Auto racing-NEXTEL CUP-L.V.Motor Speedway.
Information: http://www.lvms.com
16= Switchfoot- House of Blues.
16-18= Temptations and Four Tops- Stardust.
16-19= Dionne Warwick- The Orleans.
16-29= Chicago- MGM Grand.
17= St.Patrick’s Day.
17-18= Dana Carvey- The Mirage.
17-19= Bill Acosta - Suncoast.
18-19= Gun & Knife Show - Cashman Center.
22-25= Steve Lawrence/Eydie Gorme - Stardust.
24-25= Ray Romano- The Mirage.
24-25= KC & The Sunshine Band - Silverton.
24-26= Roger Williams - Suncoast.
24-26=Sinbad- The Orleans.
25= The Pretenders- House of Blues.
25= Boxing Chavez vs. Barrera- MGM Grand.
25= Monster Truck Jam - Sam Boyd Stadium:
http://www.ushra.com
++++++++++
26= = New nonstop jet-service starts from
Topeka, Kansas - Allegiant Air.
++++++++++
28-April 9= Elton John- Caesars Palace.
30= John Lennon Tribute - Orleans Arena.
30-Apr.1= Don Rickles - Stardust.
30-April 12= David Copperfield- MGM Grand.
31= Air flights start from Billings,Montana-Allegiant Air.
31= Gordie Brown Show contract ends. Will his
contract be extended? - Golden Nugget.
31= Trace Adkins- Texas Station.
31-April 1=Jay Leno- The Mirage.
31-Apr.2= Ricky Van Shelton - Suncoast.
++++++++++
Mar.??= ALADDIN in the Desert Passage Mall:
1.Tacone Flavor Grill opening.
2. Pampas Churrascaria opening.
3. Café Sbarro opening.
++++++++++
Mar.??= MGM MIRAGE grand opening of the first
tower of the RESIDENCES AT MGM
GRAND, a huge 40-story, 576 suite, new
condominium, which is being built where
the MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park
was located, in the back of the MGM
Grand property.
Turnberry & MGM Mirage are partners in
this multi-building project,
Tel.:1-888-891-1688 or (702) 891-5555.
Beautiful internet site is at:
http://www.mgmgrandresidences.com
Towers One and Two are sold out. A majority of
those in Tower Three are sold and construction
has begun.
++++++++++
Mar.??= SAPPORO Restaurant, offering Pacific Rim
specialties, will open at Flamingo and the 215.
++++++++++
Mar.??= Construction is set to commence on
VEGAS 888 by Del American, a nationally recognized
and award-winning developer of multifamily communities.
Luxury resort condominium residences, VEGAS 888
will be a 50-story tower located between the Las
Vegas Strip and the Palms Resort Casino at
Flamingo Road and Hugh Hefner Drive. More info. at:
http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000320/4025455.html
++++++++++
Mar.??= MIRAGE opening the Japonais Restaurant where
the Mikado Restaurant was located.
+++++++++
Mar.??= WESTIN HOTEL & CASINO (formerly the Maxim)
going completely smokeless.

TO HAVE FAMILY OR FRIENDS SUBSCRIBE:
Ask them to go on the internet to:
http://www.VegasResource.com
———–
New Las Vegas Postage

Now serving all your postal needs! VegasDuSoleil.com is now offering more and more Las Vegas Gifts globalwide. Most of their gifts can be personalized and custom created, upon request.

Take a look at some of our Las Vegas Postage stamps currently posted at http://www.cafepress.com/vegasdusoleil/1186563 . We will be adding more stamps, and other gifts daily.
Product Information:

Approved for domestic use by the United States Postal Service, stamps are sold in sheets of 20 and are available in seven denominations. Each stamp measures 1.90″ x 1.40″ and the featured image measures 1.10″ x 1.10″.
AND Yes, we still offer contests at www.vegasdusoleil.com Look for our Show Tickets Giveaway Contest as we post them.

Many thanks to Steve “Everything Las Vegas”

www.VegasDuSoleil.com
————
The History of Parimutuel Betting by Bill Burton

When you gamble in the casino on most casino games, other than poker, you are wagering against the house. When you bet on a horse or dog race (also jai lai) you are not playing against the house. Instead you are making a parimutuel wager and are in essence betting against all the other players wagering on that event.

The entire money bet on the event goes into a large pool. The holders of winning tickets divide the total amount of money bet on the race (the pool), after deductions for tax and racetrack expenses. The money take out is similar to the rake taken out by the pot in a poker game played in the card room. However unlike the small rake in poker, in the parimutuel pool this “rake” can amount to 15 – 25 percent of the total prize pool.

More Here:
http://casinogambling.about.com/od/racesports/a/Parimutuel.htm
————–
NORM: NBC execs force ‘Las Vegas’ move.

The rift between the NFL and Las Vegas has grown several football fields wider.

The NFL’s trademark-tightening crackdown is extending far beyond the flap over the use of the Super Bowl name and commercials promoting the city.

The league’s latest distancing from Las Vegas: NBC is moving the hit “Las Vegas” series, starring James Caan and Josh Duhamel, from Mondays to Fridays on March 3 because the NFL wants no part of Las Vegas.

Under the multibillion-dollar TV contracts negotiated by the league last year, NBC landed Sunday night games and ABC lost Monday Night Football to ESPN.

The NFL put a clause in the contract with NBC that forbids the mention of Las Vegas, which would block the network from next-night promotion of one of its top prime-time shows.

“NBC obviously wants to promote it, so that’s one of the reasons they moved it,” said a source close to the show.

The move to Fridays could boost “Las Vegas” on another NFL front. The show no longer has to compete with ratings-sapping Monday Night Football.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: NBC execs force ‘Las Vegas’ move
————-
Concert Review:
Coldplay, 14,000 fans make for one good date.

Coldplay desperately wants to be that shoulder for you to cry on. The band doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings — it practically swings from them.

The rock ‘n’ roll equivalent of a chick flick, Coldplay may be the world’s biggest date band.

Think “Beaches” with guitars.

This isn’t a bad thing — just ask any of the many couples who clung to each other like static electricity Friday at the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-05-Sun-2006/news/5724527.html
————
LAS VEGAS BUFFETS: Step up to the plate.
Longtime tradition of self-serve restaurants still big business for casinos.

Few things evoke Las Vegas’ vintage charms quite like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Despite the growing prominence of celebrity chefs and their froufrou Zagat ratings, self-serve gorgefests have been big business at local hotel-casinos for nearly six decades.

And they’re still going strong, from downtown grind joints to the Strip’s glitziest properties.

“The buffet is one of the iconic features of the Las Vegas experience,” Bellagio President Bill McBeath said. “Like the city, it’s whatever you want, and all you can handle.”

How ubiquitous is the buffet in Las Vegas?

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-05-Sun-2006/business/5539048.html
————
FREE STUFF TO DO IN LAS VEGAS
From:www.vegas4locals.com

BELLAGIO CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN

At the Jean-Phillippe Patisserie in the Bellagio Hotel not only can you buy
a diverse variety of delicious hand-made goodies, you can see a 27-foot
tall fountain of cascading chocolate! Something you might expect to see in Willy Wonka’s fictional chocolate factory, the glass-encased fountain contains about 2,100 pounds of flowing chocolate!

Located inside the Spa Tower near the Bellagio conservatory.

Open daily from 7 am - 11 pm

Bellagio Hotel and Casino
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-8788

ETHEL M CHOCOLATE FACTORY TOUR

Ethel M. ofers a fun self-guided walking tour of the chocolate factory that produces products like M&M’s, Mars Bars, and Milky Way. Plus - at the end of the tour everyone gets a free sample of the chocolates!

Afterwards take a stroll through their cactus garden where you’ll see ocotillo, prickly pear and saguaros cacti.

Hours: 8:30 am -7:00 pm for daily self guided tours

Location and directions:

Two Cactus Garden Drive
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 433-2500

Approximately 10 miles from the Strip. Take Tropicana Avenue to Mountain
Vista Ave. Turn Right (south) on Mountain Vista. Take Mountain Vista until
you reach the intersection with Sunset Road. Turn left (east). Follow the signs to the factory.
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponsecondcity.html

Hard Rock Café: $5 off food or merchandise
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhardrock.html

Collin Foster Magic Show: Free ticket with drink purchase
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponcollinfoster.html

Lied Discovery Children’s Museum: 2-for-1 admission
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponliedmuseum.html

Haunted Vegas Tour & Show: $10 off
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html

Buck Wild Show: 2-for-1 ticket
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponbuckwild.html

Larry G Jones, The Man of 1002 Voices: $5 off
http://vegas4locals.com/couponlarrygjones.html

V-the Ultimate Variety Show: 2-for-1 ticket
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html

Fashionistas The Show: 2-for-1 ticket
http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_fashionistas_2for1.html

Las Vegas Outlet Center: VIP coupon book
http://www.vegas4locals.com/Couponlvoutletcenter.html

Lake Mead Cruises: 10% off any cruise
http://www.vegas4locals.com/Couponlakemeadcruises.html

More FREE coupons here:
http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons.html
———–
“Queen Of The Night” Debuts In “Legends”

Audiences at the Imperial Palace’s “Legends in Concert” will “almost have it all” when Whitney Houston joins the award-winning celebrity tribute Monday, Feb. 6.

Jazmine Hyytia, an outstanding vocal talent, draws her inspiration for the star-spangled diva from her Cuban heritage. Making her debut in Legends here, Hyytia will perform a dance medley of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “I’m Every Woman,” “Queen Of The Night” and “My Love Is Your Love” and a ballad medley of “One Moment In Time,” “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Hyytia started her career with a successful European nightclub tour. Performances on cruise lines plus two hit singles receiving critical acclaim led to appearances on a popular Telemundo television show, on the WB Network show “Pop Stars” and an episode of Dick Clark Productions’ “Your Big Break.”

She replaces Aretha Franklin in the current show, which also includes Prince, Celine Dion, Jackie Wilson, the Blues Brothers 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 beginning at $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.

The Imperial Palace is also home to the Dealertainers™, celebrity impersonators who deal blackjack. The hotel hosts The Auto Collections, the world’s largest classic car lot with $100 million worth of inventory for sale. Imperial Palace is the most central stop on the Las Vegas Monorail. In addition, the resort is famous for “Five Star Friendly Service” and includes a race and sports book, 2,640 rooms and suites, world-class gaming and amenities, a seasonal poolside luau, 40,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, 10 specialty restaurants, 10 bars and lounges, state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, business center, concierge service, medical center, chapel and reception facilities.
————–
The Signature at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, To Debut in May 2006

MGM Grand announced today that it is now accepting reservations for The Signature at MGM Grand, the luxurious suite hotel to debut in May 2006.

A stylish addition to the MGM Grand portfolio, The Signature’s suites are set within three beautiful and distinct towers and will provide guests with a serene retreat and an intimate setting where the focus is on personalized service. Only steps away from the luxurious accommodations is complete access to the entertainment and excitement of MGM Grand’s renowned “Maximum Vegas” experience, featuring star chefs and restaurants, exhilarating nightlife, trendy shops, top-name entertainment including Cirque du Soleil’s renowned production of KÀ, a bustling casino floor, and much more.

The Signature at MGM Grand’s flawless, personalized guest service will begin immediately upon arrival with a private entrance and elegant lobby that remain separate from the main MGM Grand check-in facilities. The hotel’s dedicated staff and 24-hour concierge will provide an unparalleled level of comfort, security and intimacy. Valet parking, bell staff services and in-suite dining will be available around the clock for guests of The Signature at MGM Grand.

Offering a variety of spacious, well-appointed one-bedroom, two-bedroom and junior suites, The Signature at MGM Grand is the only hotel in Las Vegas with private balconies that command stunning views of the Strip and surrounding mountain landscape. Guests will enjoy the highest quality in-suite amenities including deluxe king beds with 300-thread count Anichini sheets, marble and granite bathrooms with Jacuzzi-brand whirlpool tubs and June Jacobs spa products, Sub-Zero, Miele and Bosch kitchenette appliances, ultra-thin LCD flat-screen high definition TVs, and high-speed Internet access with wireless capabilities.

One need not leave The Signature at MGM Grand grounds to enjoy a complete resort experience including a Fitness Center featuring state-of-the-art workout equipment, multiple heated outdoor pools, pool-side cabanas and cocktail service. Its proximity to the heart of MGM Grand gives guests at The Signature the best of both worlds: a dynamic, energetic “Maximum Vegas” environment and the chance to refresh and re-charge within the comfort of The Signature’s luxurious, tranquil ambience.

Business travelers attending meetings, seminars or special events at MGM Grand will appreciate The Signature’s efficient, round-the-clock concierge service, high-speed wireless Internet access and fully functional workspace.

For additional information and to secure reservations for The Signature at MGM Grand, please visit www.signaturemgmgrand.com or contact (877) 727-0007.
———
THE ‘VIEW’ FROM HERE

Barbara Walters’ ABC show “The View” will feature Celine Dion, Roseanne and James Denton near the fountains at Caesars Palace starting Monday.

Their two-day stay in Las Vegas will cover five shows, two live. Monday’s lineup includes Denton of “Desperate Housewives,” a segment on Las Vegas cocktails, Maurice Benard of “General Hospital” and the Pussycat Dolls as musical guests.

On Tuesday, the lineup includes Roseanne, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and a shopping spree with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

The taped shows will feature actress/model/designer Jaime Pressly and Jennifer Tilly on Wednesday, Marg Helgenberger of “C.S.I.,” magicians Penn & Teller and comedian Carrot Top on Thursday, and Dion and co-host Joy Behar’s behind-the-scenes visit with the Aussie male revue “Thunder From Down Under” on Friday.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
———–
NORM: Path of ‘Avenue Q’ troubled from start

Steve Wynn predicted a 10-year run for “Avenue Q.” So where did it take a wrong turn?

Signs of trouble cropped up early.

On one of the first of many trips to see the risque puppet show at Wynn Las Vegas — obviously I loved it — I turned to introduce myself to a young couple on my left.

“Great seats,” I told the California visitors.

Yes, they said gleefully, considering they had purchased balcony seats an hour before the show.

I looked back up at the balcony and it was empty, as it was on the other nights I attended.

Was it a case of a puppet show too low-brow for such a high-brow joint?

Frankly, I blame the marketing strategy, which was inexplicably slow off the mark.

For one thing, why did it take until late October to get the fuzzy cab campaign rolling when the show opened in early September?

Nor did we understand why the press conference for the cab rollout was held at 3 p.m., way late in the day to make a splash on the evening newscasts.

Now I’m hearing worrisome rumors about “Le Reve,” the Wynn’s aquatic show that stumbled early but righted the ship, from most accounts.

The story is that we’ll know something more concrete by April.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-16-Thu-2006/news/5904348.html
———-
Vegas Values Report for 2/12/06

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
————-
After dusk and darkness, dust for Bourbon Street.

By the time you read this, the closed Bourbon Street should be nothing more than a pile of rubble.

Harrah’s Entertainment planned to implode the Bourbon Street’s remaining eight-story hotel tower at 2:30 this morning, almost four months after shutting down the small East Flamingo Road casino.

The company has spent the past few weeks tearing down the low-rise portions of the building.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-14-Tue-2006/business/5866052.html
————–
‘Avenue Q ‘ to end run
Musical makes way for show ‘Spamalot’

“Avenue Q” won’t have an address at Wynn Las Vegas after May 28. The puppet musical will end its exclusive Las Vegas run, saving the casino the need to build a third theater for its 2007 commitment to “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”

The property’s golf course, a holdover from its days at the Desert Inn, apparently proved more popular than the underachieving Broadway musical. A statement announcing the change suggests the golf course once guaranteed no longterm future has now become a prized asset.

A third theater was originally planned next to the current entertainment venues in an area that would connect the existing casino to a 2,000 room-plus expansion dubbed Encore.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-15-Wed-2006/news/5898054.html
———–
NORM: For show, casino dons the big hair.
There’s a new electricity at the Luxor, and it has nothing to do with the mighty sky beam.

The Tony Award-winning musical “Hairspray,” featuring Harvey Fierstein and Dick Latessa, has arrived and with it, a beehive that redefines big hair.

It’s so big it covers the face of the pyramid. The massive hairdo is part of a promotional wrap on the front of the 12-year-old Luxor.

“Some suggested we put the ubiquitous blue wig on the sphinx, but we decided that was not in good taste and opted not to do it,” said Felix Rappaport, president and chief operating officer of Luxor.

Rappaport knows how to have fun. When he was the honcho at New York-New York and the ESPN Zone opened in 2001, he put a baseball jersey on the Statue of Liberty.

He’s turning up the energy level with new shows, new clubs and new restaurants.

“The pyramid is a wow,” Rappaport said. “Our whole goal is we want to deliver the wow on the inside.”
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: For show, casino dons the big hair
———–
From “Eye On Vegas”

Fox TV and Gordon Ramsay’s reality cooking show Hell’s Kitchen is coming to Las Vegas. The Eye has learned that the winner of the competition style cooking show will receive their very own restaurant in the Red Rock Resort & Casino. With over 130 million viewers per series, this will be the biggest launch of any restaurant seen to date in television history. Obviously, it will be a major boost of exposure nationwide for the soon-to-open property. Red Rock was able to land the reality show thanks to a deal negotiated by PR Guru Marc Jay. This marks the latest work by Jay who has helped bring national attention to Vegas through high profile shows like VH1’s The Fabulous Life - Las Vegas, NBC’s Fear Factor and Spike TV’s The Club.

There is a buzz brewing in nightlife circles regarding Steve Wynn’s Lure Ultra Lounge and a recently available nightlife queen. “No deal has been signed at this point,” said a Wynn spokesperson although rumors continue to swirl. “She’s coming,” said one service-level staffer although it would seem his or her comment might be a touch premature. Although it would certainly make for an intriguing combination, it’s all hearsay … for now. Stay tuned

The smash hit show Mamma Mia!, at theMandalay Bay, is celebrating its third anniversary later this month. The cast and crew of the show thought there was no better way to celebrate than to give back to the community that has helped it become the longest running Broadway musical ever to play in Vegas. That being said, $1 of every ticket sold in the entire month of February will be donated to the Nevada Cancer Institute. Need more reason for support? How about it’s a great opportunity to check out the shows newest cast member, Carol Linnea Johnson, who just joined the cast direct from Broadway. It’s an ABBA-solute can’t miss!

We were the first to report that the Tropicana Hotel will be dust before the end of the year (Eye on Vegas Archives - 01/17/06). Our sources tell us that demolition is now officially scheduled for sometime in June.

Rumors have Van Halen following in INXS’ reality television footsteps in their search to replace former frontman and red rocker Sammy Hagar. INXS made waves by using the television contest to find their new singer, JD Fortune. The result was a major comeback that includes a new hit album and a sold-out tour. Sources whisper that although the band was tentative at first, seeing the success of INXS has helped them change their tune. “I’m not denying it,” said Van Halen publicist Larry Solters.

The Stardust Hotel & Casino has announced that they will be launching a titillating new adult revue entitled ‘Headlights & Tailpipes’ on Monday, April 3rd. The show, which was created by famed theater creator Jeff Kutash, “celebrates the love for fast cars, motorcycles and women.”
http://www.lasvegasfoodservice.com/newsletter.shtml
————–
Silverton makes a splash with its renovation
By Len Butcher

If you want to see something that’s different and best of all — free, make Silverton Hotel & Casino a stop on your itinerary. The resort at I-15 and Blue Diamond Road has not only undergone a major makeover with the addition of the Bass Pro Shop, new restaurants and lounges, but has added an underwater fantasy show right on the casino floor.

It’s called Azure and features a 117,000-gallon, 16-foot tall tank with Olympic medalists and professionally-trained dancers swimming among 4,000 fish of 100 different species. These beautiful synchronized mermaids can play piano and trumpet underwater as well as performing some sexy pole dancing wearing only garter belts and fishnets.

The performances, which are fine for the whole family, include a very humorous way to interpret the classical ballet, Swan Lake; an opera; Masterade, a modern male pole dancing number; Exos, an exotic and sensual dance; Soie Blance, an elegant osmosis of water and silk; Dream, the journey and the dream of a little boy; The Mermaids, a singing and dancing party for unique mermaids; Aquiph, another sexy pole dancing performance; and Boogie, a charming Las Vegas performance. It’s a lot of fun and the whole show is a real crowd pleaser f the reaction to it when I watched was any indication.

I watched it Sunday after browsing through the Bass Pro Shop and I enjoyed the fish and beautiful coral almost as much as the show itself. I also found out that the mermaids can stay under water for two minutes, but when you’re watching, it seems forever. Pretty impressive. And here’s a bit of trivia for you: the six-inch-thick glass for the viewing window weighs 30,000 pounds and the water, weighing 1 million lbs. (and filtered every hour) has a six-foot thick concrete foundation.

There are no shows Monday or Tuesday, but show times for the rest of the week are: Wednesday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m. 10 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Choreographed shows are performed at the top of the hour and free swims rotating on the half of the hour.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/eNewsletters/eNeon/only/silverton.html
———-
DON’T LOOK UP: Fowl Play
Lance Burton gig not just for the birds.

Onstage, magician Lance Burton’s birds pop out from nowhere.

Backstage, they poop everywhere.

Tonight I’m replacing Randy “The Turtle” Williams, 40, whose job it is to scoop that poop. The unofficial bird man of Monte Carlo looks after the 70 feathered stars — doves, pigeons, ducks and geese, plus a parakeet and rooster — of “Lance Burton: Master Magician.”

“The Turtle’s like Dr. Doolittle,” says the 210-pound Las Vegas native who, like rapper Flavor Flav and “Seinfeld’s” The Jimmy, enjoys referring to himself in the third person.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-13-Mon-2006/living/5765483.html
————-
I hope you enjoyed this newsletter and your comments are appreciated.

Steve

Posted on February 17th, 2006 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter