Traffic at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas fell 8.6 percent in July to about 3.9 million arrivals and departures.

The decline reflects an ongoing trend in Las Vegas tourism due to a rocky national economy and high oil prices that make it more difficult to travel.

The latest dip at McCarran, which is the largest since February 2002, marks the ninth consecutive month of declining airline visits, including a slight increase in February due to an extra day thanks to leap year.

Among the top five airlines serving Las Vegas, only American posted an increase. It took nearly 185,000 people to and from Southern Nevada during the month, a 3.6 percent increase.

Insult comic Vinnie Favorito moved from the tiny O’Sheas a few weeks ago and is packing the 200-seat showroom at the Flamingo, renamed Bugsy’s Cabaret after Second City closed up shop.

“They have unleashed me,” Favorito says.

As if anyone ever had a leash on the Boston-born comic famous for taking no prisoners in his war against political correctness.

“I was going to say on my new sign ‘Comedy that walks the line,’ which is what George Carlin use to say to me,” Favorito says. “But (Flamingo President) Don Marrandino said no, it’s got to be edgier, racier. So I put on the sign, ‘Vinnie Favorito, completely f’n’ crazy.’ ”

Favorito performs at 8 p.m. seven nights a week, sharing the showroom with the topless “X, Burlesque,” which starts at 10 p.m.

While Terry Caudill is rolling out a new version of the legendary million-dollar display at Binion's Gambling Hall, there will be at least one significant difference: Having your photo taken with the million clams will no longer be 'on the house.' According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "to get a photo with the money, a customer needs to sign up for the slot club and plunk down $20 for the souvenir and $25 in slot or table play."

Blogger Steve Friess paid a visit to Paris-Las Vegas yesterday and discovered a little-heralded innovation by Harrah's Entertainment: Automated kiosks that conjure up maps and directions for the property. "You just choose from the menu what you're looking for … and then it generates a map for you with a line suggesting your path," writes Friess, who has photo coverage of this effort to create an even more user-friendly Vegas.

The long-awaited ultra poker room at Hard Rock opened today. It's a beautiful room, with hot cocktail waitresses working the surprisingly bustling floor. The stakes ranged from 3-6 limit to low-blind no-limit when we checked this afternoon.

According to blogger John Curtas, the restaurants at Encore will include: Theo's, featuring "market-driven" Italian cuisine as interpreted by Theo Schoenegger; Switch, helmed by former Le Cirque chef Mark Poidevin; Botero Steak; a Thai sushi restaurant to be named later. Opening of Encore is currently slated for Dec. 22.

MGM Mirage has rolled out a half-dozen new travel offers. Expiring first (Sept. 27) is a three-nights-for-the price-of-two deal at Luxor, starting at $79/night (promo code: PSTAY8). From now until Sept. 30, a two-night stay at Monte Carlo includes $20 credits for room service and the spa, plus $10 worth of slot play and a $35 suite-upgrade option (code: "Labor Day"). Also now running, until Oct. 30, is MGM Grand's "Summer Last Chance!" Book a $79/night room or higher and you'll qualify for VIP access to Tabu, a variety of suite upgrades, two free poolside drinks and a $35 "activity credit" (code: INB202).

Mandalay Bay has three simultaneous "Endless Summer" offers going, going from $110/night to $170/night, and named "Tan," "Bronze" and "Gold," running Sept. 1-Nov. 30. All include $300 in Mandalay Place coupons. Other incentives either escalate according to the package level (such as the restaurant discounts, travel credits and cabaña rates) or only available at "Bronze" or "Gold" level. The former includes half-off Mamma Mia! tickets, plus comped Moorea Beach Club and Mix Lounge entry. "Gold" buyers get the Moorea and Mix comps, but also land free spa passes in lieu of discounted show tix. Promo codes are PFALL1, PFALL2 and PFALL3, for "Tan," "Gold," and "Bronze" respectively.

The newest topless show on the Strip has proven to be short-lived. Ooh la la, at Paris-Las Vegas, will close on Aug. 31, following its 11 p.m. performance.

With 12 days to go before it closes permanently, business appears strong over at the Las Vegas Hilton, where Star Trek: The Experience was drawing long lines for its thrill rides, museum, etc. How is the attraction holding up after 11 years? Stiffs & Georges had a look and filed this report.

The fifth season of NBC's late-late-night "Poker After Dark" will land at the Golden Nugget, the property announced today. The Nugget's poker venue, The Grand, will be the location for a 60-episode shoot. Lensing will take place Oct. 26-Nov. 5, with the resulting shows to be aired in 2009. Leeann Tweeden will host and competitors are expected to include Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, Howard Lederer, Chris Ferguson,  Jennifer Harman and Phil Hellmuth. "Poker After Dark" airs at 2:05 a.m., Mon.-Fri., and 1 a.m. on Saturdays.

It took until 12:25 this afternoon for the local paper to pick up on what LVA reported Aug. 12: Excalibur closed its poker room last night, preferatory to replacing live poker with automated PokerPro tables. That's the route Trump Plaza, in Atlantic City, went when introducing poker to its mix of game offerings, even though Trump Entertainment CEO Mark Juliano says of them, "They're boring. There's no interaction."

"What's the best inexpensive place in Vegas to go get rip-roaring drunk?" That's the latest "Stripper Poll" question at Vegas Happens Here. In early voting, LVA favorite Ellis Island (a hardy perennial in our "Top Ten") has taken the lead. Roseanne Barr came on strong down the stretch in the Stripper Poll for "Worst Regular Comedy Act," forcing early favorite Carrot Top to eke out a one-vote victory, with Danny Gans a distant third.

It's been reported in a few different places that Harrah's is pulling "participation slots" off its floors. A participation slot is one for which the manufacturer gets a percentage of what the machine wins. Casinos have long disliked this arrangement, but it's been necessary to keep some of the more popular slots, most notably, Wheel of Fortune. Harrah's will apparently analyze the affect on revenues to determine its future slots mix.

Sunset Station has unveiled its new race & sports book. There will be $3,200 and a trip to the Breeder's Cup up for grabs this week in drawings Aug. 22, 29, and Sept. 5.

Enjoy the upscale atmosphere of Legends Steak and Seafood at any price
point. Legends new menu features seven appetizing entrees, all for less
than $20. New offerings include: BBQ Half Chicken, Whole Baby Back Ribs,
Chicken and Rib Combination Platter, Chicken Marsala, Capellini-Angel
Hair Basilico, Bow Tie Chicken Pasta with Alfredo and Orange Roughy.

The savings continue at the Garden Café. In addition to an already
extensive menu the Café is offering a variety of new menu items for only
$5.99. Specials include: Breakfast Country Skillet, Ham Steak and Eggs,
Chicken Caesar Salad, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Old Fashioned Meatloaf,
Chicken Fried Steak and Breakfast Chicken Fried Steak with Eggs. These
items are available 24 hours a day.

“Guests can try something new or enjoy one of the many favorites that
have kept them coming back time and time again,” said Penny Baratta,
Tropicana Casino General Manager. “With the addition of these
offerings we hope to have something delicious for everyone as well as
every budget.”

LiLV Listener Meet Up: AWESOME!! - 2008-08-16 19:05:42-04
The first every Living in Las Vegas Listener Meet Up was a GREAT SUCCESS!!  As I walked out to Trader Vic’s outside patio, I was immediately greeted by Tim and Nanette (from the For Whatever Reason Podcast).  A few minutes later, David and Alicia (local LVers) joined us and there seemed to be a steady [...]

Little Anthony and The Imperials are the only vocal group originating
in the 1950s that still perform with all of the original members. Best
known for favorites such as “Tears On My Pillow,” “Shimmy, Shimmy
Ko-Ko-Bop,” “I'm On the Outside Looking In,” “Going Out of My
Head” and “Hurt So Bad,” they offer a unique blend of doo-wop,
soul, and rhythm and blues.

Their superior performance and distinctive vocals have earned Little
Anthony and The Imperials a variety of accolades throughout the years.
Accomplishments include the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award,
induction into the Long Island Hall of Fame as well as the Vocal Group
Hall of Fame.

The band continues to entertain audiences with timeless favorites and
hot new offerings- Little Anthony and The Imperials are set to release a
new album entitled “You’ll Never Know” this fall.
Tickets for Little Anthony and The Imperials are available at the
Tropicana Box Office or by calling 702-739-2411. Management reserves all
rights. For additional information visit www.tropicanalv.com.

Tickets are now officially on sale for the first performance of “Raw Talent Live,” Friday, September 12.  “Raw Talent Live” will have nightly performances at 8:30 p.m., dark Wednesdays, with tickets priced at $79.95 inclusive of taxes and fees. In addition to visiting RawTalent.com, tickets can also be purchased by visiting SaharaVegas.com or by calling the Sahara Hotel & Casino box office at (702) 737-2515 or toll free at (888) 696-2121.

“Raw Talent Live” will transport audience members into a surreal world through adrenaline-packed interactive performances of the next generation of World Dance fused with live, original music and exclusive, high-tech video illusions. Talented and highly trained dancers and musicians will tell the passionate story of the “Laptop of Life SM” (LOL) – where the simplest thought becomes reality in a dazzling sensory display of dancing, singing and whirlwind choreography.

ND, the show’s creator, producer and director conceptualized and developed the show’s unique choreography, 700 extravagant costume designs and exclusive video illusion technology. Ambient Entertainment Technology (AET), combines state-of-the-art video and audio technology allowing performers to virtually interact with hundreds of video images developed specifically for “Raw Talent Live” in collaboration with world-renowned video artist, Alex Doss.

Lunch –            
Shrimp, Poblano and Goat Cheese Quesadilla – Grilled shrimp, roasted peppers and goat cheese in a crisp whole-wheat tortilla
Bison Burger – Served on a multigrain roll with lettuce, onion and tomato with a side of Artichoke Fries®
Pasta with Hot Italian Sausage and Roasted Pepper Sauce  – Hand cut fresh egg pasta with roasted pepper sauce and spicy Italian sausage
 
Appetizers –             
Sashimi-Grade Kona Kompachi – “Poke” style lotus root, shiso leaf, yuzu juice and white soy  
Prince Edward Island Mussels – Mussels steamed in a spicy curry broth
Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio – With fresh grated horseradish and crispy parmesean flatbread

Dinner –            
Mongolian Marinated Salmon – Mashed boniato and apple cranberry slaw
Green Bean Stir-Fry – With green soybeans, fermented black beans, spicy stir-fry sauce and brown rice
Red Wine & Tomato Braised Chicken – Slowly simmered in fresh tomato and served with sage polenta

Dessert –             
Chocolate Hazelnut Crème Brulée
Pineapple Coconut Pot De Crème
Chocolate Cupcake with Ganache

Seating:             
Seating is available for 100 guests, with a bar area at the main entrance. A private dining room can accommodate intimate parties and events.
 
Parking:            
Guests may park at The Palazzo valet or general valet.
 
Payment methods:                                     
Cash and major credit cards are accepted.
 
Reservations:            
Reservations are recommended by calling 702-414-3600.
 
Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian and at The Palazzo is located inside The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino at 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South and The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino at 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Upon completion of its expansion, Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian and at The Palazzo will span 134,000 square feet offering state-of-the-art facilities include massage, skin care and body treatment rooms, fitness center, 40-foot indoor rock-climbing wall, movement therapy and Pilates studio, cycling gym, Kinesis™ studio, men and women locker rooms, relaxation lounges, two restaurants, two beauty salons, bridal suite, barber suite, and North America’s only Aquavana™.
 
About Canyon Ranch
Canyon Ranch has been offering healthy, active vacations for nearly 30 years. The life-enhancement company has two destination health resorts – the original, which opened in Tucson, Ariz., in 1979, and a second, which opened in Lenox, Mass., in 1989. The company also operates three Canyon Ranch SpaClub fitness, spa and wellness facilities located in The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts in Las Vegas, at Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee, Fla., and onboard the Queen Mary 2 luxury ocean liner. In addition, Canyon Ranch partners with the renowned Cleveland Clinic on health initiatives, such as an advanced Executive Health Program. In 2008, the company will open the first Canyon Ranch Living residential community in Miami Beach. Additional information is available at www.canyonranch.com

You can't always count on the real Britney Spears for live vocals. But Derrick Barry says he's prepared to move his female impersonator act beyond lip-sync if the "America's Got Talent" judges allow him.

"If I have the chance to showcase live vocals, I think that would take it to the next level," says the "An Evening at La Cage" performer who was featured Tuesday on the NBC talent show.

Today's results show — which, like Tuesday's effort, was pretaped — will let the world know whether Barry gets cut from the competition or comes back after the Olympics as one of 40 finalists for live episodes of the talent show.

Today, Cirque is almost literally running the show with five productions in permanent residence and another two opening within the next year – the magic themed Believe at Luxor opening in September and the Elvis Presley show at CityCenter set to debut in 2009.

So as “Mamma Mia!” heads toward its closing date in January 2009, many are questioning whether another Cirque production is the right idea for Mandalay Bay, from hotel insiders to the media to, well, me.

Don’t get me wrong, Cirque shows are always eye-popping spectacles and are often artistic levels of expression that you would never expect to see in Las Vegas. But I think it’s time for something new in the Sin City show scene. We have plenty of Cirque, we don’t need another Broadway transplant, no more topless women or men, no more whirling blades of death magic, and please, please have someone tell Michael Jackson that we’re over him.

What does that leave? Well, I’m no Las Vegas show producer, but I have one idea that people who are Las Vegas show producers may feel free to steal. The idea is simple, really: television.

Co-produce a show – it doesn’t matter what kind as long as it’s entertaining. It could be a competition style reality show like “American Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars,” a talk show (Jay Leno is going to be looking for a gig next year), or a game show (“Let’s Make a Deal” used to tape at the Las Vegas Hilton and “Wheel of Fortune” still does occasionally).

But here’s the kicker: the tickets are free. The hotels and producers will make their money off of television advertising revenue and can open up a gift shop, restaurant, and nightclub all themed to the show to make more dough.
http://vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm

The Bon Voyage Award of the Week goes to ventriloquist Ronn Lucas who is packing his bags and going on a cruise. More specifically, the entertainer is shutting down his Vegas show and will instead travel for private events including some on cruise lines.

The Brrrrr Award of the Week goes to Minus 5, the all-ice ultra-lounge that will open at Mandalay Bay in October. Everything in the club will be made of ice and that includes the seats, the walls, and even the glasses that the cocktails come in. Guests will be given parkas to ward off the temperature inside the place, which is kept at… you guessed it… minus 5 degrees. I thought people came to Vegas to escape the cold?

And finally, the Second Bon Voyage Award of the Week goes to me and fellow travel writer Mary Herczog who will be departing on our annual road trip entitled Plucky Survivors See America on August 27, 2008. You can follow along with us through our website PluckySurvivors.com as we travel more than 2,400 miles through the deep south including stops at a BBQ championship, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, the Colonel Sanders Museum, and other roadside oddities. There will be no column the weeks of September 1 and September 8 while I’m away but you can get your Rick fix on PluckySurvivors.com.
http://vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm

Here are the predictions from the August 2003 story as they were printed with a reality check for each one:

Prediction:
Wynn Las Vegas will be the big success story of the decade, a super-luxurious concept from Steve Wynn that surprised just about everyone for how much of a hit it was. After it’s opening in 2005 the crowds (and the cash) poured in to get a look at the first new mega-resort in years and Wynn quickly announced details of the second of three hotels that will ultimately occupy the former Desert Inn site. Construction is already underway on hotel number two with 2010 expected as an opening date.

Reality:
I was really close on this one. Wynn has been the most successful new casino hotel of the decade and before it even opened Steve Wynn had announced Encore, a second hotel to be built right next door. The only thing I got wrong was the timetable - instead of opening in 2010, Encore will open later this year.

Prediction:
The success of Wynn Las Vegas caused a tidal wave of development on the north end of The Strip. Three of the classic Vegas resorts that lined that end of Las Vegas Boulevard are long gone now with the implosions of the New Frontier, The Riviera, and The Stardust. Massive new mega-resorts are going up in their place along with new development on the former Wet n’ Wild and El Rancho sites. As many as five new hotels, including San Francisco and London themed resorts, are expected to open within the next two years, all within a mile of each other.

Reality:
I got a lot of this one right also. The Frontier and Stardust are gone and there are massive new resorts going up in their place (The Plaza and Echelon respectively). Ditto for the old El Rancho where Fontainebleau is under construction. But the Riviera soldiers on and despite many attempts to build something on the land, the Wet n Wild site still sits there rotting in the sun. And of course the city-based theme architecture craze faded long ago so all of the new hotels will be more generically styled.

Prediction:
Back in ’04, The Sahara got a big boost from the monorail that opened, linking it to the south end of The Strip. To remain competitive, The Sahara is undergoing a major remodeling and expansion hoping to capitalize on the increase in traffic expected as the monorail opens to Downtown Las Vegas this year.

Reality:
I got this one partially right but for totally incorrect reasons. The Sahara will undergo a massive makeover after a big ownership change but it has nothing to do with the monorail, which wasn't the boon it was expected to be for hotels like this. And the Downtown line for the monorail didn't happen and probably never will.

Prediction:
Circus-Circus is also upgrading their offerings, attempting to solidify their hold on the family market. But that’s not the only action happening from parent company Mandalay Resorts. The fourth hotel in the Mandalay Mile, a stretch of hotels including Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay is expected to open next year. It is being constructed just south of Mandalay Bay and will be connected to all of its sister hotels by a guided tramway system.

Reality:
Circus-Circus hasn't gotten its extreme makeover yet but it should in the next few years. As far as the 4th hotel for the Mandalay Mile, all that fell into the dustbin of big ideas when Mandalay Resorts was purchased by MGM Mirage a few years ago.

Prediction:
Just across the street, work is progressing nicely on the first of two new hotels that are replacing the Tropicana, which they tore down in 2004. This new hotel, expected to open sometime this year, will be about the same size as the old Tropicana but when the second hotel opens in a couple of years the property will feature more than 4,000 rooms.

Reality:
Yeah, well. You can't win them all. The Tropicana is still there unchanged and plans to replace or remodel it have been put on hold indefinitely.

Prediction:
The last, and probably most significant, major development on The Strip is going on next door to Bellagio, where MGM Mirage is building another mega-resort on the land formerly occupied by the Boardwalk Hotel. The 55-acre site will feature a gigantic hotel/casino concept that will be designed to appeal to a younger, more hip crowd like those who usually go to places like Hard Rock and The Palms.

Reality:
Check this one in the correct column. The development is CityCenter, an $11 billion complex of hotels, entertainment, casino, shopping, and residential offerings. It's set to open in 2009 and will aim for a younger, more hip market.

10th Anniversary Special: Crystal Ball Gazing - Part II

ROK’s opening will bring two firsts to the local nightlife scene. ROK will feature the first-ever 360-degree video screen in a Las Vegas nightclub. From every angle, guests will be surrounded by concert footage, live club feeds, lasers and animation. ROK’s resident DJ will spin rock mash-ups choreographed in time with video imagery displayed above.

ROK also will introduce the advent of half-bottle service to the VIP experience. In addition to full-bottle service, you will have the option of selecting from several premium brands in a half-bottle size. ROK will open to the public on Friday, Aug. 29, with hours of operation Wednesday-Sunday; doors open at 10 p.m.
http://www.lvrj.com/living/27178729.html

"I thought he was good, but I didn't think a guy with puppets represented the show," he says.

"I'm not out to be scandalous," Shlesinger says. "Originally the (online video) studio was hot. There were lights and everything. And so I was like, 'I'm wearing a blazer to look professional, but I don't need to wear pants.' "

Shlesinger will be all covered up on Sunday, though, when she starts doing eight- to 10-minute routines at "Jubilee!" at Bally's.

By MIKE WEATHERFORD/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

There's boring bad and there's brilliant bad. Even when you're talking topless vampires, as in "Bite," they couldn't shake their groove fangs all of four years without a spark of warped genius.

Here's one way to explain it. Some other topless vampire show might decide to include "Nessun Dorma." But has anyone ever had Puccini's famous aria lead right into "Stairway to Heaven"?

Not even Michael Bolton thought of that one.

This is what separates "Bite," and its creator/producer Tim Molyneux, from your standard-issue girlie shows. Since "Bite" debuted on Aug. 13, 2004, the Strip has become ever-more hifalutin, shoveling dirt over hoot fests such as "Splash." Even rival topless revues, such as "Fantasy" and Crazy Horse Paris, now strive to be artsy and ambitious.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/27267889.html

The one-hour show features four dancer / assistants that are truly great looking and can actually dance! The show moves quickly from one illusion to another and are nicely performed by Dirk and his assistants. In one illusion, he takes an empty stage with one prop and before you can blink an eye, a helicopter appears from behind a curtain. One of the unbelievable illusions is when Dirk gets locked into a steel contraption with a huge drill bit hovering over his body. Within minutes, the drill comes down and supposedly goes right through him. Again, before you can blink an eye, he is standing in the audience, alive and yelling at the audience. It's a good one!

But, what the kids and audience really want to see are those beautiful cats Arthur uses in the show. Not only are they fantastic specimens of the cat family, but they are huge animals.

Dirk maintains his cats on a large estate and shows a film of their living conditions, which is truly amazing. The biggest cat is an orange Bengal tiger that is truly magnificent. He is raising a Liger (half tiger, half lion which is the only one in the United States) along with a baby African spotted leopard, and two of only 15 Snow tigers still in existence in the world.

One of the close-up illusions Arthur performs is when he makes a cone out of a Dirk Arthur poster, and amazingly, a group of white doves appear from inside the cone, followed by a large white goose.

This party at the Palms pool on Saturday night was a Renaissance costume affair. So it was that 13 men in priest costumes paid $7,000 to rent a cabana, to stand out and get these women's attention.

"Do you know where we can find little boys?" one of the "priests" asked, staying in character, then he motioned toward a bar of cocktails in his cabana. "The confessional is this way.

"If this party was a confessional, the confession was that people take joy in shedding reality for fantasy. Whoever they are at 10 a.m. on Monday is not the person they want to be when given the chance.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/27084244.html

http://americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml

Laurence Fishburne To Join CSI:Las Vegas Cast.
From:www.vegastripping.com

New Premium Rooms At Gold Coast Are Wow!
From: www.vegastripping.com

Vegas Luxe Life by Robin Leach