Everything Las Vegas # 678
September 20th, 2008
Trippies 2008: Open For Nominations
Ladies and gentlemen, the nomination phase for the Trippies 2008 : Best (and Worst) of Las Vegas Readers Poll Awards is officially here.
Frankly, it's hard to believe that this is the fourth time we've sampled the likes and dislikes of Vegas tourists at large. Time – like an armada of 3-D glasses – certainly does fly.
Kinda like the presidential primaries, this is the nomination phase. The top five vote getters (or more if there's a tie or too close to call) will be submitted for final voting… the winners/losers of which get the virtual trophy and a buffet chock full of all the bragging/complaining rights they can eat.
Nominations will close in about three weeks. Final voting will begin on U.S. Election Day (November 4th) and continue for about 4 weeks. The winners will be announced in early January 2009.
We've added a few new categories (Best/Worst Service, Hidden Gem) and taken a bunch away that either didn't get many votes or weren't applicable.
You can nominate as many times as you'd like, but be aware that we're keeping our eyes peeled for ballot stuffing.
Here tis :Trippies 2008 Nominations
After winning "The Best Las Vegas Blog" in 2006, Everything LV.COM was shut out of any awards in 2007. I personally thought we were a shoe-in for "Best Message Boards" because frankly, WE ARE THE BEST.
Due to personal issues, last year, I was not able to promote "The Trippies" as I did in 2006 but this year, I would really appreciate it if my members would first nominate and then vote for our website.
Everything LV can be nominated in the following catagories:
1-Best Vegas Website.
2-Best Vegas Blog. OK Vegas Tripping Guys..I accept the "blog" label (-:
3-Best Vegas Message Boards.
(You could nominate me for "Vegas Person Of The Year" but that would be overkill…certainly true…but overkill)
Remember, we have to be NOMINATED to reach the finals so please vote !!!!
Thanks a lot,
Steve
‘Caveman’ leaving, Brown returning to Nugget.
By: Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun
Impressionist Gordie Brown left the Golden Nugget in 2006 to perform on the Strip at the Venetian and V Theatre at Planet Hollywood.
While he was away, “Defending the Caveman,” starring Kevin Burke, became the resident show at the downtown resort.
Last week Brown announced he is returning to the Nugget, and “Caveman” producer John Bentham proclaimed his one-man show was headed for the Strip.
“We’ve been working on a deal to move the show to the Strip for a while,” Bentham said. “Our surveys have shown that 50 percent of our business comes from the Strip. We think we should take the show to where the fans are.”
He declined to say where “Caveman” will end up.
“Caveman” is scheduled to end Jan. 18, at which point there will have been 724 performances during an almost two-year run. There’s a possibility “Caveman” will be extended, Bentham said, and he’s looking at “Caveman” productions in Laughlin and at Lake Tahoe.
Brown’s scheduled to return to the Nugget in early February, performing five nights a week with a four-piece band.
Meanwhile, Brown is the opening act for fellow Canadian Celine Dion during the North American portion of her “Taking Chances” world tour.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/19/caveman-leaving-brown-returning-nugget/
Goulet, Killers lead list of Hall of Fame nominees.
By: Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun
Legendary entertainer Robert Goulet heads the list of inductees in the latest class of UNLV's Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame.
Goulet, who died in October at the age of 73, will receive the George Sidney Award posthumously at a ceremony Thursday at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall. Other inductees who will receive the Sidney Award include entertainer Clint Holmes, architect/builder Tony Marnell, dancer Vassili Sulich and the Las Vegas rock band The Killers.
More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/15/goulet-killers-lead-list-hall-fame-nominees/
O.J. Simpson jurors taken on secret field trip to Palace Station.
Robbery/kidnapping trial continues into fifth day.
By: Melissa Arseniuk/Las Vegas Sun
Jurors this morning were taken on a secret field trip to Palace Station where they were given a firsthand look at the room where the confrontation between O.J. Simpson and two sports memorabilia dealers took place last year.
Along with one of the six men who accompanied Simpson on Sept. 13, 2007, Clarence "C.J." Stewart, the former NFL star now faces a dozen robbery, weapons and kidnapping-related offenses. The trial began Monday and is expected to last another four weeks.
More here: Steve's Las Vegas Quickies
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/19/collectibles-dealer-continue-testimony-fifth-day-o/
Jerry's Famous Coffee Shop at Jerry's Nugget, 1821 Las Vegas Blvd. North in North Las Vegas, is offering an $11.99 lobster dinner special, which includes side dishes; a New York steak can be added for $2 more.
Sundance Grill at the Silverton, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, is offering $5 one-topping pizzas 24 hours a day.
The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas offers peace and quiet and one of the most spectacular settings in Las Vegas. Now that we're approaching the best month and half of the year weatherwise, dine on the patio, which overlooks the 18th hole of the resort's $500-a-round golf course.
Knockout items: sweet corn chowder, $12; lump crabcake sliders, $26; and grilled chicken jalapeno sausage, $19. Desserts: chocolate bombolone, $14; and the Scottish milkshake and cookies, $10.
Fitzgeralds pulled the plug on its Comedy After Hours on Tuesday after the Texas-based promoter of the stand-up comedy forum failed to pay its performers or assorted bills, says Gene Sagas, who oversees entertainment at the downtown casino.
The club opened in May with ambitious plans to film its content for syndicated TV, but only one such taping came off, Sagas says. However, the casino still is keen on the idea of stand-up in its small showroom. Management is talking to other producers, including Ron Keel, who oversees the room's standing revue, "Country Superstars Tribute."
Fremont Street sees the return of the "Viva Las Vegas" afternoon revue to the Plaza on Monday, giving downtown an extra entertainment option.
Is he in or out? A press release last week announced comedian Paul Rodriguez would host the new poker-themed show "The Real Deal!" which opens Oct. 14 at The Venetian.
But Rodriguez, who brings his "Latin Kings of Comedy" to Treasure Island on Friday, says he had previous commitments he can't get out of. "I got myself into a pickle. I'm about to be sued by all sides," he said.
Perhaps not. Earlier this week, the show's publicist says Rodriguez will at least open the show, even if he doesn't stay on as permanent host.
The Court House Bar & Grill, located across from the Regional Justice Center, is featuring an O.J. special: Orange chicken, white rice, two onion rings and a shot of orange juice for $8. "The onion rings look like handcuffs," said restaurant owner Chip Lightman, longtime manager of Mirage headliner Danny Gans. O.J. Simpson's trial on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping starts Monday at the Regional Justice Center.
Some news came out of the roast of Mayor Oscar Goodman on Saturday at the Plaza: Frank Sinatra's celebrity star will go on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars late this year or early in January, according to Ed Swindle, director of the Walk of Stars. Others will include: show producer Dick Feeney, entertainer Jose Jose, singing legend Engelbert Humperdinck and longtime choreographer and dancer Vassili Sulich. One of the biggest laughs came after U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., read a proclamation to Goodman. He looked it over, called it "a coveted piece of crap" and tore it in half.
Texas Station in North Las Vegas has transformed Club Armadillo into the new South Padre with free entertainment acts weekly. In addition to the new name, South Padre's exterior bar opens up for customers to see lounge entertainment taking place inside the venue.
Binion's downtown on Fremont Street has opened the addition of Benny's Bullpen Sports Bar & Cigar Lounge, a new stylish saloon where Monday Night Football can be enjoyed.
Magician Criss Angel's new date to start preview shows is Sept. 26.
BODIES…The Exhibition now at the Luxor recently received an ancient blessing at 7:30 a.m. from Buddhist monks on the 13 whole-body specimens inside the brand-new display. The purpose of the blessing is to inform the spirits that their physical bodies are not being punished, but rather being used for educational purposes and that the modern era allows their bodies to be preserved in a respectful manner.
The Las Vegas Hilton kicked off its free weekly Football Central parties on Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. in the Hilton Theater with all the games showing on 11 giant HDTV screens including the featured game on a 15’ X 20’ one. There are weekly and monthly drawings. Food and drink specials include $1 hot dogs and $2 20-ounce Miller Beer. Wine Tastings.
Roy's Las Vegas restaurant near the Strip on Flamingo near Paradise has a Waina Hui (wine club) that offers monthly gatherings to sample wines and Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. Tastings are held the third Friday from 5-6:30 p.m. and include an appetizer to pair with wine. Each tasting is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The next tasting is Sept. 19 as Shaune Randall from J. Lohr Winery conducts a Cabernet Symposium about California Cabernets. Call 702-691-2053 to make your reservation.
Hypnomagician Keith Barry will have a limited engagement at the Planet Hollywood Showroom from Oct. 28-Nov. 27. The European superstar mind illusionist, who first astonished U.S. audiences in 2006 with his celebrity-filled, hour-long magic TV special for CBS, will bring his blend of magic, illusions and hypnosis to the American stage for the first time. Tickets are $55, call 702-474-4000.
Starting Sept. 22, Strip House at Planet Hollywood will offer a selection of signature steaks paired with flights of top-shelf Scotches priced at $30 and $50.
Tournament spaces are limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. All entrants must be More Club members and at least 21 years of age. Check-in at the pit for each tournament will start at 6:30 p.m. and the first round will start promptly at 7 p.m. If you want to take part, you can register at The More Club for an entry fee of $15 per tournament. Registration will close at noon on Friday before the tournament date. Those dates are Oct. 3, Oct. 31 and Nov. 28.
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/28368704.html
The rumor has gone global: According to the reports, Britney Spears will kick off her 2009 tour with a New Year's Eve appearance at the Palms.
Wynn Las Vegas is partnering with Stratta on a room/meal deal. If you call 866/770-7410 or click through, and use promo code WRHGEDF you can get a room rate of $199/night plus $200 in dining credits at Stratta, "valid on select dates now through Oct. 31."
Double cash back is being offered at the Las Vegas Tropicana through Oct. 23, provided that you're a member of the casino's Winner's Club. The promotion is good on any and all slot games, has no blackout dates and no cap on winnings. Further details are available at 800/468-9494.
Chen Chiang Liu, who was busted at Caesars Palace in July 2007 for passing counterfeit $100 bill (called "supernotes" because of their ability to fool bill validators) was found guilty on two counts yesterday and could be looking at 25 years in the big house. At the time of his arrest, Liu had almost 400 "supernotes," made in North Korea. He wasn't the smartest crook, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "Liu unknowingly assisted in the investigation by using his own Caesars Palace rewards card … The card showed he had inserted 64 $100 bills into [slot] machines."
The leveraged buyout of Harrah's Entertainment has claimed another victim, in terms of the company's project pipeline. Harrah's has canceled its participation in a 20,000-seat arena, to have been built behind Bally's Las Vegas, according to Sports Business Journal. The company's partners were to have been AEG, which will now re-invest with several major Hollywood executives, as well as with venture capitalist David Bonderman. The consortium still hopes to have an NHL franchise in Las Vegas by 2010. The Las Vegas Sun, citing "inside sources," said Harrah's might either sell the land outright or lease it to AEG. Harrah's recently scrapped projects in Slovenia and the Bahamas, and tried to unload London Clubs.
If Steve Wynn lives to the ripe old age of 78, he'll still have a job. Wynn Resorts has amended Wynn's employment agreement to protract his reign as CEO and president through Oct. 24, 2020.
Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel & Casino had announced the addition of "21 to the River," a blackjack-plus-poker variant on a couple of casino standards. The single-deck game requires betting on a blackjack hand and optionally on a poker one. The poker hand is dealt starting with the card that busted the player's blackjack hand. If the player didn't bust, then the poker bet becomes a push. For games of more than five players, a six-deck shoe is employed.
The El Cortez closed the Chinese Kitchen Buffet yesterday and from what they told us, have no plans to reopen it or any other buffet. That means the only two remaining eateries at the downtown hotel-casino are Kitty's Café and Roberta's.
The Scores gentlemen's club has changed hands and is now Rick's Caberet, the Las Vegas representative in the famous Rick's chain. The change erases a great locals drink deal, but new management says it will institute new deals of its own, including $5 domestic beers and well drinks for locals.
Beginning , September 14, Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens unveils the fall display, which we understand features a 35-foot-tall cider mill, giant carved pumpkins, and a "whimsical animated apple tree that will watch and speak" to passers-by. Whoaa, can't wait to check this one out! The display will show through November 29.
After a week of looking around, it appears that the top Sunday NFL party is at the Las Vegas Hilton, where both the theater and the sports book accommodate guests with big screens and deals on food and drinks. The Hard Rock runs a party in the Wasted Space lounge for the 5 pm game.
Beginning Sept. 16, tours of "the Boneyard," Las Vegas' repository of noteworthy old signs, will be available twice daily, Tue.-Sat. Tours will be held at noon and 2 p.m., ending Dec. 23. Same-day reservations won't be accepted without an e-mail confirmation, and Neon Museum recommends making reservations well in advance. For more info, call 702-387-6366 (NEON) or go to the museum's Web site.
"Ten times bigger than what we had in the past," is how Mirage President Scott Sibella describes his hotel's reinvented volcano attraction, details of which were announced yesterday. Jets of flame will shoot up from underneath the lagoon and the show will be more than doubled in length, to five minutes. All this will be set to a percussive score by Zakir Hussain and the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart. Behind-the-scenes video, a rendering and a nostalgia-inducing clip of the old volcano can be seen at Steve Friess' Web site.
It was close, but LVA Top Ten laureate Ellis Island eked out victory in Steve Friess' most recent Stripper Poll. Ellis Island beat back strong challenges from O'Shea's and Casino Royale to become the #1 answer to the question, "What's the best inexpensive place in Vegas to go get rip-roaring drunk?"
By: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Weekly
It’s the story you won’t read anywhere else. Daredevil Robbie Knievel won’t be jumping the fountains of Caesars Palace on New Year's Eve after all — but his quest for a new world distance record will still take place in Vegas on Dec. 31!
Luxe Life has exclusively learned –- and confirmed — that instead of water he will leap through fire. Robbie will now jump the new Mirage volcano right on the Strip. He will hurtle at over 100 mph on his supercharged motorbike above the fireballs and eruptions of the new tourist attraction set to open Dec. 7.
Exclusive: Backstage interview with Criss Angel as Believe is moved to Halloween.
By: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Weekly
It’s just two days after Cirque du Soleil officially moved the opening of Mindfreak magician Criss Angel’s show back to a definite Halloween Eve premiere on Oct. 31. I sit in the star’s dressing room backstage at the new Luxor theater. Criss is stretched out on the floor, having just eaten a small filet mignon and vegetable dinner after rehearsals. He has an hour before a massage and another full run-through of the new Believe show. He’s relaxed, in a fun mood and fully at ease revealing for the very first time secrets of the new $150-million illusions. He promises later to give me a full backstage tour, and to introduce some of the cast and show me the costumes. He moves to sit side by side with me on his leather couch -and my tape recorder is switched on:
The entire interview can be read here:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life/2008/sep/18/exclusive-backstage-interview-criss-angel-embeliev/
At Believe, the magic starts the moment you enter.
By: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Magazine
Step just past the new box office and Believe souvenir merchandize store and the magical journey into Criss Angel’s playpen palace of prestidigitation begins right there. You’ll walk down two long hallways that feature amazing framed “paintings”. These are no ordinary works of art. They all move and change as you pass by. The images go through three, maybe four, transformations as you watch them- mesmerized. All feature Criss or Lucky the Rabbit and are totally unique and spellbinding.
Enter the theater’s main lobby area and Lucky the Rabbit moves again in the many different panels fixed behind the bars. But its inside the new completely re-designed and configured theater that you get the first glimpse of the influences of Believe.
More here:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life/2008/sep/18/embelieveem-magic-starts-moment-you-enter/
Fun facts about the inner workings of Believe.
By: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Magazine
Hating magic shows, Believe director Denoncourt took on ambitious Angel-Cirque project.
By: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Magazine
Serge Denoncourt is Believe’s co-writer and director, and although he has 80 major productions on his resume, at age 18 he was planning on a medical career. But then he decided to audition for a college theater program, was accepted and on his 1983 graduation decided to become an actor. Four years later he directed his first piece and from that point on he was cooked on the behind-the-scenes creativity and challenges.
Now just 46 years of age, he is highly regarded worldwide for the visual beauty of his shows, which are typically marked by heightened imagery, vivid use of color and a deep examination of subtext.
He has staged everything from operas to variety shows and was even the acting coach for episodes of the Cirque du Soleil TV series Solstrom. He is the first to admit that he doesn’t like magic shows in general. “They lack emotion and any sense of a storyline,” he told me. I took on Criss and Believe from the position of one who doesn’t like those kinds of shows because they treat magic as an end in itself. My aim here is to take magic -– and Cirque du Soleil- – in a completely different direction. With Criss Angel’s Believe, I have sought to return a sense of nobility to magic.”
The Power and the Glory
Dam is icon of the West, monument to hard work.
By: Paul Szydelko/Las Vegas Magazine
Standing tall and strong 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas is an icon every bit as famous as the Golden Gate Bridge to the west and the Empire State Building to the east, other marvels built at the height of the Great Depression. Hoover Dam is a constant reminder of ambitious dreams our country can accomplish in difficult times.
Endlessly impressive and incredibly photogenic, the dam is a result of an alliance between engineering and architecture – a triumph of function and form, utility and beauty.
The seeds of the project were sown in 1922, with an agreement among seven Western states to apportion water from the Colorado River. By 1931, a contract was awarded to Six Companies consortium to begin construction on a project that would control flooding, enhance hydroelectric power capacity throughout the region and create Lake Mead.
The diversion of the river began in late 1932 in the hostile Black Canyon. Men, called high scalers, descended the canyon walls on ropes and used jackhammers and dynamite to strip away loose rock. The first concrete was poured in June 1933. Like giant Legos, blocks of concrete ranging from 25 to 60 feet square were interlocked to form the dam.
Attracted by the work and the housing, thousands of laborers, later called 31ers, streamed into desolate Southern Nevada, and Boulder City was created. In sharp contrast to most of the rest of Nevada, no gaming, drinking or prostitution was allowed in Boulder City. (The sale of alcohol was illegal there until 1969.)
For a few dollars a day, risking their lives in the extreme heat and dangerous working conditions, a total of 21,000 men built this marvel (about 5,200 daily). And at least 112 men reportedly died from drowning, blasting, falling rocks or slides and mechanical accidents. Others died of heat stroke and heart failure. None are believed buried in the dam.
By May 1935, an icon was born, a mighty river was harnessed, a lake was filled, farms in faraway places flourished and a new source of electricity sparked the growth of the West.
More than 726 feet tall, almost 200 feet taller than the Washington Monument, the dam contains 4.3 million cubic yards of concrete – as much concrete as needed to pave a standard highway 16 feet wide from San Francisco to New York City. During peak periods of electrical demand, enough water runs through the generators to fill 15 average-size swimming pools (20,000 gallons each) in one second.
Impressive as well is the craftsmanship of elegant art-deco touches, found not only on the dam and power plant but also on the parking garage and visitors center, the launching point for exhibits, films and tours.
Visitors to the dam today can also see the construction of the Hoover Dam Bypass, which includes a massive steel and concrete arch bridge downstream of the dam. The new route, aimed at alleviating traffic between Arizona and Nevada, is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
Hoover Dam, an affirmation of hard work and optimism during a perilous era in our nation's history, is a monument to strength, courage, determination and ingenuity.
Visitors center is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Admission $8, children under 3 admitted free; power plant tour, $11 adults, $9 seniors 62+, military and children 4-16, children 3 years of age and younger admitted free; Hoover Dam Tour, $30 (no children under 8 permitted). Parking is $7 (cash only). Located off U.S. Highway 93 at the Nev./Ariz. border. 702.494.2517.
http://lasvegasmagazine.com/
Bright Lights, Big City
Downtown Las Vegas is where the city's soul lies (and, yes, the city does have a soul).
By Kate Silver/Las Vegas Magazine
This historic area was once filled with gambling halls, bars and pretty much any kind of Vegas-style vice you could ask for. Today, well, not much has changed. Gambling? Check. Drinks? Check. And you can find them all along a handful of pedestrian-friendly blocks on Fremont Street.
Start at Main Street and Fremont and head east (by foot – no cars are allowed on this part of Fremont Street.) For a true taste of old Vegas, have a drink at The Dome in The Plaza. This is where Sharon Stone and Robert Duvall weathered that heated dinner in the movie Casino (in its former incarnation as Center Stage restaurant). The circular leather booths scream old Vegas feel and are fronted by a glass dome that looks out on the Fremont Street Experience – the famous canopy with 12.5 million synchronized LED lamps, spanning a length of about five football fields. Nightly music and light shows all but stop the Fremont Street activity, as eyes point upward to take in the VivaVision production.
People-watching is always prime as you stroll down this Vegas-ized outdoor mall. From the carnival-like vendors to the performers on the soundstages, to the mobs of tourists, Fremont Street is always a hub of activity. Here, you'll also see some of the famous neon signs of old Vegas.
Pop into any of the casinos along the way to test out Lady Luck (limits here are lower than on the Strip), or to sample some of the fare. On the south side of the street, La Bayou sells daiquiris in just about any flavor you can imagine. On the north side, Mermaids Casino is famous for its deep-fried Twinkies and Oreos. The Golden Nugget is another must. Recently renovated, the resort has one of the most memorable pool areas in town – a shark tank sits in the middle of the swimming area and is intersected by a translucent waterslide.
As you continue east, you'll come to Las Vegas Boulevard. Once you cross here, you've arrived at the newest redevelopment area of Fremont Street, known as Fremont East. The main attraction is a series of some of Las Vegas' best bars, all within walking distance (three bars within a single block). Downtown Cocktail Room is a dim, sophisticated lounge where local professionals and artists tend to gather. Farther east on Fremont Street is The Griffin – a gothic-themed bar meant to feel like a dungeon, but with fireplaces and friendly staff to ward off any kind of chill. Just east of The Griffin is Beauty Bar, a salon-themed spot modeled after its New York sibling, which was made famous by Sex and the City. Beauty Bar is known for bringing in live music acts and the hipsters that inevitably follow the music.
Bar-hopping is a rarity in Las Vegas (aside from casino bars), so you'll enjoy the opportunity here. The city actually slackened the usual distance requirement here to encourage downtown revitalization. Another rarity is, well, the quiet. You'll hear no dinging of slot machines and see no video poker at any of these Fremont East establishments. It's all part of the unique charm of this famous street – an area filled with history, always with its eye on the future.
http://lasvegasmagazine.com/
Donny and Marie Debut at Flamingo by Rick Garman
Isn’t it amazing what fainting on “Dancing with the Stars” can do for one’s career? The brother sister duo of Donny and Marie Osmond have had a resurgence in popularity of late and have turned that into a new music and variety show at The Flamingo. The show, which debuted last week, is both a greatest hits package and a career retrospective along with plenty of that sibling rivalry humor they have been doing forever.
Expect to hear "Paper Roses," "Make the World Go Away," "I'm Leaving It (All) Up to You," "Morning Side of the Mountain," "Puppy Love," "Soldier of Love," "Deep Purple," and others.
It’s been more than 30 years since their eponymous TV variety show turned them into both stars and punch lines with Marie taking on the “little bit country” role and Donny trying to be a “little bit rock and roll.”
The show performs Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $85 to $250. Yes, you read that right – $250. But that includes the best seats in the house and an after-show photo with Donny and Marie.
http://vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm
Vegas4Visitors Weekly Awards by Rick Garman
The Rescue of the Week Award goes to Related Cos., a giant real estate development corporation that will apparently be stepping in to help complete the financially troubled Cosmopolitan Resort under construction on The Strip. Related knows from big projects having done the Time Warner Center in New York and the World Market Center in Las Vegas. The Comso is going up next to Bellagio and is scheduled to open in late 2009.
The Disappearing Act of the Week Award goes to illusionist Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil who have delayed the both the previews and official opening of the new magic themed Cirque show at Luxor by several weeks. This is the third delay, which is causing gossip mongers to go into overdrive. The show will open for previews on September 26 and have its gala premiere on October 31.
The Oops of the Week Award goes to the Girls of Glitter Gulch, the Downtown Fremont Street strip club that had been hoping to get some video poker machines installed in their bar area. To do that you have to get a license from the gaming control board and they’ll send investigators to look at the business to determine whether or not it’s a good idea. According to the board, their undercover agents were allegedly solicited for prostitution on their first visit and drugs on their second. Short version: you probably won’t be seeing video poker at the place any time soon.
The OJ Free Zone of the Week Award goes to… me! I am officially refusing to write anything about the OJ Simpson trial currently under way in Las Vegas unless something truly wacky happens that I can make fun of.
http://vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm
10th Anniversary Special: My Favorite Vegas Moments
By Rick Garman
September marks the 10th Anniversary of Vegas4Visitors.com and for the last few weeks I’ve been doing a series of special columns to mark the occasion, looking back at the last decade in Vegas. This week, I thought I’d take a trip down memory lane with my Top 10 Favorite Vegas Moments – the things that have happened to me in Las Vegas that I remember most.
Full disclosure: some of this happened before I started Vegas4Visitors.com, but I’m counting it anyway.
10. Eating that perfect steak. Rib eye, seared with garlic, butter, and cilantro. It was at Austins and I still remember how fantastic it was. Still is as a matter of fact.
9. Winning $1,600 on a Triple Double Diamond slot machine at The Luxor. I had won slot machine jackpots before but at the time this was the biggest and the first one where I had to get paid out by hand with an IRS statement.
8. Seeing the Pirate Battle for the first time. It was great silly free fun while it lasted. I miss it.
7. Seeing my first Vegas guide book on the shelves. I started writing for Frommer’s and when my “Complete Idiot’s Guide to Vegas” came out, I went to a bunch of different bookstores just to see if they had it on display.
6. Seeing Mystere for the first time. It’s easy to get blasé about Cirque after so many shows and having seen them so many times, but that first time seeing Mystere – it was a mind-blowing experience.
5. My first time playing roulette. My friend told me that playing a single number was a sucker’s bet. I did it anyway, putting $2 down on my lucky number 17. It hit 17.
4. Seeing New York-New York for the first time. The apex of the theme era in Las Vegas, NYNY was (and still is) an over the top spectacle that caused me to laugh out loud with glee when I first saw it.
3. Winning $4,100 on a video poker machine at The Venetian. I held an ace of diamonds and threw away the rest – it dealt me the rest of the royal flush for a progressive jackpot win, which remains the largest single jackpot I have ever won in Las Vegas.
2. Meeting Bette Midler. I’m a geek. Shut up.
1. My first trip to Las Vegas as an adult. I don’t remember the exact year but I’m thinking it was 1988 or early 1989 because The Mirage was under construction. I still remember walking up and down The Strip and falling in love with the place. Ten years later I’d launch this website and ten years after that, I’d still be doing it. Kind of amazing.
http://vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm
TWIN CREEKS AT SILVERTON CASINO LODGE UNVEILS CLASSIC DINNER ITEMS.
Twin Creeks inside Silverton Casino Lodge now features a selection of classic dinner items in addition to the current menu.
Twin Creeks’ classic items feature an assortment of fresh seafood, mouthwatering prime rib, tender chicken and delectable side dishes. Seafood selections include cold water lobster tail ($29), twin cold water lobster tails ($48), salmon parpadelle ($19) and Twin Creeks’ fresh catch of the day ($22). Diners can also enjoy salt and pepper crusted prime rib in three cuts such as kings double ($26), queens ($19) and petite ($17). Other tempting options include chicken Milanese ($18), 8-ounce filet mignon ($22) and bourbon bbq bone-in rib eye ($26).
“Twin Creeks’ classic items are the perfect complement to our innovative menu,” said Chef Mark Chapman, executive chef of Twin Creeks. “Guests can indulge in delectable entrées that easily rival the best fine dining restaurants on the Strip.”
All classic menu entrées at Twin Creeks are accompanied by a basket of artisan breads, house salad and choice of two side dishes including baked potato, mashed potatoes, steamed broccolini, steamed asparagus and macaroni and cheese.
After receiving a $3.7 million redesign, Twin Creeks boasts an innovative new menu, signature boutique bourbons, extensive wine list and restyled interior and exterior. Designer lighting throughout three distinct dining areas produces the ideal ambiance to enjoy exciting new menu creations. High top tables in the bar area provide casual dining and conversation, while custom designed booths offer seclusion and privacy. New finishes throughout the restaurant such as wood floors, ceiling beams, sheers and candle niches are all part of Twin Creeks’ transformation into one of the best dining options in Las Vegas. Twin Creeks is open for dinner 5 – 9 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and 5 – 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday.
HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE SPICES UP THE LAS VEGAS STRIP WITH WEEKLY SALSA PARTIES.
Hawaiian Tropic Zone adds Latin flavor to the Las Vegas Strip with weekly salsa parties every Wednesday at 9 p.m. Visitors will enjoy Latin beats while sipping on $4 daiquiris, mojitos and cube libres. Bottle specials include $100 bottles of Bacardi and $150 bottles of tequila Cazadores. Hawaiian Tropic Zone kicks off the weekly salsa bash with a Mexican Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. To celebrate Mexico’s day of independence, guests can treat themselves to salsa lessons and a variety of drink specials such as $4 Tecate, $4 Corona Extra, $5 shots of Patron and two-for-one Margarita King margaritas.
About Hawaiian Tropic Zone
Named one of Las Vegas’ top ten new restaurants by Citysearch, Hawaiian Tropic Zone boasts a sexy modern décor, alluring dining room, mouth-watering menu items, cat-walk stage for nightly entertainment, largest video wall in Las Vegas, cabaret dancers, full bar, water wall entrance, strip-side patio and live DJ appearing nightly. Exotic and friendly Hawaiian Tropic models serve as “table concierges” to assist with guests’ every dining need as well as participate in nightly beauty pageants. Costume designer Nicole Miller and world-famous chef David Burke have come together to bring glitz and entertainment back into fine dining and make Hawaiian Tropic Zone the hottest place on the Las Vegas Strip. Hawaiian Tropic Zone is located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE OFFERS DINNER AND STEVE WYRICK – REAL MAGIC VIP TICKET PACKAGE.
Hawaiian Tropic Zone now offers a three-course dinner and Steve Wyrick – Real Magic VIP ticket package.
For $119.95 per person plus tax and gratuity, those looking for an evening of exquisite fare and entertainment will receive a three-course dinner and a VIP ticket to Steve Wyrick – Real Magic. For the first course, diners receive choice of harvest green salad or BBQ chicken spring rolls. Entrée options include chicken fajitas, herb grilled salmon or ricotta spinach ravioli. An assortment of gourmet ice cream selected by the chef is served for dessert. Coffee, tea or a soft drink is also included with dinner.
Steve Wyrick pulls out all the stops in his one-of-a-kind mega-illusion magic experience, Steve Wyrick – Real Magic. Wyrick performs some of the most imaginative and mind-blowing illusions anywhere including making a Lear Jet 35 and an AS 350 helicopter appear and a West Coast Chopper disappear into mid-air. His signature, larger-than-life illusions headline, but it is Wyrick's personal touches that make the show truly unique, allowing audience members to experience both the largest and smallest magic in one unforgettable performance.
To purchase a dinner and VIP ticket package, please visit the hostess stand at Hawaiian Tropic Zone or online at www.HawaiianTropicZone.com. For more information, please call (702) 731-4858.
Jersey Boys At The Palazzo Las Vegas Offers Patrons The Absolut Best Seats In The House.
From: www.accessvegas.com
Patrons who purchase the ABSOLUT BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE VIP Package will receive a complimentary ABSOLUT specialty cocktail and access to a private entrance into the theatre through a VIP hallway that features memorabilia from The Four Seasons and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. After marveling at original album photos and other preserved mementos, guests will receive a full-color, oversized JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas souvenir program to remember their special night.
Topping off the VIP Package are the ABSOLUT BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE. Sitting in the front orchestra section, patrons will experience the drama of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time with hits such as "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "Oh, What a Night."
JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas is the only place on the West Coast to see this runaway hit, and the best option for any fan is the ABSOLUT BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE VIP Package for only $235 per person, plus tax.
JERSEY BOYS performs at The Palazzo on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and dark on Wednesday. Starting September 1, JERSEY BOYS will perform Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 7 p.m.; Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and dark on Wednesday.
Ticket prices range from $65 to $135 plus tax and handling fees. The ABSOLUT BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE VIP Package is available for $235 per person, plus tax. Tickets for JERSEY BOYS at The Palazzo can be purchased by calling 1-866-641-SHOW or 702-414-9000, or online at www.PalazzoLasVegas.com. Reservations for groups are currently being accepted, for more information call 702-785-5394 or email GroupSales@BASEentertainment.com. JERSEY BOYS runs two hours (including a short break between Acts I & II).
JERSEY BOYS, which opened on Broadway to rave reviews on November 6, 2005, continues to be completely sold out and the hottest ticket on the Great White Way. JERSEY BOYS received the 2006 Tony Award® for Best Musical and the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Recording; that recording was certified Gold by the RIAA in February, and is regularly found at the top of the Billboard chart of best-selling show CDs.
JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were thirty. The show features such hits as "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," "Oh, What a Night," and many more.
JERSEY BOYS is written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The Las Vegas production is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo. JERSEY BOYS has scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music direction and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose.
JERSEY BOYS is presented in Las Vegas by original Broadway producers Dodger Theatricals, Joseph Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group together with BASE Entertainment (Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular); in association with Latitude Link and Rick Steiner.
The Mentalist Wins The Magic Oscar.
From: www.accessvegas.com
The International Magicians Society, a worldwide organization, which was established in 1968 and currently has over 37,000 members presented Gerry McCambridge with the prestigious "Merlin" award for Mentalist of the Decade.
The Merlin Award to the magic fraternity is what the Oscar is to the movies. Some of the past winners of the Merlin Award are Harry Blackstone, Doug Henning, Criss Angel, Siegfried & Roy and David Copperfield.
The voting members begin with approximately one hundred names and narrow them down to just one. The criteria that the voting members consider are talent, showmanship, originality, skills, and above all the rare ability to entertain under any conditions.
Gerry is the very first Mentalist in the organizations 40-year history to receive the Merlin award. The award was presented to Gerry by the president of the I.M.S., Tony Hassini on August 25th, 2008 in Las Vegas immediately following Gerry's performance. His wife and children were present on stage when he accepted the award.
Since moving to Las Vegas three years ago, Gerry has been a strip headliner with over 550 Las Vegas performances to his credit. Hooters Casino Hotel recently extended his contract keeping him headlining in the Night Owl Showroom six nights a week for the next year. Gerry continues to perform at corporate and private functions outside of Las Vegas.
About Gerry McCambridge
New York born and raised, Gerry McCambridge started his career as a magician at the early age of eight, when he received a magic kit as a gift. From that point on, he pursued his love for magic, comedy and performing live, and eventually defined himself as "the mentalist" — an entertainer who, among other things, showcases his ability to screw with people's minds. A regular headliner at Las Vegas' Hooters Casino Hotel, McCambridge now performs there six nights a week. In addition to recently competing on NBC's reality show, "Phenomenon," McCambridge starred in and executive-produced "The Mentalist" television show. He also has appeared on countless talk shows, including "Late Night With David Letterman," "The Today Show" and "The Best Damn Sports Show Period." In 2005 he was awarded "Mentalist of the Year" by the Psychic Entertainers Association. The same year Gerry also won "Best Lounge Act" by the Las Vegas Review Journal's readers' poll. In 2007 Gerry was nominated "Best Magician" in Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Review Journal's readers' poll. And now he can add the Merlin Award to his trophy cabinet.
House Of Lords At The Sahara Now Offering $75 Dusk & Dark Dinner For Two.
From: www.accessvegas.com
The legendary House of Lords Steak House at the Sahara Hotel & Casino is challenging the belief that Vegas fine dining has to break the bank. The Sahara now offers a special $75 Dusk & Dark Dinner for Two, which includes a first course, a main course and dessert:
FIRST COURSE – Organic Green Salad: Organic farm greens, candied walnuts, roma tomatoes, sweet onion, goat cheese with champagne vinaigrette OR Sweet Lobster Corn Chowder
MAIN COURSE – Prime Cut Top Sirloin Yukon gold mashed potato, seasonal vegetables with red wine sauce OR Grilled Chicken Breast Yukon gold mashed potato, seasonal vegetables with a saffron yellow tomato sauce OR Blackened Mahi-Mahi Yukon gold mashed potato, seasonal vegetables with corn pasillia sauce OR Smoked Chicken Oreccihette With grilled vegetables, wild mushrooms with a red pepper cream sauce
DESSERT – Mini Citrus Cheese Cake Cream anglaise and white chocolate drizzle OR Vanilla Bean Ice Cream With seasonal berries
The Dusk & Dark Dinner for Two is available 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. If you choose this special menu from now through September 30, 2008, you will be entered to win two tickets to the Sahara's brand new show – "Raw Talent Live."
The House of Lords was unrivalled as the hot spot among the Hollywood jet-set during that Golden Age of Vegas. A favorite of the Rat Pack, the House of Lords was known for its extravagant food, superior service and celebrity clientele. The House of Lords is one of a handful of remaining vintage Las Vegas steakhouses.
"The House of Lords has been one of the finest steakhouses on the Las Vegas Strip since there was a Strip." said Robert Leck, VP of Hotel Operations for the Sahara. "The restaurant not only serves excellent steak and seafood, but does so in the House of Lords' meticulously-maintained, historic, elegant and romantic setting, highlighted by water fountains, a canopy of stars, stained glass and plush seating coupled with a classic Moroccan theme. We are very proud of our history, and our place among the few remaining true Las Vegas steakhouses."
Experience over 50 years of affordable elegance, in this historic Vegas steakhouse. Enjoy a thick, juicy, grilled to perfection bone-in Rib-eye, classic surf & turf, Certified Black Angus filet mignon, or one of the tantalizing new seafood selections and chefs special pastas, all while realizing you could be sitting where the superstars of the golden age of Vegas once dined. From the days of Frank, Dean and Sammy to today's Vegas headliners, The House of Lords has been the choice, when classis is the order of the day. The House of Lords maintains the tradition of steakhouses, the way they were meant to be. Plush, intimate booths, surrounding gently flowing fountains as music from the Rat-Pack and vocal stylists from another era add to the background of your evening. In addition, the House of Lords offers a private dining room for special gatherings accommodating up to 50 guests.
Dinner is served in the House of Lords from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling 702-737-2111. Located on the northern end of the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Sahara Hotel and Casino is a desert jewel rich with history and nostalgia. Since 1952, the Sahara has been a refuge for glitzy entertainment, exhilarating casino action, sumptuous dining and relaxing poolside decadence. The last remaining "Rat Pack" resort, the Sahara was the setting for the original "Ocean's Eleven" film and has played host to everyone from The Beatles to Dean Martin to Marilyn Monroe. The legendary Sahara offers guests the opportunity to experience classic Vegas at its best, at one of the last-standing properties of its era.
I-15 project aims to boost efficiency.
Express lanes to help reduce resort corridor congestion.
By FRANCIS McCABE/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Motorists who use Interstate 15 in the southern valley along the resort corridor can expect a more congested commute over the next year.
But state transportation officials are hoping the suffering of commuters will end with a more efficient freeway.
On Sunday, the Nevada Department of Transportation began a yearlong project to widen I-15 from four lanes to five lanes in both directions, between Sahara Avenue and Interstate 215.
When the $21.5 million project is done, the two left lanes in each direction will become express lanes. Motorists will be able to enter those lanes at Sahara Avenue heading south or Russell Road heading north.
More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/28441874.html
Brett's Vegas Views by Jackie Brett
Maybe you never even heard of the small Gold Spike hotel and casino downtown next to the closed Lady Luck property, but it was a totally seedy joint. Stephen Siegel bought it for $25 million last January. He's in the process of transforming the place and one area is remodeled. The popcorn ceilings with decades of cigarette smoke are gone, mirrored pillars and walls now have a light-brown, sandstone brick finish, there’s new carpet, tan-textured tile walkways, and large, flat-screen televisions hanging from the ceiling. A striking change is natural light pouring in from the outside. Future plans include: removing the existing bar and replacing it with a larger, sports-themed bar; installing a race and sports book; replacing the old Gold Spike Restaurant; and finally renovating the property's approximately 110 hotel rooms. Siegel says the entire project could be completed by the first quarter of 2009. Siegel also owns the two-story Travel Inn motel next door so he can tie the whole area together.
The $250 million, industrial-themed Eastside Cannery opened its doors on Aug. 28 as the latest addition to the Cannery Casino Resorts family and the newest casino in the Boulder Highway gaming area.
The Eastside Cannery features a distinctive 16-story tower of bronze, glass and steel, with an eye-catching sawtooth roofline. There are 307 oversized guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and wide-screen plasma televisions.
On the casino level, there are 65,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 2,000 slot machines, 26 table games, a 450-seat bingo hall, a live keno lounge, poker room and Race & Sports Book. On the second level, there is are 20,000 square feet of ballroom and meeting space with the ballroom having 17,000 square feet that can be divided into five rooms.
Eastside Cannery offers an array of dining options: Carve, Casa Cocina, Sweet Lucy's Tableside Buffet, The Deli and Snaps 24-Hour Cafe. Slated to make its debut in the fall is the lounge and kitchen, ONE SIX on top of the 16th floor with a view.
Acclaimed chef Laurent Tourondel has opened his award-winning 198-seat BLT Burger at The Mirage in a space previously occupied by Siegfried & Roy's indoor tiger habitat.
Tourondel was Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef in 1998 when he was cooking at the Palace Court Restaurant at Caesars Palace. He has since created several successful restaurants around the country and was honored as Bon Appétit magazine's 2007 Restaurateur of the Year.
BLT Burger offers a variety of burgers including beef, American Kobe, lamb, Atlantic salmon and The Stripper served without a bun. The diverse casual menu also includes salads, eight types of fries and rings, milkshakes including spiked ones and desserts such as “Krispy Kreme” Doughnut Bread Pudding with Rum-raisin coconut sauce.
The comfortable interior setting reflects both the natural Nevada landscape with a 16-foot, floor-to-ceiling sepia tone panoramic photo mural and the glamour of Las Vegas with end-grain wood, walnut and yellow-glazed lava stone, accented with golden furniture upholstery and dramatic lighting. The circular expo grill is surrounded by a polished, red-glazed brick wall and colored with a large metallic dome illuminated with colored lights and a 16-seat bar.
M Resort, Spa and Casino is an all-new $1 billion resort that will open in March 2009. It’s located on more than 90 acres at the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. M Resort has signed with The Lightship Group, the world’s largest airship operator, to introduce a new era in outdoor advertising and entertainment with a flying electronic lightship, which is one of only three in the world, to the Las Vegas sky beginning in September.
Adding visual stimulation, the M Resort will be home to the twin-engine A-170LS video lightship, which is essentially an electronic 2,100-square-foot light sign on a blimp. Utilizing an array of LEDs (light emitting diodes) the lightship will feature the world’s largest 70’ x 30’ aerial television screen. It will be able to broadcast a multitude of media from live television and streaming video, to Web sites and static images while offering vibrant full-color clarity.
The Hard Rock has created Las Vegas' first Poker Lounge with a decadent atmosphere. The new 7,000-square-foot, 24-hour Poker Lounge is a full-service poker room with a lounge feel and the newest addition to the property’s $800 million expansion and renovation. The $30 million space features 18 poker tables including five private, high limit tables.
The trendsetting Poker Lounge unveils a number of "firsts" including a full bar inside the venue and available bottle service. Other exclusives include: full menu (24 hours); kiosk for sports betting; available certified Rock Spa masseuses; all-female VIP host staff; high-limit slot and video poker machines; private rooms with large-screen televisions and private iPod docs for personalized music or movies for private events and tournaments; restrooms; safety deposit boxes; the Genesis Reservation System and more.
LAVO, a new Mediterranean bathhouse inspired dining and nightclub concept from the creators of TAO Las Vegas, will open its doors at The Palazzo this month. The 20,000-square-foot lounge, restaurant and nightclub will include 20-foot ceilings, tile walls, a sleek curved bar, leather seating and Moroccan tables.
The 4,500-square-foot nightclub, which is located on the second floor with views of the Strip, will house a VIP area with posh banquettes, embossed leather walls, and mirrored mosaic tile and a domed ceiling above the dance floor. There will be nightly programming featuring renowned DJ talent.
Jersey Boys, the hit musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at the Palazzo, now offers the Absolute Best Seats in the House VIP Package, which includes an Absolut specialty cocktail, access to a private theatre entrance through a VIP hallway with memorabilia, a oversized souvenir program, and seats in the front orchestra section. Package price is $235 per person, call 866-641-SHOW or 702-414-9000.
After more than two years at The Venetian, Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular hit another milestone on Aug. 25 when the show, cast and crew celebrated 1,000 performances with a champagne toast and cake. Some fun stats include: The Phantom has spent 1,000 hours in the make-up chair, equating to over 41 days; ingénue Christine Daaé has had a total of 11,000 costume changes; and more than 3,802 hours have been spent maintaining the other star of the show, the one-ton, 15-foot tall, 16-foot wide chandelier.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm
Montilicious by Monte Rock from The Vegas Eye.
There's a new restaurant at the Palazzo. Mark Packer introduced us to Lavo, a new concept of an old theme. Think of the Roman Empire, the bathhouses, the ambiance. The same group brought Tao to the Venetian. I attended the opening with my entourage while the usual suspects in attendance, including Robin Leach, Barry Berlin, etc., etc., etc. Mark Packer and I go back some thirty years when I was a greeter and performer in Aruba. I worked for Mark as an Ambassador of Good Will at Canastel's in Miami Beach.
Haven't had a chance to catch it yet but Donny and Marie Osmond had a soft opening at the Flamingo. The official opening is Thurs., 9/25 and, of course,
yours truly will be there to tell you all about it. We know it will be a smash.
This last week September 11th was acknowledged, and the survivors once again tugged at everyone's heartstrings. It's hard to believe that it's been seven years since this devastation and destruction took all those lives. The work continues at ground zero to build the new tower, etc.
http://thevegaseye.com/montella/
The Monorail Song:
http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=2276
The New Rooms : Mandalay Bay 550 DR Rooms.
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=146&page=1
The New Rooms : Hard Rock Celebrity Suite.
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=145&page=1
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino Las Vegas : The VegasTripping Review 2008.
With many of us feeling the pinch of high gas prices and the ripple effects of early stage recession, searching for quality rooms at bargain basement prices is one of the best ways for Vegas junkies to be able to afford Vegas trips in a belt-tightening economy. In our last Vegas bargain hunter excursion, the ground rules were to snag the best rooms possible for under $100/night. We walked away with two nights at the four star rated Golden Nugget at an unbelievable steal deal of $50/night.
This time rules were even simpler – find the cheapest Strip or Fremont Street hotel/casino room possible without sacrificing safety or dignity. Rates found through the VT reservation system proved to be pretty competitive compared to the hotel websites for a Tuesday arrival : El Cortez $75, Fremont $58, Plaza $50, Four Queens $45, Binions $32. As for the Strip : Sahara at $129 and Stratosphere for $104. The Tropicana clocked in at a laughable $177/night rate.
Once again, a Fremont Street institution – this time the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino – won out with the best rates in town. Since the Golden Nugget trip, I've secretly been vying to stay at the Golden Gate. Our quick jaunt through the casino – including a taste test of their famed Shrimp Cocktail – was great, low key, unpretentious fun. If anything I was struck by the intimacy of being in a smaller property and how the employees were gracious, thoughtful and pretty darn awesome.
Note: There are seven pages to this review:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=141&page=1
Betting on the U.S. Presidential Race, Literally.
Source: www.vegaspopblog.com
There's no doubt that voting is just like gambling and politics is a sports so it's of little surprise that popular online sports books are taking bets on the next President of the United States.
You can't predict an absolute future so when you vote — just like in poker — you're taking in all the information you can and deciding to shove all your chips in on a certain hand slash candidate. The passive equivalent is putting all of your chips on red or black and hoping the roulette spin pays off.
Most of the sports books I looked at like Bodog have Barrack Obama favored over John McCain. The moneyline is -200 for Obama and +140 McCain. So if you subscribe to "change you can believe in," you'll need to wager $200 to win $100. If you're voting McCain, you'll win $140 on a $100 bet.
According to Internet reports, betting on the 2008 White House race is up considerably up over the 2004 Prez election and according to the same reports, that election was the most wagered non-sports event in history. I'm not sure the last fact can be supported since Presidential betting used to be a big deal in the 1800s and into the 20th century, but it shows that you can actually vote with your wallet.
Most of the other political wagering like party V.P. picks is closed, but the odds are still up for the GOP could-be vice-prez candidates. Bodog has former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney at 5/2 as the clear favorite and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is next at 3/1. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Florida Governor Charlie Crist tied for bronze at 7/1.
Just like when I hit the tracks, I always put some money down on the long shot just in case it's their day. If I wanted to do that here, I could drop some change on Florida Senator Mel Martinez at 75/1 or on man-about-globe Colin Powell at 70/1. I'm surprised Hillary Clinton isn't at least up on the boards at 1000/1 or something long shot for a GOP V.P. spot.
Stranger things have happened.
http://www.vegaspopular.com/2008/08/25/betting-on-the-u-s-presidential-race-literally/
SHOW REVIEW: 'Hitzville — The Show'
A Modest Showing: Motown revue 'Hitzville' a simple affair in need of a headliner.
By MIKE WEATHERFORD/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
I wish I could quit the Krave.
Sure, I try to dismiss the misbegotten place, officially known as the Harmon Theater when it's hosting ticketed shows, but arguably more familiar by the gay club name it assumes in the late-night hours.
The body count of failed shows there have a common link, or lack of one. The club doesn't connect to the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood; you can only get to it from outside. By the usual laws of Vegas, it should have been bulldozed by now to make way for some new grand idea.
Except for one thing. Once you're inside, there's nothing quite like this setup anywhere else in town. The room can affect a classy supper club vibe that elevates an effort such as "Hitzville — The Show."
More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/28643964.html
Best breakfast spot? By Norm Clarke
Hash House A Go Go, 6800 W. Sahara Ave., has built its reputation on supersize portions of "twisted farm food."
Like the sea of biscuits and gravy. Or the inch-thick flapjacks that overlap extra-size plates.
The restaurant is celebrating its third anniversary Sept. 30 with a party to kick off a month of food and drink specials.
The hot spot has caught fire, after big-time exposure from Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Rachael Ray and Al Roker.
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/28644004.html
Best jaw-dropping moment in my nine years here? By Norm Clarke
For my money, it's still Bruce Springsteen's dramatic opening at the MGM Grand Garden in May 2000, when he performed his first live show in Las Vegas.
The buzzing arena was dark when a single spotlight hit The Boss, who had his back to the audience.
Wearing an Elvis cape to honor The King, he brought down the house with "Viva Las Vegas."
The opening song of "Love," Cirque du Soleil's stunning partnership with The Beatles at The Mirage, packs a punch, too. I won't spoil it for those of you who haven't seen the show. But it's pure electricity.
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/28644004.html
MIKE WEATHERFORD: 'Mentalist' shares name with TV series.
A network TV series carrying the same name as a Las Vegas show can be good publicity. Or it can be confusing. Or maybe both.
Tuesday brings "The Mentalist," a CBS crime drama with strong advance buzz about a reformed psychic medium (Simon Baker) now working as one of the good guys with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Gerry McCambridge performs at Hooters Hotel as "The Mentalist" and once had an NBC special by that name. In July, series creator Bruno Heller didn't seem familiar with McCambridge and joked to Review-Journal TV columnist Chris Lawrence that the Strip's mentalist would owe the producers some money.
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/28594764.html
AGASSI ANNOUNCES by Norm Clarke
Andre Agassi has announced the first batch of entertainers for his Grand Slam for Children on Oct. 11 at Wynn Las Vegas.
They include Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, local favorites The Killers and David Spade.
It's the first appearance at the event for The Killers and Spade. The Killers' third album, "Day and Age," comes out in November.
More names will be announced later; and Agassi, along with musical director David Foster, always have some special guests.
The event, which benefits underserved children, is being held at the Wynn after more than a decade at the MGM Grand Garden.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/28497234.html
NORM: Michael Jackson living near school by Norm Clarke.
Michael Jackson's decision to live near a Las Vegas elementary school has upset some parents.
The former King of Pop, who moved back to Las Vegas late last year with his three children, is living on Palomino Lane, down the street from Wasden Elementary School.
A concerned mother sent several e-mails last week, saying, "Of all the residences he could have purchased … why one across from an elementary school? I understand he was never convicted of anything … and can live wherever he wants. …"
I'm told Wasden's principal has a view of Jackson's home from her office.
He may not be staying long. According to the buzz in the real estate community, he's in escrow involving another property.
Jackson moved into the neighborhood recently after staying in a Palms suite for several months.
Word got out about his Palomino Lane residence, and Jackson's fans have been gathering at the entrance. British fans serenaded him on his birthday, Aug. 29, and his security detail sent pizzas to the group.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/28365499.html
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Old-timer the mind behind the magic.
The new Criss Angel show pins a lot of ticket-sale hopes on younger fans who spend more time in nightclubs than other shows on the Strip.
Those club lines probably don't extend to a fledgling effort at Palace Station called "Wonderground." It's an after-party to Jeff McBride's new magic show in the Sound Trax lounge, a gathering of local magicians.
It's there that 74-year-old Johnny Thompson has briefly revived his career as The Great Tomsoni, a familiar specialty act on the Strip in the 1970s and '80s.
More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/28365404.html
Timeless Glamour
An Evening At La Cage still amazes, 23 years later.
By Robert Wiley-Brown/Las Vegas Magazine
An Evening at La Cage, which runs at the Riviera, first introduced audience members to the spectacular world of celebrity impersonation back when the famous Las Vegas Strip actually glowed brightly with the stunning radiance of neon lights. Now marking its 23rd year of delivering a unique, top-notch, one-of-a-kind pageantry, this showcase of look-alike stars continues to deliver.
Certainly the dazzle has stayed the same over the years. However, the cast and the stars they impersonate have changed with the times, including Derrick Barry, most recently seen as Britney Spears on America's Got Talent, Kenneth Blake as Madonna and Ryan Zink in the form of Reba McEntire – all three began their run at the Riviera five years ago.
But this is not to say that some of the tried-and-true showmen, such as comic Jimmy Emerson, who has called the production "home" for 20 years, aren't still practicing their well-polished crafts to the triumphant acclaim of both audiences and critics alike. Still, the staple of An Evening of La Cage is host Frank Marino. This year Marino, just like the showcase in which he stars, is celebrating his 23rd anniversary of delighting those in attendance. Marino portrays both Joan Rivers and a femme fatale character.
"I've been blessed," said Marino, pondering his record-setting stint on the Strip. "La Cage has given me the chance to meet some of the greats in the business like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the rest of the Rat Pack. Having Sammy Davis Jr. introduce me in the audience of one of his shows was certainly a highlight."
Having celebrities in the audience at La Cage, even to this day, is not rare.
"You can't imagine what it was like to be impersonating Joan Rivers in front of Joan Rivers," he said. Marino said that his all-time favorite celebrity viewer has to be Leeza Gibbons of Entertainment Tonight fame. "Her warmth and friendliness is unmatched. I still get Christmas cards from her."
Marino has certainly had to keep on the top of fashion through the decades. "I've got a warehouse full of gowns, which I hope will someday be in a museum." But what's funny is that Marino can take one look at one of his stored gowns and tell you what year or era it was made. "They change so subtly over the years, but I can still tell. Today's dresses are more simple," Marino said.
And where does Marino see himself in another 23 years? He said that one day he hopes to put all he has learned in the business to good use by producing his own show, and would also love to run for mayor of his beloved Las Vegas, even though he doesn't see current Mayor Oscar Goodman stepping down anytime soon. "I just hope I never wake up from this dream life I've been living."
An Evening at La Cage
Where: Riviera
When: 7:30 p.m., Wed.-Mon.
Cost: $60.50
http://lvshowbiz.com/
Journey Through Illusion
Newest Cirque du Soleil production mixes magic with imagination.
By Kate Silver/Las Vegas Magazine
Ever wonder what freakishness really goes on in the mind of Mindfreak's Criss Angel? Now's your chance to peer into the dark and stormy recesses as interpreted by Angel, himself, along with the unrivaled creative talents of Cirque du Soleil in Criss Angel Believe at Luxor. Criss Angel Believe is Las Vegas' sixth permanent Cirque du Soleil production.
Angel plays a Victorian gentleman on a mystical journey through a land of illusion, where, along the way, he encounters an array of characters who are beautiful, spooky, surreal and often a combination of all three. The show relies on illusion with dance, acrobatics and the phenomenal sets and costumes for which Cirque is famous, all inside a custom-built theater within Las Vegas' very own pyramid.
Criss Angel Believe's title pays homage to master magician Harry Houdini, who invoked that very word on his deathbed. "After my death," Houdini said to his wife, "many people will claim that they are still able to communicate with me. If their claims are valid, they will be able to tell you a code word – that word is 'believe.'"
Is Angel the next Houdini? You'll have to decide that for yourself.
http://lvshowbiz.com/
Vegas Values Report
The below information is supplied by Scot Krause, our roving reporter,who supplies us each week with information on the best Las Vegaspromotions. It's only available here on the americancasinoguide.com web site so be sure to come back each Sunday to find out about the best values in Las Vegas.
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
Posted on September 20th, 2008 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter
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