Monthly Archives: January 2009
Las Vegas Sports Books Favor Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl
The Pittsburgh Steelers are favored by 6 ½ to 7 points over the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Super Bowl XLIII contest at Tampa, Florida. Most of the early wagering at Las Vegas sports books has been for the underdog Cardinals. … Continue reading
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1930s Trailer Living Becomes En Vogue in Las Vegas
What goes around comes around. Especially in Las Vegas, a city that continually reinvents itself by offering a blinding array of kitschy, hip, and retro alternatives to delight its visitors. The newest opportunity: You can plunk down $45 for an … Continue reading
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Wedding Postponed in Las Vegas
The very popular off-Broadway Las Vegas hit, “Tony n Tina’s Wedding,” will close at the Rio this Saturday, January 31. The show that spoofs Italian weddings plans to reopen on February 6 at Planet Hollywood at what was the London … Continue reading
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UFC Blood Fest in Las Vegas on Saturday
Preparation is a key for success- even for sedentary beer-hoisting football fans. You might want to consider pre-game practice for the hard-pounding gridiron action by watching on Saturday night, January 31, at 4:15 p.m. the UFC premiere fight between warriors … Continue reading
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Las Vegas is THE Place for Super Bowl Partying
There is no better place to take in all the football gridiron action this Sunday at Super Bowl XLIII then to watch and join in on the many parties in sunny Las Vegas. There are lots of options to choose … Continue reading
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Resorts Continue to Build in Las Vegas
Despite our economy, there still is much casino and hotel room construction going on in Las Vegas. In fact, nearly 13,000 hotel rooms remain under construction in 2009. The $2.9 billion Fontainebleau mega-resort is planned to open late this year. … Continue reading
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World Series of Poker Adds $40,000 Buy-In Game in Las Vegas
The 40th edition of the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas at the Rio will begin play May 27 and include a one-time commemorative $40,000 buy-in no-limit hold ‘em tournament to mark the tournament’s 40th anniversary. The $10,000 buy-in … Continue reading
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Hispanic TV Network Comes to Las Vegas
Valerie Miller, writer for the Las Vegas Business Press, reports that Miami-based Spanish Broadcasting System has signed a significant affiliation deal with the Las Vegas/Laughlin-based Cranston Acquisition to carry MEGA TV on KMCC-DT, Channel 32 and analog KBNX-TV, Channel 31. … Continue reading
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Big Savings at MGM Grand in Las Vegas
Travel to Las Vegas has never been more affordable – with deep discounts at Trump Tower and more. One of the most recent to add an on-line special to try and lure you to the city is the MGM Grand. … Continue reading
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Crown Cleared to Buy Two Las Vegas Casinos from Cannery
Crown has won final approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission for the purchase of two Las Vegas casinos from Cannery Casino Resorts. A company spokesman said today the approval came late last week and removed one major regulatory hurdle for … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Comedy Magician Nathan Burton Offers Magic Deal
Premier Las Vegas magician Nathan Burton is offering a can’t-pass-up entertainment deal: You can get a pair of tickets for $12 for his Flamingo comedy magic performance. Normally, the price is $72 each. Viewing suitable for all ages. http://www.nathanburton.com/tickets.htm
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Happy Birthday Mr. Las Vegas Casino Mogul … Happy Birthday Steve Wynn
One thing is certain: Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn really craves his birthdays, making them a weeklong extravaganza. Saturday night during the gala Encore opening Harry Connick Jr. was the featured entertainer that joined a star-studded crowd in celebrating … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Restaurants Win Five Mobile Five-Star Awards
Steve Wynn’s Las Vegas restaurants hit a triple when the Mobil Five-Star Awards were announced on January 22. Wynn’s Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas, Alex restaurant, and the Spa at Wynn Las Vegas all are Five Stars rated for … Continue reading
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Hookers Bailout Las Vegas?
In Las Vegas it’s okay to walk around with an open alcohol container. But you can’t legally rent a hooker or an “escort” in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas. Go figure. What can I say… it’s Vegas, Baby! Prostitutes … Continue reading
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Largest Hotel in the World Planned for Las Vegas
The U.S. is in the midst of a choking recession. But that’s not stopping a financially struggling Israel-based development group from planning to build the world’s largest hotel in Las Vegas. A holding company that includes the AFI Group, formerly … Continue reading
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Wine Tangos with Jazz in Las Vegas
Las Vegas may not be the first place you think of when you’re considering attending a top notch wine tasting event. However, the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino is betting that you’ll be interested in blending fine wine with a … Continue reading
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Sex Wanes in Las Vegas
Sex to Las Vegas is like the motherhood and apple pie for puritanical cities: it provides the embodiment and very essence of Sin City’s worldwide allure and attraction. Sex drives Las Vegas. Or does it? The sad but naked truth … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Bets – Prays – On Holding Winning Super Bowl Ticket
Despite our continuing gut-curdling economic crisis, through it all, Las Vegas sports betting operations have remained strong, resilient, and, some say, even recession-proof. It remains one of our few local business saviors. Gaming wagering profits accruing from the Super Bowl … Continue reading
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Versatile Las Vegas Entertainer Rita Rudner Extends Reign through 2011
In a city where top female performers sometimes have to resort to stripping down to pasties and a G-string to earn top entertainment dollars, Rita Rudner, though, has managed to remain fully clothed. And she daily fills Las Vegas showrooms. … Continue reading
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‘Stripper 101’ Classes Spin-‘N-Slide into Las Vegas
Being naughty in Sin City has just gained another notch for its bedpost. In a bid to conjure up and offer new and exciting exercise routines to stay fit – and, in the process, find a creative solution to counteract … Continue reading
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Oscar Night Comes to Las Vegas
The glitz and glamour of Hollywood comes to Las Vegas for one evening, coordinated by the efforts of the Arthritis Foundation, when “Oscar Night America,” will be hosted inside the Rain nightclub at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on … Continue reading
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Donald Trump Just Trumped Himself – Super Las Vegas Deal
Unlike Britney Spears, most of us can’t afford the Hugh Hefner suite at the Palms Casino & Resort. When we travel to Las Vegas we’re looking for room deals at Priceline.com , Travelocity, and other online merchants. However, the current … Continue reading
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Top Five Picks for Chinese New Year Celebrations in Las Vegas
Currently, about 7 percent of Las Vegas guests come from Asian markets. But when you combine the visiting population with local Asian residents, it is hoped Las Vegas businesses will get a much needed boost from the Chinese New Year … Continue reading
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Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck Surprise Las Vegas Clubgoers
Joaquin Phoenix, who recently announced his retirement from acting in order to pursue his new music career, on Friday night, January 16, stepped to the microphone at the Lavo nightclub in the Palazzo in Las Vegas. The two-time 2008 Oscar nominee … Continue reading
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Infamous Las Vegas Minxx Strip Club For Sale
The once very popular Minxx Gentlemen’s Club & Lounge in Las Vegas, site of the 2007 shooting incident that left a club’s security member, Tom Urbanski, paralyzed is up for sale. And the altercation’s ringleader, the then NFL Tennessee Titans football player Adam “Pacman” … Continue reading
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Comedy Icon Jerry Lewis Garners First Oscar
This momentous honor proves that if you work at something hard and long enough, it will eventually pay off. Comedy icon and Las Vegas resident Jerry Lewis, 82-years-young, finally garnered his Oscar. Lewis, who has never even been nominated for an Oscar … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Ratchets Up Advertising Campaign to Lure More Visitors
Business survival and prosperity in Las Vegas is all about having the proper branding that is married with alluring, can’t-live-without content, and putting it together to provide the visitor great value. The trick is to get the visitors coming in … Continue reading
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Folies Bergere Show Ends 49-Year Las Vegas Run
For the past 49 years the “Folies Bergere” revue at the Tropicana in Las Vegas entertained and delighted visitors and residents alike. Since opening on Christmas Day in 1959, the show was an immediate hit and soon became an iconic … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival Kicks Off January 17
The eighth annual Jewish Film Festival starts on January 17 and runs through January 25 at the Adelson School Performing Arts Center, 9700 Hillpointe Road; January 22 and 29 at Cinemark’s Century South Point 16, inside the South Point, 9777 … Continue reading
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Las Vegas’ New Cocktail: Neon & Mountain Spritzer
Unbenounced to throngs of Las Vegas casino denizens that seldom shift their gaze up from the one-armed bandits staring in front of them, a unique change of pace environment for fun and frolicking is emerging in Las Vegas. It is a … Continue reading
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Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas Gets New Prez
Thomas McCartney, 56, was tapped on January 14 to be the new president and chief executive officer of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. McCartney comes with a resume which includes opening up the New York-New York Las … Continue reading
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Sex Star Tera Patrick Plans Porn-to-Burlesque Switch, Show in Las Vegas
News flash: The immensely popular hard-core sex star is NOT taking it off. No, for the next upcoming chapter in her life, she will be going peek-a-boo style as she reportedly is giving burlesque a whirl in Las Vegas. Patrick, … Continue reading
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Heart Attack? Quick, Head to a Las Vegas Casino!
Las Vegas casinos don’t just part you from your money- they may even save your life. In the January 11 issue of Parade magazine they reported that the heart-attack survival rate in Las Vegas is 53 per cent. Compare that to … Continue reading
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Las Vegas’ State of the City Address Focuses on Entertainment, Art, Travel Projects
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman was positive and upbeat when delivering his State of the City address on January 13, saying, “We’re not going to abandon our vision of being a great city,” talking to 350 people listening to his … Continue reading
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Las Vegas on January 19
The 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade – Living the Dream: “For One America” – is scheduled to take to the Las Vegas streets on Monday, January 19. This year’s Grand Marshals are Dr. Barbara Jackson and Dr. James … Continue reading
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Great House of Blues Music for FREE in Las Vegas
With the ongoing rash of music venue closures in Las Vegas, when you find a good gem, and it’s free, or nearly so, tell people about it- at least that’s our philosophy. The House of Blues courtyard has a rock … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Mini-Vacation to Primm Valley Resorts
A suggestion for those of you that can’t afford the time to get away for a full-blown vacation is to consider the short jaunt to the Primm Valley Resorts. It’s a great way to escape for a weekend from Las … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Dunes After-Life Follows Implosion
The Dunes Hotel & Casino closed on January 26, 1993 and two months after Steve Wynn purchased it for $75 million to build the $1.6 billion Bellagio. But ever since the October 1993 implosion, former employees have been having annual … Continue reading
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Gain Inside Business Info at Preview Las Vegas on January 29
Normally, our Vegas Backstage Access blog is dedicated to providing information on entertainment, travel, lifestyle, art, and food happenings in Las Vegas. But this post takes a rare exception. Preview Las Vegas is a huge Las Vegas event that takes place on … Continue reading
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‘Ancients’ Discovered Las Vegas before the Mob
The 180-acre Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, home to a desert living center, nature trails, and soon-to-be home of our new Nevada State Museum, has made a monumental discovery: Archaeologists reportedly found last week the remains of a 1,500-year-old prehistoric community … Continue reading
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‘Weddingmooning’ in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day
What’s a “weddingmoon?” A weddingmoon is a new word for a growing trend to combine your solemn marriage vows with the fun of the honeymoon. Las Vegas, the destination wedding capital of the world, remains at the top of the weddingmoon list by offering … Continue reading
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Death of Las Vegas B-Movie Legend Ray Dennis Steckler
If there ever was a true filmmaking legend, it was Ray Dennis Steckler, a longtime Las Vegan. Steckler, 70, died last Wednesday, January 7, following his courageous 10-year battle with heart disease. Steckler made movies with virtually no money (to him, … Continue reading
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B-list Celebs Bring Focus to Brands at CES in Las Vegas
You couldn’t find hide nor hair of Mary J. Blige or Yoko Ono this year at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. And, surprisingly, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer didn’t deliver a star-studded CES keynote address, as was done … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Goes 3D
Las Vegas visitors exchanged their beer goggles for 3D glasses at our Town Square Rave Theatre so that they could watch the Fox News broadcast of the Fed Ex BCS Title Game on January 8. 3D is coming of age … Continue reading
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Bellagio To Open New Las Vegas Art Exhibition
The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art opens their “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol, & Friends” art exhibition on January 23, displaying paintings and sculptures by major contemporary artists of the 1960s and ‘70s.
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Kudos to Las Vegas Top Chef Eugene “Gene” Villiatora
Las Vegas chef Eugene “Gene” Villiatora was eliminated, sadly, from the “Top Chef: Season 5″ episode that aired on January 7. Villiatora, originally from Hawaii, served up Whole Red Snapper with Daikon Fettucini, in an episode that introduced Toby Young … Continue reading
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Eye-Candy Galore at Las Vegas Art Museum Exhibition
It’s best to set an appointment now with your eye doctor, because on April 17 there will be lots to see as the Las Vegas Art Museum will start their hosting of 50 works selected by the National Gallery of … Continue reading
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Here Comes Brit Brit to Las Vegas- Once Again
Pop star idol Britney Spears will supposedly bring her revitalized “Circus” tour to the MGM Grand on February 24, with an opening act at the Pussycat Dolls.
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You Ought To Be In Pictures
If you think you’ve got a great idea for a short or feature length film, well you better start cracking and turn those dreams turn into realities. The ever-growing Dam Short Film Festival will be taking place in Boulder City … Continue reading
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Celebrities Stop ‘Rain’ from Falling in Parched Las Vegas
In another sign of our belt-tightening economy, Las Vegas Review Journal entertainment journalist Norm Clarke reports that the Las Vegas phenomena of “raining” – celebrities and the uber-rich engaging in the clubbing practices of champagne spraying and cash-tossing of large amounts of … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Says Good-Bye Simultaneously to Three Shows; More Musical Chairs
For those of us living in or visiting Las Vegas to enjoy the theatrical shows, our hearts sunk in a collective sigh of sadness as the 30 cast members from Mandalay Bay’s six-year-old “Mamma Mia” show on Sunday night took … Continue reading
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Spirits Favor Michael Jackson
And I don’t mean ‘spirits’ of the alcoholic variety. No, this time the rapidly aging pop-icon and sometimes Las Vegas resident, who has more stories accompanying him than libraries have books, has now been bestowed the gift of a clean … Continue reading
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Las Vegas ‘Bottoms Up’: World Series of Beer Pong
To say the 414 teams of two currently participating in the World Series of Beer Pong at the Flamingo in Las Vegas will have a level head and clear thinking after chugging down unimaginable glasses of beer when it is … Continue reading
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Las Vegas’ Quiet Rocking 2009 New Year’s Eve
The first chance for many visitors and Las Vegas locals to party and play the Sin City branded way in 2009 turned out to be, sadly, a little less-than-spectacular. There were limited Las Vegas A-list midnight performances by Kid Rock, … Continue reading
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Daredevils’ Fly Las Vegas New Year’s Sky
Some may think it wasn’t as impressive as the descent of the flying Elvi, but many visitors to Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve 2009 chose to line the spectator viewing area’s of two different motorcycle jump exhibitions. Las Vegas … Continue reading
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Miss America Pageant Contestants Sashay Into Las Vegas on January 24
On Saturday, January 24 at 8 p.m. the Miss America Pageant will kick off once again and be broadcast live from Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The 52 contestants will be hosted by emcee Mario Lopez … Continue reading
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Elvis Plans to Bail Out of Las Vegas
Some fortunate Las Vegas entertainers live on in their death and later become business entities because of their larger than life charismatic persona- or at least we thought so, that is until our current economic financial crisis has imbedded its … Continue reading
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Las Vegas’ New Year’s Stunt Show Will Go On – Eventually
In December 2007 truck stunt performer Rhys Millen sustained serious injuries that forced him to cancel his planned off-road truck back flip at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. After serious medical attention and a year of recuperation, … Continue reading
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