Las Vegas Nevada Blog: Blog

Las Vegas Gambler Wins Big At The Sahara Casino

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:51:10 GMT

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On Sunday July 13th at the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas New Mexico resident Shawnta R. Taylor hit a jackpot worth $727,099. Taylor, a 28 year old mother from Gallup, hit the huge jackpot playing the Temple of Treasure® penny progressive slot machine while in town vacationing with family members. On their last day she tried her luck one more time before they left for home. It turned out to be a lucky choice!

"I had been playing this game since we arrived," she said. "When I won, I knew that I hit some sort of bonus and realized shortly after that it was the progressive. It was a great end to our fun Las Vegas vacation."

Taylor said she plans on using some of her winnings to purchase a new car and also using the some of the jackpot for her three children's future.

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Loose Slots And How To Still Enjoy The "New" Las Vegas

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:26:49 GMT

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Loose Slots, Single Deck Blackjack, 100 Times Odds On Craps, 99% Payback Slot Bank, Full Pay Video Poker - If you've been visiting Las Vegas more than five years, the odds are that you saw similar advertisements and signs in various casinos on The Strip and Downtown. Then, Las Vegas got hot. Happening. The hip place to go. The Travel Channel seemed like "The Las Vegas Channel" because they showed so many Vegas-related programs. Any news out of Las Vegas made newspapers world-wide. This brought record numbers of new visitors to town.

So many first time visitors that the casinos thought "Let's tighten up the slots, remove full pay video poker, and get rid of traditional blackjack and liberal craps rules... these newbies won't know the difference." Side Note: You can still find single deck blackjack, but not usually paying the traditional 1.5 times your bet on a blackjack.

Well... many of those first time visitors over the past five years were simply checking out Las Vegas like they would check out South Beach or Cabo or the Cayman Islands. They thought "Vegas is nice, but really expensive and we couldn't win to save our lives" and didn't come back.

In the meantime, regular visitors who love Las Vegas and visited as often as time and finances would permit really got a sour taste in their month. I know... we get the feedback loud and clear here at AccessVegas.com. (Please understand we aren't owned or run by a hotel, casino, or other major media company. We had nothing to do with the changes other than reporting on them).

As the old saying goes, The chickens are coming home to roost. The soft U.S. economy and high airfare have people re-thinking their Las Vegas visits. Oh sure, many would have come to the Vegas of the past come hell or high water. But not this new, expensive, "harder to win" Las Vegas of the present.

I'm here to say: All Is Not Lost! You can visit Las Vegas and actually get even with the major powers who made the changes you didn't like. How? Simple: Stay Downtown. With minor exception, the downtown hotels are owned by smaller concerns. Not by the major casino companies that own huge properties up and down The Strip. Downtown slots are historically looser, table game minimums lower, and rules often better for the player. I.E. Your gambling money will last longer and you might actually win more!

Las Vegas Downtown Day and Night Views:
Click Pictures Below For More!

Looking for information on some Downtown Las Vegas hotels at great rates? Here you go!

Binion's
California
El Cortez
Fitzgerald's
Four Queens

Golden Gate
Golden Nugget
Las Vegas Club
Main Street Station
Plaza Hotel

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Blue Man Group Redefines Performance Art In Las Vegas

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:40:35 GMT

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It's next to impossible to classify the Blue Man Group show. The closest term that applies is "performance art". It's a feast for the visual and aural senses. Featuring three blue men, hence the name, plus a full backing band they focus on many different kinds of percussive items from standard drums to household items. They first started their Las Vegas history at the Luxor Hotel and Casino and can be seen at their current home inside the Venetian Hotel and Casino.

As recently noted by the Las Vegas Shows Reviews blog:

The show is consistently funny, but there is a great wealth of entertainment in Blue Man’s grip of the unexpected. The Blue Men introduce their talent of weaving together rhythms of both music and comedy with lively finesse. It isn’t long into this show that the audience is bracing for the next act with equal parts laughter and exhilaration. It is the music however that maintains a steady excitement. A live band with a large cast of extra thump is shortly revealed to be cascading over the full background of the Blue Man stage. Seeing them perform is visually wild but more interestingly they echo and enhance an already talented musical performance with great energy and movement.

Plastic pipes, Cap N’ Crunch, and gumballs find themselves becoming famous props in such inventive hands as well. The Blue Men make an art of adorning wonderful complexity though everyday items. The Blue Man Group performers find a myriad of ways to pull outlandish humor and circus like charm out of seemingly nothing. With instruments never seen before playing sounds the audience may never hear again, we’re shown that anything can become a musical toy. Although the songs aren’t familiar to a new audience, they are quick to invite everyone into an addicting groove.

The Blue Man Group do an amazing job of encorporating everyday items into their show. Food, candy, and pipes are used both as props and percussion instruments with a uniqueness never before seen on any stage! Even the audience gets a chance to take part in the show, many becoming honorary Blue Men themselves!

As the end the show the pace quickens, using laser lights and animation, then draws to a crescendo and literally wraps you up and guarantees you'll be dancing in your seat! No words can describe the one of a kind experience that is the Blue Man Group. It simply must be experienced in person! If you're looking for a totally out of this world show that breaks all the rules this is one show you can't miss!

You can read the complete review at: Blue Man Group Las Vegas - A Show With No Rules

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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V The Ultimate Variety Show Is Perfect Fit For The Adventurous Las Vegas Audience

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:13:37 GMT

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Most of the entertainment here in Las Vegas tends to focus on one theme. Weather it be magic, dancing showgirls, or singers you know what you're in for. Not so with V - The Ultimate Variety Show which can be seen inside the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino. It's a fast moving show filled with many different kinds of acts, ranging from jugglers and comedians to acrobats!

As recently noted by the Las Vegas Shows Reviews blog:

“V The Ultimate Variety Show” frequently adds new talent to it repertoire. By doing so it offers something different for repeat visitors. One of the acts you might see in the show is all about balance and is traditionally known among circus performers as “rolla bolla.” A wooden plank is placed on a cylinder and the performer balances on top by standing on the plank. As the act continues the performer increases the difficulty by replacing the cylinder with a bowling ball. Difficulty is increased even further as he creates several levels by using multiple cylinders and planks. The higher this man goes the more he makes you want to hold your breath as you hope he does not fall into the audience members who are seated in the first row.

For those who love to laugh one of the comedy acts is sure to amuse you. The show’s comedian selects several members of the audience members to partake in the hilarity. He places masks on the volunteers and shows each of them different gestures to make when tapped on the shoulder. There is even a contest involving balloon popping. The combination of masks and simple gestures keeps the audience laughing in their seats.

Another amazing act is “The Crazy Gauchos.” When they hit the stage you know you're in for a treat! Using their impressive drumming talents along with their hilarious comedy it's quite a sight to behold! You're guaranteed to never have a dull moment at V with the diverse and amazing lineup of talent they offer throughout the show. It's a perfect show for audiences who want to see a wide variety of entertaining and talented performers.

You can read the complete review at: Experience The Spice Of Life at “V The Ultimate Variety Show”

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Elton John Red Piano Show Dazzles The Las Vegas Strip

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:39:05 GMT

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When Elton John brought his Red Piano show to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas he was going to have to compete with some of the best shows in the world. We're happy to report he hasn't disappointed! Incorporating the now famous red piano into the show he performs all of his best known hits with a few surprises as well.

As the Las Vegas Shows Reviews blog recently noted:

Red Piano is a magnificient show that beautifully uses the technology of both multi-media and film to tell the story and sub text of his songs. Elton John is not just a talented rock star but he is also quite clearly an Artist whose talent also includes writing hit musicals and adapting opera’s. Most amazing of all I find is the forever deepening sub text of his songs that go back almost thirty years.

One example of this is would be the song Daniel which depicts the death of a young soldier in the vietnam war as well as Rocket man which obviously depicts a younger Elton John at the peak of his career in the seventies desending into a vicious circle of drug, work and alcoholism.

As is the norm these days with most high budget production shows, there's plenty of visuals to match the music. The large video screens do a fantastic job of adding images to help convay the message of the lyrics. It really brings the show to a whole other level of enjoyment! Eljon has really matured as a songwriter and performer over the years and the Red Piano shows him at his very best! If you're a fan of his music you won't be disappointed!

You can read the complete review at: Elton John Songs Improve With Time In Red Piano

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Legendary Casino Owner Throws Out First Pitch For Las Vegas Baseball Team

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:04:32 GMT

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Legendary Las Vegas casino pioneer Jackie Gaughan will join the Las Vegas 51s minor league baseball team to throw out the honorary first pitch for the June 20th home game against the visiting Tacoma Rangers. He was once a co-owner of the team, who take their name from the Area 51 secret military base located in the desert near Las Vegas.

Gaughan is one of Las Vegas's most respected casino owners, having at one time held a stake in the Flamingo, Showboat, Plaza, Golden Nugget and the Las Vegas Club casinos. But he is perhaps best known at the owner of the El Cortez casino located in downtown Las Vegas. He can be spotted at the casino on most days, either at his usual place at the poker tables or greeting guests at the property he still calls his home.

He's owned the El Cortez since 1961, purchasing the property from another Las Vegas pioneer Bugsy Seigel. The casino is known as a "locals favorite", a place where you can find decent table limits and a laid-back atmosphere. Recently, The Nevada Gaming Commision approved Gaughan's desire to sell the El Cortez, which was the last Las Vegas property he had a stake in. A private owner's group will take over the operations but Jackie says he'll still be seen daily at the casino.

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Elvis Returns To Las Vegas For Travel Industry Event

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:39:59 GMT

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The closing festivities for the 40th annual Travel Industry Association International Pow Wow was proudly held in downtown Las Vegas by the world-famous Fremont Street Experience. For the celebration, the festivities started off at 7 p.m. with a red-carpet arrival that had everyone talking. Delegates from around the world were treated to the stellar entertainment that Las Vegas is famous for. Two different tribute bands entertained the crowd of approximately 4,000 attendees. One featured a tribute to Tina Turner, and another featured a tribute to Vegas icon Elvis Presley. Also features were live action stunts, only topped by the Viva Vision light and sound show which is the signature event of the Fremont Street Experience.

"Fremont Street Experience is proud to have been the host venue for the closing festivities of the International Pow Wow," said Fremont Street Experience President Jeff Victor. "Fremont Street Experience has always been a place that locals and tourists can come and have a great time and enjoy wonderful entertainment at a great value all year round. This closing party showcased Fremont Street Experience to the top travel buyers from around the world and we will benefit from this for years to come."

Making it's first appearance in Las Vegas in 19 years, the International Pow Wow featured five days of special events and workshops, public relation and networking opportunities with more than 6,000 exhibitor delegates and travel suppliers from around the world.

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Rehab At The Hard Rock Heats Up Las Vegas Over Memorial Day Weekend

Sat, 31 May 2008 02:23:43 GMT

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Once again claiming it's place as THE #1 pool party on Sunday in Las Vegas once again is Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The 5 year strong weekly event broke it's own attendance records over Memorial Day weekend featuring a performance from Sugar Ray. Lead singer Mark McGrath led the audience in a "toast to summer" during the band's energetic set.

As is usual for Rehab there was many celebrities and pro athletes in attendance. Seen among the crowd was Jason Statham and Gabrielle Union. Boxing champ Floyd Mayweather was seen on TWO phones trying to get friends to come join the party and was later seen chatting with Dallas Cowboy Terrell Owens. Other NFL player spotted in the crowd were Brady Quinn, Kellen Winslow, Javon Walker, Champ Bailey, Lawyer Milloy, Shawne Merriman and Randy Moss.

The party as usual carried on later that night in Body English for Sunday School where the crowd from Rehab was joined by UFC fighter Tito Ortiz and his girlfriend Jenna Jameson, who were celebrating Ortiz's UFC fight earlier that night. Also spotted was motocross superstar Carey Hart who joined the party after checking up on his rock lounge Wasted Space which is opening soon inside the Hard Rock casino.

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Ronn Lucas Brings His Amazing Ventriloquist Show To Las Vegas

Wed, 21 May 2008 03:29:56 GMT

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Even though Las Vegas is known as the "adult playground", there is an audience for shows that appeal to "children of all ages" and also for the people that would want a more "clean" entertainment experience. A fabulous show that fits the bill is the Ronn Lucas ventriloquist show that's currently at the Excalibur hotel and casino.

As the Las Vegas Shows Reviews blog recently noted:

Ronn Lucas is not your average ventriloquist and his performance is not your typical dummy on a hand show. For 40 years he´s shared his world in command performances before three presidents and the queen of England. He has also appeared with David Letterman and Jay Leno, and on Night Court, Nip and Tuck, 1 vs. 100, LA Law, and his own TV show.

There are some slightly blue jokes for adults in Ronn´s world, flying over the heads of most kids, and some silly body humor that a young one or two may catch and giggle over. Scorch warns parents in the show´s opening minutes, before he is rushed off stage, "If mild language used by 3rd and 4th graders on the school grounds offends you then maybe you shouldn"t be at a show in a casino…" Okay, so Scorch says "heck," "hell," "Belly Button," "Nipple," and "Henderson." You have to forgive him; after all he is just a teenager.

But the afternoon really belongs to his collection of partners, some he brings out of a trunk and some he brings up from the audience. Buffalo Billy flirts with the ladies in the front seats and duets "Row Your Boat" with Ronn, even though Ronn tries to warn him a ventriloquist can not duet with his dummy. Amazingly they do it anyway, and we can´t help but love it.

The show really belongs to Ronn's "partners", some of which come out of the sudience! One of the more impressive skits is when Ronn and "Buffalo Billy" sing a duet together. Even though it at first seems impossible, Ronn pulls it off with ease. His signature bit is taking an audience member and dressing them up as a "puppet", going through a routine which is both comical and embarrassing!

Ronn has recieved many accolades, including the "The World´s Best Ventriloquist" by The New York Times and The London Times and is also a two time winner of Showtime's "National Laugh-Off." After the show he's available for autographs and photos for any audience members that would like them and his grace and warmth are a testament to Ronn's amazing talent as a a performer.

You can read the complete review at: The World According Ronn Lucas

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Mega Bubble Show Provides Las Vegas With Visual Excitement

Sat, 10 May 2008 23:15:20 GMT

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Making a show stand out in Las Vegas is always a a tough thing seeing as there's many entertaining and interesting ones to choose from. One of the more unique shows to come along is the Mega Bubble Show currently being shown in the Steve Wyrick Theater inside the Miracle Mile shops surrounding the Planet Hollywood resort.

As recently noted by the Las Vegas Shows Reviews blog:

A family-friendly show claiming to be "unbubblievable" and guaranteeing show-goers will be "bubble-azed", children and parents alike will delight to the playful, wholesome simplicity of the performance. A single performer, identified only as the foreign-born and heavily accented Jaro, creates bubbles and bubble constructions, large and small. Utilizing various apperati including tubes, wands and even his own hands, Jaro blows and builds unique bubbly designs. Employing minimal stage decor, Jaro lets the bubbles speak (or act) for themselves. As the show progresses, the "tricks" grow more elaborate and more impressive. When a smoke-filled bubble pops, the gracefully vanishing cloud inspires plenty of "oohs" and "aahs." Children called up to the stage are encapsulated inside massive bubbles, surely as much fun to experience as it is to watch. Mega Bubble Show is somewhat dependent on the cuteness of the young audience participants, but this presents a challenge unto itself.

Younger kids in the audience, ranging from three to nine or ten years of age, are eager to volunteer for on-stage participation, but once that spotlight hits them, they’re rendered silent and noticeably stage-shy. Jaro’s sensitivity, humor and gentle rapport with children help lighten the inevitable slowdown. The icing on the bubble is that each pint-sized participant is bestowed with a souvenir bubble making kit.

As one can predict, bubbles can sometimes be uncooperative and unpredictable. Sometimes the tricks don't quite come off as planned. But that's all part of the spontaneity of the show and it doesn't detract from the flow. A good amount of the show is depented on lighting effects and music that matches the theme of the particular bubble trick. It all adds to the entire presentation and also makes each show unique.

One of the best parts of the show is the finale, creating a shower of literally millions of bubbles accompanied by a spectacular laser show. One note though, at many points in the show bubbles are sent out over the audience so be prepared to perhaps dress down or just know you'll leave a little wetter than you arrived! It really does add to the 3-dimensional aspects of the presentation and makes the crowd feel a part of the show as opposed to just being spectators.

Mega Bubble is a fantastic show to bring the kids to and also would be a great way to spend an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. Who ever thought bubbles could be so exciting!

You can read the complete review at: Mega Bubble - An Ethereal And Magical Quality Like Nothing Else

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Folies Bergere Showgirls Entertain The Las Vegas Strip

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:34:18 GMT

One of the great traditions of Las Vegas is the fabulous entertainment. One of the longest running shows is the Folies Bergere. It's been at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino for many years.

As recently noted by the Las Vegas Shows Reviews blog:

Perhaps the fact that Folies has been in Vegas since the time of the Rat Pack is what gives it that timeless feeling. Folies Bergere has been a staple at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino for nearly 50 years. The latest version of which chronicles American history as well as the history of the showgirl. Folies is a whirlwind through time and space with gorgeous women and the most pristine of costumes. The dance numbers and intertwined comedy personify the fad that swept the nation in the early 1900’s - Vaudeville.

While Vaudeville was becoming an American classic in the 1920’s and 30’s, the Folies had been running in France since 1869 and did not have its first nude showgirl until 1918. Folies Bergere gained its first exposure in the United States on Christmas Eve, 1959, at the Tropicana’s Fountain Theater. In 1975, the show moved into the new, better equipped, Tiffany Theater and has remained there ever since. Also, in 1975, the reigns of the Folies Bergere were handed over to Jerry Jackson, who is still the creative mind behind the show. Most notably, Jerry designed the 100th Anniversary show in Paris in 1966.

No other Vegas show opens with a topless rendition of ‘NSYNC’s “Dirty Pop”, but this is not just another Las Vegas show. True, the opening act does tastefully depict scantily clad women thrusting their agile bodies about the stage, but there is so much more offered. A gorgeous prima ballerina graces the stage and hypnotizes the crowd with her beauty and elegance; flowing costumes that, if one sits close enough, really show the girls are having fun; one priceless stage comedian that gives himself a medal every time he completes a trick injury free.

Folies, like other shows of it's kind, isn't complete without it's Can-Can. It's almost a routine upon it's self when each performer takes the stage. There's such a feast for the senses that you almost can't take it all in in one sitting! Like all good things, however, the show must end. But not before one's been sent back to another time where you can catch a glimpse of what France, and Vegas once was.

Literally thousands have enjoyed the show over the years. Even after all this time, it's still running strong and it's quite evident why Folies has enjoyed it's longevity. Just sit back & lose yourself and re-live a time that once was.

You can read the complete review at: Folies Bergere - Timeless Showgirls and Classic Entertainment

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Steve Wynn Sued For Destroying Patio Furniture

Fri, 02 May 2008 01:31:41 GMT

This interesting tidbit was buried in an article about jets using the Santa Monica, California airport:

"If a plane overshoots the runway, passengers are going to die," said Virginia Ernst, who settled a suit against Las Vegas casino magnate Stephen Wynn for $3,000 when backwash from his jet destroyed her backyard patio table in 1995. "It's a steep drop-off at either end of the runway," Ernst said. "I wouldn't put myself, my family or my friends in that kind of danger."

Wynn spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne didn't return messages seeking comment.

We personally like Steve Wynn and this event happened 13 years ago. It is a non-story. But... this is why we are bringing it up:

I've lived in Las Vegas 15 years now, most of it under one direct flight path or another. It just so happens that McCarran Las Vegas airport is at the south end of The Strip and I've enjoyed living within a reasonably close distance to our tourism area to better cover visitor-related news. I also enjoy the quick commute to the airport when I fly.

Airports are the backbone of our economy. Not just the big ones, but smaller airports that move businessmen around the country. Businessmen like Steve Wynn who employ tens upon tens of thousands of people. Plenty of places to live that are far away from aircraft noise even in Southern California. The lady quoted in the article must not mind it that much. She's still there 13 years later!

PS We've worked with Jennifer Dunne and she's a hard-working PR person. She was probably busy getting Wynn's business done instead of commenting on an ancient lawsuit.

Posted by Access Vegas staff

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Arizona Charlie’s Decatur Casino & Hotel Day in Las Vegas

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 03:52:51 GMT

Arizona Charlie’s Decatur Casino & Hotel recently celebrated its upcoming 20th anniversary as a leading gaming property for Las Vegas locals with a special re-dedication ceremony, announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials.

Arizona Charlie’s Decatur is named after Charlie Meadows, a.k.a. “Arizona Charlie,” legendary cowboy and performer in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Shows.

Arizona Charlie’s Decatur opened on April 22, 1988 as the neighborhood casino for Las Vegas’ growing west side, and soon became known as the “Players’ Place.” The property remains a Las Vegas locals’ favorite for generous gaming odds, superior food value, easy access, and friendly service. Arizona Charlie’s Decatur has built lasting relationships with many of its valued customers, becoming a “home away from home” for many Las Vegans.

Mayor to Mayor- Arizona Charlie’s Decatur Casino & Hotel Executive Vice President/ General Manager and former Las Vegas Mayor Ron Lurie greets Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman at a recent ceremony honoring Arizona Charlie’s Decatur Casino & Hotel’s 20th anniversary as a leading Las Vegas locals’ casino. Mayor Goodman was on hand to present a proclamation which declares April 22, 2008 as “Arizona Charlie’s Decatur Casino & Hotel Day” in Las Vegas. Lurie attended the first dedication ceremony in his capacity as Mayor on April 22, 1988.

Posted by AccessVegas.com staff

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PT's Las Vegas Pubs Promote Sexy Beer Pong

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:49:43 GMT

PT’s Pubs (chain) in Las Vegas is hosting beer pong action four nights each week at certain tavern locations. This joins O' Sheas Las Vegas Casino as one of the many "party bars" capitalizing on this popular college game that has a newfound popularity among adults. The beer pong festivities kick off at 7 pm each night and food and drink specials are also available. PT's is promoting their beer pong with the following sexy photo:

(No word if strip beer pong will be offered or played)

PT’s Beer Pong schedule & locations:

Thursdays:
Silverado Ranch & Maryland Parkway
Tropicana & Maryland Parkway

Fridays:
Tropicana & 95

Saturdays:
Cheyenne & Nellis

Sundays:
Vegas Valley & Nellis

Complete with casual dining, premium spirits and advanced gaming technology, PT’s offers a variety of amenities for patrons. Filled with numerous high-definition flat plasma screen TVs, guests can catch all of their favorite sports action. PT’s offers a wide assortment menu selections as well as cocktails made from premium spirits, an expansive wine list and martini menu along with numerous premium brew options, such as PT’s exclusive Sierra Gold premium lager.

Golden Tavern Group, Nevada's largest tavern operator, is a subsidiary of Golden Gaming, Inc and offers 45 tavern locations throughout the state. For hours and additional information visit www.goldengaminginc.com

Photo and information courtesy of Kirvin Doak Communications

Posted by AccessVegas.com staff

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Actors Ian Gruffud and Matthew Rhys invade Body English

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:02:40 GMT

Body English nightclub inside the Hard Rock Hotel drew another huge crowd this past Saturday for the Smashtime party. Among the partygoers were actors Ian Gruffud of "Fantastic Four" and Matthew Rhys of the TV series, "Brothers and Sisters." They were celebrating the World Light Heavyweight Championship boxing victory of Joe Calzaghe earlier that evening. The crowd cheered when a spotlight announced the actor's presence in the club!

Also seen in the crowd was rapper Bun B. He later took over the microphone and gave a surprise performance to the delight of the crowd. He gave a shout-out to the actors and was cheered on by the crowd while they danced to Bun B's beats.

Posted by AccessVegas.com staff.

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Tony 'n Tina's Wedding - Fun Comedy Show at the Rio Las Vegas

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:30:16 GMT

Tony n' Tina's wedding is the musical story of the joining of two Italian families - the the Vitale’s and the Nunzio’s.

As the Las Vegas Shows Reviews blog recently noted:

“Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” at the Calypso Room at the Rio Hotel & Casino is a must-see! It pulls you in immediately. Literally the actors, in character, pull you in the minute you walk through the door. You will be ushered to your table and then greeted by your emcee for the evening, the obnoxious, loud Vinnie Black and his tacky wife Loretta. Vinnie is like a shock to the system, but in a good way, pulling you right into the fun. “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” is the story of two crazy Italian families, the Vitale’s and the Nunzio’s, coming together for an evening of mayhem and shenanigans. Don’t think you’ll be just sitting back and watching the show. This is an interactive experience and you will be a part of it. Before the wedding ceremony even begins, the macho groomsmen with attitude will make you feel like you’re part of the family, but not just any family. Everyone, including the bride and groom-to-be, make their rounds greeting the guests. That would be you and me folks, so get prepared to experience two hours of zany fun. Family “issues” delay the start of the wedding while Sister Albert Maria is appalled by the certain behavior of the sleazy Italian men. With the help of Father Mark, the mild-mannered priest, they try to get this motley crew under control and get through the wedding ceremony.

The family also gets into all kinds of shenanigans during the cours of the show. Despite their dysfunctions though they're a loving bunch.

It is a show for adults due to some sexual and lewd language but it's all in good fun!

You can catch the show at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.You can read the complete review at: Tony n' Tina's Wedding

Posted by AccessVegas.com staff

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Las Vegas News: New Year's Eve, Defending the Caveman, Circus Circus Adventuredome

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:00:18 GMT

We had another amazing New Year's Eve in Las Vegas. Plenty of people enjoyed the festivities. Every year is bigger than the rest! It's all capped off with a huge fireworks display at midnight. Sorry New York the the real party is in Las Vegas!

Defending the Caveman star Kevin Burke marked his 1000th performance recently at the Golden Nugget hotel located on the famous Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.

Famed stylist Kim Vo recently opened a new salon at the Mirage hotel. Kim Vo is known at the "King of the TV Makeover" and has worked with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. The salon will offer manicures, pedicures and makeup services.

There's a couple of new hotspots at the Mandalay Bay . Ivan Kane's Forty Duece has a spicy burlesque theme. Rock out with Royal Jelly every Thursday! Located just outside the House of Blues at the entrance of the Mandalay Place. Also the new eyecandy sound lounge & bar provides an interactive ultra lounge with DJ's playing the hits and movable scenery. Located in the center of the Mandalay Bay casino.

For a different kind of fun check out the Adventuredome at the Circus Circus. They have the world's only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster among the 25 other rides including minature golf. The park is all indoors in air-conditioned comfort.

The Bellagio Fine Gallery of Art will host the best of "American Modernism" February 8 through October15, 2008. Organized by the Fine Arts Museum of Boston the exhibit features pieces by Georgia O'Keeffe, Stuart Davis and Marsden Hartley.

This news and more featured in this week's Access Vegas Insider Vibe Blog January 2, 2008.

Posted by AccessVegas.com staff

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Topless Las Vegas Steakhouse To Open Soon?

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:27:42 GMT

A few weeks ago, a press release was emailed out touting what seemed to be a "soon to open" topless Las Vegas steakhouse. The billboard near the airport, and seen by everyone heading north into the "airport tunnel" which runs under the Las Vegas McCarran Airport, helping traffic get north and south of the massive airport.

As you can see from the photo, the cow is wearing nothing but cowboy boots, daisy-dukes, and a holster as she points two revolvers toward the sky and says “Glad Cow Disease” (I'm wondering if the pro-gay group GLAD has seen this... where is the protest).

It is about a month later, and nobody has taken credit. No announcement of a new Las Vegas steakhouse (topless or otherwise). Seems like a lot of effort for nothing, but maybe it is part of a bigger plan. I'm sure the Access Vegas Insider Vibe will be reporting on this if something happens. (Even if this is a bust, you must check out the free newsletter... it keeps you up on everything happening in Las Vegas).

Check out the Access Vegas Insider Vibe

"Tony Soprano" Cops A Feel... With A Dude

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:03:55 GMT

James Gandolfini took a playful grab at Frank Marino (star of An Evening at La Cage Las Vegas) at the G2E - 2007 Convention that highlighted the unveiling of The Sopranos slot machines. Both New Yorkers and of Italian descent were in casino heaven at the gaming industry's annual event. Marino was the host and James "Tony Soprano" Gandolfini was the celebrity star.

La Cage stars female impersonators (headed by Frank Marino) that perform at Cher, Michael Jackson, Bette, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Judy Garland, and other famous stars.

Frontier Implosion Photos Show The Famous Size Still Lives

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 04:15:45 GMT

The Frontier Hotel Las Vegas went down with a bang in the recent implosion. What is amazing is that the huge hotel fell, yet the letters spelling

F-R-O-N-T-I-E-R

at the top of the hotel stayed intact after the fall. Check out these photos:

More of these historic photos from this recent implosion are available at:

http://photos.accessvegas.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio31/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Events/Frontier_Las_Vegas_Post_Implosion

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Uses Hot Bikini Babes To Hype Opening

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:43:30 GMT

Almost one decade ago, I noted the failure of properties along the Las Vegas Strip to capitalize on the sheer energy of The Strip with outdoor venues.

Fortunately, things have changed starting with Harrah's Carnival Court and went on to "Strip View" nightclubs like Pure nightclub and Mon Ami Gabi restaurant.

Hawaiian Tropic is now getting into the act with their Hawaiian Tropic Zone restaurant at the new Planet Hollywood (former Aladdin hotel Las Vegas). Restaurateur Dennis Riese (known from Riese Restaurant Group) has put together what just may be one of the biggest draws to tourists walking by.

This isn't an "outdoor venue" specifically. But it is on The Strip, and once stepping inside you'll fine a multi-tiered dining room (a la Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Flamingo Las Vegas), but this one features a two-story waterfall.

Expect the typical Polynesian food although done with a twist. But, let's face it: Unique food is available everywhere in Las Vegas. What the Hawaiian Tropic Zone is doing to stand out from Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville (and to fit in with the "sexy Las Vegas" the city has become" is to have noted fashion guru Nicole Miller design the fuchsia bikinis and floral sarongs that will adorn the female staff.

We could go on and on (noting that the restaurant is only closed from 4 AM until 11 AM, has signature cocktails, blah, blah, blah)... but if you are still reading, you probably simply want to see the bikini outfits of the staff.

We won't make you wait any longer:

Still didn't get enough? View the full (and full_size) photo gallery here:
Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Pre-Opening Bikini Bash Pictures

Test of a blog

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:54:10 GMT

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Las Vegas News: New Year's Eve, Defending the Caveman, Circus Circus Adventuredome

Topless Las Vegas Steakhouse To Open Soon?

"Tony Soprano" Cops A Feel... With A Dude

Frontier Implosion Photos Show The Famous Size Still Lives

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Uses Hot Bikini Babes To Hype Opening

Still didn't get enough? View the full (and full_size) photo gallery here:Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Pre-Opening Bikini Bash Pictures

Test of a blog

Las Vegas Downtown Day and Night Views:
Click Pictures Below For More!

Still didn't get enough? View the full (and full_size) photo gallery here:
Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Pre-Opening Bikini Bash Pictures