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Compiled by LVA Research
• February 9, 2010 Streisand Turns Down Vegas:
According to PopEater, veteran performer Barbra Streisand, whose latest album (her 63rd) stunned critics by hitting the top of the charts last year, has reportedly turned down a $100-million residency at Caesars' Colosseum to headline alongside Cher and the returning Celine Dion. Streisand instead has opted to go on a summer tour.
• February 9, 2010 China Cracks Down on Online Gambling:
China's Ministry of Public Security has announced on its website that now through August, there will be a severe crack down on the online gambling industry, including the banks and websites -- both domestic and foreign -- that support and facilitate it. Gambling has been banned in mainland China since the Communist takeover of 1949, with the exception of two state lotteries.
• February 9, 2010 Honors for Dino and Frank:
It's been announced that the Las Vegas Walk of Stars will honor Rat Packers Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra with a ceremony on Feb. 22, when their stars will be unveiled and then placed in the sidewalk outside the Flamingo on the Las Vegas Strip. Martin's daughter Deana will be there to accept the honor on behalf of her father; no word yet on whether any Sinatras will be in attendance.
• February 8, 2010 MGM Picks Macau Over N.J.:
As predicted (see this column Jan. 26, 2010), MGM Mirage is exiting Atlantic City in favor of its much more lucrative presence in Macau. Unlike the other U.S. jurisdictions where the gaming company operates, New Jersey's Gaming Control board was unprepared to sanction MGM Mirage's Asian partnership Pansy Ho, daughter of controversial Asian casino billionaire Stanley Ho, who's said to be involved with Chinese organized crime. The company will now place its 50 percent stake in the Borgata (co-owned with Boyd Gaming) and its land holdings into a trust, making them eligible for a sale.
• February 8, 2010 QoD Pix Fixed:
There was a formatting issue earlier with the large gallery of images accompanying today's Question of the Day about the art at Aria. That's now been fixed, so just click here to veiw them all.
• February 8, 2010 Passover Seders
This year, Passover runs from Monday evening March 29 through Tuesday evening April 6. If anyone planning to be in Las Vegas at that time wants to attend a seder, two companies are offering Passover packages. World Wide Kosher's program is at Lowe's Lake Las Vegas; for all the info, call 800/525-0035 or go to mypassover.com; Twersky Passover Tours' program is at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas at 888/757-2002 or twerskypassovertours.com
• February 8, 2010 Celine Confirms, Diamond Rumored:
According to Robin Leach's Vegas Deluxe column, not only has singer Celine Dion confirmed a long-rumored return to Caesars' Colosseum, but Neil Diamond, whose new two-CD live CD comes out tomorrow, is strongly picked to join her there.
• February 8, 2010 Second Date for NKOTB:
'90s boy-band sensation New Kids on the Block has added a second date at the Pearl at the Palms and will now play Fri., May 7 in addition to Sat., May 8. Tickets, which start at $115, go on sale for the new date on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m.
• February 8, 2010 Jackson Doc. to Surrender:
Dr Conrad Murray, the private physician to singer Michael Jackson, who died under his care last June, will finally surrender at an L.A. courthouse at 1:30 p.m. today, according to his lead attorney. A single charge of involuntary manslaughter is expected for the man who administered the hospital anesthetic propofol and other sedatives to Jackson, who was a chronic insomniac.
• February 8, 2010 Genting Gets License:
Shares in Asian casino giant Genting Bhd. rose today after the company received a casino license from the Singapore government a week ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays that commence Feb. 14. The casino is part of a $4.5 billion resort on Singapore's Sentosa island that's planned to triple annual tourism to the city-state.
• February 8, 2010 Carrot Top on TV:
Las Vegas headliner and prop comedian Carrot Top is due to appear on "The Jay Leno Show" tonight. (Don't forget there's a deal on Carrot Top tix in the 2010 LVA MRB.)
• February 8, 2010 Ritz-Carlton to Close:
In a story just broken exclusively by USA Today, the AAA five-diamond rated Ritz-Carlton out at Lake Las Vegas is to close permanently as of May 2, 2010. The resort's owned by Deutsche Bank subsidiary Village Hospitality, which has decided to cease funding the property. The closure will put approximately 400 employees out of work. A spokeswoman for the property said it would endeavor to find them new jobs "at other Ritz-Carltons, Marriotts, or other hotels in the Las Vegas area."
• February 7, 2010 Underwood is Over:
One of the most talked-about props was the length of the National Anthem. The time on the prop was 1:42 and by our unnoficial tally, it ran 1:47.
• February 7, 2010 M in WSJ:
The weekend Wall Street Journal contains a front-page story on the the sports book at M Resort and manager Cantor Fitzgerald's use of financial techniques and software to offer unique wagering options. M is one of our three recommmended sports books, along with the LV Hilton and South Point, at LVASports.com.
• February 7, 2010 Super Sunday:
The city is jamming. The line for today's game currently stands at Colts -5, total 57. On the money line, it's Colts -210 (bet $21 to win $10), Saints +180. You can get real-time updates on these numbers from our free line feed at LVASports.com.
• February 7, 2010 Jerry’s Nugget Doubles Up:
From 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today, video poker players wearing a Jerry’s Nugget royal flush t-shirt and hitting a royal flush receive their jackpot winnings in double. The Royal Flush Mega Bonus works for dollar, quarter, and nickel machines only and you must have max coin in. You also need to have your More Club card inserted and show your royal to a slot supervisor.
• February 7, 2010 Cannapalooza Canned:
Mandalay Bay has canceled the big cannabis expo, Cannapalazoo, which was due to have taken place this March 19-21 at the property's convention center, amid widespread security concerns. An estimated 50,000 people had been expected to attend the event, being dubbed "the largest head shop on earth." Apparently, a member of MBay security was also overheard making the observation that pot heads wouldn't be good for casino business (although we figure the buffet would've done a brisk trade.)
• February 6, 2010 Super Bowl Safety: According to UNLV's Safe Community Partnership, Super Sunday is second only to New Year's Eve for alcohol-related crashes in Las Vegas. There will be a sobriety checkpoint at W. Flamingo Rd. and Redwood St. from 6 p.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday, plus officers with Metro, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Mesquite, and troopers with the Nevada Highway Patrol, will all be stepping up enforcement on the roads in search of impaired drivers. So, don't be a statistic: If you've been drinking, don't drive -- call a cab, or take advantage of one of the free-ride options.
From 6 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday you can call AAA's Tipsy Tow program at 800/AAA-HELP for a free tow of up to five miles. Or, call Designated Drivers on 702/456-RIDE (7433) for a complimentary ride home in your vehicle until midnight on Sunday.
• February 6, 2010 Vince Neil’s Birthday:
The former Mötley Crüe front man’s celebrating his birthday at Feelgoods, his Vegas bar (6750 W. Sahara) tonight. The party kicks off at 8:30 p.m. with performances through the night by Dinner Music For The Gods, the Vince Neil Band, and Blandini. There's a $15 admission fee at the door.
• February 6, 2010 LVA Reader Poll:
We’re getting a fantastic response to our current Reader Poll about where you like to stay in Las Vegas. The results give us great feedback, so please vote if you haven’t already – click the blue "poll" box on the left-hand side of any page to access it.
• February 5, 2010 Gordie Brown Offer Tonight:
Remember that tonight only, in honor of his first anniversary at the Golden Nugget, Gordie Brown is offering a special $10 ticket to locals.
• February 5, 2010 Who Dat?! Songs for the Saints:
NPR Music today features the numerous fight songs and varied musical tributes to the New Orlean's Saints -- you're invited to write in with others you know of, plus any Colts anthems you can think of...
• February 5, 2010 New Thread of the Week:
Fezzik will be posting Saints props -- that's the subject of the latest FREE Thread of the Week over at our sister site, LVASports.com. He'll be posting his picks on the member-only LVASportsboards tomorrow.
• February 5, 2010 Pinnacle Abandoning A.C.:
Pinnacle Entertainment, the Las Vegas-based company that owns seven casinos nationwide, is abandoning its plan to build a casino on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. The company will sell the 19-acre plot in light of the worsening fortunes of New Jersey's casinos, six out of 11 of which are either bankrupt or restructuring debt.
• February 5, 2010 St Patrick's Day at Mandalay Beach:
On Saturday, March 13 Mandalay Beach willl host an early St Patrick's Day Festival, featuring free live entertaiment (DJs and Irish bands) from noon - 5 p.m., followed by "An Evening with Everlast, the music of Whitey Ford Sings the Blues, House of Pain and La Coka Nostra, along with special guest performer B-Real of Cypress Hill." The beach will close for two hours from 5 p.m. to prep for the evening concert, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, plus tax and fees. Moorea Beach Club will be turned into a beer garden for the event and there will be food and drink specials around the main pool complex. No word on whether they'll be dying the pool green for the event (as the Venetian has been known to do with its canals).
• February 5, 2010 More Big Game Parties:
They just keep on comin', so remember to keep checking out our dedicated feature in Special Events for the latest details. Plus, don't forget that Fezzik will be offering his second round of Super Bowl props tomorrow at LVASports.
• February 5, 2010 Miracle Mile Hearts Hearts:
The Miracle Mile shopping mall at Planet Hollywood is supporting National Heart Month today by turning its fountain red. All coins tossed in will be donated to the American Heart Association.
• February 5, 2010 Zero G Returns to Vegas:
Zero Gravity Corporation's (ZERO-G), G-FORCE ONE will be returning to McCarren International Airport to offer gravity-defying flights on Feb. 27. Fliers get to float freely in complete weightlessness several times during ZERO-G's 2-hour weightless flight, but this unique experience doesn't come cheap: It's $4,950 per seat, plus tax. Celebrities who've taken the flight include Buzz Aldrin, Martha Stewart, Prof. Stephen Hawking, the Osbourne family, and Teller.
• February 4, 2010 Queen of Comps On TV:
There's a treat in store for fans of Jean Scott, the famous Frugal Gambler -- she'll be appearing on Las Vegas' Channel 3 at 6 p.m. tonight, where she'll be talking about coupons and giving tips on what she does best: saving money!
• February 4, 2010 Wrangling Over Vegas Domain Name:
Local company Dot Vegas Inc. this week received approval and support from The City of Las Vegas in its bid to own and control the .Vegas Top Level Domain Name. However, Greenspun Media, owner of Vegas.com, has designs on the TLD itself and is challenging the authority of the decision-makers. Internet overseer ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has yet to approve .Vegas. Click here for more on the implications of the initiative and what's potentially at stake.
• February 4, 2010 This Weekend's Highlights: It's a BIG weekend for sports, with what's being heralded as the BIGGEST "Big Game" ever, and Vegas is totally geared up for Super Bowl XLIV. Click here for our comprehensive and still-growing list of parties.
But that's not all; there's also a bunch of other sporting events going on, plus some big names in comedy and music, if you get all footballed-out:
- UFC 109: Couture vs. Coleman is at Mandalay Bay (02/06)
- It's the grand opening of the Revolver Dance Hall and Saloon at Santa Fe tomorrow(02/05)
- The Hard Rock welcomes back Supernatural Santana: A Trip through the Hits (02/03-02/06)
- Drew Carey and The All Stars are at MGM (02/04-02/07); as are country music legends, George Strait and Reba McEntire (02/06)
- Jon Stewart's at the Mirage (02/05-02/06)
- The Wranglers take on the Idaho Steelheads at the Orleans Arena (02/04-02/06)
- And the Performance Karting Expo's at South Point (02/05-02/07)
• February 4, 2010 Final Day for Rio B'Day Offers:
Today's the last day for taking advantage of the Rio's special 20th Anniversary offers, which include discounts on dining, rooms, entertainment, and more.
• February 4, 2010 Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba to Close:
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant empire is to open its first Mexican-themed restaurant mid-March on the site in Fashion Show Mall currently occupied by the group's Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba tapas joint, which will close Feb. 15. The new restaurant, which has yet to be named, is described as "an informal cantina and taqueria with a mesquite-fired wood grill, and a fairly traditional menu." The good news for Ba-Ba-Reeba fans is that the "beverage program will include housemade sangria" still, plus "out of this world" margaritas. It will take advantage of its proximity to the Strip with a walk-up taco stand up front serving passers-by street-food style.
• February 4, 2010 Weekly Column is Live:
Catch Anthony Curtis' latest weekly round-up, including Super Sunday in Vegas, now posted at LVA in the Media.
• February 4, 2010 Gilley's Returns: The popular country saloon and mechanical-bull-riding venue that was a long-running fixture at the New Frontier -- owned by Phil Ruffin -- is to return to the casino-owner's new Vegas venture, TI. Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall and Bar-B-Que is set to open April 16 and will be open for lunch and dinner, with live entertainment Thursday through Saturday, line dancing, and the world-famous Gilley Girls. And a bull.
It seems to be a trend in Vegas nightlife: Former Gilley's manager Stoney Gray went on to open Stoney's Rockin' Country bull-riding bar at the south end of the Strip; then Cadillac Ranch opened at Town Square, while a second Stoney's venue at Santa Fe Station closed, but reopens tomorrow as Revolver, another "country with an edge" saloon and dance hall that will feature a new mechanical bull designed by rodeo champion Ty Murray, available for rides and lessons.
• February 4, 2010 Laughlin Crash Update:
The 70-year-old driver of the Pontiac Vibe that crashed into the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin yesterday, killing two and injuring at least seven others, has been charged with two counts of felony reckless driving causing death. He suffered minor injuries, but some of those hospitalized were described as being in critical condition.
• February 3, 2010 LVMS Extends Invite to Obama:
Following the president's controversial remark about this city yesterday, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is inviting him to be grand marshal for the Shelby American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Feb. 28, to get an up-close and personal look at how important tourism is to the Las Vegas economy. "Telling people not to visit Las Vegas is the same as telling them not to buy vegetables would be to a farmer in the Midwest – or telling them not to buy cars would be to an autoworker in Detroit," said LVMS president Chris Powell. No word yet on whether or not Mr Obama is available and, if so, will accept the invitation.
• February 3, 2010 Traffic Diversion Near Boulder Highway:
"Channel 8 News" has just posted reports of a traffic diversion in the vicinity of Desert Inn Rd. and Boulder Hwy. due to power poles in the neighborhood having been knocked donw. No further information as yet, but that must have been some traffic accident to knock down power poles.
• February 3, 2010 Vegas Cleans Up at Club Awards:
Las Vegas triumphed at the 2010 Nightclub and Bar awards ceremony last night, with Encore's XS picking up the prizes for "Best New Club" and "Best Mega-Club." TAO (Venetian) won in the "Nightclub of the Year" category; Hard Rock's Rehab pool party won "Best Ongoing Promotion," Paul Oakenfold (Rain, Palms) won "Best Resident DJ and the property's "Midsummer Night's Dream" event won "Best Single Promotion of the Year"; and Blush at the Wynn scored in the "Best Ultra-Lounge" category. Congrats to all.
• February 3, 2010 More on Laughlin Crash:
Apparently, the 75-year-old driver of the car that crashed through the main doors of the Edgewater casino this morning may have suffered a "medical episode" just before the car swerved into the building, traveling in excess of 100 mph. Five people (including the driver) were rushed to area hospitals with injuries and two people were killed. There was no passenger in the vehicle. Click here for a dramatic photograph of the wreckage -- the ploughed through slot machines and came to rest 100 feet inside the casino.
• February 3, 2010 More Good News From Allegiant:
The Las Vegas-based airline yesterday announced a 21.6 percent jump in traffic last month, which exceeded its almost 20 percent increase in capacity. Allegiant also announced that it will open a new base in Grand Rapids, Mich., late this April to take advantage of East Coast growth.
• February 3, 2010 Mr Vegas Gets Tribal:
Wayne Newton cancelled his show at the Tropicana in Las Vegas last night to testify before a House committee in Richmond, Virginia on behalf of his tribe, the Patawomeck Indians. Newton asked lawmakers for official recognition of the tribe in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the committee voted unanimously in favor of the measure, which now goes to the full House of Delegates for a vote.
• February 3, 2010 Car Slams Into Casino:
Two people have been killed in Laughlin after a car slammed into the Edgewater Hotel and Casino at high speed this moring. So far, it's unknown whether the victims were in the car or people inside the casino, or both.
• February 2, 2010 Valentine's Day Looms:
If you're going to be in Vegas on Valentine's Day weekend, we've got the complete guide to parties, romantic dining, gift ideas, and more in our annual Valentine's Day feature in "Special Events".
• February 2, 2010 Paris Breaking News:
This just in via Norm! at the R-J: Harrah's is apparently seeking a building permit for a 3-story 72,000-square-foot Strip-front build-out on the southwest corner of Paris. It's not such breaking news, in that the retail-space part of the plan has already been announced in the form of the new Sugar Factory venue, but evidently this project will involve more than simply switching out Ah Sin for the candy store and restaurant -- a nightclub is also planned.
• February 2, 2010 Obama Raps Vegas -- Again:
President Barack Obama is once again under fire for using Las Vegas as a symbol of financial irresponsibility, having told a crowd in New Hampshire "You don't blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you're trying to save for college." Quick to criticize were both governor Jim Gibbons, who refused to meet the president after his 2009 remark about how bailed-out companies shouldn't book junkets in Las Vegas on the taxpayers' dime, and Sen. Harry Reid, who last time defended Obama but his time conceded he'd gone too far, saying, "Lay off Las Vegas."
• February 2, 2010 Casino Razed for City Hall:
The Queen of Hearts casino -- long defunct -- was today demolished to make way for the new Las Vegas city hall. The site's gaming license was previously maintained by the erection of a temporary mobile casino on the site in August, 2008, but any plans to build a casino property on the plot at Main Street and Lewis Avenue were later abandoned.
• February 2, 2010 Harrah's Plot Thickens: After rumors yesterday, stemming from an investors report, that Harrah's Entertainment was "acutely interested" in getting a foot in the Macau market by taking over a 32.5 percent share of Melco Crown Entertainment, the top executive of the company this morning dismissed the story as "total nonsense." There's been no comment from Harrah's.
Meanwhile, Macau casino stocks rose today, following a report that gambling revenue in the former Portuguese colony surged to its highest-ever level in January, a record $1.72 billion, up 6 percent on the same month the previous year.
• February 2, 2010 Free Rides on Super Sunday:
From noon until midnight on Sunday, Feb. 7, Designated Drivers will be offering free rides to Super Bowl revelers. The company -- which is a non-profit -- is already in the hole to the tune of several thousand from the holidays, with donations failing to cover the expense of the free-ride service, so if you or your business would like to make use of DD, they encourage you to make a donation if you can.
• February 2, 2010 China to Fund Maglev?:
Having been turned down for federal funding last week, the proposed hi-speed maglev train connection linking Southern California to Las Vegas may have received a new lease on life. The Export-Import Bank of China has apparently negotiated a plan to provide the California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission with the $7 billion in investment capital needed fund the project, which it's been estimated could create up to 90,000 jobs.
• February 1, 2010 Blood for Tix Promo:
Throughout the month of February, United Blood Services is asking for your donations to its blood drive. In return, you'll be thanked for your time and trouble with a pair of free ticket to see V -- The Ultimate Variety Show at the V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops. To find out more, call 702/233-9620 or visit United Blood Services.
• February 1, 2010 Grim Outlook for Monorail:
According to a report in today's Las Vegas Sun, according to the company's own financial estimates, the Monorail will never generate enough revenue to pay off its debts and without financial relief to deal with looming bills, necessary train replacements, and other equipment costs, its ability to continue operating beyond 2019 remains in question.
• February 1, 2010 Harrah's Heading East?:
According to the R-J, Harrah's Entertainment could finally be close to joining its fellow gambling giants MGM Mirage, Sands, and Wynn in the Macau market, with an eye on Aussie billionaire James Packer's 32.5 percent share of Melco Crown, a publicly traded company that owns the City of Dreams and the Altira Macau.
• February 1, 2010 Carrot Top Contest: The legendary red-haired comedian who headlines at Luxor has announced that he'll be holding a national prop contest, building on the success of a previous one he ran just for Luxor employees, the winning prop from which is still used in his show. The same fate awaits the winning national prop, with the creator also winning a trip for two to Luxor, including tickets to Carrot Top's show. Entries will be taken until midnight on May 1, 2010. All props sent in will be judged by members of Carrot Top’s staff and a winner will be announced shortly after the deadline. A full explanation of the rules can be found by going to www.carrottop.com or by visiting the Carrot Top page at www.luxor.com.
In the meantime, don't forget there's a great deal for Carrot Top tickets in the LVA 2010 Member Rewards Book.
• February 1, 2010 Marathon Boost for Vegas;
The 2009 newly rebranded "Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas Marathon" exceeded organizers' expectations, attracting 28,000 runners (3,000 more than the target) and by beating its goal of a $50 million financial boost to the economy by $14.5 million, for a total of $64.5 million in room nights and related expenditure.
• February 1, 2010 Terry Fator Special:
Celebrated ventriloquist Terry Fator will celebrate his first anniversary as a Las Vegas headliner with the introduction of new character during the special anniversary show on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Mirage. For this one-night-only event tickets start at $79. If you're a Fator fan, you can find his DVD, Terry Fator: Live from Las Vegas at ShopLVA.com.
• February 1, 2010 Poker Poll:
If you haven't already, if you play poker, please take a moment to complete the online survey in the current Question of the Day daily email. It's some anonymous research being conducted by an associate of ours who's developing a new poker product and is seeking feedback from players. Thanks!
• February 1, 2010 KÀ Offers Birthday Deal:
The Cirque show at MGM Grand is celebrating its 5th anniversary in Las Vegas next week with a $55 ticket on select seats for shows Feb. 2-6 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Click here for more information, or call 800/929-1111.
• February 1, 2010 Accolade for Alizé:
Alizé, the French restaurant atop the Palms, has been voted the "Most Romantic Restaurant in the U.S." by OpenTable Inc. online reservations service. The Eiffel Tower (Paris) and Pamplemouuse (E. Sahara) in Las Vegas also made the list.
• February 1, 2010 New Mayweather Ticket:
Floyd Mayweather Jr. will face Shane Mosley in a welterweight super fight on HBO Pay-Per-View at the MGM Grand on May 1. Mayweather's adviser Leonard Ellerbe said the paper work should be completed next week, along with a formal announcement. Mayweather had been scheduled to fight Manny Pacquiao, but negotiations stalled over the issue of random blood testing.
• February 1, 2010 NKOTB Coming to Palms:
New Kids on the Block continue to hide their highly publicized reunion with a night at the Pearl at the Palms on Saturday, May 8. Tickets, priced at $115, $125, and $135 (plus tax and fees) go on sale noon, Sat. Feb. 6 and are sure to sell fast.
• February 1, 2010 Farewell to Midler:
Bette Midler bade farewell to Las Vegas last night after her final performance of The Showgirl Must Go On at Caesars' Colosseum. She thanked the venue and AEG Live for their partnership, but gave no indication of plans to return to Las Vegas. In a recent interview, she said she was exhausted after her two-year run and was looking forward to spending more time with her family.
