Las Vegas Vacation and Travel Information

Las Vegas Strip to Host NASCAR Hauler Parade on Feb. 26

2009-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS -- In 2008, tens of thousands of people lined the Las Vegas Strip to watch the NASCAR team haulers parade down one of the country's most famous streets. Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm for last year's parade, the haulers are coming back this year.The 2009 edition of the NASCAR Hauler Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26.

The colorful NASCAR team haulers, transporting the Sprint Cup race cars that will compete later that week in the Shelby 427, will parade north on the Strip among the world's most well-known hotels and casinos."During the week of the NASCAR events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this entire town becomes NASCAR crazy," said Chris Powell, LVMS general manager. "The response from last year's parade was amazing. People lined the Strip from Mandalay Bay to the Sahara, and the drivers of these big rigs really enjoyed it as well. Every opportunity we get to take NASCAR to the Strip is something special. We're also very appreciative of the support from the various public agencies that have helped make this happen."

Las Vegas Golf Courses: The Best Alternatives to "The Big Three"

2009-02-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

You probably know that some people pay upwards of $500 to play "The Big Three" Las Vegas golf courses at Shadow Creek, Cascata, and Wynn Golf Club. What you might not know is that you can get a similar experience at other Las Vegas golf courses for a heck of a lot less.

According to the editors of Golf Odyssey, there are at least three facilities (a total of six Las Vegas golf courses) that offer an escapist vibe like the one enjoyed at the trio comprising "The Five Franklin Club." In the February 2009 issue of Golf Odyssey they wrote, "you'll not find a single house anywhere near these Las Vegas golf courses."

Free Concerts in Downtown Las Vegas Will Lead Up to ACM Awards

2009-02-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

A free concert featuring Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler and LeAnn Rimes will highlight a series of activities leading up to the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards show in Las Vegas. The three vocalists will be featured in a concert billed as Divas Downtown taking place April 4 on Fremont Street.

Other events announced Thursday (Feb. 19) include the New Artists Show, another free concert set for April 3 on Fremont Street. Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry are scheduled to participate in the ACM Chairman's Ride, a charity motorcycle ride, on April 4. The same day, Rascal Flatts will host the sixth annual ACM Celebrity Golf Classic. Reba McEntire hosts the awards show on April 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. On April 6, George Strait will be honored as the ACM's Artist of the Decade during a musical tribute being taped to air on CBS. A list of performers will be announced soon.

Brad Pitt and the boys let loose in Las Vegas

2009-02-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

Days before Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are set to hit the red carpet for the Academy Awards, the super-parents continued to keep it all in the family. According to TMZ, the two Oscar nominees (for "Changeling" and "Benjamin Button," respectively) took residence on opposite sides of the country and treated their kids to some A-list pampering.

While Angie and company were seen shopping in Manhattan, Brad took Maddox and Pax to Vegas for a boys-only outing, which included In-N-Out Burger and Cirque du Soleil's current Las Vegas show, "KA."

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Las Vegas: Treasure Island offers free room for spa-goers

2009-02-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

I was just in Las Vegas this weekend and stayed at TI for the first time. The rooms, which were renovated in August 2008, are terrific. Everything down to the hallways have been modernized. I was in a ”Deluxe Room” on an Expedia deal ($119/night on the weekend) and already felt upgraded — compared with other hotel stays — just because the room was so clean and well designed. And now they’re offering quite the deal. Get a free night’s stay with a spa purchase. Who says budget travelers can’t pamper themselves once in a while?

Deal: Spend at least $169 at WET the Spa & Salon at TI, and the hotel will throw in a room for free. But wait, there’s more. Spend $299 and you can have two nights for free. Call (800) 944-7444 and mention “Wet09″ to get the deal. Note: The free room will be credited only after spa and salon services have been taken and paid in full.

Las Vegas Golf Courses Make Golf Digest/Golfworld

2009-02-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

‘Best of' Lists; Ryder Cup Heroes to Lead PGA Tour team at Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge in Las Vegas; Deal--TPC Las Vegas;Deal--Book early to save;The week in Las Vegas Golf Courses ... Now: October 30, 2008 Las Vegas, NV-www.GolfLasVegasNow.com is your Link to Las Vegas Golf and offers complete Las Vegas golf information and online bookings. Visit the website now for the complete stories that include Las Vegas golf news, deals and more.

Las Vegas Golf Courses Make ‘Best of' Golf Digest/Golfworld Readers ListsSome of the best Las Vegas golf courses have been recognized on "Best of" lists by Golf Digest and Golfworld Magazine. The lists were voted on by readers, and took into account rankings in several categories including quality, accessibility and value, etc. Las Vegas golf course Bali Hai Golf Club was ranked as the number 6 golf course in the public category while Shadow Creek was ranked 11th in the resort category. Other Las Vegas-area golf courses and resorts earning recognition were TPC Las Vegas, Bear's Best, Royal Links Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Club, Lake Las Vegas Resort, Wolf Creek Golf Club, and Southern Highlands Golf...

Hotels In Las Vegas Lay Out Deals

2009-02-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

I'm struck by the offers I'm seeing lately from Las Vegas hotels. They include:
• Rooms at a remarkable $59 a night at the luxurious Treasure Island on the Strip.
Comes with an option for two-for-one tickets for Mystere by Cirque du Soleil.

• A $79 rate with a $50 dining credit at the hip off-Strip party palace The Palms.

• Rates as low as $51 a night at the immense Luxor on the Strip (via TravelZoo).

• Rooms for as low as $32 a night at the very pleasant Orleans hotel off the Strip.

Viva renewal of wedding vows in Vegas

2009-02-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

But when you're exchanging vows with the same guy for the third time in 25 years? And the venue just happens to be a pink convertible Cadillac parked under a driveway canopy painted with stars and cherubs instead of a church or chapel?

That conjures up a different feeling altogether. Specifically, how'd we end up here?

Las Vegas: Still a Good Bet

2009-02-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

Six weeks after I dubbed Las Vegas the “Frugal Destination of 2009,” Sin City still features plenty of money-saving deals. (All deals can fly out the window when you hit the casino floor, but you knew that.)

In fact, simply getting there may be the biggest deal of all. A recent search on AirfareWatchdog.com showed dozens of sub-$200 round-trip flights to Las Vegas from cities like Baltimore, Albany, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Visitors from Casper, Wyo., Santa Barbara, Calif., and Grand Junction, Colo., got even better deals: a shockingly low $38 round-trip offer.

Paul McCartney to open new Joint in Las Vegas

2009-02-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Paul McCartney will open the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's new Joint in Las Vegas on April 19. Motley Crue closed the old Joint last week. Tickets go on sale February 14 at the Hard Rock Hotel box office and through ticketmaster.com. McCartney will also headline the first day of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival on April 17 in the southern California city of Indio.

The new 4,007-capacity Joint will be twice the size of the old venue, which was built in 1995 and will be turned into casino space.

A 'Love Is In the Air' Deal at Pete Dye's Las Vegas Golf Courses

2009-02-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

Champagne. Wine. Golf. Pete Dye. Las Vegas. What more could golfing lovers ask for on a Valentine's Day?

At Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, the home of three Las Vegas golf courses designed by Pete Dye, twosomes can sign up for $125 per couple for a special shotgun event on February 14th on the Sun Mountain layout. The great price includes breakfast with champagne toast, a bottle of wine to share in the cart, and other contests and prizes. Click now to visit the official website of Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort or call the official reservation line at 800.711.2833.

It’s Still a ‘Wynn-win’ situation these days in Las Vegas

2009-02-04T07:07:00.001-08:00

Sure, Las Vegas ranks among the nation's foreclosure capitals. But, with a few exceptions, one hardly notices it when driving down the neon Strip. On our annual visits for my husband's boat accessories show, and to, well, go there for a little vacation fun, we always eagerly check out what's new in town.

On our last visit in January, we learned that CityCenter will be "unprecedented." The massive urban metropolis will open late 2009 on 76 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo. A call for 12,000 employees just went out to fill positions at its upcoming Mandarin Oriental and Vdara all-suite hotels. In addition, the $2.9 billion Fontainebleau still looks like it will be completed north on the Strip this fall.

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Downtown Casino Planned for Las Vegas

2009-02-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

For the first time since 1979, a developer plans to build a new casino in downtown Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Review Journal is reporting that the company, Forest City hopes to build the property on a 6-acre site within the Union Park Development.

In exchange for the land, Forest City officials say they've agreed to first build a new city hall.
However, that deal is being targeted by the culinary union and some city councilmen who say the city hall is unnecessary during a recession.

Wells Fargo reconsiders holding Las Vegas event

2009-02-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N), which received $25 billion from the government's bank bailout program four months ago, said it was reconsidering holding an employee event planned for Las Vegas later this month. The move came after the Associated Press said the bank had booked 12 nights at the Wynn Las Vegas (WYNN.O) and the Encore Las Vegas, two of that city's more expensive hotels, as part of a conference for top mortgage officials.

Wells Fargo was also planning a 3-day meeting starting on Feb. 25 for 40 insurance employees at another high-end hotel, the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's website.

Elton John to close Las Vegas show

2009-02-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

Elton John will soon play his final notes on the red piano in Las Vegas. Promoters say the pop singer will close his Las Vegas Strip show, "The Red Piano," on April 22. The show made its debut in February 2004 at The Colosseum theater at Caesars Palace. After initially signing on for 75 shows, John's engagement was extended.

The casino says the closing show will be the 241st performance. The offbeat production blends the singer's top hits with elaborate video montages created by photographer and director David LaChappelle.

Las Vegas during the day: The Bellagio

2009-01-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Bellagio Las Vegas is another prime location for some afternoon fun. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will be a welcome sanctuary to all of those wishing for a few minutes of peace and quiet. After all the beeping, buzzing, and ringing of the casinos, this haven will seem like heaven.

Take a leisurely stroll through the splendorous beauty of flowers, trees, and plants. Delight in the gazebos, bridges, ponds, and other water features. Over one-hundred horticulturists maintain this glorious attraction. The current exhibit is Chinese New Year, so expect to see plants shaped and styled like pandas and emperors. Admission is free.

Las Vegas Super Bowl odds: Pittsburgh odds favorite in Vegas

2009-01-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ever since we learned the two NFL teams to battle for the Super Bowl glory we have kept an eye for the odds and point spread on the champion at the online sportsbooks, but today we will take a look at the Vegas Super Bowl odds.

Last year the Las Vegas odds makers were trailing a bit in the beginning to the sports betting websites, only to come to the exactly the same betting numbers as the Super Bowl was near. For the 2009 Super Bowl, however, the Las Vegas odds are a complete match to those currently offered by the offshore sportsbooks...

Hilton Las Vegas Hopes Super Bowl Betting Boosts Economy

2009-01-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hilton sports book executive director Jay Kornegay told the Las Vegas Sun that there are more than 300 such wagers on the Hilton's sheets this year. More than in the past, he said, there are propositions divided into the first half and second half.
"There are crazy ones," Kornegay said. "Everyone likes to look at the crossover sports. They laugh at that. It's fun to talk about.

"The most popular ones are the simple ones, like the over and under on the jersey number of the player who scores the first touchdown. It's real simple but pretty popular."

Arianny Celeste named Las Vegas Top Model

2009-01-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

There is nothing subtle about the models. They stand out in the casino like two pushed-up-about-to-pop-out D cups framed by long platinum hair.

Among the cluster of slender, stunning women are Jessica Hinton from L.A. (where else?) and Sarah Barker from Las Vegas. They wear down-to-there and up-to-here ensembles like pros, but the glamour of modeling comes with a few decided cons.

Vegas a value city again

2009-01-06T05:55:00.000-08:00

After riding a winning streak for the better part of two decades, Las Vegas finds itself in the sort of shape usually reserved for the hapless gamblers who leave with empty wallets.
The recession has amounted to one long roll of snake eyes for the city’s casino industry, as every measurable tourism indicator — visitation, room occupancy and rates, and gaming revenue — has fallen sharply.

The silver lining for travelers is that Vegas has once again become something of the bargain it was 20 years ago.

Looking Back: Jack Nicklaus' First Words About Las Vegas'

2009-01-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2009--Whenever Jack Nicklaus hits Las Vegas, it's a big deal. But flash back to the mid nineties--when Nicklaus was knee deep in the creation of his first two Las Vegas golf courses and a guy named Tiger was just hitting the scene--and those visits were extra special because there was still no denying who the biggest name in golf was.

Nicklaus first designed the private SouthShore Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas Resort but soon followed with Reflection Bay Golf Club, Las Vegas' first Nicklaus resort golf course. "It's not often you get the opportunity on a body of water like this, in a setting like Lake Las Vegas, to design a golf course," Nicklaus told this writer at the time.

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Las Vegas Sands shares gain back 45% (LVS)

2009-01-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

The last three trading days have been huge for Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) shares gaining back 45%, to quote Robert Denrio from Casino (1995): In the casino, the cardinal rule is to keep them playing and to keep them coming back. The longer they play, the more they lose, and in the end, we get it all.

LVS shareholders who placed a bet in the past few days are up big, and the house is winning back their losses, including Ace Rothstein. The 5 Day chart for LVS is unreal, just take a look:

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Las Vegas Casinos Hoping To Turn To The Internet In 2009

2009-01-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Billy Gatlin walks down the Las Vegas Strip the week after Christmas and he remembers when the streets were filled with people. He is sixty two now, but Gatlin has been in Las Vegas for forty two years and has seen the city go through thick and thin times.This time is different, he insists. "Back twenty years ago, this city did not care what was happening with the economy.

Now, look around (pointing at a near empty parking lot), Las Vegas is stuggling, and the casinos may not make it through this time," he said.While Gatlin has his skepticism, there is an area that people that have been around these casinos point to for hope.

For the first time, Las Vegas casinos are actually hoping that something is done about the Internet gambling laws in the US."If we had the outlet to take our product online, it would make up for the revenue that we are losing from people not being able to get to Las Vegas. In the past, we wanted no part of Internet gambling, but now it may be that putting our casino online could be a way of survival," said a manager of a well known Las Vegas casino who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity.

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Death defying Las Vegas leap

2009-01-04T06:41:00.000-08:00

Motorcross rider Robbie Maddison rang in the New Year with a spectacular world record jump in Las Vegas.

27-year-old Maddison catapulted himself off a 10-meter high ramp to the top of the 30-meter high replica of the Arch de Triomph. After landing safely, he then jumped off the monument, plunging 25 meters in a free-fall before landing on a ramp.

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Report: Pacquiao-Hatton May 2 fight will be in Las Vegas

2009-01-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines – So much for British fans eagerly awaiting the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight at Wembley Arena as promoters chose Las Vegas as the possible venue for the 2009 mega-bout between two of boxing’s power punchers.

According to London’s The Telegraph, Top Rank Inc. of promoter Bob Arum has already decided that the fight will take place on May 2 in a still undisclosed venue in Las Vegas. Pacquiao and Hatton would reportedly share the proceeds expected to generate £40 million ($58,198,749).
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Las Vegas on the cheap

2009-01-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

I knew times were getting bad for Las Vegas when, several months ago, I received a letter touting special low room rates for my next visit, even before I checked out of the hotel.

According to Time.com Gaming revenue in Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, is down 8.5% for the year, to $8.3 billion. But the revenue for October, the last month for which figures are available, is off an ominous 24.3% vs. the same month in 2007. Visitor volume is down 3% over last year, though the city's convention business is holding steady.

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Ricky Hatton fight with Manny Pacquiao set for Las Vegas

2009-01-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

On the cards: Ricky Hatton's super-fight with Manny Pacquiao looks likely However, Hatton’s team are still attempting last-minute negotiations behind the scenes to bring the fight to the UK.

Hatton still harbours hopes of fighting Pacquiao at Wembley in front of 90,000 fans. Ray Hatton, the British fighter’s father and manager, said: “From our viewpoint, the fight is all but done and will go ahead. We’re just still negotiating the terms of the location. We want to have the fight over here for the British fans and we’ve been trying to put together a package to show that we can financially equal, or better, what they can do over there.”

However, Telegraph Sport understands that a UK-based fight has been ruled out by Home Box Office, the American cable giants, who are insisting the fight takes place in Nevada.

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Truck backflip attempt in Las Vegas unsuccessful

2009-01-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

A 36-year-old stunt driver backflipped an offroad truck in Las Vegas last night as part of a New Year's Eve television special, but rolled the truck on the landing.

Rhys Millen came out of the truck on his feet as crews rushed to see if he was OK.
He was shaking his head in frustration. Millen calls the attempt a disappointment, saying the trick means nothing without driving away from it. Millen gave a thumbs Up...

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Las Vegas Real Estate: Betting When the Chips are Down

2008-12-31T20:04:00.000-08:00

Gambling is nothing new to Las Vegas. In fact, it’s the backbone of this glitzy city. What is new to Vegas, however, is that many investors who bet on the Las Vegas market a few years ago are realizing that they may not be getting their money back.

When loans were abundant and a lack of liquidity was merely what bad dreams were made of, investors stateside and overseas flocked to Las Vegas to plunk their money into a number of properties and land parcels that dotted the Strip.

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Building projects move along in Las Vegas area

2008-12-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

Although the economy has had a negative effect on the Las Vegas area, some building projects continue and the opening of Steve Wynn's Encore last week should cause the unemployment figures to dip a bit. Five thousand employees started work at the 2,034-room, $2.5 billion Encore. More than 65,000 people applied for the 5,000 jobs, which means the new resort, should have some of the best employees possible.

One hitch in the opening of the Encore is the view across The Strip. The demolition of the Frontier isn't complete but is at a standstill with the new building project on hold.

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Vegas ends '08 with celeb parties, stunts on Strip

2008-12-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas casinos were hoping for a bright ending to a rough 2008 as thousands of partiers flocked to the desert on Wednesday to say hello to 2009 with fireworks, celebrity-hosted parties and the cheapest New Year's Eve hotel rates in years.

Police planned to shut down most of the Las Vegas Strip to vehicle traffic by 6 p.m., with several casinos planning a coordinated 8-minute fireworks display as the clock struck midnight.
Sin City also was to play home to three made-for-TV stunts, including a 200-foot jump over the refurbished volcano at The Mirage hotel-casino by Robbie Knievel, son of the late daredevil Evel Knievel.

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Las Vegas Golf Club: History Is New Again

2008-12-31T04:37:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas Golf Club opened so long ago that even the official website of this Las Vegas golf course estimates the year that it all began at this Las Vegas golf favorite. For the record, it is noted as 1938, or 70 years ago for those scoring at home.

But one thing that has stayed fairly constant over the years is that this is where the true Las Vegas golfer plays, at least some of the time. And now that Las Vegas Golf Club is under new management, there is much that is new again at this Las Vegas golf original, including some new greens and bunkers, and new looks in the pro shop, restaurant, and on the fairways.

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Chinatown in Las Vegas

2008-12-31T04:34:00.000-08:00

Midler has also discovered Las Vegas' Chinatown, along Spring Mountain Road about a mile west of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Tucked into several modern strip malls, dozens of restaurants feature various cuisines, including Korean, Thai and Vietnamese."There's a huge amount of Asian food here. Huge, huge, huge!" she says. "I highly recommend it. . . . We've had wonderful meals there."

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Bette Midler's favorite Las Vegas spots

2008-12-31T04:30:00.000-08:00

In the opening to her new show, Bette Midler is buffeted into Las Vegas atop a tornado. Of course, twisters in the Mojave Desert are rare. Yet as soon as "Miss M" hits the stage, the curtain-raiser makes perfect sense: At age 63, Midler's still a whirlwind.

"I stand here before you sucked and silicone-free. And in Las Vegas, that's really saying something!" she tells the audience inside the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where Midler now performs about 100 days a year, in rotation with Cher and Elton John.

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Real Estate Las Vegas Real Estate Resets

2008-12-31T04:28:00.000-08:00

The median price paid for homes in the Las Vegas region fell to a five-year low of $189,000 in November as foreclosures made up more than 70% of the resale market. The total number of homes sold slid from October but still climbed above last year for the third consecutive month, a real estate information service reported.

A total of 3,325 new and resale houses and condos closed escrow in the Las Vegas-Paradise metro area (Clark County) in November, down 19.8% from October but up 12.9% from November 2007, according to MDA DataQuick. The San Diego-based firm tracks real estate trends nationally via public property records.

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THE LAS VEGAS BUSINESS PRESS PRESENTS THE TOP STORIES OF 2008

2008-12-31T04:25:00.000-08:00

Business Press' Tony Illia was the first reporter allowed into the CityCenter mixed-use project to bring readers a firsthand glimpse of daily life at the nation's largest construction project. CityCenter consists of seven major towers totaling nearly 19 million square feet -- the equivalent of nine Empire State Buildings.

The project has a $3.5 million daily payroll, with 9,500 workers on site during peak activity. CityCenter, however, also recorded six deaths in 16 months, earning it the grisly nickname: "CityCemetery." On June 2, workers picketed in protest of unsafe working conditions. The 24-hour strike resulted in a pact between the building trades and contractor, Perini Building Co., resulting in 10-hour federal safety training for everyone on site. The average cost per person is $500; the course takes two days to complete.

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Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony heading for Valentine splitsville

2008-12-30T05:12:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony may have renewed their wedding vows a mere three months ago, but their rocky romance will likely bite the dust right after Valentine’s Day, says an insider.

“Marc and Jennifer are planning on announcing their divorce right after Marc’s show at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 14,” a friend of the couple tells us. “Jennifer is planning on joining Marc onstage for a surprise duet. Things haven’t been right for a while now, and they thought it would be a bittersweet farewell.”

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The Good Times Stop Rolling: Vegas Meets the Recession

2008-12-30T05:09:00.000-08:00

With Las Vegas in the grips of its worst economy since the early 1980s, the storm that dumped four inches of snow on the desert metropolis in mid-December felt like piling on. The city's cocksure swagger is gone.

Gaming revenue in Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, is down 8.5% for the year, to $8.3 billion. But the revenue for October, the last month for which figures are available, is off an ominous 24.3% vs. the same month in 2007. Visitor volume is down 3% over last year, though the city's convention business is holding steady.

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Rare, Valuable Emerald Found in Las Vegas

2008-12-30T05:04:00.000-08:00

A stolen $370 million dollar raw emerald was found by Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives right here in Las Vegas.

The gem weighs 850 pounds and it was being hidden in a Las Vegas warehouse. The Los Angeles County sheriff detectives used tips to track it and recover it. It's called the Bahia emerald and is believed to be the second largest gem of its kind on the planet. At 850 pounds, the Los Angeles sheriff's office says it's worth $370 million dollars.

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Las Vegas on a budget

2008-12-29T04:11:00.000-08:00

Things are noticeably quieter on the Las Vegas Strip these days, and casinos usually known to boast excess are dropping prices to cope with a bad economy that has hit Sin City particularly hard.It might seem weird -- since people generally think ''big money'' when they come to Las Vegas -- but enough inexpensive fun exists here to fill a trip without stinging stakes.

Examples: $45 rooms at the Monte Carlo, slow-paced poker games, and free attractions, from lion-watching to a man-made volcano.''It's the whimsy -- it's just fantasy enough. It doesn't take itself so seriously that you can't have fun while you're enjoying the entertainment,'' said Jan Jones, senior vice president of communications and government relations for Harrah's Entertainment Inc., and a former mayor of Las Vegas.

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Changes in Store for Las Vegas New Year's Eve Celebration

2008-12-29T04:09:00.000-08:00

You know the saying "out with the old, in with the new." New Year's Eve -- Las Vegas style -- is just around the corner. But the economy, and new building codes, are prompting some changes to Wednesday's night's planned celebration. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is not putting out any official visitor estimates this year. Last year New Year's Eve attracted 284,000 people to town to celebrate and help boost our local economy.

The sight Las Vegas locals and visitors alike are used to seeing on New Year's Eve is fireworks launching from the rooftops of big Strip hotels. It helped cement Las Vegas as a 'place to be' on New Year's Eve. "Because New Year's Eve is a party and Vegas is a party town,' said Jay Williams, a visitor from Minnesota. "Las Vegas man, Sin City, it gets no better," said Derrick James, a visitor from Florida.

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Las Vegas air traffic down 14.7 percent for Nov.

2008-12-29T04:05:00.001-08:00

Las Vegas airport officials say passenger traffic at the city's major airport declined 14.7 percent in November compared to the same month one year ago, the 13th straight monthly decline.

The figures released Friday show about 3.2 million passengers used McCarran International Airport during November 2008, compared to 3.8 million in November 2007. Last month, airport officials said October numbers showed a 12.8 percent year-over-year decline.

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Las Vegas Art Museum Presents L.A. Now Organized by David Pagel

2008-12-29T03:57:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS.- The “L.A. Now” exhibition features 20 emerging artists who live and work in Los Angeles, California. The exhibition is organized by critic and curator David Pagel. Artists included in the exhibition were selected from among those who presented outstanding artworks in Los Angeles commercial galleries during the 2007-2008 season. The artists work in a wide variety of styles and media; each has gained national or international recognition for artistic achievement.

Artists featured in the exhibition include: Olivia Booth, Miles Coolidge, Liz Craft, Nathaniel de Large, Lecia Dole-Recio, Brad Eberhard, Wendell Gladstone, Katie Grinnan, Elliott Hundley, Annie Lapin, Michael Lazarus, Nathan Mabry, Allison Miller, Kristen Morgin, Christine Nguyen, Jared Pankin, Steve Roden, Jeni Spota, Don Suggs, and Wayne White. The exhibition represents the Las Vegas debut for all of the artists.

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Vegas's Savior to the Fading Glitz of Showgirls

2008-12-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS -- A place that rarely preserves its past is now trying to preserve its pasties.
Make that pasties and crystal bras, feathered headpieces, fans and thongs -- anything that documents the existence of an increasingly rare bird: the showgirl.

"We were the original Las Vegas," says Lou Anne Harrison Chessik, the former showgirl behind a new exhibit that pays tribute to the garb and glamour of her withering art. "It's important to me that we understand this history."

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Las Vegas makes changes amid a reversal of fortune

2008-12-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas has seen prices of hotel rooms tumble and gaming revenues drop.

The new Encore hotel is offering some rooms for $159 a night. "The world has changed, and we've changed with it," said Tom Breitling, senior vice president of strategy and development. ..

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Four Las Vegas Golfers Among PGATour.com 100 To Watch

2008-12-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2008--PGATour.com recently created a list of the top 100 PGA Tour players to watch in 2009, and there are four golfers with ties to Las Vegas golf courses listed among the top 94 (there are still six more to be disclosed by the end of the year).

Former UNLV golf star Adam Scott (pictured) pops in at number 9 while fellow Rebel and All-American Chad Campbell is on the list at number 26. Las Vegas resident Dean Wilson is at number 70 while another Rebel, Ryan Moore, is listed at number 88. Defending Las Vegas PGA Tour champ Marc Turnesa is at number 91.

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Cold weekend ahead for Las Vegas

2008-12-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

It will continue to be chilly for the next couple of days, but Las Vegas area residents can expect clearer skies and gradually warming temperatures through New Year’s Day.
“We’re not expecting any precipitation,” Andrew Gorelow of the National Weather Service said today.

Unusually wet Christmas that was bestowed upon the area this year. Mount Charleston received 14 inches of snow on Thursday, making the storm total 18 inches, Gorelow said. Precipitation in the valley was actually pretty light. McCarran International Airport, the weather service’s official monitoring site, recorded 0.13 inches of rain, Henderson had 0.08 inches, and the North Las Vegas Airport had 0.10 inches.

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We all live in Las Vegas now

2008-12-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

There is something especially unsettling about visiting Las Vegas these days -- and it is not the town’s lascivious culture. A voyage to Sin City in this moment of ecological and economic crisis is a journey to a giant concave mirror reflecting back the magnified -- and ugly -- truths about this epoch of cataclysmic consumption and hubristic hedonism.Like most flights into Vegas, mine last week soared over a shrinking Lake Mead.

Visually, the white strip around the man-made reservoir is beautiful -- the bright chalk line separating the blue water from the red-brown desert evokes memories of a Bob Ross pastel painting minus "happy trees." But it is a menacing harbinger of depletion. This water source for 22 million people is at its lowest level since the 1960s. Strained by the Southwest's population explosion and by drought-accelerating climate change, the lake now stands a 50 percent chance of running dry by 2021, according to scientists.

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Las Vegas Sands lays off 500 in Macau project: WSJ

2008-12-26T18:37:00.001-08:00

Las Vegas Sands Corp. has cut the staff of its Venetian Macau project by 500 and will reduce working hours, according to a report Tuesday in The Wall Street Journal's online edition.

The report said that the layoffs represent about 2% of the company's Macau staff, though many of the affected workers will be offered positions in Singapore.

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Steve Wynn’s luxury Encore hotel opens in Las Vegas

2008-12-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

Steve Wynn’s luxury Encore hotel opened at 8 tonight (Dec. 22) amid a deep-seated recession that has seen the room rates drop from $200 to $159 during some nights in January.
The Encore, the companion to the 3-year-old Wynn hotel, has 2,034 suites, which each average 700 square feet.

The casino is about 72,000 square feet, and customers can choose from five restaruants. The spa has 37 treatment rooms.

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Las Vegas likes the Patriots to win the AFC East, play Ravens in first round of the playoffs

2008-12-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas has spoken, and they say the Patriots are winning the AFC East.
Vegas has the Patriots as 6.5 point favorites over the Bills and the Jets as 2.5 point favorites over the Dolphins. No word on whether Vegas factored the “Jets won’t have anything to play for once the Patriots beat the Bills” situation into the spread.

If the Dolphins upset the Jets, Vegas doesn’t like the Patriots’ chances of taking the wildcard spot from the Ravens. Baltimore is currently a 12.5 point favorite over Jacksonville.

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Las Vegas Sands Earnings Call, Third Quarter 2008

2008-12-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

The international developer of multi-use integrated resorts posted Q3 net revenues of $1.11 billion compared with $661 million in the third quarter of 2007. Consolidated adjusted property EBITDAR in Q3 formed 48.4% to $243.8 million versus $164.3 million in the year ago quarter.

On a GAAP basis, operating income was $28.2 million compared with an operating loss of $20.8 million in the third quarter of 2007. The management announced modifications to the Global Development Program.

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Federal panel hears of economic woes in Las Vegas

2008-12-18T04:25:00.001-08:00

Nevada has quickly deteriorated from a boomtown to a place on the brink of economic disaster, and a federal bailout of financial institutions has done little to reverse the trend, a congressional panel was told.

"Our economy has gone from the fastest growing in the nation to amongst the worst," state banking commissioner George Burns testified Tuesday at a meeting of a bipartisan panel charged with reviewing the use of the $700 billion Wall Street rescue fund.

The meeting — attracting banking and housing experts and politicians — was the first outside Washington for the five-member panel. It comes a week after the group released a report raising questions about the effectiveness of the Treasury Department's bailout program and its lack of transparency.

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BYU and Arizona meet in 17th Annual Las Vegas Bowl

2008-12-18T04:24:00.001-08:00

Finishing third in the Mountain West Conference this season, the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars make their way to Sam Boyd Stadium in Sin City where they will contend with the Arizona Wildcats in the 17th annual Las Vegas Bowl.

BYU, which beat Oregon and UCLA from the Pac-10 Conference in the last two Las Vegas Bowls, is back in the event for the fourth straight year. As one of the favorites to take the MWC title this season, the Cougars suffered losses to both TCU and Utah, the two teams that finished ahead of them in the standings. As a result, BYU was 6-2 in league action and 10-2 overall.

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Winter Weather Hits Las Vegas

2008-12-18T04:21:00.000-08:00

A winter storm warning is in effect for the Las Vegas Valley until Thursday at 6 a.m. The winter storm is expected to dump more than a foot of fresh snow above the 3,500 elevation. The National Weather Service says this could end up being the biggest snowstorm to impact Las Vegas since 1979 when 7.8 inches of snow was measured at McCarran Airport.

The Clark County School District has closed schools for Thursday. Students and teachers do not have to report to school, but the district says all administrators, 12-month employees, and office staff should report to work as usual.

Click here for a full list of school closures
A very limited amount of flights are taking off and landing at McCarran International Airport due to poor visibility. Many flights from around the country headed to Las Vegas are being kept on the ground until the weather improves.

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Grand Finale of the Great Las Vegas Giveaway II

2008-12-17T07:16:00.000-08:00

Travel Agent Arlene Wilson of Empire Travel wins $10,000 grand prize!
United Vacations prides itself on providing travel agents and customers alike with access to experiences in travel that you just can't get anywhere else. This couldn't have been more evident than at the grand finale of their largest travel agent promotion in the ultimate city for fun and excitement - Las Vegas.

With seven of their top travel agents in tow, United Vacations joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in rolling out the red carpet for a whirlwind two day all expenses paid trip to Las Vegas including accommodations at four-star Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, fabulous dinners, cash prizes and complimentary admission into the 2008 Luxury Travel Expo, celebrating its 10th anniversary. The highlight? United Vacations' travel agent, Arlene Wilson of Empire Travel in Denver, CO went home with the $10,000 grand prize!

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Freezing Temperatures Expected in Las Vegas

2008-12-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

A cold snap has descended on the Las Vegas Valley that will last into the weekend and cause temperatures to be at freezing or near freezing. A winter storm watch is in effect for Clark County above the 3000 foot level which will last until Wednesday evening. There could be as much as five inches of snowfall. Lower elevations, such as the Las Vegas Valley, could see snow for the second time in one week.

These are below average temperatures for this time of year. Typically the temperature during the day and evening is about 15 degrees warmer.

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The Siegel Group Acquires The Mount Charleston Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada

2008-12-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

The Siegel Group Nevada, Inc., a Commercial Real Estate & Business Development Company and Great American Capital (GAC) today announced that the two companies have formed a joint-venture. Under terms of the agreement, The Siegel Group will acquire a 50% interest in The Mount Charleston Hotel and take managing control of the property. SASCO Properties, a Division of The Siegel Group Nevada, Inc., will immediately assume operational control of the property to correct long-standing management and deferred maintenance issues and increase the hotel's visibility.

An extensive marketing campaign will be launched and the property rebranded beginning with the name which will be changed to The Resort on Mount Charleston.

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Ruffin to buy Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas

2008-12-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Wichita billionaire Phil Ruffin plans to purchase Treasure Island Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. “It’s a world-class property,” Ruffin said Monday. The deal is valued at $775 million. Ruffin says he put up $500 million cash and is financing the balance.

Ruffin for more than a year has been sitting on $1.24 billion in proceeds from his 2007 sale of the New Frontier Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He says he conservatively invested that cash, but wasn’t content sitting on the sidelines.

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Count Down to 2009 with the Renaissance Las Vegas and a Festive Dinner at ENVY The Steakhouse

2008-12-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

Experience a Night to Remember with Delectable Fare, Live Music & Classic Vegas Style
Celebrate the start of a fresh, new year and the end to a memorable 2008, with the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel and their on-site Las Vegas steak restaurant, ENVY The Steakhouse.

Complete with the choice of a two, three or four-course dinner -- all accompanied by live music and a champagne toast at midnight, this New Year's Eve dinner special is sure to be the "envy" of your friends and family.

Hawaiian Airlines adding third flight to Las Vegas

2008-12-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS—Hawaiian Airlines says it plans to add a third flight between Honolulu and Las Vegas starting in February.

The airline said Monday that the new service will depart from Honolulu in the mornings and return the same evening, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The airline says it added the flight in response to customer demand.

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Elton John’s Tour Weds Pole Dancer With Las Vegas

2008-12-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

Elton John’s show features Pamela Anderson pole dancing, inflatable breasts, phallic lipsticks and bananas and a jukebox of greatest hits. The set has additional glitz ready for Sir Elton’s residence at Las Vegas’s Colosseum in February, part of a tour across the U.S., Europe and South America.

John starts at London’s O2 venue as he means to go on, belting out songs and bashing the Red Piano of the tour’s title. Those fans going to the gig in Birmingham, U.K., tonight might want to take shades: The blood-scarlet grand is the reddest you will ever see. Film director David LaChapelle designed the spectacle to be like John himself: spectacular, flamboyant and just a little camp.

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National Finals Rodeo ends in Las Vegas

2008-12-15T05:45:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Justin McDaniel, Luke Branquinho, Stran Smith and J.W. Harris won PRCA world titles and average championships for their events Saturday during the 10th and final round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

In bareback riding, McDaniel, from Porum, Okla., moved up from third to first in the world standings to take the title away from Bobby Mote of Culver, Ore. Mote hurt his chances by scoring a 76 on Street Moves in the 10th round.

McDaniel, sixth with an 85 on Star Burst, earned a bonus of $43,000 for winning the NFR average championship with an aggregate of 859 on 10 rides. He earned $126,292 in the NFR and finished the season with $216,967.

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Las Vegas events on New Year's Eve

2008-12-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Eve, the Las Vegas Strip will once again be transformed into a giant block party. About 300,000 people are expected.
Revelers, however, will need to be strategically positioned to see the aerial display. Instead of being shot from the rooftops of various resorts the fireworks will be launched from atop parking garages.

"These fireworks are going to be 300 feet closer to people on the Strip," says Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events.
The downside is that only people in certain locations on or near Las Vegas Boulevard will have a good view. Information on those sites will be available online ( www.ap2009.com) beginning Tuesday.

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Motorcycle daredevil to do stunt in Las Vegas

2008-12-15T05:43:00.000-08:00

Robbie Knievel has less than a month to study the fire-spewing volcanic terrain around his next motorcycle stunt. Luckily for him, it's Las Vegas, where eruptions between now and then are scheduled hourly, every night.

Knievel, the 46-year-old son of the late daredevil Evel Knievel, will jump the refurbished volcano at the Mirage hotel-casino on a motorcycle as part of a television special on New Year's Eve.
"We pretty much own Vegas," Knievel said. "I'll shut the (Las Vegas) Strip down for the third time."

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Wynn asks, New Frontier sign removed in Las Vegas

2008-12-15T05:41:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS—The famous marquee of the New Frontier hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip has been removed at the request of Steve Wynn, who is preparing to open a new resort across the street.

A construction manager of ELAD Las Vegas, which is developing the site, says the sign was taken down by a Wynn Resorts Ltd. team, which was given permission to come on the site.
A spokeswoman for Wynn Resorts says Wynn requested the sign be removed as it prepares to open Encore, a new casino-hotel attached to the Wynn.

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Hawaiian Airlines to boost Honolulu-Las Vegas service

2008-12-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

While U.S. carriers have been reluctant to add flights between Hawaii and the Mainland, Hawaiian Airlines plans to offer a third daily flight between Honolulu and Las Vegas.
The new round-trip flights, beginning Feb. 23, will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

“Las Vegas has been a very strong market for us, so we are going to put more seats where we have the demand,” said Hawaiian spokesman Keoni Wagner.

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Winners and losers from Las Vegas

2008-12-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

Rather than the beautiful five-star Bellagio hotel, perhaps the just-concluded baseball Winter Meetings should have been held a few blocks south on Las Vegas Boulevard at the not-nearly-as-luxurious Big Apple-themed New York, New York.

"It's amazing to me how many people can spend time, money and resources and get nothing done,'' said Barry Axelrod, the agent for Padres star Jake Peavy, who remains a Padre in limbo after their latest trade talks went nowhere. "Baseball moved lock, stock and barrel into that town, and nothing happened.''

Well, not quite nothing. The Yankees got started revamping their starting rotation by beating the Brewers to the year's biggest free-agent pitching prize, CC Sabathia, and the Mets went a long way toward remaking their incendiary bullpen by acquiring not one, but two closers, Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz.

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Vacation & Travel: Sin City — Trade decadence for whimsical fun that doesn’t cost a lot

2008-12-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

McDonald's(R) Opens 'Viva McDonald's' on Las Vegas Strip

2008-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS, Dec 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- - Showcase Restaurant Brings Technology and Unique Experiences to Customers - McDonald's today announced the opening of Viva McDonald's, the company's new technology-inspired restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip.

At 8,600 square feet, Viva McDonald's is the largest McDonald's restaurant in Nevada and, in true Las Vegas style, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Technology-Inspired McDonald's to Provide Unique Customer Experience Viva McDonald's is a media-rich, technology-driven location that lives up to the Vegas standard of lights and action.
On the exterior, four 9 feet tall by 8 feet.

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Fidelity Raises Stake in Las Vegas Sands

2008-12-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

SHARES OF LAS VEGAS SANDS (ticker: LVS) have been a bust this year as investors continue to bet that cash-strapped consumers will stay away from the casinos. Yet one investment giant has decided to throw its chips in with the house, vastly increasing its stake in the Las Vegas-based gaming and resort company.

On Dec. 10 Fidelity Investments disclosed it now owns 108,440,131 shares of Las Vegas Sands, a 14.9% stake. At the end of the third quarter Fidelity owned only 1.9 million common shares.

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UFO Party in Las Vegas

2008-12-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS, Dec 11, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Majestik Magnificent, best known as "the magician to the stars," announced today that he will be throwing a private VIP party in Las Vegas this Friday in honor of Rael, the world's most famous UFO contactee. The party will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Rael's UFO encounter.

"I'm very excited about the party we've organized," Majestik said. "As you may know, I've thrown many parties in the past with top celebrities, but this party is one that will be fun for everyone. We're expecting a host of celebrities and personalities. This is the one you don't want to miss!"

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Las Vegas Strip Oct gambling revenue down 26 pct

2008-12-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Las Vegas Strip casinos won $475 million from gamblers in October, a drop of 26 percent from a year earlier, the state's Gaming Control Board said on Wednesday.

Statewide, Nevada casinos' take from gamblers fell 22 percent to $905 million for the month as the U.S. economic recession continued to cut into consumer spending.

The revenue decline suggests that the Las Vegas gambling market will weaken further in the fourth quarter as airline flight capacity is reduced, consumer spending worsens and housing prices/unemployment continue their negative trends, Morgan Stanley analyst Celeste Mellet Brown said in a research note.

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A new reality for Las Vegas Muslims

2008-12-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

Reporting from Las Vegas -- Masjid As-Sabur, sometimes called "the black mosque" by Las Vegas Muslims, sits on the backside of downtown, amid a mishmash of housing projects, run-down apartments and abandoned lots. Across the freeway looms the Lady Luck casino, its neon sign seeming to mock the neighborhood below.

There is nothing much lucky about this corner of the Crystal City, and a main thrust of the mosque's work involves trying to heal it, with food giveaways, free health clinics, demonstrations against crack houses and the like.

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Robbie Knievel to jump remade Las Vegas volcano

2008-12-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

Robbie Knievel has less than a month to study the fire-spewing volcanic terrain around his next motorcycle stunt. Luckily for him, it's Las Vegas, where eruptions between now and then are scheduled hourly, every night.

Knievel, the 46-year-old son of the late daredevil Evel Knievel, will jump the refurbished volcano at The Mirage hotel-casino on a motorcycle as part of a television special on New Year's Eve.

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O. J. Simpson leaves Las Vegas

2008-12-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the Las Vegas portion of the O. J. Simpson saga came to a conclusion. Simpson was shipped out of the local jail about 45 miles away to the medium security prison at Indian Springs, High Desert State Prison. Last night was was his first night spent at Indian Springs, serving the sentence of nine to 33 years he received Friday for his participation in an armed robbery in September 2007 at Palace Station.

Yes, Indian Springs is only about 45 miles away, and so Simpson must truly be learning that Vegas is a city built in the middle of nowhere. If he has a window view, he will be seeing only the bleakest and ugliest desert nothingness you can imagine. When I drove past Indian Springs I thought it was a good nomination to be Purgatory. And that is without the prison.

Back in Vegas yesterday, I happened to get off a highway exit near Palace Station, and I noticed the casino. I have gotten off that highway exit many times before but never picked up the clear view of Palace Station. The reason, of course: Palace Station, was just another casino, and when you live in Vegas, over time, small gambling properties -- despite marquees, blinking lights and a large hotel towers -- become as invisible as slot machines at the grocery store.

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A Las Vegas Golf 'Rebelution' Continues on the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour

2008-12-12T05:51:00.001-08:00

December 9, 2008--With proper credit to UNLV Head Basketball coach, and Las Vegas golfer himself, Lon Kruger, the headline to this article steals the catch phrase from his Runnin' Rebel hoops team: "The Rebelution has begun." But the same could be said about the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour. The PGA Tour and LPGA Tour qualifying events are done and three more former UNLV Rebels earned exempt status on the world's biggest tours. Chris Riley (pictured) and James Oh earned full PGA Tour status, while Sunny Oh earned partial LPGA Tour status. Las Vegas' Charlotte Mayorkas earned full status. Read on for Riley's story and the results of other Las Vegas pros.

Riley, who is a past champion on the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour and a member of the 2004 Ryder Cup team, said all week during the Q School experience that he had never felt such intense pressure. Riley recorded a 19-under par total during the six rounds of the event to finish right on the number and among the 28 players who earned exempt status for the 2009 PGA Tour season.

Riley made a dazzling par save from a greenside bunker during the final round on his 18th hole to closeout a 3-under par 69 on the Nicklaus course at PGA West. "This was the most pressure-packed day ever,” Riley told San Diego Union-Tribune writer Tod Leonard following the round. “Even in the majors I've played in, the nerves go away after the first few holes. They never went away today."

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GMs, Agents, Welcome To Las Vegass of yesterday, baseball executives and MLBPA agents had crawled up into the Ritz and glitz of Las Vegas, but this tr

2008-12-12T05:50:00.001-08:00

s of yesterday, baseball executives and MLBPA agents had crawled up into the Ritz and glitz of Las Vegas, but this trip is not to enjoy the blackjack tables, luxurious pool decks, and clubs that stay open all hours of the night.

The agents and executives are in Vegas for one of the most important baseball events of the year, the Winter Meetings. Everyone will be “vacationing” in Vegas until Thursday, with many deals going down before that point in time. Before the meetings officially kicked off, there was word of signing talks. Of the twenty-four players offered arbitration prior to the deadline, only two accepted (David Weathers and Darren Oliver). You better believe the other twenty-two players and their agents are on hand in Las Vegas, talking to a variety of GMs and front-office execs.

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Angels owner Arte Moreno arrives in Las Vegas

2008-12-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS -- Angels owner Arte Moreno arrived at the Bellagio today and is expected to take part in meetings with Scott Boras, the agent for first baseman Mark Teixeira, either today or Wednesday.

Moreno did not speak to reporters on the way to the elevators this afternoon. Tim Mead, Angels vice president of communications, said that no special significance should be attached to Moreno's presence, that he wasn't necessarily in town to close a deal for Teixeira or free-agent pitcher CC Sabathia.

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Las Vegas: The Mirage adds a walk of flame

2008-12-09T06:14:00.001-08:00

This time of year, there's often a chill in the air in Las Vegas, as temperatures some nights dip into the 30s. But starting Monday evening, people making their way down the sidewalk may choose to shed their mittens and caps as they reach the Mirage, where there'll be plenty of heat coming from an erupting "volcano."

Since the hotel's opening in 1989, its mock volcano -- towering over a 3-acre lagoon along Las Vegas Boulevard -- has become a Sin City landmark. The free attraction has been dormant since February, though, while it underwent a face-lift. And far from just a few tucks here and there, this is a $25-million overall redo.

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Las Vegas Prepares for 2008 MLB Winter Meetings

2008-12-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

On Monday, baseball executives will head to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2008 MLB Winter Meetings. Every year at this time, when we almost forget about baseball completely, the media goes stir-crazy over the Winter Meetings, a time when major league baseball elites meet to discuss the top issues concerning the League. Players, agents, owners, and executives will arrive in Las Vegas on Monday.

Top items of discussion will be multi-player trades and free-agent signings. Scott Boras, the top sports-agent for most of the highest-paid players in the league, is expected to put on a spectacle, as he does each year.
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Entire town takes a holiday in Las Vegas

2008-12-09T06:12:00.001-08:00

The tiny Texas town of Cranfills Gap really needs a vacation.
At least that's the opinion of Las Vegas tourism officials, who've decided to fly nearly half of the 350 residents to the desert playground as part of a five-day getaway and publicity stunt.

Up to 120 people - those who could get off work and were over age 21 - will fly in one jet to Sin City next weekend and stay in swanky hotels, eat at fancy restaurants and see glitzy shows - all for free. The catch: They'll be followed the entire time by video cameras for tourism commercials to air early next year.

They won't get any spending money if they want to gamble or shop during their few hours of free time each day. But for many in the town with only two stop signs and no traffic lights, it's a perfect pre-holiday getaway.

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O.J. Simpson prepares for prison in LasVegas

2008-12-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - More than a decade after O.J. Simpson stunned much of America by walking away from a murder trial a free man, the onetime football great known for unbridled speed was preparing to spend in prison what should have been the prime years of a superstar's retirement.

The 61-year-old former athlete, Hollywood actor and pioneering symbol of African-American celebrity success was sentenced on Friday to as much as 33 years behind bars, with eligibility for parole after nine, for a robbery caper in Las Vegas last year.

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U.S. Economic Woes Hit Las Vegas Hard

2008-12-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

In just mere hours, we will know the winner of the Dream Match between Oscar DeLa Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. If facial expressions during the weigh-in would be our basis of who the winner is, hands down, it would be Manny Pacquiao.

I wrote in my previous article about the nervousness in Oscar De La Hoya’s eyes. I would like to digress and discuss non-boxing issue that may affect, or should I say, already affecting, this much-awaited fight.

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Las Vegas has hot hotel deals, a cool spot to chill out

2008-12-09T06:03:00.001-08:00

Now is a great time to visit Vegas, if you’re not stuck on needing winter chill. Well, actually, not to be outdone, Sin City of the desert delivers in that department too: Mandalay Palace’s Minus 5 bar will keep your tush cool with an ice sofa, and the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Park is just 45 minutes out of the city. Read about these and other must-dos for the season in Jen Leo’s article, “Vegas for the Holidays.”

Then get yourself shopping for hotel-room deals, which are overflowing the hopper this month. Here are a few good ones that have come across our desks.

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'The Lion King' opening in Las Vegas in May

2008-12-09T06:02:00.001-08:00

LAS VEGAS—Producers say "The Lion King" will be coming to the Las Vegas Strip in May and will arrive at its full length.

The version of the Tony Award-winning musical opening at Mandalay Bay resort will duplicate its Broadway version in every way. Many other Broadway shows are shortened before arriving in the Las Vegas in an attempt to cater to casino audiences.

Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher told reporters on Friday he was determined "to be able to wait until we could do the full version."

Schumacher announced a May 3 opening date for the show.

"The Lion King" will replace the musical "Mamma Mia!" which moved into the Mandalay Bay Theatre in 2003 and is scheduled to close Jan. 4.

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Trifecta Weekend for Las Vegas

2008-12-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

It could be the perfect storm for the Las Vegas economy this weekend with three major events taking place. The National Finals Rodeo, the Las Vegas Marathon and the Manny Pacquiao/Oscar De La Hoya fight. The events are expected to draw thousands of fans and pump millions of dollars into a suffering local economy.

Pacquiao and De La Hoya will go fist-to-fist on Saturday night at the MGM. It is being billed as the fight of the year and tickets sold out quickly even though they came with high price tags.
The 2008 Las Vegas Marathon will kick off Sunday at 6 a.m. from Mandalay Bay when thousands of runners and walkers take to the Las Vegas Strip to complete either the half-marathon or the full 26-mile course.

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Cowboys, Cowgirls Descend on Las Vegas

2008-12-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Cowboys, cowgirls and their fans have descended on Las Vegas, and officials are telling motorists to prepare for heavy traffic around the Thomas & Mack Center.

The National Finals Rodeo starts Thursday and runs through December 13th. An estimated 140,000 rodeo fans are expected in town, with about 17,500 attendees at the sold-out arena every day.

Las Vegas tourism officials are hoping the NFR will pump some much needed dollars into the local economy. It's considered the World Series of all things western. The NFR is 10 solid days of ropin' and ridin'. "Cowboys love to have fun," said Ira Sternberg, Las Vegas Hilton.

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Sucked Into The Tunnels Beneath Las Vegas

2008-12-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

It would be easy to go a whole weekend on the Las Vegas Strip without spotting a sign of a crisis. Never mind that more than 14,000 people are living on the streets — and that Nevada ranks second in the nation in homeless population per capita.

Seeing evidence of this is a matter of knowing — or perhaps choosing — where to look.

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Wynn Resorts falls as analysts cuts price target

2008-12-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

Shares of Wynn Resorts Ltd. fell Thursday as an analyst cut the casino operator's price target partly on volatility in the Las Vegas and Macau gaming markets.

Las Vegas casino operators have been hindered by the ongoing housing downturn, tightened consumer spending and diminishing credit. Meanwhile the Chinese gambling enclave of Macau has battled stricter visa restrictions and commission caps.

Macau has looked to limit commission rates paid to junket operators who bring VIP customers into casinos while also limiting how frequently the mainland Chinese can visit Macau.

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Las Vegas air traffic down 12.8 percent for Oct.

2008-12-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas airport officials say passenger traffic at the city's major airport declined 12.8 percent in October compared to the same month one year ago, the 12th straight monthly decline.

The figures released this week show nearly 3.6 million passengers used McCarran International Airport during October 2008, compared to 4 million in October 2007.
One month ago, the airport said its September numbers showed a 13.2 percent decline, the largest decrease since the months following 9/11.

US Airways traffic at the airport declined 23 percent for October as the airline implemented cuts that had already been announced. The year-to-date passenger total for the first 10 months of 2008 is 37.6 million, down from 40.3 million for the same time frame last year.

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Betsy Fretwell named new Las Vegas city manager

2008-12-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

Betsy Fretwell, a deputy city manager for the city of Las Vegas, has been tapped to take the place of outgoing City Manager Doug Selby.

Her appointment was approved by the City Council today and takes effect Jan. 23.
Selby announced recently that he's leaving the post he held for six years to pursue other opportunities. Fretwell will be taking the reins at a time when Las Vegas is struggling with budget shortfalls and slow growth.

"We've got tough times ahead of us," she said. "But I think we're ready for it ... I know that we're going to do great things together."

City of Las Vegas Looking to Cut Jobs

2008-12-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

There are 150 jobs that will be lost for city employees. The Las Vegas City Council says it needs to be done to avoid a $150 million shortfall in the future.

The council met Wednesday and heard from the City Manager and the Chief Financial Officer to see where these jobs are coming from.

"If we don't do anything and stay the way we are, we're going to be feeling a $150 million short fall in the next few years," said City Manager Douglas Selby.

Selby didn't sugarcoat the situation the City of Las Vegas is in. Chart after chart, the Selby and CFO Mark Vincent went into detail of how much of a drop the city has seen in revenue.

RE/MAX CENTRAL of Las Vegas Selected as One of Top 200 REALTORS

2008-12-03T04:34:00.001-08:00

RE/MAX CENTRAL of Las Vegas, home of the #1 RE/MAX Team in the world, proudly announces winning The Award for The Top 200 Real Estate Professionals in the US by Real Trends and the Wall Street Journal. RE/MAX CENTRAL of Las Vegas is also announcing the availability of an in-depth Power Point presentation providing the professional investor with insight about Las Vegas Real Estate and related market trends.

"Las Vegas Real Estate has levels of affordability not seen in years. Location for renting and timing of purchasing are keys for investors buying discounted properties for a sustainable return on their money," said John and Ruth Ahlbrand, Co-Founders of RE/MAX CENTRAL. "Many professional investment groups and Hedge Funds are investing now, as the absorption rate is showing that the demand is increasing, thus decreasing the supply of homes. Our homes are priced for positive cash flow, appreciation, and a profitable exit strategy."

What happens in Vegas? For rodeo's marquee event, a huge boom

2008-12-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

Shawn Davis cast the tiebreaking vote that moved rodeo's biggest event from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas in 1985, a Vegas marriage of cowboy grit and neon glitz.
"I'm still not the most popular guy in Oklahoma City," says Davis, now general manager of the National Finals Rodeo, running 10 consecutive nights Thursday through Dec. 13 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

This is the 50th anniversary of the NFR and its 24th year in Las Vegas, where it is under contract through 2014. As it has been the past 22 years, the NFR is sold out, more than 170,000 tickets, for all 10 performances.

Buy Local Says Las Vegas Chamber

2008-12-02T07:33:00.001-08:00

Despite the deals available online, local businesses are launching a campaign to encourage shoppers to keep their money locally. Local money means local jobs and also helps the cash-strapped local governments which depend on the tax revenue.

The effort is being spearheaded by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Starting soon you'll see a public service announcement featuring Mayor Oscar Goodman.

When you are planning where to spend your holiday dollars, Isaac Domenzain is probably not on your mind. He is one of three technical service employees at a local business called PC Laptops on the valley's west side.

His job depends on local customers, "A lot of people have questions, they don't know how to do this -- little things that people that don't know, we know so we help them out. It is pretty cool. They go out with a smile on their face."

De La Hoya and Pacquiao are Vegas-bound

2008-12-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Oscar De La Hoya stopped by Staples Center on Monday for the unveiling of a statue of him standing atop lower ring ropes and raising his fists in victory. The statue is at a Staples entrance already decorated by statues of Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky.
"If I can touch one person and make them think, 'I can do it,' my goal is accomplished," De La Hoya told onlookers.

The Times' Bill Plaschke will be posting a column later tonight on the ceremony.
The ceremony drew De La Hoya's wife, Millie, their two children and other family members. De La Hoya was scheduled to fly from Van Nuys Airport to Las Vegas on Monday.

"We had a workout this morning in Pasadena, and his spirits and morale are so high ... I haven't seen this much confidence and speed from him since before the first [Julio Cesar] Chavez fight," said Joel De La Hoya, the boxer's brother. "As soon as we get to Vegas, we're going right over to [run at] the track at UNLV."

Las Vegas places a big bet on China's only gambling mecca

2008-12-01T04:47:00.001-08:00

Nobody has put a bigger bet on Macao, the only place in China with legalized gambling, than the Las Vegas Sands Corp., which opened the 3,000-suite Venetian in 2007 as the cornerstone of a 20,000-room complex. Built to handle Macao's 55 percent annual growth in gambling, the casino is three times the size of the largest casino in Las Vegas.

More than half the tables were empty on a Sunday evening. A dance show by four young Western women had just three spectators, as grim-faced Chinese gamblers preferred to hunch over baccarat tables and slot machines. Above the casino, the Venetian's 350-store mall has a full range of retailers plus three indoor canals with gondoliers singing arias. The hotel has four outdoor swimming pools.

Making a reservation was a nightmare. My wife had to call repeatedly, waiting on hold for 20 minutes or more each time. The reservation clerks spoke mostly Cantonese, the language of southeastern China, and very little English. Once we arrived, the receptionist spoke fluent English, admired our baby and scribbled directions to our suite on a map. He did not offer to send one of the handful of bellhops to help us navigate the labyrinth.

SPIN CYCLE : Schlock and awe at pricey Las Vegas shows

2008-12-01T04:46:00.001-08:00

So much for what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Even Vegas isn’t happening in Las Vegas these days. That’s according to the local television news reports declaring financial doom on the flatscreen in our hotel room (which was not the kind of room we requested; we couldn’t get that, we were told, because despite troubled times the place was booked solid ), while outside our window the optimistic lights of Nevada’s Neverland blinked and blinded as always. We didn’t notice evidence of a downturn in tourism during our recent stay where we witnessed swarms of other deflated-401 (k ) owners relishing fine restaurants, lining up at the clubs, browsing and buying in the boutiques and donating dollars to the slots and tables. And splurging on tickets to pricey shows. We had plenty of company while taking in four of the Strip’s blockbusters, each reviewed here. (Note that ticket prices do not include tax. )

One notable new show we missed: Bette Midler’s act at Caesars Palace, which was sold out of its $ 117- $ 272 tickets. See ? That has to mean the economy isn’t a total disaster. Or Divine Miss M fans are in total denial.

Vegas convention authority defends ad agency deal

2008-12-01T04:45:00.001-08:00

LAS VEGAS—The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority says its increasingly close relationship to a local advertising and public relations agency is not inappropriate despite a report that says payments over seven years departed from contract terms.
The report, done by a government watchdog group, says the convention authority provided a rubber stamp to R&R Partners with the signature of one of its executives as a shortcut to approving expenses of more than $500 as required by the contract.

It also says the firm is paid more than 17 percent commission on airtime purchases by the convention authority, but the price of the airtime is not documented to the authority.