Updates from Vegas. Hard to believe over 20 years when Fish and I saw Siegrid and Roy at Frontier. Almost didnt go for comp show. Part of package deal staying there with 3 busloads of Iowa squares going to Rose Bowl.
BREAKING NEWS
Mirage Announces S&R Replacement Show
To replace Siegfried & Roy, Cirque du Soleil, the Mirage, and the company that represents the Beatles will team up to produce a "celebration of the musical legacy and extraordinary experience of the Beatles." The live theatre production, which will open in 2006 at the Mirage, is the first time that the Beatles’ company, Apple Corps, has agreed to a major theatrical partnership.
More details in the November LVA.
Barrick Buys
Barrick Gaming, which paid $82 million for four downtown casinos last year, has increased its holdings by purchasing two more properties and a parking lot for $8.1 million. The Hotel Nevada and Queen of Hearts motel are across the street from Barrick’s Plaza Hotel-Casino; both come with unlimited gambling licenses. Barrick executives say they haven’t decided exactly what to do with the properties, but will incorporate them in some fashion, perhaps a high-rise, into their master plan for upgrading the again Main Street corridor near the Plaza.
----------------------------------------
ODDS AND ENDS
Kerry Price Still Falling
Continuing our coverage of the state of the presidential-election betting line, John Kerry continues to gain ground following the final debate. The return on Kerry has dropped steadily, getting as low as +125 (bet $100 to win $125) at one point. The line has currently settled at about +130.
New Eats in the Mall
Three more restaurants have opened in the Fashion Show Mall. Joining the Café Ba Ba Reeba tapas restaurant are the Capital Grille steakhouse, Maggiano's Little Italy, and RA Sushi Bar. Along with the existing Mariposa, California Pizza Kitchen, and the big food court, the Fashion Show now has a potent culinary line-up located center-Strip.
Nooner Down
Bottom's Up has closed after a four-year stint at the Flamingo. There's no word on whether this long-running show will pick up at another venue.
Ba-Da-Bing Moves to the Stardust
Ba-Da-Bing, the interactive dinner musical, has closed at Aladdin's Desert Passage and will reopen this Friday at the Stardust. Tickets are $60 general admission and $80 VIP (including all taxes and gratuity). Doors open at 6 pm; showtime is at 7:30 nightly.
Comedy at the Horseshoe
The Horseshoe has a new nightly comedy show. "Vinny Favorito" plays Tuesdays through Saturdays; tickets are $30. This is the first bona fide show to play the Horseshoe that we know of.
Also downtown, Ovation has opened at the Lady Luck. It plays Wednesdays through Mondays at 7 and 9 pm; tickets are $24.95 (show only) or $34.95 (show and buffet).
Beach Boys to Perform at Lake Las Vegas
Tonight, the Beach Boys will perform on the floating stage on the beach at Lake Las Vegas Resort's Reflection Bay Golf Club. The show begins at 8 pm. To purchase tickets ($49.95 plus tax), call 702/567-9890 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com.
----------------------------------------
LINK OF THE WEEK
Skydive Las Vegas
Go to SkyDiveLasVegas.com to check out the site of a skydiving service provider that caters primarily to first-time sky divers seeking an out-of-the-ordinary experience to spice up a Vegas vacation. Prices range from $155 to $199 per person and include ground training prior to your dive, and round-trip shuttle service from a central location on the Strip. Skydivers have a choice of different exit altitudes, including the highest in the U.S. (free-fall time of 51-60 seconds). Views during your dive will include Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, Lake Mead, the Strip, Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and the Valley of Fire. Visit the site for more information and to see skydiving pictures and video clips.
----------------------------------------
COUPON OF THE WEEK
2-for-1 Lunch Buffet at the Palms
In deference to its owner's heritage, the Fantasy Market Buffet at the Palms is one of two major buffets (the other being the Aladdin) that has a fixed Middle Eastern station. And we love Middle Eastern food, so we decided to do lunch there and get the 2-for-1 saving using POV coupon #92. Offerings include beef-lamb gyros, baba ghanoush, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pickled turnips, a variety of olives, Lebanese bean salad, and kibbe. There's also Asian, featuring a made-to-order Mongolian grill, American, Italian, soup and salad, and dessert. The dessert bar has a Starbucks-like coffee bar featuring espresso, cappuccino, latté, etc.; this station is not always manned, though, so ask an attendant to bring out the barista. Our coupon saved us $6.99, the price of the lunch buffet before tax.
Coupon of the Week Saving Record:
Non-gambling savings: $348.60
Gambling win: $124.50
Total profit/saving: $473.10
----------------------------------------
DEEP DISCOUNT OF THE WEEK
Of Rats and Men Damaged Returns
Here's your chance to get the compelling biography of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman for $8 -- almost 70% off the retail price. These books are damaged returns, which means they've been returned from bookstores and are taking up valuable space in our warehouse. Damage is limited to bent corners, minor scuffs, and dustjacket imperfections.
Written by one of Nevada's most prominent journalists, John L. Smith, inside Of Rats and Men you'll read about Milwaukee Phil, The Wizard of Odds, The Brain, Nicky Crow, Tony Ripe, Cork, Uncle, King Rat, Tony Ducks, DeBe, Tuffy, Mad Sam, Vinny Nip, The Rifleman, Jimmy the Weasel, Billy Jack, The Midget, Crazy Phil, Joey the Clown, Toots, Vinnie Ocean, Charlie the Moose, Richie the Fixer, Big Chris, The Count, Little *****, Fat Vinnie, Chicken Man, Chicken Wing, The Ant, Jimmy Blue Eyes, and The Mad Bomber.
Minor characters from the "Sopranos"? Forgotten roles from the Godfather series? Hardly.
More like Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman's former clientele and cohorts. Find out about these colorful figures and many more in John L. Smith's Of Rats and Men.
For more than 35 years, Oscar Goodman was the country's pre-eminent defense attorney for alleged gangsters. His endless client list included Meyer Lansky, Nick Civella, Anthony Spilotro, Frank Rosenthal, Jimmy Chagra, Natale Richichi, Nicky Scarfo, and Vinny Ferrara, along with many others. Though no further connection between Goodman and the Mafia has ever been proved, the famous litigator has often been accused of being more than just a mouthpiece for organized crime.
Was Oscar Goodman only what he claims, an attorney who defended his clients based on the simple principle that they, too, have constitutional rights? And if so, how did he manage to mingle with the mob for decades without becoming part of it?
After scores of unlikely courtroom victories, Goodman pulled off an even more unlikely career change. Twice elected mayor of Las Vegas, he went from legal spokesman for the most notorious crime figures of our era to political spokesman for the most notorious city in the country.
Of Rats and Men is the story of Mafia informants, made men, over-zealous government agents, a courtroom wizard, and the "happiest mayor in America." It's the biography of Oscar Goodman.
Order at GreatStuff4Gamblers.com.
----------------------------------------
LVA LITE SPONSORS
WinnerOnline.com
WinnerOnline.com is one of the most visited online-casino information sites. They track the best online bonuses and the casinos that provide the best payouts, and there's a huge archive of original articles. Note that WinnerOnline is an information site, not a casino; however, there
BREAKING NEWS
Mirage Announces S&R Replacement Show
To replace Siegfried & Roy, Cirque du Soleil, the Mirage, and the company that represents the Beatles will team up to produce a "celebration of the musical legacy and extraordinary experience of the Beatles." The live theatre production, which will open in 2006 at the Mirage, is the first time that the Beatles’ company, Apple Corps, has agreed to a major theatrical partnership.
More details in the November LVA.
Barrick Buys
Barrick Gaming, which paid $82 million for four downtown casinos last year, has increased its holdings by purchasing two more properties and a parking lot for $8.1 million. The Hotel Nevada and Queen of Hearts motel are across the street from Barrick’s Plaza Hotel-Casino; both come with unlimited gambling licenses. Barrick executives say they haven’t decided exactly what to do with the properties, but will incorporate them in some fashion, perhaps a high-rise, into their master plan for upgrading the again Main Street corridor near the Plaza.
----------------------------------------
ODDS AND ENDS
Kerry Price Still Falling
Continuing our coverage of the state of the presidential-election betting line, John Kerry continues to gain ground following the final debate. The return on Kerry has dropped steadily, getting as low as +125 (bet $100 to win $125) at one point. The line has currently settled at about +130.
New Eats in the Mall
Three more restaurants have opened in the Fashion Show Mall. Joining the Café Ba Ba Reeba tapas restaurant are the Capital Grille steakhouse, Maggiano's Little Italy, and RA Sushi Bar. Along with the existing Mariposa, California Pizza Kitchen, and the big food court, the Fashion Show now has a potent culinary line-up located center-Strip.
Nooner Down
Bottom's Up has closed after a four-year stint at the Flamingo. There's no word on whether this long-running show will pick up at another venue.
Ba-Da-Bing Moves to the Stardust
Ba-Da-Bing, the interactive dinner musical, has closed at Aladdin's Desert Passage and will reopen this Friday at the Stardust. Tickets are $60 general admission and $80 VIP (including all taxes and gratuity). Doors open at 6 pm; showtime is at 7:30 nightly.
Comedy at the Horseshoe
The Horseshoe has a new nightly comedy show. "Vinny Favorito" plays Tuesdays through Saturdays; tickets are $30. This is the first bona fide show to play the Horseshoe that we know of.
Also downtown, Ovation has opened at the Lady Luck. It plays Wednesdays through Mondays at 7 and 9 pm; tickets are $24.95 (show only) or $34.95 (show and buffet).
Beach Boys to Perform at Lake Las Vegas
Tonight, the Beach Boys will perform on the floating stage on the beach at Lake Las Vegas Resort's Reflection Bay Golf Club. The show begins at 8 pm. To purchase tickets ($49.95 plus tax), call 702/567-9890 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com.
----------------------------------------
LINK OF THE WEEK
Skydive Las Vegas
Go to SkyDiveLasVegas.com to check out the site of a skydiving service provider that caters primarily to first-time sky divers seeking an out-of-the-ordinary experience to spice up a Vegas vacation. Prices range from $155 to $199 per person and include ground training prior to your dive, and round-trip shuttle service from a central location on the Strip. Skydivers have a choice of different exit altitudes, including the highest in the U.S. (free-fall time of 51-60 seconds). Views during your dive will include Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, Lake Mead, the Strip, Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and the Valley of Fire. Visit the site for more information and to see skydiving pictures and video clips.
----------------------------------------
COUPON OF THE WEEK
2-for-1 Lunch Buffet at the Palms
In deference to its owner's heritage, the Fantasy Market Buffet at the Palms is one of two major buffets (the other being the Aladdin) that has a fixed Middle Eastern station. And we love Middle Eastern food, so we decided to do lunch there and get the 2-for-1 saving using POV coupon #92. Offerings include beef-lamb gyros, baba ghanoush, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pickled turnips, a variety of olives, Lebanese bean salad, and kibbe. There's also Asian, featuring a made-to-order Mongolian grill, American, Italian, soup and salad, and dessert. The dessert bar has a Starbucks-like coffee bar featuring espresso, cappuccino, latté, etc.; this station is not always manned, though, so ask an attendant to bring out the barista. Our coupon saved us $6.99, the price of the lunch buffet before tax.
Coupon of the Week Saving Record:
Non-gambling savings: $348.60
Gambling win: $124.50
Total profit/saving: $473.10
----------------------------------------
DEEP DISCOUNT OF THE WEEK
Of Rats and Men Damaged Returns
Here's your chance to get the compelling biography of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman for $8 -- almost 70% off the retail price. These books are damaged returns, which means they've been returned from bookstores and are taking up valuable space in our warehouse. Damage is limited to bent corners, minor scuffs, and dustjacket imperfections.
Written by one of Nevada's most prominent journalists, John L. Smith, inside Of Rats and Men you'll read about Milwaukee Phil, The Wizard of Odds, The Brain, Nicky Crow, Tony Ripe, Cork, Uncle, King Rat, Tony Ducks, DeBe, Tuffy, Mad Sam, Vinny Nip, The Rifleman, Jimmy the Weasel, Billy Jack, The Midget, Crazy Phil, Joey the Clown, Toots, Vinnie Ocean, Charlie the Moose, Richie the Fixer, Big Chris, The Count, Little *****, Fat Vinnie, Chicken Man, Chicken Wing, The Ant, Jimmy Blue Eyes, and The Mad Bomber.
Minor characters from the "Sopranos"? Forgotten roles from the Godfather series? Hardly.
More like Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman's former clientele and cohorts. Find out about these colorful figures and many more in John L. Smith's Of Rats and Men.
For more than 35 years, Oscar Goodman was the country's pre-eminent defense attorney for alleged gangsters. His endless client list included Meyer Lansky, Nick Civella, Anthony Spilotro, Frank Rosenthal, Jimmy Chagra, Natale Richichi, Nicky Scarfo, and Vinny Ferrara, along with many others. Though no further connection between Goodman and the Mafia has ever been proved, the famous litigator has often been accused of being more than just a mouthpiece for organized crime.
Was Oscar Goodman only what he claims, an attorney who defended his clients based on the simple principle that they, too, have constitutional rights? And if so, how did he manage to mingle with the mob for decades without becoming part of it?
After scores of unlikely courtroom victories, Goodman pulled off an even more unlikely career change. Twice elected mayor of Las Vegas, he went from legal spokesman for the most notorious crime figures of our era to political spokesman for the most notorious city in the country.
Of Rats and Men is the story of Mafia informants, made men, over-zealous government agents, a courtroom wizard, and the "happiest mayor in America." It's the biography of Oscar Goodman.
Order at GreatStuff4Gamblers.com.
----------------------------------------
LVA LITE SPONSORS
WinnerOnline.com
WinnerOnline.com is one of the most visited online-casino information sites. They track the best online bonuses and the casinos that provide the best payouts, and there's a huge archive of original articles. Note that WinnerOnline is an information site, not a casino; however, there
