Las Vegas Job Market Keeps Getting Tougher

The Las Vegas job market continue to be challenging for those out of work.  The State of Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) released reports on December 2008 unemployment levels on Monday this week.  Nevada’s unemployment level jumped to 9.1% unemployment.  This is the highest it has been in over 25 years.

To shed more light on the matter…. if you take into consideration the 5,200 jobs that Wynn Encore added in December, the situation looks even more bleak.  If you remove that job creation, Nevada would be over 10%.  So…… it is pretty bad folks.

However, there is some hope on the horizon.  It appears President Obama’s stimulus package will improve the employment outlook in Nevada.  Nearly $1 trillion will be pushed out to the states to stimulate the economy.  A large portion of that is dedicated to job creation.  The areas where you will see growth will be in Public Works project such as roadways, bridges, telecommunication infrastructure, health care and education. 

Nevada supposedly has some 300+ ’shovel ready’ projects that will be presented for funding.  These projects will create many new jobs in Nevada.  The money will flow from the feds to the states and then down to the counties and agencies performing the work.  I anticipate the majority of the initial work will be outsourced so there will be a substantial amount of job creation in the private sectors as well as the public.�

Put it On Your Calendar: Answers to your Podcasting Questions – LIVE via Video

If you have an interest in podcasting that goes beyond the Living in Las Vegas Podcast, I’ve got some exciting news:

This THURSDAY (1/29/09) at 9:00AM PST, I will be testing our new multi-camera, multi-input live video streaming capabilities by offering 45 minutes of interactive podcast questions and answers to any participant joining us during this live session.  This will be a first-in, first-served arrangement where I’ll do my best to answer as many of your podcasting questions as possible during our time together.  I think it’ll be pretty cool.

Here’s the scoop:

Date: January 29, 2009
Time: 9:00AM PST
URL: http://www.podworx.com/LivePodcastAnswers

See you on Thursday!

Best Shows in Las Vegas

When looking for things to do in Las Vegas it is important to take a look at all your options. Las Vegas can be very overwhelming for those who do not travel there to often. We have put together a list of some of the better shows and things to do in Las Vegas.

1.

The Blue Man Group has become a show that the whole world knows about. Blue Man Group is one of those shows that keeps you talking for a few hours once you leave it. These little painted blue heads will memorize your visual sense by putting together one of the best shows Vegas has to offer.

2.

Cirque du Soleil will simply take your breath away. This combination of visually trickery and explosive imagination will leave you speechless through the entire show.

3.

Ice is a new show that is quickly gaining speed. From the streets of Moscow this show is beautiful in nature and very serene.

Local’s Deal: 25% off Carrot Top

As a local, I’m always playing Tour Guide and going to shows; I’ve seen Mamma Mia ten times! But, the one show I really enjoy and don’t mind seeing over and over again is Carrot Top. While parts of his show stay the same, the majority of it is new, different and incorporates current events, making it the perfect show for Locals.

Now through March 1, Carrot Top is offering Locals 25% off tickets. Call 702-262-4400 or visit a Luxor Box Office with your Nevada ID.

[Disclaimer: I work for Luxor]

Shuffle Up: Big Games on the 2009 World Series of Poker Schedule

Filed under: Casinos, Poker & Gambling, Event Finder, Sports & Rec

Shuffle Up: Big Games on the 2009 World Series of Poker Schedule

Filed under: Casinos, Poker & Gambling, Event Finder, Sports & Rec

Inaugural “Village Craft Beer Festival” Coming To The Village

Event benefits The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada

The Village (MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas) and Buckbean Brewing Company, the largest production microbrewery in Nevada, host the first-ever Village Beer Fest on Sat., March 14, 2009 from 3 – 7 p.m. Tickets for the festival are available at the event for $20 per person which includes an engraved commemorative glass, with proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada (MDA).

The Village Craft Festival showcases craft beers from around the U.S. served along The Village’s cobblestone streets with waterfront views. Live music by Las Vegas’ The Wedge Brothers will cap off a great day where guests can enjoy these hand-crafted brews in support of a great cause.

“Buckbean’s excited to partner with The Village on this event and hopes it will become an annual event,” said Buckbean Brewing Company Owner Douglas Booth. “The location is perfect for this type of event with restaurants and shops to enhance the experience and a resort in case guests have had too much fun and need a place to sleep.”

Guests wishing to take advantage of MonteLago Village Resort’s luxury lakeside lodging can do so by calling 888-600-2688. Complete with scenic balconies, full kitchens and living areas, lodging at the resort starts at only $99 per night, plus resort fees and taxes. Mention “Beer Fest” when calling to receive the special rate. A special Beer Festival package is also available and includes an overnight stay and two passes to the event for $125, a 35 percent savings (plus resort fees and taxes).

For more information on this event, please visit www.montelagovillage.com. For sponsorship information during any MonteLago Village event, please call 702-564-4785.

ABOUT BUCKBEAN BREWING COMPANY:
Buckbean Brewing Company recently expanded into the Las Vegas and Northern California markets. The craft beer company produces its two signature beers, Original Orange Blossom Ale and Black Noddy Lager, in 16-ounce, environmentally-friendly cans, giving beer fans the opportunity to take their favorite brew with them hiking, biking, golfing and boating without the worry of glass breaking. www.buckbeanbeer.com

ABOUT THE VILLAGE:
Located just 17 miles from the heart of Las Vegas, The Village (MonteLago Village) creates the calm and leisurely pace of a Mediterranean town with cobblestone streets, sweeping mountains views and more than 30 unique shopping and dining options along the way. A perfect lakefront location for a celebratory dinner, a night out with the ladies or a romantic weekend away – The Village is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. MonteLago Village Resort offers world-class accommodations located within The Village and Lake Las Vegas. Services at The Village and Lake Las Vegas include shopping, dining, boat cruises, spa services, gondola rides, fishing, golfing and other activities. www.montelagovillage.com

ABOUT MDA:
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a voluntary health agency – a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. The MDA of Southern Nevada serves over 455 families affected by muscular dystrophy in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. MDA funds worldwide research, provides free clinics, assists with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices, provides loan closets, facilitates support groups and provides the MDA Summer Camp for youngsters. www.mda.org

For media information, please contact:
Alissa Kelly
PR Plus
702-696-1999
alissa@prpluslv.com

For event information, including sponsorships, please contact:
Andrea Day
MonteLago Village
702-564-4785
aday@mlvillage.com

Drew Carey Hits Vegas Super Bowl Weekend

Filed under: Shows, Celebrity, Event Finder

Drew Carey Hits Vegas Super Bowl Weekend

Filed under: Shows, Celebrity, Event Finder

Top 13 Vegas Casino Hotel Deals Right Now

Filed under: Casinos, Travel Tips, Vegas Tips