Vegas Gang #39 – October 30th, 2009

This time on the show:

* ARIA ARIA ARIA!
* Fontainebleau

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

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Wayne Newton to perform possible last run at Tropicana

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Is Tropicana receiving a makeover?

The venerable hotel-casino could be a whole lot different looking by next year, when it completes its $100 million renovation.

And not just in looks, but internally the talent is a-changing.

The Tropicana is the residence of Wayne Brady where he hosts the reboot of "Let's Make a Deal" (Brady's otherwise at The Venetian for his improv show).

Now Wayne Newton has set up shop at Trop, for possibly his last show before retirement. Newton has been performing for 50 years, which coincidentally is how old the Tropicana is.

Newton stars in "Once Before I Go," complete with full orchestra, video and photo montages, and his own personal memorabilia on display next to the merchandise store.

Tickets run $80 to $100.

Shows are Tuesday-Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the Tiffany Theatre and can be purchased by calling (702) 739-2417, (800) 829-9034, or http://www.troplv.com.

Everything Las Vegas: Lucky Issue # 711

October 30th, 2009.

Barry Manilow to debut at the Paris on Valentine’s Day.
By Robin Leach

It’s now definite — a lock, as they say in show business — that Barry Manilow will move to the Paris on the Strip right after his five-year contract with the Las Vegas Hilton ends in December.

The new deal has been signed, sealed and delivered, as they also say! Barry will open on Valentine’s Day to coincide with the release of his new album of love songs.

Here at Vegas DeLuxe, we were the first back to reveal back in the spring in a candid interview with Barry that he didn’t know if he would be renewing the Hilton contract, but he said if he didn’t, he definitely wanted to continue performing in Las Vegas. Over the months, we reported rumors as the Paris negotiations heated up that it would be Barry’s future home.

More here:
http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2009/oct/27/barry-manilow-debut-paris-valentines-day/

NORM: Wynn to scalpers: Oh no you don’t.

Steve Wynn is vowing to scalp the scalpers.

With Garth Brooks tickets already going for as high as $700 on ticket broker Web sites in less than 24 hours after Saturday’s sellout of Brooks’ first five weeks — 20 performances — Wynn “has an action plan for the scalpers,” a Wynn Las Vegas spokeswoman said Sunday.

“We have a number of people mobilized to take the necessary steps to see that the scalper tickets are canceled,” said Jennifer Dunne, vice president of public relations and advertising for Wynn Resorts.

“We won’t stop until we succeed,” she said.

Brooks tickets went on sale at 8 a.m. Saturday and were sold out by 1 p.m. Theater capacity is about 1,500.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/wynn-to-scalpers-oh-no-you-dont-65968952.html

Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies:

Every Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Suncoast’s showroom, Las Vegas talent shows up for the “Hit Parade.” Admission is free.

Every Friday from 4-10 p.m. at the Emerald Island Casino, 120 Market St., the “Real” Meal Deal: for $14.99 with a players card: jumbo shrimp cocktail, filet mignon and lobster tail, served with soup or salad, choice of potato, vegetable d’jour and a hot fudge brownie with fresh whipped cream.

Hawaiian variety act Society of Seven moves into the little showroom at the Gold Coast on Nov. 6, with shows Fridays through Sundays. The veteran show band’s new female star is Jasmine Trias, the “American Idol” contestant who filled in when Lani Misalucha was on break from their previous revue at the Flamingo. Misalucha is now competition as the star of “Voices” at the Las Vegas Hilton.

On Monday, Cirque du Soleil surprised a Missouri couple attending “Mystere” with a return-trip prize package for being the company’s 30 millionth Las Vegas customer. Those kind of promotions aren’t unusual — you always wonder how they pin it down to which exact patron — but the numbers do give pause.

Daniel Boulud Brasserie to Close: The Las Vegas outpost of the star chef for whom it’s named will be closing in April of next year, when its five-year operating agreement with Wynn is up. No word yet on what will take its place.

We’re in the midst of making our monthly calls to every buffet and showroom in Las Vegas for the LVA newsletter and can confirm that the V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops has slashed the prices on all of its shows, with the exception of the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater and Amazed. Tickets for The Mentalist and Sin City Comedy are down by $20, while American Storm, Fab Four Live, Mesmerized, and V: The Ultimate Variety Show (which features Mario and Jenny, who recently made it to the latter rounds of “America’s Got Talent”) have all been cut by $10. We’ll bring you all the other news from showland in the November issue of LVA, which will be out next week.

The weekend edition of USA Today ran two Las Vegas entertainment notices. The first was a feature on the Garth Brooks deal at Encore, but there was also a small mention of Wayne Newton’s deal at the Trop.

Sandy Hackett is coming back with another “Rat Pack” reincarnation. After a falling out with the Plaza-based show, “The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean,” in which he played Joey Bishop, Hackett will open “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” next month at the Sahara, where his father, legendary funnyman Buddy Hackett, performed for years.

US Airways has announced that it will continue its downsizing with the elimination of a further 1,000 jobs by the middle of next year as it closes flight crew bases in three cities and cuts more flights, including nearly 30 more flights (half its current schedule) from its once-large Las Vegas hub.

Channel 8 Eyewitness News has just revealed that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has announced that the city’s entered into an agreement to plan a major arena for downtown Las Vegas. We’ll update you with details when we have more.

Anyone who purchased tickets for the first run of sold-out Garth Brooks shows faces some serious obstacles to actually attending the event. Those who bought tickets on October 24 was given a deadline of October 27 at 12 p.m. (PT) to supply the name of every guest in their party or risk immediate cancellation of their orders. Prior to the deadline, the resort was reaching buyers via phone calls and e-mail notices, which asked for the completion of an online ticket reservation verification form.

Even after supplying the names of all guests in a group, ticket holders will face additional challenges on the day of the show. Every member of a party must present a valid photo ID that matches their reservation in order for tickets to be tendered. IDs will be checked a second time as the ticket holders enter Encore Theater for the performance. These measures are all aimed at thwarting ticket scalpers.

The previously announced indefinite postponement of completion on Boyd’s Echelon project has now been set at between three to five years. “Given the ongoing weak economic conditions, the significant new supply coming online, and a difficult capital-market environment for projects of this nature, resuming construction in the near term is not an option,” said CEO Keith Smith today.

There’s an interesting article in the Las Vegas Sun gaming writer Liz Benston about how Vegas casinos are employing social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter to communicate with their clientele and stay atuned to customer feedback, whether positive or otherwise.

Dos Caminos at the Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans a Day of the Dead brunch for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Special menu items include a slow-roasted stew of goat and fall vegetables, French toast with Mexican cinnamon and chilaquiles verdes.

Harrah’s afternoon comedy-magic headliner, Mac King has been selected to perform at this year’s 53rd Annual “It’s Magic” event on Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. The event highlights performances from the best illusionists in the world of magic and will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Magic Castle. Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com.

Broadway show, “Jersey Boys,” the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, has a new award. The “Original Cast Recording” has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album won the Grammy for Best Musical Show Album in 2006 and continues to be a sales juggernaut.

The Mexican restaurant and bar Tacos & Tequila (T&T) located at the Luxor has started a Mariachi Brunch that takes place every Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The dining experience features a high-energy Mariachi band, two-for-one margaritas and “Bloody Marias,” and a variety of authentic menu selections. For information, call 702-262-5225.

Society Café Encore, the innovative American restaurant located inside Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, has been named one of the “Best New Restaurants in America” by “Esquire” magazine’s in the November 2009 issue. The eatery opens daily at 7 a.m. has signature dishes and guests start with fresh pretzel bread and house-made grainy mustard butter.

Attention all pizza lovers, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is introducing its popular coal-fired fare to Las Vegas. The Florida-based brand has emerged into Las Vegas and is taking Sin City by storm with its crispy, coal-fired pizza and oven-roasted chicken wings. “We are pleased and proud to launch the Anthony’s brand in Las Vegas,” said Anthony Bruno, founder and CEO of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. “We wanted to share our food with tourists and locals alike, making Las Vegas and Town Square an obvious location for our 18th restaurant. We also believe there is a void in the city for coal cooking, and we wanted to introduce this type of pizza to the Las Vegas community,” said Bruno. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza attributes the success of its Florida locations to a combination of top-quality ingredients, authentic coal-burning ovens and personal service. Every pizza served at Anthony’s restaurants is cooked in a proprietary 800-degree, coal-burning oven that provides a “well done” flavor – the chain’s trademark.
http://reportonvegas.com

Psychic Comedian Kevin Burke is a very busy man. After finishing his performance in “Caveman” at The Excalibur he rushes over to The Firtz Hotel/Casino to do his stand-up comedy show., which has a 13 month anniversary in November. It takes alot of talent have 2 simulteous hit shows in this town, and Kevin has it. Catch either or both shows if you can-the laughs are worth it.

For weeks we’ve been talking about Norbert Aleman and his La Cage production that’s being re-invented. Jimmy Emmerson is supposed to be the newest star of this updated version. Jimmy is currently appearing in “Naked Boys Singing ”at the Onyx Theater and Commercial Center.

A new Korean restaurant “Ginseng” has opened at The Imperial Palace.

Mizuya Sushi/Saki has opened at Mandalay Bay.

Dragon Noodle Co. & Sushio Bar has opened at Monte Carlo. This place is distinguished by waitresses dressed as characters from Japanese anime cartoons.

Mandalay Bay ($35-$40 on Sundays), The Orleans ($21-$25 on Fridays) and even Circus, Circus ($20-$15 for children) are the latest casinos to add all-day buffets options.

A new burger chain from Denver plans to open 20 restaurants in Las Vegas.

MIKE WEATHERFORD: Three divas return to spotlight.

Three of Las Vegas’ more storied divas are back to work. And who knows? Maybe they could all work together.

“Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas” opened Sunday at the Imperial Palace as a 10 p.m. roommate to the vocal group Human Nature. Both shows are overseen by producer Adam Steck.

Marino even says it’s a “very strong probability” that his longtime “Boy-lesque” rival, Kenny Kerr, might join the cast by February. Kerr is back in town after working in Palm Springs, Calif., and has been doing late-night sets at De Stefano’s restaurant, 3430 E. Tropicana Ave.

The third diva isn’t a cross-dresser, but a puppet. Simply known as Madame, the former Vegas headliner — now under the guiding hand of Rick Skye — returns for a cabaret benefit at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Stage Door Theatre in Town Square shopping center. The $20 tickets help Aid for AIDS of Nevada.

More from The LVRJ here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/three-divas-return-to-spotlight-65465532.html

NORM: Regis and Kelly taping at Encore.

Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa will be warming up Garth Brooks’ new home.

“Live! With Regis & Kelly” has scheduled a four-show visit Nov. 22-23 at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas. That’s less than three weeks before Brooks’ Dec. 11 debut in the same theater.

The TV co-hosts announced the tapings during Thursday’s show.

Look for Kelly to track down the wedding chapel where she and Mark Consuelo, then co-stars on “All My Children,” got hitched here on May 1, 1996. Like a lot of newlyweds who don’t remember where they got married in Vegas, she refers to it as the “Chapel of Cheese.”

They will tape at 11 a.m. Nov. 22, a Sunday, and again at 1:30 p.m. The next day, the tapings are again at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Ticket information is at https://register.go.com/regisandkelly/tickets/index.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/regis-and-kelly-taping-at-encore-65740892.html

Heidi’s Picks By Heidi Knapp Rinella.

GOLDEN STEER STEAK HOUSE
308 W. Sahara Ave.; 384-4470

This icon of Old Las Vegas turned 50 in 2008 but hasn’t faded a bit, with red-leather U-shaped booths and other decor clearly refreshed without losing any of its period charm. We stuck to the classics with a gin martini, shrimp cocktail, tomato salad, cream of corn, Chicken of the Angels, filet mignon and tableside Cherries Jubilee and were pleased with it all. (1/25/08)
Overall: A- $$$$

OFF THE STRIP
10670 Southern Highlands Parkway; 202-2448

We were a little dubious when a reader told us that Off the Strip had really good homemade meatloaf for $10 but sure enough they did, and we liked everything else about the place as well. That would include an appetizer special of thinly sliced beef rolled around asparagus, rigatoni Bolognese with a meatball, and the oh-please-I-can’t-stand-it homemade cheesecake. Oh, and especially the service. (10/16/09)
Overall: A $$

PANNA THAI
6015 S. Fort Apache Road; 823-2345

We were a little wary of the pineapple curry with pork since it’s so easy to go overly sweet with a dish like that but we needn’t have worried, as the fruit was offset by tomato chunks and a substantial kick in the coconut-and-red-curry-based sauce. We also liked the meltingly tender garlic short ribs and the beef Sa-Te (also known as satay), and the soothing, neutral-colored atmosphere that helps this neighborhood restaurant feel like anything but. (9/12/08)
Overall: A- $$

SWITCH
Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 248-3463

The unique interiors of this restaurant — yes, interiors in the plural, because the walls and ceilings periodically switch among three permutations, which is very cool — are spectacular, but don’t overshadow superlative food and flawless service. We happily recommend the risotto with champagne and Parmesan, oysters on the half shell (three from the West, three from the East), seared Arctic char, organic free-range chicken, gratin Dauphinois, creamed spinach and chocolate crunch bar. (4/10/09)
Overall: A $$$$
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/heidis-picks-65740777.html

LAX nightclub at Luxor among top spots to celebrity watch.

By John Przybys
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Every Las Vegas nightclub prides itself on the celebrities it attracts. But, even in this glittery universe, LAX at Luxor ranks as one of the most potent celebrity magnets in town.

During the past few months alone, the roster of celebs who have chosen to spend some of their precious partying time at LAX has included Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, hosting several of their Los Angeles Lakers teammates, reality TV personality Kristin Cavallari, and even Emmanuel Lewis, star of the ’80s sitcom “Webster,” hosting a retro “Way Back Wednesday” event.

The 26,000-square-foot LAX, located at Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, celebrated its second birthday on Labor Day weekend. And while the club holds about 1,500 people, its design prevents LAX from feeling too big or too cavernous.

“The great thing about LAX is that it’s a large venue, but it’s not a box and it’s not claustrophobic,” says Michael Gilmartin of Pure Management Group.

More from The LVRJ here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/seeing-stars-65740772.html

MIKE WEATHERFORD: Madame making return to Vegas.

Some of the new stars of the Strip are Achmed the Dead Terrorist and Winston the Impersonating Turtle. It seems only fitting for Madame to stage a comeback.

Those old enough to know their disco-era camp surely remember the ribald puppet. A cross between Gloria Swanson and Phyllis Diller, Madame threw old-Hollywood savoir-faire into rimshot one-liners such as “I have very little to say about sex: ‘Yes,’ ‘When?’ and ‘Where?’ ”

The alter-ego of the late Wayland Flowers had her own syndicated sitcom, “Madame’s Place,” and headlined the Sahara and Sands in the early 1980s. Flowers had a house in Las Vegas during that era.

But Madame’s career came to a sad end.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/madame-making-return-to-vegas-65931332.html

T&T HAS THE DEADLIEST CURE FOR THE HALLOWEEN HANGOVER.

Recover from Halloween mayhem and celebrate El Dia de los Muertos – that’s The Day of the Dead for you gringos – at Tacos & Tequila (T&T) on Sunday, November 1. Take that morning walk-of-shame with pride and strut on over in last night’s costume – we won’t tell. T&T’s $1,000 Deadliest Dressed costume contest is the perfect excuse to still be wearing leftover Halloween attire. The fiesta will heat up from noon until 5 p.m. with killer brunch and drink specials and spooky entertainment.

Party-goers are invited to partake in the celebration of this ancient Mexican holiday to honor the departed with T&T’s Deadliest Dressed costume contest in which $1,000 will be awarded for the costume that best captures the Day of the Dead spirit. In addition T&T will be serving its red-hot Mariachi Brunch featuring flavorful dishes, $5 Dos Equis and two-for-one Bloody Marias and margaritas. T&T’s Dia de Los Muertos fiesta will also feature a photo booth and some lively entertainment including an airbrush tattoo artist and DJ Ernan spinning a spooky mix of rock, Latin and house beats.

T&T, the highly-stylized Mexican restaurant and bar with a fun, high-energy vibe and flavorful menu, is located inside the Luxor Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The 8,000-square-foot venue embodies Mexican culture intermixed with rock-n-roll flair with a flavorful menu created for Drive This Entertainment! by the talents of world-renowned restaurateur and chef Richard Sandoval. For more information contact T&T at 702.262.5225, or visit the web site at www.tacosandtequilalv.com

Society of Seven to Headline at Gold Coast Showroom.

Formed in Hawaii and perfected in showrooms throughout Las Vegas and the Islands, Society of Seven brings its lively variety show to the Gold Coast Showroom for an extended run beginning November 6. Joined by season three American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias, Society of Seven is scheduled to appear every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with two shows daily – 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Society of Seven, the famed Hawaiian-bred group, offers an energetic variety show that combines comedy sketches, celebrity impersonations, dance and live music performances, including popular standards, Top 40 and Broadway.

“We are thrilled to call Gold Coast home,” said Tony Ruivivar of Society of Seven. “This long-term engagement gives loyal fans who have supported us throughout the years, the opportunity to see us on a regular basis. Las Vegas is well-known among Hawaiians as the ‘Ninth Island,’ and we think our show is a great fit for the community.”

In what has been called an entertainment experience that rolls a classic Hollywood movie, Broadway show and Vegas spectacular into one, Society of Seven has been entertaining fans for more than 40 years. Having performed to more than 10 million fans, these seven elite performers and one American Idol finalist make this show a must-see.

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 30 starting from $29.95, plus tax. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.251.3574 or visiting www.goldcoastcasino.com.

Show Review: Blue Man Group.
By Erika Bayer-Polak. From www.accessvegas.com

It may not seem likely that a show which features three blue, mute men can provide not only live music, skillful comedy, more than a few tidbits of interesting information, and social commentary regarding contemporary issues, but it is true, and can be found in the Blue Man Group at The Venetian.

The show begins once you enter the theater, with the stylishly cool atmosphere and the sardonic yet humorous disclaimers. Before the Blue Men come out, the audience is instructed to follow a few verbal cues to get everyone in an appropriate state of mind. And, if you happen to be one of the rather late arrivals, you may end up blushing a bit.

One may well marvel at the visual and auditory aspects of the show. On top of that, the Blue Men are in fact talented percussionists and physical comedians. While there are plenty of shows that tout themselves as being family-friendly on the Strip, this is a rare gem that nearly anybody could enjoy, even if they are foreign-speaking tourists, seeing that the show is almost exclusively nonverbal.

The show is pure fun, marshmallows are made into art, messiness ensues – the first several rows are given ponchos to prevent their clothing from being splattered with paint, pudding or other such muddle – PVC tubes are turned into musical instruments, the chewing of cereal even becomes a three-part harmony. Audience participation is a necessity with such a performance, while only a couple of audience members are brought onto the stage, all audience members become involved at one point or another.

It proves difficult to describe a show with performers who don’t speak, yet at the same time, it’s easier than summarizing a tedious plot. Expect a lot of props, a moving sea of paper, curious blue men who may or may not be aliens, and sit back and enjoy, surely, you will have fun.

Show Review: Rick Thomas
By DW Grant from: www.accessvegas.com

Follow Magician Rick Thomas to the edge of his dreams just for the thrill of it. Its more fun than just another magic show. It’s a trip into a world of imagination and the very art of dreaming itself.

First there are white 500 pound tigers roaring across the stage, birds appearing as singles and doubling into pairs before your eyes, napkins turning into birds, and girls turning into tigers. It’s a classic show full of disappearing motorcycles, beautiful women being levitated and sawn in half, old silver ring tricks, and even some great card tricks. But wait, there’s more!

Suddenly the music comes up and Rick is ballroom dancing with his assistants. Wait, I thought Rick Thomas was just a magician? Well, why not dance since his mother and father spent their lives as dancers and Ballroom dance judges? Rick started his dance career at 5 and was twice crowned US Junior Ball Room champion. It’s a strange mix of two worlds, but somehow it works with the magic, like when he plops a blond wig on a microphone stand, levitates it, and waltzes ‘her’ around his dance floor.

Then he brings children into his dream world and on to the stage. A boy levitates a female assistance he has just hypnotized, and then is offered a DVD teaching him how to make is parents disappear. A little girl flies a table around the stage and then is told “The future belongs to those who believe in the strength of dreams.” Rick gives her a small round box to store the magic and her dreams in.

Oh yes, and don’t miss Rick’s “Amazing Shrinking Tiger” trick. It’s how magic should be done.

The show lasts more than a hour but really, like most great adventures, it’s over too soon. Rick tells me after the show, while greeting his guests, “The audience has to find out who I am in only an hour.” I think he accomplished that trick. Rick Thomas is a charming, classic and imaginative magician offering an original program well worth the time and the moderate price of admission demanded by the Hotel. His show is worthy of any Las Vegas theater and one you may not soon forget, especially in your dreams.

A year in, Criss Angel’s ‘Believe’ hasn’t changed much for the better.
BY: Joe Brown/Las Vegas Sun

It’s time for your annual checkup, Criss Angel.

Unbelievably, Angel’s “Believe” will hit the one-year mark on Saturday. After a blizzard of hype — $100 million investment! Ten-year contract! Criss + Holly 4Ever! — the show opened at the Luxor on Halloween night 2008 to a near-unanimous chorus of boos from reviewers, including yours truly.

I was curious about how Angel and Cirque du Soleil might have changed or improved their collaboration in the intervening year, so I bought tickets (including a second seat for just $25) for Wednesday’s 7 p.m. performance.

Mr. Angel, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news.

“Believe” now seems a bizarre, stranded artifact of a moment when some people had too much money. The show has been streamlined a bit — no live musicians, fewer aerialists and dancers, less video wizardry — but it hasn’t been improved, only diminished. Not much has changed with the overall experience of “Believe”: I got it pretty much right the first time around.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/26/year-angels-believe-hasnt-changed-much-better/

Imperial Palace shakes it up with vintage Elvis memorabilia.
By John Katsilometes

During a night rife with oddities, selecting the weirdest moment was a challenge. But it had to be at The King’s Ransom exhibit at Imperial Palace, a new-to-Vegas display of Elvis Presley memorabilia, ranging from the mod, blue jacket he wore in “Spinout’ to the mod, blue bottle of Mylanta plucked from one of his medication-laden medicine cabinets. I cut a corner to take a look at one of the more fascinating displays, a collection of framed photos of Elvis meeting President Nixon in December 1970.

You get lost in these photos as you observe a clearly confused, glazed-over, glassy-eyed, acutely paranoid hostage of his own success.

But Elvis, conversely, looks relatively OK.

More here:
http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/news/2009/oct/21/imperial-palace-shakes-it-little-vintage-elvis-pre/

MIKE WEATHERFORD: Fast ticket sellout proves a few points.
To paraphrase the new Michael Jackson concert movie, “This is not it.”

That’s the message Wynn Las Vegas is trying to send in the wake of the ticketing flap over the Garth Brooks comeback concerts in December.

The Wynn folk stress that the first batch of concerts are only 20 of potentially 300 shows; that Brooks plans to do 60 a year for five years. And that’s if he sticks to the minimum deal.
“Wait. Come back. There’s going to be other opportunities,” says Wynn spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne.

But the instant sellout of Brooks’ first dates, and the casino’s unprecedented attempts to thwart scalpers, proves a few things.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/fast-ticket-sellout-proves-a-few-points-67156677.html

Wayne Newton& Once Before I Go premieres tonight at Tropicana. BY Robin Leach.

It may well have been just two months of disciplined rehearsals, but it’s taken Wayne Newton 50 extraordinary years of Las Vegas show business to reach tonight’s premiere of his production Once Before I Go.

The 7 p.m. red carpet call at the Tropicana will be hosted by the casino resort’s chairman and CEO, Alex Yemenidjian, who is the godfather of Wayne’s 7-year-old daughter, as is Wayne to Alex’s children!

Expected there for the first-night celebrations will be many of Mr. Las Vegas’ former Dancing With the Stars professionals, including Cheryl Burke, Kym Johnson, Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo, along with Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White, Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan, actress Jennie Garth, entertainer Louis Prima Jr., actor-comedian Drew Carey and Strip performers including Peepshow’s Holly Madison, Carrot Top, Nathan Burton, Zowie Bowie, Frank Marino and cast members from Jersey Boys, Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular and Peepshow.

More here:
http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2009/oct/28/wayne-newtons-emonce-i-goem-premieres-tonight-trop/

Team Divas.
Drag show exudes edgy appeal.

BY: Nina King/Las Vegas Magazine

When Frank Marino ended his 25-year run earlier this year as host of a female impersonator show, getting back onstage wasn’t on his radar. He was ready to retire, to take all the vacations that he’d given up over his long career and just really relax.

For a few weeks he did just that but discovered it was harder than he’d anticipated. He found himself preparing each day for his show that night and occasionally felt at a loss when the show didn’t have to go on. And when a friend reminded Marino of a closely held dream to have his own show, “It really hit home,” Marino said. It seemed as if the time could not be more perfect to make that dream come true. “I thought, ‘Let me give it a shot.’”

Marino took all the ideas that had curled around in his mind through the years and put them into the new show, Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas. His partner, Alex Schecter, and Adam Steck of SPI Entertainment joined him in making the production come to life. But it wasn’t only his own ideas that Marino considered. “Being in a drag show for 25 years, I heard what the people were saying to me; people are very verbal when they meet you after a show.” He took their advice to heart and combined his ideas with ideas from his new cast. “I wanted it to be a collaboration.”

Wanting a younger vibe, Marino included such contemporary characters as Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Beyoncé in the lineup – and six sexy male dancers. Two choreographers, Brad Barnes and Gary Thomas, were recruited to help produce numbers, resulting in a little racier, slightly risqué show. “I got the most talented group of six men I’ve ever seen perform in Las Vegas. It’s hip and modern and industrial,” Marino said.

“I can’t wait to sit on the side of the stage when I’m changing costumes and watch the numbers. Being that we let the kids have so much input in their numbers, they go out there with such pride in their numbers that it exudes from them and actually gives me energy as I go on.”

Marino, who specializes in the characters of Joan Rivers and his own femme fatale creation, acts as emcee of the show, and de facto fashion plate. As hostess with the mostess, he makes about 20 costume changes into gowns primarily designed by legend Bob Mackie, each with separate matching shoes.

Such favorites as Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli, Madonna, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Cher, Whitney Houston and Diana Ross are also present. Some cast members had worked with Marino in the past, but many are new.

And although some shows in Vegas have seen challenges in the last year, Marino sees the entertainment scene continuing to grow and evolve and Las Vegas rebounding quicker and sooner than people think from the economic crunch.

“I believe in Las Vegas and I believe in America. I don’t believe America is ready to close.” And neither is Frank Marino.

Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas
Where:Imperial Palace
Cost: $79 and up
When: 10 p.m. Sat.-Thurs.
http://lvshowbiz.com/

The Art of Change.
Entertainer makes even complex illusions seem like child’s play.

BY: Matt Kelemen/Las Vegas Magazine

Lance Burton is a master of many illusions. He makes people vanish, doves appear and candles levitate from the stage of the Lance Burton Theatre at the Monte Carlo. He can switch places with an assistant or teleport himself to another part of the room. He can make a Corvette fl y. He has cheated the hangman’s noose onstage and escaped from handcuff s just in time to jump from the path of a roller coaster. But the most unpredictable part of his act involves inviting children onstage.

“It’s always interesting. I’ve seen all kinds of things happen during that segment,” said Burton with a laugh. “That’s where the fun comes in.”

Most of the time they are so fascinated that they line up and breathlessly await his next trick. Burton’s fascination with magic was instilled in him at age 5 when a magician pulled coins from his ears at a holiday party. He was hooked, and grew up in Louisville, Ky., mastering the art of illusion. He headed west as an adult and was off ered an eight-week gig in Las Vegas performing in the Tropicana’s Folies Bergere. By 1996 he had gained enough prestige that the owners of the new Monte Carlo lured him with a 13-year contract and a $25 million venue built to his specifications.

Burton recently signed on for six more years and continues to perform to capacity crowds. He’s consumed by dreaming up, building, rehearsing and refining new illusions, never taking his audience for granted and always giving them their money’s worth in entertainment.

“I spend more time thinking about the guy who is in there to see my show with his wife or girlfriend, his mom or kids,” Burton said. “That’s the guy that I think about because if he comes with a family of four, that’s a pretty good chunk of change.”

And there aren’t many people who can make coins appear as if by magic.

Lance Burton
Where: Monte Carlo
When: 7 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
Cost: $66.50 and up
http://lvshowbiz.com

CityCenter Will Be the Greenest in Vegas. BY Rick Garman

No, I’m not talking about the color. It’s hard to get any more green hued than the MGM Grand. Instead, I’m talking about green as in environmentally friendly. CityCenter is racking up a host of the coveted LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications for its massive hotel, casino, and condo complex in Las Vegas. The certifications are given to buildings that are designed in such a way as to minimize the impact on the environment and provide models for sustainable development.

Among the notable achievements in the project are its own natural gas co-generation plant; water conversation technologies that will save as much as 60% of the normal usage for buildings like this; a fleet of limos powered by compressed natural gas; and slot machine bases that double as air conditioning units, allowing the cool air to rise instead of trying to force it down from the ceiling.

CityCenter is set to open in stages starting in early December with the main hotel-casino, Aria, opening on December 16.

New Year’s Eve Room Rate Report
BY: Rick Garman

For all of you out there who have wanted to go to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve but haven’t been able to afford the sky-high prices that the hotels usually charge, there’s some good news. While the recession may be putting a crimp in your style, it’s also putting a crimp in hotel prices even for the busiest night of the year in Vegas. Now, that’s not to say that things are actually cheap. Rates at the hotels I checked are higher than normal but, in most cases, not significantly higher.

I checked about three dozen hotels in Las Vegas – not every hotel, but a good cross section of cheap to expensive, Strip to Downtown to neighborhood places. I looked at what I figured would be the typical stay – four nights checking in on Wednesday, December 30 and checking out on Sunday, January 2. So keep in mind that if you chop a day off on one end or another, the prices I have listed will be chopped accordingly. However, note that prices are different for each of the four days, with the highest rates on the 31st and 1st, so if you cut out the 30th or the 2nd, you might not be dropping the total bill by all that much.

I also took the lowest rate available, which means the most basic of room at each individual hotel. If you want something nicer or bigger, you’ll pay more.

Lastly, please note that these are just the rates and don’t include things like taxes, resort fees, booking fees, or anything else that will push these numbers higher.

Averaging less than $200 per night, the hotels with best on The Strip include Imperial Palace at $570 for the four nights; Stratosphere running about equal at $574; Excalibur just above it at $594; Luxor moving up the scale to $695; and then Ballys, Flamingo, Rio, and Monte Carlo all coming in within a buck or two of $790 for the four nights.

Get off The Strip and you can get even cheaper rooms. The Gold Coast is offering the four nights for $496; Sam’s Town is at $535; Suncoast a couple of bucks more at $540; Orleans at $580; Golden Nugget in Downtown Las Vegas at $616; and Red Rock Resort at $780.

Moving up a step to the hotels that are keeping you under $250 a night you have Strip hotels like Treasure Island at $816; Planet Hollywood at $857: Mandalay Bay at $870; Harrah’s at $875; and MGM Grand and New York-New York both coming in at $960.

Off The Strip in this price range you’ll find Green Valley Ranch at $810 for the four nights.

Then we get into the category that we’ll call expensive to outrageous. These include Paris Las Vegas at $1020 for the four nights; Caesars Palace at $1175 for their really, really basic room; the new Aria at CityCenter at $1200 for four nights; Venetian and Palazzo both at $1276; Bellagio at $1400; and Wynn Las Vegas at $1450. The most expensive hotel I could find was Encore Las Vegas, which is offering the four nights at an average of $454 per night, or over $1800 total.

Many of the Downtown hotels are showing rooms as being sold out for at least one night during the period I checked. This includes Main Street Station, The California, and The Fremont.

Also showing a no vacancy sign is the new M Resort on the south side of town.

Many hotels are putting restrictions on December 31 check-ins and/or requiring a two-night minimum stay.

So the big question is, book now or wait? As I said there are some pretty good rates here. $870 for four nights at Mandalay Bay is a great deal. Ditto the $816 at Treasure Island.

But my gut is telling me that room rates will come down as we get closer to the holiday. I think if you wait until next month you’ll probably see some softening in prices.

However, for those who like to play it safe, you can always book one of these rates provided they allow you to cancel the reservation with no penalty. Once you have your room secured, keep checking the rates and if you find a better one and the hotel you booked or another, simply cancel your existing reservation and make a new one.

The best way to book these days is through the website of each individual hotel. You can get there by clicking on the hotel name in the paragraphs above, which will take you to the Vegas4Visitors.com page and then click on the “website” link just under the hotel’s street address and phone number.
http://vegas4visitors.com

Gambling 101
By Rick Garman

I know, most of you who read this column are probably very familiar with the ins and outs of casino gambling. Perhaps too familiar!

But every now and then I think it’s interesting to go back to basics so what follows are a few facts that you should keep in mind before heading in to any casino with cash in hand. Most of this is specific to Las Vegas but a lot of it applies to casino gambling anywhere in the US.

Most Las Vegas casinos are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a week.

You must be 21 to even enter the gaming area much less play the games. If you look young, be sure to carry some form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport because casino personnel may ask you to prove you’re old enough to be there.

There are cameras, security, and undercover operatives that watch every square inch of the casino at all times. Don’t even think about trying to cheat – you’ll get caught and you will go to jail.

Be sure to pay attention to limits on table games, slots, and video poker. If you mess up and wind up betting more or less than you could’ve or should’ve the casino isn’t going to listen to a “but I didn’t mean to…”

Most casinos offer free or heavily discounted drinks to people playing the games including slot machines. Cocktail waitresses abound in most casinos but remember, they live off your tips so be generous, especially if the drink is free.

Most casinos offer free gaming lessons on the various card and table games. Check with the main casino cage or the guest services counter of any casino/hotel for schedules. These gaming lessons can be valuable in more ways than one. In addition to the knowledge you’ll acquire, many casinos offer discount coupon books to people who take the time to learn how to play the games.

Most casinos make it really easy to get money. Again, laws vary from state to state, but most have automated teller machines (ATM), check cashing, and systems to take cash advances from your credit cards. My recommendation is to leave your bank cards, credit cards, and check books at home and only bring as much money as you’re willing to lose – most of the time, you will.

There are several ways to get change and chips in a casino. Most have attendants walking around that can “break” large bills or there are change booths sprinkled throughout. Most also offer automatic bill “breakers” which will give you change for large bills. Gaming chips can be purchased at any table or the main cashier cage (ask an attendant where it is) and usually redeemed at the cashier cage only.
Always remember that gambling should not be looked at as a way to make money! Most of the time, you won’t. If you view the slots and table games as a form of entertainment you’ll have a much better time (and will probably lose less money).

Most casinos have gaming (slot/player) clubs where you earn points toward meals, shows, or rooms by gambling in their casino. You have to give away some of your personal information (like address and perhaps e-mail) but that junk mail you get can get you some deep discounts on future visits.

Most casinos will offer perks if you’re dropping a lot of money at their tables or slots. Make sure somebody sees you spending money and then casually ask if their show is any good or which restaurant is best. It’s not a guarantee but often they’ll give you discount coupons or freebies just to keep you happy and gambling.

Fright Night.
Clubs, casinos, other attractions undergo haunted makeovers for Halloween tricks, treats.

By Mike Weatherford
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

They’ve been working to be lurking.

“Am I ready to fire fog? … Can we get the supercreatures on please?” Jason Egan asks on his radio as he strolls the Circus Circus Adventuredome during its quick hour’s nightly conversion to Frightdome.

The sun fades through the pink translucent walls of the domed amusement park, and a giant mechanical reaper rises to overshadow the happy-faced kiddy train.

As the fog rolls in, the monsters come out — or in, really, since most of the 170 actors and crew have been reading or chatting after bloodying themselves in the staging tent just behind the dome.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/fright-night-67505972.html

HEIDI’S PICKS by Heidi Knapp Rinellas/LVRJ

COMPANY RESTAURANT AND PUB HOUSE
Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 262-4852

We think of Company’s fare as starter food — there’s no culinary ground broken here, and nothing that would shock the palate — but it’s well-prepared, kind of comforting food served by a friendly staff. Worth trying: the fried mashed-potato sticks, Pig & Peas Mac & Cheese, miso-glazed eggplant and roasted chicken breast. (10/23/09)
Overall: B $$

HAVANA GRILL
8878 S. Eastern Ave.; 932-9310

If you like Cuban food you’re no doubt familiar with the Florida Cafe, and this younger sister also showcases the cuisine at its best. We liked it all, which included tostones — twice-cooked green plantain — topped with Ropa Vieja, Picadillo and shrimp (no, not together), Lechon Asado, Vaca Frita, the stacked flan and tres leches dessert tower called Riquimbin — even good fresh Cuban bread, buttered and warmed in a press. (3/27/09)
Overall: A- $$

RAKU
5030 W. Spring Mountain Road; 367-3511

We have two words of advice if you go to Raku: agedashi tofu — or fried tofu to you and us. Forget all of the bad-tofu propaganda you’ve heard; this stuff is homemade, and when it’s fried it gets lightly crunchy on the outside but remains creamy within. In a bath of extra-smoky miso soup with dried seaweed, tiny mushroom caps and salmon roe, it’s da bomb. Also noteworthy: asparagus crispy tempura, crispy fried shrimp, beef tataki and brown-sugar bubbly pudding. (7/3/09)
Overall: A $$

TABLE 10
Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 607-6363

Emeril Lagasse works his magic again at Table 10, an affectionate nod to the table in his first New Orleans restaurant where planning for the restaurant was done and the staff gathered after the opening. It’s a cruise through the world’s best cuisines and one that’s well worth it, especially in the case of the marinated goat cheese, Tartare Trio, Pasta Jambalaya and Kurobuta pork loin. (9/19/08)
Overall: A $$$$
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/heidis-picks-67506067.html

Brett’s Vegas Views by Jackie Brett.

THE LAS VEGAS ROCK AND ROLL GAMESHOW PREMIERS AT FOUR QUEENS

“The Las Vegas Rock and Roll Gameshow,” Las Vegas’ newest type of interactive show featuring live music, comedy and heavy audience interaction will play four premier dates at the Four Queens, Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $14.95 AND $29.95, call 702-385-4011 between 3-10 p.m. on the day of the show.

Singer-songwriter Stevenson Brooks plays acoustic guitar and interacts with the audience, while Matthew Phillips, who has called Las Vegas home since 1991, is a professional host, with a background in comedy and improv. The show asks patrons to participate in games like “Name That Tune or Artist,” “Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” “Sexiest Dance,” “Laz-y-oke,” “Keep the beat,” to win prizes such as free shots, Las Vegas souvenirs, 1 million Smurf Dollars, etc.

NOVEMBER WILL FEATURE VARIED EVENTSVince Neil’s 5th Annual “Off The Strip Poker Tournament” will be held at the Rio in the casino on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. to benefit the Skylar Neil Foundation. Players can register at the main casino cage starting at 4 p.m. on the day of the No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. Participants will vie for a cash prize pool of $50,000. The tournament buy-in is $500 plus a $50 registration fee, and seating is limited to the first 200 entrants. A cocktail reception for players and celebrities will take place at 6 p.m., and a live charity auction will be held prior to play. A silent auction will be held throughout the event and give the public the chance to bid on a collection of music, sports and movie memorabilia.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, at noon, a host of top-ranked Major League Eaters (MLE), including No. 1-ranked Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, will meet at Martorano’s inside the Rio for the first Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Championship. The winner of the 10-minute contest will be distinguished as a world meatball-eating champion and take home the lion’s share of a $3,000 cash purse.

THE KING’S RANSOM MUSEUM EXHIBIT WILL OPEN AT IMPERIAL PALACE

The King’s Ransom Museum, an exhibit of Elvis Presley artifacts and priceless personal treasures, will open at the Imperial Palace on Oct. 21. The multi-million dollar collection will be on display in Las Vegas for the first time on the third floor in the Imperial Palace’s Royal Halls. The exhibit will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 2010. Admission will be $10, call 888-777-7664.

Objects being showcased will be from Elvis’ personal life and his acting and singing careers. Items will include: Elvis’ 1977 Lincoln Continental, clothing and wardrobe, jewelry, guns, badges, personal artifacts from Graceland and a lot more memorabilia.
PARIS LAS VEGAS PREPARES FOR 3RD ANNUAL WINE CELEBRATION

Paris Las Vegas has announced the return of the annual Beaujolais Nouveau celebration and uncorked a room package with tastings and special events for the ultimate wine enthusiast. As regulated by French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is released no sooner than the third Thursday in November – six weeks after the grapes are harvested, this wine is ready to drink. Huge celebrations take place worldwide at one minute after midnight to taste the latest wine of the harvest, with 65 million bottles to be consumed in the following months.

The Beaujolais Nouveau package is available Nov. 18 – 22 and can be booked online at www.parislasvegas.com/wine.

Las Vegas Casinos Report Dismal Third Quarter

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Harrah's Entertainment tops the list with a net loss of more than a billion dollars compared to last year's reported third quarter net income of $350 million. The Las Vegas based gaming giant and operator of eight Las Vegas resorts including strip flagship, Caesars Palace, blames the losses on the lack of visitors with money to spend.

Wynn Resorts Ltd. reported third quarter net income of $34.2 million, a 33% drop from last year's third quarter income of $52.1 million. Tuesday's news of the decline saw the stock lose about 10% in late trading. On the positive side the report stated it made money and that's proof the shrewd can open a $3 billion dollar ultra resort, operate world destinations on opposite sides of the globe, and turn a profit.

Another glimmer of hope from the gambling industry's latest report card. Las Vegas based gaming giant, Boyd Gaming, reported net income of $6.3 million, down 28% from the $8.7 million reported for the same period last year.

Boyd Gaming wisely announced they were placing the $5 billion Echelon project on the Las Vegas strip on hold for an indefinite period of time. A return to work to finish the project will be dependent on a turn around of the failed economy and probably will come no sooner than 2011 and perhaps closer to 2015.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Across the boulevard the unfinished multi-billion dollar ultra-resort, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, sits silent in the harsh desert light. Why? Because no one wants to risk the billion or so in cash needed to finish the seventy percent completed project. Is the 68 story ultra-luxurious hotel tower destined to become the forever unfinished monolith to mark the day the blues came to Las Vegas?

Most of these projects were conceived during the end of the Las Vegas golden years when strip acreage was going for $30 million instead of today's paltry $12 million. A time when everyone knew the magic formula, "Build it and they will pay $500 a night to sleep in it." This time honored axiom will be severely tested come December when MGM Mirage's city-within-a-city, CityCenter, opens its $11 billion door to the public. If they keep their rooms filled with guest mined from other strip properties has the city really gained much?

The dark clouds of economic gloom blanketing Las Vegas are expected to linger for years to come and that alone guarantees hard times ahead for the once high flying gaming Mecca.

Have a great day.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza IV Starts Friday

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Deep Stack Extravaganza IV begins on Friday, October 30th, and runs through November 25th. These highly popular events will again have the Venetian's poker room filled with players from around the world vying for a piece of the prize money. Twenty-four events with buy-ins ranging from a low $340 up to $2,500 for the Championship event insures all players will find something that fits the budget.

Venetian's Deep Stack Extravaganza is the original, innovative tournament series that changed the face of competitive poker forever. Built around lower buy-ins the Deep Stack Extravaganza Series features longer blind levels -- 40 minutes to 90 minutes -- and more starting chips -- 10,000 to 15,000 -- giving entrants the same playing conditions as major tournaments with buy-ins costing thousands more. Another great feature centers around larger prize pools as a result of more players entering the popular events.

A promotional room rate is available for players and goes for $109 to $199 (based on availability) Check with the poker room or call The Venetian Room Reservations toll-free number at 877-444-3777 and reference group code #CP910L1.

Event registration begins at 9 PM the day before each tournament and all play begins at High Noon and continues until a final table or 2 AM, whichever is reached first. Final table play begins at 4 PM and continues until a winner is declared. Super Satellites for the Championship and daily single table are available. A Second Chance tournament runs nightly at 7 PM everyday. Check out the Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza IV schedule/fact sheet or call the poker room direct at 702.414.7657.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Irish Folks LOVE the Living in Las Vegas Podcast!

In what is a first during our many years of existence, our last two “Friends” photo submissions have been from two of our international listeners.  Joining Ireland’s John G. is his countryman Dermot H.  (Dermot. . .isn’t that a great Irish name?) 

Welcome, Dermot, to our Friends of the LiLV Podcast page!

The cool thing is Dermot will be moving to Las Vegas in December!  I’m guessing we’ll have to meet for a pint sometime real soon!

[burp]

By the way, are YOU on our Friends page?  If you’re not, you should be!  Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com.  Many groovy things will come your way if you do so!

Harrah’s Total Rewards catalog offers monthly specials for your points

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

What to do with all those Total Rewards points you've built up by playing at any Harrah's property?

Aside from their annual Gift Giveaway (which awards you gift points on top of TR points), you can put those points toward shops, restaurants, rooms, shows -- basically your player's card can be treated like a credit card at any Harrah's property.

But did you know that there's a Total Rewards catalog of high-end merchandise that you can purchase using your points?

Every 100 points is valued at about $1, which goes the same for the catalog.

But monthly specials for Platinum, Diamond, and Seven Stars members can occasionally produce some good deals.

For the month of October, the Cuinart Table Top Gas Grill is normally 31,000 points but on sale for 21,700. The Nikon Coolpix S70 12MP digital camera is normally 56,000 points but on sale for 39,200.

See more deals and the entire catalog at this link. You can browse through the store by item, category, or even by points.

If you're looking to unload a whole bunch of points fast (say, if Harrah's decides to file bankruptcy...), the Catalog is the place.

Note that you must visit a Harrah's casino in person to place an order (to verify ID). They will then ship anywhere you'd like for free.

Motion D-BOX chairs at Cannery movie theater

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

With piracy taking a chunk out of box office and large flat screen TVs becoming ever cheaper, movie theaters are looking for new ways to attract people to their theaters.

One successful way is improved 3D technology, which has been such a big boon to the industry that older movies are being enhanced to the new way of viewing.

Another way is bringing the audience member a new kind of movie experience, immersing them in a motion chair.

D-BOX Technologies has developed a chair that moves in sync with the movie. Now you can feel like you're flying along with Astroboy.

In June, 22 chairs were installed at the Galaxy Theatres (at the Cannery in North Las Vegas) and proved to be so successful that 11 more will be added before Christmas.

For more information, visit "D-BOX or Galaxy.

Natalie Portman guest judges on Las Vegas Top Chef tonight

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Tonight's Las Vegas-based "Top Chef" has the contestants cooking TV dinners.

And not just your regular salisbury steak/veggie/apple pie kind of TV dinners, but creations inspired by classic TV shows -- "The Brady Bunch," "Happy Days," etc.

The chefs will be whipping up their meals at Craftsteak (at MGM Grand).

Guest judging in the Elimination Challenge will not be a television celebrity but a film celebrity: Natalie Portman, who throws in a twist to the meals.

"Top Chef" airs on Bravo.

British Airways launches daily Las Vegas nonstop flights

British Airways is now offering nonstop flights between London Heathrow and Las Vegas, and for a limited time you can take advantage of the cheapest fares we've seen for intercontinental flights.

For as low as $249 each way, you can travel to London (or from London to Las Vegas). Cheap fares are also available to other European cities.

You must book by Oct. 29 for travel between Nov. 2 and Dec. 20, and Dec. 24 to March 28.

Perhaps BA's main competitor Virgin Atlantic will cut their prices to match. Stay tuned.