Fit to Flex at Bellagio Spa

Fit to Flex at Bellagio Spa

JUKARI Fit to Flex at Bellagio Spa

If you have ever left a Cirque du Soleil show looking for a more participatory experience, the Bellagio Spa has something that is sure to appeal to you. Cirque du Soleil and Reebok have combined their respective expertise to create a rather unique exercise program called JUKARI Fit to Flex. The Press Release makes the program hard to resist for any fitness minded Cirque du Soleil fan:

Inspired by the strong controlled movements performed by Cirque artists, this cardio-infused program works to enhance flexibility, muscle tone and coordination. Using the specially designed JUKARI Band and set to custom-mixed Cirque du Soleil music, participants get a taste of the training Cirque performers undergo while developing long, lean muscles and powerful core strength.

Fit to Flex at Bellagio Spa

Fit to Flex at Bellagio Spa

Fit to Flex at Bellagio

Fit to Flex at Bellagio

Fit to Flex

Fit to Flex

Cost: $40 per person Time Length: 50 minutes; Wednesday – Friday at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Indoor Hike at Aria

While it is not uncommon to feel that the walk from your Vegas hotel room to the Strip is the equivalent of a long walk through the wilderness, in terms of walking distance, not scenery. Aria has turned this seemingly negative aspect of a  humongous hotel casino complex into a more positive and healthful experience. The Spa and Salon at Aria offer The Indoor Hike which takes participants throughout the CityCenter Complex. This is a real workout as the Press Release details:

This heart-pumping workout focuses on the whole body as guests perform yoga and various exercises along the way. This exhilarating workout focuses on the whole body with a sprint through the convention center, jumping jacks in front of HAZE nightclub and pushups in the garden areas. While working out, guests also have the chance to admire ARIA’s art collection, one of the largest public art programs in the world.

Of course we would augment the Hike with a few more exercises in the casino areas, such as: sprint through the Cashier’s Cage, I doubt Casino Security would be thrilled with that addition, and perhaps push-ups in the Poker Room would be a bit distracting, but you would think Jumping Jacks by the Wheel-Of Fortune machines would be amusing for one and all.

Cost = $50; Time = 60 minutes

Yoga with Dolphins at the Mirage

Yoga with Dolphins at the Mirage

Yoga with Dolphins at the Mirage

For something on the more tranquil side, with just a hint of new age mysticism, The Mirage is offering a Yoga with Dolphins experience. The Yoga Class takes place in the underwater viewing area within Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. In addition to their preternatural smiles Dolphins are conscious breathers. The close proximity of these ‘smiling’ conscious breathers seemingly enhances the breath-work espoused in the Yoga class. Yoga mats, water and towels are provided for the 60-minute session which ends with a delicious smoothie to help kick-start the day.

Cost = $50; Time = 60 minutes Friday- Sunday 8:30am

Shania Twain fans should prep their voices and study their Shania lyrics, as one lucky winner will receive a trip to Las Vegas to see the multi-platinum artist‘s new show, SHANIA: STILL THE ONE, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The winner will also be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on his or her own for up to a week in a Caesars Entertainment venue on the Las Vegas Strip.


Fans will be able to audition by singing their favorite Shania song in a custom-designed singing space in Caesars Entertainment’s Total Rewards booth at the CMA Music Festival June 7-10. The booth will be located in Fan Alley off Broadway and 4th Avenue, and will be open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. June 7, 8 and 9 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. June 10.

Shania kicks-off her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency show SHANIA: STILL THE ONE at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Dec. 1, 2012. With STILL THE ONE, Shania joins fellow Canadian national-treasure Celine Dion, and international superstars Elton John and Rod Stewart as resident headliners at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Total Rewards

Total Rewards

Island Shirts for Jackpot Winners in June

Throughout June, Club Cortez players winning a jackpot of $200 or more on a slot machine, a $200 or more jackpot on a video poker five-cent or lower denomination machine, a $300 or more jackpot on a video poker ten-cent or high denomination machine or a $200 or more jackpot on live keno will receive a free El Cortez logo Island Shirt. All jackpot winners will also receive an entry into the weekly Saturday night 40” LCD HDTV giveaway and $2,000 cash prize drawing.  Please see Club Cortez for additional information and to redeem tickets.

Free Slice of Fresh Marie Callendar’s Apple Pie– Thursday, June 14 at El Cortez

El Cortez Hotel & Casino will serve free slices of fresh Marie Callendar’s apple pie in honor of Flag Day for all Club Cortez members on Thursday, June 14 from noon to 6 p.m.  Club Cortez members can enjoy the treat game side while playing slots and table games.

Free Daily Slot Tournament at El Cortez – now automated 24 hours a day

Any Club Cortez member earning 500 Club Points in a single day is eligible to play in the daily slot tournament the following day.  Available 24 hours a day, players insert their Club Cortez card in any tournament machine, play the session and check their standing beginning at 10 a.m. the following day.  New Club Cortez members staying at the El Cortez also get a complimentary entry into the slot tournament.  Highest daily tournament point winner receives $250, the second highest receives $150 and the third highest $100.  The daily top ten players receive an entry into the weekly Saturday night 40” LCD HDTV giveaway and $2,000 cash prize drawing.  See Club Cortez for additional details.

Weekly Saturday Night 42” LCD HDTV & $2,000 Cash Prize Drawing

Club Cortez players have an opportunity every week to win a 42” LCD HDTV or one of four $500 cash prizes every Saturday.  During the week, players winning a jackpot of $200 or more on a slot machine, a $200 or more jackpot on a video poker five-cent or lower denomination machine, a $300 or more jackpot on video poker ten-cent or higher denomination machine, or a $200 or more jackpot on live keno are awarded one entry for the Saturday night drawing at 8 p.m.  Winners have two minutes to claim their prizes at the Club Cortez Booth from the time each winning ticket is drawn.  Please see Club Cortez for additional information.

 

Weekly High Noon “Wheel and Deal” Drawing

Club Cortez players have an opportunity every week to win $500, $300, $200 or $100 in promotional chips.  There will two $100 prizes offered in total for fourth and fifth place.   During the week, entry tickets in the drawing can be earned during blackjack, roulette and baccarat.  During blackjack, tickets are distributed to players when the dealer receives a blackjack, during roulette, tickets are distributed to players when a 0 or 00 is hit, and during baccarat, players receive a ticket every time a “tie” hand is dealt.  Double tickets will be given to players every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Players can only win one prize per drawing.  There is no limit to the number of entries a player may submit.  Winners are drawn every Saturday at 12 p.m.  Winners have two minutes to redeem their prize.  Promotional chips may be placed on any even money bet on blackjack, roulette or baccarat.  Please see Club Cortez for additional details.

El Cortez Sign

El Cortez Sign

Fans of the popular show are invited to watch the two-night season premiere event asaward-winning chef Gordon Ramsay spices up the 10th season of Hell’s Kitchen with 18 new competitors on Monday, June 4 and Tuesday, June 5 on FOX.  The newly opened restaurant Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas will be the site of thelife-changing grand prize: a head chef position working under Executive Chef Kevin Hee. Viewers can enjoy a properly cooked beef Wellington, the dish Gordon Ramsay calls the best measure of a cook’s ability, while watching the fiery chef instruct the culinary hopefuls in proper technique and cooking time.

 

June 2, 2012 at KGB Harrah’s Las Vegas
11 a.m. – midnight: Special anniversary drinks available
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.:  Sammy Hagar and Kerry Simon celebrate at KGB

In celebration of KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers’ second anniversary, the restaurant will serve four specialty cocktails made with Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, created by “The Red Rocker,” Sammy Hagar. Each cocktail is available for $6 throughout the day to guests 21 years or older. Chef Kerry Simon and Sammy Hagar will be at the restaurant to commemorate the occasion from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Simon and Hagar, as well as indulge in the following specialty cocktails:

  • Raspberry Blueberry Mojito
  • Mango Dreams
  • Hagar Collins
  • “Red Rocker” Adult Milkshake

 

Kerry's Gourmet Burgers

Kerry's Gourmet Burgers


World Series of Poker

World Series of Poker

 

Play begins at the world’s largest, richest and longest-running poker tournament.

The action kicks off Sunday, May 27 at noon for the annual Casino Employees Event – a unique event that brings all casino employees around the country together under one roof.

On Memorial Day Monday, huge crowds of poker players will descend on Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for a $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament that serves as the first official open WSOP gold bracelet event.

The World Series of Poker is the gaming industry’s premier event, each year drawing tens of thousands of poker enthusiasts from around the globe toLas Vegas to compete for millions in prize money and the game’s most coveted trophy – a World Series of Poker Champion’s Bracelet.

Rio Hotel and Casino

Rio Hotel and Casino

 

Steve Martorano poses with Miss USA Florida and Miss USA Pennsylvania

Steve Martorano poses with Miss USA Florida and Miss USA Pennsylvania

On Monday, May 21, Steve Martorano hosted all 51 of the 2012 Miss USA contestants along with the reigning Miss USA for dinner at his famous Italian restaurant at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The girls enjoyed a special three-course menu including Martorano’s famous homemade meatball and South Philly salad. Halfway through the dinner, Martorano stole the show himself by manning the DJ station and started a spontaneous dance party that took over the entire restaurant. After a few songs Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011, started a Conga line that weaved through the restaurant.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella at a table before dinner at Martorano’s with some of the 2012 Miss USA contestants

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella at a table before dinner at Martorano’s with some of the 2012 Miss USA contestants

The 2012 Miss USA contestants break out with a dance party in the middle of dinner to Martorano’s DJ skills.

The 2012 Miss USA contestants break out with a dance party in the middle of dinner to Martorano’s DJ skills.

If you ever thought, “I wish a Professional Boxer would launch a Skin care Line” well you’re in luck. Victor Ortiz will launch a Skin Care Line at the Rio in Las Vegas on May 26.

Professional boxer Victor Ortiz will host a meet-and-greet and autograph signing to launch his new skin care line for men, “VO,” at Rio Spa & Salon on Saturday, May 26. Rio Spa is the exclusive retailer of the anti-aging products which include a skin care kit and shave care kit. Guests who purchase either product from the VO line during the event will have an opportunity to get autographs and take photos with the famed athlete.  3 – 5 PM Penn & Teller lobby across fromRio Spa & Salon Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Victor Ortiz

Boxer Victor Ortiz

Press Release:

Following the music awards last night, R&B artist Ray J and model Sophie Monk hosted a launch party for Prince Reigns at The Voo inside VooDoo Beach at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The duo was recently named the celebrity faces of the ingrown hair removal product which is exclusively sold at Rio Spa & Salon. Ray J’s sister Brandy, DJ Paul from Three 6 Mafia and the Rio’s own premiere male revue, Chippendales, were there to support the event.

 

The faces of Prince Reigns, R&B artist Ray J and model Sophie Monk, pose on the red carpet for the product launch party.

The faces of Prince Reigns, R&B artist Ray J and model Sophie Monk, pose on the red carpet for the product launch party.

Singer Brandy stopped by the event to support her brother Ray J.

Singer Brandy stopped by the event to support her brother Ray J.

Three 6 Mafia member DJ Paul on the red carpet.

Three 6 Mafia member DJ Paul on the red carpet.

 

John Rivera, Jace Crispin and Chaun Thomas of the Chippendales supported the cause before their show at Rio.

John Rivera, Jace Crispin and Chaun Thomas of the Chippendales supported the cause before their show at Rio.

Photo Credit for all photos: Scott Harrison/Harrison Photos

Las Vegas experienced its second winner of the Caesars Entertainment exclusive $1 million Three Card Poker 6 Card Bonus™ table game on Friday, May 11. Dennis Hart, a retired Ford factory worker, won the $1 million grand prize off of one hand.

Not only was Hart lucky, he was generous too:

Hart gave each of his three fellow players a $500 chip and generously tipped his dealer $20,000.

 Picture of Poker Jackpot Winner at The Flamingo

From left to right: Casino Shift manager Bobby Harris, Dennis Hart, Heather Hart, Margaret Hart and Vice President of table games at Flamingo, Mark Kelly.

Elton John released “Rocket Man” forty years ago. The song is a favorite at the European Space Agency (ESA), astronaut André Kuipers had made a special point of playing “Rocket Man” over the airwaves of the International Space Station (ISS) on the song’s 40th anniversary. This past April Elton played the song during his show, “The Million Dollar Piano,” at The Colosseum at CaesarsPalace in Las Vegas, and later sent a recording of that performance to the astronauts at the European Space Agency. The ESA has since created a video combining images from the space station with Elton’s live version of “Rocket Man,” and it can be viewed here on YouTube: video of ISS playing Rocket Man

Hearing about “Rocket Man” being played in space, Elton sent the following special message to ESA, Kuipers and the crew of the ISS:

“When I was a boy, ‘Dan Dare’ was a comic book hero, and space travel just a romantic idea, not a reality. I was 14 years old when Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space; my song writing partner Bernie Taupin was just 11. Bernie and I did not meet until 1967, and two years after we met, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step onto the moon.

“Our generation was smitten with the glory and excitement of space travel. ‘Rocket Man’ – and indeed ‘Dan Dare’ on the Rock of the Westies album – came from those boyhood dreams of travelling beyond the stars and looking back on Earth.

“Not long after the ‘Rocket Man’ single was released, my band and I were invited to the NASA headquarters in Texas and shown around by Al Worden, Apollo 15 command module pilot. It was thrilling to find that real astronauts liked our song, ‘Rocket Man,’ which was about an imaginary astronaut.

“Now, 40 years later, it’s amazing to hear from the astronauts at the European Space Agency that they like the song and that it has been on the playlist on the International Space Station. I send my best wishes to ESA and all the crew, and my thanks for keeping those boyhood dreams alive.”

 

WSOP 2012 Bigger, Better and Louder

The staff of “Vegas What’s Up” participated in a WSOP Conference Call with Tournament Directors Jack Effel and Ty Stewart. Take-Aways.

  • The WSOP and Caesars Poker Tournaments are now fully integrated with the casinos’s Total Rewards system.
  • The 2012 WSOP will have the most number of poker tables ever at the Las Vegas event. 92 additional tables, approaching 470 Tournament Tables.
  • The WSOP 2012 will encourage more table talk, players will not be admonished for loudly celebrating winning hands.
  • Talking rules changed to allow looser verbal exchanges, as long as you don’t reveal your cards.
  • In Nevada Men are technically allowed to play in “Ladies Only” events.
  • Banners of “Shamed” past champions will still be displayed.

Gordon Ramsay Steak to Open at Paris on May 11

Sign: Gordon Ramsay Steak

Sign: Gordon Ramsay Steak

Press Release:

Acclaimed chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay brings his flair for exciting cuisine to Paris Las Vegas in one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2012. Gordon Ramsay Steak is a high-energy restaurant which playfully transports guests from theParis resort to the London atmosphere via a unique Euro-tunnel-like entryway. Set in the heart of the Paris casino, the modern steakhouse will celebrate Chef Ramsay and the city of London while boasting a creative cocktail program in a lively bar and lounge area. Guests will enjoy mouth-watering steakhouse selections such as savory bone-in rib-eye and the classic Porterhouse. Signature Ramsay dishes ranging from the popular beef Wellington and fish and chips to numerous fresh seafood selections will be offered. The menu is dynamic, the space is one-of-a-kind and the experience is unforgettable.

Gordon Ramsay Steak Beef Wellington

Gordon Ramsay Steak Beef Wellington

Gordon Ramsay Steak Royal Longbone Ribeye Chop

Gordon Ramsay Steak Royal Longbone Ribeye Chop

Gordon Ramsay Steak Yellow Fin Tuna

Gordon Ramsay Steak Yellow Fin Tuna

Caesars Palace Poker Room Presents the World Series of Poker Warm-Up Series

Caesars Palace Press Release:

The 2012 World Series of Poker Warm-Up Series set to begin Friday, May 4. Thirty-three events, with more than $365,000 in guaranteed prize pools, will be played across 17 days, culminating in a final Wild Card Weekend tournament with at least one $25,300 seat to the Big One for One Drop Mega Satellite event guaranteed. For every additional $25,300 in the prize pool, one extra seat will be awarded to the satellite held at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Saturday, June 30.

“It’s almost that time of the year again!” said Andy Rich director of poker operations at Caesars Palaceand Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.  “The WSOP Warm-Up Series hosted at Caesars Palace is the pre-season of the World Series of Poker. With at least $20,000 in guaranteed prize pool for each noon tournament, the stakes are high and it’s the perfect time for players to start tuning up their game for what will be another huge summer for poker.”

 

Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill Launches “Red Cup Solo” Ladies Night Every Thursday

Starting Thursday, May 3, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill will be hosting ladies night every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. All ladies are invited to party country style at one ofLas Vegas’ most popular and recognizable bars. For $10, ladies will receive a “Red Solo Cup,” made famous by Toby Keith’s hit song “Red Solo Cup.” With the purchase, ladies receive free refills on well drinks, Coors Light and Miller Lite draughts until 2 a.m. Live music begins at 9 p.m.

Teller Shares Some of His Tricks With The Smithsonian

Teller, the mute half of the Penn and Teller Magician Duo, shares some of his secrets in the March 2012 edition of Smithsonian Magazine. If you ever wondered how Penn and Teller did their cockroach trick on David Letterman, Teller tells all, mostly.

 

Dancing with The Stars is now Live at The Tropicana

 

Shows will be eight times a week.

“Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” Hotel Experience (Promo Code: RDWTS12)

“Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” Hotel Experience – VIP Star Experience (Promo Code: RDWTSVP)

Bizarre Foods Comes to Las Vegas

Andrew Zimmern from the Travel Channel show Bizarre Foods was in Las Vegas to film his special 100th episode. Robin Leach spent some time with Andrew while he was in Las Vegas and provides details of the visit in his column in the Vegas Sun. Including the following, to be expected, exchange:

I turned down Andrew’s kind offer of crispy, fried buttered worms when we met to talk poolside at the Bellagio! Robin Leach in Vegas Sun 2-17-12

Burning Man Coming To Vegas, Sort of

Not exactly Burning Man, but the Las Vegas Review Journal is reporting that a 20 foot tall wooden sculpture “Lucky Lady Lucy” will be set ablaze on March 2 at in a vacant lot in the Las Vegas Arts District downtown. The event is set to coincide with the First Friday music festival. Burning Man is the annual festival in Northern Nevada, Black Rock Desert, that attracts tens of thousands of participants, that do…read the above link to find out what people do at Burning Man.

Celine Dion Cancels Lots of Shows

Due to inflamed vocal cords Celine Dion has canceled all her show dates until June. Her next scheduled set of appearances is set for June 9 through August 19.

Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace to Close Soon, or so they say!

First there was speculation, then there was assured predictions, and now there must full  blown bewilderment, complete with egg(free ranged organic)-on-face for some leading Vegas food bloggers about Guy Savoy. John Curtas at Eating Las Vegas predicted back in August 2011 that Guy Savoy was closing in October 2011, failed prediction. Then Al MaNcini received seemingly bullet proof information that Guy Savoy was closing January 2, 2012. Al describes in detail how this information was obtained, complete with confirmation from the PR people at Caesars Entertainment. When the research team at Vegas What’s Up called Guy Savoy on January 14 to check that it had indeed closed, it was surprised to learn it was still alive and kicking and still taking reservations. After bumping the query about Guy Savoy’s future up a few levels, we did receive confirmation that Guy Savoy is indeed closing, but no last date has been set. So, if you have always wanted to eat at Guy Savoy, time is quickly ticking away.

For more information on Guy Savoy at Caesars check out this listing on MavensVegas.com 

Elvis Will No Longer Viva at Aria

The Las Vegas Sun is reporting that MGM has asked Cirque du Soleil to replace the Viva Elvis show at Aria. This the first time that Cirque du Soleil has been asked to close a show in Las Vegas. Cirque’s first show in  Las Vegas was Mystere at Treasure Island, TI, which opened in 1993.

As the review on Vegas Mavens details, Viva Elvis was different than the other Cirqud du Soleil shows on the Strip in that it was much more of a song and dance show and rather light on spectacular acrobatics. while Viva Elvis was a good show in many respects, it just fell short of what people have come to expect from Cirque du Soleil.

Maloofs Down to 2% Ownership of Palms

Bloomberg Businessweek is reporting that the deal will eliminate $400 in debt, and leave Maloof ownership at 2%. Depending on future performance, the Maloof Family will be able to raise their ownership stake to 20%. TPG Capital will have a 49% stake in the Palms, TPG is a major stakeholder in Caesars Entertainment. The article quotes George Maloof as follows:

“I don’t think operationally you’ll see much change — I think we always want to look at ways to do things better,” Maloof said. “That’s the intent.”

Tell that to the Playboy Bunnies that were fired back in November!

Magician Burt Wonderstone At Ballys

Burt Wonderstone is the character played by Steve Carell in a comedy currently being filmed in Las Vegas at Ballys. The cast also includes Steve Buscemi, who plays Wonderstone’s sidekick Anton Lovecraft, plus rival Street Magician played by Jim Carrey, and Sopranos star James Gandolfini and Olivia Wilde. Some 400 Las Vegans will participate in the film as extras.

The Daily Mail has a bunch of great on location photos, plus other film details, hats off to those Brits.

Visit to Aria Buffet Leads To Rant about Cable TV Pricing

Gavin Palone (Hollywood Producer plus Agent and Manager for Larry David and Conan O’Brien)  likes buffets, and the one at Aria is his second favorite buffet in Las Vegas, Wynn being first. As he describes in his essay in New York Magazine, he has rather fussy eating requirements, not the least of which is his desire to have limited human interaction while eating:

 I’m a vegetarian who tries to stay away from refined carbohydrates, so piling a plate with salad, stir-fried tofu, and vegetable sushi works well for me, as does any process that limits my interaction with other humans.

The waiter stopped by to ask Gavin, there is some human interaction even at buffets, if he wanted Red or White Wine and further inquired if he was interested in having a serving of Lobster. He declined both due to his dietary restrictions, but then took a look at his receipt and noticed the buffet was $6 more than he was used to paying at Aria. His first foray into the higher priced Weekend buffet at Aria.

While annoyed at having to pay $6 more for Lobster and Wine he doesn’t consume, his train of thought, or annoyance, jumps to his monthly cable bill.

If you don’t watch sports, you’re really being overcharged, because sports networks command the largest fees from providers: ESPN, the lobster of this cable meal, currently receives $4.69 in affiliate fees for each of their 100 million-plus subscribers.

While not the point of  Polone’s essay, it does serve to remind one that the first rule of optimal buffet eating in Las Vegas is to go light on the Cheap Carbs, and load up on the pricey Crustaceans, Prime Meats and Smoked fish and you’ll feel like you got a bargain regardless of the surcharges.

Las Vegas on Sale – Save up to 30% Plus get $10 off VIP Nightclub Tour! – Expires 1/30/12

Vegas Jobs with Benefits

How does does this job sound to you? Show up at a Nightclub and have a good time, alcohol and food gratis. This is a Job  so  you’ll be paid for you efforts, how does $100,000 sound. That’s $100,000 per appearance. The perks that go along with Job are pretty nice too, for starters transportation is by private Jet, G4 or comparable, no less, for your transportation from Los Anglels, plus limousine service to and from McCarran, of course! Lest you think the staff at VegasWhatsUp.com is making this up, this is an actual Job, which thanks to a lawsuit, are documented at Radar Online and in even more detail at Vegas Inc.

The lawsuit is between Paris Hilton and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The details of the perks are astonishing, down to makeup and hair styling! The research department at Vegas What’s Up.com has done an extensive background report on Ms. Hilton which can be found here: Ontology of Paris Hilton.

Why is VegasWhatsUp.com Interested In Rachel Uchitel?

Who is Rachel Uchitel anyways?  According to this wonderfully salacious article in New York Magazine:

The most famous of Woods’s alleged mistresses is Rachel Uchitel, who occupies a position of power in this strobe network of girls and money and celebrity. As VIP concierge and director of VIP hospitality at Tao in Vegas…Rachel Uchitel is long and skinny and buoyantly breasted. Her lips are a fat heart.    New York Magazine 4-4-10

Rachael gets paid well, $250,000 base plus an additional $250,000 guarantee from the tip pool, that’s a nice sized tip pool! So what does Rachael do to earn those $’s? More or less make sure the men with the largest wallets are placed near the most attractive women in the club. Rachael emphatically states in the article:  “It’s not our job to get anybody laid.”

The article also gives all the prurient details about the job of bottle service girl, who knew Vegas was on the worldwide circuit of bottle service, and May was its month.

  “They follow the money as the money follows the seasons along the worldwide circuit of bottle service. St. Barts in December, Miami in March, Las Vegas in May” New York Magazine 4-4-10 page 7

TMZ reports Rachael is now married again.

Consumer Electronics Show Hits Las Vegas

140,000 people are expected to attend the Consumer Electonics show, which runs January 10-13. While the attendance is huge, as an article in the New York Times points out, the show is losing some clout. Trend setting companies, such as Apple and Amazon have chosen smaller venues to introduce their latest products. Microsoft has stated that 2012 is the last year they will be exhibiting at CES.

Some surprising exhibitors will replace those lost, one is Schick, which will be introducing a new high-tech razor battery operated 5-speed blade razor. Serta will also be at CES, exhibiting an innovative memory foam mattress. Trojan will be there too, doing something with condemns and vibrators. Perhaps they’ll stay in Vegas for the Adult Entertainment Expo, which begins January 18 (30,000 attendees).

The folks over at TheDailyFiasco have slew of posts, complete with snarky comments, on all the celebrities or  near celebrities, if there is such a thing, that have been in attendance at CES dailyFiasco covers CES: such as: Lady Gaga; Tommy Lee; Joba Chamberlain; Kid Rock.

Adelson Helps A Friend In the Presidential Race

Sheldon Adelson, owner of Venetian/Palazzo has contributed $5 Million to  Winning Our Future, a “super PAC” that supports Newt Gingrich. The New York Times reports that Adelson’s friendship with Gingrich goes back roughly twenty years.

 

The NEW Tropicana Las Vegas 12 Hour Flash Sale January 5th Only

Bellagio’s Fantana Morphs into Hyde for 2012

The Fontana Bar at Bellagio, which was a favorite spot for many to enjoy a cocktail while watching the Fountains of Bellagio, has been transformed into a smallish Ultra-Lounge.  The 10,000 square foot space which can accommodate roughly 700 patrons, has a patio that opens to a panoramic view of  The Fountains of Bellagio.

The folks over at the Daily Fiasco are working overtime in their description of the cocktail service, at least that’s what we believe they’re talking about!

Mixology will join the craft fray, with a couple of twists. Hyde features a Bellini cart, for a selection of peach-and-bubbly delights, while a seasonal liquid nitrogen cocktail (informed by Jose Andres, who partners with SLS in L.A.’s Bazaar) will rotate on the menu for tableside prep. They’re launching with Tony Abou-Ganim’s Cable Car, with Bacardi Oakheart, orange curacao and lemon. Appropriate to use one of Abou-Ganim’s, given the Bellagio setting. The Daily Fiasco 12-30-11

Does Vegas really need another Ultra-Lounge, an upscale piano bar would seem more appropriate for Bellgio. At least the sound system at Hyde will feature the Fountain Music during the shows.

Robin Leach details the New Years Eve event at Hyde, complete with a listing of supposedly famous guests, poor Robin we remember when he actually covered genuinely famous people.

Winn to Wynn to Spiegel, Goodbye Alex

Marilyn Winn was a Senior Executive at Harrahs (Ceasars Entertainment) with a a career spanning over twenty years when Steve Wynn offered her the position of President at Wynn back in November 2010. Ms. Winn accepted the offer and decided it was time to change her name in accordance with her marriage a few years back, hence Winn goes to Wynn and becomes Spiegel.

Choosing Ms. Speigel as President of Wynn seems like an odd choice in that Harrahs has long been known as the casino company that targets the middle market, while Wynn stands astride the pinnacle of the luxury market. Her first major decision does not bode well for Wynn. It was Speigel’s decision to close the Michelin Two Star restaurant Alex, her reasoning:

 “Alex Stratta is a phenomenal chef, but the dining experience is lengthy and American tastes have changed.” Vegas Seven 3-23-11

The above quote is from an article by David Schwartz in Vegas Seven, however, his follow-up posting on his blog is illuminating of the subtext in the quote above. In his blog he quotes Vegas Food Critic John Curtas as follows:

The whole “fine dining is dead” chestnut is used as an excuse by chefs/restaurateurs/hotels to cut back on quality (and increase their profits) by pretending to be “with it.” My educated guess is Ms. Spiegel is more interested in pushing steaks and booze on her high rollers/nightclubbers than anything with a whiff of sophistication about it. John Curtas in David Schwartz’s Blog

Does Vegas really need another upscale restaurant with the goal of turning over the tables as quickly as possible? It’s a shame to see this change, as Wynn is noted for taking his high-end restaurants seriously, as the big name chefs are actually required to be in the kitchen, not just add their name to the marque.

A longer, and somewhat boring, profile of Ms. Spiegel can be found at Vegas Inc.  

The Worst Vegas Take-Backs of 2011

It might just be an easy way to recycle a bunch of 2011 stories, but the folks over at VegasChatter listed their Best and Worst of 2011, and include a bunch of Casino Take-Backs (The Link above takes you to the full article)

The Palms fires its Playboy bunnies Sad but true, the Palms has fired all 12 bunnies. VegasChatter spends quite a bit of ink on this story, I guess its an story near and dear their hearts, as it is to many in Vegas. They quote one bunny, Susie, on the process of being hired intially:

 “Becoming a Playboy Bunny Dealer is an extensive and highly selective process because being a Playboy Bunny is all-encompassing. To uphold the “Bunny Image” established for the last 60 years takes class, great customer service skills/teamwork/extraordinary poise, an abundance of charm, exceptional strength and beauty, and a personal desire to represent the iconic image as one of the elite Playboy Bunnies. The chance to be a part of history.”

It’s not exactly Churchill and Roosevelt, but just as the definition of celebrity has changed so has what is of historical consequence, perhaps.


Hilton takes its name back from LVH In Early 2012 Las Vegas Hilton will become The Las Vegas Hotel, not to be confused with TheHotel, confusing, right?


Venetian cuts comps for Grazie members  Early in 2011 Venetain dramatically changed its comp policy. Sheldon Adelson is quoted in the VegasChatter article as follows:

“We’ve essentially cut all of our comps except our most highly-rated players. No more comped rooms. No food and beverage. No showroom credits. We’re selling rooms. We see it’s resulting in a substantial increase in cash income.”

Fortunately there is some evidence that Venetain/Palazzo is backtracking on this policy, as noted by this posting on Yahoo Group: Casino comps

The Cosmo ends free WiFi  The best part of this article from VegasChatter is when they throw Cosmopolitan’s Ceo John Unwin (what a lousy name for a Casino CEO Un- Win!) own words back at him:

 “People find it irritating to pay $15 to use their computers.”John Unwin CEO Cosmopolitan

VegasChatter has plus a few more Take-Backs in their article, but these were our favorites.

 Rolling Out 2012

Las Vegas is in full Holiday mode, as it approaches the night it seems the city was built for, New Years Eve. The team at VegasWhatsUp.com wishes all our readers the type of luck in 2012 that Patricai Damauro had at the Craps Tables at the Borgata back in 2009.  As Time Magazine reports:

What is the probability of rolling a pair of dice 154 times continuously at a craps table, without throwing a seven?

The answer is roughly 1 in 1.56 trillion, and on May 23, Patricia Demauro, a New Jersey grandmother, beat those odds at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Demauro’s 154-roll lucky streak, which lasted four hours and 18 minutes, broke the world records for the longest craps roll and the most successive dice rolls without “sevening out.”

Rooms on the Strip are still available, according to Vegaschatter, but it is going to cost big dollars. Figure $600+ for Aria while even the much more moderately priced Bill’s Gambling Hall is selling rooms for over $300. Another option would have been to bid on eBay for Vintner Grill at Nieman Marcus at Fashion Mall

Overlooking the heart of Las Vegas Strip with the paramount views of Wynn & Encore Resorts and the Palazzo Hotel.  Vintner Grill The Strip will bring together unique and inventive cuisine with our excellent service specially designed for your New Years Eve Affair.

Bidding started at $50,000 and advanced $0 as no one took the plunge by the deadline December 23, 2011. Perhaps they’ll reconsider the deadline, for the right bid.

Fremont Street is running the 4th Annual Tribute Palooza, including Midnight Countdown with the new Mayor, Carolyn Goodman. Tickets are $30.

4th Annual Tribute Palooza from 6pm – 2am featuring great music by Steel Panther and Rock Sugar, and 10 incredible and authentic tribute bands perform throughout the evening.

FireWorks Vegas Style

Eight casinos will be launching fireworks, roughly 56,000 in total: Tropicana Las Vegas, MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, the Venetian and the Stratosphere. The show will last roughly 10 minutes. Keep in mind the Strip is very crowded during the display and that most Strip Hotels close their doors to people that are not staying on the property during the display, so keep your room key handy. Off-strip locations such as the Rio and the Palms offer nice views, and are less crowded.

 

A Ruling By The Justice Department Makes Legal Online Poker More Likely

A Legal Opinion issued by the Justice Department, that was made public Friday December 24, clarified whether the Wire Act of 1961  which prohibits wagering over telecommunications systems that cross state or national borders, prevented those states from using the Internet to sell lottery tickets. While explicitly dealing with lottery tickets, most feel the opinion has more general ramifications.

“This will put additional pressure on Congress and others to allow online poker and other Internet gambling,” Mr. Grossman said. New York Times 12-24-11

Bellagio Has Skating Penguins

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Winter which includes a new feature which they describe in their Press Release as follows: (Display open until January 2, 2012)

New to the display this year, a group of five animated penguins ice skate on a patch of arctic terrain among a life-like family of 34 adult and baby penguins. Inside an igloo nearby, a curious animated penguin pops out its snow-covered head to greet guests.

Bellagio  Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Winter Display Fun Facts (or perhaps just facts, to some)

  • A trio of topiary polar bears adorned with “fur” coats made of more than 35,000 hand-applied white carnations
  • A brick-lined path is surrounded by pink and red poinsettias, inviting guests to stroll underneath eight streams of dancing water and two pergolas adorned with sparkling white lights. In the Giardini corner, a floral greeting card made of more than 3,000 carnations, bestows well wishes for the holiday season. 
  • A stately 42-foot Shasta White Fir, is decorated with more than 1,700 gold and silver holiday ornaments and ablaze in more than 13,500 twinkling white lights. Overhead, 24 over-sized gold and silver bells hang gracefully from the Conservatory’s all-glass ceiling.
  • Inquisitive guests strolling through the Conservatory are invited to visit with Bellagio horticulturists designated as “Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb” from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily to receive holiday decorating tips along with additional information about the exhibit. 

An amateur video of the Skating Penguins, along with the rest of the display can be found here.

Still Winter at The Venetian

If the the Skating Penguins gets you in the mood, for skating that is, head over to the Venetian. The Venetian has a synthetic ice rink that allows for real skating. 30 minute sessions cost $14.95, $9.95 with gracie card. Skate rental included in price. Each session is limited to 60 skaters, From 11am to 10:45pm, through January 8.

There is also an hourly light show, a video of the light show can be found here.

Porn Stars Are Coming

Porn Stars are coming to Vegas that is. The 29th annual AVN  will be held at Joint at the Hard Rock on January 22, this heads-up should give all VegasWhatsUp readers enough lead time to plan accordingly. Robin Leach has all the details over at his column at the Las Vegas Sun. 

 

The Final Tasty Morsel, is a Bomb!

 

The folks over at the dailyfiasco.com have a funny story about:

A possible terror plot was averted this week at McCarran International Airport as a Boston-bound passenger was stopped before she could bring potentially dangerous cupcakes onto her flight. read the full story: dailyfiasco.com

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