Hi Vegas fans,
A lot of my friends ask me "so when's your next trip?" usually followed by "how many times you been?" The former is always easier to answer than the latter. I can easily tell you the months, weeks, or days until my next adventure because there's always a countdown. The next one is at Bally's in seven days. One week!
How many times have I been? Lost track. I bet if I really thought about it, I could count them. But I don't want to. I'd rather think about how much fun these trips are and how much I want to continue to take them. I don't ever really know what's going to happen when I get there, and I guess that's what's the most fun. I have ideas about what I want to do, but when I get there it's anybody's guess.
And I think that's what I love most about writing the book and updating the site. Although it's a ton of work, and it's not the only thing I do, I really love it when it comes together. I've watched it grow over the years, and I'm pretty danged proud of it. The site needs some fresh paint (yeah, I'll be getting to that soon...), but the content is good and the concept works: help people find the things that they like to do in Las Vegas.
I have fun with it. I hope you do, too.
Viva,
Mike
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Ups and Downs of Wayne Newton's Career
Wayne Newton is 67 years old and currently headlining the Tropicana with his show, "Once Before I Go." I think the title pretty much tells us that this may be it for Mr. Las Vegas. His career has spanned 6 decades, so he deserves a rest from the biz.
But it might be a while before he can actually start collecting those Social Security checks. He's being sued and owes a lot of money, and it's possible that he could lose his ranch (Shenandoah). This isn't the first time he's been in financial trouble. In 1992, he claimed bankruptcy after a long, bitter lawsuit with NBC. Back then, he worked this way out of debt. Depending on the outcome of the suits against him now, he may need to do that again.
And that may be difficult. His voice is weak (after all, he has been singing for over 60 years!) and his show has not been as successful as other comeback tours. In addition to his financial woes, he's had family issues (his daughter is very sick and his sister recently died unexpectedly). Still, he is out there singing and giving it his best shot.
His success has been clearly documented - at his peak he was one of the most prolific and highest paid entertainers. His shows in the past received rave reviews, mostly above criticism and cynicism. Let's face it, it's probably not always been easy to be "Mr. Las Vegas" - especially before the Big Vegas Boom that started the early 90s.
There are some things about Wayne Newton that kind of make me cringe. Like his legendary battle with Johnny Carson, which even he admits hurt him more than Carson. And he's barely spoken to his brother after a rift when they were kids and performed together.
And then there are things that impress me. His tours with the USO and commitment to entertaining troops, for example. And how many entertainers do you know play 13 instruments? Or have performed 25,000 shows in Las Vegas... and that number was recorded over 16 years ago! Not unlike the history of Vegas, the history of Wayne Newton seems complex with peaks and valleys.
And there are still chapters to unfold before he hangs up the tux. Right now, it seems like Mr. Las Vegas still loves performing, and that's the main reason why he's on stage. I would hate to think that he will need to continue to perform for financial reasons long after he's ready to retire. I wish him luck and hope he can ride into the sunset on one of his beautiful Arabian horses... once before he goes.
Viva,
Mike
But it might be a while before he can actually start collecting those Social Security checks. He's being sued and owes a lot of money, and it's possible that he could lose his ranch (Shenandoah). This isn't the first time he's been in financial trouble. In 1992, he claimed bankruptcy after a long, bitter lawsuit with NBC. Back then, he worked this way out of debt. Depending on the outcome of the suits against him now, he may need to do that again.
And that may be difficult. His voice is weak (after all, he has been singing for over 60 years!) and his show has not been as successful as other comeback tours. In addition to his financial woes, he's had family issues (his daughter is very sick and his sister recently died unexpectedly). Still, he is out there singing and giving it his best shot.
His success has been clearly documented - at his peak he was one of the most prolific and highest paid entertainers. His shows in the past received rave reviews, mostly above criticism and cynicism. Let's face it, it's probably not always been easy to be "Mr. Las Vegas" - especially before the Big Vegas Boom that started the early 90s.
There are some things about Wayne Newton that kind of make me cringe. Like his legendary battle with Johnny Carson, which even he admits hurt him more than Carson. And he's barely spoken to his brother after a rift when they were kids and performed together.
And then there are things that impress me. His tours with the USO and commitment to entertaining troops, for example. And how many entertainers do you know play 13 instruments? Or have performed 25,000 shows in Las Vegas... and that number was recorded over 16 years ago! Not unlike the history of Vegas, the history of Wayne Newton seems complex with peaks and valleys.
And there are still chapters to unfold before he hangs up the tux. Right now, it seems like Mr. Las Vegas still loves performing, and that's the main reason why he's on stage. I would hate to think that he will need to continue to perform for financial reasons long after he's ready to retire. I wish him luck and hope he can ride into the sunset on one of his beautiful Arabian horses... once before he goes.
Viva,
Mike
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Marie Osmond
I've gotta be honest. I've never been a big fan of the Osmonds. The whole variety show, the whole Mormon thing, the cheesy 70's factor - it just never worked for me. I grew up in the 70s, and when I look back at that error, there's a lot that makes me cringe (disco, bell bottoms... I could go on here). And when I heard that Donnie & Marie were headlining a show at the Flamingo, I was not enthused.
But recent events have made me respect Marie Osmond. Her adopted son, Michael Blosil, took his own life on February 26th after a long bout with depression. She was obviously devastated. But yesterday she returned to the stage with her brother and fought tears to complete the performance.
Guts. That's the only thing that comes to mind. Me? I would've crawled up into a ball and not come out for a long time. But many entertainers work through their pain, their tragedies just as they celebrate their triumphs and successes. It's part of their job.
Las Vegas plays a unique role in all of this. Most entertainers travel from place to place, night after night and try to make each show special for a specific city. They miss their kids' birthdays, their anniversaries, and the comforts of being home. But Las Vegas flips that dynamic. Audiences come from all over, and the entertainers stay in one place. It's where you go once you've "made it" and you're tired of trains, planes and tour buses.
Still, I can't imagine working through such a tragic event. Michael was only 18. 18. But Marie got up there and sang her heart out Tuesday night anyway. It's what she does. Now I'm not going to run out and buy every Donnie & Marie cd or download their songs to my iPod, but I have a lot of respect for Marie. And my heart goes out to her and her family.
Viva,
Mike
But recent events have made me respect Marie Osmond. Her adopted son, Michael Blosil, took his own life on February 26th after a long bout with depression. She was obviously devastated. But yesterday she returned to the stage with her brother and fought tears to complete the performance.
Guts. That's the only thing that comes to mind. Me? I would've crawled up into a ball and not come out for a long time. But many entertainers work through their pain, their tragedies just as they celebrate their triumphs and successes. It's part of their job.
Las Vegas plays a unique role in all of this. Most entertainers travel from place to place, night after night and try to make each show special for a specific city. They miss their kids' birthdays, their anniversaries, and the comforts of being home. But Las Vegas flips that dynamic. Audiences come from all over, and the entertainers stay in one place. It's where you go once you've "made it" and you're tired of trains, planes and tour buses.
Still, I can't imagine working through such a tragic event. Michael was only 18. 18. But Marie got up there and sang her heart out Tuesday night anyway. It's what she does. Now I'm not going to run out and buy every Donnie & Marie cd or download their songs to my iPod, but I have a lot of respect for Marie. And my heart goes out to her and her family.
Viva,
Mike
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Something for Everyone
Hi Vegas fans,
My BIG TRIP to the Strip is coming up in a little over two weeks. I'm approaching a milestone birthday, and for this adventure, my family is going to be joining me. The star-studded cast is growing.
It started with my sister and brother-in-law, who are Vegas fans and have been there a few times. They convinced my parents to join us. Then my aunt, uncle and a cousin threw their hats in the ring. Now there's rumors that another cousin, with his wife and young kids, are coming, too. And he's trying to convince my oldest brother to come along. Add to that my wife and my best buddy, Steve, and I've got an entourage!
The good news is that we're all in agreement that we can do whatever we want while we're there and that we don't have to be joined at the hip. We have some fun activities planned for the group, but for the most part we have no agenda. I've got a pretty good idea of how I want to spend my time, but when I get to Vegas I never really know what will happen. Maybe that's the best part!
Some of these folks are Vegas veterans, and some haven't been in a long time. I'm sure they'll ask me questions about this or that because I've written the book, and I hope I can help. But for the most part, Vegas is about exploration. This trip will prove that no matter what you like to do, no matter who is in your entourage, and no matter when you go to Vegas, it's about fun and escape. Well, that and $5 blackjack and craps at the Strat, with a rum and Coke in my hand.
Viva,
Mike
My BIG TRIP to the Strip is coming up in a little over two weeks. I'm approaching a milestone birthday, and for this adventure, my family is going to be joining me. The star-studded cast is growing.
It started with my sister and brother-in-law, who are Vegas fans and have been there a few times. They convinced my parents to join us. Then my aunt, uncle and a cousin threw their hats in the ring. Now there's rumors that another cousin, with his wife and young kids, are coming, too. And he's trying to convince my oldest brother to come along. Add to that my wife and my best buddy, Steve, and I've got an entourage!
The good news is that we're all in agreement that we can do whatever we want while we're there and that we don't have to be joined at the hip. We have some fun activities planned for the group, but for the most part we have no agenda. I've got a pretty good idea of how I want to spend my time, but when I get to Vegas I never really know what will happen. Maybe that's the best part!
Some of these folks are Vegas veterans, and some haven't been in a long time. I'm sure they'll ask me questions about this or that because I've written the book, and I hope I can help. But for the most part, Vegas is about exploration. This trip will prove that no matter what you like to do, no matter who is in your entourage, and no matter when you go to Vegas, it's about fun and escape. Well, that and $5 blackjack and craps at the Strat, with a rum and Coke in my hand.
Viva,
Mike
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Vegas Giveaways!
Hi Vegas fans,
As February winds down, I hope you will partake in my scavenger hunt for your chance to win a Vegas luggage tag. I've given one away for the last 18 months. These hand tags come with a plastic tie to fasten to your favorite bag. I have one on my duffel bag, my suitcase, and my laptop bag, which I throw around quite a bit, but the tag still looks great.
Also, you can win a free t-shirt if you cast your vote in my poll to determine which show I should see (Wayne Newton or Viva Elvis at Aria) in March. Right now, Wayne is in the lead, but the King is closing.
I hope you enjoy the fun stuff, the free stuff, the informative stuff, and the goofy stuff on the site. It's a lot of fun writing and researching Vegas, and I appreciate your participation and your feedback!
Viva,
Mike
As February winds down, I hope you will partake in my scavenger hunt for your chance to win a Vegas luggage tag. I've given one away for the last 18 months. These hand tags come with a plastic tie to fasten to your favorite bag. I have one on my duffel bag, my suitcase, and my laptop bag, which I throw around quite a bit, but the tag still looks great.
Also, you can win a free t-shirt if you cast your vote in my poll to determine which show I should see (Wayne Newton or Viva Elvis at Aria) in March. Right now, Wayne is in the lead, but the King is closing.
I hope you enjoy the fun stuff, the free stuff, the informative stuff, and the goofy stuff on the site. It's a lot of fun writing and researching Vegas, and I appreciate your participation and your feedback!
Viva,
Mike
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Who You Callin' a Planet Ho? and Other Random Topics...
Hi Vegas Fans,
A few notes from the Las Vegas Advisor:
Harrah's purchased Planet Hollywood, and the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) approved it. A personal request to the powers that be at Harrah's: please don't screw it up! I have an impending sense of boredom already and you haven't even turned it into a ho-hum property yet.
McCarran Airport may be applying for a liquor license to help increase revenue for its owner, the Clark County Commission. It would be the only airport in the US with a liquor store. My thoughts: Liquor? By the baggage claim? It would help when you have to wait for your bag, which is always the last one on that rotating carousel of lost souls. Actually, the liquor would be for "offsite" consumption only. Still, this is a great idea!
Other news:
Kindle is going berry. Blackberry, that is. Probably feeling pressure from the iPad, Kindle now has a free app for the Blackberry. This is a smart move for them, and good news for those of us who publish on Kindle (think of the increased distribution!).
I hope a lot of people take advantage of this free app - it's the perfect fit for travelers who need information at their fingertips. Let's say you're at the Strat playing $5 Blackjack and you want to know what time the next Bellagio fountain show starts. Simply look it up on Simplifying Las Vegas. Then, look up the phone number to Olive's and call them for a reservation for a yummy dinner after you watch the fountains. All on your Blackberry.
Think about it the next time you... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.
Viva,
Mike
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Of Gilley's and Mechanical Bulls
Hi Vegas fans,
My source for important news, the Las Vegas Advisor, had a tidbit recently that made me most happy. It seems that Phil Ruffin, the guy who made a killing selling the Frontier at the right time (right before the market went south) and purchased Treasure Island (TI) at the perfect time (when the market went farther south than Key West), is opening a Gilley's at TI in April.
Yes, that Gilley's chain. The one that John Travolta hung out at in Urban Cowboy and the one where Debra Winger rode the mechanical bull, threatening his very manhood. I'm excited about the whole Gilley's and mechanical bull thing at TI.
No, I am not interested in riding the bull. I am about as much of an Urban Cowboy as... well, John Travolta in one of his other movies (maybe Saturday Night Fever). But, one of Gilley's finer attractions is bikini-clad ladies riding it.
In the last days of the Frontier, my buddy Steve and I hung out at the joint and wanted to spend a few of our entertainment dollars on the promise of some quality Bikini Bull Riding. We had just lost some money playing blackjack and craps, and the Russian cocktail waitress already knew me by my drink ("Rum and Coke?"). Needless to say, we were at the tables too long.
So we lined up for the big event only to find out that the bull was broken that night, and there would be no Bikini Bull Riding, or any sort of clothed or unclothed bull riding for that matter. Dang! What was a cowpoke to do? As I recall, I had been awake for approximately 16 straight days, so maybe it was time to call it a night.
Just a note to Phil... if the bull at TI is not functional by the time they open Gilley's, I will be very, very disappointed.
Viva,
Mike
My source for important news, the Las Vegas Advisor, had a tidbit recently that made me most happy. It seems that Phil Ruffin, the guy who made a killing selling the Frontier at the right time (right before the market went south) and purchased Treasure Island (TI) at the perfect time (when the market went farther south than Key West), is opening a Gilley's at TI in April.
Yes, that Gilley's chain. The one that John Travolta hung out at in Urban Cowboy and the one where Debra Winger rode the mechanical bull, threatening his very manhood. I'm excited about the whole Gilley's and mechanical bull thing at TI.
No, I am not interested in riding the bull. I am about as much of an Urban Cowboy as... well, John Travolta in one of his other movies (maybe Saturday Night Fever). But, one of Gilley's finer attractions is bikini-clad ladies riding it.
In the last days of the Frontier, my buddy Steve and I hung out at the joint and wanted to spend a few of our entertainment dollars on the promise of some quality Bikini Bull Riding. We had just lost some money playing blackjack and craps, and the Russian cocktail waitress already knew me by my drink ("Rum and Coke?"). Needless to say, we were at the tables too long.
So we lined up for the big event only to find out that the bull was broken that night, and there would be no Bikini Bull Riding, or any sort of clothed or unclothed bull riding for that matter. Dang! What was a cowpoke to do? As I recall, I had been awake for approximately 16 straight days, so maybe it was time to call it a night.
Just a note to Phil... if the bull at TI is not functional by the time they open Gilley's, I will be very, very disappointed.
Viva,
Mike
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