E-501: Rhythm Nation

 Random Vegas

Another reason the Strip began to outpace Fremont St was theming.  By the 50s the western motif was outdated and abandon by new properties opening on the strip.  This is why a more sophisticated client was attracted to the area. While on Fremont, the western motif was alive, well and expanding.  (Spectacular – A History of Las Vegas Neon)

TwitPic of the week

History in the making, literally.  This week’s winner goes to @FSELV for a picture of the Fremont St Experience canopy under construction.  We lament on this show the loss of the black sky to frame Fremont Neon but respect what the Fremont St Experience did to draw people back downtown.  It is in that spirit that we celebrate this photo.

News

• 360 Vegas Live

• Boring Co Update

E-500

 Random Vegas

The Sphere has been averaging over $1 million in ticket sales per day.  It generated nearly half a billion dollars in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30th. (LasVegasLocally)

TwitPic of the week

Talk about things changing but staying the same.  This perspective shows us the strip south of the curve in Las Vegas Blvd. Featured prominently is the Mirage marquee.  Then, because it’s 1994 and Caesars Palace is set back from the strip, and the Dunes site is being prepared for Bellagio construction, we get to see all the way down to Excalibur and the brand-new Luxor.  Across the street we see Harrah’s while it’s still a riverboat called Holiday Casino, then we see LINQ still themed as Imperial Palace.  Hilton still owns Flamingo, Bally’s still uses MGM Grand’s original marquee, and the original Aladdin still exists.  Speaking of MGM Grand, in the distance we can see the new MGM Grand and the recently deceased Tropicana.  Thanks as always to @Summacorp for sharing this pic.

News

• Paris Celebrates 25

• Vegas Heat

• 7 Classic Vegas Experiences Lost

• Michelin Guide Vegas

Top 5 Lists

Shows - Josh

·       Best Topless show: Fantasy

·       Best Comedy Show: Carrot Top

·       Best Magic Show: Piff the Magic Dragon

·       Best Cirque-esque production show: "O"

·       Best All-Around Show: Absinthe

Books - Mark

·       Grandissimo – David G Swartz

·       At the Sands – David G Swartz

·       Winner Take All – Christina Binkley

·       Like an Onion: The Vegas Skim – Wayne Clingman & Roger Gallizzi

·       The Gambler: Kirk Kerkorian – William C Rempel

Restaurants - Keren

·       Bazaar Meat @Sahara

·       Oscar’s Steakhouse @Plaza

·       EDO

·       Lotus of Siam

·       Peppermill

Cocktails - Tony

·       The Sinatra Smash - Off menu at Overlook Bar at Wynn Las Vegas

·       The Rum Old Fashioned at Carbone at Aria

·       The Desert Sunset - Off menu at Legacy Club at Circa Las Vegas

·       Serpico at Giada's at The Cromwell

·       The Verbena Cocktail at Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan.