E-331: Yodaed It

Random Vegas

When Vegas was still establishing itself as the entertainment capital of the world, periodically operators would page celebrities, even ones not actually at the property, just so patrons could hear their name inside the property. (Las Vegas: Behind the Tables) 

Twitpic of the week

@classiclasvegas reminds us of another time in Vegas.  I won’t say it was a better time but a more whimsical one.  The MGM Lion Entrance might be the pinnacle of the family friendly movement.  A movement that was not wrong but it became a distraction once it became the focus.  Never forget, Vegas is about having experiences you can’t have any place else.  Where the newest is typically the coolest which means a theme runs the danger of becoming dated.  It may have not been a better time, but its still a time lost and missed.

News

Golden Knight Community
Hard Rock Return
RWlasvegas.com

E-311: Hugh Grant Related

Random Vegas

The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has 89 bulbs outlining it outer edge (@vitalVegas)

Twitpic of the week

Reflections.  As soon as they were established as a thing, writers have mused at great length about the duality of its literal and metaphorical meanings.  Reflections are distortions of the truth and yet one of the most significant ways we grow as humans.  Reflections of Las Vegas remind us to never forget to cherish the moments we have while enjoying this great city.  As dreamlike as it may appear or feel, it is a very real place and we are fortunate it was created for us.  One of the few gateways to enjoy the world beyond the looking glass, captured brilliantly, once again, by @rtphotos_

News

FBI Busts Vegas Prostitute for Extortion

Def Leppard Vegas

Mirage Vegas Golden Knights $100 Chip

E-265: Fun Cunts

Random Vegas

Ralph Engelstad, owner of the Flamingo Capri before it became the Imperial palace, was once offered a contract to play for hockey professionally for the Chicago Blackhawks.  He turned it down to build his own construction company.

Twitpic of the week

Based on the landmarks pictured, its a little before my time. But it still captures the essence of the city as it was introduced to me in 2004.  It wasn't by design but there was magical transition that used to exist just beyond the northern curve of the Las Vegas strip.  It felt almost like traveling back in time at a leisurely pace. The Mirage kicked off the next generation of Vegas resorts on the strip to be built around and south of it, while the elder statesmen of the market continued to do their thing to the north.  However just like a mid-life crisis corvette, the desire to feel young again eventually took hold.  And just like a pick up game of basketball with people 20 years your junior, at some point you realized you can't keep up.  Best intentions to improve on a proven formula returned the majority of north strip to the desert.  What was once densely populated by the icons of yesteryear, showcased in the picture shared by @tonyIllia, are now mostly giant undeveloped parcels of land again.  Glass half full, they're prepped and ready for the next visionary to make their mark on the city. 

News

Wynn Resorts Rundown
Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion
Podcasters After Dark Tickets
Vegas Golden Knights News
Icahn Sells Tropicana

E-264: Savory Yogurt

Random Vegas

In 1995, a monorail was built to connect the MGM Grand to, fittingly enough, the former MGM Grand, now known as Bally's.  It would later be incorporated into the Las Vegas Monorail, making MGM Grand one of its anchor bookend properties

Twitpic of the week

Neon, signage and history are just a few of my favorite things about Las Vegas.  The concept that is Brilliant! at the Neon Museum takes the "dream come true" metaphor to another level.  If Nightmare on Elm St has taught us anything, it's that a person can be aware that they are in a dream, while in a dream.  I'm pretty sure other movies have said that as well but I'm going with Nightmare on Elm St.  Write your own fuckin monolog.  One of the ways one can help the subconscious recognize that they are in a dream is by identifying the things that are just slightly out of place from the way they are in reality.  Take the Stardust sign, shared here by @RaisingLasVegas and brought back to life by the Brilliant! light show @Neon Museum and such an experience can be described as a "dream come true" to some. But take a step back on the "come true" part and look closer at what you're seeing.  Yep, there it is.  Those are two different fonts being used.  The A is from the original font used at the property known as Electra Jag. The rest is the Futura Typeface font that replaced it in 1991 (some argue Helvetica, whatever).  And that's when you realize it; this isn't real, this must be a dream because these two fonts never existed together in reality.  Hold on, don't freak out, this a cool thing. You're aware you're in a dream. Try doing something cool like flying or something without consequences like playing triple zero roulette. Write a random sentence, and read it during the show, in a cadence that sounds like, your wrapping up this monolog.

News

Zorkfest Individual Events Announced
Promocode - Zork360Insane
MGM Explores Wynn Acquisition
Yogurteria Coming to Palazzo
 Aria Esports
Park MGM Pool Price Points
Kind Heaven Coming to LINQ
Chocolate Chair Coming to Grand Bazaar
Knights Vow

E-243: Truest

Random Vegas

Originally, elephants and various other carnie animals wandered the casino floor at Circus Circus.  To help disguise when they really shit on the floors, the carpet had elephant dung imprints on it. (The Book Forgotten Man)

Twitpic of the week

The only thing that is constant is change.  Vegas may be the poster child for that adage.  Take the Dunes for example; a property that started out as a motor court with a 35-foot tall fiberglass sultan as their marquee evolved into a high-rise hotel with one of the most iconic neon signs to ever grace the strip.  And so change continues, this time on Fremont St, with the removal of the Golden Goose and Glitter Gulch signage as progress continues on the 18 Fremont St demolition site. While their future is unclear, it’s fitting that @LasVegasLocally shared weeks winner and that we proclaim it Twitpic of the Week reminding us how far we’ve come and just how much things have changed.

News

Fontainebleau Actually Sold

Sports Betting & Cannabis

Satan’s Kitchen

Monte Carlo Update

NHL Begins in Vegas 

Illegal 24/7

18 Fremont Progress Report

New Flamingo Rooms

Caesars Entertainment Happy Hours