Living in Las Vegas

As always, I was listening to Mark and Mercedes on Mix 94.1 on my way to work this morning and they had Mr. Las Vegas himself on the show, Wayne Newton.  Apparently they go way back since this was not his first appearance on their show.

Wayne Newton is going to be performing at the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM all this week, beginning on Friday, July 31st through August 6th.  Tickets are still available for $65 or for $100 with a meet and greet.  Sadly, his long running show at the Stardust ending on April 20, 2005, due to the demolition of the Stardust .

Although Wayne Newton is not really my style of music, I would be interested in seeing a show just because he is Mr. Las Vegas.  He got that nickname because he has performed over 30,000 solo shows in Las Vegas.  One of his biggest hits “Danke Schoen” was released in 1963, when he was only 21. And, if you didn’t know, anyone arriving or leaving Las Vegas through McCarran Airport has driven on Wayne Newton Boulevard!!

Team USA played Team Canada last night at the Thomas & Mack, stomping them by 55 points for a final score of 120 - 65.  I would have actually braved the T&M parking lot nightmare and nosebleed seats to watch that game, but the tickets sold out quickly to a crowd of 18,498.  Vegas has hosted this game for the last two years so hopefully next year I will make it.

The team was lead by three members, Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks) and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), with 20 points apiece.  NBA league MVP, Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), followed up with 15 of his own. The players started their spanking early, leading 61 - 38 at the first half.  Sadly, LeBron James (Cleveland Caverliers) was out with an ankle injury. Their next game is July 31st in Macao, China, playing Turkey.  The  Summer Olympics 2008 opening ceremony is August 8th.

The guys, of course, have been having a little fun out here.  The team arrived in town earlier this week and have been  practicing at Valley High School. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were at Tryst at the Wynn shooting part of their new ESPN documentary “Road to Redemption”.   And All-Star Chris Webber hosted a welcome party at Prive in Planet Hollywood, as part of his 3rd annual Bada Bling charity event.  Go Team USA!!

Last night’s episode of The Next Food Network Star was a little more Vegasey than last week’s.  I have to admit, sometimes I do get a kick out of seeing Las Vegas on tv and thinking, “Oh, I was just over there the other day.” So, this episode was a little more appealing to me.

It started with each contestant doing a 30 second cooking show promo on camera.  Lisa had to be a “Wine Angel” in the famous four-story wine tower at Aureole in Mandalay Bay.  I have to say, if I was hoisted up by wires while wearing a black catsuit, I think my line memorizing ability would cease to exist completely.  I think Lisa did an awesome job.  The guys didn’t have it quite so tough.  Aaron had to say some lines while gambling at Planet Hollywood. And Adam got to flirt with a couple of the showgirls from the Jubilee show at Ballys. 

The second half of their challenge took place at Tryst in the Wynn.  This time each person had to cook up a mini buffet for 50 people and then serve it to staff members from the Wynn.  The great part about this was that some of the diners were in costume.  So, along with the regular judges, and about 10 chefs from the Wynn’s restaurants, there were showgirls,  knights from Spamalot, “Cher”, and “Joan Rivers”, just to name a few. Talk about having to impress a variety of palates!!

I was somewhat disappointed with the conclusion of the show.  The judges did not vote off any of the contestants.  I understood their reasoning, but I think it’s an important element of these types of shows to vote off one person each time.

Next week The Next Food Network Star is headed back to New York for the finale.  I have to admit, I am as undecided as the judges are about who should win.

On these hot summer days it can be hard to brainstorm up something new to do.   I have taken the kids to the splash park, the library and the mall.  And if it was up to them, that’s all we would do this sunmer.  But I do like a little variety and The District at Green Valley Ranch provides exactly that. 

The District is located right off the 215 and Green Valley Parkway and provides more than enough to do for entire family.  Modeled after an old-fashioned downtown, The Distict has tree-lined cobblestone streets, park benches, pet areas, lots of shopping and, of course, plenty of places to eat.

Shopping at The District can get a little pricey because they do feature primarily high-end retailers.  The only REI, Anthropologie and Coldwater Creek in town are located here.  Sadly, Sharper Image is closing, but if you are looking for a great deal, I think this is the last weekend to head over there.  Needless to say, the window shopping is awesome.

Personally, I am all about the food.  The only place to get Lucille’s in town is at The District.  And if you are looking for some awesome barbeque, than Lucille’s is it.  My other favorites include P.F. Changs, The Cheesecake Factory and Ben & Jerry’s.  Or, if you just want to pick up a few things, you can run over to the Whole Foods Market.

And, let’s not forget about the kids.  The District is features a huge vintage carousel and a really nice park. There is also a Gymboree and My Gym Children’s Fitness Center.   The Outdoor Picture Show is every Friday and Saturday night, and features a variety of family friendly movies.  And, if your little ones get too tired to walk, just hitch a ride on the trolley.

Overall, I think for locals and tourists alike, The District at Green Valley Ranch is one place that deserves a visit!

The verdict is out.  About 3 weeks ago, Starbucks announced it was closing 600 stores nationwide.  I immediately tried to find out if any of my favorite Starbucks were on the chopping block, but no decisions had been made at that point. 

Today, the Las Vegas Review Journal published an article listing all 17 stores that are closing in the Valley.  Thankfully, none of mine were on it.  I really enjoy the taste of their regular coffee and there is nothing like an icy Mocha Frappuccino when it’s over 100 outside.  But, on average, I only stop at Starbucks once or twice a month.  And I swear the price goes up every time.

Surprisingly, the comments posted about the article were not negative about the stores closings in any way.  In fact, the attitude was more like Starbucks it too expensive and it’s not that big of a deal to make your own coffee.  So, I am wondering, could this possibly be because of the economy? Would these comments have been the same 2 or 3 years ago?

One of my favorite comedians, Kathy Griffin, is performing at one of my favorite casinos, Mandalay Bay, this weekend.  She has two shows scheduled for Friday, July 18, 2008.  Her early show starts at 7:30 p.m. and her late show starts at 10:30 p.m.

I absolutely love her sense of humor.  She is one of the few comedians that makes me laugh out loud.  Her show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, airs Thursday’s at 10:00 p.m.

Mandalay Bay is one strip hotel I will visit even when I don’t have guests in from out of town.  It easy to get to without actually  having to go on the strip.  The lounges are nice and they usually have good bands playing.  Also, The House of Blues and Rumjungle are located in Mandalay Bay. which are two of my favorite clubs.

One of the best local radio stations, Mix 94.1, has been giving away tickets all week.  I have yet to succeed at winning anything from a radio station, but there is always hope.  So who knows, this weekend I might be posting about the awesome time I had at Kathy Griffin’s show on Friday!!

Tonight on the Food Network channel I caught the lastest episode of “The Next Food Network Star” which was being taped in Las Vegas.  The show took place at Ceasar’s Palace, which is also home to one of the judge’s, Bobby Flay’s restaurant, the Mesa Grill. I certainly plan to check out his restaurant and will give you an update.

On this episode of The Next Food Network Star, the four remaining contestants had to pair off and compete in a “Throwdown With Bobby Flay” style event.  Each person had to cook their signature dish and their competitor’s dish in 75 minutes.  The judges tasted each dish and evaluated it, along with the contestant’s performance.

For the cooking part of the show they taped it outside and I could definitely relate to the annoying and relentless Vegas wind.  Next week’s episode is also going to take place in Las Vegas, so I will tune in and let you know where they are at and what they are doing this time.

You are now reading an official Arte y Pico Award winning blog!!  My friend Hava over at Nonfiction Lover, after recieving her award, chose Living in Las Vegas, along with four other blogs, for this award.  Thanks Hava, I am absolutely thrilled!!

Of course, I had to head on over to the Arte Y Pico blog and find out exactly what Arte y Pico stands for.  Quoting directly from the blog (translated by Google):

“Basically, ironically, it translates into a wonderful phrase in Mexico, “lo maximo.” LOL! It will never find its counterpart in English, but if it HAD to, it would be something like, Wow. The Best Art. Over the top.” 

All I have to say is Wow!! Thank you Hava!!

I had to laugh this afternoon when I was driving home and heard an ad on the radio for the Regional Flood Control District’s License Plate Billboard Contest. It made me remember how earlier this month I posted about the drought we are in, but at the same time it’s flood season!   Maybe this post should be listed in my “Only in Las Vegas” series.

On a serious note, most flood-related deaths are because people try to drive through flooded streets.  On August 19, 2003, we experienced one of the most memorable flash floods in Las Vegas.  See page 2 of this report for a shocking picture.   The rushing water actually stranded people on the tops of their cars and some had to be rescued by helicopter.

On a lighter note, your entry into the contest is due by July 20, 2008. You can submit up to 3 slogans and you must email your entry, along with your name and telephone number, by email to either www.ccrfcd.org or www.ktnv.com. Good Luck!!

 Welcome back after a long 4th of July weekend!! It’s tough getting up Monday morning, and especially after a 3 day weekend.  But I can always look forward to Mark and Mercedes on Mix 94.1 to make me laugh.   They feature interesting topics, great interviews, take lots of callers and have minimal commercials.  It’s always nice to get an LOL first thing in the morning.

Mark and Mercedes are both from Colorado, but have been in Las Vegas doing their morning show for about 10 years now.  In that span, they have both gotten married and had their first child.  Presently, Mark is a bachelor again and Mercedes is pregnant with her second child. Yeah Mercedes!!  JC rounds out the morning show as on-air producer.  He is always there to keep the show lively and provide plenty of laughs.

One of my favorite parts of the show is the Daily Dirt.  It’s just random entertainment news that is actually entertaining.  Throughout the years, I have enjoyed the annual Superbowl bet with Mayor Oscar Goodman.  During Thanksgiving they do a taste-test contest featuring the holiday flavored Jones sodas, and that is a no miss laugh for me!! I also like the take-off they did on American Idol, called “Celebrity Recital”, featuring famous local personalities.

In addition to keeping people awake early, M&M host plenty of community events, such as Trick or Treat Street, Four Corners Food Drive, KidsMix and Petapalooza.  Knowing that they have to be at the office around 5am-ish, I have no idea how they keep going for all the different events they sponser. It must be the energy drinks.  As if that is not enough, Mercedes hosts a Las Vegas real estate show called “Homes on TV“.

So, M&M, I am a faithful listener from about 6:30 am to whenever the office gets too busy for me to hear you guys anymore.  Thanks for the laughs!!