DID YOU KNOW - Vegas Interesting Facts

Good Afternoon Vegas Lovers !  My new article today is “Did You Know - Las Vegas has some pretty incredible facts. Let’s see if you know of any below.

DID YOU KNOW : 

In 1820’s the Conquering Spaniards so happened to cross Las Vegas, on their way through to California.  Back then it was a lush green oasis flourishing around a snow-fed river and off-shoots of natural streams. The Spaniards decided to name this area, “ Las Vegas”. In Spanish it translate into “The Meadows”.  With an increase of population throughout the valley, the water fed streams soon dried up, as well as a serious drought. It wasn’t long before Las Vegas turned into the desert we know today. 

Of course, we all know, if it wasn’t for Hoover Dam, Vegas could of stayed a desert. But luckily, the engineered marvel created a man-made lake called “Lake Mead”.  It’s this reason water is now available in Las Vegas ; but for how long ? 

DID YOU KNOW : 

The Fountains of Bellagio covers eight acres of a water pool of entertainment. Everyday, the Fountains are kept up by a special group of engineers, who all have their diving certification ; because maintenance of the Fountains requires them to go underwater.  

DID YOU KNOW : 

The Bellagio, Las Vegas was originally built by Steve Wynn, costing an amazing $1.6 billion.  Opening of the Bellagio was on October 15, 1998, with a grand ceremony cost of $88 million. Whoa! Now that’s an expensive party for the invited VIP guests. Funny ? I don’t remember an invitation Mr Steve Wynn ? 

The Bellagio was then sold to MGM Resorts International in 2000 

DID YOU KNOW : 

Luxor, Las Vegas boasts having the “Brightest Beam of Light” on earth,  from the top of its pyramid? The towering light streaming into space can be seen by ISS ( the International Space Station). It also attracts thousands of bats who feed off of flying insects, attracted to the light. You might say it’s a “Full Bat Buffet” delight.  I wonder if Batman makes an appearance? ( kidding) 

DID YOU KNOW : 

The Nellis Dunes, just north of Las Vegas, was tested for the highest levels of arsenic, ever recorded on earth - go figure ! 

DID YOU KNOW : 

On the westside of McCareen International airport, passengers board a secret Boeing 737’s with the only markings of a red band across from cockpit to tail. These 737’s are owned by the US Department of Defence, however a private military contractor ( ACON) operates them. These planes don’t offer tickets to the public, only to a classified group of workers, supposing heading to AREA 51 - a mysterious military compound ( aka : I’m not saying it’s Aliens 👽, but it’s Aliens 👽) 

Anyone working for the US Department of Defence aren’t allowed to talk about their work or where these planes take them. It’s all hush, hush., but it’s doesn’t take a genius to figure out where they’re going  and what kind of work they do.  The Terminal of departure is only known as “Gold Coast”.  Every morning, at exactly 8:00 am, the group of secret workers head out to an undisclosed destination. 

DID YOU KNOW : 

When you think of City of Las Vegas, we Vegas Lovers always think of the Vegas Strip. Interesting, the Vegas Strip isn’t in Las Vegas at all. In fact, it’s location is in uncorroborated Nevada town, known as “Paradise”.  Las Vegas is divided into four separate counties: 

City of Las Vegas

North Las Vegas

Paradise

Henderson

However, to make it even more confusing, the uncorroborated Nevada town,“Paradise” all have Las Vegas mailing addresses. Any outsider would assume, Paradise is Las Vegas, simply because of the mailing address ; but they would be wrong. 

DID YOU KNOW :  

The Stratosphere, Las Vegas originally dreamed and partially owned by Bob Stupak, had a rough beginnings, even before it was built. From fires to financial hardships, poor Bob Stupak couldn’t get a decent break.  Thankfully his poker player friend, Lyle Berman, agreed to help out Bob, by purchasing a 43 percent stake in the hotel enterprise. 

The architects of “The Stratosphere, Las Vegas” (opened in 1996) designed its tower to reach 1800 ft. Unfortunately, due to flight restrictions, it was decided on 1149 ft.( 350 m), finally agreed by city council.  Ground breaking commenced on Nov. 5 1991. 

One year after the grand opening ( VIP Guests only on April 29, 1996) the owners claimed for bankruptcy in January 1997. 

New York billionaire investor, Carl Icahn ( known for his aggressive “hostile takeovers” ) bought The Stratosphere, Las Vegas for a fraction of its cost, ( original cost was $550 million). It’s rumoured Carl bought it for around $350 million, but only Carl and his lawyer’s know for sure. Just one year before the financial crisis of 2008, he decided to sell all his interests in the casino business, which including the Stratosphere, Arizona Charlie's Boulder, Arizona Charlie's Decatur, and Aquarius Casino Resort to Golden Sachs for $1.3 billion 

Originally architectural design slated for two high towers ; due to increasing financial costs the concept for two towers the same height was scrubbed. However the second tower base was topped off and completed for $65 million, which ( according to Las Vegas Sun) “...included 1,002 guest rooms, a 67,000 square-foot swimming pool and recreation area, private cabanas and a coffee shop.” 

Once again in June 2017, The Stratosphere, Las Vegas was purchased by 

Golden Entertainment for $850 million. As of February 1 2019 The Stratosphere, Las Vegas has officially changed its name to “The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod”. 

DID YOU KNOW : 

The Fountainebleau was originally developed for a $2.8 billion 3,815 room resort ? Breaking ground in 2007, the developers didn’t expect the “Great Economy Crash” in 2008.  Unfortunately they went bankrupt in 2009, and guess who bought the unfinished resort ? Yup ! You guessed it - Carl Icahn . He bought it for a mere $150 million in 2010 ; after eight years of sitting on the property, he finally sold it in August 2018 to Witkoff and Miami real estate firm New Valley for $600 million.  The property is renamed “The Drew” after Witkoff’s son, who unfortunately died from  OxyContin overdose in 2011.  It’s said to feature 4000 rooms on 60 floors with 500,000 square feet of convention space.  It’s scheduled to be opened in late 2020 - read more...

Wouldn’t it be cool if Witkoff received a license from Paramount Pictures to feature the top floor as a “Star Trek Enterprise Ship with a hallow-deck showcasing the most updated lounge and restaurant in Las Vegas ?  Can you just imagine the possibilities?  Then, without-a-doubt, the LVST ( Las Vegas Star Trek Convention) could be held at “The Drew” showcasing celebrities twice a year, instead of the conventional one year at the Rio, Las Vegas.

Maybe Mr Witkoff could make a deal with Paramount Pictures to have all Star Trek events at “The Drew” , including new TV Series and upcoming  movies.  Hopefully Mr Witkoff will read my article and invite me spin the idea to him in Las Vegas. If everyone agrees and the idea is built, just maybe he would be so kind to invite me to the Grand Opening.  Of course I would showcase it on my Facebook Page : Vegas Reviews with all my Vegas Lovers across the world.  

Wouldn’t that be SO amazing ?!  Please send a message me Mr Witkoff - lets make your new hotel resort super amazing. 

DID YOU KNOW : 

In 1951, the US Department of Defence tested Atomic Bombs in the “Nevada Test Site” , just 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The local businessmen of Las Vegas saw these tests as tourist attractions, letting tourists know of the next test, with roofside observations, showcasing the ominous “ Mushroom Cloud” of the Atomic explosion 💥 in the desert.  It’s been said, movie directors filmed in this area and, it’s also claimed actor John Wayne and 220 crew were exposed to radiation during several film shoots, during that era-in-time, leading to cancer.  According to “The Straight Dope” it happened - Read more...

During this time in history, Las Vegas received its nickname “ Atomic City”.   Of course, to easy your mind, the US Department of Defence no longer tests atomic bombs in Nevada. 

Today ( due to a huge presence of solar panels, Las Vegas new nickname is “ Solar City”. 

DID YOU KNOW : 

My wife and I are known as Vegas Lovers, going to Vegas since the 1980’s I had three different careers in my lifetime? One you know of ; under the name, “James Montana Scripts”. Another ( during my twenties) I was an architectural drafting tech. Today I concentrate on screenplays, articles and science-fiction short stories.  My play time is Las Vegas, of course! 

I hope you enjoyed my latest article “ DID YOU KNOW - Interesting facts of Las Vegas” .  Please join me on my Facebook Page “Vegas Reviews” 

Elvis Presley in Las Vegas

Good morning Vegas Lovers ! 

My photo is showcasing the backend of Las Vegas with a glimpse of Westgate, Las Vegas.  You can also see Encore, Las Vegas too. 

Today I have a motivation article about Elvis Presley, but before I do ...

It’s the beginning of a new week, back to the grind. It’s my hope you enjoyed your long weekend.  Heading back to work is indeed something we all must do unless you’re independently wealthy. It’s our hope we have “work” where it doesn’t seem like work, because it’s something you really love doing. 

Is that the case for you ? 

I love writing sci-fi short stories and creating science-fiction art - If you’re interested, you can see and read them here : 

( just follow link that says website) 

This is what I love doing, plus vacationing in Las Vegas.  See my Vegas Fun Website here 

OR here 

OK - Today my motivation article is talking about the “King of Rock and Roll” Elvis Presley. 

ELVIS - The King of Rock and Roll 

As a Vegas Lover I have always been attracted to the best entertainers of Las Vegas, such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis,Jr., Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin,  Liberace, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Cher, Shania Twain and today Lady Gaga & Celine Dion.  

However, there’s only one who left behind a big impression in Las Vegas, from the early years to today.  Of course, it’s the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll - the one and only Elvis Presley.  

If there’s one person I wish to have seen in Las Vegas, that would be ELVIS PRESLEY. 

When I first heard of Elvis, my eyes were glued to the TV watching his fun, romantic, comedy movies. I wasn’t one for romance, at such a young age. However, girls were always on my mind. Besides that, Elvis left an impression of having so much fun with girls on the exotic island of Hawaii, I wanted to do the same - lol. All of his movies were enjoyable, but one in particular, I remember to this very day. It was called “Girls, Girls, Girls”, starring Elvis Presley as a poor Hawaiian fisherman, entangled in a love triangle with two girls. One of his songs was ( you guessed it ) “Girls, Girls, Girls”.  The movie was released in October 31, 1962, but I never saw it until 1966.

As a young impressionable kid, I wanted to showoff, by trying to replicate Elvis’s song, “ Girls,Girls,Girls “ along with his moves. My step-mom actually recorded it on tape. Without a doubt, my first singing appearance was a hilarious fail, to say the least - lol.  Believe-you-me, my sister got a big kick out of it, as I made a fool out of myself.  Good thing we didn’t have a movie camera 🎥☺️ back then.  

Trying to mimic Elvis Presley taught me I would never make a singer for a living.  It’s best to leave it to the gifted, such as, Elvis “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, Lady Gaga, Cher and Celine Dion. 

Later, in 1968, after his premier TV appearance, Elvis came back to live performance (after a seven-year break) with a special called “Elvis”. 

After the Elvis show, I heard he was going to be in Las Vegas, doing residency concerts.  I asked my dad if we could go to Vegas, so we can see Elvis in person. He said something along the lines of, “Are you ___kidding ! Vegas is only for adults - got it ?!”  My Dad was a mean son-of-_____.  

Anyway, I would dream one day I would meet Elvis Presley in Las Vegas.  So you can imagine the disappointment, when I heard he died on August 16, 1977.  

Elvis made an big impression on July 31, 1969 at the brand new International Hotel ( now called Westgate Las Vegas) , just after Barbara Streisand’s gig residency. In four weeks Elvis preformed 57 successful shows, with a grand performance of celebrities cheering him on during his first opening act.  With such raves, his agent negotiated with the hotel, leading to a five-year contract for a cool $1 million dollars ! However, Elvis Presley’s gig actually last seven years, because of the 636 consecutive sold-out shows.

 ( Note : Judge Judy says the word “actually” is just a filler word. Sorry Judge Judy 😉) 

Without-a-doubt, Elvis Presley made such an impact on Las Vegas, you can see daily “look-a-likes” of Elvis throughout the Vegas Strip. There’s even conspiracy theories, such as, Elvis never really died and is hanging out in Hawaii under an assumed name.  I’ve been to Hawaii and yet to see Elvis - go figure! 

Every entertainer have had their ups and downs, but it’s the professionals who are hardest on themselves, the most. Elvis wanted to be respected as a serious actor. Unfortunately, the film production companies only thought of his singing, that drew the crowds to the box-office. Truly wish I met Elvis Presley. If only he knew how much an impression he made to a young boy, way-back-then. When I lost my birth-mom, I was 12 years old ( I thought of Elvis loosing his precious mom too) My Mom died at 33-years and at her funeral, I wish they would have played,” Love me Tender” by Elvis Presley. 

Love Me Tender  - Love Me True

Love me tender,

Love me sweet,

Never let me go.

You have made my life complete,

And I love you so.

Love me tender,

Love me true,

All my dreams fulfilled.

For my darlin' I love you,

And I always will.

Love me tender,

Love me long,

Take me to your heart.

For it's there that I belong,

And we'll never part.

Love me tender,

Love me true,

All my dreams fulfilled.

For my darlin' I love you,

And I always will.

Love me tender,

Love me dear,

Tell me you are mine.

I'll be yours through all the years,

Till the end of time

Love me tender,

Love me true,

All my dreams fulfilled.

For my darlin' I love you,

And I always will...

 My mom fought her demons throughout her short life, but she showered me with love from the bottom of her heart.  Her name was “Elda”, a typical Italian who could ‘Cook-up-a-Storm’ with any Italian classics, you would see Las Vegas Chef Giada De Laurentiis do on TV Food Network.  

Ironically, our whole Italian family are musically inclined, except me. My mom would entertain me with our piano duets, teaching me how to play. However, after she died, I never pursued it again.  Without-a-doubt, my Mom meant everything to me. 

Anyway -  Elvis Presley impacted my young life into my teenage years. I still listen to his songs today ; actually I’m listening to one right now, as I’m writing...

Conclusion: 

I hope you enjoyed my heartfelt article today of Elvis Presley and it’s my hope I will see YOU in Vegas soon!  Keeping Elvis alive. 

Thank you for reading Vegas Lovers and have an awesome week. 

#VegasReviews #ElvisPresley #LoveMeTender #VegasLover #article #blog #VegasBlog #LetsVegas 

Vegas 2018

📸 Photograph: Vegas Reviews - Poolside at ARIA Resort and Casino - 16th floor

Good Morning Vegas Lovers,

2018 - whoa!   Another year and we're still all here, as is our Earth, presently unharmed. Looking forward to a new year of FUN in Vegas is certainly the key to forget the hardships of work, our screwed up political leaders and the stress of living in an uncertain future.

With a shortage of water and energy, it's a wonder Las Vegas is still the city of neon lights. Fortunately for us tourists (aka Vegas Lovers) the grand Vegas Resorts are on top of it all, ready to feature its own power system. As ARIA Resort and Casino states,” Environmental sustainability, or "going green," is about conserving today to protect tomorrow.” Of course, MGM PROPERTIES will “make-it-so for all their resorts.

Really, I don't think they have a choice anymore.

Following suit is Las Vegas Sands,( The Venetian and Palazzo) and the Wynn too. Each mega hotel operation in Las Vegas are actively seeking out renewable energy to power their Resort. Not only is this SMART business, but it's also a necessity, as the conventional power source is running dry. Whatever they decide to do, be it solar, or maybe wind energy, it will be interesting how they deal with this energy crisis.

READ more...

As for us Vegas Lovers, we can't imagine Las Vegas without bright neon lights gleaming a “Hello” to the ISS ( International Space Station) above. It no wonder Aliens 👽 haven't visited Las Vegas - or have they? 😳👽😳. After all, Area 51 is only a hop, skip and jump from Las Vegas. My SciFi imagination is full of conspiracy theories- lol. That's why I love writing science-fiction screenplays.

ANYWAY - it should be an awesome year, looking forward to new beginnings in wonderful Las Vegas.

I hope you join me in my FUN Vegas Lovers Facebook Page, exchanging photos, videos, stories, tips and tricks related to enjoying the resorts, Vegas entertainment, tours, the culinary dishes to the fine wine and craft beer 🍻. Hope to meet you all poolside in wonderful Las Vegas, where the FUN never stops 😎 🥂☀️😎

Don't forget to checkout my Vegas Reviews Website for All-Things-Vegas.

Have a great January 2018 and I will See YOU in Vegas !

Vegas Reviews 

#VegasReviews #LetsVegas #PowerinVegas #LightsofVegas#VegasFun

NOW AND THEN IN LAS VEGAS

Good Morning Everyone!

My photo you see above, is a photo within a photo taken at The Cosmopolitan Resort in Las Vegas, on the second floor.

Today's topic gives you a little history lesson of Las Vegas.

I like to call it -

NOW AND THEN IN LAS VEGAS

37 years ago we visited Las Vegas for the first time, staying at the once Maxim Hotel and Casino ( now The Westin Las Vegas). West of us, down the same street, was the grand MGM Resort (now Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino).

I remember seeing the MGM’s billboard sign featuring Sammy Davis Jr. My wife and I were young (in our 20’s) whippersnappers, pretty much green to anything Vegas. The biggest luxurious spot in town to see, was no other then Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Back then, it was one of the most expensive places to stay at, dreaming one day we would get a chance to rub shoulders with the rich.

The MGM (now Bally's) is the same hotel, where 37 years ago today, it was devastated with a deadly fire. November 21, 1980 The MGM Grand started with an electrical fire on the main floor (and due to it lacking sprinklers), it engulfed the casino and upper floors in just minutes. Unfortunately 85 people were killed and hundreds injured. It's still considered the worst disaster.

That's my biggest fear. The thought of a fire while staying in one of the tower rooms in Las Vegas. To me, that would be my worse nightmare. However, today, it's a good thing Vegas Resorts have excellent fire sprinklers and quick response times in any event to fires.

Undoubtedly they learned a hard lesson about safety, in those earlier years.

ABOUT THE MAXIM HOTEL AND THE CASINOS

The Maxim Hotel and Casino in the 1980’s was pretty modern and bustling with tourists, like us. I believe the small pool was located on the 4th floor. The Casino on the main floor was hopping with the fun slot machines ( you know…the ones YOU actually won - go figure! ) and tables featuring the usual card games. Having no idea what I was doing, I sat down at a Blackjack table, making sure to pick the one with no one else. I made the error of telling the young girl it was my first time playing Blackjack, thinking she would show me how to play.

Well, did I learn an expensive lesson.

I gave her $20 ( which to me was a lot of money back then) thinking she would exchange it. Nope - she quickly slid it into a slot. Immediately, a cocktail waitress offered me a drink. Having no idea I played my first game of Blackjack, loosing within seconds. Looking at her puzzled, I thought my $20 would be enough for a few more games. She said to me,” No sir. You played your twenty.” I argued it was a two dollar table, still puzzled. She just looked at me blankly and said,” Sir! Are you going to play again?” I shook my head in disbelief and quietly left the table, licking my financial wounds of embarrassment.

After that, my wife and I stuck to slots machines, ever since.

37 years later, you would think I give the tables a try, but just that incident made me stay away. Maybe that's a good thing.

Back then, coins were used for the slots, from pennies to quarters. The only place I saw a dollar or five dollar machines, were at Caesars Palace. Do you remember all the little buckets of coins we would carry to the cashiers? Sometimes it took the two of us, like a tag team - lol. Our hands were black with all the coins we were handing. But, the thing is. In the 1980’s we won. You rarely win today, and if you do, it's not as near as what we won back then. I believe the casino’s shot themselves in the foot by being greedy.

Basic math and advertising features are clear.

If a group of customers win at the slots or tables, they will brag of their winnings to their friends and family. In turn, it snowballs, where you get a frenzy of excitement, leading to more customers at your door. On top of that, the hotels featured excellent late night / early morning Food Specials, such as Steak and Eggs for $2.99. You would actually wait up until the wee hours to get that special. Meanwhile you're spending more at the slot machines or tables - lol.

Today, the whole corporate thinking has changed.

With more about charging extra Resort fees, Parking and high prices on breakfast, lunch, dinner and buffets. Las Vegas is no longer the place to go for cheap meals. Mind you, the attraction are the profession Chefs, with great Fine Dining options. Celebrity Chefs, such a Chef Ramsey are flocking in to make their kill on high-priced hamburgers.

Who would of thought one would be paying $25 for a hamburger- go figure!

It's unfortunate the younger generation will never experience those fun old days in Las Vegas, where cheap meals were a drawing card and Resort fees were never heard of. However, we never saw so much luxury in Las Vegas.

Personally, I believe, if the Vegas Resorts loosen up the slot machines and give YOU a chance at the tables, word would catch like fire, in good way! Word-of-mouth is still the best kind of advertising around. Do you need to pay corporate CEO’s millions of dollars per year, to please the shareholders with the bottom dollar ?

NO, is my answer.

My daughter’s tell me today,”Dad, why should we go and spend our money in Vegas, when there's no winnings in the casino? We might as well spend our money at a competitor, like Hawaii or Mexico,”

AND - that's the problem Vegas has presented itself.

In my time, Las Vegas was considered the cheapest and FUN holiday to go to. It's no longer the cheapest. AND here's the problem - you may get your customers to Vegas once or twice, but there isn't any incentive to keep coming back. It's so important to have that DRAWING CARD to keep your members coming back on a regular basis.

The thing is though, because of the number of people visiting Las Vegas per year (40 million) the Resorts have figured out, they don't have to care, it's the numbers, that keep them in business.

BUT - now, you must keep to that ratio of numbers in order to survive.

Running a mega Resort in Las Vegas is expensive, costing millions of dollars a day. The overhead is indeed a killer. The smaller and older hotels can suffer greatly.

It's kind of like the Mafia system - where they used to bleed the hotel or restaurant, everything it's worth, and then discard it by illegal means (like say a fire, for example) collecting the insurance. Today, corporate business use the legal form, called bankruptcy. A hotel will go bankrupted, it's taken over by another business and history will repeat itself, as tax payers and lean-holders, take the fall in this elaborate, legal, cost effective operation.

Of course, the Rich, the Whales (high rollers) and professional card players don't have to worry. They receive a ton of free comps, we middle-class, will never see.

I don't think my rich friend has ever spent a nickel on rooms, shows or restaurants. His comps get him through the week.

In conclusion, everyone has some kind of scam, trying to bet the odds in their favour. My question is, how about being honest. How about attracting customers the good old fashion way - Word of Mouth. Let's see better odds at the slots and tables. Bring out incentives to bring your customers back. Think of it like a PRODUCT. Everlasting sales on a good viable product bring better returns in the long run. Short spurts with gimmicks only last so long, burning out fast!

BUT - what do I know. I'm just a customer.

I hope you enjoyed my topic today. Betting on the fact, you're getting ready for a wonderful Thanksgiving and a blockbuster start into the holidays with Black Friday.

WILL we see you in Las Vegas this holiday weekend, celebrating Thanksgiving?

LIKE if you are. If you don't like, that means you aren't.

Thanks for following!

Have a wonderful holiday Vegas Lovers and as always - I will See YOU in Vegas !

Vegas Reviews

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